Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Just back from a cracking tour of the north Norfolk coast with Marcus Nash. The prevailing winds and weather conditions meant that our chances of seeing much migration in action were slim. Nevertheless, we did have a memorable birding experience and saw as much as was possible, including a Yellow-browed Warbler - a year tick for me and everyone else.
The main highlights are shown below:
- A Red-necked Phalarope at Kelling Water Meadow was our first "big" sighting. We got our initial views from the Meadow Lane track before moving slightly east, at the far end of the pond, to view from 15-25 metres.
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| Red-necked Phalarope courtesy of Marcus Nash |
- The Grey Phalarope, at Cley, was not quite so cooperative. We first looked for it on the East Bank just south of Arnold's Marsh but it flew into the reserve just as we arrived. We followed but, just as we were looking for it at the nearest hide, word came through that it had returned to its original place. Back on the East Track we finally enjoyed our views.
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| Grey Phalarope courtesy of Marcus Nash |
- A Cattle Egret on Stiffkey Fen was very nice to see.
Cattle Egret
courtesy of Marcus Nash - At Kelling, we also had fabulous views of a male Common Crossbill perched at the top of a tall tree near the houses by the A149.
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| Common Crossbill courtesy of Marcus Nash |
- A Red Kite was an unexpected bonus...
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| Red Kite courtesy of Marcus Nash |
- ..... as was a Little Owl
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| Little Owl courtesy of Marcus Nash
........ and a Bittern.
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- Also seen briefly was a female Ring Ouzel as it flew past us.
- On the wader front there were rich pickings. I have never seen so many Little Stints, Ruff or Spotted Redshanks before. Also present were several Curlew Sandpipers.
- On Sunday, with very little wind, the Bearded Tits came out to play at Titchwell with 50+ seen at one stage. We managed to see small groups of 6-12 at a time with some fabulous close-up views.
Bearded Tits
courtesy of Marcus Nash - It was good to be in Norfolk as the Pink-footed Geese were arriving for the winter. We saw thousands of them!
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| Pink-footed Geese courtesy of Marcus Nash |
- We also saw our first Redwings of the autumn - perhaps 25+. A single Fieldfare was seen.
- Our biggest challenge was finding the Yellow-browed Warbler. We spent a couple of hours looking at Titchwell and then at Holkham Woods before finding one with the tit flocks at the latter venue. Getting a half decent photograph proved impossible - even for Marcus!
A memorable trip with 105+ species seen!
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