Migration can be full of astonishing behaviors and spectacles for birdwatchers. One of the most extraordinary migration events takes place in England at the Norfolk RSPB site in Snettisham. Here, tens of thousands of waders and other shorebirds can be found on migration stopovers. That alone is reason to go there, as the mere volume of birds of many species can be a bonanza. But this location has especially high tides during some times of year. When the tides wash in and cover the mud during early morning, the birds are flushed from their roosts, twisting and swirling in the skies. The flocks create stunning patterns along with an extraordinary soundtrack of tens of thousands of wings beating, birds calling, and, if you’re lucky, flocks of them flying low overhead as they escape the tide. Then there is the occasional Peregrine Falcon strafe that sends up another whirling flock, creating unexpected shapes in the dawn light.
Be overwhelmed by huge flocks of Knots, Dunlin, Oystercatchers plus Curlew, Godwits and other waders – waterfowl and Pink-footed Goose in winter! Check out the RSPB site for expected dates of the spectacular events. Don’t miss it!