Bird Reports for April 2002
April 2002
30/04/02
Two Tree Island, 17:00 - 19:15: Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, 22 Avocet, 5 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 3 Common Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Tony Howells.
Hanningfield Reservoir, 17:00 - 17:30: Large numbers of Swallows and Swifts hawking the millions of midges that have built up.
Red Crested Pochard 2m and 1f still present plus one Ringed Teal. Kevin Rees.
29/04/02
Benfleet Station, 08:00: 1 Swift. Simon Watson.
Canewdon 08:10: Yellowhammer flew across Larkhill Road. Chris Bent.
Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 12:00: 13 Greenshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Fleet Head, Wakering, 15:15 - 17:30: 1 Turtle Dove, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Avocet, Meadow Pipit, 9 Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, male Reed Bunting, 1 male Shoveler. Tony Howells.
Gunners Park, 18.00 - 19.15: Blackcap. on wall, Large flock of Sanderling, and Dunlin, flock of Oystercatcher, 4 Turnstone. Tony Howells.
Two Tree Island Avocets: On the 24th we reported on a colour ringed Avocet on Benfleet Lagoon, we have now traced the history of this bird which is as follows:
Left leg on tibia yellow above discoloured metal ring, Right leg on tibia yellow above green.
This bird was ringed on 24/06/2000 Near Heacham, Norfolk (One of three chicks ringed).
Seen 24/06/2000 Cley next the Sea (with parents and two siblings).
28/04/02 (first report of Whinchat)
Wat Tyler Country Park 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Bearded Tit, 2 Mediterranean Gull 2 (both adults). David Jobbins.
Hadleigh Marsh, 11:30 to 13:00: 3 Lapwing, 1 Whinchat (male), 1 Wheatear (female), 2 Gadwall (pair), 2 Mute Swan, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Stonechat (male), 2 Cuckoo. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Two Tree Island, 11.30-14.35hrs: A very high spring tide completely covering the saltings and driving waders onto lagoon to roost. Western lagoon: Canada Goose 2, Shelduck 8, Mallard 7, Gadwall 3, Moorhen 1, Oystercatcher 2, Avocet c. 30, Ringed Plover 2, Lapwing 1, Dunlin c. 20, Redshank c. 20, Greenshank 2, Bar-tailed Godwit 1, Curlew 63, Whimbrel 19. On bramble bushes Sedge Warbler 1. Martin Johnson. Regarding the Avocets, one bird has a dull copper coloured metallic looking ring on the right tarsus which is numbered but I cannot read the numbers with my telescope. ( can anyone inform us as to the ring number? - Ed).
Magnolia Nature Reserve, Ashingdon 15:45 - 16:30: 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap. Steve Sanford.
27/04/02
Wakering Stairs, 07:00 to 09:00: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (Turn left at sea wall, walk 300-400m to a sign on the sea-wall with 2 holes and faded writing warning of police dogs on patrol). Chris Lewis (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:00: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Great Crested Grebe (over the sea wall). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 - 11:15: Water Rail, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Reed Warbler, pair of Ruddy Duck, 3 Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Little Egret. Also Nightingale ( at Langdon Hills). Tony Howells.
Mill Barn Lakes, Wakering, 10:44 - 11:15: 2 Common Tern, 1 House Martin. Web Author.
Wakering Stairs, 11:30 - 13:00: 4 Common Eider (1 male 3 female), 3 Grey Plover in full summer plumage, 1 Kestrel, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat (heard), Willow Warbler, 1 Yellowhammer. Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 12:00 - 13:00: 30 Avocet, 50 Dunlin, 50 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 13:15 - 14:00: Common Shelduck, Kestrel, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Linnet. Web Author.
Hanningfield Reservoir, 13:30 - 14:00: Red crested Pochard 2 male, 2 female by causeway alongside road at Visitors centre. Gary Jackson.
