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Bird Reports For August 2010

Tuesday 31st August 2010    

Gunners Park, 08:20 to 14:20
1 Redstart, 4 Wheatear, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 2+ Spotted Flycatcher. Don Petrie (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:00 to 17:15
7 Moorhen, 23 Carrion Crow, 8 Magpie, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Collared Dove, 10+ Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.

Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 19:00
4 Marsh Harrier on Havengore Island and beyond, 1 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat at Haven Point. Don Petrie (SOG).

Cherry Orchard Country Park, 18:40 to 18:50
1 Hobby flew west, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whinchat on wires along Gusted Hall Lane, 7 Common Pipistrelle (at c20.30), 2 Noctule Bat (larger bats at c.20:30 were probably this species). Paul Baker (SOG).

Monday 30th August 2010    

Canvey Seafront, 05:50 to 07:15
40 Common Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Black Tern, 8 Little Egret, 15 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Gunners Park, 09:20 to 11:30
1 Redstart (NE corner of reserve), 1 Tree Pipit (probably two, east of lake near pillbox), 2 Yellow Wagtail near lake, 1 Spotted Flycatcher near car park. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 10:00 to 10:30
200+ Golden Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Gunners Park 10:00 to 12:00
2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redstart on reserve. Noel Barnes.

Gunners Park, 10:45 to 14:00
2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Redstart, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 9 House Martin, 19 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Baker (SOG).

Tewke's Creek, 13:45 to 14:15
1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 12 Knot, 4 Greenshank. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Canvey Point, 13:45 to 14:40
100 Common Tern (mainly moving west), 10 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Skua (dark adult). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 14:15
1 Common Tern. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey Point, 14:30 to 17:15
2 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, 1 juvenile Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 1st winter), 10 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 115 Common Tern (heading W), 9 Arctic Tern (heading W), 1 Sparrowhawk (N across the river). Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Canvey Point, 14:50 to 17:05
10 Little Egret (roosting in Tewke's Creek), 400 Ringed Plover, 9 Knot (including one still in summer plumage), 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 150 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone (adult and 2 juveniles), c.50 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern (adult and juvenile), 2 Yellow Wagtail, c.20 Whimbrel (a few small groups heading over south). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 16.00 to 17.10
40 Golden Plover (summer plumage), 105 Grey Plover (mostly in mid-moult and looking oddly piebald), 160 Curlew, 23 Common Tern (mostly juveniles), 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Shelduck. David Selley.

Shoebury East Beach, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Wheatear on the beach, 12+ Common Tern, 20+ Sanderling, 2 Little Egret. Peter Collins (SOG).

Gunners Park, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Redstart (NE corner of reserve), 2 Spotted Flycatcher (just W of tennis courts), 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 120 Swallow, 30 House Martin, 50 House Sparrow (E end of reserve). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 20:00
2 Little Egret headed low north as if about to roost nearby. Paul Baker (SOG).

Sunday 29th August 2010    

Gunners Park, 08:00 to 12:00
1 Redstart eastern end of reserve, 5 Spotted Flycatcher (4 by the old tennis courts and one by the pedestrian entrance/footbridge), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Kingfisher (the old pond), 2 Yellow Wagtail 1 Merlin (flew south), 5 Blackcap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Wakering Stairs, 08:30 to 09:30
1 Osprey sat out on post immediately off end of road, 350 Golden Plover (flock on mud including many summer plumage birds), 1 Knot, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (bushes to W), 40 Swallow (steady passage), Jeff Delve (SOG).

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 09:15 to 11:00
4 Whinchat, 3 Green Woodpecker, 23 Swallow, 1 Jay, 3 Magpie, 28 Carrion Crow on meadow, 50+ on adjoining fields, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Moorhen, 2 Whitethroat. Paul Forsdick.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Red-necked Phalarope, 1 Little Stint, 5 Curlew Sandpiper (dropped in with a few Dunlin for about 15 minutes and then flew off north), 1 immature Spoonbill, 2 Green Sandpiper. John Wright, Mike Clarke, Tim Jones (SOG).

Gunners Park, 09:45 to 10:30
1 immature Redstart at NE corner reserve area, 4 Spotted Flycatcher (tennis courts), 1 Tree Pipit flew up into chestnut tree from most easterly pillbox, 2 Willow Warbler in same tree as flycatchers, 3 Lesser Whitethroat (1 tennis courts, 2 reserve), 5 Whitethroat (tennis courts), 70 Swallow (large flock over lawns E of tennis courts), 1 Green Woodpecker (reserve). Jeff Delve (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:20 to 11:30
1 juvenile Little Stint, 1 Red-necked Phalarope, 1 juvenile Spoonbill, 2 Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit. Mike Bailey (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 10:20 to 11:40
1 Osprey still on the post, 1 Hobby, 1 Marsh Harrier, 330+ Swallow (continuous SW movement), 4 Sand Martin, 1 Little Egret, 2 Knot feeding on the mud with small numbers of Ringed Plover and Dunlin, c.200 Golden Plover, 3 Pied Wagtail, 6 Linnet. David Selley.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:30
2 Greenshank, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Stock Dove. Mike Clarke, Tim Jones (SOG).

Gunners Park, 11:00 to 13:20
6 Spotted Flycatcher (4 together by tennis courts and 2 further along Beach Road), 2 Yellow Wagtail (east of lake), 1 Tree Pipit (flushed from long grass north of lake), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (NE corner of Warrior Square), 1 Kestrel, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Redstart in NE corner of reserve, initially elusibe but eventually showed well. Paul Baker

Two Tree Island, 11:40 to 17:20
21 Little Egret, c.1970 Black-tailed Godwit on the lagoon, 47 Greenshank, c.25 Swallow, 7 Sand Martin, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull near Canvey Point, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.70 Common Tern, 4 Common Scoter (drakes, off Canvey Point at 14:20), 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on the lagoon, 7 Knot (lagoon), 2 Whitethroat. Paul Griggs (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 12:50
1 immature Spoonbill asleep, 1 juvenile Red-necked Phalarope, 1 Little Stint, 4 Dunlin, 10 Sand Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wallasea Island, 12:40 to 15:15
2 Curlew Sandpiper at the very far eastern end, 11 Little Egret, 7 Greenshank, 9 Wigeon, 3 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 2 moulting juveniles in gull flock along road). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 14:20
Spoonbill, Red-necked Phalarope, Little Stint, 4 Dunlin, 7 Curlew, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Terry Jeffreys.

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:30 to 13:45
4 adult Mediterranean Gull. Mike Clarke, Tim Jones, John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:30 to 16:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow (Huge movement in front of a squall - involving several hundred hirundines), 1 House Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher. Mike Clarke, Tim Jones, John Wright (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 14:45 to 18:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Canvey Point, 15:30 to 16:45
1 juvenile Arctic Tern, 35 Common Tern moving strongly up-river, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1 x 2nd winter, 2 x 1st winter). Jeff Saward (SOG).

