Bird Reports for April 2012
Monday 30th April 2012easterly, clear, max16°:
Canvey Seafront, 05:30 to 07:00
High tide approach, most birds re-orientating east against tide: 1 Fulmar (east at 5:53hrs), 7 Gannet, 3 Grey Heron south, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 4 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Tern (plus several 'commics' silhouetted), 3 Arctic Tern north of mid-channel. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island 06:15 to 09:15
1 Grasshopper Warbler north west corner, several Cuckoo flying around, 6 Swift. David Lee.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 07:10 to 07:45
4 Whimbrel, 3 Swift, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 4 Lesser Whitethroat (2 singing either side of play area), 3 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Crays Hill 11:00
1 Turtle Dove Heard on private land near Crays hill. G. Dixon.
Two Tree Island East 11:30
1 Cuckoo showing well in bare tree near footpaths entering the reserve. Steve Wall.
Southchurch Park East 16:15 to 16:45
Cob swan repairing nest and intermittently incubating, 2 Little Grebe; Common Terns heard. Jackie Bliss.
Rayleigh, 16:30, A130/A127 Junction
3 Swift together, 1 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 17:30 to 18:40
1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Tern on the river, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Swift, 20 Swallow (at least), 5 House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Pitsea 18:30
1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Southchurch Park East
The male Mute Swan is now doing the sitting so we are crossing our fingers in regard to the egg/cygnet result. the Reed Warblers arrived overnight Saturday/Sunday morning. I was over there for 9hrs yesterday, the most work I have done for a long time! Our female is likely to be at the hospital for a few days, she will be operated on for a prolapsed bowel later today. Bob Dobinson, Dianne Hyem.
Sunday 29th April 2012north easterly, cloud and rain, max16°
Canvey Seafront, 09:25 to 10:25
28 adult Gannet, 2 Great Skua upriver together), 3 Common Tern, 3 Swift north over river. 1 Harbour Porpoise. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:35 to 10:45
Quick look from hide: 1 Hobby over west end of reservoir. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 11:15 to 14:55
Initially at Coastguards, moved to point when rain cleared at 14:00: 35 Gannet (mostly adults), 1 Great Skua, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 9 adult Kittiwake, 10+ Common Tern, 1 Black Tern flew east mid river, 1 Alpine Swift flew in high from south east. First picked up distantly in scope, quickly obvious it was a large swift; switched to binoculars as it flew overhead when white belly was clearly evident. Flew north west). Tim Bourne (SOG).
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill Area 14:00 to 15:00
2 male Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 30+ House Martin and several Swallow over sewage works. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:15
2 Swift flying over the RSPB Visitor Centre. David Lee.
Canvey Island, 14:45 to 15:20
2 Cuckoo, 1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Nightingale heard singing near the third lamppost from the end of Northwick Road, 1 Chiffchaff. Gordon Appleton, Stuart Bailey (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 15:05 to 15:30
Viewed from Tewkes Creek, Canvey: 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby circled over Hadleigh Castle and flew west, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swift flew west along Hadleigh Downs, 5 Swallow, 1 House Martin. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:30 to 17:30
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Swallow, 2 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk. 26 Common Lizard came out to bathe in the sun on felt reptile mats. Jerry Stock.
Two Tree Island East, 15:40 to 16:40
2 Cuckoo, 2 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler. Gordon Appleton, Stuart Bailey (SOG).
Two Tree Island 16:00 to 16:10
1 Cuckoo, 1 Blackbird, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Robin. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 to 17:15
3 Yellow Wagtail, 25 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Pheasant, 12 Common Crow, 5 Mallard, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Canvey Point, 17:00 to 18:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 16 adult Gannet, 5 Common Tern, 3 Stock Dove flew north across river. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 18:47
3 Swift over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 19:00
1 Swift. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 19:00 to 19:15
1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Little Egret, 2 Magpie, 3 Common Pheasant, 25 Common Crow, 5 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 23 Tufted Duck, 12 Coot, 30+ Black-Headed Gull, 7 Common Tern, 5 Swallow, 2 Great-Crested Grebe, 7 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Leigh on Sea, 19:30
3 Swift over garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Southchurch Parks
A sad day, parts of Southchurch Park East under water this morning. Swans have abandoned their nest and eggs as it flooded, a tragedy as they were surely about to hatch? The last of the Mallard ducklings to survive was on his own when the water disappeared and so did Mum!! I saw them reunited before I left...I would not have slept!! Sadly the female swan from Southchurch Park East has been injured, not sure how so she has been taken to Sue at Orsett. A dreadful day here really. I hope you can see by the photo that the duckling is swimming on the grass where I normally walk! Dianne Hyem.
Saturday 28th April 2012north easterly, rain, max10°
Rochford Golf Course, 08:30 to 13:00
1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (all singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:15 to 10:30
1 Willow Warbler singing above notice board in Chapel Lane car park. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:50 to 12:30
Village to Brandy Hole: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier (forced down during a downpour), 7 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Cuckoo (pair), 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:15 to 16:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 48 Gannet, 2 Little Egret, 18 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Great Skua, 5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults, 1 1st summer), 1 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern, 42 Common Tern, 12 Swift all heading north. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:40 to 16:30
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose by the slipway, 2 Shelduck, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew across the road on the way to Landwick, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Common Tern, 4 Swift, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap. Marc Outten (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 16:00 to 16:30
2 Green Woodpecker reported in a garden in Leigham Court Drive. Sally Brierley (SOG).
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00 to 16:40
7 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Great Tit, 8 Blackbird, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Cormorant, 3 Magpie, 30 Starling, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 16 Black-Headed Gull. Rob Harris.
Friday 27th April 2012south westerly, scattered cloud, light rain, max16°
Maldon, Fambridge Road, 07:30 to 09:00
2 Swift, 1 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk. Tony Kennelly.
Benfleet Creek, 08:15
1 Cuckoo flying along seawall between Benfleet and Leigh, 4 Whitethroat. Simon Watson (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East & West) 08:30 to 12:00
1 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, 12 Common Whitethroat, 2 Nightingale, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Blackbird, 6 Skylark, 8 Linnet, 30 Black-tailed Godwit (including 24 in full summer plumage), 80 Knot, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 28 Avocet, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Dunnock. 1 Peacock butterfly, 2 Orange-tip. Richard Mander.
