Bird Reports for August 2007
Saturday 31st August 2007
RSPB Rainham Marshes 07.00 - 07.30
1 juvenile Red-Backed Shrike. Matt Bruty.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:05 to 08:15
1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult-w), 13 Little Egret, 12 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend Old Gasworks Pier, 08:20 to 08:30
30 Mediterranean Gull (11 Adult-w, 14 2nd-w, 2 1st-w, 3 juv), 1 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 08.30 - 09.30
32 Little Egret, 6 Grey Plover (summer plumage), 3 Mediterranean Gull. 14 Common Seal, 1 Atlantic Grey Seal on the Hadleigh Ray. David Lee, Web Author.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 12:20 to 12:35
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.00 - 17.10
Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, 50 Golden Plover, 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Swallow, 13 Little Egret, 44 Curlew, Green Sandpiper. Ray Fuller.
Rochford Station, 16:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 50 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mediterranean Gull Histories - Gulls observed by David Lee on 27/08/07
White 3K89
White 3K89 left Bruxelles E905532 pullus 10/06/2006 Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, BELGIUM 51,2N 4,17E
White 3K89 v 07/01/2007 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Arlow, Steve
White 3K89 v 11/02/2007 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Hicks, David
White 3K89 v 16/02/2007 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Johnson, M.S.
White 3K89 v 17/02/2007 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Arlow, Steve
White 3K89 v 27/08/2007 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Lee, David
Total number of sightings : 5
Green AEYE
thanks a lot for this observation, it's our 3rd juvenile of this summer showing up abroad.
Green AEYE is a bird rung on the Elbe-estuary where on a tiny small Pionierinsel approx. 4,000 pairs of med gulls breed and about 140 pairs of med gulls in this year. 6 years ago we only had 35 pairs of med gull.
We started colour-ringing two years ago and this was a bad year due to high-water in the end of June but some young ones made it - great!
Thursday 30th August 2007
Benfleet Creek, 06:55 to 07:00
15 Little Egret (south of Benfleet Station, viewed from the train). John Wright (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 07:10 to 07:30
1 Blackcap (imm. male), 3 Willow Warbler (1 singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat all in garden. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:45 to 17:00
2 Stonechat (pair), c.2,000 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 8 Little Egret, 14 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper, 312 Oystercatcher, 27 Ringed Plover. Web Author.
Hadleigh Downs 16.00 - 17.30
2 female Sparrowhawk, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Jay, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, several Greenfinch. Terry Priest.
Barling Pits, 18:00 to 18:25
12 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 40 Canada Goose, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 7 Slow-worm. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Arctic Skua (adult dark phase close inshore), 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 45 Sandwich Tern, 15 Common Tern, 10 Little Tern, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Curlew Sandpiper. Paul Baker, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wednesday 29th August 2007
Shoeburyness 06.40
50+ House Martin over Churchfields. Web Author.
Canewdon, Apton Hall Road, 07.50
300+ House Sparrow flock on stubble field. David Selley.
Two Tree Island 08:25 to 10:25
1 Wheatear, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker (both on model aircraft field), 2 Avocet, 1 Greenshank, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Ringed Plover, huge number of Black-tailed Godwit, several Whitethroat. David Lee.
Hockley Woods 17.30
2 Hobby flying around ploughed fields at the back of Hockley Woods (South-East side). Ken Borley.
Barling Hall Creek 19.00
19 Little Egret in middle of creek. T.Thorneycroft.
Tuesday 28th August 2007
Canvey Island, Holehaven Creek 07:35 - 10:10
Seawall Lobster Smack PH - Upper Horse: 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Marsh Harrier (juv. fem.), c.30 Swallow, 6+ House Martin, 12+ Common Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Green Woodpecker (incl. 1 juv), 3+ Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 2 Skylark. Ian White.
