The continuing hot weather has continued to delight our visitors at Titchwell Marsh and the birds have responded by showing really well out on the Freshmarsh. Our Spotted Flycatcher family has kept visitors amused by being constantly on the move as they have been spotted (!!!) from anywhere between the Welcome Hub, car park and Fen Trail.
The breeding season is now nearly at its end and we were excited when nearly all our Bearded Tit nests were successful and fledged young in our survey areas. They are such a delightful bird to watch, often posing for the photographers along the West Bank path.
Bearded Tit (juvenile) Photo Credit: Sue Bryan
Unusually for Titchwell a House Sparrow and a Yellowhammer were noted from the car park and young Willow Warblers were seen in their brighter yellowish plumage as they head south for winter here too. A Green Woodpecker continued to be heard around the Visitor Centre but was not often seen.
Out on the Freshmarsh waders were in abundance with the usual Black-tailed Godwits and Avocets still in good numbers but these were supplemented by Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe with Ruff numbers building as the month wore on. It was nice to see 2 Little Stints on 13th with one remaining for a few days. An escaped Black-winged Stilt appeared on 16th bringing back memories for those of us old enough to remember ‘Sammy’, the Black-winged Stilt that frequented Titchwell Marsh for so many years.
Gull roosts tend to be the preserve of the more ardent birdwatchers that turn up late in the day and note the more unusual gulls. Yellow-legged Gulls and Caspian Gulls were seen this week with some of them relocating down to Thornham when they had completed their ablutions.
Out at sea Peregrine, Goosander and Gannets were seen by those putting the time in with telescopes and cameras on the beach. A Wheatear was seen in passing on the Tidal Pool on 15th.
A volunteer was lucky to see a Bittern flying near Patsy’s Pool on 16th. This elusive bird is a much ‘want-to-see’ bird by many visitors.
‘Flyover’ birds this week have included a Tree Pipit and a Raven.
Willow Emerald Damselfly Photo Credit: Sue Bryan
However, it is not all about the birds as we provide a wonderful habitat for many other species. Banded Demoiselles have been increasing their range and we were delighted to have a report of one on 13th. A Willow Emerald Damselfly was seen on 16th, which is another damselfly that has been increasing its range in recent years. The Wasp Spiders have now emerged again and a few have reported along the Parrinder Bank, but I suspect with eagle eyes there are still more to be found! Their webs are most attractive. Come and have a look!
Wasp Spider Photo Credit: Tim Stowe