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Description
Rockland Broad is a busy site, with plenty of visitors enjoying its paths, lovely views and boating opportunities, but for a birder, the site can be hard work. It does however, have its rewards for those who are lucky and put in the time and effort to make a visit.
Throughout the year, potápka roháč and labuť velká can be seen on the lake, but other wildfowl is few and far between, possibly as a result of boat traffic. That said, ledňáček říční can be seen on most visits. The scrub surrounding the broad is great for sýkora babka, budníček menší and šoupálek dlouhoprstý. A tame volavka popelavá may be seen, being fed by local fishermen by the dock. There are cetie jižní here too, but they are more often heard than seen. Keep an eye out for hýl obecný in the car park too.
Winter can be unexpectedly quiet at Rockland, however, there is a chance of spotting a hunting kalous pustovka on the marshes to the east of the lake. Both Sova pálená and moták pochop can be found there fairly easily too. In colder weather, check the lake for morčák velký and potentially rarer visitors. Large flocks of husa krátkozobá may come over the reserve from Buckenham and Cantley on the north side of the river.
Spring is a bit more lively, especially as the terns and hirundines return. The broad attracted rybák obecný, rybák dlouhoocasý, rybák černý and racek malý most years, while large mixed flocks of břehule říční, vlaštovka obecná and jiřička obecná can be seen from the path going along the lake edge. You may hear and see kukačka obecná, budníček větší and pěnice černohlavá while exploring the reserve's paths.
Summer is the best time to see ostříž lesní, but otherwise, the reserve may be fairly quiet for birds. You may find pisík obecný along the river. Autumn may see the return of orlovec říční to the reserve, which often stop at the site on their long journey back to their wintering grounds in west Africa. Check the treetops on the west side of the broad, as these are favoured perches. There have been a few rarities seen here in autumns past, including rybák bahenní, rybák bělokřídlý and lyskonoh ploskozobý! It is always worth a check if you're in the area, especially after periods of rough weather.
Details
Access
There is a car park along New Inn Hill Road, just to the west of the staithe. Once parked, head east along the footpath, past the staithe to access the reserve. Follow the path along the eastern edge of the broad until you reach the marshes. There is no circular trail here, so once you're finished, head back the way you came.