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Description
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 Cocor, Egretă mare, Lopătar, Pițigoi de stuf and Stufărică.
In winter, the site hosts flocks of Gârliță mare which can be seen gathering on Heigham Holmes. The scrapes are home to Fâsă de munte and in some years, high water levels mean diving ducks like Rață moțată and Rață cu cap castaniu may be found among the usual dabblers Rață fluierătoare, Rață mică, Rață lingurar and smaller numbers of Rață sulițar. The scrapes may host some wintering waders including Sitar de mal and Ploier auriu.
In spring and summer, Rață cârâitoare may be seen here and Ciocîntors 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 Fugaci de țărm, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Fugaci mic, Fugaci roșcat, Pietruș, Nisipar, Fugaci mare, Bătăuș, Fluierar de munte, Fluierar de zăvoi, Fluierar de mlaștină, Fluierar cu picioare roșii, Fluierar cu picioare verzi and Fluierar negru. There is always a chance of finding something rarer too, such as Fugaci pătat, Fugaci pitic and Piciorong!
Continuing on the rare birds front, the site has been host to a Pescăriță mare several springs in a row, while Cresteț pestriț have also been found here when the water levels are low enough. The site also attracts rarer herons such as Stârc de cireadă and even Stârc de noapte! There's plenty to be seen at Potter Heigham Marshes, making it a site well worth a visit while it is in its prime.
Details
Access
Park at the Potter Heigham Village Hall or near the Church, and walk down Marsh Lane to access the site. It is quite a long walk (about 4 km), so be prepared for this though.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The site will eventually become reedbed, so its attractiveness to wading birds will dwindle over the next few years. It is worth a visit now while it is in its prime. The paths may be overgrown in some areas during the summer, so wear long trousers as ticks are in the area.