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April 2007

Monday 30th April 2007

Wat Tyler Country Park 08.55
Spoonbill flew over Wat Tyler Country Park, heading east. Glenn Jacobs, Alan Shearman RSPB.

RSPB Vange Marsh 09.00
Spoonbill on marsh then flew towards Pitsea, 4 Greenshank, 72 Black-tailed Godwit. Bob Young (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 09:30 to 11:30
2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 2 Grass Snake, 2 Small Heath, 6 Small Copper. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 11:50
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer, 2nd-summer), 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:15 to 13:20
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 111 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Swift, 3 Swallow, 7 Greylag Goose, 5 Canada Goose, 2 Skylark, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 5 Reed Warbler. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Hanningfield W.T. Works 13:00 - 14:00
9 House Martin around the nests installed on buildings, 13 Pied Wagtail, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff (both singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), Green Woodpecker, Blue and Great Tits, 2 Moorhen, 1 Wren. David Griffiths.

Two Tree Island 15.45 to 17.50
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Goose, 3 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Greenshank, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat. Martin Johnson.

Hadleigh Marsh / Benfleet Creek 17.45 - 19.15
2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 1 Swift. Andrew Bridge.

Sunday 29th April 2007 (First Report of Garden Warbler)

North Shoebury 07.25 - 07.40
Cuckoo calling from tree near house. Web Author.

Gunners Park, 09:20 to 10:55
1 Cuckoo, 25 Swallow, 4 Blackcap, 1 Wheatear, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Greenshank (fly over), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Eastwood Sewage Works, 09:40 to 10:25
5 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering Common and Oxenham Farm, (RSPB Field Walk) 10.00 - 12.30
Little Grebe, Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Marsh Harrier (on Potton), 3 Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Oystercatcher, 8 Grey Plover, Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, Redshank, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Wheatear, Blackbird, 3 Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, 3 Corn Bunting. Web Author.

Wakering Stairs, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (singing), 20 Whitethroat, 4 Whimbrel, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Grey Plover, 50 Dunlin, 10 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.45 12.40
5 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler (year firsts here), 4 Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, 2 Shelduck, 3 Curlew, 4 Reed Bunting, Little Egret, 3 Red-legged Partridge, Common Tern, 6 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Leigh on Sea, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Willow Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker. No sign of the Hoopoe reported yesterday. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 11.45 13.00
Nightingale singing and showing well. Ray Fuller.

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 12.00 - 18.00
Summer migrants noted from in my garden: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swift, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin. Robin Peppiatt.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:15 to 14:00
8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Skylark, 11 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank (handsome summer plumage), 1 Snipe, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Common Tern. 1 Small Heath. Paul Baker, Graham Ryland (SOG).

RSPB Old Hall Marshes 13.00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall
1 Spoonbill, 2 drake Garganey, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper. Viv Connett.

Saturday 28th April 2007 (First Report of Turtle Dove)

Canvey West End, 07:15 to 08:30
2 Cuckoo, 14 Common Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:00 to 09:30
3 Little Egret, 9 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 87 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 15 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 6 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Tern, 4 Gadwall, 6 Teal. John Wright (SOG).

Canvey West End 07.45 - 09.30
29+ Common Whitethroat (at least this many singing males), 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 5+ Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Linnet, 2 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 3 Stonechat (1 lone male and 1 pair with confirmed breeding, female seen with caterpillars in mouth disappearing into bush, then male appearing carrying dropping-sac). Martin Cracknell.

Leigh on Sea 08.00
Hoopoe reported in garden at Undercliff Gardens. The bird was pecking into the grass like a woodpecker for 3-4 minutes then flew towards the railway line (which our garden overlooks) following the path of the railway towards Gipsy Bridge. We were both amazed by how majestic it looked. The Hoopoes markings on it's back and crest were incredible. As it bent over pecking it's crest looked like an extension of it's beak. It was so striking. Marilyn Abraham.

Prittle Brook, Leigh on Sea, 08:00
1 Blackcap in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Hadleigh Marshes, 09:00 to 11:00
1 Nightingale (singing and showed well), 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. 1 Clouded Yellow by the eastern boundary. Steve Bunn (SOG).

Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:30
3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Swallow, 3 Swift, 1 House Martin, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Westcliff, 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, junction London Road and Fleetwood Road. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Benfleet Downs 13.30 - 15.30
Nightingale, (heard but not seen). One I was very close to and another in a completely different location heard from a distance. Gordon Appleton.

Rochford, 14:30
1 Cuckoo flew over garden being very vocal. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Lady Essex III, Rivers Crouch and Roach, 16.00 to 18.20
1 Little Egret, 3 Brent Goose, 2 Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Common Seal. Web Author.

Billericay (Back Garden) 18.55
Song Thrush. Chris Henry.