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 09:05 to 12:10
3 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, numerous Greylag Geese, 7 Canada Geese, 12 Great-crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 10 Coot, a single Moorhen, Mallard, 7 Common Tern, 4 Swift, lots of Tufted Duck, 7 Shelduck, 1 drake Gadwall, 1 drake Goldeneye, a pair of Red-crested Pochard, 2 Chaffinch, male Blackcap, 5 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Blackbird, male Common Pheasant. Chris Henry.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:10 to 10:15
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham, Westwards From Boatyard 10:25 to 12:15
2 Canada Goose, 2 Avocet, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Cuckoo (Including a pair), 1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Rochford 10:30
5 House Martin west along river behind the Factory Shop, 1 Cuckoo heard. David Selley.
Canvey Wick, 11:30 to 14:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat (at least), 1 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:30 to 13:00
1 Willow Warbler in private woodland next to Chapel Lane car park. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country 12:30 to 13:35
Cuckoo (right of hide), Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Common Tern, Avocet, Shoveler, Pochard, Greylag and Canada Geese, at least 5 different Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Swallow, Chaffinch. Jim Bailey.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 13:30
3 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Bunting, 4 Little Egret, 4 House Sparrow, 10 Common Crow, 5 Mallard. Rob Harris.
Benfleet Downs, 14:30 to 16:00
1 Nightingale (usual place). 3 Large Red Damselfly, 1 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip, 3 Peacock Butterfly, 4 Comma, 3 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:45 to 16:15
1 Cuckoo, 10 Skylark (at least), 4 Swallow, 1 Wheatear near road hide, 10 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Common Lizard. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 16:45 to 19:15
4 Canada Goose, 1 Peregrine Falcon with prey, 65 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 100 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 52 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Stonechat (2 pairs), 1 Grasshopper Warbler (heard), 9 Whitethroat, 15 Linnet. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Broomhills, Great Stambridge 19:00 to 19:30
Many Linnet in lively flock, Chaffinch, 2 Grey Heron on Sutton Wharf, Long-tailed Tit, Pied Wagtail, 3 Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull. David Z.
Thursday 26th April 2012south westerly, rain and clouds, max15°
Hadleigh, 08:30 to 09:00
1 Willow Warbler singing in woods along The Chase. Simon Watson (SOG).
Southend, 15:10 to 17:05
1 female Sparrowhawk over town centre 15:10, 1 Swift west over town centre at 17:03. Paul Griggs (SOG).
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00 to 16:40
2 Common Buzzard, 2 Arctic Tern, 5 Common Tern, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit, 50+ Black-Headed Gull, 20+ Coot, 20+ Greylag Geese, 12 Moorhen, 18 Cormorant, 9 Swift, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Swallow, 50+ House Martin, 3 Mute Swan, 30 Starling, 100+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Mallard Duck, 2 Shelduck, 15 Canada Geese, 4 Shoveler Duck,7 Pochard Duck, 30 Carrion Crow, 9 Magpie, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Southend, 16:25
1 Sparrowhawk over Southbourne Avenue, near Tesco roundabout. Paul Baker (SOG).
Barling Old Pits 18:15
3 Swift. T. Thorneycroft.
Creeksea, Burnham on Crouch
Cuckoo, vocal pair on regular circuit. Les Norman.
Wednesday 25th April 2012south south westerly, cloud, rain, max15°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Hobby
Two Tree Island East, 06:00 to 06:45
1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 06:45 to 07:00
1 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 17:00
1 Buzzard, 1 female Marsh Harrier, many Swallow, many Swift, 4 House Martin, 2 pairs of Mallard both with ducklings, 5 Common Tern, 1 Coal Tit, many Blue Tit, Many Great Tit, 2 Stock Dove, 4 pair Great Crested Grebe, Chaffinch, 2 pair Gadwall, 2 pair Tufted Duck. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:30
Single Hobby flying towards wood yard. Mike Poole.
Tuesday 24th April 2012north westerly, cloudy rain, max12°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swift
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:10
1 Kingfisher seen flying along river towards town centre at railway viaduct footbridge. Paul Forsdick.
Chalkwell Park 07:30 to 08:30
1 Swift, male Sparrowhawk, Song Thrush, Blackcap heard in bushes south of car park. Steve Wood.
Two Tree Island, 08:00 to 08:50
1 Common Tern flew over calling, heard only, 1 Cuckoo singing east side, 1 Nightingale singing east side, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling north west side, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 08:10
1 Jack Snipe feeding/bobbing in north west reedbed near Kingfisher stick. Robert Dobinson.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:00
1 Song Thrush singing in the rain yesterday evening and non-stop from first light today, 4 Robin - pair and 2 independant juveniles, 4 Blackbird - pair with male feeding 2 juveniles and female building nest no.2. David Selley.
Eastwood 10:06
1 Swift over garden. Tony Howells.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Willow Warbler singing in stand of oaks opposite no.32. Vince Kinsler, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:30 to 13:30
5 Chaffinch, 19 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 200+ Black-Headed Gull, 50+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Coot, 12 Moorhen, 14 Cormorant, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 300+ Swallow, 100+ House Martin,7 Mute Swan, 14 Starling, 200+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Mallard Duck, 9 Canada Geese, 7 Shoveler Duck, 30 Carrion Crow, 9 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East, 14:00 to 14:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Swift, 5 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Marsh Farm NR South Woodham Ferrers 18:45
1 Cuckoo heard. David Chivers.
Monday 23rd April 2012southerly to easterly, light rain, max11°
South Fambridge 07:30 to 08:00
2 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Wren, Dunnock carrying nest material. 1 Muntjac Deer by the reed bed just west of village. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 09:15 and 17:00
2 Chaffinch singing and calling across treetops, 7 Mallard ducklings with Mum and Dad. Robert Dobinson.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:45 to 12:00
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:15 to 15:15
Sightings from scrape hide only: 2 pair Avocet, 2 pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 pair Greylag Geese with 8 gosling, C.30 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 pair Canada Geese, c.12 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 4 Goldfinch, 1 male Shelduck, 1 pair Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 male Blackbird, c.100 Starling, Cetti's Warbler heard. David & Brenda Hale.
Sunday 22nd April 2012west south west, scattered clouds (thunderstorm), max14°
Barling Old Pits 07:45 to 08:30
8 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Mistle Thrush. T. Thorneycroft.
Two Tree Island East, 08:45 to 10:30
1 Cuckoo showing well, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Nightingale showing well, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park/Vange Wick 08:48 to c.12:10
Pair of Common Tern, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo heard, at least 2 Reed Warbler heard, 1 Sedge Warbler heard, 1 Chiffchaff heard, Blackcap, 1 Swallow, pair of Avocet, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Lapwing displaying over scrape. Richard Fahey.
Wakering Stairs 09:30 to 11:00
1 Little Egret, 4 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier (adult female and more distant probable adult male), 13 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear on the Haven Point firing range. David Selley.
Friars Park, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler singing and showing well in trees behind main pond. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 10:30 to 11:30
7 Canada Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Common Tern, 3 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:25 to 13:30
3 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (all singing), 1 female Brimstone, 2 Orange-tip. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
9 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Lapwing, 3 Skylark, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 40+ Mallard, 70+ Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 20+ Pochard, 1 Black Swan, 1 Egyptian Goose, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 24 Canada Geese, 60+ Greylag Goose, 60+ Wood Pigeon, 30+ Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 24 Mute Swan, 5 Common Pheasant, 10 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit. Rob Harris.
