South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for April 2016
Saturday 30th April 2016north westerly partly cloudy, max14°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:30 to 14:30
30+ Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 10 Magpie, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Wren (heard), 15+ Starling, 4 Robin, 40+ House Sparrow, 2 Black-headed Gull, 5 Dunnock, 15+ Coot (1 nest), 20+ Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 6 Mute Swan, 50+ Canada Goose, 50+ Greylag Goose, 200+ Lapwing, 1 Shoveler, 20+ Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 20+ Woodpigeon, 6 Moorhen, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Carrion Crow, 12 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 10+ Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff (heard), 4 Blue Tit, 1 Cuckoo, 5+ Reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wagtail, 20+ Tufted Duck, 2 Swallow, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10+ Pochard, 5 Common Tern, 1 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 20+ Redshank, 1 Pheasant (heard), 2 Collared Dove, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Teal, 1 Greenfinch. Ben and Jane Mapp.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:54 to 15:33
7 Whimbrel, a few Reed Warbler singing, 3 Cuckoo singles (included 1 seen and 2 heard), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Chiffchaff seen and another singing at Coryton, 2 Swallow, 2 Lesser Whitethroat present, a few Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap at Coryton, 3 Teal, 8 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 2 Avocet, c.20 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler present, 1 Corn Bunting singing. Richard Fahey.
Hockley 13:30
Raven, flying very high in a north easterly direction. Neil Latham.
Rawreth 14:15
Pair Buzzard, one performing a very impressive 'roller coaster' display flight, female Sparrowhawk. Web Author.
Wakering Stairs 15:30
Cuckoo (heard), Common Whitethroat, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Little Egret, Redshank, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Magpie, Goldfinch, Turnstone. Brown Hare. Jackie Bliss.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:30 to 16:30
4 Oystercatcher, 20 Whimbrel, 5 Mallard, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 7 Linnet, 4 House Sparrow, 12 Starling, 1 Little Egret, 3 Common Pheasant, 15 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 12 Herring Gull, 30 Black-headed Gull, 2 Avocet, 100+ Woodpigeon, 1 Kestrel. Rob Harris.
North Shoebury 17:00 to 18:00
Unusual behaviour from the Magpies in our garden - one magpie hanging upside down on feeder pecking at fatballs (never seen a Magpie do that before), and another Magpie attacking a Starling. Managed to turn the Starling onto its back and looked like it might kill it but the Starling flock put up such a fuss it distracted the Magpie, and the Starling got away. Jackie Bliss.
Southchurch Park
6 Mute Swan Cygnets now hatched, 5 on water with Dad. Robert Dobinson.
Friday 29th April 2016westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c
Hullbridge Road, Rawreth, Fishing Lake 06:00 to 12:30
Bullfinch, Cuckoo, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Canada Geese, Jay, Song Thrush, Kestrel, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker. Buzzard over old A130. Keith Bartels.
River Roach, North (Mill Lane-Paglesham Lagoon) 08:16 to 13:26
2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Jay, 1 Chiffchaff (heard), 8 Common Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, 1 Hobby, 2 Little Egret, Linnet, Redshank, Skylark, Cormorant, Reed Bunting, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel (male), 2 Yellow Wagtail, Grey Heron, 2 Teal (pair), 8 Stock Dove, 1 Turtle Dove (flew over Bartonhall Creek), 2 Swift, 51 Mute Swan, 1 Curlew, 1 Pheasant. Paglesham Lagoon: Mallard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, 10+ House Martin, 10+ Swallow, Rook, Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Yellow Wagtail. 2 Brown Hare. Jeff Kinnerman & Scott Ambrose.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 08:45 to 09:30
Walk around Baddow Meads, meadow next to Sandford Mill Road and along riverside footpaths to Essex Records Office: 4 Common Buzzard (circling high over Manor Farm - some aerial interaction between individuals), 5 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird, 2 House Sparrow, 4 Linnet, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Moorhen, 4 Mallard, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Robin, 2 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 3 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 5 Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 1 Feral Pigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 10+ Woodpigeon, 50+ Starling, 3 Herring Gull, 10+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park 10:00 to 10:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 3 Blackcap (2f, 1m), 3 Robin, 3 Wren, 4 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock, 6 House Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Collared Dove, 7 Woodpigeon, 9 Mute Swan on Crouch. 2 Grey Squirrel. Steve RJ.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:30 to 13:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 female Marsh Harrier, many Swift over the marsh. Andrew Gouldstone.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 13:35 to 15:15
1 female Sparrowhawk low through garden, 3 Robin - 1 adult feeding 2 young, 2 Wren - pair apparently gathering and carrying food, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 3 male Greenfinch, 2 male Chaffinch, 10+ House Sparrow on feeders with 2 pairs nesting in our still bird friendly roof. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:40 to 14:40
Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Pochard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Mute Swan, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Swallow, House Martin, Reed Warbler. David Lee.
Southchurch 19:30
3 Swift over Stornaway Road. Jim Scott.
Southchurch Park
5 Mute Swan cygnets (all grey) hatched, four on water with dad and one still under mum on nest at 1pm & 5.30pm, also one further dead on nest. 6 Swallow feeding along surface of pond, 9 Coot hatched from nest on north ramp of island. Robert Dobinson.
Thursday 28th April 2016south south west, scattered clouds, max12°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Hobby
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:28 to 09:15
2 Lesser Whitethroat (both showed well, singing), 20+ Sand Martin, Pochard, Linnet, 2 Teal (pair), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Swallow, Tufted Duck, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Shoveler, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier (female hunting), 1 Little Egret, 80+ Starling (spooked into nearby shrubs as one bird is taken by a Sparrowhawk), Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 2 House Martin, 5 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Swift, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler (both viewed singing), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap (male). Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park 08:30
4 Mute Swan cygnets hatched on nest, Mum still turning 2-3 eggs. Robert Dobinson.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:30 to 13:00
1 Grey Heron over, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch (males), 6 Greenfinch (5 males and a female on feeders at the same time - the most I've seen here). David Selley.
