Our June Birdwatching Group meeting took place at EWT Abberton Reservoir, when, on this occasion we decided to visit the Layer Breton Causeway before making our way to the Visitor Centre.
The weather was fine and dry, and we were pleased to welcome 2 new group members (Helen and Stan) on their first visits with us.
As a result of all the recent hot dry weather, the level of surface weed covering the water was extremely high on the eastern side of the causeway, but we were pleased to see very large numbers of swan, geese and other species, including Spoonbills, a Ruddy Shelduck and a juvenile Mandarin Duck.
The birdwatching opportunities from the hides at the main Nature Reserve were less successful on this occasion due to the very high water levels, the reservoir having been 'topped up' in readiness for a long hot and dry summer.
This resulted in very few birds being observed along the water's edge.
A usual, our thanks go to Jane for collating our observed bird species list, which again totalled over 30 species.
Bird Species List:
Cormorant
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Great White Egret
Cattle Egret
Spoonbill
Coot
Moorhen
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Egyptian Geese
Barnacle Goose
Mandarin Duck
Ruddy Shelduck
Mallards
Gadwall
Tufted Duck
Mute Swan
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe (at visitor centre)
Pied wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Kestrel
Marsh Harrier
Buzzard
Kingfisher
Common Tern
Black Headed Gull
Lapwing
Pheasant
Jackdaw
Goldfinch
Stock Dove
A small gallery of images can be found below. (Photographs provided by John, Sue, Fred and Ian).
With the continuing good weather after our group visit, Alison and I took the opportunity to return to the Layer Breton Causeway a few days later and were very lucky to see a similarly large range of birds, this time including Egyptian Geese, the juvenile Mandarin Duck, the Ruddy Shelduck, nesting Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron and Little Egret at close quarters.
We were also fortunate to see a Cayugo Duck (which we believe is not common in the UK), with its beautiful iridescent black plumage. My apologies for not taking a photograph of it, but I thought it was just a 'hybrid' Mallard, before being educated by a very helpful birdwatcher! Maybe next time?
I have included a very small selection of birds photographed on our second visit.
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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.