Norfolk - the Wash

[dave8999]

Hi folks, travelling up to stay with the outlaws in Norfolk at the end of October, and I'd really like to go and have a look at The Wash. I saw it on BBC2's Coast series and it looks pretty awesome for birding. However is the end of October a good time? or does it fall in between the autumn gatherings for departure and the winter arrivals?
Any recommendations as to where to go?

[digi-birder]

Dave, welcome to BirdForum.

You could always join us at the Titchwell meeting. See the thread at:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=42592

[dbradnum]

For one of the most spectacular birding sights in the UK, the pits at Snettisham RSPB reserve on a very high tide are well worth a visit, throughout the year. By end of October there ought to be plenty of wintering waders back.

Basically, as the tide rises higher, thousands of waders get pushed up off the Wash, over the beach and onto pits just inland. There's a number of hides overlooking the area.

The key thing is to ensure you're there a couple of hours before a really high tide, to get the best out of your trip.

[Tim Allwood]

yes, Snettisham is an awesome spectacle at the right tide time

the pits can be quite good on the walk out too

Tim

[Alastair Rae]

The thing to do is arrive about an hour before high tide. See http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/snettisham/tide_tables.asp for times.

The trick is to get one in daylight but not too early in the winter that the wader numbers haven't built up yet. It really can be spectacular.

[dave8999]

Thanks to all of you who have answered. Snettisham it is then. Fingers crossed for tide times that suit.

[pete schofield]

Hi Dave unless you can get to Snettisham between the 16th and 21st I wouldn't bother.

The tides other than those dates are moderate to low.

Also on the 16th and 17th high tide is before 7am still quite gloomy at that time.

Best of luck

Pete

[dave8999]

Oh well, looks like I'll have to visit the outlaws when the tides are more favourable. Getting very worried about the father in law and full moons though....
So back to the original question, where best? My dates are limited to 27th October onwards.