The new year began with a trip to Norfolk. Driving along the A10 Brian spotted a Barn Owl perched on a fence post at the side of the road. A brief stop at Hunstanton in the semi-darkness added Fulmar and Oystercatcher before we moved on to Titchwell. Compared to previous years the reserve was relatively quiet. We walked out to the beach, picking out the usual species as we went. The foreshore was much more productive than the sea, with only three Red-breasted Mergansers of note.
Brancaster was the next site visited, where a Hume's Leaf Warbler had been present since the end of November. Strong winds and looking directly into the sun made for challenging conditions, but we were hearing the bird calling frequently and eventually had several sightings of the bird.
A scan from the gate overlooking Holkham Freshmarsh proved rewarding with excellent scope views of the IOW released White-tailed Eagle sitting in a dead tree, causing panic among the wildfowl and waders when it made a short flight. There was a very pale Common Buzzard sitting in a tree alongside another Common Buzzard and this must be the bird being reported by some as a Rough-Legged, which was confirmed by a couple of locals who were present. We added White-fronted Goose, Great White Egret, and Bewick Swan before leaving.
Stiffkey was our last stop, we walked back along the muddy footpath toward Wareham getting views of Marsh and Hen Harriers. Distant views of what looked like the Pallid Harrier were just too distant to confirm with any certainty so will not make it onto the list.
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| Signage at Stiffkey |
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