Norfolk Delivers First Class Day

My brother David and I made the journey over to North Norfolk this morning where we were blessed with beautiful sunshine throughout the day though it was more than a little chilly in the shade. We left early to avoid driving into the rising sun and arrived at Holkham before 8:30.

Snow Buntings and Shore Larks.

Having paid the rather hefty parking fee we walked out to the beach intent on seeing the reported Shore Larks and Snow Buntings. It didn't take long to catch up with the larks, a flock of about twenty were found a short distance to the east of the board walk. We enjoyed some good views of them before walking on towards a roped off area where the buntings had been seen. Luck must have been shining on us as a flock of forty or so were present in the area and at times came quite close. Once the buntings had departed we walked back towards Lady Anne's Drive.

Brent and Pink-footed Geese.

From there we had close views of a flock of Brent Geese and also some more distant Pink-footed Geese, two Egyptian and a small flock of Greylags completed our goose list. A walk along to Washington Hide did not add much to the list though we did see several Marsh Harriers and a few kites while at least three Munjac also showed. Satisfied that we had seen most that the area had to offer we moved on along the coast to Titchwell.

Muntjac, Brambling and Water Rail.

At least two Bramblings were visiting the feeders at the back of the visitor centre while another Muntjac paused briefly before being scared off by a dog. At the fresh marsh we were treated to views of both Rock and Water Pipits though there were not that many birds present, a small group of Pintails being the best of the rest. The beach held a good number of waders which included some Knot amongst them. There was not much on the sea, a couple of Goldeneyes, a few Red-breasted Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes were all we could muster. Our return stroll back netted five Avocets and very good views of two Water Rails actively feeding on either side of the path. Leaving Titchwell we took the short drive to Thornham Harbour.

Duff record shot time, Rock and Water Pipit.

Once again luck favoured us as we found the small flock of Twite that have taken up residence in the area. We were treated to some good views of them though they were fairly active often moving after several minutes. These attractive finches completed what had been an impressive haul of passerines. We made a final brief stop at Hunstanton where several Fulmars showed and from there it was back to home.

Wader selection and Twite.