Event Reports - 2003
February
Mistley Walls, River Stour, 2nd Feb 2003
A select Group of members assembled for the first field trip of 2003. Mistley Walls had been chosen as it offers good bird watching potential in all weathers. Just before the group assembled 5 little egrets moved off at high tide from Hogs Marsh, toward the upper parts of the Stour beyond Cattawade.
In the main channel over 30 red breasted mergansers were present along with around a dozen goldeneye. Good views were also had of pintail during the trip. Over 200 shelduck were present on the roost at Seafield opposite and one of the party found 2 shoveler amongst the assembled wildfowl. During the visit over 200 brent geese assembled on the Seafield roost.
We moved down to Mistley Quay where 30 Turnstones entertained us but little else. Several mergansers and goldeneye were noted moving down river with the outgoing tide. We then retraced our steps to the Manningtree end of Mistley Walls as the tide dropped further and mud became exposed. Most waders including Dunlin, Knot and Black Tailed Godwit stayed on the roost at Seafield and did not venture across the river towards us. On Hogs Marsh groups of Redshank and Dunlin were present feeding on the newly exposed mud. After the trip ended several members called in at the Cattawade sluices. Hundreds of lapwing and Canada geese were on the wet meadows and a Snipe was noted. 2 Little Egrets were noted in a marshy area north of the river.
May
Elmley Marshes
On a sunny, but breezy day at the beginning of May the group organised a coach trip to Elmley Marshes RSPB Reserve. It was a most enjoyable day and some good birds were seen. These included Ruddy Duck, Common Terns, Avocets, Spotted Redshank, Marsh Harrier, Grey Partridge, Warblers and many superb Yellow Wagtails. It was good to see so many of the group there and hopefully we will see most of you (and some more) on the next coach trip we are organising to Titchwell reserve in May 2004. Remember friends and family can join us on these days out, not just group members.
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