Bird & Wildlife

Status:Active, open to new members
Leader:
Lynda Ewers Tel: 01621 741577
Group email: Bird & Wildlife group
When: Monthly on Wednesday mornings
2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00am
Venue: On Location

We visit many locations with some being run by the Essex Wildlife Trust or the RSPB. Our objective is to encourage an interest in bird watching, wildlife and anything that inhabits a natural surrounding. We are not restricted for numbers by space but more from the size of bird hides, so at times the group has to split into smaller groups.

We have members who can offer lifts to non-drivers.

8th January 2025

Bradwell

Nine members were at the Green Man on a very cold morning. Luckily the Pub let us in to give our meal orders where there was a lovely fire so we were not too keen to leave again! At least it was dry so we had a pleasant enough walk along the sea wall and good viewing. Having got back to the pub earlier than usual due to the cold we had a vey nice meal and a much needed warm up.

Our next meeting will be on Wed 12th February, meeting in the Daisy Meadow Car Park at 10am from where we will have a coffee stop at the Lock Tea Room before starting our birding.

I am in the process of compiling a Bird Group on WhatsApp so that if any info needs to be given at short notice I only have to send the message once so I would be grateful if you could confirm whether or not you are on it. Thanks to Tony , Sue and Diane R who suggested it.

Here is our sightings list, courtesy of Tom. See you all next month all being well.

Lynda Ewers

Birds (38 species)  
Brent GooseDunlinMagpie
Mute SwanBlack-headed GullJackdaw
ShelduckCommon GullWren
WigeonHerring GullStarling
Red-breastedGreat Black-backed GullBlackbird
MerganserLesser Black-backedRobin
WoodpigeonGullHouse Sparrow
Little GrebeLittle EgretDunnock
Great Crested GrebeGrey HeronPied Wagtail
OystercatcherMarsh HarrierMeadow Pipit
Grey PloverBuzzardLinnet
LapwingKingfisherCorn Bunting
CurlewKestrel
Redshank
Mammals (2 species)RabbitRed Fox

11th December 2024

Mayland

We had a good number of members attend on an overcast but dry morning. There were some lovely sightings of large flocks taking off from the mud, always nice to see, especially when the light catches them. We met some interesting people who gave us some useful information, perhaps for future visits to new places.

Our next visit will be Wednesday 8th January 2025, meeting at the Green Man in Bradwell 10am. This will be our new year lunch so we will give our orders at 10am then return for

12.30. I have given rough numbers, but if you could kindly cofirm with me by the 6th January one way or another so I can update the pub.

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year, see you in January.
-Lynda Ewers

Bird sightings (27 species):

Brent GooseWoodpigeonCurlewGreat Black-backed Gull
ShelduckMoorhenBlack-tailed GodwitLittle Egret
ShovelerOystercatcherKnotRook
WigeonAvocetDunlinCarrion Crow
MallardGrey PloverBlack-headed GullStarling
TealGolden PloverCommon GullBlackbird
LapwingHerring GullDunnock

13th November 2024

Abberton Reservoir

Nine people were present this month on a dry but chilly day. I was not really surprised that the water level was quite low, this meant however that lots of birds were out of the water which made it easier to view them as they were still instead of moving with the waves. We had some really close views of Kestrels and the highlight of the day, a Kingfisher which was on a dead tree and stayed for several minutes. There were still some species of plants in flower due to mild weather.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th December at Mayland, meeting in the Café next to the bistro at 10am. Regarding January 2025 we will hopefully be having our meal at the Green Man Bradwell, we have been there in the past and enjoyed it. I will let you all know nearer the time.
-Lynda Ewers

Wildflowers seen:

Bristly Oxtongue, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Field Madder, Scentless Mayweed, Purple Deadnettle, Black Nightshade, Yarrow, White Bladder Campion:

Garden Escapees: Antirrhinum (Snapdragon), Verbena Bonariensis.

