Dates for Your Diary

You would be very welcome to join any of our field walks, just turn up at the specified time. There is no charge for South East Essex RSPB Local Group walks. Our experts can also give your group or club illustrated evening talks with 'The Birds in Your Garden' being the most popular. All we ask for these talks is a donation to our group of your choice. Please call the Group Leader on (01702) 525152 for more information.

Programme for 2010/2011
Includes Both South East Essex RSPB Local Group and RSPB South Essex Marshes Events

Key to symbols:

Event organised by the RSPB South Essex Marshes Team Based at Wat Tyler CP. Please call 01268 559158 for information on these events. Download the latest March 2010 to September 2010 events programme here (2.2mb PDF).

  Swallow Birding trip organised by Steve Grimwade.

  Lady Essex III Boat Trip by Gary Dunn.

Southend and Rochford Essex Wildlife Trust event.

 All other events are organised by the South East Essex RSPB Local Group.

Note that the RSPB visitor centre at Wat Tyler Country Park is now open every Thursday so you can learn more about wildlife and take part in activities. From 10am - 4pm, visitors will be able to see live footage of birds on TV, find out what the RSPB is doing for people and wildlife in South Essex and make a fatcake for the birds in their garden. Guided walks can also be given around the park if booked in advance, call 01268 559158. The RSPB visitor centre at Wat Tyler is also open at weekends.

September 2010

Saturday 4th September: Late Summer on the Marsh walk at RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10am – 12noon.
Join our monthly walk around the reserve and see how we are creating a place for wildlife and for people too. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Monday 6th September: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Tuesday 7th September: Arrivals and Departures walk at RSPB Wallasea Island 10am – 12noon.
Another chance to say goodbye to our summer visitors and look out for birds that are on passage to other parts of the world – who knows what we might see! Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Wednesday 8th September: Little Owl Club at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00am – 12noon.
Come along for some outdoor fun and activities aimed at the under 5s. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 9th September: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 11th September: Bat talk and walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 7pm – 9pm.
Come along and discover the secret world of bats with our resident bat enthusiast Leila Peacock. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Sunday 12th September: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Where the Pager Takes Us
The weather is the key to this trip - species seen will depend on conditions. If winds are from the north then we will head for the coast in search of seabirds such as Arctic, Great, Pomarine or Long-tailed Skuas along with a supporting cast of Gannets and maybe a shearwater or petrel. If winds are easterly then anything is possible! Among the commoner migrants such as Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail and Redstart something rarer may turn up with Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike or Bluethroat likely at this time of year. We will have up to the minute information ensuring we make the most of the day. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Monday 13th September: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Tuesday 14th September: Arrivals and Departures walk at Coalhouse Fort 10am – 12noon.
Another chance to say goodbye to our summer visitors and look out for birds that are on passage to other parts of the world – who knows what we might see! Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Sunday 15th September: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to Two tree Island.
Follow the road behind Leigh railway station. Cross narrow bridge over the creek and park on the left. Meet at 8am in the car park.

Thursday 16th September: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th September: Magical Moth Weekend at Wat Tyler Country Park 10 am – 5 pm, Moth night Saturday 9 pm.
Come along, help us set up the light traps and record the species caught on Saturday night. Join us on Sunday morning at 9 am and help empty the traps. Free event; donations appreciated. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Friday 18th – Saturday 19th September: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Autumn Migration, Southern Sweden
Falsterbo is Southern Sweden is one of Western Europe’s most famous migration hotspots, where literally millions of birds leave Scandinavia in search of warmer, milder winter conditions. Often, the area is constantly alive with migrating species. Maximum 7 clients Leader: Steve Grimwade.e.

