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Filby Broad & Ormesby Little Broad

Norfolk  >  United Kingdom

The southern end of the Trinity Broads network, both Filby & Ormesby Broads are worth birding at any time of year.

Added* by Drew Lyness
Most recent update 10 februar 2022

Description

Filby Broad and Little Ormesby Broad are both large, open, waterbodies on the eastern edge of the Norfolk Broads, and both have great potential to attract rare wildfowl, grebes, terns and more. A short walk from the car park, Filby Broad is viewable from a boardwalk on its northern edge, just off the A1064 road. This lake is large, and a scope is recommended to check the distant edges for ducks. Ormesby Little Broad, the lake on the north side of the A1064, has a short nature trail leading from the car park which takes you to a viewpoint.

Throughout the year, check the car park area for Løvmeis, and if you're lucky, you may spot a passing Isfugl or flyover Sivhauk. A few Toppdykker, Storskarv and Gråhegre will be in the area. In winter, expect to find Kvinand as well as a selection of other common wildfowl including Toppand, Taffeland, Snadderand and Skjeand. After particularly cold or stormy weather, you are in with a chance of finding something rarer. Sightings may include Lappfiskand, Bergand, Havelle, Horndykker, Svarthalsdykker, Gråstrupedykker or even Islom!

In spring, Makrellterne will arrive but sometimes scarcer Rødnebbterne may join them while on passage. After rain showers in April / May, scarcities such as Svartterne and Dvergmåke may drop in too. You may also spot a Stork going on a jaunt from the local zoo to the south of Filby broad. This is a known locally escaped bird. Summer can be quiter, but the site is fantastic for dragonflies. Keep an eye out for Mandarinand, while more notably, keep eyes to the skies for raptors as Musvåk and Spurvehauk may be seen circling above the lakes. Autumn is a time to look forward to returning winter birds, but if you're lucky, you may see an Fiskeørn hunting over the Broads, before they make their long journey back to west Africa.

This site is quick and easy, so well worth a quick detour if exploring the Norfolk Broads.

Details

Access

There is a car park off the A1064 on the western side of the lake. Both viewpoints can be accessed from there.

Terrain and Habitat

Lake

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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