Page 6 - Out Birding Spring 2023

Fingringhoe Wick 06/11/2022
We should always ‘travel in hope’ but the forecast of a 98% chance of rain rising to 99% as the day progressed did dampen our spirits a li􏰀le. Nonetheless, 6 people met at Fingringhoe Wick car park in a drizzle to birdwatch across the Essex Marshes; our perseverance on the day paid off.
In the Centre we put in a food order for later and the an􏰁cipa􏰁on of a warming lunch did much to lighten our spirits. Leaving the shelter of the Centre we walked across to the lake where we found a Grey Heron perched in a tree and Moorhen, Gadwall, Blue Tit and Kestrel.
Chris and Mar􏰁n proposed that we head straight for the Margaret Hide as we were at high water, this proved to be a good decision. On the walk to the Margaret Hide we paused to admire some splendid mushroom and fungi on one of the meadows, with Shaggy Ink caps, Parasol Mushrooms, Sulphur Tu􏰂s. As we approached the hide a bird, behaving much like a Great Spo􏰀ed Woodpecker was si􏰃ng in a tree, but we were able to determine it was actually a Green Woodpecker.
By the 􏰁me we got to the Margaret (Inter-􏰁dal) Hide it was raining quite heavily so we se􏰀led in. We had the hide to ourselves so hung our dripping coats and hats on con- venient hook; then occupied seats around the octagonal hide to cover all direc􏰁ons.
The 􏰁de had just turned and already a few waders were moving in. On the farther bank was a colony of Avocet, around 100-150. Throughout the 􏰁me spent in the hide, everyone contributed to the discussions and debates; for those less experienced (and I count myself in that group) it felt very suppor􏰁ve. Our list grew, the trio of Grey, Golden, and Ringed Plover on a single mudflat allowed us to compare closely the dis- 􏰁nguishing features. We had clear views of Li􏰀le Egret, Cormorant, Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Redshank, Brent Geese, Canada Geese, Li􏰀le S􏰁nt, Lapwing, Black-Tailed Godwit, Black Headed Gull, Turnstone.
Mar􏰁n invited us all to share a ‘Mindfulness Moment’ and we sat in silence, listening to the sound of the rain bea􏰁ng on the roof and the mournful cries of the Lapwing and Oystercatchers on the marsh. This is always special for solo birdwatchers, so it was good to share the silent moment in the company of friends.
We prac􏰁sed our gull knowledge, always a challenge, on some of the many gulls se􏰀ling on the mudflats. We also shared some rather damp Colin the Caterpillar chews which cheered us up. We were joined by: Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Curlew.
A􏰂er two and half hours we decided to head back to lunch at the centre. The group split, with a couple sashaying straight to the centre for a warming cuppa, the rest called into the Kingfisher Hide where a Water Rail had been sighted. Sadly, no Water Rail, though we were assured there had been three just moments earlier; isn’t that always the way? But we were able to add: 25 Li􏰀le Grebe Coot, Pied Wagtail.
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