Norfolk...

A trip to Norfolk with Alan,Chris and Dave today to try and get some of the good birds which have been present over the last few weeks and winter period,resulted in us seeing some excellent birds before the weather closed in and put an abrupt end to proceedings thanks to a large fog bank drifting in off the north sea,bugger.The best of the species observed,began at Whitlingham Country Park on the outskirts of Norwich,were we enjoyed fantastic views of both Red-necked Grebe and Great-northern Diver,which showed at close range,with both species in the same scope view at one point,cracking stuff!!.Also present here,but not showing as closely were a lovely female Ring-necked Duck watched feeding amongst a mixed flock of other duck species,which also included 2 Redhead Smew,2 Redhead Goosander and a 1st winter male Scaup.My last female was at a private site at North Kelsey Moor in 2006.After enjoying all these great birds we decided to move onto our next target species at nearby Cantley.We eventually reached Cantley and began to scan the grazing marshes and after a short search there they where,6 'Taiga' Bean Geese,watched feeding at a fair distance,but you could still make out the longer bill profile and large orange patch.After a short while the geese where disturbed by a passing light aircraft and it was great to see the species in flight,the most notable feature i noticed was the distinct tail pattern of the species when compared to the other grey geese.This is the first sighting of this race of Bean Goose for myself.Other birds here were a nice flock of at least 85 Eurasian White-fronted Geese and a single female Stonechat.Other birds observed during the day and after the fog rolled in at Chedgrave marshes where at least 9 Marsh Harrier here and 500+ Pink-footed Geese near to Cantley.Non bird sightings included a smart buck Chinese-water Deer at Cantley and a Brown Hare.A great day despite the long journey and the weather spoiling the last part to the trip.