Southchurch Park 12:00
Mute Swan minding Cygnets we could see 2. She was trying to keep them warm and turning unhatched eggs, lovely to see again this year. Jill and John Parsons.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 13:00
2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Tern, 1 male Bearded Tit showed briefly on top of reed, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk. Mick Roe.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:41 to 14:36
3 Swallow, c.15 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Common Tern, 2 Cormorant, 3 Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, 2 Blackcap (male and female singles), 7 Common Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler (both heard), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, 4 Teal (1 drake,3 females), 1 Greenshank, 1 Kestrel (male), 1 Barn Owl, 3 Swift, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Marsh Harrier (pair), 1 Shelduck, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Lapwing. 1 Red Fox, 1 Orange Tip. Jeff Kinnerman.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 13:10 to 15:00
Robin, 8 Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Little Egret, Magpie, Chaffinch, Jay, Dunnock, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, 6 Swallow, Kestrel, 50 Oystercatcher, 20 Redshank, 10 Turnstone, Wren, 8 Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Coot, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff. Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood. S. Jackson.
Prittlewell Brook, 14:30
1 Grey Wagtail viewed from bridge in Flemming Avenue. Web Author.
Thundersley Glen 16:00
Hobby flew over my house. Paul Rossiter.
North Shoebury 16:32
House Martins back in area and active. Terry Stong.
Wednesday 27th April 2016variable, scattered clouds, max10°c
Two Tree Island 07:00 to 08:00
Common Sandpiper resting on the stone wall at the sewage ponds, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler. Richard Frisby.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:28 to 11:34
10 Common Whitethroat, 2 House Sparrow (pair), Gadwall, Skylark, 5 Lapwing, Shelduck, 2 Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler (viewed, others present calling), Linnet, 6 Swallow, 40+ Avocet, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Teal (pair), 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Sedge Warbler (others present calling), 9 Pochard (7 drakes, 2 females), Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (heard reeling from east perimeter of plantation south of reserve), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Swift, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Blackcap (male), 7 Stock Dove, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 House Martin, 1 Reed Warbler (viewed singing), 1 Peregrine Falcon (soared in distance). Jeff Kinnerman.
Danbury, Backwarden EWT Reserve 10:30 to 12:00
2 Jay, 2 Whitethroat, pair Blackcap (possibly 2 pair), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nightingale (heard, possibly 2 if it didn't move 250m!), 1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 6 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing), 1 Chaffinch, 2 Crow, 1 Woodpigeon, 2 Blackbird. 3 Rabbit. Steve RJ.
Danbury Ridge 12:30 to 14:30
1 Treecreeper, pair Blackcap, 2 Jay, 1 Magpie, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blackbird, 10+ Woodpigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard). 2 Muntjac Deer, 1 Fox, 10+ Grey Squirrel. Steve RJ.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:15 to 15:45
1 Short-eared Owl around west fence and near Manorway, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, a few Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 31 Teal (included 2 pairs on south pool and single drake and female on Manorway Fleet), 10 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 40+ Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe on Manorway Fleet, 2 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler present. Richard Fahey.
Heybridge Basin 14:15
1 Buzzard, very light in colour (similar to barn owl) flew off to the east, 2 Cuckoo. 2 Muntjac Deer. Ralph Hayter.
Tuesday 26th April 2016north westerly, showers, max9°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Turtle Dove
Wakering, Stuart Close 11:30
2 Turtle Dove in the road for 5 minutes before flying off. Dave Gonning.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:00
2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Tern, 20+ Swallow. Mick Roe.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 12:45 and 17:15
pair Mallard with 11 ducklings near Bloomfield bench area, 6-8 Swallow feeding over pond surface, 2 more Reed Warbler heard in reedbed in different areas than earlier arrivals, 5-6 Coot chicks now hatched on north ramp of island. Robert Dobinson.
Monday 25th April 2016west north west, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Abberton Reservoir 10:25 to 14:00
Kestrel, Rook, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Pheasant, Starling, Mute Swan, Coot, 100 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldfinch, Mallard, 20 Great-Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, 30 Cormorant, Teal, 15 Skylark, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Siskin, Mediterranean Gull, Common Tern, Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Chaffinch, Nightingale, Great Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stonechat, Red Kite circling, Lapwing, Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Magpie, House Martin, Swift, Swan Goose, Red-legged Partridge, House Sparrow, Great Black-backed Gull. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
Foulness Island 12:10
Female Ring Ouzel, Common Buzzard. Steve Giles.
Tollesbury 16:30
One lone Swift inspecting his nest hole. First of the Tollesbury swift gang to arrive. Nigel Norton.
Sunday 24th April 2016northerly, mostly cloudy, max9°c
Two Tree Island 08:00 to 10:45
4 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whimbrel, c.25 Brent Geese, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 House Martin, 2 Swallow. Andrew Gouldstone.
Benfleet 09:00
Newly fledged Robin in garden. Margaret Hayday.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 15:00
3 Kestrel, 4 Little Egret, 20+ Skylark, 10+ Reed Bunting, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Geese, 6+ Curlew, 10+ Mallard, 10+ Shelduck, 6+ Brent Geese, 10+ Oystercatcher. 1 Hare. Emily and David.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 14:00
1 Swift over centre. Mick Roe.
Cold Norton 16:00
Turtle Dove. Steve Lambeth.
Saturday 23rd April 2016northerly, scateered clouds, showers, max10°c
Southchurch Park 08:15
Coot chicks hatched on north ramp of island, 9 Coot chicks hatched from south ramp of island. Robert Dobinson.