Canvey, Hole Haven Creek 15:45 to 16:15
11 little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Cattle Egret in long grass 50 metres behind Little Egret roost on bank 800m south of flood barrier. Jeff Elliott.

Wakering Stairs, 16:30 to 17:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey, 6 Sanderling, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. Mike Clarke, Tim Jones, John Wright (SOG).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 18:10
1 Swift. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Saturday 28th August 2010    

Gunners Park 07:00 to 10:15
5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Kingfisher (1 at old pond - other between dyke bridges), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat, 8 Whitethroat, Dunnock, Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Yellow Wagtail on reserve area, 2 Pied Wagtail. Noel Barnes, Les Costin.

Langdon Hills 07:30 to 11:30
2 Sparrowhawk, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, 2 Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, 7 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Treecreeper. Andrew Cox.

Canvey Wick, 07:30 to 09:45
1 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Little Egret, 4 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Gunners Park, 08:00 to 10:00
South east of park and the garrison: 3 Tree Pipit (still in small spindly conifers east of lake), 1 Redstart (probably 2, in bushes behind houses in NE of Warrior Square), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap (redheads), 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher in tennis courts, 1 Marsh Harrier over. Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 09:30 to 10:30
2 Whinchat on tree in north meadow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Little Grebe (my first sighting here since January), 4 juvenile Greenfinch, 1 female Pheasant, 1 Swallow, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 juvenile Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackbird. 3 Starling on backs of horses in north meadow (re-taking their role from the Wheatears that were doing this during in the week). Many Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Feral Pigeon. Paul Forsdick.

Wakering Stairs, 10:30 to 11:45
5 Marsh Harrier (most over Havengore Island, including one immature/female with a white wing tag on the left wing), 3 Osprey (usual one still on a post out on the mudflat, two distantly moving west up the Crouch north of Foulness/Wallasea), 5+ Kestrel. Don Petrie (SOG).

Gunners Park, 10:45 to 14:15
1 Redstart, 4 Wheatear, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher in tennis courts, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Swift, 25 Swallow, 12 House Martin. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 11:30 to 13:00
1 Osprey hunting around banks near foulness bridge then flew off southwards, 1 Marsh Harrier. Noel Barnes.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 13:40
1 juvenile Red-necked Phalarope (found by Tim Jones), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spoonbill, 10 Dunlin. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Neil Chambers, Mike Clarke, Peter Collins, Tim Jones, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie, Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG). (Note that, as expected, the red-necked phalarope attracted a steady stream of visitors. A number of visitors parked on the A13 slip road into the woodyard. This attracted the attention of the local police who warned, that in future cars parked beside the A13 would be ticketed and incur points as well as a fine. To avoid this you can park at Wat Tyler (TQ737869). Walk 1/2 mile back along Pitsea Hall Lane across the level crossing to the footpath on the left opposite Pitsea Station car park. Follow the path north to Pitsea flyover where it bears left across the railway line. Once 'safely' over the railway line, follow the path right to the reserve entrance where there is an RSPB display board with reserve map. Ed).

Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 17:00
4 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper in flock together, c.350 Ringed Plover, c.40 Dunlin, 13 Greenshank (5 in SW borrowdyke, 8 wetlands), 3 Common Sandpiper (SW borrowdyke), 10 Green Sandpiper (SW borrowdyke), 4 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, c.200 Redshank, 5 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 male Kestrel hunting low over borrowdyke, 3 Marsh Harrier (immature male and 2 juveniles, there has also been an adult female and a dark wing tagged juvenile recently), 15 Little Egret (5 in SW borrowdyke, 10 wetlands), 5 Grey Heron. Jeff Delve (SOG).

River Roach Aboard Lady Essex III Seal Trip 15:00 to 17:35
1 Avocet, 12 Shelduck, 2 Common Tern, 23 Little Egret, a very large female Peregrine Falcon - amazing views as this bird chased a Mallard over the river and around our boat for some minutes, at times the falcon was no more than a few centimetres from the water! Headed off over Wallasea. 28 Common Seal. Web Author.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 19:00
1 Spoonbill, 1 Garganey (eclipse), 1 Little Stint, 4 Snipe, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 juvenile Red-necked Phalarope. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:45 to 18:50
1 Red-necked Phalarope, 1 Spoonbill. Paul Baker (SOG).

Friday 27th August 2010    

Canvey Island, 06:15 to 16:45
41 Gannet, 23 Wigeon, 40 Common Scoter (including a flock of 37), 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 3 Pomarine Skua (all adults with spoons, 2 at 14:40 and again at 15:00, another distant at 15:10), 103 Arctic Skua, 4 Long-tailed Skua (intermediate juvenile at 07:15, intermediate juvenile and adult together at 08:00 and an adult with full tail streamers at 14:50), 59 Great Skua, 5 Mediterranean Gull (3 x 1st w, 1 x 2nd w, 1 adult), 1 adult Little Gull, 3 juvenile Sabine's Gull at 09:20, adult at 11:45, and another very showy adult at 13:00 - 13:10 and seen again at 14:10), 37 Black Tern. Jeff Saward, Don Petrie (SOG).

Gunners Park, 07:00 to 09:20
2 Tree Pipit, 12+ Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 female/immature Redstart at SE most point of park at 07.20 and again at 08.50 around east and south perimeter wall/fence of scaffold clad house, 1 Sparrowhawk. Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 07:30 to 08:15
1 Spotted Flycatcher near playground, 2 Tree Pipit by linnet bunker NW of lake. Sally Brierley, John Wright (SOG).

Canvey Seafront, 08:20 to 10:30
40+ Arctic Skua, 15 Great Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 10 Gannet, 6 Black Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Mediterranean Gull. 1 Harbour Porpoise. Tim Bourne, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hole Haven Creek, 10:30 to 18:00
1 Cattle Egret feeding on the salt marsh 800m south of Easthaven flood barrier from 13.50 and was with Little Egrets until 17.20, 3 Whinchat, 7 Greenshank, 8 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Redshank, 22 Little Egret. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Hole Haven Creek, 11:00 to 17:00
3 Whinchat, 19 Little Egret, 625 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Grey Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 13:30
Reed Warbler, House Martin, Sand Martin. Swallow, Coot, Moorhen, 4 Spoonbill (2 juveniles), 30 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Mute Swan, 20 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 7 Gadwall, 40+ Shoveler, Teal, 2 Stock Dove, Kestrel, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Heron, 3 Cormorant, 4 Snipe (all around shingle scrape), Greenshank, 20 Greylag Goose. Noel Barnes, Les Costin.

Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00 to 15:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 12:30 to 14:00
1 Pied Flycatcher (1st winter south east corner of park in group of pines between lake and house with scaffolding 13:00-13:15 at least), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Tree Pipit perched on fence by cycle track north of lake, then flew east behind earth mounds at 13:45), 10 Willow Warbler (at least), 1 Wheatear. Mike Bailey (SOG).

