There are some things in life that we say, I wont be doing that again then look what happens? A rare bird turns up at the end of Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Last time I slogged myself along the shingle for seven miles (return trip) was in 2010 for an Alder Flycatcher and I vowed I would not do it again!  Now without thinking about my vow we arranged to meet at 6am in Castleton and head east and try and pick up any news of the warbler on route. Bob K, Kevin C and myself at the wheel headed along the M62 and onto the A1. At about 7am the news broke that the Moltoni`s Warbler was still present, we all seemed happy but knew of the difficult trek we had now to make.

   We got to the carpark at Cley Coastguards at 9-25am having had a good run along the A17 and set off along the difficult shingle path. The weather was quite warm and the tide was in, so we couldn`t walk along the firmer ground of the tideline. We all had to make a few stops to shed heavy clothes and take on water etc. We met a few happy birders returning from the point, who told us the bird was still present. After about an hour and a quarter of walking on the shingle we reached the dunes and the better paths. The news reached us that the bird had flown from its feeding area and hadn`t been seen for a while. After all the effort we had put in to reach the area and for this to happen was a little bit sickening. We sat down for a rest near the lifeboat station in amongst other birders and feared a dip coming on.

  After around 10 minutes there was a sudden movement of birders and the news that the bird had been re-found was well received. A little dash towards some bushes with lots of Lupins around soon had us watching the bird. It sat out in full view just behind two small sheds then came nearer and gave better opportunities to watch it. The bird was heard to be calling quite like a Wren and gave little bursts of typical Sylvia warbler scratchy song. After 15 minutes on show the bird was lost to view. We enjoyed the sunshine and the other birds present: - Linnet, Reed Warbler, Little & Sandwich Terns, it really is a nice place to visit, but if you can, catch the boat! We headed back towards Cley along the firm sand tideline in about an hour and had a nice rest as we reached the car. Next stop was to try to see a Common Rosefinch at Salthouse, but despite our best efforts the bird had gone. Time for home after a long day out, reaching home at 7pm.

David Ousey