A superb cross-section of habitats, scenery and birdlife makes this early spring Norfolk birding tour ideal for those making their first visit to the region. For the more seasoned birder, it is timed specifically to coincide with two of our most sought-after and elusive UK residents, mighty Northern Goshawk and diminutive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Northern Goshawk display on fine, clear mornings from late February to early April so this is primetime to look for pairs over their woodland territories. We are totally reliant on the weather but have a decent chance of seeing this impressive bird. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are calling and drumming at this time of year, and with the foliage still not on the trees, we have a small chance of connecting with this most elusive of birds (now extremely rare and difficult).

Along the coast, beautiful Shore Lark could still be feeding furtively out on the saltings where they have spent the winter. Raptors often include Peregrine or Merlin while Barn Owls sometimes hunt over the fields. Lingering Brent and European White-fronted Geese might also be expected on the marshes here and Marsh Harriers are already displaying alongside the first returning Spoonbills and Cattle Egrets.

In Breckland, the vast tracts of pine forest are home to flocks of ‘chipping’ Common Crossbills and we may find this species coming to drink along with Lesser and Mealy Redpolls, Eurasian Siskins and Bramblings. Wood Lark are often song-flighting over the clear fell areas and we should get some great views of this subtly beautiful songster with its cascade of fluted notes. Great Grey Shrike sometimes appears, and we have a good chance of connecting with Northern Goshawk in these areas too, often getting superb views of the birds displaying at this time of year.

At Lynford flocks of finches and Redwings feeding under the trees will be checked carefully for the superb Hawfinch which winters here in small numbers. Tiny Firecrest is best looked for in evergreen understorey and may already be in song, and we also have a very good chance of connecting with the localised Stone Curlew.

Titchwell never fails to produce plenty of birds and as well as the resident Bearded Tits we may find early Sand Martin, Common Greenshank, Little-ringed Plover, Northern Wheatear, Garganey or Sandwich Tern. Normally we will have the chance to squeeze in a rarity such as a Pallid Harrier or Glossy Ibis too. You can expect to see around 105 species on this Norfolk birding tour.