Abberton Reservoir, Essex - 27th October 2023

A visit to Abberton with SE Herts RSPB members and a first stop at the Layer Breton causeway. A bit too early for large numbers of ducks but a couple of Great Egrets and a Kingfisher were a good start to the day. A brief shower had us popping round to the visitors centre for a coffee before visiting the hides. A few Skylarks visible and a Kestrel hunting were the highlights.

Also a lone female Goosander (we did see three or four more later).

The main causeway was incredibly bereft of birds so we went round the Church viewpoint. Good views of a male Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and lots of Pintail as well as hundreds of Coots. A quick stop at the main causeway on the way back revealed a few female Goldeneye and then we headed for Billetts Farm. Walking up to the viewpoint a Short Eared Owl appeared and we had good, albeit fairly distant views.

It dropped down near the shore and despite waiting a good hour or so, it failed to reappear. This Brown Hare provided a pleasant distraction.

As did this Great Egret.

A great day out!