Bird sightings:

Canada GooseGreat Crested GrebeBlue Tit
Greylag GooseLapwingGreat Tit
Mute SwanBlack-tailed GodwitStarling
Egyptian GooseCommon GullBlackbird
ShovelerHerring GullRobin
GadwallGreat Black-backed GullDunnock
WigeonLesser Black-backed GullGrey Wagtail
MallardLittle EgretGreen Sandpiper
PintailCattle EgretRedshank
TealGreat White EgretBlack-headed Gull
PochardGrey HeronKestrel
Tufted DuckKingfisherPied Wagtail
WoodpigeonMagpieMeadow Pipit
MoorhenRookChaffinch
Coot Little GrebeCarrion CrowGoldfinch
Little Grebe

9th October 2024

Southend and Shoeburyness

Seven of us met at Southend Pier prior to getting the train along to the end. The tide was well out so lots of mud meant large groups of gulls and oystercatchers after the food.

However they had competition from fishermen digging up their bait. Although a little windy the sun was really warm, we enjoyed our coffee outside, spotting several species before returning by train for the second part of our outing.

I had never been to Gunners Park despite living in Althorne for over forty years! It is a very interesting area with lots of military history, some parts being still visible, e.g. the parade ground and cannons plus some old gun emplacements. As well as the vast expanse of mud there is some scrubland which allows for different species. I will definitely make a return visit at some point. We had a nice lunch in the cafe there and also looked at the small museum attached which explained the venue's history.

The next visit will be Wednesday 13th November at Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir. Meet in the visitor centre at 10am.
-Lynda Ewers

11th September 2024

Burnham Wick

As you will know, the original venue was cancelled due to several members having Covid and I do hope they are all feeling better and will soon be out and about again.

Four of us had a nice outing to Burnham Wick - nothing unusual and the wind was a bit gusty and chilly. Martin the farmer told me there had been an Osprey flying along the river before returning to Africa but we did not see it. Species seen: Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Little Egret, Little Grebe, House Martin, Blue Tit, Collared Dove, Jay. Plants: Cinquefoil.

I have moved the original September venue to the October meeting (9th October) - so meet at 10am in Southend Pier Building (pier train terminal) before boarding the train to the end terminal on Southend Sea front. See you all next time
-Lynda Ewers

14th August 2024

Heybridge Basin

Eight members met on a nice, very warm morning at the Lock Tea Rooms and after a lovely drink we set off, firstly going left but not much was seen so retraced our steps going across the lock onto the river wall towards the lake which was previously a gravel extraction site.

As well as seeing several bird and plant species this was a lovely view of Maldon.

Plants and InsectsBirds
Common MallowCanada GooseGreat Black-backed Gull
Black HoarhoundMallardLesser Black-backed Gull
Field BindweedTufted DuckCormorant
Canadian FleabaneWoodpigeonLittle Egret
Golden SamphireCollared DoveMagpie
Marsh ThistleMoorhenBlue Tit
YarrowLapwingCetti’s Warbler
BrambleCurlewWren
Prickly OxtongueBlack-tailed GodwitStarling
RagwortRedshankHouse Sparrow
Wild CarrotGreenshankGreenfinch
MugwortTurnstoneGoldfinch
BittersweetBlack-headed Gull 
Autumn Hawkbit  
Holly Blue Butterfly  

Next meeting will be Wednesday 11th September at 10am. We will meet in Southend Pier Building before boarding the train to the end where there is a nice café and hopefully see some varied birds. We will then return on the train and continue to Gunners Park in Shoebury. There is parking on the Seafront.

Hope to see you then.
-Lynda Ewers

10th July 2024

Maldon Wick

After a coffee in Morrisons we crossed over to Maldon Wick nature reserve which despite being surrounded by new houses and edged by the busy main road was very quiet and pleasant. It was a dry day but not very sunny at first, so we didn't expect to see much - but were pleasantly surprised. It's a quiet time for birds at the moment, but we did see numbers of butterflies, insects and plants as follows:

BirdsButterflies and other insectsWild flowers
Carrion CrowMeadow BrownYellow Cinquefoil
MoorhenEssex SkipperRed Clover
Wood PigeonLarge WhiteWhite Clover
GoldfinchRed dragonfly & damselflyBirdsfoot Trefoil
MagpieCommaOx-eye Daisy Selfheal
 Red AdmiralFleabane
 Gate Keeper 
 Speckled Wood Grasshopper 
 Web of a Funnel Web spider 

