Had a leisurely breakfast at 8:30am. Headed outside to catch the 9:42am Coasthopper Bus for the short ride from Brancaster Staithe to Titchwell. Walked to the feeders that are across from the visitor center and saw Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tit, Greenfinch and House Sparrow.
Walked towards Fen Hide and was quite happy to see a male and female Bullfinch and a Hawfinch. Brilliant!! Nothing seen at Fen Hide, so I headed over towards Island Hide, which is quite nice with several large (floor to ceiling) windows. Hundreds of Northern Lapwing and Golden Plover, along with Pintail, Pochard, Avocet, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Shoveler, Shelduck, Teal.
Decided to do a bit of sea watching and was rewarded with Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Common Eider, and Great Crested Grebe. It was getting close to 1:00pm, so headed over to the visitor center for some lunch. Had a tasty Stilton and Mushroom hot baguette, Diet Coke and chocolate cake.
Headed back out to Meadow Trail, then on to the track leading to the beach. Another visit to the Island Hide produced Red Knot and Brent Goose. Walked up the track a bit and saw a good size flock of Twite. It was time to work my way back to the bus stop. On the way out, I saw Wren and Blackbird.
Got the 15:14 Coasthopper bus to for the short ride to Brancaster Staithe. Had a bit of dinner and packed. Back to London tomorrow. I will miss this area, as I had a wonderfully fantastic time discovering Norfolk.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Cley Marshes - Norfolk Wildlife Trust - December 8, 2009
Had a quick breakfast at 8:30am, then grabbed my gear and got on the 9:10am Coasthopper Bus for the hour-long ride from Brancaster Staithe to Cley. Got off the bus about ½ mile from Cley Marshes reserve and went to the Picnic Fayre deli to get some lunch. I asked for granary bread with ham, stilton cheese and tomato. I also got a piece of Dundee cake, which was quite yummy. I was disappointed with the sandwich since there was barely any ham to speak of, so there was more bread than fixings. Oh well. I had a tasty apple as I walked to the reserve.
Went inside the Cley Marshes Visitor Center and, although their website this morning stated that the entrance fee was £3.75, they asked for £4.00. Got my reserve map and headed towards the hides. Enjoyed views of many ducks and waders including Avocet, Ruff, Curlew, Teal, Garganey, Pochard, Shelduck. A Peregrine Falcon stirred up the Lapwings, and there were four Marsh Harriers hunting the nearby fields.
Walked up the west side of the reserve to the beach at Blakeney Nature Reserve. Saw two Red-throated Divers, and a lovely Grey Seal was close to the shoreline. Had my lunch at the shelter, then headed over to the North Scrape hide. There was a reported sighting of a Green-winged Teal, and several of us tried to relocate it today but with no luck.
It was a bit after 14:00 and time to make my way back to the A149. Got on the bus back to Brancaster Staithe and we were treated to cracking views of a Barn Owl flying alongside the bus. Great way to end the day.
Going to relax and decide where to go tomorrow.
Went inside the Cley Marshes Visitor Center and, although their website this morning stated that the entrance fee was £3.75, they asked for £4.00. Got my reserve map and headed towards the hides. Enjoyed views of many ducks and waders including Avocet, Ruff, Curlew, Teal, Garganey, Pochard, Shelduck. A Peregrine Falcon stirred up the Lapwings, and there were four Marsh Harriers hunting the nearby fields.
Walked up the west side of the reserve to the beach at Blakeney Nature Reserve. Saw two Red-throated Divers, and a lovely Grey Seal was close to the shoreline. Had my lunch at the shelter, then headed over to the North Scrape hide. There was a reported sighting of a Green-winged Teal, and several of us tried to relocate it today but with no luck.
It was a bit after 14:00 and time to make my way back to the A149. Got on the bus back to Brancaster Staithe and we were treated to cracking views of a Barn Owl flying alongside the bus. Great way to end the day.
Going to relax and decide where to go tomorrow.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Joy at Holkham National Nature Reserve - December 7, 2009
Traveled by bus (at 11:05am) from The Lodge in Old Hunstanton to the White Horse Inn in Brancaster Staithe without a hitch. Once inside my room, had a look at the Coasthopper bus schedule and decided to go to Holkham since time was short.
