South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for April 2014


Wednesday 30th April 2014south westerly, partly, max19°c

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:20 to 11:25
2 Wheatear by pill box, 2 Greenshank, c.6 Whimbrel, 1 Avocet, 1 Turtle Dove seen and 1 heard at Coryton, pair of Cuckoo, 2 Lesser Whitethroat seen and heard, 1 Swallow, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on creek, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, pair of Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 14:00
1 male Cuckoo (good view of it singing as it flew past a few metres overhead), Whitethroat, 2 Singing Reed Warbler and Cetti's singing in response. Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Brimstone, 20+ large Damselflies, 5+ Blue-tailed Damselflies, 2 Azure Blue Damselflies, 3 Hairy Dragonflies, 2-4 Spot Chaser Dragonflies. Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/5-species-of-odonata-in-april/. Neil Phillips.

Gunners Park 13:30 to 15:15
House Sparrow, Starling, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 7 Whitethroat, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mallard and 12 ducklings, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, 2 House Martin, 2 Swallow, Mute Swan, Herring Gull, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Ring Ouzel in the Old Ranges, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch. S. Jackson.

Canvey Point 13:30 to 15;30
4 Bar-tailed Godwit (1 full breeding plumage), 12 Dunlin (8 full breeding plumage), 1 Knot (full breeding plumage), 10 Common Tern, 5 Curlew, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Mallard. Terry Blackwell.

Two Tree Island 14:00 to 14:35
1 Cuckoo, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 35+ Starling, 50+ Woodpigeon, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Blackbird, 7 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 3 Linnet, 1 Little Egret, 3 Mallard, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:40 to 16:15
35+ Starling, 300+ Woodpigeon, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Blackbird, 3 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Skylark, 3 Linnet, 3 Little Egret, 5 Mallard, 30+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Pheasant. Rob Harris.

Wickford (Nevendon Road) 16:50 to 16:55
1 Hobby. Rob Harris.

Southchurch Park
Hi Graham, I have just spoken to Sue Schwar at Orsett Wildlife hospital and the the two swans are doing just fine. A vet has assessed the male and he seems to have limited vision on one side as thought. The plan is to move the pair onto Sue Morgan at Tiptree for her assessment. All being well, I would think that the lady with the large property/acres and lake in Chapell, Essex, will then look after them. The Reed Warblers seem to be late arriving in Southchurch Park East this year? Robert Dobinson.

Tuesday 29th April 2014easterly, mostly cloudy, max15°c

RSPB Bowers Marsh 09:00
Male Ringed Teal, presumed escape on the fresh lagoon, also on the fresh lagoon 110 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank in summer plumage and a single Ruff. Michael Poole.

RSPB Wallasea Island 09:30 to 11:00
Starling, Woodpigeon, 6 Corn Bunting, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Magpie, Yellowhammer, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Skylark, Black-headed Gull, Linnet, Common Tern, Whitethroat, Curlew, 10+ Little Egret, Redshank, Mute Swan (pair), Shelduck, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Kestrel, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow Wagtail (possible Citrine Wagtail because the yellow on the head and breast was so vivid with black collar), Greenfinch, Meadow Pipit, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Collared Dove. S. Jackson & M. Hill.

RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 12:00
2 Cuckoo (pair), 4 Bearded Tit, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 4 Cetti's Warbler (heard), Whitethroat, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, 3 House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.

Rochford, Jubilee Park 13:15
Hobby flying east. A. James.

South Essex A13/A127 and A12 14:00 and 16:00
3 sightings of Common Buzzard. Roy Fynn.

Two Tree Island 16:00 to 16:55
1 Cuckoo, 5 Whitethroat, 1 male Reed Bunting, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on mudflats. B. Goss.

South Woodham Ferrers, Near Marsh Farm, 18:15
1 Hobby. David Chivers.

Monday 28th April 2014esterly, partly cloudy, max16°c

Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 18:00
1 Cuckoo calling, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (singing, not seen). 1 Grass Snake, male Scorpionfly, 5+ Large Red Damselflies, 1 Blue Tailed Damselfly and 1 patrolling male Hairy Dragonfly. Photos of damselflies here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/first-odonata-photos-of-the-year-large-red-damselflies/. Neil Phillips.

Stanford-le-Hope, Walton Hall Farm 12:30
60 Sand Martin. Graham White.

Basildon, Burnt Mills, 12:45
A male Sparrowhawk perched on fork handle in our garden. Pete and Dawn.

RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 17:00
8 male Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Bearded Tit, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Greenshank in summer plumage, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 2 Snipe, 2 Marsh Harrier hunting together, Cuckoo and Nightingale heard on the tip area. David Shepherd.

Ashingdon 15:45
Osprey flying east then north east to River Crouch. A. James.

Wakering 23:00
Nightingales singing all night long can be heard from from alley backing onto Victoria Drive and Goldsworthy Drive, at least four birds can be heard. Richard Wiseman.

Sunday 27th April 2014east north east, mostly cloudy, max16°c

Southchurch Park and Kensington Road 08:45 and 14:00
7 Cygnets hatched in Southchurch Park, all grey. 1 Grey Squirrel on feeder in back garden. Robert Dobinson.

Forty Mile Circular Bike Ride from Wickford 10:00 to 17:00
Pair of Cuckoo (East Hanningfield), Buzzard (East Hanningfield), pair Bullfinch (Danbury), Great Crested Grebe (Hanningfield Reservoir). Unusually, I didn't hear the cuckoos but just happened to look up as they were flying past. Peter Walker.

Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30 to 14:30
Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Dunnock, Mallard, 75+ Tufted Duck, 15+ Great Crested Grebe, Common Gull, Blue Tit, 89 Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Coot, Stock Dove, Robin, 57 Canada Geese, 47 Greylag Geese, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Carrion Crow, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, 4 Shelduck, 23 Pochard, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, 15 Red-crested Pochard, 11 drake and 4 female Egyptian Geese, 4 Common Tern, Grey Heron, Wren, Great Tit, Blackcap, Little Grebe, Magpie, Jackdaw, House Sparrow. S. Jackson & M. Hill.

RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 14:15
1 Wood Sandpiper in north east corner of main lagoon, 10+ Greenshank (7 in north east corner of main lagoon, 3 from screen on small lagoon), 1 Beaded-Tit (good view for about 5 minutes). Peter Norgate.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:20 to 16:20
c.5 Whimbrel, 1 Swallow, 1 Cuckoo heard, a few Lesser Whitethroat, pair of Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, pair of Oystercatcher in display flight. Richard Fahey.

RSPB Wallasea Island 19:00 to 19:25
3 Little Egret, 3 Corn Bunting, 3 Pheasant, 5 Starling, 3 Magpie, 14 Black-headed Gull, 20+ Herring Gull, 2 Linnet, 17 Carrion Crow, 6 Shelduck, 7 Mallard. 2 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.

Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 19:50 to 20:00
2 Pheasant, 5 Starling, 3 Magpie, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Swallow, 2 Blackbird, 12 Woodpigeon, 1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.

Saturday 26th April 2014southerly, mostly cloudy, max15°c

Laindon, Lee Chapel Lane, 05:00
Nightingale singing. David Shepherd.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:50 to 15:30
1 Turtle Dove on line near refinery, 2 female Marsh Harrier over shrub area, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo heard, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler heard Coryton, 2 drake and 1 female Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, pair of Oystercatcher on lagoon. Richard Fahey.

Foulness Island 14:00 to 17:00
Black Redstart still in same area, 3 Kestrel, 9 Little Egret, 5 Avocet, 2 male 1 female Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, at least 50 Common Whitethroat, pair Reed Bunting, c.20 Linnet, c.20 Skylark, c.40 Corn Bunting, c.20 Swallow. Steve and Fran Giles.

RSPB Wallasea Island 18:00 to 18:30
5 Pheasant, 4 Mallard, 2 Linnet, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Skylark, 50+ Starling, 150+ Woodpigeon, 1 Magpie, 7 Carrion Crow, 30+ Herring Gull, 27 Black Headed Gull. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 19:00 to 19:20
2 Pheasant, 50+ Mallard, 20+ Pochard, 50+ Tufted, 30+ Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Magpie, 2 Kestrel, 3 Blackbird, 50+ Woodpigeon, 7 Carrion Crow, 35 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan. 30+ Herring Gull, 40+ Black Headed Gull, 40+ Greylag Geese. Rob Harris.

Two Tree Island
2 Cuckoo. Normund Baltacs.

Friday 25th April 2014northerly, overcast, rain, max15°c

Billericay 08:00 to 08:30
Pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in and around Lake Meadows. Abi.

Canvey Point 08:50
1 Wheatear. Terry Blackwell.

Foulness Island 11:35 to 17:30
Black Redstart showing well, c.20 Swallow, Sand Martin, Cuckoo heard. Steve and Fran Giles.

Laindon, Church Hill 15:00
Nightingale singing. Mick Roe.

Hullbridge, Lubards Farm 16:45
2 Common Tern. Hilary Knight.

Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East
Resident male Mute Swan missing from S. East Pk in early morning, female mate calling/pining for him. He looked lethargic Wednesday evening and I searched throughout the day but couldn't find him. At 6.15pm a dog walker (Gethin & Murphy) spotted him on far north side of pond hidden in upper reed bed. He was not looking great and was dehydrated. The decision was made to lift him and his mate to Orsett Wildlife Hospital (Sue Schwar donations always welcome), I will keep you updated. The female is our original Mute Swan from The time I first got involved in 2005, she has fledged 21 cygnets since and her daughter 30 cygnets since 2009. 5 Cygnets have hatched (early this year) in Southchurch Park, so the cycle starts again. 1 Mallard duckling rescued from main estuary water outlet and reunited with others, 6 Canada Geese flew over Southchurch Park East pond towards north east. 1 Grey Squirrel in back garden on log cabin at 10.45am. Lastly thanks to Ron Woodley, SPMPBC, Tony Little, the two excellent Southend Borough Council pump engineers, who got the water feed pump working between both parks. Just in time to refresh the water for the new cygnets arrival. Top job. Robert Dobinson.

Thursday 24th April 2014easterly, scattered clouds, max16°c

Canvey Point 08:45 to 10:00
20 Common Tern, 20 Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 70+ Oystercatcher, 5 Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 10 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail. Terry Blackwell.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:30 to 15:15
Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Mallard, Little Grebe, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, female Marsh Harrier, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Hobby, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Cetti's Warbler (4 seen), Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, 6 Wheatear, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Wren, Reed Bunting. Buzzard over M25 junction on trip home. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 11:50 to 12:00
1 Common Buzzard, 4 Swallow, 3 Chaffinch, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Jay. Rob Harris.

Battlesbridge 12:00
2 Common Buzzard. Ken Borley.

RSPB Wallasea Island 12:20 to 12:55
3 Little Egret, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Pheasant, 30+ Starling, 1 Magpie, 27 Black-headed Gull, 20+ Herring Gull, 3 Linnet, 12 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 14:30
3 Swallow, 30+ Tufted Duck, 60+ Mallard, 2 Magpie, 5 Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese + 6 Gosling, 14 Cormorant, 20+ Coot, 20+ Woodpigeon, 4 Carrion Crow, 40+ Herring Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch. 5 Goldfinch. Rob Harris.

