It has been a busy run up to Christmas and although the weather has not been great there have been some quality birds to be seen.
A Cattle Egret appeared last Friday and was seen again on Tuesday (but not since) and whether this is a different bird from the start of November is anyones guess but there is a national influx going on so a new bird is as likely I suspect.
Cattle Egret - David Warren
The Barn Owls have been putting on a daily show and we are confident that we now have five on site along with no less than three Short-eared Owls.
Barn Owl - Moi Hicks
Shortie - Russ Sherriff
Shortie - Moi Hicks
Me and the WREN Group watching a Shortie - Rob Lay
The Marsh Harriers have been equally good along with both Peregrine and Buzzards as well as Collared Dove killing Sparrowhawks and our tame Kestrels. The Hen Harrier was last seen on Friday 16th but may still be around.
Marsh Harrier - Moi Hicks
Sparrowhawk with lunch - Mark Vale
Redwings and Fieldfare have been around in good numbers and there is plenty of fruit for them to forage and we are still hopeful of getting a few Waxwings as the winter wears on...
Redwing - John Humble
Fieldfare - Bill Crooks
Duck and wader numbers are still fairly low and we desparately need more rain to top things up and a cold snap to liven things up a little. We seem to have up to ten Avocet in Aveley Bay on a regular basis but the 500 Black-tailed Godwits seem to be favouring further up river and are only being seen when they roost on the Concrete Barges.
Avocets - David Morrison
And so tomorrow is Christmas Eve and as Lou has already posted, we will be closing at 2pm sharp so that we too can escape for a couple of days. The reserve will then be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day but it will be business as usual from the 27th. Oh and as for the 1st January, I will be lowering the drawbridge at 7am for all the keen ones amongst you...
Have a good festive period and thank you for all your support throughout the year....
H