Vange Marsh, 17:00 - 18:00: 6 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 70 Swallow, 23 Ruddy Duck, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper. Chris Lewis (SOG).
22/04/02 (first report of Lesser Whitethroat)
Ashingdon, 08:00: 1 Lesser Whitethroat (in a private garden). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rochford Airport, 12:30 - 13:00: 2 male Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, Swallow over.(of interest a escaped Saker Falcon spent the night in Heavylifts hanger on the 23rd/24th recaptured midday 24th in hanger). Ivan Batchelor.
Mill Barn Lakes, Wakering: Reed Warblers are now in round the Mill Barn lakes at Great Wakering. Also Common Terns have arrived. Trevor Masters (water bailliff ).
25/04/02 (first report of Swift)
Two Tree Island 06:00 - 08:45: 20 Avocets, one bird has 2 rings on both legs, on its right is a green, and yellow above, on its left is reddish grey, or bronze, with a yellow above. The pale Stonechat, 2 male, 1 female, Wheatear on model plane field, Swift flying west, 2 Cuckoo, 20 Terns, off boat slip way. Tony Howells.
Gunners Park, 19:00: 1 Male Green Woodpecker, 28 Linnet. Also fox (vixen) hunting rabbits in EWT reserve. Web Author.
24/04/02
Two Tree Island 07:00 - 08:15: 30 Avocet, 3 Ringed Plovers, 15+ Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo male, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Whimbrel. Tony Howells.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 09:00: 1 Bearded Tit (male), 1 Turtle Dove. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 10:00: 32 Ruddy Duck, 2 Little Ringed Plover. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park, 1300-1400: In bushes parallel to the Railway line, 40 + Whitethroats and on the usual Railway cables near the marsh crossing a Cuckoo. Roger Shinn.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 16:00 - 18:00: 5 Whimbrel and 10 Yellow Wagtail showing well on the end pool, also 3 Little Egret, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap , 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Corn bunting. Jeff Elliott
Friars Park, Shoebury, 17:15 - 18:05: 6 Goldfinch (in field), 1 Pied Flycatcher (in field), 2 Long-tailed Tit. Kerri Webb.
Hadleigh Downs, 19:00: 1 Swallow of telephone wires by Salvation Army Farm centre off Castle Lane. 2 more Swallows weaving over the saddle back east of the Castle. David Lee.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 17:00 - 19:30: 5 Avocet, 3 Little Egret, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Pochard, 1 Northern Shoveler,1 Kestrel, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler (several heard) 20+ Yellow Wagtail, 20+ Linnet, 2 male 1 female Reed Bunting, c10 Goldfinch, 1 Long-tailed Tit. Steve Giles and Laurie Platt.
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 18:40 - 19:45: 2 Common Tern, 4 Wheatear (all male), 3 Sedge Warbler. Web Author.
Two Tree Island (West), 19:00 to 20:00:2 Stonechat (including the pale one which was singing). Chris Lewis (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 18:00 to 20:00: 8 Little Gull (At least 8 there this evening, per Simon Buckle.).
Two Tree Island Avocets: We have had a report from Martin Johnson that there are ringed Avocets on the Two Tree island lagoon. Martin says 'One of the birds has a numbered yellow ring on the right tarsus. I could not read the number with my telescope'. Also an observer the same day reported that one Avocet had a yellow ring on one leg and a green and yellow ring on the other leg. If anyone is able to confirm the ring numbers or colour sequence we will be able to publish the life histories of these birds on our pages.
23/04/02
Fleet Head, Wakering 17:00 to 19:20: 1 Little Ringed Plover (showing well on the end pool - see photo above), 4 Little Egret, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Reed Bunting (males along the road), 18 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 4 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit. Steve Arlow (SOG). Also; 1 Barn Owl on Rushley island and 1 distant Marsh Harrier on Potton Island, Sedge Warbler. Web Author.
