News/Reports
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
13/12/2024
A very grey, miserable morning brightened up by some great birding on our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes. Mizzle didn't help and visibility was not the best, but there were masses of birds as the tide began to drop. Highlights included 10+marsh harrier, brent geese, 2 great white egret, rock pipit, reed bunting, wigeon, teal, shoveler, shelduck, pintail, 4 stonechat, avocet, golden plover, 5 snipe, bearded tit ....Guided walk at Wrabness
03/12/2024
Great morning guiding at Wrabness EWT reserve. Highlights included kestrel, long tailed tit, goldcrest, jay, redwing, yellowhammer, linnet, brent goose, teal, wigeon, shelduck, goldeneye, great crested grebe, redshank, grey plover ....Guided walk at Minsmere
28/11/2024
Fabulous weather for guiding at Minsmere yesterday, and the birding was pretty good too! Highlights included marsh harrier, bittern, bearded tit, marsh tit, whooper swan, avocet, shoveler, pintail, gadwall, water pipit, Caspian gull, treecreeper, siskin, stonechat and a rather late swallow. A brilliant day.Guided walk at Brightlingsea
25/11/2024
A good morning guiding along the river at Brightlingsea, and nice to see the sunshine too. The surprise find was a black necked grebe on the river; while other highlights included rock pipit, brent geese, curlew, avocet, turnstone, black tailed godwit, shelduck, teal, marsh harrier, common buzzard, little egret, stonechat, skylark, Cetti's warbler, red legged partridge ....Guided walk at Copt Hall
22/11/2024
A light covering of snow was a bit of a surprise this morning, but it was all gone by the time of this afternoon's guided walk at Copt Hall. It was still cold, but not unpleasant in the sun. Highlights included 5+ marsh harrier, 3+ kestrel, 7 barnacle goose, brent geese, 1 great white egret, groups of cormorant commuting overhead, reed bunting, 2 stonechat, wigeon, teal, curlew, golden plover, lapwing ....Guided walk at Colne Point
07/11/2024
A rather grey morning, but some greyt (great!) birding on our guided walk at Colne Point. Highlights included kestrel, marsh harrier, stonechat, corn bunting, grey wagtail, skylark, stock dove, brent geese, wigeon, curlew, Chinese water deer ....Wildlife boat trip
01/11/2024
Shame we didn't see the sun, but still a good day for our guided wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. Highlights included 5+ marsh harrier, 2 peregrine, 1 red throated diver, 1 (rather late) common tern, 10+ pintail, c100 brent geese, 10 sanderling, 200+ avocet, bar tailed godwit, curlew, knot, grey & golden plovers, 15 common seal and so much more.Guided walk at Landguard Point
15/10/2024
Rather misty (so visibility not great) for our guided walk at Landguard Point this morning, but it was still exciting to witness bird migration in progress with groups of brent geese, wigeon, redwing and swallow all heading south. There also seemed to be in influx of blackbirds and robins feeding in the bushes. Surprise sighting was a group of 9 Egyptian geese disappearing into the mist!Guided walk at The Naze
11/10/2024
Another beautiful morning - another successful guided walk - this time at The Naze. Highlights included yellow browed warbler (heard only), long tailed tit, common buzzard, jay, great spotted woodpecker, brent geese, grey plover, sanderling, turnstone, ringed plover, curlew, golden plover, common gull, Cetti's warbler (heard), skylark; also still a few butterflies & dragonflies.Wildlife boat trip
05/10/2024
A beautiful day (particularly given that it's October) for our guided boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. The first brent geese, wigeon and teal have arrived; waders included good numbers of curlew, golden plover, avocet, oystercatcher and ringed plover; several sightings of marsh harrier, merlin, 2 peregrine, juvenile sandwich tern, rock pipit, 6 common seal ....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
25/09/2024
Amazingly we managed to stay dry on our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes this morning. The magic moment was a group of 4 bearded tits that put on a real show for us; and other highlights included green sandpiper, ruff, spotted redshank, black tailed godwit, wheatear, stonechat, marsh harrier, hobby, peregrine, teal, wigeon, shoveler, Egyptian goose, reed bunting, and so much more.Guided walk at Rainham Marshes
20/09/2024
Fab time guiding at Rainham Marshes RSPB today - good weather, relaxed pace, plenty of birds & other wildlife, good company. Highlights included marsh harrier, hobby, common buzzard, great white egret, snipe, avocet, black tailed godwit, gadwall, shoveler, wigeon, teal, kingfisher, chiffchaff; grass snake, marsh frog, wall brown, small copper, common darter, common & grey seal .....Guided walk at Dovercourt West End
16/09/2024
A warm, calm autumn morning for our guided walk along the seawall at Dovercourt West End. Highlights included at least 24 magpie together, 20+ sandwich tern, redshank, oystercatcher, 4+ little egret, juvenile green woodpecker, adult Mediterranean gull, adult common gull, 4 common buzzard, kestrel, skylark, linnet ....Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
11/09/2024
Blessed with good (if slightly breezy) weather for our guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir this morning (showers later!), and plenty of birds too! Highlights included 400+ house martin & swallow feeding low over the water, 29 red crested pochard, 5 gadwall, teal, 2 common sandpiper, lapwing, 30+ Egyptian goose, 1 barnacle goose, 1 adult yellow legged gull, and several pristine butterflies in sheltered areas.Guided walk at Brightlingsea
06/09/2024
Lovely morning guiding along the River Colne at Brightlingsea. Highlights included 2 wheatear, 2 sandwich tern, 3 kestrel, female pintail, waders (redshank, curlew, oystercatcher, turnstone, black tailed godwit), common gull, sparrowhawk, marsh harrier, little egret, grey wagtail, linnet, swallow ....Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
03/09/2024
Lovely morning guiding on a walk from Frinton to Holland Haven. Great to see migration in action with small groups of swallows and martins heading south along the coast and finding 2 wheatear along the seawall. Plenty of interest on the Scrape with 2 little stint, common sandpiper, 3 avocet, 2 black tailed godwit, 3 redshank and several teal and shoveler. Other highlights included Mediterranean gull, 2 sandwich tern, 8 curlew, sparrowhawk, barn owl; and painted lady (butterfly).Wildlife boat trip
31/08/2024
Interesting (verging on slightly wild!) conditions for this morning's wildlife boat trip!! Summer??!!?? I'm sure we'll remember it for a long time! Maybe not the numbers of birds we'd hoped for, but a nice selection nevertheless - grey & golden plovers still showing breeding plumage, whimbrel, avocet, sanderling, turnstone, ringed plover, black tailed godwit, oystercatcher, marsh harrier, sandwich tern, little egret, teal, yellow wagtail ... and, of course, the common seals.Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common, Hollesley Marshes & Boyton Marshes
28/08/2024
A lovely day for guiding around Hollelsley - starting at Upper Hollesley Common (with the heather in bloom), then Hollelsley Marshes, and finishing at Boyton Marshes. A great selection of wildlife with highlights including coal tit, Dartford warbler, kestrel, hobby, common buzzard, green sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, ruff, snipe, black tailed godwit, golden plover, avocet, marsh harrier; grayling, small copper, common blue, speckled wood, small heath; emperor moth caterpillar; migrant hawker, ruddy darter .....Guided walk at The Naze
22/08/2024
Despite the very windy conditions we still had an enjoyable morning on our guided walk at The Naze. Highlights included 60+ sandwich tern, 30+ sanderling, 30+ ringed plover, 30+ turnstone, grey plover, sand martin, blackcap, long tailed tit; common & ruddy darters, migrant hawker, willow emerald, 8 species of butterfly (in more sheltered areas!) ....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
13/08/2024
'Twas a little hot for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes this morning, but we saw some good birds, including lesser whitethroat, willow warbler, reed warbler, spoonbill, bearded tit, hobby, marsh harrier, spotted redshank, avocet, golden plover, whinchat, stonechat, gadwall, shoveler, teal, Egyptian goose ....Guided walk at Blue House Farm
09/08/2024
Not the best start (nightmare journey), but then a fantastic morning guiding at Blue House Farm EWT. Highlights included Temminck's stint, wood sandpiper, green sandpiper, 5 spoonbill, marsh harrier, common tern, 200+ black tailed godwit, snipe, greenshank, 10+ yellow wagtail, barnacle geese, shoveler, gadwall .... also southern migrant hawker & wall brown butterfly.Guided walk at Holland Haven
08/08/2024
Fab morning guiding at Holland Haven. Highlights included 7 wasp spider, Jersey tiger; marsh harrier, 110 black tailed godwit, 10 avocet, 4 common sandpiper, 2 green sandpiper, wood sandpiper ....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
02/08/2024
Fairly scorchio for our guided walk at Abberton Reservoir today, but at least we missed the thunderstorms. Highlights included raven, red kite, marsh harrier, common tern, gadwall, shoveler, ruddy shelduck, great white & cattle egrets, spoonbill, lapwing, little ringed plover. A fab day; and a list you'd never have thought possible a few years ago.Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
30/07/2024
A bit warm out there today, but we found some welcome shade too on our guided walk at Cockaynes Wood. Highlights included stoat; common tern, common buzzard, kestrel, yellowhammer, linnet, chiffchaff, great spotted woodpecker; southern hawker, brown hawker, ruddy darter; speckled wood, brimstone, gatekeeper; beewolf, green eyed flower bee, red banded sand wasp; lucerne, common centaury, sand spurry, trailing St Johns wort ..... and not forgetting the buffalo!!Guided walk at Gt Holland
26/07/2024
Good weather and a nice mix of wildlife for our guided walk at Gt Holland this morning (a circuit via the golf course). Highlights included green woodpecker, skylark, corn bunting, common sandpiper, kestrel, swallow; muntjac; emperor, ruddy darter; red admiral, peacock, gatekeeper, speckled wood; flax, scarlet pimpernel, wild carrot, dwarf mallow ....Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
23/07/2024
Not exactly summer weather, but after an early shower it wasn't too bad for our guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick this morning; and we clocked up 50+ bird species. Highlights included kingfisher, mandarin (surprise of the morning!), turtle dove, black & bar tailed godwits, golden & grey plovers, turnstone, curlew, greenshank, spotted redshank, knot, avocet, common tern, marsh harrier, osprey, lesser whitethroat, goldcrest .....Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
18/07/2024
A lovely sunny guided walk (albeit rather muddy in places!) at Chalkney Wood this morning. A nice mix of birds, butterflies, dragonflies & plants; with highlights including blackcap, grey wagtail, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker; gatekeeper, peacock, red admiral, comma, ringlet; banded demoiselle, brown hawker, southern migrant hawker; yellow pimpernel, enchanters nightshade, betony, common centaury, hedge woundwort .....Guided walk at Flatford
15/07/2024
A great range of wildlife - birds, butterflies, dragonflies, plants and more on this morning's lovely guided walk round Flatford. Highlights included red kite, swallow, chiffchaff, grey heron, shoveler, little grebe, green woodpecker; gatekeeper, comma, small heath; banded demoiselle, blue tailed damselfly; ruddy darter; puss moth caterpillar, 6 spot burnet; common centaury, common knapweed, herb robert, musk mallow, purple loosestrife, white bryony, great willowherb ..... A lovely morning finished off with lunch in the tea rooms.Guided walk at Minsmere
28/06/2024
Great day guiding at Minsmere. Highlights included marsh harrier, hobby, bittern, common & sandwich terns, kittiwake, little gull, great white egret, sand martin, avocet, spotted redshank, black tailed godwit, little ringed plover, green sandpiper, barnacle & Egyptian geese, sedge & reed warblers, reed bunting; water vole, red deer; grass snake; Norfolk hawker ....Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