River Roach Seal Trip, 10:00 to 14:30
8 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 1 female Marsh Harrier (on Wallasea), 4 Avocet, 2 Curlew, 12 Common Seal. Web Author.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:07 to 15:13
1 Wheatear near pillbox, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel (included 2 at Coryton), 1 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler singing at Manorway Fleet, 1 Lesser Whitethroat at Coryton, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocet, pair of Oystercatcher on lagoon, a few Teal, pair and single drake Pochard on Manorway Fleet, pair of Gadwall Coryton, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, a Cetti's Warbler present, pair of Little Grebe Coryton. Richard Fahey.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
700+ Black-headed Gull, 300+ Herring Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 200+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 100+ Shoveler, 200+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Moorhen, 150+ Cormorant, 12 Lapwing, 40+ Mute Swan, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 80+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Canada Geese, 2 Blackbird, 3 Magpie, 50+ Carrion Crow, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 60+ Starling, 150+ Woodpigeon, 60+ Jackdaw, 30+ Goldfinch, 2 Common Pheasant, 40+ House Martin, 30+ Swallow, 1 Little Ringed Plover. Rob Harris.
Canvey Point 16:30 to 17:15
120 Brent Geese, 20 Common Tern, 18 Oystercatcher, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 10 Swallow. Terry Blackwell.
Friday 22nd April 2016north easterly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swift
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:32 to 12:08
9 Common Whitethroat, 40+ Stock Dove (feeding in field with Feral and Woodpigeons), 8 Lapwing, 3 Little Egret, 1 Reed Warbler (viewed preening and singing), Reed Bunting, 40+ Avocet, 4+ Sand Martin, 3+ House Martin, 6+ Swallow, Redshank, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Teal (2 pairs), 2 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat (both showed well singing), 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 1 Sedge Warbler (viewed through reeds singing south side of reserve and 1 heard only at the bridleway), 2 Stonechat (males), 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Curlew, 2 Corn Bunting, Skylark, 2 House Sparrow (pair), c.150 Starling (single flock), 1 Peregrine Falcon (soared above), 1 Cetti's Warbler (viewed, others singing throughout reserve), 1 Greenfinch, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail. 2 Red Fox (together). Jeff Kinnerman.
Benfleet 09:30
1 Swift over. Pete Jackson.
Kensington Road and Southchurch Park 09:40 and 17:30
1 female Badger, heavily pregnant, foraging for food and scoffing peanuts under bird feeder, walked only 6" between me and patio doors, then around lighted garden for 10 minutes, brilliant sight. 9.40pm, Kensington Rd. 10+ Swallow, 2 House Martin feeding across and above pond surface, 5.30pm, Southchurch Park. Robert Dobinson.
River Roach Seal Trip, 09:45 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 8 Wigeon, 6 Oystercatcher (pairs), 6 Avocet, 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Thursday 21st April 2016north easterly, clear, max13°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 08:02 to 13:41
On the river: 2 Oystercatcher, 16 Common Tern, 2 Ring-necked Parakeet (both flew past), 3 Cormorant, 2 Avocet, 6 Whimbrel. Rainham Marshes: c.15 Lapwing, 3 Blackcap (2 males, 1 female), 1 Kestrel (male hunting), 4 Cetti's Warbler (viewed, others vocally present), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 2 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (heard only), 4 Common Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Little Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Greenfinch (incl. a juvenile being fed), 1 Stock Dove, 11 Swift (in single flock), 1 Reed Warbler (showed well in flattened reeds by boardwalk singing), 2 Stonechat (pair), 50+ Teal, 9 Sedge Warbler (most showing well/singing), 1 Little Egret, 2 Pintail (pair). 1 Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Peacock butterflies. Marsh Frogs (heard). Jeff Kinnerman
Southend Hospital 13:20
Buzzard low north chased by Gulls. Web Author.
Two Tree Island 14:45 to 17:00
2 male Cuckoo, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Whitethroat plus many others heard, 3 Blackcap heard, 1 Little Egret. Steve RJ.
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:30 to 17:30
Saline only: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 4 Black-Tailed Godwit, 5 Avocet, 15 Teal. David Shepherd.
Wednesday 20th April 2016east north east, scattered clouds, max11°c
Southchurch Park East 07:15 thru 17:30
1 Water Rail in reeds near brook mouth, 3 Mallard duckling with mum near sluice gate SW corner, 1 Wren singing on apple tree/north of pond, 2 or more Reed Warbler busily singing in south reedbed, 3 Swallow feeding over pond surface. Robert Dobinson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 07:44 to 11:26
1 Curlew, 3 Lapwing, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Cetti's Warbler (all heard only), Little Egret, Reed Bunting, Skylark, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Redshank, 5 Common Whitethroat, 7 Swallow, 1 Short-eared Owl (mobbed by single Carrion Crow), 1 Cuckoo (perched on tree calling, also seen twice more in flight), 1 male Blackcap, 4 Whimbrel (feeding together in field viewed from Red Hills), 1 female Marsh Harrier hunting, Benfleet Creek: 1 Avocet, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (amongst thickets, singing). 2 Peacock butterflies. Jeff Kinnerman.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:00
Male Blackcap on feeder, scared off by male Sparrowhawk low through garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:24 to 11:00
1 Wheatear west of track, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Lesser Whitethroat present, 1 Chiffchaff seen among 3 present, 1 Blackcap singing at Manorway Fleet, pair of Teal on creek, pair of Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, Bearded Tit heard "Fobbing reed bed", 25 Black-tailed Godwit, a few Curlew, 3 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler present. Richard Fahey.
Fosett Way 09:45
Single Coal Tit in trees outside Maplins. Mick Holland.
