North Norfolk coast in winter

[Cuckoo Jack]

Hi,

I am planning to walk the entire North Norfolk Coast Path this winter (from Hunstanton to Cromer) - possibly at the beginning of February. I would appreciate your advice on the best places to see the following species:

any Goose species
Cetti's Warbler
Merlin
Lapland Bunting
Snow Bunting
Shore Lark

Tom

[pressld2]

For snow buntings you can't beat the beach at Salthouse. They're very approachable. I've had them running over my legs while lying down to photograph them and they regularly come too close to focus on. I'm not sure exactly when they leave but they were still there on 15th February in 2010...



I've heard that Titchwell is good for shore larks but haven't seen one myself.

Almost anywhere in Norfolk is good for geese but Snettisham is a particular hots spot with huge flocks flying over to roost on The Wash each evening.

Dave P.

[RobSutton]

The beach at Holkham is good for Shore Lark - the best spot I think is at the end of Lady Anne's Drive - walk over the first muddy area to a line of low dunes and they're often there.

The Holkham area is also really good for geese. The two hides (Joe Jordan Hide and George Washington Hide) to the west of Lady Anne's Drive are good sites to watch the geese from and you can often see spoonbill from those as well.

You can download a pdf of the Holkham NNR leaflet from here.

[Cuckoo Jack]

Thanks so much for that guys - much appreciated.

Tom

[RobSutton]

Have a good trip - the whole of the Norfolk coast from Burnham Overy to Weybourne is pretty spectacular for wildfowl in winter and I'm sure it will be a memorable walk.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by Cuckoo Jack

Hi,

I am planning to walk the entire North Norfolk Coast Path this winter (from Hunstanton to Cromer) - possibly at the beginning of February. I would appreciate your advice on the best places to see the following species:

any Goose species - Holkham Marshes
Cetti's Warbler - Cley, Titchwell
Merlin - Holkham Saltmarsh, Titchwell
Lapland Bunting - Titchwell, Salthouse Beach
Snow Bunting - Salthouse Beach
Shore Lark - Holkham Saltmarsh

Tom

I would also recommend walking from east to west so that you are more likely to be walking with the wind rather than against it. It's not called the Lazy Wind for nothing - it'll go straight through you.

Cheers,

Adam

[Robert S J Smith]

The raptor roost at Roydon Common occasionally hosts Merlin as well as several Hen Harriers. A Great Grey Shrike appears to be wintering here too.

For Cetti's the river side scrub near the bridge/pay-hut at Holme can be quite productive for them. Lapland Bunts quite often fly over there as well. The scrub around the Fen trail at Titchwell RSPB is good for Cetti's also!

The Sapphire beds at Snettisham in recent years has hosted Shorelark but be careful not to get to close and disturb them! Most of the regular N. Norfolk Geese species here too Holkham probably best though.

There's currently a flock of 200 Snow Bunting at Holme favouring the Gore Point area (west end of reserve) Don't think there's many in yet at Holkham Gap.

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by Robert S J Smith

The Sapphire beds at Snettisham in recent years has hosted Shorelark but be careful not to get to close and disturb them!

Thinks: I must come up from Suffolk with my pickaxe and pinch a load of Norfolk's Sapphires - I'm gonna be rich !

Oh, did you mean Samphire ?

Neil.

[Robert S J Smith]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Thinks: I must come up from Suffolk with my pickaxe and pinch a load of Norfolk's Sapphires - I'm gonna be rich !

Oh, did you mean Samphire ?

Neil.

Uh ummm maybe lol

[Cuckoo Jack]

Thanks all for your advice; if east to west is best then plan duly changed.

Tom