North Norfolk day itinerary?

[SimonC]

Hi all,

Just bumped into my "Birding Buddy" today & He told me I was going with him to N.Norfolk on the 3rd of Jan.
He's not sure where to go though (I normally drive as he's only just passed his driving test & we normally end up at Titchwell, with the occasional stop @ Welney en route) though Cley looks likely as the main port of call.

Seems as though it's going to be an all day affair, so any suggestions for getting the most out of the day (and kick starting the year list!) would be welcomed!

Plus if any fellow BFers are going to be in the vicinity on the day, that'd be a "tick" for me!!;)

Cheers

[Tim Allwood]

Hi Simon

well, there's so much to do so little time

Wolferton triangle for Golden Pheasant but diff.
Snettisham early am for ducks and waders and geese
round to Titchwell for divers, grebes the stilt, beardies
etc...on to Holkham for Snow Bunt n Shore Lark n twite maybe Ross Goose if yer that way inclined. Could stay round that way or press on and pick up Wapit at Cley......maybe even the Cranes and harrier roost at Horsey. If you are really motoring howabout Bean Geese at Buckenham (there's a small Canada there too - Cackling I think) with the chance of Tundra Bean Goose near Horsey or Martham plus whooper and Bewicks swans in the Catfield area

ps you may see me:
I'm the handsome bloke with the stubble and hangover look and a Karrimor hat ;) if we don't celebrate another year down too much B (: B (: B (:

[SimonC]

Tim,

Cheers chap! you're right, too much to see in my favourite county! (always feels like "going home" when I venture past Cambs!)
Don't 'spose you know of any dead cert sites for Barn Owl do you? (would be a lifer for me - sadly;) )

Cheers

[Tim Allwood]

car park at Burnham Norton is a good place...just park up and wait
the main A149 before Burnham Norton just after u cross over the stream by the very picturesque mill heading east is very good - u could see two here plus Short-eareds. Holme main track to reserve is good.
Titchwell main track at dusk
Salthouse beach road good too
I'm sure u will pick one up.....

[Reader]

If you go to Holkham don't forget the grounds by the Hall. In with a chance of Tawny Owl and Lesser spotted Woodpecker around the monument. Don't forget Choseley Barnes near to Titchwell. All sorts of things can turn up there. Regarding Barn Owl. Near to dusk at Titchwell can be productive but if you manage to go after the cranes around Stubbs Mill you are almost guaranteed to see one as well as possibly Hen & Marsh harrier, Sparrowhawk and many other birds. I have even seen a Bittern there. Around by West Somerton is a good area for Barn Owls as well.

If you miss the Golden Pheasants at Wolferton Triangle you should get them at Wayland Woods near to Watton.

Check around Stiffkey marshes as well also as you drive away from Stiffkey towards Cromer, you will see a body of water to your right. This can be a good area for Geese and should be checked.

The trouble is that all of Norfolk can produce so where do you go and where do you leave out for lack of time. Now there is the dilemma of birding Norfolk in winter.