The Thames between Tilbury Docks and Lower Hope Point, its foreshore and saltings have a rich birdlife year round. The key to the richness of its birdlife is its geography and the diversity of its habitats. Depending on the time of year, the shore of the Thames is excellent for passage or wintering waders and for seawatching. There is also the chance of interesting passerines on migration, and of wintering raptors, so it is an interesting walk at almost any time of year.

Species to look out for

• Waders: Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlins, Redshank and many more
• Seabirds: Skuas, Petrels, Terns and Gulls on passage
• Raptors: Harriers, Short-eared Owl
• Passerines: Skylarks, Pipits, Stonechat, Yellow Wagtails
• Rarities: Greater Sandplover, Red-rumped Swallow, Cory's Shearwater, Black Kite, Lesser Yellowlegs

Autumn is the prime seawatching season at East Tilbury. In the right weather and tide conditions an amazing array of seabirds can be seen - skuas, gannets, auks and occasionally Leach's Petrel and shearwaters. It can be good for passerines too - Red-rumped Swallow and Barred Warbler have been found at this time. And watch out for migrating birds of prey - Osprey has been seen in September.

Directions

The village is on the Thames between Tilbury and Basildon, 28 miles east of London Head East on the A13, then at junction with A128 (Orsett Cock) take the A1013 for 1 mile, then turn right into Buckingham Hill Road. Continue through Linford, cross railway and follow road to Coalhouse Fort

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