Bird Reports for August 2008
Sunday 31st August 2008
Hadleigh Downs 07.00 - 09.30
1 Harris Hawk sitting in old oak tree, being watched by a magpie. Looks well it has been sighted on and off the last 6 months or so, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Jackdaw, 3 Greater Spotted Woodpecker (family), 1 wren, 2 wheatear. Ellen Hume.
Barling Pits, 07:05 to 08:10
1 Garden Warbler, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08.15
39 House Sparrow in the garden this morning, also 1 Willow Warbler. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 08:25 to 09:00
2 Lesser Whitethroat (NE corner of reserve), 1 Whitethroat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 09:45 to 15:45
1 Sabine's Gull (juvenile, lingering from 1245 to 1515), 9 Black Tern, 7 Little Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, 7 Gannet, 3 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Hobby, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Shoveler. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00
1 Siskin flew over calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Belfairs Great Wood, 10:00
1 Crossbill Dodds Grove, heard only. John Wright (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.00
20 Common Seal, 8 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 12 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel. The Swallows above the 'gents' at the marina bar have all fledged. Web Author, Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Wakering Stairs 10.00 - 12.45
30+ Swallow, 20+ Little Egret, 30+ Ringed Plover, 10+ Curlew, 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail), 2 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 100+ Redshank, 50+ Grey Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2000+ Oystercatcher, 1 Leucistic Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Heron, 21 Little Tern, 1 Whinchat, 20+ Common Tern, 2 Sanderling, 5 Knot, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Benfleet Downs, 11:00 to 11:20
1 Weasel. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Stambridge, 11:30 to 14:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult over road between Stambridge Church and the Cherry Tree Pub and presumably the same over the river later), 1 Reed Warbler (in bushes half mile along seawall from Stambridge Mills), No sign of the reported Icterine Warbler at either Great Stambridge Church or from the trees and bushes along the seawall 1/4 mile to the south east. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk (over garden). 1 Comma, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Large White, 1 Holly Blue. John Wright (SOG).
Stambridge, 12:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult winter). Paul Baker, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 15:30
2 Swift, 8 Sand Martin, c.30 Swallow, 1 Kingfisher in brook. 1 Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher all in reserve. Web Author, KM.
Leigh on Sea, 15:35
2 Sparrowhawk together over Belton Hills. Web Author, KM.
Coombe Wood, 16:15 to 16:20
1 Hobby. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Eastwood Park, 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:30 to 19:15
1 Marsh Harrier (female, flew down seawall from Haven Point, then headed out over mudflats towards Sheppey), 40 Swallow (in one flock), 1 Redstart (calling from bushes by railway crossing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:45 to 19:20
c.60 House Sparrow roosting just SW of 'new' entrance. Neil Chambers (SOG).
latest news - click here
Saturday 30th August 2008 (The Return of Rossi!)
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:20 to 08:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 12 Little Egret. 6 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 08:10
2 Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Lesser Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 08:45 to 13:15
5 Gannet, 1 Sooty Shearwater (09.45-09.50), 1 Fulmar, 2 Great Skua, 8 Arctic Skua, 5 Black Tern, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter), 3 Pintail (2 drakes, 1 duck), 1 Common Scoter (female), 8 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:00 to 09:20
1 Ring-billed Gull. Rossi has returned for his 10th year: present on the rising tide before flying towards the casino, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Friars Park, 09:30 to 09:30
2 Mandarin Duck. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.00
9 Common Seal including 1 in Crouch, Cormorants, Little Egrets, Common & Little Tern, 1 Male Sparrowhawk, 8 Sandwich Tern. Ringed Plover, Grey Plover and Golden Plover, Lapwings, Redshank, 1 Curlew. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Canvey Point, 10:35 to 12:45
4 Arctic Skua, 1 Gannet, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Little Tern, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting. Paul Baker, John Wright (SOG).
Oxenham Farm, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Wheatear, 7 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, 1 Marsh Harrier (female). John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:40 to 19:25
2 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear all in reserve, 4 Lesser Whitethroat (probably more), 2 Whimbrel (overhead), 1 Kingfisher (in dyke). Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling Pits, 17:00 to 17:45
1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Egret, 5 Pochard. 4 Slow-worm, 1 Common Lizard. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 - 19:30
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, a few Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, at least 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Water Rail calling, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Reed Warbler, at least 100 Swallow. Andrew Cox.
