Somerset Wild Walks: A day twitching in Norfolk 18th Jan

Our day started off with a visit to Salthouse to try and see the Snow Buntings that had been reported near Gramborough Hill. As we parked up at Salthouse in very strong winds a group of sheltering Turnstones greeted us. We were able to get fairly close to these birds they didn't seem to bothered by anyone passing. The 'hill' isn't too far away but it meant a tough walk across the shingle alongside the stormy crashing waves. We saw a couple of other people heading for the hill when I caught sight of a big flock of small birds in the sky, that must be the buntings I thought.

As we reached the hill and climbed to the top we suddenly glimpsed the Snow Buntings as they flew past us, a huge flock there must have been 60 plus! They seemed to come to ground for a while to feed and then fly off again several times flying right over our heads. We were able to watch and get great views through our binoculars of this stunning little bird. We would have been more than content with one Bunting but a flock of 60!

We left the Snow Buntings and headed back to the car on an easier path passing more birders on the look out for the buntings. Be patient and wait for the flock to appear we told them and sure enough looking back we could see that they too had enjoyed the bunting spectacle.

After a very good coffee and cake at Cley visitor centre we decided to head to Cromer to try and locate the Iceland Gull that has been around the golf course for some time. Thanks to the 'Birdguides' app on my phone and brilliant directions we found it. Luckily we were able to park with ease and with a bit of stealth get fairly close to see this beautiful Gull. It's a 'lifer' for us and our first white winger. Just couldn't believe our luck in seeing it.

Next we decided to head back to Sheringham to try and locate the Waxwings that had been seen in the area. A good location and details had been given on the app so we headed to the area behind Tescos. As we drove around the streets we soon saw a few birders gathered. Have you seen the Waxwings we asked? "They're above your head on the telegraph wire". Just one parking space left and we grabbed it. We had the best views we could of asked for of 2 Waxwings as they fed on the remainder of some very over ripe berries. I couldn't get over the size of them and their colours and plume, they are just so regal looking. Great camaraderie from the fellow birders here as we watched the comings and goings of the Waxwings, we all decided to try and see the Black Redstart on the prom next. So when the Waxwings disappeared we headed to the prom.

It was about 2pm by now so as we parked up overlooking the prom gardens we decided to have lunch first. A couple of bites into my roll the Black Redstart landed on the wall in front of us and we had a great view for about 5 minutes.

The Black Redstart was seen again as we walked around the prom and gardens but as the skies were now looking fairly dark and rain imminent we decided to head back to our cottage.

What a truly awesome day, we have never 'twitched' before and could never have dreamed of seeing all that we saw plus meeting some great 'birders' along the way.