Wednesday 2nd February 2023: Cley NWT

 Today we headed eastwards on the coast road to Cley NWT. Our main target was Long-billed Dowitcher, an American vagrant which has been around the area for several months. We arrived before the visitor centre was open, but were pointed in the direction of a likely hide by a member of staff. We scanned the pool from here noting crisp Pintails on the water and groups of Black-tailed Godwits and Avocet interspersed with a few Ruff, - our first of the year - all roosting on some exposed ridges, heads tucked neatly under their wings, but there was no obvious sign of our target bird. So we next headed off to the east bank, a raised walkway overlooking ‘the serpentine’ wetland area, unfortunately very exposed to the extremely strong winds. We observed plenty of Lapwings and Golden Plover enjoying the wet marshy landscape, but were unable to pick out the Dowitcher as we hunched against the elements and headed for the beach. 

It did not take us long to find a roving flock of around 40 Snow Buntings which flew overhead before disappearing behind the dunes. Tracking along the beach we managed to relocate them and I sat down on the shingle bank and waited as they foraged ever closer, allowing brilliant close views. 

We retraced our steps along the bank, soon finding a small group of birders looking at the Dowitcher, having helpfully done the hard work for us! This was a lifer for Sue so she was very pleased. We had pretty good scope views, but photography was a little tricky as it was hugging the bank, so blades of grass obstructed the view somewhat. Nevertheless Tim managed a record shot.

Long-billed Dowitcher

Buoyed by our success, we headed cheerily to the visitor centre for a warm drink and refreshments before heading to Cley Spy where Sue checked out a potential lightweight scope for future purchase. Then mid afternoon we drove to Warham Greens where harriers are frequently reported coming in to roost. Again with some help from other birders already present, we had excellent views of a stunning male Hen Harrier dancing and diving low over the saltmarsh. Finally, and sadly at some distance, we located the juvenile Pallid Harrier reported recently. In the fading light we were just able to make out the rufous underparts, but it was too far away to observe the distinctive ‘boa’ marking. 

With two rarities under our belts and a tally of four annual ticks we headed for home ,very satisfied with our day’s work, particularly considering the unhelpful windy conditions.