Nightjars and Nightingales near Thetford (1 Viewer)

[Nick French]

Coming over to East Anglia this weekend and will be staying near Thtford on Saturday night. Is there a reliable site nearby for Nightjars and/or Nightingales nearby?

I know any clearing can have Nightjars, but in the past we have struggled to pick the correct clearing!

Cheers
Nick

 

[Locostella]

Coming over to East Anglia this weekend and will be staying near Thtford on Saturday night. Is there a reliable site nearby for Nightjars and/or Nightingales nearby?

I know any clearing can have Nightjars, but in the past we have struggled to pick the correct clearing!

Cheers
Nick

There is most likely closer sites, but whilst we were living in Swaffham Leila and I had some stunning views of Nightjar (even having one in the road on the way home) at Shouldham warren. The village is just west of Swaffham.

If you decided to go with this site and need to know the best place to view from, inbox me.

Regards Kieran

 

[Dawn Balmer]

The car park at Lackford Lakes SWT Reserve is a good spot for Nightingale. Nearby is King's Forest with plenty of clearfells and Nightjars. Just need the weather to warm up. A local team was out in Thetford Forest this weekend to start surveying and there was no sight nor sound of them. Likely to be in but keeping a low profile in the cool weather. A warmer evening will have them out churring. Although I live in Thetford I don't have a recommended place for Nightjars - they are to be found in most suitable habitat in Thetford Forest. The area around Croxton and Santon Downham has plenty of suitable habitat.

 

[Nick French]

Thanks for your input. The good news I guess is it is forecast to warm up over the next few days. Any further info would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
Nick

 

[Brian2]

There must be local birders that have reliable spots to at least hear the birds churring.
I'm sure I read of organised group walks at Santon Downham.
What's the advise from those that know these birds....where to start? what time do they call? Isn't there a site that allows you to get close without entering the habitat etc.
I know of several sites for owls that can be watched using the car as a hide...I'm thinking Nightjars could be enjoyed in a similar fashion but I've never seen one so i'm only guessing and happy to take a steer on locations/ tactics etc.

 

[Dawn Balmer]

Most suitable habitat in Thetford Forest and King's Forest will have Nightjar. There is plenty of suitable habitat around Santon Downham, Mayday Farm. Personally I visit the Croxton Heath area (just north east of Thetford - TL8888) as this is very close to Thetford where I live. There are numerous forest tracks and easy access into the forest without worries over disturbance. Others try the forest around West Stow Heath (TL8171). Churring starts around dusk and can stop quite quickly some nights.

 

[Brian2]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Dawn
never seen or heard one despite trying over the years ..I always tend to think it's heathland that they like but I guess I need ot change that and head into the forest. I'll give Mayday farm a try on the next warm still dry night and let you know how I get on.

 

[Brian2]

I was thinking Cavenham Heath...has anybody heard Nightjar there? The sign posts have big pictures of Nightjar all over them but I've never heard any.....perhaps it's a question of right place wrong time for me?

 

[Dawn Balmer]

I was thinking Cavenham Heath...has anybody heard Nightjar there? The sign posts have big pictures of Nightjar all over them but I've never heard any.....perhaps it's a question of right place wrong time for me?

There aren't any local reports from Cavenham Heath. Birders visit the clearfells around West Stow in that area.

My colleagues were out in the Mayday area last night and caught 3 Nightjars and others were in the area (not trapped).

 

[Brian2]

Thanks Dawn
i'll get up to Mayday when the weather brightens up
keep you posted