Friday 29th August 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:45 to 10:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.40 - 15.40
25 Swallow, 7 Little Egret, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 42 Curlew, Wheatear, 6 Common Tern, 4 Reed Bunting, Whimbrel, Yellow Wagtail, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank. Ray Fuller.
Two Tree Island (West), 16:30 to 17:30
1 Whinchat, 5 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 20:00
2 Mediterranean Gull (adults in anting gull flock), 2 Green Woodpecker (female and juvenile), 3 Swift, 1 Wheatear (in reserve), 1 Redstart (1st winter male, in rose and bramble bushes 100 m NNE of main reserve sign. Shy and best located by repeated 'hueet' call), 3 Whitethroat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Buxey Sands Seal Trip Aboard Lady Essex III 17.00 - 19.00
18 Grey Seal, 4 Common Seal, 8 Turnstone, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron. At Branklet Spit; 39 Greylag Goose including 1 leucistic bird (same as the last two years). Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Two Tree Island (East), 17:30 to 18:30
3 Little Egret, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 18:15
1 Little Egret in Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 28th August 2008
Canvey Point 07.15 - 07.25
Female Sparrowhawk caught, killed and ate a pigeon. Terry Priest RSPB.
Victoria Avenue, Roots Hall Market, 08:50 to 09:00
2 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Heybridge Pits 16.15 to 16.45
1 Marsh Sandpiper. This bird has been reported by others since about 23/08. It was showing well among resting Canada Geese on a tiny islet at the SE end of the pits, O.S. grid ref 870 068. Martin Johnson.
Landwick, 17:10 to 18:10
1 Osprey (17:55 - 18:00. Flew south from Potton Creek to Landwick at about 1000 feet up, then turned west towards Great Wakering before turning south to Shoebury), 1 Hobby. Don Petrie
Wakering Stairs, 18:15 to 19:45
2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 2 Whimbrel. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 27th August 2008
Rochford Hospital 09.50
60 House Martin over car park and hospital buildings. David Selley.
Chinese Gardens at the British Museum, London 15.15 - 15.40
Wryneck. Hopping around amongst the plants - came on to the path and was clearly seen when pecking for insects a couple of feet from me. Still there (among the trees and bushes) when we left at 3.40pm. Not shy. Kay and Mel Smith.
Tuesday 26th August 2008
Basildon Golf Course, Copse to LHS of 8th. 11:20
2 Ring-necked Parakeet. Gary Clinton.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12.30 - 13.00
1 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wheatear. Marc Outten RSPB.
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:30 to 18:45
8 Great Crested Grebe, 328 Canada Goose, 4 Greylag Goose, 43 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff (juv. reeve), 6 Sand Martin, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 17:15
1 Little Egret in the Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 19:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair roosting on east side of Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Monday 25th August 2008
Canvey Point, 06:10 to 07:50
1 Fulmar (flew upriver at 07.05), 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 60 Golden Plover, 1 Knot, 85 Dunlin, 390 Ringed Plover, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Tern, 5 Little Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
River Roach, 08:00
75 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 Little Egret. Steve Sanford (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:10 to 08:55
1 Little Egret, 4 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Reed Warbler (ad. + 2 juvs.), 20 Teal, 10 Pochard. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet Creek - Hadleigh Downs 08.30 - 10.00
1 male Wheatear, 2 or 3 Whinchat along by seawall in shrub, 1 Hobby, 4 Jay, 1 male Green Woodpecker, 2 Stonechat (pair). Terry Priest RSPB.