Walked up Lady Anne’s Drive at Holkham and decided to slowly scan the nearby fields to the west. Could not believe my luck in locating a sole White-fronted Goose which was a life bird. Woohoo!! I was truly overjoyed since there were hundreds of Pink-footed Geese in the field. Persistence paid off since this was my fourth trip to Holkham.
I watched the White-fronted Goose (Greenland species) for about 15 minutes and decided to move further down the road to try for a better look. Relocated the bird and continued to enjoy watching it feed on the grass. A couple was passing by, I asked if they had seen the White-fronted Goose, they said no, and I invited them to look through my scope. Identification confirmed!! Another fellow from Sheffield came over and asked for a look and was pleased to see the goose.
After about 10 minutes, I decided to walk down the track that leads to the Washington Hide. Came across a European Robin, Wren, Dunnock, and Treecreeper. The weather was looking a bit threatening, so decided to go back to the B&B.
At the Holkham Victoria bus stop, there were 10 Eurasian Collared Doves in a tree across the road. I heard House Sparrows, and some Starlings passed overhead.
Fantastic, short, but productive trip to Holkham. Tomorrow, Cley.
Walked up Lady Anne’s Drive at Holkham and decided to slowly scan the nearby fields to the west. Could not believe my luck in locating a sole White-fronted Goose which was a life bird. Woohoo!! I was truly overjoyed since there were hundreds of Pink-footed Geese in the field. Persistence paid off since this was my fourth trip to Holkham.
I watched the White-fronted Goose (Greenland species) for about 15 minutes and decided to move further down the road to try for a better look. Relocated the bird and continued to enjoy watching it feed on the grass. A couple was passing by, I asked if they had seen the White-fronted Goose, they said no, and I invited them to look through my scope. Identification confirmed!! Another fellow from Sheffield came over and asked for a look and was pleased to see the goose.
After about 10 minutes, I decided to walk down the track that leads to the Washington Hide. Came across a European Robin, Wren, Dunnock, and Treecreeper. The weather was looking a bit threatening, so decided to go back to the B&B.
At the Holkham Victoria bus stop, there were 10 Eurasian Collared Doves in a tree across the road. I heard House Sparrows, and some Starlings passed overhead.
Fantastic, short, but productive trip to Holkham. Tomorrow, Cley.
Snettisham and beyond with Ken Reeves and Charlie Dobbs - December 6, 2009
Last night’s dinner at The Lodge (Old Hunstanton) consisted of a delicious bowl of Carrot and Coriander soup. Yum. After a good night’s sleep, I was ready to hit the ground running.
Had the pleasure of meeting Ken Reeves when he picked me up at 9:00am. We then went round to collect his pal, Charlie Dobbs. I could tell right away that these two gents were keen birders and really nice guys.
I was happy to hear that our first stop was to be Snettisham RSPB reserve. It started raining really hard, so we waited in the car for about five minutes, then walked out to The Wash. There were loads of Golden Plovers, Northern Lapwing, Brent Goose, Curlew, Snow Buntings, Shore (Horned) Lark, Goldfinch, Twite. But the star bird was the Ferruginous Duck. We had excellent views of the duck. We also saw hundreds of Red Knot displaying in the sky. Brilliant.
We then headed over to Wolferton (Dersingham), but dipped on the Great Grey Shrike. Ken had brought along some tasty sandwiches and mince pies for lunch, which we ate near the Sandringham estate.
Next stop was Flitcham and the Abbey Farm hide. Saw at least two Common Buzzards, Redwing, Greylag Goose, Teal, Song Thrush and a fair amount of rabbits.
It was amazing at how quickly the time had passed. We headed over to a roost at Roydon Common, got into position, and had cracking views of four Hen Harriers (two male and two female). Excellent. We also saw Fieldfare and Meadow Pipit.
I had a fantastic time with two lovely gentlemen. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to Brancaster Staithe for three nights.
Had the pleasure of meeting Ken Reeves when he picked me up at 9:00am. We then went round to collect his pal, Charlie Dobbs. I could tell right away that these two gents were keen birders and really nice guys.
I was happy to hear that our first stop was to be Snettisham RSPB reserve. It started raining really hard, so we waited in the car for about five minutes, then walked out to The Wash. There were loads of Golden Plovers, Northern Lapwing, Brent Goose, Curlew, Snow Buntings, Shore (Horned) Lark, Goldfinch, Twite. But the star bird was the Ferruginous Duck. We had excellent views of the duck. We also saw hundreds of Red Knot displaying in the sky. Brilliant.
