Wildlife at Kingfisher
To the south of the dividing stream we have the apartments, the Clubhouse, the children’s play area, the outdoor swimming pool, the barbecue area and all the facilities that make for the ideal holiday. To the north of this stream, lie sixty-five acres of some of England’s most lovely countryside.
The Kingfisher site truly is a haven of lakes, river and unspoilt valley. The area has been in the hands of the Roger’s family now for generations and the care and love that they have bestowed on this precious area is now clear for all to see.
The trees are especially magnificent, the sweeping willows an exciting example. There are wildflowers everywhere and extensive reed beds. Bird life, as a result, is rich and varied. Cuckoos, tits, warblers, woodpeckers, owls and buzzards mingle with an astonishing variety of water fowl. We’re proud of our large head of kingfishers, our grebes, swans, geese and ducks of all varieties.
Deer visit the area to drink in the evening. There’s always a chance of seeing fox and badger and the site is particularly famous for the frequent appearance of wild otters. The Wensum valley is a noted thoroughfare for these charming animals and the plethora of fish at Kingfishers means many of them stop off on their wanderings.
Whatever the season, Kingfishers presents wonderful wildlife possibilities. Enjoy the well-planned walks around the lakes. Learn from the colourful information boards and complete the free family quiz sheets that we offer in our hospitality packs. This is the perfect place to walk, learn and relax.
And don’t forget, if wildlife is your passion, it’s also ours. And there are plenty more venues for you to visit in the area. The internationally famous Pensthorpe Wild Fowl Centre is a mere ten minutes up the Fakenham Road. The Broadland Reserves are little more than forty minutes away. The Cley Reserve – in the top five of bird-watching areas in the UK – is a mere thirty-five minutes. And don’t forget you can use your Kingfisher Credit Card for purchases made at Cley Spy, the nationally famous centre for binoculars, bird scopes and outdoor accessories.
So welcome to Kingfisher’s Sanctuary. Watch the wildlife. Soak in the serenity. Feel yourself relax back into nature.
See you there,
Welcome To The Kingfisher Wildlife Diaries – John Bailey
September 8th 2010
Bird Reports
I'm really glad that half a dozen or so of the local birdwatchers have decided to take up our offer of free birding passes for the conservation area here at Lyng. Whilst my birding credentials are okay, they're not top-notch and we feel it's vital for you wildlife lovers to know exactly what might be seen on a normal trip to Lyng.
Of course, mid September, especially when the weather is failing fast, is hardly the best time for anywhere if you are a twitcher as this first birding report makes clear. However, better times are not far round the corner.
Do remember that Norfolk is an exceptional twitchers' county and, of course, gets many, many visitors each month with binoculars and scopes. It's traditional to stay up on the North Norfolk coast perhaps and sometimes stray down to the Wensum valley. Why not do it the other way round though? Stay here at Lyng, take in all the Wensum valley and make occasional daytrips up to the coast. A real thought for the coming winter and spring.
September 8th 2010
Bill Shepherd's First Report
Hi John, had a walk round the large lake this morning. There aren't a lot of birds around because the migrants have mostly gone and the winter visitors have yet to arrive. With that in mind, my list isn't nearly as big as I'm hoping it soon will be. but here goes...
Six Canada geese, seventeen greylag, twenty plus coot, eleven great crested grebe (six adults and five juveniles), six tufted ducks, fifteen plus mute swans, one male reed bunting, one jay, one grey heron and did not count the wood pigeons! regards, Bill.
Spot on, there will be more to see in a few weeks we all know. However, I would add that when I was down at the weekend, I did see two kingfishers and a very, very timid water rail. The barn owls have also been apparent slightly later in the day.
June 22nd 2010
Peregrine Glory
Wow. Wow. Wow. Herefordshire 20th June. A glorious day in the west though in Norfolk it was dank and overcast. But what a teat lay in store for me.
In the mid-Wye valley for a full twenty minutes I watched one of the most breathtaking aerial displays I've ever witnessed. And the bird in question was a peregrine falcon.
The anguish and anger in its cries. The speed of its stoop. Its agility through the trees. The extraordinary beauty of its wingspan.
I actually happened to be on the riverbank with a group of anglers. But do you know what? The rods were put away for the entirety of the peregrine's display. No-one moved. No-one even talked much. We all just watched and wondered.
Today, I'm going to try and get a photograph for you. I'm packing my long lens just now but I don't for a moment guess the peregrine will repeat its performance. For you sake, I'm praying that it does.