Wallasea Wetlands (East End Only) 09.00 - 11.00
1 Marsh Harrier (imm.), 2 Kestrel (perched on the haystack), 17 Avocet, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Greenshank, 100+ Redshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 300+ Ringed Plover, 150+ Dunlin, 40+ Golden Plover, 25 Grey Plover (some still in summer plumage), 3 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 1 Whinchat (imm.), 3 Wheatear (imm.). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Hadleigh Marshes, 09:30 to 11:00
1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 4 Stonechat (family party), 1 Kestrel, 1 Pochard. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Belfairs Great Wood, 10:30 to 14:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiffchaff (with tit flock), 1 Spotted Flycatcher (favouring trees along stream, to south of Wisbey's field TQ 822877), 1 Crossbill (heard only. Flew west over nursery area calling at 13:30, sounded like more than one bird). Don Petrie (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 12.00 - 14.00
8 Little Egret, 20 Common Seal one with large fish in mouth! Web Author, Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Two Tree Island (West), 13:45 to 15:30
2 Greenshank, 1 Knot (In partial summer plumage), 20+ Swallow. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Cormorant circled very low over house then headed north east. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:15 to 15:00
1 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Snipe, 19 Black-tailed Godwit. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hampton Barns, 14:50 to 15:00
2 Turtle Dove, 1 Kestrel. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk took down a Collared Dove. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Hobby hunting hirundines over the saltings. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 17:00
1 male Sparrowhawk over garden. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 18:40
1 Sparrowhawk (young male), 1 Kestrel (female/immature), 2 Green Woodpecker, 24 House Martin (feeding over the Garrison estate), 4 Wheatear (in the reserve). Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 17:05 to 18:30
40 Little Egret (27 on the roost), 1300 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Tern, 17 Greenshank, 3 Knot, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 1 Common Sandpiper, 179 Golden Plover, 1 Swift. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands 18:45 - 20:15
Main focus was a formal count of Ringed Plover across the site with c780 birds present. (400 on mud near car park, 130 in section just past mast and another 250 at eastern end). Curlew Sandpiper showing well near Car Park. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:00 to 20:20
1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult on broomway post), 18 Common Tern (passed SW), 15 Arctic Tern (passed SW, including 5 juvs.), 4 Little Tern (feeding offshore), 2 Wheatear (at Haven Point). Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 24th August 2008
Wakering, Fleet Head, 06:10 to 06:50
1 Little Egret, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 70 Red-legged Partridge (last ploughed field along road on left before farm). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 07:00 to 07:10
10 Grey Plover, 40 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egret. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 07:30 to 07:40
1 Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Priory Park, 08:00 to 08:10
2 Goldcrest. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Little Egret flew over. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 12:30 to 16:15
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 40 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30
1 Crossbill flew south west calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:00 to 16:15
3 Little Egret, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Spotted Redshank (all winter plumage), 3 Snipe, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper (along eastern edge, viewed from West Bank), 2 Common Sandpiper. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Black-necked Grebe in the bay for over an hour - moulting out of summer plumage. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:45 to 18:00
Escaped Cockatiel flew over from Canvey, 1500 Black-tailed Godwit (at least on the lagoon), 26 Greenshank, 150 Golden Plover (in creek), 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Little Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing by the creek hide). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Tewke's Creek, 16:45 to 17:30
1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 1 Whimbrel. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:30 to 18:40
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend 19.30 - 20.00
1 male Peregrine, 1 female Peregrine roosting on usual building. Mike Sagrott.
Saturday 23rd August
Hadleigh Downs 07.00 - 08.30
2 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Heron. Ellen Hume.
Gunners Park, 09:15 to 13:15
1 Garden Warbler (by the pedestrian gate), 1 Blackcap (fem/imm), 4 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Don Petrie (SOG).
Langdon Hills 09:30 - 12:30
2 or 3 Buzzard, 3 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, adult and juvenile Green Woodpecker, at least 100 each of Swallow & House Martin. Andrew Cox.
Hawkwell, Rawalpindi Nursery 11.00
1 Spotted Flycatcher, persistently chasing insects from power line despite being chased by a Robin. David Selley.
Potton Creek, 12:50
1 Osprey landed briefly then flew off towards Potton bridge, 1 female Marsh Harrier. Lee Ebbs. (could it have been Nethy or Deshar?! Ed. - see latest news page)
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 17:30
35 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpiper, 100+ Golden Plover, 500+ Ringed Plover, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Dunlin, 200+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Chiffchaff, 200+ Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 9 Whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Turnstone. Brian Baldock, Dave Knight (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 15:00 to 16:45
2100 Oystercatchers, 600 Grey Plover, male Marsh Harrier, 8 Mediterranean Gull, 12 Whimbrel, 3 Common Scoter, 12 Sandwich Tern, 1 Artic Tern, 1 pale phase Artic Skua, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 8 Little Tern, 194 Bar-tailed Godwit. Alan Shearring.
