Description
Since its creation in 2018, this site has attracted a wide variety of wetland and reedbed dwelling birds, and being so close to the NWT Hickling Reserve and the Norfolk coast, it has so much potential to turn up rarities. The site offers a top selection of birds to see throughout the year including Turna, Büyük ak balýkçýl, Kaşıkçı, Bıyıklı baştankara and Kamış Bülbülü.
In winter, the site hosts flocks of Sakarca which can be seen gathering on Heigham Holmes. The scrapes are home to Dağ incirkuşu and in some years, high water levels mean diving ducks like Tepeli patka and Elmabaş patka may be found among the usual dabblers Fiyu, Çamurcun, Kaşıkgaga and smaller numbers of Kilkuyruk. The scrapes may host some wintering waders including Çamurçulluğu and Altın yağmurcun.
In spring and summer, Çıkrıkçın may be seen here and Kılıçgaga arrive back in large numbers to set up homes on the scrapes. The site comes into its own during spring and autumn wader passage, when a huge selections of wading birds may be found. Usual suspects include Karakarınlı kumkuşu, Halkalı cılıbıt, Küçük kumkuşu, Kızıl kumkuşu, Tasçeviren, Ak kumkuşu, Büyük kumkuşu, Döşüşkenkuş, Dere düdükçünü, Yeşil düdükçün, Orman düdükçünü, Kızılbacak, Yeşilbacak and Kara kızılbacak. There is always a chance of finding something rarer too, such as Çizgili Kumkuşu, Sarıbacaklı kumkuşu and Uzunbacak!
Continuing on the rare birds front, the site has been host to a Hazar sumrusu several springs in a row, while Benekli suyelvesi have also been found here when the water levels are low enough. The site also attracts rarer herons such as Sığır balıkçılı and even Gece Balikçili! There's plenty to be seen at Potter Heigham Marshes, making it a site well worth a visit while it is in its prime.
Details
Access
Park at the Potter Heigham Village Hall or near the Church, and walk down Marsh Lane to access the site. It is quite a long walk (about 4 km), so be prepared for this though.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The site will eventually become reedbed, so its attractiveness to wading birds will dwindle over the next few years. It is worth a visit now while it is in its prime. The paths may be overgrown in some areas during the summer, so wear long trousers as ticks are in the area.


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