RSPB Titchwell in winter.

February 11th, at 8:00 am, I stepped outside to be greeted by blue skies and a fresh blanket of snow. The temperature mirrored what some might call an Alpine day. A frigid atmosphere that set the stage for an excursion to the North Norfolk Coast. My goal was to capture winter bird shots, particularly the wintering ducks reported in the area.

Reports indicated an astonishing overnight low of -16, a rarity in many years. This heightened my anticipation for potential images of a frozen coast at Titchwell on the North Norfolk Coast. Hoping to snap more than just the regularly waders and ducks. I really wanted to catch that classic shot of a robin against the snowy background, especially since they’re always hanging around the reserve.

RSPB Titchwell

Upon arrival at the Titchwell car park, it was evident that the cold allure of the day had drawn visitors, spilling over into the overflow parking bays. True to expectations, robins were abundant. The frigid temperatures had caused any water to freeze, compelling wintering ducks to congregate in the areas with clear water, albeit too distant for close-up shots. Nevertheless, some waders ventured towards the limited spots with accessible food. A feeding Snipe offered a chance to capture reasonably close images against the snowy landscape.

However, the midday temperature still lingered at a biting -10 degrees. Attempting to lie in the snow for a low-angle shot of the Snipe proved challenging. The cold took its toll, prompting a retreat to the welcoming warmth of the cafe, where a hot soup offered a respite. Reflecting on the day, I couldn’t help but marvel at the photographers who endure even colder conditions, as my -10 experience would be considered a warm day for those working on the Frozen Planet documentary.

Roll on the thaw and those Smew and Pintails might be in range when Smew and Pintails may come within range. The frozen landscapes of this winter outing provided challenges, but the rewards were moments captured in the serene beauty of a snow-covered North Norfolk Coast.