East Wretham and Croxton Heaths (morning), and Little Cressingham (at dusk), Norfolk

A lovely bright morning with no evidence of the rain which was forecast for this morning some 24 hours ago.
Setting off from the East Wretham Heath NWT car park, I crossed the open heath to meet the Harling Drove, I then walked west along the path before turning off onto a ride for Croxton Heath.
Although my goal was to explore a variety of habitats, my main aim was to make for a large marlpit covered in thick Hawthorn and Blackthorn, this precious habitat provides a welcome relief for me from the regimented stands of pines, and also for the birds, a wonderful habitat for which to feed and rest.

I returned along various rides back to Ringmere, one of two lovely Breckland Meres whose water levels are governed by the underground water table.  Ringmere, a natural and circular body of water was the location of a battle between the Saxons and Danes on 5th May 1010.  The landscape here at Wretham I feel, probably hasn't changed too much seen then.
Colours were a feature of this mornings walk with Silver Birches looking stunning in their late autumn glory.  Equally, Beech trees looked gorgeous in their bronzed finery, and an avenue of old Hornbeams had large limbs reaching out at ground level.

Birds
Several small flocks of Redwings were seen this morning, most in Blackthorn where a good supply of sloes still hang.  The overgrown Blackthorn covered marlpit held Redwing, Goldcrests, and a single Redpoll arrival.  Two flypast Bullfinches showed their bright white rump and vent, conspicuous and useful identification features of this stunning bird, also, their soft "peu" call was heard   Within a large clearing, a couple of Meadow Pipits rose up.  Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers crossed a clearing together.
Whilst overviewing Ringmere, I watched a Blackbird plummet from height into cover, probably a migrant bird.  On Ringmere, several Mallards, Mute Swan, a pair of Egyptian Geese, and Shoveler were seen.
The walk back to the car park saw hundreds of Rooks on the heath, a regular, and familiar species here.

Little Cressingham (Dusk)
The sun had already set when I arrived to take my Toby for his walk.  Of interest, close to 'The Arms' was a single in-flight Woodcock silhouetted against the darkening sky...a very mysterious, but beautiful bird.