Eastwood, Applerow 09:00
1 female Sparrowhawk circling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue 11:50
1 Peregrine Falcon. Paul Griggs (SOG).
River Roach
1 Guillemot (appeared oiled). Gary Dunn.
Monday 27th August 2007
Rochford Golf Course, 07:45 to 11:15
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:00
5 Wheatear, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart. Lee Ebbs. (SOG).
Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 10:00 to 10:10
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult & 2nd w.). John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier 10:00 to 16:30
Many Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Several Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, Several Mediterranean Gull including three with readable rings: Green ring, white letters AEYE; White ring, black letters 3K89; Red ring, white letters PAJ1. Also 8 seal on a sandbank off Westcliff. David Lee.
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:30
3 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker (juvs.), 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear, 1 Red-legged Partridge. 1 Painted Lady. John Wright
Two Tree Island 10:30 - 14:30
1,000+ Black-tailed Godwit, 30+ Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Avocet, Dunlin, Turnstone, Common Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, 18 Little Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel (female), Goldfinch, Linnet, Whitethroat, Swallow. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs, 11:45 to 12:15
1 Greenshank, 15 Sanderling, 10 Sandwich Tern, 30 Little Tern, 600 Oystercatcher, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover, 2 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:40 to 14:30
65 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 100 Dunlin, 60 Ringed Plover. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.00 - 15.55
3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Egret, Snipe, 2 Curlew, Yellow Wagtail, Greenshank, 32 Swallow, Green Sandpiper. Stoat. Ray Fuller.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14.10
1 Hobby over café. Web Author.
Hadleigh Downs, 16:25 to 16:35
1 Buzzard hunting over fields below the Castle. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Sunday 26th August 2007
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10.40 - 12.10
17 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Reed Warbler. David Selley.
Bolts Farm, 13:30 to 14:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 14:30 to 16:30
10 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 8 Greenshank, 1,000 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat. 2 Painted Lady. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 female Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Westcliff 15.45 - 15.53
Common Buzzard circling with Sparrowhawk very high west of St James Gardens. Web Author.
Laindon West (PM)
1 Buzzard, circling over my back garden. Mobbed (at a respectful distance) by 3 large gulls. Also 2 different Sparrowhawk. Several green woodpeckers calling nearby. Swallows and House Martins also frequent. Andrew Cox.
Saturday 25th August 2007
Canvey, Holehaven Creek 07.00
1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 little Egret. Chris Cook.
Two Tree Island 08.30 - 12.00
53 Little Egret, 330 Golden Plover, 220 Grey Plover, 550 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 340 Curlew, 22 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Turnstone, 4 Little Tern, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Swift, 120 Sand Martin all flying west, 50 Swallow, 3 Whinchat, 35 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler. Gary A James.
Barling, 11:20 to 11:40
1 Hobby, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-winter). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 14:00
1 adult White-rumped Sandpiper 
roosting on point before feeding on mudflat to south of Point, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Little Egret, 10 Knot, 10 Little Tern, 8 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Tern. Paul Baker, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie, Jeff Saward, John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 16:00
1 Bearded Tit (heard), 1 Water Rail (heard), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs 16.30 - 18.00
1 female Sparrowhawk, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wren and a Hobby high above the Water Tower. Terry Priest.
Friday 24th August 2007
Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 09:10 to 09:15
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winter, 2nd-winter). Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.50 - 13.20
5 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, 6 Little Egret, Common Tern, 4 Curlew, 6 Swallow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Common Sandpiper, 22 Avocet, Reed Bunting. Ray Fuller.
Southend, Baxter Avenue 13:35 to 14:40
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 14:15
1 Sparrowhawk over my garden being pursued by crow. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 14:35
1 Sparrowhawk being pursued by crow. Same birds as earlier? Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend, 17.30 - 17.35
Hobby over North Road flats catching insects and generally worrying the resident starling flock. Web Author.