Wallasea Wetlands
15 Oystercatcher (at least 5 pairs), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit flew over plus flock of 11 Whimbrel dropping on to Roach side salt marsh, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Brent Goose still hanging around, 3 Common Tern are first for the year here but didn't show any interest in the new shingle capped islands. Well into double figures on Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, singing Reed Bunting and Whitethroat in scattered oilseed rape along sea wall. Fox and a good dozen Brown Hare along the conservation margins. Jeff Delve (EBS).

RSPB Rainham Marshes
4 Whimbrel, 3 Wheatear, 3 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Greenshank, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtail, Alan Shearman RSPB.

Friday 27th April 2007

Two Tree Island, 07:35 to 08:30
4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Little Egret, 19 Whitethroat, 3 Skylark, 1 Blackcap, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler. 1 Red Admiral. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Basildon, Luncies Road 08.45
7 Swift screaming overhead, lovely to see them back! Gary Clinton.

Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:30 - 13.05
1 immature female Peregrine Falcon, female Sparrowhawk. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 11:55 to 12:00
1 Buzzard (seen by C Chambers - flew high over Rayleigh mount at 11.58 heading SE towards Eastwood being mobbed by gulls). Mike Bailey (SOG).

Lady Essex III, Rivers Crouch and Roach, 14.00 to 16.20
Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 6 Whimbrel, Shelduck, 3 Brent Geese, 2 Kestrel, 2 Avocet, Skylark, Oystercatchers, 2 Common Sandpiper. 8 Common Seal one of which swam at full speed parallel to the mud bank turned inward and launched itself out of the water and UP the mud bank. Gary Dunn.

Southend, York Road 18.15
7 Swift overhead. Steve Wood.

Rayleigh Mount, 18:20 to 18:30
1 Hobby flew through garden at 18.24, 1 female Sparrowhawk flew low over garden at 18.20, 1 Swift, 1 Blackcap singing from neighbour's garden. Mike Bailey (SOG).

Thursday 26th April 2007

Belton Hills, 06:45 to 06:50
1 Whitethroat, 1 Swift. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Rainham Marshes 10.00 - 12.00
Several Swift, Reed and Sedge Warbler, 2 Greenshank, Whitethroat, Blackcap. Stanford Warren: 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, Cuckoo calling. Trevor Bufton.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 11.20 12.50
2 Wheatear (year first here), Red-legged Partridge, 2 Little Egret, Reed Bunting, 5 Shelduck, Swallow, 10 Common Whitethroat, 4 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:30
1 Peregrine Falcon (immature female). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Cherry Orchard Lane, 12:15 to 12:45
1 Buzzard. Came from the east, and watched quite distantly spiralling high before drifting slowly south south-east. On view 12:35 - 12:42, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Swallow, 2 Linnet, 1 Blackcap, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB Rainham Marshes 13:30 to 14:00
2 male and 1 female Wheatear, 6 Swift. David Lee.

Rochford, 19:00 to 19:10
4 House Martin over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 19:10 - 19:30
13 Swift, 10 House Martin, 5 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wednesday 25th April 2007

Belton Hills, 06:35 to 06:40
3 Swift. John Wright (SOG).

Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East, 9am & All Day
1 Little Egret (Summer plumage), 11 Mallard Ducklings fit & healthy, due to a lot of Public awareness. Southchurch Park East: 1 Coot nesting/10 days (west side), 5 Mallard ducklings. Robert Dobinson.

Stambridge to Paglesham Lagoon 10.30 - 13.00
1 Yellow wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 2 Hobby, 25 Corn bunting (single flock), c.350 Larus sp., 11 Common whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten.

Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:40 to 11:45
1 Peregrine Falcon (immature female). Paul Griggs (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 13.00
6 Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Skylark, Kestrel. Grass Snake. Gary Clinton.

Stanford le Hope Sea Wall (Billet end) 12.00
Male Wheatear. Gary Clinton.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
3 House Martin (flock of 3 feeding over house). Paul Baker (SOG).

Hadleigh, 18:30 to 19:00
4 House Martin west of Little Havens EWT Reserve. John Wright (SOG).

Leigh-on-Sea (From Garden) 19:45
2 Swift flying over my house. David Lee.

Tuesday 24th April 2007 (First Report of Garden Warbler)

Canvey Island Seafront, 07.30
1 Wheatear. Keith Ward.

Copt Hall Marshes (Blackwater), 10.00 - 14.00
1 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, 13 Avocet, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Oystercatcher. M.Howell, M.Jameson.

Belton Way West, near Castle Drive. Leigh on Sea, 13:15
1 Nightingale heard singing from North side of road. John Bennett.

Hanningfield Reservoir 13.15
1 Garden Warbler singing. Neil Sumner.

