Norfolk in October target species.

[cuddy]

I am having a weeks break in the first week of October based at Wells next the sea, and would like to connect with a few target species when i am down.

Any info for the following species will be gratefully accepted, some are new to me others will be great to see again.

NEW
Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Cetti's Warbler.

Others.
Woodlark, do these move to different areas in Autumn / Winter ?

Stone Curlew, any chance of a lingering bird ?

Nightingale, as above,

Montagu's harrier will these have dissapeared by then ?.

Any good sites for any of the above will be a bonus, thanks in anticipation, i have info in book form but i am hoping BF members can add the personal info that makes this forum so great.

I will enjoy my visit anyway as there is great birding to be had all over Norfolk.

Regards Brianr.

[matt green]

I am having a weeks break in the first week of October based at Wells next the sea, and would like to connect with a few target species when i am down.

Any info for the following species will be gratefully accepted, some are new to me others will be great to see again.

NEW
Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Cetti's Warbler.

Others.
Woodlark, do these move to different areas in Autumn / Winter ?

Stone Curlew, any chance of a lingering bird ?

Nightingale, as above,

Montagu's harrier will these have dissapeared by then ?.

Any good sites for any of the above will be a bonus, thanks in anticipation, i have info in book form but i am hoping BF members can add the personal info that makes this forum so great.

I will enjoy my visit anyway as there is great birding to be had all over Norfolk.

Regards Brianr.
greetings cuddy,thats quite a list.seems like you need to be around parts of the brecks for the pheasents and maybe a late stone curlew,look for flocking birds in fields etc.it's a bit late for nightingales i think as they have mostly disperced by june.cetti's warbler can be had on most of the norfolk broads,strumpshaw fen-rockland broad.woodlarks are best seen at weeting heath/thetford forest area.monty's harriers can sometimes be seen on migration at snettisham or cley.which ever you decide to go for i wish you the best of luck,as for me this autumn i'm just taking it easy patch watching,maybe a monty's will just hapen to pass over my little tas valley patch?matt

[dbradnum]

Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Cetti's Warbler.

Golden Pheasant are probably best at Wayland Wood, near Watton - see <this (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=3915&highlight=wayland+wood)> archived BF thread for details. Dawn or dusk is probably best - listen for the really harsh grating call, move very quietly, or perhaps better, find a good vantage point and sit down to wait. They're not easy, and I believe numbers are declining.

I'm not aware of any Lady A's sites in Norfolk - the stronghold is Beds/Bucks. If there are any, then I'd be willing to bet they're not "tickable".

Cetti's - as stated, pretty much anywhere in Broadland is a reasonable bet (Strumpshaw, Hickling, Upton, Rockland), though they're harder at this time of year when they won't be singing very frequently. My favourite site for them is Wheatfen nature reserve, near Surlingham (SE of Norwich), managed by the Ted Ellis trust. It's a small, peaceful reserve, which isn't watched as much as the "classic" Broadland sites... though is often just as good, IMO. See <this (http://www.wheatfen.org/tethtml/home.html)> link for a few more details. The RSPB reserve at Surlingham nearby also offers peaceful birding and plenty of Cetti's.

Others.
Woodlark, do these move to different areas in Autumn / Winter ?

Yes, though they are still in the Brecks. This is the bit of Norfolk I know least well, so don't know any definite sites. Weeting is probably worth a quick look, but don't hold your breath!

Stone Curlew, any chance of a lingering bird ?

Not much, I'm afraid. Possible (since they have even been known to overwinter, and flock together pre-migration) but finding one is more down to luck at this time of year.

Nightingale, as above,

Only chance is a migrant on the coast - won't be still on breeding sites.

Montagu's harrier will these have dissapeared by then ?.

Yes, afraid so. Might just get a very late migrant on the coast.

Your best birding is likely to be coastal - if there's any kind of north or east in the wind direction, then there will be things about.

sorry I can't help further!

[Tim Allwood]

Cetti's now on the north coast too Brian. Stiffkey, Titchwell etc

Golden P - try Wayland Wood; usually good numbers there but difficult (well they are pheasants!) Often not far from car park

you can see Lady A's but i wouldn't bother!

Tim

[cuddy]

Thanks Matt, DB and Tim much as i expected but i live in hope, I will probably call in at Weeting on my way in And thanks Tim for the Wayland site will check it out.

Im Hoping for a Cetti's , once spent an hour at Stumpshaw listeining to a ghost calling but not showing

Was not worried about the tickable qualities of Lady A's just would have liked to see em wandering about.

So many good things to be had in Norfolk im just going to chill and let it come to me anyway, but i intend to visit places other than the hotspots and im hoping for good migration weather, as my only previous October visit coincided with sunny south westerlies, and i still had a great time.

PS no matter how good im not walking to Blakney point im to old / unfit i will catch a boat.

Thanks again for all the info any more will be welcome

[cuddy]

I will join Norfolk Wildlife Trust when i arrive as i like to support the good work they do, but what about the society that own Holme is it worthwile joining them also?, sorry if this appears ignorant i believe they have other reserves do they need my support as a visiting birder?

[s.g.]

I will be there on the 8th for a few nights also staying in wells so let us know how you go on.
S. G.

[Geoff Pain]

There are two reserves at Holme, the NWT and the NOA,I'm a member of both and live in North Yorkshire.I go to Norfolk for one full week and four long weekends every year so I get my moneys worth from them.If you join the NOA you can buy a key to hide at Redwell Marsh,which is for NOA members only and can also get a key for the seawatching hide at Holme.Shall be down there from the 7th - 9th October,stopping at Hunstanton.

[Tim Allwood]

it's well worth stopping in at Holme NOA reserve (only just past the NWT place) for a warm up and a cup of coffee. The warden Jed is a top bloke and will give you an update on current sightings and where to go

Tim

[cuddy]

Cheers everyone, epecially about the seawatching hide and the warden.



Champing at the bit now roll on Saturday.

[firstreesjohn]

I can suggest two places where I regularly hear (and often see!) Cetti's.
Friary Hills, Blakeney: a male has returned to about halfway along the fence which is on the north side. Walsey Hills, Cley: ask the warden of the reserve for the latest info.

You need to be patient with and usually stalk this species. They can be silent for long periods. But, it is said, they respond to loud noises- try talking or clapping.

Good luck.

[postcardcv]

I've had Cetti's calling by the main path at Titchwell the last two days - I didn't see it but with patience you may get lucky.

[cuddy]

Thanks Firstreejohn and Postcardcv, im hopefull of contact with this species after all the good advice given by all you all.

Two days and counting, about five years since i last visited Norfolk and i am really looking foreward to my visit

Brian r

[Ragna]

Cuddy have sent you a PM

[cuddy]

Thanks guys just back had a great trip will try to post a trip report soon but you all helped me with my visit.

Regards Brianr.