Bird Reports for August 2009
Monday 31st August 2009
Pooles Lane, Hullbridge. 06.55
1 Hobby flew east. David Chivers.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 07:30 to 08:00
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi present on the groynes on the incoming tide, looking tatty), 5 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults, 2 2nd-winters and 1 1st winter). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Shoebury Coastguards, 08:05
1 1st winter Mediterranean Gull at Uncle Toms Cabin. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 08:20 to 10:10
1 Osprey still out on the post. Did make a successful fishing excursion closer inshore before returning to the same post, 9 Greenshank, 3 Little Egret, 7 Sanderling (all juveniles), 1 Common Scoter (flew west), 2 Wigeon (flew west), c20 Golden Plover. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 10:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 30+ Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00
2 Wheatear in reserve, 2 Wigeon on sea. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:20 to 13:00
2 Marsh Harrier distantly beyond Potton Island, 23 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 30 Yellow Wagtail (at least in the field with the cows). 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Osprey on usual post, 1 Turtle Dove. Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 14:30
Checked out the excellent borrow dyke on western end of island: 5 Greenshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 27 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Wheatear, 10 Lapwing (including the creamy coloured leucistic bird along Paglesham Creek. Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Sunday 30th August 2009
Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 16:00
Formal Count of Wetlands: 6 Kestrel, 5 Whinchat (2 on sea wall, 3 along ditch next to road), 9 Wheatear (6 together near camera mast), 14 Greenshank (9+ on wetlands, 5 in borrowdyke near Paglesham Creek), 11 Green Sandpiper (all in borrow dyke in SW corner of island), 2 Common Sandpiper (on wetlands), 29 Black-tailed Godwit (incl. 26 in borrow dyke SW corner), 1 Common Tern (juv. along Roach), 20 Little Egret (most on wetlands + 7 in SW corner). Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Two Tree Island 11.00 to 12.30
1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Avocet from the lagoon hide. 2 Wheatear on the Sea wall. Neil Phillips.
Canewdon 11.15
1 Hobby over the Shepherd and Dog, 1 female Kestrel and 1 Yellow Wagtail both on the pill box in the field behind. David Selley.
Saturday 29th August 2009
Pitsea 07:30 to 14:35
13 Yellow-legged Gull (5 juveniles, 7 adults and a 3rd year), 2 Mediterranean Gull (moulting juvenile and an adult). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 10:15
1 Osprey, 11 Swallow, 35 Golden Plover, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 09.45 to 11.55
11 Little Egret, 8 Reed Bunting mostly juveniles, Green Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Little Grebe, 4 juvenile Wheatear, 2 Common Sandpiper, 39 Curlew, 2 Swallow, 46 Avocet. Ray Fuller.
Rivers Crouch and Roach Seal Trip Aboard Lady Essex III 10.00 to 14.00
10 Common Seal and 1 bull Grey Seal hauled out in Yokesfleet, 12 Avocet, Hobby, female Peregrine Falcon, 3 Kestrel, 2 Common Tern, Oystercatchers, Grey plover, Lapwing, Comorant. Gary Dunn.
Two Tree Island (West), 14:00 to 14:30
2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Wheatear. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 14:30 to 15:30
12 Greenshank, 600 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Tern, 30 Grey Plover. John Wright (SOG).
Blue House Farm 14.45 to 17.30
13 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 25 Yellow Wagtail, 75 Ringed Plover, 16 Dunlin, Peregrine, 2 Green Sandpiper, 200 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin. Alan Shearring.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:45 to 17:45
Scrape: 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 50+ Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Avocet, 1 Common Redshank. Creek: 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew. Andrew Cox.
Hadleigh Marshes, 15:30 to 16:00
2 Stonechat, 2 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Green Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).
Lion Creek, 16:15 to 16:55
1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 28th August 2009
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:05 to 08:20
Scrape only: 10 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 27 Black-tailed Godwit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 08:10
1 Wheatear, 700 Black-tailed Godwit. Simon Watson (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:45 to 09:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher in garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Southend Pier, 09:00 to 13:30
200 Common Tern flying west, 6 Black Tern, 4 Mediterranean Gull. Dave Knight (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 12.00 to 14.30
Mostly from oak and point hides: 2 Barnacle Goose, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2+ Black Tern, 17+ Common Tern, 1 Garganey, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher. Les Costin (EBS).