Between Runnymede Pre-school and Car Park 11:15
1 Goldcrest. Craig Johnson.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 13:45
5 Avocet, 12 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 17 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 4 Common Pheasant, 5 Skylark, 6 Linnet, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Woodpigeon, 1 Barn Owl, 7 Starling, 1 Blackbird, 3 Meadow Pipit. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 15:00
1 Common Tern, 1 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk. Mick Roe.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:30 to 17:00
12 Swallow, 9 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler plus 2 others heard, 1 Dunnock, 2 Crow, 5 Skylark. 2 Common Lizard. 4 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Steve RJ.
Tuesday 19th April 2016north westerly, scattered clouds, max14°
Daws Heath 08:00
Male and female Siskin, on sunflower seed feeder. Mike Sagrott.
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 10:00
1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler singing near Green Centre hide, 1 Cuckoo. Ross Gardner.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 08:30
1 Swift over Purfleet Scrape, 1 Short-eared Owl on Aveley Marsh. Andrew Gouldstone.
EWT Fingrinhoe Wick 11:30 to 16:00
1 Nightingale several singing, 2 Willow Warbler singing, 2 Whitethroat, several Blackcap (male and female), several Chiffchaff, 1 Buzzard. J.Howell.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:30 to 14:00
3 Spotted Redshank (summer plumage), 2 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 5 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler singing in different reed beds. David Shepherd.
Billericay 13:45
Peacock butterfly in garden. Chris Henry.
Rowhedge Near Colchester 16:30
8 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow. J.Howell.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 18:15 to 18: 35
4 Red-crested Pochard, 20+ Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 40+ Greylag Geese, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 16 Mallard. Rob Harris.
Chelmsford, Writtle 19:30
2 Waxwing down a wooded track known as Lawford Lane - absolutely beautiful bird, it was the colours as it flew out the tree in front of me and then landed and the lovely crested head, then I realised there was another higher up. We stood very still and it was walking up the branch away from us. Julie Belton.
Monday 18th April 2016westerly, clear then cloud, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Reed Warbler
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:37 to 11:28
4 Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail (both in field east of access road), 3 Corn Bunting, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Blackcap (including 2 males), 60+ Avocet, 5 Lapwing, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, 12 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler (heard only), 2 Teal(pair), Reed Bunting, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 drake Wigeon, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Little Egret, 2 Bearded Tit (both males, one showing well on top of reeds), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cuckoo (flew through plantation south of reserve), 1 Grey Heron, 3 Stonechat (2 males, 1 female), 1 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler (viewed, others vocally present throughout reserve), Greenfinch, Linnet. Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 08:30 to 09:10
6-7 Coot chicks hatched from south ramp nest, active and on the water being fed by parents, 2 Reed Warbler heard singing from NE corner and south reedbed, 5 Swallow feeding across water/sitting on telephone wires, 3 House Martin swooping down from high above to feed. Robert Dobinson.
Two Tree Island East 08:00
Cuckoo. David Lee.
Two Tree Island East 08:40 to 10:40
17 Brent Goose, 4 Shelduck, Teal, Little Grebe, 2 Common Tern, Cuckoo, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 4 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler (both seen), Whitethroat, many Wren, Greenfinch. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Westcliff, A127 Near Tesco 10:00
Jackdaw flew up from paddock and over head. S. Whitaker.
Fyfield 11:00
2 Yellowhammer in hedgerow. Denis Warren.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30
3 Swallow. Richard Shepherd.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 13:00 to 14:45
Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Robin, Starling, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Whitethroat, Jay, Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit, Herring Gull, Wren, Dunnock, House Martin, Common Gull, Greenfinch, Green Woodpecker, Mute Swan, Swallow, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Turnstone, Mallard, 200+ Sanderling and Dunlin, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Kingfisher, Linnet, Song Thrush. Grey Seal. Spencer Jackson.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park 14:00 to 16:00
1 Kestrel flew over, 1 male Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 5 Wren, 5 Robin, 6 Blackbird, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 1 Song Thrush feeding juvenile! 1 Magpie, 1 Jay, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch. 4 Peacock. 3 Small White. Steve RJ.
Two Tree Island 14:45 to 18:00
West Side: Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat (heard only), Pheasant, 2 Avocet, Oystercatcher, Canada Geese, Redshank. East Side: Blackcap (male and female), Cetti's Warbler, Song Thrush, approx. 20 Swallow over long lagoon, 2 Sand Martin, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat heard, Marsh Harrier. Peter Bowden.
Chelmsford 19:00
Reed Bunting in my suburban Chelmsford garden. Third time in recent weeks. Just one male this time - a pair previously. Patrick Green.
Sunday 17th April 2016north westerly, clear, max11°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Nightingale
Rochford, River Roach (North), Coombes Farm-Paglesham Lagoon 07:27 to 13:57
1 Jay, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Mistle Thrush, 5 Stock Dove, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Cormorant, 10 Shelduck, 11 Little Egret, 10 Swallow, Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 12 Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap (both males), 2 Wheatear (pair), 4 Common Buzzard (soaring together), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 6 Teal, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Curlew (single flock), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Whimbrel (in flight calling), 1 Kittiwake (calling, flying down river). Species viewed at Paglesham Lagoon as follows: 80+ Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, 5 Little Grebe, 230+Black-headed Gull. 1 Brown Hare, 1 Common Weasel, Rabbit. 3 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small White Butterflies. Jeff Kinnerman.