Benfleet Creek, 15:15 to 17:45
2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat (juvs.), 1 Wheatear, 800 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Grey Plover, 2 Kestrel, 130 Swallow, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 12 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:30 to 19:00
2 Marsh Harrier (male quartering fields near Havengore bridge, female crossed river to Warden Pt Sheppey, 15km in 21 mins,), 2 Wheatear (at Haven Point), 1 Whinchat (at Haven Point). Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, 18:00 to 18:10
2 Mediterranean Gull (adults in large 'anting' flock over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 22nd August 2008
Benfleet Downs, 08:20
1 Wheatear on seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:50 to 08:55
12 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). 11 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 14.00 - 16.00
Little Egrets, Cormorants, Large mixed flock of Golden Plover, Grey Plover and Lapwing in wetlands, Redshank, 2 Greenshank, Ringed Plovers, Little & Common Terns fishing, 1 scruffy Marsh Harrier over Potton Island, Kestrel, Black Tailed Godwits. 32 Common Seals including 2 in Crouch. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Canvey Point, 14:50 to 16:30
8 Arctic Skua (loafing off the point - 5 adults (3 pale phase) + 3 juvs.), 7 Little Tern, 43 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Crested Grebe. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 17:00 to 17:20
1 Wheatear on the roof of Portcullis House! Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 - 19:30
8 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Andrew Cox.
Southend, 18:00
1 Hobby mobbed by Sparrowhawk over garden Rylands Rd. Dave Knight (SOG).Thursday 21st August 2008
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 08:05
4 Sparrowhawk (family group flying together - proof of breeding success). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wallasea Island 14.00 - 16.45
3 Wheatear around car park, Marsh Harrier, 12 Greenshank, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Kestrel, 17 Avocet, c.500 Ringed Plover, 120 Golden Plover in fields, most in Summer plumage, 3 Whimbrel, 8 Little Egret, 2 Little Tern, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Yellow Wagtail all juveniles, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, Cuckoo. Ray Fuller.
Battlesbridge Sewage Works, 17:00 to 17:05
2 Common Sandpiper (forced off saltmarsh to roost on railings), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Black Swan (!), 1 Little Egret (in grass field doing a good Cattle Egret impression, hence why I stopped!). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 19:10
1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 100 Little Tern (at least on the falling tide), 300 Common Tern (at least on falling tide), 50 Sandwich Tern (at least on the falling tide), 10 Whimbrel, 57 Greenshank, 5 Little Egret, 14 Sand Martin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Marsh Harrier (male by road and a female on Havengore), 72 Golden Plover, 4 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 30 Sanderling (at least), 400 Bar-tailed Godwit (at least), 1 Black-headed Gull (leucistic adult amongst 700+ normal Black-headed), 3 Black-tailed Godwit (flew east along tideline). 1 Painted Lady (Haven Point), 1 Weasel ran across road. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wednesday 20th August 2008
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 10.00 - 13.00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
1 Hobby, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 100+ Sand Martin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 12 Ruff. Trevor Bufton.
Silver End 12.45
1 Yellow Wagtail with 5 Pied Wagtail on playing field. Mark Bicknell.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 13:00 to 13:30
3 Peregrine Falcon. The resident male was watched rigorously harassing a "new", immature female for about 20 minutes, finally seeing her off. The resident female was present but did not participate in the fracas), 3 Cormorant flew north, 3 Swift flew west. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 - 18:30
2 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, at least 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Curlew, at least 2 Snipe, 6 Greenshank, 7 or 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Kestrel, a few Swift, Swallow & Sand Martin. Andrew Cox.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 18:15
1 Hobby over the garden, heading S.W. John Wright (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 19:55
2 Peregrine Falcon (usual pair roosting - viewable from Library car park). Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 19th August 2008
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 06:30
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 08.30
c.10 Black Tern, c.30 Swift. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:55 to 09:10
2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 1 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Ashingdon, St. Andrew's Church 11.40 - 12.10
1 Sparrowhawk, male pursued by 5 Swallows, 1 Swift. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 14:15
165 Common Tern, 12 Sandwich Tern, 15 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:40 to 17:00
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 18:00 to 18:10
116 Mediterranean Gull (including 17 juveniles). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet Downs
Several Emerald and Small Red Eyed Damselfly around the cattle drink (pond) approx. 2 fields from Benfleet Station. Pete Jackson.