Days 1 – 2: We take our flight from London Stansted to Copenhagen and drive east over the Oresund Bridge into Sweden. Depending on weather conditions and local information we may head down to Falsterbo itself or to an area of heathland where raptors will be migrating. In late August Honey Buzzards, Ospreys and Sparrowhawks predominate but as the autumn progresses, the Honey Buzzards start to become replaced by Common Buzzards, Red Kites and Sparrowhawks plus throw in Merlin, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Peregrine, Rough-legged Buzzard and it’s a birders paradise! On recent trips we have seen Lesser Spotted and Short-toed Eagles, Black Kite and White-tailed Eagles as extras. But it’s not just raptors to look at - the air is often full with the calls of Tree Pipits, Siskins and Yellow Wagtails. If we are lucky it might be a Nutcracker year when hundreds of Nutcrackers leave Sweden in search of food. We will visit the Falsterbo headland where we have seen Red-backed Shrike, Kentish Plover, Caspian Tern, Thrush Nightingale and Black Woodpecker as well as the more common migrants. There is often so much to see, you don’t know where to look. During the afternoons we will head inland to some good sites where we can see Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Black Woodpecker and White-tailed Eagle with the possibility of Common Cranes migrating south overhead. Overnight: Near Trelleborg. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Copenhagen Bed and Breakfast accommodation for 1 night Not included: Evening meals and lunches Price: £295 Single Supplement £20.

Monday 20th September: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Monday 20th September, 8.15pm Essex Organic Gardeners Event - Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. St. David's Church Hall, 400 Rayleigh Road (off The Rodings), Eastwood SS9 5PT
Damien Errington has just embarked on his third season as Horticulture tutor at Hadleigh Training Centre. Damien will discuss the practice of social and therapeutic horticulture, the land at Hadleigh and how that relates to his work. He will also do a small workshop to highlight issues for practitioners. He's also hoping for an element of interaction from our audience! Non-members £2.00 - everybody is welcome! Note that for safety reasons, there must be no admittance to hall and car park before 8.00pm. Contact Carole Shorney on 01702 201914 for further details.

Tuesday 21st September: Arrivals and Departures walk at Canvey Heights Country Park 10am – 12noon.
Another chance to say goodbye to our summer visitors and look out for birds that are on passage to other parts of the world – who knows what we might see! Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Thursday 23rd September: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Saturday 25th September: Discover Bowers Marsh at RSPB Bowers Marsh, 10am – 12midday.
Find out more about our exciting plans for this new nature reserve. Join us to look for birds and other wildlife already there and along the seawall. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Sunday 26th September: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Coach trip to RSPB Headquarters, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Visitor Centre, Hide, Toilets, Refreshments. Coach Cost £13.00. Coach leaves Civic Centre at 07.00. All welcome to join. Please place booking with Cath Williams on: (01702) 293357.

Saturday 25th September: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Mystery Tour
Who knows where we will end up! We could be in Norfolk or Suffolk watching migrating birds on the coast or in Kent and the Dungeness area, watching seabirds move through the English Channel. With migration in full swing there are some superb places to visit so don’t miss out on a great days’ birding. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 26th September: Wildlife Gardening Day at Wat Tyler Country Park 10am.
Volunteer to help restore our wildlife garden, and help make a haven for wildlife. Appropriate footwear and clothing are essential. Free event; for more information, call 01268 498627.

Monday 27th September: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Tuesday 28th September: Arrivals and Departures walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 10am – 12noon.
Another chance to say goodbye to our summer visitors and look out for birds that are on passage to other parts of the world – who knows what we might see! Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 498627 or click here to book on-line for this event.

Thursday 30th September: Optics Days – Try Before You Buy at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00am – 3pm.
These hands-on events, with experts from Viking Optical, offer helpful advice and allow you to try a wide range of binoculars, telescopes and tripods before you buy. Held on the last Thursday of each month from 10 am – 3 pm in the RSPB visitor centre, Wat Tyler Country Park. Free event; no need to book.

Thursday 30th September: Thursday Wildlife walk at Wat Tyler Country Park 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

October 2010

Sunday 3rd October: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Highlights of Essex
WWe take a trip with a difference and explore some of the best sites and hotspots within our home county for this autumn trip. With the latest up to date information we may visit sites such as the RSPB reserves at Rainham or Old Hall Marshes. The migrant spot of Walton-on-the-Naze could be our destination or reservoirs such as Hanningfield or Abberton where a rarity such as Yellow-browed Warbler or Buff-breasted Sandpiper could be seen. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Wednesday 6th October: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “Birds of East Africa” by Brian Gallop.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Saturday 9th - Monday 11th October: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - North Norfolk in Autumn
Norfolk in autumn is a great place to catch up with some easterly migrant species and early wintering birds such as Shorelark, Snow Bunting or Yellow-browed and Pallas’s Warblers. Maximum 9 clients Leader: Steve Grimwade.

