Specialist Sites In Norfolk (1 Viewer)

[PYRTLE]

For willow tit you could try Lynford arboretum - it's not unusual to get 6 tit species there - lots of other gems there too - crossbill and hawfinch are regulars and there have been a couple of firecrests around. It's also a good site for lsw, but you'll need a bit of luck. Another good site for lsw (as Ruby has mentioned) is Holkham - in the grounds of the hall, normally near the monument early morning.

I don't know of any leo sites - and hope that if others do they think twice before posting - there have been problems with leo winter roost sites being made public in the past.

No reliable site for the other two owls - just a matter of bumping into them. I'd recommend trying Holme for seo, but it's by no means a sure thing. Later in the year Choseley is good for little owl, but not so regular there at this time of year.

Egyptian geese are all over - certainly very regular at Titchwell, Cley, Holkham... you'll stryggle to miss them.

Oi Postie - I know they speek a bit funny in Norfolk but what's a stryggle mate -- ain't got one of those on me list

 

[postcardcv]

Oi Postie - I know they speek a bit funny in Norfolk but what's a stryggle mate -- ain't got one of those on me list

damn my low quality typing...

 

[fatboyfat]

does anyone know why they are doing so poorly? On my list visit I saw a max of 2 willows but there were lots of Marsh by the portacabin.

Possible predation by increased numbers of Great Spotted Woodpeckers and clearing of old trees from woods (they excavate their own nests in soft wood and don't use other's nest holes) are the best guesses from thos in the know so far

FBF

 

[fatboyfat]

Hey Jimbob,
In my experience, if it says a species is 'possible' in a guidebook it often means that it has been seen there on a few isolated occasions


It does say in this book that it is only a 5% chance of seeing a LEO if you go there "at the right time" (ie when the young are calling in April or when they are setting up territory in late Feb early March). You are right to be cynical in most cases but in Glenn's book it gives a percentage chance of seeing a target species. That's open to argumant but at least it lets us know our chances?!

FBF

 

[Rob Chace]

Dave, you can get little owl nearer to home in Somerset. PM me for details.
Regards Rob.

 

[Rob Smallwood]

Two SE Owl reported from Morston today.

 

[James Blake]

Two Cambs sites for SEO that might be on your way:

Wicken Fen - SEO regular this winter
Nene Washes - I haven't been there recently or looked at this winter's reports, but usually good

 

[Eliter7]

If you try Holkham for the Egyptian Geese, i would suggest checking the field to the East/NE just before you enter the Pines at end of Lady Anns Drive. Have seen both Barn Owl and SEO here late afternoon this winter. Ive also heard across road at Holkham Hall being a fair sight for LSW as already mentioned. Also agree Wicken Fen(Cambs) as almost certain for SEO and maybe Great Grey Shrike if you hurry!

 

[aythya_hybrid]

Egyptian Geese are pretty conspicuous so no problems there. I've always found the Weeting Heath area to be fairly productive on the Little Owl front.

The one place where I know Little Owl is guaranteed is the University of Essex campus, where I study. Although admittedly that's not in Norfolk.

 

[fatboyfat]

I've always found the Weeting Heath area to be fairly productive on the Little Owl front.

...Although the reserve is closed until April!

FBF

 

[djurwin]

Success on some fronts

Many thanks to everyone for their info on sites in Norfolk. I had an excellent couple of days and got nineteen year-ticks, including some of the target species I mentioned.
Little Owl was seen at Flitcham but from the road opposite the hide in a crevasse in the oak tree, there was at least one Willow Tit at Sculthorpe on a feeder viewable from outside the reserve, and Egyptian Geese were indeed everywhere - no need to eat your binoculars, fatboyfat.....unless you want to!!!
You can see a full description of what I saw at www.surfbirds.com/blog/djurwin. Thanks again for all info.

P.S. : - Yes Roger, I am Bill Urwin's son and I'm now over the hill at 24!

 

[Reader]

Thoroughly enjoyed your blog djurwin. Excellent report and I'm glad you managed so many year ticks. Glad some of the advice from the forum helped.

John

 

[jimbob]

Enjoyed reading your blog mate- Somerset sounds nice, a part of the country I'm not that familair with but will have to get down there once I've finished at uni. Glad some of the advice was of use. And Stubb mill is just awesome.
Jim.

 

[djurwin]

Enjoyed reading your blog mate- Somerset sounds nice, a part of the country I'm not that familair with but will have to get down there once I've finished at uni. Glad some of the advice was of use. And Stubb mill is just awesome.
Jim.

Somerset does have some nice areas and some good birding locations but is nothing compared to East Anglia. I reckon I might end up relocating there once I've done a couple more major bits of travelling.