Snow buntings/Shorelarks in Norfolk

[kilbey252]

Thanks all! That's really helpful and having an extra location to try is reassuring - just in case. Shame about the shorelarks but I'm sure there's more than enough to keep me occupied and I'd be happy with the snow bunts alone.

In terms of Lapland buntings... do they join the snow buntings or stay separate??

Also, any other recommended sites whilst I'm in that area? Have the "where to watch" book which is great but seem to be too many sites to choose between!! Spoilt for choice!

Cheers
Dave

[PMG]

Originally Posted by kilbey252

Thanks all! That's really helpful and having an extra location to try is reassuring - just in case. Shame about the shorelarks but I'm sure there's more than enough to keep me occupied and I'd be happy with the snow bunts alone.

In terms of Lapland buntings... do they join the snow buntings or stay separate??

Also, any other recommended sites whilst I'm in that area? Have the "where to watch" book which is great but seem to be too many sites to choose between!! Spoilt for choice!

Cheers
Dave

While I was there the lappies stuck with the snow buntings but on that last afternoon they were less flightly than the lappies and ran about round our feet as we laid down and just watched - it was a bad afternoon - threatening rain which did come on the way home - and bad light and we had wrung out every last bit of photography to be had and were content to watch them - as everyone else had gone (chasing the White-crowned sparrow!!)

Pauline

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by kilbey252

...

Also, any other recommended sites whilst I'm in that area? Have the "where to watch" book which is great but seem to be too many sites to choose between!! Spoilt for choice!

Cheers
Dave

As well as the beach at Holkham, there is the pine belt behind it which is good for goldcrests, etc. The other side of the pine belt is the area where thousands of pink-footed geese come in to roost - worth staying to dusk in one of the two hides there to experience this (if they are still around when you go!). The hides are good for Barn Owls, Marsh Harriers and occasional Hen Harriers too.

While at Holkham, it's possibly worth wandering round the woods just inside the entrance to Holkham Hall (the village car park just outside the gate is free, as is entrance to the grounds). Treecreeper, nuthatch and all three woodpeckers are possible, plus egyptian geese on the lake.

Titchwell Marsh RSPB reserve is very good - wide range of habitat (beach, lagoons, reedbeds) attracts various ducks and waders. Again good for Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls (at dusk), and I've often seen Water Rail there.

I'm sure more knowledgeable birders will be along soon with other suggestions. North Norfolk is brilliant for birding, I'm sure you'll have a great time there (but wrap up very warm!).

[kilbey252]

Thanks Pete! Really looking forward to going

P.s. I've bought nothing but thermals this year - I've become mildly obsessed with warm clothing ;o)

Does anyone have any recommendations of places for solo birders/photographers to stay? There are plenty of B&Bs but recommendations always good.

Cheers
D

[aeshna5]

While checking out the geese there's often a rarity or two as well- recently both Ross's + Black Brant (with Brents) have been seen.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by PMG

as everyone else had gone (chasing the White-crowned sparrow!!)

Pauline

Wrong !!!

Saw it before I came to the beach

[pressld2]

Hi Dave, I'm planning that trip too. I was thinking about going tomorrow but have cancelled that because of the weather. I don't mind being out in the wind and rain and snow but I do like to be able to get home afterwards!

I'll probably go next Sunday or the one after instead. I'm thinking an early start to get to Salthous by 9am. A few hours there then on to Tichwell for a spot of lunch in the visitor centre and an afternoon spent checking out the reserve. I haven't been to either place before so I'm quite keen to see what they offer.

Dave P.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Wrong !!!

Saw it before I came to the beach

Yes I remember you saying that actually and thats what set my two off wanting to see it!

Pauline