Waders at East Mersea

20th January 2022

On my way to Mersea but first the traditional breakfast stop at Abberton Reservoir, and what a difference a fortnight makes. The Layer Breton causeway was still very quiet but now too was the Layer de la Haye causeway with all the Aythya flocks, including the eight Scaup, and the large flock of Goosanders having departed for other parts of the reservoir. All that remained was a handful of Goldeneye.

Yes I know the males are very smart, but the little females have such cute faces.

One or two Rock Pipits now seem to be a permanent feature during the winter months and they are becoming a lot more confiding which is great for photography.

Now on to East Mersea and a quick look into the new hide overlooking the pond. There was quite a noisy gathering of drake Teal all starting their pre-breeding jostling for position and looking splendid in their brand new attire.

Along the beach a few Ringed Plover were out on the mud ahead on the incoming tide and were continuously being pushed to higher ground.

Along the shingle towards The Point the water levels were just right for Turnstones and as usual were far more interested in feeding than worrying about me just eight yards away.

On that stretch of beach Sanderlings are never far away and just as confiding.

I bet you never knew that Wigeon were partial to a bit of surfing.

Round in the bay the tide was coming in fast and the waders were making the most of the ever-disappearing mud, including this solitary Curlew.

There were a couple of hundred or so Dunlin with a sprinkling of Redshank and Grey Plover.

Grey Plovers have always been one of my favourite birds, even when they are in their rather dull winter plumage................

........................and can easily be identified in flight because of their black arm-pits.

And what a wonderful memory to finish on!!!