Shoveler - Cley

In Norfolk a few weeks ago there were plenty of Shoveler on show. Their over sized bills are very fitting to it's name, as I'm sure you can see. 

There were quite a few aggressive males around, that seemed intent on chasing each other away in all directions. It then became quite apparent that there were some young around, and I felt more comfortable that this was not just blatant thuggery. They were being the dutiful parent that they should be.

Still, it gave me the opportunity to grab some great action shots.

 

The male in all his splendour.

Something was brewing between these guys.

You can just see the serrated teeth on this individual, along with his tongue.

An these were what it was all about. Some adorable Shoveler ducklings.

Redshank

I saw a picture the other day that reminded me of one I had taken earlier this year in Norfolk. Then I  realised I hadn't put it on my blog, so thought I 'd share it with you now.
It's a Common Redshank that posed for me on top of a fence post at Cley beach. A lovely pose.

Little Ringed Plover

This little guy was getting absolutely drenched during a heavy downpour. Clearly wasn't too concerned though as it just carried on scanning the shore line for food. I like the Little Ringed Plover. A very nice bird that is always a surprise to see. I don't know why really. I suppose because they are so small that you just don't expect to be able to see them. I love that yellow around the eye.

Wheatear at Cley Beach

I did manage to find some Wheatear when I was in Norfolk. It took a couple of visits down to Cley beach to spot them though. I ventured out nice and early to try and beat the dog walkers and to get some time to myself. The first day I only managed one female, but the next visit yielded two males and two females, plus I had great sunlight. Here are just a few for you.

A familiar pose atop a fence post.

Cley - Norfolk

When I visit Norfolk, Cley is a must as a place to visit. In fact you can't really go to Norfolk and not go to Cley. It is like a Mecca to British birders. Freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh, pools, reed beds, plus the North Sea and a shingle beach. So much to attract a whole variety of birds, and it does. Quite regularly they are birds they are not often seen here in the UK. Or if they are, it's exactly in this place that they do turn up. Having said all that, there was nothing really out of the ordinary when we went a few weeks ago. Still it's always a lovely place to spend a few hours. I can also recommend the cake selection in the visitor centre.

 

The iconic Cley windmill, that was such a feature of my childhood summer holidays.

Black-tailed Godwits on the move.

The lovely looking Wigeon were building in numbers.