Birders always keenly anticipate visits to East Anglia and the twenty-nine members of the Nottingham RSPB group were no exception as they boarded the bus for the four-day holiday. The weather was fair and natural optimism suggested that it would stay that way. Pete was our driver again and we were soon heading along the A52 towards the A1. Those who had been with us before needed no reminding that the usual sweepstake on the number of species seen was already in the teens. A breakfast stop at Stebbington produced House Martin, Swallow and a bird seen on every day of the trip, Great Spotted Woodpecker. Our first main visit was to Grafham Water near Huntingdon, a venue new to me. Once the barrier had been raised to allow access for the coach we were able to look out across the reservoir, searching for the Black Terns that had been seen earlier that day. The water seemed almost empty but we found the wildfowl in one of the bays, well away from the area used for sailing and other water sports. The nature reserve contains quite a substantial area of woodland as well as the sheltered inlets and on the open farmland to the left of the trail we saw Skylark and Yellowhammer. Further evidence that summer lingered was provided by sightings of both Chiffchaff and Blackcap whilst on the water Pochard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Goldeneye helped to swell the number of species seen. The group had split up and when we gathered to eat lunch by the waters edge reports of sightings of Redpoll, Bullfinch and Common Sandpiper were received.

Dave Goodwin decided that Red Indian names should be given to group members and during the holiday. 'Walks with Birders', 'Dances with Passing Wind', 'Sits with Squaws' and 'He who Kills Parrots' were among the names suggested. I have omitted their real identity to protect the guilty. We left Graffham just after two and Pete drove us to the New Victoria Hotel at Great Yarmouth where we arrived just in time to watch the final minutes of the England versus Greece game before quite a number of the party walked to the promenade to search for Mediterranean Gulls. Success was quickly achieved. The gulls were of various ages and, though gulls are not always easy to identify, we were able to sort out several plumage variations at close quarters. After an excellent meal at the hotel most of the group sampled the hospitality of the hotel bar. One or two decided on an evening stroll. I found a nearby pub selling real ale whilst Maurice had a somewhat unorthodox introduction to Great Yarmouth nightlife!

There was heavy rain overnight but it cleared by dawn so the early risers were able to enjoy a bracing walk along the front. A Greek owned sandwich shop provided rolls and sandwiches at a very reasonable price so we were all ready to leave straight after breakfast. The destination today was Holkham, from where we were due to walk to Wells next the sea. The Norfolk coast road is not built for speed, especially through villages like Cley and Stiffkey so we were able to get good views of the birds we passed, especially a large flock of golden plover. Jan Goodwin was using the video camera from time to time and I understand that it is hoped to show the video at a later date, once it has been suitably edited. We piled out of the coach at Lady Anne's Drive and walked towards the pine woodland. Egyptian and Canada Geese were seen, Dave remarking that he had just seen more Egyptian Geese than he did in Egypt. A walk through the woodland in warm sunshine helped us to add Coal Tit and Goldcrest to the total and we were pleased to see the large numbers of butterflies and dragonflies in the vicinity. Reaching the raised hide we looked out on a fair number of Pink-footed Geese though as we were looking into the sun it was not possible to positively identify any Bean Geese among them. It was at this point that something disturbed the geese further up the valley for suddenly the air was fun of them silhouetted against the sun, skein after skein flew down to join the others in front of us until there must have been between four and five thousand birds present. Jan captured part of this truly unforgettable sight on video and for me it was the highlight of the holiday, a Pink- footed paradise. Reluctantly we moved on. Rain threatened but confined itself to a few spots. In the woodland my personal butterfly count included Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Small Skipper, Peacock and Red Admiral. There were some bracket fungi on tree stumps and some splendid Fly Agarics. Birds were difficult to see though the Great Spotted Woodpecker made an appearance and when we reached the coast some members found that the balconies of closed chalets made excellent telescope platforms for sea watching. We saw Ringed and Grey Plover, Bar and Black tailed Godwits and, out at sea, Arctic Skua, Gannet and Brent Geese. A walk towards the inlet produced Dunlin, Sanderling and Turnstone and we returned to the coach just as the rain was starting in earnest. The evening was very wet so the most of the group stayed in the hotel. Entertainment was provided by a local singer/comedian called Ted Parker who, although some of his jokes were old and his songs even older, was very good value. One or two members livened up proceedings on the dance floor but Stuart Taylor failed yet again to get the entertainer to play Bohemian Rhapsody.

The following morning anticipation was high as we were due to visit Minsmere. The weather was kind again for what is quite a short journey and no time was wasted on arrival because a Jay flew over as we left the coach. In the dunes our party startled both Green Woodpecker and Stonechat whilst from the hide we had excellent views of both Marsh Harrier and at least three Hobbies. Considering the number of dragonfly still on the wing the presence of this agile falcon was no surprise. Avocets having departed for their wintering grounds in the South West we looked for other waders but they were thin on the ground with only Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit appearing. A small group were fortunate enough to have a Bearded Tit fly across the path in front of them whilst in the woodland a Treecreeper was seen.

The cost of the trip included a buffet lunch at the Visitor Centre and this proved to be a memorable meal. The staff at Minsmere and Dave and Jan are to be congratulated for organising this treat. As it had started to rain the group were reluctant to leave but a few hardier souls set off for the Island Mere hide. It was there that I heard a Cetti's Warbler but was unable to spot this skulking species. The woods around Minsmere have quite a mysterious quality and, this being P D James country, a good setting for one of her murder mysteries with lots of suspects. It's funny what you think of when you're walking along. All such thoughts were forgotten when we saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a feeder situated within six feet of a cottage door. Other feeders had attracted Goldcrests and Tits including a Marsh Tit. The few brave souls who climbed up to the Canopy hide saw yet another Great Spotted Woodpecker. This was a juvenile, its crown streaked red and black. The rain had passed and we left in bright sunshine only for a rainstorm of tropical density to strike as we approached Lowestoft. We were glad to be in the coach! It was dry when we arrived back at the hotel and after another good day enjoyed another substantial meal before making our own arrangements for the evening. Some found the pool room where, in the absence of Pete "Hustler" Lee, the winners of the games changed with gratifying frequency. The following morning saw the usual suspects taking an early morning walk. Terry Adams and I saw a Wheatear on the fishing jetty before returning for breakfast. After breakfast we left the hotel for the last time though we would not hesitate to stay there again and started the journey home. A Sparrowhawk added to the Raptor list whilst other birds such as Jays, Golden Plover and Grey Partridge were noted. Our final destination was the RSPB Reserve at Ouse Washes where difficulty in negotiating a right-angled bend in the coach meant that we had to disembark short of the reserve. This was perhaps a fortunate accident because both Redwing and Redpoll were seen as we approached. The party scattered to visit the various hides and at last a small party of Stock Doves were seen as well as Ruff, Shelduck, Shoveler and Tree Sparrow. A distant Buzzard rounded off the list and by the time we returned to the bus the group total stood at ninety-seven species. On of our debutantes, Lynne won the sweepstake. Once again the group enjoyed a very good holiday. The Rarities Committee of Stuart, Dave and myself were spared any difficult decisions. Thanks go to Jan and Dave for the tremendous amount of hard work they put in to organise this annual holiday and to Pete for driving us to the various reserves. Finally, thanks to all who went on the holiday for being such good company. See you next year!