Monday 18th August 2008
Hanningfield Reservoir 08.05 - 08.15
4 adult Black Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 09:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (in subsong). Paul Baker (SOG).
River Crouch to Heybridge aboard Lady Essex III 11.45 - 14.00
2 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, Swift. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Rayleigh, 13:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over A127 east of The Weir. Paul Baker (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Way 15:00
1 Hobby. Don Wildish.
Two Tree Island (West) 15.00
5 Common Tern, 2 Little Egret, 8 Swift, 1 Common Sandpiper, 150+ Black-tailed Godwit, 40+ Avocet, 1 Swallow, 6 Ringed Plover, 20+ Lapwing, 30+ Oystercatcher. Richard Shepherd.
Rochford, 16:45
1 Hobby flew over Warners Bridge. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 16:45 to 17:00
3 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad, 1 2nd yr), 3 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend, Queensway 17.15
5 Swift over. Steve Wood.
Hanningfield Reservoir 18.05 - 18.15
c.10 Black Tern from causeway this evening including 2+ juv's, also 50+ Swift. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:45 to 19:00
1 Hobby chasing Swifts, 16 Swift all heading SW. Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 17th August 2008
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 10.00 - 12.00
18 Little Egret, 22 Common Tern (mostly juveniles), 2 Little Tern 1 Avocet, pair of Shelduck with young, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier (juvenile and female both on Wallasea Island). 15 Common Seal. Web Author Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Tattersall Gardens 10.10 to 10.35
7 Swift, all solitary and all flying WSW. Martin Johnson.
River Crouch, Near Battlesbridge 11.30
1 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper. David Chivers.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:00 to 13:00
1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 10 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Lapwing, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:55 to 16:40
8 Black Tern, 8 Little Tern, 25 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Tern, 25 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Swift. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:00 to 16:45
1 Hobby (south over mudflats), 30 Knot, 30 Little Tern (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 16:40 to 17:30
2nd year Mediterranean Gull flew over, 8 Wasp Spiders in the sheltered western side of the meadow, 1 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:05 to 18:00
4 Little Egret, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Snipe, 17 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Kingfisher (heard). Paul Griggs, Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayne, Near Church, 17.20
Female Montague's Harrier. Wings were more pointed than Hen and were more rounded, above the wing were two very distinctive black bars running down the wing, tail was long and fanned with a slight white rump not as big as the Hen Harrier more 'U' shaped. Also there was a dark patch either side of the face on the cheeks. Mark Bicknell.
Belton Gardens West: 19.10 to 1920
3 Kestrel, one hovered nearby, it was heavily barred brown, no grey anywhere, probably a juvenile. Martin Johnson.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Tewke's Creek, 11:15 to 11:50
105 Golden Plover (most in summer plumage), 5 Knot, 35 Ringed Plover (unusual in the creek), 18 Dunlin, 160 Grey Plover, 13 Little Egret. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 13:20
1 Osprey (flying south 12.25-12.35 - mobbed by 2 Arctic Skuas at one stage!), 10 Arctic Skua (arrived as a flock, gradually dispersed in all directions), 5 Arctic Tern (in a tight flock), 25 Little Tern, 125 Sandwich Tern (or more), 350 Common Tern (or more), 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd summer). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 14:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (adult female on usual office building). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:30 to 15:45
16 Whimbrel, 1 Marsh Harrier (male), 2 Kestrel, 13 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 15:30
2 Common Sandpiper. 1 Green Sandpiper (point hide). 1 Black Swan. Marion Burch.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00
2 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir
1 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Hobby, 1 Yellow-legged Gull from Point Hide. David Jobbins.
