Bird Reports for April 2011
Saturday 30th April 2011
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 06:40
Woke up to find a Grey Heron sitting on our garden fence eyeing next door's pond! Web Author.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:00
1 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet, 08:00
1 Hobby between Sadlers and A130 roundabout toward Chelmsford. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:30 to 11:50
4 Avocet, 3 Spotted Redshank (2 summer plumage, 1 moulting into summer plumage), 23 Greenshank (6 on the marsh and 17 flew around before heading to the creek), 6 Wood Sandpiper (3 to begin with were then joined by 3 more flying in from west), 4 Common Tern, 8 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Belfairs, 08:40
Pair of Sparrowhawk displaying over woods. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:00 to 09:35
1 Egyptian Goose, 4 Lapwing, 2 Swallow. Graham Ryland, Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:50
1 female Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:50 to 11:10
5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Spotted Redshank (2 in summer plumage in north west corner.), 6 Wood Sandpiper in north west corner, 5 Common Tern (2 on reserve, 3 flew over), 4 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler (8+ singing, only 1 seen). Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 12:00
5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Spotted Redshank, 20 Greenshank (at least), 6 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Common Tern, 8 Swift. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Tollesbury 11:00
4 Swift make a return to the village, screaming and playing in the wind. Nigel Norton.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:55 to 14:15
1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Spotted Redshank, 6 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 6 Green-veined White, 1 Small Heath. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 12:00 to 12:20
1 Nightingale (usual spot - approx. 200 metres east of Ray View in hawthorn coppice). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 12:20 to 13:15
70 Large Red Damselfly, 1 Azure Damselfly, 6 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 9 Hairy Dragonfly, 6 Broad-bodied Chaser, 1 Small Heath. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:45
2 Swift low north. Paul Baker (SOG).
Little Baddow, Grace's Walk 13:45
1 Nightingale singing briefly at east end of Grace's Walk near New Lodge Chase (same spot as heard previous Monday). Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 15:00
2 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, 6 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Common Tern, 4 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:15 to 15:00
2 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 3 Corn Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).
Bowers Marshes, 14:30 to 14:40
4 Black-winged Stilt 
(originally reported on Wat Tyler scrape but flew here for a short time and then flew back to Wat Tyler), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Corn Bunting. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Bowers Marshes, 14:40 to 14:50
1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:55 to 15:15
2 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 4 Black-winged Stilt, 1 leucistic Herring Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:55 to 15:15
4 Black-winged Stilt on the scrape. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:55 to 15:15
4 Black-winged Stilt on scrape. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:10 to 15:45
1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Black-winged Stilt, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Black-winged Stilt. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 18:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Black-winged Stilt, 1 Larus sp. (leucistic Herring Gull type), 1 Cuckoo. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:55
4 Black-winged Stilt on the scrape. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:00 to 16:30
4 Black-winged Stilt, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:30 to 18:00
4 Black-winged Stilt. Peter Collins, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:50 to 17:55
1 immature male Sparrowhawk perched on fence by bird feeders. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 29th April 2011
Leigh on Sea, Leigh Broadway, 05:25 to 05:30
1 Cuckoo heard south of Broadway. Sounded pretty close. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Leigh Creek, 05:45
2 Whimbrel. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 05:50 to 06:30
1 Kestrel, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 3 Nightingale (1 showing well), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 35 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 06:30 to 07:05
10 Common Tern, 3 Skylark, 1 female Stonechat, 15 Whitethroat, 9 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 07:10 to 08:10
From Two Tree West to past Benfleet Station: 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Avocet, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Tern, 5 Skylark, 1 male Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Langdon Hills 08:00 to 11:45
5 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Coombe Wood, pair + 2nd female), 2 Nuthatch. Andrew Cox.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 09:30 to 15:00
Drake Garganey, 3 Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 2 Barn Owl, 4 Snipe, 2 Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, 40 Black-tailed Godwit. Graham Smith.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 13:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail (heard), 4 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper (north-east corner ), 1 Common Sandpiper on saline lagoon, 2 Common Tern, 1 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:00 to 12:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Skylark, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Whitethroat. Peter Collins (SOG).
Langdon Hills 10:00 to 13:30
1 Common Buzzard, 3 Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Jay, 1 Sparrowhawk (heard), 4 Whitethroat. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:20 to 15:20
Wood Sandpiper, 4 Avocet, 15 Stock Dove, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Pochard, Teal. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:35 to 16:30
3 drake Teal, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Avocet, 1 Redshank, 2 Greenshank (1 in north-east corner, 1 saline lagoon), 1 Wood Sandpiper north-east corner of freshmarsh, 4 Common Tern (2 apparent pairs), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 15:40
Reed pools north of coastal path. Roughly opposite where Benfleet downs ends and Hadleigh Downs begins: 1 Jack Snipe flushed from bank whilst walking along lower path. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Writtle 18:30
Raven mobbed by Crows, Writtle Park Wood, 2 Hobby - Writtle College GP, 2 male Cuckoo - Lawford Lane. Andrew Stroud.
Wallasea Island 19:15 to 20:00
Sitting in car in the car park: 2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whimbrel. Rob Harris.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 21:30
1 Bar-tailed Godwit flew over calling in the dark, sounded like it was heading north-west. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West) 20:39
On Avocet watch: 60+ Common Tern on the gravel edge of the middle island. Mike and Ursula Fuller.
Thursday 28th April 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 10:15
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female on and around Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:20 to 09:40
4 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit, 1+ Nuthatch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 2 Kestrel, 2 Curlew, Pochard, House Martin, Swallow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Moorhen, Coot, Mute Swan, Whitethroat, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Shelduck, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Robin, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Cettti's Warbler (heard), Cuckoo (heard), 2 Stock Dove, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, 2 Linnet, Oystercatcher, Starling, Mallard, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap, Litle Grebe, Great Crested Grebe. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island (East), 13:00 to 14:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Swallow, 3 Nightingale including 1 at far south-east corner I've not heard before, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. 1 Weasel showed well! Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:50 to 16:15
1 Little Egret, 2 Peregrine Falcon (large female soaring, joined briefly by male), 2 Nightingale, c.10 Whitethroat. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wednesday 27th April 2011
Southend, North Avenue 10:50
1 Sparrowhawk flew across road. S. Jackson.
Corringham 11:40
1 Buzzard riding thermal then trying to head east but being harried by 1 Crow. Went off towards fobbing. Was high when Crow gave up. Chris Wood.
Two Tree Island (East) 12:35 to 14:40
Night Heron roosting in trees/vegetation behind old sewage works viewed from main footpath, not seawall, 2 Nightingale (both seen), Cuckoo, 5 Swallow, 3 Blackcap, c.30 Common Whitethroat. Ray Fuller.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00 to 18:00
2 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow systematically raided the magpie nest, and ate the three new born chicks over a period of an hour, despite the constant protestations of the Magpie pair who did their utmost to defend the nest but to no avail. Nature in the raw! Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 19:20 to 20:40
2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (heard), 1 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 6 Whitethroat. Peter Collins (SOG).
Hockley, Lower Road 20:30
Little Owl. Hilary Knight.
Tuesday 26th April 2011
Fossett's Way 09:05
While driving along towards Smiths Farm Roundabout a Green Woodpecker flew from behind Waitrose across the road towards Smiths Farm. S. Jackson.
Canvey Wick, 09:30 to 11:50
2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 20 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 09:45 to 10:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackbird (a pair feeding a downy juvenile), 1 Song Thrush, 6 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:20 to 11:40
1 female Sparrowhawk thermalling, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
West Canvey Marsh RSPB, 12:00 to 13:15
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Whimbrel (heard), 11 Greenshank, 4 adult Mediterranean Gull together, 1 Cuckoo, 1 House Martin, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. 1 Hairy Dragonfly. John Wright, Bob Young (SOG).
Wallasea Island 13:00 to 16:00
Short-eared Owl hunting over fields near to yellow gate (15.30 - 15.40), Hen Harrier, Peregrine, 2 Wheatear, Greenshank, c.20 Yellow Wagtail, 24 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Little Egret, 2 Swallow. Ray Fuller.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 13:05
2 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 13:30 to 14:30
2 Kestrel (pair), 3 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:00 to 19:00
4 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 20 Shoveler (16 males, 4 females), 1 immature male Marsh Harrier low over, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 1 1st year Little Gull, 4 Common Tern, 6 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail over towards Goldings Farm, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00 to 19:00
2 Swallow, 1 Cuckoo calling. 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 9 Blue-tailed Damselflies (7 males, 1 teneral), 1 Orange-tip butterfly, 3 Adela Reaumurella Longhorn Moths. Neil Phillips (Photos: http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 18:00
1 Buzzard flying slowly north-east between Gusted Hall Lane and Belchamps. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 18:10 to 18:50
4 Stock Dove, 1 Tawny Owl heard calling frequently from 1 of 2 trees, just 20m north-east of edge of compound but couldn't be seen due to extensive foliage now present, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 1 Coal Tit still in glade, c.100m north of compound, 1 Nuthatch in glade. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:15 to 19:10
6 Shelduck, 1 Arctic Skua (pale phase adult drifted upriver on tide, occasionally lifting off to harass passing Herring Gulls), 1 adult Kittiwake flew east, 2 Sandwich Tern, 30+ Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 19:10 to 19:20
3 Skylark, 25 Linnet from new car park. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 20:00 to 21:00
7 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl came over wall near car park and headed out south along ditch line, 3 Yellow Wagtail along road, 1 female Wheatear by ex haystack. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Monday 25th April 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads to Little Baddow 05:30 to 11:00
Sightings: Seen on 10 mile walk from Baddow Meads around Little Baddow (from Baddow Meads east along river, following Grace's Walk to Little Baddow, north to Little Baddow Hall, following the river Chelmer back to Sandford Mill bridge, past Brook End Road sewage works to Chelmer Village ASDA, then along river Chelmer back to Baddow Meads). 1 Nightingale (New Lodge Chase), 4 Yellow Wagtail (Hammonds Road), 1 Bullfinch (male - Grace's Walk), 1 Mute Swan, 4 Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Partridge (Grace's Walk), 7 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Pheasant, Moorhen, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer (Grace's Walk), Reed Bunting. Paul Forsdick.