24/06/2024
It finally felt like summer for our guided walk at Elmstead Woods this morning. A lovely mix of wildlife, with highlights including red kite, common buzzard, yellowhammer, whitethroat, swallow, linnet; banded demoiselle; meadow brown, small heath, ringlet, common blue, small skipper; oxeye daisy, bee orchid, lady's bedstraw, yellow rattle, common centaury, grass vetchling ....Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
20/06/2024
Fantastic day guiding at Lakenheath Fen. Warm and sunny, and plenty of birds and dragonflies. Highlights included bittern, marsh harrier, kingfisher, hobby, common buzzard, reed bunting, reed warbler, sedge warbler, cuckoo, lapwing, gadwall; black tailed skimmer, scarce chaser, four spotted chaser, red eyed damselfly, banded demoiselle ....Wildlife boat trip
08/06/2024
Another great wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters today. The rain skirted round us, and we enjoyed sunshine by the end. Highlights included swallow, swift, Mediterranean gull, curlew, avocet, oystercatcher, marsh harrier, common little & sandwich tern, ringed plover, gadwall, shelduck, common seal .....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
30/05/2024
Brilliant morning guiding at Old Hall Marshes (and we missed the rain!!). Highlights included black necked grebe, spoonbill, great white egret, bearded tit family, 2 stonechat families, avocet (including chicks), low-flying swifts, 3 marsh harrier, 3 cuckoo, lots of common tern, various warblers (whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, chiffchaff, Cetti's, reed, sedge), 20+ black tailed godwit, little ringed plover, and so much more.Guided walk at Flatford
21/05/2024
Although we didn't see the sun we were still blessed for our guided walk at Flatford this morning as we didn't get wet! Drizzle started towards the end of the walk, and then it rained all afternoon! Highlights included blackcap, great spotted woodpecker, cuckoo, chiffchaff, reed & sedge warblers, common buzzard, lesser whitethroat, swallow, song thrush, gadwall, grey heron; banded demoiselle ....Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common & Hollesley Marshes
16/05/2024
An incredible (but very wet!) day guiding at Hollesley Common & Marshes. Highlights included crossbill, redstart, woodlark, stonechat, short eared owl, barn owl, glossy ibis, marsh harrier, cuckoo, swift, black tailed godwit, common sandpiper, fallow & Chinese water deer ....Guided walk at Wrabness
13/05/2024
A lovely morning guiding at Wrabness EWT reserve. Highlights included 2 turtle dove, barn owl, 5 nightingale singing, cuckoo, 20+ sand martin, yellowhammer, 4 lesser whitethroat, 10+ whitethroat, common buzzard, kestrel, sparrowhawk, reed bunting, mistle thrush, linnet, 13 brent geese ....Guided walk at Minsmere
10/05/2024
A fantastic day guiding round Minsmere RSPB reserve. Highlights included 3+ bittern, marsh harrier, c200 avocet, common & sandwich tern, bearded tit, hobby, sand martin, Temminck's stint (right place right time!), little gull, knot, grey plover, little ringed plover, black tailed & bar tailed godwit, common sandpiper, Mediterranean gull, sedge warbler, cuckoo (heard), stonechat, kittiwake, stone curlew .....Guided walk at Alton Water
07/05/2024
A beautiful morning for our guided walk at Alton Water (no coat!!). So many birds singing! Highlights included common tern, great crested grebe, tufted duck, swallow, nightingale, garden warbler, blackcap, chiffchaff, whitethroat, coal tit, reed bunting, reed warbler, common buzzard, kestrel, linnet .... Fantastic!Guided Dawn Chorus at Cockaynes Wood
03/05/2024
It never really got light for our guided Dawn Chorus walk at Cockaynes Wood this morning, but at least it stayed dry (started raining on the way home and hasn't stopped all day!!). Highlights included chiffchaff, blackcap, nightingale, cuckoo, wren, whitethroat, yellowhammer, common tern, Egyptian goose, greylag goslings, reed warbler, song thrush, great spotted woodpecker ....Wildlife boat trip
27/04/2024
Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we set off for our wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters, though the easterly wind made one section of the journey a little 'lumpy' and less comfortable. Highlights included a few lingering brent geese, 10 barnacle geese, 50+ oystercatcher, 10+ avocet, 2+ whimbrel, greenshank, 13 little tern, 2 sandwich tern, 12+ Mediterranean gull, marsh harrier, short eared owl, and 4 common seal.Guided walk at Arger Fen
26/04/2024
Fantastic morning guiding at Arger Fen - sunshine, so much bird song, amazing display of wildflowers, and great company too! Highlights included blackcap, chiffchaff, garden warbler, nightingale, whitethroat, common buzzard, sparrowhawk, red kite, goldcrest, nuthatch, raven, great spotted woodpecker; bluebells, early purple orchid, cuckoo flower, wild garlic, water avens, yellow archangel, wood sorrel, wild service tree and so much more. Brilliant!Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
12/04/2024
Fab day guiding at Lakenheath Fen. Highlights included chiffchaff, blackcap, reed & sedge warblers, cuckoo, plenty of marsh harrier activity, red kite, common buzzard, hobby, stonechat, house & sand martins, great white egret, reed bunting, Cetti's warbler; roe deer & muntjac; orange tip, brimstone & peacock butterflies ....Guided walk at Manningtree/Mistley
05/04/2024
Blustery (but thankfully dry) morning guiding along the river at Manningtree & Mistley Walls. Highlights included 1000+ black tailed godwit (mainly in stunning breeding plumage), redshank, turnstone, knot, 5 red breasted merganser, gadwall, wigeon, 2 red kite, 2 chiffchaff (heard), Cetti's warbler (heard), 2 barnacle goose, linnet, great crested grebe, 2 little egret ....Guided walk at Brightlingsea
02/04/2024
Made good use of the shelter near Bateman's Tower while a heavy shower passed through, and then enjoyed a successful guided walk along the river at Brightlingsea. Star birds were grey partridge (probably 2 different pairs); but also 400+ black tailed godwit (many in smart breeding plumage), 30+ bar tailed godwit, c100 knot, 1 common buzzard, 2 marsh harrier, 2 red breasted merganser, 4 Cetti's warbler (heard), 2 chiffchaff (heard), 10 brent goose, several skylark, 2 gadwall, shelduck, oystercatcher, lapwing ....Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
26/03/2024
Lovely morning guiding at Heybridge Gravel Pits. Highlights included my first peacock butterfly of the year, 800+ black tailed godwits (most in stunning breeding plumage), bar tailed godwit, avocet, knot, Mediterranean gull, chiffchaff, linnet, Cetti's warbler, common buzzard, tufted duck, pochard, teal ....Guided walk at Alresford Creek
22/03/2024
A 'full house' for this morning's guided walk at Alresford Creek. Highlights included the first stitchwort and bluebells in flower; red kite, yellowhammer, fieldfare, several chiffchaff, black tailed godwits in breeding plumage, skylarks singing, tufted duck, red legged partridge, brent geese .... And we'll remember the little 'adventure' finding a dry route round a particularly wet area!Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
11/03/2024
I don't know whether you'd call it 'saving the best till last' or 'by the skin of my teeth', but eventually managed to find the wintering purple sandpipers at the end of our guided walk from Frinton to Holland Haven and back this morning. Other highlights included Mediterranean gull, common gull, marsh harrier, common buzzard, avocet, black tailed godwit, oystercatcher, curlew, shoveler, wigeon, teal, shelduck, gadwall, reed bunting, goldcrest, Cetti's warbler (heard) ....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
07/03/2024
Early morning fog cleared enough to leave us a fine morning for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes, albeit with an increasing chilly breeze. Loads of birds, with highlights including brent geese, 50+ pintail, wigeon, shoveler, gadwall, 2+ marsh harrier, red kite, 2 great white egret, 6 snipe, c100 avocet, c400 golden plover, 2 ruff, black tailed godwit, displaying lapwing, knot, reed bunting, skylark, Cetti's warbler & bearded tit heard, brown hare .....Guided walk at Colne Point
05/03/2024
Colne Point is a fairly unique place and usually produces some quality birding. This morning was no exception for our guided walk; and highlights included merlin, 2+ marsh harrier, common buzzard, kestrel pair, stonechat pair, rock & meadow pipits, curlew, lapwing displaying, big flocks of starling & golden plover, 4 red legged partridge, constant song of skylarks, reed bunting, linnet, wigeon, brent geese, 20+ stock dove, 3 brown hare ....Guided walk at Wrabness
27/02/2024
Wonderful conditions for our guided walk at Wrabness this morning - it really felt like spring has arrived - lots of bird song, the first chiffchaff of the year, bees on blossom, alexdanders in flower ... Other highlights included song thrush, 1 green sandpiper, Cetti's warbler (heard), 2+ common buzzard, 2+ kestrel, 1 marsh harrier, 2+ reed bunting, brent geese, redshanks, 200+ dunlin, 10+ red breasted merganser, 4+ goldeneye, female pintail, 5+ great crested grebe, shoveler, wigeon, linnet .....Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
23/02/2024
Shut Heath Wood was very wet and muddy for this morning's guided walk, though the weather was kind to us and it was mostly nice and sunny. Plenty of signs of spring - bird song, bluebell leaves, pussy willow, hazel catkins, honeysuckle sprouting ... Bird highlights included 5+ common buzzard, 4+ red kite, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch (heard), 2+ lesser redpoll, c80 fieldfare, 16 red legged partridge, goldcrest, treecreeper (heard), 2 mistle thrush, long tailed tit .....X (formerly Twitter)
15/02/2024
So, I'm now on X (@LizHuxley1) as well as Facebook (Liz Huxley - Wildlife Photography & Guided Walks)Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
15/02/2024
We could hardly have asked for better weather for our guided walk at Kirby le Soken this morning. Star bird was probably the leucistic male blackbird. I've seen them with some white feathering before, but never one quite like this (see photo). Other highlights included brent geese, 100+ avocet, 2 green woodpecker, 2 little egret, 2 stonechat, several skylark, 1 song thrush, 2 Mediterranean gull, 2 reed bunting, 1 kestrel, 1 common buzzard, lots of waders .... And we finished off with excellent lunch at The Social Kitchen!Guided walk at Brightlingsea
13/02/2024
Once again the forecast didn't quite deliver for our guided walk along the river at Brightlingsea. Persistent drizzle set in, making viewing conditions a bit challenging, trying to keep rain off glasses, binoculars, scope... We still had a great time; and highlights included, brent geese, 10+ skylark, rock pipit, 2+ marsh harrier, 10 red breasted merganser, 2 pintail, male stonechat, 2 reed bunting, 4 red legged partridge, plenty of waders - curlew, redshank, oystercatcher, dunlin, grey plover, turnstone, lapwing, black tailed godwit ....Wildlife boat trip
10/02/2024
Remarkably good weather (for early February!) for our wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters this morning. Hundreds of birds moving around ahead of the super-high rising tide, as well as when birds of prey cruised through. Highlights included close views of a great northern diver, single purple sandpiper & Mediterranean gull, 8+ marsh harrier, 2 common buzzard, 1 peregrine, 4 red breasted merganser, 1 goldeneye, wigeon, teal, pintail, shelduck, lots of lapwing, dunlin & brent goose, 3 sanderling, 100+ avocet, oystercatcher, grey & golden plovers; 30+ common seal, 3 grey seal ..... A fantastic morning.Guided walk at Aldeburgh
02/02/2024
Fabulous day guiding around Aldeburgh - good weather, fun company and some great birding. We spent the morning at North Warren RSPB where highlights included 2 great white egret, 1 spoonbill, 1 water rail, barnacle & white fronted geese, pintail, shoveler, gadwall, wigeon, teal, shelduck, male marsh harrier, female stonechat, goldcrest and lapwing. Moved on to Thorpeness Meare for lunch (and loos!), where we added Egyptian geese and eventually the long-staying drake ring necked duck. Then on to Aldeburgh Town Marshes where we watched more geese (including brents), avocet, rock pipit, and finished off with ringtail hen harrier, short eared owl and marsh harrier in quick succession. An amazing and memorable day!Guided walk at Copt Hall
