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This month-by-month guide highlights the wildlife you can expect to encounter, helping you plan trips and sharpen your eyes for nature's quiet drama on the water.
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January: Winter Watch
Birds: Large flocks of wigeon, teal, and pochard gather on open broads like Hickling and Barton. Marsh harriers are frequently seen hunting low over the reeds.
Mammals: Otters are active, often seen at dawn along quieter stretches.
Tip: Early mornings with mist over the water offer stunning wildlife photography opportunities.
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February: Courtship Begins
Birds: Great crested grebes begin their elaborate mating dances. Bitterns may be heard ‘booming’ in the reedbeds, particularly at Strumpshaw Fen.
Insects: Still rare, but early moths may appear on milder nights.
Tip: Use binoculars near Horning Marshes or Hickling Broad for a chance at rare sightings.
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March: Spring Awakes
Birds: Lapwings and snipe display over wet meadows. Avocets return to breeding sites.
Insects: Brimstone butterflies may appear on sunny days.
Tip: Look for courtship activity in shallow broads and adjacent fens.
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April: Nesting Season
Birds: Swallows, martins, and warblers return in large numbers. Reedbeds come alive with birdsong.
Mammals: Chinese water deer become more visible in early morning or dusk.
Tip: Be respectful of nesting sites when mooring or walking near reeds.
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May: Full Bloom
Insects: Dragonflies and damselflies begin to emerge. Swallowtail butterflies, unique to the Broads, may be seen from late May.
Plants: Yellow flag iris and water soldier begin to flower.
Birds: Peak songbird activity; listen for reed and sedge warblers.
Tip: Visit How Hill or Hickling Broad Nature Reserve for the best diversity.
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June: Life on the Wing
Insects: Swallowtail butterflies are at their peak. Dragonflies like the Norfolk hawker fill the air.
Birds: Young grebes and coots ride on their parents' backs.
Tip: Early mornings and warm still days give the best insect-watching conditions.
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July: Wetland Activity
Birds: Common terns feed their young; herons and egrets stalk the shallows.
Insects: Peak numbers of butterflies, including gatekeepers, meadow browns, and small tortoiseshells.
Tip: Moor near quiet dykes and wait patiently for dragonfly spectacles.
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August: Quiet Moments
Birds: Some early migrants begin to leave; hobbies may be seen hawking for dragonflies.
Mammals: Water voles and otters are more active in early mornings.
Tip: Paddle silently in a canoe to explore less-disturbed backwaters.
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September: Shift of Seasons
Birds: Migrant waders like greenshank and ruff appear. Flocks of goldfinch feed on seed heads.
Insects: Late dragonflies such as migrant hawkers remain active.
Tip: Watch reedbeds for signs of passage birds as daylight shortens.
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October: Autumn Highlights
Birds: Return of wigeon and geese to wintering grounds. Starlings form evening murmurations.
Mammals: Deer rutting season begins; Chinese water deer may be vocal.
Tip: Visit St Benet’s Abbey or Breydon Water for migrating flocks.
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November: Stillness and Silence
Birds: Large flocks of pink-footed geese and bewick’s swans arrive.
Insects: Few remain, though some late moths may still fly on warmer nights.
Tip: Take advantage of quiet waterways and wide skies for peaceful observation.
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December: Winter Refuge
Birds: Peak numbers of wildfowl across the Broads. Bitterns, marsh harriers, and short-eared owls may be spotted.
Mammals: Otters continue to be active, especially where ice is scarce.
Tip: Layer up and cruise early to catch winter wildlife at its best.
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Final Thoughts
Every month brings something different to the Norfolk Broads, from fluttering swallows in May to the eerie boom of bitterns in February. By visiting regularly and learning what to look for, you can enjoy the Broads as one of the richest and most accessible wildlife regions in the UK.