Thursday 23rd August 2007
Canvey Seafront, 06:00 to 12:00
183 Gannet, 26 Great Skua, 29 Arctic Skua, 1 Sanderling (still in summer plumage), 7 Little Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern, 12 Black Tern, 8 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 6 Common Scoter (drakes), 1 Little Egret. 1 Harbour Porpoise seen several times. Jeff Saward, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Point 07.30 to 09.55
39 Gannet, 5 Little Egret, 9 Teal, several each of Little Tern, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern. 1 Grey Seal. Martin Johnson.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:45
2 Swift over Roots Hall market. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wednesday 22nd August 2007
Canvey Point, 05:50 to 08:10
4 Little Egret, 8 Common Scoter, 52 Gannet, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Swift, 10 Black Tern, 4 Arctic Skua, 15 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Tern, 3 Kittiwake. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 08.00 - 08.25
Juvenile Arctic Skua flew through at 08.05, 1 Common Tern, 2 Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island (Leighbeck) 08:15 - 09:00
2 Great Skua (up river), 1 Common Scoter (down river). 1 Swift. Ian White.
Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 08:50 to 08:55
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winter). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:55 to 18:05
3 Black Tern, 4 Great Skua (in one flock flying out of at 5pm), 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Arctic Skua (between 16:55 and 17:15), 10 Little Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 80 Common Tern, 1 Little Egret, 6 Wigeon, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, 17:10
2 Swift over Purdeys Industrial Estate. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 18:15 to 19:10
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 1 Swift, 3 Arctic Skua (incl. 1 adult pale phase), 2 Arctic Tern (juvs.), 2 Little Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern, 200 Common Tern. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Eastwood, 19:30
1 Sparrowhawk over Progress Road / Rayleigh Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 21st August 2007 (First report of Great Skua, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua and the return of Rossi for his 9th year!)
Canvey Point, 05:40 to 11:10
170 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 6 Great Skua, 16 Arctic Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua (pair of adult summer plumage with spoons), 2 Long-tailed Skua (summer adult and juvenile together - 0640hrs.), 28 Black Tern, 10 Kittiwake, 3 Mediterranean Gull (Adult & 2 juvs.), 20 Common Scoter, 400 Common Tern, 1 juvenile Little Gull. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, Rossi's Ice Cream, 08:15
1 adult Ring-billed Gull on the beach. Paul Griggs (SOG). (Rossi returns for his 9th winter! - Ed.)
Wickford, Nevendon Road, 12.00
Female Sparrowhawk eating a Collared Dove in the back garden. Tina Wing.
Canvey Point, 15:45 to 17:30
4 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 2 Black Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gull (winter adults), 1 Gannet (juv. hanging round the Point), 1 Marsh Harrier (flying over from Kent to Southend Pier). 1 Harbour Porpoise (also seen this morning). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 16:30 to 16:55
19 Mediterranean Gull (1 x 1st W, 9 x 2nd W, 9 x adult). Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:35 to 16:40
6 Swift flew northeast. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Monday 20th August 2007 (First report of Arctic Skua)
Rettendon, 08:25
1 Osprey flew SSE over Hawks Hill Roundabout at 30m height carrying fish. Claire Chambers (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:25
1 Peregrine Falcon (female, hunting). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14.50
1 Hobby flew at bungalow roof height along our driveway. David Selley.
Gunners Park 15.30 - 17.15
Hobby in pursuit of a Swallow, Whimbrel flying south, 4 Green Woodpecker (2 juveniles), 2 Little Egret, Common Tern, 50+ Swallow. Ray Fuller.
Blue House Farm EWT, 15.45 to 18.00
Juvenile Little Stint on Crouch mud and 8 Black Tern flew west along Crouch at 17.45. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Canvey Point, 16:30 to 18:30
1 Gannet, 23 Black Tern, 40 Little Tern, 350 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 70 Sandwich Tern, 8 Arctic Skua. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Southchurch Park 18.00 - 19.30
200+ Swift over all heading south. Steve Wood.