Fleet Head, Wakering 10:20 - 12:40: 4 Little Egret, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 41 Black-tailed Godwit (On Barling Creek), 2 Whimbrel, 2 Avocet. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Belfairs N.R. 08:30 to 08:35: 1 Nightingale (singing). Tony Mead.
Walton on the Naze 10:00 - 15:00: Bushes on the Naze Whitethroat c.20, Sedge Warbler 10+, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Sand Martins c.30 from cliffs. Avocets 18 on pool and Wheatears 3 (2m and 1f) on beach at Stone Point. Les & Jean Curtis.
22/04/02
Fleet Head, Wakering, 10:00 - 12:15: 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 6 Pied Avocet, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Little Egret, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, Common Teal, 2 Shoveler, Goldfinch, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo. John Atfield, Web Author.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 15:00 to 16:00: 15 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Ruff, 2 Avocet, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 16:00 to 16:30: 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Two Tree Island (West), 18:00 to 19:00: 2 Whimbrel. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Two Tree Island 19:45: Cuckoo heard. Andy Jarrett.
Hadleigh Marsh: One Cuckoo flying west seen from train 07.48 hrs.Martin Johnson.
Monday 22 April 2002
Belfairs N.R. 19:20 - 20:30: 1 Nightingale (singing in Dodd's Grove), 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch (male), 1 Whitethroat. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Belfairs N.R. 08:00: 1 Nightingale (singing in Dodd's Grove). Tony Mead.
Belfairs Golf Course, 08:00: 1 Wood Warbler (singing by 18th tee). Tony Mead.
Marshes behind Dome/Hockley Mobile Home Park: 2 Curlew, 6 Shelduck 3 Oystercatcher, Redshank and Kestrel. Ron and Liz Cope.
21/04/02 (first report of Turtle Dove and Lesser Whitethroat)
Fleet Head, Wakering, 17:00 - 19:10: Turtle Dove, 1 singing from the wires along the road, Sedge Warbler 1 singing from bushes about 50 yards along the MOD road from the car park (also there yesterday morning). Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 on telegraph post along the MOD road, 5 Avocet, 4 Little Egret, 20+ Yellow Wagtails, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 3 Black-tailed Godwits in summer plumage, 2 Greenshank, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Ruff, Common Tern, Little Ringed Plover flying around calling. Also a very leucistic Black-headed Gull (beware of Mediterranean Gull pitfall). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park, 07:15 - 09:30: 2 Cuckoo, 10+ Blackcap, 15+ Whitethroat, Tawny Owl roosting. both Cuckoos, were on cables above railway, together. Tony Howells.
Vange Marsh: Adult summer Little Gull (still showing some white flecking in the hood), 4 Common Terns and a Green Sandpiper. Steve Arlow (SOG).Sunday 21 April 2002
Vange Marsh, 11:15 to 13:00: 4 Common Tern, 1 Little Gull (adult nearly in full summer plumage), 14 Ruddy Duck, 5 Canada Goose, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park: Cuckoo, several Common Whitethroats, Cetti's Warbler (seen but not heard). Also One Tree Hill singing Lesser Whitethroat. Richard Chew.
News from East Tilbury: Wader numbers at East Tilbury today were minimal - two Avocets, 7 Oystercatchers, and two Curlew. Other observers had Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit the same day, but in very small numbers. Yellow Wagtails present in small numbers and a few hirundines - four Swallows and three Sand Martins - were seen. Other passerines included 6 Corn Buntings, Reed Warbler, and a notable influx of Common Whitethroats. Little on the river except for a few Common Terns moving upstream. David Jobbins.
Abberton Reservoir: Summer plumage Red-necked Grebe reported from Tony Soper Hide. Also 12 Nightingales in the area around the Visitor Centre.
20/04/02 (first report of Sedge Warbler)
Vange Marsh, 08:30 - 09:15: Common Tern, Male Hen (possible Montagu's') Harrier, A pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying, Little Egret. Steve Hiscock.
