Pallid Swift: Winterton, A missed chance

Today was our first opportunity to visit Winterton in Norfolk and try to connect with the Pallid Swift. The swift had been present for twelve days. There had been positive news yesterday morning but no news at all in the afternoon, we arrived at first light and scanned the skies around the church, and surrounding areas for over two hours. It was bitterly cold and there was no sign of the swift. It had either moved on or worse it had perished overnight in the plummeting temperatures. During our visit, we witnessed thousands of Pink-footed Geese flying overhead along with several small flocks of winter thrushes. The surprise of the morning was a low-flying Woodcock that flew directly over our heads. 

Once back in the car, we headed a few miles south to Filby Broad. We scanned Ormesby Little Broad from the viewing platform  There was very little of note seen from here apart from two Kingfishers. We decided to scope the lake from the back of Filby Bridge Restaurant and found a Scaup among the numerous Tufted Ducks. Crossing the road we scanned Filby Broad and eventually located two Ferruginous Ducks along the edge of the reeds in the southeast corner.

View of Filby Broad from the roadside

We headed further south along the coast and stopped at Ness Point in Lowestoft,  hoping to find Purple Sandpiper. We walked along the length of the concrete pathway, stopping and scanning every few metres. Eventually, we were rewarded with views of six Purple Sandpipers feeding along the concrete ruins.

The line of ruins where the sandpipers were feeding.

Eventually, the birds ventured close to our position allowing for some nice photo opportunities.

Purple Sandpiper

There had been reports of 40 Waxwings just two miles away from Ness Point. we drove along the local roads and quickly found the flock. As they settled in the trees close to us I managed a count of 47 birds.

It was disappointing not to connect with the swift, but knowing we couldn't have visited earlier softened the blow and we had an enjoyable day regardless.