Sunday 26 January 2014

Winter Norfolk raiding mission

 Dark-Belled Brent Geese at Hunstanton
 Dark-Belled Brent Geese
 Holme
 Parrot-crossbill
 Hunstantion touchdown
 Sea watching at Titchwell
 An arty image from inside the hide
 Sun setting at Titchwell
Path back to the car

A 3am wake up was in order to meet fellow midland birders Gert Coldfield, Craig Reed and Mike Wakeman as we headed for a day on the North Norfolk coast.

Wolferton was our first destination and seemed like a good option given the fog that needed an hour or so to lift. We were hoping to grasp a look at the elusive Golden Pheasant however many others seemed to have the same idea and we left unsuccessful.

Hunstanton was like a ghost town as we drove towards the promenade. A flock of Common Gull were feeding on a school playing field with a couple of Oystercatcher. A sharp breeze made us all wrap up as we took in good views of a large flock of Dark-Belled Brent Geese. The flock seemed to get bigger throughout our stop and it was great to see them on the sea and beach. A small numbers of Fulmars could be seen on the cliff tops and gliding with their stiff wings over the sea. Good numbers of Turnstones and Oystercatchers were observed on the beach whilst a group of 14 Red-Brested Merganser dived off shore.

Holme was next on our tour and we opted to head right down towards the Observatory rather than the Golf Course side. We were hoping for a couple of Owls but the fog had really put pay to this. After a short walk we picked up a number of Marsh Harriers, Pick-Footed Geese, Redshank, Wigeon, Greylag, Buzzard, Lapwing and a Peregrine whilst a Greenshank and two Little Egret were on the marsh.

We then pulled up at Burham Ovary in the hope of seeing a Rough Legged Buzzard that had been seen recently. There were Buzzards present but sadly not the one we wanted. Egyptian Geese were in the fields looking towards Holkham but as we were preparing to leave Gert picked up a pair of Red Kites, most definitely a Norfolk first for us all.

The journey to Edgefield Woods near Holt produced Red-Legged Partridge and a Kestrel that we also saw on the return journey. Some smart navigating took us straight to the lay-by and a five minute stroll down through the clearing to where 3/4 birders were looking upwards. We picked up the call of the Parrot-Crossbills as we approached. Whilst you see movement at the top of the trees it was hard to get a great view of the birds. However once in the scope you could clearly see these powerful little bruits feeding then tossing the cones downwards towards the watching audience. Whilst I perhaps wouldn't travel any distance to just see these birds it was great to see them on a day like this. 

Titchwell is the equivalent of Wembley as it always delivers a brilliant visiting experience. Good signage, parking, shop and cafe. Both Gert and I took advantage of the cafe by grabbing a hot pastie which we scoffed on the walk to the beach. The dunes that once protected the reserve had disappeared along with the wooden walk way and viewing platform. Many Goldeneye were visible along with a number of Scoter flocks. 

Wanting to watch the raptors coming into roost we headed to the Parrinder Hide. The water level was as high as I'd ever seen there and the flocks of waders were not abundant as in previous visits. Ruff,Golden Plover, Knot, Snipe and Scaup were day additions before Mike located a Mediterranean Gull at the rear of the island in front of us.

Marsh Harriers moved across the reserve into roost. A saw at least nine birds all in the air at the same time but it would be difficult to count the total number as the light faded. Suddenly the dark skies turned stormed and rain hammered down. Thunder and lightning again struck making the birds and ourselves all jump. It looked like every bird on the reserve took to the air. As the wind and rain got stronger a flock of Golden Plover battled together in flight against the wind right in front of us.

Once the storm passed we moved around to the main path on the side of the reed bed. After stopping Gert located a Ring-tail Harrier. As I was trying to locate it I found a Barn Owl in flight. For a few seconds I had both birds within my scopes vision. A stunning way to end the day. The Barn Owl sat up on a viewing screen for a good ten minutes before starting to hunt again.

With boots changed we headed to the local boozer for pint of local cider and ale to count up the days species. 97 in the day. A great return after a slowish start.

10 new birds for Year List - Sanderling, Fulmar, Red-Legged Partridge, Egyptian Geese, Parrot-Crossbills, Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Knot, Mediterranean Gull, Barn Owl.

1 Lifer :- Parrot-Crossbill






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