And another ESSEX RED-RUMPED SWALLOW

Highlight of a spin out on the bike late this afternoon was a RED-RUMPED SWALLOW near Chigborough Lakes. The bird was initially over the fishing lake on the east side of the road opposite Chigborough Farm, along Chigborough Road, off the Goldhanger Road, the B1026 at approx 7.15pm. It then disappeared as the locals arrived but thankfully was relocated on the newlake east of Rook Hall Fm, just east of the lake it was first on. Viewing access along a footpath off Chigborough Road, through Rook Hall Fm to viewlake at TL883085. Room for one or two cars to park on the road or perhaps better to park at the Chig lakes Reserve carpark 200m further along the road and walk back. Also there, needless to say, c80 Swallow and a few House and Sand Martin. A male Marsh Harrier passed over south, also Sparrowhawk and Grey Wag. Lofts Fm had c150 each of Swallow and House Martin and a few Sand Martin and Yellow Wag. At Heybridge Pits a Common Nightingale was singing at the basin end and another new arrival was singing in the main reedbed (Russell Neave)