Wednesday 23rd April 2014southerly, partly cloudy, max18°c

Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07:00 to 07:15
1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellowhammer all singing, 2 Swallow gathering mud. David Selley.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:00 to 15:30
Pair of Common Buzzard in display flight high over near seawall, 1 Peregrine Falcon soaring over Manorway Fleet, 1 Yellow Wagtail at Coryton, 1 Swallow, 4 Cuckoo flew north, 5 Whimbrel, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, 1 Whitethroat, c.4 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at ditch and Coryton. Richard Fahey.

Mardyke, From N25 at Thurrock 14:35
Possible 2 Great White Egret on the Mardyke viewed from the M25 at Thurrock. Mike Sullivan.

Tuesday 22nd April 2014south south west, scattered clouds, max17°c

Thorndon Park South 14:00
2 Ring Ouzel. Mike Butler.

Foulness Island 16:30 to 17:30
 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Owl, 1 Cuckoo heard, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Common Whitethroat at least 10 more heard, 9 Swallow, 5 Avocet, 4 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret. 1 Common Seal. Steve Giles.

Southchurch Park East 17:00
4 Mallard each with 8, 6, 6 and 4 ducklings, Mute Swans are ignoring them so we should be able to see them develop and flourish. Robert Dobinson.

Monday 21st April 2014easterly, light rain, max17°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swift
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Reed Warbler

Chelmsford: Baddow Meads to Great Graces (Little Baddow) 08:30 to 12:30
Seen on walk from Chelmsford (Baddow Meads) to Graces Walk, Great Graces in Little Baddow: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer, 1 Swallow, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Linnet. Also seen but not counted: Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Moorhen, Mallard, Canada Goose, Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, House Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Skylark, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw. Invertebrates seen: Peacock butterfly, Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, Nettle Tap Moth, 3+ sp. Hoverfly, St Mark's Fly, Picture Wing Fly sp., crane fly sp., Dock Bug, Pied Shieldbug, Mirid Bug sp., 2 species of unidentified weevil, Pond Skater, White-lipped Snail, 7 spot Ladybird, Wolf Spider (Pardosa amentata, I believe), Nursery Web Spider, Crab Spider, Andrena haemorrhoa (or similar sp. solitary bee), unidentified bumblebees, unidentified Ichneumon, Large Red Damselfly, Alder fly, Greenbottle. Paul Forsdick.

Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:45 to 09:15
1 Mallard with 2 ducklings in low Reed bed area and 1 Mallard with 8 ducklings feeding along west reed bed in S. East Pk. 1 Collared Dove sitting on nest in tree in S. Park. Robert Dobinson.

Barling Church 09:00
1 Swift over and around church. Terry Thorneycroft.

EWT Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Thurrock 09:00 to 12:00
Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Chaffinch. Speckled Wood, Peacock and Brimstone butterflies. Steve Sanford, Graham Mee & Kris Mee.

Abberton Reservoir 11:00 to 13:45
1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Common Tern, 20 Cormorant nests all from Layer Breton Causeway, 1 male Reed Bunting, 10 Common Tern, 3 Greenshank, 1 Pair Oystercatcher on nest on tern raft, 5 Skylark, 50 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lapwing all from visitor centre and bay hide. B. Goss.

RSPB Vange Marsh 11:30 to 12:00
Marsh Harrier, 2 Oystercatcher (on saline lagoon), 5+ Cetti's Warbler (calling in eastern reed bed), Reed Warbler (eastern reed bed), 4 Bearded Tit (3 chasing each other around), 4 Sedge Warbler. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 14:30
5 Corn Bunting, 4 Linnet, 1 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 3 Magpie, 2 Blackbird, 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Herring Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Mallard, 250+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Stock Dove. Rob Harris.

B1026 Salcott Bridge Farm Area 14:45
1 Buzzard. B. Goss.

Barling, Millennium Park 15:00
2 Swallow, Cuckoo heard. Brian and Jan Coveney.

RSPB Old Hall Marshes 15:00 to 17:25
1 male Blackcap, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Brent Geese, 5 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 20 Teal, 20 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 70 Black-tailed Godwit - most in near summer plumage, 10+ Lapwing, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 5 Little Egret, 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Cormorant, 30 Avocet, 5 Common Tern, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck in Salcott Channel. 1 Brown Hare. B. Goss.

Canewdon 16:40 to 16:55
9 Swallow in ones and twos on the overhead wires between Canewdon and Ashingdon, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Corn Bunting singing. David Selley.

Wakering Stairs 17:15 to 18:30
1 Cuckoo, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting heard, 4 Whimbrel heading north, 2 Green Woodpecker, c.10 Swallow. Andrew Gouldstone.

Sunday 20th April 2014north easterly, rain, max13°c

Southchurch Park East 07:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on dead tree, north-east corner of park. Alec Beanse.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 08:00 to 10:00
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Teal, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, Wren, Common Whitethroat, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow. Web Author et al.

Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:45
1 Little Egret fishing around NW/left edge of low reed bed, 1 Mallard and 8 ducklings along north reed bed S. East Pk at 8.45am, Male Mute Swan attacked and injured in water by Staffie dog. Injury around front/side right-hand of body, bleeding last night, but no sign of blood this morning. Lets hope he doesn't get a secondary infection 7-10 days. Dog owner traced by me within 15 minutes and police to prosecute. Owners dog committed same offence with cygnet last November. Robert Dobinson.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:55 to 11:55
1 adult Mediterranean Gull in field west of Coryton track, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Whimbrel on creek, 1 Cuckoo near seawall and 1 heard at Coryton, 1 Swallow, Sedge Warbler heard at Manorway Fleet, a few Blackcap at Coryton, 1 Chiffchaff singing by Manorway, 1 drake Teal on creek, 1 female Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 2 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area. Richard Fahey.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 09:00 to 11:00
Freshwater lagoon: 2 Cetti's Warbler, 50 Avocet, 5 Ruff (4 males fighting over 1 female), 4 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Greenshank, Lapwing, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Whitethroat, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Shelduck, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, 8 Swallow, Grey Heron, Little Egret and Reed Warbler (heard only). Vince Briggs.

