Nature Notes January 2025
Nature Notes
December was a drab month but one day promised some sunshine, so we set off to visit Titchwell RSPB reserve. On the way we were treated to some good sightings of, not only Buzzard, but also Marsh Harrier and Red Kite as they drifted over the North Norfolk fields in search of a prey. As we walked down the sea bank overlooking the salt marshes, a Chinese Water Deer was out amongst the low vegetation, its pale biscuit-coloured coat showed up well in the sunshine. We could see its rabbit-like ears and big round bottom as it slunk away. A huge flock of Golden Plover were wheeling over the lagoon, having been spooked by a passing Red Kite and as they came in to land on the muddy islands, we could hear their wonderful ‘tu-lui’ calls. We were surprised to see a few Avocets resting and feeding, as those that breed in Norfolk had long since left for warmer climes. These must have been birds that bred further north in Scandinavia, which had only just arrived as the weather deteriorated on the continent. Looking over the bank onto the tidal pool, we were amazed to see a Black-winged Stilt with its elegant white body, grey patch on the head, black wings and ridiculous long flamingo pink legs! We watched as it waded into the water of the channel below, peering into the muddy depths in search of food. One quick stab and it had a wriggling fish in its delicately thin, black beak. At one point it even had to swim despite its long legs. On our way back, it was standing on the bank and watching a pair of much larger Little Egret striding through the waters looking for a meal. Out on the beach, we found that the recent storms had washed up a number of more unusual sea creatures. There were many large Burrowing Starfish but also a few, much smaller Brittle-stars with long, thin arms and small disc-like bodies. These also burrow into the sand, their tentacles just breaking the surface to catch their prey. Further on there were Sun Stars, which are much chunkier, with reddish bodies and ten or more arms. I was surprised to discover that the female Sun-star broods her eggs once she has laid them! She makes a tent, holding her body above the eggs supported by her tentacles and remaining stationary without feeding for three weeks until the young Sun-stars hatch. They live on rocky habitats, so must have been washed off a chalk reef out in the North Sea in the turbulence of the recent storms, as had the prickly, green Sea Urchins which were also scattered over the sand.
Do let me know if you see any interesting wildlife (rachel.42rr@btinternet.com)
