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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 Labud grbac, Gluvara, Čegrtuša and Ćubasti gnjurac. The reedbed holds Svilorepi cvrčić and Barska strnadica, while Crnoglava travarka may be adorning the tops of bushes in the marshland area. The river offers chances to see Vodomar on any visit to the site. At dawn and dusk, Kukuvija may be sighted hunting around the reserve.
In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Ćubasta patka, Patka dupljašica, Krdža, Plovka kašikara and Mali gnjurac. In periods of colder weather, Veliki ronac, Mali ronac and Crnovrati gnjurac may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Vodeni bik . The marshland will hold good numbers of Barska šljuka and even a few Mala šljuka, although these will be difficult to find. A few Livadska trepteljka 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 Obični galeb and Sivi galeb for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Nilska guska will also be seen here.
In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Crni turpan, Arktička čigra, Mali galeb and Crna čigra, while Obična čigra are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Bregunica, Seoska lasta and Gradska lasta, usally joined by Crna čiopa in May.
The marshland fills with the sound of singing warblers in April and May, including Crnoglava grmuša, Obični zviždak, Trstenjak rogožar, Trstenjak crvrkutić, Obična grmuša and smaller numbers of Brezov zviždak, Grmuša čavrljanka and even Cvrčić tršćarcan be heard! Both Trstenjak mlakar and Obični cvrčić have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.
In the summer and autumn, Lastavičar may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Divlja guska in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Ostrigar and Polojka if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Mali aleksandar 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.