This morning, I visited EWT Gunners Park as part of a Big County Birdwatch 2025 walk organised by Essex Birdwatching Society.
Due to its proximity to the Thames Estuary, EWT Gunners Park provides ideal habitat for migrating birds on passage to and from the UK. In addition, there are opportunities to see waders on the foreshore and various species in the outer estuary.
EWT Gunners Park incorporates the Shoebury Old Ranges Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) and the Coastguard Station Grounds Local Wildlife Site. This area has more than 12 habitats to walk through from coastal grassland and a large pond to remnant sand dunes and historic military buildings. This mosaic of habitats has allowed a range of species to thrive here.
During my visit, I was able to add 4 species to my 2025 UK year list: Swallow, Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler (heard only).
The most notable sightings from my visit, including EWT Gunners Park and the Thames estuary, were as follows (heard only records in italics): Reed Warbler (1 singing male), Sedge Warbler (1 singing male heard only), Common Whitethroat (2 singing males), Swallow (4), House Martin (6), Blackcap (5 singing males, 1 seen), Chiffchaff (7 singing males, 2 seen), Cetti’s Warbler (5 singing males, 1 seen), Common Buzzard (1), Sparrowhawk (1 or possibly 2), Kestrel (2), Greenfinch (at least 10), Linnet (2), House Sparrow (at least 20), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Ring-necked Parakeet (2), Red-breasted Merganser (2), Mallard (at least 25), Sanderling (at least 500), Turnstone (at least 100), Common Redshank (at least 100), Dunlin (10), Oystercatcher (2), Mute Swan (2), Coot (4), Moorhen (2), Great Crested Grebe (4), Little Grebe (1), Cormorant (1), Comma (1), Small White (3)
Love nature .... act now
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