Saturday, 18 July 2026

18th July Saturday - sunny interval, light breeze mostly N, 22C

Stour Estuary; Suffolk/Essex border

After attending a vintage sale new St Ives, Cams, I thought why not continue on to see if I could find the Hudsonian Godwit that has been here several days.  It had been seen moving between several areas, and as I arrived the tide was coming in fast and flooding the usual marsh, so no joy there.  Next a look along the river shore upstream (plenty of Greenshank, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits and a Common Sandpiper.

I had bumped in to another birder and we had spotted other birders further along the estuary east of the railway track, so a brisk walk to there next.  Most were saying it had not been seen for over an hour, although there was a report it was out there on the bank with BT Godwits but not visible. We both scanned and almost together spotted a candidate roosting next to Canada Geese.  Better views confirmed that it was the Hudsonian, and although a ittle way off  views were quite good.  A Marsh Harrier came over, and although it look way and almost flew, unlike the Black-tailed Godwits is remained rooted to the spot.

A good selection of other birds were present too, including a 'un-ringed' Snow Goose of unknown origin!












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