Rayleigh, Shakespeare Avenue, 15:00 to 15:40
2 superb adult summer plumage Mediterranean Gull swimming on the lake in Southchurch Park West. I saw 2 near adult in summer plumage Mediterranean Gulls on the same lake on 11th April 2012 in the afternoon. Clive Jolly.
Two Tree Island East 15:00 to 16:30
1 male Reed Bunting, 4 Curlew, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo heard, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Little Egret at old sewage works pool. Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Wallasea Island 17:00
Near caravan park: 2 Yellow wagtail, 2 Red-legged Partridge in Creeksea Ferry Road. Paul Adams.
Southend, Victoria Avenue, 19:20 to 19:50
1 Peregrine Falcon devouring prey on East side of Portcullis House, top row of windows. Meticulously discarded carcass over the edge of its shelf when bones picked clean! Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Saturday 21st April 2012westerly, rain showers, max13°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Lesser Whitethroat
Barling Pits, 06:00 to 07:30
5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo (one bird seen perched up calling, while another bird was singing distantly), 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 06:25 to 06:45
1 Cuckoo singing and showing well, whilst 2nd bird sang distantly to west, 1 Nightingale singing. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 06:45 to 07:35
2 Common Tern (Lagoon), 1 Cuckoo (Second bird in bushes at west end), 2 Grasshopper Warbler (both birds reeling at same time and showing well in north west corner. Second bird 40 yards east along track from the usual bird), 8 Whitethroat, 4 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 06:45 to 08:30
1 Little Grebe, 2 Mediterranean Gull on lagoon, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl (prolonged flight views), 2 Skylark, 2 Nightingale (possibly another west of horseshoe hide), 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (west), 6 Whitethroat. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 07:40 to 12:40
1 Little Grebe, 3 Green Woodpecker (having a noisy squabble), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Skylark (2 flew over and 1 singing over airport), 2 Swallow, 2 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Corn Bunting flew over. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 07:45 to 08:15
1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard only), 3 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:15 to 10:10
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Swallow, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, Three Rivers Trail 09:20 to 10:00
1 Buzzard overhead being mobbed by crows, 3 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island West, 09:30 to 10:15
1 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Stonechat (2 pairs), 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Little Egret, 2 Buzzard over Foulness, 2 Peregrine Falcon over Foulness, 2 Common Tern, 1 male Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Wheatear Haven Point, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet. Marc Outten (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 10:15 to 11:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:25 to 12:05
2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 male Merlin (a rare species here), 3 Whimbrel, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Reed Bunting, 7 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:15 to 12:50
3 Little Egret, 10 Shelduck, 2 Lapwing (pair displaying), 5 Whitethroat. 16 Common Lizard, 4 Slow-worm, 1 Adder. John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 11:30
1 Coal Tit briefly on feeders, 2 Stock Dove, 1 male Pheasant, 2 Chaffinch, Mallard pair, Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Chiffchaff. 1 Muntjac Deer, 1 shrew sp. Paul Adams.
Two Tree Island 11:45 to 17:45
1 Cuckoo, perched high and giving good views, 1 Short-eared Owl, both birds on East of island, male Stonechat, many pairs of Linnet, many Greenfinch, 2 Mediterranean Gull, c.30 Avocet, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit, c.30 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.50 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, c.50 Knot, 1 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 6 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 male Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, Chaffinch, 1 pair Shelduck, 2 Common Tern. David & Brenda Hale
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Swallow heading South. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 13:50 to 15:25
1 female Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southend, 14:45
1 Sparrowhawk over Tesco's car park. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:30 to 19:45
2 Short-eared Owl (at least) close quartering and showing well both at main car park and by White Gate until dusk, 44 Black-tailed Godwit on mudflats, 3 Shelduck flying over. At main car park: 8 Linnet, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Bunting (one with silver ring and prominent jutting out wing feather), 2 Skylark (at least), 2 Little Egret. In Wild Bird Cover: several pairs of Mallard, 3 male Cock Pheasant, 1 Kestrel, flock of 50+ Corn Bunting. Simultaneously on telegraph wires by Grapnels Farm: 150+ Corn Bunting. Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Two Tree Island West, 18:10 to 19:25
6 Pheasant (including a cock with 3 hens), 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Swallow, 2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling north west corner, 63 Linnet (single flock on toy plane field). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 18:45 to 20:00
1 Jack Snipe flushed twice from waste ground opposite Morrisons, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Cetti's Warbler. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 19:25 to 20:00
4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl (presumed same bird as on the west side seen earlier), 1 Nightingale (sang briefly), 2 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 20th April 2012westerly, scattered clouds and rain showers, max14°
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:30
3 tiny Moorhen chicks. Sue Haffenden.
Gunners Park, 08:50 to 10:15
15 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 12 Common Tern, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 13:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo (east), 5 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 3 Stonechat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (west), 7 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat. 1 Weasel (west). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Great Wakering 11:15
I am currently watching 2 Red-legged Partridge in the field behind my house in Shoebury Road. Chuk chuk chilling as they peck around in the dirt. They really are quite beautiful! Ellie.
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 11:15 to 17:00
Sightings from causeway and hides: 4 Buzzard, 2 female Marsh Harrier, c.50 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Common Tern, 1 pair Red Crested Pochard, 1 pair Ruff, c.12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 pair Mallard with ducklings, 1 Sparrowhawk, c.8 Pied Wagtail, 1 Wren, 3 Oystercatcher, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, 3 Lapwing, 2 Egyptian Goose, 3 Shelduck, Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming. David & Brenda Hale.
A128 Brentwood Road, Between A13 and A127 12:00 to 12:05
3 Buzzard, 1 Song Thrush over Ongar Hall Farm. Rob Harris.
Rochford, Craven Close, 13:55
1 Grey Heron. Lazy overfly, heading west south west. Richard Goring.
Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue 14:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 15:00 to 16:00
5 Chaffinch, 9 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 200+ Black-Headed Gull, 40+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Coot, 3 Moorhen, 17 Cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 30+ Swallow, 10+ House Martin, 3 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, 60+ Starling, 200+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Mallard Duck, 7 Canada Geese, 7 Lesser Black-Back Gull. 1 Fallow Deer back of grazing field on causeway. Rob Harris.
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:15
1 male Kestrel, 3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Rook. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 17:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Goose, 4 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 9 Stock Dove, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Long-tailed Tit, many Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting (singing males). 30 Common Seal distant on the sand/mud bank towards Red Sands fort. David Selley.
