A 3-day tour combining early spring in the Brecks and winter birds on the North Norfolk coast.
The Brecks
The Brecks or Breckland is the name for the area around Thetford, on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk. Traditionally poor quality heathland, some of which still persists today, the area was extensively planted with trees in the 1920s and 1930s and Thetford Forest still today comprises the largest lowland pine forest in Britain. This combination of specialist habitats contains some highly sought after species.
In early spring, Goshawks display above the forest and Hawfinches are still in their winter flocks, easier to see before the trees get into leaf. Woodlarks sing above the forest clearings, and in some years we may see Crossbills or even an over wintering Great Grey Shrike. We should also see a variety of commoner woodland species such as Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Marsh Tit and finches such as Brambling and Siskin. If they are in an accessible location again, we may also have an opportunity to look for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on this tour.
Winter in North Norfolk
Winter is a great time for birdwatching in Norfolk. Large numbers of birds come here to spend the colder months, including wildfowl, waders, birds of prey and owls. Even in March, there should still be a good selection of geese, including Pink-footed and White-fronted Geese and ducks. Sometimes a rarer goose may be mixed in with them – in 2023/24 we had a long-staying Red-breasted Goose in with the Brent Geese. There is always a good selection of waders to see too at this time of year.
Our over-wintering Shorelarks are normally still present, always one of the highlights of the season here, and there may be flocks of Snow Buntings lingering too. In some years we may have a Rough-legged Buzzard around for the winter.
You can expect to see 110-120 species across the 3 days.
Gift Vouchers
If you would like to give a gift to someone who is interested in birds then a gift voucher from The Bird ID Company is an ideal present.
The vouchers can be flexible, and used against any tour or tours over the following 12 months, or can be bought for a specific tour.