Canvey Point, 14:00 to 16:50
20+ Arctic Skua, 1 adult Long-tailed Skua with 'streamers', 3 adult Pomarine Skua 'spoons', 1 adult Sabine's Gull, 1 Buzzard, 37 Common Scoter, 12 Black Tern (including a flock of 10), 3 Mediterranean Gull. 1 Harbour Porpoise, 1 Common Seal. John Wright  (SOG).

Southend, 14:10
1 Swift over Victoria Circus. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:30 to 16:30
3 Willow Warbler, 5 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 2 Arctic Skua. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Baxter Avenue Southend, 15:00
2 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Gunners Park, 15:30 to 19:45
5 Red-legged Partridge, 11 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Swift (at 17:20), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Osprey perched on a pole past East Beach boom, 1 female Marsh Harrier in mid channel at 17:00, 2 Tree Pipit east of lake, 1 Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua with the Pomarine and an Arctic flew together west 16:30 - 16:40, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Black Tern, 6 Mediterranean Gull (2 adult, 4 1st-winters), 7 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher by playground, 1 Pied Flycatcher just north of the reserve gate, 2 Wheatear in the reserve, 1 adult Little Gull. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Hole Haven Creek, 15:45 to 17:30
1 Cattle Egret roosting on salt marsh 800m south of flood barrier, 6 Common Sandpiper, 14 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Mike Bailey

Chelmsford, River Chelmer from Baddow Meads to Essex Record Office 15:45 to 16:10
1 Grey Wagtail, 4 House Martin (both at Essex Record Office sluice, hunting insects in air over river), 2 Wheatear flying along river at Baddow Meads. Paul Forsdick.

Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:00
1 immature male Merlin just moulting into some grey mantle feathers, 3 Wheatear, 5 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel. Jeff Delve (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh
Spotted Flycatcher. Dave Blackwell.

Thursday 26th August 2010    

Barling, Shopland Road 07:45
1 Osprey perched on top of telegraph pole (flew off as I approached) near new fishing lake in Shopland Road. Steve Day.

South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 10:15 to 12:30
c.500 Golden Plover in stubble field, impressive sight, most in summer plumage, female Marsh Harrier, 3 Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Greenshank, 6 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, c.150 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper, Willow Warbler, 8 Little Egret, 2 juvenile Little Grebe, 2 Reed Bunting. Ray Fuller.

Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear (nature reserve), 3 Swallow, 1 Cormorant. Peter Collins (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Coot, Mallard, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Cormorant, Little Egret, Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Herring Gull, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Swallow, Black-tailed Godwit, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Robin, House Martin, Sand Martin, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, House Sparrow, Chaffinch. Terry Jeffreys.

Gunners Park, 11:10 to 17:30
5 Little Egret, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female/immature Redstart in the playground bushes, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 16:20
4 Spoonbill (2 adults, 2 Immatures), 1 Osprey (14.20 flew over heading south), 10 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 1 Kingfisher flew along the creek, 2 Ruff, 15 Curlew. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 13:30 to 15:00
Viewed from Gunners and East Beach: 1 Osprey on posts and occasionally flying around. Don Petrie (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:20
1 Hobby flying south. David Selley.

Hanningfield Reservoir 15:30 to 16:20
10 Black Tern, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15 Lapwing, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, 4 Swift, 100+ Coot, 30+ Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Great Creasted Grebe, Moorhen, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, 1 Yellow legged Gull, 20 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Common Tern, 1 Garden Warbler, with flock of Blue Tits, Great Tits and Long-Tailed Tits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Brennan and Vince Briggs

Gunners Park, 15:30 to 17:30
3 Little Egret, 5 House Martin, 1 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 female/immature Redstart, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Whitethroat. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Gunners Park, 18:35 to 19:40
5 Red-legged Partridge near the building site mounds, 3 Tree Pipit (2 perched and another calling, all in the small conifers east of the lake). Don Petrie (SOG).

Wednesday 25th August 2010    

Rochford 07:20 to 07:40
80+ House Martin in feeding flock over the hospital and surrounding houses. Yesterday in much windier conditions I only saw about half a dozen birds. David Selley.

Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00 to 15:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park 11:15 to 13:15
50 Starling, 6 Swallow, Wheatear on old ranges, 2 Cormorant on lagoon, 6 Common Whitethroat, 2 Grey Heron and a Little Egret roosting in trees. S Jackson.

Canvey Seafront, 15:45 to 18:45
7 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults, 1 x 2nd winter, 2 x 1st winter), 1 Swift. Jeff Saward, Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:15 to 18:00
4 Spoonbill still present, 9 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 1 Little Egret, 1 Swift, 10+ Sand Martin, 1 Greenshank, 5 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Tuesday 24th August 2010    

Two Tree Island 11:00 to 13:30
5 Pied Wagtail, 28 Avocet, 200+ Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Common Tern, 5 Ringed Plover, 50+ Redshank, 75 Oystercatcher, 2 Stonechat (1 juvenile), 22 Greenshank, 4 Dunlin, 4 Grey Plover, 2 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Lesser Black Backed Gull. Noel Barnes.

Chelmsford, River Chelmer From Baddow Meads to Essex Record Office 16:45 to 17:00
10+ House Martin at Essex Record Office, 1 female Sparrowhawk flying low and fast over meadows at Baddow Meads, 28 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, many Mallard, Moorhen, Woodpigeon and Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 19:15 to 19:55
4 Little Egret (all flew straight over to another roost), 1 Cetti's Warbler. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Monday 23rd August 2010    

Canvey Seafront, 06:00 to 07:45
1 juvenile Arctic Skua, 12 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter), 15 Swallow, 4 Common Seal. Jeff Saward, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:15 to 10:30
NE corner only: 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Snipe (over), 1 Red-backed Shrike seen only once at 09.55 when flew low into hawthorn at SW corner of small reedbed. On view less than 2 minutes then flicked over the top and lost to view. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 12:20 to 12:50
Viewed from Gunners Park: 1 Osprey flying around and perching on posts to the north of Shoebury East Beach boom. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 17:00
All on reservoir: 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 7 Sand Martin, 1 Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:10
4 Wheatear riding on backs of horses in north meadow. I saw one on the ground near the horses at first and then a horse walking towards the other horses with two wheatears riding on its back. As that horse joined the group and the horses started moving off the Wheatear on the ground flew up onto another horse and was joined by a fourth Wheatear I'd not seen hidden by the weeds, and they all moved off with the Wheatears riding along. I've seen Starlings doing this here before too. Paul Forsdick.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:50 to 19:00
2 Ruff, 11 Green Sandpiper, 4 Spoonbill (2 adults, 2 immature), 10 Sand Martin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 to 20:00
Stonechat, Robin, 4 Spoonbill on brackish lagoon but all flew onto saline lagoon at 19:45, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, Snipe. Terry Jeffreys.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 19:45 to 19:55
Main scrape hide: 1 Cattle Egret roosting in the trees at far right of scrape. Martin Cracknell, Marc Outten (SOG).

