A new birding year begins in Norfolk

The excitement of a brand new birding year is upon us once again. Year listing where every bird species however common and widespread has added importance has always been something we choose to do. It motivates us to get out of the house and visit places we would never have visited if it had not been for birding. 

This year's birding was to start with another visit to Norfolk. Shortly before heading along the A11 towards Norfolk we pulled into a layby within Epping Forest and quickly heard a male tawny owl. Another brief stop to refuel the car and One hundred and twenty miles later we arrive in Norfolk, having added a barn owl in Runton on route. First, stop this morning is Hunstanton Cliffs, a brief scan locates the Fulmars we were hoping for. A short drive from here is Thornham Harbour and it's our next destination. The target bird here is Twite, At first, there's no sign however several species of duck, geese, and wader keep us entertained. Soon a small flock of Twite fly in and settle within the vegetation. 

Titchwell is the country's number one bird reserve and even on quiet days, there's normally plenty to see. The car park was filling up quickly as we arrived and the excitement of a new birding year was very obvious. Several good birds were added during our visit. A large female Peregrine hunting over the Freshwater Marsh was a highlight. A sea watch from the beach added several good birds with Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Eider, Goldeneye, Scoter, Sanderling, Black-tailed, and Bar-tailed Godwits

Unfortunately, at this time of year, the days are short for birding and we left Titchwell and headed for Choseley. The Corn Buntings that were once almost guaranteed here seem to have disappeared completely, however, there are still good numbers of yellowhammers present. Red-legged partridge was also added from here along with several Mistle thrush.

We were planning on a visit to Holkham Gap for the Shorelarks and Snow Buntings, but the holiday crowds were out in force and the chances of connecting with these species seemed slim at best, so we decided to pay another visit to North Walsham for the Black-bellied Dipper. Upon arrival, the dipper had not been seen for a couple of hours, with time short we decided to move on to Ludham Airfield in search of Swans. Following directions to the airfield, we found ourselves at the other end of the stream and as luck would have it, the dipper had re-located to this end of the stream!

Black-bellied Dipper

Ludham Airfield is a short drive from North Walsham and we connected with the Bewick and Whooper Swans after a short drive along the bordering roads.

With daylight quickly fading we decided on a quick dash to Long Stratton, hoping to connect with Waxwings again. Upon arrival, we spotted the five birds perched in a roadside tree within the Police Station car park. 

The first day of a new birding year is always hectic but also great fun.

I ended the day with 87 species.