Norfolk

Norfolk - May 6^th – May 10^th

~ Introduction ~

Norfolk is a birdwatchers dream during May, whether you are a beginner through to advanced this holiday will have you wondering how you will remember it all. A mix of migrants and rare breeding birds along with scenic coastal walks and picture box villages sets the scene of a classic spring break in one of the UK’s premier bird site.

Wells-next-the-Sea area on the north Norfolk coast will be our base. The hotel is within easy reach of all of the prime birding sites in the area so we can keep driving to a minimum.

~ Itinerary ~

Day One

Arrive at the hotel mid-afternoon and settle in. A walk before dinner in the local area will set the scene. After an early dinner there is a chance to go out looking for Barn Owl in the local area.

Day Two

Today we head south to the Norfolk, Suffolk border; this will be our longest drive of around 40 minutes.

We will first visit Lakenheath RSPB Reserve. The reserve has breeding Golden Oriole and these colourful birds can be viewed at a safe distance from the nest.

There is a very good chance of Hobby in the area as they hawk for dragonflies and hirundines over the meadows and waterways.

We then make the short journey to Weeting Heath. Here there are nesting Stone Curlew, these prehistoric looking birds nest on the ploughed fields and sit quietly as life goes on around them.

They can be seen with telescopes and once seen they are never forgotten.

Wood Lark, Common Crossbill and Green Woodpecker can also be seen here.

We then head back for the Wolverton Triangle and the main site for Golden Pheasant. These elusive birds are only spotted in the early evening or early morning and are very sensitive to noise.  We need to seek these wonderful birds with care.

After dinner there is a chance to go out for Nightjar and Barn Owls in the local area.

Day Three

We will head along the coast to visit RSPB Titchwell. This is the Flagship reserve of the RSPB and is home to Avocet, Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit as well as an array of migrants. We will stay here for lunch.

After lunch we will head to Cley from here to the vast marsh area that is another jewel in the Norfolk crown.  There are good numbers of waders, birds of prey and shore birds on the reserve and will keep all birdwatchers charmed with its treasures. We will be selective in our viewing of the area because of the size of the reserve. This will in no way lessen the experience of Cley reserve.

The evening will be a choice of birding or an informal get-together to go over the holiday, identification hints or just some birding chat.

Day Four

Depart from the hotel after breakfast.

~ General ~

Some of the places we will be visiting will require some walking, however, the walks are generally flat and pleasant and done at a comfortable pace.  We will have packed lunches at selected points.  We will always try to ensure there are sufficient comfort stops.

         Cost: £445 Per person.