) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The site of Ormesby Broad and Rollesby Broad is very easily accessible and involves little walking, although a scope is highly recommended as birds can be distant. There is always a chance of finding something scarce here, however, there is usually a suite of typcial wildfowl here to keep you going in the meantime as well as some of the more iconic species of the Norfolk Broads.
In winter, expect to find high numbers of Eurasian Coot, Common Pochard and Tufted Duck on both Broads. Checking each broad throughly from each viewpoint is essential, as there may be Common Goldeneye and scarcites such as Greater Scaup, Smew, Goosander mixed in. In particularly cold periods, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver and other rarities are entirely possible for the lucky observer. The reedbed along the edge of Ormesby Broad may hold Great Bittern, while skenes of Pink-footed Goose may be moving overhead.
In spring, there can often be huge arrivals of mixed hirundine flocks, with clouds of Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin expected. There is always an outside chance of a Red-rumped Swallow being in the mix. Large numbers of Common Tern are also exepcted, and these are sometimes joined by Arctic Tern, Black Tern and Little Gull which will all be on their way elsewhere.
The summer can be a fantastic time to spot screaming parties of Common Swift over the lakes, while Western Marsh Harrier can be found hunting the reedbed. The sound of Cetti's Warbler may be heard, while Common Kingfisher may be spotted over the lakes. Autumn can be quiter at these sites with the Norfolk coast recieving more attention, however, there is always a chance of a passage Osprey to keep you going until the winter birds return.
Details
Access
There is a car park, and the viewpoints are next to the car park. The viewpoint for Ormesby Broad (looking north) is on the edge of a (sometimes busy) road.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , ReedbedsConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , SpringRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Car , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
During the middle of the day on both Saturday and Sunday, and sometimes weekdays in summer, expect to see boats using the lakes. These may cause the wildfowl to temporarily move on elsewhere, so be advised that visiting at these times may be less productive for birding.