Warham Greens or Stubb Mill ?

[Karl J]

I have the use a car one day next week and plan on taking in one of the Norfolk raptor roosts.

I've never been to either, can anyone suggest which one to go for or how they compare ?

[robinm]

Not done Warham, but did Stubb Mill last November and it was excellent.

20+ marsh harriers (including 15 in the air together - very impressive), 2 r-t hen harriers and 2 barn owls (1 down to 40 feet). Plus a number of cranes. I would go again.

One word of warning if you do go - take your wellies. You have to walk some distance down a lane from where you park the car. The lane had deepish water in places and I am sure it will be worse now.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great day.

[Reader]

Definitely Stubbs Mill for me to. Birds that can be seen are both Hen & Marsh harrier, Barn owl, Merlin, Common Crane and there is also a bonus Bittern that shows from time to time. But take heed with Robins warning. It is a long walk and can be a tad bit wet and muddy so wellies are to be taken, just in case.

[Tim Allwood]

both have their good points
if you want numbers go to Stubb Mill (or even better view from Horsey Mill side - u get much closer views here!)
Had 42 Marsh at Stubb around New Year

[robinm]

or even better view from Horsey Mill side - u get much closer views here!
We had been at Horsey Mill earlier that day and I said to my wife that I thought you might get closer views there, although perhaps more limited field of view?

[Karl J]

Hi folks, interesting .... I was under the, obviously incorrect, impression that Horsey wasn't the better viewpoint (been in daytime but not for the evening roost) which is why I was going for one of the other two areas.

From Horsey then, you mean from the disabled viewpoint looking across the mere ?

[Jasonbirder]

When we go to Horsey we usually view from the Horsey Mill side, leave the Horsey Mill NT car park, follow thecanalside footpath round behind the mere, the path then drops down the bank across a couple of very wet fields and then back up onto the canal towpath - a little further along is an area of obviously well flattened grass where people view from.

However the vegatation here has made viewing more restricted here recently...particularly if you`re short! Might be best to stick with Stubb Mill?

[Rob Smallwood]

I found Stubb Mill outstanding and well worth the walk.

The Harriers can be distant - although some fly in over your head - you need to keep an eye out all round!

I've not tried the Horsey Mill side - you always get the feeling that there should be a closer viewpoint -but the grass is always greener...!

[tom mckinney]

Agree with everything above, Stubb Mill is a brilliant place.
Just to add that very little has been reported from Warham Green this winter, however, this may be because there are not the same crowds of people as there were late 2002-2003 for the Pallid Harrier, so it may be worth a try.
Good numbers of Hen Harrier & Merlin were there last year and there were Short Eared Owls into double figures, but these seem to be nationally thin on the ground this winter?
Have fun, Tom

[Tim Allwood]

double figure Hens yesterday Tom

[Karl J]

double figure Hens yesterday Tom

Sounds like I ought to think seriously about 2 days & doing both sites.

Thanks for the directions Jason, I have walked that way in daytime but not seen anywhere obviously open enough for scanning for harrier, I seem to remember a screen of trees on the bank opposite the path .... think I'll get there a bit earlier and have another look.

[tom mckinney]

Sounds like I ought to think seriously about 2 days & doing both sites.


Definitely!

Please post how you get on as well.

Tom

[Karl J]

Yes absolutely Tom, especially after the help I've had here