On New Years Day, I visited my St. Nicholas Church local patch site and added the first 19 species to my 2026 UK year list …. see here.
As is usually the case, I had a trip away from home to significantly add to my 2026 UK year list. I booked a rental car from 2nd to 6th January 2026 for a trip away from home to include visits to various sites in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
On completing my trip, my 2026 UK year list had increased to 96 species.
2nd January 2026 – EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex
The huge expanse of EWT Abberton Reservoir just south of Colchester in Essex is one of Europe's top wetland sites. It is of international importance as a safe haven for wild ducks, swans and other water birds, whether resident, passing through on migration or over-wintering.
En-route to Birch and EWT Abberton Reservoir, I saw 4 Red-legged Partridge.
The highlights during an excellent visit were as follows: Smew (male and female), Goosander (4), Red-crested Pochard (2 males and 2 females), Wigeon (at least 1000), Teal (at least 1000), Tufted Duck (at least 1000), Common Pochard (at least 500), Shoveler (at least 200), Mallard (at least 100), Gadwall (at least 100), Goldeneye (c.20), Pintail (c.20), Shelduck (c.15), Lapwing (c.100), Dunlin (c.20), Black-tailed Godwit (c.15), Ruff (1), Black-necked Grebe (1), Great Crested Grebe (c.20), Tundra Bean Goose (3), Egyptian Goose (5), Greylag Goose (c.200), Canada Goose (c.100), Mute Swan (c.50), Cormorant (c.20), Coot (at least 1000), Moorhen (3), Great White Egret (2), Grey Heron (4), Great Black-backed Gull (1), Common Gull (1), Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Peregrine (2), Common Buzzard (1), Marsh Harrier (2), Kestrel (1), Linnet (1), Pied Wagtail (2)
Photo: male Smew
Photo: male Smew
Photo: male Smew
2nd January 2026 – Ardleigh Reservoir, Essex
Ardleigh Reservoir is a 120 acre reservoir near Colchester in Essex.
This is not a site that I visit regularly but a Red-necked Grebe which was first reported in late December 2025 prompted me to visit given that this is a species that I failed to record anywhere in the UK in 2025.
Fortunately, when I arrived, there were already other birders on-site who had located the Red-necked Grebe. I had very good telescope views but the bird was too distant for any photos.
The highlights during my brief visit were as follows: Red-necked Grebe (1), Grey Heron (1), Coot (c.5), Cormorant (c.5)
3rd January 2026 – RSPB Ouse Washes and Manea/Purls Bridge area, Cambridgeshire
The
Ouse Washes
forms the largest area of washland in the UK. Washland is grazing pasture that
floods in the winter creating a rich habitat for a range of waterfowl and
wading birds.
In winter, as the water floods the fields, RSPB Ouse Washes attracts thousands of ducks,
especially Wigeon, and Whooper Swans as they return from Iceland.
These birds are easier to see at WWT Welney and the main reason for my visit was to hopefully see Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer which I have previously recorded at the feeders by the visitor centre. Unfortunately, I did not see either species.
The highlights during my brief visit were as follows: Whooper Swan (11), Greylag Goose (c.100), Cormorant (1), Kestrel (1), Redwing (5), Stock Dove (c.10), Collared Dove (2), Woodpigeon (at least 100), Rook (at least 150), Goldfinch (c.10), Chaffinch (c.5), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Pheasant (1)
3rd January 2026 – WWT Welney and area, Norfolk
WWT Welney is part of the Ouse Washes, a linear 6211 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest stretching from near St. Ives in Cambridgeshire to Downham Market in Norfolk, England. It is also a Ramsar internationally important wetland site, a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation.The 2500 acre WWT Welney site is one of 10 wildfowl and wetland reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. It has a visitor centre and café overlooking Lady Fen and additional viewing facilities over the washes include an observatory with two wing hides. There are further hides to the south and to the north.
I arrived at WWT Welney too early to access the visitor centre and hides but I did see one of my trip targets: Tree Sparrow (a single bird at the feeders amongst the House Sparrows).
Shortly after leaving WWT Welney on the road to Ten Mile Bank, I recorded Whooper Swan (c.100), Russian White-fronted Goose (c.15) and Fieldfare (c.20).
Photo: Whooper Swans
Photo: Whooper Swan
Photo: Russian White-fronted Geese
Photo: Russian White-fronted Geese
3rd January 2026 – Flitcham-Anmer-Sherborne area, Norfolk
In the past, this area has been productive for farmland birds, most notably Grey Partridge which was my main target species.
After much slow driving along the narrow lanes starting in Flitcham, I failed to see any Grey Partridges but I did record a variety of other bird and mammal species.
The highlights during my visit to this area were as follows: Fieldfare (c.15), Mistle Thrush (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Red-legged Partridge (2), Brown Hare (2)
Photo: Brown Hare
3rd
January 2026 –
Sculthorpe
Moor, Norfolk
Sculthorpe Moor is owned and managed by the Hawk and Owl Trust and is located in the valley of the River Wensum just west of Fakenham. Its habitats include a rich mosaic of woodland, fens and reedbeds and there are several hides and viewing platforms accessed by a network of trails.