South Fambridge, 18:25 to 19:10
2 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo (singing), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting seawall just east of the old shellfish packing factory. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Roots Hall 20:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 19th April 2012south westerly, rain and clouds, max11°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Nightingale
Two Tree Island West, 06:20 to 07:10
80 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults on runway took off at 06:50, calling but quieter than Easyjet!), 1 Short-eared Owl briefly toward driving range, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (finally, reeling and seen well in isolated small hawthorn 50m back east along north path from western end and about 30m south from there), 5 Whitethroat, 38 Linnet (on airfield). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 07:10 to 07:45
1 Short-eared Owl (great prolonged hunting views around western edge), 1 Nightingale singing from deep heavy cover c.100m from entrance listening south from main track well before the feeders, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Cetti's Warbler, Pochard, Rook, Tufted Duck, Carrion Crow, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Peregrine, Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Shelduck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Curlew, Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Cormorant, Common Tern, Lapwing, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Reed Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:15 to 12:15
2 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 12 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 200+ Black-Headed Gull, 40+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Coot, 12 Moorhen, 14 Cormorant, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 30+ Swallow, 20+ House Martin, 3 Mute Swan, 100+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard Duck, 80+ Starling. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:45 to 13:05
26 Avocet, 1 Common Tern, 35 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Reed Warbler. Marc Outten (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 14:00
2 Nightingale heard - one near entrance and other near feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rochford, Mansted Gardens, 15:15
1 female Sparrowhawk spent several minutes on roof ridge, standing on one leg, with tail fanned (presumably to help balance in blustery wind). Then on both feet before hopping over roof-line and out of sight. Richard Goring.
Creeksea, Burnham on Crouch
Cuckoo, non vocal, seen twice. Les Norman EBS.
Wednesday 18th April 2012south easterly, rain and clouds, max14°
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:10
2 Grey Wagtail at water's edge on base of railway viaduct crossing the river. Seen flying off along river towards Admirals Park. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh on Sea, 10:10
1 female Sparrowhawk surprised a Collared Dove in a tree in my garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11:00 to 14:40
West end: 13 Common Tern, Ringed Plover, 20+ Grey Plover, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit (one ringed), 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 40+ Avocet, 6 Skylark, Curlew, 20+ Oystercatcher, 50+ Knot, Cormorant, Pheasant, 3 Greenfinch, 5 Turnstone, Shoveler, 4 Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Greenshank. East end: Little Egret, Song Thrush, 5 Greenfinch, Curlew, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cuckoo, Pheasant, Cetti's Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
South Fambridge, 15:50 to 16:30
2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Whimbrel (first sighting here this spring), 3 Curlew, 2 Yellow Wagtail (first sightings here this spring), 4 Reed Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Two Tree Island 17:30 to 18:30
Cetti's Warbler heard and seen along reedy dyke, Cuckoo calling east side, 1 Wheatear feeding on flying club field, 40+ Linnet. Peter Bowden.
Rochford, Craven Close, 19:45
1 female Sparrowhawk. Some minutes on an adjacent Leylandii before heading off in pursuit. Richard Goring.
Tuesday 17th April 2012southerly, rain, max14°
Gunners Park 15:00 To 16:00
2 Chiffchaff, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Robin, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Moorhen, 20+ Mallard Duck, 1 Cormorant, 12 Black-headed Gull, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 3 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 To 17:30
2 Robin, 2 Moorhen, 10 Mallard Duck, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Pheasant, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Blackbird, 2 Little Egret, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel. Rob Harris.
Monday 16th April 2012northerly, clear, max10°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Tern
Two Tree Island West, 05:50 to 06:55
2 male Pheasant having impressive territorial fight!, 1 Short-eared Owl (stunning prolonged flight views), 1 Stonechat singing, 2 Whitethroat singing, 20 Linnet. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 07:40 to 08:05
2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff all singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 08:45
Common Tern on the scrape. David Davies.
Southend Airport, 11:00
1 Kingfisher fishing in Westbarrow Hall fishing pond, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friars Park, Shoebury 12:00
Red Crested Pochard X still present in lake (and still being repeatedly bullied by the swans and coots!). Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:15 to 15:45
Sightings from first hide only: male and female Marsh Harrier, c.12 Swallow, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Reed Warbler showing well and singing from tops of reeds, 34 Avocet, 2 Long-tailed Tit, pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 Snipe, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Pied Wagtail, pair Greenfinch, pair House Sparrow, 1 Robin, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Shoveler, 1 pair Teal, Little Grebe, Cetti's Warbler heard. 1 Fox. David & Brenda Hale.
Gunners Park, 14:15 to 16:00
2 Mute Swan, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Whimbrel on beach, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Wheatear, 1 male Ring Ouzel still favouring eastern side of reserve, showed well on and off, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat. Ray Fuller (SOG).
M25 between J27 and J28 17:10 to 17:15
1 Red Kite over Curtismill Green area. Rob Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:40 to 18:35
2 Little Egret, 2 Lapwing, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swallow, 1 White Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge Road 19:05
2 Little Owl in usual tree. C. Hotten.
Gunners Park 19:30 to 20:00
50+ Wood Pigeon, 3 Blackbird, 12 Carrion Crow, 3 Mute Swan, 11 Moorhen, 20+ Coot, 12 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Badger ran across front of car on the new access road into Gunners Park at a great rate of knots. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East, 19:45 to 20:15
1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 1 Whitethroat. Dudley Shayler (SOG)
Sunday 15th April 2012northerly, scattered clouds, max10°
Two Tree Island West, 05:50 to 07:00
28 Knot, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Mediterranean Gull on scrape, 1 Cuckoo flying around west edge of east end calling, 2 male Stonechat (one singing), 2 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 11:00
2 Bullfinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (song for about 5 seconds only - not seen), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Linnet (fly-overs), 2 Sparrowhawk. Robin Peppiatt.
Wat Tyler Country 08:20 to 09:00
1 male 2 female Marsh Harrier (all very active), 2 Buzzard high up over same field, 30+ Avocet, 6+ Swallow over main scrape, left hand side, Curlew, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Cetti's Warbler (showy bird right hand side of hide), Reed Warblers (in full song). Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, pair Bearded Tit. Jim Bailey.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:45 to 09:00
From roadside hide only: 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 1 female Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park/Vange Wick 09:05 to c.12:30
2 Reed Warblers (at least, heard), Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow, 4 Spotted Redshank in Timberman's Creek included 1 in summer plumage, male and female Marsh Harrier, 2 Bearded Tit, 47 Avocet on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, c.25 Teal included 1 pair on scrape, 3 Black-tailed Godwit included 1 overhead at creek, 1 Curlew on creek, 2 pairs and a single Oystercatcher at scrape and creek, pair of Great Crested Grebe on scrape, at least 1 Snipe seen from hide. Richard Fahey.
Benfleet Downs, 10:30 to 12:00
4 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler. 6 Common Lizard (all under felt heat traps), 4 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 15:50
6 Redshank, 3 Little Egret, 2 Skylark, 6 Corn Bunting. 1 Brown Hare, 1 early Meadow Brown. Richard Mander.
Woodlands Road, Hockley 15:20
Grey Heron being mobbed by a Crow, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch on feeder in garden. David Z.