Date of next meeting - Wed 14th August, 10am - venue to be confirmed: please contact Lynda Ewers nearer the date if you wish to come – thank you.
- Lynda Ewers

12th June 2024

Wildlife Walk at RSPB Rainham

A group of 10 of us met at the rather quirky RSPB site (the building looks like salt and pepper pots!) on a dry but rather dull and chilly day. After the usual pre-walk coffee we walked down the main path to look down on the scrape below. There was a lot of activity there – swifts wheeling above with sand martins below them. There was a range of ducks, geese and swans. From the hide close by we saw other water birds such as lapwings, pochard, redshanks etc – and the usual little egret.
The main impression was of a busy place – a lot of birdsong from a variety of birds the loudest being the Cettis warbler and many insects buzzing amongst the vegetation. There were sadly few butterflies but they like the sun.
We walked to the second hide which has shade netting over the windows to avoid people distracting kingfishers who might come and perch. Sadly, no kingfishers appeared but the highlight of the day was seeing a water vole swimming across the pond. Walking further on we heard the strange call of marsh frogs but no sightings of them.
It was a very enjoyable day and a productive one as can be seen by the number of different species of wildlife on the list.
45 species seen/heard, as follows:
Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Swift, Woodpigeon, Collared Doves, Moorhens,
Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Redshank, Common Tern, Black-Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gulls,
Little Egret, Grey Heron, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Sand Martin, Swallow, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler,
Blackcap, Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

Next Meeting is Wed July 10th at Maldon Wick. Meet in Morrisons Café, 10am
- Lynda Ewers

8th May 2024

Essex Wildlife Trust - Fingringhoe Reserve

For once we were blessed with lovely weather and 14 members. After a coffee we set off hoping to at least hear the Nightingales. It wasn't long before we were rewarded with several birds and their short but beautiful songs. One member was lucky enough to see one, they are fairly nondescript brown birds and nearly always hidden.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 12th June at Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve. Postcode RM19 1SZ. Meet there at 10am. There is no charge for the visitor centre and café etc, but they now charge for parking. If you are an RSPB member, this is free so bring your membership card to display in your vehicle.

Species seen/heard, as follows:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cuckoo, Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher,
Bar-Tailed Godwit, Black-Headed Gull, Cormorant, Little Egret, Buzzard, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Robin, Nightingale, Dunnock
- Lynda Ewers

13th March 2024

Abberton Reservoir

We had nine people for this visit including two new u3a members, I hope they enjoyed it and that they will come again. The weather was fine but cloudy with a very strong wind. Despite that it was a very productive day with several species seen. Of particular interest was a Marsh Harrier with a bright red wing tag, which usually means that it is being tracked to see where and how far it travels as part of the conservation effort.
The next meeting will be 8th May at EWT Fingringhoe Reserve, 10am in the visitors centre.
Sightings were as follows:

Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Pheasant, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Cormorant,
Grey Heron, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Willow Warbler,
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Wren, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch
- Lynda Ewers

10th April 2024

Hanningfield Reservoir

A dry (!) day, although a little overcast and cooler than we expected. Eleven of us met in the visitor centre and after coffee and loo stop we set off. Luckily we had opted for our waterproof boots as it was quite muddy underfoot, although the pathways are good there.

We sighted a large number of species, of special interest were some male goldeneye displaying; also buzzard and red kite in the distance. It is a lovely centre with large windows so even if you can’t walk far there is always something interesting to watch (we spotted a treecreeper from here). Next meeting will be 10th April at Abberton Resevoir Visitors Centre 10am - postcode is CO2 0EU.

34 species seen, as follows: Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Red-Crested Pochard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Woodpigeon, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Black-Headed Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Cormorant, Red Kite, Buzzard, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-Taied Tit, Goldcrest, Wren, Treecreeper, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock.
- Lynda Ewers

14th February 2024

Bluehouse Farm

Seven members met at the River Breeze Cafe in the Yacht Haven, North Fambridge. Although the weather was quite overcast, it was very mild so not that unpleasant. After a cup of coffee we had a look at the water which is now used for paddle boarding, a few birds on there. There was a short burst of fine rain which luckily soon stopped. We then drove round to the Essex Wildlife Trust Reserve at Bluehouse Farm ready for our meeting with the Warden Harry, and Fleur. It was a good job I had brought my walking pole (as had the others) because the ground was very muddy and slippery underfoot.

