Bird Reports for April 2005
April 2005
Saturday 30th April 2005
Two Tree Island 06.30 to 08.00
Plenty of Common Whitethroats, Whimbrel x 1 and an Adder. Richard Chew.
Gunners Park 06.35 - 08.00
2 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, Wren, 2 Wheatear (1m, 1f), Song Thrush, 1 Garden Warbler (in trees behind Children's play area), Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Linnet. Web Author.
Two Tree Island (West), 07:00 to 07:40
1 Cuckoo, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Stonechat (Male.), 10 Whitethroat, 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Swallow, 25 Swift, 2 Whimbrel. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:45 to 08:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling, just north of the main/centre track). John Wright (SOG).
Fanes Wood, Thundersley, 08:00 to 09:30
1 Nightingale (Fane Lane in scrub 50 metres west of public footpath, a quick burst of song), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair), 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:15 to 10:30
14 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Arctic Tern, 15 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:20 to 10:15
2 Wheatear (male & female in reserve.), 2 Cuckoo, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 15 Swift, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Also: 2 Common Shrew, 12 Common Lizard & a Slow Worm. John Wright, Dave Knight (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 08.30 to 10.30
Bearded Tit (male and female), Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Cuckoo, 3 Turtle Dove, 2 Avocet, 2 Little Gull (adults). Plenty of Swifts and hirundines. Richard Chew.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.15 11.05
16 Common Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, 7 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shelduck, 4 Curlew, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Corn Bunting, 9 Swift, 2 Common Tern, 15 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Wakering Common, 10:40 to 11:30
1 Turtle Dove, 2 Blackcap, 10 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:50 to 12:10
1 Garden Warbler (100 yards S.E. of children play area). Also: 10 Smooth Newt. John Wright (SOG).
Priory Park, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Gravel Pits 13.30
Grasshopper Warbler near clay pigeon shooting area, Greenshank. Ian Douch.
Wallasea Island and Canewdon
3 Wheatear, Greenshank, Garganey (drake), 10 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Corn bunting, 11 Avocet, 2 Little Egret. Canewdon Butts Hill Pond: 2 Swift, Turtle Dove, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 29th April 2005
Belfairs Nature Reserve, 08:00
1 Garden Warbler. Tony Mead (SOG).
Canvey West End, 10:00 to 12:00
2 Willow Warbler, 1 Wheatear, 18 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Reed Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Skylark. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Leigh Station, 10:45
30 Swift. Simon Watson.
Battlesbridge, 12:45
1 Little Egret (in the pool again where the A130 crosses the Crouch). Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh Station, 12:45
1 Nightingale (singing just west of the station). Tony Mead (SOG).
Hockley, Beckney Avenue 13.00
Common Buzzard seen soaring on thermals drifting northwards. Don Wildish.
Fingringhoe Wick 14.00 - 16.00
3 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 15+ Nightingale, 2 Common Tern, 20+ Black Tailed Godwit, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Little Egret. R Shepherd.
Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 16.30
1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern. R Shepherd.
Southend, 16:45 to 16:55
100 Swift (at least hawking over the fields north of the RBS building near Tesco in the early evening). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:00 - 17:30
Drake Goldeneye, Cuckoo, 2 Common Sandpipers; also 3m 2f Red Crested Pochard and the Black Swan. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:20 to 17:50
2 Wheatear (male & female), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 3 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Common Tern (offshore), 2 Sandwich Tern (offshore). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 18:00
4 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet head 18.00 - 19.00
5 Avocet, 1 Swift, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Swallow. Iain Henderson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 19.00 - 20.00
2 Hobby, 2 Avocet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher. Steve Hiscock.
Southend Airport, 19:30 to 19:45
1 Tawny Owl (calling from thicket between NW of Airport and East of Rugby Club). Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 28th April 2005
Canvey Island - West 10:00 - 12:00
Holehaven Creek: 3+ Whimbrel, 29 Shelduck. Between dis-used oil jetty & back of supermarket: 2 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 2 Willow Warbler (in song), 28+ Common Whitethroat (in song), 4+ Sedge Warbler (in song), 2 Cuckoo (calling), 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush. Movement of 30+ Swallows NW. Ian White.
