Having been forced to stay in Norfolk for a week back last April when a trip to Spain was cancelled by the volcanic ash cloud, I thought about seeing if the North West Surrey RSPB Group wanted to return to see the waders at the High Spring Tide at Snettisham. Silly question really, 17 of us turned up to spend a long weekend back in one of our favourite haunts. A couple of us were there for a few days longer and had chance to take some more photos of the winter birds Snow buntings, Pink-footed geese, Shorelarks to name a few. The weather was kind, cold but not windy, dry but slightly cloudy on most days but with some sun at times. The high tide was best on the Sunday morning and we walked in the dark along the long path to the shore to be there as the tide rushes in and pushes the waders up. It was such a thrilling experience that 4 of us decided to have a packed breakfast from the Hotel and do it all again the next day. This proved to be the best morning as the light was so much better and we stood practically on our own enjoying the spectacle of thousands of birds in the air with the sun shining on them. We then made our way to the hide to watch while the birds waited to go back out on The Wash again when the tide turned. One great moment was when a Peregrine flew over looking for its breakfast and mass panic sent Knot wheeling in all directions. Personally, I can't wait to do it all over again!