Days 1 - 3: Our weekend itinerary will be quite flexible due to weather conditions and local information. During the weekend we will visit sites such as Holkham, where the Pine woodland is especially good for migrants including Firecrest, Goldcrest, Siskin or something rarer such as Radde’s or Dusky Warblers. Pink-footed Geese will start to arrive during our weekend making the landscape come alive with birds. The RSPB reserve at Titchwell in autumn holds good numbers of waders and wildfowl that are returning to Britain from their more northerly and easterly breeding grounds such as Knot, Sanderling, Brent Geese, Bar-tailed Godwit plus much more. Offshore a late Sandwich Tern may pass through, along with Long-tailed, Great, Arctic or Pomarine Skuas if the winds are favourable. Our accommodation is based in Old Hunstanton making us ideally situated for all the birding sites that Norfolk has to offer Overnight: Old Hunstanton Full board accommodation for 2 nights Not included: Lunch on day 1 Price: £290 Single Supplement £20. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Tuesday 12th October: South East Essex RSPB Local Group - COFFEE MORNING.
W. I. HALL, Rochford Square. 9-12 noon. Stalls include cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, books & RSPB goods.

Saturday 16th - Friday 22nd October: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Golden Isles of Scilly - Autumn Migration
ThThe Ise Isles of Scilly in October are a mecca for birdwatchers and birds alike. Maximum 8 clients Leader: Steve Grimwade.

Days 1 - 7: At this time of year, almost anything can appear from all points of the compass. It is not unusual to see birds from North America alongside birds from Asia. Common species on the islands in October can include Firecrest, Black Redstart and Wheatear, but it is the rarities that keep the adrenalin going. From North America recent visitors have included Black and White Warbler, Swainson’s and Grey-cheeked Thrushes, American Robin, Red-eyed Vireo, White-rumped Sandpiper and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. From the east, Pallas’s and Paddyfield Warblers and Olive-backed and Red-throated Pipits may appear, whilst Yellow-browed Warbler, Richard’s Pipit, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike are annual visitors to these beautiful islands. There is a huge variety of habitat, from sea cliffs, reedy pools, coastal moorland, sandy beaches and both deciduous and pine woodlands. It is not difficult to see why this wonderful place is so popular. There are hardly any vehicles on the islands, which makes birdwatching and walking very relaxing and enjoyable. There are also some great tearooms that we won’t be able to resist visiting! The tropical conditions of the Scillies attract some Mediterranean insects such as the Spiny Stick Insect. Monarch Butterflies from the United States are recorded most years, whilst Common Dolphins are frequently seen and also the occasional whale offshore. Our superb accommodation is on the largest of the islands, St. Marys and just a five-minute walk from the quay. From here the inter-island launches take birders to the other inhabited islands, Bryer, St. Agnes, Tresco and St. Martins. The views from the accommodation are superb and after a good days’ birding the home-cooked food will be most welcome. After our evening meals we will take a short walk into town to take part in the nightly log-call, where birders report their sightings for the day, whilst enjoying an after meal drink. Our trip includes a short helicopter flight from Penzance, a great journey to make whilst looking down on Gannets fishing in the Atlantic. Fine food, fresh air and beautiful scenery are in store for all on this trip, the birds being merely a bonus! Overnight: St. Mary's

Tour includes: Helicopter flight from Penzance to St. Marys Half board accommodation for 6 nights (dinner excluded on Wednesday, when we will eat out) Not included: Lunches and dinner on Wednesday night Price: £820 Single Supplement £60. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 17th October: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to Wat Tyler CP and RSPB Vange Marsh.
Turn off the A13 at Pitsea and follow the Country Park signs. Meet at 09.00 in Wat Tyler CP Pitsea behind the Visitor Centre.