Wakering Stairs 07:50
2 Canada Goose, 2 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher and 2 Greylag Geese flying over south to north. Tony Pilkington.
Two Tree Island, 09:00
1 Canada Goose, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 8 Common Tern, 12 Avocet, 1 Shelduck, 1 Stonechat. Neil Barnett.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:00 to 10:50
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard over Hockley Woods, viewed from Gusted Hall ridge, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
A130 Rettendon 10:15
1 Buzzard flying quite low. Pete and Dawn.
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:00
2 Cormorant together, circling over the woodland! 6 Sparrowhawk (2 males, 4 females), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c.10 Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Jay. 1 Green-veined White, 1 Comma. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoeburyness, Church Road 11:00
1 Buzzard over garden. Jill Warner.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:25 to 14:50
Walked in from Hampton Barns: 5 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe, , 1 Grey Heron, 1 drake Wigeon, 15 Pochard, 1 Turtle Dove purring from wires by horse paddock at Hampton Barns, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warbler (singing), 3 Blackcap, 15 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting. 2 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Langdon Hills 12:30 to 15:00
1 Red Kite, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch. Andrew Cox.
Orsett, Conways Road 13:00
3 Common Buzzard showing well. Jim Cockram.
Wakering, Fleet Head 13:15 to 14:20
Ringtail Hen Harrier flew low towards Potton Island, 2 Whimbrel, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Swallow, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Canada Goose, 12 Common Whitethroat, Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Belfairs Woods, 13:30 to 15:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Chiffchaff. 6 Brimstone, 4 Small White, 3 Orange-tip, 7 Speckled Wood. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Southend, 14:50
1 adult Mediterranean Gull north west of Kursaal. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:20 to 15:35
1 1st summer Little Gull still hawking over marsh, 1 Common Tern, 2 Reed Warbler. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 15:40 to 16:15
1 Grass Snake, 2 Large Red Damselfly, 3 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Hairy Dragonfly. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 15:55 to 16:55
1 Cuckoo (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). 3 Marsh Frog, 1 Large Red Damselfly, 1 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Hairy Dragonfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:00 to 18:40
2 Mediterranean Gull (ad, 2s), 2 Sandwich Tern, 6+ Common Tern, 1 Little Tern. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:30 to 20:15
3 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier hunting southern seawall at 8pm, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting reedy ditch lines, 2 Short-eared Owl showing really well hunting reedy ditch lines between car park and white gate, interacting with one another and flying right over the car park at one point, c.10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Linnet, c.20 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:45 to 20:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier from near Grapnells, 1 Little Owl on posts between Loftman's Corner and the bungalow on double bend. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Sunday 24th April 2011
Two Tree Island 05:45 to 08:30
4 Nightingale (2 heard), 3 Cuckoo, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, (really good shows), Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Greenfinch, Reed Warbler, 3 Cetti's Warbler, (heard), Stonechat, Kestrel roosting in tree, Sparrowhawk, 2 Curlew in flight, Linnet. Jim Bailey, Mark Tutte.
Gunners Park, 06:10 to 07:45
5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Blackcap, 20 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat (or more), 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler (Garrison end). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 07:00
1 Green Woodpecker heard nearby. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island 07:15 to 09:00
Excellent Nightingale activity - four singing birds today and yesterday. Andrew Gouldstone.
Canvey Wick, 07:30 to 10:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mediterranean Gull (noisy pair over), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale singing from usual location, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 08:00 to 10:00
1 Turtle Dove (possibly 2), 2 Cuckoo, 5 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Nightingale (1 by the road, 1 150 east of the road heard from seawall and 1 at the far west end), 1 Fieldfare, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 25 Whitethroat (at least), 2 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 08:30 to 09:00
1 Blackcap singing. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 08:45 to 09:45
2 Sparrowhawk displaying, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Writtle, River Wid - Melba Court, 09:00
Cuckoo - male and female both calling, then together Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat - 5 singing males, 3 Swallow. Andrew Stroud.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:20 to 12:15
3 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Goose, 31 Shelduck, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Meadow Pipit, 13 Yellow Wagtail (flava and flavissima), 1 Wheatear, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3+ Reed Warbler (heard only), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Goldfinch, 12 Linnet, 6 Corn Bunting. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10:00
2 Canadian Geese, Little Grebe, 2 Skylark. Tom Sewell.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 10:00 to 12:30
Sightings from the RSPB Local Group walk: Mallard, Sparrowhawk, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo (heard), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker (pair), Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush (heard), Robin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch. Kris Mee, Web Author, John Atfield, Keith Crees et al.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 11:35
Freshmarsh only; 1 Spotted Redshank (winter plumage still), 1 1st year Little Gull hawking insects over lagoon, 2 Common Tern. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 11:00 to 12:30
4 Oystercatcher, 1 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 6 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 15 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Speckled Wood. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 12:35 to 13:30
1 Night Heron roosting in trees above the old sewage tanks, 2 Kestrel (pair), 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 2 Nightingale singing and showed well just past the feeders and one singing opposite Egret hide track, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 5 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:45 to 13:15
2 Swallow, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:00
Night Heron on roost. John Atfield.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:30 to 15:34
Pair of Sparrowhawk displaying and riding the thermals over our house. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Wallasea Island, 16:15 to 17:50
1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting east of the silver and green tanks, 1 Whimbrel (heard), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting east of the silver and green tanks, 15 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 12 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:30 to 19:15
1 Kingfisher, 2 Canada Goose, 2 Blackbird, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Wren, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Stock Dove, 4 Collared Dove, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Moorhen, 4 Pheasant,1 Grey Heron, 50+ Carrion Crow, 100+ Starling, 1 Robin, 1 Great Tit. Also seen but uncounted: Whitethroat, Linnet, Skylark, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Magpie, Lapwing. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island, 18:00
2 Nightingale, Cuckoo, Long-tailed Tit, Whitethroat, Little Grebe. Tom Sewell.
Saturday 23rd April 2011
Two Tree Island East 06:00
Night Heron, Kestrel, Whitethroat (at least 20 flying around) c.10 Blackcap, 1 Nightingale (2 others heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard), Shelduck, 1 Skylark, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Common Pheasant, c.6 Chaffinch, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Curlew. Emily Broad.
Woodlands Road, Hockley 07:00 to 07:30
3 Guinea Fowl on shed roof escaped from a garden giving us very loud wake up call. DZ.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 07:00 to 09:30
4 Greylag Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Common Shelduck, Mallard, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, Coot, 2 Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, 1 Greenshank, Blue Tit, many Skylark, many Common Whitethroat, Chaffinch, 4 Linnet, male Reed Bunting. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Two Tree Island (East) 08:00 to 10:00
12 Common Whitethroat, 20 Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Nightingale (2 heard, one showing well), 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Greenshank, 1 Night Heron, 1 Cuckoo. Richard Mander.
Hadleigh Downs, 08:30 to 11:20
1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard (high over Hadleigh Castle moving North at 11:10, 1 Cuckoo, 20+ Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20+ Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 11:00
3 Sparrowhawk (at least soaring/displaying), 1 Hobby high to north, 4 Green Woodpecker (drumming bird in woodland), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper (at least, singing). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:00
Skylark, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Sparrowhawk, Chaffinch. Emily Broad.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 09:00 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 11:20
3 Mute Swan, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island 09:00 to 15:00
Nightingale, Night Heron, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Tit, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Linnet, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Starling, Kestrel, Stonechat, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Skylark, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Common Tern. Paul Forsdick.
Bournemouth Park Road Area 09:40
1 Swift over back garden. Don Wildish.
Two Tree Island 10:30 to 12:50
Night Heron, Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Dunnock, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Grasshopper Warbler, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler, Magpie, Wren, Robin. Noel Barnes.
Fields Between Leigh and Benfleet 11:00
Possibly saw a Purple Heron whilst going past on train. Was very dark navy blue body and reddish black neck and Grey Heron size although didn't have the colouring of a Grey Heron at all. Bird was standing by one of the ditches on the field between Leigh and Benfleet Station. Emily Broad.
