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.

Reporter: Paul Riley
​Our group gathered in the Pensthorpe car park at 5am
where we were introduced to experts Richard and
Chris who were to lead us around the site explaining
the meaning of the dawn chorus and some ways of
learning the songs.