Hadleigh Country Park: 2 Sedge Warblers, 15+ Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 10+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Cuckoos. Steve Bunn, Essex Ranger Service.
Wakering Stairs (road only) 11:50 12:40: 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellowhammer. 1 female Reed Bunting. Web Author.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 17:00 - 18:00: 2 Little Egret, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Avocet, 10 Oystercatchers, about 20 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Common Whitethroats. John Wright (SOG).
Fleet Head, Wakering, 13:00 - 15:15: 3 Little Egret, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 4 Pied Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Green Woodpecker, c.20 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 male Reed Bunting. Steve Hiscock, Web Author.
Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 18:00: 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Sand Martin, 20 Ruddy Duck. Chris Lewis (SOG).
19/04/02
Gunners Park: 4 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park: 1 House Martin over chapel lane car park 8am. Steve Bunn, Essex Ranger Service.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 13:15 - 14:45: 3 Little Egret, 1 Marsh-harrier, 11 Pied Avocet, 3 Spotted Redshank (incl. one summer plumage), Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 23 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Whitethroat, Goldfinch, 4 Corn Bunting. Web Author.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 10 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, 14 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hen Harrier ((ring-tail) on Rushley). Chris Lewis (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 18:00: 42 Great Crested Grebe. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14:00 - 17:45: 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 4 Ringed Plover, 6 Grey Plover, 18 Avocet, Sedge Warbler, pr Stonechat, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greylag Geese flying east. East of island: Whitethroat, 6 Little Grebe , flock of 36 Curlew and 1 Whimbrel with same, on salt marsh (south). Tony Howells.
18/04/02
Hadleigh Marsh, 07:30: 1 Cuckoo. Tim Shaw.
Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, 18:30 - 19:45: 5 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Eider. Tony Howells.
17/04/02 (first Cuckoos reported)
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00: 1 Willow Warbler. Steve Bunn, Essex Ranger Service.
Hadleigh Downs, 09:00 to 10:30: 2 Bullfinch (pair), 2 Kestrel (pair), 10 Blackcap, 1 Swallow. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Gunners Park, 14:00 - 15:30: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 1 female Eider off sea wall, 2 Common Tern, 1 Tree Pipit heard. Web Author.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 17:25 to 19:15: 5 Swallow, 35 Yellow Wagtail (around the Avocet Pool), 1 Cuckoo (calling), 3 Spotted Redshank, (summer plumaged), 1 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Avocet, 5 Little Egret, 1 Tadorna sp. (The hybird Australian Shelduck that has dubious parentage). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Fleet Head, Wakering, 16:30 - 18:45: 6 Avocets, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, Dunlin, 20+ Yellow Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, hybrid Shelduck. Tony Howells.
Canvey Island, 19:15 to 20:30: 1 Cuckoo, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Canvey Island, 18:15: 1 Swallow. Ron Galliers.
Hadleigh Marsh 11:10 - 13:50: 1 Heron, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Blue Tits, pair of Great Tits, 2 Skylarks, 2 Kestrels (hovering above downs) and also the call of a Cuckoo. Brian Radford.
Benfleet Creek: 2 Little Egrets. Brian Radford.
16/04/02
Fleet Head, Wakering, 13:30 - 15:30: 2 Little Egret, Common Shelduck, Common Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Kestrel, 3 Pied Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Ruff (one very close to summer plumage and one spring male with solid white head and neck), 14 Yellow Wagtail (by 'avocet pool' all around drinking trough on farm track), Goldfinch, 2 male Reed Bunting. Web Author. Also 17:30 - 19:45: 6 Pied Avocet, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Swallow, 20+ Yellow Wagtail (in same area as above), 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Pochard, c15 Goldfinch, 3 Little Egret. Steve Giles, Christine Dell, Web Author.
Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, 14:30 - 16:30: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 5 Eider all female, 3 Common Tern, approx 400 Oystercatcher, 3 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 20+ Great Crested Grebe, 1 Swallow. Tony Howells.
Gunners Park, 15:00 to 16:30: 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Common Tern, 5 Eider. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Gunners Park: Several Common Whitethroat. Philip Anderson.
15/04/02
Buttsbury. N of Billericay: Golden Plover flock now up to 200 with 150 Stock Dove. plus 20+ pheasants. Kevin Rees.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 18:15 - 19:30: 20+ Yellow Wagtail (in one group), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Snipe, 6 Avocet, 2 Little Egret, c50 Shelduck, 2 Kestrel, 2 Swallow, 3 Hares. Steve Giles.
Near Wakering, 19:00: Cetti's Warbler, Whitethroat. Web Author.
14/04/02 (first Sedge Warbler reported)
Two Tree Island, 17:50 - 18:40: 2 Sedge Warblers singing in bushes to the far end near hide.3 Stonechat. Steve Wood.
Two Tree Island, 09:40 - 10:30: 24 Avocets, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Linnet, Skylark, 50+ Teal, 6 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, 4 Moorhen. Ron & Liz Cope.
Two Tree Island (West), 10:20 to 11:45: 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Stonechat (males), 8 Linnet, 2 Gadwall (pair). Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Hadleigh Marsh, 14:30 to 16:00: 4 Lapwing, 1 Stonechat (male), 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Gadwall (Pair. Same ones as on Two Tree in morning ?) Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 15:30: 48 Great Crested Grebe (Inshore on high tide), 2 Little Egret, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Eider. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Rochford, Aviation Way: 2 Whitethroat in brambles by security hut. Tony Howells.
Ashingdon: Brambling in back garden. Steve Sanford web Author.
Vange Marsh: Green Sandpiper 2 ( the Black-necked Grebes, Garganey and Little Ringed Plovers are gone). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Canvey Island, Westend: Short-eared Owl 1, Black-tailed Godwit 132 in Hole Haven Creek, Swallow 2 over, Whitethroat 1 or 2, Blackcap 1, Stonechat 1 pair. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon/River Roach: 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, 8 Red-Breasted Merganser (4m,4F),c.20 Ruddy Duck, Kestrel, Red-Legged Partridge, c.50 Grey Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, 3 Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush, Linnet. Steve Sanford, Dave Watson.
Cherry Orchard Lane, Rochford 13:30 - 14:00: 4 Yellowhammer. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Fleet Head, Wakering, 16:00 - 17:30: 9 Avocet, 1 Little Egret, c50 Shelduck, 1 Ruff, 3 Black Tailed Godwit (in summer plumage), 2 Swallow, 11 Yellow Wagtail, 1 male Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Barn Owl on Potten Island. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Billericay Area, 15:00: In a newly raked/seeded field quarter mile north of the ford that crosses the road between Billericay and Stock/Ingatestone, to the left of the stream where the stream almost bends next to the road. 55 Golden Plover almost all in full summer plumage. I've never seen so many together this far south at this time of year (and this far inland). Kevin Rees.
Hanningfield Reservoir, 11:30 - 13:00: 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Garganey, 4 Red-crested Pochard (2 male, 2 female), Swallow, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch. Web Author.
13/04/02 (first Whitethroat reported)
Gunners Park: Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Near Wakering: 1 Cetti's Warbler singing. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wakering Stairs: 2nd year male Marsh Harrier flew in off the sea, Willow Warbler in the bushes along the road, 3 Little Egrets, Eiders 3
Two Tree Island: 30+ Avocets, 27 Brent Geese, Short-eared Owl on Canvey Tip, 2 Stonechat males including the pale male still, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Snipe. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 14.30 - 15.30: 2 Black-necked Grebes still present, plus drake Garganey, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 20+ Swallows. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 18.30: Short eared Owl flew across the creek towards Newlands, Canvey. John Wright (SOG).