Woodlands Road, Hockley 11:30 to 12:00
Honey Buzzard circling over Hockley and Hawkwell. DZ.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:30 to 14:00
1 Turtle Dove in bushes on path sea side of boat museum, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Stow Maries Aerodrome 12:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Buzzard, 1 Turtle Dove. Russ Payne.
Rochford, 12:00 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swift over garden, 10 Sand Martin (or more in one flock over garden), 4 House Martin over garden, 1 Blackcap singing male still present in garden, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Holly Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southend, Sutton Road 13:00
1 Common Buzzard. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
South Benfleet, 13:15
3 Whimbrel flew from creek opposite Benfleet Station. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:30 to 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler (at least), 2 Blackcap. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 13:00 to 15:30
6 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail, North @ 14:00), 1 Kestrel, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 10 Redshank, 30 Curlew, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Nightingale (singing 150m east of watchtower), 1 male Greenland Wheatear, 20 Common Whitethroat (all singing males), 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Linnet. Plus usual Whites and Vanessa's and 1 Speckled Wood. Mike Harris, Anita Harris.
Stow Maries Halt 15:00
2 Bullfinch. J. Eva.
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 19:00
RSPB Guided walk from 3pm then south-west corner: 8 Little Egret (group together in south-west borrowdyke), 1 drake Pochard (flushed from den), 1 Kestrel hovering to north, 2 Snipe south-west borrowdyke, 26 Whimbrel, 6 Greenshank, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Short-eared Owl (performed well near haystack), 13 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 6 Corn Bunting (singing). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:00 to 19:00
1 Snipe, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Swallow, 25 Yellow Wagtail (at least including a possible Blue-headed Wagtail, female type), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Chelmsford 18:10
5 Swift. Tom Chandler.
Canvey Wick, 19:00 to 20:00
1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Friday 22nd April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swift
Canvey Wick, 06:00 to 10:00
3 Sparrowhawk, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 adult summer Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Savi's Warbler seen several times but very elusive, 3 Sedge Warbler (at least), 10 Reed Warbler (at least), 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 25 Whitethroat (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Wick, 06:15 to 10:40
3 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 1 Nightingale singing and showed briefly, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Savi's Warbler reeled occasionally and seen briefly but well on a couple of occasions but generally very elusive, 4 Lesser Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 06:45
3 Nightingale (1 seen, 2 heard) 1 Cuckoo (heard), Lesser Whitethroat (watched one starting to build nest), Common Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit, Pheasants, Little Grebe, Greenfinch, Linnet. Jim and Lin Bailey.
Wakering Stairs 06:50 to 09:10
1 Little Egret, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoo, 15 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 2 Nightingale, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 50+ Common Whitethroat, 2 Jay, 2 Corn Bunting. Also 2 Brown Hare. David Selley.
Canvey Wick, 08:00 to 10:30
2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (frequent prolonged reeling, one showing well), 1 Savi's Warbler heard briefly on three occasions, 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 3 Lesser Whitethroat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 11:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 3 Whitethroat singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing. 2 Holly Blue. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 08:45 to 10:45
2 Cuckoo, 3 Skylark, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Savi's Warbler (heard only), 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 male Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 11:30
Watching from Gusted Hall ridge: 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female with broken tail soaring and displaying), 1 Buzzard (heard only), 1 Hobby soaring high over wood, 6 Stock Dove (at least 3 pairs displaying), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming in wood behind us, 10 Swallow (steady movement through), 6 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat flew in high from east and dived into trees, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Coal Tit seen well in wood south of field. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 08:50 to 10:50
3 Little Grebe, 1 Night Heron, 3 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (heard only), 21 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Brian Baldock (SOG).
River Roach Seal Trip Aboard the Lady III 09:00 to 17:00
4 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 4 Shelduck, 1 Brent Goose, 2 Whimbrel. 12 Common Seal. Web Author.
Canvey Wick, 09:10 to 10:50
2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Savi's Warbler heard reeling rather quietly on a few occasions, 6 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 male Reed Bunting. 1 Green-veined White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 10:00
1 Hoopoe on telegraph wire by sea wall. Mick Roe.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:30 to 11:00
1 Yellowhammer. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:30 to 16:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair), 1 Hoopoe showed very well at the far west end on the asphalt tracks. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:50 to 11:30
1 Hoopoe. Matt Bruty (SOG)
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:50 to 13:30
1 Egyptian Goose on lake edge, 1 Buzzard high drifting west, 1 Hoopoe showed really well on track western end near seawall, 1 Swallow. John Wright, Sally Brierley, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:55 to 14:00
4 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Kestrel, 1 Hoopoe showed exceptionally well feeding along paths in the sunshine, 10 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 11:05
1 Hoopoe on track 200m before sea wall. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:10 to 12:00
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Hoopoe, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 12:45 to 13:25
2 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Hoopoe. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:00 to 14:10
1 Little Grebe, 1 Egyptian Goose on reservoir, 2 female Pochard with 1 duckling, 1 Hoopoe feeding on track to 3rd hide, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 3 Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Benfleet, 13:15
3 Whimbrel flew from creek opposite Benfleet Station. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:20 to 14:20
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Hoopoe, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Linnet. Marc Outten, Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hullbridge, West of Kendall Reserve 14:00
1 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Rayleigh Mount, 14:45 to 15:15
1 immature male Sparrowhawk plundered the Collared Dove roost, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 17:00
2 Lapwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Shell Haven 16:00 to 17:30
Cuckoo , 2 Kestrel, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, numerous Black-headed Gull. Chris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:00 to 17:30
8 Avocet, 2 Common Tern, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 18:00
Covered whole island around high tide: 7 Little Egret, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier (possibly 2) flushed from sea wall near water vole area and later further south-west), 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover (1 in full summer plumage), 9 Whimbrel (in two flocks 5 and 4), 5 Greenshank (4 in south-west borrowdyke, 1 near tower), 1 Common Sandpiper flushed from sea wall by Paglesham Pool, 1 Common Tern (east end), 1 Little Tern fishing near last breach before tower, 1 Short-eared Owl (great views near water vole area), 10 Yellow Wagtail (at least - everywhere on the island), 5 Corn Bunting (singing birds, one with colour rings from over the Crouch). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 17:00 to 20:00
1 Hobby, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:00 to 18:35
1 Night Heron showing well in bushes above old sewage tanks, 2 Nightingale (one showed superbly singing amongst apple blossom), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 18:40 to 21:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (heard distantly), 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Savi's Warbler (heard briefly at 20.50), 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. 1 Red Fox. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island 19:00 to 20:30
1 Night Heron, 2 Nightingale,2 Cuckoo,2 Swift. Jerry Stock.
Canvey Wick, 19:40 to 21:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (including 1 showing quite well), 1 Savi's Warbler heard twice around 20:50. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 21st April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Turtle Dove
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 08:00 to 20:00
3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroat, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mute Swan heading north. Robin Peppiatt.
Pitsea 08:00 to 10:00
1 Tree Sparrow visiting feeders. Phil Shaw.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 12:00
2 Peregrine Falcon on and off Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 10:15
2 male Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 16:00
1 Buzzard over north around 2pm, 1 Turtle Dove on perimeter trail, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Collared Dove, Dunnock, Cuckoo, Robin, Whitethroat, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Shelduck, Grey Heron, Turtle Dove, Kestrel, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, 2 probable Peregrine (in distance over Pitsea Crematorium), Reed Warbler, Pochard, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Great Tit, Blue Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Southchurch, 10:55 to 11:00
1 Buzzard west from garden, 1 Hobby. Dave Knight (SOG).
Station lane, Pitsea 12:40
House Martin. Terry Jeffreys.
Bushy Hill, (Radar Hill) 16:00
Cuckoo, female Kestrel, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff singing, 4 Jackdaw, Wren, Rook. Dawn James.
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:00 to 18:00
2 Sedge Warbler, 2+ Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Cetti's Warbler (one seen), 1 Song Thrush (east end), 2 Curlew, 1 Water Vole. Dave Cornwell.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:20 to 18:20
1 Kestrel, 2 Whimbrel, 13 Stock Dove, 2 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 4 Yellow Wagtail (2 pairs), 2 Reed Warbler. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 to 18:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby hunting over old tip, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Water Rail calling, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellow Wagtail (inc. pair feeding at close range among grazing horses), Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (East), 18:45 to 20:15
1 Night Heron showing well on the north side of the trees by the old sewage lagoon, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Nightingale (3 singing), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Grasshopper Warbler (one reeling south of the first car park), 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler. Don Petrie, Marc Outten (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:50 to 20:10
1 Night Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Nightingale, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island 19:00 to 20:00
2 Cuckoo, Night Heron in trees where the egrets roost, 1 Little Egret, Nightingale. Emily Broad.
Two Tree Island (East), 19:00 to 21:00
1 Night Heron at first asleep in the roost, later (20:30) flew down to fish in the sewage lagoon, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting. 4 Common Pipistrelle, 1 Noctule Bat. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 19:00 to 22:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (heard only), 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing, 1 Savi's Warbler reeling and showing in southern reedbed immediately west of exit to sea wall/jetty, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 21:00 to 22:15
1 Whimbrel flew over calling, 1 Cuckoo singing, 1 Nightingale singing, 1 Savi's Warbler showed a couple of times briefly. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Tim Bourne, Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 20th April 2011
Two Tree Island 04:20 to 09:15
Dawn chorus walk: Common Pheasant (two cock birds fighting like mad on the island road), Canada Goose, 2 Shelduck, Mallard, Night Heron flew from south borrowdyke to usual roost and completely disappeared in to the foliage! Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, 40+ Avocet on lagoon - despite the mobbing of Black-headed Gulls and the Avocets themselves Carrion Crows were constantly stealing eggs all the time we were there. Ringed Plover, Redshank, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, 5 Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 1 Cuckoo, Magpie, 6 Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Swallow, 5 Long-tailed Tit, Skylark, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Grasshopper Warbler (heard), Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap (pairs), very many Common Whitethroat, many Wren, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, Robin, 3 Nightingale (2 seen), male Stonechat, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 8 Linnet on model aeroplane strip, 1 male Reed Bunting. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Belton Hills, 05:40
1 Nightingale singing 100yds west of Leigh Station on north side of road opposite sign to Castle Drive. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Ashingdon, Canewdon Road 08:00
5 Swallow on the wires, back in their usual place. David Selley.
Grays, Thurrock 08:35
40+ Waxwing opposite fire station, Hogg Lane Grays feeding on red berries. Len Dean.
