North Norfolk trip report....11th -15th September 2011.

[Little Sparrow]

A short visit to RSPB Titchwell Nature Reserve was made before travelling on to Wells-Next -The-Sea which was to be our base for the next few days. 40+ birders were patiently waiting by the pool for a sighting of the Little Bittern that had been present for a few days. Wanting to stretch our legs after the journey we headed for the Parrinder Hide and on returning to the pool the Little Bittern had been sighted and what a little beauty it was! My first UK Little Bittern! Smiles were on everyone's faces!

A return visit was made on Tuesday (13th) and Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were a welcome sight! Other highlight birds were Ringed Plover, Curlew, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Sanderling and Turnstone. The winds were very strong for the best part of the trip so not many Passerines were to be seen.

The morning of Monday the 12th was spent at Holt and the rest of the day at Salthouse and Cley Marshes. Holt is a lovely market town with delightful art and craft shops and tempting cafes and cake shops with Byfords being the creme de la creme!
Salthouse was next on the agenda and after negotiating the shingle ridge and almost being blown over the top (the wind was so strong) it was decided that a coffee and a sit in the car would be the best thing to do before heading to Cley Marshes! Marsh Harrier, Greylag, Mute Swan, Lapwing, B H Gull, Cormorant, Goldfinch and Pied wagtail being the highlights at Salthouse!
At Cley a few of the highlight birds were Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Wigeon (loads of them), Godwits, Little-ringed Plover, Curlew, Shoveler, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher and Collared Dove! A Marsh Harrier swooped in setting the waders to flight!

Burnham Overy Staithe was the first area visited today (14th) and again the strong gusty wind was blowing! Scoping the area gave Grey Plover, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Tern (sp), Curlew and 30+ Redshank!

Holkham Pines is always a delight to visit! The walk to the hides is a good one though, luckily the trees sheltered us from the wind.lol! Spoonbill, Curlew, Kestrel and Marsh Harrier were the highlights!

A welcome sight at Wells Wood was Marsh Harrier seen each early morning! Other highlights were Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit, Starling flocks, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Jay, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and flocks of Greylags that came in to roost each evening!

A great trip and fortunately hardly a spot of rain but the wind could have been kinder.lol!

Tithchwell.

[Little Sparrow]

A windy Cley!

[Little Sparrow]

Burnham Overy Staithe.

[Little Sparrow]

Wells Wood and sunset over Wells harbour.

[PeterB]

Glad you had a good trip Judith. Holt, as you know, is one of my favourites.

Well done with the Little Bittern. I confess I had to google it as I have never heard of it.

Love the Juv Robin ( I know you can't resist them).

What are the LBJ's having a bath?

[astafjevs]

What a great report and photos! Well done on the little bittern, I'd heard there was one there last week and I'm glaf you saw it!

You've whetted my appetite for Norfolk now, can't wait to get there but have got my Lancashire trip first!

[aquila 1]

what a stunning set of picture LS thanks for sharing, the little brown jobbies look like linnets. best regards mac

[Little Sparrow]

Thank you Peter, Stuart and Mac for your kind replies!

Well you have heard of one now Peter, so keep em peeled at that reserve of yours! They are as Mac has said Linnets, brave little birds in such strong winds! Glad you like my juv Robin...a little cutie!

Plenty of Geese should have arrived for when you go to Norfolk Stuart! I may have to do a winter visit to see them!

Glad you enjoyed the pics Mac!

Thanks again guys!

[Winterkoning]

Super Trip....Super Report..Super Photo,s ...Super Time

Judith Congratulations with the Bittern........

[Little Sparrow]

Thank you kindly for your reply Mike!