Abbotts Hall, 14.15 - 16.50
1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Swallow, 2 Little Egret, 22 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 1 Heron, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall, 2 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker. 2 Hare. M.Jameson, M.Howell.

Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:50 to 18:50
20 Yellow Wagtail (at least in the favoured location included a brief fly over male Blue-headed Wagtail), 2 Little Egret, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Central Southend 19.30 - 20.00
2 Swift hawking for insects from Leigh to Rochford (observed from North Road flats). Web Author.

Monday 23rd April 2007

Benfleet, 08:10
3 House Martin (from my garden), 1 Swift, 2 Swallow. Simon Watson (SOG).

Shell Haven Marshes 08:30 - 09:30
2 pairs of Wheatear, 1 pair of Little Ringed Plover, 1 pair of Ringed Plover, 1 Cuckoo heard, several Whitethroat and Stonechat. Nick Argent.

Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:45
1 Nightingale (Still present, singing, first left after children's play area), 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Egret, 6 Whitethroat, 10 Swallow, 1 Wheatear (female in reserve). John Wright (SOG).

Rochford, 10:50 to 10:55
1 Buzzard, a large raptor seen circling distantly over airport was probably this species. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 12:50
2 Wheatear along the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).

Rochford, 15:00 to 15:10
1 Swift over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend, 18:40
2 Swift feeding over North Road. Don Petrie (SOG).

Southend, 18:30 to 18:40
2 Swift over central Southend. Web Author.

Sunday 22nd April 2007 (First Report of Swift)

Wakering, Fleet Head, 05:50 to 08:05
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Cuckoo, 15 Corn Bunting (at least. All singing), 3 Yellow Wagtail (2 males), 3 Whimbrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 31 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Owl, 1 Blackcap. 3 Brown Hare. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs 07.30
3 Cuckoo flew overhead all calling, headed over towards the marshes. Ellen.

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 08:00 to 09:00
1 Bullfinch (male), 1 Whitethroat, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Holly Blue. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Canewdon, 08:30
1 male Yellow Wagtail by road just west of village. Neil Chambers (SOG).

East Tilbury 08.30 - 12.00
1 Grasshopper Warbler north of the fort near a clump of Pampas Grass, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, several Common Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Whimbrel, 171 Black-tailed Godwit.David Jobbins.

Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Nightingale (heard only), 2 Cuckoo, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Also: 10+ Marsh Frogs, Blue Tailed Damselfly and 2 Orange Tip butterflies. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Corringham, 11.30
1 Red Kite, casually soaring high above us. Had time to get binoculars to confirm species. It was coming from the direction of One Tree Hill towards Fobbing Marshes. Gaye Carter.

Canvey Island 13:38
1 Harris's Hawk (trailing jesses); circling high and drifting north; mobbed by 2 Carrion Crow. Ian White.

Billericay 14.00
2 Swift over south side of town near Mill Meadows. Neil Sumner.

Paglesham East End Area 15.30 - 17.00
Wheatear, cracking male very close views, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Cuckoo, 6 Corn Bunting, Green Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, many Common Whitethroat. Ray Fuller.

Heybridge 17.30
2 Swift over back garden. Viv Connett.

Belton Way, Leigh-on-Sea 19.00
3 Swift circling high. Daniel Baker.

Billericay (South Green) 19.30
2 Swift. Kevin Rees.

Eastwood, 19:30 to 19:40
2 House Martin feeding over Morrisons car park. Don Petrie (SOG).

Saturday 21st April 2007

Wakering, Fleet Head, 06:00 to 06:45
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:30 to 09:00
2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler (1 seen), 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:15 to 09:45
1 Common Tern, 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.25 11.10
2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat (year firsts here), 3 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, Reed Bunting, 8 Curlew, Cuckoo (year first here), 6 Shelduck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Goldfinch, 4 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Gunners Park, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 1 Blackcap (female), 1 Kestrel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Maldon Golf Club by River Chelmer, 11.30
1 Ring Ouzel. Graham Saunders.

Canvey Point, 12:00 to 13:00
2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Egret, 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 adult-summer, 2 2nd-summer), 3 Swallow. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 12:15 to 13:30
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Swallow, 1 Blackcap. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey West End, 14:00 to 15:45
1 Cuckoo, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Stonechat (singing male). 1 Red Fox. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Maldon, Blackwater and Lakes 14:30
11 Common Tern, 1 Swallow, 8 Cormorant, 400+ Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Brent Goose, 15 Shelduck. Graham Saunders.

Gunners Park 15.30 - 16.30
1 Cuckoo, 2 Little Egret, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Linnet, 2 Swallow, 1 Grey Heron spotted by Liam Argent (age 6). Julie Argent.

Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Ruff. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 17:40
1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG).

East Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort
Migrants hard to come by this morning, with just singles of Whimbrel and Whitethroat and 3 or 4 Blackcaps. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Friday 20th April 2007 (First Report of Hobby)

RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:00 to 07:40
1 Hobby, 1 Common Sandpiper, , 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Gunners Park, 09:30 to 11:30
1 Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 22 Linnet, 2 Swallow, 2 Kestrel, 4 Shelduck, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey West, 11:00
c.300 Black-tailed Godwit (2 birds ringed), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30+ Shelduck, Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Linnet. Paul Bruty.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 12:45 to 13:15
1 male Ring Ouzel in fields near the SW corner. David Lee.

Wat Tyler Country Park 13.30
1 Cuckoo heard. Neil Sumner.

Canvey Heights Country Park, 14:00
Dense population of Skylark. Paul Bruty.

Thursday 19th April 2007

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09.20
2 Sparrowhawk, pair soaring in the sunshine. David Selley.

Gunners Park, 12:00 to 12:35
2 Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Linnet, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Southend Pier, 13:30
1 Guillemot, 50 Turnstone. Martin Jameson.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.25 16.45
2 Yellow Wagtail (year first here), Common Tern (year first here), 5 Shelduck, Reed Bunting, Swallow, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Curlew, Little Grebe, 4 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Two Tree Island, 16:40 to 20:00
125 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Water Rail, 1 Swallow, 6 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel. 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Orange-tip. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Two Tree Island West 17:00
Greenshank, Little Egret, 2 Grey Plover, 20+ Avocet, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Dunlin. Richard Shepherd.

Wednesday 18th April 2007 (First Report of Ring Ouzel)

Gunners Park, 06:30 to 07:20
1 Nightingale, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Canvey West End, 07:30 to 10:30
1 Ring Ouzel (female briefly), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Swallow, 1 Stonechat (male), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).

East Mersea 11.00
2 Swallow (first of the year). Martin Jameson.

Hadleigh Downs 11:00 - 14:00
9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 male Bullfinch, 6 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Bruty.

Hadleigh Country Park, 11.30 - 12.30
1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 male blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff singing, 1 House Martin. Numerous Speckled Wood butterflies. Dave Perry.

Benfleet Creek (sea wall) 14:00 - 15:00
9 Linnet, 1 Common Tern. Paul Bruty.

Benfleet Creek, 15:00 to 16:30
3 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat (males), 1 Whitethroat, 200 Black-tailed Godwit, 70 Dunlin, 6 Grey Plover, 4 Turnstone. John Wright (SOG).

Leigh Seafront, 16:30 to 16:40
270 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. John Wright (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:00
1 male Sparrowhawk in garden chasing sparrows. Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey West End 19.40 - 20.25
2 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker. Martin Cracknell.

Tuesday 17th April 2007

Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 - 11:00
2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Little Gull, 2 Little Grebe, 14 Pochard, pair Gadwall, Bearded Tit, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, 2 Cuckoo, Sparrowhawk. Paul Bruty.

Gunners Park, 09:00 to 12:30
3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 1 Wheatear (male), 1 Red-throated Diver (offshore), 2 Swallow, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair), 1 Gannet (adult just offshore), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Steve Arlow

East Mersea 10:00 - 13:00
2 Avocet, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Linnet, 2 Brent Geese, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Turnstone, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Skylark, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-headed Goose, 8 Little Grebe,1 female Wheatear, 1 female Whinchat. 5 Hare, 1 Fox, 1 Slow Worm. Martin Jameson.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00
Little Gull still present. 3 Little Ringed Plover on the scrape. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Gunners Park 11.30 - 13.00
1 Adult Gannet parallel to sea wall, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Linnet. Web Author.

Shell Haven Marshes 14:00 - 15:20
1 Barn Owl roosting in old pumphouse, 1 Wheatear, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 1 pair of Ringed Plover and several Redshank and Lapwing. Nick Argent.

Hadleigh Downs, 14:30 to 15:00
1 Cuckoo. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Copt Hall Marshes 15:00
1 Barn Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Black Swan, 2 Avocet, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Curlew, 3 Reed Bunting. Martin Jameson, Michael Howell.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 22:15
1 Common Pipistrelle at 8pm, 1 Little Owl heard calling from football field over the road. Paul Baker (SOG).

Monday 16th April 2007 (First Report of Nightingale)

Southend Airport, 03:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing in bushes bordering Warner's Bridge MacDonalds. Mike Bailey (SOG).

Stanford-le-Hope, Branksome Avenue, 07.30
1 male Sparrowhawk feeding on a Starling in back garden. Julie Argent.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 08:30
2 Greenshank, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:35 to 09:20
1 Little Gull (still hawking along fleet), 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Vince Kinsler, Bob Young (SOG).

