Northern Holiday 2018, Post 1: Spoonbills

I'm afraid I'm running very late with my holiday photos, but never mind! I can still post a selection of highlights.

We heard about RSPB Fairburn Ings on BBC Springwatch a short while before our departure, so were delighted to find that the reserve was not far off our route as we headed north. There was a buzz in the air when we arrived, and we soon discovered that three Spoonbill chicks had hatched and could be viewed from a distance. My zoom is not the best, but the photo below the 'viewing' blackboard shows mother and young doing well. What a remarkable sight.

 

There was a heronry with chicks in close proximity, but I would hazard a guess that during our time at Fairburn Ings, all eyes were focused on the Spoonbills.  

Beautiful Birds: the Spoonbill in North Norfolk

Spoonbill (same family as Ibis)

Back in mid August 2012, we made our first visit to RSPB Titchwell Marsh on the North Norfolk coast. It is a splendid reserve, with good paths and hides. I had very much hoped to see a Spoonbill - a first for me - and we were not disappointed as there in among the geese, Avocets, Little Egrets and other wading birds were nine Spoonbills. What magnificent creatures they are! There is a newly established breeding colony a short way along the coast.

You can see a photo of 19 Spoonbills on the Titchwell lagoons here. You can read about the travels of a ringed Spoonbill here and here.

I have been meaning to post these pictures for a while! It is always a thrill to encounter a 'new' species for the first time!