The beautiful Norfolk coastline at RSPB Titchwell, photo by Marc
The last day of our winter Norfolk tour unfolded at a delightfully relaxed pace, perfect for savouring the magic of the north Norfolk coast one more time.
As is tradition, the optional pre-breakfast birdwatch around Thornham Harbour delivered in style, a remarkable 67 species logged in just one hour! The undoubted stars were two Whooper Swans slowly moving east, closely trailed by a majestic Peregrine perched on the beach, tearing into its fresh prey, a thrilling sight to start the day.
After our hearty 8 a.m. breakfast, we headed to Brancaster Beach. Seabirds had been surprisingly scarce along the coast this week, but luck was on our side. We quickly located the two target small grebes: a Black-necked Grebe and a Slavonian Grebe, side by side, giving everyone views to compare their subtle winter plumages. Offshore, we enjoyed Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, several Long-tailed Ducks, a Common Scoter, two drake Eider, and a handful of Red-breasted Mergansers. The week’s only Common Guillemot, our lone auk, made a welcome appearance too!
As light drizzle rolled in, we shifted inland in search of Grey Partridge. After sifting through numerous Red-legged Partridges in a promising field, success arrived, five beautiful Grey Partridges, even calling back and forth to one another. A classic Norfolk farmland moment!
Post lunch in Burnham Deepdale (as scrumptious as ever), we enjoyed a gentle, rewarding afternoon stroll around Titchwell RSPB reserve. Highlights included a showy Water Rail, two majestic Spoonbills, at least 40 Mediterranean Gulls, a smart Scaup and an elusive Firecrest. The group enjoyed close views of flocks of Snipe, admiring a stunningly confiding male Reed Bunting, and scanning the shoreline waders. All under ever-changing skies, moody storm clouds, dramatic rainbow, and bursts of bright sunshine. Pure bliss!
By day’s end, we’d tallied a creditable 103 species, bringing our week-long trip total to an impressive 128 species. Fantastic company, delicious food, endless sandy beaches, whispering reedbeds, and those spectacular Norfolk skies made for an unforgettable week.
We can’t wait to return.