Trip reports

Titchfield Haven 20th May 2008

Monday, 21 April 2008

Unlike the previous month's visit to Titchwell, the weather on our Titchfield trip was pleasantly warm and sunny. The incoming tide meant waders were roosting on the reserve's lagoons - species seen included redshank, lapwing, avocet, snipe and black-tailed godwit (some in their brilliant orange summer plumage). An unexpected sight was the large number of mediterranean gulls present. A count the previous week had revealed 320 individuals; on our visit at least 60 were visible. Elsewhere on the reserve migrant warblers had arrived. Chiifchaffs were most common with blackcap and willow warbler also recorded. Cetti's warblers, a specialty of Titchfield, were easily heard but less readily spotted. Yellow wagtails had been reported just beyond the reserve on the day prior to our visit. The two mile walk required to check whether they were still about failed to find any but compensation came in the shape of a pair of gargeney (and a grey wagtail). Kestrel, buzzard and marsh harier were also seen as were turnstone, swallow and sandwich tern.