Norfolk bird news February 2023

The Long-billed Dowitcher remained at NWT Cley Marshes on and off throughout February and was seen again at Stiffkey Flood 27th. The juvenile Pallid Harrier roosted on the saltings between Warham Greens and East Hills until 20th. Up to twelve Shorelarks were at Holkham, up to three were at Holme and three were at Thornham Point 5th-6th and another was occasionally at Salthouse.

Up to four Ferruginous Ducks, two Ring-necked Duck and up to four Smew were on the Trinity Broads. The Richardson’s Cackling Goose found with Pink-feet and found in January was seen again between Brancaster and Docking 4th and then at Burnham Deepdale Marsh 5th & Holme 11th-12th. Up to Twelve Taiga  Bean Geese commuted between St Benet’s Abbey & South Walsham Marsh from 9th. One and most likely two Taiga Bean Geese (it’s possible one could have been a hybrid Taiga/Tundra) were at Weybourne 2nd-5th (the Taiga also seen at Cley 4th). Up to two Tundra Bean Geese were at Weybourne 1st-5th, Wighton 2nd, Burnham Deepdale Marsh 6th, Cantley & Buckenham Marshes, Holkham 9th, up to three at Lakenheath from 10th Scolt Head Island 16th and Brancaster 22nd.

A Black-necked Grebe was offshore anywhere between Titchwell RSPB, Holme & Brancaster. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew east at Thornham 26th. A Long-eared Owl was at Glandford intermittently throughout February and one quartering Blakeney Freshmarsh 27th. A Lesser Whitethroat presumed to be of the Central Asian form (halimodendri) was at Sheringham 13th-15th.

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