I hadn't visited north Norfolk for some time. It is always much too busy during the school holiday period anyway. But 7th November I headed that way - somewhere different for me recently.

My usual first call is Thornham harbour. Fitted in with the tide times but nothing of real interest there this time. The haunting call of a Curlew was very noticeable and then, surprisingly, it flew towards me, circled round me three times to check me out and then flew back to the saltmarsh. It was very close and the camera was set up for flight shots.

Not a bad start to the day. Next call was Brancaster Staithe. Loads of the usual birds around but the weather was turning cloudy and dark. Still a Grey Plover was on view.

and an Oystercatcher took a long bathe.

Four Brent Geese flew in but, by then, the light was terrible. Still one unusual shot worth keeping.

I moved on to Burham Overy Staithe - dead loss - and then Lady Anne Drive Holkham. Just a quick drive to the end and back - car parking expensive if there is nothing there - just a pair of Egyptian Geese close to the road.

I decided to call in at Titchwell RSPB on the way back home. Island Mere Hide now refurbished and open but, once again the water levels on the fresh marsh are much too high so there was nothing of interest again. Even the beach area was pretty sparse - a small flock of Bar-tailed Godwit

but nothing else to excite the trigger finger - an early drive home the result.