Canvey West End, 09:15 to 11:15
1 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Linnet, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap, 2 Swallow. 1 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 09.30 - 11.40
2 Chaffinch, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Moorhen, many Coot and Tufted Duck, Black Swan, 2 Mute Swan, numerous Greylag & Canada Geese, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, Shoveler, 12 Blackcap all singing their hearts out. Chris Henry.

Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Nightingale by high wire fencing, first concrete turn in on left beyond children's play area. Chris Lewis (SOG).

Two Tree Island West, 17:00
1 Cuckoo. Richard Shepherd.

Two Tree Island, 17:00 to 18:00
206 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Gunners Park, 17:00 to 18:00
2 Nightingale (singing), 2 Wheatear (pair), 12 Linnet, 2 Kestrel (pair), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Song Thrush. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 18.15 - 18.45
1 Greenshank, 3 Avocet. Iain Henderson.

South Benfleet, Hillside Road, 18.30
2 House Martin - prospecting eaves in traditional nesting area. Martin Cracknell.

Southend, 18:30 to 17:40
2 Sparrowhawk (pair around North Road flats). Web Author.

Canvey West End, 19.30 - 20.15
7 Linnet, 1 Stonechat (male in area that pair successfully bred last year, no sign of his mate yet), 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker. Martin Cracknell.

Wat Tyler Country Park
Little Gull still around the scrape, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Green Sandpiper. Water Vole showed well again today, in front of the scrape hide for the second day in a row. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Sunday 15th April 2007

Two Tree Island, 08:20 to 12:15
1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Reed Bunting, 8 Skylark, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 5 Teal, 235 Black-tailed Godwit (fantastic plumage), 3 Greenshank, 5 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 267 Curlew, 41 Redshank, 30 Ringed Plover, 65 Dunlin, 51 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Graham Ryland (SOG).

East Tilbury 09.00 - 11.30
1 Grasshopper Warbler singing from birch and willow scrub north of Coalhouse Fort, heard from the sea wall. Also in the area, 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Egrets, 10 Avocet. David Jobbins.

Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 12:00
2 Slavonian Grebe (breeding plumaged birds still present), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Hadleigh Marsh 11.00 - 13.00
1 Pochard, 2 Green Woodpecker, Stonechat, 2 Blackcap (calling), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat. Andrew Bridge.

Rochford, 11:30
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at Purdeys Ind. Estate. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 12:20 to 12:55
1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend 13.30 - 13.40
Pair of Sparrowhawk riding the thermals above Southend Hospital. Web Author.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 18:45
1 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Gull (1st winter still present), 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 4 Little Grebe (at least 2 pairs), 1 Great Crested Grebe (lonesome displaying bird). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Buxey Sands, (3 Miles from the Mouth of the River Crouch) From Lady Essex III Seal Trip 16.00 - 18.30
1 Swallow, 1 Grey heron, 1 Brent Goose. 2 Atlantic Grey Seal, 29 Common Seal. Gary Dunn.

Barling Hall Farm, 19.00
2 Sand Martin. T. Thorneycroft.

Barling Hall Farm 19.45
Barn Owl hunting over rough meadow. T. Thorneycroft.

RSPB Vange Marsh
4 Little Gull, 2 Common Tern, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Sedge Warbler. No sign of the Bluethroat up to 8am at least. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Wat Tyler Country Park
Little Gull still present this morning and a Cuckoo. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Saturday 14th April 2007 (First Report of Cuckoo, Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warbler)

Writtle,, Skeggs Farm, 07.15
1 Cuckoo. Andrew Allen.

Rawreth, Cricket Ground, 09.00
Cuckoo calling near cricket pavilion. John Atfield.

Leigh on Sea, 09:30
1 Sparrowhawk over my garden in Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.40 11.20
Swallow (year first here), 2 Little Egret, 12 Shelduck, 6 Curlew, 2 Reed Bunting, 100+ Golden Plover, 2 Mute Swan, 8 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 14:20
2 Slavonian Grebe (summer plumaged birds still present), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult summer), 4 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 12.25 - 14.35
No further sign of White-spotted Bluethroat seen earlier today, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3+ Cetti's Warbler, 5 Yellow Wagtail (flew over together), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (Singing on north side in scrub along railway track), 2 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 4 Reed Bunting, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 Avocet. Martin Cracknell.

Belfairs Golf Course, 13:30
1 Sparrowhawk. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Hampton Barns, 14:15 to 14:20
1 Little Owl, 1 male Lesser Whitethroat singing in hedge by 1st cattle grid from main road. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, 17:15
2 Sparrowhawk (pair calling over my garden). Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:50 to 18:25
1 Little Gull (1st winter flying up and down the fleet in front of the hide), 1 Yellow Wagtail (heard), 2 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler (at least), 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing near hide). Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs, Simon Watson (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:10 to 18:25
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Little Gull (1st winter), 2 Oystercatcher. Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:35 to 20:00
1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park
1 Reed Warbler at the marina end of the fleet this morning. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Rivenhall End
1 Little Egret by the weir. John Williams.