31/01/2024
Shame about the chilly wind, but we still had a fantastic afternoon at Copt Hall. White fronted goose (2) and spotted redshank (2) were nice surprises; and other highlights included Mediterranean gull (5+), common buzzard (2+), marsh harrier (4+), brent goose (600+), lapwing (800+), wigeon, teal, shelduck, shoveler, curlew ....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
29/01/2024
Unforecast fog all day made our guided day at Abberton Reservoir fairly challenging, but we still enjoyed a great day's birding. Highlights included 2 immature velvet scoter, 14+ goosander, 3 sightings of marsh harrier, common buzzard, kestrel, 2 great white egret, stonechat pair, rock pipit, redhead smew, black necked grebe, c100 linnet, c500 lapwing, 2 Egyptian goose, goldeneye, pintail, shoveler, lots of tufted duck & pochard, goldcrest ....Guided walk at Minsmere
25/01/2024
Fabulous day guiding at Minsmere with so many highlights including ringtail hen harrier, 9 whooper swan, red throated diver, 2 stonechat, 2 great white egret, bullfinch pair, multiple marsh harrier sightings, 250+ redwing, 6 avocet, 2 barnacle goose, 1 snipe, shoveler, pintail, gadwall, 1 goosander, coal tit, 2 goldcrest, water rail (heard), Cetti's warbler (heard), muntjac ...... Brilliant!Guided walk at Mersea Island
22/01/2024
Once again the forecast wasn't quite as accurate as it might have been, and the 40mph winds never really eased! It made viewing conditions challenging for our guided walk on Mersea Island, but we made the best of it and had an enjoyable time. Highlights included 20+ sanderling, turnstone, curlew, 3 Mediterranean gull, common gull, 500+ brent goose, 40+ avocet, male red breasted merganser, 5 marsh harrier, teal, shelduck, 10+ long tailed tit, single kestrel ...Guided walk at Stone Point, The Naze
19/01/2024
A glorious morning for our guided walk to Stone Point, The Naze - sunny but frosty. Highlights included brent geese, kestrel, jay, sanderling, ringed plover, bar tailed godwit, avocet, snipe, lapwing, skylark, rock pipit, stonechat, redwing, muntjac ....Guided walk at Alton Water
11/01/2024
A wonderful crisp morning for my first guided walk of 2024 at Alton Water. Highlights included great crested grebe, tufted duck, great white egret, bullfinch, siskin, coal tit, long tailed tit, goldcrest, treecreeper, yellowhammer, fieldfare, redwing, linnet, jay, reed bunting, great spotted woodpecker ....Gift Vouchers
01/01/2024
Bespoke Gift Vouchers are available for 1-2-1 guided walks and/or programmed walks.Guided walk at Wrabness
29/12/2023
Led my final guided walk of 2023 this morning at Wrabness EWT reserve - and the rain started just as we finished! Special moment was finding a brambling in among a large flock of chaffinch. Other highlights included green woodpecker, brent geese, wigeon, shelduck, redshank, dunlin, turnstone, curlew, oystercatcher, common buzzard, little egret, long tailed tit ....Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
21/12/2023
So it wasn't the best conditions for our guided walk at Kirby le Soken this morning - rather dull, very windy and muddy! Our circuit included part of the Walton Backwaters; and we finished with lunch at 19toGo. Highlights included brent geese, big numbers of golden plover & knot, curlew, oystercatcher, redshank, dunlin, grey plover, a red kite & 2 marsh harrier, teal, shoveler, shelduck, little egret, skylark, green woodpecker, common gull, kestrel, brown hare, common seal ....Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
20/11/2023
After rather arduous journeys we had a great day guiding at Lackford Lakes. Highlights included a mobile and vocal flock of 100+ siskin, lesser redpoll, 4 sightings of kingfisher, 40+ lapwing, 10+ snipe, 3 Cetti's warbler (heard), 4 redwing, 3+ goldcrest, nuthatch, 2 marsh tit, coal tit, 12+ Egyptian goose, 4 raptor species overhead during lunch by the visitor centre (red kite, sparrowhawk, marsh harrier, common buzzard), great spotted woodpecker, jay, water rail (heard), gadwall, wigeon, teal, tufted duck, pochard, shoveler, starling murmuration to finish (maybe 4000 birds).... (Unfortunately I only had the phone for photos today!)Guided walk at Copt Hall
16/11/2023
The weather gods were not on our side for this afternoon's guided walk at Copt Hall - persistent light rain, dull light and a chilly north breeze. Poor conditions for the raptors and owls we'd hoped for (only common buzzard seen). The high tide was pretty spectacular; and we noted brent geese, wigeon, teal, curlew, redshank, dunlin, grey plover, shelduck, curlew and little egret out on the saltmarsh. Other highlights included 3-4 rock pipit, 100+ lapwing, 10+ golden plover, 3 great crested grebe, cormorant heading over towards Abberton Reservoir to roost, grey heron, stock dove ....Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
14/11/2023
So, the BBC weather app showed 0% chance of rain for this morning's guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick. How wrong could it be!! We started at Margaret Hide, where a mega-high tide had already moved most of the waders on (big flocks of knot were flying off as we walked up). Light rain started as we walked to Kingfisher Hide; and then became steady, heavy rain! We tried waiting for a break in the weather, but it didn't come, so with lunch calling we headed back to the Centre and got wet! Still with no let-up in the rain we viewed from the Centre windows, watching activity around the bird feeders and also adding marsh harrier and great white egret out on the saltmarsh to our list. Highlights included 6+ redwing, 2+ goldcrest, c4000 knot, c150 avocet, 50+ brent geese, 2 Cetti's warbler (heard only), 2 reed bunting, male yellowhammer, 2 marsh harrier, 1 great white egret, 40+ lapwing, wigeon, teal, shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, great spotted woodpecker, curlew, turnstone, bar tailed godwit .... Fifty species was a very decent bird list given the weather conditions.Guided walk at Cudmore Grove
13/11/2023
It was lovely and sunny for our guided walk at Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea this morning (none of the forecast rain), although the wind increased during the morning (as forecast), becoming strong and gusty, making birding (and walking) more challenging. Highlights included brent geese, teal, wigeon, gadwall, shoveler, little egret, jay, long tailed tit, goldcrest, sanderling, turnstone, great crested grebe, skylark, rock pipit, Cetti's warbler (heard only) ....Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
10/11/2023
A productive morning spent guiding round Heybridge Gravel Pits with 56 species seen. Highlights included 6 greenshank, brent geese, impressive numbers of golden plover and black tailed godwit, big flock of avocet, 8+ bearded tit, reed bunting, 2 stonechat, fly-by sparrowhawk, wigeon, teal, shoveler, linnet, greenfinch, great crested grebe ....Guided walk along Walton Channel
07/11/2023
A beautiful sunny morning for our guided walk along Walton Channel. Highlights included at least 6 stonechat, 200+ brent geese, wigeon, teal, shelduck, 9 little grebe, 20+ avocet, black tailed and bar tailed godwits, redshank, grey plover, curlew, dunlin, knot, oystercatcher, turnstone, little egret, sparrowhawk, kestrel, common buzzard, meadow pipit, goldfinch, common gull, skylark, still a couple of butterflies out and about (red admiral and small white), muntjac ....Wildlife boat trip
03/11/2023
After Storm Ciaran and amber weather warnings yesterday I wasn't sure that today's wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters would go ahead, but we did, and we had a great time. It was fine and dry (until after we got back), if a little breezy, and we enjoyed some great birding. Highlights included 2 red throated diver, juvenile peregrine, common buzzard, marsh harrier, sparrowhawk, brent geese, wigeon, teal, shelduck, female red breasted merganser, rock pipit, linnet, swirling flocks of waders - dunlin, knot, redshank, grey plover, avocet, bar tailed and black tailed godwit; and at least 24 common seal.Guided walk at Manningtree
31/10/2023
The weather was better than forecast (and the tide higher than forecast!) for our guided walk along the river at Manningtree. Added excitement was provided by the air ambulance landing on the small beach and a 1960's diesel engine (D6817) crossing the rail bridge. Birding highlights included 400+ black tailed godwit, 50+ avocet, 100+ lapwing, 10 greenshank, 3 snipe, 2 kingfisher, 4+ common buzzard, sparrowhawk, kestrel, 50+ linnet, brent geese, wigeon, teal, shelduck, gadwall, rock pipit, goldfinch ....Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
27/10/2023
A bit damp and drizzly (and not great light for photography), but we still had a good morning's birding on our guided walk at Cockaynes Wood. Star sighting was watching 3 goldcrest calling and posturing to each other for a couple of minutes. Other highlights included 3+ fieldfare (my first of this autumn), coal tit, long tailed tit, 2+ skylark, green & great spotted woodpeckers, 2+ jay, treecreeper (heard), kestrel, little & great crested grebes ... Also a number of fungi, including a few fly agaric.Guided walk at Colne Point
23/10/2023
After lots of recent rain we had good weather for our guided walk at Colne Point this morning. Highlights included 3 marsh harrier, 3 common buzzard, 2 sparrowhawk, 3+ rock pipit (and great to compare them side by side with meadow pipit), 2 stonechat, female reed bunting, 20+ wigeon, brent geese, little egret, ringed plover, turnstone, curlew, 100+ lapwing, 1 greenshank, 100+ linnet ....Guided walk at Landguard Point
19/10/2023
Given the forecast I think we rather got away with it weatherwise for our guided walk at Landguard Point (Felixstowe) this morning - a bit breezy and one light shower! Nothing particularly scarce, but it was great to see migration happening with totals of 100+ brent geese and 160+ wigeon heading south offshore. Other highlights included 10+ robin (presumably an influx), 2 song thrush, several goldfinch and linnet, 2 Mediterranean gull, a distant red throated diver and single bar tailed godwit south, meadow pipit, goldfinch, and a common seal.Guided walk at Blue House Farm
03/10/2023
Superb morning guiding at Blue House Farm EWT. Although the site has largely dried out, we still enjoyed some excellent birding. Highlights included, stonechat, whinchat, linnet (60+), common buzzard (6+), marsh harrier, kestrel (2+), bearded tit (4+), Cetti's warbler (heard only), barnacle geese (c30), snipe (3), skylark (12+), teal, curlew, reed bunting, swallow .....Guided walk at Minsmere
29/09/2023
An amazing day guiding at Minsmere - glorious weather and some great birds and other wildlife. The surprise find was a goosander on East Scrape, while other highlights included hobby, marsh harrier, common buzzard, lesser redpoll, stonechat, bearded tit, common & green sandpipers, ruff, snipe, bar tailed & black tailed godwits, avocet, shoveler, gadwall, teal, wigeon, water vole, red deer, willow emerald damselfly ..... A brilliant day!Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
27/09/2023
Amazing numbers of birds on our guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir this morning. Hundreds of coot, cormorant, tufted duck and teal, 10+ red crested pochard, 6 pintail, 3 ruff, 2 hobby, 2 yellow legged gull,10+ Egyptian goose, 2+ goldcrest, 1 treecreeper, coal tit and great spotted woodpecker heard only, shoveler, gadwall, lapwing, grey heron, great crested grebe ...... and a little gull seen after lunch.Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
21/09/2023
Amazing to witness bird migration in progress on this morning's guided walk from Frinton to Holland Haven. There was a steady passage of meadow pipits heading south (estimated total 300+), 12 wheatear along the seawall and golf course, 20 swallow, reed warbler, 3 Cetti's warbler (heard only), 2 stonechat, 2 sandwich tern, whinchat, juvenile scaup, little stint, 2 snipe, 3 common buzzard, 2 hobby, sparrowhawk, 2 wigeon, 10 teal ....Guided walk at Dovercourt West End
16/09/2023
