SPECKS ON THE MUD

Breezy but bright day on Monday 1st, with the picture above showing the late afternoon view eastwards to Brightlingsea. The tide was on its way out and many of the waders were quickly becoming tiny specks as they got further into the distance on the big expanse of mud.

The bigger waders such as black-tailed godwits, curlew and oystercatchers were present in good numbers. Lots of redshank were scattered across all parts, golden plovers gathered in their usual area, while grey plover, turnstone and a few dunlin could also be seen.

The white plumage showed up three little egrets against the brown muddy background and in the river Colne two common terns flew past.

Whilst sitting on the seawall I noticed a wheatear 25 metres further along the path, feeding up before continuing its journey south to Africa. A couple of sand martins were still flying over the park near the cliff-top.

There were more ducks at the park pond with at least 60 mallard seen including a pair of gadwall. The only other ducks noted were a few teal and a tufted duck but no shoveler or wigeon. The young little grebe is still calling out to be fed by the parents.

Just after night-fall the regular tawny owl was seen in the car headlights perched in a small dead tree alongside Bromans Lane, near the country park.

Received a report that 3 ospreys were seen to the west of the Island at Abbots Hall alongside Salcott Channel on Monday early afternoon. Mark Farthing reported seeing a large bird of prey hovering over the Ray Channel on Saturday, which sounds like the behaviour of an osprey out fishing. The same bird or another one was seen on Sunday heading towards West Mersea along the Salcott Channel.

The moth trap was checked on Monday morning and the breezy conditions kept the moth tally down. About 20 species were noted including this cryptically marked angle shades moth with markings and outline that mimic a fallen leaf on the ground. There have been quite a few of these moths in recent nights in the trap, with a dozen on one one occasion.

The orange swift has been a regular visitor to the trap over the last fortnight and the male pictured above have rich orange-brown colouring. Some of the other moths noted included 8 latticed heaths, feathered ranunculus, copper underwing, frosted orange, rosy rustic and spectacle.