Tuesday 23rd January 2024: Titchwell and surrounding areas

 With a forecast of rain and strong winds blowing in from the west by 10am, we decided to stay local and visit Titchwell RSPB, just a few minutes drive from Thornham. We arrived around 9 and were serenaded by a melodic Song Thrush, eventually managing to pinpoint this lovely song and locate the bird in a small tree just off the path. Continuing round to the feeders, we found plenty of small birds, adding Goldfinch, Great Tit and Chaffinch to the holiday list, before spotting a gorgeous male Brambling hopping around the base of one of the feeding stations. An excellent find.

We continued along the boardwalk in the hope of a roosting Woodcock skulking in the undergrowth, but had no luck. However, we met another couple who alerted us to a roosting Tawny Owl in a small ivy covered bush further along the path. It was tucked well in, and although they showed us exactly where the bird was,  it proved difficult to see, with the face obscured by branches, and only part of the chest and tail feathers clearly visible.

We retraced out steps to the visitor centre, then set off along the track towards the sea, hoping to arrive before the rain. As is often the case, we were delayed by the appearance of interesting birds en route, including Gadwall and Shoveler on the freshwater lagoon, with a pair of Pintail and three Red-breasted Merganser all showing well. At the saltmarsh we scanned in vain for Spotted Redshank, but only Common Redshank, Curlew and Grey Plover were on display here.

By the time we made it to the beach the rain had started and we were already getting pretty soggy. There were a few waders along the water’s edge, including Bar-tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher. On the sea a small flock of scoters were present, mainly female Common Scoter, but Sue thought she also had a Velvet Scoter. A single Goldeneye was on the sea too.

By now it was getting wetter, so we headed to the shelter of Parrinder hide. A few Dunlin fed on a long bund in front of the hide and on a distant mudbank a Meadow Pipit and a Skylark were feeding. The light was pretty good for viewing purposes and several Shoveler and Teal looked resplendent with their vibrant colours glowing in the subdued greyness. A Stonechat appeared, resting for a few minutes on the bund before exiting stage left!

By now we were feeling cold and a little despondent, so braved the rain to return to the visitor centre, encountering a single female Siskin on our way. After some refreshments, and with the rain continuing, we drove around the local fields in search of farmland birds. We had no luck with the smaller species, but did find several coveys of Red-legged Partridge and varied raptor species, including Buzzard, Red Kite and Marsh Harrier.

Red-legged Partridge

With time on our hands, and no incentive to brave the wet weather, we toured the Brancaster area, enjoying a few waders on the mud at the harbour,  before driving to Brancaster beach, where we were thrilled when a pair of Spoonbill flew in and landed on the marsh.

Spoonbill

A great finale to a somewhat dismal day.