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 17:30
1 male Ring Ouzel at the east end of the reserve around the compound; was elusive at times. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Gunners Park, Shoebury 16:15 to 17:00
Male Ring Ouzel south east corner of reserve, at times showing well. Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:30 to 16:55
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Marsh Harrier flying down the fleet mobbed by everything, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Avocet, 30 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Bearded Tit (several pings, probably more than one bird). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Great Waltham Meadow's Nature Reserve, Chelmsford 16:35 to 16:55
1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Rook, around 15+ Carrion Crow, 10+ Common Gull, 20+ Woodpigeon, 1 Starling, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Pheasant heard. Joe.
Southchurch Park East 17:10
1 Swallow feeding on the wing over ponds surface for 15 minutes. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 17:20
Buzzard over garden, drifted west over Belfairs Woods. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Two Tree Island West, 19:00 to 19:55
1 Kestrel, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting near toy aeroplane airfield, 2 Swallow, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling c.75m north east of lagoon hide, 1 Whitethroat singing, 15 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 19:15 to 19:45
2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Kestrel. Jerry Stock.
Saturday 14th April 2012north easterly, scattered clouds, max12°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Grasshopper Warbler
Gunners Park, 05:45 to 06:30
2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Ring Ouzel in bushes looking north from compound, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Barking, River Roding (Opposite Tesco) 08:45
Sand Martins (regular visitors at this site). Steve Wall.
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 11:05
1 Red-legged Partridge in reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 10+ Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 12:15
1 Kestrel, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2+ Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 1 male Ring Ouzel in south east corner of reserve, viewed from fence at north east corner, 1+ Whitethroat, 15 Linnet. Paul Baker, Ian Douch (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 13:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel showed well (eventually) in south east corner of reserve, 1 Whitethroat. 1 Common Toad squashed on cycle track, 1 Weasel with injured right foreleg. John Wright, Brian Baldock, Angie Baldock (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 17:00
1 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:50 to 15:40
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Linnet. Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Redshank, 25 Black-headed Gull, 200+ Stock Dove, flock of Corn Bunting, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 4 Mallard Duck, 1 Common Pheasant, 9 Linnet, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Swallow. Rob Harris.
Rayleigh, The Chase 15:30
1 Swallow. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 16:30 to 19:45
c.300 Knot, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Swallow, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing quite well in north west corner, 1 Whitethroat, 62 Linnet (single flock), 7 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:00 to 18:10
1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Sandpiper (heard), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail (at least, impossible just with bins to assign the alba wagtail on far bank to species), 30+ Pied Wagtail both sides of the reservoir by the middle screen, 6 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:30 to 18:00
Hide only: 12 Avocet, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 18:50
9 Great Crested Grebe (offshore), 1 male Ring Ouzel showed well for c.10 minutes at east end of reserve, then disappeared again! Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:05 to 18:55
2 Common Sandpiper, 8 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3+ White Wagtail, 60+ Pied Wagtail very actively feeding, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge 18:30
1 Short-eared Owl seen hunting by pumping station watched for good ten minutes, then seen later hunting by shell fish packing station. C. Hotten.
Gunners Park 18:30 to 18:45
1 Ring Ouzel feeding in the far south east corner of the reserve, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Linnet, 1 Robin. Richard Mander.
Friday 13th April 2012northerly to easterly, partly cloudy, max13°
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 09:00 to 11:00
1 Cuckoo, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Siskin (fly over), 2 Sparrowhawk. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
(Conveyor system construction well advanced ready to bring in the first in fill) 8 Little Egret south west borrowdykes, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over wild bird cover, 1 Snipe flushed from salt marsh in Paglesham Creek, 1 Black-tailed Godwit in south west borrowdyke, 1 summer plumaged Spotted Redshank in south west borrowdyke, 1 Greenshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull flew overhead towards Crouch, 1 Cuckoo on bushes and wires in south west corner, 1 Short-eared Owl carrying prey near water vole area, 6 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail (fly over), 1 Wheatear (smart male south west corner near wild bird cover), 8 Linnet (at least 4 pairs on territory). Jeff Delve (SOG).
EWT, Blue House Farm 10:00 to 13:45
4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, numerous Greylag, Canada and Barnacle Geese, loads of Rook, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Redshank, 9 Curlew, 36 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 18 Lapwing, 6 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 5 Gadwall, lots of Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Black-headed Gull, 25 Avocet, 11 Skylark (6 seen), 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pheasant, Chaffinch, Robin, Wheatear. Rabbit, 3 Hare. Chris Henry.
Benfleet, c11:00
1 male Blackcap drinking from waterfall in garden. Steve Simmons.
Two Tree Island East, 11:10 to 12:10
1 Teal, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 4 Blackcap. Peter Collins (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 12:40 to 13:30
4 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Stonechat. Peter Collins (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:00 to 14:30
2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 female Wheatear, 1 male Ring Ouzel in front of blackthorn viewed from north east corner of reserve, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 15 Linnet. Sally Brierley, Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Rayleigh, Hilltop Close 13:40
Male Redstart in my garden. To my surprise it came out of the bushes looked around for about 30 seconds, and flew into the next garden. Ernie Hillier.
Gunners Park 13:45 to 15:00
4 Red-legged Partridge in the building site, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear in the reserve, 2 Green Woodpecker, male and female Whitethroat seen in the brambles. S. Jackson.
Two Tree Island East, 15:00 to 16:15
1 Little Grebe, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Wren, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley, Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Chelmsford, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Glossy Ibis between café at Paper Mill Lock and road bridge down Church Road, Feeding on marsh by fallen trees. Joe.
Benfleet Downs, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard over Round Hill then flew east, 2 Kestrel (pair). 1 Common Lizard, 2 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:00
3 Wheatear, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 17:55 to 18:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap (1 singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Bullfinch (pair). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 18:00
1 Sparrowhawk over garden, 2 Jackdaw. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Thursday 12th April 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max12°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Ring Ouzel
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Whitethroat
South Fambridge 07:00 to 07:50
2 Little Grebe, 3 Canada Goose, 4 Shelduck, 3 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap (all warblers singing), Blue Tit, Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, 11 Goldfinch. 1 Robin singing from my door mirror when I got back to the car. David Selley.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:15 to 08:20
1 Green Woodpecker calling. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 8 Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Robin, Peregrine Falcon, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Rook, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Blackcap, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Oystercatcher, 18 Avocet, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Green Woodpecker (heard), Curlew, Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Shoveler, Shelduck, Lapwing, Reed Warbler, 2 Bearded Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island East, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 13:00 to 13:45
4 Swallow (a single and then 3 together flew past the cliff lift). John Wright, Bob Young (SOG).
Chelmsford 13:00 to 14:30
1 Glossy ibis in meadow behind Fox and Raven. John Wilson.
Southend 14:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. Bird on window ledge in top left corner of building. Matt G.
