With Brian already on route to Thetford when I texed him, Dad and myself decide it's a good time to take a trip over to Rainham and have a look for the Black Redstarts.
It's around 17 miles from home and a short trip on the M11 and then A406 to reach Ferry Lane. Pulling in to the parking area, there's already two birders present.
A quick climb up the grass bank and the two birders get us straight on to a male Black Redstart. It spends it's time either perching on the rocks or dropping down among them. It would drop down out of view and then reappear on top of the rocks or a short distance away.
There was no sign of the female that has been seen here recently, but I wasn't complaining as the male is a stunning little bird.
While watching the Redstart a Grey Wagtail is found among the rocks close by. It's a nice little bonus as it's another year tick for us both.
With us both starting to feel the cold, we decide to head onto Coldharbour Lane. Parking in the car park at the far end we start to walk among the salt marsh hoping to find a Jack Snipe. The walk produces several Common Snipe but no Jack Snipe.
A couple of Rock Pipits add a year tick to dad's year list so the walk is not completely fruitless.
At the Stone Barges there's a least two Water Pipits present, and one gives good scope views before flying off.
A couple of year ticks and an enjoyable mornings birding.
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