The bird world has been excited at the prospect of a rare visit from a snowy owl this weekend. Unable to head over to the coast to see it at the weekend, it appears to have moved on and has not been seen for a day or two..... In birding circles this makes me a dipper!
​The snowy owl spent a couple of says at the excellent North Norfolk reserves of RSPB Titchwell and Snettisham. These are both reserves I spent many happy months over 20 yrs ago as a volunteer warden - acting as a guide in the shop and hides, undertaking bird counts and carrying out practical management work. It is always good to get back to visit and seeing many photos of the snowy owl at these reserves has reminded me a visit is needed - even without a snowy owl it will be worth the trip.
On a recent trip to Holkham in North Norfolk, the windswept dunes and vast beach were as beautiful as I can remember.
​I have been visiting this beach for over 40 years and in that time the coastal habitats have developed dramatically: dunes have risen in height, creating a sheltered embayment behind. Salt marshes have developed, creating a slippery and beautiful area of intertidal vegetation.
​Throughout this period, there have been two constants: the long stretch of (usually) gentle shoreline, and the impressively forbidding line of pine forest that acts as guardian for the rear of the beach.