Southend 18.35
1 Swift from North Road flats. web Author.
Sunday 19th August 2007
East Tilbury 08.00 - 11.30
1 Hobby, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Greenshank, 3 Black Tern, 24 Whimbrel, many Black-tailed Godwit, 700+ Avocet, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, 3+ Yellow Wagtail. her. David Jobbins.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09.00 - 11.00
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Water Rail, 1 Common and 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Avocet, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel calling flying over, 1 or 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Blackcap, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Turtle Dove. 2 big Carp jumping out of water. Trevor Bufton, Brian Holwell.
Gunners Park, 10.30
4 Wheatear in EWT reserve. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 11:15
1 Whinchat flying over the Maize Maze. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11.40
Osprey just off ramp. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:15 to 15:05
1 Osprey still perched out on post distantly off slipway till 14:45 when flew around the Boom before eventually heading off strongly north west inland (to Hanningfield?), 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Tern, 60 Sanderling, 800 Bar-tailed Godwit, 150 Knot, 2 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:55 to 17:30
17 Little Tern (7 juv's), 4 Common Tern, 60 Dunlin, 210 Ringed Plover, 3 Yellow Wagtail (1 male), 5 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 18th August 2007
Stanley Road, Canvey Island 10:35
8 Swift hawking low over houses; drifted away south west. Ian White.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 11.00 - 13.15
10 Little Egret, 7 Swallow, Wheatear, 6 Curlew, 4 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel. Ray Fuller.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 500 Swallow, 55 Swift, 85 Little Grebe (at least), 4 House Martin (at least 2 young on the verge of fledging nearby). 1 Brown Hare [Steve Sanford] . Steve Sanford (SOG).
Friday 17th August 2007
Leigh Creek, 08:30
2 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear on the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 12:55 to 13:20
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House aerial. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Belfairs Golf Course, 17:00 to 17:10
1 Swift, 4 House Martin. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 18:25 - 18:40
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, adult Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Victory Park/Sutton Road, 19:00
1 Peregrine Falcon flying across park towards Civic Centre. Don Wildish.
Thursday 16th August 2007
Rochford, 07:00 to 07:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding on the tree in the back garden. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 12:55 to 13:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon hunting around the office blocks. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Bearded Tit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Hobby, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 27 Black-tailed Godwit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend, Back Garden 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk dived into bushes after sparrows. Don Wildish.
Wednesday 15th August 2007
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:05 to 08:10
10 Common Seal, 2 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult-winter). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 18:10
1 male Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh, 19:00
1 male Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 13th August 2007
Abberton Reservoir (Birch Road side) 11.00
2 Egyptian Goose. R L & J P King.
Navestock Gardens, Thorpe Bay 13.15
1 Willow Warbler spent 5 minutes bathing in the waterfall to the fish pond in my garden. John Pitts.
Sunday 12th August 2007
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 09.00 - 11.00
23 Grey Plover, 20+ Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, many Avocet, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, several Common Tern. Trevor Bufton.
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 13:00, (WeBS count)
46 Little Egret, 550 Oystercatcher, 20 Teal, 2 Green Woodpecker (1 juv.), 8 Tufted Duck (7 juv.), 8 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1,800 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Marsh Harrier (a description given by two people of a large raptor soaring above the island prior to me seeing it can only be a female Marsh Harrier), 16 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 355 Redshank, 917 Curlew, 22 Ringed Plover, 348 Grey Plover, 69 Turnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper. Graham Ryland (SOG).
East Mersea, 10.00 - 14.00
Large flock of Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 5 Avocet, many Ringed Plover and Turnstone. M.Howell.
River Roach, Aboard the Lady Essex III, 10:30 to 13:00
1 Kestrel 35 Little Egret, 1 Avocet, 8 Golden Plover. 44 Grey Plover. 18 Common Seal. Web Author.
East Tilbury, 10.45
Flock of 19 Black Tern up river on rising tide on Sunday. Also approx 700 Avocet, 1 Knot, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher. David Jobbins.
