Here in East Anglia we are fortunate to have an abundance of beautiful countryside all around us.

And these picturesque landscapes are teeming with wildlife. 

In particular, twitchers from across the world have come to the region to spot rare birds that migrate to or live in the region for many decades.

Wisbech Standard: BirdBirdwatching at Ranworth in the Norfolk Broads. Date: 1949. Picture: EDP LibraryBirdBirdwatching at Ranworth in the Norfolk Broads. Date: 1949. Picture: EDP Library (Image: Archant Library)

Wisbech Standard: Bird reserves and birdwatching - feeding the ducks and geese at Oulton Broad in Suffolk. Date: November 1969.Bird reserves and birdwatching - feeding the ducks and geese at Oulton Broad in Suffolk. Date: November 1969. (Image: Archant Library)

Over the years the facilities available to birdwatchers have evolved dramatically.  

From boardwalks and hides to conservation centres and live stream cameras - it has never been easier to appreciate nature from a safe distance.  

Wisbech Standard: Two birdwatchers enter a hide at Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth. Date: Februrary 1992. Two birdwatchers enter a hide at Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth. Date: Februrary 1992. (Image: Archant Library)

Wisbech Standard: A woman looks through her binoculars in a hide at Titchwell RSPB reserve. Date: July 1989.A woman looks through her binoculars in a hide at Titchwell RSPB reserve. Date: July 1989. (Image: Archant Library)

But today we have turned back the clocks to appreciate birdwatching in years gone by.

Perhaps you recognise some of the locations in these old photos from our archive or remember visiting them in the past. 

Let us know in the comments below.

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.   

Wisbech Standard: A birdwatcher admires the scene before them, camera in hand, at a hide at Welney Marshes. Date: December 1976. A birdwatcher admires the scene before them, camera in hand, at a hide at Welney Marshes. Date: December 1976. (Image: Archant Library)

Wisbech Standard: Feeding the birds at Welney Marshes. Date: December 1981.Feeding the birds at Welney Marshes. Date: December 1981. (Image: Archant Library)

Wisbech Standard: The view at Minsmere Reserve, Suffolk in October 1991The view at Minsmere Reserve, Suffolk in October 1991 (Image: Archant Library)