Norfolk Autumn Migration Week, Saturday 13th - 20th October 2012

Come and join us for a week of fantastic bird migration!

Masses of birds at RSPB Titchwell

There’s nowhere better to be in October than on the North Norfolk coast. Migration will be happening all around us as thousands of birds arrive from continental Europe. The skies will be full of swirling flocks of waders, geese, ducks and thrushes. The excitement will be at fever pitch as birds literally drop from the skies around us. Who knows what will appear next? Definitely a case of expect the unexpected at this time of year! Rarities are almost guaranteed in mid-October on the North Norfolk coast.

This beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline holds year-round fascination for birdwatchers and we will enjoy resident birds along with the arriving migrants. We hope to see such charismatic species as Avocet, Bittern, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Common Crane, Dartford Warbler and Corn Bunting. Expect to see around 120 species during our stay in this magical part of the world.

Always a great birding spectacle at Cley NWT Reserve

Weather permitting, we will take a boat trip out to Blakeney Point to look for migrants and to see the huge colony of common seals that reside here. It promises to be a memorable day! During our week-long stay we will also visit the famous nature reserves at RSPB Titchwell, Cley NWT, Holkham NNR, Hickling Broad and Holme Bird Observatory. We will draw on our huge experience of birding in this area and will also be in constant touch with the very latest birding information to ensure we see the maximum number of species possible. The pace of the tour will be relaxed as we have six full birding days to enjoy the delights of North Norfolk at peak migration time.

Relax and enjoy the birding from the beautiful terrace

Itinerary

Day 1:

The tour starts on Saturday afternoon at our very comfortable accommodation overlooking the harbour at Burnham Overy Staithe where we will be based for the duration of the tour. Alternatively, if you prefer not to make your own way, we can offer a free transfer from North Wales to Norfolk with pick-up points en route by prior arrangement. Please contact us for details.

Days 2-7:

Our itinerary will be governed by the weather and latest bird news. During our time in the area we will explore the best birding sites and respond to bird news as it comes in. The emphasis will be on enjoying bird migration as it unfolds around us. We will also be keeping our eyes peeled for those special mammal residents including four species of deer, common seals and brown hares. Weather permitting, we will also take a boat trip during our stay to Blakeney Point to search for migrants and to view the seal colony.

Day 8:

After some early morning birding, we say goodbye to Burnham Overy Staithe and conclude our tour.

Avocet, always a great bird to encounter

Our holiday includes seven nights’ accommodation on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis, guiding throughout the trip, transport in a minibus during the tour, boat trip (weather permitting), entrance to all reserves, use of our field guide and Leica optics, individual checklist.

The cost of the trip is £750 per person with a minimum of five participants, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single room supplement may apply, please ask for details. There will be a maximum of seven participants on this holiday to ensure everyone has individual attention.

The cost does not include: personal travel insurance, lunches, drinks, travel to and from agreed pick-up points, any items of a personal nature.

The iconic windmill at Cley

During our stay we will be looking for:

Red-throated Diver, Fulmar, Bittern, Spoonbill, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Egyptian Goose, Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Golden Pheasant, Water Rail, Common Crane, Avocet, Golden Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Woodcock, Spotted Redshank, Arctic Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, Black Tern, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Wryneck, Richard’s Pipit, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bearded Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Twite, Lapland Bunting, Corn Bunting and any other scarce or rare birds that we may encounter.

To reserve your place on this tour or for more details, please call us on 01492 872407 or email us on info@thebiggesttwitch.com.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing Norfolk’s fabulous birdlife with you!