Page 8 - Out Birding Autumn 2024

Young birds included Greylag Geese, Mallard, Moorhen, Black-headed Gulls. Skylark dustbathing and one singing from a fence post
10 yards away a Common Tern was preening.
Crow being chased by an Oystercatcher.
Interesting observations regarding flowers.
We wish to thank the following for their observations and company Sue & Eva, Peter C and Carol. Carol’s local knowledge was useful: she visits the reserve at least once a month.
This event was part of a 7 day very enjoyable holiday for ourselves. We heard Cuckoo 5 out of the 7 days. During the rest of the holiday we observed a further 12 species of birds. We had walks on the reserve every day and that made it feel like an extension of our home, which we shall miss.
Mark and Simon
Fingringhoe Wick, Essex 25/05/2024
The group met by the lake where Mar􏰀n, as group leader, familiarised people with the reserve and relevant health and safety issues. The lake, normally a good place for several species, had an explosion of green algae. Nonetheless, we had a nice view of fluffy young Coot on the nest watching their parents fight their way home through the algal bloom. Wood Pigeon criss-crossed the lake as we listened to a Common White- throat along with the three birds audible throughout the day: singing Nigh􏰀ngales, purring Turtle Doves and Cuckoos.
On the reserve Chiffchaff and Blackcap called, and a Buzzard glided above, the tranquillity interrupted by several noisy Oystercatchers flying overhead as we approached the Colne Estuary. From the viewpoint there were Li􏰁le Egret and Great White Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck. Tucked into the bushes beside one of the benches a very young rabbit, hoped that we would ignore him. In the distance was a Slavonian Grebe or a Black-Necked Grebe. We followed the path to the river’s edge where, a􏰂er some delibera􏰀on it was determined to be Slavonian (in full breed- ing plumage). From this vantage point, we added Black-headed Gull, Great Black- backed Gull, Sand Mar􏰀n, Garden Warbler, Common Tern, Linnet and Cormorant.
At the large concrete hoppers, once used in gravel extrac􏰀on, Swi􏰂 nes􏰀ng boxes had been erected; no Swi􏰂, but a Great Tit had taken up residence in one box and was regularly returning with caterpillars. Walking to Robbie’s Hide a female Pheasant and chicks ambled ahead quite unperturbed by our presence. From the hide, we added Redpoll, Mute Swan and Mallard.
The promised rain didn’t materialise, so we were able to have lunch in the sunshine, surrounded by birdsong. Whilst we ate, a Great Spo􏰁ed Woodpecker occupied the peanut feeder, Swallows, nes􏰀ng in the roof of the shed, darted around and Magpie and Carrion Crow patrolled the marsh.
Back on the reserve we headed to Ki􏰁s Pond adding Robin, Blue Tit, several Ce􏰃’s 8