TBC- Mid January

Background Information- Location

• Leader- Andy Hirst 07947 068125
• Focus- Geese, wildfowl, raptors & seabirds at inland and coastal sites in Norfolk
• Habitats- Shallow valleys, Norfolk Broads, coastal marshes, woodland and nature reserves
• Climate/ Weather- Can be very cold and snowy with big temperature differences. Windproof, waterproof coats and boots are required. There's usually a cold wind and it can rain/ snow quite heavily. The days are short with only seven hours in the field each day.
• Transport- Dependent on numbers- a comfy MPV or minibus with separate heating controls for rear passengers, and air con. Lots of room for birders, equipment and warm coats.
• Accommodation- In comfortable b&b's, one or two depending on the numbers that go, close to Wells centre.
• Food- Sandwiches are provided on Friday, with lunch taken at Cley & Titchwell on Saturday & Sunday. Breakfast is taken at the b&b's with several selections available. Evening meals are provided on Friday & Saturday but NOT Sunday when we return. Fruit, snacks, water and hot drinks such as tea, coffee & hot chocolate are freely provided throughout the tour wherever we decide to stop.
• Pace- There won't be a lot of walking as most of the birding is short walks from the transport, or aground nature reserves. There will be a fair bit of standing, looking & waiting at the raptor roosts for example. There will be longer walks around Holkham Gap and we will be out following breakfast, returning after dusk at about 17:00.
• Daily Routine- Given the short days (7 hours of daylight), we'll have breakfast as early as possible and try to be out for 08:30- 09:00 at the latest. We'll be out all day following the itinerary. We return to the b&b's after dark (17:00-ish) where we'll have plenty of time to spruce up, have a cuppa and relax before taking an evening meal and drinks in local inn. Gone Birding will provide a selection of sandwiches on Friday with cafeteria style lunches on Saturday & Sunday.
• Recommended Reading- "Norfolk: A Birdwatcher's Site Guide"- Benstead, Rowland & Thomas, Shoebill Press & "Best Birdwatching Sites in Norfolk"- Glenn, Buckingham Press
• Maps- Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 250, 251, 237. Or Landranger maps 132, 133 & 144.

For previous tour reports- please go to the Tour Reports Page, for reports and species lists

Background Information- Travel

• Weight Allowance- Flight/ hand Luggage- N/A
• Travel Arrangements/ Pick-up- Probably depart centrally from Dinnington, possibly picking up on the way.
• Currency/ Requirements- Just a bit of spending money for drinks of a personal nature or souvenirs.
• Passport / Visa Requirements- N/A
• Health Requirements - None specific
• Special Equipment - A first aid kit will be available at all times. I will also be taking a an Ipod with all the bird songs and calls of Europe installed. A top quality Fluorite 88mm telescope with zoom eyepiece will also be freely available to use
• Clothing- Warm, windproof & waterproof are the order of the day. Hat's scarfs and gloves, as well as quality overtrousers are all highly recommended. It can be wet and windy. Not all the sites visited will have hides or shelter from the weather. Wellies may be a good option provided they're thermally lined. A change of shoes for the evening is recommended, lots of jumpers & fleeces should be taken in case you get wet, or it gets colder/ warmer.
• Nuisances- At this time of year- none.

Useful equipment check list