Norfolk_Weekend

Norfolk Weekend 29th February to 2nd March 2008

This was a shared car trip and our first stop was at Welney WWT.

Three Bean Geese were seen with the Whooper, Bewick and Mute swans and the usual ducks.

There were many Lapwings and Golden Plover. On the raptor front, a Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine Falcon were seen.

We left at about 15.30 to travel to the Youth Hostel in Hunstanton, which was to be our base for the weekend.

We were welcomed by a large flock of starlings performing for us for over an hour before settling to roost in a monkey-puzzle tree just yards from the Hostel.

During the evening, discussions were held to determine our programme for Saturday.

We knew that there were many rarities along the North Norfolk coast so it was agreed we would become twitchers for the day.

At dawn on Saturday morning four of us went to the beach. Walking along the esplanade we could hardly stand in the strong winds and our faces became sand-blasted. It was very painful.

After breakfast we headed for Cley for our first twitchable bird. This was the long staying White-crowned Sparrow, the first recorded in the country.

En route we stopped by Holkham to view a large number of geese. Here we saw eight species of geese in one field; White-fronts, Greylags, Barnacle, Brent, Egyptian, Canada and Pink-foots together with a Ross’s Goose, the first of this species for all of us. We continued on to Cley and sure enough the sparrow was seen.

Sparrow was seen.

From here we took the short drive to Salthouse Marsh where a large flock of Snow Buntings were flying about. With these wonderful birds was a single Lapland Bunting. Three lifetime firsts and it was not yet noon.

From here we went inland to Kelling Heath where a Great Grey Shrike was reported. A few of our party caught a very brief glimpse of the bird.

Lunch was taken in the car park after which we set off in two groups. The majority went to Holkham Pines, where a flock of Brambling plus Goldcrest and Treecreeper were seen.

Three of us went to Burnham Norton. We walked a great distance through mud to the sea wall. The object of the long walk was to see the Rough-legged Buzzard. It had briefly been seen over Scolt Head Island just prior to our arrival but unfortunately the bird eluded us.

There was some consolation though. Whilst standing on the sea wall two Barn Owls were seen hunting over the marsh. On our walk back to the car park a Buzzard was flying in the distance, but unfortunately it was a Common Buzzard.

Whilst changing into our shoes, Marsh Harriers were hunting over the field. As it was now approaching dusk we headed back to base.

Steve Rowland the RSPB Eastern England Public Affairs Manager and his wife Jo joined us for dinner after which he chatted and showed us some slides that he had taken in the area. It was a very enjoyable evening.

On Sunday morning several of the party went to Burnham Norton in search of the Buzzard, but like the previous day it was not seen.

Most of the party went to Titchwell where, as usual, many waders including a few Spotted Redshank were to be seen. Goldeneye and Red-breasted mergansers, with some unidentifiable grebes were on the sea which was quite calm.

Sanderling, Godwits, Oystercatchers & Dunlin were on the beach.

On the way back to the cars a female Merlin was spotted.

By this time many elected to start on the journey home with various stops being mentioned.

This was a memorable weekend and some excellent birds were seen. Perhaps there is something to be said for twitching after all!

Dave Jones

25.02.08

Whooper Swan at Welney (SH)

Twitching strategy meeting (SH)

Ross’s/Snow Goose at Holkham (PF)