Friday 15th August 2008
Gunners Park, 08:45 to 09:45
3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel (female), 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 10.00 - 12.30
In Wallasea Wetlands, 5 Little Egret 8 Cormorant, c.2 Little Plover, lots of Grey Plover. 5 Avocet In Roach, 1 Harbour Porpoise seen briefly twice off Foulness Quay. In Middleway: 22 Common Seal at low tide haul out, 19 at and around high tide haul out (some of these were the same animals), Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier over New England Creek. 8 Golden Plover. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 12.50 - 15.00
Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Swallow, 4 Curlew. Ray Fuller.
Dome Village. Hockley 15.45 to 16.10
Immature Whitethroat feeding on honeysuckle berries in our back garden. David and Wendy Hills.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:00
1 Painted Lady in my garden. John Wright (SOG).
Thursday 14th August 2008
Hanningfield Reservoir (Causeway) 07:50 - 08:00
3 Black Tern (1 ad. + 2 juv.), 9 Red-crested Pochard (5 drakes), female Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:30 to 11:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (male & female on Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:45 to 09:45
3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Hobby. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Southend, 16:30 to 16:35
1 Sparrowhawk over Victoria Circus & Odeon. John Wright (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 16:50
1 Little Egret in Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Airport, 19:00 to 20:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swift, 1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh 19.05
1 Sparrowhawk appeared from north in high soaring flight, wheeled a few times and disappeared back to north. Martin Johnson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
Female Marsh Harrier and a Wheatear on the reserve, both were seen from Roscommon Way and the Harrier would have been viewable from the seawall. Dave Hedges, Marc Outten, Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wednesday 13th August 2008
Two Tree Island 10.30
Common Sandpiper, 250+ Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Avocet, 1 Greenshank, 50 Redshank all at roost on the lagoon. Dave Blackwell.
Battlesbridge, 17:15
2 Little Egret in Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 - 18:45
2 Wood Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Avocet, Common Tern, Swift, Swallow, House Martin. Andrew Cox.
Tuesday 12th August 2008
Wallasea Island 12.00 to 13.30
Merlin, female/immature. Showing well from car park, Came from over sea wall, as we ate our lunch. Gave really good views sitting in stubble, Then went back over to sea wall where it sat for a while. Then came back to stubble in front of car park, When we left it was still in area. David and Wendy Hills.
Monday 11th August 2008
Hanningfield Reservoir (Causeway) 08.10
18 Red-crested Pochard including 8 drakes and 7-8 juv's., Hobby, 2 Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
North Shoebury 10.30
Chiffchaff in garden this morning. Many House Martins over and juvenile Kestrel hunting in Park behind. Terry Strong.
Timberlog Lane, Basildon c.11.50
Ring-necked Parakeet, calling from conker tree and flying off towards rail line. Gary Clinton.
Rayne 16.40
1 Barn Owl flew over village. M.Bicknell.
Battlesbridge, 17:15
1 Little Egret in Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 10th August 2008
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:50 to 08:05
2 Wood Sandpiper (ad. and juv. on eastern side), 1 Dunlin (juv.), 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank (ad. winter), 1 Greenshank, 14 Pochard (12 juv.), 115 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 7 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Reed Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00
19 Long-tailed Tit, family party that has been around for a few weeks now. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, Nestuda Way 10.20 - 10.45
300+ Swift low over fields either side of road and over Tesco's roundabout. David Selley.
Southend Seafront, 10:30 to 10:40
30 Mediterranean Gull (low count probably due to the wind). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 16:30
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Robin Peppiatt.
