A feeling of desperation led me to decide to go to Titchwell in North Norfolk even though |I knew of the possibility of heavy showers. So, prepare equipment, clothing food and water the night before and set alarm for 6am.
By 6.30 am setting off around the Northampton ring road heading towards Peterborough. Progress is steady and no hold up so I am passing Hunstanton at 8.15am and arrive at Titchwell RSPB at 8.30am. The weather is good and the temperature is rising. Organise rucksack and camera and set off.
because of the threat of rain, I decide to go towards the beach first. Within 100 meters of the cafe area, a Muntjac deer appears out of the long grass. It takes no notice of me and continues to feed. Out in the distance a Marsh Harrier, but it stays there.
Muntjac Deer
To the left, a Little Egret and a group of Brent Geese followed by a Sedge Warbler in the reeds, close enough to photograph. Behind me, a Cetti’s Warbler is making its distinctive sound. In the pools, there is a distinct lack of waders. I search for some time for a sighting of the Cettis Warbler, but no luck. The Marsh Harrier still will not venture this far across the marshes.
Sadly the Bird hides are still closed. Eventually, I arrive at the dunes through which you walk to get access to the beach. Notably no twitchers! not a good sign. I can see a flock of birds along the beach so head in that direction. It is very pleasant, no coat needed and clear blue skies.
Brent Geese
Sedge Warbler
Dunlin and Sanderling
The flock of birds are Oystercatchers with the odd Gull, just past these though are a group of Dunlin almost too small to see, but I do get a few nice photos. Eventually, they fly off. The next stop is the area where seals might be found. Sure enough about 15 Grey Seals adults and young are resting with a few in the water. I look at them, they look at me. Lots of photos later and a very nice 20 minutes I set off back along the beach.
Grey Seals
Far inland I can see large dark clouds forming. As I meander along the beach I search for the usual trophy of a shell or stone. I do find a nice crab claw. More Dunlin out on the rocks revealed as the tide is going out and a Turnstone. Still no sighting of the Marsh Harrier.
The clouds are forming and getting closer so I return to the reserve path back towards the car park. To the right are a few Linnet moving from bush to bush. I do manage to get a few images.
Eventually, the Marsh Harrier, two, in fact, appear way off to the left. I decide to stop and have a drink in the hope they may come this way. They do get closer but not close enough. The joys of being interested in wildlife!
A little further along the path and resume the hunt for the Cetti’s, I see it but cannot get a shot. More Sedge Warblers flit between the reeds.
With one eye on the weather and the other on the Marsh Harriers, I continue along the path. The Harriers are getting closer. I sit down and wait determined to get a photo. However, the clouds are now almost above me and look threatening.
At last, a Harrier gets close enough to get a few shots, some look OK. I sense it will rain within minutes and head for the car park. As I arrive at the car it is beginning to rain. Just in the car and it pours!! Judgement not luck.
Marsh Harrier
I sit in the car and have a snack. When it stops raining I drive to Wells Next to Sea. Wells is very quiet, but I go for a stroll and to buy some seafood.
Finally, I decide to head home and it is raining again, in fact, when I get to Burnham Market it is torrential. The rest of the journey is uneventful and I am home again by 6pm.
Now all that is left is to process the 150 images.
A great day.
Linnet
Tide Out at wells-Next- to- Sea