Spoonbill

We have learned that with nature alway expect the unexpected.

Late afternoon we went down to Stiffkey Marshes to walk the coastal path to a field where a few years ago we had seen lots of hares.
However we didn’t see the hares, but a much bigger thrill was to see a Spoonbill feeding in the marshes, and less than 50 yards away.
We have seen them on some RSPB reserves, but not so close.
We sat for a while just mesmerised by seeing it swinging it’s spoonlike bill from side to side scooping up it’s food. You can see the beautiful sea thrift in the photo too.
( more shots on the collage extra)
I would like to say” Thank you” to the family of John Norris who provided the bench.
The inscription read:
“ John Norris. 1969 - 2018.
Who loved to listen to the Redshank and watch the skeins of Brent geese here.
He loved the place.
Rest your weary legs.”
He was born in the same year as our eldest so. Really made us think.
I’m sure he would have been thrilled to see the Spoonbill too.

It has been a hot sunny day. Not what we expected.
Started with a walk along the coast path from Morston to Blakeney and back.
Then to the Red Lion at Stiffkey for a glass of refreshing shandy, and to book a table for tonight. Unfortunately they were fully booked.
Drove to Wells next the Sea. Walked the mile +
To the sea. Very hot!
Took some photos of the beach huts. Still quite busy on the beach.
A dredger for coming into the harbour.
Decided to have a ride back on the little train.
Then an ice cream, and watched the boats coming in unloading their catch of crabs and lobsters. One boat had been out catching whelks.
Drove to The Three Horseshoes at Warham they were also fully booked, as was the Chequers at Binham.
So decided to buy something from Budgens, and had a wonderful meal sat out in the garden back at the B&B.
A beautiful evening. All cutlery etc. provided by Allison. Had a nice bottle of white Burgundy. Tuna salad sandwiches, olives, tomatoes. Summer Pudding with ice cream and cream for dessert.
Then coffee and mints again provided by Allison.
We couldn’t have wished for a better ending to another fabulous day.
Hot sunny 26C.