A number of bird feeders provide exceptional views and easy photo opportunities of common garden and woodland species, including some that are difficult to find and see well elsewhere, most notably Bullfinches and Marsh Tits. There is also a viewing screen which sometimes provides views of Tawny Owls at their nestbox (although not on this visit).
Photo - December 2025 visit: Tawny Owl
The highlights during my visit to this excellent site were as follows: Red Kite (2), Common Buzzard (1), Redwing (at least 20), Fieldfare (at least 100), Bullfinch (1), Siskin (3), Marsh Tit (4), Coal Tit (1), Nuthatch (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Common Snipe (1), Mallard (c.10), Moorhen (2)
Other species recorded: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Wren, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Pheasant
3rd
January 2026 –
NWT Roydon Common, Norfolk
NWT Roydon Common is a 482-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest 6 miles north east of King's Lynn in Norfolk. It is also a Grade I Nature Conservation Review site, a National Nature Reserve and a Ramsar site. It is part of the Roydon Common and Dersingham Bog - Special Areas of Conservation and Roydon Common and Grimston Warren nature reserve which is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
The common is described by Natural England as "one of the best examples in Britain of a lowland mixed valley mire". It has diverse habitats, including wet acid heath, calcareous fen and dry heath on acid sands.
The main reason for my visit during the last 2 hours of daylight was the raptor roost including Hen Harrier, one of my trip targets.
The highlights during my visit were as follows: Hen Harrier (male), Marsh Harrier (at least 5), Red Kite (c.35), Kestrel (1), Barn Owl (1), Common Gull (c.75), Egyptian Goose (3), Meadow Pipit (1)
I visited this area again in the hope of seeing Grey Partridge. I was again unsuccessful.
En-route to Flitcham, I saw 4 Red Kites at Hillington.
The highlights during my visit to this area were as follows: Red Kite (3), Common Buzzard (1), Pink-footed Goose (c.200), Redwing (at least 10), Fieldfare (at least 5), Red-legged Partridge (2), Pheasant, Brown Hare (14), Roe Deer (3), Chinese Water Deer (7), Reeves’ Muntjac (1)
Photo: Brown Hare
Photo: Brown Hare
Photo: Brown Hare
After leaving Sherborne, the minor road to Fring provided excellent roadside views of a Barn Owl and a Common Buzzard plus Red Kite (4), Redwing (at least 20) and Brown Hare (3).
Photo: Barn Owl
Photo: Barn Owl
Photo: Barn Owl
Photo: Common Buzzard
4th January 2026 – Holkham National Nature Reserve, Norfolk
Holkham National Nature Reserve is England's largest National Nature Reserve and it is situated on the Norfolk coast between Burnham Overy Staithe and Blakeney. It is managed by Natural England with the co-operation of the Holkham Estate.
Holkham National Nature Reserve comprises 3900 hectares of a wide range of habitats including grazing marsh, pine woodland, scrub, salt marsh, sand dunes and foreshore.
The reserve is part of the North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest and the larger area is additionally protected through Natura 2000, Special Protection Area and Ramsar listings and it is part of both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Biosphere Reserve.
Holkham National Nature Reserve is a huge area accessed via Lady Anne’s Drive (opposite the entrance to Holkham Hall) and the Holkham Beach car park.
Holkham National Nature Reserve is normally a site that I spend several hours at but, given the absence of any reported Shorelarks and Snow Buntings on the beach this winter, I focused solely on the freshmarsh either side of Lady Anne’s Drive.
The highlights from my brief visit included the following: Pink-footed Goose (at least 500), Dark-bellied Brent Goose (at least 100), Wigeon (at least 300)
4th January 2026 – Salthouse, Norfolk
Salthouse is a village located on the north coast of Norfolk 3.8 miles north of Holt and 5.4 miles west of Sheringham. The landscape around Salthouse lies within the Norfolk Coast Protected Landscape and the North Norfolk Heritage Coast. NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes comprises 66 hectares of coastal grazing marsh and saline lagoons managed as a nature reserve. The marshes are of international importance for wildlife, particularly birds.
I recorded the following from a lay-by on the A149 road in the village: Wigeon (at least 200), Teal (at least 50), Shoveler (c.10), Mallard (c.10), Gadwall (3), Pintail (male), Moorhen (4), Curlew (2), Lapwing (1), Red Kite (1)
4th January 2026 – Sheringham, Norfolk
Sheringham is a town on the north Norfolk coast.
The only reason for my visit to this seaside town was to see the first winter male Eastern Black Redstart that was first reported on 24th December 2025.
The Eastern Black Redstart is a subspecies of the Black Redstart (a rare breeding and uncommon wintering bird in the UK), primarily found in eastern regions including south west Asia and parts of central Asia. It is a very rare vagrant in western Europe.
After parking on The Esplanade, I joined a small number other birders in walking around the immediate area and scanning the rooftops of the flats for this exceptionally rare bird. After around 30 minutes waiting, I eventually saw the Eastern Black Redstart in very good light. This was my first ever record of this species in the UK or Europe.
My initial set of photos were distant records shots ....
