Sunday 5th February 2023

Still the weekend.

And having spent the previous day doing our hobbies, we thought it best to spend at least part of the day together.

So, after coffee, fruit and croissants and more coffee, we got dressed and were out by half eight, driving out to Sandwich, then via Preston to Grove Ferry as we continued the vain hope to see some Bearded Reedlings. It was mope in hope than anything else, but we must see them one day.

So, across the marshes to the car park, a misty start had given way to clear blue skies and light winds. Perfect for a walk and some half-hearted birding.

Apparently a birder goes to see what he can see, while a twitcher goes to see something specific, to get the tick. I am a birder of birds, but a twitcher of orchids.

Probably.

Reedlings are found in the reedbeds, making their distinctive "pinging" call. We walked through the beds to the far side, saw nothing, I may have heard a single ping, but not sure. In the hide I did snap a Teal, the only bird not a Coot or Mallard or Mute Swan.

The reed beds do remind me of home in Norfolk, and it is great looking to see what was flying: we saw a single Marsh Harrier, a buzzard and a large flock of Lapwings, probably spooked by the Harrier.

We walked back to the car, and Jools drive us back across the marshes, through Preston to Wingham, then over to Barham and on to the orchid wood.

We were here mainly to look for Scarlet Elf Cup fungi, though orchid rosettes were on our radar, but also just to get our daily step count up towards 10,000.

We ambled up to the site for the fungi, but none seen. Up the track and down the other side, where I found several Early Purple rosettes looking in rude health and ready to put up a spike when it is warm enough.

Over the other side to look for Lady Orchid rosettes, and good news was that we found a good half dozen, and of good size too, though no Fly Orchid spikes seen.

And that was that.

On the way back we called in to see Jen who had had no relapse of her dizzy spell, so all good.

Back home Jools warmed up the Moroccan sweet potao and chickpea stew for lunch, which we gobbled up as we were hungry. Then, as a treat, she made some chocolate sundaes, which went down well with a coffee as I watched the football on the tellybox.

Cheese and crackers and wine for supper, which is how we'd all like each day to end, really.