Another lovely morning for our guided walk at West End, Dovercourt. The harsh light made viewing and photography more awkward, but we had a great time. Star bird was a kingfisher seen twice, but sadly it didn't hang around. Other highlights included meadow pipits migrating south overhead, little grebe, gadwall, tufted duck, linnet, Cetti's warbler (heard only), red legged partridge, common sandpiper, snipe, curlew, oystercatcher, bar tailed godwit, grey heron, common buzzard, common gull, swallow ....2024 calendars
14/09/2023
My wildlife calendars for 2024 have arrived and are now available at £9.00 each (+ P&P if mail order).Guided walk at Brightlingsea
05/09/2023
Really felt like summer this morning for our guided walk along the river at Brightlingsea - sunny and warm, with a pleasant E breeze so it didn't feel too hot. A nice mix of birds, though lots were distant and/or brief views. Highlights included little egret, curlew, redshank, turnstone, avocet (14), oystercatcher, common tern (4+), sandwich tern (6), common gull (2), kestrel, common buzzard (including 9 circling together), goldfinch (20+), linnet, whinchat (1), reed warbler, Cetti's warbler (3 heard only), whitethroat, chiffchaff .... A lovely way to spend a morning!Wildlife boat trip
31/08/2023
A beautiful morning for our wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters - very peaceful (except when the peregrine stirred up all the waders!). Highlights included common seal (20+), swallows & house martins gathering prior to heading south, common buzzard (5+), peregrine, kestrel, marsh harrier, sandwich tern (2), ringed plover (100+), whimbrel (2), brent goose (just the one!), a nice mix of waders (turnstone, black tailed & bar tailed godwits, curlew, redshank, oystercatcher, dunlin, knot, sanderling, golden plover, lapwing) .... It's tough this working lark!Guided walk at The Naze
22/08/2023
Conditions couldn't have been much better for our guided walk at The Naze this morning - warm and sunny, enough breeze to keep it not too hot, incoming tide, seawall vegetation recently cut - and plenty of birds and other wildlife. Highlights included wheatear, curlew sandpiper, black tailed and bar tailed godwits, common and sandwich terns, ringed and grey plovers, green woodpecker, blackcap, chiffchaff, common buzzard; holly blue and speckled wood butterflies; stoat, water vole ....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
16/08/2023
A beautiful morning for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes - warm and sunny, but enough breeze to keep it pleasant, and an in-coming tide. Highlights included curlew, whimbrel, common sandpiper, green sandpiper, black tailed godwit, grey plover, lapwing, bearded tit, marsh harrier, willow warbler, lesser whitethroat, reed bunting, yellow wagtail, shoveler, teal, pochard, Egyptian goose ....Guided walk at Holland Haven
10/08/2023
A beautiful morning (actually felt like summer!) for our guided walk at Holland Haven. Found good numbers of wasp spider, as well as Roesel's bush cricket, a female great green bush cricket and several butterfly species. No rare birds today, but highlights included nice numbers of fresh willow warbler and lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, chiffchaff, blackcap, swallow, yellow wagtail, linnet, common sandpiper, avocet, black tailed godwit, little ringed plover, oystercatcher, lapwing, teal, kestrel, sparrowhawk, little grebe ....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
04/08/2023
The forecast wasn't great for today, but apart from getting caught in one heavy downpour we didn't do too badly on our guided walk at Abberton Reservoir (though we did watch dark clouds and thunder skirting round us too!). We managed an impressive 60 species with highlights including slavonian grebe, common sandpiper, swallow, reed warbler, spoonbill, cattle egret, green sandpiper, kingfisher, grey wagtail, garganey, shoveler, gadwall, yellow wagtail, marsh harrier, great white egret, black tailed godwit, lesser whitethroat, willow warbler, common buzzard, peregrine ....Guided walk at Blue House Farm
20/07/2023
Very pleasant morning for our guided walk at Blue House Farm. Large areas of the site had dried out, but we still managed a good bird list and plenty of butterflies too. Highlights included skylark, meadow pipit, corn bunting, black tailed godwit, lapwing, green sandpiper, common buzzard, kestrel, sparrowhawk, barnacle goose, yellow wagtail, shelduck, greenfinch, lesser whitethroat, linnet, grey heron, little egret, stock dove; marbled white, gatekeeper, small copper, painted lady, peacock, small heath ....Guided walk at Landseer Park
13/07/2023
Timed it right this morning between the showers for our guided walk at Landseer Park. It's a great site for flowers and butterflies, but also has a nice mix of other wildlife. Highlights included marbled white, brown argus, meadow brown, small skipper, brimstone, small tortoiseshell, comma, gatekeeper; 6 spot burnet moth; dark bush cricket, Roesel's bush cricket, meadow grasshopper; kestrel, whitethroat, wren, jay, song thrush, chiffhcaff, blackcap; marjoram, scabious, cornflower, lady's bedstraw, greater knapweed, common toadflax, purple loosestrife; and so much more.Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
11/07/2023
The forecast over the weekend wasn't good for today, but actually it turned out good for our guided walk at Chalkney Wood this morning, and we enjoyed a lovely range of wildlife sightings - plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds and more. Highlights included common spotted orchid, betony, wild basil, enchanters nightshade, common centaury, silverweed; painted lady, red admiral, white admiral, silver washed fritillary, ringlet, speckled wood, comma; banded demoiselle, scarce chaser, brown hawker; treecreeper, grey wagtail, little egret, coal tit, long tailed tit, chiffchaff, blackcap, jay, swallow ....Guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
07/07/2023
Almost perfect weather for butterflies this morning; and we managed 14 species during our guided walk at Gt Holland Pits, including white admiral, purple hairstreak, white letter hairstreak, brimstone, brown argus, red admiral, comma and small copper. Other highlights included blackcap, chiffchaff, goldcrest family, wren family, green woodpecker, 3 common buzzard circling together, Mediterranean gull (bright white against the blue sky), song thrush; dragonflies - broad bodied chaser, ruddy darter, common darter, four spotted chaser; and a wonderful mix of wildflowers. And finished off with coffee and cookies! All in all a lovely morning.Guided walk at Stour Wood
04/07/2023
Came close to cancelling this morning's guided walk at Stour Wood in view of the forecast (key targets were butterflies!), but so glad I didn't as the rain held off until later. Highlights included white admiral, silver washed fritillary, painted lady, gatekeeper, ringlet, hollly blue, red admiral; ruddy darter; dark bush cricket; chiffchaff, green & great spotted woodpeckers; and plenty of plants eg enchanters nightshade, rosebay willowherb, common figwort, yellow pimpernel, common centaury ....Guided walk at Strumpshaw Fen
30/06/2023
Spent a lovely day guiding at Strumpshaw Fen. Sadly no swallowtails, but still plenty to see - birds, butterflies, dragonflies, plants. Highlights included red kite, hobby, marsh harrier, great white egret, common tern, gadwall, shoveler, swift, bearded tit, bullfinch; ringlet, green veined white, red admiral, comma; Norfolk hawker, scarce chaser, emperor, four spotted chaser, ruddy darter, red eyed damselfly, banded demoiselle; common spotted orchid, southern marsh orchid, ragged robin, hemp agrimony, bog myrtle, purple loosestrife ....Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
26/06/2023
Gifted with good weather for our guided walk at Lackford Lakes today. Highlights included swift, marsh harrier, red kite, hobby, Egyptian goose, kingfisher, common tern, cuckoo, Cetti's warbler, garden warbler, siskin, tufted duck, gadwall; dragonflies - banded demoiselle, hundreds of common blue and azure damselflies, red eyed damselfly, emperor (several females egg-laying), black tailed skimmer, brown hawker; mullein and cinnabar moth caterpillars; speckled bush cricket; butterflies - comma, red admiral, small copper ... and so much more. A very enjoyable day!Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
23/06/2023
A lovely day spent guiding at Lakenheath Fen. It really felt like summer - warm and sunny, gentle breeze, lots of dragonflies ... Highlights included marsh harrier, hobby, bittern, kingfisher, cuckoo, reed bunting, pochard family, juvenile great crested grebe, sedge warbler, common buzzard, great spotted woodpecker; bee orchid, vipers bugloss, purple loosestrife; banded demoiselle, black tailed skimmer, four spotted chaser, hairy dragonfly; meadow brown, red admiral .... and the "Flying Scotsman" was a bit of an unexpected bonus!!Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
20/06/2023
Thought this morning's guided walk at Elmstead Woods was going to be a washout - rain with occasional thunder as we started - but we persevered and it soon cleared and wasn't too bad (though feet got pretty wet walking through wet meadows). Lovely mix of wildlife with birds, plants, butterflies, damselflies. Highlights included whitethroat, skylark, kestrel, hobby, song thrush, yellowhammer, swallow, house martin, chiffchaff, green woodpecker; bee orchid, yellow rattle, oxeye daisy, ladies bedstraw, common knapweed; meadow brown, small heath, common blue; banded demoiselle.Wildlife boat trip
17/06/2023
Well, that was a memorable wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters this morning! Highlights included common seals with pups, little tern, common tern, avocet, curlew, oystercatcher, kestrel, common buzzard, marsh harrier, little egret, skylark, brent goose (still a few not headed north), Mediterranean gull, ringed plover .... However, we'll probably remember it most for our boat's engine failure on the way back and having to wait to be rescued and towed back to the marina! All in a day's work!!Guided walk at Minsmere
06/06/2023
Fantastic day guiding at Minsmere yesterday. Highlights included avocet, black tailed godwit, sanderling, sandwich tern, common tern, little tern, kittiwake, bittern, marsh harrier, red kite, hobby, stone curlew, bullfinch, sedge warbler, reed warbler, sand martin, swift, bee orchid, southern marsh orchid, red deer and so much more.Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
01/06/2023
A successful guided walk at Old Hall Marshes this morning, with 56 bird species recorded. Highlights included marsh harrier, avocet, wheatear, swift, cuckoo, ruff, common tern, bearded tit, hobby, water rail, Cetti's warbler, reed warbler, sedge warbler, shoveler, gadwall, pochard, tufted duck, Egyptian goose, reed bunting ....Guided walk at Wrabness
24/05/2023
Lovely spring morning for our guided walk at Wrabness. Highlights included song thrush, 2 yellowhammer, 3 nightingale (heard), garden warbler (heard), 2 turtle dove, cuckoo (heard), Cetti's warbler, swallow, chiffchaff, blackcap, 4 Mediterranean gull, 4 common buzzard, sparrowhawk, still 50+ brent geese along the river, green woodpecker, mistle thrush, jay ....Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common & Hollesley Marshes
16/05/2023
A fab day guiding at Upper Hollesley Common and then moving on to Hollesley Marshes RSPB after lunch. I think we managed to see all the target species, with highlights including woodlark, Dartford warbler, redstart, stonechat, yellowhammer, mistle thrush, treecreeper, coal tit, common buzzard, hobby, marsh harrier, black tailed godwit, shoveler, gadwall, Egyptian goose, reed warbler, sedge warbler, reed bunting, swift; fallow deer, fox; green tiger beetle; small copper ....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
12/05/2023
Oh dear - grey and showery with a chilly north wind for our guided walk at Abberton Reservoir this morning - not ideal!! However, the damp conditions meant that swifts, swallows and martins were feeding low over the water close to the causeways, giving amazing views. Other highlights included common tern, great crested grebe, Egyptian goose, gadwall, shoveler, tufted duck, little egret, grey heron, little ringed plover, reed bunting, kestrel, hobby, yellow wagtail, mute swan, skylark, nightingale (heard only), Cetti's warbler (heard only) ....Guided walk at Alton Water