Sunday 22nd August 2010    

Wakering Stairs, 06:00 to 07:45
1 Osprey appeared with a fish at 07.35 on post adjacent to Haven Point, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 35 Little Egret flushed from just over the seawall on Havengore settled back down in the same spot, 1 Turtle Dove purring from bushes circa halfway to Haven Point. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 09:00 to 11:10
Juvenile Red-backed Shrike in bushes approximately 100 yards east of track from railway crossing. Also, 1 Garden Warbler, 5+ Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10+ Common Whitethroat, 6+ Willow Warbler / Chiffchaff, 3 Spoonbill, 2 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpiper. Martin Singleton, Andy Bradley.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:25 to 11:00
3 Green Sandpiper (2 on flooded field, all other waders on reservoir), 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Barling Magna Nature Reserve 13:.00 to 14.00
4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Wren, c.15 Swift, c.30 Goldfinch in flock, Cock Pheasant (heard). Dan Davison.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:10 to 14:10
1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike, 3 Spoonbill, 1 Whinchat on fence by west end of marsh. Graham Ryland (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:55 to 15:35
1 immature Red-backed Shrike, 1 female/immature Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sand Martin, 6 Greenshank, 3 Spoonbill (2 adult, 1 juvenile), 4 Snipe, 3 Dunlin. Paul Griggs, Simon Watson (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 14:35
1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Spoonbill. Web Author, Kris Mee.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 15:20
1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike, 3 Willow Warbler (bright juveniles), 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Hobby. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Barling Hall Farm 14:00
10 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail feeding on horse field. T.Thorneycroft.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:20 to 15:20
1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike with only one tail feather, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Spoonbill. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Langdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands) 14:30 to 18:00
3 Hobby (adult and 2 juvenile, adult feeding young on dragonflies), 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Swift, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, at least 7 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Bullfinch. Andrew Cox.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:45 to 16:20
1 Red-backed Shrike showed well, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne, Sally Brierley (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:05 to 18:20
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler (one singing), 1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike (elusive but showed twice on yellow flower heads in the tall reeds at TQ734874). Don Petrie, Stuart Bailey, John Wright (SOG).

Wakering, High Street, 17:30
2 Swift. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Saturday 21st August 2010    

Wallasea Wetlands, 08:30 to 09:45
5 Little Egret, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 12 Corn Bunting, 15 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel. 3 Brown Argus. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:30 to 11:00
3 Spoonbill, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 70 Greylag Goose, 6 Mute Swan (4 adults and 2 juveniles), 5 Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 41 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 7 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Tern (juvenile and 2 adults), 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Linnet. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Canvey Point, 09:40 to 10:40
75 Common Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern. 1 Common Seal. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Osprey on various posts, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kittiwake (1st winter), 10+ Sand Martin passing SW along coast, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear by car park, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:10 to 11:30
1 Wood Sandpiper on flooded field, take left hand track from car park, 2 Green Sandpiper (1 on flooded field, 1 from west hide), 1 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whinchat. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Canvey Point, 10:50 to 11:40
Out on the point: c.350 Ringed Plover, c.120 Dunlin, 2 Sandwich Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:55 to 12:45
1 Wood Sandpiper SW corner of reservoir, 2 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper all on reservoir from hide. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 12:15
1 Wheatear on seawall between Benfleet and Leigh. Simon Watson (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 13:10 to 13:20
5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults + 2nd winter). Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 13:15
3 Spoonbill. Mute Swan, Numerous Greylag Geese. Marion Burch.

Gunners Park, 13:30 to 14:35
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat in compound SE corner of reserve, 1 Willow Warbler in compound. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 14:30 to 16:00
1 Bullfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker. 2 Migrant Hawker, 1 Common Darter, 5 Speckled Wood, 8 Holly Blue. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 14:45 to 14:55
1 Osprey flying in from estuary with a fish and then landed on post near East Beach, 1 Whimbrel, 50 Golden Plover. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:05 to 15:35
Potton Road only: 20 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 11 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Belton Hills, 15:20
1 Hobby. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:30 to 16:15
3 Spoonbill (2 adults and immature still present), 3 Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshank, 2 Ruff, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe. John Wright (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:30 to 17:35
5 Little Egret, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Snipe, 1 Hobby, 1 Turtle Dove. John Wright (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:00 to 19:40
1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Little Egret all flew in from east, circled and continued west; none alighted at roost. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Friday 20th August 2010    

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 15:50
1 female Wheatear, 1 Green Woodpecker, 13 Carrion Crow. Paul Forsdick.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:30 to 18:00
2 Wood Sandpiper on the flood along the dog walk, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 2 Ruff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Wakering Stairs 17:30 to 18:00
1 Osprey on distant post west of the Broomway, (this was the favoured low tide hang-out of last year's bird), 5 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat. David Selley.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 19:10 to 19:55
1 Cattle Egret dropped into egret roost south of scrape at 19:25 until all egrets spooked and flew west at 19:40. The birds had not returned by 19:55. Note, the park gates are locked at 20:00 and the scrape (motor boat) hide requires a key, 55+ Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:15 to 19:45
4 Little Egret, 3 Spoonbill (2 adults, 1 immature), 2 Dunlin (1 adult), 6 Snipe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank, 15 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 Swift. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 20:40
1 Common Pipistrelle. David Selley.

Thursday 19th August 2010    

Gunners Park, 08:00 to 10:30
6 Lesser Whitethroat (east side of reserve and concrete pad), 9 Whitethroat (east side of reserve and concrete pad), 7 Willow Warbler (all except one at the pond were east side of reserve), 1 Chiffchaff (east side of reserve), 2 Blackcap (west hedge (redheads)), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 1 Linnet, 1 Red-legged Partridge (walking through the play area was unusual!), 2 Sand Martin with hirundine flock, 2 Common Tern. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Magpie, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Collared Dove, Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Swallow, Shoveler, Mute Swan, Black-tailed Godwit, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Starling, Snipe, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 14:10
3 Spoonbill (2 adult, 1 immature), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:30 to 16:30
4 Snipe on reservoir, 2 Wood Sandpiper on the flooded field on dog loop at 16.30, 2 Ruff on reservoir, 4 Black-tailed Godwit on reservoir, 1 female Sparrowhawk. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:00 to 17:35
5 Little Egret, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Wood Sandpiper still on flooded field. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:50 to 17:30
2 Wood Sandpiper on southern loop trail, 1 Whimbrel over with Curlew, 6 Curlew. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Rochford, 17:50
1 Little Egret flew over Somerset Avenue heading towards Rochford Reservoir. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 18:00 to 19:50
3 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Snipe around the reservoir, 2 Ruff around the reservoir, 2 Common Sandpiper on the reservoir, 6 Green Sandpiper around reservoir, 2 Wood Sandpiper showing very well on the flooded field on the southern loop, then flew to the western end of the reservoir. Don Petrie (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 18:20 to 19:25
2 Osprey, one on usual post out from slipway and the other on a post east of slipway. Both could be viewed the length of seawall from the slipway to Haven Point, 1 Wheatear, c.200 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egret. 5 Common Seal on island out from slipway. John Wright (SOG).

Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:30
Car park to mast and back: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whimbrel, 300 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 30 Yellow Wagtail (60 percent juveniles), 4 Whinchat (adult and 3 juveniles), 1 male Wheatear, 20 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wednesday 18th August 2010    

RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:45 to 07:30
3 Spoonbill (2 adult, 1 juvenile still), 10 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 11 Green Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank. Tim Bourne (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 07:15 to 09:30
2 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Stock Dove, Swallow, Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 juvenile Sedge Warbler, 20+ Lapwing, 1 Little Plover, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 3 Spoonbill (including juvenile), 8 Curlew, 14 Green Sandpiper, 6 Curlew, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Heron, 2 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 1 Garden Warbler in bush by wood yard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Lesser Whitethroat in bush on eastern side, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Little Egret, House Martin, 5 Blue Tit, 6 Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Lapwing. Noel Barnes, Les Costin.

Gunners park 10:18
Little Egret on lake. Terry Strong.

Gunners Park, 10:40 to 13:40
2 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher seen briefly at 11:10 and 11:30 around the ivy clump at the top of a big sycamore 20 yds NE of the old pedestrian gate from Ness Road. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:30 to 17:00
2 Wood Sandpiper showing well on the flooded field on the southern loop from the car park, 4 Green Sandpiper, 5 Snipe, 5 Whinchat (possibly 6 birds in the north western section of the reserve in the same place I had 11 whinchat in Autumn 2007), 1 Common Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 16:40 to 19:45
1 Osprey on post throughout, 4 Marsh Harrier (all on Havengore Island), 4 Kestrel (1 on the stairs, 3 on Havengore), 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 6+ Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4+ Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:55 to 17:30
4 Snipe on flooded field, 1 Green Sandpiper on flood (4 on Reservoir), 2 Wood Sandpiper showing really well on flooded field next to southern track from car park. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Tuesday 17th August 2010    

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:25
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew south. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hole Haven Creek, 14:20 to 19:50
28 Little Egret, 1 Cattle Egret (Found by survey team (Ian Ellis) at 12:45 feeding in creek with little egrets at TQ748835, then moved to feed on adjacent salt marsh on western side of creek until 15:50 when it flew south down the creek and was lost. Relocated in high tide egret roost on saltings at northern end of Creek opposite large yellow warning sign TQ747838 at 18:20, flew north up creek at 19:20, towards Wat Tyler roost), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker. Don Petrie (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14.45
4 Swift. David Selley.

Benfleet, 15:15
1 male Sparrowhawk flew south over Essex Way. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hole Haven Creek, 15:30 to 16:10
1 Cattle Egret feeding on salt marsh on west side of Hole Haven Creek, 4 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Wall. Paul Baker

Hole Haven Creek, 15:50 to 20:00
22+ Little Egret, 1 Cattle Egret, 1 Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. 1 Grass Snake dead on sea wall. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:10
1 Kingfisher heading east along river near Chelmer Road bridge. Paul Forsdick.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00
1 Swift flew east. Paul Baker (SOG).

Monday 16th August 2010    

Canvey Island Leighbeck, 09:10 to 10:15
1 Arctic Skua (dark phase, settled on River), 1 Great Skua flew up River, c.35 Common Tern present at all times, 2+ Sandwich Tern. Ian White.

Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 12:00
1 Willow Warbler. 2 Painted Lady. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 16:40
3 Grey Plover, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Egret, 90+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 40+ Redshank, 35+ Common Tern. Peter Collins (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, Blenheim Chase, 16:15
1 Swift. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Gunners Park, 16:15 to 17:00
1 Wheatear, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe. Sally Brierley (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 18:25
3 Spoonbill. David Lee.

Sunday 15th August 2010    

Paglesham Lagoon 05:00 to 08:00
5 Little Egret, 100+ Canada Geese on lagoon then many flew to nearby fields, 40+ Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot, 3 Greylag Geese, 4 Cormorant on posts in lagoon, 3 Great Crested Grebe (2 adults and 1 juvenile) Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebe, 9 Pochard, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Common Tern (2 adults and 1 juvenile) 1 Curlew, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Redshank, 10 Lapwing, Swallow and House Martin, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Corn Bunting. Anthony Brett.

RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 08:00
Including walk to Marsh from railway car park: 2 Turtle Dove in flight towards Wat Tyler, 4 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, House Martin, 2 Stock Dove, Swallow, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Sedge Warbler, 20 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 3 Spoonbill (inc Juvenile), 2 Curlew, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Heron, 2 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank, 2 Cormorant, 1 Whitethroat opposite woodyard, 1 Sand Martin, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Water Rail (brief glimpse) on SE side. Noel Barnes.

Gunners Park, 07:50 to 11:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 40+ Swallow, 3 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Whinchat in reserve. Don Petrie (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:00
1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Whitethroat (mainly juveniles), 2 Kestrel (female and juvenile), 2 Whimbrel, 60 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Common Tern, 1 Greenshank, 7 Tufted Duck (2 adults, 5 chicks on Borrowdyke, 1st. breeding on Island?), 130 Starling, 2 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch. 1 Weasel (with Greenfinch, I have never witnessed one with a bird before), 3 Slow-worm, 1 Common Lizard. Graham Ryland (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00
3 Spoonbill. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Canvey Point, 13:15 to 16:30
2 Great Skua, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Sand Martin. 3 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward, Don Petrie (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 14:00 to 17:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 40 Small Red-eyed Damselfly (including several pairs in tandem and ovipositing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Southend Pier 15:00
3 adult and 3 juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Chris Cook.

Wakering Stairs, 15:10 to 16:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Osprey out on post, 1 Kestrel, 2 Swallow. Stuart Bailey (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 18:00
Osprey feeding on post 1/2 mile out, 1 Marsh Harrier hunting from range on Foulness side, 3 Little Egret, 20 Grey Plover (flock in flight), 5 Ringed Plover in flight, 1 Kestrel, 250+ Oystercatcher, 20+ Dunlin in flight, 32 Common Tern. Noel Barnes.

