The last 5 or 6 days have been perfect for the migration of birds from the increasingy cold continent. Lots of winter visitors from the north and east have been passing through the reserve but we have never seen anything like the invasion of starlings we have had in the last few days.
On Monday 12th October we were surprised when a group of 10,000 starlings came into roost in the reed bed at dusk. This group also included a rose-coloured starling; an invader from Asia. On Tuesday, the flock had grown to some 20,000 strong, Wednesday saw the flock grow to an impressive 25,000.
Last night, Thursday 15th October the flock had grown again to an impressive 50,000 birds with several observers saying the flock was even bigger! It was one of the most impressive sights I have seen anywhere in the birding world never mind at my local Titchwell!
The spectacle is likely to go on for a few more days yet and with perfect migration weather forecast for the weekend the flock may even grow larger in number.
If you would like to see the flock, the place to be is on the west bank path from 5.30pm until dusk.
Keep on birding!
Hi Kathy & Dave
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you and glad you enjoyed seeing the knot at Snettisham on Autumnwatch the other week. The spectacle is very much tide dependent - you only get the big swirling flocks of knot during the highest spring tides and October & November are the best months to visit. Your best bet is to come along on one of our guided walks. Check the Snettisham reserve page on the RSPB website (www.rspb.org.uk/snettisham) and click on the events link. Booking is essential but give the folks at Titchwell a ring and they can tell you about availability.
All the best
Rob
hi Robert
Fabulous pictures and report Robert. Great to hear a lot of news form yourself anyday.
There was other birds quoted on Autumnwatch tonight as I speak. A cloud of Knots over Norfolk at Snedden (sp) Who is the contact for Snedden area?
Any more news about the Knots at all? {smile}
Love to hear more from your neck of the woods?
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Unfortunately the large group did not show on Saturday night but there was still an impressive 6000-8000 birds washing on the fresh marsh and roosting in the general area of the reserve.