A Trip Into Essex

17th April 2021

The plan today was to head to Fingringhoe in the hope of photographing some Nightingales and Adders, but neither were cooperative. Only five Nightingales were in and around the picnic area but were keeping deep in cover and the Adders, despite a lovely sunny morning, decided not to get out of bed. In fact there was very little showing apart from a very showy Chiffchaff.

It then dropped down to the ground and re-emerged with a Bee-fly. Does that make it a Bee-eater?

After a very quiet morning time to move on to Abberton and first stop was the Layer Breton causeway. The resident Pied Wagtails were strutting their stuff and there was also an opportunity for some shots of Black-headed Gulls in flight.

On the Layer de la Haye causeway a pair of Oystercatchers and a single Little Ringed Plover had moved in on the shore by the visitor centre

Further along the causeway I was pleased to find a very confiding Redshank. I wonder why it is that some Redshanks are easily spooked and yet others are not at all bothered.

Here it is assessing a potential threat overhead.

Then two Bar-tailed Godwits appeared along the same stretch of causeway, which for me was quite exceptional. I have been coming to Abberton for 50 years and as far as I can recollect this is the first time I have seen Bar-tailed Godwits here. It is also noticeable that others have said that they were a patch tick for them.

One of the birds was in winter plumage, although still beautifully marked.

The other bird was in its stunning summer plumage. Luckily both birds were very accommodating and allowing photographs down to eight yards.

Here it wasn't watching the waves!!!

Well, Abberton never disappoints. What another fantastic day!!