Bird Reports for April 2004
Friday 30th April 2004
Magnolia NR, Hawkwell, 12:00 to 13:00: 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 8 Whitethroat (Singing), 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff (Singing). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:15 to 13:45: 2 Turtle Dove (flew across scrape & landed in thicket 100 yds. right of the west end of the scrape.), 150 Swift, 90 Swallow, 70 House Martin, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Marsh Harrier. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 19:30: 1 Hobby (north), 5 Wheatear (at least), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing by the end car park), 1 Ring Ouzel (a fine showy male in the reserve at the west end favouring the lone bush), 1 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow, Lee Ebbs, Ian Douch (SOG).
Fanes Wood, Thundersley, 18:00 to 19:15: 5 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Pheasant (circa 100 early purple in area). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park 19.05 - 19.25: 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Wheatear. Web Author.
Leigh, Leighton Road: 4 Sparrowhawk together and chasing each other for 5 minutes. Steve Wood.
Wakering Old Tip: 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat. Lee Ebbs.
Thursday 29th April 2004
Barrow Hall Road (near tip road) 10:00 - 12:00: 3 Skylark (singing), 2 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 male Whitethroat. Ross Gardner.
Hanningfield Reservoir 18.45 - 20.05: 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 6 Red-crested Pochard (3 prs), 2 Sandwich Tern through, Black Swan, 100's of Swift and hirundines. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Graham Ryland (SOG).
Fleet Head, Wakering 19.30 - 21.00: 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, 1 Barn Owl and 5 Swallow. Numerous Oystercatchers, Redshank and Avocet. nick Bustin.
Wednesday 28th April 2004
Canvey Island West 07:40 - 10:10: 1 Nightingale (very end of Northwick Rd, in full song & showing well beside road), 1 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Swallow, Numerous Common Whitethroats & Sedge Warblers. Ian White.
Canvey Island, Leigh Beck 12:05 - 12:40: 3 Little Tern (feeding together), 4 Whimbrel (feeding before flying West), 2 Common Tern (East), 7 Gannet (2nd/3rd calender year birds; 4 together West, 3 together East), 2 Swift (North), 10+ Swallow (North), 2 Little Egret. Ian White.
Southend Airport 12.55: Osprey drifted in from the east, soaring above the airport for several minutes before disappearing in low cloud, it seemed to be heading west. also 2 Swift and a Sparrowhawk seen at the same time. Ivan Batchelor.
Hanningfield T.W. site 13:00 - 14:00: 30+ Swift, 7 House Martin, Blackcap (male- singing), 4 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail. David Griffiths.
Gunners Park, Shoebury 13.00 to 13.45: 1 Whitethroat singing on top of bushes, 1 Wheatear in reserve, 3 small flocks of Linnet, 1 Stonechat in the bushes to left of road at the bottom near foot bridge. Robin & Tracy Guppy.
Southend, 13:30 to 13:40: 1 Willow Warbler (In trees west of the Pier Hill construction). John Wright (SOG).
Southend, Tickfield Avenue 15:00: 1 Reed Warbler. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue 17:30 to 17:35: 4 House Martin. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Barling Pits, 17:45 to 18:45: 1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank (full summer plumage), 10 House Martin, 2 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir: 4 Hobby reported this afternoon.
Tuesday 27th April 2004
Stanford Warren 06.30: 1 Nightingale singing. Jim Cockram.
Southend, 09:00: 5 Swift (over Tickfield Avenue). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Monday 26th April 2004
Hadleigh Marsh 07.45: 1 Cuckoo flying west (seen from train). Martin Johnson.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:00 to 11:15: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (still drumming), 1 Swift. Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:00 to 17:30: 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh 17:30 to 18:35: 15 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Southend 17.50: 5 Swift high over town centre heading north west. Web Author.
Ashingdon, 19:00 to 20:00: 1 Cuckoo (singing occasionally). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 25th April 2004 (first report of turtle Dove)
Battle of the Bitterns - see our coach trip report from Minsmere.
Canvey West End, 07:30 to 09:15: 30 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 5 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:45 to 10:00: 10 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Blackcap, 4 Swallow, 1 Fulmar (fly over seawall), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (in the creek). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 11:00: 2 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier (male), 1 Bearded Tit, 15 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea 10:00 - 13:00: 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Wheatear, 10 Avocet, 100+ Corn Bunting, 30 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Greenshank, 5 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 50+ Stock Dove, 2 Common Tern. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wakering Stairs, 10:15 to 11:00: 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Swallow. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 11:15 to 12:00: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (drumming frequently and calling occasionally in Chapel Lane car park), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk (male) Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 12.35: 1 Turtle Dove by the concrete blocks, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Yellow Wagtail, plus numerous Common Whitethroat and 4 Lesser Whitethroat. Ray Fuller.