Hadleigh Castle Country Park 09:15 to 09:25
1 Cuckoo seen then heard flying southwards towards seawall. Ellen Hume.

EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 09:20 to 14:10
5 drake 1 female Red Crested Pochard, 1 pair Pochard, 3 Egyptian Geese, 19 Teal, few Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull, few Black-headed Gull, 1 unidentified Tern, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, c.20 Swallow, few House Martin, few Sand Martin, c.12 Swift, Green Woodpecker and Chiffchaff heard. 1 Muntjac Deer. David & Brenda Hale.

Eastwood 13:30
1 Sparrowhawk on back garden fence. Colin Newman.

Wakering Stairs 15:00 to 15:20
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from bushes near the large concrete structures towards Haven Point. David Selley.

Hanningfield Reservoir 19:00 to 19:30
1 Kestrel, 2 Magpie, 4 Carrion Crow, 20+ Tufted Duck, 40+ Mallard, 2 Coot, 3 Blackbird, 2 Chaffinch, 23 Black-headed Gull, 14 Herring Gull, 20+ Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese. Rob Harris.

Saturday 19th April 2014east north east, scattered clouds, max12°c

Two Tree Island 06:30 to 09:30
Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Cuckoo (one at west end, pair at east end), Kestrel, Lesser Whitethroat, 10+ Whitethroat singing, 3 Blackcap (2 male, one female), 3 Cetti's Warbler (one seen), 3 Wren singing, 20 Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, 10+ Greenfinch, Jay, 2 Little Egret, Chiffchaff (heard), 2 Linnet, 10 Oystercatcher (5 pairs). Terry Jeffreys.

Wickford 10:00 to 17:00
Pair of Robin in garden with 3 fledglings, being fed by parents for the last few days. David Hale.

Gunners Park 13:30 to 15:00
House Sparrow, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Common Gull, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, 10 Mallard+, Linnet (pair), 2 Swallow, Feral Pigeon, 25 Turnstone, Dunnock, Great Crested Grebe 70+ Sanderling, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Moorhen, Herring Gull, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit. S. Jackson.

Wickford 16:00 to 16:05
1 Buzzard circling over Wick Meadows estate. Drifted away to the east. David Hale.

Friday 18th April 2014northerly, scattered clouds, max12°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Lesser Whitethroat
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - House Martin

Southend, Westbury Road 09:00
Three pairs of Greenfinch on, or queuing for, the feeder (the most ever seen at one time), one Great Tit in the bird bath attacking a Blue Tit which had the temerity to join him! Mick.

EWT Blue House Farm 09:30 to 15:30
2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Marsh Harrier (1 pair an 1 that appeared to be this spring's juvenile bird), 1 Barn Owl on webcam, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 9 Yellow Wagtail, few Reed Bunting, few Meadow Pipit, many Swallow, 10 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Great Crested Grebe, few Little Grebe, c.30 Shelduck, c.20 Skylark, few Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Teal, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck, 2 drake Wigeon, 1 pair Gadwall, 8 Mute Swan. David & Brenda Hale.

Chelmsford, Springfield Lock, 11:30 to 11:45
1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Black-headed Gull, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Moorhen, 1 Robin. Paul Forsdick.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:25 to 16:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap heard at Coryton, 1 female Wigeon still on Manorway Fleet, pair of Pochard on Manorway Fleet, pair of Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard and then flying out of thicket by path at Coryton, 1 Lapwing, pair of Oystercatcher displaying. Richard Fahey.

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
2 Common Buzzard, 10 Little Egret, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 1 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 13 Herring Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Moorhen, 250+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Stock Dove, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin. 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.

Wakering Stairs 15:00 to 16:00
On the high tide wader roost: 2 Shelduck, 41 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 27 Grey Plover (just one starting to show summer plumage), 2 Sanderling, 32 Dunlin, 15 Redshank, 6 Turnstone. On the land side: 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting. David Selley.

Two Tree Island/Old Leigh 15:30 to 20:00
2 Whimbrel flew from direction of Two Tree over Old Leigh calling and headed north, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull along foreshore just east of Old Leigh, 1 Greenshank Old Leigh, 1 Cuckoo on Two Tree (east end). Andrew Gouldstone.

Mountnessing, St Giles Church 19:15 to 19:30
Pheasant, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Starling, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow. Ben and Jane Mapp.

Thursday 17th April 2014northerly, scattered clouds, 12°c

South Woodham Ferrers, Marsh Farm 06:00
1 Cuckoo heard. David Chivers.

Southchurch Park east and Southchurch Hall Park 08:45 and 11:50
1 female Mallard and 6+ ducklings over far side/north of pond. S. East Pk 8.45am. 1 Little Egret fishing in top north pond. S. Hall Pk 11.50am. Robert Dobinson.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:40
1 immature Spoonbill circled over Aveley Marsh then gained height and flew east, 1 Grasshopper Warbler singing just below visitor centre. Andrew Gouldstone.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh
1 Cuckoo, 4 Common Whitethroat. 1 Adder (smallest I've ever seen 5 inches long), 4 Common Lizard, 1 of each Brimstone, Red Admiral, Small White, numerous Peacock and Green Veined, several Speckled Wood, Orange Tip and Small Tortoiseshell and my first Dragonfly (Hairy ) of the year. Pete Jackson.

