We are currently looking for short papers on Essex birds for the 2016 and 2017 Essex Bird Reports. The paper can be on identification, a particular site or indeed anything bird related provided that Essex is involved. For examples of previous papers, please see old Reports. If anyone thinks they have something suitable please contact Simon Wood through the following email essexbirdwatchingsociety@gmail.com

The yearly joint Bird Migration Day event with local wildlife tour company Swallow Birding was blessed with fantastic weather. During the day, tour leader Steve Grimwade led two walks down to the excellent intertidal area on the River Colne which two years ago was arable fields and is now a rich wildlife haven! 
 
Some wildlife highlights of the walks were three KINGFISHERS, HOBBY, COMMON BUZZARDS, LESSER & COMMON WHITETHROATS, GREENSHANK, HOBBY, TUNSTONE, BLACK & BAR-TAILED GODWITS, GREY & GOLDEN PLOVERS, DUNLIN, RINGED PLOVERS, REDSHANK and AVOCETS with many waders still in their resplendent breeding plumage which thrilled everyone. 
 
It was not just birds, as there were also RUDDY & COMMON DARTERS, MIGRANT & SOUTHERN HAWKERS, WILLOW EMERALD DAMSELFLY and LONG-WINGED CONEHEAD, a type of bush-cricket. 
 
The walks were very popular with around 50 people taking part.  
 
We’ve had excellent feedback regarding the event and look forward to repeating it in 2018!