Canvey Point, 15:00 to 17:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon hunting over the point, 2 Hobby south over the river, 1 male Merlin south over the river, 7 Black Tern, 21 Arctic Tern in two flocks, 9 and 12, flying west, 145 Common Tern all flying west, 6 Little Tern, 4 Sand Martin, 29 Sandwich Tern, 1 Curlew Sandpiper with Ringed Plover on the mudflat. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:45
Scrape: 30-40 Black-tailed Godwit, 20-30 Lapwing, 4 Snipe (at least), 6 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Hobby, many Sand Martin. Andrew Cox.
Thursday 27th August 2009
RSPB Vange Marsh 06.30 to 08.30
5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Lapwing, 6 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Avocet, 1 Kestrel. David Shepherd.
Southend, High Street 14.30 to 14.50
2 Swift over town centre followed by male Sparrowhawk and great Spotted Woodpecker calling. Steven Wood.
Wakering Stairs 16.05 - 17.15
1 Osprey still fishing from the same post, 110 Grey Plover (in various stages of moult), flying towards Haven Point. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17.15 to 18.45
54 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Snipe, 63 Lapwing, 20 Little Egret, 6 Avocet, 8 Green Sandpiper, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Sparrowhawk. David Shepherd.
Wakering Stairs, 18:15 to 19:30
1 Osprey on post out from slipway at 6:15pm and still present on one post further south at 7:30pm, 2 Marsh Harrier from Haven Point, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtail (flock feeding on seawall), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 4 Common Tern. 1 Painted Lady. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 26th August 2009
Leigh on Sea 15.30
1 Hobby over Leigh Car wash. Web Author.
David Lloyd, Snakes Lane 13.00
1 female Sparrowhawk flying across the road. Terry Priest, Andrew Dutton.
Wakering Stairs, 18:15 to 19:00
1 Osprey still on usual post about a mile offshore to right of slipway. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 19:00 to 19:45
28 Sandwich Tern, 2 Black Tern, 2 House Martin. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tuesday 25th August 2009
Wat Tyler Country Park 06.00 - 09.00
4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cormorant, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, and 1 Wheatear. Neil Phillips.
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:25
1 Crossbill flew over, low, calling, toward Belfairs. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend 14.35
1 Peregrine Falcon low over Sainsbury's car park and towards the seafront. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 15.00
9 Little Egret, 6 Heron, 6 Spotted Redshank, 9 Greenshank, 3 Avocet, 3 Green Sandpiper, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit. R Shepherd.
Westcliff, Eastwood Boulevard 15.00
1 Swift over. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Thorpe Bay 17.00
Blue Tits, Great Tits and a family of Long-tailed Tits I have never seen in the garden before. Alaso at 6am this morning 2 Grey Heron spotted flying over the garden. Julie Walsh.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 19:40
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 21.00
Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 24th August 2009
Benfleet Creek, 12:40
1 Hobby hunting along dykes by seawall. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:15 to 14:35
Scrape only: 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 50+ Lapwing, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Little Egret, 9 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:00 to 19:15
1 Osprey on distant post most of time, 1 Kestrel towards Oxenham Farm, 10 Little Egret, 58 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 26 Greenshank at Haven Point, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 40 Swallow heading SW in small groups. Don Petrie (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 19:45
1 Hobby flying east. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Sunday 23rd August 2009
Ashingdon, 09:00 to 09:10
1 Willow Warbler in the garden. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Langdon Hills 09:00 - 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, several Willow Warbler, Swallows, House Martins, 6 swift. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island 09.30 - 10.00
1 Barn Owl perched on old concrete post near creek opposite model plane airfield. It was a very nice rare (for me) sighting. What was curious was it's acceptance of me getting quite close (it heard me, looked straight at me then ignored me). Also it had a black strap around each leg, held possibly by a press stud? With this and it's indifference to people, could it be an escapee from a falconry display group? MXB.
Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 15:30, (WEBS count)
430 Starling, 4 Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 320 Redshank, 22 Greenshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 690 Black-tailed Godwit, 865 Curlew, 57 Ringed Plover, 211 Grey Plover, 20 Dunlin, 368 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 7 Common Sandpiper (record count), 18 Common Tern, 70 Little Egret, 6 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 7 Swift, 5 Teal, 1 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail. 5 Southern Hawker, 3 Common Hawker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Canvey Haul Out Point and Southend Pier 14.00
Cormorant. Also Common Seals basking on the sand spit running out downstream from Canvey Island plus, a Common Seal swimming east of the pier about half way out from the shore. Made our day! Jeff Douglas.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15.00
9 Common Tern, 2 Black Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. R.Shepherd.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15.00
2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad & juv). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 15:45 to 17:50
3 Black Tern, 17 Little Tern (one flock), 65+ Common Tern, 43 Mediterranean Gull (15 juvs.). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Rochford 06.50 - 07.15
About 25 House Martin over the town centre and hospital; only one or two nests being visited now. David Selley.
Barling Rubbish Tip, 11:00 to 12:45
Up to the Roach and back: 26 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, c800 Redshank, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Mediterranean Gull (juv.), 3 Common Tern, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Little Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III, River Roach 11.00 - 13.00
Asounding views of a female Peregrine Falcon. This bird caught a Wood Pigeon just in front of our boat (see location on map). At first she sat on the east bank of the river but as we got closer carried her prey, with some difficulty, over to the west bank (on Potton). She then proceed to enjoy her dinner with us not 20 feet away! Also: 1 Kestrel, 27 Little Egret, c.80 Ringed Plover, 18 Swallow, 3 Black-tailed Godwit. 20 Common Seal. Web Author.
Two Tree Island 11:30 - 15:00
c3000 Black-tailed Godwit, many Oystercatcher, Redshank, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Knot, 1 Golden Plover, a few Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank, 5 Whimbrel, Avocet, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing. Teal, 1 Hobby. Andrew Cox.
Barling Pits, 12:45 to 13:30
3 Green Woodpecker, 6 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Whitethroat, 7 Little Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:45 to 14:45
2 Osprey, one on distant post throughout; a second adult bird present from 14.00 - 14.20 fishing just offshore caught a fish then flew SW and lost to view beyond East Beach, c900 Bar-tailed Godwit, c600 Curlew, c3500 Oystercatcher, 12 Grey Plover. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III, Buxey Sands 17.30 - 20.00
8 Shelduck, 2 Little Egret, 18 Turnstone, c.80 Oystercatcher, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Atlantic Grey Seal, 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Southchurch Hall Park East
1 Egyptian Goose, Robert Dobinson.
Friday 21st August 2009
Rochford, 07:20
20+ Canada Goose flew north low and fast over the garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.40
3 Wheatear along seawall, Sparrowhawk, 8 Little Egret, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Grebe (3 juvs.), 2 Swallow, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Canada Goose. Ray Fuller.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek 10.20 - 13.20
29 Little Egret, 26 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 658 Black-header Gull, 42 Common Gull, 111 Herring Gull, 179 Great Black-backed Gull, 31 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Common Tern, 686 Curlew, 10 Oystercatcher, 84 Black-tailed Godwit, 386 Redshank, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 12 Lapwing. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wakering Stairs 16.30 - 17.00
1 Osprey still on same post. John Pitts.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 - 18:45
100 Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Avocet, 1 male Sparrowhawk. Andrew Cox.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 18:10 to 19:00
35 Corn Bunting, 70 Golden Plover, 1 female Marsh Harrier over Potton Island, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow, 11 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 27 Goldfinch. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:30 to 18:40
1 Osprey (500 yds out on post), 3 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egret. Dave Knight (SOG).
Thursday 20th August 2009
Uncle Tom's Cabin, Shoeburyness 09.30
On shoreline 6 Turnstone and 3 Sanderling very busy feeding on a rough waterline. Gillian Warner.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15.30
3 Hobby Web Author, Kris Mee.
Wakering Stairs, 17:50 to 18:00
1 Osprey still present, distant on posts from slipway. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:50 to 21:30
25 Swift, 27 Canada Goose, 1 Barn Owl (landed on the egret hide whilst we were in it), 47 Little Egret. 1 Common Pipistrelle. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wednesday 19th August 2009
Leigh Marsh, 08:00 to 08:15
Feeding together in conifers surrounding the driving range: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (male), 2 House Sparrow, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blue Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 10:00
2 Willow Warbler present all morning in my garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:50 to 09:00
12 Common Seal, 7 Little Egret, 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi showing well on the beach), 4 Mediterranean Gull (3 ad-w, 1 2nd-w). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hockley 10.00
2 adult Hobby, 3 Hobby young. Martin Ricks.
