Franklin's Gull and Red-Footed Falcon in Essex

Saturday 14th May

Having met up with Brian at midday, we briefly contemplated making the trip to Portland for the Great Spotted Cuckoo!

Quickly seeing sense we instead headed for Abberton in search of the Franklin's Gull and were rewarded with prolonged flight views of the bird as it flew back and forth across the reservoir. Also present were at least three Black Terns and Two Arctic Terns among the numerous Common Terns.

We then headed to Vange Marsh and immediately located the Red-Footed Falcon. It spent the majority of the time in the air either hunting or being chased by the local gulls.

Red-footed Falcon

Also present were a pair of Black-winged Stilts. Judging by the mating taking place there maybe some offspring in the near future.

The Red-footed Falcon remained until the temperature dropped slightly and then disappeared, presumably to go to roost. The Black-winged Stilts remained until two Avocets dropped in and promptly harassed the stilts. They took to the air and headed off in the direction of Bowers Marsh.