Abberton Reservoir & Fingringhoe Wick February 3rd 2007
We left Hemel at 7am on a dark and frosty morning. Our first stop was on the Layer Breton causeway at Abberton Reservoir. There were no clouds in the sky, no wind and the water was still.
A large flock of Pochard was sleeping on the water one hundred yards away.
The birds of note were a Kingfisher, female Smew and Egyptian Goose. Many male Goldeneye were throwing back their heads in their courtship displays. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew over, a Redshank and a Turnstone landed at the waters edge.
We left this causeway for the next one near the Visitor Centre. From here we saw a pair of Black-necked Grebe. We continued to the Visitor Centre. Whilst watching the feeders, a Sparrowhawk flew through, causing all the feeding birds to disappear into the hedges.
It was now time to leave for Fingringhoe Wick. On arrival we stood in the car park having lunch. A red Admiral butterfly was seen (in February!!). Four of us were sitting in the hide overlooking the marsh, as the tide was high, watching thousands of birds of different species on the marsh. Suddenly one bird gave an alarm call and all the birds flew into the air as one. We looked into the sky and a Peregrine Falcon flying over. This was a sight that none of us will forget.
Teal at Abberton
Turnstone at Abberton
As the tide was going out, many birds were flying off the marshes onto the exposed mud flats to feed. A large flock of Brent geese landed on the far side of the estuary. Many Avocets, Dunlin, Knot, Godwits, Curlew & Redshank were seen feeding, birds were everywhere.
We arrived back at the Visitor Centre to look for Marsh Harriers across the marshes. As the sun was going down we saw two quartering in the distance.
Red Breasted Mergansers were also seen.
We left the reserve as it was getting dark, reflecting on the great day with the birds and the weather.
As two of us were travelling along the M25, a Barn Owl flew over us, the icing on the cake. This made two Barn Owls in our outings this year.
Dave Jones (photos by Phil Farrer)
Redshanks at Fingringhoe
Golden Plover at Fingringhoe
