Blogger: Rachael Murray, Media Officer

Fancy seeing more than one hundred species of birds in a day including breeding birds rarer than golden eagle?

World Migratory Bird Day was initiated in 2006 and is a global awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. This weekend people around the world will take action and have organise public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate and raise awareness around the theme of "Land Use Changes from a Bird's-Eye View". 

To mark World Migratory Bird Day this weekend, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May a team of enthusiastic staff and volunteers at RSPB Titchwell Marsh will be showcasing the fabulous birdlife the reserve has to offer. Based on the North Norfolk coast, Titchwell is one of the RSPB's most popular reserves at the peak of the spring migration period, so visitors are certain to see many exciting species.

Marsh harriers should be easy to spot as they perform their spectacular sky dancing courtship displays. Titchwell is also home to some of the UK's rarest breeding birds such as bearded tit, avocet and bittern; as well as birds recently arrived from Africa such as reed and sedge warblers. In addition, there is always a chance of seeing something unexpected like last year's common cranes and osprey. In 2010, 123 species were spotted in the weekend, and the reserve team are hoping to see even more this year!

For early risers, both days start with dawn chorus events at 5am, followed by a hearty breakfast in the café. For those who prefer a lie-in, visitors are welcome at any time later in the day until 5pm.  The dawn chorus events will be used to help to raise money to develop new trails on the reserve into previously inaccessible areas. Fundraising activities will include a raffle with a fantastic prize of a pair of 8x42 binoculars worth over £140 donated by Viking Optical. Booking is essential for the dawn chorus and breakfast events. For further details please see www.rspb.org.uk/titchwell or call the reserve on 01485 210779.

Apart from these fundraising activities the whole event is free and there is no need to book - just drop in and enjoy the spectacle!

For more information on World Migratory Bird Day visit http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org

Sedge Warbler. Photo Credit: Adam Murray