This, however, can be a fabulous time to visit the reservoir, as the winter waterfowl are gathering to feed and shelter on the relatively calm waters. We have beautiful diving ducks here now including Goosander, Goldeneye and Smew. We also have Teal in their thousands, Pochard and Wigeon. Along the shorelines you can also see many Shoveler with their large spatula like bill for surface feeding. We have had some unseasonal birds here recently including Hobby and Merlin. Marsh harriers and Peregrines can also sometimes be spotted. So plenty to see if you brave the late autumn weather, including our young woodland with its bright berries and leaves, providing shelter to our smaller resident birds. Reserve work is busy at this time of year with tree planting about to begin around the Essex & Suffolk Water reservoir to improve the woodland areas by creating connectivity with the woodlands already present around the site. The Essex Wildlife Trust Ranger and volunteers will be busy throughout the winter months ahead, planting and cutting back while the trees are dormant.