We then headed over to Wolferton (Dersingham), but dipped on the Great Grey Shrike. Ken had brought along some tasty sandwiches and mince pies for lunch, which we ate near the Sandringham estate.
Next stop was Flitcham and the Abbey Farm hide. Saw at least two Common Buzzards, Redwing, Greylag Goose, Teal, Song Thrush and a fair amount of rabbits.
It was amazing at how quickly the time had passed. We headed over to a roost at Roydon Common, got into position, and had cracking views of four Hen Harriers (two male and two female). Excellent. We also saw Fieldfare and Meadow Pipit.
I had a fantastic time with two lovely gentlemen. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to Brancaster Staithe for three nights.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Holkham National Nature Reserve (Lady Anne’s Drive) and Beach - December 5, 2009
Well rested and ready to get started. Had breakfast at 8:00am and was at the bus stop before the 8:55am arrived. Paid the £3.90 for a return ticket to Holkham Victoria and the bus driver was kind enough to drop me off at Lady Anne‘s Drive.
Walked down Lady Anne’s Drive and saw thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the fields and in the air. Awesome. I then headed west towards the hides. A small flock came through including Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits. Also saw Dunnock and Wren. Stopped at the Washington Hide but the view was difficult as you were looking into the sun.
Walked further down the track to the Joe Jordan Hide and the nearby fields were virtually empty. Then headed over to a sandy track and walked up towards a bank for a good view of the fields. Scanned the fields with my scope and mostly saw Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Curlew.
Headed back towards Washington Hide, then onto the beach for a sea watch. I had just finished looking at two Red-throated Divers when my phone rang. It was Ken Reeves passing along helpful information on sightings and also trying to figure out where we will bird tomorrow. Should be great fun.
I was surprised at how quickly the day had gone by, so I headed back so as not to miss the bus since it only runs every hour. Was happy to see the Barn Owl hunting over the fields on the way out. At the bus stop, thousands of Pink-footed Geese flew overhead on their way to roost. It was a fantastic sight.
Another great day of birding in Norfolk. Can’t wait for tomorrow!!
Walked down Lady Anne’s Drive and saw thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the fields and in the air. Awesome. I then headed west towards the hides. A small flock came through including Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits. Also saw Dunnock and Wren. Stopped at the Washington Hide but the view was difficult as you were looking into the sun.
Walked further down the track to the Joe Jordan Hide and the nearby fields were virtually empty. Then headed over to a sandy track and walked up towards a bank for a good view of the fields. Scanned the fields with my scope and mostly saw Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Curlew.
Headed back towards Washington Hide, then onto the beach for a sea watch. I had just finished looking at two Red-throated Divers when my phone rang. It was Ken Reeves passing along helpful information on sightings and also trying to figure out where we will bird tomorrow. Should be great fun.
I was surprised at how quickly the day had gone by, so I headed back so as not to miss the bus since it only runs every hour. Was happy to see the Barn Owl hunting over the fields on the way out. At the bus stop, thousands of Pink-footed Geese flew overhead on their way to roost. It was a fantastic sight.
Another great day of birding in Norfolk. Can’t wait for tomorrow!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve (RSPB) - December 4, 2009
Could have easily slept longer, but wanted to prep for the day since I hadn’t done so.
Finally had breakfast here at 8:00am and it was typical of what is usually served: cereal, yogurt, small bits of fruit, toast and your choice of hot food. Went back to the room, got my gear and walked the short distance to the Coasthopper bus stop. Got on the bus, paid my £2.40 for a return ticket to Titchwell, which was only about 5 miles away. Saw a Barn Owl on the way there.
Although I had been to Titchwell with Colin and the guys last weekend, we just went straight to the beach (1 km) and did not go to any of the hides or walk down the trails. I did a bit of sea watching on the beach but didn’t see much other than Common Scoter, Goldeneye, gulls and a few peeps. Went back to the reserve and there were loads of European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Wigeon, Brent Goose, Little Grebe.
Walked down the Meadow Trail (about 1:45pm) and saw quite a few Chaffinch, then a stunning male and female Bullfinch. Wow…what a pleasant surprise. Also came across a small flock of Long-tailed Tits.