Canewdon 07:50
13 Shelduck on very wet field opposite the north end of Hyde Wood Lane. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:00 to 10:00
2 Mute Swan over east, Buzzard being mobbed by gulls over west. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:20 to 10:48
2 male Wheatear singles (probably the same bird seen in same area near barns/track), 10 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper on creek, Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing at Manorway Fleet, 2 Marsh Harrier singles (probably same bird Coryton), pair of Common Buzzard, c.15 Teal (included pair Coryton), 8 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, c.10 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, Bearded Tit and Water Rail present at Manorway Fleet, 2 Little Grebe singles at Coryton, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Coryton, 2 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warblers present. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00 to 14:30
1 male Montagu's Harrier - across Aveley Marsh, then out over River Thames high, then turned north, still at height, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 1 Grasshopper Warbler heard, 1 male Wheatear, Swallow, Sand Martin. Andrew Gouldstone.
Great Wakering 10:20 to 11:40
Cupid's Chase to the seawall at Morrin's Point via MOD footpath: 34 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Grey Heron, c.150 Oystercatcher, 2 Jay, 2 Kestrel (pair hunting/hovering within a few feet of each other), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 Nightingale singing just south of the new footbridge, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Chaffinch. 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma and 1 Orange Tip butterflies, several Bee Flies. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12:38
Buzzard over north. Kris Mee, Web Author.
North Shoebury 14:00
Orange-tip butterfly in our garden - a first for us. Jackie Bliss.
Two Tree Island 14:00 to 15:30
3 Cuckoo (all seen well one calling), 1 Whitethroat, 1 male Stonechat, 8+ Blackcap, 6+ Cetti's Warbler (two seen), 5+ Chiffchaff. Jon Clark.
Abberton Reservoir 15:00 to 16:00
700+ Black-headed Gull, 300+ Herring Gull, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 200+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 100+ Shoveler, 200+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 50+ Great Crested Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 200+ Cormorant, 7 Lapwing, 100+ Mute Swan, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 15 Magpie, 50+ Carrion Crow, 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 50+ Starling, 100+ Woodpigeon, 7 Common Pheasant, 40+ Jackdaw, 5 Blue Tit, 1 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch. Rob Harris.
Saturday 16th April 2016north westerly, mostly cloudy, max8°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:55 to 14:55
c.10 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper on fleet near track, 1 Swallow, Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing at Manorway Fleet, 1 Avocet, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, c.30 Teal (including a pair at Coryton), 1 drake and 2 female Pochard on Manorway Fleet, pair of Gadwall (probably same later at Coryton), 1 Shoveler and Little Grebe at Coryton, 1 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Rayleigh, Fairland Close 16:00
Male Blackcap on fat balls at several times during the day. John Attfield.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:20 to 18:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 40+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Meadow Pipit, 5 Read Bunting, 30+ Corn Bunting, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 8 Linnet, 4 House Sparrow, 1 Blackbird, 18 Starling, 100+ Woodpigeon, 12 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 12 Common Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Paglesham 18:15 to 18:50
50+ Herring Gull, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Corn Bunting, 4 Blackbird, 6 Starling, 150+ Woodpigeon, 7 Common Pheasant, 12 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 2 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Moorhen. Rob Harris.
Friday 15th April 2016south westerly, rain, mostly cloudy, max13°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:30 to 11:45
1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Avocet, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling and showing well), 1 Swallow, 1 female Wheatear, at least 3 broods of Lapwing chicks - first ones hatched 12/4 - at least 56 pairs of lapwing currently. Andrew Gouldstone.
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:00 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Reed Bunting, 8 Linnet, 4 Corn Bunting, 3 Skylark, 5 Common Pheasant, 6 Magpie, 1 Oystercatcher, 9 Mallard, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 70+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Thursday 14th April 2016south south west, mostly cloudy, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Lesser Whitethroat
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:40 to 07:55
1 Grey Heron over, 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Robin carrying food. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 08:40
1 Water Rail feeding on scrape/reedbed area underneath willow tree SE corner of pond. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea 10:15
Buzzard over heading south. Web Author.
Two Tree Island East 11:10 to 12:45
5 Little Grebe, 1 male Cuckoo calling and showing by the reedy pool, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Greenfinch. Small Tortoiseshell and Small White butterflies. David Selley.
Hockley 15:30
1 male Blackcap seen for the first time feeding on fatballs on the bird feeder. George.
Wednesday 13th April 2016variable, clear, max18°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - House Martin and Common Tern
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 07:30
Reed beds only: 2 Sedge Warbler singing, one seen, 2 Cetti's Warbler. David Shepherd.
Two Tree Island West 07:49 to 11:08
1 Song Thrush, 4 Greenfinch, 4 Greylag Goose, 15 Brent Goose viewed on creek, 4 Teal, 1 Cuckoo (male showing very well calling from shrub), 70+ Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Swallow, Common Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat (pair), 5 Linnet, 2 Mediterranean Gull (flew over), Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting, Skylark, 3 Little Egret, 4 Blackcap (all males together feeding in Hawthorn tree), 3 Sand Martin. East side: 1 Cetti's Warbler (showed well singing), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Jay, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap (both male). 1 Weasel (scurried across footpath). Jeff Kinnerman.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 08:30 to 10:00
1 Common Tern, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Mediterranean Gull in breeding plumage. David Davies.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:19 to 11:42
2 Wheatear west of track, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing at Manorway Fleet, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Avocet, 10 Teal, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Curlew, 3 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler singing. Richard Fahey.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 09:35
1 House Martin, 3 Wren. Peacock Butterfly. John Pitts.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 13:00
28 Black-Tailed Godwit, 6 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 2 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, 40+ Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Sedge Warbler singing only. David Shepherd.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park and River Crouch, 12:00 to 14:30
2 Greenshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank,7 Little Egret, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 51 Mute Swan, 1 Skylark, 2 Pheasant, 4 Dunnock, 2 Green Woodpecker heard, 6 Wren, 10+ Blackbird, 6 Robin, 20+ House Sparrow, 4 Starling, 6 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit. 11 Peacock, 1 Small White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell. Steve RJ.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 13:00 to 14:30
House Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Black-headed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Mute Swan (female on nest), Mallard, Coot, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Whitethroat, Redshank, Little Egret, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Song Thrush. Spencer Jackson.
