Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society

Having met up at the Hickling Broad Visitor Centre, 26 members set off along the Bittern Trail ably led by David Knight. Within minutes cries were going up from all directions – Redwing, Fieldfare, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Green Woodpecker. I didn’t know which way to look first!

Feeling totally frustrated and initially inadequate I decided to take my time and see just what I could “spot” for myself and slowly I began to tick off species – the easiest first, a Mallard! It was surprising how quickly I began to catch up (on the species) although some birds eluded me all trip. The reedbeds seemed unbelievably quiet but scanning the wide expanse of sky to the distant horizon proved much more productive. A distant Common Buzzard, displaying Marsh Harriers, a Kestrel perched in a bush, a skein of Pink-footed Geese, Cranes and a flock of Lapwings. All was quiet in the hides too while the Broad added Little and Great Crested Grebe to our list.

After a short break back at the centre we set off along the track to the Stubb Mill Raptor Watchpoint. An obliging flock of Linnets and Siskins sat high in the nearby trees. At the mill we settled down expecting a long wait and were immediately rewarded with a fine view of three Common Cranes flying towards Horsey Mere. Initially individuals or pairs of Marsh Harriers flew in and as the afternoon wore on more and more arrived making a final count of 20+. At least seven were seen to perch in one bush together. Some members had a fleeting glimpse of Merlin while others were entertained by a Barn Owl flying low quartering the marshes. Our patience was finally rewarded with brief but good views of a “Ring-tail”. Sensing the action was coming to an end we wandered back to our cars. A total of 51 species was recorded but I can’t claim to have seen them all.
Carole Jackson

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