Advice for birding prospects in North East Essex (1 Viewer)

[Remote]

I have a few days holiday coming up where we'll be in the North East Essex area (Thorpe-Le-Soken) I'm looking for advice on nearby locations that may be worth a visit for birding.

Hamford Water looks promising, although I believe permisison is required to access much of this area? Does anyone have any advice?

Anywhere worth a visit along the coast between Clacton and Walton on the Naze?

All advice much appreciated!

 

[a_j_steele]

The coastline along walton tower northwards i always found a very productive area haven't been for a few years but little terns used to be around that area and plenty of other birds can easily come off the coast

 

[Remote]

Thanks for the advice. Any ideas re access requirements to Hamford Water reserve which is in the area you reference?

 

[a_j_steele]

but admit i am not sure i usually just walk along the coast maybe try the essex forum they might be able to help you

 

[Frinton BO]

Hi

Lots of good options in the area which I will try to summarise briefly but more than happy to give more detailed advice on location/target spec ices in due course.

Hamford Water is best accessed as follows:
Circular walk around the Naze taking in Walton Hall Marshes - good potential for spring migrants at the Naze (Walton).
Viewing from Titchmarsh Lane over The Wade and area (down towards the marina - chance of grebes/sea duck in the marina and channel, plus geese on the field and an egret roost nearby),
Island Lane (check out the field to the south which has held Shorelark and Lapland Bunting in recent winters, whilst the views over the entire area are great). You can do a circular walk by parking in Kirby-Le-Soken and walking down Island Lane, along the Wade and back via Kirby Quay. Alternatively for a really long quiet walk head west from Kirby Quay towards Landermere and Beaumont Quay.
Viewing from Little Oakley over the entire area from a slightly more elevated position). The area around Bramble Island is very restricted but has nice habitat for harriers, owls etc
Walk in from the north from Dovercourt West End.

Other really good local sites are:
Holland Haven (check out Hollandhavenbirding.com for details and latest sightings) -passage waders, migrants.
Colne Point/St Osyth (to the south of Clacton)
Copperas Wood/Stour Estuary

Other options:
Great Holland Woods/Pits
Frinton coastline (I'm biased but coastal walks with non-birders between here and Holland Haven can be very pleasant!)

If you are after some nice birding locations then I would suggest Holland Haven, The Naze/Hamford Water but if there are specific species you would like to see then I'll impart whatever local knowledge I can.

Regards

Paul

 

[Frinton BO]

You also might be able to get a boat trip out into Hamford Water itself (marketed more towards the seals..). Not sure if they are running at present but may well start for the Easter holidays - trips go from Foundry Quay in Walton (on the left as you head towards the Naze).

 

[Remote]

Hi Paul

This is great. Thanks so much for the advice.

Im going through all this information youve supplied and may get back to you to clarify a few things before the trip.

Best wishes

Roger