What a treat to arrive at Horsey Mill and to see the newly returned Swallows flying about the car park, deciding whether or not to nest under the thatched roof of the toilets.

It was a warm sunny day, although when the breeze came it did feel cold. By the time we left the car park everyone had seen or heard the usual for this time of year – Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Goldfinch etc. In fact walking along the water side Willow Warblers were in abundance and we enjoyed some stunning views. We also heard a Blackcap but did not find him. The highlight of the first 45 minutes was a Sedge Warbler sitting on top of a reed singing at the top of his voice. Was this to attract a mate or an excess of exuberance because he already had?

Much Sedge and Willow Warbler song accompanied us as we wandered along, together with the occasional song of a Wren. Then turning a corner what must really be the highlight of the day. Eleven Cranes feeding in the field. I, for one, have never had a better view except at Pensthorpe! Then, as if to say, ‘don’t forget other birds’, a group of five Whimbrel flew in. No doubting them with the stripe on the head. Imagine giving directions for finding Whimbrels by saying ‘just to the left of the furthest crane on the right’! Some of us could have sat with a cup of coffee and watched the Cranes in the sunshine, but we had no coffee and no chair. However, as we continued on our way four of the Cranes took off and gave us a flypast. Wonderful! And the Whimbrels moved on as well.

We had very good views of both female and male Marsh Harriers, and the occasional Reed Bunting sat high on the reeds. Some of the us thought we heard a Grasshopper Warbler, but although standing quiet and still for some time we did not manage to find him. A Fox put in an appearance and with the sun on his back he looked very splendid. At the same time a Cetti’s was singing behind us.

So back to the car park for lunch; it was good to be out of the cold wind!

The afternoon was spent walking the dunes and the beach at Horsey Gap. Wheatear and Stonechat were a delight, but the most impressive were the two or three Common Whitethroat as they darted about in the scrub and bushes. We trekked along past the campsite in the hope of seeing the Ring Ouzels which had been reported, but no luck. Lots of white feathered chickens and a pair of Oystercatchers, but no Ring Ouzels.

The tide was just turning so we went down to the beach. Nothing could be seen on the sea. A pair of Herring Gulls flew by. Four seals watched us from a comfortable distance and then, with a flourish for the end of the day, Sand Martins flew in and we watched a Turnstone and a Ringed Plover amidst the stones left behind by the tide.

A really pleasant day, and thanks to Ray for organising the Cranes. Some 60 species were seen and/or heard by most of the group.