Norfolk

Apart from having to tow a caravan 265 miles to Snettisham, and back, it was a relaxed week visiting friends and family, back in Jenny's "homeland" and a place where I have spent many, many days birding, either alone, with pals or leading birding holidays.

Amber relaxing on holiday

Apart from seeing and hearing the Pink-feet going over to the salt marshes every morning, and seeing the fantastic Knot flock being moved by the tide, the highlight was being able to see the "Sea-Henge" exhibition in the Kings Lynn Museum at last. I was also able to take Jenny to the spot where it was built way back in 2049 BC, where we used to go to catch Sanderling. Back then, we just assumed it was part of a fossilised forest.

Now for a family pic - Jenny and her younger brother, John, at his 14th century farmhouse.

Jenny & John King

 ... and afterwards, J & A at Knettishall Heath in the evening sun.

We followed up a lead from Dawn Balmer (and family) and found "Natural Surroundings", a cafe and nature reserve tucked away on the Bayfield Estate. It was a surprise to be greeted by an old ringing friend, Andrew Cannon - and also to see four Red Squirrels from another friend's place, namely Bill Jordan's Pensthorpe reserve. The pictures are rubbish since these critters just wizz around at frenetic speed!

H S R S 

'Natural Surroundings'

Andrew sells Norfolk produced sunflower hearts that have a high oil content at £30 for 20 kg. Get some if you're in the area! A bargain!