Norfolk - Winter Birding on the Norfolk Coast (Day Trip)

Summary

The north Norfolk coast offers wonderful birdwatching opportunities throughout the year and, in winter, it provides a convenient refuge for birds escaping the harsher conditions on the continent. On this Day Trip, we’ll visit the marshes along the famous section of coast between Cley and Salthouse to enjoy a wide range of wetland birds. The likes of Avocet, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s Warbler are present year-round and should ensure that there’s always something interesting to see. But winter also brings large numbers of waterfowl to the area and there’s something really special about being immersed in the sights and sounds of thousands of whistling Wigeon, piping Teal and yipping Brent Geese enjoying the local grazing marshes, while parties of Pink-footed Geese wander overhead between their feeding and roosting grounds. Waders enjoy the shallow pools and can include anything from Sanderling and Dunlin to Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and even the odd wintering Ruff or Spotted Redshank. In most winters, parties of Snow Buntings busily search for seeds along the shingle beach, while a glance offshore in suitable conditions might also produce a few Eider, Common Scoter, Gannets, Guillemots or even a diver or two! And of course, being Norfolk, there’s always the chance of a real rarity turning up to enjoy, too! Aside from birds, a few mammals are regularly recorded here, including Grey and Harbour Seals, Brown Hare and Chinese Water Deer.

Led by naturalist Mike Crewe or John Willamson, these Day Trips will start at 9am at Salthouse and will cover up to 4 miles on foot over easy terrain. Please also allow up to £10 for car parking charges.

• Explore north Norfolk’s wonderful wetland reserves
• An abundance of wintering ducks and geese
• Norfolk residents such as Marsh Harrier, Avocet & Bearded Tit
• Chance of Snow Buntings on the beach and seabirds offshore
• Learn about the conservation work of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust
• Led by expert Naturetrek naturalist