Wakering Stairs 12.35
21 Swift. Flock predictably flying SW seen during WeBS count. David Selley.
Saturday 11th August 2007
Priory Park, 08:25 to 09:00
5 Spotted Flycatcher. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:30 to 08:35
2 Painted Lady. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 08:40 to 08:50
3 Mediterranean Gull (adults, opp Rossi's), 6 Common Seal on sandbank. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 09:00 to 11:45
7 Little Egret, 1,500 Black-tailed Godwit (approx), 15 Greenshank, 200 Oystercatcher (approx), 70 Lapwing, 1 Common Tern, 2 Grey Plover (summer plumage). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10.00 - 14.00
40+ Little Egret, 1 Brent Goose, 220 Grey Plover, 7 Greenshank, 550 Oystercatcher, 1,250 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 13 Whimbrel, 210 Curlew, 10 Avocet, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 12 Little Tern, 8 Swallow. Gary A James.
Hadleigh Marshes, 10:00 to 11:00
7 Stonechat (2 ad males, 5 juvs. 2 different broods), 2 Whinchat, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo (female rufous phase), 15 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting (inc. juvs.), 1 Wheatear. John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 13:30
92 Little Grebe, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (both juveniles), 1 Caspian Gull (1st summer), 1 Herring Gull (a juvenile bird had a wing pattern very similar to that seen on a juvenile Caspian Gull), 10 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG).
River Roach, 11:00 to 13:15
30 Little Egret, 18 Golden Plover (most in full summer plumage). 20 Common Seal. Web Author.
Friday 10th August 2007
Southend, Springfield Drive Allotments, 11.10 - 11.30
Juvenile Grey Wagtail sitting on a fencepost in front of the allotments. Was calling to be fed, mum flew down various times obliging with lots of insects! Terry Priest.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 11.15 - 13.30
2 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Swallow, Sparrowhawk, 7 Common Whitethroat, 32 Curlew, Green Woodpecker, 6 Little Egret, Reed Bunting. Ray Fuller.
Priory Park, 12:15 to 13:10
5 Spotted Flycatcher. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:10 to 19:00
35 Whimbrel, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 5 Ruff, 26 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Greenshank, 6 Little Egret, 2 Turtle Dove, 11 Red-legged Partridge. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Thursday 09th August 2007
Hockley/Hawkwell, 09:00
1 Green Woodpecker. Recently fledged juvenile brought to me after being caught by a cat in a garden in Hawkwell. It seemed OK so released it in garden by Rayleigh Mount. Paul Baker (SOG)
Canvey Point 18.00 - 19.00
1 Hobby (Flew S-N across river, putting terns and small waders up, interesting to see how few of the gulls and larger waders took any notice, caught a small wader and ate it sitting on a rock), Flock of 6 Whimbrel flew in together, 2 Greenshank, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 210 Black-tailed Godwit (in two flocks S-N across river as tide came in, 1 Grey Plover (Summer Plumage), 11 Little Egret, 7 Little Tern, 10+ Sandwich Tern, 100+ Common Tern. Martin Cracknell.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 20:20 to 20:25
1 female Peregrine Falcon flying low around the buildings. Don Petrie (SOG)
River Roach aboard Lady Essex III
Hen Harrier (ringtail) flew right in front of ferry by the Middleway from Foulness to Wallasea, 30 Redshank, Green Sandpiper. 30 Common Seal. Gary Dunn.
