MORSTON QUAY
Creeks and saltmarshes on a renowned stretch of coast
Morston Quay may be the location to catch the boat out to see the end of Blakeney Point and its breeding terns and seals, but it doubles up as a great place in itself to spot birds, so take a few hours to explore. WHERE TO WATCH
1
As part of the Blakeney reserve, it is an ideal location to catch birds drifting over from the point. Passing raptors are of note with Black and Red Kite, Osprey, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh, Montagu’s and Hen Harrier and even Pallid Harrier all recorded here in the past. Snow Buntings have even been found in the car park, plus Black Redstart around the buildings.
2
Morston Creek is worth scanning, especially at low tide, for Spoonbill along with various waders like Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover along with Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel , Greenshank and even Jack Snipe.
3
The cover along the Norfolk Coastal Path has had an amazing list of rare migrants, so spring and autumn are the best, but even June can turn up good species. You could find the likes of Firecrest, Yellow-browed and Radde’s Warbler, Bee-eater, Wood Lark, Whinchat, Little Bunting or even Ring Ouzel.
4
Shrikes can turn up at any time of the year, with Great Grey in the autumn, while Woodchat Shrike has been found in summer. Stonechats can be migrants here. Check the marsh for Starlings as Rose-coloured Starling has been found with them. A Dartford Warbler was even found out on the marsh itself.
5
Time to check another creek and look out for feeding dark-bellied Brent Geese in winter. Occasionally you may find a pale-bellied or even a Black Brant with them. The deeper water on the South Side has held Red-breasted Merganser, and feeding Sandwich, Arctic, Little and Common Terns.
6
It is always worth scanning Stiffkey Fen as it can hold a lot of wildfowl in winter including Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler. It often has large numbers of Spoonbills roosting and is ideal for waders also with Black-tailed Godwit dropping in on migration along with various sandpipers. Return to Morston by the same path.