Bird Reports for August 2011
Wednesday 31st August 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 16:00
Throughout the day whilst carrying out work: 4 Wigeon, 1 Hobby (over, seen by the RSPB volunteers), 35 Lapwing, 1 Little Stint, 6 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Curlew, 2 Spotted Redshank, 32 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper (over calling heading west. Couldn't see if it came off the marsh), 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler (juveniles seen), 13 Sedge Warbler in the vegetation around the perimeter of the freshmarsh. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:40 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper roosting on southern edge of salt marsh viewed from sea wall, 4 Arctic Skua, 3+ Mediterranean Gull, 10+ Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Tern, 1 Black Tern. 3 Harbour Porpoise (at least, incl. 1 calf). Tim Bourne, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Gunners Park 15:00 to 15:45
Tennis court area: 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, many Greenfinch nearly all juveniles. Les Costin EBS.
Gunners Park, 16:30 to 17:10
Around old tennis courts: 5 Chiffchaff, 3+ Spotted Flycatcher. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Benfleet, 17:30
1 Sparrowhawk over garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 18:20 to 19:00
8 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 50 Swallow (a few small flocks moving south), 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 30th August 2011
Canvey Island, Hope Road 06:35
flock of 32 Yellow Wagtails migrating south south west. Johannes Kamp.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:00 to 11:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 11 Green Sandpiper (includin. 1 on pool by dog loop), 2 Wood Sandpiper still on reservoir, 4 Stock Dove, 35 Swallow, 2 Whinchat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:00 to 12:15
1 female Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1 immature female Merlin, 3 Avocet, 3 Knot, 2 Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 26 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear. 1 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:30 to 14:00
4 Kestrel (2 juveniles 2 adult), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey on distant post to the right of the broomway, Redshank, Curlew, large flock of Linnet on the way in. 2 Common Seals in the mouth of the creek heading inland with tide. Jim, Linda, Robert Bailey.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:50 to 13:40
Farm track to sea wall: 100 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Ruff, 7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Whinchat, 140 Goldfinch. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet, 13:15 to 13:20
2 Hobby over garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:50 to 15:00
3 Whinchat, Wheatear, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, Redshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, Common Snipe, Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 20+ Swallow, Mute Swan, Little Grebe. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:20
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher in old tennis courts and then in tall trees on the west side of the courts. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:40 to 16:00
1 Osprey. Mike Clarke (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:25 to 19:20
5 Grey Heron, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 160 Golden Plover, 40+ Yellow Wagtail (mainly juveniles in pre-roost gathering with Pieds. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 29th August 2011
Ulting, Crouchman's Farm Road, Near Maldon 07:00 to 18:00
2 Red-legged Partridge, 15+ Mallard, 5+ Moorhen, 20+ Starling, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Garden Warblers, 1 Robin, 10+ Collard Dove, 1 Great Tit, 4 Carrion Crow. Joe.
Southend Pier to Thorpe Bay 09:00 to 10:30
50+ Ringed Plover, 29 Sanderling, 30 Turnstone, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 40+ Common Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, Swift, female juvenile/immature Peregrine Falcon. Dave Morrison.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:00 to 11:40
1 Kestrel, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 14 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 2 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Migrant Hawker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 11:00
29 Little Grebe, 49 Mute Swan, 50 Grey Plover (at least), 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Curlew, 5 Common Tern (2 juveniles), 5 Green Woodpecker, 150 Swallow (at least), 35 House Martin, 1 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 13:35
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Wood Warbler (eastern side of the park approx. 200 yards east of old tennis courts at 10:30), 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher by old tennis courts. John Wright (SOG).
Heybridge Basin 11:00
1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. Paul Gymer.
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 13:30
40+ Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Point 12:30 to 15:30
2 Little Tern, 15 Sandwich Tern, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 115 Black-tailed Godwit high over heading north, 109 Turnstone (9 juveniles) roosting on wooden marina + 50 on salt marshes, 47 Grey Plover, 40 Golden Plover, 160 Ringed Plover, 121 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, 250 Oystercatcher, 2 Knot, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Linnet, 1 juvenile Wheatear. Hanna Karthauser, Johannes Kamp.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 12:45 to 14:45
1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 182 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (juveniles in fields with other small waders), 39 Dunlin, 3 Wheatear. Matt Bruty
Eastwood, 13:00
3 Swift flew west over Nestuda Way near Tesco. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:13 to 15:00
22 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Stock Dove, 6 Avocet, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 10+ Swallow, 12 Spotted Redshank. Terry Jeffreys.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:15 to 15:00
1 Ruff, 7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 15:10 to 15:50
3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 6 Greenshank. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 16:00 to 17:00
3 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. Mike Clarke (SOG).