South Fambridge 10.10 - 11.35
Buzzard appeared to take off from Blue House Farm then drifted south gaining height, also 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Egret, 7 Swallow. Ray Fuller.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 11:00 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon spent most of the day sitting on the east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery 13.00 to 13.45
Great Spotted Woodpecker 2, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk. Les Costin (EBS).
Benfleet Creek Footpath 15:45
1 female Wheatear. James H.
South Fambridge 16.00
Peregrine Falcon circling over South Fambridge Village. M Hotten.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 18:30 to 20:20
7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 2 Wheatear, 30 Yellow Wagtail (at least), 200 Swallow (at least over pond by boatyard), 1 Marsh Harrier (immature male), 80 Golden Plover (at least), 33 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Owl on posts by the barns at dusk. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey, Tewke's Creek, 19:15 to 20:45
68 Canada Goose, 2 Common Sandpiper, 28 Little Egret (flying west to roost somewhere over towards Benfleet or Pitsea - at dusk). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tuesday 18th August 2009
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 06.30
1 Willow Warbler in the garden, 2 Jackdaw over. David Selley.
Shoebury East Beach, 08:20 to 08:40
1 Osprey seen distantly, fishing from a post out to sea, 3 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12.00 - 12.05
Chiffchaff in garden (a first for us). Web Author, Kris Mee.
Witham 12.15
Pair of Hen Harrier circling overhead Witham Cemetery. Mark Bicknell.
Two Tree Island 15.10
2 young Pheasants ran across the road in front of my car. Lyn Davies.
Southchurch Park East Lake 15.50
4 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher flying length of lake. Leslie Spurling.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 16:40 to 17:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House, 1 Sparrowhawk at 17:15. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 18:30 to 20:00
4 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 19.00
12 Common Seal on Hadleigh Ray. Emily Broad & Family.
Monday 17th August 2009
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:10 to 08:45
9 Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Kingfisher (in the moat), 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:20 to 09:25
1 adult Ring-billed Gull on sea wall at high tide, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend Seafront 12.00
8 Common Seal on the sand between Kent and Westcliff seafront. Black-headed Gull. Emily Broad.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:15 to 13:50
54 Black-tailed Godwit, 35+ Lapwing, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Snipe, 5 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Lady Essex Seal Trip, River Roach 15.30 - 17.00
3, Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, c.50 Ringed Plover, Kestrel on Potton. 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Benfleet Creek, 17:30 to 17:45
5 Greenshank. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 17:50
1 Hobby over Rectory Grove. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 16th August 2009
Two Tree Island, 07:15 to 10:45
1 Barn Owl hunting east of airfield at 7.20, 2 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Tern (including chicks), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Kestrel (female), 5 House Sparrow (first on Island for over a year), 630 Black-tailed Godwit, 38 Swallow, 6 Swift, 5 Little Egret. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 08:00 to 10:00
5 Mediterranean Gull (3 juveniles, an adult and a 2nd year). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Stambridge, 08:00 to 08:30
1 Spotted Flycatcher east of Barton Hall Farm between cockle shell piles and creek, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 11:30
3 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 20 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer (1 seen 1 heard), 1 Turtle Dove, 65 Little Grebe, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Yellow Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 12:10
10 Green Sandpiper, 44 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank. 8 Common Blue, 1 Painted Lady. Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge to the Brandy Hole 10.30 - 12.30
6 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe (adult + 3 juveniles), 1 Kestrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Curlew, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail (juveniles), 6 Reed Bunting. 1 Common Seal, many Small Tortoiseshell around the Brandy Hole, 5 Painted Lady. David Selley.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:00 to 15:15
1 Wheatear, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 6 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 25+ Swallow, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Little Egret. 1 Brown Hawker. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:50 to 16:30, (From Hampton Barns)
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 70 Little Grebe, 8 Common Tern (6 adults & 2 juveniles), 2 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Corn Bunting, 3 Linnet, 4 Little Egret (2 on river), 150 Black-tailed Godwit on river. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 18.45 - 19.30
Osprey distant, c.800 Oystercatcher, c.30 Grey Plover (many in summer plumage), 1 Whimbrel, 3 Knot (part summer plumage), c.200 Dunlin. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Saturday 15th August 2009
Wakering Stairs 06.50 - 08.00
1 Osprey feeding on post just west of Broomway, then flew closer inshore towards Havengore. 1 Marsh Harrier (adult female), 1 juvenile Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Common Tern. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 09.15
Kingfisher is back at Southchurch Park East. I saw the adult male at 9.15 this morning. Bob Dobinson.
