Friday 30th January 2026: Titchwell and Sculthorpe Moor

 This morning proved to be bitterly cold, with an easterly element to the wind, but at least it was drier than forecast. We started our day at Titchwell, but this was rather disappointing in comparison to previous years. The Tawny Owl roosting in its regular tree showed reasonably well, and was a useful annual tick for us all. Elsewhere on the reserve were many of the regular duck species and a decent showing of Pintail at last, but nothing unusual, and unfortunately no sign of the Greater Scaup being regularly reported. The bunds were also bereft of birds, with a couple of Dunlin, Redshank and Curlew all we could find here. The lack of any Greenshank struck as unusual.

At the beach, in freezing wind, some other birders got us onto two Snow Buntings, our only ones of the trip, and in short supply around the area this year. A few waders were on the shoreline, but the tide was a long way out, and a quick scan of the sea proved fruitless. It was very frustrating. Returning to the visitor centre, we were informed there was a Woodcock viewable from the boardwalk. With it’s cryptic camouflage it was not easy to find huddled beneath a mossy fallen tree stem, but once our eyes tuned in, its long bill, and a white base to its eye ring were clearly visible. Having failed to confirm one yesterday morning, this was a very pleasing result.

In the afternoon, to escape the cold coastal wind, we visited a new destination for us that Sue had visited in the past, Sculthorpe Moor, run by the Hawk and Owl Trust. In the first run of trees we found a flock of Greenfinches and a magnificent male Bullfinch, mixed in with Blue and Great Tits. By some feeders dotted throughout the woodland and by the hides we added Marsh Tit. A flock of Long-tailed Tits appeared to follow us throughout the woodland, and high in the canopy a Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker were foraging for food.

Marsh Tit

At the wetland hide, we had lovely views of a Great Egret and in the distance a Little Egret was spotted in flight. Also notable was a gathering of eight Red Kites around a single tree, some perched while others soared around the canopy. 

Great Egret

It had been an enjoyable and relaxed visit, adding a number of birds to our holiday list, and we returned to the car and headed back to our hotel as the light was beginning to fade.