Norfolk birding (45 Viewers)

[jmmorton]

Hi Jonno, I would expect to see Rock Pipits at most places along the coast in winter.
The rocks along Sheringham seafront should produce without too much effort with the added bonus of Turnstones and hopefully Purple Sandpiper anytime soon, otherwise the boatyard at Morston or the harbour at Thornham should all hold several birds over the winter.

Thanks - all good advice, cheers!

 

[Essex Tern]

Saw some Rock Pipits at Sheringham today.

 

[tonyfenn]

Photos of yesterday's bonaparte's gull at Salthouse are on birding world web site, first time I have been somewhere when a good bird turns up, cracking bird and thanks for the running commentary to keep people on the bird

 

[cwpbirder]

May be in Norfolk early next week. Just wondering if the paddock is easy to find at Lynford arboretum, and whether the Hawfinches are viewable pre-roost in the afternoons? Thanks in advance…..

 

[Essex Baker Boy]

May be in Norfolk early next week. Just wondering if the paddock is easy to find at Lynford arboretum, and whether the Hawfinches are viewable pre-roost in the afternoons? Thanks in advance…..

The paddock is easy to find. Just follow the main path from the entrance to the arboretum which will curve gently around the perimeter then head slightly downhill, across a footbridge over the small stream, and the paddocks will be ahead of you on the right. Best bet would be to continue on for another 100m - 200m or so and then scan the tops of the tall tress in the paddocks. It is only a 5 minute walk from the car park.
From my experience Hawfinches can drop in and move out throughout the day and so if you stood there for an hour I'd be very surprised if you didn't see any. You'll have plenty of Siskins, Marsh Tits, Nuthatches and Treecreepers to keep you busy too!

 

[PYRTLE]

And occassionally in a large walled garden next to the right hand side carpark. Also have seen Firecrest and Crossbills in that garden but several years ago.
Good luck.

 

[StewB]

The paddock is easy to find. Just follow the main path from the entrance to the arboretum which will curve gently around the perimeter then head slightly downhill, across a footbridge over the small stream, and the paddocks will be ahead of you on the right. Best bet would be to continue on for another 100m - 200m or so and then scan the tops of the tall tress in the paddocks. It is only a 5 minute walk from the car park.
From my experience Hawfinches can drop in and move out throughout the day and so if you stood there for an hour I'd be very surprised if you didn't see any. You'll have plenty of Siskins, Marsh Tits, Nuthatches and Treecreepers to keep you busy too!

There’s a large hornbeam in the paddock which is heaving with seeds, that is attracting the hawfinches at the moment and is why there are reports from all times of the day. The birds are usually buried in among the seeds, so take a ’scope and grill the tree!

 

[cwpbirder]

Thanks all for the replies, very helpful.

 

[OldBins]

Are the Hawfinches close enough to photograph? I'm limited to 300mm at the moment. Thanks.

 

[PYRTLE]

Are the Hawfinches close enough to photograph? I'm limited to 300mm at the moment. Thanks.

No, you view the Hornbeam from a distance, you won't achieve user head shots.

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Depends what you mean by 'close enough': these were taken with my Pentax 300 prime: in the trees and on the deck in the 'Paddock'

 

[SlowLowFlyingTurkey]

I was there yesterday morning and, as well as some in the paddock trees, I had really close views of three birds feeding in smaller trees near the feeding station (if coming from the car park end, the feeding station is a gate a bit further along from the coffee hut. Food is thrown in the lane on the other side of the gate and attracts a good selection of birds. The trees with the Hawfinches were along the fence to the right of this gate).

 

[OldBins]

Thanks for the feedback.
Will definitely pay a visit soon 👍

 

[Lightthiscandle]

A snatched morning out at the Cley Coastguards in time to see the long-staying Black Guillemot drifting rapidly eastwards. A flock of Brents that landed on Cricket Marsh seemed to have a Black Brant with them.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

I usually have a walk along Gorleston seafront several times a week and always check the Turnstones on the pier for anything interesting. Yesterday (Sunday 2nd January) I was pleased to find two Sanderlings amongst them – the first I have seen for several months. Unfortunately I was limited by the 17mm lens on the camera but I attach a couple of record shots.

Ron

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Same thing happened at Walcott: the normally timid Sanderlings are hanging around with Turnstones: this photo from my car window!

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Great to see the long-staying 1W Shag at Whitlingham Country Park yesterday...

 

[yaffle27]

I’m currently in Norfolk for work, but hoping to make the most of the opportunity and do a bit of birding as well…any tips for the east coast/Norfolk specialties such as Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove, Montagu’s Harrier, Corn Bunting etc would be greatly appreciate. Thank you!

 

[Daniel Martin]

I’m currently in Norfolk for work, but hoping to make the most of the opportunity and do a bit of birding as well…any tips for the east coast/Norfolk specialties such as Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove, Montagu’s Harrier, Corn Bunting etc would be greatly appreciate. Thank you!

I would say good luck! My understanding is that sadly Oriole and Montys are lost as breeding birds (and folks wouldn’t add them here if they were not). Turtle Dove hangs on and Titchwell often gets a mention around the car park in terms of birds “available to all”. Corn Bunting used to be good up the lanes inland from Titchwell especially around the barns on the way to Ringstead but again I think the may be far fewer in number. Lovely area to work though 👍

 

[yaffle27]

I would say good luck! My understanding is that sadly Oriole and Montys are lost as breeding birds (and folks wouldn’t add them here if they were not). Turtle Dove hangs on and Titchwell often gets a mention around the car park in terms of birds “available to all”. Corn Bunting used to be good up the lanes inland from Titchwell especially around the barns on the way to Ringstead but again I think the may be far fewer in number. Lovely area to work though 👍

Thank you for your candour - it’s incredibly sad to hear about the demise of Orioles and Montys though! My plan for the weekend is to to have a day or two to take in Titchwell & Cley, so fingers crossed I can track down some Turtle Doves, Corn Buntings and whatever else I can find...I shall have a search where you suggest. Absolutely, it’s my first visit to the county and I’d be lying if I said the location and time of year was an accident!