As I was starting my three-day break in Norfolk, the MEGA alert went off just as I was getting onto the A14. A quick turnaround later, and I was driving back south—according to the sat nav, only an hour and forty minutes away from a truly rare bird. Dan Pointon had tried to call me an hour earlier, but my phone had been on silent!
Making good time, I soon reached the base of a steep mountain track. The climb was endless, requiring first and second gear for most of the way. At the top, Dan was already on site and guided me into the car park. Frustratingly, the bird could be heard singing for the next fifteen minutes, hidden deep in the undergrowth. Then, suddenly, it appeared—flying right in front of us and perching briefly on a stone wall. What a view! The bird then moved to a nearby holly bush, singing its heart out in full view, allowing us to admire this incredible rarity.
Marmora's Warbler
Marmora’s Warbler is a Mediterranean species rarely seen in Britain. Before this sighting, there had been only five previous records:
2001 May 29 Suffolk 1 day Sizewell, male, 29th May, video., photo.
2001 May 12 to May 18 Norfolk 7 days Scolt Head, in song, 12th, 18th May.
1993 May 23 to May 27 Borders 5 days St Abb's Head, male, in song, 23rd to 27th May,
1992 Jun 8 to Jun 9 Yorks 2 days Spurn, in song, 8th to 9th June, trapped 8th June, photo.
1982 May 15 to Jul 24 Yorks 71 days Midhope Moor, male, in song, 15th May to 24th July
Thanks to a keen birder doing a Whinchat count in the area, the Marmora’s Warbler was found and treated us to unforgettable views. After soaking in the sighting, we continued east to Norfolk, elated by this rare encounter.