Curlew Sandpiper
August is an outstanding month for birding in North Norfolk and this tour aims to provide five days comprehensive coverage of the key sites during the peak of autumn shorebird migration. Shorebird passage in autumn is a drawn out affair starting with the first Green Sandpipers and Spotted Redshanks in July and continuing through until mid-October with juvenile Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers. Mid August is the peak time for the greatest number and variety of shorebirds passing through and the muddy scrapes and pools at Cley and Titchwell will be brimming with a carpet of birds. Most of the birds passing through at this time will be adults, many still be in breeding plumage. Over twenty five species of wader might be encountered over the two days and should include Common Greenshank, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Blacktailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Green, Wood, Common and Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stint. This is also a very good time for adult Pectoral Sandpiper to appear, while White-rumped Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope are other possibilities. Stiffkey Fen, Burnham Norton, Salthouse and Kelling are other areas we may visit, depending on water levels and where the greatest concentrations of birds are. On the shoreline, returning waders from the Arctic tundra will include Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Red Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit many still in breeding dress. This tour is ideal for those wishing to really get to grips with this tricky group of birds in a relaxed manner, not forgetting that often the hides of our main reserves allow excellent close views for detailed scrutiny. Our attention will not be focussed solely on waders as this is the start of the passerine migration too, and a huge range of species will be encountered. Warblers and flycatchers are on the move, and this is a great time for a Barred or Greenish Warbler, Red-backed Shrike or Wryneck to make an appearance. In the reeds, large numbers of Bearded Tits might be seen and Eurasian Reed and Sedge Warblers pass through in numbers. In an easterly breeze, fencelines might be dotted with Whinchat and Northern Wheatear and any suitable clump of vegetation might hold something interesting! Offshore, passing seabirds are likely to include a variety of terns and Arctic Skua will be loafing offshore, waiting to harass a passing victim. In an onshore wind, good movements of shearwaters might also be noted as well as a steady procession of waders and ducks, often including the first returning Common Scoter and Common Eider, while Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar and Black-legged Kittiwake are also likely. We will also take the time locally to look for Corn Bunting, Turtle Dove, Yellowhammer, Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Hobby and Common Kingfisher as we do on most of our Norfolk tours, so all in all this is an action packed break!
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Introduction
