Snow Bunting, photo by Marc
Most of the group enjoyed a well-earned lie-in this morning, but the early risers (our resident insomniacs!) were richly rewarded. Thousands of Woodpigeons streamed south overhead, a lone Yellowhammer flew past, and several Marsh Harriers rose from their roost, some even treated us to beautiful skydancing displays and their haunting, eerie calls. A magical start to the day!
After a hearty breakfast, we headed west to Holme-next-the-Sea. A long stroll along the sandy beach delivered one of the trip’s highlights: a stunning flock of Snow Buntings, a swirling blizzard of black-and-white feathers! They started off distant, but soon flew right over our heads and landed almost at our feet, feeding busily among the high-tide debris. Later, we picked up another four birds, bringing the total to an impressive 27, fantastic close views!
Wonderful views of these confiding Snow Buntings, photo by Marc
While enjoying a well-deserved coffee at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust centre, we also came across a pair of mating toads, a lovely bonus.
Still buzzing from the Snow Buntings, we moved on to nearby Hunstanton for a true pelagic treat; Fulmars. The brisk wind was perfect, sending these superb, stiff-winged seabirds gliding back and forth right in front of us at eye level. A pure joy to watch!
A delicious lunch at the ‘The Deli’ in Thornham set us up nicely for the afternoon. Feeling pleasantly full (and perhaps a little less energetic!), we scanned the saltmarshes at Warham Greens, Stiffkey. Plenty of Pink-footed and Brent Geese, plus groups of waders, kept us entertained, but the hoped-for raptors were elusive… until the final hour.
Then, magic: a superb male Hen Harrier, a prime target, sailed into view. Over the next 10 minutes, he drifted closer and closer, eventually landing out on the marsh. We watched this ghostly beauty quartering low over the grass, silver-grey plumage catching the light. A true ‘Grey Ghost’ and a fitting, unforgettable end to the day, quite possibly the highlight of the week so far!
Another 90 species today, pushing our trip total to an impressive 118. What a fantastic Norfolk winter adventure and still a day to go!