Unexpected trip to S.Norfolk

[SimonC]

Hello All,

I have to make an unexpected trip tomorrow - Saturday - to Loddon, Norfolk (nr. Norwich?) to pick up an eBay purchase! I don't know this area too well, & rather than just go, pick up the goods & leave again, Thought I might as well make a day of it. Any suggestions? I could carry on to Gt. Yarmouth for the Med. Gulls I suppose, but if there's somewhere on the Broads I should know about, I'd love for you lot to tell me! ;)

Cheers

Simon

[pduxon]

of course you could go down the a12 to Minsmere

[SimonC]

of course you could go down the a12 to Minsmere

Hmmm, I'll have my family (including a neurotic dog) with me, so that's probably out :(

[robinm]

If you get the chance you could try the view point at Stubb Mill near the Hickling Broad visitor centre at dusk.

We were there a couple of weeks ago and saw 2 barn owls (down to about 50 feet), 20+ marsh harriers, 2 ring-tailed hen harriers and several common crane as they came in to roost.

If you do go take some waterproof footwear or wellies as the path to the viewpoint was very wet.

[Jasonbirder]

Don`t forget the Bean Geese at Cantley/Buckenham Ferry - just off the A47 & I beleive there have been some Waxwings near the Norwich Airport on the ring road.

[SimonC]

<snip!> and several common crane as they came in to roost.

I'd completely forgotten about the Cranes!!!
They'd be lifers for me (as would Barn Owl - sadly!)
They may have towait for a proper "Birding" day however!
Anyone know where they hang out during the day? There was an article in a Birdwatch magazine a while ago, I seem to remember, but all my back copies got recycled without my knowledge :C

[Reader]

The Cranes can be sometimes seen in the fields between West Somerton and Horsey on the B1159. I have also had them up to Waxham Farm which is just short of Waxham.

Regarding Stubbs Mill. For the roost you would have to go late, as it is best for the hour before dusk, and its a heck of a long walk as you are not supposed to drive right up to it.

If you did check out the Cranes there is a little Broad nearby that is worth checking out. Martham broad. It is reached via a path that runs alongside a canal that is on the edge of West Somerton village, You can get some smashing close up views of Marsh and sometimes Hen Harriers there.

[SimonC]

Thanks people!

Looks like there might be some potential lifers waiting for me! (I like still having a small life list - makes every trip a potential "big day" :bounce: ) I'll let you know if anything good happens ;)

Cheers

Simon