Bird Reports for April 2010
Friday 30th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Turtle Dove.
Benfleet Creek, 08:05 to 08:10
1 Wheatear on seawall between Benfleet and Leigh, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 12+ Whitethroat, 10 Linnet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:00
3 Swift (first of the year locally), 2 Swallow, 15 Yellow Wagtail (females in as well now and much activity), 1 male Wheatear, 12 Corn Bunting (singing birds all around fields), 25 Skylark (singing birds), 2 Little Egret (southern borrowdyke). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 09:15 to 10:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler (singing), 4 Wheatear (flying field), 6 Swallow, 2 Swift, 1 Skylark, 25 Whitethroat, 2 Nightingale, 1 Blackcap, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Song Thrush. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hyde Hall 10:00 to 12:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, many Skylark, 2 House Martin, 5 Whitethroat, 7 Linnet, 2 pairs of Yellowhammer, 1 pair of Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:35 to 11:10
5 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 15 Swift, 13 Swallow, 35 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:30
2 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Mill Lane Fisheries to Hampton Barns, River Roach 13:00 to 15:15
Turtle Dove at Hampton Barns, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whimbrel, 14 Swallow, Corn Bunting, 3 Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo, 2 Greenshank, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Snipe, Common Tern, Long-tailed Tit, 16 Common Whitethroat, 3 Goldfinch, 12 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:30 to 14:00
2 Common Sandpiper, Cormorant, 5 Shelduck, 4 Avocet, Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:00
1 Turtle Dove calling near Holly Cottage. Neil Phillips.
RSPB Canvey Wick, 17:25 to 18:45
1 Nightingale (100m south of Northwick Road near blue containers), 1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1 of which was 50 metres from the Morrisons roundabout along Northwick Road), 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat. Marc Outten, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Thursday 29th April 2010
Gunners Park 07.15 to 09.30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker (at probable nest hole) 7+ Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, many Linnet and Greenfinch. Les Costin.
Rochford 07:30 to 07:55
6 Swift, 9 House Martin over last year's nest sites. David Selley.
Norsey Wood 08:00 to 12:00
1 Whitethroat, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper (pair). Neil Phillips.
Langdon Hills 08:00 to 13:00
1 male wheatear, 1 male Firecrest, several Swift, 6 Swallow. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (East) 09:00 to 10:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Mallard with ducklings, 2 Nightingale by path (one heard, one seen), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, numerous Linnet, Wren, Greenfinch, Whitethroat. Paul Forsdick.
Southchurch, 10:00 to 16:00
12 Swift screaming around the rooftops most of the day. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
On the RSPB walk: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pochard, Mallard, Magpie, Coot, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Mute Swan, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Greenfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lapwing, Reed Bunting, Bearded Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Rochford, 11:00 to 11:15
1 Peregrine Falcon high over the garden at 11.15 heading north east. 1 Holly Blue (possibly two). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Gunners Park 12:00 to 14:45
4 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 2 Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Common Whitethroat, Cuckoo, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear by the Coastguards Station. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:10 to 13:40
11 Greenshank (saline lagoon), 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Reed Warbler, 3 Shoveler, 1 Chiffchaff (on old county tip site), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Redshank (saline lagoon), 3 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Small Tortoiseshell (worn individual), 1 Orange-tip. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:30 to 19:15
2 Nightingale (one singing near rail crossing and a different bird seen (fem?) by 'N Battery' sign), 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Belfairs Woods, 18:05 to 18:50
1 Tawny Owl calling between Sanctuary Road and main E-W ride), 6 Blackcap (singing), 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 28th April 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 05:30 to 08.00
Saline Lagoon: 6 Avocet, 2 Canada Geese with 5 young, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 1 Cuckoo on overhead wires. Brackish Lagoon: 6 Shelduck, 2 Swan (nest building), 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 6 Greylag Geese. Reed beds: 2 Reed Warbler, c.12 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Cetti's Warbler. Also heard: 2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 near green gates, 1 in reed bed on Pitsea creek), 3 Common Whitethroat in hedgerow near railway. David Shepherd.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads - Between Barnes and Town Centre 06:00 to 08:00
6 Reed Bunting, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackbird (inc. 1 fledgling), 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Magpie, 28 Carrion Crow, 5 Mallard, 4 Moorhen, 7 House Sparrow, 6 Wren, 1 Common Tern, 2 Robin, 7 Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Great Tit. Paul Forsdick.
South Fambridge, 08:25 to 09:05
West to pillbox and back: 1 Common Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 6 Whitethroat (singing), 6 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Yellow Wagtail (pair), 6 Little Egret, 6 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:35 to 09:50
2 Black-necked Grebe (summer plumaged pair at west end of main fleet viewed from hide nearest A130). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:40 to 09:50
2 Black-necked Grebe (pair in summer plumage on main flood/reservoir near the reedy island). Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch, 10:00
3 Swift. 2 Holly Blue. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Island, 10:00 to 10:30
Following a report of a Wryneck on rough ground by car park of Concord Rangers F.C. along Thames Road: 5 Whitethroat, 20 House Sparrow. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:20 to 11:50
2 Black-necked Grebe (pair), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:55 to 12:50
2 Black-necked Grebe (pair still present, ranging the length of the reservoir, close to both the viewpoints at times). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Gunners Park 12:00 to 13:30
Pair of Kestrel - 1 hunting near big derelict building in south eastern corner, pair of Long-tailed Tit, 1 Common Whitethroat, 30+ Swallow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch. Westley Byford.
Southend, Eastern Avenue 13:30
3 Mediterranean Gull. Dave Knight (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:30 to 15:45
8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Kestrel, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults and a 1st summer, calling in flight), 15 Sandwich Tern (all east), 187 Common Tern (190 E - 3 W. The closer ones were all common, the further 'commic' types assumed common.), 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Yellow Wagtail (males in reserve), 6 Wheatear (all in reserve). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:10 to 15:35
2 Black-necked Grebe (summer plumage pair on the reservoir), 2 Mediterranean Gull. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:45 to 18:35
1 Peregrine Falcon high over east, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Pochard, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling on the tip, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Tuesday 27th April 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:20 to 08:45
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling on the tip, 5 Reed Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Common Tern, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
South Fambridge 09.30
1 Cuckoo, very vocal perched on the fence in the field on the way down to the river. Barry Bridge.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:00 to 11:45
6 Avocet, 4 Swift, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island 14:00
From main hide West end: 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern, Avocet, Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit in summer Plumage. Craig Messenger.
Maldon 18:00
2 Sand Martin. Thomas Harris.
Benfleet Creek, 18:15 to 19:15
2 Little Egret, 11 Greenshank, 2 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from brambles borrowdyke side of seawall about 100 metres east of the gate that crosses the wall, near where the cereal fields give way to grassland. Same area as the reeling bird on the 17/4, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 male Stonechat, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 19:30 to 20:00
13 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 26th April 2010
Maldon High Street 09:00
2 Swift. Thomas Harris.
Southchurch East Park and Southchurch Park 12:30
Reed Warblers arrived on mass today in Southchurch East, 2 Green Woodpecker. Cygnets due to hatch this week in Southchurch and Southchurch East Parks. 5 Coot nests, 10 Wagtails on football pitch, 1 Mediterranean Gull in Southchurch East. Robert Dobinson.