South East Essex Organic Gardeners Event - Autumn is coming ...... and Apple Day too! Friday, 22 October, Hawkwell Village Hall, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4EH 8pm – 11pm
South East Essex Organic Gardeners are celebrating Apple Day with a Ceilidh on and local band ‘GARLIC SPREAD’ with caller SIBBY. Tickets: £11 (adult) - £5 (child under 14) Includes freshly-made Ploughman’s Supper and Apple Juice Prepared by Maureen and her team! (So you won’t need to bring additional food! - Vegan option available by prior request). Bring your own drink. Raffle. For further details contact: Carole Shorney on 01702 201914.

Sunday 24th October: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Coach trip to RSPB Rainham Marshes, Purfleet.
Visitor Centre, Hides, Toilets, Café, Shop. Coach Cost £12.00. NB Coach leaves Civic Centre at 09.00. All welcome to join. Please place booking with Cath Williams on: (01702) 293357.

Saturday 30th October: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Where the Pager Takes Us
The North Norfolk coast in mid-autumn is a good place to catch up with some easterly species and early wintering birds such as Shorelark, Snow Bunting and Pink-footed Goose. We will watch the weather forecasts very carefully and hope for easterly winds. A huge variety of migrants are possible from Radde’s, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Barred Warblers through to Pectoral Sandpiper, Sabine’s Gull and Leach’s Petrel. Anything can turn up at this time of year and we hope to visit sites such as Holkham, Titchwell, Holme, Wells Wood, Walsey Hills and Cley. We will have up to the minute information ensuring we make the most of the day. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

November 2010

Wednesday 3rd November: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “Galapagos, the Enchanted Isles” by Mike Fuller.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Sunday 7th November: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - North Norfolk
We start the day at the Hawk & Owl Trust reserve at Sculthorpe Moor where we could see species such as Willow and Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Brambling and Siskin, as well as Golden Pheasant before moving on to the north coast and the RSPB site at Titchwell. The freshmarsh will be alive with wintering waders such as Golden Plover, Knot, Black & Bar-tailed Godwits with maybe a wintering Spotted Redshank and wildfowl including Pintail, Wigeon & Teal. The sea could hold a late skua such as Arctic, Pomarine or Great and there is always the chance of wintering divers and grebes. We finish up the day at a winter raptor roost where Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier or possibly Merlin round off a great day. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Saturday 13th November: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Birding the Suffolk Coast
TThe Suffolk coast is a great place to spend a winter day birding. We will visit some great birding locations within the county such as Minsmere, North Warren and Southwold. The grazing marshes at North Warren support nationally important numbers of White-fronted Geese and this is one of the few regular sites for Tundra Bean Geese in the UK. Southwold is a great place to see wintering Water Pipits along with the many gulls around the harbour which could include Caspian Gull. The coast sees large numbers of Red-throated Diver and Scoter and Gannet are not unusual at this time of year. There should be a few Kittiwakes at Sizewell and other species could include Black Redstart, Glaucous Gulls or maybe a Skua. There is a chance that we might find a wintering Great Grey Shrike or something scarcer. Price: £40. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 14th November: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field Meeting - South Fambridge/Brandy Hole.
Meet at the bottom of Fambridge Road, South Fambridge by the footpath gate. (Grid Ref: TQ855960) Meet at 09:00. Note: please car share where possible as parking is limited.

Friday 19th - Monday 22nd November: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Early Winter in the Spanish Pyrenees
We return to Boletas Birdwatching Centre in the beautiful Spanish Pyrenees for some winter birding and sun. Maximum 7 clients. Leader: Steve Grimwade.

Day 1: Fly from London Stansted to Zaragoza and depending on flight time head for the area known as Los Monegros where at this time of year birds flock together and we could find over 500 Red Kite, 120 Marsh Harrier and 200 Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. A small population of Great Bustards occur here and become easier to see during November and we should come across flocks of Little Bustard and Calandra and Lesser Short-toed Larks. Overnight: Boletas Birdwatching Centre.