South Fambridge 16:30
1 Kingfisher in the little pond on the left at the top of the path. Barry Bridge.
Gunners Park, 18:25 to 18:35
1 Hobby flew over south-west, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 28th August 2011
Two Tree Island, 07:45 to 10:10
2 Little Egret, 4 Wigeon, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 210 Redshank, 11 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Swift, 2 Chiffchaff. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 11:00
1 Little Grebe on lake, 3 Mute Swan, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 20 Yellow Wagtail (in one flock, moved through reserve), 6 Wheatear in reserve, 2 Blackcap (female and immature), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher in trees on north-east side of old pond, 3 Linnet. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:45 to 14:30
3 Cormorant, 24 Little Egret (15 together at east end), 6 Grey Heron (1 seen to catch and swallow a young water vole), 3 Marsh Harrier (adult male, very tatty 2nd year male and dark juvenile with striking buff upper wing patches), 6 Kestrel, 1 immature male Merlin (sporting a ring, sadly too distant to read), 1 immature male Peregrine Falcon, 10 Avocet (6 on wetlands, 4 south-west corner), 300+ Ringed Plover (near 200 by car park on rising tide), 30 Lapwing, 1 Knot, 2 Little Stint (1 by car park, 1 east end), 3 Curlew Sandpiper (all juveniles by car park), 150 Dunlin, 1 Snipe (south-west corner), 185 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 400+ Redshank (several barely fledged youngsters in south-west corner), 12 Greenshank, 14 Green Sandpiper (most south-west corner), 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 1 adult Common Tern, 1 Swift, 300+ Swallow (most over field south of caravan site), 1 House Martin, 35 Yellow Wagtail (including party of 20 adults and young along sea wall), 1 Wheatear near car park, 150 Starling, 20 Linnet, 7 Reed Bunting, 12 Corn Bunting on wild bird cover. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey Point/Leigh Beck 11:25 to 15:05
c.4 Black Tern passed west, c.21 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper landed briefly on edge of boat ramp overlooking jetty, c.5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Turnstone, 2 adult Grey Plover. Richard Fahey.
Sandford Mill 11:30
1 Kestrel, Little Egret. Joe.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 11:45 to 12:30
1 hour before high tide, all small waders had flown on to fields between car park and haystack: 200+ Ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint (adult and juvenile), 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 50+ Dunlin, 2+ Whimbrel (heard only), 2 Wheatear near car park. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island, Near Charfleets 12:00
Sparrowhawk took a sparrow and stayed to eat in our garden. Holly French.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:15 - 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swift, 2 Swallow over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Saturday 27th August 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 07:25 to 09:10
1 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper (east end), 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adults), 2 Sand Martin, 60 Swallow, 1 Whinchat (east end). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 08:10
3 adult Mute Swan orbited Southchurch East. The resident pair of Swans got all huffy and the three departed south toward the estuary without attempting to land. Alec Beanse.
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 11:30
To Haven Point: 4 Gannet (2 adult, 2 juveniles came into the river then turned and went out), 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey sat on offshore posts, 1 summer plumage Knot, 130 Sanderling, 2 Little Stint (1 adult, 1 juvenile on wader roost), 140 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Tern on wader roost, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 10:25 to 10:30
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 10:00 to 13:20
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 5 Arctic Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 14 Black Tern. Jeff Saward, John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:40 to 12:10
80+ Turnstone, 150+ Common Tern mostly roosting along east side. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 10:45 to 12:15
c.700 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adults), c.100 Dunlin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 11:30 to 13:30
To Oxenham Farm: 4 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Kestrel (six over the freshly cut fields on Rushley Island), 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Great Skua (came into the mouth of the river and went back out), 15 Little Tern (felt were different birds to the three on the Stairs wader roost as these birds came in from the north-east in one single group), 1 Wheatear (Haven Point), 1 Chiffchaff (in song). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 12:00 to 12:10
c.200 Oystercatcher, 3 Knot, 2500 Black-tailed Godwit (at least), c.20 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper. Richard Howard (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:05 to 12:40
2 Ruff, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:00 to 15:00
2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Stock Dove. John Wright (SOG).