Leigh on Sea, Undercliff Gardens 14.00
Kestrel hovering and hunting along beside the railway. Patsy Major.
Chalkwell Railway Station 18.00
1 Kestrel hunting along railway. Yasmine Hamid.
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:55 - 18:05
Drake Goldeneye still present from the causeway. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 27th April 2005 (First Report of Whinchat and Tree Pipit)
Two Tree Island 09:00 - 11:30
16 Common Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 27 Avocet, 2 Teal, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Mallard with 7 duckling, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 reeling and showing well just NW of first mound, 1 probable flying low across the tree stump graveyard). 2 Skylark. Richard Mander.
Two Tree Island 09.00 - 11.00
15 Common whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 20 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Teal, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Skylark. Robin Peppiatt.
Gunners Park 11.30 - 12.30
2 Wheatear (1 male), 1 Whinchat (female), 5 Common Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit (briefly), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Swallow, 10 Linnet, 2 Long-tailed Tit. Robin Peppiatt.
Southend 17.05
Swift hawking over Priory Park. Web Author.
Battlesbridge, 17:15
1 Little Egret (flew west along Crouch by The Barge pub). Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 26th April 2005
Battlesbridge, 09:15
1 Little Egret (pool by A130/Crouch again). Paul Baker (SOG).
Corringham Recreation Ground 10.00
1 Hobby. Jim Cockram.
Southend Seafront 12.30
1 Mute Swan swimming in estuary towards pier. Yasmine Hamid.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:40 to 13:20
2 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 15 House Martin, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo (heard). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:30
300 Swift. Neil Chambers.
Wallasea Island, 17:50 to 20:20
1 Montagu's Harrier (Ringtail harrier sp. probably a Monty's (based more on jizz rather than anything scientific) drifted east distantly along the N. side at 18:35 and continued towards Foulness), 11 Little Egret, 8 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Whimbrel, 3 Reed Bunting, 7 Wheatear (1+ male by the marina and 5m1f together on the seawall c2 miles east of there), 5 Gadwall (3 drakes), 1 Redshank (displaying), 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Snipe, 5 Brown Hare. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 25th April 2005 (First report of Garden Warbler)
Two Tree Island 07.15 to 08.30
1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 or 5 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, very many Linnets. Les Costin (EBS).
Belfairs Woods NR 08.00
1 Garden Warbler (heard). R. Cannon.
Two Tree Island 11.30 - 12.45
1 Grasshopper Warbler (great views for 10 minutes singing away from its perch), 2 Greenshank, Whimbrel, 3 Swift and female Wheatear. Shaun Harvey.
Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 19:40
1 Garganey (drake), 1 Greenshank, 1 Merlin (female), 2 Little Egret, 2 Wheatear (males), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Common Tern, 7 Avocet, 2 Gadwall (pair), 1 Shoveler (drake), 1 Cuckoo, 3 Reed Bunting, 8 Skylark, 10 Corn Bunting, 3 Mute Swan (a pair on the pools and 1 on the river). 1 Brown Hare. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 20.30
7 Avocet, 2 prs Gadwall, pr Shoveller, pr Teal, Barn Owl, Cuckoo heard. 5 Brown Hares. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Sunday 24th April 2005
North Shoebury 07.12
Cuckoo in same tree opposite my house as yesterday. Web Author.