Southend, Fairfax Drive 14:00
Jackdaw flew east overhead "chacking". S. Whitaker.
Southchurch Park East 14:30 and 17:15
1 Swallow feeding across pond surface. 1 Bee-fly feeding on fresh Bluebells in Kensington Road. Robert Dobinson.
Tuesday 12th April 2016south westerly, scattered clouds, max17°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sedge Warbler
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 08:25
1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler near Green Centre hide. Ross Gardner.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00
1 Stone Curlew on Aveley Marsh, 1 female Wheatear, 2 Grasshopper Warbler singing, 1 Short-eared Owl. Andrew Gouldstone.
Benfleet, Asquith Gardens 10.00 to 11.00
1 male Blackcap. Steve Simmons.
Havering, Bedfords Park, 13:00
Buzzard low over south side of park. Ian Phillips.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:30 to 18:00
2 Short-eared Owl, 1 female Wheatear, pair of Great Crested Grebe, 8 Skylark (at least), small flock of Linnet. Peter Bowden.
Monday 11th April 2016southerly, clear then rain, max14°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Cuckoo
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:43 to 12:00
2 Grey Heron, 4 Lapwing, 6 Corn Bunting, 18 Teal, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Oystercatcher, Shoveler, Mallard, 2 Shelduck, Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Wigeon, 80+ Avocet, 7 Ruff (all feeding together, one in white plumage phase, before all flying off from Old Saltings), 4 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (in summer plumage), Gadwall, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Red-legged Partridge (feeding), 2 Jay, 1 Cormorant, 1 Curlew, 1 Swallow, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Stonechat (2 males, 1 female), 1 Cetti's Warbler (showed well singing from top of shrub), 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (female), 1 Goldcrest. 2 Brown Rat, 2 Peacock, 1 Brimstone butterfly. Jeff Kinnerman.
Two Tree Island West 13:00
Cuckoo. S. Hiscock.
Two Tree Island 15:30 to 19:00
1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Stonechat, 20+ Linnet, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit in flight, 1 Sparrowhawk, several Song Thrush. Peter Bowden.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 16:30
2 Short-eared Owl. S. Hiscock.
Southchurch Park East 17:10
Water Rail fleeting glimpse in rain on left hand bank mouth of brook. Robert Dobinson.
Sunday 10th April 2016easterly, mostly clear, max10°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Willow Warbler
Southend, Three Rivers Trail 08:05 to 08:30
2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Song Thrush singing behind the Waitrose Shell garage. David Selley.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:23 to 10:57
1 Willow Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff singing and 1 Blackcap at Coryton, 1 Whimbrel heard on north saltmarsh (maybe still the wintering one), 1 Avocet, 1 immature Peregrine Falcon chased by and chasing crow at barrier, Common Buzzard single and pair at Coryton and soaring near seawall, a few Teal, 5 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 4 Shoveler, single pairs of Gadwall at Coryton and lagoon, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, c.7 Cetti's Warbler singing. Richard Fahey.
Southchurch Park East 08:55 to 09:05
1 Water Rail feeding up and down brook, having a good wash and brush by brook mouth, then sunning itself, excellent clear sighting in bright morning sunlight. Robert Dobinson.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 13:25 to 15:15
Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Starling, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Common Gull, 6+ Blackbird, Collared Dove, Whitethroat, Magpie, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Stonechat, Cormorant, Coot, Mute Swan, Mallard, 5 Brent Geese, Moorhen, Dunnock, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Linnet, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Green Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Robin, Jackdaw. Stoat. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 13:30 to 13:40
Pair of Lesser Redpoll on feeder in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Benfleet Downs 13:30 to 15:30
Chiffchaff calling all over the downs, several seen, several Blackcap singing one seen, Wren, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker and Song Thrush calling, Peregrine Falcon up high in vicinity of water tower. Peter Bowden.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 16:00
1 drake Scaup among Tufted Duck near Lyster Hide, 2 male Marsh Harrier over reeds on far side of reservoir opposite reserve. Ross Gardner.
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:30 to 17:45
12 Avocet, 80 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 10 House Martin, 30 Swallow feeding low over the water. David Shepherd.
Rayleigh, Fairland Close 17:30
Male Blackcap on feeder in garden. John Attfield.
Hullbridge 19:05
Female Sparrowhawk flying through garden. Steve RJ.
Saturday 09th April 2016south westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Shoebury, Gunners Park 08:30
2 Common Whitethroat. John Pitts.
Southchurch Park East 08:45 and 17:30
2 Water Rail seen briefly at 8.45am, smaller bird merged into right hand reed bed, Larger more nervous, feeding both sides of brook for 15 minutes, 3 Swallow catching food over surface of water and just above field, 2 Great Black-backed Gull in conflict with 2 Mute Swan on water near nesting area, pen Swan ducking down, but cob almost standing at full height out of water, awesome display. Robert Dobinson.
Foulness Island 13:00
2 pair of Siskin on feeder until Sparrowhawk took one. Steve Giles.
Coombe Wood 14:00 to 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Blackcap, 4 Wren, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 male and 1 female Pheasant, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Skylark, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Blackbird. Lots of Grey Squirrels and Rabbits. Lizzey.
Ashingdon 16:20
1 male Siskin in the garden (the first this year). Steve Sanford.
Southend, Wyatts Drive 16:40
One Jay in back garden. Alec Beanse.
North Shoebury 17:00 to 18:00
1 male and 1 female Siskin on and near feeders together with usual Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Starlings, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker repeatedly heard (not seen), probably calling from its usual haunt on ASDA common. Jackie Bliss.