Wakering Stairs 16:20 to 18:00
6 Cormorant, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Kestrel, 3360 Oystercatcher on high tide roost, 263 Curlew, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, 51 Ringed Plover, 29 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 10 Lapwing, 37 Common Tern including two birds still carrying food, 2 Great Black-backed Gull. David Selley.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 19:00
3 Spoonbill (2 adults and immature present, immature flew over old tip and dropped towards Timberman's Creek at 18:30), 2 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8+ Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern. Don Petrie (SOG).

Saturday 14th August 2010    

Chelmsford, From Baddow Meads Towards Sandford Lock 08:00 to 10:00
1 Kingfisher heading east along river near Barnes Mill, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 5+ Sedge Warbler, 2 juvenile Mistle Thrush. Many Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Starling. 1 Red Fox on north side of Baddow Meads. Paul Forsdick.

Gunners Park, 08:15 to 11:00
1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Wheatear in the reserve, 1 Whinchat in the reserve, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 14:20
1 Wood Sandpiper in south-east corner, 5 Spotted Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 7 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Hobby chasing Hirundines over the marsh, 3 Spoonbill (2 adult, 1 juvenile), 2 Water Rail on southern edge of the fresh marsh. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Canvey Point, 11:00 to 17:25
1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 juvenile Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 juveniles, 1 adult), 18 Black Tern (adults and juveniles), 4 Gannet, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 12 Little Tern (at least), 19 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Canvey Point, 14:00 to 17:30
1 Slavonian Grebe drifted upriver, 4 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and juvenile), 12+ Little Tern, 3 Black Tern. Don Petrie (SOG).

Canvey Seafront, 14:30 to 17:30
1 Sand Martin, 3 Black Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and juvenile), 19 Little Tern in one flock, 4 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier distantly heading east along Kent shoreline. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 15:20 to 15:25
1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-w). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Canvey Point, 15:30 to 17:15
2 Great Skua (both flew down river), 1 juvenile Black Tern, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie, Jeff Saward (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 15:40 to 17:50
1 Greenshank, 4 Kestrel, 1 Osprey caught a large fish and sat with it on a post off East beach, 4 Whimbrel, 20 Swallow, 1 Stercorarius sp., 1 Great Skua, 2 Whitethroat, 10 Yellow Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Tim Bourne, Sally Brierley, Marc Outten (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:45 to 18:40
1 Wood Sandpiper in centre of marsh, 3 Spoonbill, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Greenshank, 15 Green Sandpiper, 9 Spotted Redshank, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Dunlin, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Mike Bailey

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 18:30 to 18:40
1 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull (3 ad-w, 2 2nd-w,4 juveniles). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:40 to 19:15
4 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Spoonbill (2 adult, 1 juvenile), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin. Peter Collins (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 18:05 to 18:20
1 Osprey (viewed slightly closer than earlier on the same post), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Sally Brierley (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 18:45
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and juvenile). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Friday 13th August 2010    

Rochford, Back Lane Car Park 07.15
1 Swift, 19 House Martin. David Selley.

Hole Haven Creek, 12:15 to 15:15
WeBS count on a rising tide: 10 Cormorant, 12 Oystercatcher, 176 Great Black-backed Gull, 29 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 28 Common Gull, 396 Black-headed Gull, 17 Little Egret, 671 Curlew, 253 Redshank, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Greenshank, 5 Spotted Redshank, 38 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 46 Herring Gull, 1 Dunlin, 7 Lapwing, 1 Wheatear (female type along seawall). Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).

Canvey Point, 14:10 to 16:00
1 Fulmar, 14 Wigeon, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 27 Sandwich Tern, 56 Common Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 17:30
1 Wheatear on East side, 22 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, 4 summer plumage Grey Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 27 Ringed Plover, 68 Redshank, 250 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Common Tern (still some chicks), 75 Lapwing, 16 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 16:30 to 18:30
1 Osprey eating a fish on post straight out from slipway from 17:15 and still there when we left at 18:30. Don Petrie, Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 18:45 - 19:00
Juvenile Common Whitethroat in Birch tree in garden (first record). Kris Mee, Web Author.

Wakering Stairs, 18:50 to 19:55
To Haven Point and back: 8 Little Egret, 1 immature Marsh Harrier on Havengore, 1 Osprey sat on same post throughout, 3 Kestrel (including 1 on Havengore), 15 summer plumage Grey Plover, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Whimbrel, 20 Greenshank, 1 Turtle Dove purring 1/2 way to Haven Point, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 19:15 to 19:35
1 Osprey on offshore post viewed from the slipway, 2 Turtle Dove flew south across the approach road to the Stairs approx. 200m from the Landwick roundabout. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Two Tree Island (East), 19:35 to 21:00
Essex Wildlife Trust Egret Watch: 92 Little Egret, 50+ Swallow. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Thursday 12th August 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 11/08/10    

Woodford Green, 06:30
9 Ring-necked Parakeet. Flock of 9 large and healthy birds, some squawking and all of them flying about the roof tops of the houses on our road. One bird sampled some fruit from our garden, all of them were interacting with each other and basically ignoring the magpies, which were fluttering all about in surprise! Lori and Fred Shearer.

Gunners Park, 07:20 to 10:00
1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe still on lake, 3 Sparrowhawk (male, female carrying a starling, and a young bird calling from a thicket on the Garrison), 1 Hobby (took a swallow), 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 08:05 to 09:50
Reservoir: 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin; 1 Whimbrel (then flew east), 2 Pintail. Pantiles: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Creek: 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 4 Little Egret. Pools south of play area: 1 Green Sandpiper. Constant movement of swallows going north west. Ian White.

Hadleigh Downs, 09:00 to 09:30
1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Daws Heath, Haresland Close 09:05
1 Sparrowhawk flew low and quite lazy over house from direction of Pound Wood. Anthony Brett.

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Wood Pigeon, Little Grebe, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Grey Heron, Goldfinch, Spotted Redshank, Cormorant, Black-tailed Godwit, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Swallow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Great Tit, Moorhen, Coot, Curlew, Lapwing, Starling, Green Woodpecker (heard). Butterflies seen: Large White, Small White, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral. Terry Jeffreys.

Wallasea Wetlands, 13:00 to 16:00
36 Little Egret (27 on high tide roost at mouth of the Roach), 2 Marsh Harrier (female and a 1st summer male), 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 50+ Yellow Wagtail, 20+ Skylark, 20+ Corn Bunting. 1 Common Seal fishing in the managed retreat where it caught and ate a large flounder. Don Petrie (SOG).

Norsey Woods, Billericay 13:15
15+ Long-tailed tit in bushes. Marion Burch.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:00 to 19:50
Viewed from west bank: 2 Spoonbill, 1 Garganey in channel on west side, 1 Wood Sandpiper in south east corner, 2+ Ringed Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 27+ Green Sandpiper, 2+ Sand Martin, 15+ House Martin, 2 juvenile Whinchat on south side of wood yard, 1 juvenile Stonechat with the Whinchats, 2 Whitethroat around wood yard, c.60 House Sparrow in wood yard. Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne (SOG).