Two Tree Island (West), 07:30 to 08:40
1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Stonechat (Male.), 10 Whitethroat, 8 Sedge Warbler, 18 Avocet. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 08:15 to 09:30
4 Swift, 2 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 29 Avocet, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat (male), 1 Cuckoo. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:25 to 09:25
1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 5 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 08:45 to 12:30
10 Whitethroat, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Skylark, 12 Linnet, 2 Swift, 10 Swallow, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Little Grebe, 31 Avocet, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Greenshank (on the lagoon), 1 Little Egret, 20 Black-tailed Godwit. 4 Adder (3 adults and a 6 inch youngster), 3 Common Lizard, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Green-veined White. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 11:45
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 11:00
2 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:50 to 10:05
1 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 2 Avocet, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Peregrine Falcon (on pylon). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey West End, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Little Egret, 5 Swallow, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting. Also 2 Common Lizard, 2 Smooth Newt, John Wright (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 10:10 to 10:45
2 Little Gull (adult and 1st summer still), 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing from bank to the south), 20 Swift (approx), 1 Yellow Wagtail (male over), 3 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing from bushes by railway). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island North (between sea walls) 10:30 - 12:00
Drake Garganey still plus 2 pairs of Gadwall, pair of Teal, 2 pairs of Avocet, Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear. Also at least 30 singing Skylark. 15 Corn Bunting and Whitethroat. Pair of Mediterranean Gulls over house later appeared to be coming from Bridgemarsh Island. First House Martins of the year over Canewdon. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 14:30
2 Little Gull (Adult & 1st. summer), 2 Common Tern, 5 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Blackcap, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Sand Martin (Swifts 8 +). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:45 to 15:45
1 Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel, 6 Common Tern, 4 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet head 16.30 - 17.30
4 Avocet, 13 Swallow, 4 House Martin. Iain Henderson.
Southend, 17:35 to 17:45
4 Swift (3 north over central Southend and a single bird 10 minutes later). Web Author.
Canewdon (pm)
Ring Ouzel on farmland just past the farm cottages on the road to Wallasea. Graham Elias.
Two Tree Island
1 Swift. Lee Ebbs.
Saturday 23rd April 2005 (First report of House Martin)
North Shoebury 05.50 - 06.00
Cuckoo in tree opposite my house. Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 06:15 to 08:45
2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail (flew over), 1 Whimbrel (flew over), 1 Stonechat (male ), 6 Whitethroat (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 08:10
1 Sparrowhawk (male, took starling in mid air), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat. Web Author.
Two Tree Island West 10.00 - 11.00
30 Avocet, 15 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 20 Oystercatcher, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whitethroat, 10 Linnet, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Teal. R Shepherd.
Two Tree Island, 10:45 to 11:45
1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Green Woodpecker, 15 Whitethroat (at least). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, The Fleet 12.15
4 House Martin. Barry Chambers.
Rochford Golf Course, 17:20 to 19:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (both singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:00 to 20:20, North Side up to 1.5 Miles East of Cafe/Marina
4 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Little Egret, 10 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper. 4 Brown Hare. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury, Blackgate Road
4 Ring-necked Parakeet in trees behind house since the 22nd. Cath Williams.
Friday 22nd April 2005
Two Tree Island West 06:40 to 07:15
Grasshopper Warbler showing very well. David Lee.
Hawkwell, Ironwell Lane 07.45 - 08.05
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Skylark. John Pitts.
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat, 23 Linnet. Web Author.
Southchurch Area 16.00
Pair of nesting Kestrels observed. Web Author.
Gunners Park, 17:10 to 17:40
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wheatear (male), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Fanes Wood, Thundersley, 17:15 to 18:00
1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:00 to 20:20
4 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Little Egret, 10 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Grays, Chafford Hundred
Approx. 30 Waxwing feeding. Mark Priest.
Thursday 21st April 2005
Two Tree island (West) 08:00 to 10:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler (heard only just west and north of the mound near the beginning of the path from the notice board), 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat. On the lagoon 35 Avocet, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 7 Redshank, 2 Canada Goose. David Lee.
Vange Marsh, 13:20 to 14:20
1 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (adult-summer, first-summer). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wakering, The Fleet 15.15 - 16.00
2 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler. Web Author.
Basildon 16.00
Soaring around Basildon hospital area, very light coloured bird with long broad wings and barred tail Possible Osprey. Hopefully someone else can confirm. Shaun Harvey.
Gunners Park 16:00 -17:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 16 Linnet, 210 Starling, 3 Wood Pigeon, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackbird. Richard Mander.