Grays, Near Dell Road 20:30
1 Bat flying overhead for a good 15 to 20 minutes. Joseph, Jessica and Daniel French.
Sunday 25th April 2010
Two Tree Island, 06:30 to 08:50
2 Nightingale (either side of path), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling and showing occasionally west of airfield), 42 Knot (most winter plumage but two in partial summer plumage), 6 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (by car park), 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank (scrape), 1 Sand Martin (flew north ), 1 Wheatear (female on airfield), 8 Skylark (2 on east island, 6 on west), 4 Ringed Plover (2 pairs on scrape), 9 Mallard (pair with 7 ducklings on east island). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Canvey Point, 07:45 to 08:30
c.40 Common Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern, 1 Fulmar (seemed to fly in from mid-channel deliberately to investigate me, at one point only 8-10 feet above my head), 4 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Pound Wood 08:00
Nightingale singing northern boundary. Richard Gray.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 08:30
3 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Langdon Hills 08:30 to 13:30
1 Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, 1 Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch. Andrew Cox.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:45 to 09:05
1 female Bearded Tit feeding right outside the hide, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:50 to 09:10
2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Point, 09:20 to 12:30
3 Sandwich Tern, 20+ Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 9 Great Crested Grebe. Don Petrie, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
1 immature female Merlin, 4 Wheatear (male near car park, 2 males and a female centre of island - one of which was inside the Merlin on my return), 7 Yellow Wagtail (singing birds all over at last - all in overnight), 4 Whimbrel (east end wetlands), 12 Dunlin (summer plumage birds ), 17 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern (over east end), 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 pairs calling high over car park), 12 Corn Bunting (singing birds - getting busy now), 10 Skylark (at least singing). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canewdon, 11:00 to 14:00
From garden: 1 Sedge Warbler (singing by Butts Hill Pond), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 female Brambling (came in to feeders, latest ever spring record for the garden), 1 male Peregrine Falcon (with 2 missing secondaries on right wing soared overhead for 5 minutes), 1 Mediterranean Gull (resident again mewing overhead), 2 Swallow (in village), 1 Hobby (probable going away east). Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge 11:30 to 12:20
12 Whimbrel flying up-river, 2 Swallow, 3 Whitethroat (singing), 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Skylark (singing), 2 Reed Bunting. David Selley.
Stambridge Mills 11:53
Buzzard wheeling overhead. Peter Walker.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 12:50 to 14:30
1 Little Grebe (calling), 4 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 33 Shelduck, 3 Lapwing (one displaying), 4 Whimbrel (in East Haven Creek), 5+ Skylark (singing), 1 Wheatear, 3 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 10+ Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:00 to 16:20
2 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 7 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 6 Whitethroat (singing), 8 Blackcap (singing), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel (pair), 3 Sparrowhawk (male and 2 female), 1 Whimbrel, 2 House Martin (flew north). 1 Holly Blue, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:40 to 17:20
Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Whimbrel (in creek), 1 Cuckoo, Skylark, 2 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat (by red hill). Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Holly Blue. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 15:15 to 16:30
2 Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting, 4 Sandwich Tern, 6 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:40 to 17:20
1 male Whinchat by red hill, 1 Wheatear, 2 Gadwall, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Greenshank (heard), 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 30 Shelduck. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 16:20 to 17:50
1 male Whinchat by red hill, 1 Wheatear, 8 Tufted Duck (4 pairs asleep by the reservoir), 2 Reed Bunting, 9 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Sandford Mill 16.30
1 Grey Heron, 3 Common Tern, and 1 Sand Martin. Sue Haffenden.
Two Tree Island (West), 16:30 to 16:50
1 Wheatear near airfield. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:45 to 18:20
1 male Whinchat, 7 Swallow (loose flock), 3 Little Egret, 1 Reed Bunting (heard). Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:30 to 19:10
c.45 Common Tern, 2 Swallow, 3 Little Egret, 130 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 19:50 to 20:20
1 Whinchat watched on fence along path opposite red hill for 1.5 minutes before it flew into bushes by bench, presumably to roost. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Aboard Lady Essex III at Sea
Wave after wave of Common Tern flying up the Thames, most in groups of 9 to 12 birds but one of 57, 3 Fulmar, 24 Seals on Foulness and 58 on Buxey Sands. (www.ladyessex.com).
Saturday 24th April 2010
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 06:00 to 20:00
A day spent gardening produced: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (6pm - my second ever sighting in the locality), 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler (usually scarce here), 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (all the warblers singing all day), 1 Garden Warbler (briefly 7am), 2 Bullfinch, 2 Sparrowhawk (4 sightings throughout the day including a soaring pair), 1 Pheasant, 2 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:00 to 09:30
2 Oystercatcher, 9 Avocet, 3 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 9 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grasshopper Warbler. Andrew Cox.
Gunners Park, 06:20 to 08:40
2 Sparrowhawk (male and female), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 male Wheatear in reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16 Sandwich Tern hanging around offshore, 25 Common Tern (most passing east in pairs), 2 Arctic Tern flew east at 07.23, 1 Fulmar flew east at 07.53 mid-channel, 2 Swift over reserve, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Great Northern Diver fishing offshore, 2 House Martin flying around the archway in the Garrison estate, 22 Great Crested Grebe. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 06:45 to 07:45
3 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 1 male Wheatear, 6 Common Tern (scrape area), 27 Knot (scrape), 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult on scrape), 15 Whitethroat, 10 Swallow. N.B. The old toilet building just before the bridge onto Two Tree Island has been pulled down depriving 2 or 3 pairs of Swallows a nesting site. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 06:50 to 09:50
Complete circuit of the park and the Garrison: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Swift, 1 Reed Bunting, 13 Common Tern, 3 Wheatear (2 in reserve and 1 at the north end of park), 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Fulmar (east), 2 House Martin (over the Garrison), 6 Swallow, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming at the Garrison), 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:20 to 07:00
2 Reed Warbler, 15 Sedge Warbler (at least), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat (mostly along railway), 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from old tip area, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper. Vince Kinsler (SOG)
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:00 to 08:00
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler. Bob Young (SOG).
Barling Pits, 07:00 to 08:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler in bushes by shooting range, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:45 to 08:15
2 Nightingale (a nice duet on either side of the main track just east of feeders), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford 08:00 to 18:00
Garden near Parkway and Rainsford Road junction: male Blackcap, 1 Swift. River Can between Admirals and West Parks: Kingfisher, Goldcrest, 2 Sparrowhawk, Mistle Thrush. Tony Kennelly.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:15 to 09:15
2 Reed Warbler, 2 House Martin, 1 Buzzard flying over, heading east. Bob Young (SOG).
South Fambridge, 09:00 to 10:00
2 Reed Warbler (singing in borrowdyke), 5 Whitethroat (singing birds), 3 Common Tern, 4 Reed Bunting (males on territory). 1 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:10 to 11:00
3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, 8 Whitethroat. 1 Speckled Wood. John Wright, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:45 to 11:45
1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs, 10:00 to 10:40
MOD road only: 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Nightingale (singing from bushes by the railway crossing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 17 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Tern. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friars Park, 10:15 to 10:45
1 Willow Warbler singing and showing, originally found by Lee Ebbs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Common, 10:45 to 11:40
From Landwick to Fleet Head: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Swallow, 1 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear. 2 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock Butterfly. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 10:50 to 11:15
1 Wheatear along approach road, 2 Swallow, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler near slipway, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:00 to 13:35
1 Red Kite came in from the north at 13:20, spiralled over the garden for 5 minutes and headed off south-east at 13:30, 1 Sparrowhawk with the Red Kite, 7 Swift with the Red Kite, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Swallow. Paul Griggs, Simon Watson (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:20 to 12:20
1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Nightingale (where the road and railway cross), 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Weasel. John Wright (SOG).