Belfairs Golf Course, 09:50
1 Osprey fairly low over north-east. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00 to 12:30
3 Sparrowhawk (female and immature male thermalling together at 11:30, a third bird on its own at midday), 1 Swallow north. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Sparrowhawk in tree. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Paul Baker (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 14:05
2 adult Mediterranean Gull over garden calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southend, 14:40 to 14:50
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair hunting over town centre). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Tollesbury 16:30
1 Cuckoo, 7 Swallow. Cuckoos calling every where across the village and marshes. Nigel Norton.
Rochford, 18:45 to 18:50
10 Waxwing (at least) in the tall roadside trees on Dalys Road by the mini roundabout on Ashingdon by Jackos Fish&Chips. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:00 to 20:30
1 Night Heron at first roosting on the north side of the egret bushes, out in the open on a branch of the dead tree, then later flew down and fed around the edges of the sewage lagoons, 1 Kestrel, 3 Nightingale, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Noctule Bat. Paul Griggs, Peter Collins (SOG).
Wallasea Island 19:45 to 20:10
Marsh Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Cuckoo (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Southchurch Park East - Last Three Days
Male Mute Swan caught on fishing line from travellers which I managed to get off him. Nest checked whilst in rescue boat, Seven eggs - 17th April. 2 Red-legged Partridge on grass south of pond - 18th April. Reed Warblers have arrived overnight, The reeds are alive again - 20th April. Robert Dobinson.
Tuesday 19th April 2011
Rochford, 07:20
9 Waxwing outside my front door in Somerset Avenue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 07:20 to 07:50
2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear on old brick works, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Matt Bruty (SOG)
Two Tree Island, 08:20
2 Cuckoo flying and singing over lagoon, 1 male, 2 female Blackbird, 4 Common Tern, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap. Neil Barnett.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat between far hide and sea wall, several Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler. Hilary Knight.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:20 to 13:50
2 Kestrel visiting nest box, 2 Nightingale (1 singing, 1 in flight), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Reed Warbler singing, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat. Peter Collins (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
2 Holly Blue. Paul Baker (SOG)
Monday 18th April 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:15
A recently fledged juvenile Robin in the garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 13:00
Honey Buzzard: circling and drifting slowly westwards on the easterly breeze in company with a Common Buzzard and a female Sparrowhawk. In view for 10 minutes, giving the perfect comparison between the two species! Also 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 additional Buzzard, Peregrine, 2 Barn Owl, Mediterranean Gull, 9 Golden Plover, Snipe, 8 Ruff, 46 Avocet, 122 Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, 4 Whimbrel, Cuckoo, 2 Wheatear, 2 Bearded Reedlings (on 17th - log), 20+ Sedge Warbler, 10+ Reed Warbler. Graham Smith.
Rochford, 08:35
22 Waxwing outside my front door in Somerset Avenue this morning. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island 08:50 to 12:15
East Side: Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Wren, Nightingale (opposite feeders, heard not seen), Cuckoo, Common Whitethroat. Orangetip & Peacock. West Side: Grasshopper Warbler (not far from the road), many Common Whitethroat, Wren. 4 Orangetip, 2 Peacock near Lagoon hide. Chris Henry.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:05 to 19:10
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 17th April 2011
Two Tree Island, 07:00 to 11:00
1 Whimbrel, 1 Swallow, 3 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler showed well just once early morning, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 10+ Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Wick, 07:45 to 09:35
West end: 7 Shelduck together on one of the raised paths displaying to each other, looked like grouse at a lek, 2 Mediterranean Gull over together, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Nightingale, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 27 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 2 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham Road near Abbotts Hall Chase c.08:00
Hobby flying east above and below houses. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 09:00 to 11:00
30+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Tern, 3 Nightingale (all heard only), 1 Stonechat, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler (heard), 1 Blackcap, 20+ Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:20 to 13:30
WEBS count: 2 Little Grebe, 1 Night Heron flew from reed hide to egret roost at c.11.30, 5 Canada Goose, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 32 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 Pheasant, 13 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 14 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 310 Black-tailed Godwit, 123 Curlew, 35 Redshank, 2 Turnstone, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 468 Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 5 Common Tern, 17 Wood Pigeon, 1 male Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Skylark, 7 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 3 Nightingale (1 seen), 1 male Stonechat, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1 seen), 1 Grasshopper Warbler by car park, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 16 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 6 Magpie, 11 Carrion Crow, 7 Starling, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting. 1 Red Fox, 16 Small White, 8 Orange-tip, 5 Peacock Butterfly. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 09:30 to 12.50
Seen during WeBS count: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 13 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Wheatear including 1 Greenland race bird - a really stunning male, 1 Sedge Warbler, 21 Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 5 Linnet. David Selley.
River Roach, Barling to Rochford 10:00 to 14:00
2 Chaffinch, 2 Canada Geese, many Oystercatcher, several Mallard couples, many Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 6 Mute Swan, a pair of Swallow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Song Thrush. 2 very little Fox pups poking their heads out of their hole as I passed. Nikki.
Danbury Park 11:00 to 13:00
2 Treecreeper, 6 Blackcap, 2 Swallow, 3 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, lots of Jackdaw and 2 Terrapins resting on a tree trunk that jutted out over the lake, a couple of metres from a Coot nest with chicks in. Sue Haffenden.
Rochford, 12:00 to 13:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard high south at 1.15pm, 1 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail all over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island, 12:50 to 14:00
Tree Pipit on tall bush not far from reed bed of reserve. Richard Fahey.
Southchurch, 13:20 to 13:30
2 adult Mediterranean Gull flew north. Dave Knight (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:10 to 18:15
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap singing, 3 Whitethroat singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Laindon West 14:30
1 Red kite circled above garden before drifting off north. 1 Common Crane 15:00, also circled above garden and went west, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk. 1 House Martin. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (East), 15:45 to 16:25
1 Night Heron sleeping and viewable by the sewage tanks, 1 Nightingale (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Blue House Farm 16:00 to 19:00
2 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Whimbrel, House Martin, Reed Warbler, 16+ Avocet, 6 Oystercatcher, Skylark, Meadow Pipit. Paul Jeapes.
Saturday 16th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Lesser Whitethroat
Two Tree Island, 06:00 to 12:50
1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Tern all on lagoon, 1 Cuckoo (west end), 1 Swallow, 3 Nightingale, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (possibly three), 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, c.15 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 09:30
10 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Grebe, 6 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 11 Pochard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 2 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 female Wheatear, 2 Cetti's Warbler, at least 5 Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler on old tip, 8 Reed Bunting (2 pairs + 4 males). Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (East), 07:20 to 08:45
1 male Cuckoo, 4 Nightingale (heard only), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park 07:30 to 07:50
2 male Cuckoo, one flew towards Two Tree Island, the other was singing and showing well in the tree tops along the highest path eastside of the park. Ellen Hume.
Canvey Wick, 07:50 to 09:50
2 Mediterranean Gull over, 1 Cuckoo, 2+ Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, c.19 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 08:00
1 adult Mediterranean Gull by Sealife Centre. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 08:00 to 10:15
1 male Cuckoo, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Nightingale, countless Common Whitethroat. Mark Bicknell.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:10 to 11:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair of adults), 1 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Corn Bunting singing. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 12:00
1 male Bearded Tit, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Warbler. Andrew Cox.
