Lizard Orchid & More Spending!

I was very kindly given directions to the much talked about Lizard Orchid in Norfolk. The last one to be found in Norfolk was in 1956 – 60 years ago!!! So I decided to go and see my first Lizard Orchid!

On arrival, it was still pouring with rain, so I snoozed in the car. I have been taking Clarityn tablets for my hayfever over the last couple of days, which are not suppose to make you drowsy, but I have felt extremely tired both yesterday and today. I could hardly keep my eyes open whilst I was driving this morning. I noticed that later in the afternoon/evening I felt more awake. I really shouldn't take this one a day tablet first thing in the morning. In fact I'm not taking any more full stop, well not unless I have to anyway. I fell very deeply asleep in the car and when I came to, I had that feeling you have when you wonder where the hell you are!!! I waited 1.5 hours for the rain to stop! Walked to see the Lizard Orchid, which was much taller than I had expected, very beautiful and fragile looking. Took lots of pictures with the macro lens and iphone, then left.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/rare_orchid_spotted_in_norfolk_for_first_time_in_60_years_1_4122725

I have been looking for the Swarovoski 20x W Eyepiece for a while, as an addition to my scope – finding one of these is like finding hen's teeth! Andrew at Cleyspy told me yesterday that one had been traded in, but I took a day to decide to see if I could actually afford to spend any more money this weekend! I decided I could, just! So next stop was Cleyspy to purchase my new eyepiece and very pleased I am too!

Went to Holt Country Park and spent a good while here, attempting to photograph bees. No sign of any broad-bordered bee hawk moths though. Returned to Cley and spent another evening in Daukes' Hide. 7 Spoonbills, 1 Garganey and a Little Ringed Plover were the highlights with a good number of Ruff in different states of plumage. Also 3 cute fluffy balls of Avocet chicks all running round together! The light was beautiful this evening and it was difficult to leave. Took several phone-scoped videos.

Back at the car park I was just pulling out to leave, when I stopped and reversed back. In front of me I could see several House Martins coming down to gather the wet mud from the muddy pool in the potato field. I took a few photos, but realised I needed to be the opposite side with the light, so carefully walked across the corner of the field. My boots sunk in quickly and ended up with very heavy feet! My efforts did not pay off. I sat down on a dry section of mud and behind plants so I was as camouflaged as possible, obviously not enough though, as the House Martins did not return! Got up and trudged over the squelchy mud and spent ages trying to remove mud from my boots before driving home. Drove back partly via the coast road. Saw a Barn Owl just outside Burnham Market and stopped to watch the last rays of sun disappear over the trees silhouetted on the horizon.

PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO BE ADDED