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 11:30
5 House Martin (first sighting of the returning local birds). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:40 to 12:45
5 Reed Warbler, 1 Wheatear (possibly 2), 15 Whimbrel, 6 Corn Bunting, 100 Common Gull (at least, mostly 1st summers in Barling Creek), 1 Little Egret, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler. 3 Small White, 1 Orange-tip (male), 1 Green-veined White, 3 Peacock Butterfly. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 12:30 to 13:00
1 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 4 Coot (pair with 2 Cootlings). 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Green-veined White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 13:45
1 Holly Blue, 1 Speckled Wood. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 15:45
6 Avocet, Cormorant, Sedge Warbler, 2 Swallow, 2 Common Tern, Reed Bunting. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:20 to 16:15
2 Swallow, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Great Crested Grebe (on reservoir), 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 17 Skylark (at least), 1 Kestrel. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:50
1 Buzzard flying NE with 3 mobbing crows, immediately followed by a female Sparrowhawk soaring and being harassed by a single Swallow. David Selley.
South Fambridge, 18:10 to 19:50
West to south side of Brandy Hole and back: 1 female Wheatear along seawall SE side of Brandy Hole, c.20 Whimbrel (mostly in Brandy Hole), 1 Greenshank, 24 Linnet (in ploughed field SE of Brandy Hole), 10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting (4 singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing in borrowdyke). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:15 to 19:30
2 Sandwich Tern (east), 2 Arctic Tern (east, close inshore), 2 Wheatear (male and female in reserve), 10+ Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:20 to 19:10
2 Fulmar (about 15 minutes apart heading up river, didn't see either come back), 42 Common Tern (nearly all flying into the wind down river), 3 Whimbrel, 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (still plenty feeding on the mud), 25 Dunlin (small flock mostly in summer plumage), 3 Little Egret, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey, Northwick Road, 19:50
1 Nightingale singing from bushes behind blue container. Stuart Bailey.
Friday 23rd April 2010
Two Tree Island, 06:10 to 07:30
2 Nightingale (one singing near feeders and another singing distantly to the N, possibly on Belton Hills), 2 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling and seen either side of airfield), 2 Common Tern (over scrape at W end), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 28 Linnet (on airfield), 42 Black-tailed Godwit (on scrape), 2 Bar-tailed Godwit (with Blackwits), 15 Knot (on scrape), 1 Dunlin (on scrape), 1 Whimbrel (at E end), 3 Teal (on sewage pools), 4 Skylark (2 on E island, 2 on W), 1 Mediterranean Gull (ad sum on scrape with BH Gulls). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:00 to 07:45
1 Nightingale by feeders, 1 Cuckoo, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 2 Swallow. Bob Young (SOG).
Canewdon, 07:15 to 07:30
Drive to station: 3 Swallow (several back on breeding sites along Canewdon Road), 2 Little Owl (pair in usual tree on Scotts Hall). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00 to 10:00
2 Bullfinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Willow Warbler. Bob Young (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 08:30 to 10:30
21 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo (around pond east of Millhead Villas (Common Road)), 1 Cetti's Warbler (in same area as Cuckoo), 27 Whimbrel, 2 Kestrel, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 08:45 to 09:30
1 Swift, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Rochford, 09:35
1 Swift (first of the year over the garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Chelmsford Baddow Meads - Between Barnes and Sandford Mill 10:45 to 12:45
1 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay, 4 Magpie, 59 Carrion Crow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Pheasant, 4 Mallard plus various (uncounted) usuals - Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 12:00 to 14:00
2 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Heybridge Basin 13:45 to 14.45
5 Cetti's Warbler (2 seen, 3 heard) 4 Whitethroat (2 seen, 2 heard), numerous Chiffchaff, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Common Tern, 1 female Blackcap. S. Cook.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 16:00
Common Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, 2+ Willow Warbler, Common Buzzard, 20+ Common Tern. Thomas Harris.
One Tree Hill 15:00 to 17:00
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Jay, Magpie, Swallow, Kestrel, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Long-tailed Tit. Also seen:- Small White, Comma and Peacock butterflies. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:45 to 18:30
6 Swallow, 1 Nightingale (usual spot), 9 Whitethroat, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Billericay, Stock Road 18:30
3 Buzzard soaring over Stock Road area. Marion Burch.
Canewdon, 19:00 to 21:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from hedge line just west of Finches from Gardeners Lane - apparently present all week. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey West End, 19:15 to 21:10
4 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Whitethroat (c. too late for any singing, quite a few scolding), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Barn Owl, 7 Swallow, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southend Borough Boundary, A127 Midnight
Not seen, but heard: Nightingale. I was cycling towards Southend and heard it very clearly between gaps in the traffic (not much traffic about at that time of night). The bird was on the south side of the A127 about 200 yards outside the borough boundary. Peter Walker.
Thursday 22nd April 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:15 to 08:50
2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 in reed bed by the eastern green gate, 1 reeling on the old County tip), 3 Greenshank (saline lagoon), 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 10:00
8 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear (males in reserve), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Linnet, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair over south at 9.50). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Friars Park, 10:10 to 10:45
3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30
2 Oystercatcher by edge of small lake on causeway. Marion Burch.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Greenfinch, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pochard, Coot, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Green Woodpecker, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Whitethroat, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Shelduck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Bearded Tit, Teal, Blue Tit, Starling, Collared Dove. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island 12:30 to 15:25
Two Tree Island East: 2 Nightingale, one behind feeders the other in bushes further south, both singing at the same time, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Common Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, 3 Kestrel. Two Tree Island West: Swallow, Blackcap. Ray Fuller.
Great Baddow Recreation Ground, Baddow Road 13:30 to 14.30
2 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Moorhen (one pair nesting, one pair with chicks in cover on rectangular pond), 2 Mallard, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush (heard), 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, numerous House Sparrows, 1 Carrion Crow, numerous Blackbirds plus two fledglings in thicket near rectangular ponds, many Woodpigeons and Collared Doves. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:50
1 Hobby flying high over the RSPB visitor centre. David Lee.
Canewdon, 14:00
2 Mediterranean Gull (pair mewing over house, presumed from Bridgemarsh colony). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17.00 to 18.30
Saline Lagoon: 4 Avocet, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, Brackish lagoon: 2 Common Tern, 8 Tufted Duck, c.20 Shoveler, 3 Mute Swan, 5 Little Grebe, Heard: Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler (2 birds singing at once). David Shepherd.
Wallasea Island, 17:30 to 18:30
Short drive round sea wall: 2 Swallow, 2 Peregrine Falcon (sub adult female feeding in field at SW corner with adult male in attendance), 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds - still pretty sparsely populated), 1 Wheatear (1st year male near timber yard entrance). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:45 to 19:40
3 Arctic Tern together up river, 6 Sandwich Tern, 14 Great Crested Grebe in one raft off the point. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wednesday 21st April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Garden Warbler.
RSPB Vange Marsh 05:45 to 08:00
Saline lagoon: 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 10 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher. Brackish lagoon: 8 Tufted Duck, c.20 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Little Grebe. Reed beds: 5 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler. Heard: Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler. David Shepherd.
Ferndale Road Rayleigh 06:00 to 07:00
5 Whimbrel (high flying east-calling), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler (first this year-singing), 1 Common Whitethroat. Robin Peppiatt.
