October always brings the birdwatchers out for their annual holiday to Norfolk and a visit to Titchwell Marsh RSPB is a ‘must’ on their itineraries, as the anticipation of what birds might arrive grows to add to their year lists. Of course, we always try to please our visitors and do our best to fulfil their expectations. Our volunteers and regular contributors to the daily bird sightings often find up to 100 species on many days, making us one of the best birding reserves around!
October kicked off with a wonderful fall of Yellow-browed Warblers up and down the east coast. Titchwell was no exception, with at least three of these wonderful little spites on the reserve, giving the birders the run-around along our Meadow and Fen Trails as well as appearing in the Picnic Area and adjacent woodland. Snow Buntings arrived on the beach and were seen by many happy visitors as they fed either along the tideline or scurried along the dune edge. A Barred Warbler was found at Thornham Point with another along the Old Tank Road.
Snow Buntings Photo Credit: Sue Bryan
Towards the middle of the month, flocks of Redwings started to appear with 400 counted on 12th. These were joined by a few Hawfinches and a Shorelark. These were seen flying over the Visitor Centre! Another Shorelark was seen east of the Tidal Marsh. A Redstart seen along the Briarfields track didn’t stay long and a Firecrest added to the scene. Two Ring Ouzels joined the thrush tally one day.
We know that winter is on its way when the flocks of Pink-footed Geese arrive with their wonderful calls and patterns that they make in the sky. So may visitors and birdwatchers alike look forward to their arrival. By the 10th of October 596 had amassed in the Thornham channel. A day later six Whooper Swans were observed flying over. A Hen Harrier was noted towards the end of the month too.
Hen Harrier Photo Credit: Phill Gwilliam
Out on the sea 25 Red-breasted Mergansers had gathered and sea-watchers were delighted with sightings of a Slavonian Grebe, a Black-throated Diver, four Scaup and a Short-eared Owl that was seen flying towards the land over the sea.
The Freshmarsh was determined not to be left out and produced sightings of 1000 Golden Plover on 10th rising to 2000 birds by 13th. A Dotterel was located amongst them by a former member of staff who was visiting for the day, but it became difficult to see as the days wore on. A Jack Snipe arrived later in the month and spent much of its time hiding! Ten Yellow-legged Gulls were noted in the middle of the month that appear very late in the day, along with some of the other larger gull species. The winter roost of Marsh Harriers has begun with 19 counted towards the end of the month. By the 17th, 24 Little Egrets were counted at the end of the day here.
Little Egret catches its lunch! Photo Credit: Sue Bryan
One bird that deserves to be mentioned because of a historic memory of ‘Sammy’, the Black-winged Stilt that was at Titchwell Marsh for many years, is an escaped Black-winged Stilt that continues to frequent the reserve.
The escaped Black-winged Stilt Photo Credit: Cliff Gilbert
Another first for the reserve was a day’s photography course that was run by a volunteer and a member of staff in response to the many birdwatchers who want to enjoy taking photographs of birds in their environment. Our participants enjoyed learning about where and when to take photographs of birds, as well as how to use their cameras to produce the best results for their ability. Look out for future courses on our events page on the RSPB website for Titchwell Marsh.