Wednesday 16th April 2014easterly, clear, max13°c

Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07:20 to 07:35
2 Yellowhammer - singing males seen and heard. David Selley.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:00 to 11:57
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Whimbrel and Avocet on creek, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Cuckoo included a pair on other side of creek, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff heard at Coryton, 1 Whitethroat seen and heard at the Manorway, 1 female Pochard and a pair of Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, 2 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Foulness Island 15:30 to 17:00
6 House Martin, 4 Redpoll. c.10 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood. Steve Giles.

A127, Near Dick Turpin Pub 16:05
Hobby Flying North. Jeff Elliott.

Tuesday 15th April 2014easterly, clear, max12°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Common Tern

Wakering, Mill Barn Fishery 09:00 to 13:00
Mallard Duck with 18 ducklings! Seventeen of them were normally coloured but one was bright yellow! Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, pair of Tufted Duck, Common Tern, Sparrowhawk, Chaffinch, Wren, Robin, pair of Pheasant, pair of Red-legged Partridge on approach road. Bank Vole swimming up and down in front of me for most of the morning, but the highlight was a live Freshwater Mussel that I caught! Phil Lusher.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler singing just outside the visitor centre and showing well at times, 6 Yellow Wagtail. Andrew Gouldstone.

Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 09:30 to 10:00
4 Tufted Duck - 2 drake and 2 female. John Pitts.

EWT Fingringhoe Wick NR 09:30 to 16:45
2 Nightingale perched and singing, more seen flitting across paths and scrub, 1 pair Blackcap, many Chiffchaff, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, c.300 Black-tailed Godwit, c.100 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.100 Grey Plover, c.20 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 1 Common Tern, 1 Brent Goose. 1 Fox, few Peacock Butterfly, 2 Orange Tip Butterfly, 2 Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly. David & Brenda Hale.

Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 11:30
1 Swallow, 3 Mute Swan, 30+ Tufted Duck, 40+ Mallard, 3 Pochard, 3 Magpie, 30+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese, 9 Cormorant, 20+ Coot, 12 Woodpigeon, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 3 Blackbird, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.

Woodham Ferrers, Edwin's Hall Road 12:20 to 12:35
4 Pheasant, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Common Crow, 2 Magpie, 2 Blackbird, 40+ Woodpigeon, 4 House Sparrow. Rob Harris.

Southend, Kensington Road 17:50
Dozens of Bee-Flies in back garden. Robert Dobinson.

Beach Avenue, Leigh on Sea 19:15
1 Sparrowhawk chasing a House Sparrow and diving into a bush to successfully catch it. Rachael and Dave Simpson.

Monday 14th April 2014noth westerly, clear, max15°c

Southchurch Park East 10:30
3 Mute Swan on the lake plus one in amongst the long grass on the bank adjacent to the sluice gates (north west side). Mick.

Rochford, Brays Lane 11:35
1 Buzzard low over road. David Selley.

Wat Tyler Country Park 13:15 to 15:15
2 pair Bearded Tit, 2 Snipe, 1 Wren, 6 Swallow, 1 pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Stock Dove, c.100 Wood Pigeon, 3 pair Gadwall, few pair Pochard, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, 1 pair Greylag Geese with 5 gosling. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 13:30
60 Avocet. Judy.

Sunday 13th April 2014westerly, scattered clouds, max16°c

Southchurch Park East 08:30
3 young Mute Swan flew south west off estuary over Southchurch Park East, two circled, one followed (likely our S.East cygnet), now joined up with regular flypast pair. Then over Southchurch Park south west to estuary. Revisited again twice 10:00 and 10:30 mid morning by Vivien. Robert Dobinson.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:30 to 11:55
3 Wheatear near horse paddock, 3 Whimbrel including 2 on lagoon, 1 Cuckoo heard behind Manorway Fleet, Sedge Warbler heard in reeds/shrub near refinery, 1 Swallow, 1 Marsh Harrier later came close at Manorway Fleet, 1 Snipe, 1 drake Pochard flying near lagoon and a female later on Manorway Fleet, pair of Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler and Blackcap heard at Coryton. Richard Fahey.

Chelmsford, Great Baddow, 09:45
1 Garden Warbler singing in my back garden, 10 House Sparrow, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.

Hockley 10:45
4 Buzzard circling high over Hockley Woods. David Z.

Southchurch, Castleton Road 11:15
1 Jackdaw (a garden first). Richard Mander.

A12, junction with A130 13:15
Buzzard soaring. Peter and Margaret Norgate.

Abberton Reservoir 15:00 to 16:00
1 Little Gull, 4 Common Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Willow Warbler, Cetti's Warbler heard, Chiffchaff heard. Peter Norgate.

Weald Country Park 15:30 to 18:45
2 Goldcrest, 4 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Jay, 1 Ringed-necked Parakeet. Janice Bright.

RSPB Wallasea Island 16:20 to 17:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Swallow, 1 Linnet, 1 male Reed Bunting, 4 Skylark, 3 Corn Bunting. Kris Mee, Web Author.

RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 to 17:50
7 Little Egret, 4 Corn Bunting, 3 Linnet, 2 Blackbird, 2 Pheasant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 5 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Starling, 100+ Woodpigeon, 20+ Stock Dove. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir 19:00 to 19:25
3 Mute Swan, 30+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Mallard, 20+ Pochard, 2 Magpie, 30+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 14 Cormorant, 40+ Coot, 12 Woodpigeon, 11 Carrion Crow, 1 Common Gull, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Herring Gull, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Blackbird, 3 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.

Saturday 12th April 2014southerly to westerly, partly cloudy, max15°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Cuckoo

Southchurch Park East 08:40
The recently arrived pair of Mute Swans were seen mating again opposite last years nest site. The resident female Mute Swan could just be seen tucked in to the reed bed trying to keep out of sight. Alec Beanse.

