Abberton Reservoir and West Mersea

15th September 2021

It is the middle of September now and not quite sure what to expect so decided to have a look at Abberton and then West Mersea. Billets Farm was very quiet with no sign of the recent Yellow Wagtails and just a juvenile Goldfinch at the viewing screen.

At the Layer Breton causeway the resident Heron was in its usual place up amongst the reeds, and a male Shoveler in eclipse plumage was on the concrete embankment giving me the beady eye.

Only a few Great Crested Grebes today but they included this rather late humbug still with its well-defined stripes which show no sign of fading yet. And when they take off it is more a combination of flying and walking on the water.

Still a few Common Terns about but enough to give a few fly-by shots.

At West Mersea the tide was right out so a case of walking out on one of the many spars to get some shots. In these conditions the Black-headed Gulls are by far the commonest bird and can be quite approachable.

Some, however, can get quite bored having their photograph taken..............

......................while others have to stop for a scratch.

I particularly like the juveniles in flight when they show of the lovely pastel colouring on their wings.

And this is what happens when two of them spot the same tasty morsel!!

And as per usual the single Common Gull was by no means the commonest gull on the beach..

Further along the Turnstones were on duty and more interested in feeding than keeping their distance, often coming to within just eight feet.

Absolutely no sign of any Mediterranean Gulls here, but just a mile further along the beach they are always reliable and with a little patience can produce some reasonable shots

Only adults today but mustn't grumble.