BIRDING IN ENGLAND
By Glynn Burrows, Norfolk Tours UK
Glynn Burrows, historian and owner of Norfolk Tours UK, chats with Big Blend Radio about Bird Watching experience in England, as well as the importance of unplugged from technology and getting out into the English countryside.
There is nothing I love to see more, in the white mist of early morning or the silvery light of dusk, than the unmistakable flight of a Barn Owl. Seeing this magnificent bird in flight is simply gorgeous. Often to be seen perching on a tree stump or an old fence post, it appears to effortlessly launch itself off and drift across the fields in search of its prey. Whenever I see these beautiful birds, it makes my day.
Some of our birds appear to have escaped from the Amazon or some exotic Pacific island as they are so colourful and striking. The Jay, the King-Fisher, the Goldfinch, the Chaffinch, the Green Woodpecker and the Nuthatch are all beautiful birds, to be seen quite often in our garden and the Cock Pheasant, which is a game bird, introduced firstly by the Romans and subsequently by the Normans, is very common in our fields and woodlands. I have seen black Pheasants, white Pheasants and we even have Golden Pheasants too but they are exceptionally rare.
Another British favourite is the Robin, with its bright red breast. These perky little birds are very friendly, less frightened by humans than many other species and often follow the gardener in the winter, hopping around closely, to pick up any bugs or worms which may be dug out of the soil. It is always a treat to see a Robin in the garden because, although they are common, it appears to be a happy little bird and can’t help but make us happy too.
For the serious birder, there are many bird reserves in the country too. In East Anglia, there are many different types of habitat and these all have their own reserves, as well as other places open to the public. As we have a long coastline, there are several RSBP reserves, with Cley being one of the most important areas for wading birds in the country.
We are also on the migratory routes for many species and when they stop off on their journeys, the sights are magnificent. To see massive flocks of Pink-Footed Geese descend onto a field is enough to give anyone a memory for life and the poor farmer a heart attack!
Birding is an all-year hobby and, if you are serious and don’t mind wrapping up, the rewards can be worth getting a bit cold and wet for during the winter months. I could easily fill a ten day tour, showing you different habitats, from woodland, farm, hedgerows, inland wet-lands, coastal (sand, marsh, cliffs, rocks and islands), rivers, lakes, gardens and, one of our treasures; The Norfolk Broads, which are man-made waterways and lakes.
Birding goes hand-in-hand with other interests involving our natural surroundings and painting, photography, walking or cycling vacations can all be taken in this area too, taking in the sights and sounds of nature at the same time!
Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. For help or advice about tracing your family history, or if you are thinking about taking a vacation to England visit www.Norfolk-Tours.co.uk
