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Image copyright: Richard Allen.

This just in – here’s a wonderful update from the good Richard Allen, bird watcher supreme and esteemed local wildlife illustrator.

You may remember that I was fortunate to take part on a birding walk out towards the Creek with Richard last month. My scribbled notes needed some clarification. Thankfully Richard has sent this more detailed and accurate update:

“Fortunately the fog from the previous day had cleared, although it was still rather grey and murky, and a very high tide was still coming in. Walking along the seawall most of the waders were at their high tide roost further down river, but there was still enough to keep us interested. Lapwings showed very well roosting on the old pontoon, and Curlews used their long bills to probe for worms in the meadow.

A female Reed Bunting perched up on top of a bush, characteristically flicking her tail, and a flock of about forty Redpoll buzzed overhead, whilst Meadow Pipits and Skylarks flitted around the saltmarsh.

The river proved interesting with a single male Red-breasted Merganser and several Little and Great-crested Grebes diving for small fish. Pushing onto the creek past a feeding Little Egret, we arrived at the perfect time to enjoy the mass of birds gathered at the roost.

The small muddy islands held a teeming swarm of Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatchers, Bar-tailed Godwits and a few Grey Plover, while squadrons of Shelduck and Brent Geese glided down to the water’s edge. A flock of Golden Plover wheeled over, and further downstream a large flock of Avocets circled over their saltmarsh roost. Maybe not as exciting to look at, but unusual here was a single female Scaup diving out in mid channel.

Walking back as the tide receded we enjoyed further views of various waders as they flighted in to feed on the newly exposed muddy margins, and an immature Marsh Harrier perched on a bush on the far side as an adult male flew across the river towards us. Other species seen included Teal, Wigeon, Cormorants, Canada Geese, and some elusive Long-tailed Tits. Recent Sightings along the river include two Velvet Scoters and five Bewick’s Swans, and small groups of Waxwings in Wivenhoe.”

I bumped into Richard once again last week on the west side of the Trail heading out towards the University. I was of course running late, peddling back to base for the morning shift. Richard was taking his time to make the most of the scenery, with a spot of birding thrown in to boost.

Message to self: must slow down. Must start taking this birding lifestyle seriously…

If you would like to enjoy a morning wander out of Wivenhoe in the expert and charming company of Richard (and I strongly recommend that you do,) then you can take part in the next local birding walk. Richard will be leading a group on Saturday 11th December at 10am. You can book a place by calling 01206 826753.

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