Trip reports

Group weekend in North Norfolk

RSPB Images, Barn Owl

Friday, 23 October 2009

Phil Blatcher organised yet another excellent weekend at the Linksway Hotel, Old Hunstanton- Hotel better than ever with excellent food! 17 Members enjoyed this weekend.

Friday 23rd October:
A warm sunny autumn day, max temp 60deg F. Light S breeze.

Everyone did some birdwatching today on the way to our hotel. Sites visited and some notable sightings are listed below:

Cavenham Heath: Stone curlew
Brancaster: Snow goose with 1000s of pinkfooted geese
Titchwell: Jack snipe
Cley: Pectoral sandpiper, snow bunting (35-40), bearded tit (ca.15), wheatear, spotted redshank (5).
Stiffkey: Barn Owl

Saturday 24th October,:
A rather grey and overcast day but mild until early afternoon when it rained before clearing up completely for a sunny end to the day. Max temp 55 deg F, with a south-south west breeze.

Highlights:
Holkham Gap: Red-throated diver, gannet, guillemot, sanderling
Holkham Pines: Redwing
Titchwell: At least two ringtail hen harriers and 4 marsh harriers.


Sunday 25th October:
A clear sunny day with a strong SW Wind. Max temp 62 deg F

Highlights:
Hunstanton beach and cliff: Common scoter (ca.12), bar-tailed godwit, brent goose
Holme Dunes: A spoonbill flying west, black-throated diver and a late tern, probably sandwich tern
Titchwell: Little stint, hen harrier again

A total of at least 98 species were seen by members this weekend.

Mammals:
Fallow & muntjac deer, weasel, harvest mouse, rabbit

Many thanks to Phil for organising this popular weekend.