Black winged Stilt at Vange Marsh RSPB in Essex

After an extended half day at work I popped down the A13 to Vange in search of the returning Black winged Stilt that had been reported yesterday.

I parked in Chestnut Avenue and walked under the A13 passing the fly tip zone over the railway line and onto the marsh to commence the long walk to the far end of the reserve where a couple of locals already had the bird in view.

As I joined them on the viewing mound I quickly located the target just over the bank and enjoyed an hour or so watching it feed along the edges.

Black%2Bwinged%2BStilt%2B3 — Black-winged Stilt at Vange Marsh RSPB

Black%2Bwinged%2BStilt%2B1 — Another Essex Bird

Black%2Bwinged%2BStilt%2B5 — Black winged Stilt

Black%2Bwinged%2BStilt%2B6 — Shaking down after a little siesta

Black%2Bwinged%2BStilt%2B8 — Showing off those smart Black Wings

Sadly the partner to this guy has gone missing but maybe she’ll turn up at some point.

A pair of Marsh Harriers hunted the reeds and several Buzzards drifted over. Black-tailed Godwits came in and the usual ducks, Grebes and Egrets kept the Stilt company.

Year list now 181.

Brian Anderson

Essex Birder using the blog as a diary of my trips around the country chasing birds. Enjoying the places it takes me and the people I meet along the way. Great to spend time with my Dad and brother as we chase our year lists and grow our life list in the process.