Bird watching in Norfolk – the birdwatching capital of Britain – takes place in some spectacular settings, such as nature reserves including the most famous i.e. Titchwell, Cley, Holkham, Blakeney, Snettisham and Welney.
Bird watching in Norfolk offers something for all of the family, all year round, including lovely walks, tasty refreshments and, of course, the opportunity to take in some stunning scenery, home to a variety of different species of birds – those both indigenous to the UK and some exotic visitors.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes
One of the largest and most popular visitor centres is to be found at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes in North Norfolk.
The visitor centre here offers fantastic panoramic views and an excellent elevated location from which to take in the marshes.
Twitchers can scan for birds using the binoculars provided to help visitors identify the varied birds to be found alighting on the marshes.
From the visitor centre, it is possible to take a 2-mile circular walk through the reed beds and stop and enter hides to view waders and a great many other aquatic birds such as avocets.
Geese fly over in formation and marsh harriers hunt.
The hides are ideally situated and well-maintained.
Often birds are out in abundance, including spoonbills, shelducks, coots, moorhens, swans, geese and warblers and finches, the list is testament to the popularity of the place.
The Hickling Broad
Further round to the East, alternatives include the Hickling Broad, a lovely area typical of the Norfolk Broads.
Two pubs nearby offer a choice of light meals and it is possible to hire boats, powered or not. There is also access to a 60ft tree tower.
Visitors can enjoy the views of birds from the boats.
It is possible to see avocet, flying cranes, lapwing, pied and grey wagtails, Egyptian geese, mute swans, crested grebe, heron, great egret, small starling murmurations, moorhen, and lots of terns and ducks.
Hindolvesten
Go to Hindolvesten and join the Bird ID Company for a personal guided tour around The Brecks at Thetford, the largest lowland pine forest in the country.
With its unique microclimate, it attracts a range of birds from Hobbies to Nightjars.
Norfolk certainly has a stunning range of bird life which can be observed in the man-made Norfolk Broads National Park, woodland areas, or in the wide range of coastal reserves.