Fri 16th Nov: finally, Dipper in Thetford

Finally after four attempts, I have seen the Black-bellied Dipper on the River Thet by The Bridge pub.  I hadn't planned to spend time drawing it so I didn't bother taking my 'scope with me, it would have been a lot of hassle to cycle with it.  But the views of the Dipper were so good that I was almost regretting not having it with me, nor my watercolour pad.  But I just accepted what I had, which was my A6 notebook and Bic biro.  I ended up spending three hours there!  Quite a few other birders there including what can only be described as a gang of photographers armed with 500 and 600 mm lenses who seemed not to understand the concept of field skills; talking really loudly, running up to the bird, at dire risk of flushing it, and unbelieveably running along a busy road expecting traffic to slow down for them!  They can't be described as birders, well they don't carry bins.  Even a couple of well-known photographers I saw there were appalled at their behaviour.  Just imagine what it's going to be like when  there is a twitchable Hawk Owl.  I might wait until the fuss dies down...
Anyway it was good to get good views, and once people drifted away I had even closer views on my own.  I met several kind birders there who invited me to have a look at the Dipper through their scopes - Swarovski ATS85 HD - and what amazing scopes they are, giving sublime views of the bird.  I've heard they are heavy, but I think one day I'll have to upgrade from my trusty Kowa TSN-603, if I can save the money up.