Gunners Park, 10:15 to 10:45
5 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:25 to 11:50
5 Cetti's Warbler (4 between museum and marina, 1 along west side), 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 10 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. 10 Green-veined White, 15 Orange-tip. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10:35 to 10:40
Night Heron moved out of view back into bushes. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 11:45
1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (heard only), 3 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 12 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:15 to 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Swallow, 10 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 11:20 to 12:45
2 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Bullfinch. 3 Large Red Damselfly, 3 Orange-tip, 2 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Common, 12:20 to 13:10
2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Langdon Hills 12:30 to 15:30
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Wood Warbler (Westley Heights), 1 Coal Tit. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (West), 13:45 to 14:45
1 male Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo flew low over west end, 2 Stonechat (pair at the 'tree stump graveyard'), 15+ Whitethroat (singing males). 1 Orange-tip. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:50 to 14:45
2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Pochard, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Avocet on saline lagoon, 1 Green Sandpiper on saline lagoon, 2 Common Tern, 4 Cetti's Warbler singing, 5 Sedge Warbler singing, 1 Reed Warbler singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 14:15
Newly fledged Dunnock around our feet in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Prittlewell, 14:30
30 Waxwing still midway along Oaken Grange Drive, starting to look a little out of place now in the summer sunshine! Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford, 14:45
1 Peregrine Falcon over garden heading south west. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (East), 14:45 to 16:35
1 Night Heron (1st Spring bird sleeping in cover, then showing well while fishing in the reedy channel from the pool at the far east end by the pillbox 15:30-16:15), 2 Kestrel (pair), 1 Swallow, 1 Nightingale singing at east end, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling to south-east of first car park. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 15:00 to 15:45
1 Kestrel, 39 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Skylark singing, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Billericay (Back Garden) 16:00 to 17:15
Rook, 2 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 2 Magpie, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 2 Dunnock, Buff-tailed Bumble Bee, Red-tailed Bumble Bee, Orange-tip Butterfly. Chris Henry.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 17:25
Saline Lagoon only: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Teal (a pair), 1 drake Pochard, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail (heard), 2 Oystercatcher (a pair), 2 Avocet (a pair), 1 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3+ Sedge Warbler, 3+ Reed Warbler. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island 18:00 to 19:30
Walk down the main path from the car park to the mudflats looking east towards Southend: 3 Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Male Pheasant, 2 Robin, Little Grebe, 2 Moorhen and a very shy Night Heron just its head and a winking eye was all that could been seen as it sat in a small bush in the ditch running along the seawall to the right of the path. There were around 12 birders from around the Home Counties all with telescopes trained on its every small movement. On the way back Nightingales singing in the bushes just by the main path along with a Blue, Great and Long tailed Tit plus a hunting Short-eared Owl. Rob Harris.
Friday 15th April 2011
Two Tree Island (East), 07:15 to 08:10
1 immature Night Heron in sewage tank bushes, 1 Nightingale (1 or 2 singing both sides of track near the feeders), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (1 singing just east of car park when I arrived and 1 singing near car park but on west side of road when I left - same bird?), 5 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
River Blackwater, Ramsey Marsh, St Lawrence Bay (map), 10:00 to 11:30
1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 4 Sedge Warbler singing and seen, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Skylark, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 2 Blackcap singing in adjacent wood, 2 Cuckoo. Steve Spicer.
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10:25 to 12:20
Wheatear (first I have seen here this spring), 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Canada Goose, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Common Whitethroat, 5 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck. Ray Fuller.
Gunners Park 11:00 to 12:30
Male Redstart on top of the dead tree flying off to the circular car park trees. 5+ Swallow, 2 Mediterranean Gull circling and calling and above them I noticed a Buzzard flying towards the west above the park. 2 Blackcap in bushes near lake, 5+ Whitethroat calling. In the bushes close to the reserve 1 Sedge Warbler Called briefly. 1 Slow worm under tin near car park. Steven Wood.
Rayleigh Mount, 11:15 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Robin (fledged juvenile!), 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11:30 to 16:00
1 Night Heron, 4 Grasshopper Warbler (two seen), 3 Nightingale heard one showed very well, 1 female Redstart (feeding in bushes south east of 1st car park showed well), 2 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler (heard), Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler,1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 6 Mediterranean Gulls, pair of Stonechat, 10 Linnet, Skylark, 30 Avocet, Blackcap, Whitethroat, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Shelduck, Mallard, 1 Swallow, 1 female Kestrel. Name: Brennan and Vince Briggs.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:55 to 13:30
2 Greenshank, 2 Avocet, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Common Tern, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, Cetti's Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Southchurch Park East 12:45
3 Canada Geese, 1 Pair seen mating 12.45pm. Male Mute Swan not chasing them off. Robert Dobinson.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 13:15 to 14:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East) 14:55 to 15:50
1 juvenile/1st summer Night Heron, 2 Kestrel (1 male 1 female), 1 male Cuckoo singing and showing well. Martin Johnson.
Hanningfield Reservoir, Waters Edge Cafe 15:00
Black Swan, Teal, Tufted and Mallard Duck. Rob Harris.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Orange-tip. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:40 to 17:40
4 Little Egret, 4 Greylag Goose, 7 Canada Goose, 1 female Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank (summer plumage), 1 Greenshank, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 male Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 30 Linnet. 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:15
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Nightingale in reserve in bushes behind fallen EWT sign, 3 Wheatear in reserve. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:00 to 18:45
5 Wheatear, 4 Jackdaw, 8 Magpie, 7 Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Dove, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Mallard, 1 Moorhen. Also seen but numbers estimated or not noted: 50+ Carrion Crow, 10+ Skylark, 25+ Linnet, 10 Feral Pigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Blackcap. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:20 to 18:55
1 Night Heron roosting in egret trees, 1 Mute Swan flew low south east, 1 Cuckoo heard west of car park, 1 Swallow, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling 75m west of car park, 4 Whitethroat. Paul Baker, Dave Knight (SOG).
Two Tree Island East 18:15 to 19:15
1 Mute Swan, 7 Common Shelduck, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Night Heron, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap (pair), 1 Linnet, 5 Blackbird, Nightingale (heard), Chaffinch, Greenfinch, male Reed Bunting. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Thursday 14th April 2011
South Woodham Ferrers, Marsh Farm 09:00
1 Cuckoo heard. David Chivers.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Magpie, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Teal 7 Shelduck, 10 Redshank, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Tufted Duck, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Pochard, Coot, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Little Grebe, Reed Bunting, female Marsh Harrier over Bowers Marsh. Terry Jeffreys.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 12:10
1 Willow Warbler singing. David Selley.
Gunner's Park 13:00 to 14:15
1 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Wheatear. S. Jackson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:30 to 17:30
1 juvenile Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler showing by hide. Mick Roe.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 17:30 to 18:15
1 Little Egret roosting in trees to the north, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:15 to 20:30
1 Night Heron standing in water below egret trees until 19.35, then flew to reedy pool and observed several times in flight before returning to filter beds, 3 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:30 to 20:40
1 Night Heron seen several times flying between feeding areas at the eastern end, 2 Nightingale (at least 2 singing birds), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling just west of the first car park, 1 Reed Warbler singing from the reedy pool by the hide. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 13th April 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 08:00 to 08:25
3 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Chiffchaff (2 singing), 2 Bullfinch (pair feeding in hedge S of railway just south-west of crossing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rettendon Roundabout 10:40
Woodchat Shrike seen on top of hedges along field near roundabout to old road to South Woodham Ferrers. Alec Martin.
Danbury Common (Backwarden) 11:00 to 12:00
2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Nightingale, lots of Blackcap and Chiffchaff. Alec Martin.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:00 to 13:00
7 Swallow, all singles flying north, seen while in the garden this morning. David Selley.
Ashingdon, Magnolia Nature Reserve 11:00 to 13:30
1 Garden Warbler, 3 Common Buzzard soaring, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Rettendon 11:30 to 11:45
Woodchat Shrike on top of bushes approx 100 metres northwest of roundabout. Ray Fuller.
Basildon, Burnt Mills 15:00
4 Goldfinch (rare for this area). Pete and Dawn.
Hadleigh Downs, 15:30 to 15:45
18 Swallow. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:15 to 16:30
2 Swallow (my first of the year!), 1 Little Egret, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Mallard, 1 Robin. Also seen but uncounted: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Greenfinch. Paul Forsdick.
Prittlewell, 16:25 to 16:30
35 Waxwing on wires midway along Oaken Grange Drive. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:35 to 19:20
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret on roost, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling near car park and showing well on and off, 4 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing. 1 Northern Water Vole on reedy pool from hide. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:15 to 20:25
2 Little Grebe, 1 Night Heron found at 19:50 in egret trees although well hidden, climbed out and was then viewable from egret hide before flying off towards reedy pool. No further sign until 20:20 when flew from waters edge of reedy pool, circled the pool then flew off towards Leigh creek immediately north of sewage tanks, 1 Little Egret, 3 Snipe, 3 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, c.10 Common Pipistrelle. Paul Baker, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 19:20 to 19:25
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling c.50m west of road opposite car park. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 12th April 2011
Southchurch, 08:20
1 Rough-legged Buzzard over Woodgrange Drive near Lifstan Way, moving north-west. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Prittle Brook 08:30
2 Red Kite, 3 Buzzard sp. over. Brian Baldock (SOG).
West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
Egyptian Goose, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Swallow. Hilary Knight.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:40 to 10:55
1 Buzzard low west following valley then thermalled up over Gusted Hall wood, heading towards Hockley Woods, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, c.15 Linnet. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10:40 to 12:30
East: 1 Nightingale (heard) 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. West: 15+ Avocet, many Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow over, 1 Stonechat, 2 Whitethroat, 7 Linnet. Les Costin (EBS).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 13:00 to 14:50
3 Stock Dove, 6 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (singing), 6 Swallow, 7 Blackcap (6 singing males plus a female), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing along the stream), 1 Goldcrest (singing), 6 Long-tailed Tit (3 pairs along the stream). Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:50 to 14:30
c.15 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 Mute Swan on lake, 1 male Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler singing from scrub on west side of lake, 3 Linnet. 1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 14:40 to 14:50
2 Mute Swan, 2 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:00 to 16:10
1 Greylag Goose, 7 Canada Goose, 2 Egyptian Goose (still north of central track by large fleet and duck feeding station), 1 drake Teal, 4 Pochard (1 drake, 3 female), 2 drake Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 7 Avocet (including 1 colour ringed, yellow right upper tarsus, red left upper tarsus), 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Skylark singing, 20 Swallow (including 11 together perched on barbed wire fence), 4 bright male Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, c.25 Linnet, 8 Corn Bunting singing. 1 Small White. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, Junction of Oaken Grange Drive and Alton Gardens 16:00 to 16:20
Flock of 50 Waxwing perched on telephone cables for about 10 minutes. Split into smaller groups and flew away to south-east. Earlier one group of 7-8 fed briefly on rowan tree before being disturbed by passing van. P. North.
