.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
RSPB Surlingham Church Marshes is a small reserve which offers birders a short 2km circular walk, with a mixture of habitats that supports a wide variety of species throguhout the year, and boasts some of the more highly sought after birds in the Yare Valley! This peaceful reserve has something to offer throughout the year, and is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you are in the area.
In all seasons, the reedbed at the centre of the reserve is home to iconic species of the area including Rørhøg and Skægmejse, while the wet woodland is worth searching for Sumpmejse, Træløber and Dompap. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Isfugl whizzing up and down the river. You will hear Cettisanger on most visits too.
In winter, paths around the reserve are susceptible to flooding and may also become muddy and slippery. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended. However, it is also a great time to visit the reserve as large flocks of Stær will put on a fantasitc display at dusk as group together before they drop into the reedbed to roost. Colder weather will bring opprotunities to see elusive Rørdrum. It is worth scanning Postwick Marshes with a scope at this time of year, as Kortnæbbet Gås and the rarer Blisgås can sometimes be found. The marshes are also frequented by hunting Vandrefalk and Slørugle. There are better reserves in the area to search for wildfowl, but Pibeand and Krikand are both often found along the riverbank and in the wet woodland. For the keen eyed spotters, the marshes accomodate Dobbeltbekkasin, Enkeltbekkasin and Skovsneppe.
Spring is a great time to visit Surlingham, as the sound of warbler song returns to the reedbed. You will be able to hear Rørsanger, Sivsanger and possibly even Græshoppesanger. The resident Toppet Lappedykker will be displaying on the river. The wet woodland and scrub areas of the reserve will hold Munk, Tornsanger and potentially Gøg. Scanning over to Postwick Marshes, waders including Vibe and Strandskade may be seen, while Mudderklire can be spotted on the riverbank.
Summer is a great time to see and hear families of Skægmejse roaming the reedbed, while looking up in the sky may reveal hawking Lærkefalk, Mursejler and flocks of Landsvale, Bysvale and Digesvale. Postwick Marshes sometimes holds Gul Vipstjert.
Autumn can be quiet at Surlingham, however, there is always a chance of finding returning Vindrossel and Sjagger. It is always worth locating flocks of Halemejse in the wet woodland, as there is chance of finding something rarer with them. Herons including the locally scarce Sølvhejre may be seen from the hide. The marshland areas may hold families of Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl. Visitors to the reserve are encouraged to share their sightings on the board in the hide.
Details
Access
Park at Surlingham Church (postcode: NR14 7DF), and take the Wherryman's Way footpath past the cottage, which leads down a slight slope towards the river. This will put you on the circular path around the reserve.