Bird Sound Identification

As part of the UEA Soundscapes Monitoring Project, researchers have been running approximately 60 recording devices across the UK for the past three years. The recordings collected have been processed through BirdNET, an automated bird sound identification tool. As part of this process, they need to assess how well BirdNET performs under different conditions, including different seasons (breeding and non-breeding) and times of day.

BCBW26 Data

The recent Big County Birdwatch 2026 was a huge success, with hundreds of people joining the 16 walks across the county over four days.

We'd like to thank everyone who took part, and those who organised the event and helped to lead the walks for making BCBW26 such a resounding success. It was great to meet lots of new people, and just as great to catch up with old friends too.

Steve and Matt will review the data during Birds of Essex at the end of October, meanwhile you can see the final status pages by clicking the button below. 

RSPB Titchwell Marsh Field Trip by Coach

Our first coach trip of the 2026-27 season is to the fabulous RSPB Titchwell Marsh reserve on the north Norfolk coast, on Sunday 18th October.

We return to Titchwell at the peak of autumn migration and we'll be looking for seabirds, ducks, geese, wader, passerines and raptors, plus there's a good chance of a rarity or two! There is also an excellent cafe for food and drink, and a fully stocked gift shop and optics section too.

Please note, there is an entrance fee to the reserve for non-RSPB members.

Save our Essex Swifts!

SWIFTS NEED OUR HELP!

One of the sights and sounds of summer, the Swift, has declined by 70%
since 1995 and is now designated as a 'Red List' species, meaning that
it is officially at risk of extinction in the UK.
This massive decline in the population is due to the following reasons:

  • the loss of essential roof nesting sites

  • the application of pesticides has significantly reduced vital insect food

Autumn 2026 Bird Photography Competition

The EBwS Autumn 2026 Bird Photography Competition is now open for entries. The rules are as follows: 

  • Photographs must be wild bird related and taken in Essex between 1st September 2026 and 30th November 2026.

  • Participants can submit a maximum of three photographs (all separate species) and the competition is open to all (you don't have to be a member to enter). Please note, if you submit multiple entries we will accept the first three photos you send in.

2026-27 Events and Fixture Card

Dear Members, 

By now most, if not all of you, should have received your copy of the Summer/Autumn 2026 Essex Birding Journal and I hope that you are enjoying reading it as much as I am. You may have noticed that there was no fixture card enclosed - this was an unfortunate administrative issue that had nothing to do with the Journal editorial team.

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