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Thursday, 29 December 2011

Group Visit: Visit to Buckenham Marshes

December's WEX meeting was at RSPB Buckenham Marshes. Those of you who read our Blog regularly will remember that in December 2010 the Norwich Nuthatches were not able to see the roost only hear it because it was so foggy.

So on a cold December afternoon a small, hardy group decided to try and see this spectacle again. Once again the weather was not on our side. As well as being cold it was raining and very windy but we weren't put off. We waited by the oak tree as dusk fell and could see the rooks gathering in a nearby field. Lots of black dots slowly began to grow into a large black patch as rooks came from all directions to join the gang. It was getting darker and darker. I don't know how the rooks decided who is in charge but just before the light had gone, they suddenly took flight and swirled above our heads in groups before heading to the trees to roost. The sound was deafening and the sky a cloud of black. But just as quickly as it had begun, it was all over and was quiet once more. The rooks had chosen their spot in the trees and had settled in for the night. For those who hadn't seen the roost before it was magical. For those who had, it may not be exactly the same evey time but it is still magical to watch and always a treat.