The Beautiful Glaven Valley

M and I joined our local bird-watching group today on a circular walk from Glandford, North Norfolk along the fabulous Glaven Valley.  The highlight of the walk (apart from the local gooseberry ice cream at our tea stop!), was the opportunity to hear the wonderful song of the Nightingale, and to hear a cuckoo calling...magic!  Needless to say, we didn't see either of them but great to hear.

According to the RSPB the nightingale is a secretive bird which likes nothing better than hiding in the middle of an impenetrable bush or thicket. In the UK they breed mostly south of the Severn-Wash line and east from Dorset to Kent. The highest densities are found in the south east: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent and Sussex.
They arrive in April and sing until late May and early June. They leave again from July to September. They can be heard singing throughout the day, as well as at night.