29th October 2016 (Lincolnshire and Norfolk)

As the swamphen had been reported almost every day over the last few weeks, I decided to try once again. Left home at 3am and arrived at Alkborough Flats at 8. Walked out to steps and looked out over the pools in the dark and thick fog, and was able to make out a family of 5 Whooper Swans and a pair of Avocets amongst the commoner species. The fog seemed to be getting worse, but then at 9:20, someone picked out the shape tucked up against the reeds. After a short while, the WESTERN PURPLE SWAMPHEN walked out into the open, and showed alongside the comparatively tiny Moorhens.

WESTERN PURPLE SWAMPHEN - Alkborough Flats

Stunning shots! Second one shows size comparison with moorhen in case you couldn't tell.

Views were really poor; distant, in the dark and through fog, I think I could actually see some purple at one point, but nonetheless really happy to have finally caught up with this bird. I could have stayed longer and waited for the fog to clear, but with the bird back to hiding in the reeds I didn't really fancy waiting around again like last time and was keep to move on to north Norfolk.

After a few more hours driving, parked up along side the road at Burnham Overy and walked down to the dunes. Shortly after arrival the ISABELLINE WHEATEAR showed at the top of the first ridge, and continued to show on and off whilst I was here. I had expected this bird to be quite boring and to look much like Northern, but it's larger size and the sandy yellow wash to the whole body made this a rather attractive and distinctive bird.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR - Burnham Overy Dunes

Added last shot to show tail pattern.

 After I'd had my fill, I wandered back towards the car, seeing on the way singles of Short-Eared Owl, Barn Owl and several Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Goose - Burnham Overy

Curlew - Burnham Overy

Last stop of the day was Cley Marshes where, after what seemed to be a long walk along the pebble beach, I had great views of the male DESERT WHEATEAR.

DESERT WHEATEAR - Cley Marshes
Would have been a 3 wheatear day if only I'd seen a Northern!

Lastly, had another Barn Owl from the car window on the way home.

Great day, definitely worth the long drive!