Day 2: Today we look for Lammergeier, a species that starts displaying in November and descends to lower levels looking for food. A visit to a vulture feeding station is planned where we can expect excellent views of both Lammergeier and Griffon Vultures on the ground. Wallcreepers can also be seen nearby and Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Spotless Starling and Firecrest are common. Chough can be found on the fields and can easily reach in excess of 300 in one flock! At dusk we will look for Eagle Owl nearby. Overnight: Boletas Birdwatching Centre.

Day 3: We head for the French border and mountain species that are easier to see in winter. Alpine Accentors and Alpine Chough are common around the ski resorts and if there is a good amount of snowfall then Snowfinch is a strong possibility. The fast flowing streams in the pre-Pyrenees have Dippers of the continental black-bellied form and Red Kites patrol the hillsides. If time permits, we will go to a lake that has good numbers of wintering Common Cranes with numbers in excess of 4000. Overnight: Boletas Birdwatching Centre.

Day 4: Depending on the time of flights, we will look for Black Wheatear, Thekla Lark, Serin and Golden Eagle before heading back to Zaragoza for our flight home. Tour includes: Flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza Full board accommodation for 3 nights Not included: Lunch on Day 1 Price: £580 Single Supplement £50. ts. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 28th November: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Rutland Water
Rutland Water is the destination for this winter trip. England’s largest man-made reservoir is home to good numbers of wintering and resident birds, making an ideal location for a November visit. Winter species such as Smew, Brambling, divers or a rare gull such as Iceland could still be present. Red Kite is resident, along with Willow Tit and Tree Sparrow. These fantastic birds can be seen on the feeders by the reserve Visitor Centre. There is plenty to keep us busy for the day as the Egleton reserve has over 20 hides to choose from as well as a new scrape. If time permits we will call in at Eyebrook Reservoir on our way home. Price: £40 Not included: Reserve entrance fees. ts. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

December 2010

Wednesday 1st December: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “Bill Does Britain” by Bill Coster.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Saturday 4th December: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Cranes and Raptors in Norfolk
The Broads area of Norfolk holds a high proportion of the UK breeding population of Common Crane and with plenty of raptors to see on this winter trip, it should be a good day! We will visit the Lowestoft area looking for Purple Sandpiper, along with Eider and Shag, whilst checking the docks for the possibility of a rare gull; Ross's, Little and Glaucous Gulls have all appeared in recent years. Black-throated Diver is also a regular winter visitor to the area. The afternoon will be spent at Hickling Broad, where the sight of up to 40 Marsh Harriers and Common Cranes coming to roost in the reedbeds is one not to be missed! Hen Harrier, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl are regular, whilst Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swan and Woodcock may be seen, along with Chinese Water Deer. Price: £40. ts. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 12th December: Swallow Birding Coach Trip - Winter Birding the Isle of Sheppey
The Isle of Sheppey is the destination for this day of winter birding. We will explore the island for waders and wildfowl such as Bewick’s Swan, White-fronted Goose, Ruff and Golden Plover. Snow Bunting, Shorelark and Twite can occur on the shingle beaches. We will finish up at the Harty Ferry raptor watchpoint, where Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlin, Peregrine, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Rough-legged Buzzard occur (probably the best site for these in the UK). Price: £40. ts. For further details Call Steve Grimwade on: 01206 210662 or email info@swallowbirding.co.uk.

Sunday 12th December: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field Meeting, Stambridge Mill to Stambridge Trout Fishery.
Meet at Stambridge Mill at 10.00.

January 2011

Wednesday 5th January: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “The Highs and Lows of Global Birding” by Barry Wright.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Sunday 9th January: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to Southend Pier.
Meet at the top level entrance at 10.00. All welcome.

February 2011

Wednesday 2nd February: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “Taiwan – the other China.” by Ann & Phil Farrer.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Sunday 23rd February: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to RSPB Old Hall Marshes
Map ref. Landranger 168 959124. Meet at 10.00 in car park. Note that a permit is required for this reserve.

