Canvasback at Abberton, Essex, 3rd September 2024

The objective today was to try and see a juvenile Purple Heron at Gifford's Flash in Suffolk. A very isolated spot, but lots of potential with a few common waders, Hobby and Kingfisher. We located the Heron in the reedbed and got good scope views of its head and neck, but it stayed hidden most of the time, so just this one record shot.

Then a shortish drive to Abberton and the Layer Breton causeway for the Canvasback. Fortunately, some other birders had located it as it was quite distant. Whilst waiting, there was time to photograph a pair of Common Terns with two young.

The Canvasback seemed happy feeding in the distance so a stop for a coffee at the Visitor Centre was in order before trying Billet's Farm. This was quiet but a tip off led us to a spot where we saw three Whinchat and Yellow Wagtails. Back to the causeway in the hope that the Canvas had moved closer. A White Wagtail was a good find.

And a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.

And a single Teal feeding by the shoreline.

You could have been transported to the Mediterranean with 21 distant Spoonbills, and a Cattle Egret.

One of many Little Egrets.

A fishing Grey Heron.

And good numbers of Great Egret!

We relocated the Canvasback asleep on the bank, every so often preening.

It was however, keeping an eye out for danger.

It then went for a quick swim before coming back to land.

A great way to end the day!