5th August 2022
We are now into August and our winter waders are beginning to return so time for a visit to Fingringhoe Wick to see how the numbers are building up. Arrived at the hide in good time, so all that remains now is to sit back and wait for the tide to come in and push the waders closer. While we were waiting a female Marsh Harrier drifted over and flew west.
Some birds such as Shelducks, Oystercatchers and Common Sandpipers are quite happy to feed on the mud before the tide comes in so provide some entertainment during the wait. This is a juvenile Shelduck with its lovely pastel colours.
As soon as the water started to trickle in this Curlew was more interested in having a bath than feeding, and followed by the customary wing-flap before feeding again.
Although numbers are still low, it was good to see a couple of Grey Plovers and four Golden Plovers, and it won't be long before their numbers will be in the high tens.
The River Colne is Redshank City and they are by far the commonest wader here and get pushed in closer and closer as the tide comes in providing some great opportunities.
Also possible to get some flight shots.
There were about 40 Black-tailed Godwits today, many still in their summer plumage. In the winter months there will be several hundred.
These are moulting into their winter plumage.
The advantage with the godwits is that they prefer to fly to a new feeding area giving you the chance to practise your in-flight skills.
But the star of the show today was this Greenshank which uncharacteristically chose to feed along a nearby channel, providing some closer shots. There were several Greenshank around but only this one came close.
Why can't all waders be this cooperative?
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