Merlin (2 Viewers)

[Duke-Maiden]

Hi

I am fairly new to the forum, although have been reasing them since before the new year now.

I was just wndering if anyone knows of any reliable sites where I maybe able to see a Merlin, really want to this this minute bird of prey. I had heard Breydon water maybe a possible site.

Cheers

 

[Songkhran]

Morning, welcome to birdforum
I'd say the three best sites are Warham Greens, the coastal path between Blakeney and Morston and Stubb Mill in the broads. Unless you are lucky or birding a lot you don't generally see Merlin at particularly close range and generally it is a case of scanning with a scope over a large area of marsh until you pick up a bird perched or skimming low over the ground. Worth familiarising yourself with Sparrowhawk as they look quite similar at range

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?...Greens,+Norfolk+&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf
view from end of the path - there are generally always other birders watching the roost in the evening (although Merlins hunt in this area all day) - you will be virtually guaranteed roosting Hen Harrier at this site + Short-eared Owl

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?...sv=blakeney&st=3&tl=Map+of+Blakeney,+Norfolk+[Town]&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf
a good allday site.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?...b+Mill,+Norfolk+&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf
park at the visitors centre (square building at top of map) walk don't drive to raised viewpoint past mill. Merlins come into roost and can be seen perched in bushes (good variety of raptors and Cranes here).

They are relatively widespread and can be encountered at most coastal sites and some heathland in Norfolk in the winter. Good luck they are awesome birds

 

[Duke-Maiden]

Thanks very much for the reply.

Have been to Stubbs Mill in the past but have only just bought myself a scope, so thats sounds like a good bet.

I tend to get out at least once a week for most of the day, so I guess it's going to be a case of picking a sight, having a scan and hoping I get lucky.

Had awesome views of a female Hen Harrier recently at Titchwell, great birds.

Thanks again

 

[ben_lewis]

There has been one at Strumpshaw Fen the past two evenings to roost, the bird has been on the other side of the river at dusk, so not great views. I see you are from Norwich so that's the closest to you that I know of at the moment. Other local places include Stubbs Mill, Hickling, again mainly to roost so views are not always great.
More reliable on North coast roosts as mentioned above in particular Warham Greens, but a little further to travel.