We birded the north Norfolk coast from Snettisham RSPB reserve on The Wash in the east as far west as Cley-next-the-sea. Despite a very strong south-west wind, which did nothing to bring migrants or seabirds to the coast, we enjoyed a great few days. We stayed at Titchwell village were right on the door step for the wonderful Titchwell RSPB reserve and made several visits here. A huge amount of vital management work is under-way at the reserve, including re-aligning the seawall and replacing the hides. All this work meant the reserve was a little below par but it also means that in the near future it will be even better than ever. The reserve produced some great birds and we enjoyed close-up views of hunting Marsh Harriers, Avocets, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Little Egrets and best of all Bearded Tits.
Further east we visited the impressive Holkham House estate where we added Egyptian Geese to our growing list. On again and we birded at Cley NWT Reserve, and enjoyed tea and cake in the superb visitor centre that overlooks the marsh. We could watch Curlew Sandpipers while sipping tea and enjoying delicious home made cakes. Out on the reserve we were lucky enough to enjoy great view of a Garganey very close to Dawkes hide where lots of waders and more Marsh Harriers.
We timed our visit to The Wash, the huge estuary on the west side of Norfolk, to coincide with high-tide and enjoyed thousands of waders roosting on the pools and adjacent marsh. A Mediterranean Gull flew in and landed a nice bonus bird.
All too soon it was time to return Rob and Dick to the railway station for the start of their long journey home. We had great fun birding with them and look forward to doing so again, either here or on their side of the pond.