Went to the Fen Hide and got cracking views of a Water Rail feeding outside the reedbed.
Birds at the feeders near the Visitor Center were Great and Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, European Robin, Chaffinch, House Sparrow. Opportunistic birds on the ground near the feeders were Common Pheasant and Moorhen!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first full day of Norfolk birding on my own. Tomorrow, I plan to go to Lady Ann’s Drive in Holkham.
Finally had breakfast here at 8:00am and it was typical of what is usually served: cereal, yogurt, small bits of fruit, toast and your choice of hot food. Went back to the room, got my gear and walked the short distance to the Coasthopper bus stop. Got on the bus, paid my £2.40 for a return ticket to Titchwell, which was only about 5 miles away. Saw a Barn Owl on the way there.
Although I had been to Titchwell with Colin and the guys last weekend, we just went straight to the beach (1 km) and did not go to any of the hides or walk down the trails. I did a bit of sea watching on the beach but didn’t see much other than Common Scoter, Goldeneye, gulls and a few peeps. Went back to the reserve and there were loads of European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Wigeon, Brent Goose, Little Grebe.
Walked down the Meadow Trail (about 1:45pm) and saw quite a few Chaffinch, then a stunning male and female Bullfinch. Wow…what a pleasant surprise. Also came across a small flock of Long-tailed Tits.
Went to the Fen Hide and got cracking views of a Water Rail feeding outside the reedbed.
Birds at the feeders near the Visitor Center were Great and Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, European Robin, Chaffinch, House Sparrow. Opportunistic birds on the ground near the feeders were Common Pheasant and Moorhen!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first full day of Norfolk birding on my own. Tomorrow, I plan to go to Lady Ann’s Drive in Holkham.
Holkham beach, Redwell Marsh, and Holme Norfolk Wildlife Trust with Chris Mills - December 3, 2009
Well rested this morning and eager to get started.
Met Chris Mills out front at 7:30am for the third and last day of guided birding. The day started out cold and rainy with poor visibility, but got a bit drier by late morning.
Making our way to Holme Beach, we came across thousands of Pink-footed Geese. Impressive. Chris estimated that we had seen about 10,000 Pink feet today. We headed down Lady Ann’s Drive and soon after parking, we saw a Barn Owl hunting over the fields. We headed over to George Washington Hide to get closer looks at the Pink-footed Geese. Small birds just outside the hide included Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tit, Dunnock, Jay, Goldcrest and Treecreeper.
At Holme Beach, we had excellent views of Great Northern and Red-throated Diver, Great-crested and Red-necked Grebe (lifer), Razorbill and Mediterranean Gull.
Highlight of the day was watching a Great Bittern (lifer) fly over to its roosting reeds. In this same area, we had Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Great Cormorant and Shoveler. Also saw Marsh Harrier and a Buzzard.
I had a fantastic time birding with Chris Mills. He is an extremely knowledgeable birder and has a great sense of humor. Species count for three days was 116 which included 13 lifers. Very impressive. I would recommend Chris to anyone keen to bird Norfolk.
Met Chris Mills out front at 7:30am for the third and last day of guided birding. The day started out cold and rainy with poor visibility, but got a bit drier by late morning.
Making our way to Holme Beach, we came across thousands of Pink-footed Geese. Impressive. Chris estimated that we had seen about 10,000 Pink feet today. We headed down Lady Ann’s Drive and soon after parking, we saw a Barn Owl hunting over the fields. We headed over to George Washington Hide to get closer looks at the Pink-footed Geese. Small birds just outside the hide included Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tit, Dunnock, Jay, Goldcrest and Treecreeper.
At Holme Beach, we had excellent views of Great Northern and Red-throated Diver, Great-crested and Red-necked Grebe (lifer), Razorbill and Mediterranean Gull.
Highlight of the day was watching a Great Bittern (lifer) fly over to its roosting reeds. In this same area, we had Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Great Cormorant and Shoveler. Also saw Marsh Harrier and a Buzzard.
I had a fantastic time birding with Chris Mills. He is an extremely knowledgeable birder and has a great sense of humor. Species count for three days was 116 which included 13 lifers. Very impressive. I would recommend Chris to anyone keen to bird Norfolk.
Holme Beach, Thornham, Brancaster, Warham Greens with Chris Mills - December 2, 2009
Have to lay off of the sugar in the evening as I did not sleep much last night. What a drag.
