Raptor delight at RSPB Titchwell Marsh

RSPB Titchwell Marsh is launching a socially-distanced event for raptor lovers and wildlife photographers this January.

Visitors will get to watch marsh and possibly hen harriers as they leave their night-time roosts deep in the reedbeds on the reserve.

Taking place on January 16, 22, 29 and 30, it will give a unique opportunity to watch all the harrier action from the warden's observation hide.

The viewing platform, which is right at the heart of the reserve, is only open to visitors during these exclusive events and will provide the perfect place to watch as peak numbers of these magnificent birds gather during winter.

Grab your camera and get the perfect shot of the harriers leaving overnight roosts while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature waking on the reserve.

Your exclusive guide will be stationed nearby and available on two-way radio to highlight harrier activity and other wildlife sightings.

The reserve is operating in a Covid-secure way which allows two people per booking from the same household or pre-formed bubble.

After the event, visitors can enjoy breakfast in the Feeding Station cafe as they plan the rest of their day in the reserve.

Other popular sights to watch out for at this time of year include wigeon and golden plover on the fresh marsh and bearded tits along the West Bank Path.

Sea watching is also a must at this time of year, so keep an eye out for black throated divers, common scoter and the occasional snow bunting on the beach.

Don’t forget to check the bird feeders while you’re having breakfast, you’re bound to see chaffinches, dunlin and maybe a brambling or two.

Tickets cost £45 per adult, or £35 for RSPB members. The event starts at 6.30am and finishes around 9am.

More information and tickets are available here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/titchwell-marsh/

Pics supplied by Les Bunyan.