Little, Steppe and Arctic

A cracking days birding if a somewhat tiring with an early morning drive to Suffolk for the Little Crake at the Minsmere R.S.P.B reserve stopping for an autumn gathering of Stone Curlew. The juvenile crake was as elusive as expected and only showed briefly. Great-White Egret, Bittern and Bearded Tit all noted then as there was negative news on the Bedfordshire Lesser Grey Shrike we decided to push on to the north Norfolk coast for the Steppe Grey Shrike at Burham Norton which performed well. Stopped at Titchwell R.S.P.B for a well-earned breakfast then did the reserve and shore-line with Yellow-browed Warbler, Little Stint, male Merlin, Firecrest, 2 Red-necked Grebe and 2 Slavonian Grebe the best on offer. I thought we would be spending the rest of the day here but news of the Artic Warbler at Donna Nook, Lincolnshire broke and two of our crew were desperate to try for it so with a promise that we would stop for a hot meal on the way home I agreed so it was back in the car heading further up the east coast than I had expected this morning. Luckily the bird was showing on arrival and kindly pointed out by the locals. Short-eared Owl seen briefly as we left. The steak, Scampi and chips went down a treat washed down with some nice local nectar and on cue the space shed was seen as it sped over France. Finally got home with over 400 miles done, some nice birds and a bum ache.