Photo: Eastern Black Redstart
Photo: Eastern Black Redstart
4th January 2026 – Thurne area, Norfolk
Thurne is a small village in Norfolk located on the River Thurne in the Broads National Park 14 miles north west of Great Yarmouth.
The only reason for my visit to this area was to see the regularly reported group of Common Cranes, a species that I failed to record in 2025.
I eventually located 18 Common Cranes plus I additionally saw Common Buzzard (2), Egyptian Goose (2) and a large mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws (at least c.200)
5th January 2026 – Ludham Bridge and St Benet's Abbey area, Norfolk
Ludham Bridge is a hamlet in Norfolk located on the River Ant in the Broads National Park 15 miles north west of Great Yarmouth.
St Benet's Abbey is a 2 mile walk from Ludham Bridge.
It was a medieval monastery but, during the period of the Dissolution
of the Monasteries, it's possessions were in effect seized by the Crown and assigned to the Diocese of Norwich. Alhough the monastery was supposed
to continue as a community, within a few years the monks had dispersed. Only ruins
remain today.
The main reason for my visit to this area was to hopefully see the Black-winged Kite that was first reported in the area on 26th December 2025.
The Black-winged Kite is a species primarily found in open land and semi-deserts in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia but it has a foothold within Europe in Spain and Portugal and more recently southern France. The range appears to be expanding in southern Europe and vagrants in the UK indicate that the species is moving north.
I failed to see the Black-winged Kite reported in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in 2023 and despite much searching I also failed to see the bird reported in the Ludham Bridge and St Benet's Abbey area.
Therefore, Black-winged Kite is still not on my UK life list although trying to find a grey/white bird in a very snowy landscape and a blizzard was always going to be a challenge too much! I have previously seen Black-winged Kite in Spain.
After returning home, I found out that the Black-winged Kite reported in the Ludham Bridge and St Benet's Abbey area had relocated to NWT Hickling Broad so another visit to north east Norfolk will be required to hopefully see this exceptionally rare species.
Despite the disappointment of not seeing the Black-winged Kite, I did record a variety of other bird species.
The highlights during my visit were as follows: Common Crane (2), Lapwing (at least 100), Common Snipe (1), Grey Heron (1), White-fronted Goose (c.20), Greylag Goose (at least 100), Canada Goose (at least 50), Mute Swan (2), Little Grebe (3), Bearded Tit (1), Red Kite (1), Marsh Harrier (3), Kestrel (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2)
Photo: Ludham Bridge, Norfolk
5th January 2026 – Ness Point, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Ness Point, Lowestoft is a coastal industrial area and it has nothing to recommend it scenically although it is significant in being the most easterly point in the UK. It is also well known amongst birders as being a very reliable site (usually) for Purple Sandpipers in winter. Wintering Black Redstarts are occasionally reported at this site too.
However, I saw neither of these species and in fact the site was relatively birdless. I only recorded Turnstone (1), Oystercatcher (3) and Cormorant (2).
6th January 2026 – EWT Abberton Reservoir, Essex
I returned to EWT Abberton Reservoir for a second visit on my way home.
The highlights during another excellent visit were as follows: Smew (2 males and 1 female), Goosander (c.25), Red-crested Pochard (2 males), Teal (at least 1000), Wigeon (at least 500), Common Pochard (at least 200), Tufted Duck (at least 200), Mallard (at least 200), Shoveler (at least 100), Pintail (c.50), Gadwall (c.30), Goldeneye (c.20), Lapwing (12), Black-tailed Godwit (4), Common Snipe (3), Ruff (1), Common Redshank (1), Slavonian Grebe (1), Great Crested Grebe (c.15), Little Grebe (2), White-fronted Goose (7), Bewick’s Swan (1), Mute Swan (at least 60), Coot (at least 200), Great White Egret (8), Grey Heron (2), Cormorant (2), Marsh Harrier (1)
Photo: male Goldeneye
Photo: male Goldeneye
Photo: male Goosander and male Tufted Duck
Photo: male Wigeon
Photo: Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards
Photo: Great Crested Grebes
Photo: Mute Swans
Photo: Common and Black-headed Gulls
Photo: winter at EWT Abberton Reservoir
Photo: winter at EWT Abberton Reservoir
6th January 2026 – Mersea Island, Essex
Mersea Island is an island in Essex to the south east of Colchester and surrounded by the Blackwater and Colne estuaries. The island is split into two main areas, West Mersea and East Mersea, and connected to the mainland by the Strood, a causeway that can flood at high tide. In fact, I joined the queue of traffic waiting for the water level to subside when I wanted to leave the island!The highlights of my visit to West Mersea were as follows: Kingfisher (1), Ringed Plover (1)
The highlights of my visit to East Mersea were as follows: Dunlin (at least 50), Curlew (20), Grey Plover (10), Common Redshank (c.10), Turnstone (c.10), Lapwing (3), Common Snipe (1), Little Egret (1), Wigeon (8), Mallard (6), Teal (5), Shoveler (1), Moorhen (31 feeding in a single small field!), Common Buzzard (1)
Love nature .... act now
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