Oxenham Farm, 13:30 to 15:00
To Fleet Head: 1 Hobby, 50 Golden Plover, 100 Lapwing, 5 Knot, 1 Spotted Redshank, c.310 Redshank, 9 Greenshank, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:30 to 16:00
7 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Osprey, 3 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 7 Sanderling, 1 juvenile Little Stint, 4 Whimbrel, 11 Greenshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Sand Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Painted Lady. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Richard Howard, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:30 to 16:25
1+ Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing), 1 Emerald Damselfly, 3 Migrant Hawker, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:00 to 16:45
6 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier (1 on Potton and 1 on Foulness), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper in roadside scrape, 1 Barn Owl on Potton Island, c.50 Greenfinch, c.60 Goldfinch, c.140 Linnet in large finch flock. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:40 to 17:20
10 Wigeon, 130 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:55
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew over calling. David Selley.
Priory Park, 18:00 to 18:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet (heard), 6 Swift. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
Friday 26th August 2011
Canvey Point, 06:15 to 12:15
2 Ruff, 1 juvenile Little Gull, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull west into Benfleet Creek at 10:50, 17 Sandwich Tern, 5 adult Arctic Tern, 24 Black Tern (mostly adults), 1 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 06:20
9 Black Tern from causeway. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea Area/Wat Tyler Country Park 08:15 to 09:50
1 Swallow, Cetti's Warbler heard, c.6 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, Sparrowhawk over Bowers Gifford Marsh, Pied Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 10:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female on Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:55 to 12:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Avocet, 1 Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 90 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Skylark, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Corn Bunting, 1 Common Seal. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Manor Farm Area 11:30 to 12:30
1 Little Grebe, 4 Skylark, 50+ Collared Dove (around 50 in one flock perched on power lines over cropfield), 2 Wren, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Starling, 20+ Carrion Crow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Blue Tit. Also seen but uncounted: Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Swallow, House Martin. Paul Forsdick.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:50 to 15:30
55 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag Goose, 9 Mediterranean Gull (7 adults, 1 2nd-w, 1 1st-w), 2 juvenile Black Tern, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:45 to 16:45
On Reservoir: 1 Wood Sandpiper, 10+ Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 2 Greenshank. 1 Hobby chased Swallows, then flew off south west, 10+ Yellow Wagtail with cattle in field north of reservoir, 1 adult Cattle Egret (non-breeding plumage) on fence post at west end of reservoir. Ian White.
Canvey Point, 16:00 to 18:50
1 Greenshank, 1 Pomarine Skua flew in with Arctics as far as West Leigh Middle then back east, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 juvenile Little Gull flew west, 16+ Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 20 Little Tern (2 groups of 12 and 8), 27 Black Tern (4 groups of 9, 5, 4 and 9 flew west), 2 Harbour Porpoise showed repeatedly, towards Allhallows. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Barling Hall Farm 18:10
1 Swift. T Thorneycroft.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:20
1 Cormorant low north, 1 female Sparrowhawk chasing Collared Dove. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 25th August 2011
Canvey Point, 06:00 to 08:00
200+ Black-tailed Godwit high over heading north, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Skua, 3 Sandwich Tern, 75 Common Tern, 7 Sand Martin. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Southend, Wyatts Drive 08:10
Red-legged Partridge in front garden in Wyatts Drive between Meadow Drive and Brettenham Drive. Alec Beanse.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:20 to 10:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 60 Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 18 Green Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpiper on reservoir, 7 Common Sandpiper (3 in Easthaven Creek), 3 Sand Martin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whinchat near Red hill, 2 Linnet. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 12:30
On falling tide: 3 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 21 Teal (7 wetlands, 14 south-west corner), 2 Marsh Harrier (immature in stubble field and adult male over south-west), 1 female Sparrowhawk low over fields, 8 Kestrel (including 6 hovering over sea wall together), 4 Avocet (adult and 3 juveniles), 300+ Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 3 Little Stint (adult from car park, 2 juveniles at east end), 3 immature Curlew Sandpiper from car park end, 200+ Dunlin, 45 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 immature Bar-tailed Godwit at east end, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 400+ Redshank, 14 Greenshank (8 in south-west corner), 12 Green Sandpiper (south-west corner), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 8 Stock Dove, 50+ Swallow (several small flocks including adults feeding young), 15 House Martin (small flock over car park), 3 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Wheatear (6 together at east end, downy juvenile by car park), 15 Linnet. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00 to 16:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 13:15
1 Osprey drifting over, heading north-west. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Temple Farm, 13:15 to 13:20