Rettendon 18:00
Woodchat Shrike seen on field left to main road, old A130 behind bus Shelter towards Rettendon/Chelmsford direction. Barry Jones.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 18:30 to 19:15
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard flew in from north-west then thermalled up and away to the east, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 male Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff (2 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 20:00
Night Heron seen by waters edge well hidden. Nightingales heard. Emily Broad.
Monday 11th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Cuckoo
Southend, Eastern Avenue 06:30
Cuckoo heard. Mick Holland.
Two Tree Island, 07:00 to 08:15
1 Little Grebe, 1 female Kestrel, 3 Nightingale singing, one seen, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler (one by east car park showing very well), 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Brown Rat swimming in reed pool. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Pitsea 08:00
Cuckoo. Phil Shaw.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:30
3 Black-tailed Godwit in creek, 1 Greenshank in creek, 4 Cetti's Warbler (singing - 3 from hide, 1 from marina), 1 Sedge Warbler singing, 2 Reed Warbler singing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08.30
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker drumming on metal drum brake on tree outside SE Copse, 1 Green Woodpecker in SE Copse. Mute Swan pair have laid eggs and have been sitting for one week now in Southchurch Park East. Second Mute Swan pair have also laid eggs and have been sitting one week too in Southchurch Park. Robert Dobinson.
Two Tree Island (East), 09:00 to 10:20
1 Kestrel, 4 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler by first car park, 3 Whitethroat. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Seal and Wildlife Trip - Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 11:00 to 13:00
Near record numbers of seals inshore. 42 Common Seals sighted on today's trip, with really close views of seals both in and out of the water, 2 Avocet 1 Brent Goose. Ian Frates, Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:00
4 Wheatear, Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, Corn Bunting, Goldfinch, Skylark, Redshank, 1 Swallow. Thomas Harris.
Nevenden, Sainsbury's, 15:30
1 Buzzard circling quite low. Mick Roe.
Romford 16:30
Red Kite over Havering Park making its way in a north westerly direction. I watched it disappear over Hainault Country Park. Pam.
Two Tree Island (East), 18:20 to 20:35
3 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret on roost, 2 Kestrel (an obvious pair always together), 1 immature male Peregrine Falcon, 2 Snipe, 2 Swallow over borrow dyke, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler at reedy pool, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling loudly near to car park, 5 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, c.40 Common Pipistrelle (an incredible sight, with all these in the air at once as soon as the rain cleared). Paul Baker (SOG).
Writtle College Gravel Pit 19:15
15 Sand Martin feeding after rain shower, then flew off at dusk. Andrew Stroud.
Sunday 10th April 2011
Two Tree Island (East), 06:00 to 06:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Nightingale in full song east of feeders, 1 Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling in brambles just south east of small car park, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat. Matt Bruty
Two Tree Island (West), 06:45 to 07:45
8 Canada Goose, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Ringed Plover, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Curlew, 3 Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler heard north west of southern car park, 3 Whitethroat. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 11:00
1 Hen Harrier east end over rape fields, 1 male Yellow Wagtail near car park, 1 Wheatear centre of island, one near Grapnells yesterday, 20 Corn Bunting (lots of singing birds around island). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 11:30
1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Reed Warbler (heard), 1 Orange Tip Butterfly. Also; 6 Gypsy Horses, 2 adult males, 2 adult females, 4 juveniles riding mini quad bikes all over the west end of the reserve! Gave up and left and reported latter to RSPB Wat Tyler Park. Dave Cornwell.
Rochford, 11:00 to 11:10
52 Waxwing outside my front door in Somerset Avenue and over the back garden, 1 male Blackcap singing, present 4 days. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford, 11:55 to 12:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
South Woodham, Marsh Farm 12:00 to 15:00
1 female Marsh Harrier flying over car park. 1 female Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Heron. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 15:00
1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat. 1 Adder, 2 Brimstone. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Southend, Oaken Grange Drive 13:00 to 13:15
42 Waxwing Rochford Road end. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:00 to 14:35
2 Egyptian Goose (pair west of central track), 2 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 17 Whimbrel along Potton seawall, 6 Swallow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 male Yellow Wagtail, 3 Cetti's Warbler (singing birds by boatyard and farm ponds, another calling persistently and showing well just past gate along Potton Road), c.110 Linnet (incl. flock of c.70 at north end of central track), 3 Corn Bunting (2 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, 14:55 to 15:05
25+ Waxwing in tree on west side of Rochford Road between Oaken Grange Drive and Sidmouth Avenue. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Prittle Brook, 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 15:00 to 16:45
1 Night Heron, 1 Swallow flew over west end, 2 Nightingale, 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat (west end). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 15:00 to 17:20
1 immature Night Heron , 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton
Tewke's Creek, 15:30 to 15:50
Viewing back towards Hadleigh Downs: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine Falcon (probably male), 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:45 to 19:30
1 Night Heron, 3 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Whitethroat. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 16:00 to 17:00
1 immature Night Heron, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:10 to 19:00
1 immature Night Heron, 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair flew over calling), 1 Nightingale singing to the south of the track at the east end, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing at the east end, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling just east of the first car park, 2 Blackcap (singing males). Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:25 to 17:15
1 1st summer Night Heron, 2 Nightingale singing near feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Willow Warbler singing just west of feeders. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 17:00 to 18:20
27 Linnet feeding in fields, 1 Snipe seen flying from stream ditch into crop field, 2 Cormorant, 5 Reed Bunting, 6 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Mallard, 4 Magpie, 5 Skylark, 2 Feral Pigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Moorhen, 2 Pheasant, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Wren. Uncounted but also seen Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Starling. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:00 to 19:00
1 immature Night Heron, 2 Nightingale singing, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Two Tree Island (East), 17:00 to 20:10
1 first summer Night Heron showed well, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull flew over, 1 Short-eared Owl (spooked the Night Heron at one point), 1 Swallow, 3 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling near the car park, 3 Blckcap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Leigh on Sea, Prittle Brook, 18:05
1 Blackcap singing in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:20 to 18:50
1 Night Heron, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:00 to 20:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier still east end over rape, 2 Barn Owl from white gate late on - one flew high over hissing, another hunting the ditchline, 1 Short-eared Owl with Hen Harrier and sometimes harassing it. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 09th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Tern
Two Tree Island (West), 06:10 to 07:20
2 Grey Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwit in Benfleet Creek, 2 Common Tern over lagoon and Benfleet Creek, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Grasshopper Warbler reeling between airfield and lagoon, 1 Blackcap singing, 6 Whitethroat singing, 8 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 07:15 to 09:00
2 Nightingale (1, possibly 2, by feeders and 1 opposite Egret hide track), 1 Cetti's Warbler (east side), 2 Grasshopper Warbler (1 east of car park, 1 possibly 2, west of toy plane airfield), 6 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat (4 west side, 3 east side), 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Corn Bunting (west side flock). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 07:20 to 08:10
3 Nightingale (1 singing each side of track near feeders, 1 singing south of track opposite egret roost), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (initially singing by car park at 6.10am, then presumably the same one later between car park and feeders), 6 Blackcap (5 singing, 1 female). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Oaken Grange Drive, Junction with Alton Gardens 08:00 to 08:15
Waxwing seen again, at 08:00 there was only one on the telephone post, by 08:15 the rest of them appeared total c.50. They then started feeding on nearby rowan tree, they have stripped another already, I expect they will move on soon. Janice Watts.
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 16:00
Marsh Harrier seen flying at 09.30 being mobbed by two crows, 6 or more Blackcap in different trees seen and heard. Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pochard, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker. Emily Broad.
Southend, Oaken Grange Drive 08:20 to 08:40
c.70 Waxwing at the Manners Way end. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island, 08:30 to 10:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Nightingale (one seen, all singing), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 5 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southend, 09:30 to 10:15
c.50 Waxwing still at Oaken Grange Drive, Manners Way end. John Wright (SOG).
Barking, River Roding London Road Near Tesco Roundabout 10:00
30 Sand Martin - regular summer visitors nesting at this site, most people walk straight past and don't notice them! Steve Wall.