Sunday 27th February: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Coach trip- WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes.
Visitor Centre, Observatory, Hides, Toilets, Restaurant, Shop. Coach Cost £13.00 Entrance (payable on coach) WWT members free, Adults £8.30 . Concs. £6.30. Children £4.65. NB Coach leaves Civic Centre at 08.30. All welcome to join. Please place booking with Cath Williams on: (01702) 293357.

March 2011

Wednesday 2nd March: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “An Everglades Experience” by David Johnson.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Sunday 6th March: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to Wallasea Island.
Follow the road past the entrance to the Marina straight through the farm for approx half a mile. Meet at 09.00 in the car park.

April 2011

Wednesday 6th April: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “A Celebration of Birds” by Peter Holden.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Tuesday 12th April: South East Essex RSPB Local Group - COFFEE MORNING
W. I. HALL, Rochford Square. 09.00-12.00. Stalls include cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, books & RSPB goods.

Sunday 17th April: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Coach trip- Redgrave and Lopham Fen, Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Visitor Centre, Toilets, Café, Shop. Suggested Donation £1.00 (or more) per person. Coach Cost £13.00. Bressingham Gardens entrance approx. Adults £8.00 Concs £7.50. Coach leaves Civic Centre at 07.30. All welcome to join. Please place booking with Cath Williams on: (01702) 293357.

Sunday 24th April: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to Hadleigh Country Park.
Meet at 10.00 in the Chapel Lane car park. There is a charge for parking.

May 2011

Wednesday 4th May: South East Essex RSPB Group Illustrated Meeting - “Strange Name for a Bird” by Paul Fuller.
Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00. All welcome.

Sunday 8th May: South East Essex RSPB Local Group Field meeting to RSPB West Canvey Marsh.
Enter Canvey from Benfleet Railway Station. At the first roundabout take the 2nd exit (straight on). The entrance to the reserve is actually on the 2nd roundabout (3rd exit). Meet in the car park at 08.00.

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Notes on Meetings and Field Trips
Indoor meetings are held at Blenheim School Hall, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00.

Directions: On the A127 after passing under the Rayleigh Weir underpass make sure that you are in the right hand lane. At the first set of traffic lights take the right filter turn into The Fairway. Follow this road until arriving at a T-junction and a set of traffic lights. Turn right into Eastwood Road North and follow the road as it bends around to the left past Blenheim Park and golf course. At the mini roundabout continue straight on, continue on past the next set of  traffic lights, the entrance to the school is the third road on your left just before the playing fields. See on-line map by clicking here.

Coach Trips: All coach trips commence at Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea at the time stated on this page. Pick-up points are at The Bell Hotel, Prince Avenue, Kent Elms Corner, Westleigh School, Thames Drive, and Hadleigh Church and Halfords at Rayleigh Weir. Bookings should be made through Cath Williams at one of the indoor meetings.

The RSPB Southend Local Group organises coach trips to nature reserves and other sites that permit access to the public, sometimes for an entrance fee or donation Please red the following guidelines:

• coach company safety regulations for stowage of heavy and /or bulky objects may require tripods and telescopes to be stowed in the luggage hold
• ensure that you have suitable warm/waterproof clothing and footwear
• where refreshments and toilet facilities are available at the site this will be clearly stated in the itinerary/excursion information. Please note that not all reserves offer these facilities
• If you have any medical condition which may put you at risk, please inform the organiser when booking and they will advise you on the suitability of the itinerary/excursion. Ensure that you have any medications required for the day. Whilst every effort will be made to provide assistance where this is required, we cannot provide medical or first-aid expertise

Please Note: Payments for trips to be paid in full when booking. Cheques should be made payable to "RSPB South East Essex Local Group". 

Packed lunches and suitable footwear are essential and waterproof clothing advisable, preferably dull.

Field Meetings: are intended as short outings of 2-3 hours duration at sites in the local area or within short travelling distance. If the weather is fine and the "birding" good the walk may be extended; it is up to the individuals how long they stay. Occasionally, to provide variety, some locations a little further afield may be chosen.

In the winter months it is essential to wear clothing (preferably dull colours) and footwear to suit the prevailing weather conditions.

Transport is not provided.