Thursday 18th
February:
The locations of the Society’s winter trips are never
difficult to decide, the problem being to arrange suitable accommodation at a
reasonable cost to all.
This year our
trip took us to Norfolk where we have been many times in the past 30 years,
usually staying near Wells-next-the-sea; this time we ventured further along
the coast to Cromer.
This enabled
us to include in our itinery bird sites further south, including Hickling and
Burton Broads.
After a reasonable journey, although misty for much of the
way, our first meeting point was Hunstanton to view the coastal birds. Fulmars are present here all year as
they nest on the cliffs below the viewing points, gulls, auks and divers are
often present either at sea or passing by. Some of the group had called in at The Wolferton Triangle
before-hand and saw Golden Pheasant; this is England’s premier site for seeing
these birds.
Next stop was Tichwell RSPB reserve, not to be missed by any
discerning birder who makes the journey to Norfolk; from the car park to the
sea is a revelation on every visit whatever the season. Although a major reconstruction of the
sea defences for the reserve are in operation at this time, we still noted over
50 species of ducks, waders, raptors, and passerines while we were there. Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Avocet, and
Spotted Redshank are virtually guaranteed. On the sea and shore at the end of the reserve we had good
views of Oystercatcher, Grey and Ringed Plovers, Turnstone, and Sanderling,
then the added bonus of what at first glance appeared to be an oil slick out at
sea - it was in fact a flock of at least 5000 Common Scoter.
Arriving at the Hotel by 5pm, settling in, a drink at the
bar, the daily call-over of birds seen, followed by a most enjoyable evening
meal made a great beginning to what developed into a wonderful long weekend
away.
Species for the day 87
Friday 19th
February:
First of all the full English / Norfolk to set us up for the
day, then a briefing from Phil on the suggested places to visit. All agreed, having seen a report of
Snow Buntings at Salthouse, that site was to be the priority. Delight on arrival - over a hundred
were feeding around the car park. Turnstones
mixed in with the feeding frenzy and didn’t seem to notice about 20 excited
birders, photographing and watching at very close quarters. Onward to Cley nature reserve which, on
arrival, looked disappointing from the species board so we went on to Stiffkey
to look for sea birds. The sea itself
was very rough so we didn’t stay long there either, but long enough to watch a
Purple Sandpiper picking up a worm from the path.
The wind was lazy and it cut through us so having seen the
forecast for brighter weather after 11am we went inland to Holkham Park and its
sheltered woodland. This is a deer
park, with woods covering about twenty acres. It supports the usual common birds and all three woodpecker
species, but only Green and Great Spotted were encountered, along with
Nuthatch, Tree Creeper, Jay, and most of the titmice. Flocks of Fieldfare & Redwing were about, and down on
the lake we saw Great Crested Grebe, Dabchick, Egyptian, and Greylag geese,
Pochard and Tufted Ducks. A Tawny
Owl was heard calling but not seen.
As predicted
the day became brighter with a lighter wind for our visit to Holkam Gap.
Lady Anne’s Walk is usually an
excellent area to see large flocks of geese but, strangely, not today.
The pine wood at the end of the walk is
right on the edge of the beach which attracts birds for shelter.
Goldcrest and Coal Tit were seen in
passing but the quarry here was Shorelark; daily sightings had been reported
over the last few weeks so the chance of spotting them was good.
After some time and effort not one showed,
but a lesson was learned - regardless of the weather get out there and look
before the locals with their dogs have chance to flush every thing.
However rewards from here were flocks of
Redshank, some Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, and a distant Marsh Harrier.
Returning through the pine wood two
Woodcock were flushed and on the edge a Barn Owl quartered the fields.
Species for the day 85
combined total 105
Saturday 20th
February:
Today was our trip to the Broads and the reason for staying
as far east as Cromer. The broads
are large bodies of open water surrounded by deep fringes of dense reeds.First stop was Burton Broad, the associated car park with
facilities, then a half mile walk to the well-constructed boardwalk that takes
you through the reed bed and willow scrub and out in the open to a viewing
platform.
Greylags were close by, rafts of Tufted and Pochard were
here, male and female Golden Eye were already pairing up, a Cetti’s warbler
attracted everyone’s attention with its typical but surprising shout, then a distant
Bittern flew low over the water only to disappear into the reed cover. Marsh Harrier again was noted and Marsh
Tits were calling as we returned to our cars for the next venue, Hickling Broad
and Stubb Mill.
Again, a car park and facilities but a little further to
walk this time (about a mile), but it is a rewarding walk with lots to take in
as you travel the country lane to the specially set up viewing point for the
Harrier and Crane roost. Patience
is the virtue here but there is always interest around; Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin,
and Barn Owl put in an appearance before the star guests arrived.
As dusk approaches Marsh Harriers come in every few minutes
and Cranes, usually parties of four to six, fly in to lesser degrees. Before you know it darkness falls and
fifty or so satisfied birders trudge homeward.
Species for the day 77
combined total (Norfolk) 117
Sunday 21st
February:
After another super breakfast, it was planned to visit the
N.W.T reserve at Holme and RSPB Snettisham but unfortunately snow began to fall,
and most people decided that it would be best to head home in case it got worse. A wise decision as it did, and progress
was slow from Cromer to King’s Lynn as the snow came thick and fast. The remainder of the journey was clear
and fortunately all arrived home safely.
Still birding on the way home, four of the group saw c100
Golden Plover fly over, two intrepid members ventured to Rutland Water and
added Smew and Tree Sparrow to the list, while another pair saw Red Kite. We felt a grand total of 120 species
wasn’t bad for a long weekend away, admittedly 3 species were out of the county
of Norfolk, but well worth a mention don’t you think?
High on our list of enjoyment was the excellent menu, the
quality and presentation of food, and cheerful service we received from the
hotel staff; the group can highly recommend The Virginia Court Hotel, Cliff
Avenue, Cromer.
On behalf of the group, Anne and myself we send our thanks
to Phil and Jacquie Tosh for the work that went into organising yet another
memorable trip.
David Shallcross
