RSPB Titchwell Marsh Passerines

 It was too windy yesterday to go onto the beach for Waders and possible Snow Buntings/Shore Larks, so after visiting the Hides (images to follow), we spent time in the woodland around the visitor centre. It was very sheltered there with lovely low sunlight illuminating sudden flashes of gold as a flock of Firecrests flittered around in front of us - often too close to get them in focus but still an entertaining sight. Amazing how the morning disappeared before a complete bird was in the frame and just about in focus.There were also Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Goldfinches and Tree Creeper to attempt to photograph and, of course, the very tame robins.

Birthday Walk at Paxton

The pits at Paxton were more or less frozen over for our Third Thursday walk at Paxton so all the waterfowl were pushed into the small open areas. Lots of Fieldfare, Wren, Tree Creeper, Green Woodpecker, Single Lapwing, Several Herons and Cormorants completed the walk.

Ash Die-Back and Woodland Birds

Hardwick Wood is one of East Anglia's Ancient woodlands and its Ash trees are suffering badly with Ash Dieback - the tell-tale white twigs can be seen in the woodland panorama with close ups to follow. The fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causes the lethal disease and represents a substantial threat. It was detected in the UK for the first time in 2012 and is now very widespread. The fungus blocks water and nutrients moving in the tree's vascular system, causing a restriction in water movement that leads to a significant leaf loss, bark lesions and then the dieback in the crown of the tree itself (hence the name). The loss of the Ash trees will affect the wood - there will be fewer trees for the nesting Buzzards and Kites though hole-nesters such as the Tits, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and Tree Creepers may gain temporarily 

Signs of Spring at Paxton

On a sunny afternoon at Paxton, it felt like spring might come soon with the birds collecting nesting materials, showing off the pristine breeding plumage and stocking up on food ready for the busy times to come.