Essex bird news highlights February 2025

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Highlights at Abberton Reservoir during February included the drake Canvasback until 23rd, up to two Lesser Scaups, up to two Ring-necked Ducks, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, up to sixteen Black-necked Grebes, up to two Slavonian Grebe and up to four Smew. A Great Grey Shrike was nearby at Copt Hall Marshes until 22nd.

Highlights at King George 5th reservoir­­­­­­ were a Black-throated Diver, two Great Northern Divers, three Black-necked Grebes, two Slavonian Grebe and a Smew.

On the Blackwater Estuary was a Red-necked Grebe off Tollesbury Wick 3rd, up to four Slavonian Grebes 3rd-12th and three Black-necked Grebes 6th. Nearby off Goldhanger were six Black-necked Grebes & six Slavonian Grebes 1st. A Slavonian Grebe was off West Mersea 25th

In the Essex section of the Lee Valley were a Green-winged Teal at Fisher’s Green 13th-14th and a Smew at Hooks Marsh 3rd-8th. Single Black Brants were at West Mersea, Great Wakering Fleethead 1st and Northey Island 21st.