Rochford 14:00 to 14:45
1 Buzzard high over the Freight House, 2 Pied Wagtail displaying and chasing by the library, 1 Mistle Thrush singing by the Co-op. David Selley.
Two Tree Island West, 14:15 to 15:35
18 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Short-eared Owl Hunting after heavy showers, 1 male Stonechat. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 15:00 to 15:30
4 House Martin. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island 15:10 to 15:30
2 Short-eared Owl about 20 metres into the nature reserve east of road and south of the car park. One spent time hunting (unsuccessfully) and then perched in a tree before flying off southward towards the estuary. The other appeared from the south, had a brief altercation with the first owl whilst it was hunting, then flew off over the road in a westerly direction. Matt G.
Southchurch 17:00
1 female Sparrowhawk circling over gardens of Christchurch Road. Matt G.
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 18:45
2 Swallow, 2 Wheatear on reserve, 1 Ring Ouzel (cracking male, north east part of reserve), 1 Whitethroat (singing male). Lee Ebbs, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 18:30
4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Whimbrel upriver. Lee Ebbs, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 11th April 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max11°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Willow Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Reed Warbler
Chalkwell Station, 06:30 to 06:35
1 Wren, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch all singing. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:40 to 07:50
4 Little Egret, 8 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Benfleet, St Mary's Churchyard 06:45
1 Willow Warbler singing from trees to the rear of Hoy and Helmet pub. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:45 to 08:35
43 Avocet (on scrape), 1 Reed Warbler singing at south end of fleet, 8 Blackcap (singing), 4 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler singing by playground. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:50 to 08:40
41 Avocet, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler (possibly 2), 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler singing in the playground. Marc Outten, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 09:00
2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler singing in children's playground, 2 Reed Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm 09:15 to 17:00
Sightings from new hide and walk to and from car park. 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel. 2 Barn Owl (via the barn webcam), 1 pair Linnet, c.20 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, c.15 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Swallow, Wigeon, Gadwall, c.20 Shelduck, Oystercatcher, 2 Skylark, many Meadow Pipit, 2 Mediterranean Gull. c.10 Brown Hare, Total species for the duration, 52. David & Brenda Hale.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:50 to 13:10
28 Avocet, 2 Reed Warbler, 1+ Bearded Tit (heard only). Marc Outten (SOG).
Hangman's Woods, Grays 13:00 to 15:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush. Rob Lay.
Promenade Park, Maldon 13:30 to 14:20
1 Mute Swan, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, 15 Starling, 5 House Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 100+ Black-headed and common Gull, 30+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 15+ Dunlin, 30+ Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Rook, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove. Joe.
Fambridge Road, South Fambridge 14:15
2 Little Owl in usual tree (earlier than normal). C. Hotten.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:00 to 17:10
2 Sparrowhawk (female and a male seen about 10 minutes apart), 1 Willow Warbler heard, 2 Greenfinch in display flight, 4 Goldfinch. David Selley.
Hadleigh Downs (Sandpit Hill) 18:15
2 male Wheatear at top of hill by information point. Cleve Bull.
Tuesday 10th April 2012west south west, partly cloudy, max14°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Cuckoo
Gunners Park, 07:40 to 08:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:00 to 10:00
12 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Swallow, 22 Goldfinch, 10 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Shut Heath Wood, Great Totham (Map Ref: TL 853 133) 09:30
Pair Lesser Spotted Woodpecker mating - possible single female too, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk overhead, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker. Andy Wilson.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 12:00 to 12:30 and 15:45 to 16:00
Glossy Ibis, 1 pair of Gadwall in ponds behind Fox and Raven pub. Sue Haffenden.
South Fambridge, 10:15 to 12:00
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Avocet, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Fingeringhoe Wick 11:30
Nightingale - good views and singing. Andy Wilson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:10 to 16:15
Sightings from hide only: 1 pair Bearded Tit - good sightings of birds on top of reed stems, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 28 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler - good sightings of birds in long flights over reeds. 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Shelduck, 2 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler heard. David & Brenda Hale.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:00 to 14:50
3 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Cuckoo flying and calling around fishing lake, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 6 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
100+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Canada Geese, 250+ Tufted Duck, 8 Magpie, 28 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 300+ Coot, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Stock Dove, 18 Carrion Crow, 100+ Mallard, 24 Shoveler, 2 Red Crested Pochard (male and female), 2 Common Pheasant, 6 Great-crested Grebe, 5 Great Black-Back Gull, 30 Gadwall, 46 Wigeon, 23 Pochard, 1 Black Swan, 7 Mute Swan, 3 Blackcap, 12 Robin, 10 Blackbird, 5 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Chaffinch, 30+ Wood Pigeon. Rob Harris.
Paglesham Lagoon 15:00 to 16:00
3 Chaffinch, 2 Shoveler (pair), 12 Teal on the Roach, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 1 immature Marsh Harrier mobbed by gulls drifted west towards Stanbridge. Richard Mander.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 16:40
20+ Black-headed Gull, flock of Stock Dove, 15 Wood Pigeon, 20 Carrion Crow, 10 Mallard, 2 Common Pheasant, 1 Blackbird, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Linnet, flock of Corn Bunting. Rob Harris.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 17:10 to 17:30
1 female Green Woodpecker, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow over garden. Kris Mee, web Author.
Monday 09th April 2012south westerly, light rain, max11°
No reports for this day.
Sunday 08th April 2012south westerly, rain and drizzle, max13°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sedge Warbler
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Yellow Wagtail
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Whimbrel
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sandwich Tern
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 08:30 to 09:15
2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch (pair). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:10 to 09:30
3 Swallow, 2 Marsh Harrier. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea 09:10 to c.12:20
Hide only: 1 Sedge Warbler heard, a fair Swallow passage, 1 Water Rail, male and female Marsh Harrier, 34 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler heard, c.20 Shoveler, 5 Teal, c.28 Pochard, pair of Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe close to hide, Lapwing (displaying pair), single Great Crested Grebe. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:15
10 Avocet, 3 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 5 Cetti's Warbler heard. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:15 to 14:00
9 Red-breasted Merganser (5 drakes on the Roach), 6 Skylark (at least. 4+ singing males), 3 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Rook, 2 Corn Bunting (singing males). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11:25 to 14:25
