Abberton Reservoir, currently in the process of a massive expansion, remains one of the best places to see wildfowl, wading birds and of course, the impressive new centre will be open soon providing some impressive observational and visitor amenities. In January the many duck species can include goosanders and their dapper little sawbill cousins, drake and duck smew. The black and white drake is certainly one of the real stars and I usually see some on the Layer Breton side of the reservoir, repeatedly dicing for fish where there are willows on the fringe. The duck assembly is also boosted by many shoveler, pochard, gadwall and goldeneye. There is an impressive build up of mute swans rivalling the numbers present at Mistley, plus the ever-present flocks of coots.

Look for these crested beauties from Scandinavian forests (which get their popular name from the sealing-wax red tips to some of their forewing feathers) where there are shrubs and trees with berries and fruits. Plantings near supermarkets and hospitals are favoured feeding places for the waxwing flocks but in winter, when there are large scale invasions, these beauties even enter town gardens where there are cotoneaster and pyracantha berries or berberis or guelder rose shrubs.

Grey herons and little egrets fish the reedy shallows at the reservoir’s edges. Keep a look out, too, on the reedbeds on the Layer Breton side for bitterns which have wintered there in recent years. There is always a chance for birds of prey including short-eared owls, marsh harrier and the occasional peregrine swooping on duck. Where there are alder trees bordering rivers and streams, flocks of siskins and goldfinches feed on the seeds in cones in the treetops while in local woods, flocks of titmice forage for insects and spiders and these groups often include goldcrests and the occasional treecreeper.

Moth enthusiasts in Colchester Natural History Society and Essex Moth Group are looking forward to a new season. Even in January there are some moths on the wing on mild nights, in particular pale brindled beauty and mottled umber. If you’d like to know more about the surprisingly colourful and diverse world of moths then you may care to come to Essex Moth Group’s annual meeting and exhibition at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford, on Saturday February 18 (10.30am-5pm). A Full day’s programme includes illustrated talks, exhibits, discussions, lunch and refreshments. Admission £7, pay on admission. I am chairman for the day and if you intend to join us I’d welcome confirmation on 01206 241389.

Probably the most charismatic bird you can see in January is Essex Birdwatching Society’s emblem, the dark-bellied brent goose. You can see hundreds of these winter visitors from Siberia at Fingringhoe Wick; Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea; Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve; Old Hall Marshes RSPB Reserve, Tollesbury. If you are lucky you might also see a black brant, a North American stray which has joined its dark-bellied brent cousins.