Ashingdon, back garden, 10:00: adult male winter Brambling in garden on various occasions throughout the morning. Steve Sanford.
Cherry Orchard Lane, old brickworks 11:30: 5 Yellowhammer. Steve Sanford, Web Author.
Wakering Stairs 13:00: 1 male Yellowhammer in first row of bushes from entrance. Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 06:15 - 07:45: 30+ Avocets. Sedge Warbler, Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall.. Tony Howells.
Friars Park, Shoebury: 2 Goldfinches in my back garden (at the back of Friars park). Kerri Webb.
12/04/02
Cherry Orchard Lane, Rochford 08:10: 1 female Black Redstart (on concrete blocks by entrance to old brickworks), 5 Yellowhammer. Web Author.
Hadleigh, 12:00: 1 Great Crested Grebe (on farm reservoir at bottom of Chapel Lane). Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service.
Gunners Park, 15:00 - 16:30: 1 Redwing, Chiffchaff. Tony Howells.
Priory Park, 16:45 to 17:30: 1 Blackcap (m.), 1 Green Woodpecker (f.), 1 Sparrowhawk (f.), 1 Sparrowhawk (m. Earl's Hall at 14.50). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
11/04/02 (first Grey Wagtail reported)
Gunners Park, 18:00 19:30: 1 female Black Redstart on rubble on sea wall, right of hole in fence) 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch, c25 Linnet, 9 Pied Wagtail. Steve Giles.
Cherry Orchard Lane: 2 Black Redstart, 3 Yellowhammer. Tony Howells.
Priory Park, 10:50 to 12:25: 2 Blackcap (m., f,. Singing), 2 Grey Wagtail (Displaying), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Southend 07:45: Sparrowhawk (male?) flew from flats on corner of Southchurch and Bournemouth Park Road. Web Author.
10/04/02
Westcliff Leisure Centre, 08:25 to 08:30: 8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-summer). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park: Seen from Wat Tyler marine looking over to Fobbing Marsh at about 1-30 today, 1 Marsh Harrier low flying above reed bed. Jes Morley.
09/04/02
Hockley Woods, 16:00 - 17:30: Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush. Tony Howells.
Vange Marsh, 17:35 to 19:25: 2 Black-necked Grebe (Summer and winter plumaged birds present), 8 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 9 Ruddy Duck (4 males and 5 females), 1 Blackcap (singing male near old woodyard in hawthorns). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00: 2 Cetti's Warbler (Two birds singing). Pete Watson.
Priory Park: 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 6 Mistle Thrush, 4 Song Thrush. Steve Sanford.
Vange Marsh, 13:30 to 13:40: 2 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Ruddy Duck. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:15: 1 Grey Heron, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 4 Song Thrush. Web Author.
Rayleigh, 18:00: 1 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:20: 1 Swallow heading south. Kevin rees.
08/04/02 (first Black Redstart reported)
Gunners Park, 12:45 to 14:00: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Black Redstart, 15 Linnet, 2 Green Woodpecker. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 14:00: 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-necked Grebe. Steve Hiscock.
Southend, 16:00 to 16:05: 1 Sparrowhawk (Flew over Victoria Circus. ). John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Castle Park, Chapel Lane car park, 13:30: 2 Swallows heading north. Steve Bunn, Web Author.
Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:00: 2 Black-necked Grebe (1 summer plumage 1 winter plumage), 2 Ruddy Duck (a pair), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap (male singing). Chris Lewis (SOG).
07/04/02 (first Common Tern reported)
Benfleet Creek: 1 Common Tern, (1st Sighting this spring). Web Author.
Gunners Park, 10:30 - 11:30: 1 Black Redstart female (could be 1st summer male as saw hint of white in wing), Redwing 1 - at far left of reserve area Sarah Costeloe and Steve Blackburn.
