13 members met in the car park at Bradwell Marina on a very warm morning. This was a part of Bradwell the group hadn’t visited before. From the car park a Wren was heard and seen, also 3 Jackdaws and a number of Swallows and House Martins flying around the Marina. On the islands just offshore there were a number of Gulls which we identified as Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls.

Walking past the Activity Centre towards the seawall we spotted three House Martin nests under the eaves of a house and a number of House Martins flying in and out. Although it was low tide there were very few birds on the mud, just a couple of Oystercatchers and a few Gulls. Several Reed Buntings and a Reed Warbler were seen in the reed beds.

A number of wild flowers were identified which are shown below.

Despite the lack of bird life we had a very enjoyable walk along the seawall. 2 members then went home and the rest of us made our way to the Green Man for lunch, or just a coffee, and spent a very pleasant hour sitting in the garden. It was very warm and humid and we did have a few spots of rain. Goldfinch, Sparrow and Blackbird were seen.

After lunch most members went home but two of us went on to Bradwell Power Station nature walk. It was very quiet and the only birds seen were Greenfinch and Jay.

Birds: Wren, Jackdaw, Swallow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Oyster Catcher, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Goldfinch, House Martin, Pheasant, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Jay.

Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Painted Lady, Peacock, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown.

Wild Flowers: Cat’s Ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Hedge Bindweed (Bellbine), Bindweed, Stinging Nettle, Hawkweed, White Deadnettle, Blackberry, Black Medick, Ragwort, Black Horehound, Ribwort Plantain, Small-flowered & Dove’s-foot Cranesbill, Daisy, Mallow, Yarrow, Wild Carrot, Honeysuckle, Bristly Ox-tongue, Great Willowherb, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, White Clover

Other: Red-tailed Bumblebee, Grasshopper, Hover Fly, 7-spot Ladybird

Joy Deacon

Next month: 14 August 2019 – Tiptree Heath – Meet in Car Park at 10 a.m.