TOLLESBURY WICK MARSHES
Waders, wildfowl and raptors beside the North Sea
Much of this large block of mainly unimproved grazing land on the northern shore of the Blackwater estuary is dissected by fleets and drainage ditches and is managed for nature by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Complimentary wetland habitats include freshwater marshes and reedbeds, tidal saltings and patches of scrub.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Scan the marshes to the south for hunting raptors such as Marsh and Hen Harriers, Buzzard, Peregrine, Merlin and Kestrel. Little and Great White Egrets and Grey Heron are likely along drainage ditches, plus Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Snipe, Kingfisher, Bearded Tit, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Bunting. Brent Geese start to move back east as winter wanes, but flocks of Wigeon, Curlew, Lapwing and Golden Plover should still be present along with a few Ruff and Blacktailed Godwits. Listen for singing Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit.
2 Shinglehead Point at high tide can be good for roosting waders such as Redshank, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed and Grey Plovers, Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit. Given an easterly blow scan the estuary for a chance of sea ducks such as Common Scoter, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser, plus Red-throated Diver, Fulmar, Gannet, Guillemot and a range of gulls including Mediterranean and Yellowlegged Gulls. Barn and Short-eared Owls hunt the farmland at dusk.
3
At low tide, the creek attracts feeding waders such as Oystercatcher, Redshank and Turnstone, plus Little Egret and a chance of a wintering Green Sandpiper or Greenshank. In spring, scrub and rocks along the sea wall attracts passage Meadow Pipits and maybe an early Wheatear, along with parties of Linnets and Goldfinches, plus a chance of Stonechat, Rock Pipit or Black Redstart. The strandline can harbour a few late Snow Buntings, while incoming Sand Martin and Swallow are possible. Another good spot to check the River Blackwater for birds on the move such as Brent Geese, Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye, waders and gulls. Slavonian Grebe and Long-tailed Duck often overwinter.
4
Paddocks and field margins on the village outskirts can attract finch and bunting flocks, including Bullfinch and Yellowhammer, plus Stock Dove, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare and Green Woodpecker on pasture. Check old hedgerow trees for Little Owl and a small copse for an early singing Chiffchaff or Blackcap among the resident tits, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker.