Suffolk and Norfolk Birding

29th October 2011. A days birding in Suffolk and Norfolk with Brendan and Paul.
First stop was Lowestoft Ness, we arrived about 08:30 and were quickly on to 3 Purple Sandpipers all showing well on a small jetty in front of the point. Also noted here were Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a Rock Pipit. We had intended to have seawatch from the point but the sea was shrouded in mist. We therefore turned our attentions to the Turbine Yard where Black Redstarts had recently beed reported. It took some searching but we were soon able to connect with 3 Black Redstarts which were hopping about amongst the various items of ironmongery contained within the Turbine Yard.
From here we went to the nearby Sparrows Nest Park in search of firecrest, however, after some intensive searching we could not connect.
Next port of call was Corton Sewage Works, again in search of recently reported Firecrests. Once again we drew a blank. We did connect with Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker.
Next stop was Horsey Gap. Here we noted Fieldfare, Red Throated Diver, Guillemot, Gannet, Whooper Swan, Pink Footed Goose. Also noted here were 20/30 Grey Seal.
Our final stop of the day was Stubbs Mill, which is part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Hickling Broad reserve. We arrived at the watchpoint about 2 hours before dusk. As soon as we arrived we connected with 5 Common Cranes as they flew past for a pre-roost gathering in some nearby fields. Then we watched as 25+ Marsh Harriers flew in to roost. Sparrowhawk and Kestrel aslo showed well. We were then able to connect with 3 Merlin that had also flown in to roost. Next a Barn Owl put in an appearence hunting over the fields to the right of the watchpoint. Finally, as darkness fell we watched 32 Common Crane fly past us to roost. Also noted here were Yellowhammer and Linnet.