Friday 13th April 2007 (First Report of Sand Martin and Common Whitethroat)

Gunners Park, 08:00 to 08:30
2 Shelduck, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Swallow, 2 Great Crested Grebe (on estuary). Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey West End, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Sand Martin (flew north), 1 Swallow (flew north), 200 Black-tailed Godwit (in Hole Haven Creek), 1 Stonechat (singing male), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Tilbury Dock 13:00
1 male Peregrine. Jason Barnes.

Buxey Sands, (3 Miles from the Mouth of the River Crouch) From Lady Essex III Seal Trip 14.00 - 16.30
1 Grey heron, 3 Brent Goose. 1 Atlantic Grey Seal, 24 Common Seal. Web Author.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 17.00
Little Gull: the immature was on the scrape again. 1 Peregrine sat on top of a pylon behind the scrape for over an hour. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Field Opposite Entrance to Essex Marina, 18:37
5 Stock Dove on edge of field and verge. Gary Dunn.

Thursday 12th April 2007

Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:50 to 13:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (imm. male perched on Portcullis House for 2 hours), 1 Swallow. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Gunners Park 13.45
1 Wheatear (a cracking male) in the Reserve Area, showing well to the left of the big mound. Les Costin (EBS).

Gunners Park, 17:45 to 18:30
1 Yellow Wagtail (male), 1 Wheatear (male), 4 Stock Dove, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Reed Bunting (male), 6 Linnet, 2 Skylark. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Canvey West End 18.30 - 19.30
2 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker (very quiet, not a single migrant warbler seen or heard). Martin Cracknell.

Wat Tyler Country Park
Little Gull (first-winter on the scrape all afternoon), 23 Black-tailed Godwit in full summer plumage on the scrape 6pm, Avocet; numbers are much reduced on the scrape, with only 4 seen today, 1 Green Sandpiper on the scrape, 2 Swallow seen late afternoon, 6 Shelduck. Alan Shearman RSPB

Wednesday 11th April 2007 (First Report of House Martin)

Hadleigh Downs, Walking Benfleet Bound from Castle, 07.35
1 Wheatear. Ellen.

Canewdon High Street, 07.50
2 House Martin visiting last year's nest on village shop. David Selley.

Two Tree Island 10:15
2 Swallow flying north over the car park. David Lee.

Boyce Hill Golf Club, 12.00
Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Chiffchaff. Richard Shepherd.

Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 13:30
1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Skylark (Singing), 2 Green Woodpecker. 2 Brimstone. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Buxey Sands 12.00 - 14.00
39 Common seals observed from the Lady Essex III. Gary Dunn.

Wakering, Fleet Head 12.15 - 13.00
1 pair Long-tailed Tit. 1 Mallard with 14 ducklings. 1 pair Canada Geese. Iain Henderson.

Hanningfield Reservoir
5 drake Red-crested Pochard, several singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff, 2 House Martin high up, few Goldeneye. John Atfield.

Tuesday 10th April 2007 (First Report of Sedge Warbler and Whimbrel)

Doggetts Pits, 10:30 to 11:40
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (at nest hole), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff (north of the farm), 1 Swallow (on wires at the farm), 2 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk (female north of the farm). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 15:30
2 Slavonian Grebe (adult summers; one was in full breeding plumage whilst the second bird still had some white flecking to the cheeks and ear coverts), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing from the reedbed at the north end), 2 Yellow Wagtail (flew over), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winters), 3 Mediterranean Gull (pair of adults again and a first-winter), 1 Little Egret, 300 Wood Pigeon (at least in three groups). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 12.10
A Red Kite flew south over the reservoir at 12.10. Also 1 Common Buzzard (distant), 4 Sparrowhawk, 6 Red-crested Pochard (on the island), 4 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, 2 Willow Warbler and many Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs. David Jobbins.

Billericay, in Garden, 13.30 - 14.30
Goldcrest. Peacock Butterfly. Chris Henry

Wallasea Wetlands (first lagoon only) 16.30
1 Yellow Wagtail, 19 Skylark, 8 Goldfinch, 8 Swallow, 3 Corn Bunting, 28 Golden Plover in summer plumage with their black bellies. Web Author.

Paglesham Lagoon, 16:30 to 17:10
2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Mediterranean Gull (first winter), 2 Shoveler (a pair), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark. Paul Baker (SOG).

Paglesham Churchend, 17:15 to 17:20
1 Little Owl (in usual willow but spooked as soon as car pulled up), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Corn Bunting (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).

Paglesham Churchend, 17:40 to 18:00
1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Common Pipistrelle. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 18:00 to 19:30
2 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting (males), 1 Chiffchaff (heard), 2 Kestrel (pair). 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs / Benfleet Creek 18.00 - 19.00
3 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Stonechat, Lots of Marsh Frogs calling. Andrew Bridge.

