11/01/2020 Marcus Nash Norfolk Trip Day 2/3

Saturday 11 January 2020
Norfolk Broads

Today we were off to the Norfolk Broads in search of cranes, swans and geese.  The weather conditions were still good; it was dry and overcast but the winds had picked up quite a bit.

• First port of call was in the area around Ludham Airfield where we came across a mixed flock of just over 50 bewick and whooper swans with twice as many of the former. 

courtesy of Marcus Nash

• At Acle we were treated to a grand show of at least 16 cranes in the field, including some great flight views.

courtesy of Marcus Nash



• A quick visit to Halvergate produced superb views of a cattle egret in amongst the cows. 

  
  

  courtesy of Marcus Nash

                         A lesser black-backed gull was also nearby.
• At Buckenham Marshes we had some success with barnacle geese, ruff and white-fronted geese but sadly there were no bean geese there, probably due to the presence of workers on the nearby railway track.
• The Ranworth ferruginous duck was very accommodating today, swimming around off the staithe at Malthouse Broad around the boats.

courtesy of Marcus Nash



• Our final port of call was, of course, Stubb Mill where the highlights included a male hen harrier, more cranes and a great white egret.

Another excellent birding experience!