08/05/2023
We did alright with the weather for our guided walk at Alton Water this morning. Highlights included 2 jay, 30+ great crested grebe, 20+ common tern, male mandarin, several blackcap & chiffchaff, 2 whitethroat, 2 garden warbler, cuckoo, 3 singing nightingale, 2 song thrush, goldcrest, yellowhammer, 2 red kite; and a few butterflies - comma, orange tip, red admiral, green veined white.Dawn Chorus walk at Cockaynes Wood
04/05/2023
An early(ish!) start for our guided Dawn Chorus walk at Cockaynes Wood this morning. Almost the first bird we found was a nightingale singing close by, but unfortunately it remained hidden. Other highlights included 4+ blackcap, 3+ chiffchaff, 6+ reed warbler, 1 Cetti's warbler, 1 cuckoo, 2 mistle thrush, 3+ song thrush, 10+ wren, 1 green woodpecker, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 9 common tern, 2 yellowhammer, 2 great crested grebe .... A lovely morning!Guided walk at Arger Fen
25/04/2023
Lovely morning for our guided walk round Arger Fen (Suffolk Wildlife Trust). Great site for for plants as well as birds. Highlights included chiffchaff, blackcap, yellowhammer, red kite, common buzzard, sparrowhawk, goldcrest, green & great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreeper, cuckoo (heard only); stunning display of bluebells, wild garlic, cuckoo flower, water avens, cowslip, yellow archangel; wild cherry, wild service ......Wildlife boat trip
22/04/2023
Better weather than was forecast and a lovely morning for our wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. Highlights included 40+ bar tailed godwit (many in stunning breeding plumage), 20+ avocet, 3 whimbrel, grey plover, dunlin, turnstone, oystercatcher, 4+ swallow, c100 barnacle goose, 10+ Mediterranean gull, 2+ common buzzard, 2 marsh harrier, 1 red kite, cuckoo (heard only), 2 rhea (!!) on Horsey Island, common seals .....Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
17/04/2023
Fantastic day guiding at Lakenheath Fen - great weather and brilliant birds (even if most were brief and/or distant and/or heard only! Highlights included marsh harrier, common buzzard, sparrowhawk, bearded tit, water rail, nightingale, bittern, common crane, stonechat, garganey, reed bunting, chiffchaff, blackcap, Cetti's, reed and sedge warblers. Also plenty of butterflies - peacock, brimstone, green veined white, orange tip, small tortoiseshell, comma; and roe deer.Guided walk at Manningtree & Mistley
06/04/2023
A much better morning than was forecast for our guided walk at Manningtree & Mistley, although light wasn't great for photography. We managed 52 species, with highlights including 2 greenshank, 800+ black tailed godwit (including lots now in smart breeding plumage), 20+ avocet, red kite, common buzzard, sparrowhawk, peregrine, marsh harrier, 6 red breasted merganser, 2 singing chiffchaff, wigeon, teal, shelduck, shoveler, gadwall ....Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
30/03/2023
Very muddy underfoot and an increasing breeze for our guided walk at Kirby le Soken/Walton Backwaters this morning. Highlights included 2 green woodpecker, 2 yellowhammer, several skylark singing, linnet, noisy black headed and Mediterranean gulls beginning to pair up, 3+ common buzzard, 3 kestrel, reed bunting, shoveler, teal, 2 chiffchaff; 25+ (distant) common seal hauled out; as well as brimstone and peacock butterfly. Rounded off with lunch at 19toGo!Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
28/03/2023
Fairly grim conditions this morning (rain and a cold wind) for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes, but we still managed an impressive species list. Highlights included brent geese, wigeon, teal, shoveler, gadwall, pintail, tufted duck, pochard, shelduck, at least 4 marsh harriers, barn owl, water rail, avocet, black tailed godwit, snipe, reed bunting, chiffchaff and Cetti's warbler (heard only), Egyptian goose, brown hare ....Guided walk at Holland Haven
27/03/2023
A lovely sunny morning, but a chilly breeze for our guided walk at Holland Haven. Started with at least 6 common buzzard over the car park; soon followed by good views of firecrest and goldcrest in quick succession, allowing useful comparison. Other sightings included 2 purple sandpiper, chiffchaff, 2 Mediterranean gull, 10 avocet, 1 marsh harrier, 2 kestrel, 2 stonechat, 2 Egyptian goose, 4 gadwall, teal, wigeon, shoveler, shelduck, curlew, oystercatcher, 250+ woodpigeon, heard 3 Cetti's warbler and a song thrush ....Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
23/03/2023
A bit too windy for our guided walk round Heybridge Gravel Pits yesterday, but it was still a nice walk. Highlight was watching a big flock of black tailed godwits take off and wheel around, and then seeing the peregrine fly past, which they had obviously spotted long before we did. Other sightings included avocet, redshank, oystercatcher, great crested grebe, wigeon, teal, shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, and noisy black headed gulls beginning to check out the nesting islands.Guided walk at Alresford Creek
18/03/2023
Despite the forecast/weather we had a fantastic morning on our guided walk at Alresford Creek. Sixty species was an amazing total, with the surprise highlight being a spoonbill spotted on the Fingringhoe side of the river, and a male hen harrier flying past whilst we watched it. Other sightings included great spotted & green woodpeckers, 3 chiffchaff, 16+ avocet, black tailed godwit, grey plover, 4 red breasted merganser, female goosander, treecreeper, goldcrest, song thrush, gadwall, tufted duck, wigeon, teal, 2 common buzzard, skylark, long tailed tit ....Wildlife boat trip
11/03/2023
Weather was much calmer today, which was great for our guided wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. Highlights included lots of brent geese and waders, finding a common scoter, sparrowhawk, 2 kestrel, peregrine, 6+ common buzzard, 4+ marsh harrier, 100+ avocet, 2 red breasted merganser, 2 Mediterranean gull, 10+ common seal and a fox.Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
03/03/2023
Cold, grey conditions were not ideal for birds or birding (!), with very few birds singing. However, any woodland walk seeing 3 treecreeper, 2 nuthatch and 6+ goldcrest is good in my books; and other sightings included 4+ great spotted woodpecker, 4+ common buzzard, 8+ long tailed tit, 1+ sparrowhawk, 1 jay, lots of blue tits and great tits; as well as several grey squirrels, a few southern wood ants, bluebell leaves coming through and a couple of primroses in flower.Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
20/02/2023
A lovely bright morning for our guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick; and witnessed a surprisingly high high tide over mid-day covering the whole marsh. Highlights included avocet, ringed plover, dunlin, black tailed and bar tailed godwit, oystercatcher, redshank, tufted duck, pochard, shoveler, teal, wigeon, shelduck, long tailed tit, goldcrest, skylark, stonechat, red breasted merganser, golden plover, song thrush, goldfinch, Cetti's warbler (heard only) ....Guided walk at Wrabness
17/02/2023
Nice and bright, but a bit too windy for our guided walk at Wrabness this morning. However, we still managed an impressive bird list, with highlights including wigeon, teal, pintail, brent geese, red breasted merganser marsh harrier, common buzzard, kestrel, redwing, mistle thrush, rock pipit, yellowhammer, skylark, little egret, and much more. It was good to hear a number of species singing - a sure sign that spring is on its way!Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
14/02/2023
Another very foggy start for our guided walk at Cockaynes Wood, but sun broke through and became a beautiful morning. Highlights included 2+ song thrush, 2 yellowhammer, great spotted and green woodpecker, jay, goldcrest, common buzzard, 30+ linnet, 2 Egyptian goose, coat tit, gadwall, great crested grebe pair beginning to display; and scarlet elf cup fungus.Guided walk at Mersea Island
10/02/2023
Started our visit by viewing the estuary from Victoria Esplanade where highlights included 2 great northern diver, great crested grebe, Mediterranean and common gull. Then drove to East Mersea to view across towards Langenhoe Marshes. Here sightings included avocet, black tailed godwit, grey plover, curlew, lapwing, golden plover, brent geese, 4 red breasted merganser, sparrowhawk, common buzzard, 3 marsh harrier, skylark ....Guided walk at Colne Point
09/02/2023
Fortunately the grey, mizzly, cold start to our guided walk at Colne Point didn't last and it became a lovely sunny morning. Highlights included at least 2 marsh harriers (including one interacting with a brown hare), 2 kestrel, 1+ common buzzard,100+ brent geese, 500+ lapwing, 200+ golden plover, 20+ stock dove, 3 stonechat, 30+ meadow pipit, 10+ rock pipit, 30+ skylark, 2 reed bunting, shoveler, teal, shelduck; and surprise sighting was a Chinese water deer running away across the saltmarsh.Guided walk at Minsmere
03/02/2023
Fab day guiding at Minsmere. Great to see the three swan species (mute, whooper & Bewick's) next to each other for ID comparison. Other highlights included 4+ marsh harrier, c500 lapwing, 1 great white egret, 20+ red throated diver offshore, 1 Dartford warbler, 2 stonechat, 2 snipe, 6 avocet, 1 marsh tit, great spotted woodpecker, coal tit, 6+ pintail, shoveler, gadwall, wigeon, teal, shelduck .... And a wonderful sunset on the drive home.Guided walk at Alton Water
31/01/2023
Another lovely morning for our guided walk at Alton Water. Highlights included: 40+ great crested grebe, 1 male goldeneye, 2+ great spotted woodpecker, 1 treecreeper, 1 male brambling, 1 red kite, 1-2 common buzzard, 2 jay, 2+ coal tit, 1 mistle thrush, 30+ redwing, 10+ fieldfare ....Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
27/01/2023
Beautiful morning (if a little muddy!) for our guided walk at Kirby le Soken, taking in part of the Walton Backwaters. As a walk leader it's always a bit of a worry when "bird of the day" is a mammal (!), and today it was a fox - but it was a pretty special encounter with a fox. Other highlights included redwing, jay, long tailed tit, goldfinch, teal, shelduck, brent geese, avocet, knot, rock pipit, skylark, green woodpecker, linnet, and distant views of 18 common seals hauled out on the mud. A lovely morning, and rounded off with an excellent lunch at 19toGo.Guided walk at Copt Hall
23/01/2023
A cold, dull, grey afternoon for our guided walk at Copt Hall, but still managed a decent bird list. Star bird was a barn owl watched hunting along the seawall ahead of us; and other highlights included peregrine, 3+ common buzzard, 2 marsh harrier, immature Mediterranean gull, 2 fieldfare, 500+ brent geese, 2 reed bunting, 4 rock pipit, great spotted woodpecker, several hundred cormorant commuting over towards Abberton Reservoir, numbers of wigeon, teal, shelduck, lapwing, golden plover ....Guided walk at Mersea Island
17/01/2023
Beautiful bright crisp day for guiding around Mersea Island. Highlights included great northern diver, Mediterranean gull (2), sanderling (10+), red breasted merganser (5), great white egret, barn owl, common buzzard, marsh harrier (7), sparrowhawk, reed bunting (10+), avocet (15+), golden plover (200+), fieldfare (2) ...Guided walk at Stone Point, The Naze
12/01/2023
A grey, blustery morning made for a bit of a workout on our guided walk out to Stone Point at The Naze! Highlights included sanderling (10+), purple sandpiper (1), bar tailed godwit (90+), grey plover, turnstone, ringed plover, cormorant (500+ in total, with a steady stream of groups moving into Hamford Water), red throated diver (1), brent geese, skylark, little egret, kestrel (1), linnet, goldcrest (2), common seal (5), muntjac (3) ....Guided walk Frinton/Holland Haven
09/01/2023
A bit breezy, but a nice morning for our guided walk from Frinton to Holland Haven. Highlights included amazing views of a purple sandpiper, as well as green woodpecker, stonechat (pair), red throated diver (4 on the sea), Cetti's warbler (heard only), wigeon (400), teal (60+), shoveler (4), common buzzard (3), kestrel, avocet (4), lapwing (6), curlew (20), stock dove ....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
