Potter Heigham Marshes

Since its creation in 2018, this site has attracted a wide variety of wetland and reedbed dwelling birds, and being so close to the NWT Hickling Reserve and the Norfolk coast, it has so much potential to turn up rarities. The site offers a top selection of birds to see throughout the year including Grátrana, Mjallhegri, Flatnefur, Kampameisa and Blæsöngvari.

In winter, the site hosts flocks of Blesgæs which can be seen gathering on Heigham Holmes. The scrapes are home to Fjalltittlingur and in some years, high water levels mean diving ducks like Skúfönd and Skutulönd may be found among the usual dabblers Rauðhöfðaönd, Urtönd, Skeiðönd and smaller numbers of Grafönd. The scrapes may host some wintering waders including Jaðrakan and Heiðlóa.

In spring and summer, Taumönd may be seen here and Bjúgnefja arrive back in large numbers to set up homes on the scrapes. The site comes into its own during spring and autumn wader passage, when a huge selections of wading birds may be found. Usual suspects include Lóuþræll, Sandlóa, Veimiltíta, Spóatíta, Tildra, Sanderla, Rauðbrystingur, Rúkragi, Lindastelkur, Trjástelkur, Flóastelkur, Stelkur, Lyngstelkur and Sótstelkur. There is always a chance of finding something rarer too, such as Rákatíta, Bakkatíta and Háleggur!

Continuing on the rare birds front, the site has been host to a Ránþerna several springs in a row, while Dílarella have also been found here when the water levels are low enough. The site also attracts rarer herons such as Kúhegri and even Nátthegri! There's plenty to be seen at Potter Heigham Marshes, making it a site well worth a visit while it is in its prime.