Norfolk Coast part 2

Day 2 of the Norfolk trip included a terrific little bird that had been around since before Christmas, and was high on my list of birds to see. Sheringham has a good record of over-wintering Black Redstarts, but this year they had one that that was of Eastern race that is usually found in Asia, rather than Europe.

It had been a very wet day, and you can tell by the state of the poor thing. Really bedraggled and looking rather sorry for itself. That said, it was feeding well and no worse off for the soaking it had endured. A great bird to eventually see.

Click here to see my vlog of day 2 of my trip:

Eastern Black Redstart (rather wet)

Little Egret

Meadow Pipit

Oystercatcher

Norfolk Coast

We had a good weekend in Norfolk with my parents recently. There were plenty of birds to see and lots to add to the 2026 year list. Cley is always where I gravitate towards and there is always something to see at all times of the year. From the thousands of geese overhead and in the fields to wintering wildfowl and waders. This trip was no different, and we even had the pleasure of the sun joining us, although it was bitterly cold.

Highlights on day one were really good views of a Common Snipe and Redshank from Bishop's hide. Avocets had returned from their wintering grounds and were resting up. Hundreds if not thousands of Lapwings were across the marsh, and Marsh Harriers were doing their usual fly-bys to put everything up in the air. It was a great start to the weekend, and day 2 was just as fruitful. Part 2 to follow.

Click here to see my vlog of day 1 of my trip:

Avocets in a line, with a Lapwing in flight (left) and also a Black-tailed Godwit in the group.

Brent Geese

Common Redshank

Common Snipe keeping a look out before dozing off again.

Burton Mere Wetlands

On what was yet another cold grey and overcast day. Lisa and I brightened the mood by visiting RSPB Burton Mere for our winter fix of water birds. There was a good variety as always here, and we were greeted in the car park by the sound of overflying Pink-footed Geese. There was lots around and some good birds added to the Year List, with the likes of Knot, Curlew, Green Sandpiper and Dunlin.

The highlight was a Great White Egret dropping just metres away from us while standing at the Bridge Screen.

You can see more of our visit here:

Great White Egret

Dunlin

Knot and Black-tailed Godwit

Redshank

Long-tailed Tit

Mallard

Teal