1 Whimbrel and 392 Curlew were highlights of a rather gloomy WeBS count. David Selley.
Southend, 13:00
1 Grey Wagtail over Southend High Street. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:30 to 14:05
14 Avocet, 8 Ruff, 6 Snipe, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting (pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 15:00
1 Goldfinch singing in my back garden. First time I've seen this here. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 18:00
8+ Little Egret in south west borrowdyke, 4+ Grey Heron, 20+ Teal, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (Paglesham Creek), 2 Hen Harrier (female and 1st winter male over wild bird cover), 4 Avocet, 3 Snipe (poss more south west borrowdyke), 1 Spotted Redshank (briefly in south west borrowdyke), 2 Greenshank (possibly 3 south west borrowdyke), 1 Green Sandpiper (south west borrowdyke), 2 Sandwich Tern fishing at mouth of Paglesham Creek, 3 Short-eared Owl (probably 4, wild bird cover and south west sea wall), 1 Swallow flew over. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:55 to 17:55
7 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 Red-legged Partridge in reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Woodham Ferrers, Edwins Hall Road 18:00 to 18:10
1 Kestrel, 2 Chaffinch, 20+ Wood Pigeon, 30+ Carrion Crow, 7 Common Pheasant, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Robin, 4 Blackbird, 20+ Starling, 1 Yellowhammer. 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Saturday 07th April 2012north easterly, mostly cloudy, max9°
Chelmsford, River Chelmer 06:45 to 10:30
Birds seen on walk from Baddow Meads to Little Baddow (Graces Walk) and back: 1 Redwing, 7+ Yellowhammer, 10+ Linnet, 2 Gadwall, 10+ Red-legged Partridge, 4 Jay, 2 Kestrel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4+ Song Thrush, 7 Mute Swan, 1 Pied Wagtail, 75+ Starling. Other species seen but numbers not noted: Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Coot, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming near Great Graces), Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Robin, Skylark, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Wren. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:00 to 08:45
5 Ruff, 7 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler (Heard), 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 08:45
4 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Chigborough Lakes 08:30 to 10:00
Blackcap (at least one pair plus several males), Bullfinch (pair), many Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, 2 Red-legged Partridge. Andy Wilson.
Leigh on Sea, 11:15
1 Sparrowhawk over Flemming Avenue. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 13:00 to 14:45
4 Canada Goose (2 pairs in lagoon), 1 Kestrel, 450 Knot, 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 3 Mediterranean Gull (including pair), 4 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 16:15 to 16:50
1 Song Thrush, 3 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 4 Jay. 3 dead Frogs. Paul Baker (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:00
1 Glossy Ibis, 2 Gadwall feeding in pools near Fox and Raven pub. Janice Bright.
Pitsea 17:15 to 17:30
1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:25 to 18:30
45 Shoveler, 19 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Curlew, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 7 Sand Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap. Marc Outten, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Friday 06th April 2012north westerly, clear to cloudy, max12°
Friars Park, 08:30 to 09:00
2 Skylark, 2 Blackcap (one male and one female), 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 08:45 to 09:15
1 Little Owl showing well in usual tree along Ark Lane, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
6 Little Egret, 2 Hen Harrier (female and immature male ringtail together over wild bird cover), 6 Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper in south west borrowdyke, 150 Stock Dove. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing (in reserve), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:40 to 11:40
2 Little Egret, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier on Foulness, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff. 1 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Rettendon Common 11:00
2 Swallow seen over the garden. Martin Lucking.
Barling Pits, 12:00 to 13:00
2 Kestrel (pair), 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Green Woodpecker (2 pairs), 1 Chiffchaff. 5 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. John Wright (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 12:10 to 12:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 2 Small White, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Lofts Farm Gravel Pits, Heybridge 12:30 to 13:30
70+ Mute Swan, 42 Greylag Geese, 7 Gadwall, 26 Mallard, 35 Tufted Duck, 6 Pheasant, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 2 Moorhen, 24 Coot, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 25 Wood Pigeon, 1 Jay, 2 Shelduck, 30+ Stock Dove, 5 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:00 to 15:50
1 Little Egret, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 8 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 8 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull. Neil Chambers, Marc Outten, Alan Shearman (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:15 to 16:30
6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 20 Avocet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff. 1 Northern Water Vole. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 16:00 to 17:30
Green Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Grey Heron, Mallard, 3 Mute Swan, Feral Pigeon, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail, Starling, 4 Linnet, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Curlew, Sanderling, Redshank, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Magpie. Bob and Lin Preston.
Gunners Park, 16:30 to 17:30
10 Great Crested Grebe, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Swallow, 2 Song Thrush on reserve. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:30 to 17:30
34 Greylag Geese, 8 Canada Geese, 50+ Tufted Duck, 8 Magpie, 14 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 50+ Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Stock Dove, 15 Wood Pigeon, 18 Carrion Crow, 40+ Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Red Crested Pochard (male and female), 5 Common Pheasant, 4 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Jay, 1 Great Black-Back Gull, 10 Gadwall Duck, 5 Pochard Duck. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East, 17:00 to 17:40
1 Little Egret, 100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 21 Corn Bunting (single flock). 5 Rabbit. John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch Park East
2 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan, female Reed Bunting. Dianne Hyem.
Hadleigh, Castle Road
Indian Pheasant in the garden beautiful bird. Roger Shinn.
Thursday 05th April 2012east north east, mostly cloudy, max9°
Southchurch Park East 09:00
2 drake Tufted Duck and 1 female Tufted Duck on water. Robert Dobinson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: seen on the RSPB walk: Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Starling, Carrion Crow, Rook, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Curlew, Lapwing, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shoveler, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Chadwell St Mary, Woodside Woods 11:00
Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush. Rob.
A128 Brentwood Road, Between A13 and A127 11:30 to 11:40
3 Common Buzzard, 1 Song Thrush over Ongar Hall Farm. Rob Harris.
EWT Blue House Farm 11:45
Wheatear in field near furthest hide. Andy Wilson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 17:00
Male and female Marsh Harrier showing on and off for the duration, 2 Mediterranean Gull, many adult and juvenile Herring Gull, c.100 Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Shelduck, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, Peregrine Falcon on pylon with kill, 1 pair Long-tailed Tit, 6 Avocet, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Grey Heron, pair Great Crested Grebe, Cetti's Warbler heard, pair Teal, c.20 Pochard, Lapwing, 1 Common Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 male Blackbird, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe. 1 Fox. David Hale.
Gardiners Lane, Basildon 13:00
1 Hobby swooping above trees. Mick Roe.
Belfairs N.R., 14:30 to 16:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaff (2 in Hadleigh Gt Wood, 1 in Dodds Grove and 1 in Poors Lane). Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Redshank, 11 Black-headed Gull, 150+ Stock Dove, flocks of Corn Bunting, 15 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 7 Mallard Duck, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Pheasant, 5 Chaffinch, 25 Wood Pigeon, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Greylag Goose. Rob Harris.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 15:40 to 15:45
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair circling). John Wright (SOG).
Canewdon, Opposite New Hall 16:05 to 16:10
1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Great Tit. Rob Harris.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:25 to 16:35
1 Glossy Ibis, 2 Gadwall on small pools next to Barnes Mill. Numerous Skylark in south meadow. Paul Forsdick.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:30 to 16:45
14 Greylag Geese, 27 Canada Geese, 30 Tufted Duck, 8 Magpie, 3 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 50+ Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 35 Stock Dove, 18 Carrion Crow, 20+ Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 4 Great-crested Grebe, 3 Skylark, 7 Blue Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Buzzard. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 04th April 2012easterly, partly cloudy, max12°
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:45 to 09:30
38 Avocet on the scrape, 1 Swallow. Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:40 to 11:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 6 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Bearded Tit in eastern reedbed. Marc Outten (SOG).
