Norfolk - Winter in the Broads

Summary

Winter in Norfolk is all about the return of the huge numbers of wintering ducks, geese, waders, thrushes, finches and other birds that descend on the county between November and March to escape the snow of further north. The marshes, wet meadows, dunes and woodlands that edge the county’s coastline from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth are justly famous for the sheer variety and number of birds they attract throughout the year. Numbers reach a peak in the winter when the reed-fringed wetlands of the Norfolk Broads resonate to the whistle of thousands of Wigeon and the ‘wink wink’ of skein after skein of Pink-footed Geese. These transient visitors from northern Europe, Arctic Russia and Iceland join a wonderful range of iconic residents such as Crane, Bittern, Avocet and Bearded Tit.  

On this 3-day birdwatching break we will be based in a delightful guesthouse in the heart of the Norfolk Broads close to the Calthorpe Broad National Nature Reserve between the villages of Hickling and Sea Palling. From here, we will enjoy the best of east Norfolk’s winter birding highlights, focusing on the wetlands of the Broads and the adjacent coastal marshes and dunes, including visits to such iconic reserves as Hickling Broad and the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve.

• Explore the Norfolk Broads & adjacent coastline
• Wintering flocks of geese, ducks & waders
• Common Crane, Snow Bunting, Bearded Tit, Bittern & Great Egret all possible
• Includes an evening visit to a raptor roost in search of Marsh & Hen Harriers, Merlin & Barn Owl
• Chance of something unusual such as Waxwing, Rough-legged Buzzard & Lapland Bunting
• Based in a delightful guesthouse overlooking the Norfolk Broads
• Led by an expert Naturetrek naturalist