We learnt about the work that EWT has done in conjunction with the farmers (it is also a working farm) to improve the habitat and safety for wildlife and about their future plans. Aside from the birds, otters have been seen although only on the camera traps at night. Also there are two ponies on the far side of the reserve which came from Tiptree Heath and are being used for grazing.

All in all, a very enjoyable outing, sightings as follows:

Birds: Pochard, Moorhen, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Curlew, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Common Buzzard, Greylag Goose, Skylark, Shoveler, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Barnacle Goose Hybrid, Oystercatcher, Pintail Mediterranean Gull, Marsh Harrier, Carrion Crow, Starling, Great Tit.
Others: Brown Hare
Next meeting is Wed 13th March 10am at Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre.
- Lynda Ewers

10th January 2024

Heybridge Basin

At last, some lovely weather! Ten members met in the Jolly Sailor car park at 10am. After a bit of confusion (the pub does not officially open till 12 noon) we were able to enter, registered our vehicles and left our orders. We started with coffee at the Wilkins Cafe before continuing along the river wall towards the Sailing Club. Although the tide was well in, the inlet has some shallow spots where we saw a large number of different species quite close to us. The light was perfect and brought out the colours and markings perfectly.
We did a circuit back to the lock and went to the lake by the canal, but we did not have our Wellies and so could not use the path. We made our way to the pub where we had a lovely meal and good conversation. At first no-one opted for dessert but then it was "I will if you will", so two of us had cheesecake. I must admit it did look delicious. The parking is usually 3 hours but the owner was able to extend it, she just took our reg numbers again.
Species seen as follows:
Birds: Pied Wagtail, Wood Pigeon, Sparrow, Teal, Wigeon, Oyster Catcher, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Redshank, Avocet, Pochard, Collared Dove, Blacktailed Godwit, Starling, Little Grebe, Blue Tit, Robin, Black Headed Gull, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Cormorant, Brent Goose, Magpie, Wren.
Plants: Gorse
The next meeting will be 14th February at Blue House Farm North Fambridge. The plan is to meet at the Sailing Club Cafe at 10am and access the reserve via the river wall.
- Lynda Ewers

8th November 2023

RSPB South Essex Marshes - Stanford Wharf (Essex Wildlife Trust Thameside Nature Park

We had a good number again despite the weather being grey, wet and windy. As happens quite often, the previous two days had been sunny with clear skies! Luckily, there is a lovely visitors centre with great views of the Thames where we could keep warm and refreshed. As the list below shows, we managed to see quite a number of birds:

  • Shelduck
  • Wigeon
  • Mallard
  • Teal
  • Avocet
  • Grey Plover
  • Curlew
  • Black-tailed Godwit
  • Dunlin
  • Redshank
  • Black-headed Gull
  • Great Black-backed Gull
  • Herring Gull
  • Cormorant
  • Little Egret
  • Carrion Crow
  • Blue Tit
  • Great Tit
  • Long-tailed Tit
  • Robin
  • Dunnock
  • Meadow Pipit
  • Greenfinch
  • Linnet

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 13th December at EWT Abberton Reservoir, 10am in the visitor centre.
- Lynda Ewers

11th October 2023

Wick Farm

We had 9 members this month, welcoming one for the first time and hope that they enjoyed the morning which was slightly overcast but still warm. Before starting off we looked at the "little ship" Vanguard which was at Dunkirk and is being stored at the Wick pending restoration. There is an information board there which explains its history, I think this will be a lengthy and possibly expensive project.
Walking to the small reservoir, there were lots of Canada and Greylag Geese, among Greylags were two very pale ones with some light brown back feathers. They were assumed to be juveniles, but my bird books etc. do not confirm this.
We were told of a circular route via the river wall, but found this to be too far, so most went back to the farm where we had parked. The remaining two went along the wall to the Corinthian sailing club - the path was a little rough, with lots of cracks and holes, but we made it to the cafe on the quay where we were amazed to see a common seal really close. A brief but lovely site.