Leigh Station, 06:45
2 Whimbrel. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 07:30 to 09:00
1 Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Grasshopper Warbler. David Chivers.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 09:30
4 Cetti's Warbler singing. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Benfleet Creek 10:00
1 Spotted Redshank. David Chivers.
Gunners Park 13:15 to 14:44
2 Mallard, 2 Swallow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 15 Linnet, Black Redstart, Blackcap. S.Jackson.
Canvey Lifeguards 16:00
1 Common Crane flying north across estuary towards Hadleigh/Leigh. Ron Galliers.
Gunners Park, 17:10 to 18:00
3 Wheatear in the reserve, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Linnet in the reserve, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 20th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Reports - Swift and Hobby.
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:00 to 07:30
10 Avocet, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Oystercatcher, Sedge Warblers displaying over the reed beds. 6 birds seen in all, 1 Reed Warbler seen and heard, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat (saline Lagoon area only). David Shepherd.
Two Tree Island 06:15 to 08:20
1 Grasshopper Warbler by creek north of the airfield, 300 approx Oystercatcher on the lagoon, several Common Whitethroat around the island, 2 Nightingale east of the feeders on the eastern end of the island, one showing well. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00
1 Swift, 3 House Martin over the RSPB Visitor Centre. David Lee.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:45 to 13:15
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in small patch of scrub west of the abstraction ditch, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 13:20 to 14:10
6 Whitethroat, 1 Nightingale singing near the feeders, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 22 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Linnet. 7 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh Station, 14:20 to 14:25
1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 18:00
3 Wheatear, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (female off Havengore Point), 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Marsh Harrier (female, flew north onto Foulness Island), 2 Swallow. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 17:30 to 18:25
3 Swallow (singles heading north), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (nr feeders), 1 Nightingale (seen and heard SE of feeders), c.10 Whitethroat, c.8 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler (southern borrowdyke), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Cetti's Warbler (probably two different birds), 2 Reed Bunting (males). Paul Baker (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 18:45
1 Hobby sailing over, heading north. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Monday 19th April 2010
Wakering, Fleet Head, 06:30 to 07:15
2 Garganey (pair), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:15 to 12:20
1 Blackcap, 6 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Little Egret, 1 female Peregrine Falcon, 2 Greenshank, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sedge Warbler. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 10:45 to 11:00
1 Swallow flying north across floodmeadow east of Chelmer Village road bridge. 1 Skylark singing nearby. 1 Whitethroat near Moulsham Mill. Male Grey Wagtail seen at the sluice next to the Essex Record Office at 1pm sitting on the wing mirror of an Environment Agency van and fluttering at the mirror. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island East 10:45 to 11:30
Cuckoo to the east of the bird feeders, good sightings in tree calling well. Nightingale singing continuously in bushes left of feeders. Two Tree Island West: Grasshopper Warbler heard in two places but not seen. Laurie Greenwood.
South Fambridge, 13:00 to 14:00
2 male Yellow Wagtail, 2 Swallow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 female Wheatear along seawall by rubble pile just west of village, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Whimbrel. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 14:30
1 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Sandwich Tern, 3 Eider (2 drakes, 1 female), 1 male Wheatear, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer), 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 17:45
Saline lagoon: 7 Avocet, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Pied Wagtail. On marsh: c.30 Shoveler, 3 Mute Swan, 11 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebe, Heard: Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap. David Shepherd.
Two Tree Island (East), 15:40 to 16:50
9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Swallow, 1 immature male Peregrine Falcon, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 17:00 to 18:00
Falling tide near car park: 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds), 6 Dunlin (4 in summer plumage), 1 Grey Plover, 1 Knot, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Sunday 18th April 2010
Two Tree Island (East), 05:50 to 06:10
1 Nightingale by feeders, 2 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Willow Warbler by hide overlooking reed bed, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 06:10 to 07:15
5 Grasshopper Warbler (yes, five! All reeling - 1 just south east of airfield; 1 just west of airfield and showing particularly well; 1 north of track by 'tree stump graveyard'; 1 between end of cinder track where it bends round to the left and lagoon hide; 1 c.100m east of estuary hide, 2 Whitethroat singing, 3 Greylag Goose flew east along north side and dropped down on to Hadleigh Marshes, 1 Whimbrel, c.100 Black-tailed Godwit, c.40 Knot, 1 male Stonechat, c.20 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Aboard Lady Essex III, Buxey and East Swin 07:00 to 18:00
Harbour Porpoise in Swin, 30 Cormorant, 1 Fulmar, 3 Gannet, 1 Grey Heron. 50+ Seals. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Two Tree Island, 07:00 to 12:40
5 Grasshopper Warbler (3 were in the bushes just north of the last car park and east of the Airfield buildings and two were towards the end of the island about 60 yards east of the lagoon hide), 1 Nightingale (possibly two, though possibly the same bird being mobile), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Buzzard high over the western end at about 11.30, 1 Snipe, 1 male Stonechat, 4 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler (briefly), 1 Cuckoo heard only. 1 Comma, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:15 to 08:00
1 Nightingale singing from top of bush in open area just south east of feeders, 1 Willow Warbler singing by car park - probably a different bird to earlier, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 3 Lesser Whitethroat (singing - 1 carrying presumed nesting material), 8 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Over Potton Island, Near Great Wakering 07:35
1 Buzzard. Tony Pitts.
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 09:50
1 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Canada Goose, 15 Linnet, 3 Blackcap, 1 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 08:00 to 10:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler showing very well west of airfield and lagoon, 1 Nightingale showing behind feeders, 1 Willow Warbler between car park and airfield, 2 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo heard somewhere beyond feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard near feeders, 2 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat (pair). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:20 to 09:00
2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 12 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 09:00 to 13:00
1 drake Garganey, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat (heard), 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Mute Swan, 2 Black Swan, Moorhen, Coot, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Jay, Wren, Robin. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:10 to 10:20
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Oystercatcher, 8 Pochard (4 pairs), 2 Garganey (pair still present at elbow of fleet where it crosses middle track, tucked into vegetation), 42 Corn Bunting (incl. flock of 35), 6 Reed Bunting, 8 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 2 Mediterranean Gull (stunning pair calling, circling then landed in field with gulls/waders toward Barling), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Red-legged Partridge. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
1 Nightingale singing and showing close to feeders, 2 Cetti's Warbler east of feeders, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 just west of airfield and 1 just east of scrape hide), 1 Willow Warbler east of car park, 1 Buzzard over scrape hide, circled for a couple of minutes, 1 male Cuckoo, 1 Jackdaw, 4 Blackcap, 9 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat, 1 Swallow. 3 Northern Water Vole. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park 09:35 to 11:05
Female Black Redstart or 1st summer western edge of reserve in gorse bushes, showing occasionally, 3 Swallow, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Green Woodpecker. Ray Fuller.
Two Tree Island (East), 09:50 to 13:00
1 Little Egret feeding in old sewage tanks, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Buzzard seen distantly over western end of island, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 1 Nightingale singing and showing to west of ponds, 5 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 1 male Lesser Whitethroat between feeders and ponds, 2 Cetti's Warbler (2 singing birds), 5 Linnet, 3 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:10 to 11:10
2 Red-legged Partridge, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting. 1 Red Fox. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30
1 calling Cuckoo east of the park. David Lee.
