All this because...: Soggy Shore Larks and Snowier Buntings

On Saturday, after a morning at Lynford Arboretum [- good views of several Treecreepers but not a Hawfinch to be seen], we decided to spend the rest of the day in North Norfolk again, with a report of Shore Larks at Cley deciding our first destination. We found the Larks on the sheltered side of the shingle bank– a flock of ten birds. The weather, which had started out OK in the morning, was not living up to the forecast of improving conditions after midday - quite the opposite unfortunately. By the time we had the Larks in our scopes it was cold and windy with persistent drizzle. But ironically, I think that worked in our favour because the Larks seemed less flighty and more inclined to stay on the ground. Two in particular came close to where we were standing, giving me the best views I’ve had of this species - albeit rather damp, subdued little birds.

In the photo below you can just about make out the spikey black feathers on each side of the bird’s head that are the reason for its alternative name of Horned Lark.

Leaving Cley, we set off for Titchwell, making a couple of stops on the way - first to view a soaring Rough-legged Buzzard, and shortly after that for three Marsh Harriers, which were so close that we could hear the whining call of one of the males.

Titchwell had been chosen because we hoped to catch up with some Snow Buntings seen there earlier. On arrival we made straight for the beach and as we stepped onto the wooden platform at the end of the path we could see, just a few metres to the right of us, two Snow Buntings - foraging amongst the bits of vegetation and rubbish washed up onto the beach. They were starting to acquire summer plumage and so were much whiter than the ones seen at Cley last October - if anything, maybe even prettier…