Monday 09th April 2007 (First Report of Yellow Wagtail)

RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:35 to 09:25
7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 11.50
Chiffchaff, 2 Corn Bunting, 13 Shelduck, 18 Curlew, Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Reed Bunting, 10 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Hanningfield Reservoir 10.30 - 12.30
2 Chiffchaff, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldeneye. Graham Saunders.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 12:30
5 Blackcap, 3 Bearded Tit, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Little Grebe. 2 Adder, 2 Grass Snake. John Wright, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 10.45 - 11.15
1 Yellow wagtail, 3 Corn buntings, 8 Linnet. Marc Outten.

Wallasea Wetlands, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Swallow (in 1 flock), 6 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting (males), 5 Corn Bunting, 25 Skylark, 15 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 14:00 to 15:00
4 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Slow-worm, 1 Small Copper (Beats previous earliest record in 1990 by 16 days!), 1 Marsh Frog (several now calling). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Rochford, 15:00 to 15:10
2 Sparrowhawk (the pair again circling over garden this afternoon), 1 Blackcap (singing bird this morning). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 16:30 to 18:00
250 Black-tailed Godwit (at least on lagoon), 20 Bar-tailed Godwit (with the Black-tailed), 2 Greenshank, 2 Little Egret, 6 Ringed Plover, 60 Oystercatcher (on lagoon). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond
Willow Warbler, Common Lizard sunning itself.  Jeff Delve (EBS).

Sunday 08th April 2007

Hartswood Golf Course Brentwood 06.45 - 10.15
6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Green Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaff, 7 Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk. Graham Saunders.

Two Tree Island 07:30 to 09:30
73 Avocet on the lagoon, 20-30 Oystercatcher performing noisy formation flying over the lagoon, 75 Black-tailed Godwit coming into summer plumage on the creek. David Lee.

Gunners Park, 09:15 to 10:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Reed Bunting (pair), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 10 Linnet, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Meadow Pipit. 1 Peacock butterfly. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Barling Pits, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Swallow, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 Common Lizard. John Wright (SOG).

Elmsleigh Drive, 10:00
6 Goldfinch sitting on and flying around a TV aerial in Elmsleigh Drive. Keith Bentham.

South Fambridge to Raypits 10.30 - 12.30
2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 9 Skylark, Meadow Pipit. On Bridgemarsh Island: 17 Brent Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 12 Shelduck, about 30 very vocal Oystercatcher. Comma, Cabbage White and many Peacock butterflies. David Selley.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:45 to 12:00
1 Swallow, 4 Little Egret, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Little Owl. 4 Brown Hare. John Wright (SOG).

Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard the lady Essex III 13.00 - 15.30
3 Brent Goose, 2 Avocet, 1 (possibly 2) Marsh Harrier (on Foulness), 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. 7 Common Seal. Web Author.

Wakering, The Fleet 14.30 - 15.30
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Swallow. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton.

Copt Hall Marshes (Blackwater) 14.30 - 16.30
13 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Egret, large flock of Grey Plover and Knot. 1 Grey Seal. M.Jameson, M.Howell. 

Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond
Chiffchaff, Blackcap. Buzzard near Ballards Gore plus pair of Little Owls at Scotts Hall Road. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Saturday 07th April 2007 (First Report of Willow Warbler)

Hadleigh Downs, 08:00 to 08:30
2 Blackcap. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 09:30
1 Water Rail (showing well), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult summer pair on the scrape), 8 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler. 2 Adder (pitsea). Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 12:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Stock Dove (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Paglesham Churchend and Lagoon 08:30 to 13:00
1 Little Owl, 7 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 30+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male), 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Kestrel (pair), 5 Skylark, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Yellowhammer (male), c.200 Dunlin, 1 Linnet (female), 9 Great Crested Grebe (together), 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Barn Owl. Paul and Matt Bruty.

Lubards Hullbridge 09.00
1 Swallow. Hilary Knight.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.20 10.55
6 Little Egret, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, 3 Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, 2 Shelduck, 2 Curlew, 18 Golden Plover, 8 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard the lady Essex III 13.00 - 15.30
3 Brent Goose, 15 Dunlin, 1 Short-eared Owl (on Foulness). 12 Common Seal. Web Author.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:45 to 17:00
2 Pintail (pair), 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff (heard), 1 Skylark. 4 Peacock Butterfly, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Southend Airport, 16:00 to 18:00
2 Green Woodpecker (the usual pair), 1 Skylark (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (the now resident bird singing its head off), 1 Blackcap (singing occasionally), 2 Corn Bunting flew low overhead, calling. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:10 to 18:10
1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Friday 06th April 2007 (First Report of Sandwich Tern)

Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard the lady Essex III 11.00 - 13.30
4 Little Egret, 18 Shelduck, 14 Avocet, 1 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2m, 2f), 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow. 17 Common Seal Web Author.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Holly Blue, 1 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 12:15 to 15:00
1 Buzzard (13:35 - 13:50 mobbed by a Crow & Sparrowhawk drifting S.E. over the marsh and Benfleet Creek before gaining height and drifting north.), 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpecker, 10 Chiffchaff. 6 Brimstone, 1 Holly Blue, 4 Comma, 20 Peacock Butterfly, 10 Marsh Frog. John Wright (SOG).

