Based where I am in a central location in North Norfolk, I am in
a good position to offer guided birding on a daily or short break
basis.
This will be done in a very informal manner and is really intended for
those who may have limited time, are not necessarily too well versed
with
the area, and would like to spend their time as productively as
possible.
Hopefully my knowledge of some of the best sites will help them achieve
this end, and give them a better chance to connect with certain target
species (ranging from window sightings of my garden Tree Sparrows and
local
Barn Owls, through to wintering geese and raptors which are spread over
a much wider area).
Although coastal sites may often prove the most productive, a knowledge of some of the quieter inland areas can be a distinct advantage (in locating birds like Little Owl and Grey Partridge, for example), and the use of my Nissan 4x4 often enables good sightings to be had over hedges and in otherwise difficult terrain. In my opinion such a vehicle makes a very good mobile hide, which many birds readily accept - this is after all how I obtain the bulk of my pictures.
Although up to 4 people could be accommodated in 1 session, 2 is the ideal number, and on this basis the cost would be around £75 per person per day, depending on time of year. One would be £100, but three would reduce to £60 pp and four to £50 pp. This includes all motor expenses, and is based on a daily average of about 60 miles. (Reserve permits, if required, would be extra). It is recommended that participants bring their own thermos and sandwiches etc, as daylight hours are precious in winter, which I fmd the most productive time. However, other times of year are possible depending on my availability and what the local area has on offer at the time! Barn Owls, for example, can often be quite visible in daylight when feeding young anytime between June and August (which is also a good time for Nightjar watching around dusk). Clearly birding at this time of year would necessitate much longer hours in the field than during a winter visit.
Accommodation can be arranged locally if required (or may sometimes be possible in the adjoining self-contained cottage - depending on numbers); and I can also offer some short lecture or slideshows at some point in the evening to complement the day's birding, and a reduced rate for longer periods (e.g. a long weekend). Of course, I am not always available, and am often committed elsewhere in the months of April and May. Please feel free to contact me any time if you have any queries.
Please note a deposit of £10 pp is payable with each booking, and weather conditions can be all important in locating certain species - obviously this can be a problem if booking very far in advance.