4th March 2019 - Coalhouse Fort, Essex

Today saw the first of 2 visits for the month of March to Coalhouse Fort for the wintering bird surveys on the River Thames in Essex. Today's count was at high tide and numbers of waders were recorded in lower numbers than usual, but as always high tide gives a phenomenal count of roosting Avocet. 

Totals are as follows: 2760 Avocet, 154 Black-tailed Godwit, 1500 Dunlin, 150 Grey Plover, 9 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher and 5 Knot. As well as 23 Shelduck and 394 Teal.

The moat around Coalhouse Fort, Essex

Other birds seen whilst visiting here included 29 Corn Bunting which was a pleasing count. Whilst around the car park was the usual Mistle Thrush and also 2 Jays. The moat around the fort was again quiet holding only 2 Coot, 2 Black-headed Gulls and a Little Egret.