Two notable Firsts for me on a trip to Brightlingsea

[Rafiki]

Just had a very pleasant week-end going down from the Deben to Brightlingsea and back via overnight at Hamford Water. Hadn't been to Brightlingsea for at least 6 years, and very pleasant it was too. Moored in the small Marina, which given the price of the water taxi, was actually cheaper than the mid-stream Pontoon. The first "First" was that we had a very good meal at a new Italian Restaurant that has opened a few weeks ago in the high street called Tutto Benne, by no means cheap, but very good and I suspect much better than elsewhere in the Town. A bit of a walk from the harbour area but worth it.
The second "First" was that yesterday morning we sat and watched a Spoonbill wading in Hamford water, I had read that they can now be seen in the UK but I certainly haven't seen one before. Only two other boats anchored in Hamford water on Sunday night and the water was so warm - where is everyone ! The only downside was all that thick mud on the anchor chain !!
Andrew

 

[Kukri]

I can remember my father and I counting 107 boats at anchor in Walton Channel and Hamford Water on a Bank Holiday weekend in the early 1980s. This did include some boats on moorings that were not theirs.

 

[johnalison]

A spoonbill is a good sighting. I saw a couple at Abberton a few years ago, and have seen them on Texel and Norderney a few times.

My sighting for the week was at Fingringhoe on Saturday when I spotted a curlew sandpiper for the first time, later confirmed by someone more expert.

 

[Frayed Knot]

Visiting Orford last summer, strolling through the town (en route to the King’s Head) we stopped & passed the time of day with a very elderly lady. As we chatted she suggested we look up if we wanted to see something interesting: a pair of spoonbills - the first we’d ever seen in this country.

 

[Dee Bee]

Last Thursday evening, we were the only boat in Hamford Water and it was glorious!

 

[Daydream believer]

I can remember my father and I counting 107 boats at anchor in Walton Channel and Hamford Water on a Bank Holiday weekend in the early 1980s. This did include some boats on moorings that were not theirs.

But now - if you look- there are 400 berthed, most of the year round & not a muddy anchor in sight. Cannot all be bad. ?