Two Tree Island (West), 16:40 to 17:10
18 Avocet, 1 Stonechat (Male.), 3 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head 18.00 - 18.30
1 Short Eared Owl-clearly visible for 10 minutes hunting the grass up to the bridge. 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron. Iain Henderson.
Two Tree Island, 18:30 to 20:00
1 Swallow, 1 Short-eared Owl (possibly 2), 1 Stonechat (male), 1 Avocet, 4 Canada Goose (2 pairs on the lagoon), 2 Sedge Warbler. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wallasea Island
Drake Garganey still present, Tufted Duck pair, 14 Avocet. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wednesday 20th April 2005 (First report of Lesser Whitethroat and Ring Ouzel)
Gunners Park, 07:00 to 08:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Nightingale, 1 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel (male). Tony Mead (SOG).
Canvey, Leigh Beck 13.00 - 14.30
12 Turnstone and Dunlin, 4 Common Tern by yacht club, 6 Linnet. D. Messenger.
Battlesbridge, 13:30
1 Little Egret (in pool by A130 and R.Crouch again). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:30 - 14:10
7 Swift, 10 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, drake Goldeneye, Grey Wagtail. Also 2 pairs of Red Crested Pochard and the Black Swan. Paul Griggs, Paul King (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 17:10 to 17:45
1 Little Egret, 23 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Belfairs N.R., 18:00
1 Cuckoo (flew north). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir (Causeway)
Pair of Red Crested Pochard, 1 Barnacle Goose. D. Messenger.
Hanningfield Reservoir 18:20 - 18:40
50 Swallow, 100 Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, drake Goldeneye, Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 19th April 2005
Canvey Island 09:00 - 12:15
Leighbeck (09:00 - 10:30) 1 Red-breasted Merganser (fem), 1 Common Scoter (drake), 2 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Brent Goose. Tewkes Creek (11:00 - 12:15) 2 Spotted Redshank (summer plum.), 2 Little Egret, c.10 Black-tailed Godwit. Ian White.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30 to 13:20
2 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend Airport, 17:15 to 17:30
1 Little Egret (in brook), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, Near Rose Inn Pub
1 Turtle Dove in garden for half an hour. Jo Shivers.
Monday 18th April 2005
Gunners Park, 16:20 to 17:05
9 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Common Tern (feeding offshore then moved upriver), 2 Swallow (prospecting a nest site), 1 Wheatear (male in reserve), 1 Sparrowhawk (male, excellent views perched around the mounds). Also: 4 Smooth Newt, 1 Brimstone (in my garden), 1 Peacock Butterfly, 4 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island
Female Merlin and 23 Avocet, most in pairs, prospecting the area between the sea walls. Skylarks still singing at 8:00pm! Jeff Delve (EBS).
Sunday 17th April 2005
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 11:20
2 Great Crested Grebe (offshore), 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 2 Sandwich Tern (offshore), 1 Common Tern (offshore), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:30 to 10:35
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.00
Cettis & Sedge Warblers singing, 1 Female Marsh Harrier mobbed by Crows landed in reed bed. R SHepherd.
Southend Pier 12.00 - 15.00
4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet (juvenile), 6 Cormorant,1 Kittiwake, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 1 Artic Skua (dark phase), 6 Brent Goose, 30+ Common Scoter, 6 Velvet Scoter (all East), 3 Whimbrel. R.Cannon.
Two Tree Island (East), 13:15 to 14:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Comma. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 16:30
2 Mediterranean Gull (an adult pair by KJ's cafe). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:10 to 18:00
1 Avocet (flew over), 1 Greenshank, 3 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 18:15 to 19:20
15 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2 pairs on river), 4 Shoveler, 110 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe (on river), 50 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 13 Black-tailed Godwit (on river). 1 Weasel, 1 Brown Hare. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 16th April 2005 (First report of Common Tern and Turtle Dove)
Two Tree Island (West), 08:00 to 09:00
4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear (Female.), 1 Whimbrel, 1 Swallow, 1 Little Egret, 30 Avocet, 1 Stonechat (male), 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 11:00
1 Redstart (a male in hedge south of the small side gate), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 10 Swallow (at least), 1 Cuckoo (flew across reserve and landed briefly in bush), 9 Sandwich Tern (offshore), 1 Common Tern (offshore), 4 Chiffchaff (at least), 4 Blackcap (at least), 1 Greylag Goose (offshore). Steve Arlow, Brian Baldock, Dave Knight (SOG).