Lion Creek, EWT Reserve 11:00 to 12:20
1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck (incl. 4 asleep on hide roof), 5 Curlew, 1 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting (males), 2 Yellowhammer (pair). David Selley.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:15 to 13:00
3 Yellow Wagtail, 11 Shelduck, 7 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Little Egret, 3 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 Little Grebe. 4 Brown Hare. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:00 to 17:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:50 to 18:00
2 Garganey (pair still present), 6 Whimbrel, 5 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 50 Corn Bunting (inc. flock of 40), 1 Marsh Harrier (immature male), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Little Egret. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG
Two Tree Island (West) 19:30 to 20:30
2 Grasshopper Warbler reeling on higher ground to the west of airfield, 1 Short-eared Owl west of airfield, 40+ avocet, plus the most perfect sunset I've ever seen - not a cloud or vapour trail in sight! Tim Bennett.
Saturday 17th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Cuckoo.
Two Tree Island (West), 06:15 to 07:00
2 Grasshopper Warbler (one either side of the main path, west of airfield), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Whitethroat. Bob Young (SOG).
Barling Pits, 07:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:00 to 08:00
1 Nightingale, 6 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Kestrel. Bob Young (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:40 to 08:30
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh / Benfleet Downs 07:50 to 08:00
Cuckoo heard from Downs over seawall towards Benfleet. Ellen Hume.
Two Tree Island (West), 08:00 to 10:30
2 Grasshopper Warbler east of airfield called briefly, 1 Stonechat, 1 male Reed Bunting, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap. Dave Knight, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Friars Park, 08:35 to 08:50
1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh Downs, 08:45 to 09:30
2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Willow Warbler bottom of stream, 2 Kestrel. 1 Orange-tip. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 09:40
1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Jay. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh Marshes, 09:30 to 10:30
2 Whimbrel, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Mallard (female with 11 chicks), 6 Linnet, 12 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 10:35 to 11:30
2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Kestrel. Dave Knight, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 11:10 to 12:55
From end of Marine Parade to castle and back: 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff all singing, 1 Kestrel. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 11:15 to 11:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler seen briefly but well, not reeling, 2 Corn Bunting one singing, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 11:30 to 13:30
1 male Stonechat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly, 230 Black-tailed Godwit, 53 Knot, 1 Greenshank. John Wright (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 12:00 to 18:00
1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3+ Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch. 2-3 Orange Tip, 2 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 5+ Peacock. Robin Peppiatt.
River Roach Seal and Wildlife Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III 12:30 to 16:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Brent Goose, 1 Greylag Goose, 14 Shelduck, 2 Grey Plover (1 with orange ring on left tarsus, another ring on right tarsus but covered with mud), 8 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, Swallow, male Reed Bunting. 13 Common Seal. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 14:25
1 Brimstone opposite entrance to The Lawns. Neil Chambers (SOG).
East Ham 14:50
Mediterranean Gull, Right leg White EAJ. Also 2 Red-throated Diver and 1 Shag. Ben Green.
Paglesham, East Hall Lane 15:00 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Skylark. Pat Dandridge.
Corringham 15.30
2 Buzzard soaring overhead. Martine Pullen.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:30 to 16:30
2 Garganey, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 immature male Merlin, 2 Little Egret, 25 Linnet, 4 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Common, 17:00
1 Cuckoo. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Heybridge Basin 17:00 to 19:00
70+ Black-tailed Godwit. c.7 Oystercatcher, 6 Wigeon, 2 Brent Goose. Thomas Harris.
Barling Pits, 17:00 to 18:00
5 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Slow-worm. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:40 to 19:40
2 Garganey (a pair), 1 Barn Owl on Potton Island, 2 Greenshank, 10 Whimbrel, 3 Snipe. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 18:30 to 19:40
10 Whimbrel, 2 Garganey (pair), 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Barn Owl. 6 Brown Hare. Mike Bailey, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:40 to 20:00
1 Barn Owl hunting seawall, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 19:45 to 20:20
1 Cuckoo, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:45 to 11:00
1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Little Egret, 3 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail. 2 Peacock Butterfly. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 16th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Tern and Lesser Whitethroat.
Benfleet Creek, 08:00 to 08:15
2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Corn Bunting, 6 Linnet along the seawall between Benfleet and Leigh. Simon Watson (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 08:30 to 10:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler in brambles 100yds. west of airfield, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale back from feeders, 1 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 10:45
1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Shelduck, 6 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:15 to 12:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on and around Portcullis House, 1 Sparrowhawk at 09:20. John Wright (SOG).
Chigborough Trout Fishery 09.30
Cuckoo. Chris and Darren.
Two Tree Island 10:35 to 12:45
Redshank, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Canada Geese, Black-tailed Godwit, Moorhen, Coot, Kestrel, 1 pair Teal, Stonechat, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, 3 Jay, Crow, Little Egret, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Dunnock. Chris Henry, Pete Morris.
Two Tree Island 11.40 to 14.00
60+ Knot, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Many Avocet, and Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 2 Swallow, 15+ Linnet, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly for maybe 10 seconds, in general area of burnt tree stumps, but not seen. Les Costin.
Southchurch, 12:00
1 Swallow low north. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 16:30 to 17:45
10 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 69 Curlew, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Skylark, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing at south end. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 17:15
1 drake Eider, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
North West Chelmsford 18:15 to 18:25
1 Cuckoo observed and heard calling from trees next to River Wid before it flew in direction of Skeggs Farm. Andrew and Peter Allen.
Gunners Park, 18:30 to 19:05
1 drake Eider in flight then rather distantly on water, 1 Common Tern, 2 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell, Don Petrie (SOG).
Great Stambridge 20:30
Little Owl perched on road sign just north of Great Stambridge. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Thursday 15th April 2010
Belfairs Golf Course, 07:00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet. Tony Mead (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:35 to 09:45
Car park only: 2 Nuthatch (usual pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:45
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Cetti's Warbler (heard), Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, Coot, 4 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag Goose, Carrion Crow, 4 Pochard, 2 Mallard, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, 8 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Robin, 10 Canada Goose, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, 2 Teal, Kestrel (sitting on nest box at Timberman's Creek), Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Shoveler, Swallow, Rook, Herring Gull, 3 House Martin, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Starling. Also seen: Fox; Speckled Wood and Peacock Butterflies. Terry Jeffreys.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00 to 13:30
3 male Blackcap singing their hearts out. Chris Henry.
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:20 to 18:00
Avocet, Sedge Warbler (heard) all from viewing fence at saline lagoon, drake Garganey. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:15 to 19:45
1 drake Garganey asleep in NE corner for most of the time, then flew to NW corner, 3 Green Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 12 Wigeon, c.60 Shoveler, 3 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Blackcap singing, 3 Sedge Warbler singing, 1 drake Pintail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 14th April 2010
Southchurch Park East 08:10
Pair of Mute Swan feeding on Southchurch East. The surviving female of the resident pair is still sitting on the nest. Alec Beanse.
Benfleet Downs, 12:50
1 Buzzard flew off from tree and harried by birds eastwards. Simon Watson (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:50 to 14:30
4 Avocet, Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Teal, (all seen from viewing fence at saline lagoon. The middle section of the woven fence has been vandalised!), Cetti's Warbler (heard), 10+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, drake Garganey, 2 Canada Geese and 1 Greylag Goose in flight, Reed Bunting, Pied Wagtail. Terry Jeffreys.
