Essex bird news highlights January 2026

The drake Lesser Scaup remained at Abberton Reservoir. Other highlights from there were: three Tundra Bean Geese, up to three Black-necked Grebes, Slavonian Grebe, and up to six Smew.

 

The Red-breasted Goose was seen at Fleet Head, Foulness Island, RSPB Wallasea Island and Paglesham Eastend. A Black Brant was at Heybridge Basin, RSPB Wallasea Island, Paglesham Eastend, Fleet Head and at Southey Creek.

 

A Black-throated Diver was on River Crouch at South Fambridge 4th, RSPB Wallasea Island 18th and off Gunners Park 6th-8th and Southend-on-Sea 16th. Up to four Slavonian Grebes were off Rolls Farm.

 

A Red-necked Grebe was at Ardleigh Reservoir until 5th up to twelve Black-necked Grebes were off and Southend-on-Sea 18th and up to four off Gunners Park on and off.

 

A Great Northern Diver and a Smew were at King George V Reservoir. Single Glossy Ibises were at Copt Hall Marshes from 29th, Abbott's Hall Farm EWT 29th and West Mersea until 6th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was reported west of Great Holland 21st.