Strumpshaw Fen/Mid Yare NNR (1 Viewer)

[Keith Reeder]

Mornin' all,

I'm staying in Brundall from 13 - 19 April, as a convenient central spot for Strumpshaw Fen, Buckenham Marsh and Surlingham Broad - basically whatever's within reasonable wandering distance of Brundall (I'm travelling down by train).

I have a fair idea of what's available at these sites - I'm very keen on seeing a Cetti's and maybe bearded and penduline tits, and if I can get some decent photographs (of anything with feathers really, but marsh harrier and barn owl would be nice!) I'll be happy.

But are there any tips or suggestions for maximising my chances? Any quiet little corners I tuck myself into? Anywhere other "hidden gems" near to Brundall worth a visit?

Any suggestions gratefully pounced upon...

 

[simon]

Mornin' all,

I'm staying in Brundall from 13 - 19 April, as a convenient central spot for Strumpshaw Fen, Buckenham Marsh and Surlingham Broad - basically whatever's within reasonable wandering distance of Brundall (I'm travelling down by train).

I have a fair idea of what's available at these sites - I'm very keen on seeing a Cetti's and maybe bearded and penduline tits, and if I can get some decent photographs (of anything with feathers really, but marsh harrier and barn owl would be nice!) I'll be happy.

But are there any tips or suggestions for maximising my chances? Any quiet little corners I tuck myself into? Anywhere other "hidden gems" near to Brundall worth a visit?

Any suggestions gratefully pounced upon...

Keith some of my best views for Marsh Harrier have come from the reception hide at Strumpshaw, good light in the early morning and hope the birds are displaying well

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hi Keith,

Think you're a bit optimistic hoping for Penduline Tit! Still a major rarity in Britain, despite a few recent records.

I haven't been to Strumpshaw for over a decade but used to live and work there. Not sure what's there at the moment but you should see plenty of Marsh Harriers - the Tower Hide probably being the best place to look from. I expect there'll be plenty of display going on - the males skydancing is worth seeing. Listen for a call rather like the 'Ke-wick' of a Tawny Owl and look up.

I think it's still a good place for Cetti's Warbler, although they're easier heard than seen. The path leading down from the visitor centre to the river is often the place to see them.

Barn Owl used to be pretty easy to see over the meadows (and at Buckenham) early morning and evening and sometimes during the day.

I don't think Bearded Tits have ever been that numerous at Strumpshaw but you should have a good chance of seeing them with persistence. Look along the edges of reedbeds from the visitor centre over the Old Broad and from the Tower Hide over the New Broad.

Strumpshaw is a good spot for Grasshopper Warblers, although you'll probably need to go early morning or evening to have a good chance with these. You're likely to hear them in drier areas of reedbeds. Species such as Water Rail and the various warblers are also likely to be noisy at those times. Keep an eye and ear out for Chinese Water Deer in the meadows. If you hear a blood-curdling shriek, don't be alarmed!

The woods used to be quite good for Lesser-spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit, although I'm not sure if that's the case anymore.

Other spots in the area are Cantley Beet Factory. Not a very lovely place and I'm not sure what the access arrangements are at the moment. Can be very good though, especially for waders and Water Pipits (which you may be a bit late for). The marshes at Buckenham and Cantley will be lively with breeding and possibly passage waders. The Bean Geese will probably have gone by then. If you can get over the river then Surlingham Church Marsh is a very nice spot, with hides overlooking some marshy pools.

Hope that helps. My main tip would be to do as much birding early morning and evening - you'll see far more at those times.

 

[Keith Reeder]

Thanks guys, very helpful, and much appreciated.

Uummmm... penduline tits? I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that!

 

[matt green]

the fen hide is the best place for getting close to the birds,if you can get a corner seat in the hide so you have a better panoramic view.

this hide should be good for marsh harrier,bittern maybe water rail and those bearded tits.

just before you turn off for the fen hide through the wood look/listen for lesser s woodpecker.

as you make your way to the sand path that leads to the fen hide you will pass along side the wildflower meadow,i believe there are some barn owl boxes in the area but views might be a little distant.

osprey might also be a possible but i have'nt seen one myself here for three years.
the walk to buckenham marsh is often worth it this time of year but you will need that scope/long lense!

look forward to seeing some of your pics :t:

matt

 

[Ruby]

Last Time I was at Strumpshaw (Summer 2004?) someone had set-up a temporary tower-hide just behind the Fen Hide to film..... Marsh Harriers! ...so it's obviously a good place for them!

Don't recall ever hearing Beardies, but they may well be there....Best place I know in Norfolk is Titchwell.

Best bird I ever had was a Jack Snipe - right in front of the reception hide.


Good Luck..... Ruby

 

[Keith Reeder]

Thanks Matt, Ruby - all useful stuff.

 

[dbradnum]

If you search BirdForum for "Brundall Church Fen", I posted some details about this site and directions, I think. One of the few remaining semi-reliable Willow Tit sites, and a lovely little spot for a wide variety of woodland birds.

Send me a PM if you can't find the thread I'm talking about!

 

[Edward woodwood]

watch out for otters

 

[Keith Reeder]

Thanks David, I'll have a look - woodland is at a real premium in my part of the world, so the idea of a gambol through a sylvan glade is very appealing..!



Thanks for the tip, Tim - otters aren't too hard to find here, but they're always a pleasure to see wherever they are.