EWT Blue House Farm 09:10 to 16:00
2 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Wren, 4 Swallow, 1 pair Dunnock, many Blackbird, few Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Robin, 2 Pied Wagtail, few Skylark, few Meadow Pipit, 4 Avocet, c.25 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, 6 Little Grebe, many Redshank, 6 Oystercatcher, 1 female Mallard with 12 duckling, 4 adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 male Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, few Wigeon, Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal. 2 Brown Hare, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. David & Brenda Hale.

Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park 09:45 to 10:35
2 Oystercatcher, 4 Teal. Richard Fahey.

Foulness Island 10:30 to 11:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Owl, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, many Corn Bunting and Skylark. Orange Tip butterfly. Steve and Fran Giles.

Wakering Stairs 11:00 to 12:10
1 Cuckoo calling - mobile to the west of Stairs Road, 10 Mallard - adult female with 9 small young, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush singing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap singing, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Meadow Pipit, c.20 Linnet in off the sea. David Selley.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 15:30
5 Little Egret,7 Corn Bunting, 5 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 5 Pheasant, 1 Kestrel, 38 Black-headed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 5 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 100+ Woodpigeon, 50+ Stock Dove, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Starling. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00 to 16:35
4 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 5 Mute Swan, 130+ Tufted Duck, 120+ Mallard, 20+ Pochard, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Magpie, 30+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 3 Cormorant, 40+ Coot, 12 Woodpigeon, 11 Carrion Crow, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Herring Gull, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird, 3 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.

Friday 11th April 2014variable, partly cloudy, max11°c

Benfleet Station 07:25
1 male Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard briefly. Andrew Bridge.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler singing well and seen briefly just below the visitor centre by the Purfleet scrape (this bird was present on 10/4 too), 1 Willow Warbler singing in the car park, 1 Greenshank. Andrew Gouldstone.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:04 to 12:00
2 Wheatear at Coryton, 1 Willow Warbler singing by track, Lesser Whitethroat singles heard behind seawall and behind Manorway Fleet, 1 Swallow passed through Coryton, 1 Marsh Harrier, Blackcap heard at Coryton, 1 Chiffchaff singing by the Manorway, pair of Gadwall, 15+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher in display flight, a few Cetti's Warbler heard over area, a few Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00
1 Large Red Damselfly, first of the year. Neil Phillips.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 15:00
2 Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Ruff, Corn Bunting. Video of stilts here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/black-winged-stilt-at-rspb-bowers-marsh/. Neil Phillips.

Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 17:40
2 Shelduck (pair), 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Swallow, 4 Skylark, 1 Nightingale seen and heard singing by level crossing, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Corn Bunting singing. 1 Speckled Wood butterfly, several Marsh Frogs croaking, 20+ Rabbit. David Selley.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 16:00 to 16:30
2 Black-winged Stilt, 3 Ruff, Yellow Wagtail, 13 Linnet. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 18:45 to 19:00
2 Black-Winged Stilt, 3 Ruff. Peter and Margaret Norgate.

Thursday 10th April 2014variable, scattered clouds, max16°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Redstart
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Whitethroat
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Willow Warbler
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Turtle Dove

Two Tree Island 09:00 to 13:00
No sign of yesterdays Nightingale but a pristine male Redstart in the same area (my first in nine years of birding on the island) calling constantly on the north side of the central path toward the eastern end of the 'corridor' of vegetation. Was flycatching and perching in a Common Ash tree about thirty yards north of the path, also today a single Whitethroat along the northern edge of the model plane field, 2 Willow Warbler in same area, 2 Swallow and excellent views of Cetti's Warbler along central path on east side of the island. A good day. Peter Studholme.

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:00
1 Willow Warbler seen first thing, singing on and off all morning. David Selley.

Hawkwell, Magnolia N.R, 11:00 to 13:00
Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Blackbird, 4+ Blackcap, Blue Tit, 5+ Robin, 10+ Long-tailed Tit, Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Mallard, Green Woodpecker, 20+ Jay, Moorhen, Coot, Great Tit, Dunnock, House Sparrow. M. Hill.

Wat Tyler Country Park 11:30 to 12:00
Common whitethroat. David Lee.

Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 13:20
Turtle Dove. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 15:00
5+ Corn Bunting, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Pheasant (pair), Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, 8+ Little Egret, 9 Mute Swan, Mallard, Shoveler, Great Black-backed Gull, Shelduck, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-back Gull, Skylark, Feral Pigeon, Blackbird, House Sparrow. M. Hill.

Grays 14:00
Ring-necked Parakeets. Sara.

South Fambridge 16:50 to 18:00
27 Black-tailed Godwit - three small flocks flying east, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Moorhen, 1 Nightingale singing from hawthorns about halfway along footpath to seawall - don't think there are any recent records from here, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Skylark, many Dunnock, 4 Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, many Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch. David Selley.

Southchurch Park East
1 and last Mute Swan cygnet chased off by the new Mute Swan pair between 5.45-7.45pm on the 9th April. New Mute Swan pair seen mating at 8.45am. Resident Mute Swan female is being dominated/bullied by new male. All very sad to see her having to defend her pond, with her disinterested mate do nothing. 1 Lesser and 1 Greater Black-backed Gull causing havoc amongst Gulls on pond. 2 Pairs of Coots nesting around pond, 3 Pairs of Moorhens nesting on pond. Robert Dobinson.

