My long weekend in North Norfolk. 6th-10th April 2011.

[Little Sparrow]

I had a great few days in North Norfolk staying in Wells-Next-The-sea. The weather was splendid and so were the birds! Places visited were Wells Wood, Titchwell, Salthouse, Cley, East Bank Cley, Burnham Overy Staithe, Choseley Drying Barns and Holme.

I was lucky to get 8 Lifers on the trip, these being Long-tailed Duck (offshore at Titchwell), Grey Partridge , Spotted Redshank , Red- Crested Pochard, Yellow and White Wagtails (UK Lifers), Spoonbill (UK Lifer) and Shore Lark . All being wonderful birds to see!

Other highlight species were Avocet, Bittern, Blackcap, Brambling, Corn Bunting, Curlew, Dunlin, Little Egret, Gadwall, Garganey, Black-tailed Godwit, Brent Geese, Pink-footed Geese, Little and Great Crested Grebes, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Red Kite (on journey home), Knot, Skylark, Linnet, House and Sand Martins, Barn Swallow, Barn Owl, Oystercatcher, Red-legged Partridge, Pintail, Little Ringed, Ringed and Grey Plovers, Meadow Pipit, Pochard, Redshank, Ruff, Sanderling, Common Scoter, Sparrowhawk, Stonechat, Sandwich Tern, Turnstone, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear, Yellowhammer and last but by no means least the usual water and woodland birds. Tawny Owl, Willow and Cetti's Warblers were heard only.

I added 34 species to my year list out of the 98 species seen in total over the 5 days. My year list is now on 129. Apart from boosting my year list it was great to see such splendid birds, some in glorious Summer plumage. It was good to be back in North Norfolk, I can't wait for the next trip...whenever that will be!

The photo's added are in no particular order. If you right click on the image and go to properties you will see I have named each image....well should have.lol!!

[Little Sparrow]

More pics!

[Little Sparrow]

Even more pics!

[PeterB]

Thanks for the report!! You chose the weather wisely! Stunning set of pictures.

I am there next week, will only get one session in, Cley and Titchwell are definites.

[Twitcheruth]

Wow,where do I start!!!!
A great report Judith,congrats on all those lifers!!!!!!
The Garganey pic is a stunner as is the Spotted Redshank and the gorgeous Yellow Wagtail and the awesome Red kite....bet you're well chuffed with them!!
The light in some of your landscapes is marvellous especially the first seascape and the misty waters in a super capture!
Thanks for sharing Matey!

[Little Sparrow]

Thanks for your kind replies Peter and Ruth!

Hope the weather warms for you Peter...you will have a brill time as in North Norfolk you can't fail to.lol!!

I am pleased with a few of the pics Ruth. A lot of species were too distant for my camera but record pics are better than none.lol!! My pleasure to share!

[Merlin]

Some great pics and nice report, my no1 fav place to bird.

[McBilly]

great pics, this is why i moved to norfolk!! stunning misty one i do like that... where did you see the tawnys id love to see them..

[Little Sparrow]

Thanks for your kind replies Merlin and McBilly!

I reckon it is also my No1 fave place to bird Merlin! The walks alone are worth the trip!

The Tawny Owl was heard only McBilly. Heard in the area of Wells Wood.

[Maggie28]

Superb images Judith. Like the mist over the water. Nice spotting on the Ruff too.

Didn't know there was a "Barn Swallow".

Had a great time then by all accounts.

Congrats on your lifers and I love the cute Yellow Wagtail.