North Norfolk 14 October 2001
by Daniel Williams
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PBC Trip Report North Norfolk 14 October 2001 by Daniel Williams |
This was billed in "Limosa Limosa" as one of the 'hottest' dates in the autumn calendar and as the date for the trip drew nearer leaders Martin Coates and Trevor Williams, eyeing the predominantly southerly weather system, became increasingly nervous! In the event the October 14th field trip to Holkham Pines and Titchwell RSPB proved to be one of the most popular and productive - with visible migration evident throughout the day.
Early morning fog from Peterborough to King's Lynn meant that a number of the 20 or so members who joined the trip were delayed in their arrival at the car-park along Lady Anne's Drive. The early birds were thus able to study in detail the feeding Chaffinch flock, which to their delight contained one or more Brambling - the first winter migrants of the day.
A leisurely three and a half hour stroll west through the pines to Gun Hill, returning via the beach provided ample opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing vista and cast of autumn migrants. Mixed tit flocks kept the woods alive with interest and anticipation but the much hoped for Firecrest on this occasion eluded our team of 'experts'. However, the restless activities of the whirling spectacle of wintering Pink-footed Geese and other wildfowl were ample compensation. As the morning temperature rose and the mist cleared the group were rewarded by stunning views of two Ring Ouzels in the dunes east of Gun Hill. Returning via the beach trail provided a number of members with their second life ticks - a Black-throated Diver was seen offshore with five accompanying Red-throated.
After a well-deserved lunch break the group moved to Titchwell for an afternoon of quality birding and more mouth-watering migration. First stop was Island Hide for a wealth of waders and an intensive search for the reported Temminck's Stint. Success - this rare autumn visitor was eventually located feeding amongst Dunlin and Little Stint, thus providing the ideal opportunity for all the identification features to be considered. In all, 18 wader species were observed from that one hide together with Marsh Harrier, Little Egret and a variety of winter Wildfowl.
The day concluded with a leisurely sea-watch on a rising tide - with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. The pick of the crop included Common and Sandwich Tern, Great and Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpiper and Red-breasted Merganser. A Merlin in off the sea was an unexpected but welcome bonus. On the homeward trek the skies above the reserve were filled with flocks of arriving Fieldfare and a lone, late House Martin departing on its epic journey south provided a fitting image of the changing seasons and the miracle that is migration.
