Description
Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve is located between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham in the northern part of Norfolk. There are many types of habitat located in this reserve which makes it a beautiful place for birders to watch many species of shorebird and songbird all year long.
The area consists of four major areas: Titchwell Woodlands, Titchwell Lagoons, Titchwell Marshes and Titchwell Beach.
The woodlands near the parking lot and the visitors center are great for many species of songbird. In summer, these woodland are packed with species, like Munk, Havesanger, Gransanger, Løvsanger and many more. There are multiple feeding stations on which these beautiful birds can be easily observed. In winter, the woodland area is a great place for wintering finches and thrushes, like Gråsisken, Kvækerfinke and Dompap.
After the woodland area, the marshlands make way for extensive reedbeds and freshwater ponds. These parts are great for Skægmejse, Rørdrum, Rørhøg and Vandrikse. The small ponds are also great for Lille Lappedykker and small numbers of ducks, like Krikand. Several larger waterbodies are located between these marshlands and the freshwater lagoons. Here, many species of goose and duck can be found, like Rødhovedet And, Skeand, Spidsand and Krikand.
The freshwater lagoon is probably the best part of the nature reserve. The first lagoon has two birdhides and provide a great view on the mudflats. These mudflats can be jam-packed full of birds, being mainly waders and ducks and especially during high tide. Large numbers of Hjejle, Lille Kobbersneppe, Islandsk Ryle, Almindelig Ryle, Klyde and many more can be seen here. This is also a great spot for scarcer species, like Krumnæbbet Ryle, Strandhjejle and Tinksmed. In summer, roosting Splitterne can be observed here too. The edges of the lagoon are covered with reedbeds. Species like Vandrikse and Bjergvipstjert can be seen foraging here.
To the West, you'll have a great view over extensive salt marshes. These are a great habitat for species like Knortegås, Kortnæbbet Gås and Silkehejre. Small puddles are visible from the path and are great for waders too. With a bit of luck, a Slørugle might show itself.
The beach is a great place to observe seabirds. Small flocks of Sortand can be seen in a distance. Other species like Toppet Skallesluger and Ederfugl will be visible too. Terns, like Splitterne and Fjordterne can be seen foraging near the coast.
Details
Access
The area is easy accessable and many pathways lead to the best areas of the nature reserve. There is a large parking lot in front of the reserve and a visitor center provides you with all the information needed. You'll have to buy a parking ticket at the parking lot or the visitor center.