Hadleigh, 13:50 to 13:55: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 14:10 to 17:30: 9 Whimbrel, 27 Avocet, 6 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Egret, 8 Common Tern, 3 Teal, 39 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 24 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Northern Water Vole, 1 Common Lizard (all on WEBS count). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Fleet Head, 17:30 to 18:50: 4 Whimbrel, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 5 Little Egret, 4 Swallow, 11 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park: 1 Fulmar. Ian Douch.
Southchurch Park/Basildon Gardens: 6 House Martin, 2 Sparrowhawk circling over Southchurch Park and from a garden in Basildon 5 Swift flew over. Steve Wood.
Saturday 24th April 2004 (first report of Nightingale)
Canvey West End, 06:00 to 10:35: 1 Nightingale (singing from trees at the end of Northwick Road and showing very well), 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling from the middle of the scrubland), 39 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat (male), 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 2 Blackcap, 1 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Egret, 3 Reed Bunting (males), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hole Haven Creek, 06:00 to 10:35: 2 Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (2nd summer). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island 06:45 to 10:00: 1 Grasshopper Warbler in bush SE of model aircraft field. 25+ Avocet, several Ringed Plover and many Oystercatcher on lagoon, several Oystercatcher engaged in pairing display. 20 Shelduck on the mud from the east end. Many Whitethroat. 1 Cuckoo (heard only) in the EST reserve. 2 Common Tern flying near the slipway. David Lee.
Gunners Park, 07.15 - 08.35: 4 Shelduck, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff. Web Author.
Vange Marsh, 07:15 to 08:30: 3 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (Heard reeling from the S.W. corner), 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Common Tern, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:20 to 09:50: 9 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wheatear. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 12:00: 1 Marsh Harrier (male, from scrape hide, drifted east), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (Far side of Timbermans creek from 1st hide from boat yard), Whitethroat (Lots), 4 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 10:00: 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:00 to 10:15: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Drumming again in the same place). Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.55 - 11.55: 2 Common Tern, 13 Common Whitethroat, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Shelduck, 3 Little Egret, 2 Curlew, 2 Greenshank, 2 Corn Bunting, Avocet, 2 Greylag Goose, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo, 10 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:45: 1 Cuckoo, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 3 Yellow Wagtail (all flew over), 3 Wheatear (2m 1f), 42 Great Crested Grebe (in one loose flock offshore), 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:55 to 14:05: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (drumming at the country park car park), 1 Hobby (north), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swift, 5 House Martin. Steve Arlow, Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:15 to 16:40: 1 Buzzard (circling north was being mobbed by a crow), 1 Marsh Harrier (female north), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Chiffchaff (an individual by the second hide had an unusual song. The bird was pale greyish with obvious supercilium. It could either be an aberrant Chiffchaff or possibly even a Siberian Chiffchaff) Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 16:15 to 20:00: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wood Pigeon (leucistic), 1 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey West End, 17:40 to 17:50: 1 Nightingale (singing again at the end of Northwick Road). Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Friday 23rd April 2004
Two Tree Island 07.36 - 8.27: Kestrel, Saw/Heard 19 Skylarks, 30 + Common Whitethroat, Pair Lesser Whitethroat engaged in courtship flights, Linnet, Green Woodpecker. Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Meadow Pipits. Grasshopper Warbler in bush SE of Flying Field. Lagoon: 22 Avocet, 5 Ringed Plover, Pair Shelduck, 5 Oystercatcher, numerous Redshank some engaged in courtship, Wren, Greater Spotted Woodpecker flew over. Terry Strong.
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00 to 13:00: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Drumming regularly at the top of the right hand poplar tree next to Chapel Lane car park). Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
Gunners Park 10.00: 2 Common Redstart. John Pitts.
Gunners Park, 15:00 to 16:00: 1 Common Redstart (Female, in the fenced compound by the 1st parking area on the left), 4 Wheatear (In the reserve), 1 Whimbrel (Over the sea wall). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 15.30 - 16.15: 50+ Avocet, 8 Redshank, 4 Teal, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Shelduck, 4 Skylark. John Pitts.
Westcliff, 16:25: 1 Sparrowhawk (By the Cliff's Pavilion). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:45 to 17:45: 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (From the slipway), 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (With the Dark-bellied Brents), 2 Mediterranean Gull (Adults, summer plumage), 6 Whimbrel, 15 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:15 to 18:30: 1 Common Redstart (female), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 House Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 Wheatear (male), 15 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat (male). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Thundersley, Fanes Wood 18:00 to 17:15: 4 Swallow, 2 Linnet, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 18:35: 1 Common Redstart (female, in the fenced compound) 2 Wheatear (1m, 1f). James Mee, Web Author.
Thursday 22nd April 2004
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00: 2 House Martin. Andrew Woodhouse, Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service
Hampton Barns, 09:00 to 09:30: 1 House Martin, 4 Swallow, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Yellowhammer (pair). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Barton Hall Farm, 09:30 to 10:00: 2 Wheatear (male and female). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00 - 11.00: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling), 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Cuckoo, Blackcap, Chiffchaff. T.J. Hurdley.