Wakering, The Fleet 09.00 - 10.00
1 Sedge Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Whimbrel, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Golden Plover. Barry Chambers.
Canvey West End, 09:30 to 11:30
1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Curlew, 3 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.00 11.50
2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Swallow, 100+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Reed Bunting, Curlew, 2 Little Egret, Corn Bunting, 9 Shelduck, 4 Teal, Mute Swan, Green Woodpecker, 3 Little Grebe, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Barling Lakes 10.20 - 11.00
2 Turtle Dove, Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk. Barry Chambers.
Chalkwell (near Fairhavens) 10:20
Possible Bittern flying overhead. Familiar heron profile coupled with raptor-like outline of wings caused us to make a closer inspection of what may have been passed of as just another grey heron passing by. Chris and Ross Gardner.
Wakering Stairs, 11:10 to 12:00
2 Willow Warbler (singing along the road), 1 Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park 12.30 - 13.00
1 Swallow, I Wheatear ( in reserve), 1 Wren. Iain Henderson.
Rochford Golf Course, 13:50 to 17:10
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 14.30 - 15.15
Green Woodpecker, 2 male Wheatear in EWT reserve, Chiffchaff, 3 Long-tailed Tit. Goldfinch. Web Author.
Wakering, Fleet Head 18.00 - 18.30
8 Swallow, I green Woodpecker. Iain Henderson.
Two Tree Island
21 Avocet, 4 Canada Geese, 5 Oystercatcher and 4 Teal from the lagoon David Flack.
Friday 15th April 2005 (First report of Cuckoo)
Pitsea, Sandon Road 06.00
Cuckoo (Heard, not seen). Gary Clinton.
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Willow Warbler (Chapel Lane Car park). Steve Bunn (SOG).
Basilica House, Shotgate, Wickford 12.05 - 12.15
Male Sparrowhawk chasing Blackbird. 4 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Pair Collared Doves nesting, 1 Pair Blue Tits nesting in Air vent at side of wall. 3 Mistle Thrush, various Chaffinch, Blue Tits, Great Tits, 2 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker heard. Darren Chaplin.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:20 - 14:00
2 Swallow, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, Blue & Great tits, 3 Yellow Hammers, 1 male Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff (heard in woods) & 1 Jay. Dave Griffiths.
Thursday 14th April 2005
Wickford 07.46
1 Blackcap. Julie Barter.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:35 - 12:40
1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warblers (heard), 1 Swallow, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), Bearded Reedlings constantly moving above reeds between fleet & scrape. Ian White.
Wakering, Fleet Head 18.30 - 18.45
3 Swallow. Iain Henderson.
Two Tree Island (West), 18:30 to 19:30
18 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 13th April 2005
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:30 to 12:15
4 Swallow, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Water Rail (heard), 2 Bearded Tit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Tuesday 12th April 2005 (First report of Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler)
Two Tree Island 07:45 to 11:00
2 Sedge Warbler, one at each end of the island. 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at 8:45 in a bush at Grid Ref TQ816850, the bend in the path leading to the lagoon where the path makes a sharp turn to the south. 16 Avocet on the lagoon. David Lee.
Two Tree Island 15:30
Grasshopper Warbler heard and seen NW of model plane site in "old tree stump graveyard" John Bronze.
Rayleigh, 16:20 to 16:30
1 Swallow (At Swallow Aquatic Centre A129!). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 17:00
1 Swallow (over the garden). John Wright (SOG).
Monday 11th April 2005 (First report of Spotted Flycatcher)
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 08:15
1 Kestrel, 2 Shelduck, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Wheatear (male), 14 Linnet. Web Author.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09:05 to 15:00
4 Red-crested Pochard (2 male and 2 female) from the causeway. 3 Blackcap (2 male and 1 female), several Chiffchaff scattered through the woods. David Lee.
