Titchwell RSPB

A first and well overdue visit to Titchwell RSPB of the year, one of the organisations finest flagship reserves.

The day started cold and clear, and with light winds, it made for a pleasant walk round the reserve.

It was generally quiet with the frenzy of autumn migration now appearing to have reached a natural decline.  On the freshmarsh, the lazy autumn light did nothing to enthuse the waders that roosted peacefully but for the occasional frenzied aerial movement evading in most cases, nothing in particular.  A Merlin was seen cruising through so perhaps the simultaneous burst of activity was not entirely without reason.

Groups of Avocet, Common Redshank, Golden Plover, and Dunlin were standard fare with Black-tailed Godwit, a handful of Knot, decent numbers of Ruff, Curlew and a few Grey Plover providing the wader assortment.

Along the shoreline, the tide began to rush in.  Active groups of Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, and Turnstone added more variety.

The sea was generally quiet with only Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, a couple of Guillemot, and two Red-throated Diver past at the end of the day.

A small flock of Lesser Redpoll, a few Siskin rounded off a really lovely day.