Wednesday 09th April 2014westerly, partly cloudy, max17°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Nightingale

Canvey Lake 10:00 to 11:00
1 drake Ringed Teal Presumed escaped bird near bridge. Karen Males.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 12:30 to 17:00
56 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 16 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Corn Bunting, 6 Linnet, 8 Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Cetti's Warbler heard around the marsh. David Shepherd.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:15 to 16:15
2 Wheatear at Coryton, 1 Ruff and Whimbrel on creek, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Blackcap at Coryton, 1 Chiffchaff singing by Manorway, 1 female Wigeon on Manorway Fleet, 5 Pochard included a pair on shrub pool, a few Gadwall, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 13:15 to 17:00
1 pair Bearded Tit, 5 Snipe, 2 Swallow, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 pair Shoveler, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, few Canada and Greylag Geese, few Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Pochard. 1 Brimstone Butterfly, many Common Carp. David & Brenda Hale.

Southend, Kensington Road, 15:15 and 17:45
8+ Bee fly feeding on as many flowers scattered around garden, maybe due to 350+ holes drilled last Autumn in 1 year old 80ft x 6ft brick wall to make an insect hotel. Robert Dobinson.

Two Tree Island 16:30 to 18:30
Nightingale in usual area east of feeding station along central path. Singing well and very active for about 5 minutes (3 brief views) but then nothing for next half hour. single Swallow at eastern end of island yesterday. Peter Stuholme.

Tuesday 08th April 2014westerly, scattered clouds, max13°c

Southchurch Park East and Kensington Road 07:40 and 08:40
1 Mute Swan female starting to build nest in usual area without Mute Swan male help as yet. 1 Grey Squirrel feeding of peanuts on ground, under the bird feeder Kensington Rd. Robert Dobinson.

RSPB West Canvey 10:30
1 Swallow, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret. Jason Burton.

Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 13:00
Common Tern, many Swallow, a few Sand Martin, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe displaying all from the Rawl Hide. David Hope.

Colchester, Westlands Country Park 15:30
1 House Martin. Terry Thorneycroft.

Monday 07th April 2014southerly, rain, max15°c

South Fambridge 09:30 to 10:00
12 Goldfinch, 8 Shelduck, 1 Swallow, very friendly Wheatear which walked along the seawall with me keeping about 12ft in front, stopping as I stopped. A handsome unexpected companion on a short rainy walk with my dogs. Barry Bridge.

EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:10 to 16:15
All sightings from Rawl hide: c.50 Swallow over west bank woods, c.50 House Martin feeding over reservoir, 1 pair Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Wren, 2 pair Red Crested Pochard, few Pochard, Teal, Gadwall, Shelduck and Tufted Duck, 1 pair Shoveler, 1 drake Goldeneye, 2 pair Mallard with 11 tiny ducklings between them, 4 Egyptian Geese, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, few Great Crested Grebe (1 pair in courtship display), 6 Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, few Black-headed Gull. David & Brenda Hale.

Sunday 06th April 2014south westerly, mostly cloudy, drizzle, max16°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swallow
 migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sedge Warbler

RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 09:30
Song Thrush, Pheasant, 8+ Cetti's Warbler (one seen in eastern reed bed), 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap (male and female), 2 Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Common Sandpiper, 2 Cormorant, 2 Reed Bunting (males), 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mute Swan, 13 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, 4 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck (including two pairs), 7 Wigeon, Chiffchaff (heard from western reed bed). Terry Jefffreys.

Little Wakering 07:50
Solitary Swallow flying over garden to livery stable paddocks. John Meredith.

Cold Norton 12:00
First Swallow seen this year over garden heading to neighbours stables. Steve Lambeth.

Foulness Island 16:30 to 17:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Owl, 4 Avocet,6 Little Egret, double figures of both Skylark and Corn Bunting singing. Steve and Fran Giles.

Langdon Hills, Coombe Wood 19:15
1 Tawny Owl, grey fluffy juvenile sitting on branch in open. B. Goss.

Saturday 05th April 2014south south westerly, scattered clouds, max17°c

Leigh Sea Wall West 08:00 to 09:00
4 Redshank displaying pairs on saltings, 6 Skylark (singing), 3 Meadow Pipit (flying over), 1 Yellow Wagtail (splendid male), 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing - one from top of bush giving excellent views), 4 Linnet (2 pairs), 5 Reed Bunting (3 singing). Richard Gray.

Southchurch East Park and Southchurch Park 08:50 and 09:05
Pair of Canada Geese flew in noisily from the east and landed on pond, light harassment from all resident Mute Swans/cygnets. Robert Dobinson.

EWT Shut Heath Wood 10:15 to 12:15
6 Buzzard, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, few Jackdaw, Chiffchaff heard. David & Brenda Hale.

Rettendon A130 11:50 to 11:55
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.

EWT Abberton Reservoir 12:55 to 15:30
1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Swallow, c.10 Skylark, 1 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, several Chiffchaff, 2 Common Tern, 2 Black Tern, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Egyptian Goose, few Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. 2 Brown Hare, 3 Smooth Newt. David & Brenda Hale.

A12 Junction, A130 13:00 to 13:05
2 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:25 to 16:40
15 adult Mediterranean Gull in field with flocks of Black-headed Gulls on west side of Coryton Track, 1 Snipe, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 female Wigeon still on Manorway Fleet, 2 pairs of Gadwall and 3 drake and 3 female Pochard on Manorway Fleet (another "Pochard" on the creek was grey above and below contrasting with the reddish-brown head, while a female Pochard I later saw at Coryton had a brownish head and similar colour body. This was probably an immature male but was a funny place to see one and think it must be a migrant), a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over most of area, Blackcap and Chiffchaff heard singing at Coryton, pair of displaying Oystercatcher. Richard Fahey.

A120 Stansted 13:30 to 13:35
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 16:15 to 17:10
1 possible Montagu's Harrier hunting low along island's west seawall (a ring-tail harrier with long narrow wings looking too slim and slight for a Hen Harrier), 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Skylark, c.15 Corn Bunting. David Selley.