Wednesday 11th August 2010    

Gunners Park 09:30 to 09:45
2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret (all 3 in the trees by the building site), 4 Whitethroat, 4 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker. John Pitts.

RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 - to 18:45
1 female Garganey, 1 Kestrel, 2 Spoonbill, 4 Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, 2 Redshank, at least 4 Snipe, 1 Wood Sandpiper, at least 12 Green Sandpiper, many Teal and Shoveler, a few Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler still singing. Andrew Cox.

RSPB Vange Marsh 18:00 to 19:00
2 Spoonbill, 4 Little Egret, 3 Mute Swan - not often you get to see 3 different, large, white-coloured species in the frame at the same time. Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 10+ Green Sandpiper, Redshank. Also several Heron, Cormorant, lots of Lapwing plus the usual large numbers of gulls and ducks. Tim Bennett.

Tuesday 10th August 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 11/08/10    

Coombe Wood, 09:00 to 09:15
1 Garden Warbler sheltering in bushes in garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard the Lady Essex III 10:15 to 12:15
38 little Egrets including one group of 11 on one of the DEFRA islands and a group of 13 on Potton, 1 Marsh Harrier over Wallasea southern seawall, 8 Avocet, Oystercatchers and beautiful Grey and Golden Plover in summer plumage, 14 Little Terns, 3 Common Tern, 8 Cormorant. 27 Common Seal. Gary Dunn (Lady Essex).

Canvey Point, 10:40 to 11:45
45 Sandwich Tern, 85 Common Tern (at least), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit in full summer plumage, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Canvey, Tewke's Creek, 12:00 to 12:15
2 Knot (1 still in summer plumage), 3 Common Sandpiper, 14 Dunlin, 35 Grey Plover (most in full summer plumage), 1 Swift, 18 Canada Goose. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Canvey Point, 12:00 to 15:30
2 Mediterranean Gull (juvenile moulting to 1st W and a 2nd W), 3 Little Tern, 1 juvenile Black Tern flew over point, then continued up-river, 20+ Yellow Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).

South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 14:30 to 15:55
Female Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon took a Common Sandpiper from the waters edge, 2 other Common Sandpipers survived, 4 Common Whitethroat, 3 Little Egret, 3 Whimbrel, 7 Swallow, 2 Corn Bunting, Greenshank, 9 Curlew. Ray Fuller.

Basildon, Lee Chapel North, 18:00
A first for the garden: 1 juvenile Canada Goose. Crash landed in the garden but just managed to take off and head towards Gloucester Park. Brennan Briggs.

Monday 09th August 2010    

RSPB Vange Marsh 06:50 to 07:20
2 adult Spoonbill on southern edge, viewed from mound, 1 Wood Sandpiper on southern edge. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:00 to 11:45
1 male Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:50 to 11:25
2 adult Spoonbill, 1 Wood Sandpiper in south-east corner, 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper. Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:45 to 19:30
11 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Wood Sandpiper in south-east corner, 2 Spoonbill, 2 Spotted Redshank. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 18:50 to 20:00
On brackish lagoon: 2 Dunlin, 2 Spoonbill, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit; on saline lagoon - 3 Litle Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 20+ Swallow, 7 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper. Terry Jeffreys.

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 18:00 to 18:40
1 juvenile Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpecker, 3 juvenile Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. 1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hullbridge
Whimbrel in river this afternoon. John Atfield.

Sunday 08th August 2010    

Hutton, 07:30 to 08:30
1 Red Kite over our garden. Margaret Darnell.

Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 08:20 to 08:45
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi Showing well), 12 Mediterranean Gull including 3 juveniles. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Langdon Hills 08:30 to 13:00
At least 4 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, many Stock Dove, many Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, Wren, Robin, 2 Blackcap (male and female), 1 Willow Warbler, 1~2 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, at least 3 Bullfinch (including 2 juveniles). Andrew Cox.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:30
8 Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, , 3 Ruff, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler (heard), 1 Bearded Tit (heard), 1 Snipe. Mike Clarke (SOG).

South Fambridge to the Brandy Hole 10:00 to 12:20
From Lovedown Sluice: 2 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, c.30 Lapwing, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit flying up river, 37 Curlew, 2 Greenshank. Around the small freshwater lagoon just inside the seawall: 20 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 11 Swallow, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Corn Bunting, 5 Linnet, 4 Yellowhammer. David Selley.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00 to 16:00
1 Small Tortoiseshell (not seen many of these this year again), 1 juvenile Willow Warbler. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 11:25 to 12:45
2 Yellow Wagtail, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Common Tern, 2 Wheatear (Haven Point), 1 Whimbrel. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 11:45 to 12:15
Scrape: 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Lapwing, Mallard, Shoveler, 3 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 10 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler and Reed Warbler (heard), Black-Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Tern. Brennan and Vince Briggs.

Hadleigh Country Park 12:00 to 17:00
2 Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Little Egret. Also Wasp Spider, Brown Hawkers, Migrant Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darters and Emperor Dragonflies. At least 5 Southern Hawkers around the usually area, with 8 sightings, including a coupled pair egg laying. Full details here: http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/southern-migrant-hawker-at-hadleigh-country-park-essex. Neil Phillips.

Wakering Stairs, Haven Point to Oxenham Farm, 12:45 to 13:50
10 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank, 11 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler feeding in the scrub 350m North-west of Haven Point, 13 Whimbrel, 3 Kestrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Shoeburyness Park, 13:00
1 Banded Demoiselle. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Wakering, Oxenham Farm to Fleet Head, 13:50 to 14:50
1 Little Egret, 7 Dunlin, c.250 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Turnstone (summer plumage), 25 Linnet in flock, 1 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:50 to 16:00
19 Whimbrel, 1 male Sparrowhawk on Potton, 2 Kestrel, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Grey Partridge on seawall past barns, 1 Little Egret. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 15:30
1 Painted Lady. Paul Baker (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 15:40 to 16:45
1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (including brief drumming). 3 Wall (1 on path by first SMH pond; 2 on main E-W track c.1/2 way between White-letter Hairstreak bushes and Purple Hairstreak tree), c.50 Common Blue (2 females), 2 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, c.40 Gatekeeper, 15 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 2 Marbled White. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 18:45 to 21:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Common Sandpiper (all on the Roach including a vocal flock of 6), 57 Mute Swan (including 2 young), 157 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 61 Little Egret (including several fully grown juveniles), 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe on lagoon, 1 Greenshank on Roach, 36 Willow Warbler (a small 'fall'), 4 Chiffchaff, 19 Common Tern (3 present initially with much pair bonding going on then the rest came in at 20:30 to roost on the posts), 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 female Shoveler with 4 young, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier (dark juvenile hunting the east bank of the lagoon and adjacent seawall), 10 Linnet, 2 male Reed Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).