Barling Pits, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat. 1 Common Lizard, 1 Slow-worm. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 12:10
Main hide: 1 Buzzard soaring over the tip, 3 Cetti's Warbler (including 1 showing well by the hide), 2 Reed Warbler singing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Bearded Tit (at least 1 pinging in central reed strip), 1 male Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 13:25
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Avocet, 1 Common Tern on fresh marsh, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler singing on old tip, 2 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:00 to 16:25
17 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southend, 17:30 to 17:35
79 Waxwing (the whole flock on telephone wires at the junction of Alton Gardens). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:45 to 18:15
1 male Wheatear in reserve. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 18:00 to 19:30
2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Snipe, 5 Lapwing, 6 Jackdaw, 2 Skylark, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Stock Dove, 5 Collared Dove, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Moorhen, 1 Pheasant. Uncounted but also seen: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Linnet (small flock of around 10-15), Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap, Blue Tit. Paul Forsdick.
Wallasea Island, 18:15 to 19:20
Viewed from car park: 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier at one point being harassed by one of the Owls, 3 Corn Bunting singing. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Fossetts Park, 19:00 to 19:25
Land behind Waitrose: 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Friday 08th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sedge Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Grasshopper Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Garden Warbler
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 06:30 to 07:15
Seen on Baddow Meads and along river into town centre: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Skylark. Also seen but uncounted: Greenfinch, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen, Starling. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island 07:10 to 08.15
1 male Sparrowhawk, 3 Blackcap singing, 1 Nightingale singing briefly just south of feeders, 5 Skylark, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, many Chaffinch, Greenfinch. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:50 to 08:30
20 Black-tailed Godwit in creek, 2 Nightingale singing on west side - one by hide overlooking Timberman's Creek, the other on the other side of the creek, 4 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Willow Warbler singing north-east of marina. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Oaken Grange Drive 08:00
30+ Waxwing junction with Alton Gardens. Janice Watts.
Two Tree Island (East), 08:00 to 08:45
2 Canada Goose on old sewage tanks, 2 Shelduck on old sewage tanks, 2 Nightingale both in sub-song one north side of centre track just east of feeders and the other south of track opposite Egret hide track, 1 Sedge Warbler sang briefly, 5 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Prittlewell, Oaken Grange Drive 08:45
50+ Waxwing still around - not many berries left now. David Selley.
Danbury Common 10:00
Nightingale singing. Male adder basking. Jabez Weale.
Gunners Park 10:30 to 12:30
2 Chiffchaff heard singing, 3 Whitethroat, possible Garden Warbler in scrub near lake. 1 Swallow , 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. 2 Common lizard. Steve Wood.
Gunners Park 12:40 to 15:00
Great Crested Grebe (large raft of birds a long way out) 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 1 Wheatear in the reserve area, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch. Les Costin (EBS).
Wivenhoe Trail, Wivenhoe 13:00
1 Nightingale singing in woodland mid way along the Trail, but wasn't seen, 1 Common Tern over the River Colne, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker. Joseph Nichols.
Heybridge Basin 14:30 to 15:30
2 Sedge Warbler at least 4 more heard, 1 Cetti's Warbler at least 3 more heard, numerous Black-tailed Godwit, 1 male Blackcap. S. Cook.
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 18:10
22 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Peregrine Falcon, 250 Sanderling, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Sandwich Tern, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 3 Wheatear (2m, 1f), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:00 to 16:15
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 16:45 to 18:15
3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling occasionally and showing around reed bed on south side just west of exit to sea wall/jetty, 4 Blackcap (3 singing males, 1f), 2 Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff (singing + several others). Tim Bourne (SOG).
Two Tree Island 16:50 to 18:00
Nightingale heard on east side near standing hide, 2 Blackcap, 2 Mediterranean Gull on Lagoon, 1 Grasshopper Warbler trilling at dusk near Lagoon, 15 Linnet. Noel Barnes.
Rochford, Oast Way 17:00
Single House Martin checking out last years nests. Dan Davison.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 17:00
1 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff in song. 1 Green Woodpecker. Robin Peppiatt.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:45
1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow, 1 singing Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher. Andrew Cox.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 17:50 to 19:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush singing north of railway, 3 Blackcap singing, 3 Chiffchaff (2 singing), 15 Rook flying over north-west in ones and twos presumably to roost in Hockley Woods. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 20:05 to 20:55
1 Barn Owl hunting on north side, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler both on south side, 1 still in small reed bed c.150 yards west of exit to jetty, the other 250 yards further west near end of first main gravel track running north/south across site. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 21:20 to 21:45
1 Nightingale singing strongly and constantly from scrub on south side of track opposite old sewage pools. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 22:10 to 22:45
3 Tawny Owl (2 males singing, 3rd bird calling), 1 Badger (scared the blazes out of us bursting from the edge of the woods!). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh on Sea
7 Brent Geese off shore. John Atfield.
Thursday 07th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Ring Ouzel
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Whitethroat
Gunners Park, 08:10 to 08:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sand Martin over heading west, 3 Wheatear on the EWT reserve, 2 Blackcap, 5 Linnet. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Southend, 08:30 to 08:35
70 Waxwing at least on Oaken Grange Drive at the Manners Way end. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rayleigh Mount, 08:40 to 09:15
1 Cormorant flew west, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Stock Dove singing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 4 Blackcap (three singing males and a female), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler (showing and singing), c.10 Jackdaw (all fly overs). Paul Baker (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Holly Blue. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 10:00 to 17:00
Stone Curlew landed in front of Hole in the Wall hide but was quickly chased off by Lapwings; not refound. 72 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank, 6 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, Blackcap, Garden Warbler in lane leading to farm. Graham Smith.
Gunners Park 11:20 to 12:45
2 Wheatear in EWT reserve, Peregrine Falcon holding prey flying along sea wall and landing on Coastguard Radio Mast, Joined briefly by another some ten minutes later. 1 Ring Ouzel seen briefly but well, 2 Common Lizard and lots of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. Steve Wood.
Gunners Park 11:30
1 Ring Ouzel flew from scrub just north of reserve into Hawthorn cover on reserve. Dave Cornwell.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 14:30
Sightings from the RSPB guided walk: Chiffchaff (heard), Green Woodpecker (heard), Cetti’s Warbler (heard), Chaffinch, Greylag Goose, Curlew, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, Teal, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Nightingale (heard), Reed Warbler (heard), Pochard, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Grey Heron. Butterflies: Peacock, Orange Tip, Brimstone. David Lee.
Canvey, Northwick Road Area 12:30 to 14:40
1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Redpoll, 1 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch. Les Costin (EBS).
Gunner's Park 14:03
1 Swallow in tree near Little fort alongside the lake singing. S. Jackson, C. Jackson.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 15:30 to 17:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Rough-legged Buzzard first seen at close range low over Blatches Farm heading west along the Roach valley at 16:15. Then spiralled high and headed north-west towards Hockley Woods at 16:25. Almost certainly a first Spring (2cy) bird. 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Skylark (all singing), 2 Swallow around Blatches Farm, 4 Chiffchaff (all singing), 6 Linnet (3 pairs). 2 Small White, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Don Petrie
Wallasea Island 16:15
2 Corn Bunting, 1 Yellow Wagtail on the fence back of car park, 1 Little Egret in ditch behind car park, 1 Marsh Harrier flying over farm land opposite car park, 1 Skylark side of access road. Rob Harris.
Southend, 17:20 to 17:35
60 Waxwing still along Oaken Grange Drive at the west end. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 17:30 and 20:00
1 male Blackcap at 17:30, 2 Pipistrelle at 20:00. David Selley.
Chelmsford, Central Park, 18:45
14 Waxwing feeding on buds in large tree immediately south of the Fire Station off Waterhouse Lane. Andrew Stroud.
Leigh Old Town 19:00
Pied Wagtail, 5 Brent Geese, Robins in various different trees singing, Blackbird. 10 common seals also seen as always during the day on sea front by arches. 1 Red Fox. Emily Broad.
Wednesday 06th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Black Redstart
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Whimbrel
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Yellow Wagtail
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sand Martin
Two Tree Island 07:00 to 08:00
Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, Skylark, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Blackbird. Emily Broad.
Chelmer Village, Fox and Raven Public House 07.30
2 Muntjack deer browsing in the bushes by the horses field. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:20
Scrape hide only: 1 Little Egret, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Bearded Tit (pair). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 09:15
1 Black Redstart, 8 Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Ongar, Near Small River on Essex Way 09:10
2 Buzzard flew from a tree next to River and began to climb and circle in thermals together. John Hayes.
Althorne-Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
Recent sightings (Hide Log Books) : April 1st: 2 Swallow, Sand Martin, Greenshank. April 2nd: Red Kite (Althorne). April 3rd: Wheatear, Whimbrel, 3 Water Pipit, Green Sandpiper (1st since onset of cold weather in late November), 4 Mediterranean Gull, Blackcap. April 4th: Little Ringed Plover. April 7th: House Martin. Graham Smith.