Friday 04th April 2014westerly, mostly cloudy, max15°c

migrant report First Local Summer Migrant Report - Yellow Wagtail

RSPB Wallasea Island 09:15
Yellow Wagtail flew west low overhead calling. Jeff Delve.

Colchester, Bell House Tip 13:30
1 Swallow. Terry Thorneycroft.

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 14:30
2 Oystercatcher, 1 Shelduck, 5 Little Egret, 3 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 5 Pheasant, 3 Kestrel, 2 Skylark, 43 Black-headed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 5 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Moorhen. Rob Harris.

Thursday 03rd April 2014variable, haze, max18°c

Southchurch Park East 08:45
1 Little Egret fishing around perimeter of low reed bed. 2 resident Mute Swans looking vulnerable in regard to the new visiting Mute Swan pair. Resident male seems not interested in defending his mate or pond. Resident female is having to defend her pond on her own. Not looking good for our original female from 2005, now 16+years old. Robert Dobinson.

Paglesham Church End 10:00
Glossy Ibis flying north west over fields and trees and calling. John Carson.

Galleywood 19:00 to 20:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant (male and female), 1 Swallow swooping low and fast over the top of the rapeseed field. Dan Foulston.

Wednesday 02nd April 2014east north east, haze, max16°c

Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07:30 to 07:45
2 Jay, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 2 Yellowhammer singing. David Selley.

Southchurch Park East 08:45
The recently arrived pair of Mute Swans were seen mating. Alec Beanse.

Canvey Lake 10:00 to 18:00
A very smart male Ringed Teal Presumed escaped bird near bridge crossing, seemed happy but occasionally chased off by the Mallards. Eddie and Clare Smith.

EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:15 to 16:15
1 Swallow flying east and feeding from surface water as it went, 1 female Blackcap, 1 Coal Tit, many Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 1 Dunnock, many Robin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, many Great and Blue Tit, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Egyptian Geese, 5 Red Crested Pochard, (4 drake, 1 female), 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Goldeneye, (1 drake, 2 female), c.50 Wigeon, few Pochard, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, 4 Shelduck. Many Peacock butterflies. 3 Bank Vole. David & Brenda Hale.

Havering-Atte-Bower 12:00
Buzzard over Bower House, viewed from Bedfords Park. Ian Phillips.

Battlesbridge 12:00
1 Common Buzzard. Ken Borley.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:00 to 16:00
2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff heard singing at Coryton, 3 Avocet on lagoon, 7 Wigeon included one on Manorway Fleet, pair of Pochard on Manorway Fleet, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton and other side of creek, c.13 Black-tailed Godwit on lagoon, 50 Curlew, pair of Oystercatcher in territory flight, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Abberton Reservoir 14:30 to 15:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Goldeneye, 100+ Tufted, 3 Teal, 150+ Mallard, 30+ Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 60+ Mute Swan, 150+ Cormorant, 1 Robin, 2 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 100+ Coot, 60+ Common Crow, 5 Magpie, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Pheasant, 50+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Canada Geese, 1 Aylesbury Duck, 7 Hybrid Geese. Rob Harris.

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:00
5 Robin in the garden. Three young fledged in the last couple of days, still being fed by the parents who are simultaneously gathering nest material for their next brood. David Selley.

Hanningfield Reservoir 15:40 to 16:15
3 Mute Swan, 100+ Tufted Duck, 120+ Mallard, 20+ Pochard, 3 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Magpie, 60+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 27 Cormorant, 70+ Coot, 12 Woodpigeon, 11 Carrion Crow, 1 Pied Wagtail, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 60+ Herring Gull, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

Tuesday 01st April 2014Latest Wildlife News on Twitter    

South Fambridge 07:50 to 08:30
1 Red Kite drifting west towards Hullbridge, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck (3 pairs), 4 Oystercatcher (2 pairs), 1 Skylark singing, 3 Wren, 6 Jackdaw, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 10+ Chaffinch. David Selley.

EWT Chigborough Lakes 10:30 to 14:30
1 Sparrowhawk, many Chiffchaff, c.20 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, few Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, (one caught a Perch, then a Tench, soon after), 3 Long-tailed Tit, few Great Tit, few Blue Tit. Few Mallard pairs, few Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Little Grebe. 1 pair Shelduck, 1 drake Pochard, many Black-headed Gull feeding above the reserve. Many Peacock Butterflies, 1 Brimstone Butterfly, few Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies. David & Brenda Hale.

Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 12:00
7 Mute Swan, 150+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 20+ Pochard, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 7 Teal, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 1 Ruddy Shelduck, 80+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 7 Magpie, 26 Cormorant, 80+ Coot, 50+ Woodpigeon, 14 Carrion Crow, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Pheasant. Rob Harris.

Southchurch Park East 12:45
Silver Eels have arrived, seen topping out all over the pond. Much earlier than last year and larger too. Water Reeds pushing through fast, hoping they will recover in certain areas, now its fresh water feed only. 1 pair of Mallard Ducks nesting and in clear view. Robert Dobinson.

Vange 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk mobbed by 2 Crows, 3 Goldfinch on my feeder. Mick Roe.

Gunners Park 13:40 to 15:20
Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Common Gull, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Dunnock, Wren. Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell. S. Jackson.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:40 to 16:50
3 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 3 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Starling, 6 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 2 Skylark, 6 Corn Bunting, 2 Curlew, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Reed Bunting, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, 3 Teal, 1 Mute Swan, 7 Little Egret, 4 Black-headed Gull, 50+ Herring Gull, 20+ Stock Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon, 6 Pheasant. Rob Harris.

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