Cley or Titchwell (or...)

[gavinm]

Hi folks,

In two weeks I've got a family holiday planned for NE Norfolk. I'm allowed one days bird watching and I'm very excited as I've never been to this part of the world and it seems like a mecca for British Birding.

So, I've got this one day. Where should I go? My father-In-Law recomended Titchwell but a friend said that it's been redeveloped so it's not worth it and cley would be better.

I'm bringing my friend who's very new to birding and very excited too. So I'd like to show him lots of species and I'm less bothered about new ones for me (although...you know, I wouldn't say no).

Your thoughts? Is it just between those two or is there somewhere else. As I say variety's a key thing above megas.

That said, would love to see my first Crane. Where would be the place for that? Hicking Broad is very close to the cottage and I understand that's a good place and I could pretend to the family that it's just a walk and be all surprised when we see Cranes.

[Twitcheruth]

I've never been to Norfolk/Suffolk Gavin so can't help but I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.....hopefully someone will be along with more info for you shortly!

[Debsie]

Hi Gavin, for me it would have to be Cley, I wasn't very impressed with Titchwell, but then other people I've spoken to rave about it, so perhaps you have to go at the right time!!
If your anywhere near Snettisham in September when it's high tide then it would be a must. Even non birders would have to be amazed at 30,000 birds flying. You could always ring Snettisham RSPB to find out exactly when it is.

[PeterB]

Cley.

Having said that, I have never been to Titchwell but my point is I would not give Cley a miss. They are only up the road from each other and you can do both easily in one day with a pub lunch inbetween?

[Little Sparrow]

Hi Gavin,

Hickland Broad is a good area and you are also close to Stubb Mill for Cranes and the Raptor roost. Holme, Kelling, Salthouse, Wells Wood and Holkham Bay & Pines are all worth thinking about. Perhaps look on the Internet nearer the time of your holiday to see what has been reported in the areas and take it from there.

Have a wonderful holiday in North East Norfolk!!

PS: Forgot to mention Cley, a great place any time of the year!

A link for Titchwell just in case you do decide to visit there. It will be even better when all the work is finished!!
The RSPB: Titchwell Marsh

[gavinm]

Some great responses, thank you. Cley seems like the most likely visit but if we're quick maybe we can get somewhere else in too.

Thanks

[Dennis]

Cley for me Gavin.

I went to Norfolk last year for the first time and I was bowled over at what it has to offer.

Titchwell is good and well worth a visit but Cley for me is the daddy of them all. The amount of species it has yo offer is second to none.

But just as Peter said, you can easily do both in the same day but i'd skip the pub lunch (just waisting birding time if you ask me) and take something with you. There is some decent places inbetween them as well which are worth a look, Little Owl can be found perched up in the day light on the main road so dont rush it.

Have a good one and you can let the group know how you get on when your back.

[Cassillis]

Just to throw another option into the melting pot. Not NE Norfolk but not too far of a drive. Strumpshaw fen. Clicky 1 It is an amazing reserve and if you stay till dusk you can walk up and watch the rooks coming in to roost at Buckenham carrs Clicky 2

A good clip of the Rooks Clicky 3

Wherever you decide to go Norfolk is a stunning place to visit and always throws up some stunning sightings. Keep your bins to hand at all times.