Aboard Lady Essex V from Paglesham 10:00 to 11:00
2 Hen Harrier hunting Wallasea southerly seawall opposite Potton and Foulness, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Grey Plover, Curlew, Cormorant. 17 Common Seal including one individual with radio tag! Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Paglesham 11:00
1 swallow flying up and down field on Cottis Farm. John Carson.
Upminster, Thames Chase Forest Centre 11:00 to 13:50
3 Buzzard circling together on thermals, 1 female Bullfinch, 1 pair Chiffchaff, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cock Pheasant, pair Mallard, pair Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 2 male Blackbird, many Blue Tit, many Great Tit. Carrion Crow, Magpie, 2 Jay, 2 pair Chaffinch. David Hale.
Old Church Hill, Langdon Hills 12:30
2 Common Buzzard rolling about fighting in the middle of the lane. Had to stop the car as I didn't immediately understand what I was looking at. One flew off and one scuttled into the hedge. Never seen anything like this before. Gary Clinton.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 15:00
3 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 male Kestrel, 4 Ruff, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1 seen, 1 heard on west end), 2 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Gunners Park 15:30 to 17:00
2 Wheatear, 1 Swallow, 1 Lapwing (limping), Green Woodpecker heard all in Nature Reserve. 3 Mute Swan on river by barge pier, later returned to lagoon. Bob and Lin Preston.
Shoebury, 18:00 to 18:10
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Blackcap in St. Marys churchyard. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:10 to 18:50
5 Black-tailed Godwit flew high east, 5+ Swallow (over BHF), 1 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 03rd April 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max14°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sand Martin
Paglesham Lagoon, 07:00 to 08:15
12 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sand Martin over north, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Corn Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:10 to 08:45
6 Avocet, 4 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap. Marc Outten (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 09:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 male Blackcap, 1 male Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 12:00
16 Wigeon, 10 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Lubards Farm, Hullbridge 11:30
1 Swallow, 2 Mistle Thrush. Hilary Knight.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 to 13:10
3 Blackbird, 24 Greylag Geese, 40+ Tufted Duck, 6 Magpie, 30+ Cormorant, 10 Mute Swan, 6 Moorhen, 50+ Coot, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 15 Stock Dove, 15 Carrion Crow, 22 Mallard Duck. 3 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 2 Great-crested Grebe, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Chaffinch. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 18:30
1 Hen Harrier (subadult male still over wild bird cover), 1 Merlin (female, apparently in heavy moult), 1 Spotted Redshank (with Redshanks along south west borrow dyke), 150+ Stock Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl, 50+ Linnet, 300+ Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Eastwood, 22:20
1 House Mouse on pavement along Rayleigh Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 02nd April 2012westerly, clear, max15°
Rayleigh, 08:30 to 08:30
1 female Sparrowhawk high east over Hambro Hill. Neil Chambers (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 12:45 to 18:00
Sightings from new hide and walk to and from car park: 3 Buzzard, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, c.200 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit. 2 Barn Owl (via barn webcam), 1 Swallow, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, 1 drake Pintail, 1 White Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Wren, 2 Redshank, 4 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Cormorant, Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Greylag Geese. c.20 Avocet, 2 Ruff. c.30 Shelduck, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Curlew, Little Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Pochard. 1 Cock Pheasant. 2 pair Gadwall, Lapwing, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Rook, Carrion Crow. 12 Brown Hare, 10 Rabbit. David Hale.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 18:00
5 Robin in the garden - 2 adults with 3 tufty-headed juveniles. David Selley.
Sunday 01st April 2012westerly, clear, max15°:
Thundersley Glen 07:00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming. Richard Gray.
EWT Two Tree Island 09:00 to 14:00
Sightings from west side of island and scrape hide: 1 male Blackcap, 2 pair Stonechat, 1 pair Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, c.10 Greenfinch, 2 cock and 1 hen Pheasant, 3 Skylark, 1 pair Chaffinch, many pairs Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Magpie, 4 male Blackbird, 3 pair Linnet, Starling, 2 Little Egret, c.100 Dunlin, 5 Knot, c.100 Black-tailed Godwit, c.50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Shelduck, 3 juvenile Herring Gull, c.20 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 3 pair Mallard, c.1000 Black-headed Gull, c.50 Oystercatcher, 4 Canada Geese. Wood Pigeon, Curlew. David Hale.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:25
40 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Skylark, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:25 to 12:30
1 Swallow, pair of Mediterranean Gull, male Marsh Harrier flew over scrape and later soared high over marshes, 1 Bearded Tit, 32 Avocet often displaying on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard, c.5 Wigeon on marshes and a drake calling on scrape, c.50 Shoveler included nearly 20 circling over marshes, 2 pairs of Teal, 2 pairs each of Gadwall on marshes and scrape, Water Rail heard, 1 Little Egret, pair of Oystercatcher, Lapwing displaying over scrape, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:30 to 11:30
26 Curlew, 1 Short-eared Owl quartering field near Pantile picnic area, 2 Linnet. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Writtle, River Wid, Between Writtle and Old Chelmsfordians Sports Ground 10:00 to 12:00
1 Cuckoo seen well and calling, 2 Male Blackcap, 1 Kingfisher, 5+ Chiffchaff singing, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker. Andrew and Peter Allen.
Chelmsford, Great Baddow 11:30
1 Glossy Ibis still in pools behind pub. Mark Bicknell.
Rayleigh Mount 11:30 to 13:00
5 singing male and 1 female Blackcap, 8 Robin all singing, 3 Wren, 8 Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Stock Dove, 12 Collard Dove, 4 Carrion Crow, This reserve is well worth a visit just for the stands of many varities of daffodil in bloom. 2 dead toads in pond. G. Dixon.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 13:00 to 17:00
1 Buzzard heading south west, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Sparrowhawk. Robin Peppiatt.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:25 to 14:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 3 Blackcap (singing), 3 Chiffchaff (singing). 5 Orange-tip (3m 2f), 1 Comma. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 15:00 to 16:20
2 Little Egret, 4 Buzzard (three thermalling together and a fourth North from Sheppey), 1 Kestrel, 17 Stock Dove, 5 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit (displaying), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 17:00
4 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 23 Redshank, 35 Black-headed Gull, 150+ Stock Dove, flock of Corn Bunting, 5 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 12 Mallard Duck. Rob Harris.
Pitsea 16:50 to 19:00
2 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Rochford Golf Course, 17:30 to 19:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (singing over airport), 1 Blackcap (singing), 3 Chiffchaff (singing). 1 Northern Water Vole. Neil Chambers (SOG).