River Thames, 12:30 to 15:30
(all birds seen from BDMLR RIB): 1 Sandwich Tern (actively fishing just w of the pier head), 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st win/sum just e of pier head), 1 Peregrine Falcon (adult female perching on and flying around the Maunsell Sea Fort towers). Mike Bailey (SOG).

Hadleigh Marshes, 14:00 to 15:15
4 Stonechat (3 males), 4 Pochard, 9 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Barling Hall Farm 14.30
2 Swallow. T.Thorneycroft.

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 15:30 to 15:35
1 Sparrowhawk over the garden. John Wright (SOG).

Southend Pier 16.00
1 Purple Sandpiper along with 45 Turnstone. Chris Seaton.

Benfleet Creek 16.00 to 19.00
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Oystercatcher, Avocet, 2 Grey Plover, Redshank, 2 Greenshank, c. 100 Black-tailed Godwit nearly all in summer plumage, Curlew, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Swallow. Martin Johnson.

Thursday 05th April 2007

Rayleigh, 07:20
1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:45 to 08:00
3 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 13:40
1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 3 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair and 2nd summer), 600 Larus sp. (many hundreds of gulls, mostly immatures, and little in the way of unusual birds). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Barling Pits, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 12 Peacock Butterfly plus Comma and Small White, 1 Brimstone. John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:15 to 15:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).

Marks Tey 15.50 - 16.10
Male Marsh Harrier, 2 Red Kite drifting across fields behind shop parade at Marks Tey heading towards Colchester. Ian Reed.

Rochford, 16:40 to 16:50
2 Sparrowhawk (pair over garden, male displaying). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 19:00 to 20:00
1 Swallow, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Wednesday 04th April 2007

Stambridge 12.30
Sparrowhawk on Wood Pigeon. Gary Dunn.

Rayleigh, 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk (north over The Weir). Paul Baker

Wat Tyler Country Park
Little Ringed Plover on the scrape this morning and 30+ Avocet. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Shell Haven Marshes
1 Swallow. Nick Argent.

Tuesday 03rd April 2007

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 06:30
1 male Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, 06:40
21 Golden Plover heading northeast. John Wright (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 06:55
3 Little Egret by Canvey road bridge. John Wright (SOG).

Southend, 09:15
2 Green Sandpiper again along Cherry Orchard Way. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, 15:05
1 Sparrowhawk flying west past Briarwood Drive. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Belton Hills, 17:15 to 17:20
2 Sparrowhawk, male & female - Belton Hills East. John Wright (SOG).

Cherry Orchard Lane, 17:30
1 Little Egret flew low east along brook, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).

Shell Haven Marshes
1 pair of Peregrine Falcon circling over storage tanks, 18 Ringed Plover, 1 pair of Grey Wagtail and 2 pair of Little Grebe. Nick Argent.

Monday 02nd April 2007

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 06:35 
90 Golden Plover (c90 heading N.E.). John Wright (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, 06:45 to 06:50
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 07:10
1 Little Egret by Canvey road bridge. John Wright (SOG).

Hadleigh Marshes, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Pochard, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler (in bushes along railway line). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (full adult summer). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 12:30 to 12:50
3 Chiffchaff, 3 Redwing. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 12:45
1 Cetti's Warbler singing in bushes by dyke and sea wall. Simon Watson (SOG).

Wakering, 12:55
200 Golden Plover flying north over Southend Road. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Rochford, 16:00 to 16:05
1 Sparrowhawk briefly in back garden tree. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Benfleet 16.50
Red Kite over my home at Benfleet. The bird was an adult and heading into the north easterly breeze, fairly low and just slowly ambling along on the wind! Jeff Mendham.

Hadleigh Downs, 17:00 to 18:20
1 Cetti's Warbler (by the fishing lakes between the main car park and the cafe), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawk. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Sunday 01st April 2007

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.40 11.25
31 Curlew, Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, Little Grebe, 7 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Pitsea, Area Between Vange Marsh & Wat Tyler 11:00 to 11:40
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Pheasant, 1 Swallow. 10 Adder. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:45 to 13:30
2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 6 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 15:30 to 17:00
7 Chiffchaff (singing), 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).

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