Sightings - Birds:
Robin, Carrion Crow, Partridge, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Mallard, Moorhen.
Sightings - Others:
Mallow, California Poppy, Bladder Campion, Plantain, Common Seal.
- Lynda Ewers

9th August 2023

Maldon
As we entered the Wick reserve there were lots of butterflies, bees and dragon/damsel flies. We identified an unusual flower called "red bartsia" which is apparently semi parasitic on other plants.

We noticed a man in a hi-vis jacket who was clearing armfuls of greenery from the pond. He kindly explained that he has to come every month for the Essex Wildlife Trust and that he greenery was the invasive American "floating pennywort". Even the tiniest piece if left will quickly grow and suffocate the pond. The water voles and moorhens, although lovely to see, don't help as they nibble off tiny pieces which are very difficult to fish out,

Next we found a spider which was a new sighting for us all. It turned out to be a wasp spider, which eats grasshoppers and is harmless to humans.
The next meeting will be Wednesday 13th Sept at Tollesbury, meet in the car park Woodrolfe Road 10am
-Lynda Ewers

12th July 2023

Blue House Farm
Twelve members met in the car park, looking forward to seeing the effects of the work done by Essex Wildlife Trust to improve the habitats. They have put up new fences to try and stop predation by foxes and other creatures. Also some new scrapes (water areas) have been created to encourage more species.

Unfortunately, when we got to the first hide we were very disappointed to see the scrape was completely dry with the ground being deeply cracked. The second hide was a little better but still not much water - and any there was we could not see as it was hidden behind a bank. Despite this we did see several species of birds and other wild things.
After returning to the cars, we drove to the Ferryboat Inn where we had a relaxing drink and/or lunch.

Sightings as follows:
Birds: Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-Headed Gull, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Wren, Starling, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Other wildlife: Common Orache, Broad-Leaved Dock, Buttercup, Hedge Bindweed, Bramble, Common Nettle, Cornflower, Marsh Thistle, Spear Thistle, Common Fleabane, Small- Flowered Cranesbill, Great Willowherb, Marsh Willowherb, Ribwort Plantain, White Clover, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Scented Mayweed, Wild Carrot, Smooth Hawksbeard, Yarrow, Common Reed, Bulrush, Lesser Bulrush, Common Sorrel, Oxford Ragwort, Black Medick, Prickly Lettuce, Hawksbeard, Curled Dock, Creeping Thistle; Red Admiral, Small White, Gatekeeper, Marbled White and Essex Skipper Butterflies; Ruddy Darter Dragonfly, Red Damselfly, Buff-Tailed Bumblebee, Ladybird.
-Lynda Ewers


