SNETTISHAM COASTAL PARK

Huge murmurations of waders, and much more

This attractive park was set up in 1984 and covers 143 acres. It is owned by the Ken Hill Estate. Set next to the Wash, you cannot think you will not see waders with the hundreds of thousands of birds feeding out there. The best time to see them at this location is during a moving tide, with birds

Knot moving towards the RSPB reserve for safe roosting or coming away looking for feeding sites. Look for murmurations of Knot, Dunlin and godwits, not forgetting Oystercatchers, Redshank, Lapwing and Curlew. Passing waders include Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint, with both Grey and Red-necked Phalaropes found and even a White-rumped Sandpiper. In spring, migrants include Ring Ouzel, a great bird to find in Norfolk, with plenty of cuckoos and a great site for Grasshopper Warbler with several pairs nesting. Autumn may see a fall of Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts with supporting cast of Whinchat, Tree Pipit, Firecrest and Red-backed Shrike possible. Other rarities have included Icterine, Paddyfield, Yellow-browed and Radde’s Warblers. Don’t forget winter, as some great birds have turned up, such as Snow Bunting and Shore Lark, often staying for several days, Rough-legged Buzzard, Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are also possible. You can’t cover Norfolk and not give geese a mention – with roosting Pink-feet using the Wash and a feeding area on

Ken Hill grazing marsh where both Greenland and European White-fronted Geese have been found along with Tundra Bean and Todd’s Canada Goose. Seawatching has found petrels, Little Gulls and even Glaucous Gull. The fresh water areas have had Great White Egret, Spoonbill and Purple Heron.