28/01/18. Ashdown Bird Group in Norfolk. Day 4.

Sunday 28 January 2018

Our final day!  We checked out of our hotel around 09.30 with a clear programme ahead of us.

Sculthorpe Moor NR, Norfolk

First stop was this lovely little Hawk & Owl trust reserve near Fakenham where we saw some delightful woodland birds, at close quarters.

• One of the highlights was seeing 5 male Bullfinches in one telescope view from a hide.  Add to this a superb close view of a Water Rail and we were off to a flying start.
• At the high level hide we had views, from less than 2 metres, of Coal Tit, Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, Siskin, Goldfinch, Chaffinch etc. as they fed on the tray just in front of us - an Attenborough type experience!
• On the way back to the car park we saw our first Kingfisher of the trip.

Lynford Arboretum

We dipped on Hawfinch.

Santon Downham

We dipped on Parrot Crossbills.

A disappointing end to the day after a brilliant start.  However, spirits were high as we had such a fantastic trip.

100+ species seen.

Caley Hall, Hunstanton

I must mention the accommodation and hospitality at Caley Hall as it set the backdrop for the visit.  The rooms were great as you would expect but the meal times were precious with a lovely 3-course meal included in the price.  The meals alone cost in the region of £30 and with a wide choice of menu, I was able to go for a different selection each time. The standard of cooking was excellent - fine dining standard I think!

Sadly our leader Bob and his wife Judy had to return home first thing Saturday morning.  They had arrived in Norfolk with flu-like symptoms and things only went from bad to worse.  What a shame - having organised such a great trip they missed out on the delivery of the event.  

Thanks Bob!