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:45 to 11:30: 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Scaup (male still present), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Brentwood, Coxtie Green 14.00: 1 Cuckoo (calling). Ross Gardner.
Gunners Park, 17:35 to 19:30: 24 Wheatear (all in the reserve), 3 Swallow, 300 Common Tern (at least off shore), 5 Arctic Tern (minimum were picked out amongst the Common Terns), 5 Sandwich Tern, 17 Great Crested Grebe. Steve Arlow (SOG). The number of Wheatears constitutes one of the the highest counts recorded in Southend for many years.
Two Tree Island, 17:45 to 18:40: 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Swallow, 12 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, 10 Corn Bunting (Flock). John Wright (SOG).
Leigh, Leighcliff Road: 1 Cuckoo called and flew over my garden heading in an easterly direction. Carol Lambert.
Wat Tyler Country Park: 3 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Swallow. Also Reed Warblers, Blackcaps. John Atfield.
Wednesday 21st April 2004
Prittlewell Station 07.20: Chiffchaff (singing). Steve Blackburn.
Southend, 13:00: 2 Swallow (Over town centre). John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:05 to 17:15: 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 30 Swallow, 5 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 20th April 2004
Ashingdon, Magnolia NR 08:15 to 09:00: 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaff (Singing), 2 Whitethroat, 1 Bullfinch (female). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Paglesham Sea Wall 10.00: 36 Black-tailed Godwit, 10+ Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 10+ Redshank, 8 Shelduck, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, numerous Linnet including 1 flock of 6, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4+ Swallow, 6 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Heron. Peter Walker.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:25 to 17:35: 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Yellow Wagtail (males), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 2 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:30 to 18:20: 1 Peregrine Falcon (distantly on Havengore Island), 2 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank (Havengore Creek). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Fleet Head, 17:50 to 19:30: 1 Spotted Redshank (summer plumage), 2 Greenshank, 6 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thundersley (garden) 18.45: Sparrowhawk carrying prey flew high overhead from North to South, in the direction of Benfleet Downs. Early morning in the garden I found the head and part of one wing of a Greenfinch - cleanly decapitated, suspected Sparrowhawk kill). Mike Sagrott.
Monday 19th April 2004
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:45 to 08:55: 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey West End, 09:25 to 11:00: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Stonechat (a pair), 1 Redstart (male), 4 Reed Bunting, 5 Skylark, 6 Linnet, 1 Sedge Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, Shoebury 10.30 - 12.15: 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear (1m,1f), Blackcap, 2 Jay, c.35 Linnet, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker. Steve Giles.
Sunday 18th April 2004 (first report of Swift)
Rochford Golf Course, 08:15 to 12:00: 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park: 14.00 to 15.00: 1 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Swift, 10+ Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Stuart Bailey.
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 17:30: 60 Common Tern (approx), 2 Wheatear (male & female). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 15:30 to 16:30: 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:35 to 16:15: 3 Swift, 2 Reed Warbler (singing from the reed bed), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 1 Common Sandpiper, 23 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 19.00 - 19.15: 1 adult Black Tern, 2 Common Tern, pair Red-crested Pochard. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 17th April 2004
Two Tree Island 06.15 - 07.00: 2 Grasshopper Warbler (one heard by entrance) Please note that to give these birds a chance to pair, please keep on the footpath and do not approach to closely - Ed. 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 male Wheatear. Web Author.
Gunners Park, 06:15 to 08:25: 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 6 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Blackcap (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 1 Little Egret, 2 Wheatear (male & female). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 07:15 to 09:10: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling 200 yards west of the first car park just behind the raised embankment (Only view from the footpath or raised embankment)), 6 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Wheatear (male along the track). Steve Arlow, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park - Shoebury 07.40 - 08.15: 1 male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Shelduck (4male, 4 female on mound in EWT reserve), 2 Mistle Thrush. Web Author.
Dagenham Chase 08.00: 1 Cuckoo. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Fleet Head, 08:40 to 09:45: 5 Whimbrel, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Egret, 2 Corn Bunting (singing). 1 Grass Snake. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 08:40 to 09:30: 2 Grasshopper Warbler (same locations.), 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Whimbrel (in front of new hide.), 1 Sparrowhawk (female.), 1 Stonechat (male.), 10 Skylark. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach (pond) 08.45 - 09.15: 2 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker. Web Author.
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 10:20: 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:10 to 10:35: 1 Serin (male flew north at 9.45am), 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Sparrowhawk (together), 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sandwich Tern. Steve Arlow, John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Station, 09:30: 5 Little Egret (in the creek opposite the station). Simon Watson (SOG).