Stock Road Cemetery 17:00 to 17:30
2 Kestrel (pair) hunting near chapel, 2 Green Woodpecker. 4 Red Fox, numerous Rabbits. Dan Davison.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:35 to 18:55
1 drake Garganey, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 2 Corn Bunting singing west behind wood yard, 1 drake Pintail, 50+ Shoveler, 12 Wigeon. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:20 to 18:45
1 Garganey, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Water Rail (heard). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:30 to 19:45
1 Snipe, 1 drake Garganey, 2 Sedge Warbler singing, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Green Sandpiper (possibly 4), 1 drake Pintail, c.12 Wigeon, 1 White / Pied Wagtail (white wagtail still on saline lagoon). Paul Baker, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Stondon Massey, Essex (Mid Afternoon)
3 Common Crane flying north. Jean.
Tuesday 13th April 2010
St Johns, Colchester 06.20
1 Common Crane flying over my house North to South. Ben Magrath.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 08:50
Pitsea scrape area only: 1 male Bearded Tit, 5 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler heard briefly, 1 Blackcap, 14 Shoveler, 9 Pochard. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
The Wick Country Park 09:00 to 13:00
2 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 1 Linnet, 1 Skylark. 1 Slow Worm, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Neil.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11:00
Adult Red-breasted Goose Andrew Cooper (sounds like the Wat Tyler bird is getting out and about! - Ed.).
Stock, Essex 14:00
Common Buzzard. B. Donovan.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 17:00
67 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 2 Ringed Plover (displaying over saline lagoon). Also heard: Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler. David Shepherd.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:10
2 House Martin over. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:55 to 19:30
1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 male Blackcap, 185 Dark-bellied Brent Goose south of east end. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 12th April 2010
Two Tree Island (East), 06:35 to 07:00
3 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:30
1 Bearded Tit (briefly from main hide), 1 Greylag Goose on nest in reed bed, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 1 Greenshank in creek from marina. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Junction M25 and A127 11:30
3 Buzzard over motorway. Jim Cockram.
Two Tree Island (West), 19:00 to 20:15
2 Whimbrel over calling, 5 Corn Bunting over, 1 Stonechat, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (although almost certain there were 3 reeling individuals, one at the end of the cinder track, one by model airplane field and one definitely in bramble behind the western end of the large mound on the northern perimeter track adjacent to the creek). Marc Outten (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:00 to 20:25
1 Grasshopper Warbler at south end - started reeling at c8pm, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 4 Red-legged Partridge in fields between south end and approach road. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 11th April 2010
Two Tree Island, 07:40 to 12:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing well east of the model aeroplane field, 4 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 male Stonechat. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island, 08:40 to 12:15
WeBS count: 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Whimbrel, 198 Curlew, 81 Knot, 16 Redshank, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 207 Black-tailed Godwit, 52 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 99 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Nightingale, 2 Kestrel (pair), 32 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Stonechat, 4 Linnet, 6 Skylark. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:30 to 11:40
10 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 3 White / Pied Wagtail (1 male White Wagtail with a pair of Pied Wagtail - saline lagoon), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 54 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 4 Reed Bunting (2 pairs), 2 Canada Goose. Mike Bailey (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:45 to 14:30
All from viewing screen at saline lagoon: 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 White / Pied Wagtail (White Wagtail on saline lagoon), 5 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler sang once in nearly 3 hours, 1 Peregrine Falcon low over saline lagoon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 drake Wigeon, 8 Teal, c.45 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 12:00 - 15:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, pair Reed Bunting. 3 Water Vole. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Benfleet Downs, 15:00 to 16:00
2 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2+ Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Tawny Owl calling to one another. 2 Comma. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:05 to 16:00
6 Blackcap singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Small White, 3 Comma. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Billericay 16:00
Adult Red-breasted Goose. Unable to tell whether it was male or female, bird had yellow ring on left leg but too far away to tell serial number even with binoculars. bird was spotted at Lake Meadows Park on the bank of the boating lake by the old boat shed with a group of Canada Geese. Andrew Cooper.
Two Tree Island (East), 16:30 to 17:15
1 Blackcap singing. Neil Chambers, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:20 to 18:10
Main scrape hide only: 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting, 7 Snipe, 6 Swallow (all hirundines doing circuits of the scrape, fighting low into the wind then a quick pop up above the reeds saw them blown back across to start again), 1 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:35 to 20:00
1 Nightingale singing by the feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Little Egret. Paul Baker, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 20:00 to 20:30
2 Stonechat (pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 10th April 2010
Two Tree Island (East), 07:00 to 07:45
1 Nightingale singing and showed well on a couple of occasions, just east of feeders, 4 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford Reservoir 07:30 to 07:50
Mistle Thrush and 1 Song Thrush both singing, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker. David Selley.
Two Tree Island (West), 07:45 to 08:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling west of toy plane airfield, 1 Stonechat. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey West End, 08:55 to 10:35
5 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Whitethroat singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 Black-tailed Godwit (Holehaven), 16 Stock Dove, 20 Goldfinch, 10 Linnet, 1 Great Crested Grebe (Holehaven Creek). 5 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 5 White / Pied Wagtail (2 male White wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails on saline lagoon), 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Snipe. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 11:00
1 male Wheatear in reserve, 1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Mediterranean Gull (heard only), 250 Sanderling (at least along foreshore), 1 Fulmar flew east at 10.20 right over foreshore. 1 Peacock Butterfly. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey, Holehaven Creek 10:00 to 12:00
On the RSPB walk: Magpie, Cetti's Warbler, Starling, House Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, 3 Swallow, Dunnock, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Oystercatcher, Long-tailed Tit, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Curlew, Great Crested Grebe, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), 2 Little Egret, 9 Shelduck, Moorhen, Great Tit, Wren, 2 Linnet. Name: Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 11:15
2 Snipe from scrape hide, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. John Wright (SOG).
Tilbury, Coal House Fort 10:30
1 Buzzard soaring high over tip. Dave Perry.
Two Tree Island (East), 11:30 to 12:30
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale (heard only), 2 Mediterranean Gull over the eastern point, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Little Egret. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:30 to 12:50
1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler singing from the pit opposite the parking lay-by. 4 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 13:00
Hadleigh Castle area only: 1 female Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker. 4 Comma. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 12:30 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Mistle Thrush (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:00 to 13:30
Road only: 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Aboard Lady Essex III Fishing Trip 14:10
Pod of around 8 Harbour Porpoise in East Swin of Foulness Sand, one only ten yards from boat. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Canvey West End, 14:50 to 18:20
4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel (pair), 1 Sparrowhawk thermalling high over, 1 Peregrine Falcon flew through strongly south and looked to head out across the Thames, 2 Skylark, 1 Little Egret flew over, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Pitsea, 15:10 to 15:35
Old tip area overlooking RSPB Vange Marsh: 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 15:30 to 17:30
3 Great Crested Grebe on river, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair on the Roach), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker near Jubilee Cottages, 12 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:50 to 17:20
1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 male Sparrowhawk. 15 Peacock Butterfly, 3 Comma. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:30 to 18:40
1 Jack Snipe 
flushed from the borrowdyke near the pools/scrapes north of Potton Bridge (TQ 951 897), it then dropped backed down in the back of the smaller of the 2 pools, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Greenshank, 4 Swallow. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 18:20 to 19:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling constantly and showing well in brambles just east of airfield, 34 Linnet (flock on airfield). Mike Bailey (SOG)
Two Tree Island (East), 19:05 to 20:15
1 Nightingale started singing at exactly 20.00 from dense scrub SE of bird feeders, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Kestrel (pair), 11 Teal (5m, 6f on sewage pools). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Fambridge Turn Off on the Way to Latchingdon
1 Buzzard over. Gillian Warner.
Friday 09th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Yellow Wagtail.