Wednesday 08th August 2007
Leigh Station, 06:45
1 male Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 19:30 to 20:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (freshly fledged juvenile), 19 Little Tern, 20 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern (adult summer plumage). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tuesday 07th August 2007
Priory Park, 13:15 to 13:40
4 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 17:40 to 18:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (immature female again on top window ledge on west face of Portcullis House). Don Petrie, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Monday 06th August 2007
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30
2 Turtle Dove flew past at marina end of fleet. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey West End, 18.00 - 19.45
6 Stonechat (2 pairs, one pair feeding two fledged young right by Morrisons car park), 19+ Common Whitethroat, 9 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Green Woodpecker, 5+ Reed Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper. Also 1 parrot sp. with yellow beneath and blue above, didn't look big or long-tailed enough to be a Blue & Gold Macaw but similar colouring, if you've lost one it was flying strongly towards Wat Tyler! Martin Cracknell.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 19:10 to 20:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (imm. female on west face of Portcullis House again). Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 05th August 2007
East Tilbury 07.30 - 11.00
1 Little Egret, 2 Hobby, 1 Marsh Harrier, c.300 Avocet, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Grey Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, several Curlew, 1 Kingfisher. David Jobbins.
Belfairs, 10:45
1 Sparrowhawk soaring over Belfairs Swim Centre. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend Airport, 13:00
1 Kingfisher fishing in the pond, first time here in 4 years, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv.), 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 13.00
2 Bullfinch. 2-3 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Small Skipper. Robin Peppiatt.
Springfield Drive Allotments, 13.30
1 Grey Wagtail (male) eating insects down by the ditch in front of the allotments. Terry Priest.
Rochford Golf Course, 16:00 to 19:00
1 Kingfisher, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16.30 - 17.30
6 House Martin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Robin. Terry Priest.
Rochford, 17:35 to 17:40
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult over the garden). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Priory Park 18.15 to 18.30
2 Spotted Flycatcher feeding on large numbers of insects in dell next to west wall of walled garden. Philip North.
Rochford, 18:40 to 18:45
1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd year from the garden in an anting flock), 1 Sparrowhawk. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park 19.50
500+ Swift heading out over the Thames to Kent with a few Martins above. Little Egret. 2 Skylark. Steve Wood.
Male Sparrowhawk chased off by Magpie, 8 Swift high. Web Author.
Saturday 04th August 2007
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Green Sandpiper, 122 Canada Goose, 12 Greylag Goose. John Wright (SOG).
River Roach aboard Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.15
24 Little Egret, 5 Common Tern, 1 Marsh harrier (distant over Potton), 18 Common Seal. Web Author.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.15 - 12.45
4 Common Sandpiper, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Little Egret, 6 Swallow, 4 Common Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Greenshank,3 Shelduck (juvs.), Yellowhammer, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult in creek), 1 Kestrel, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Bearded Tit (heard). John Wright, Dave Knight (SOG).
Hullbridge 14:30
1 Little Egret flying west along river. Dave Perry.
Wakering, Barling Pits, 17:00 to 18:00
1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Egret, 1 Gadwall, 10 Little Grebe. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult anting over the garden again with Black-headed Gull flock). Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford, 19:25
1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer over the garden). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Rochford, 19:35
1 Hobby over the garden with prey, probably a Starling. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Friday 03rd August 2007
Rochford, North Street / Weir Pond Road, 07.25
43 House Martin. Young being fed in at least one of the nests on the White Horse. David Selley.
Thursday 02nd August 2007
Priory Park, 07:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher. Don Wildish.
Hanningfield Reservoir, 08:00
3 Common Sandpiper (1 juv), 6 Red-crested Pochard. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 18:30 to 19:15
137 Mediterranean Gull (including 5 juveniles and numerous colour rings (white 3K89; Red HFR6; Red PAJ1; Green 272; Green 3XE3 and white 3K94)), 20 Common Tern. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wednesday 01st August 2007
Southend Pier 10.50 - 13.00
70 Turnstone, 185 Common Tern, 9 Arctic Tern. David Selley.
Hadleigh Marsh (East), 11:00 to 12:00
6 Little Grebe (parents + 4 very small young), 60 Linnet (many juveniles), Yellow Wagtail (taking food to nest late brood), 6 Reed Bunting. Richard Gray.
Wat Tyler Country Park 19.15 - 19.55
9 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Avocet, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk (flew close in front of hide with prey in talons then landed in hedge along from hide to pluck and eat). Martin Cracknell.