Paglesham, 11:25 to 11:35: 1 Little Owl (seen very well on the corner by West Hall Farm track). Steve Arlow (SOG).
06/04/02
Punchbowl Pub, Paglesham 19:00 - 20:00: 2 Swallows over pub prior to evening meal and pair of Little Owls near pub after (better than dessert!). Web Author, Christine Dell.
Southend Pier, 11:00 - 13:00: 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Guillemot. Andrew Cox
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 11:00: 2 Green Sandpiper (On the tidal creek.), 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap. John Wright (SOG).
Near Wakering: 1 Cetti's Warbler. Web Author.
Priory Park, 12:15 to 13:25: 1 Blackcap (f.), 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir, 08:00: Great Northern Diver from Abberton Church also 4 Garganey (2 from Layer-de-la-Haye c/w and 2 from hides), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 300+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, 30+ Goldeneye, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper. Also reported - Little Gull, Ruddy Shelduck & 4 Common Scoters. Stephen Patmore.
05/04/02 (first report of House Martin)
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:30: 2 Green Woodpecker (Both male), 1 Sparrowhawk (m.), 35 Linnet. Harry Carmichael, Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Coalhouse Fort: 1 Wheatear. Kevin Rees.
Gunners Park: 1 House Martin. Kevin Rees
Hanningfield Reservoir: 2 Sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, several Chiffchaff, 5 Red Crested Pochard (3m +2F). Kevin Rees.
Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve/Layer Breton & Layer-de-la-Haye Causeway's 11:40 to 17:00: 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Black Swan (Escape's), 11 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Herring Gull (1 ad, 1 2y), 45 Coot, 63 Mallard (37 Drake's, 26 Female's), 29 Canada Goose, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch (8 Male's, 4 Female's), 28 Ruddy Duck (18 Drake's, 10 Female's), 89 Tufted Duck (53 Drake's, 36 Female's), 5 Shelduck, 23 Greylag Goose, 7 Pochard (7 Male's), 16 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Wood Pigeon, 13 Goldeneye (5 Drake's, 8 Female's), 7 Gadwall (4 Drake's, 3 Female's), 8 Teal (3 Drake's, 5 Female's), 5 Common Pheasant (5 Male's), 2 Magpie, 21 Black-headed Gull, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Garganey (1 Drake, 1 Female), 1 Wigeon (Male), 1 Barnacle Goose (Escape), 1 Sedge Warbler (Heard Only), 1 Kestrel (Male), 2 Blackbird (1 Male, 1 Female), 1 Skylark, 1 Jay, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blackcap (Male). Also: Possible Nightingale heard at 17:00 (Reserve Closing Time) Butterflies: 2 Comma. Paul Levey, Andrea Green.
Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve 17:35 to 19:25: 2 Common Pheasant (1 Male, 1 Female), 4 Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Goose, 5 Magpie, 21 Wood Pigeon, 7 Tufted Duck (4 Drake's, 3 Female's), 4 Moorhen, 9 Ruddy Duck (5 Drake's, 4 Female's), 33 Coot, 4 Mallard (2 Drake's, 2 Female's), 3 Blue Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Gadwall (2 Drake's, 2 Female's), 1 Collared Dove, 2 Chaffinch (1 Male, 1 Female), 1 Blackbird (Male), 1 Great Tit, 2 Canada Goose, 2 Pochard (2 Drake's), 1 Starling, 9 Sand Martin. Paul Levey, Andrea Green.
04/04/02 (first Reed Warbler reported)
Two Tree Island (West), 18:00 to 19:00: 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Stonechat (the pale male still present), 1 Reed Warbler (in brambles 200 yards west of the scout hut). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 17:30: 1 Blackcap (Male; in my garden.). John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:30 - 19:15: 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Fieldfare, 11 Pied Wagtail, 27 Linnet, 3 Long-tailed Tit. Steve Giles, Web Author.