June 2023

Cudmore Grove Country Park
Nothing is quite like the sea air of the east coast, except perhaps the sea air, with the sun shining and a light breeze blowing – and this is what it was like when we met at Cudmore Grove Country Park.
I had a slight advantage over the other five members of the group, in that, I stayed overnight at a caravan site and enjoyed a stroll along the beach to where we were to meet. It was high tide and the waves lapped gently dragging the pebbles and shells up and down the beach evoking memories of carefree childhood days; but today we were carefree also. On my way I recorded my sightings and amassed quite a list.
Our leader, Lynda, decided that as the tide was high, we would start the morning at the bird hide and so we meandered through the field sighting many butterflies, mostly meadow browns. Although only 10am, it was hot so, having the hide to ourselves, we stayed for a long time enjoying the cool. This hide looks over a pond. On a branch of tree at the far side two egrets preened themselves lazily; their reflections showed clearly in the water and were disturbed occasionally by a passing duck. On the water itself tufted ducks, mallards and little grebes dived and swam. A whitethroat landed on a hawthorn bush nearby and sang to us; we were hoping it would do its parachuting song flight, but it didn’t. Not much else moved until a muntjac deer pranced through the long grass in front of us; then there was a lot of splashing amongst the reeds, but we didn’t sight the deer again. Although bird life was not plentiful, we were kept occupied with our binoculars. On leaving the hide a sudden loud burst of song announced the presence of a Cetti’s warbler, always special. In the dappled shade of a woodland path, we spotted speckled wood butterflies; apparently this butterfly has a greater tolerance of shade than other butterflies. Leaving the shade, we reached the seawall and headed a short way north. To our left lay a narrow stretch of water with reeds at the edge where reed warblers sang continuously. We also found a buttercup that became the subject of much discussion. My wild flower book lists thirteen. Detective Jill picked a specimen and with the aid of her excellent wild flower book, a magnifying glass and several cups of tea, later declared it to be a hairy buttercup.
We found two benches and sat enjoying our lunch whilst looking at the receding tide. Three oystercatchers took advantage of a sandbank that had been exposed and as it got larger others joined them until we counted twenty-two in all. Eating and chatting over, we then went to explore the cliffs where the sand martins have their burrows. We were so disappointed in only seeing about three birds that all seemed to be going back and forth to one hole – what has happened to them? I read that droughts in Africa have affected them – is this another sign of global warming?
With not much else to see we wandered along the front, through a small wood to open grass and then with car park time running out, the other five went home and I wandered back along the beach to the camp site.
Birds: blackbird, robin, goldfinch, chaffinch, blue tit, long-tailed tit, whitethroat, chiffchaff, pied flycatcher, skylark, wood pigeon, crow, swallow, sand martin, house martin, green woodpecker, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck, moorhen, reed warbler, Cetti’s warbler, little egret, oyster catcher, black-headed gull, kestrel, magpie, wren.
Flowers: stinging nettle, sea beet, white campion, broom, cleavers, great reedmace, hawthorn, bryony, honeysuckle, hairy buttercup, meadow buttercup, field bindweed, spear thistle, water-crowfoot, prickly sow-thistle, smooth sow-thistle, dog rose, chamomile, wild poppy, opium poppy, fumitory, daisy, mallow, woody nightshade, bramble, ox-eye daisy, elder, alexanders, dove’s-foot cranesbill, groundsel, salsify, nipplewort, spotted medick, yarrow, ribwort plantain, white clover, dock.
Butterflies: blue (holly?), meadow brown, speckled wood, brimstone.
Other: damsel fly, mosquito, hover fly, buff-tailed bumble bee, muntjac deer.

Next meeting: 12th July at Blue House Farm, meeting in the car park at 10.00.
-Diane Caulket

17th May 2023

Eight members met at Fingringhoe Essex Wildlife Trust Reserve on a lovely dry morning, the main purpose was to hear (if not see) Nightingales and we were lucky to hear them. Also heard and seen were Turtle Doves which are quite rare. Bird species seen or only heard (H) were as follows: Robin; Swallow; Pied Wagtail; Kestrel; Little Grebe; Tufted Duck; Moorhen; Mallard with chicks; Chiffchaff (H); Blackbird (H);
Song Thrush (H); Nightingale (H); Blackcap; Whitethroat; Little Egret; Oystercatcher; Turtle Dove; Cetti’s Warbler (H); Black-headed Gull; Long Tailed Tit; Canada Goose; Coot; Shelduck; Mute Swan; Pheasant; Magpie; Cuckoo; Chaffinch; Ringed Plover; Sedge Warbler (H); House Martin; Linnet; Great Tit.
Plant Species: Wild forget-me-not; Vetch; Purple Dead Nettle; Gorse; Common Field Speedwell.
Others: lots of baby Rabbits,
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 14th June at Cudmore Grove Country Park East Mersea, meeting there at 10am. I would advise bringing some food and drink with you as I don’t know if the café hut will be open.
-Lynda Ewers