Wallasea Island 11:30 to 12:35
Whimbrel, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 2 Marsh Harrier, 7 Corn Bunting, 2 Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Canewdon, 11:00 to 12:00
Garden and Butts Hill Pond: 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair calling over house), 3 Blackcap (males competing for territory by pond). 1 Orange-tip in garden, 4 Peacock Butterfly around pond. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 14:00
2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler (1 was singing on the old county tip). 1 Brimstone, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Alan Shearman, Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hockley Woods 15:00 to 17:00
1 Nuthatch near the car park, 3 Treecreeper, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird. Craig Johnson, Holly French.
Gunners Park, 16:15 to 17:15
c.350 Sanderling on shingle, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 9 Wheatear (maybe 10) moving up across reserve, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 19:30
3 Hen Harrier (all ringtails, one at west end along ditch line and two together over rape at east end), 1 Short-eared Owl flew out east from centre of island, grassy area near old creek line, 4 Swallow low west over crop, 10 Reed Bunting in ditches and rape, 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Barling Old Pits 18.45
2 Sand Martin. T. Thorneycroft.
Two Tree Island (East), 19:00 to 20:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Tuesday 05th April 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 09:00
11 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 14:40
1 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler singing on old County tip site. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:20 to 14:30
1 Willow Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Prittlewell, Oaken Grange Drive 15:50
73 Waxwing. The whole flock, on telephone wires at the junction with Alton Gardens, flew into roadside trees still with berries. Amazed to see any, let alone a large flock, after the arrival of the first Swallows. David Selley.
Coombe Wood, 16:30
1 Swallow. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 18:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 18:15 to 18:45
5 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow (high west), 1 Blackcap (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Coal Tit (probably 2 different birds, both in centre of glade, 15m north of compound, one singing and showing down to 8ft!), 2+ Treecreeper (a presumed pair, constantly in view in the glade). Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 19:15
Male and female Sparrowhawk over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Monday 04th April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Reed Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Willow Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Nightingale
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:15
1 Willow Warbler singing in tree on riverbank. 1 Mistle Thrush singing from treetop nearby. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 18:00
4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Swallow, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Phillips (http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/).
Canewdon, 08:30 to 09:00
2 Brambling (at least, both females around garden feeders still). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:40 to 09:10
2 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Westcliff, Richmond Drive, 10:00
Willow Warbler in garden, first one for me this year. Melvyn Cox.
Two Tree Island 11:30 to 12:30
Nightingale (unseen) singing east end of island, 1 Swallow over, 3 Blackcap (2 male, 1 female), 1 male Sparrowhawk Pete Jackson.
Rayleigh/Rawreth 12:30
1 Red Kite having a scrap mid-air with 1 Crow. Hayley.
Chelmsford, Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 12:40 to 12:50
2 Blackcap (pair), 2 Dunnock (pair), 1 Wren, 2 Blackbird, 3 Woodpigeon, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Forsdick.
Chelmsford, Town Centre 15:30
1 female Mallard with 14 ducklings swimming in river by the Odeon cinema. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Little Egret, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 29 Linnet, 5 Corn Bunting. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Sunday 03rd April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Hobby
Writtle, Lawford Lane 07:00 to 09:00
Cuckoo calling in trees along river (arrival 1 week earlier than last year), 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Skylark, 1 Kingfisher. Andrew Stroud.
Wallasea Island 07:30 to 11:00
Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Oystercatcher, Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow, Avocet, Short-eared Owl, Skylark, Hen Harrier. Paul Jeapes.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 06:45 to 08:45
Species seen on walk across Baddow Meads and neighbouring farmland: Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Stock Dove, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie. Paul Forsdick.
Fossetts Way 09:05
1 Kestrel flying along the road. S. Jackson.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 male Kestrel, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Skylark, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap (singing males), 2 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Reed Bunting. 12 Peacock Butterfly. Graham Ryland
Paglesham, East End, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Song Thrush singing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow at the boatyard, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Bunting (singing males), 2 Corn Bunting. Also Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 11:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk soaring, 1 Kestrel, 1 Red-legged Partridge in reserve, 1 Sanderling, 2 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 1 Red Fox in reserve, 3 Small Tortoiseshell. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Prittlewell Brook, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Siskin. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canewdon, 10:00 to 11:00
Garden and Butts Hill Pond: 2 Blackcap (male singing by BHP, female seen), 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling (at least in garden. Brighter males seem to have gone now with just females and less gaudy males remaining). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southend Seafront Beach 10:39
A flock "Murder" of 40/50+ Carrion Crows with others on adjacent beaches. Never seen anything like it before! Terry Strong.
Coombe Wood, 10:40 to 10:45
1 Honey Buzzard soaring high over Coombe Wood, with 2 Sparrowhawk then drifted off west. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 10:55
1 Hobby near Coombes Corner heading west. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Magnolia NR, Hawkwell, 11:30 to 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap (at least - singing), 4 Chiffchaff singing, 12 Rook in rookery of some 20 nests west of the reserve, 2 Brimstone. 6 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Westcliff, Richmond Drive 12:00
Large female Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest singing, Blackcap singing in garden. Melvyn Cox.
Benfleet Downs, 12:30 to 13:30
2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 1 Buzzard heading south-west, 2 Kestrel (pair), 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:45 to 15:00
1 Kestrel, 5 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Song Thrush. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 14:15 to 14:20
1 female Sparrowhawk circling over garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:15 to 15:00
1 Herring Gull (2nd winter with red ring left leg JH7 1 or I), 2 male Wheatear along central track just south of haystacks. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Earls Hall Avenue, 14:20
30+ Waxwing in birch tree. Pat Dandridge.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:30 to 17:00
2 Kestrel, 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Corn Bunting. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Stow Maries Airfield 16:52
1 Great Grey Shrike. Jane Baxter.
Gunners Park, 17:10 to 18:40
c.25 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 Kestrel, 30 Sanderling, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit flew west, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair flew past west), 5 Sandwich Tern offshore, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Wheatear 4m 1f in reserve. Neil Chambers, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 19:30
1 Hen Harrier (usual ringtail), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting around old creek line south of road in centre of island. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 02nd April 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - House Martin
Wallasea Island, 08:40 to 10:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew to south-west corner, 1 Buzzard. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 12:30
4 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Woodcock, 4 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper. 4 Brimstone, 3 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Comma. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:55 to 10:00
6 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker north-west of track to sewage works, just west of clearing along main track, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest singing, 1 Nuthatch in car park. 1 Brimstone. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 10:00
3 Red-legged Partridge in reserve, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 09:30 to 10:45
2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff. 1 Slow-worm, 1 Grass Snake, 2 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
North Shoebury 09:37
Female Sparrowhawk over garden. Terry Strong.
Abberton Reservoir EWT 10:00 to 15:00
1 Common Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Linnet, Skylark, Goldfinch. Thomas Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 10:00 to 12:00
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: female Marsh Harrier, 45 Curlew, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, 4 Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Grey Heron, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Teal, gadwall, 4 Wigeon, Magpie, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull (with red ring on its left leg), Reed Bunting, 8 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mute Swan, Stock Dove, 10 Shelduck, Little Egret, Wren, Green Woodpecker (heard), female Sparrowhawk, Chaffinch, Moorhen. Adder, 4 Comma. Terry Jeffreys.
Tewke's Creek, 10:35 to 11:35
1 Sparrowhawk flew south from Hadleigh Downs, 3 Greenshank, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Linnet. 2 Small White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Garden Centre, Eastwood Road 11:00 to 11:20
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Canewdon, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Swallow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling (1m, 2f), 1 Siskin. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Paglesham 12:15
6 Swallow 1 House Martin. Gary Dunn and Tim Vickers (www.ladyessex.com).
Two Tree Island (East), 13:00 to 13:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Small White, 2 Comma. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:30 to 17:20
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 22 Waxwing flew south over car park at c.16.50, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff singing. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 14:20 to 14:25
2 Buzzard high over west Belfairs Woods, c.3 Sparrowhawk and 1 Swallow over garden this morning, 1 male Siskin feeding and singing. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Rayleigh, 14:45
1 Brimstone. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canewdon, 15:00 to 16:00
Garden and Butts Hill Pond: 2 Sparrowhawk (female over then male hunting garden later), 2 Blackcap (pair), 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling, 2 Siskin (pair around pond). 1 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip (1st of year), 4 Peacock Butterfly. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 15:30 to 15:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap singing. 1 Small White, c.20 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 15:30 to 16:50
1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Shelduck as well as several pairs of Mallard and a few Black-headed Gull on the new scrape, 6 Skylark, 55 Linnet in off the sea at Haven Point, 3 Corn Bunting. Also Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, and surprisingly 2 Painted Lady butterflies - both quite pale colour but not at all tatty. David Selley.
Friday 01st April 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 14:30 to 18:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark singing over airport, 3 Mistle Thrush (1 singing), 2 Blackcap singing, 3 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chelmsford, Cormorant Walk 15:25
3 Redpoll, 4 Goldfinch on niger feeder in garden. Janice Bright.
Belfairs N.R., 17:45 to 18:15
2 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 18:35 to 19:15
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier in north east corner, 1 Barn Owl hunting south west of car park, 2 Short-eared Owl (1 south of white gate over Water Vole habitat, then hunting ditch north of access road; 1 hunting centre of island c.1 mile south east of car park), 1 Meadow Pipit, 12 Linnet, 15 Corn Bunting (incl. a few singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).