Two Tree Island (East), 06:00 to 06:30
1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 1 Nightingale singing continuously just east of feeders but not seen, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie
Two Tree Island (West), 06:30 to 08:00
c.220 Black-tailed Godwit over towards Tewke's Creek, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (one singing 30 metres west of road, just south of the airfield track, one singing at the end of the cinder track. Both showed well), 4 Skylark, 14 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 08:15
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling on west end, 2 Reed Warbler singing in dyke by sea wall, 6 Linnet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 09:25
6 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hullbridge, Lubards Farm 09:00
2 House Martin, 2 Swallow. Hilary Knight.
Two Tree Island (East), 09:25 to 09:55
2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:15
2 Jackdaw heading east calling. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads to Essex Record Office, 10:30 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail (on sluice at ERO), 6+ Reed Bunting, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. Plus usual assorted Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Wren, Moorhen, Mallard, Carrion Crow. Paul Forsdick.
Canvey Island, 11:30
Canvey Road/Roscommon Way Roundabout: 1 Willow Warbler heard in scrub by the roundabout. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Daws Heath Road, 12:15
2 Yellow Wagtail in brook. John and Kate Knott.
Heybridge Basin 13:45 to 14:45
30+ Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage, numerous Chiffchaff (very close up and tame), at least 7 Cetti's Warbler calling (2 seen). S. Cook.
Stock Road Concrete Plant 16:15 to 18:00
1 pair Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeders, 1 male Blackcap, 4 Dunnock, 6 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, Green Woodpecker (heard in cemetery opposite), 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Chaffinch, 8+ Magpie. Dan Davison.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:15 to 17:50
3 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Peregrine Falcon seen west, over Marsh Farm, 4 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 08th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Nightingale, House Martin and Reed Warbler.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:30 to 07:20
Saline lagoon and surrounding area only: 3 Snipe (2 on saline lagoon, 1 flew over), 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford 07:30
In the field beside the bridge to the Army and Navy roundabout: 1 pair Bullfinch, 1 male Reed Bunting, 2 Whitethroat. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park 07.30 to 09:00 + 12.30 to 14:00
3m + 1f Blackcap, 4+ Chiffchaff, Red-breasted Goose flying north after taking off from Timbermans creek at 8am, 1 pair Teal, Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Later in the day: 2 Peacock Butterflies and 1 Comma and 3 Beeflies. (Photos here: UK wildlife). Neil Phillips.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:50 to 08:30
1 Red-breasted Goose (escaped bird flew into scrape from the south on it's own, and then off north with Canada Geese), 20 Shoveler (on scrape), 1 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler (2 singing from scrape hide, 1 by hide overlooking fleet), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers, Marc Outten (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 08:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 11:30
4 Shelduck (in the reserve), 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female sparring above Shoebury Coastguards), 250 Sanderling (circa, roosting on the beach at the coastguards), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Grey Wagtail (female in the western ditch), 3 Wheatear (males in the reserve), 1 Black Redstart (in the reserve, seen perched on low gorse to NE of mound, but not seen again), 3 Blackcap (pair plus another male, all on the garrison), 3 Chiffchaff (singing, 2 on the garrison, one at the magazine trees), 6 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Old Tip 08:00 to 16:00
2 Reed Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier, numerous House and Sand Martin flying east to west. T. Thorneycroft.
Pitsea, 09:45
Road between Wat Tyler and level crossing: 1 Swallow on wires. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:00
3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Little Egret, 36 Wigeon, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Swallow overhead. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park 11.40 to 13.40
1 Black Redstart still in the reserve, in and around bushes in front of mound, best seen from wire fence. 2 (possibly 3) Wheatear, 2 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Linnet feeding off pine cones, many Greenfinch, and Chaffinch. Les Costin.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Pochard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Coot, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Rook, Cormorant, Magpie, Chiffchaff (heard), Green Woodpecker, Curlew, Jay, Mallard, Teal, Little Egret, Chaffinch, Robin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Collared Dove, Cettis Warbler (at Holly Cottage hide). Also seen: Brimstone and Large White butterflies. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:50 to 13:30
1 Buzzard high over the old county tip, 1 Sparrowhawk (with buzzard), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 16:30 to 17:15
6 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler. 11 Peacock Butterfly, 4 Comma. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 18:00 to 19:30
2 Sedge Warbler in reeds next to green gates. Saline lagoon: 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 4 Heron, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler singing in reeds next to pool, c.40 Shovler, 4 Tufted Duck. David Shepherd.
Two Tree Island (West) 18.15
Grasshopper Warbler. Reeling in scrub 50 yards east of the estuary hide. Showed briefly. Gordon Appleton.
Two Tree Island (East), 19:35 to 20:35
1 Nightingale (snatches of song heard from thicket just east of feeders around 20:00hrs), 2 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 20:35 to 20:45
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling somewhere between scout hut and estuary hide c100metres inland. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wednesday 07th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sedge Warbler
Chelmsford, Essex Records Office 07:00
There is a Grey Wagtail that loves to admire himself in the wing mirrors of the cars that are parked in the car park! Sue Haffenden.
Gunners Park 10:30 to 11:30
3 Wheatear in EWT reserve near South fence also 4 Shelduck. Laurie Greenwood.
Gunners Park 12:50 to 14:08
2 Swallow flying along sea wall. S. Jackson.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:20 to 19:30
1 Little Egret, 83 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 1 Greenshank (saline lagoon), 4 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing from reed bed near saline lagoon), 5 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 06th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Whitethroat
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:05 to 08:15
From hide: 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 male Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers Yacht Club 07:15
1 Grey Heron, 1 Swallow, 1 Curlew, loads of Mute Swan, loads of Mallard, 2 Leucistic Rabbits. Thomas Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 07:15 to 09:00
6 Chiffchaff, 3 male Blackcap, Jay, Dunnock, 9 Shelduck, Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 15+ Teal, 3 Cetti's Warbler (singing), Wren, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker. (Photos here: UK wildlife Tweets). Neil Phillips.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:15 to 08:25
From marina overlooking RSPB Vange Wick: 1 Black-tailed Godwit in creek. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:20 to 12:00
10 Snipe on scrape, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. 2 Brimstone, 3 Peacock Butterfly. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 10:30 to 11:45
1 Wheatear, 1 Common Whitethroat. Dave Corderoy.
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 12:00 to 15:00
1 Brimstone, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock Butterfly. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:45 to 14:15
1 Buzzard flew in from Sandpit Hill at 13:05, west to Round Hill where mobbed by Kestrel, then on west towards Benfleet, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair displaying over Round Hill), 2 Kestrel (pair), 5 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 to 14:00
1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Great Crested Grebe (from Lyster/Rawl hides) plus 8 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing on grazing meadow. Paul Forsdick.
Chelmsford, Howe Street Village 13:30
1 House Martin. John Wilson.
Benfleet Creek, 14:00 to 15:45
1 Whimbrel, 8 Linnet, 10 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting, 25 Curlew. 1 Marsh Frog. John Wright (SOG).
Shipwrights Wood, 14:30 to 15:15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow over meadow, 1 Nuthatch along path to Thundersley Glen, 3 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:30 to 15:30
12 Swallow, 37 Shoveler, 4 Oystercatcher, 43 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 20 Curlew, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Teal. David Shepherd.