06/01/2023
First guided walk of the year - a fantastic day at Abberton Reservoir. Literally thousands of birds! Highlights included long tailed duck, scaup (10), goosander (c50), smew, goldeneye (c30), pintail (6), black necked grebe, great white egret (4), marsh harrier (2), merlin, common buzzard (2), Caspian gull (first winter), Mediterranean gull (winter adult), Bewick's swan (4), black tailed godwit (30+), ruff (2), green sandpiper, Egyptian goose (6), grey wagtail .... What a fab way to start the year's birding.Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
19/12/2022
Rather dull conditions with a bit of drizzle on and off for our guided walk at Kirby le Soken this morning - a circuit taking in part of the Walton Backwaters. Highlights included kestrel, common buzzard, redwing (20+), snipe, avocet (c50), knot (500+), brent geese (300+), rock pipit (3), shelduck, teal, wigeon, pintail, shoveler, lapwing, golden plover, and about common seal (c20).Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
02/12/2022
Great day guiding at Lackford Lakes SWT reserve, despite dull conditions and light rain on and off. Highlights included great spotted woodpecker, 2 reed bunting, treecreeper, 80+ siskin, 20+ lesser redpoll, 2 goldcrest, kingfisher, marsh harrier, 100+ lapwing, 15+ snipe, 2 green sandpiper, grey wagtail.... However, we saved the best till last, watching the amazing spectacle of thousands of starlings murmurating prior to dropping down to roost in the reedbed. The sight! The sound! Fantastic!Guided walk at Colne Point
29/11/2022
Another fascinating morning for our guided walk at the unique place that is Colne Point EWT reserve. Not the longest bird list, but some great quality - 1 (possibly 2) dartford warbler, female merlin, 3 marsh harrier, 3 sanderling, 2+ stonechat, 10+ rock pipit, 4+ reed bunting, 3 little egret, 400+ brent goose, 20+ wigeon, 300+ lapwing ....Guided walk at Brightlingsea
28/11/2022
What an absolutely beautiful morning for our guided walk along the river at Brightlingsea - I keep having to remind myself it's the end of November!! And the birding was pretty special as well. Star bird was definitely a male black redstart feeding among the riverside rocks, but there was a good supporting cast too including 4+ rock pipit, 6+ skylark, 3 little egret, brent geese, 3 male red breasted merganser, 100+ avocet, 45+ curlew, 200+ oystercatcher, female stonechat, adult male marsh harrier, common buzzard, green woodpecker, 3+ reed bunting, 3 yellowhammer ..... A wonderful morning!Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
24/11/2022
Had the best of today's weather for our guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir this morning. Star bird was undoubtedly a wader - initially thought as a common sandpiper, but later re-identified as its much rarer North American counterpart, spotted sandpiper. Other highlights included goldeneye, goosander, wigeon, teal, gadwall, tufted duck, black tailed godwit, lapwing, grey wagtail, great crested grebe, common buzzard, cormorant, long tailed tit, goldcrest, meadow pipit ....Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
10/11/2022
Mostly cloudy, but at least it stayed dry for our guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits this morning. Lots of birds being moved by the rising tide and crowding together on higher ground. Highlights included, 1000+ black tailed godwit, 250+ avocet, 20+ ringed plover, golden and grey plovers, dunlin, curlew, redshank, 6 greenshank, 2 stonechat, 2 rock pipit, 1 kestrel, 20+ shoveler, wigeon, teal, brent geese, 4 Egyptian geese, 3 Cetti's warbler (heard only), little egret ....Guided walk at Manningtree/Mistley
04/11/2022
Lovely sunny morning, but a cold wind, for our guided walk at Manningtree and Mistley yesterday. Highlights included 800+ black tailed godwit, 20+ ringed plover, 100+ lapwing, 300+ avocet, wigeon, teal, shelduck, little egret, 1 red kite, 1 common buzzard, 1 rock pipit, 1 snipe, 1 greenshank, 1 Mediterranean gull, 2 Cetti's warbler (heard only), 1 pintail ....Wildlife boat trip
27/10/2022
Another fab wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters this morning. Red throated diver and juvenile spoonbill were nice surprises, while other highlights included brent geese, wigeon, teal, red breasted merganser, avocet, golden plover, black tailed and bar tailed godwit, lapwing, ringed plover, turnstone, little egret, peregrine, marsh harrier, common seal ....Guided walk at The Naze
07/10/2022
Nice morning guiding at The Naze, though winds not in a favourable direction for bird migration. Highlights included chiffchaff (4+), skylark (2), Cetti's warbler (5 heard), great spotted woodpecker (1), goldcrest (4), kestrel (2), brent goose (15), pied wagtail (20+), grey wagtail (1), meadow pipit (20+), swallow (1), turnstone (7), teal (3), linnet (6); also several common darter, red admiral, speckled wood, peacock.Guided walk at Minsmere
29/09/2022
Fantastic day guiding at Minsmere today - great weather, great wildlife, great company! Highlights included 35+ bearded tit (the most I've seen at one place), 2 bittern, 2 great white egret, 3+ marsh harrier, 1 common buzzard, marsh tit, coal tit, 4 avocet, 4 black tailed godwit, 2 treecreeper, coal tit, marsh tit, nuthatch (heard), great spotted woodpecker, stonechat, wigeon, pintail, kingfisher, red deer and so much more.Guided walk at Landguard Point
22/09/2022
A lovely morning for our guided walk at Landguard Point, which is a pretty unique and interesting site (even when there aren't very many birds about!!). Highlights included several mobile flocks of starlings, steady passage of swallows heading south, Mediterranean gull (6), sandwich tern (4+), wheatear (1), blackcap, meadow pipit, goldfinch, pied wagtail; and plants such as sea kale, yellow horned poppy, sea spurge and vipers bugloss.Wildlife boat trip
10/09/2022
Fab wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters this morning. Highlights included marsh harrier, golden & grey plover, knot, black tailed & bar tailed godwit, avocet, common sandpiper, greenshank, knot, turnstone, little egret, wheatear, wigeon, teal, sandwich tern, common seal .... Can't wait for the next one!Guided walk at Holland Haven
06/09/2022
Some quality species on our guided walk at Holland Haven this morning. Almost the first bird we found was a cracking little firecrest; then followed up with 6+ swallow and 3 late swift heading south, kestrel, grey heron, c100 teal, 3 juvenile shelduck, 1 curlew, 1 ruff, 1 snipe, several lapwing, 4 stonechat, 1 wheatear; and finished off with 2 wasp spider.Guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
02/09/2022
Lovely sunny morning guiding at Gt Holland Pits and seeing a great mix of birds, plants, butterflies and dragonflies. Highlights included: blackcap, chiffchaff, common buzzard, teal, swallow, bullfinch and great spotted woodpecker heard only; tansy, common fleabane, red bartsia, water lily; small copper, common blue, holly blue, brown argus, red admiral; common and ruddy darters, migrant hawker, southern hawker, willow emerald ...Guided walk at The Naze
31/08/2022
Windy conditions (fresh NE) for this morning's guided walk at The Naze, and rather quiet for birds. Star birds were a whinchat and a wheatear, with a supporting cast of long tailed tit, turnstone, curlew, swallow; also several migrant hawker dragonflies hunting in sheltered spots.Guided walk at Frinton/Holland Haven
23/08/2022
Lovely walk guiding at Frinton/Holland Haven this morning. Highlights included a nice flock of curlew on the Scrape (24), whimbrel (1), lapwing (30), green sandpiper (1), golden plover (6), stonechat (family of 4), whinchat (1), common buzzard (2), marsh harrier (1 juvenile), stock dove .... and still several small heath butterflies about.Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
18/08/2022
A mix of weather for our guided walk at Abberton Reservoir this morning - cloudy start, then got caught in a heavy shower, finished off in warm sunshine! Some brilliant birding though, with highlights including great white egret (15+), spoonbill (12), cattle egret (5+), common tern (14), black swan (2), yellow wagtail, kestrel, marsh harrier (juv), common buzzard, black tailed godwit (24), common sandpiper (2), green sandpiper (3), ruff (1), lapwing, Egyptian goose (24+), swallow ....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
16/08/2022
A bit cooler (but also drizzly) for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes this morning. Superb mix of waders - curlew, avocet, lapwing, ruff, common sandpiper, snipe, redshank, black tailed godwit, spotted redshank, grey plover, golden plover, greenshank. Other highlights included tantalising views of bearded tits moving through the reeds, marsh harrier, hobby, common tern, little egret, shoveler, reed warbler, little grebe ...Guided walk at The Naze
12/08/2022
Hard work in the heat on our guided walk at The Naze this morning, but still an enjoyable time and a nice range of wildlife. Highlights included: muntjac, brown hare; swallow, house martin, sand martin, kestrel, common buzzard, yellow wagtail, lapwing, curlew, black tailed godwit, avocet, curlew, common sandpiper, reed bunting, barnacle goose; holly blue, red admiral, small heath, peacock; ruddy darter, migrant hawker.Guided 'easy' walk at Wrabness
08/08/2022
Another very warm one for our 'easy' guided walk at Wrabness NR this morning (very pleasant, though heat haze made viewing anything at distance much more challenging!). Highlights included swallow, sand martin, little owl (1), kestrel (2+), turtle dove (1 purring and then preening), lesser whitethroat (2), blackcap (2), chiffchaff (1), green woodpecker (1+), jay (1), common buzzard (3), lapwing, redshank, oystercatcher; and some pretty cool plants too - red bartsia, fleabane, toadflax, mullein, scabious, margoram, lady's bedstraw, everlasting sweetpea, rosebay willowherb ...Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
02/08/2022
Lovely morning spent guiding round Elmstead Woods. Really nice varied mix of wildlife, with highlights including common lizard; muntjac; banded demoiselle; common buzzard, green woodpecker, swallow, house martin; gatekeeper, common blue, small heath, speckled wood; common knapweek, common fleabane, greater willowherb, chicory, bird's foot trefoil; Dryad's saddle, King Alfred's cakes ....Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
29/07/2022
A lovely morning for our guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick. Highlights included teal, shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, greenshank, black tailed godwit, grey plover, leucistic redshank, lapwing, little egret, little grebe, reed warbler, sedge warbler, common tern .... I particularly like this time of year when some of the returning waders still sport their smart breeding plumage.'Easy' guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
18/07/2022
A hot morning for our guided walk at Gt Holland Pits, but we made the most of patches of shade and had a productive time with a nice variety of wildlife. Highlights included sparrowhawk, mandarin, long tailed tit; white admiral, ringlet, small skipper, gatekeeper; ruddy and common darters, emperor, emerald damselfly, southern hawker; common fleabane, common centaury, red bartsia, common knapweed ....Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
14/07/2022
Lovely morning guiding at Chalkney Wood - and grateful for the shade in the woodland! Great variety of wildlife - butterflies, dragonflies, birds, plants and a few mammals too. Butterfly highlights included silver washed fritillary, brimstone, painted lady, peacock, ringlet, gatekeeper (12 species seen); dragonflies - banded demoiselle, brown hawker, ruddy darter and southern hawker; birds - chiffchaff, treecreeper, grey wagtail, green woodpecker, common buzzard, kestrel.Guided walk at Stour Wood
11/07/2022
Seriously warm for our guided walk at Stour Wood this morning. Plenty of butterflies, but all very mobile and any that settled only did so briefly. Good numbers of silver washed fritillary and white admiral (our target species!); also red admiral, comma, ringlet, meadow brown, gatekeeper, peacock, large and small whites, Essex skipper. Birds included song thrush, wren, blackcap, chiffchaff and green woodpecker; and a nice selection of other insects and plants too.Guided walk at Landseer Park