The Fleet - Wakering 09.45 - 11.30: 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 1 Swallow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Black-tailed Godwit in full summer plumage), 1 male Reed Bunting, 14 Skylark, 6 Corn Bunting, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Kestrel, 3 Common Whitethroat. Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 10:15 to 14:30: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (again 100yds west of the noticeboard), 10 Whitethroat, 4 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Black Brant (in the saltings opposite the slipway), 48 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Common Tern (feeding around Canvey Point), 1 Kestrel, 1 Whimbrel (in the Curlew roost), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret. 10 Peacock Butterfly, 3 Small White. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:45 to 12:30: 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Sand Martin, 1 Peregrine Falcon (probably an immature female), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Whimbrel. Steve Arlow, Brian Baldock, John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11.50 - 12.30: 1 Whimbrel, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon (circling above Marsh Harrier), 2 Sand Martin. Web Author.
Benfleet Creek, 12:45: 4 Wheatear (on the sea wall by the golf driving range). Simon Watson (SOG).
Star Lane Ponds - Wakering 12.50 - 13.00: 1 Willow Warbler. Web Author.
Belfairs Golf Course, 15:30 to 16:30: 2 Nuthatch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 16:30 to 18:00: 1 Ring Ouzel (Male, showing well. In fenced off cow field about 300 metres east of the Castle. First seen at 16.55 and then again at about 17.45 onwards. Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 17:00 to 19:15: 1 Swallow, 1 Hobby (flew east), 1 Tawny Owl (calling), 1 Ring Ouzel (male, east of the castle). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).
Friday 16th April 2004 (first report of Cuckoo, Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers)
Two Tree island 08.10 - 08.45: male Wheatear, Sedge Warbler (on the Eastern side just down the slope), 2 Grasshopper Warbler (first bird to the right of the earth mound on the main path, second bird in brambles near the road opposite the car park entrance), 11 Skylark and good numbers of Linnet. Terry Strong.
Two Tree Island, 08:30 to 13:00: 2 Grasshopper Warbler (one reeling & showing well, in bramble 200yds. west of notice board in-between tracks. One reeling in bramble close to Island bridge on East of road.), 3 Whimbrel (on saltmarsh (east near pill-box)), 1 Sedge Warbler (East, south of track in reeds by cleared pool. 8+ Common Whitethroat also on Island). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:00 to 14:00: 2 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear (female), 1 Red-legged Partridge (in EWT reserve). Web Author.
Two Tree Island (East), 14:00 to 10:30: 39 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (viewed from slipway, off edge of saltings at eastern end, flew to Chapman Sands at 14:20), 1 Black Brant (with Brent flock). Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 14:30 to 16:00: 2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 north west of mound alongside footpath near entrance, the other heard south of display board), 1 Wheatear (female on model field), 2 Common Whitethroat. Web Author.
Wat Tyler CP 15:15 - 16:25: 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swallow. Ian White.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:30 to 17:40: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeled for about 10 minutes from the hedge behind the first car park though it was not seen), 2 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 17:45 to 20:15: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (seen reeling 100yds west of the noticeboard), 1 Snipe, 6 Little Egret, 10 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods 18:00 - 18:45: 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Tawny Owl (to the SW of the works compound) seen to fly into a Birch tree. Andy Ponton.
Two Tree Island 18.00: 33 Avocet on the Lagoon, large flock of Black-tailed Godwit, a few Curlew, good numbers of Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 2 Skylark. Mike Sheehan.
Two Tree Island (West), 22:55 to 23:00: 1 Grasshopper Warbler (still reeling, audible from the first car park). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Old Tip: 1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Wheatear (1m, 1f), 1 Sedge Warbler. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Thursday 15th April 2004 (first report of Ring Ouzel)
Hanningfield Reservoir 07.30: 2 Little Owl, 5 Goldeneye (1 drake). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:45 to 13:30: 1 Ring Ouzel (female on EWT reserve near mound), 1 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Linnet. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:00 to 17:00: 1 Wheatear (female), 1 Common Whitethroat (singing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering, The Fleet (just past decoy pond) 16.30: 26 Yellow Wagtail feeding together in one flock. Jeff Elliott (EBS)
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 18:00: 5 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 1 Swallow. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 17:45 to 20:00: 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh, Tattersall Gardens, 19.08: 1 Swallow flying north. Martin Johnson.
Wednesday 14th April 2004
Canvey Island, Benfleet Creek 07:40 - 10:10: Tewke's Creek; 1 Spotted Redshank (nearly full summer plumage), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Little Egret. Golf Course Seawall; 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Skylark in song, 2 Little Egret, 20+ Linnet (incl. at least 3 males in song). Ian White (SOG).