Two Tree Island (West), 15:45 to 16:00
1 female Stonechat, 10 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 16:30
1 male Blackcap in sub-song in garden. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:45 to 18:50
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank flew out of Pitsea Creek, 64 Shoveler (41 in Pitsea Creek the rest on the fresh marsh), 12 Wigeon, 6 Reed Bunting (1 singing male), 3 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Little Grebe, 16 Teal. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 19:10 to 19:15
2 female Sparrowhawk having an argie bargie, A13 by the Elms PH. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:30 to 20:25
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from c.19.40, quite mobile near south perimeter, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard; 1 near warbler, 1 near end of road). Martin Cracknell, Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 05th April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Grasshopper Warbler
Wakering, Fleet Head, 08:40 to 09:40
7 Corn Bunting (5 singing males), 2 Song Thrush (singing), 6 Linnet, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Langdon Hills 09:00 to 12:00
Plotlands: pair of Sparrowhawk displaying, 1 or 2 other Sparrowhawk, pair of Bullfinch, pair of Green Woodpecker at nest hole, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2~3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Linnet. Lincewood: 1 Hobby. Andrew Cox.
Southend Airport, 09:15
1 Red-legged Partridge crossed Aviation Way, walking west, headed towards my house. Never seen one anywhere near here before, 1 Skylark singing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 09:40
1 Weasel. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Southchurch, 09:30 to 15:30
2 Sparrowhawk at 13:00, and 13:30, both up high, the latter one mobbed by 3 Crows, 1 Swallow low west at 15:15. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh Marshes 10.00
1 Corn Bunting singing. Chris Seaton.
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Chiffchaff, 2 Red-legged Partridge (in the reserve), 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Seal Trip, Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard the Lady Essex III 12:30 - 14:30
12 Avocet, 22 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 1 Kestrel. 15 Common Seal. Web Author.
Benfleet Creek, 14:20 to 14:40
9 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 15:00 to 16:20
1 Grey Heron, 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Whimbrel, c.100 Curlew, small flock of Knot, small flock of Dunlin, 44 Grey Plover, 4 Swallow, 1 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 female Kestrel. David Selley.
Wildlife Trip, Pitsea Creek and Fobbing Creek Aboard the Jacqueline Ann From Wat Tyler 15:45 - 16:45
Avocet, 42 Teal, 8 Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Kestrel, Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff heard. Web Author (see photographs on the Lady Essex website - Ed.)
Two Tree Island (East), 15:45 to 16:45
45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Cetti's Warbler sang once, c.100 Curlew, 6 Teal (three pairs on sewage tanks), 1 Little Egret on sewage tanks. Paul Baker (SOG).
Barling, 19:15
Between Shopland Hall and fishing pond: 3 Corn Bunting together in a tree. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:30 to 20:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling along southern perimeter from 20:00, possible 2 Cetti's Warbler along southern perimeter, 1 Barn Owl hunting seawall south of car park, 1 probable Woodcock flew north along borrowdyke at 20:30. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 04th April 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:50 to 07:25
4 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:30 to 08:00
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 12:00
1 Swallow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Mistle Thrush (2-3 singing), 1 Stock Dove (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoeburyness 09:00
1 Lapwing landed on roof of house opposite in Maplin Way but only for a few short seconds before returning to flight. Westley Byford.
Hanningfield Reservoir, 12:30
Osprey, Swallow, Sand Martin. Joe House.
Rawreth Hall Wood, Eastwood 12:55
1 Firecrest in holly trees. Tim Davis.
Roding Valley Nature Reserve 17:30
1 Little Egret in flooded field. C. Darling.
South Fambridge, 17:50 to 19:35
Along river to start of Bridgemarsh and back: 2 Barn Owl (1 just east of village, the other c.2.5 miles east), 2 Whimbrel, 3 Swallow flew north, c.50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Corn Bunting (1 singing), 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 03rd April 2010
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 10:00
2 female Black Redstart flew together from bushes immediately north of compound into cover. One seen again briefly on ground below that ridge viewed from NW corner of reservoir, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Linnet, 1 male Kestrel, 1 male Reed Bunting singing. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:00
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Skylark, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Coot, Little Grebe, 37 Curlew, Shoveler, 2 Lapwing, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Robin, Mediterranean Gull, Carrion Crow, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Canada Goose, Pochard, Redshank, Herring Gull, Shelduck, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Swallow, 4 Stock Dove, Mallard, Little Egret, Teal, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Great Tit. Also 2 Fox. Terry Jeffreys.
Leigh on Sea, 12:00 to 12:15
1 Chiffchaff singing in my garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Central Chelmsford 17:50 to 17:55
Osprey seen over Parkway in area of Central Park lake heading west from my garden. Last seen over Roxwell Road junction with Parkway still heading westwards. A highly exciting and unexpected sighting. My best garden tick so far! Tony Kennelly.
Friday 02nd April 2010
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 09:00
1 Black Redstart still present eastern end of reserve, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow. Bob Young (SOG).
Witham, Benton Hall Golf Club 09:00 to 15:00
20+ Swallow in one flight around the lake and clubhouse. Dave Cornwell.
Gunners Park, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Kestrel, 1 female Black Redstart still present in south east corner of the reserve. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:35 to 12:55
1 female Black Redstart at far eastern end of reserve but extremely elusive. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:40 to 12:40
1 Greylag Goose, 3 Canada Goose, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 9 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret. 9 Brown Hare. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 16:30 to 17:45
2 Whimbrel just east of tower, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Corn Bunting singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17.30 to 19.00
3 Great Crested Grebe (a pair were displaying), 10 Tufted Duck, 67 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Wigeon. David Shepherd.
Hanningfield Reservoir
Several hundred Swallow, 4 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 male Blackcap, 3 Oystercatcher (causeway), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 20+ Pied Wagtail (causeway), Pete Jackson.
Thursday 01st April 2010
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Black Redstart
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea 06.50
1 Jay on lawn in my back garden. Lyn Davies.
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 11:30
1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker (including one at nest hole), 1 Black Redstart (female or 1st summer male showing occasionally on grass in reserve immediately north of old compound in SE corner), 2 Chiffchaff (one in magazine bushes, one in western hedge), 7 Linnet (one singing male plus 6 flying over to west). Don Petrie, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
On the RSPB walk: Chaffinch, Robin, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Coot, Mallard, Wood Pigeon, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Magpie, Teal, Grey Heron, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Sparrowhawk, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Canada Goose, Snipe, Wigeon, Blackbird, Chiffchaff (heard), Cormorant, Avocet, Shoveler, Pochard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Rook, Pied Wagtail, Tufted Duck, Lapwing, Starling, Collared Dove, Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Pitsea and Fobbing Creeks Aboard Lady Essex V 12:45 to 13:45
Coot, Moorhen, Little Egret, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, 5 Avocet. In fobbing creek: 2 Kingfisher, Little Egret 1 Swallow upstream of moorings, 7 Snipe, lots of Teal, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Bearded Tit in reeds near creek head, Also superb views of a fox on the landfill site and a brown rat. Gary and Jacqui Dun
Two Tree Island 14:00
38 Grey Plover, 52 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 118 Avocet, 78 Oystercatcher, 12 Teal, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.300 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, c.50 Knot, 1 Great Crested Grebe on river, 48 Brent Goose on Canvey side of river, 1 Stonechat, 1 female Reed Bunting on walk back. Noel Barnes.
Rochford, Golden Cross, c.18:00
1 female Sparrowhawk killed and consumed a Wood Pigeon in garden. Richard Goring.
Rochford, 14:30
1 Sparrowhawk over town centre with prey. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods
Treecreeper, female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Pete Jackson.