Norfolk Birding Adventure 2026
14–16 October 2026
From tens of thousands of waders swirling above the Wash to hunting Barn Owls, beautiful Shorelarks and the unforgettable sight of thousands of Pink-footed Geese filling the skies, our three-day Norfolk Birding Adventure certainly delivered some incredible wildlife encounters!
With our group collected from across the New Forest, we headed east for three days exploring some of Norfolk's finest nature reserves, coastal wetlands and saltmarshes.
Day One – Welney WWT
Our first destination was WWT Welney, where we arrived around midday, ready for a much-needed cup of tea and some lunch. Singing Cetti's Warblers and the first of many Marsh Harriers provided a wonderful welcome.
It wasn't long before we were enjoying views of all three egret species – Little, Cattle and Great White Egret – alongside extraordinary numbers of wetland birds. One particularly impressive sight was a gathering of 86 Ruff directly in front of the hide!
Whooper Swans were scattered across the wetlands, but a family of three flying in to bathe just metres from our hide provided a particularly memorable encounter.
Marsh Harriers were constantly patrolling the reserve, including one that successfully caught what appeared to be a small mammal, only to have its prize stolen by an opportunistic Buzzard!
A late Hobby hunting over the reserve was another welcome surprise, possibly making the most of the hundreds of dragonflies still on the wing despite it being mid-October.
After a fantastic afternoon, we continued to our comfortable base at Caley Hall in Old Hunstanton, where an excellent evening meal and some famously generous portions rounded off our first day.
Day Two – Snettisham, Cley & Stiffkey
Our second day began before we had even left the hotel!
A Barn Owl was hunting over the adjacent field, four Red Kites circled overhead, and thousands of Pink-footed Geese streamed across the morning sky. What a way to start the day!
Our first destination was RSPB Snettisham, home to one of Britain's greatest wildlife spectacles.
Along the shoreline, an estimated 45,000 Knot and 10,000 Oystercatchers were gathered, accompanied by thousands of godwits, Redshank and other waders.
The real magic came when enormous flocks suddenly took flight, forming breathtaking swirling clouds as Peregrines and Marsh Harriers swept across the Wash. Watching tens of thousands of birds moving together in seemingly perfect synchronisation was an experience none of us will forget.
Following a well-earned coffee and cake stop at Old Hunstanton, we continued east towards Cley Marshes.
Here, the scrapes were alive with wildfowl and waders, including Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and some wonderfully entertaining Ruff, whose antics seemed to irritate the resident Snipe!
Our final stop was Stiffkey Marshes, where a remarkably confiding Snow Bunting greeted us almost immediately, providing fantastic photographic opportunities.
As if that wasn't enough, another Barn Owl appeared, hunting across the saltmarsh in beautiful afternoon light.
It had been another extraordinary day, rounded off with great food, conversation and plenty of laughter back at the hotel.
Day Three – Thornham & Titchwell
Our final morning began with a pre-breakfast walk from Thornham Harbour towards the dunes.
Despite blustery winds and light rain, we were rewarded with wonderful views of three Shorelarks feeding near Thornham Point, surrounded by impressive gatherings of coastal waders.
However, the morning's greatest spectacle was the movement of thousands of Pink-footed Geese leaving their coastal roosts. Skein after skein passed overhead, their unmistakable calls filling the sky as they headed inland to feed.
After returning to the hotel for a thoroughly deserved breakfast, we packed up and headed to RSPB Titchwell for our final wildlife stop.
Almost immediately, a group of ten Bearded Tits provided superb views as they bounced through the reeds, occasionally emerging into the open.
The beach was equally productive, with an offshore feeding frenzy attracting Arctic and Common Terns, Red-throated Divers, Guillemots, Razorbills and passing Gannets. A Common Scoter resting just beyond the breaking waves was another lovely addition.
Eventually, it was time for one final coffee before beginning our journey home to the New Forest.
A Truly Memorable Norfolk Adventure!
What an incredible three days!
From the vast flocks of waders at Snettisham and thousands of Pink-footed Geese filling the skies to close encounters with Shorelarks, Bearded Tits and hunting Barn Owls, Norfolk provided an unforgettable variety of wildlife experiences.
But as always, it wasn't just about the birds. The wonderful company, shared excitement, laughter and excellent food made the whole adventure even more special.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made the trip such a success!
We're already looking forward to returning to the spectacular wetlands and saltmarshes of
Norfolk for another wildlife adventure.
Interested in joining us on a future birding holiday? Keep an eye on our website for upcoming adventures!
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