4 Sparrowhawk gliding around and together, 23 Swallow. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Common Frog (only 2nd record ever!). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:45 to 18:05
1 Osprey on post towards Haven Point. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 24th August 2011
Cherry Orchard Way 09:30 to 12:30
5 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cormorant, Grey Heron, Jackdaw. Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Wheatear. S. Jackson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 14:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 87 Canada Goose, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 5 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 11 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 45+ Sand Martin, 18 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Linnet. 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Ruddy Darter. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
Gunners Park 12:55 to 15:30
Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler all on reserve, Sparrowhawk over reserve, 25 Sand Martin, 4 Green Woodpecker, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Common Tern, 3 Mute Swan on lake, 6 Common Whitethroat, 15 Swallow. Ray Fuller.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 18:30 to 19:10
From middle hide on Reservoir: 1 Hobby, 1 Greenshank, 21 Green Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 19:15 to 20:25
1 juvenile Cattle Egret on roost at 19:45, 100+ Little Egret on roost and saltings, 2 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 15+ Swift. 3 Noctule Bat. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 20:00 to 20:15
7 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Tuesday 23rd August 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Great Skua and Pomarine Skua
Canvey Point, 06:00 to 12:00
1 Gannet, 15 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Pomarine Skua, 24 Arctic Skua (inc. 2 flocks of 7 ), 13 Great Skua (inc. flock of 11), 17 Sandwich Tern, 60 Black Tern (mostly adults), 2 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 12:30 to 14:35
3 Wheatear, female Marsh Harrier, 11 Common Tern (a good number for this site), 3 Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, 6 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Common Whitethroat, 5 Curlew, Yellow Wagtail. Ray Fuller.
Coryton Refinery 13:00
1 Osprey landed on fence post 10ft away, dived twice unsuccessfully but amazing sighting! Jim Cockram.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:00 to 19:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Mistle Thrush, 2 Whitethroat, 8 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:35 to 18:55
1 Osprey offshore on post towards Haven Point, 1 Arctic Skua. John Wright (SOG).
Hole Haven Creek, 19:00 to 19:25
1 Osprey perched on sea wall in front of storage tanks at Shellhaven Point. Then flew up Holehaven Creek at 19:25. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Monday 22nd August 2011
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:00 to 15:00
Iceland Gull - 2nd summer/3rd winter, 25 Little Egret, 220 Teal, Sparrowhawk, immature female Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, Hobby, Barn Owl (pair in nest cam box have laid again!), 225 Golden Plover, Snipe, 20 Green Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 2 Wheatear, 40 Goldfinch. Graham Smith.
Hadleigh Marsh 12:00 to 13:45
2 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whinchat, 1 Common Redstart, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sparrowhawk, many Goldfinch and Linnet nearly all juveniles. Les Costin.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 15:00
1 Osprey flew low over the scrape and RSPB visitor centre at midday. Early afternoon perched on a metal post in the fleet, giving excellent views from holly cottage hide. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:15
Osprey on post by main hide. John Atfield.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00 to 18.30
1 Osprey on post on fleet in afternoon, after 6pm a Whimbrel on the mud near the old boat. Neil Phillips (photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/osprey-and-whimbrel/).
Stanford-Le-Hope, Monks Haven and the Manorway 17:05
Hobby flew east. Richard Fahey.
Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 18:40
1 adult Osprey on post throughout (17:15 - 18:40) feeding on a fish. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 18:15 to 18:50
Viewing from car park / sea wall only: 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 30 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 1 Greenshank. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 21st August 2011
Two Tree Island East, 06:00 to 07:00
70 Little Egret (25+ still on the roost, 45+ feeding on old sewage tanks), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Swift, 10 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Badger. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stanford-Le-Hope, Brook Near Railway Station 07:15
Kingfisher on object in dirty old stream hopping to another before flying off, 1 Long-tailed Tit. Richard Fahey.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Manor Farm Area 07:30 to 09:00
28 Collared Dove (one large flock on crop field), 5 Linnet, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 10 Red-legged Partridge. Also seen but uncounted: Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, Coot, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:00 to 09:40
2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, c.7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler heard, 2 Little Egret. Richard Fahey.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 08:00 to 11:00
2 female Marsh Harrier, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Owl by barns. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Pitsea Area/Wat Tyler Country Park 09:40 to 11:15
2 Green Sandpiper, Chiffchaff heard singing behind thicket by sewage farm, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Avocet, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Richard Fahey.