Met Chris Mills out front at 8:00am for the second of three days guided birding. The day started out cold and rainy, but got drier by late morning.
We headed out to Holme Beach and came across a flock of about 60 Snow Buntings. Got excellent views of the birds feeding. Highlights of our sea watch included Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated Diver, Common Eider, and Red-breasted Merganser. Throughout most of the day, we saw about 4,000 Northern Lapwings making their way west. Impressive.
At Thornham Harbor, we saw about 20 Twite and along the coastal path leading to the NOA, we saw six Bearded Reedling.
We then went to Brancaster brackish marsh (near the golf course) and had cracking views of a Short-eared Owl (lifer) and Rock Pipit.
Moving on to a roost site at Warham Greens (Holkham National Nature Reserve), we saw 11 Bewick’s (Tundra) Swans, ringtail Hen Harrier (lifer), loads of Pink-footed Geese and Red Knot, and a Peregrine Falcon on the beach.
Fantastic day. Two day species total is over 100. Tomorrow, Holkham Beach. Can’t wait!!
Met Chris Mills out front at 8:00am for the second of three days guided birding. The day started out cold and rainy, but got drier by late morning.
We headed out to Holme Beach and came across a flock of about 60 Snow Buntings. Got excellent views of the birds feeding. Highlights of our sea watch included Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated Diver, Common Eider, and Red-breasted Merganser. Throughout most of the day, we saw about 4,000 Northern Lapwings making their way west. Impressive.
At Thornham Harbor, we saw about 20 Twite and along the coastal path leading to the NOA, we saw six Bearded Reedling.
We then went to Brancaster brackish marsh (near the golf course) and had cracking views of a Short-eared Owl (lifer) and Rock Pipit.
Moving on to a roost site at Warham Greens (Holkham National Nature Reserve), we saw 11 Bewick’s (Tundra) Swans, ringtail Hen Harrier (lifer), loads of Pink-footed Geese and Red Knot, and a Peregrine Falcon on the beach.
Fantastic day. Two day species total is over 100. Tomorrow, Holkham Beach. Can’t wait!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thetford Forest and beyond with Chris Mills of Norfolk Birding - December 1, 2009
Lovely, comfortable, newly-refurbished room at The Lodge in Old Hunstanton. The showerhead is one of those huge ones…can’t remember the name, but the shower this morning was fantastic. Can’t believe my luck with these nice rooms.
Met Chris Mills out front at 8:00am for the first of three days guided birding. Although it was cold (about 40 degrees), it was sunny with absolutely no wind. Our first stop was Dersingham Park in search of, but dipped on, Great Grey Shrike. Saw Stonechat and Meadow Pipit there.
I was quite happy to learn that our next stop was Thetford Forest-Lynford Arboretum. Chris found two lifers for me: Firecrest and Common Crossbill. We had cracking views of both birds. Also saw loads of other birds including Redwing, Marsh Tit, Mistle Thrush, lovely view of Greenfinch, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Next stop was Lakenheath Fen. Although we dipped on Common Crane, we saw at least four Marsh Harriers, Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler (heard), two Barn Owls, Yellowhammer, and Common Chiffchaff. Also saw hundreds of Starlings (from Russia) coming in to roost.
All in all, it was a fantastic day with 61 species under our belt. Tomorrow should be equally as brilliant!!
Met Chris Mills out front at 8:00am for the first of three days guided birding. Although it was cold (about 40 degrees), it was sunny with absolutely no wind. Our first stop was Dersingham Park in search of, but dipped on, Great Grey Shrike. Saw Stonechat and Meadow Pipit there.
I was quite happy to learn that our next stop was Thetford Forest-Lynford Arboretum. Chris found two lifers for me: Firecrest and Common Crossbill. We had cracking views of both birds. Also saw loads of other birds including Redwing, Marsh Tit, Mistle Thrush, lovely view of Greenfinch, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Next stop was Lakenheath Fen. Although we dipped on Common Crane, we saw at least four Marsh Harriers, Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler (heard), two Barn Owls, Yellowhammer, and Common Chiffchaff. Also saw hundreds of Starlings (from Russia) coming in to roost.
All in all, it was a fantastic day with 61 species under our belt. Tomorrow should be equally as brilliant!!
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