12th April 2023

Abberton Resevoir
6 members met at Abberton EWT Visitors Centre. The weather was fine but very windy and quite cold. The forecast was for heavy rain later so after a nice coffee we set off. We saw a lovely lot of bird species and thanks to those with telescopes/long lenses some brilliant close ups.
Species as follows: Canada goose, greylag goose, mute swan, Egyptian goose, shelduck, shoveler, mallard, teal, pochard, wood pigeon, coot, great crested grebe, oystercatcher, redshank, black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, common tern, cormorant, grey heron, little egret, red kite, buzzard, carrion crow, raven, great tit, skylark, sand martin, swallow, chiffchaff, blackcap, whitethroat, dunnock, yellow wagtail, pied wagtail, red legged partridge, wren, goldfinch, tufted duck, reed bunting.
Plants: Cowslip
Please note the May meeting will be Wednesday, 17th May at Fingringhoe. This is because the previous Wednesday clashes with the u3a trip to Colchester and several of our Bird Group are going.
-Lynda Ewers

March 2023

I had phoned and e-mailed round everyone to cancel today’s meeting - as the weather was cold, wet and starting to snow, it was unfair to expect people to drive in those conditions especially as we were travelling some distance and were unlikely to be walking about in comfort. However, three intrepid members said they were willing to go so thanks to them four of us arrived at Rainham where we met another member who had missed my messages and had braved it, making five in all.
As we drove into the car park we saw two double-decker buses, only to discover they had brought many schoolchildren who would be using the first hide as a school room due to the bad weather and which therefore was closed to us! Still, we had a coffee and saw several species from the warmth of the centre. We did venture a little way but most decided not to stay long as it was so cold and snowy.
We decided to check out Chafford Gorges as we were close, but found the centre had been permanently closed for some time – we could not even walk outside as there were barriers to prevent this.
The outing had not gone too well so far but not to be defeated, decided to end up at Hanningfield Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, we had some lovely toasties and drinks in lovely warm and dry surroundings. We did see several species after all as follows:
Rainham - Widgeon, House Sparrow, Black Headed Gull, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Avocet, Shoveler, Robin, Shelduck, Great Tit, Snipe
Others: Brown Rat, Grey Squirrel
Plants: Gorse, Hawthorn
Chafford - Magpie, Mute Swan
Hanningfield - Goosander, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Blackbird, Pheasant
Others: Grey Squirrel

Next meeting: 12th April - Abberton Reservoir. Meet in the Visitor Centre, 10am.
Again, let me know if anyone needs a lift.
-Lynda Ewers

8th February 2023

Despite the horrible weather, 10 members met at Heybridge. The fog was very thick and it was very cold. Sadly it did not lift as it had the previous day. After a warming drink we went along the footpath but could see nothing except a few grey blobs on the mud. However, we
heard the lovely sound of Brent Geese before they took off. Quite eerie but beautiful. After everyone had gone (typical) the fog suddenly cleared along the canal and the sun came out! So a few more sightings along the canal.
Species seen: Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Wood Pigeon, Tree Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Long Tailed tit, Dunnock, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Mallard (pair).
Other: Grey Squirrel.
Next meeting will be 8th March to Rainham Marshes. Meet in Visitors Centre at 10 am.
-Lynda Ewers

11th January 2023

14 members went on the walk with three more meeting us later for the meal, so 17 in all. We were so lucky to have a lovely sunny day as it definitely went downhill the rest of the week. Although there was nothing unusual to see, there were quite a few large groups of birds which is always nice, especially when they all take flight. The species seen were:
Lapwing; Teal; Redshank; Wigeon; Avocet; Dunlin; Curlew; Shelduck; Black-tailed Godwit; Oystercatcher; Starling; Golden Plover; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Robin; Little Egret; Sparrow; Starling; and Brent Goose.
Plants seen: Groundsel still in flower.
Please let me know if I have missed anything as there was a lot of background noise on the recording due to the wind.
After the walk we had a lovely meal at the Blackwater Bistro, I would recommend the venue and food. The staff did a great job considering I could not book until the previous Friday. February meeting: Originally South Woodham was mentioned but no facilities as Marsh Farm is only open at weekends, weekdays only on school holidays. There are apparently toilets in the sports park but not certain if they only open when there is a game, also we need somewhere if the weather is inclement. Therefore, I think Heybridge Basin would be better, meet in Daisy Meadow Car Park 10am. Is this ok with everyone?
-Lynda Ewers