Saturday 07th August 2010    

Rossi's back!

Chelmsford, From Baddow Meads Towards Sandford lock 07:45 to 08:45
1 Kingfisher, 3 Green Woodpecker (2 young), 2 Greater-Spotted Woodpecker outside school at Mascall Way, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Mallard, 23 Carrion Crow gathered in one spot on the Meads, 5+ Long-tailed Tit (including young birds), 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler (including young birds), 3 Wren, numerous Great Tit, Blue Tit with young birds and usual Woodpigeons, Feral Pigeons and Collared Doves. Paul Forsdick.

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:00 to 09:15
1 Ring-billed Gull sitting on a lamp post opposite Rossi's - nice to see it back, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 09:30 to 11:45
2 juvenile Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 35 Swallow, 15 Swift, 4 House Martin, 4 Green Woodpecker. 1 Brown Argus. John Wright (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:00
1 Southern Hawker dragonfly (Aeshna cyanea), in the garden since this morning, reducing our hoverfly population. David Selley.

Hadleigh Marshes, 15:30 to 17:00
4 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Whitethroat. 1 Small Heath. John Wright (SOG).

Friday 06th August 2010    

Canvey Point 09:40 to 10:35
30+ Ringed Plover, 10 Cormorant, 8 Common Tern, Little Ringed Plover. Terry Jeffreys.

Westcliff, West Road 10:30
5 House Martin flying to and from nests on house. Martin Johnson.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:10 to 16:45
1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Garganey, 2 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Black-tailed Godwit. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:40
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).

Thursday 05th August 2010    

Gunners Park, 06:55 to 13:00
1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe on the lake, 2 Kestrel (male and female), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Blackcap, 12 Whitethroat, 7 Willow Warbler (all yellow immatures, one sang half-heartedly), 1 Spotted Flycatcher in trees at the back of the old pond. Don Petrie (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00 to 11:00
1 Greenfinch. Hummingbird Hawk-moth trapped in our sun room overnight before being released today at 11am. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Reed Warbler, Swallow, Blue Tit, Coot, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Stock Dove, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Mute Swan, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Mallard, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Starling, House Sparrow, Great Tit. Terry Jeffreys.

Gunners Park, 12:20 to 12:50
1 Spotted Flycatcher around the old pond, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:10 to 14:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier thermalling high over Foulness initially then came in lower, 4 Kestrel (including a pair along MOD road where the female was trying to pass a length of long grass to the male in mid-air - pair bonding?), 2 Red-legged Partridge, 35 Lapwing, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (with the Whimbrel on the grass), 64 Whimbrel mostly on grass north of central track but also in the surrounding creeks, 1 Curlew, 9 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper on the Fleet, now largely devoid of water, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit singing, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1+ Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat (probable pair), 1 Chiffchaff by the ponds, c.150 Starling, 1 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).

Gunners Park, 13:15 to 14:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher (old pond), 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sand Martin, 16 House Martin. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Ashingdon, St. Andrew's Church 14:50 to 15:20
4 Sparrowhawk. Adult female with two fully grown juveniles, both about the same size as her, flying around the church and calling. A fourth bird - presumably another youngster, was calling from the trees behind the church. All the noise caused 2 Jay, 1 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow, 6 Swallow and a couple of House Martin to turn up for the mobbing. David Selley.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:50 to 17:30
1 Wood Sandpiper feeding in front of rushes along east side, 12 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 8 Black-tailed Godwit. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Rochford, 23:20
1 Ringed Plover heard calling over garden. Poplar Hawk Moth, Sallow Kitten and Black Arches in/around the Moth Trap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 23:30 to 23:55
1 House Martin. Eyed Hawk Moth trapped in our en-suite and released safely! Paul Baker (SOG).

Wednesday 04th August 2010    

Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 16:30
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House most of day. John Wright (SOG).

South Essex Golf Course (Dunton) 12:30
1 Wheatear. Dave Cornwell.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:40 to 17:20
2 Garganey , 6 Greenshank, 6 Spotted Redshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Water Rail. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Tuesday 03rd August 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 02/08/10    

Gunners Park, 07:45 to 13:00
4 Little Egret on the foreshore, 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe on the lake, 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female), 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail flying over, 1 Wheatear on the seawall near the lake, 10 Sand Martin, c.20 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wood Warbler (07:55, conspicuously feeding near the top of the tall trees by the car park. Chased by a male Sparrowhawk and although not caught, not seen again), 8 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).

Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 12:00
1 Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:50 to 18:00
1 juvenile Spoonbill in SW corner, 1 eclipse drake Garganey, 10 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 15 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 11 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 adult Common Tern. Tim Bourne (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:50 to 20:20
12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Gunners Park
1 Wheatear on sea wall, juvenile and adult Swallows. Colin Byford.

Monday 02nd August 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 02/08/10    

Gunners Park 09:30 to 09:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Most of the Swallows and Martins seem to have gone having been there at the weekend. John Pitts.

Wallasea Wetlands, 14:45 to 17:25
3 Grey Heron (including one very dark juvenile), 14 Little Egret, 27 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 70 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 4 Little Tern on spit east of mast, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 juvenile Whinchat on thistles between mast/NE corner, 70+ Yellow Wagtail, 25 Corn Bunting, 6 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting. 2 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

River Roach Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex 10:00 to 12:30
17 Common Seal including some motherless pups that appeared very thin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Avocet, 11 Little Egret, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Lapwing. Gary Dunn. (Lady Essex).

Sunday 01st August 2010    

Lower Raypits 04:30 to 08:30 (map)
2 Curlew, 1 Pheasant, 4 Herring Gull, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Skylark, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Golden Plover, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Mallard with 7 young, 2 Green Woodpecker. Anthony Brett.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:40 to 08:00
1 Garganey, 6 Snipe, c.40 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 9+ Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Chelmsford, River Chelmer Between Barnes Mill and The Meadows Shopping Centre 08:00 to 09:00
1 Kingfisher (heading east near Barnes Mill), 1 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 juvenile Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10+ Herring Gull, 5 Wren (three fledglings being fed by adult), 2 Robin (including 1 fledgling), many House Martins around Moulsham Mill some still going in and out of the artificial nests there, 2 Swift, 1 immature Black-headed Gull, 5+ Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Blackbird, 1 juvenile Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 juvenile Blue Tit, plus uncounted numbers of Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Moorhen and young, Mallard and young, Starling. Paul Forsdick.

Wallasea Island 10:00 to 12:00
1 female Marsh Harrier over grain field just south of car park, 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Ringed Plover, 23 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, small flock of Dunlin over the Crouch, c.10 Skylark, 35+ Yellow Wagtail - many juveniles, 22 Corn Bunting. David Selley.

Canvey Point, 10:45 to 11:45
17 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Tern, 9 Little Egret, 1 female Kestrel heading south low over the river. Jeff Saward (SOG).

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