An Afternoon at Abberton

4th November 2022

After an eventful morning at Old Hall Marshes, on to Abberton to see what is about. The water levels to the east of the causeway are the lowest I have seen since to reservoir was enlarged. Not only had the water dropped to such an extent that you could see the whole of the new bank, but you could also see about 8 feet of the original bank. At first the shoreline of the Layer de la Haye causeway was quiet with just the odd Black-headed Gull and the less than common Common Gull.

There were absolutely hundreds of Aythya ducks to the east of the causeway strung right across the reservoir but one flock of Tufties were intent on keeping very tightly packed. No idea why, and this is only one third of the pack.

For the first time I can recall there were Wigeon out on the bank itself, allowing some great close-ups.

This one was enjoying having a bath.

There were two drake Goldeneyes about, this one having a wing-flap and a second bird still moulting out and not looking too healthy, preferring to sit on the bank.

The only waders present were a Lapwing and this rather obliging Ruff feeding at the water's edge.

The Slavonian Grebe which had been seen in Wigborough Bay the day before had transferred to the main reservoir, but was very distant in front of the tern raft. Here is the best record shot I could manage.

So now on to the Layer Breton causeway where one of the resident Grey Wagtails was strutting its stuff.

A few years ago a Great White Egret feeding in the bay at the north-east corner of the causeway would have been an absolute crowd-puller, but just a handful of photographers were paying it any attention, but I must admit I was one of them. They are so elegant, especially against a dark background.

But the stars of the show today were where we started, Black-headed Gulls. A group of 10 Goosanders and a handful of Cormorants had happened across a shoal of fish next to the bank and were having a feeding frenzy. As a result a number of Black-headed Gulls had gathered around to mop up any spoils, which gave me some wonderful opportunities for some action shots in perfect light.

Why can't it always be like this?