4 MAY 2026 - OLD HALL MARSHES, ESSEX

I’d agreed to go birding with John and Mike, but the choices of venue were restricted to Old Hall Marshes (for an American Golden Plover); Abberton Reservoir for possible Black Terns and a glossy Ibis); or Rainham Marsh if all else failed (for Black-winged Stilts and Ring Ouzel - which Mike missed out on John and my visit to Rainham two days before). A pick-up time of around 0800 hrs was agreed.

However, news was restricted to the plover being seen that morning on the Bale Field at Old Hall Marshes, so that was where we headed, although it wasn’t a venue I was initially keen to visit due to the very long walk involved in walking around the reserve. But I was assured that we wouldn’t need to walk that far, so I felt a tad more comfortable given the amount of walking I’d done in recent days.

It was rather cloudy skies that greeted us when we arrived shortly after 0900 hrs, although brighter conditions were promised around midday, and around 40 minutes later we approached the Bale Field, immediately south of the Salcott Channel (which itself was a tributary of the River Blackwater) where John set-up his telescope, and almost immediately claimed our target bird - a stunning, summer plumaged American Golden Plover a very long way off on the banks of one of the many managed pools constructed by the RSPB on the field for the purpose of attracting mainly water birds.

The bird wasn’t immediately obvious as it was resting directly in front of a gull, next to a European Golden Plover, which was useful for size comparison; and anyway, for most of the time seemed content to keep is head nestled into its mantle. But occasionally it lifted its head, and even chose to move right or left, when somewhat better views were obtained, though only through John’s scope (as binocular views were not so good due to the distance involved). Nearby, John found a Whimbrel, and other waders such as Little Ringed Plovers; a lone Dunlin; a Ruff, many Northern Lapwings (with their chicks) and Redshanks were also seen amongst the gulls and various duck species, including a lone Brent Goose. A couple of Hares were seen out on the open fields too.

We moved round a few hundred yards or so, where we gained slightly closer views of the American Golden Plover, and through John’s scope, were able to appreciate just what a beautiful plover it was with its partially black face, black breast and belly, white shawl on the side of the neck and upper breast, and extensive white supercilium. It is known to be a slightly smaller bird, and longer legged than the Golden Plover, although these details were hardly noticeable, given the distance of viewing. Other birds seen included Ringed Plover; three Ruff in summer plumage - one bore a striking black neck-ruff; Dunlin, and a single Common Snipe. The marsh also resounded to the scratching calls of both Reed and Sedge Warblers.

The tide was coming in along the Solcotte Channel, where between us we saw the lovely mating ritual of a pair of Great Crested Grebes (including the male offering up a wad of seaweed); around eighteen or so Grey Plovers (including several in summer plumage); four Turnstone, and a Curlew.

Being Essex, it wasn’t surprising that Essex birders formed the bulk of people out to see the American Golden Plover, and some familiar faces were seen, including some from our own neck of the woods in Hertfordshire. But the voice of one individual who I certainly hadn’t expected to run into, seemed very familiar, and when I turned around was surprised and delighted to see Jeremy Hurley who - in his day - was a well-respected Essex birdwatcher and twitcher, and a friend I hadn’t seen for almost 25 years!! Of course, it was an occasion for reminisces, but in the end, he took my e-mail address and promised to be in touch soon. It would be great if we could meet up again and go over our various birding (and other) ventures over the thirty years or so, before we eventually lost touch.

On the way back to the car, we saw several butterfly species, including Wall Brown and Small Heath, as well as a Heath Lattice Moth, which was the first I’ve ever seen anywhere.

A quick trip to Abberton Reservoir for the Glossy Ibis proved fruitless so, after a welcome Cappuccino in the visitors’ centre we made our way home. Apologies for the lack of pictures.

HEATH LATTICE

SMALL HEATH