Woodside Park, Thundersley, 08:15 to 09:15: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Chiffchaff (2 paired), 1 Blackcap, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, (female). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 11.00: Long-tailed Duck (drake) from the dam, permit access only. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11.00 - 11.40: 73 Brent Goose on mudflats far to east of slipway. Martin Johnson.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:30 to 18:45: 3 Little Egret, 75 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Merlin (Female flew low over the saltmarsh). John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head 17:35 to 18:45: 27 Yellow Wagtail (In the usual spot by the end style. There could have been more as they were mobile), 3 Ruff, 2 Barn Owl (1 on Potton Island and 1 on Rushley Island), 33 Little Egret (on the Foulness roost). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Tuesday 13th April 2004
Belfairs Golf Course, 08:00: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (showing well along the 3rd fairway), 2 Redwing. Tony Mead (SOG).
Ashingdon, Magnolia Nature Reserve 08.00: 2 Bullfinch (1 male 1 female). Paul Clark.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14.00: Red Crested Pochard (from causeway) 2 Brambling (m+f), Great Spotted Woodpecker at feeding station, and lots of Blackcap and Chiffchaff in woods. Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.
Paglesham Area 18:15: Little Owl. Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.
Monday 12th April 2004 (first report of Willow Warbler)
Two Tree Island 08.15 - 09.15: 1 male Stonechat, 8 Skylark, 2 pairs Meadow Pipit, 5 Wren, Numerous Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. Lagoon: 66 Avocet, 2 Canada Geese, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron. Terry Strong.
Gunners Park, 08:40 to 10:20: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.35 - 11.45: Green Woodpecker, 7 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 2 Curlew, 7 Shelduck, Chiffchaff, 5 Avocet. 12 Skylark high and singing. Ray Fuller.
Barton Hall Farm, 10:30 to 10:50: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:35 to 11:10: 1 Black Redstart (in the reserve), 1 Swallow (north). Steve Arlow, Ian Douch, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront: 11.00: Probable Glaucous/Iceland Gull, 1st winter type - seen at some distance, with binoculars only. Andrew Gouldstone RSPB.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 12:00: 1 Scaup (Male), 1 Little Egret. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 12:30 to 12:30: 1 Yellow Wagtail (male). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 15:30 to 16:40: 1 Willow Warbler (singing briefly at the eastern end). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Thorpe Hall Avenue (central reservation parallel to golf course) 16.15: 1 long-tailed Tit singing in tree. Karen Gordon.
Sunday 11th April 2004
Gunners Park, 09:15 to 10:30: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Black Redstart (female). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 09:20: 1 Swallow (By the golf driving range). John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 10:40: 5 Bearded Tit, 1 Blackcap (singing male by the cottage), 2 Cetti's Warbler. Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Island, Tewke's Creek, 10:15: 2 Whimbrel. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Station, 10:30: 1 Little Egret (In Benfleet Creek). John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:00 to 16:40: 4 Little Egret (3 of which were on Potton Is.), 6 Avocet, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Swallow, 9 Yellow Wagtail (In one flock), 40 Corn Bunting (Including 33 in one flock), 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 17:10 to 18:15: 1 Black Brant (adult again on the far side of the creek opposite the slipway), 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Whitethroat. Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Saturday 10th April 2004
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 - 11.55: 6 Shelduck, 2 Corn Bunting, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 3 Curlew, 3 Canada Goose, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe.11 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.
Rochford Golf Course, 13:30 to 16:00: 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13.40: Red-necked Grebe, summer plumage from Fremnall's causeway. Slavonian Grebe, summer plumage in the same area. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island: 15:00 - 17:00: 2 Whimbrel , 40 Redshank, 30 Avocet, 12 Ringed Plover, 3 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Skylark, 1 Dunnock, 3 Turnstone. Richard Mander.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16.45: 1 Red-necked Grebe (from the causeway), 2 Red-crested Pochard. Steve Hiscock.
Thundersley, Woodside Park, 17:00 to 18:00: 1 White / Pied Wagtail (on the basketball court.), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaff. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Friday 09th April 2004 (first report of Hobby)
Hockley Woods, 07:10 to 08:45: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (singing male), 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch (heard), 5 Treecreeper (2 pairs and a single). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir. 08.30 - 12.00: 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Scaup, Willow Warbler, 4 Bullfinch, 8 Yellow Wagtail. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham Area 09:00 to 09:10: 1 Little Owl. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:30 to 10:50: 1 Pintail (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellow Wagtail (heard over). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island 09.30 - 10.30: 30+ Avocet, numerous Teal, Oystercatchers, Redshank and 1 Grey Heron fishing by the drain on the western lagoon. 1 male Stonechat, Skylarks in scrub west of the airfield. Brian Radford.
Leigh-on-Sea 10.00: 5 Waxwing (perched in a tree outside our house in Recreation Avenue, Leigh, for about 15 minutes). Lewis Payne.
The Fleet, Wakering 10.30 - 12.00: 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron (one young bird), 1 Kestrel, 4 Skylark, 6 Corn Bunting, pair of Reed Bunting, Web Author.
