With news of a singing Blyth's Reed Warbler in Essex at Holland Haven the previous day, I set off early Saturday morning & arrived on site, near Clacton-on-Sea, mid-morning.
Unfortunately, there was no sign of the bird, but a Paddyfield Warbler on Blakeney Point, Norfolk which had been present since the previous Thursday was still present, so I made my way from Clacton-on-Sea to Cley-next-the-Sea arriving at Cley beach car park late afternoon.
The tortuous three mile walk along the shingle bank as far as Long Hills was grueling. I could see one remaining birder on site as I approached. He was viewing the Paddyfield Warbler as it made its way along the edge of the suaeda next to the shingle bank. It was difficult to see, but provided different aspects before briefly being in the open & displaying its gorgeous rich, rufous colours. It popped out of cover again briefly before flying over to the deeper suaeda. A bit of waiting and a few brief glimpses in flight, it then reappeared on the edge of the beach before again working its way over to the suaeda within the rope boundary protecting breeding birds. So, having had satisfactory if brief views I headed back along the beach. Fortunately, the tide had receded exposing the lower beach which was much easier to walk along.
Upon arrival in Norwich at my friend Peter's house news of a Blyth's Reed Warbler at Halfway House on Blakeney Point emerged.
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