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University of East Anglia Campus

Norfolk  >  United Kingdom

The University of East Anglia has a fantastic campus for birding, with a variety of habitats to explore and a diversity of common bird species to see.

Added* by Drew Lyness
Most recent update 24 februar 2022
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Description

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has some fantastic grounds for birding, and whatever the time of year, there is always something to see. With a wide selection of trails to choose from, it is always worth exploring if you are in the area or indeed visiting the univeristy for any reason. The standout feature of the campus is UEA Broad (the universities lake). This will hold Toppdykker throughout the year, and you may also catch a glipse of a passing Isfugl or hear the erruptive calls of Cettisanger. The lawns around campus may have Grønnspett feeding on them. You can see Vintererle and Silkehegre along the river.

In the winter, look out for Laksand as this is one of the more reliable locations to find them in the county. There may also be plenty of gulls including Fiskemåke and Gråmåke using the lawn around the edge of the lake. At dusk, Rugde and Enkeltbekkasin can be found in any of the wetland areas around campus. In spring, a dawn walk around UEA Broad may reveal Strandsnipe along the waters edge. Worth getting there early, as the site does become busy with dog walkers and visitors during the day. The campus is alive with the sound of warblers including Munk, Hagesanger, Tornsanger, Gransanger, Løvsanger, Rørsanger, Sivsanger and even a few Gresshoppesanger! There may be Gjøk joining the dawn chorus. During a spring fall, local scarcities such as Ringtrost and Rødstjert have been found here.

Summer is quiter, but a wide selection of garden birds may still be seen in the area including Dompap and Trekryper. On a dusk trip to the playingfields, you may hear Kirkeugle calling in the large oak trees. Raptors including Sivhauk may be seen, as they range more widely away from the Norfolk Broads at this time of year. UEA Broad may be host to a couple of pairs of Makrellterne. Autumn is a good time to keep eyes on the skies for flocks of Kortnebbgås, while the winter thrushes including Rødvingetrost and Gråtrost will be returing. It is always worth locating flocks of Stjertmeis as there is a possiblity of something rarer being in them, such as a Gulbrynsanger (especially after periods of easterly winds). The greenhouse feeders may host Grønnsisik, Brunsisik and Bjørkefink.

Given the number of birders working or studying at UEA, there is always a chance of a top quality rarity being found. Previous records have included Iberiagransanger, Rovterne, Ringnebbmåke and Varsler!

Details

Access

You can use the pay and display car park on campus, or, access the site via Earlham park. Click on a P in the map to get directions to that point.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Lake , River

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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