Tues 16th April 19


Around 08:15 Max Martin had a singing Willow Warbler in the bushes behind the raised platform, a good start to the day, always good to hear at any time.

Just before 09:00 Ian Minton found a Spotted Redshank* on the scrape (another First of Year) in summer plumage so that was my first port of call, thankfully the bird was still showing well when I arrived as it was for the whole day.

From the Hide :- 10 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, c30 Teal, 23 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, + first brood of Mallard ducklings, 16 Avocet, 14 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard 1 Cetti's & 1 Sedge Warbler (both heard only), 2 Lt. Egrets (over). MM/IM/CB/DW/PNt/MR

Late morning the car park bushes held 4+ Blackcaps, 2 Chiff's, 1 Willow Warbler and while trying to relocate the Willow Warbler for Dave, Ian picked up a Spoonbill*, (the second site year tick of the day) circling over the marsh and gaining height for several minutes before drifting off towards Gt. Clacton. Another superb mornings birding at the Haven

Photo Max Martin©