As Diane and myself were both unable to make the visit to Abberton Reservoir there will not be a full report this month.

However we are grateful to Lynda and Elaine and Steve for providing us with the following:

Approximately 10 members met in the Visitors Centre.  There was no sun but low gloomy cloud which made spotting with binoculars rather difficult and it was very cold!  However with the aid of telescopes the following species were spotted, some common, one or two more rare:

Birds seen:  Smew (2 males+2 females), Shoveler (large flock), GreyHeron, Little Egret, Goosanders (9),  Lesser and Great Black Backed Gulls, Marsh Harrier (female), Magpie, Crow,  Greylag Geese, Pied Wagtail, Starlings, Goldeneye, Shelduck, Kestrel, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Skylark (a small flock in front of the first hide, very well camouflaged), Herring Gull, Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Great Tit, Pochard, Mute Swan, Teal, Wigeon, Buzzard, Scaup.

Next Meeting:  March 8^th – Rainham Marshes (RSPB).  Meet 10.00 in the Visitor Centre

Joy Deacon