1st February: Holkham and beyond
We set off early for Holkham beach as it is a site that is popular with dog walkers, which can cause some disturbance to the birds, despite a fenced off area to protect them.
On our way we scanned a field of Pink-footed geese in search of a Bean Goose which had been reported, but these were quite flighty and flew to the far end of the field as Tim got out of the car. We drove slowly on, and looking through a gap in the hedge identified a possible suspect, but without a scope it was impossible to get a clear id. The one that got away! We hoped to try again the following day, but unfortunately by morning they had all flown to pastures new.
A gorgeous Barn Owl was quartering the fields and offered substantial compensation. Then, as we approached Holkham freshmarsh, a flock of White-fronted goose were feeding close to the road giving excellent views.
We parked the car at Lady Ann's drive. The adjacent fields, which are always wet and muddy were this year flooded with water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl and waders. We were able to pick out Greenshank, Ruff and Snipe to add to our growing tally.
At the beach we were looking for Snow Bunting and Shore Lark, but again the very windy conditions were making birding difficult. Eventually we spotted the flock of Snow Buntings circling the dunes then settling in the salt marsh to feed. We crept closer and managed some good views.
Despite the wind we attempted a short sea watch and there was an impressive raft of Scoters, mainly Common, but some Velvet, bobbing on the water, combined with a constant westward movement of birds.
By the time we returned to the car we were feeling quite tired from battling the wind and sand, so after some lunch we headed back towards Titchwell, hoping to see some small birds on the feeders, species which were lying low in the wider countryside due to the strong winds. We were surprised to find the car park busy at late afternoon with the light becoming low. However, we quickly realised everyone was coming to observe the Harrier roost in the reeds. What an incredible experience this was - around 60 Marsh Harriers were observed flying in, swooping, soaring and dancing over the swaying reeds before silently disappearing, one by one, into the reedbed. It was easy to see why these large but graceful birds are known by the name Skydancer. At one point I had 9 Marsh Harriers in the telescope at one time. Unbelievable - and a great finale to a successful day!
On our way we scanned a field of Pink-footed geese in search of a Bean Goose which had been reported, but these were quite flighty and flew to the far end of the field as Tim got out of the car. We drove slowly on, and looking through a gap in the hedge identified a possible suspect, but without a scope it was impossible to get a clear id. The one that got away! We hoped to try again the following day, but unfortunately by morning they had all flown to pastures new.
A gorgeous Barn Owl was quartering the fields and offered substantial compensation. Then, as we approached Holkham freshmarsh, a flock of White-fronted goose were feeding close to the road giving excellent views.
We parked the car at Lady Ann's drive. The adjacent fields, which are always wet and muddy were this year flooded with water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl and waders. We were able to pick out Greenshank, Ruff and Snipe to add to our growing tally.
At the beach we were looking for Snow Bunting and Shore Lark, but again the very windy conditions were making birding difficult. Eventually we spotted the flock of Snow Buntings circling the dunes then settling in the salt marsh to feed. We crept closer and managed some good views.
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| Snow Bunting |
| Whilst enjoying these birds in the scope, we noticed a line of birders with telescopes across the marsh, so wandered over, and sure enough they were looking at a group of five Shore Larks, flitting amongst the weeds then reappearing on small patches of sand. |
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| Sue’s photo of Shore Lark |
Despite the wind we attempted a short sea watch and there was an impressive raft of Scoters, mainly Common, but some Velvet, bobbing on the water, combined with a constant westward movement of birds.
By the time we returned to the car we were feeling quite tired from battling the wind and sand, so after some lunch we headed back towards Titchwell, hoping to see some small birds on the feeders, species which were lying low in the wider countryside due to the strong winds. We were surprised to find the car park busy at late afternoon with the light becoming low. However, we quickly realised everyone was coming to observe the Harrier roost in the reeds. What an incredible experience this was - around 60 Marsh Harriers were observed flying in, swooping, soaring and dancing over the swaying reeds before silently disappearing, one by one, into the reedbed. It was easy to see why these large but graceful birds are known by the name Skydancer. At one point I had 9 Marsh Harriers in the telescope at one time. Unbelievable - and a great finale to a successful day!
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