Trip reports

"2009 Migrants on the Move" Event.

Sunday, 3 May 2009

Our annual "Migrants on the Move" event at the Promenade Park at Maldon was this year held on Sunday 3rd May. A dry day, marred by a driving, cold, south-west wind. Some sunny spells and very good visibility. The tide was on the ebb with low tide about 2pm. The following birds were observed:-
Mute Swans -8, Canada Geese- 10, Brent Geese- 6, Mallard- 20+, Shellduck- 6, Cormorant- 2, Common Tern-3, Lesser B B Gull- 10, Herring Gull- 6, Black Headed Gull- 20+, Avocet- 1, Turnstone- 10, Oystercatcher- 9, Bar T Godwit- 12, Redshank- 4, Greenshank- 1, Whimbrel- 1, Little Egret- 1, Swallow- 2, Swift- 2, House Martin- 4, Cuckoo- 1, Kestrel- 1, Collared Dove- 4, Feral Pigeon- 8, Wood Pigeon - 4, Magpie- 1, Rook- 8, Carrion Crow- 2, Starling- 12, Pied Wagtail- 1, Great Crested Grebe-1.

A total of 32 species

This is an excellent venue, especially to introduce non-birding people to birds. It does not have the wealth of birds that say Heybridge basin has, but they show better as you view them facing north, so the light is better. It also enables handicapped people to view birds- a great asset.