06/07/2022
Fab morning guiding at Landseer Park. A wonderful display of wildflowers resulting in hundreds of butterflies (notably marbled whites and skippers) and other insects (eg six spot burnet and forester moths, various bees and grasshoppers), Birds included blackcap, chiffchaff, whitethroat, song thrush, common buzzard, jay and coal tit.Wildlife boat trip
01/07/2022
Just a few images from a fab time guiding on yesterday's wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. Good weather, good company and good birding (and seals!!). Highlights included little and sandwich terns, curlew, dunlin, ringed plover, oystercatcher, redshank, lapwing, barnacle geese, marsh harrier, kestrel, common buzzard, swallow; and, of course, the common seals with pups.Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
28/06/2022
Superb morning guiding at Abberton Reservoir. Started with purple emperor and white letter hairstreak butterflies. Bird highlights included common tern, swift, juvenile pied wagtails, little ringed plover family, great spotted woodpecker, black swan, spoonbill pair, young little egrets and grey herons, 4 great white egret, marsh harrier, common buzzard, sparrowhawk, increasing numbers of geese (Canada, greylag, Egyptian), the long-staying hybrid male Baikal teal x teal now moulting into eclipse plumage ....Guided walk at Wrabness
17/06/2022
El scorchio! Hot and sunny for our guided walk at Wrabness EWT reserve this morning, but just enough breeze to keep it pleasant - and the wildlife didn't disappoint. Highlights included purring turtle doves, lots of sand martins, yellowhammer, swift, common buzzard, little owl, whitethroat, reed bunting, oystercatcher, little egret, green woodpecker, blackcap, chiffchaff; butterflies - large skipper, meadow brown, red admiral; plants - white bryony, mullein, birds foot trefoil, everlasting sweetpea, meadow cranesbill, common centaury, vipers bugloss, scarlet pimpernel. All in all a lovely morning.Guided walk at Minsmere
14/06/2022
Fabulous day guiding at Minsmere today - great weather and great wildlife. Highlights included 2+ bittern, 4+ marsh harrier, 3 glossy ibis, avocet, black tailed godwit, 50+ common scoter, 2 great white egret, 2 common crane, 2 stone curlew (on the way in), bearded tit, reed warbler, sedge warbler, common and sandwich terns, kittiwake, Mediterranean gull, hobby, garden warbler, stonechat, red deer, Norfolk hawker, pyramidal and southern marsh orchids, yellow horned poppy .....Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
10/06/2022
Beautiful morning guiding round Old Hall Marshes RSPB reserve. Great to see plenty of young birds - common tern, black headed gull, avocet, great crested grebe, greylag & Egyptian geese, shelduck. Other highlights included marsh harrier, cuckoo, reed & sedge warblers, bearded tit, greenshank, bar tailed & black tailed godwits .... Butterflies included my first meadow browns of the year.Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
27/05/2022
Great weather again for our morning guiding at Elmstead Woods - and a wonderful variety of wildlife. Bird highlights included yellowhammer, common buzzard, swallow, house martin, swift, willow warbler, lesser whitethroat, jay, grey heron; butterflies - green hairstreak, painted lady, speckled wood, small heath; azure and large red damselflies; mother shipton and silver Y moths; plants - yellow rattle, red campion, foxglove, oxeye daisy, birds foot trefoil .....Guided walk at Wrabness
09/05/2022
Another lovely morning for our guided walk at Wrabness NR. Amazing to stand and listen to so many birds singing - nightingale, turtle dove, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, chiffchaff, blackcap, wren, yellowhammer, song thrush, sand martins chattering overhead ..... Still at least 150 brent geese on the foreshore; and other sightings included stock dove, common buzzard, common tern, green woodpecker and swallow.Guided walk at Alton Water
05/05/2022
Really enjoyable guided walk at Alton Water this afternoon. Star bird was on the far side of the reservoir (!), but a slavonian grebe in breeding plumage is a bit special, even at distance. Plenty of birds singing - chiffchaff, blackcap, blackbird, nightingale (7), garden warbler, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, goldfinch, linnet, yellowhammer, reed bunting, cuckoo, wren. Other highlights included swallow, kingfisher, great crested grebe, greylag geese with goslings, mallard ducklings, tufted duck, shelduck, grey heron .... Notable plants included bluebells, spring beauty, water mint and crosswort.Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
03/05/2022
A little sunshine would have been nice for our guided walk at Shut Heath Wood today, but we still had a great time. The floral display was stunning with bluebells, bugle, climbing corydalis, primrose, wood anemone (going over), yellow pimpernel, wild strawberry and cuckoo flower. The wood ants were amazing to watch and listen to! (sounds like pattering rain as hundreds of them move trough the leaf litter). Bird highlights included common buzzard, very vocal blackcaps, chiffchaff, wren, treecreeper, a pair of long tailed tits bringing food to the nest, brief views of a tawny owl chased into a tree by a jackdaw and then just as we relocated it in the tree it flew off again, song thrush, great spotted woodpecker.Dawn Chorus at The Naze
30/04/2022
Out and about a bit earlier today for our guided Dawn Chorus at The Naze. Got off to a great start with a nightingale singing below Sunny Point; and finished with the star bird of our walk - a surprise fulmar south along the cliffs by The Tower. In between there were plenty of warblers - whitethroat, blackcap, chiffchaff, lesser whitethroat, sedge warbler, Cetti's warbler; and other sightings included goldfinch, greenfinch, sparrowhawk, song thrush, swallow, reed bunting, whimbrel, cuckoo, oystercatcher (39 species in total).Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
27/04/2022
Would have been nicer if it had been a few degrees warmer, but still an enjoyable guided walk round Fingringhoe Wick this afternoon. It's always wonderful to hear nightingales, and a couple were very close, but unfortunately we didn't spot them. Plenty of other birds singing too - whitethroat, blackcap, chiffchaff, cuckoo, reed warbler ... Other sightings included whimbrel, tufted duck, pochard, Mediterranean gull, avocet, oystercatcher, black tailed godwit, marsh harrier, kestrel, little grebe ...Guided walk at Arger Fen
22/04/2022
Decent weather helped to make this morning's guided walk at Arger Fen very enjoyable. The bluebell display was stunning; and falling blossom from the wild cherries looked like snow! Other highlights included wild service tree; flowers - yellow archangel, primrose, wild garlic, cuckoo flower, wood sorrel, thyme-leaved speedwell, water avens; birds - common buzzard, nuthatch (heard only), garden warbler (2), blackcap (4+), chiffchaff (6+), kestrel ....Wildlife boat trip
14/04/2022
Fabulous morning for our wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters. The real highlight was spending time with the engine off just drifting silently past the marsh with the tide, listening to the birds, with common seals popping up to check us out; and sightings included swallow (2), Mediterranean gull (40+), red breasted merganser (2), golden plover (50+), sandwich tern (1), red kite (2), common buzzard (4+), oystercatcher (100+), curlew, turnstone, grey plover .....Guided walk at Alresford Creek
11/04/2022
Weather and tide were both good for our guided walk at Alresford Creek this morning. Bird highlights included vocal chiffchaffs and blackcaps, black tailed godwits and golden plovers acquiring their stunning breeding plumage, common buzzard, marsh harrier, sparrowhawk, lingering single avocet and a few brent geese (total 47 species); some nice spring flowers - greater stitchwort, field pansy, bluebell, lesser celandine, storksbill, spring beauty, three cornered leek; and a few butterflies - small tortoiseshell, comma and peacock.Guided walk at Frinton/Gt Holland
05/04/2022
A bit breezy, but at least the drizzle stopped for our circular guided walk via Frinton golf course and Gt Holland this morning. 'Star bird' was between a cracking male wheatear and the good numbers of singing skylarks, with other highlights including 3 red throated divers offshore, reed bunting, yellowhammer, corn bunting, common buzzard, kestrel, red legged partridge, linnet, greenfinch, goldfinch ....Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
24/03/2022
It felt more like summer than March for this morning's guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits. Highlights included black tailed godwit (800+, including various stages of moult to breeding plumage), kingfisher (2), chiffchaff (1+), common buzzard (2), red kite (1), greenshank (1), avocet (20+), reed bunting (male), Cetti's warbler (heard only), tufted duck, pochard, shoveler, brent goose, knot, bar tailed godwit, redshank, curlew ......Guided walk at Holland Haven
16/03/2022
Surprise mammal highlight on our guided walk at Holland Haven this morning was a Chinese water deer on the grazing marsh. Bird highlights included 2 common buzzards sitting on an owl box, shoveler, displaying lapwing, black tailed godwit (4), avocet (30+), snipe (15), curlew (5), male stonechat and sparrowhawk.Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
11/03/2022
The forecast was pretty much spot on today - rather breezy, but dry morning and showery afternoon (first spots of rain just as we got back to the cars) for our guided walk at Old Hall Marshes this morning. Highlights included 80+ pintail, 5-6 marsh harrier, a big female peregrine feeding on the ground (see record photo) and then sat on a post, 100+ black tailed godwit with some moulting into breeding plumage, 3 ruff, avocet, golden plover, displaying lapwing and redshank, actually saw a Cetti's warbler as well as heard them, brent geese, brown hare .....Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
08/03/2022
Sunshine and blue skies, but a cold SE wind for our guided walk at Shut Heath Wood this morning. There was plenty of blue tit and great tit song and activity; we had brief views of a coal tit; at least 3 great spotted woodpeckers were calling, drumming and moving about the trees; star bird was a treecreeper moving like a mouse along branches; wrens, green woodpecker and song thrush were heard but not seen; skylark and red legged partridge were noted on an arable field; 2 common buzzard soared above the woods......Wildlife boat trip
05/03/2022
A gloomy day, but a fantastic guided wildlife boat trip round the Walton Backwaters this morning. Star bird was a stunning little merlin that gave amazing views; but other highlights included kestrel (2), marsh harrier (2), short eared owl (1), brent geese (500+), red throated diver (2), red breasted merganser (9), rock pipit (1), avocet (30), Mediterranean gull (1), cormorant (500+), common seal (9+), as well as shelduck, gadwall, golden plover, ringed plover, little grebe .....Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
28/02/2022
A bit cloudy and chilly for our guided walk at Abberton Reservoir this afternoon, but at least it stayed dry. Highlights included male marsh harrier, grey wagtail, smew, goosander (7), great white egret, snipe (at least 38), dunlin (12), black tailed godwit (c30), redshank (2), peregrine, common buzzard, hybrid male baikal teal x teal (presumed escapee), skylark (16), Egyptian goose (3), goldeneye (10+) ....Guided walk at Mersea Island
22/02/2022
The forecast said "fresh breeze", but it was definitely "windy" for our guided walk east from The Strood on Mersea Island. Challenging conditions for birdwatching (problems holding optics still and birds hiding!), but highlights included skylarks singing, little egret, common buzzard, corn bunting, reed bunting, curlew, brent geese, mute swan, great crested grebe; and amazingly a Chinese water deer.... And the rain held off until after we'd finished!Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
16/02/2022