Hadleigh Downs, 08:15 to 08:20
1 Hobby just east of the castle. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:15 to 11:05
1 Osprey still on distant post from slipway, 11 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret. 2 Painted Lady. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:10 to 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Yellow Wagtail (incl. several juveniles), 1 Little Owl on post by barn, 2 Green Sandpiper, 33 Little Egret, 65 Golden Plover, 2 Common Tern, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Kestrel (male & female), 15 Skylark, 7 Corn Bunting, 600 Redshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing by fishing lakes. 1 Brown Argus. Neil Chambers (SOG).
River Roach Seal Trip Aboard Lady Essex III 12.00 - 14.30
c.200 Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 8 Common Tern. 27 Common Seal. Web Author.
Paglesham Lagoon, 17:00 to 20:00
22 Little Egret, 12 Cormorant, 1 Black Swan, 38 Mute Swan (including 2 cygnets, rest adult), 65 Little Grebe, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult winter), 8 Common Tern (6 adults and 2 well-grown chicks), 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 125 Rook, 4 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 18:30 to 20:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 14th August 2009
Benfleet Creek, 08:10
1 Wheatear on seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Rochford, 17:15 to 18:00
1 Hobby (very high up), 3 Common Blue, 2 Holly Blue, 5 Large White (minimum) Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Leigh on Sea, 17:00 to 17:05
2 Swift flew over Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:45 to 18:00
1 Osprey on a post off shore right of slipway. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:05 to 19:40
1 Osprey still on post viewable distantly from end of MOD road, 1 Sabine's Gull (juvenile flew upriver past the Osprey (closer but still distant) at 7.20), 1 Skua sp, probable Pomerine Skua as rather large and bulky east at 7.25, 6 Black Tern up river, 3 Common Scoter. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:15 to 21:25
126 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl, 14 Black-tailed Godwit. 2 Noctule Bat confirmed with bat detector. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island 20.00 - 22.00
Over 100 Little Egret roosting, 1 Barn Owl flying and a Bat. Emily Broad & Family.
Thursday 13th August 2009
Two Tree Island (West), 06:40 to 08:30
52 Common Tern (2 very young being fed), 4 Sandwich Tern, 8 Ringed Plover, 28 Dunlin, 55 Grey Plover, 42 Redshank, 500 Oystercatcher (approx.), 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 22 Canada Goose (flew into creek), 4 Little Egret, 2000 Black-tailed Godwit (approx.) 1 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 2 Wren, 2 Stock Dove, 20 Whitethroat (at least), 3 Willow Warbler (all juvenile), 1 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:20 to 08:20
1 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Goldfinch, 20 Linnet, 40 Greenfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 07:45 to 08:10
60+ Common Tern, 1 Black Tern (adult in close), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 38 Turnstone. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 08:30 to 08:40
1 Ring-billed Gull present on beach on falling tide in usual place, 'Rossi' now back for his 11th winter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Oxenham Farm, 13:00
274 Golden Plover on mud by Boy Scout Hut. Ian Douch (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:10 to 19:10
1 Little Gull (juv.), 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Black Tern (1 in summer plumage), 17 Grey Plover, 25 Dunlin, 1 Osprey (sat on a post towards the forts), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 12th August 2009
Wakering, Haven Point, 18:15 to 19:15
6 Little Egret, 3 Whimbrel, 24 Greenshank, 1 Wheatear. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 11th August 2009
Gunners Park, 07:10 to 08:00
5 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 50 House Martin, 30 Swallow, 1 Marsh Harrier (Female headed south-west), 1 Chiffchaff. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00
1 Chiffchaff in garden - almost certainly a migrant. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Point and Newlands/Tewkes, 14:00 to 17:00
38 Sandwich Tern, 120 Common Tern, 4 Little Tern, 3 Black Tern, 1 Knot (summer plumage), 350 Grey Plover (many in summer plumage), 1 Whinchat, 1 Sanderling, 12 Whimbrel, 2 Sparrowhawk. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17.30 - 18.30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 20+ Coot, 1 Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk. Neil Phillips.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 20.35