Rochford, 17:00
1 Little Egret flew over garden, 2 Swift. Steve Arlow ve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Saturday 09th August 2008
RSPB Vange Marshes 06.45 - 09.20
2 Wood Sandpiper along eastern side of freshmarsh, 4 Spotted Redshank together in SW corner of freshmarsh, 11 Common Sandpiper, 13 Green Sandpiper, 7 Avocet including an immature, 68 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 7 Snipe, 2 Common Tern, 21 Little Grebe. 1 adult Red-eared Terrapin basking at the waters edge, northern side of freshmarsh. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Rochford 07.20 - 07.35
38 House Martin over North Street and around old hospital chimney. Several nests still occupied. David Selley.
Langdon Hills Country Park 08.30 - 11.15
1 Common Buzzard (very high in the thermals, flying SE), 1 male Sparrowhawk carrying prey, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker (both males), 2 Song Thrush, 10 Greenfinch, 2 Wren, 1 Robin (immature). Terry Priest RSPB.
Hadleigh Downs, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Hobby, 3 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marshes, 09:10 to 11:45
2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, 2 Common Tern. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:10 to 14:00
1 Pintail, 71 Little Grebe, 1 Greenshank (flew over), 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd year), 5 Yellow-legged Gull (3 juveniles, a 3rd/4th year and an adult), 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Swift (at least, came down when the weather closed in), 40 Swallow (came down when the weather closed in). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Stonechat (adult & juv. from 2nd brood). John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:15 to 12:45
61 Little Grebe, 16 Mute Swan, 155 Canada Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier (immature male flushed from cornfield on walk back), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Yellowhammer (in hedge beside Paglesham Road), 1 Greenshank. Don Petrie (SOG).
Belton Hills, 11:30 to 11:35
10 Wasp Spiders in a brief search, 6 Little Egret (east end of TTI). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 12:40
1 Arctic Skua (pale adult), 12 Bar-tailed Godwit (sum plum), 45 Common Gull, 20 Common Tern, 40 Sandwich Tern, 9 Little Tern (3 juv's.), 7 Little Egret. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 19:30 to 20:05
1 Arctic Skua (adult pale phase - upriver), 4 Common Tern, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter on grass at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club). Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 08th August 2008
Canvey Seafront, 08:10 to 09:10
5 Little Egret, 8 Greylag Goose (flew upriver), 2 Arctic Skua (pale and dark phase adults together upriver), 20 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Tern, 1 Whimbrel. Don Petrie (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:30 to 16:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair, on and around Portcullis House), 2 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.20 - 15.10
4 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Little Egret, 6 Whimbrel, Little Grebe, 45 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, Green Sandpiper, 2 Sedge Warbler. Ray Fuller.
Canvey Seafront, 17:45 to 19:15
21 Little Egret (roosting in woodland on the Kent side), 1 Arctic Skua (dark bird moving upriver), 30 Common Tern (mostly following ships), 16 Little Tern (feeding along the seafront ). 2 Harbour Porpoise (no doubt several more, but only 2 seen breaking surface at any time). Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 07th August 2008
Hadleigh Country Park Sea Wall 11.15
1 Wheatear. Jerry Stock.
Wakering, Fleet Head 15.00 - 16.30
30+ Golden Plover, 50+ Whimbrel, 4 Grey Wagtail inc. Juveniles, 4 Kestrel on Foulness hovering simultaneously, 1 Hobby over Potton Creek,1 Common Seal in Potton Creek. Mike Sagrott, Tony Sandeman.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 20:35 to 20:35
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 06th August 208
Blacktail Spit (Blacktail Spit is SE corner of Shoebury Sand where the Swin meets the Thames) 08:15
1 adult Gannet. Chris Cook.
Belfairs Golf Course, 11:15 to 12:30
1 Green Woodpecker. Also 100+ Migrant Hawkers (conservative estimate), 2 Southern Hawkers. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:40 to 19:00
86 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 8 Golden Plover, 3 Ruff, 1 Marsh Harrier (female type), 8 Common Blue (minimum along Potton Road just past the first set of large bushes). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Nestuda Way, Southend 16.45 - 16.55
1 female Kestrel hunting over the field opposite Strawberry Fields pub. Terry Priest RSPB.
Belton Gardens, Leigh, 19.00 to 19.15
70+ Swift hawking above gardens and cliffs. Martin Johnson.
