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Leader & Reporter: Alan Hughes Species List: David Gibbons A group of 10 of us gathered at Cley Visitor Centre at 09.45, and we were soon off round the reserve in beautiful spring sunshine, which lasted all day although nicely cooled by a fresh breeze. We walked an anticlockwise route around the original reserve, calling first at Bishop’s Hide where we had excellent views of 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, lots of Black-tailed Godwits mainly in their splendid breeding plumage, and a good number of Avocets many of which seemed paired-up and some were seen mating. 3 Little Ringed Plovers were visible on one of the islands, and we were concerned when a Marsh Harrier landed on this island and seemed to be tearing at something in its talons, but exactly what was hidden by vegetation – could it be one of the LRP’s? It flew off after a short while, not carrying any prey. 2 Swallows also flew overhead. We then walked along the bank of the Catchwater Drain, hearing several nearby Cetti’s Warblers, but all remained invisible bar one. Along the East Bank it was good to see a Sedge Warbler, my first of the year. A Caspian’s Gull was identified on the distant Pope’s Pool, and its diagnostic features (sloping forehead, dark pupils) were pointed out to the less experienced of us to help separate them from Herring Gulls. As usual, many of the birds on Arnold’s Marsh were in the distant parts of the pool, but waders included a group of Knot asleep on an island, some Dunlin, and a good number of Common Redshank.
We then set off along the shingle beach, hoping to spot Wheatears on the Eye Field, but only Skylark, Meadow Pipits, Starling and some waterfowl were recorded there. By now we were getting hungry, and so we headed back to the centre where we could enjoy lunch on the terrace in the sun. 5 of us then continued, walking alongside Snipe’s Marsh where 3 Pochard (1 male, 2 female) were seen, and up onto Walsey Hills. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were heard in the woods, and the flowering gorse was magnificent and emitting a strong coconut scent. We walked down to Babcock Hide, which was quiet as usual although a family of Greylag Geese included 5 young goslings, and finally back along the Attenborough Walk to the East Bank car park. I had a lovely day – beautiful weather, great location, some good birds and, best of all, lovely company: many thanks to everyone who attended. Species List Holly Blue and Peacock Butterflies Woodpigeon Blackbird Blue Tit Collared Dove Jackdaw Rook Pheasant Starling Redshank Cetti’s Warbler Avocet Goldfinch Greylag Goose Skylark Pied Wagtail Mute Swan Dunnock Spoonbill Carrion Crow Shelduck Shoveler Egyptian Goose Teal Lapwing Russian White- fronted Goose Little Ringed Plover Ruff Marsh Harrier Reed Bunting Pochard Great White Egret Swallow Gadwall Herring Gull Moorhen Chiffchaff Blackcap Curlew Wigeon Cormorant Black-headed Gull Robin Great Black-backed Gull Oystercatcher Buzzard Sedge Warbler Caspian Gull Wren Little Egret Red Kite Pintail Meadow Pipit Dunlin Ringed Plover Eider Duck Grey Heron Magpie Greenfinch Little Grebe Coot Chaffinch Sand Martin 62 species
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