3 Little Egret over SW (towards Two Tree), 1 Swift, 8 House Martin. David Selley.
Monday 10th August 2009
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 10:30 to 10:40
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 09th August 2009
Southend Seafront, 06:30 to 07:30
162 Mediterranean Gull about half of which were moulting juveniles. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 07:50 to 08:45
1 female Marsh Harrier on Havengore, 1 Peregrine Falcon over Havengore, 1 Wheatear along approach road, 168 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper over Haven Point, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker (juvenile), 1 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford, 09:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker in garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet Creek, 09:45 to 11:30
19 Greenshank, 18 Little Egret, 250 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Stonechat (ad. female & 1 juv.). John Wright (SOG).
Canewdon, Lion Creek and Lower Raypits 10.00 - 11.45
3 Little Egret, 8 Swallow, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper put up from drainage ditch, 4 Curlew, 5 Dunlin in summer plumage, 2 Oystercatcher - nearly full-grown juv. still being fed by adult, 1 juvenile Cuckoo. David Selley.
Pleshy 13.00 - 16.00
4 Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, 1 Heron, male and female Bullfinch, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker seen and heard drumming, 1 Willow Warbler. Sue Haffenden.
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 17:00
15 Whimbrel. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 14:30 to 15:15
2 Wasp Spiders, 50 Painted Lady (at least with a 'swarm' on the clover by the pond), 40 Common Blue (at least), 4 Brown Argus (minimum). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:00 to 16:00
1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 1000+ Black-tailed Godwit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 18:55
1 Hobby flew NW over the gardens in Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Two Tree Island, Eastern End 20.30
c90 Little egret - at least in roost, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank. Clouded yellow (Leigh on Sea, 10.30am). Andrew Gouldstone.
Saturday 08th August 2009
Leigh on Sea, 08:30 to 08:40
1 juvenile Green Woodpecker in garden, 1 Sparrowhawk over. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond, 09:00 to 09:30
2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler. Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 14:00
54 Mediterranean Gull in a flock of mixed small gulls off the point before high tide - mostly juveniles with a few adults and 2nd winters, 2 Black Tern, 8 Sand Martin. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:45
1 Osprey on post out at sea by Haven Point, 3 Little Tern. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 14:10 to 14:40
18 Little Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper roosting on the barge, 200 Black-tailed Godwit. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Friday 07th August 2009
Canvey Point, 05:30 to 07:00
1 Marsh Harrier (juv. along the seafront and out over the Point), 18 Sandwich Tern (inc. 1 juv.), 2 Little Tern, 40 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Scoter (male). Jeff Saward, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Langdon Hills Country Park 11.00 - 14.20
4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap (males), 1 Treecreeper, 14+ Long-Tailed Tit, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail (pair). Terry Priest, J Laver.
Canvey Point, 12:45 to 16:30
1 Gannet, 1 Arctic Skua, 130 Black Tern (inc. a flock of 58, mostly all summer plumaged adults), 35 Little Tern, 120 Common Tern, 22 Whimbrel, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Sanderling, 1 Kentish Plover 
(juvenile, from 13.15 to 16.30 at least with the Ringed Plovers on the beach at the end of the Point), 1 Little Gull (juv.), 1 Hobby (north over the Point from Kent). Jeff Saward, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:45 to 15:45
1 Curlew Sandpiper (adult at eastern end), 21 Ringed Plover, 80 Redshank, 22 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 9 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, 17 Lapwing, 12 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier (imm male, ad female and juv), 15 Yellow Wagtail. Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:55 to 18:45
5 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Greenshank, 8 Whimbrel, 22 Black Tern (most resting on mud both N+S of point, incl. several sum. pl. ad.), 15 Little Tern. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canewdon, 20:30
1 Little Owl in top of tree on Apton Hall Road. Web Author, Steve Sanford (SOG).
Thursday 06th August 2009
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.10 - 12.15
Marsh Harrier, 2 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit (one individual had red colour ring on right leg), 2 Whimbrel, Little Grebe, 11 Little Egret, 45 Curlew, 4 Yellow Wagtail (juvs.), 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Whitethroat, Swallow, 2 Sedge Warbler. Ray Fuller.