Gunners Park, 17.00
1 Spotted Flycatcher reported (in dead tree), 1 male Wheatear in EWT reserve. Jenifer Akib. (although exceptionally early, Jenifer has provided us with a very good description of the bird. One other Spotted Flycatcher has been reported in Hampshire on the 1st of the month - Ed.)
Sunday 10th April 2005 (First report of Nightingale and Whitethroat)
Hockley Woods 08.00 - 08.30
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (sitting next to a Greater Spotted Woodpecker), female Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch, Blue and Great Tits. Plus 1 Tawny Owl heard very clearly. Nick Bustin.
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Swallow, 4 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 4 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 11:15
2 Wheatear, 6 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Nightingale (singing in SE corner of pond), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Benfleet, Boyce Hill Golf Club 11.00
3 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker. R Shepherd.
Two Tree Island (East), 11:30 to 12:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 11:30 to 15:00
1 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Canada Goose, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Egret, 14 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 32 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 43 Avocet (pair), 1 Swallow, 1 Water Rail, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ringed Plover, 72 Dunlin, 164 Redshank, 8 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 9 Goldfinch, 3 Kestrel. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 12:20 to 13:15
1 Whitethroat, 30 Golden Plover, 2 Common Lizard, 6 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch, Back Garden 18.00
1 Mistle Thrush. Julia Golding.
Wallasea Island
Pair of Garganey on lagoon between sea walls although elusive. Avocets prospecting pool - up to 30. Also Barn Owl. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Saturday 09th April 2005 (First report of Hobby)
Chalkwell Station, 06:30 to 06:35
1 Hobby. Simon Buckell (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 10:45 to 11:30
28 Avocet, 130 Black-tailed Godwit. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet, junction of Kents Hill Road and Clifton Avenue 11.00
Approximately 15 Waxwing seen feeding on berries on ground and in tree. Jerry Stock.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:35 to 13:00
1 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:30 to 12:35
1 Buzzard (heading NW). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wickord 16.00
Between 25 and 35 Waxwing daily for the last weeks. P Peake.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16.00
Large flock of Swallows and Sand Martins (ca. 250) 5-600 yards off the causeway. Gone by Sunday afternoon. Kevin Rees.
Wallasea Island
Pair of Garganey on lagoon between sea walls. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 08th April 2005
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh 08.40
1 Sparrowhawk, low over garden. Martin Johnson.
Thursday 07th April 2005
Battlesbridge, 11:20
1 Little Egret (in pool again by A130/R.Crouch). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:30 to 14:35
1 Marsh Harrier (a male rising on thermals above castle). Andrew Woodhouse, Steve Bunn (SOG).
Two Tree Island 16.00 - 17.30
1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 62 Brent Geese far to SE on mudflats, 5 Avocet, 55 Black-tailed Godwit - one had coloured bands on both tibia - orange/red on right tibia, white upper half orange/red lower half on left tibia. Martin Johnson.
Pond by Tesco Langdon Hills Country Park 17.15
4 Tufted Duck (2 Pair), 6 Swallow (Skimming the water and back up and down again. Trans-fixed for 10 minutes admiring the grace until the storm came in), 12 Canada Geese + one dead on the edge of the Island (Tesco Side) looked like it had got caught in the brush by the neck. 4 Moorhen 6 Coot. 3 Jay in Marks Hill Reserve. Graham Saunders.