Wellies were required after yesterday's rain, but we had a very enjoyable guided walk at Cockaynes Wood this morning. Star of the show was definitely the kingfisher that posed for us and gave great views; but other highlights included yellowhammer, siskin, coal tit, great spotted woodpecker, male marsh harrier, gadwall, great crested grebe pair displaying, skylark, mistle thrush; as well as scarlet elf cup and yellow brain fungi.Guided walk at Colne Point
11/02/2022
An excellent morning guiding at Colne Point - great weather and fantastic birding, including 6+ marsh harrier and 6+ common buzzard against a bright blue sky, peregrine, kestrel, short eared owl, lapwing (100+), starling (200+), reed bunting (2 male), several skylark singing, corn bunting, stock dove, brent geese (100+), shoveler (pair), rock pipit (2), stonechat ....Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
08/02/2022
Lovely sunny morning for our guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick. Highlights included a flock of lapwings and golden plovers glinting in the sun as they flew overhead, siskin (2) in alders by the lake, great spotted woodpecker, shoveler, teal, tufted duck, shelduck, little grebe, red breasted merganser (pair), knot (including one starting to gain its breeding red plumage), common buzzard (at least 3), male marsh harrier, singing song thrush .... A lovely morning.Guided walk at Wrabness
03/02/2022
The light wasn't great for photography, but a really nice mix of birds on our guided walk at Wrabness EWT reserve this morning. Highlights included song thrush, little owl, 10+ yellowhammer, 20+ linnet, 20+ goldfinch, skylark, kestrel, marsh harrier, brent geese, 6 red breasted merganser, 8 pintail, 400+ knot ....Guided walk at Alton Water
28/01/2022
Fab morning guiding at Alton Water. So many highlights - kingfisher, siskin, brambling, linnet, reed bunting, yellowhammer, goldcrest, great crested grebe, slavonian grebe, continental race of cormorant, goldeneye, fieldfare, mistle thrush, common buzzard, great spotted woodpecker, red legged partridge ....Guided walk at The Naze to Stone Point
25/01/2022
Bird of the day on this morning's guided walk to Stone Point at The Naze was a pale bellied brent goose (breed in Arctic Canada) among the usual dark bellieds (breed in Arctic Russia) on the foreshore (pale bellied on the left in the photo). Other sightings included kestrel, curlew, oystercatcher, bar tailed godwit, ringed plover, turnstone, sanderling, rock pipit, skylark, little egret, and muntjac deer.Guided walk at Manningtree & Mistley
21/01/2022
Sunny but cold pretty much summed up today's weather for back-to-back guided walks at Manningtee/Mistley. Sightings included: teal, wigeon, pintail, greenshank (3), snipe (3), avocet (400+), knot (3,000+), kingfisher (1), Mediterranean gull (1), black swan (2), lapwing, ringed plover, red breasted merganser (9), goldeneye (20+), grey wagtail (1), grey heron, little egret, brent geese, little grebe ......Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
05/01/2022
First guided walk of the year - at Abberton Reservoir this morning. Bright and sunny but cold. Good list of species, with highlights including rock pipit, 8 great white egret, 6+ goosander, female scaup, 80+ black tailed godwit, 200+ lapwing, 35+ goldeneye, great northern diver, 4 cattle egret, redhead smew ...."Birds of Essex" Photographic Competition
![](https://amazon.clikpic.com/lizhuxley/images/prize_winner_16.12.21_1_thumb.jpg ""Birds of Essex" Photographic Competition")
16/12/2021
Chuffed! One of my images was voted as winner of Essex Birdwatching Society's "Birds of Essex" Photographic Competition Autumn 2021.Received the framed copy of my winning photo from EBS today. Thanks to everybody who voted for my entry.
Index
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
13/12/2024
Guided walk at Wrabness
03/12/2024
Guided walk at Minsmere
28/11/2024
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
25/11/2024
Guided walk at Copt Hall
22/11/2024
Guided walk at Colne Point
07/11/2024
Wildlife boat trip
01/11/2024
Guided walk at Landguard Point
15/10/2024
Guided walk at The Naze
11/10/2024
Wildlife boat trip
05/10/2024
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
25/09/2024
Guided walk at Rainham Marshes
20/09/2024
Guided walk at Dovercourt West End
16/09/2024
Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
11/09/2024
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
06/09/2024
Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
03/09/2024
Wildlife boat trip
31/08/2024
Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common, Hollesley Marshes & Boyton Marshes
28/08/2024
Guided walk at The Naze
22/08/2024
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
13/08/2024
Guided walk at Blue House Farm
09/08/2024
Guided walk at Holland Haven
08/08/2024
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
02/08/2024
Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
30/07/2024
Guided walk at Gt Holland
26/07/2024
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
23/07/2024
Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
18/07/2024
Guided walk at Flatford
15/07/2024
Guided walk at Minsmere
28/06/2024
Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
24/06/2024
Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
20/06/2024
Wildlife boat trip
08/06/2024
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
30/05/2024
Guided walk at Flatford
21/05/2024
Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common & Hollesley Marshes
16/05/2024
Guided walk at Wrabness
13/05/2024
Guided walk at Minsmere
10/05/2024
Guided walk at Alton Water
07/05/2024
Guided Dawn Chorus at Cockaynes Wood
03/05/2024
Wildlife boat trip
27/04/2024
Guided walk at Arger Fen
26/04/2024
Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
12/04/2024
Guided walk at Manningtree/Mistley
05/04/2024
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
02/04/2024
Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
26/03/2024
Guided walk at Alresford Creek
22/03/2024
Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
11/03/2024
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
07/03/2024
Guided walk at Colne Point
05/03/2024
Guided walk at Wrabness
27/02/2024
Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
23/02/2024
X (formerly Twitter)
15/02/2024
Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
15/02/2024
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
13/02/2024
Wildlife boat trip
10/02/2024
Guided walk at Aldeburgh
02/02/2024
Guided walk at Copt Hall
31/01/2024
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
29/01/2024
Guided walk at Minsmere
25/01/2024
Guided walk at Mersea Island
22/01/2024
Guided walk at Stone Point, The Naze
19/01/2024
Guided walk at Alton Water
11/01/2024
Gift Vouchers
01/01/2024
Guided walk at Wrabness
29/12/2023
Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
21/12/2023
Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
20/11/2023
Guided walk at Copt Hall
16/11/2023
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
14/11/2023
Guided walk at Cudmore Grove
13/11/2023
Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
10/11/2023
Guided walk along Walton Channel
07/11/2023
Wildlife boat trip
03/11/2023
Guided walk at Manningtree
31/10/2023
Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
27/10/2023
Guided walk at Colne Point
23/10/2023
Guided walk at Landguard Point
19/10/2023
Guided walk at Blue House Farm
03/10/2023
Guided walk at Minsmere
29/09/2023
Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
27/09/2023
Guided walk Frinton to Holland Haven
21/09/2023
Guided walk at Dovercourt West End
16/09/2023
2024 calendars
14/09/2023
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
05/09/2023
Wildlife boat trip
31/08/2023
Guided walk at The Naze
22/08/2023
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
16/08/2023
Guided walk at Holland Haven
10/08/2023
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
04/08/2023
Guided walk at Blue House Farm
20/07/2023
Guided walk at Landseer Park
13/07/2023
Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
11/07/2023
Guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
07/07/2023
Guided walk at Stour Wood
04/07/2023
Guided walk at Strumpshaw Fen
30/06/2023
Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
26/06/2023
Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
23/06/2023
Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
20/06/2023
Wildlife boat trip
17/06/2023
Guided walk at Minsmere
06/06/2023
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
01/06/2023
Guided walk at Wrabness
24/05/2023
Guided walk at Upper Hollesley Common & Hollesley Marshes
16/05/2023
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
12/05/2023
Guided walk at Alton Water
08/05/2023
Dawn Chorus walk at Cockaynes Wood
04/05/2023
Guided walk at Arger Fen
25/04/2023
Wildlife boat trip
22/04/2023
Guided walk at Lakenheath Fen
17/04/2023
Guided walk at Manningtree & Mistley
06/04/2023
Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
30/03/2023
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
28/03/2023
Guided walk at Holland Haven
27/03/2023
Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
23/03/2023
Guided walk at Alresford Creek
18/03/2023
Wildlife boat trip
11/03/2023
Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
03/03/2023
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
20/02/2023
Guided walk at Wrabness
17/02/2023
Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
14/02/2023
Guided walk at Mersea Island
10/02/2023
Guided walk at Colne Point
09/02/2023
Guided walk at Minsmere
03/02/2023
Guided walk at Alton Water
31/01/2023
Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
27/01/2023
Guided walk at Copt Hall
23/01/2023
Guided walk at Mersea Island
17/01/2023
Guided walk at Stone Point, The Naze
12/01/2023
Guided walk Frinton/Holland Haven
09/01/2023
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
06/01/2023
Guided walk at Kirby le Soken
19/12/2022
Guided walk at Lackford Lakes
02/12/2022
Guided walk at Colne Point
29/11/2022
Guided walk at Brightlingsea
28/11/2022
Guided walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
24/11/2022
Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
10/11/2022
Guided walk at Manningtree/Mistley
04/11/2022
Wildlife boat trip
27/10/2022
Guided walk at The Naze
07/10/2022
Guided walk at Minsmere
29/09/2022
Guided walk at Landguard Point
22/09/2022
Wildlife boat trip
10/09/2022
Guided walk at Holland Haven
06/09/2022
Guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
02/09/2022
Guided walk at The Naze
31/08/2022
Guided walk at Frinton/Holland Haven
23/08/2022
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
18/08/2022
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
16/08/2022
Guided walk at The Naze
12/08/2022
Guided 'easy' walk at Wrabness
08/08/2022
Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
02/08/2022
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
29/07/2022
'Easy' guided walk at Gt Holland Pits
18/07/2022
Guided walk at Chalkney Wood
14/07/2022
Guided walk at Stour Wood
11/07/2022
Guided walk at Landseer Park
06/07/2022
Wildlife boat trip
01/07/2022
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
28/06/2022
Guided walk at Wrabness
17/06/2022
Guided walk at Minsmere
14/06/2022
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
10/06/2022
Guided walk at Elmstead Woods
27/05/2022
Guided walk at Wrabness
09/05/2022
Guided walk at Alton Water
05/05/2022
Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
03/05/2022
Dawn Chorus at The Naze
30/04/2022
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
27/04/2022
Guided walk at Arger Fen
22/04/2022
Wildlife boat trip
14/04/2022
Guided walk at Alresford Creek
11/04/2022
Guided walk at Frinton/Gt Holland
05/04/2022
Guided walk at Heybridge Gravel Pits
24/03/2022
Guided walk at Holland Haven
16/03/2022
Guided walk at Old Hall Marshes
11/03/2022
Guided walk at Shut Heath Wood
08/03/2022
Wildlife boat trip
05/03/2022
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
28/02/2022
Guided walk at Mersea Island
22/02/2022
Guided walk at Cockaynes Wood
16/02/2022
Guided walk at Colne Point
11/02/2022
Guided walk at Fingringhoe Wick
08/02/2022
Guided walk at Wrabness
03/02/2022
Guided walk at Alton Water
28/01/2022
Guided walk at The Naze to Stone Point
25/01/2022
Guided walk at Manningtree & Mistley
21/01/2022
Guided walk at Abberton Reservoir
05/01/2022
"Birds of Essex" Photographic Competition
16/12/2021