Canvey Point, 18:50 to 20:00
1 Great Skua , 1 Common Scoter (male), 10 Little Tern, 8 Sandwich Tern, 50 Common Tern, 1 Greenshank, 19 Little Egret. Jeff Saward, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Billericay Garden 16:40
Gatekeeper. Chris Henry.
Bowers Marshes, 17:00
1 Hobby. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 19:00 to 20:20
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Mistle Thrush. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 05th August 2009
RSPB Vange Marsh 05.30 to 08.00
Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 11 Common Sandpiper, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Lapwing, 12 Avocet, (2 juveniles), 8 Shelduck. (6 juveniles). David Shepherd.
Tewke's Creek, 14:00 to 15:00
2 Golden Plover (full summer plumage), 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (brownish sub-adult, in heavy wing moult). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Gunners Park 18.45 - 19.30
1 Kestrel, 2 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Linnet, approx. 40 Swallow, flock of Pied Wagtail on the beach, Little Egret on the mud. Mel and kay Smith.
Two Tree Island (East) 20.00 - 21.15
141 Little Egret roosting by 21.00, 1 Barn Owl, about 300 Swift flying south, 25 Swallow, 1 Song Thrush singing. David Selley.
Monday 03rd August 2009
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:35 to 11:10
1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands 12.15 to 14 15
14 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Common Tern, 5 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, many ordinary Redshank, Dunlin, Ring Plover, Grey Plover, and Lapwing, 8+ Yellow Wagtail all juveniles bar one, 1 Grey Wagtail (rather unusual), 2 Linnet. Les Costin (EBS).
Barling Hall Creek 18.00
7 Little Egret feeding on first of flood tide. T.Thorneycroft.
Sunday 02nd August 2009
Rochford 07.40 - 08.20
Well over 50 House Martin around North Street and the old hospital area - constant twittering and nests still being visited, 6 Swift. David Selley.
Langdon Hills 08:45 - 13:30
1-2 Nuthatch, many Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, Swallows and House Martins, 1 female Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, Song Thrush, Wren, Long-tailed Tits. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs 10.20 - 11.50
3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Turtle Dove heard, 66 Swallow and 19 Sand Martin all flying SW past Morrin's Point, 1860 Oystercatcher on high tide roost, 33 Grey Plover, 8 Golden Plover, 19 Ringed Plover, 13 Greenshank, 7 Curlew. David Selley.
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:45 to 12:15
3 Golden Plover (excellent summer plumage birds), 7 Whimbrel, 10 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 34 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 17 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 5 Cormorant, 5 Shelduck (including 2 juveniles), 20 Yellow Wagtail (many juveniles), 1 Green Sandpiper (yesterday), 2 Common Tern. Jeff Delve (EBS, SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Grey Wagtail (west along brook). Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 01st August 2009
Canvey Area (Private site with no public access), 08:00 to 13:00
1 Caspian Gull (4th year), 5 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 3-4 juveniles), 3 Mediterranean Gull (all adults including green ringed 3HU4), 20 Little Egret (in creek), 1 Greenshank (in creek). Steve Arlow Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Stock Road Southend 08.30
Pair of ring-necked Parakeet often heard in the area of the Jewish Cemetery. Dan Davison.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.45
Female Marsh Harrier, 8 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 9 Yellow Wagtail (mainly juvs.), 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Grey Plover, 2 Common Whitethroat, 30 Curlew. Ray Fuller.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 - 13:30
2 Hobby, 2 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 32 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 20 Goldfinch, 2 juvenile Bearded Tit. Andrew Cox.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10.00 - 14.00
3 Swift, 1 Swallow over, 15 Magpie all in garden - oh good! Web Author, Kris Mee.