Sunday April 4th was the last of Topsail’s Spring birdwatching cruises, organised in conjunction with Essex Wildlife Trust at Abberton Reservoir.
46 guests joined the “Thistle” at Maldon Quay at 0800 and set off for a day’s birdwatching on the River Blackwater. The weather was rather murky to start with, with visibility poor, the morning light being quite atmospheric as the barge ghosted away from the Quay.
Sails were set as Thistle headed down river past Northea and Osea Islands and out towards Bradwell and West Mersea. Lunch was taken at anchor in the River Colne off Brightlingsea, before returning back up the Blackwater and to Maldon Quay for supper.
Guests were told to look out for “George” – Maldon’s resident young seal and a frequent visitor to the top of the river.
Visibility wasn’t great for bird watching in the morning, but there are still many waders about in the river including Oyster Catchers, black-tailed godwits, a few avocet, red shanks and shell duck.
St Peters Chapel, Bradwell
Check out our website for the autumn birdwatching cruises from Maldon, Ipswich and Brightlingsea.