I've recently returned from a week's holiday, staying near Thornham. This was my first visit to Norfolk, and it was a family holiday rather than a birding trip, but I still managed to fit in some good birds.
General highlights were the abundance of Marsh Harriers (at least one sighting every day and 12 sightings in total) and Barn owls (7 sightings including 3 hunting in the middle of the day) and the chance to re-accquaint myself with common species we don't get at home, like reed warblers. The house where we were staying was close to Courtyard Farm, which has loads of waymarked footpaths and farmland birds, including at least two Corn Buntings singing at the north end of the farm.
More specific highlights:
The 'secret' Montagu's Harrier viewpoint (10/6/07)
Both male and female montys appeared after a 20 minute wait and after three false alarms as Marsh Harriers appeared over the surrounding fields. Views were distant (c. 1km) but the narrow, pointed wing shape was very obvious as the male circled up high and disappeared into low clouds.
Weeting Heath (11/6/07)
Five Woodlarks perched for a few minutes on a fallen branch in front of the West Hide, and a solitary (very distant) Stone Curlew was visible from the East Hide. There was also a Green Woodpecker feeding right in front of the East Hide until I opened the viewing flap and it flew off.
Titchwell (13/6/07)
Nothing out of the ordinary, but nice to see Avocets, Little Egret, loads of Sedge and Reed Warbers. Also heard one Cetti's Warbler and Turtle Doves near the visitor centre.
Great Ryburgh (15/6/07)
I spent just over an hour here between about 2pm and 3pm in the blazing sun, but it was well worth it. During the hour there were at least 6 Common Buzzard sightings, 2 hunting Barn Owls, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, at least three Hobbies were almost constantly hunting dragonflies over the lakes, and two Honey Buzzards put in an appearance!
It took about 45 minutes (and several common buzzards) before the first Honey appeared. Everbody else there (about a dozen people) was speaking knowledgeably about how distinctive the wing and tail shape were, but personally I found those features quite subtle and not entirely convincing at a distance of about 1km. What was distinctive was the deep, elastic wingbeat, quite unlike any Common Buzzard I've seen, and the fact that when soaring, the wings were not raised. The bird was above the trees for a few minutes before disappearing. Just as I was packing up to leave at 3pm, the second Honey appeared. Same distinctive wingbeats, and also, when it soared round and the sunlight hit it, the lack of a pale breast band was very noticeable in comparison with the Common Buzzards. This bird flew to a considerable height (and was mobbed by two Hobbies) before plumetting into the canopy.
Dersingham Bog (10/6/07 & 11/6/07)
As great as the Honey Buzzards were, the top highlight of the trip was Dersingham Bog NNR. I visited twice, in the evening between 9.30pm and 10.00pm. There were 5-6 Churring Nightjars on both visits and two or three close encounters as birds flew around my head, calling and wing-clapping. Also a couple of roding woodcock on each visit.
All in all, a top destination. Those of you who have it on your doorstep should think yourselves very lucky!
