Seven of us met at the Green Man pub and ordered lunch for ourselves and the other members that were to join us at midday.  The weather was dry but cloudy and a bit murky.  We did not expect to see much as the tide was in.  However, straight away there were several flocks of different species (listed below) all flying together above a small island just opposite the causeway, what a lovely sight. We then walked further along but did not see much more as there was no beach uncovered.. On returning to the start, a few more species were seen but only a few individuals. We all agreed it was well worth the visit despite the gloom.

Back at the Green Man seven others joined us for lunch which was very enjoyable and very well organised.

Birds:  Lapwing(1000 approx.), Dunlin (600 app), Grey Heron, Shelduck, Brent Geese(500 app), Cormorant, Black Headed Gull, Golden Plover (1000 app), Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Knot(1000 app), Grey Plover (large flock), Wren, Turnstone (4), Carrion Crow, Mallard, Kestrel, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Magpie, Curlew(2), Little Egret, Redshank.

Plants: Daisy

Other: Rabbit

Lynda Ewers

Next meeting:    Heybridge Basin – Wednesday, 12 February – meet in Daisy Meadow car park 10am.