11/01/2019 Day 1/3 A Fabulous Start!

Friday 11 January 2019
Norfolk Day 1/3

We got off to a fabulous start to our trip. 6 of us spent the day with Marcus in the Norfolk Broads where we saw some amazing birds.  The weather was cold and overcast but there was only a light breeze. 

First stop was Lodham.

• On the outskirts of the village we came across a large, mixed flock of Bewick and Whooper Swans with about equal proportions of each species. The views were superb and for ID purposes it was ideal with both types of swan showing side by side.



courtesy of Marcus Nash

• At a different outskirts location we had our first Crane sightings of the day with 8 showing really well in the scope as they moved around in the field in front of some scrub.

courtesy of Marcus Nash

• From our roadside viewing position we were entertained by flocks of Linnet and flocks of Greenfinch dropping into the edges of the field.  This was the first time I had seen Greenfinches moving around in such a large group like this.

• At Cantley we came across a few Taiga Bean Geese …….

Taiga Bean Geese

courtesy of Marcus Nash

 

 

 

…… and later on at Thrigby we came across the Tundra Bean Geese.

 

Tundra Bean Geese
courtesy of Marcus Nash



• We ended the day at Stubb Mill where we were immediately directed to a Merlin perched on top of a post away in the distance.  There were, of course numerous Marsh Harriers around but we did not see any Hen Harriers.  We added 7 more Cranes to our total for the day when they flew in to roost, looking superb as they silhouetted against what little light was left of the day.



courtesy of Marcus Nash



 

• When a Woodcock whizzed by, a few feet in front of us, we knew it was time to go.  On the long return journey to our B&B in Wells-next-the-Sea we saw a Barn Owl flying.

Roll on tomorrow and more terrific birding!

Other species added to 2019 Year List:

Canada Goose

Rook

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Marsh Tit

Treecreeper

Teal

 Pied Wagtail

Stock Dove

Common Gull

Long-tailed Tit

Fieldfare

Egyptian Goose

Red Kite

Pink-footed Goose

Lesser Redpoll

Ruff