We spent a very enjoyable morning at Tichwell today. Having left at 5.30am we arrived shortly after 7.30am and made our way along the main footpath to begin scanning the Freshmarsh. We quickly picked out the Grey Phalarope relatively close to the path. My first Pink-footed Geese of 2021 were seen flying overhead. Having been unable to visit any coastal sites in the early part of the year due to Covid restrictions it was good to connect with these again.
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| Grey Phalarope |
The newly created scrapes and islands on the Freshmarsh are proving very attractive to the numerous species of waders. Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Golden Plover, Knot, Ruff, Redshank, Lapwing, Avocets, and Dulin were all present.
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| Newly created scrapes and islands on the Freshmarsh |
The Tidal Marsh produced several more additions to the day total, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Curlew, and Turnstone were all present. We were making our way towards the beach when Brian spotted a Guillemot preening close to the west bank. We were slightly concerned as to its condition but after several dives, it flew up and headed towards the sea.
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| Guillemot |
We reached the beach and headed towards Thornham hoping to connect with the Purple Sandpiper that had been present for several days. We hadn't walked very far when the Sandpiper was spotted.
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| Brian taking advantage of some cover |
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| Purple Sandpiper |
As we were watching the Sandpiper I spotted a single Snow Bunting. Both birds began to wander closer and closer to our position. Several Sanderling were also busily feeding along the shoreline.
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| Snow Bunting |
A two-hour seawatch produced a smart Slavonian Grebe in Brancaster Bay and Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Mergansers, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Common Scoters were all seen.
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| Taking a break from the Seawatch |
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