A Day in Essex

4th October 2022

Still not much doing generally so time to pop down to two of my favourite sites in Essex, Abberton and Mersea.

Not too surprisingly at this time of year the Layer Breton causeway was also quiet although the long-staying Baikal Teal hybrid was still in residence and showing well down to a few feet.

There was nobody feeding the ducks today so the Black-headed Gulls had to fend for themselves and look for fish in the shallows.

Bath time for the Canada Geese, followed by the compulsory wing flap.

There was a flock of about 20 Lapwing which as we know are easily spooked and put on several air displays. Quite therapeutic photographing these.

Now on to the Layer de la Haye causeway and for some reason the Coot were all huddled in a small area. No sign of feeding so perhaps a defensive behaviour if there was a Peregrine around.

Most of the usual ducks were there including Teal and Shoveler, but I was a bit surprised to see so many Pintails here already. 

Waders were represented by 12+ Ruff which mostly kept their distance and a handful of Black-tailed Godwits which were a little more obliging.

A lone tern coming into winter plumage was fishing along the bank and as it flew slowly into the wind provided some opportunities for some shots.

After catching a few fish time for a rest.

A single Cattle Egret was feeding high up the bank by the visitor centre and at times came quite close.

Not to be left out one of the many Great White Egrets flew over to complete the set including Little Egret. A few years ago it would have been unheard of to see all three egrets in one day at Abberton.

And finally on to Mersea. The tide was out so acres of mud and most of the waders were miles out on the water's edge. Only this Oystercatcher seemed content to feed close to the beach.

This beach is one of the best I know for photographing Common Gulls and you can usually get quite close.

And not to be outdone the Mediterranean Gulls gathered round in the hope of some bread, but not today. All full adults today.

Well another great day in my favourite Essex and once again it did not disappoint. Also great to meet Glyn Evans at Abberton after all these years of chatting on Twitter.