Adders at Fingringhoe Wick

14th April 2018

The main reason for coming to Fingringhoe today was to try and repeat our success last year and photograph the Nightingales in full song before the leaves appeared on the trees. Sadly, in keeping with everything else this year the season is late and only a handful of Nightingales had arrived and none in what you could call serious song. In fact, although we heard a couple of half-hearted attempts, not a single Nightingale was seen. The only compensation was this rather showy Chiffchaff which didn't seem to mind that the season was late.

Down on the River Colne things were also quieter than of late as many of the wintering waders had already departed although many of the resident Black-headed Gulls were on show.

Redshank and Curlew were also leaving their high tide roost now that the mud was beginning to appear once again to allow feeding to recommence, and provided opportunities for some flight shots.

Rather surprisingly Black-tailed Godwits were still fairly numerous with a flock of 300+ present, many in their orangey breeding plumage.

But the stars of the show today were the Adders that were making the most of the first warm sunshine of the year. At Fingringhoe the main viewing site is protected by a line of brash to prevent people entering the area so that you are able to enjoy seeing these amazing creatures from just a few feet away without disturbing them. Very effective management.