Benfleet Creek 11.30 - 13.30: 30 Avocet, 3 Little Egret, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, 2 Skylark, 30 Redshank, 1 Sparrowhawk. Neil Pavett.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:45 to 12:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer), 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:50 to 16:25: From the eastern tip, 1 female Merlin and 3 Little Egret on the marshes to the east. 3 Canada Geese flying west. On the lagoon 64 Avocet. David Lee.
Two Tree Island, 13:20 to 17:40: 3 Little Egret, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 1 Short-eared Owl (seen over the west end at 5.15pm then again over Benfleet Creek 5.30pm), 1 Whimbrel. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 14:30 to 18:00: 1 Little Egret, 225 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Including one Pale-bellied Brent), 26 Great Crested Grebe (Off Canvey Point), 2 Mediterranean Gull (Adult summers), 2 Hobby (One flew from the Canvey point direction over the east side of Two Tree and off over Leigh. The second bird was seen at the same time high over Two Tree being mobbed by Starlings), 55 Avocet (Approx. number on the Lagoon.), 1 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl (Also hunted Benfleet Creek Seawall and then flew high over to Canvey Is.). John Wright (SOG).
Coalhouse Fort 15.30: Green winged Teal, showing well on rising tide. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 15:45 to 17:30: 5 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sea Wall North of Barling from Ropers Farm to Barling Ness: 32 Mute Swan, several Skylark (already reported on Skylark watch), pair of Red-breasted Merganser and a pair of Avocet (right at Barling Ness) plus all the usual waders. Gwynneth and Geoff Bromley.
Canewdon, Garden of Butts Paddock: 1 Brambling female, 1 Siskin female on niger feeder again, 4 Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Blackcap. Butts Hill Pond: 3 Corn Bunting, Green woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. Jeff Delve. (EBS).
Thursday 08th April 2004
Belfairs Golf Course, 08:00: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (on the 14th fairway). Tony Mead (SOG).
Westcliff Casino, 08:20 to 08:30: 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-summer), 3 Canada Goose (out on the mud bank), 5 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 08.30 - 08.35: 2 Slavonian Grebe, Redshank, 2 Swallow, 5 Goldeneye. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet Creek 10.00 - 12.00: 2 Little Grebe, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow, 2 Reed Bunting. Andrew Bridge.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.00-11.30: 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Steve Hiscock.
Two Tree Island 13.00 - 15.00: 1 Skylark, 1 Curlew. Lagoon hide: 2 Shelduck, 1 Snipe, 2 Canada Geese, 10 Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, 7 Teal. Visitors from Warwick reported a Hobby take a sparrow, I missed this by a minute or two. Mal Watson.
Gunners Park 1630 - 1800: 3 Chiffchaff, male Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, c.20 Linnet. Steve Giles.
Thundersley, Kiln Road (my garden) 18.45: 1 Little Egret wading in the margins of my pond - no aquatic casualties as far as I can tell! Mike Sagrott.
Wednesday 07th April 2004
Two Tree Island 07:40 - 09:30: 1 Wheatear (male) on raised ground just to west of "airfield", 3 Corn bunting, 1 Little Egret, 40 Golden Plover on fields below Hadleigh Downs (west of castle). Ian White.
Thorpe Bay Boulevard 09.30: 1 Sparrowhawk. John Pitts.
Little Haven Nature Reserve 09:30: 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Ross Gardner.
Two Tree Island 16.00-18.30: 61 Avocet on western lagoon, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose in party of c.30 Dark-bellied Brent Geese opposite slipway. As
tide receded c.100 Dark-bellied Brent Geese spread out on mudflats to east of slipway by 18.00hrs. Martin Johnson.
Hanningfield Reservoir: 1 Black Swan, 1 Barnacle Goose, 9 Red Crested Pochard (4m 5f), pair Goldeneye, good numbers of Wigeon and Teal, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 female Brambling. Terry Strong.
Abberton Reservoir: North Dam (permit holders only): 100+ Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 10 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper. Layer-de-la-Haye causeway (5pm): 2 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Yellow Wagtail, Syke's/Channel Wagtail briefly at 4pm but very elusive. Layer Breton causeway: 2 Yellow Wagtail. Nick Green (EBS).
Fingringhoe Wick EWT: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 
Greater Flamingo of the Caribbean race. Nick Green (EBS).
Tuesday 06th April 2004
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 07:35 to 08:30: 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Waxwing (feeding on fruit trees in the central reservation opposite no. 246). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.30: 20 + Swallow and 1 Cetti's Warbler singing. Terry Strong.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.45 - 11.45: 1 Little Owl, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Brambling (1 male, 1 female), 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Black Swan, 2 Blackcap (male), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Red Crested Pochard (1 male, 1 female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow. Steve Hiscock.
