It's been at least two years since I last visited this reserve and I know that because this is my first visit since the access road was made good! The weather wasn't great being dull and overcast with a cool breeze, but at least is stayed dry!
I had hoped to connect with the family group of Black-winged Stilts but alas no luck there despite spending five hours on the reserve. I did however see a distant Wood Sandpiper and thirty odd Black-tailed Godwits along with a couple of Green Sandpipers, single Curlew and Oystercatcher. There were however lots of hirundines mainly Swallows and House martins with fewer Sand Martins and a handful of Swifts. Thoroughly enjoyed my stroll around the reserve but my highlight had to be bumping in to Clive & Richard two of the fantastic team of RSPB South Essex Marshes volunteers, it was so good to catch-up, even if it did cost me a tenner Clive!
I had hoped to connect with the family group of Black-winged Stilts but alas no luck there despite spending five hours on the reserve. I did however see a distant Wood Sandpiper and thirty odd Black-tailed Godwits along with a couple of Green Sandpipers, single Curlew and Oystercatcher. There were however lots of hirundines mainly Swallows and House martins with fewer Sand Martins and a handful of Swifts. Thoroughly enjoyed my stroll around the reserve but my highlight had to be bumping in to Clive & Richard two of the fantastic team of RSPB South Essex Marshes volunteers, it was so good to catch-up, even if it did cost me a tenner Clive!
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| A distant and heavily cropped Wood Sandpiper |
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| Poor attempt at a flight shot of a House Martin |
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| Black-tailed Godwit incoming! |
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| Black-tailed Godwit they were forever squabbling! |
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| Black-tailed Godwits |
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| Swallow such a shame as I couldn't get a clear view through the vegetation, hence the odd colouration! |
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| He wasn't happy when another tried to land on the small piece of branch! |
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| See, he looks really upset now! |
