A rather dull damp day for the seventeen of our group who came along for the field trip. East Tilbury, on the Essex shore of the Thames, may not have quite the atmosphere of Cley or Titchwell. But on a good day the bird watching can be very good. A tally of eighteen species of wader in a day compares with hotspots such as Minsmere or the north Norfolk coast at the start of the autumn migration. But this total can be achieved at this location without leaving Essex and only a few miles from the London boundary. Like much of Thameside, the area has had more than its fair share of abuse. Gravel extraction, refuse disposal, uncontrolled motorcycling, and rough shooting have all left their mark. But there is still an air of mystery around this historic shore. And it can always deliver an exciting day's birding. Our walk was accompanied by the rising flight and calls of numerous Skylarks, a sure sign of the coming summer.

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This ship proceeding to Tilbury docks was followed by an Arctic Skua. This is a normal sight as the ships propellers disturb small fish

For more information on East Tilbury and its walks visit the Birds of East Tilbury Website.

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