Those bearded tits are not always so obliging
Matt
On the way down east of Grantham, we were pleasantly surprised when what looked like a female ringtail, scudded across the road in front of the car and flew low over a field as we drove past. After driving most of the way from Staffordshire down to Norfolk ( on Sat 30th Dec) in brilliant sunshine, at Kings Lynn the skyline changed to a flat grey. After a quick cuppa at our Docking B &B, we arrived at Titchwell at about 13.00, under threatening skies.
Checking out the visitors centre for sightings it confirmed nothing of particular note that morning on the reserve. The feeders held the usual array of common finches tits and sparrows, along with house sparrows and pheasant foraging underneath, sadly no Brambling this time.
On the freshwater marsh, there was a swan, a number of coots and moorhen. Ducks present included: shelduck, shoveller, pintail, teal, widgeon, goldeneye and mallard. There was a large roost of golden plover and lapwing, with the odd snipe dotted amongst them. Seagulls present included black headed, great black backed and herring. 4 avocet were at the far end of the marsh along with a few comorant .
On the tidal marsh we counted three spotted redshank along with their commoner cousins, a dozen black tailed godwit, a single grey plover, a roost of oyster catcher and turnstones in large numbers.
Looking over the scrub and salt marsh to the west, there were a number of grazing brent geese , three little egret’s plodding about in the channels with a number of curlew.
As we reached the beach the light began to fade further as the wind picked up, making conditions difficult for sea watching.
Although a large raft of scoter could be seen bobbing about surrounded by gulls, identifying anything else was difficult, though we reckoned that we had a great northern diver and a couple of goldeneye. Whilst on the platform other birders reported puffin, little auk and great skua, however in the conditions I don’t know how they managed it. At the same time shore larks were reported, some distance away on the beach though we couldn’t pick them out. A number of sanderling skitted about at the edge of the sea.
At about 3.00pm it went very black and set in raining hard, so we reckoned it was time to go.
Walking back along the path by the freshwater marsh four beardies were feeding off the reed heads near the path, though the weather was so inclement we were unable to enjoy the moment.
SUNDAY 31st DEC
As we set off for Salthouse skeins of pink footed geese flew inland above us.
The grey weather continued as we took the coastal road south stopping at the usual lay by near Preedy’s Cottage and Windmill, to scan for Barn Owl. Sure enough two of them ghosted their way over the scrubby field surrounded by reeds, whilst on the opposite side of the road four egyptian geese roosted in the trees near the farm buildings, a grey heron stood guard underneath and a mute swan flew overhead towards the river.
Arriving at Salthouse at about 11.00 am, we were lucky enough to spot a mixed flock of snow buntings and linnet.
On the other side of the sea wall , the shingle was dotted with the huts of shore fishermen, one particular geordie guy loosing it completely with a number of walkers who insisted on walking along where the sea broke and in front of where he was casting.
Nothing was close in, however we identified a red throated diver but apart from that and a possible guillemot the conditions got the better of us. Unfortunately the wind was really strong and bad luck hit us when the scope was blown over pock marking the front lens with opaque marks. On the other side of the sea wall were a number of turnstones, a couple of redshank ,black headed gulls and a single common gull.
Over the Cley reserve a male and female Marsh Harrier quartered over the reeds, but there was no sign of the black eared kite that had been reported on the previous Friday. Strangely the only birds on the main lagoon were a shell duck, two widgeon and a single black headed gull.
For the time of year Wells was heaving with people, however we still could not resist fish and chips on the sea front.
While we ate our food, apart from the usual scavenging starlings and gulls, the only birds of note in the harbour were two little grebe.
The afternoon light was by now beginning to fade as we decided to check out the dyke at Burnham Overy Staith.
A dozen pied wagtail cheeped away on the car park, further on there was a large roost of golden plover and lapwing.
On the salt marsh were a little egret, some oyster catchers and a large mystery raptor, which was probably a Marsh Harrier.
As the wind got up we realised that we were walking out in the opposite direction to everyone else, so it was off back to the Railway Inn at Docking and a couple of pints of Admirals Revenge.
MONDAY 1ST JAN 2007
After last nights session it was time to head off home, but not before one last visit to Titchwell.
The wind was stronger than ever though the sun shone brilliantly, creating that wonderful north west Norfolk glow.
Nearly half the population must have decided that today was the day to take that bracing walk along the beach, since there were droves of people about.
As we made our way down the path a small party (that rapidly grew into a pack) were twitching half a dozen bearded tits feeding near the path on the reed heads. Without a doubt we had the best view ever of these gymnastic beauties, managing to capture a couple of good images, though the swaying reeds and the auto focus made it difficult.
A bar tailed godwit was on the tidal marsh along with half a dozen black tailed and a couple of spotted redshank.
Near the boardwalk a male and female stonechat rested on fence posts, whilst west a number of either pipits or skylarks flitted about, however they were a bit too far off to see clearly.
Moving towards the sea we were able to see hundreds of common scoter on the sea, a long tailed duck, a crested grebe, what looked like a number of little auks flew low across the sea. A great northern diver was also seen.
Heading back along the reserve path we stopped to pick up the Bearded Tits that were still feeding, but nearer the fresh marsh.
We carried on towards the visitors centre spotting a couple of egrets and curlew.
On the way back, west of Grantham a barn owl was visible quartering over a field, a fitting end to a lovely weekend..
Fantastic report Mick and Tina, sounds like you had a good time despite the weather. Thanks for posting piccys of Bearded Tits, I saw these also at Titchwell at about 3.30ishpm!!!! they were very close to the bank and stunning colours. The wind was wicked last weekend/new year's day.
Best Wishes Penny
Very nice report..and pics!
Those bearded tits are not always so obliging
Matt