Essex bird news highlights December 2025

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The Red-breasted Goose remained in the area around Burnham-on-Crouch. A Black Brant was seen at Horsey Island, The Naze, East Mersea, West Mersea and Burnham-on-Crouch.

 

A Shorelark was at Hamford Water 2nd and four were reported at The Naze 19th. Six Waxwings were at North Stifford19th

 

The drake Lesser Scaup remained at Abberton Reservoir. Other highlights there were, a Red-necked Grebe 30th, up to four Black-necked Grebes, up to four Slavonian Grebes, a Black-throated Diver and three or so Smew.

 

A Red-necked Grebe was at EWT Fingringhoe Wick 3rd and at another was at Ardleigh Reservoir from 28th. Two Black-necked Grebes were off Mistley Quay 16th and up to six Black-necked Grebes were off Gunners Park.

 

A Smew was at Lee Valley CP 9th and a at Hainault Forest CP 4th-7th. A Great Northern Diver and a Smew were at King George V Reservoir. Up to four Glossy Ibises were at Copt Hall Marshes, and one was at RSPB Old Hall Marshes and two were at West Mersea.

 

There was an influx of White-fronted Geese and Tundra Bean Geese at the end of December. Best count of the latter species was seven at EWT Blue House Farm.