Hanningfield Reservoir: 10:20 to 13:30: 1 Little Owl, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 on the causeway and a pair from the Lyster hide, 1 Slavonian Grebe form the Lyster Hide. 2 female Brambling on the birdtable or in the trees outside the visitor centre, 1 Little Ringed Plover on the island seen from the Point Hide. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12.15 - 12.45: 3 Bearded Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Ringed Plover. Steve Hiscock.
Leigh, Highlands Boulevard 13:00 to 13:20: 9 Waxwing (feeding on central reservation near junction with Walker Drive). Don Petrie (SOG).
Fanes Wood, Thundersley, 18:15 to 17:40: 2 Blackcap (Males.), 1 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Monday 05th April 2004
Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort 09.30 - 12.00: 2 Little Stint. 12 Swallow. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:35 to 13:30: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Bearded Tit, 4 Avocet (The first Avocet I have recorded at this site.), 1 Cetti's Warbler (Singing, did not show.), 10 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:40 to 13:55: 9 Waxwing (In tall tree at junction with Sutherland Blvd). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Common 18.00: 3 Swallow by old refuse tip/boat yard. Mike Bunker.
Two Tree Island: 12 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Linnet, 1 Chaffinch. 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock. Lagoon: 69 Avocet, 2 Canada Geese, 5 Oystercatcher, numerous Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank just starting into summer plumage, 1 Jack Snipe disturbed by marauding Moorhen, Pair Shoveler, Pair Ringed Plover, 1 Wood Pigeon, numerous Teal. Creek very quiet; 2 Curlew plus usual Gulls. East Side: Brief snatch of Cetti's Warbler song, end pond of borrowdyke near bunker 1 Reed Warbler, group of 4 Greylag Geese overflew. Terry Strong.
Sunday 04th April 2004 (first report of House Martin and Common Tern)
Two Tree Island 07:40 to 08:55: 72 Avocet, 3 Snipe on the Lagoon. David Lee.
Ashingdon, 08:20 to 08:20: 3 Redwing (in my garden). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 10:00: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield reservoir 09.00 - 13.00: Fremnells causeway: 7 Red-crested Pochard (4 drakes), 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Ringed Teal (escape), 2 Slavonian Grebe. Centre (1200-1230 only): 2 male Brambling. Point Hide: 1 Ruff on island. 7 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin. Nick Green (EBS)
Gunners Park, 09:15 to 10:30: 1 Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea 09:25 to 09:40: 8 Waxwing roosting in the Silver Birch in the central reservation outside 246 Highlands Boulevard and coming down to the ground to feed on fallen berries David Lee.
River Roach, 09:45 to 10:00: 2 Red-breasted Merganser (a pair), 1 Sand Martin. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Two Tree Island East 10.00 - 13.00: 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff (heard). Yasmine Hamid.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:10 to 10:30: 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 2 Bearded Tit (pair), 2 Little Ringed Plover (on the main scrape). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:15 to 11:00: 1 Scaup (male still present), 4 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 10:50 to 11:00: 11 Waxwing (showing very well in the central reservation). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 11:10 to 12:10: 1 Black Brant (adult off slipway), 75 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (1st year off slipway), 1 Sparrowhawk (imm. male), 1 Little Egret (east end), 70 Avocet (approx. At west end), 4 Skylark (singing). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Barton Hall Farm, 11:15 to 11:30: 8 Yellowhammer. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11.30 - 13.30: 2 Little Egret, 1 Black Brant (distantly), 1 Pale-bellied Brent (distantly), 86 Avocet. Stephen Harris.
Two Tree Island 12.00 - 13.20: 87 Avocets on lagoon, 13.00-13.20 10 Brent Goose swimming in saltings c. 500m east of slipway, one had broad white neck patches meeting at front - taken to be the individual reported as Black Brant in same area on 03/04/04, diagnostic black belly not visible on swimming bird. Martin Johnson.
Two Tree Island West 13.00 - 14.30: 10 Skylark. In lagoon: 80 Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank, plus numerous Ringed Plover and Common Redshank. One pair of Avocets were seen mating, and several pairs appear to have selected nesting sites. Yasmine Hamid & Neil Alvey.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13.30 - 14.30: 2 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Red-crested Pochard (2 pairs), 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, Chiffchaff. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Web Author.
Two Tree Island (Lagoon), 14.00-16.00: Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, 40+ Avocet, 20+ Ringed Plover, Snipe, Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 8 Teal, 2 Shelduck. G James.
Southend Pier 14.30 - 15.30: 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern. Stephen Harris.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole, 15.45 - 17.45: 4 Black Tailed Godwit, 17 Curlew, Little Grebe,2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Shelduck, Yellowhammer, 4 Little Egret, 2 Teal, 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2m 2f), 2 Mute Swan in fields, 8 Skylark high and singing. Ray Fuller.
The Fleet, Wakering 15.50 to 14.45: 3 Little Egret, 2 Swallow (over fishing ponds), Skylark. Stuart Bailey.