Friday 08th April 2016variable, scattered clouds, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Whitethroat
Jones Memorial Park 08:00
Male Kestrel sitting on the crossbar of a goal. Scarce here now. Phil Lusher.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:28 to 11:00
6 Wheatear near pillbox, 1 Swallow, singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap at Coryton, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Avocet, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Teal, 7 Shoveler (included drake at Coryton), pair of Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 09:00 to 09:10
Rail feeding up and down left hand brook bank mouth/near tree stumps to brook mouth, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mute Swan now sitting fulltime on nest in new area, 1 Moorhen nest, 2 Coot nests, 3 Pied Wagtail. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:15
Stunning male and also female Lesser Redpoll on feeder in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
A130 Rettendon 10:30 to 10:35
2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Rob Harris.
A120/M11 Near Stansted 11:15 to 11:25
2 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite. Rob Harris.
Bridgewater Drive 11:30
2 Jackdaw opposite shops. Kris Mee.
Two Tree Island 11:30
1 Common Whitethroat. Steve Hiscock / Pete Jackson.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:50 and 15:05
1 male Sparrowhawk swooped on a Starling which escaped and was then unsuccessfully pursued just above the ground along our driveway, 1 female Siskin on sunflower heart feeder. David Selley.
Tollesbury 13:00
1 lone Swallow singing as he shot North over Tollesbury. Nigel Norton.
Basildon, Burnt Mills Area, 14:00
1 male Sparrowhawk landed on table in my garden. Allison.
Southend, Kensington Road, 14:30
1 Bee-Fly sunning itself on patio slab. Robert Dobinson.
Hadleigh Country Park 19:45
2 Muntjac Deer pair at bottom of mountain bike track, looked like female and young. Katrina.
Thursday 07th April 2016westerly, scattered clouds, max10°c
Two Tree Island West 11:15 to 12:30
107 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Canada Goose, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 12 Oystercatcher - all pairs, all mating, 36 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 4 Avocet, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 15:40
1 Purple Heron, great view close to hide! Mick Roe.
Wednesday 06th April 2016west south west, partly cloudy, max15°c
Hockley, Glencrofts 00:30
1 Hedgehog. Irwin Lewis.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 07:45 to 10:38
1 Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, 7 Wigeon, Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Lapwing, 1 Grey Heron, c.12 Curlew (single flock), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Pheasant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Shelduck, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap (male), 1 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret (both viewed on Benfleet Creek). Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park East 08:55 to 09:02
1 Water Rail feeding up and down left hand brook bank mouth/near tree stumps to brook mouth, super nervous tail flicking and very alert all the time. Robert Dobinson.
Tuesday 05th April 2016westerly, scattered clouds, max15°c
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:48 to 12:58
2 Grey Heron, c.7 Wigeon, Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier (female hunting mobbed by 2 Avocet), 2 Little Egret, 3 Stock Dove, Gadwall, 16 Meadow Pipit (single flock flew through), 12 Teal, 2 Snipe, 3 Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 7 Lapwing, Pochard, c.63 Avocet, 1 Cormorant, 5 Redshank, 2 Swallow, 1 Wheatear (female near benches at Old Saltings viewpoint), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Curlew, 2 Bearded Tit (pair), 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Stonechat (male singing), 1 Greenfinch (male), 2 Common Buzzard (in distance soaring), 1 Black-tailed Godwit (ringed individual, yellowish ring on left leg/blue on top of red rings on right leg), 2 Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler (both species heard), 1 Corn Bunting. 2 Red Fox. 1 Brimstone, 5+ Peacock Butterflies. Jeff Kinnerman.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park and River Crouch 13:00 to 15:00
2 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 7 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 6 Wren plus others heard, 1 Magpie, 2 Jay, 4 Robin, 25+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 3 Little Egret, 4 Shelduck, 16 Dunlin, 34 Mute Swan, 1 Pied Wagtail. 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly. 5 Grey Squirrel. Steve RJ.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 14:08 to 16:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Swallow, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Avocet, Bearded Tit present in reed bed north of Manorway Fleet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20+ Teal, 5 Shoveler (including drake at Coryton), pair of Gadwall at Coryton, 3 Little Egret, pair of Oystercatcher, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, c.20 Curlew, a few Cetti's Warbler singing. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:30 to 16:00
6 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 30+ Wigeon, 55 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 3 Snipe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Avocet, 3 Little Egret, 2 Black-Tailed Godwit, 8 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk. David Shepherd.
Billericay 17:30
1 Red Kite flying over garden being mobbed by gulls. Marion Burch.
Monday 04th April 2016southerly, partly cloudy, max13°c
Southchurch Park East 08:50 thru 17:20
2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Water Rail feeding on left hand side/brook mouth, then flying to righthand side into bright sunlight, flying across reedbed heads to tree cover, 1 Peacock butterfly. Robert Dobinson.
Barking, River Roding, Near Tesco Roundabout 09:00
20 Sand Martin. Steve Wall.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:15 to 12:00
6 Goldfinch, 1 male Siskin and 1 male Greenfinch on feeders as well as Blue Tit, Great Tit and c.15 House Sparrow. 1 Common Frog, 1 Common Toad - the first here for some time. David Selley.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:30 to 14:00
Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Bearded Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting. Stoat. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
Barking Parkover 11:45
2 Red Kite. Steve Wall.
Colchester, Eight Ash Green 12:45
Willow Warbler singing in the oak tree together with 2 Chiffchaff. Nigel Norton.
