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Thorpe St. Andrew's Broad

Norfolk  >  United Kingdom

A small reserve on the edge of Norwich which holds a lake, a marshland and a small reedbed, giving excellent opportunites for some urban birding.

Added* by Drew Lyness
Most recent update 23 decembrie 2021
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Description

Surprisingly, given its proximity to Norwich city centre, Thorpe St. Andrew's Broad (locally referred to as Thorpe Marshes) is an excellent place to see a variety of bird species, some of which you might not expect in such an urban setting. The reserve consists of a short circular walk, including a viewpoint over the lake, and bridge crossing a railway to access the reserve.

Throughout the year, Thorpe Marshes is home to a variety of common wetland birds including Lebădă de vară, Rață mare, Rață pestriță and Corcodel mare. The reedbed holds Stufărică and Presură de stuf, while Mărăcinar negru may be adorning the tops of bushes in the marshland area. The river offers chances to see Pescăraș albastru on any visit to the site. At dawn and dusk, Strigă may be sighted hunting around the reserve.

In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Rață moțată, Rață sunătoare, Rață mică, Rață lingurar and Corcodel mic. In periods of colder weather, Ferestraș mare, Ferestraș mic and Corcodel cu gât negru may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Buhai de baltă . The marshland will hold good numbers of Becațină comună and even a few Becațină mică, although these will be difficult to find. A few Fâsă de luncă will also be found here.

It is sometimes worth wandering up the river to Thorpe Green, where familes feed the ducks and gulls. Have a look through groups of Pescăruș râzător and Pescăruș sur for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Gâscă egipteană will also be seen here.

In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Rață neagră , Chiră polară, Pescăruș mic and Chirighiță neagră, while Chiră de baltă are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Lăstun de mal, Rândunică and Lăstun de casă, usally joined by Drepnea neagră in May.

The marshland fills with the sound of singing warblers in April and May, including Silvie cu cap negru, Pitulice mică, Lăcar mic, Lăcar de stuf, Silvie de câmp and smaller numbers of Pitulice fluierătoare, Silvie mică and even Grelușel pătatcan be heard! Both Lăcar de mlaștină and Grelușel de stuf have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.

In the summer and autumn, Șoimul rândunelelor may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Gâscă de vară in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Scoicar and Fluierar de munte if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Papagal Micul Alexandru population at Thorpe Green, which are slowly increasing in the area.

Details

Access

To access the reserve, walk along Whitlingham Lane, located at the traffic light junction with Yarmouth Road. At the end of this short road there is a footbridge over the railway line which gives access to the reserve. Please note there is no parking on Whitlingham Lane. The site is easily reached via bus from Norwich city centre. The paths can often be muddy and flooded so wellingtons are recommended in the winter months.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Winter

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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