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 20:45
3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk (female. Spent much time in magazine bushes calling, perhaps it has young nearby), 1 Kestrel (male), 2 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 05th August 2008
Victoria Avenue 18.45 - 18.50
2 Peregrine Falcon (male & female) on building. Terry Priest RSPB.
Monday 04th August 2008
Rayleigh, 07:40
1 Green Woodpecker in neighbours garden. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Dome Village, Hockley 08.45 to 09.15
Sedge Warbler, Feeding with two young Robins and immature Blue Tits, Sparrows under feeder in our garden. David & Wendy Hills.
Hockley, Lower Road 09.45
About 50 Swift over Riverside Nursery in about 5 minutes, all flying SW. David Selley.
Benfleet Creek - Leigh Station 14.55- 17.15
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Sedge Warbler (immature), 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stonechat, 4 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock. Terry Priest.
Hockley, 16.10
1 female Sparrowhawk landed on our garden ornament. She only stayed for around 30 seconds. The regular Tits and Robins knew as they quickly flew off. This sighting confirmed why. Sharon Newman.
Wakering Stairs 16.40 - 17.25
About 2000 Oystercatcher, 47 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 43 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 60 Common Tern, 109 Little Tern all on or around the roost. Also 19 Sand Martin flying SW along the waters edge. David Selley.
Sunday 03rd August 2008
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:40 to 09:55
1 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adult in NE corner), 3 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 145 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Green Sandpiper, 11 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 3 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Sparrowhawk (female over east carrying prey). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 11:00 to 11:30
93 Mediterranean Gull. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belton Hills, 11:40 to 12:30
18 Little Egret, at least noted from the hills on the saltings. 23 Wasp Spider though probably far more than this present and not counted. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 16:00
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 107 Ringed Plover, 114 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adults, one 50% red, one 30% red), 21 Sandwich Tern, 54 Common Tern, 16 Little Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 13:20 to 15:30
32 Little Egret on saltings in Benfleet Creek, 700 Black-tailed Godwit estimated only on lagoon, 8 Common Sandpiper on lagoon, 1 Mediterranean Gull, adult on lagoon, 35 Golden Plover over Hadleigh Marsh. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Belton Hills, 14:00 to 14:15
1 Sparrowhawk. 10 Wasp Spiders north side of Belton Way (East). John Wright (SOG).
Belton Hills, 15:00 to 16:00
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on sea off Two Tree Island), 47 Little Egret east end of Two Tree Island, 3 Common Tern. 24 Wasp Spiders. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands (High Tide)
1 Little Stint, 1 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank. No sign of any Grey Plover, Blackwit, Curlew or Avocet - all seem to have gone missing today! Female Marsh Harrier hunting Burnham side of river. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Saturday 02nd August 2008
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 - 11.30
Green Woodpecker, Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Little Egret, 50+ Swift, 12 Swallow, 32 Curlew, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper. Common Seal. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 14:20
4 Little Egret, 1 Little Stint, 2 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 21 Common Sandpiper, 15 Green Sandpiper, 10 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 90 Black-tailed Godwit. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:30 to 15:00
7 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Water Rail (heard), 20 Goldfinch. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:00 to 16:00
3 Little Egret, 1200 Oystercatcher (approx, at roost), 1500 Bar-tailed Godwit (approx, at roost), 7 Whimbrel, 1 Arctic Skua (pale phase adult heading SW), 18 Common Tern (all SW), 151 Little Tern (at roost as tide fell. 25 juveniles). Don Petrie (SOG).
Bournemouth Park Road 13:18
1 Hobby flew over garden. Don Wildish.
Eastwood, 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk over Kent Elms Corner. John Wright (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 16:45
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Southsea Avenue 17.30
1 Hobby, 5 Swift over garden. Web Author.
Rochford Golf Course, 18:30 to 20:30
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Mistle Thrush, 20 Goldfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 18.30 - 20.50
22 Common Seal including 6 pups and one adult struggling with a very large bass very close to the boat, summer plumages Grey and Golden Plover, Common terns joined Gulls feeding frenzy in Roach. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Friday 01st August 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 17:15
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on and around Portcullis House most of day). John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:30 to 18:30
57 Little Grebe, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (juvenile and 1st summer), 7 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults, 3 2nd summers and a 1st summer), 1 Common Sandpiper (in creek). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).