With a few days available for a trip away, I headed off to Norfolk to complete the 47 mile coastal footpath. First day from Hunstanton to Burnham Deepdale, where I pitched my tent, gave up 51 species of birds, with highlghts being: wheatear, marsh harrier, corn bunting whimbrel and 20,000 pink footed geese. Waders were frequently seen, especially curlew and the unbiquitous redshank. 12 miles completed.
Day 2 was the long day, beginning at Burnham Deepdale at 8.00am and finishing 22 miles later at Cley next the Sea. Another 27 species were added, with early morning sightings of barn owl, hen harrier, cetti's warbler and another wheatear being memorable. The walk finished at 6.15pm and I added tawny owl to the list as I returned to the tent via the superb coasthopper bus service that runs frequently along the coast road from Cromer to Hunstanton.
Day 3 , from Cley to Cromer. Only 13 miles but some hard yards (5 miles in fact) along shingle beach from Cley to Sheringham.
However, before setting off, I visited Titchwell reserve before picking up Wendy, my partner from Hunstanton busstation who was joining me for the final day. At Titchwell I added 12 species to the trip list with great views of gannets, woodcock, sanderling and bar tailed godwits. A summer plumaged grey plover was the bird of the morning until I got great views of bearded reedlings flitting and alighting on the reeds. Then off the Cley by car to start the final section. Another 9 species were added including curlew sandpiper, twite and snow bunting. A hobby was observed hunting near Cley bird reserve, as was a marsh harrier.
Eventually, we arrive at Cromer around 6.15 and a count of the bird species showed a total of 99. A quick search of the sea for another species gave up nothing, neither did a check on Cromer gardens for a greenfinch. However, an impressive total considering I wasn't stopping to search reedbeds or bushes, only recording what I saw as I walked. A pint at Cromer Pier finished the whole walk off most refreshingly, before the bus back to Cley to pick up the car and a return to Little Hadham.
Eventually, we arrive at Cromer around 6.15 and a count of the bird species showed a total of 99. A quick search of the sea for another species gave up nothing, neither did a check on Cromer gardens for a greenfinch. However, an impressive total considering I wasn't stopping to search reedbeds or bushes, only recording what I saw as I walked. A pint at Cromer Pier finished the whole walk off most refreshingly, before the bus back to Cley to pick up the car and a return to Little Hadham.
I shall be giving a illustrated talk on this walk to Little Hadham and Albury Social Club on Tueday 10th November at the village hall. Please email me if you would like to attend so I can pass on extra numbers to the organisers.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
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