Abberton & Hanningfield query

[oldbaldman]

Picked up a copy of "The New Where To Watch Birds" (1986 print) by John Gooders in a charity shop book. It mentions the above sites in Essex.

Does anyone here know if these sites are worth a visit? I will be travelling back from Suffolk Sunday afternoon and could stop off at either, or both.

cheers

dave

[birderbill]

Dave,

Both sites are always worth a visit although at present both reservoirs have a lot of water in them and therefore, the muddy edges (for waders) are few and far between. Both reservoirs can turn up anything although at this time of year I would expect swifts, hirundines, terns, raptors (Osprey etc) and obviously waders etc.

Abberton- Best thing is to call in at the visitors centre off the B1026 and check both the board and book for the latest sightings. There is a visitors trail with access to hides all of which afford views over the reservoir.

Once finished here make your way down to the Layer de la Haye causeway (turn left out of the visitor centre) and check this area then move onto to the Layer Breton Causeway further round. At the layer Breton Causeway check any flooded fields for waders and the reed fringes.

Hanningfield- As with Abberton, call in at the visitors centre and check both the board and book for the latest sightings. There is a visitors trail with access to hides all of which afford views over the reservoir. In addition you can park in the public car park towards South Hanningfield (follow signs for the Fishing Lodge) and view the reservoir from here. There is also a cafe which allows you to scan the reservoir and have a drink too. The nature trail can also be accessed from this part as well. The causeway gives good views of the south end of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands which can be quite rewarding at times.

Good luck !

Bill.

[jimibird]

Take your scope as Abberton is a HUGE expanse of water! The Layer causeway is great for car birding and you can see most of what you can see from the visitors centre and hides from the other causeway, also from your car should you wish!

Fingringhoe Wick EWT is a short drive from Abberton and offers superb veiws of the Colne and a varied habitat - may be worth a look.

jimi

[oldbaldman]

many thanx. Have noted your comments and will let you know how it goes.

dave

[schiffornis]

I've spent a lot of time birding Fingeringhoe Wick Reserve and it is a fantastic place, abberton always feels quite distant though i have seen Flamingo there which was pretty bizzare and there was Hobby breeding on a pylon too, but thats going back some!! Enjoy!!

[oldbaldman]

Thank you schiffornis.

At this rate I will not be home until Tuesday afternoon, but Fingeringoe Wick is sounding a must see.

dave

[crabplover]

Fingringhoe Wick is at its best Late April/May,- 30 odd pairs of Nightingale. In winter flocks of over 500 Avocet not unusual on the estuary.

[oldbaldman]

ran out of time Sunday so will be going back another day, but thanx again for the contributions.

dave

[oldbaldman]

finally made it to Hanningfield on sunday. HUGE expanse of water as stated.

had a saturday afternoon at Misnmere, that was a little quiet for birds.

dave

[Surnia2007]

Would any birders who visit Fingringhoe or anywhere else on the Colne Estuary be interested in doing some WeBS Low Tide Counts on the estuary this winter?? I am organising counts for the BTO here but struggling to find volunteers.

If anyone is interested or knows someone who would be, please contact Neil Calbrade at neil.calbrade 'at' bto.org