The following is a brief summary of our visit to Fingringhoe in July.
Being England in summer, we had different weather issues to contend with this month in the midst of a hot, dry period. A small group of us managed to see a reasonable number of birds at Fingringhoe Wick EWT. Fortunately the site is fairly well wooded, and the hides were wonderfully cool!
Before leaving the Discovery Centre some of us were lucky enough to be shown (via a scope), a distant view of an Osprey perched on a post. The EWT staff member informed us that this is an occasional, but recently more frequent, visitor possibly related to a pair now in Norfolk. Their range is gradually spreading, which is good news!
We made our way to Kingfisher Hide which overlooks a lake and reedbeds on one side and the mudflats on the other. Although we could hear Reed Warblers, they were elusive today. A highlight was a wonderful, very large group of Godwit still in their beautiful russet / gold breeding plumage. These were most likely Bar-tailed Godwit (as the most common in large groups) but members also spotted Black-tailed Godwit among them. Here we also saw Pochard, Greylag Geese, Coots, Moorhens etc.
At Margaret Hide the tide was a fair way out, and the main birds seen were again Godwit, Black-headed Gulls, a couple of Oystercatchers, Heron and Lapwing. Its a really good hide with panoramic views across the intertidal area, and great for waders at the right time, so we will definitely return in Autumn. We heard, but did not see Curlew today.
A Yellow Hammer was heard in the hedgerow and Goldfinches seen flitting away.
Our aim to walk back via Robbie’s Hide went awry as we got a bit lost, (I blame the heat!), so we ended back at the Discovery Centre for a most welcome cooling drink and catch up.
Thank you to Sue for supplying this months sightings list and to everyone for your support, enthusiasm, and photos. All suggestions for future visits and events are welcome.
Sightings :
Osprey
Egret
Heron
Cormorant
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Yellowhammer
Goldfinch
Coot
Moorhen
Greylag Goose
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Pheasant
Reed Warbler
Curlew (heard, not seen)
Black-headed Gull
Pochard
Shelduck
Mallard
Crow
Jackdaw
Barn Swallow
Little Grebe
A very small gallery of images from our visit is shown below. (Images thanks to Ian, John and Fred.)
Copyright Notice:
Please note that the Copyright for each of the photographs displayed on this page and any/all sub-pages remains with the original photographer who is/was a member of the Witham & District (Essex) Birdwatching Group at the time of posting.
All rights reserved.
If you are interested in joining the group or would like further information, please Click on the ‘Coordinator’ link on the Birdwatching Group Home page.