Priory Park, in the centre of Southend, is often overlooked by birdwatchers because of the amount of people that are always in the area due to the? park's popularity with the public. Although the park is busy, the range of different species to be found within its boundaries can be surprisingly varied. Late summer, for instance, can always produce Spotted Flycatchers (a bird quite hard to find in other areas of Southend) and in the spring there is always a chance of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which again is a bird sadly disappearing from the Borough.

A short walk within the park will reveal some surprisingly good habitat, the most obvious being the good mix of mature trees (sadly, as this article is being written a row of trees is under threat from the road widening plans of Priory Crescent. Any loss of habitat in the local area is viewed with dismay by the South East Essex RSPB Group). The main ponds of the park are also a haven to birds in the winter months.

Other regulars of the park include: Little Grebe, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Crossbill, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Some of these species would be quite hard to find in some of our wilder habitat within the area.
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The walled garden. When this picture was taken on 22nd August 2001, there were 4 Spotted Flycatchers in the top dead branches of the tree in the centre. Part of the main pond. Part of the small but very well managed nature reserve area provided by the Council This picture was taken of the nature reserve area on a hot August day at midday. As you can see, there are many quiet areas of the park to be found. The row of trees sadly earmarked for destruction in a road widening scheme. ?

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