Essex Birdwatching Society Newsletter EBwS.org.uk Connecting Essex birders for over 60 years Registered Charity No: 1142734
Email: May 2016 [email protected]
Dear Members, On 21st April the BTO reported the arrival of their first tagged cuckoo “Stanley” in Devon. However, here in Essex, our members heard and saw cuckoos as early as the 12th April at Old Hall Marshes, followed by more “hearing and seeing” reports the next days at Wivenhoe, Wat Tyler Park, Heybridge, to name only a few places. It is well worth putting on all your sightings on the website! Keep up the good work. Here are a few reminders of things to do in the next month and a report on our latest Society trip. Join us on the next trip, it’s good fun!
MINSMERE TRIP — Sunday 8TH May 2016: my highlights
I knew it was going to be a good trip. The weather was ideal: warm and sunny all day with no wind. On the coach Gerry mentioned the possibil- ity of Stone Curlews, Dartford Warblers… Wow! Paul would have been happy with some Bearded Tits and myself with taking a picture of a Swallow which I saw last time I came but did not have my camera. I have been haunted ever since by that missed picture! As we arrived, the RSPB assistant informed us that Bearded Tits were everywhere, they had too many of them. So there was hope for us! He also pointed out where the target species were, so enthusiasm rose. However, as soon as we left the visitor centre our eyes were assaulted by the spectacle of dozens of Sand Martins, Minsmere, May 2016 (DBC) Sand Martins returning to their nesting holes in the sand bank and a stoat run across in front of us. Excellent start. As we progressed towards the North wall we peered intensely across the stony ground where lucky members of our group saw Stone Curlews. No such luck for us. We then had to decide whether to carry on towards Dunwich Heath for the Dart- ford Warbler or turn right for the coast trail and the sluice where I was sure my Swallows were. Gerry, who knows a thing or two about birds, was turning left for the Dartford Warbler, what were we to do? Surely we should follow him but wisely Paul decided to follow the coast to the sluice as he would not hear the end of it if I missed my photo opportunity again! That was a good choice. There were lots of Waders, Avocets, Terns and Andrew spotted a Wood Sandpiper towards Konik field. We Swallow, Minsmere, May 2016 (DBC) saw Bearded Tits but not close enough for Paul’s taste. We’ll have to try again on that one! It was a long walk back to the centre so after multi- ple stops at the hides and necessary refreshments (nice cheese scone in the centre by the way) we made for the Island Mere trail. No Bittern in the Bittern hide but what a shock in the Island Mere hide! There it was, flying in over the reeds and stopping for at least a good 5 minutes, taking its time fishing in front of a stunned public in the hide. The camera shut- ters were working overtime and I myself have a good few pictures of the elusive Bittern to last me for a few years. What a day! And that is with- out counting the Marsh Harriers which displayed magnificently over the Levels. On the whole the group managed just under 100 bird records. Bittern, Minsmere, May 2016 (DBC) And us…? Don’t ask. We had a splendid day! Taking part in surveys ...
Have you participated in the past in a Have you heard any Tawny owls Woodcock survey for the BTO? If lately? If so, could you add your re- this is the case, the BTO would like cords onto our website which will take you to re-visit your square or another you to the Essex Field Club form to site in 2016 to monitor the decline of enter the details. For the sound they this species. More details on make go to : http:// www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/ www.wildowl.co.uk/owlcalls.html woodcock-survey. where you will hear a female, a male, a chick and some fighting!
Some talks etc ...