Cormorant
The cormorant are expert fishers. Their size, striking colours and tell-tale pose with outstretched wings make these prehistoric looking birds easy to spot when on the coast.
Other Coastal Birds
Great Crested Grebe
And the award for ‘Best Hair’ goes to…the Great Crested Grebe! A diving waterbird found all year round. Check out their amazing mating rituals on lakes in summer and shallow coastal waters in winter.
Grey Heron
A patient hunter on the Essex Coast. Often sighted silently surveying the water with eyes peeled for its next meal.
Hen Harrier
Named after their fondness of free-ranging fowl, this medium sized bird of prey has faced huge declines in the UK due to conflict with farmers.
Kingfisher
This elusive and regal hunter can be spied perched at the waters edge before diving down in a flash of emerald and copper to catch unsuspecting fish.
Little Grebe
Like a great crested grebe, but little and without a crest. But still great. This small diving bird can often be seen skilfully diving and paddling on water hunting for its next meal.
Marsh Harrier
The largest of the harriers, the marsh harrier is an imposing sight as it glides above reedbeds and saltmarsh.
Mute Swan
This graceful waterbird needs no introduction! Mute swans usually mate for life and can be found all year round on suitable water bodies.
Spoonbill
Spoonbills have been elusive for the past 300 years. But now, small colonies have begun re-emerging since 2010.