'The north wind doth blow and we will have snow, and what will the robin do then, poor thing,' laments the old nursery rhyme. It is in these harsh conditions that we reflect on the survival strategies of many resident and over-wintering species which frequent the Reserve's diverse habitats.
Winter is far from dull and bleak. It is the season to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of wildfowl which visit our shores from northern breeding grounds. Skeins of Pink Footed Geese commute to inland feeding grounds from their over-night coastal roosts. Flocks of Brents forage on the saltmarsh. Huge slick-like rafts of Scoters and Eiders congregate on the sea over off-shore mussel beds.
As the winter tightens its grip, diminishing food supplies in mainland Europe may force some species to move westwards to our shores. Invasions of Redpolls, Brambling and Waxwings are possible.
These topics, and many more, are featured in this captivating account of winter on Titchwell Marsh Reserve.
Filmed and edited by Malcolm Rymer. This film is part of a quartet which includes RSPB Titchwell Marsh: A Reserve for all Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
