[Karl J]

The nearest staffed reserve to me, near the village of Brundall in Norfolk. A very relaxing, peaceful place and a good day was had there. Got the bins out and without the need even to focus had 2 Snipe in view - my 1st - , in amonst the more numerous Shoveler, Pochard and Mallard on the reed edge. Various other waterfowl and a sole Lapwing ( there were hundreds of these about a few weeks ago in Breydon area - anyone know where they went ? ) completed the picture. As ever when I go there, the Kingfisher had been and gone again, not to return, but the Marsh Harrier were up and looking impressive as ever circling around with 2 Cormorant enjoying the sun on a high perch. Wandering round the trails brought several woodland birds inc Treecreeper - my 1st, Bullfinch, Goldcrest seen by 2 people but not me, and through the reedbed trail the sound of Water Rail and Cetti's warbler - 70% sure I saw one - would be another 1st if I was sure, as well as several sightings of those little things that look like sparrows which then fly away before you get the id book open. A flock of Black Headed Gulls made quite a noise down by the river with a couple of Shelduck in amongst them.
Tower Hide didn't bring too much apart from streaming eyes because of an icy cold wind. Sitting back from the shutters made for an excellent lunch spot though as it's such a good viewpoint for the reserve and countryside beyond.
The warm sunny afternoon brought a couple more miles walk and the first of the year - for me - ladybirds, bees and a butterfly. Various sightings among the woodland trail including yet more of those sparrow type things. Nothing more from the Harriers today and no more 1st's but left at 3 ish feeling happy with the day. Its how days off are supposed to be.

Days Listing
Snipe, Pochard, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, GC Grebe, Cormorant, BlackHeaded Gull, Shelduck, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Red Legged Partridge, Treecreeper, Robin, LongTail Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Grey Heron, Marsh Harrier. Cetti's Warbler + Water Rail could be heard

[Paul 42]

"several sightings of those little things that look like sparrows which then fly away before you get the id book open" I know those ones very well LOL! Seriously sounds like you had a smashing day out.