Where in Essex to photograph birds?

[redwing210]

I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good place to photograph birds in Essex
for a begginer? I have tried local parks and country parks, however I have not had much luck due to (my inexprience) and due to many other people dog walkers and such, at this stage I am not too bothered as to what type of bird, as I am very new to all this.
A friend mentioned that wading birds would be a good starting point but could not point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

Redwing210

[Za]

Hi redwing210, welcome to WAB. Dont know if its near you, but Rainham Marshes is supposed to be a great place for waders.
You could try Essex Birdwatching Society I`m sure you will get info from there.
look forward to seeing your pics when you get them.
Za

[rlchew]

Hello Redwing210

Firstly, welcome to WAB.

Where are you in Essex?

In addition to the Essex Birdwatching Society website, you could also try these websites for information ....

South Essex RSPB

Essex Wildlife Trust

And a shameless plug .... my blog ....

Wat Tyler Country Park and Vange Marsh

If I was asked to pick 2 places in Essex to start out on bird photography, I would probably recommend Abberton Reservoir and Hanningfield Reservoir.

Best of luck!

Richard

[redwing210]

Took your advice Za, and visited Rainham Marshes today(as it is only 20 mins from me) very impressed, great visitor centre and facilities, Got some good shots best of which were
Dragon flies! Will definitely go back thanks for the tip!

Richard, looked on your blog looks very impressive, I am in Hornchurch so I will try both venues
many thanks.

redwing210

[Za]

Glad to hear you had a good time, havent made it to Rainham myself yet.Do you know how to post your pics here? If not there is a video guide at the top right hand side of the page, look forward to seeing them.
Za

[Maccattack]

Hi , am also from Essex and have tried a few places without great success(photographically) but can confirm Abberton and Hanningfield as good places , you can look at essex wildlife trust /rspb web sites and would think there are plenty of guided talks/ walks by experts .I tried Maldon/Blackwater area - lots of marsh there near the river where you can see lapwings curlews cormorants and many many more (some egrets here also) .Best time to go however would be from oct/nov onwards .
Look forward to seeing your pictures

MMac

[redwing210]

Thanks Maccattack, Will also give these a try! Is the general opinion that wadding birds are
the best starting point for a novice because of their numbers in certain areas?

[Maccattack]

Waders are good as they are easy to see against the background , if you have patience you can watch them come closer to you as the tide comes in . They make you look up identification as (I find) a lot are quite similar . If you go to Maldon its also worth trying the Heybridge side especially in winter. The Maldon promenade is ok but if you go further round you should see more ...towards Northey island ( this is a reserve but you can visit if you contact the warden ) Another leisurely possibility is to go on an organised boat trip on one of the Thames barges - some of these are specifically for bird watchers ( havent tried this myself)

Mal Mac

[Barry3]

Hi I am also from Thurrock,Essex.The hide overlooking scrape on Two Tree Island is worth a look.Just follow the road behind Leigh railway Station.Car park on right by rivers edge.
Barry

[Hoppingmad]

Originally Posted by redwing210

I am in Hornchurch


redwing210

If you are in Hornchurch you are not that far from Lee Valley Park which is really worth a visit in the winter months. Lots of comfortable hides including the famous Bittern Watchpoint at Fishers Green. Look on their website for wildlife news but there are lots of other birds as well. Winter much better photographicallythan summer I have found. If going during bittern season to get a seat in the hide you might need to get up early!
Lee Valley Park

Debbie

[Ukwildlifeo]

In hornchurch!? your just up the road from me, down in dank old romford. I can think of a few spots nearby, im not sure if you've tried them already:

Woodland birds: Bedfords park is a good bet. they have all 3 species of woodpecker. The feeders next to the vistor centre are covered in small wood land birds in winter - tits, chaffinchs and even a few nuthatches. And there is a resident heron at the big lake when the fishermen/dog walkers haven't scared him off
Hainault forest is also good for woodland birds and some wildfowl

Wildfowl Rapheals park is surprisngly good once u look past the canada geese there are a family of great crested grebes and swans often in range and in winter loads of black headed gulls, tufted ducks and pochards. There are also thrushes and crows along with the usual small finches and tits.

Rainham and honchurch country park often have alot of waders but you need a decent lense to get them, and with my panasonic fz7 there well out of my range. Mind you there are stonechats down at rainhm that you can sometimes get close to and woodland birds in hornchurch. Hope this helps

[Emes]

If you fancy traveling a little further afield, why not try the RSPB reserve at Rye Meads? Its about 15 mins drive from me in Harlow and is really good. There is a wide variety of waterfowl there and apparently some Otters (we have yet to see them though!)

Best of all its free!!


The RSPB: Rye Meads

[redwing210]

Thanks all for your ideas, I just need to make the time to try out these places.

[redwing210]

Has anyone been to Bradwell Cockle spit? Have been told good palce to get CLOSE to waders
as long as you go at high tide!