Wednesday 06th April 2005 (First report of Sand Martin and Swift)
Pitsea Cemetery 08.00
6 Sand Martin. Gary Clinton.
Paglesham Road, East End 09.30
3 Swift. George Potter.
Benfleet Creek, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head 18:30 - 19:00
2 Swallow, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Whimbrel. Iain Henderson.
Tuesday 05th April 2005 (First report of Willow Warbler)
Belfairs N.R., 08:00
1 Willow Warbler, 1 Swallow. Tony Mead (SOG).
Belton Hills, 08:00
1 Whimbrel (flew north). Tony Mead (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 08:15 - 08:35
Grey Wagtail, 14 Goldeneye, 15 Sand Martin, 2 prs Red-crested Pochard, Willow Warbler, 3 Chifchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 09:20
1 Little Egret (in pool by A130/River Crouch). Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park 1530 - 1545
1 Green Woodpecker. Iain Henderson.
Hanningfield Reservoir 18:25 - 18:35
20 Swallow, 80 Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, 18 Goldeneye, drake Red-crested Pochard. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 04th April 2005
Southend Cliffs, Opposite Casino 11.00
1 Firecrest. Marc Outten.
Two Tree Island (West), 11:30 to 12:30
2 Wheatear, 1 Merlin (female), 2 Mediterranean Gull (Adults in full summer plumage flying over), 2 Canada Goose (On lagoon). Steve Bunn (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 12:45
1 Wheatear (on seawall). Simon Watson (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 18:30
20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Sunday 03rd April 2005
Netherwayne, Opposite Sainsburys 07:30
Very large flock of Waxwing reported feeding along the bushes. Georgia House.
Gunners Park, 08:45 to 10:30
1 Black Redstart (female), 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 30 Linnet. Brian Baldock, Dave Knight (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:50 - 11:05
31 Goldeneye, Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 14:00
2 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull (a pair of 2nd -summers flying together and calling to each other), 1 Goldeneye (female), 4 Skylark. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham 14:20 to 14:30
1 Little Owl near Punchbowl, 1 Fieldfare. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling Creek, Little Wakering Creek & Fleet Head 15:30 - 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, 1 Yellowhammer, 16 Shelduck, Redshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Coot, 3 Long-tailed Tit. Richard Mander.
Barling Pits, 15:15 to 15:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Sandpiper. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Fleet Head, 16:00 to 17:30
13 Little Egret (12 on Foulness roost, 1 on the Fleet), 3 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Swallow, 2 Corn Bunting (singing). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Bradwell - St Peter's 16.00-18.00
6 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell.
Saturday 02nd April 2005
Gunners Park, 08.30 to 10:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (1 male, 2 female), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit (all around pond). Web Author.
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 10:30
7 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker (nesting in pond area), 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 Linnet, 1 Goldcrest. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.55 11.25
2 Little Egret, 7 Red-breasted Merganser (4 male), Great Crested Grebe, 7 Reed Bunting, 18 Shelduck, 6 Curlew, Corn Bunting, Green Woodpecker, 12 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 11.00
2 Garganey, 8 Goldeneye, 1 Swallow, 4 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Black Swan. R.Cannon.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:20 to 14:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 1 Swallow (my first!), 1 Yellow Wagtail (male in centre of Fleet). Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult-summer), 1 Little Egret (on the scrape), 1 Snipe. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island
1 Little Egret, 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Short-eared Owl, plenty of Curlew, Redshank, Grey Plover and Brent Geese. also on the EWT I came across a ferret golden in colour and very tame he came right up to me. Maybe it escaped from someone? Dave Messenger.
Friday 01st April 2005
Benfleet, 08:10
1 Blackcap (male feeding in ivy). Simon Watson (SOG).
Fleet Head, 11:30 to 13:00
1 Fieldfare, 2 Avocet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:30
1 Short Eared Owl, 1 Stonechat. Ken Borley and Denise Wyatt.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:45-14:00
Immature drake Long-tailed Duck in SW corner showing well from the causeway, 21 Goldeneye, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 pairs Red-crested Pochard, 1 Black Swan. Neil Chambers. (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14.30
Cetti's Warbler seen from the Scrape hide, Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret. Martin Itter.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:20-16:35
Immature drake Long-tailed Duck, 44 Goldeneye, 2 Grey Wagtail, Swallow. Neil Chambers & Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:00 - 18:00
1 drake Long-tailed Duck, 30 Goldeneye, 2 pairs of Red-crested Pochard, Black Swan. Also 30 Waxwing in Crows Heath Wood. Paul Griggs (SOG).