06/11/2016 Last day in Norfolk - in search of Twite

Sunday 6 November

The weather forecast for today was even worse so, after yesterday's drenching on the long exposed walk to and from the sand dunes at Burnham Overy, we decided to stay close to the van.  

Thornham and then Holme                     a.m.

• It wasn't long before we got our target species - twite.  There was a roaming flock of about 20 at Thornham.  They eventually went to ground enabling us to get good scope views.  What an attractive little bird this is when seen close up - well worth the effort needed to go out and find them.  Thankfully the adverse weather hadn't reached us yet and the lighting was remarkably good.
• We saw our only kingfisher, on the stream by the car park, just after we arrived.
• Bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits were also seen - side by side enabling us to appreciate the ID differences

We then drove round to Holme to visit the observatory and do some seawatching.

• Waxwing numbers were well down,with only 3-4 seen today on the approach to the car park.
• We managed 30-40 minutes seawatching from the dunes before the bad weather closed in on us.  Lots of common scoter and gannets were seen as well as a couple of "bonxies" and a red-throated diver.  Alas no little auks were seen - even though they had been spotted earlier by other birders.  Surprisingly there was an arctic tern still around.

Titchwell            p.m.

With the poor weather well and truly with us we headed off to the safe confines of Titchell for some hot food and then the luxury of the Parrinder Hide.

• At least 6 ruff were showing well but the star bird for me was the water rail which showed well as it appeared from the reeds into the newly cultivated area in front of the hide.   

By 3.30 p.m. we headed back to Hunstanton and after making my goodbyes to Charlie, Karen, Paul, Don, Vivien and, of course, our leader Chris, I left for home on 4 p.m. arriving just after 7.30 p.m.




I can't finish without mentioning the superb accommodation at The Bays guesthouse in Hunstanton where the breakfasts were awesome, the room immaculate and the hosts Anna and Jane so friendly.  Without question I will go back there again.




 A cracking trip with several truly memorable birding experiences.  

• The term "visible migration" springs to mind when reflecting on the winter thrush encounter at Snettisham.
• Hopefully the waxwing influx will turn into a full-scale "irruption" this winter.
• The 68 record total for shore larks was beaten next day when over 90 were seen at the same place, a remarkable event.
• As always, it's nice to see snow buntings but 6 was rather special.

Addition to BUBO 2016 UK List:
Twite   (252)