Benfleet Creek, 09:00: ( near Benfleet station from C2C train) Little Egret. Just past the station, Little Grebe. Gary Jackson.
Fingringhoe Wick: Nightingale reported.
03/04/02 (first Swallow and Willow Warbler reported)
Gunners Park, 10:00 - 11:00: Swallow 1, Redwing 1, Little Egret 1. Chris Cook.
Gunners Park, 18:00 19:00: 1 Grey Heron, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Blackcap (around pond), 21 Linnet. Steve Giles, Web Author.
Gunners Park, 17:50 to 18:30: 31 Linnet, 1 Wheatear. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:40 to 16:10: 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap (singing males), 3 Ruddy Duck (2 drakes and 1duck). Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling Pits, 16:50 to 17:40: 1 Yellow Wagtail (male), 2 Little Egret. Don Petrie (SOG).
Priory Park, 17:30 to 18:20: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (m. and f.). Harry Carmichael] (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00 to 08:00: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Swallow (reported). Andrew Woodhouse, Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service
Two Tree Island, 17:45 - 18:30: 2 Short Eared Owls fighting over west side of road with one flying off to kent, close views and film of quartering adult. Steve Wood.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:50 to 15:15: 1 Water Rail (heard calling in front of main hide). Paul Baker (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir: Common Tern reported.
Bradwell Bird Observatory/Sales Point 11:40 to 15:10: 12 Skylark, 2 Common Pheasant (2 Male's), 6 Blue Tit, 8 Greenfinch, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Chaffinch (2 Male's), 7 Wood Pigeon, 4 Reed Bunting (4 Male's), 48 Dunlin, 23 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Robin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Coot, 1 Herring Gull (2y). Paul Levey, Andrea Green.
Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve 16:10 to 18:10: 44 Tufted Duck (25 Drake's, 19 Female's), 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 Drake's, 1 Female), 20 Coot, 6 Canada Goose, 6 Black-headed Gull, 4 Moorhen, 11 Cormorant, 5 Chaffinch (3 Male's 2 Female's), 10 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Gadwall (2 Drake's, 2 Female's), 3 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Mute Swan, 6 Goldeneye (3 Drake's, 3 Female's), 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Chiffchaff (Heard Only), 1 Herring Gull (2y), 14 Mallard (10 Drake's, 4 Female's), 3 Robin, 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Dunnock, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Treecreeper, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Magpie, 1 Green Woodpecker (Heard Only). Mammals: 6 Grey Squirrel, 1 Rabbit, 1 Fox. Paul Levey, Andrea Green.
02/04/02
Priory Park, 13:15: 1 Green Woodpecker. Steve Sanford.
01/04/02
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:30: 2 Tree Pipit. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:00: 1 female Wheatear. Sarah Costeloe & Steve Blackburn.
Barling Pits, 10:30 to 11:15: 11 Ruff. John Wright (SOG).
River Roach 13:15 - 15:45: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe (4), Shelduck (84), Gadwall, Pintail (4,2M,2F), Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Red Breasted Merganser (9,7M,2F), Grey Plover (11), Dunlin, Curlew, Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker, Skylark (67), Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail (11), Mistle Thrush (3), Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford.
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 14:15 to 14:45: 71 Sanderling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Little Egret. At Wakering Stairs 15:30 to 16:30: 4 Chiffchaff (3 along Cupid's Chase, 1 by the watchtower), 1 Sparrowhawk. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 15:00: 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, c.70 Sanderling. Web Author.
Hadleigh Marsh, 10:00 to 11:00: 1 Pochard (female), 6 Corn Bunting, 2 Mute Swan. Andrew Woodhouse, Essex Ranger Service
Hanningfield Reservoir, 16:45: 5 Red Crested Pochard (3 male 2 female). Peter Hirst.
Hanningfield Reservoir: 50 + Sand Martins, 1 Slavonian Grebe still in winter plumage. 4 Chiffchaff. Tony Leader.