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 Μαυροσκούφης, Κηποτσιροβάκος, Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος, Θαμνοφυλλοσκόπος 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 Τσακρίλλι, Χειμωνόσπινος and (Κοινός) Πύρρουλας.
After the woodland area, the marshlands make way for extensive reedbeds and freshwater ponds. These parts are great for Μουστακαλής, (Ευρασιατικός) Ήταυρος, Καλαμόκιρκος and (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκοτσέλα. The small ponds are also great for (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι and small numbers of ducks, like (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκίρι. Several larger waterbodies are located between these marshlands and the freshwater lagoons. Here, many species of goose and duck can be found, like (Ευρασιατικό) Φερεντίνι, (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρόπαπια, Ψαλίδα (του Βορά) and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκίρι.
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 (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι, Θαλασσολιμόζα, Κοκκινοσκαλίδρα, Λασποσκαλίδρα, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αβοκέτα and many more can be seen here. This is also a great spot for scarcer species, like Δρεπανοσκαλίδρα, Αργυροπούλι and Λασπότρυγγας. In summer, roosting Χειμωνογλάρονο can be observed here too. The edges of the lagoon are covered with reedbeds. Species like (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκοτσέλα and Σταχτοσουσουράδα 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 Δαχτυλιδόχηνα, Pink-footed Goose and (Κοινός) Λευκοτσικνιάς. Small puddles are visible from the path and are great for waders too. With a bit of luck, a Ανθρωποπούλλι might show itself.
The beach is a great place to observe seabirds. Small flocks of (Ευρωπαϊκή) Μαυρόπαπια can be seen in a distance. Other species like Θαλασσοπρίστης and (Κοινή) Πουπουλόπαπια will be visible too. Terns, like Χειμωνογλάρονο and Ποταμογλάρονο 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.