December 30, 2004
Norfolk birding
Today Neil and I headed further afield for a spot of excellent winter birding in Norfolk. Again, we were blessed with uncharacteristically warm and sunny weather. Our first destination was Burgh Castle, where we saw some distant Bean Geese, though we were unable to ascertain which race they were. We did see some classic Broadland birds including several (Eurasian) Avocets and a Marsh Harrier. En route to the north coast, we saw Marsh Tit at a Willow Tit hotspot, 4 smart (Bohemian) Waxwings in Norwich (car tick!) and Fulmar at Hunstanton.
Upon arrival at Titchwell RSPB Reserve, we quickly located one each of the three Redpoll species. The Arctic (or Hoary) Redpoll stole the show.
There's no mistaking which species this rump belongs to!
Here's the Arctic alongside a Lesser Redpoll, illustrating the difference in plumage tones.
This smart pink-chested Mealy (aka Common) Redpoll completed the trio.
Other good birds here included Red-breasted Merganser, Common Eider and Common Goldeneye on the sea, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock containing two Black Brants, and the usual waders. Sammy, the resident Black-winged Stilt was in his usual spot.
We finished the day at Holkham, where we quickly spotted another Black Brant.
We thought that the two birds to the left of the Brant were likely to be hybrid Dark-bellied Brent/Black Brant offspring - any thoughts?
The Brant was very aggressive to the other members of the goose flock, frequently hissing at and chasing off its European cousins.
Highlights of a stroll to the fresh marsh and the beach were 80+ Snow Buntings in a wheeling flock, and this Guillemot (or Common Murre) resting on the beach.
At sunset, tens of thousands of Pink-footed Geese convene to roost in the fields here - a wonderful, noisy spectacle.
