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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 Erete de stuf and Pițigoi de stuf, while the wet woodland is worth searching for Pițigoi sur, Cojoaică de pădure and Mugurar. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Pescăraș albastru whizzing up and down the river. You will hear Stufărică 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 Graur 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 Buhai de baltă. It is worth scanning Postwick Marshes with a scope at this time of year, as Gâscă cu cioc scurt and the rarer Gârliță mare can sometimes be found. The marshes are also frequented by hunting Șoim călător and Strigă. There are better reserves in the area to search for wildfowl, but Rață fluierătoare and Rață mică are both often found along the riverbank and in the wet woodland. For the keen eyed spotters, the marshes accomodate Becațină comună, Becațină mică and Sitar de pădure.
Spring is a great time to visit Surlingham, as the sound of warbler song returns to the reedbed. You will be able to hear Lăcar de stuf, Lăcar mic and possibly even Grelușel pătat. The resident Corcodel mare will be displaying on the river. The wet woodland and scrub areas of the reserve will hold Silvie cu cap negru, Silvie de câmp and potentially Cuc. Scanning over to Postwick Marshes, waders including Nagâț and Scoicar may be seen, while Fluierar de munte can be spotted on the riverbank.
Summer is a great time to see and hear families of Pițigoi de stuf roaming the reedbed, while looking up in the sky may reveal hawking Șoimul rândunelelor, Drepnea neagră and flocks of Rândunică, Lăstun de casă and Lăstun de mal. Postwick Marshes sometimes holds Codobatură galbenă.
Autumn can be quiet at Surlingham, however, there is always a chance of finding returning Sturzul viilor and Cocoșar. It is always worth locating flocks of Pițigoi codat in the wet woodland, as there is chance of finding something rarer with them. Herons including the locally scarce Egretă mare may be seen from the hide. The marshland areas may hold families of Mărăcinar negru. 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.