News archive
February 2007
Sunday, 25 February 2007
Record Number of Black-tailed Godwits at Old Hall Marshes.
On 22nd February 959 Black-tailed Godwits were counted mainly in North Seamans Field at the RSPB Old Hall Marshes Reserve. This is not only a record count at our local reserve but also represents 6.4% of the UK wintering population and also 2.75% of the Atlantic flyway population.
Some wonderful birdwatching can be had along the Essex coast during the winter months and Old Hall Marshes seems to attract a good variety of the less common birds. For instance between the 16th and 18th February the following were seen on the reserve and surrounding creeks: Red-throated Diver, Great Norhern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Peregrine, Spotted Redshank, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier and Avocet. Earlier in the month Bittern, Barn Owl and Little Stint were also seen.
At nearby Abberton Reservoir Goosander and Smew have been spotted and down by the Thames at the RSPB Rainham Marsh Reserve Penduline Tits and Black Redstart could be observed.
Please note that if you wish to visit Old Hall Marshes you first need to apply for a permit.
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
2007 Programme of Events
Our complete programme for 2007 is now on the web site. Click on the events tab and take a look. In addition to our fund raising activities there are walks and slide shows both once a month, apart from a break during the summer. The walks are suitable for experts and novices alike and help with identification will be given. The slide shows are held at the Cramphorn Theatre in Chelmsford. The screen is very large and gives good quality projection of the slides, which accompany the talks given by seasoned travellers, birdwatchers and photographers alike. Whether you come to a fund raising event, walk or slide show you will always be made most welcome.
Sunday, 4 February 2007
On the Trail of Wild Geese at Old Hall Marshes
We are very lucky to have such a wonderful RSPB reserve in our locality at Old Hall Marshes. Recent birds seen on the reserve and channels include merlin, little stint, marsh harrier, ruff, barn owl, pintail, spotted redshank, red-throated diver, great-northern diver and golden plover in addition to the thousands of wintering brent geese for which the reserve is famous. Access to the reserve is normally by permit only. However, on Sunday 4th February between 12.30 pm and 3.00 pm the enthusiastic Assistant Warden will be leading a walk to see the thousands of brent geese and other species on the reserve. There will be a small charge of £3. If you would like to go on the walk please telephone 07803 187375 to register.
