The Forgotten Lesser.

 Came across these photo's of the Lesser Yellowlegs. Taken back in October 2023 at Abberton. I remember making a visit on my way home from the ranges one Monday afternoon. Quit pleased they came out ok and that i didn't delete them whilst clearing my computer folders to make some room.

Maldons Mega rarity

 

With all the recent excitement in the birding world regards the Mega rarity Northern Waterthrush that has turned up in Heybridge, Maldon. I decided to make a visit now that hopefully the crowds had gone. And how pleased i was when the waterthrush showed itself. And with only a handful off other birders present i was very pleased, to be able to get a few photos for my blog.

Quick Monday stint.

 

How pleased I was to find this little Stint on Langenhoe point during my weekly visit to the ranges. Accompanied by this juvenile Curlew sandpiper which was one of the two seen. On a small puddle of water with some Dunlin and Ringed plovers. What a nice surprise being the water levels are so low. But with the sun directly in front of me made taking photos without disturbing them very hard.

Dry Spell

 The last few visits to the ranges has produced very little bird wise. The recent dry spell has not helped what with water levels being low. But for my effort one of the summer visiting Hobby's was busy hunting. And although the heat haze wasn't going to help. One just couldn't resist snapping a few shots of the Cattle Egrets that are still present and feeding amongst the herd. And with just seven Green Sandpipers and four Redshank seen it has been quiet on my patch. 

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The Hidden Prowler

Green Sandpiper 

Little-ringed Plovers

As i sat hidden amongst the long grass just below the seawall watching a few waders on the flood water. A slight movement from behind the group of Pied Wagtails caught my eye. A Stout was prowling throw the grass. Edging his way closer to the group of unexpected birds. But it's mission was a failure as soon as it broke from its cover and the Wagtails just flitted further along the muddy margins. An unexpected treat to my regular Monday visit to the ranges.
 

Ranges Round -up.

Cattle Egret.

Knot and Black-tailed Godwit

Godwits and Redshank.

Curlew Sandpiper

During my last four visits to the Ranges the floodwater has produced some pleasing birds.

With a Curlew Sandpiper turning up first. Next was a very smart Knot in full summer plumage feeding amongst the large flock of Black-tailed Godwits which are still present. Red Kite and Barn Owl have also been seen during my visits. And my last visit produced  nine Cattle Egret and a single Great White egret that has been present since the start of the year.

Red Kite & Barn Owl

Maiden Voyage for Dartford.

Having purchased a Roof top Tent for my car prior to the lock down restrictions. I finally decided to fit it and try and make some time to use it. So the Wife and me had our first trip out to a lovely little camp site next to Dunwich Heath about an hour away. And with the breeze filling the air with the smell of coconut and Almond or could it be vanilla? from the bright yellow Gorse bushes made the evening walk all more enjoyable. Every now and then a quick darting silhouette of a small round bird would stop us in our steps as it disappeared once again into the heather.

 That was what i had hoped to see the awesome Dartford Warbler. Such a great little character and a bird that always leaves me smiling.

Not to Ruff

 

A misty Monday morning wasn't what one had hoped for. But as i headed to the point a very obliging Short-eared Owl was very busy quartering the marsh looking for food. This rather smart Owl kept me company for most of my visit during the day. On the flood water a Green Sandpiper, Three Ruff  and a single little ringed Plover were busy feeding in the margins. Whilst two Great white Egrets patrolled the fields nearby.

Mystery Solved.

Over the weekend i decided to empty a rucksack. Well what a surprise when i found a SD card that was from a trip to Morjim Beach, Goa. At the time i was still Digiscoping or using the 300mm lens that i had. So i was rather pleased seeing the pictures. It had played on my mind for a while what had happened to the photos of that morning's birding along what the locals called Turtle beach. As the wife often mentions how memorable the walk was. With it being a cool overcast sky and with the sea looking like glass. Then sitting at one of the beach bars having coffee while she watched me laying in the sand with the Plovers running around me feeding in the sand and surf. 

Quick Stop

With not much seen on the Ranges Monday and being caught by the surge tide. I decided to have a quick stop at Abberton. And was surprised to see the White-fronted geese and a Pink footed Goose close to the Layer Breton Causeway. 

 

Patch work Monday

Monday morning was here and with a clear sunny sky and a frost on the ground i decided to head straight for Langenhoe point in hope of spotting some Bearded Tits. And i wasn't disappointed with 25+ individuals feeding on the reed tops, as the thawed in the early morning sun allowing them to feed. During my stroll round the point 6 separate water rails could be heard squealing in different locations.

After spending a few hours on the point i decided to have a look down the centre track. This area has been out off bounds recently. As i scanned the Hawthorn bushes through my Binoculars i noticed a pale patch on a Hawthorn bush. On closer inspection with the scope it revealed 4 Short-eared Owls in a Parliament meeting. 

 

Another is in the top right back corner

After leaving the Owls the seawall was my next port of call but i was stopped in my tracks by a Cattle Egret and the Great white Egret flying around the marsh from one spot to another. A final look over the sea wall produced a good number of winter ducks and a quick snap of my favorites the Pintails. What a lovely end to a bird filled day on my Patch. A quick look at my watch and 6 hours has passed and it was time for home. Roll on next week