Essex – Abberton – 3rd January 2011

Watch out for: Geese (including Bean), Sawbills, Pochard & Tufted Duck.

I’ve spoken highly of viewing off the causeways across this reservoir before and this winter it has been quite productive. For  a few weeks the water has been heavy iced over, which has had the effect of pushing a lot of the wildfowl to the last remaining ice free water which is conveniently close to the road.

On the water we found Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goosander & Teal.  The reported Tundra Bean Geese were feeding on near by field with Greylag when we were there, you can spot them by their smaller dark bills and slightly slimmer appearance.  We saw nothing of the previously reported White-fronted or Barnacle.

Also of note were the high numbers of Curlew grazing in other adjacent fields, look out for them as you journey between the causeways.  Finally check out the Cormorant colony in the trees on the Layer de la Haye end.

East Anglia Year Count: 75

Life bird count: 399. Year bird count: 75. Month bird count: 75.

Photo: Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)