Shoebury (garden) 17.45: 2 female, 1 male Siskin on niger feeder. Steve Giles.
Two Tree Island: Short-eared Owl, Little Egret, distant Swallow. Steve Wood.
Wat Tyler CP: Swallow over main hide. Steve Wood.
Saturday 03rd April 2004 (first report of Swallow and Common Whitethroat)
Hanningfield Reservoir 08.30 - 12.00: 2 Slavonian Grebe. 1 Brambling (has apparently been present on the centre feeder for a week), 5 Sand Martin. 1 Swallow. Graham Ryland.
Hanningfield Reservoir 08:45 to 12:15: 2 Slavonian Grebe seen first at 8:55 from the causeway and finally from the Lyster Hide at 11:55, 4 Male Red-crested Pochard, 3 from the causeway and 1 later from the RAWL Hide, 5 Sand Martin from the causeway. 1 Barnacle Goose in amongst Greylag Geese in the fields near the RAWL hide, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Male Great-spotted Woodpecker on the stump in front of the visitors centre. Also seen enroute to Hanningfield at 8:20 1 male Lesser-spotted Woodpecker in a tree by the side of the road at Coalhill (grid ref TQ753978). David Lee.
Westcliff Seafront, 09:10 to 09:15: 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 13:45: 1 Black Brant (adult again on the other side of the creek opposite the slipway), 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (the juvenile present with the Brent flock opposite the slipway), 1 Spotted Redshank (on the lagoon), 67 Avocet, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Laridae sp. (a possible adult Caspian Gull seen on the other side of the creek from the Slipway). Steve Arlow, Neil Chambers, Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Barling Pits, 09:30 to 10:30: 1 Green Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.40: 2 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing. Jerry Stock.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.45: 4 Mute Swan, House Martin, 4 Reed Bunting, 14 Shelduck, 18 Curlew, Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (1m 2f) 2 Barnacle Goose, 6 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.00 - 11.30: 2 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Red-crested Pochard (2 male 2 female), 1 Swallow. Steve Hiscock.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00: 1 Swallow in front of main hide. Anita Daruvala.
Gunners Park 10.30 - 11.30: 30 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Whitethroat (first this year, on the MOD scrub east of the park). Richard Mander.
Friars Park, Shoebury 10:40 to 11:10: 1 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redwing. John Wright (SOG).
Thundersley (My garden) 15.00 - 15.15: Two brilliantly coloured Siskin on my bird feeders, being harassed by House Sparrows. John Bennett.
Danbury Lakes 15.00: 15 to 20 House Martin. Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15.00 -16.00: 2 summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe and 2 pairs of Red-crested Pochard seen from the causeway. Also plenty of Swallows and Sand Martins over the reservoir. Richard Chew.
Shoebury, Trafalgar Road 18.00 - 18.10: Pair of Siskin feeding on niger feeder. Steve Giles.
Gunners Park: Male Black Redstart in nature reserve by fence near stream. Ron Hodgson.
Friday 02nd April 2004
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:35 to 08:45: 13 Waxwing (outside no 201 again). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 09:00 to 12:00: 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (in front of new hide with 4 dark bellied Brent Geese), 1 Black Brant (Off slip way with 30 Brents), 2 Wheatear (Male & Female, centre track 200 yds. past airfield.), 18 Skylark, 4 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 64 Avocet, 1 Little Egret (Lagoon), 1 Spotted Redshank (Lagoon). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir, Fremnells Causeway 11.30: 2 Slavonian Grebe, female Mandarin, drake Red-crested Pochard. Nick Green (EBS).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.30 to 12.30: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Snipe, 4 Bearded Tit (1 male, 3 female), 1 Reed Bunting. Stuart Bailey.
Canvey Island 12:05 - 12:25: 1 Black Brant - feeding with circa 60 Brent Geese on edge of saltmarsh behind Canvey Heights Country Park. Ian White.
Thorpe Bay 13.00: 2 female Siskin on feeder. John Pitts.
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 18:30 to 18:30: 4 Waxwing (still outside no 201). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canewdon: Siskin, female at niger feeder in garden. Jeff Delve. (EBS)
Thursday 01st April 2004
Southend, 08:15: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult again on the Victory Sports Ground). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Benfleet Creek / Canvey Island 09:30 - 10:45: 2 Sandwich Tern - in wader roost on saltmarsh betwwen Canvey & Two Tree Island. Ian White.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 15:00: 2 Mediterranean Gull (The same adults one can presume), 1 Cetti's Warbler (Singing occasionally) Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Castle C.P. 15:00 - 15:45: Flock of 14 Goldfinch at the feeding station, plus Green Woodpeckers and Kestrel. Tim Bennett.
Hanningfield Reservoir 19.00 - 19.40: Little Owl. by causeway. Graham Ryland (SOG).