Hanningfield Causeway 14:30 to 14:50
2 Gadwall, 40+ Woodpigeon, 50+ Mallard, 9 Coot, 16 Mute Swan, 25 Pochard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 50+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Moorhen, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Sunday 03rd April 2016southerly, partly cloudy, max16°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton/Holehaven Creek 08:15 to 11:30
1 male Blackcap at Manorway Fleet, 2 Chiffchaff seen among a few others singing, Bearded Tit singles seen below Holehaven Creek seawall and heard at Manorway Fleet, 1 male Stonechat at Coryton, 1 Avocet, 6 Wigeon, 20+ Teal, 14 Shoveler, 1 female Pochard on the "Shrub mound pond", 3 Oystercatcher, 50+ Curlew, Great Crested Grebe singles at both ends of creeks, 1 Little Grebe at Coryton, c.8 Cetti's Warblers singing. Richard Fahey.
Southchurch Park East 08:50 to 09:15
1 Water Rail feeding up and down left-hand brook bank mouth/near tree stumps, intermittent long and short sightings in bright sunlight on right-hand bank. Robert Dobinson.
Paglesham East End 10:30 to 11:40
c.120 Common Gull, c.100 Black-headed Gull and 25 Herring Gull all following a plough, 2 Song Thrush singing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20+ Blackbird in hedgerows (all males), 1 Green Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Wren, 8 Skylark singing, Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting singing. Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, and 2 Brimstone butterflies. David Selley.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park and River Crouch, 11:00 to 13:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (male), 2 Goldcrest, 6 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Jay, 1 Magpie, 4 Crow, 6 Wren, 4 Robin, 4 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 12+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, 34 Mute Swan, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mallard, 1 Little Egret. Steve RJ.
A130 13:30
Pair of buzzard circling low just north of Rettendon roundabout. Steve Sanford, Web Author.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:00 to 16:20
2 Buzzard - pair surprisingly low over garden, 1 Peacock butterfly, 2 Bee Fly. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 16:05
2 single Sparrowhawk over, 1 Buzzard low over west, 2 male Siskin on feeder. Web Author.
Foulness Island 16:45
Male Brambling on feeder, also Hoopoe seen yesterday by local farmer. Steve Giles.
Southend Airport 16:50
2 Buzzard circling; one much higher than the other. The lower bird eventually flew back towards Rochford. The other found speed and drifted south. Chris Graham.
Saturday 02nd April 2016southerly, clear, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Garden Warbler
Rochford Reservoir 07:35 to 08:10
1 Song Thrush singing, 3 Redwing over, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Garden Warbler singing from the thicket at the far corner of the Freight House car park - identified by song, listened for 10 minutes but was unable to find. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 08:45 to 08:55
1 Water Rail sunning itself grooming and feeding up and down 20ft of the left-hand brook bank mouth/near tree stumps for 10 minutes, excellent sighting of a nervous bird, still there as I left. Robert Dobinson.
A130 North 10:15
3 Buzzard circling low. David Z.
Hullbridge 10:30 to 11:00
1 male Blackcap, 1 Wren, 4 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 20+ House Sparrow, 10+ Starling, 4 Woodpigeon, 6 Collared Dove, (Wrens, Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Dunnock, Woodpigeon and possibly Robins all now nesting in garden). Tadpoles emerged two days ago. 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Wood Mice. Steve RJ.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:35 to 15:00
A female Common Redstart was seen a little earlier by Peter Worland (I looked for it in the spot he saw it, not long after I left him), 1 (of 2) Wheatear darting across the track, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Chiffchaff singing at Coryton, the "wintering" Whimbrel still on creek, 3 Avocet, 1 drake Wigeon on creek, c.20 Teal (including a pair on Manorway Fleet), 10 Shoveler (including a pair at Coryton), 1 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, a few Cetti's Warbler present, 1 Marsh Harrier. Richard Fahey.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 13:15 to 15:20
1 Grey Heron over west, 3 Sparrowhawk (incl. pair displaying), 1 Buzzard over west, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow over east, 3 Greenfinch, 1 male Siskin on feeder, 2 Lesser Redpoll (pair on feeder). Kris Mee, Web Author.
Friday 01st April 2016southerly, scattered clouds, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sand Martin
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30 to 08:00
1 male Blackcap, 1 male, 2 female Siskin on feeders in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes, 08:14 to 11:30
Chaffinch, Skylark (both common throughout reserve), 1 Lapwing, 3 Little Egret, 2 Teal (pair), Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler (showed well singing from top of shrub), c.20 Curlew (single flock), 5 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe (pair courting), 22 Wigeon, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Avocet, 1 Buzzard (both species viewed from Benfleet Creek). Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park East 08:50
1 Water Rail around mouth of brook, west of footbridge/east end of pond. 2 Moorhen. Robert Dobinson.
Cherry Orchard Country Park 12:30 to 14:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Chaffinch, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Buzzard, 5 Jay, 4 Magpie, 2 Moorhen, 12 Mallard, 5 Black-headed Gull, 8 Blackbird, 10+ Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 20+ Carrion Crow, 12 Woodpigeon. Steve RJ.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12:45
1 Buzzard to west, picked up while watching Peregrine Falcon over also drifting west. Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park 15:00 to 15:30
2 Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe. Mick Roe.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:30 to 17:30
1 Kestrel, 20+ Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Little Egret, 7 Avocet, 40 Mute Swan in arable field behind lagoon, 6 Shelduck, 1 Buzzard being mobbed by crows, 4 Carrion Crow. Steve RJ.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 16:50
3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 5 Common Pheasant, 3 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Moorhen, 8 House Sparrow, 5 Starling, 17 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 12 Linnet, 30 Lapwing, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 60+ Woodpigeon, 3 Skylark. Rob Harris.
Paglesham 17:00 to 17:20
7 Common Pheasant, 1 Coot, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Blackbird, 2 Mallard, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Starling, 12 Carrion Crow, 20+ Herring Gull, 30+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Woodpigeon, 1 Wren. Rob Harris.