Hadleigh Marshes, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Whinchat south of railway line. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 11:20 to 12:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher by main entrance gate. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Canvey Island, 11:25
1 Osprey low south-west over Haven Road, then from Holehaven north-west towards Fobbing. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 12:05 to 12:10
1 Hobby with an anting flock of gulls. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 12:10 to 15:15
From TTI to 'dragonfly pools' and back: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1100+ Black-tailed Godwit (Benfleet Creek), 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 2 Emerald damselflies, 6 Willow Emerald Damselfly (mating pairs - other observers had counted 15-20 on the same pool), 20 Migrant Hawker, 1 Brown Hawker, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 12 Common Darter, 15 Gatekeeper, 20 Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stow Marsh 15:30 to 18:00
Female Pied flycatcher, Adult Caspian Gull, 3 Wheatear, 3 Common Sandpiper, 40 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 450 Golden Plover, 250 Black-tailed Godwit. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Rochford, 15:55 to 16:30
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard high to the north east over garden, 3 Hobby together over garden, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Swift, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 16:05 to 16:15
2 Blackcap (female and immature), 1 Spotted Flycatcher in hedge on left just past kissing gate from car park. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 19:45
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey on post towards Shoebury Boom from 17:15 to 19:20 when it flew around before resting up on the post straight out from the end of the road. Appeared to be adult, 3 Kestrel, 3 Mediterranean Gull (AdW + 2 2ndW), 3 Sand Martin heading south-west over Haven Point), 2 Yellow Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:20 to 19:45
8 Teal, 2 Marsh Harrier (juvenile on stubble and adult female hunting ditchline to south), 5 Kestrel (up to four at a time hovering over sea wall), 2 Peregrine Falcon (pair of adults, male seen to run around on plough - didn't seem to take anything but looking for something), 2 Avocet, 300+ Ringed Plover (spread all along wetlands), 9 Golden Plover, 8 Lapwing, 60+ Dunlin, 60 Black-tailed Godwit on roost off car park, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 600 Redshank (all along wetlands), 8 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper flushed from borrow dyke, 1 Common Sandpiper along main creek from sluice east of car park, 2 Common Tern, 15 Skylark, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Stonechat (very young juvenile at east end with Wheatear), 1 Wheatear (east end), 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Common Blue, 3 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 14 Small Heath. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 20th August 2011
Rochford 06:50 to 07:30
c.120 House Martin. Obviously difficult to count precisely but 60+ around the nests on the houses on the the old hospital site and a similar number at Malting Villas. Young still present in at least three nests. David Selley.
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 08:00 to 10:00
2 Wheatear, 5 Whinchat, Numerous Yellow and Pied Wagtail feeding around the grazing cattle. Andy Withers.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:15 to 11:30
3 Whinchat, 1 female Redstart, 7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, lots of Swallow feeding over cattle fields. Tim Hurdley.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 10:30 to 12:00
5 Linnet, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swift, 2 Swallow, 15+ House Martin, 1 Little Grebe, Also seen but uncounted: Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Moorhen, Starling. 1 American Mink (unfortunately. Seen close to Barnes Lock). Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Peregrine Falcon (5 minutes chase with a Lapwing - awesome), 3 Avocet, 2 Ruff, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 12 Long-tailed Tit (in shrike area), 1 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:55 to 12:40
1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Meadow Pipit, 12+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting. 1 Migrant Hawker, 2 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:00 to 12:10
Peregrine Falcon in breathtaking 10 minute chase of Lapwing on wardens walk but Lapwing escaped. Mick Roe.
Stow Maries Aerodrome 13:00
3 very vocal Buzzard, Sparrowhawk. Russ Payne.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes, 13:00 to 14:15
4 Little Grebe, 6 Green Sandpiper (2 from roadside hide, 4 from windmill hide), 1 Wood Sandpiper (viewed from roadside hide), 3 Common Sandpiper (1 from roadside hide, 2 from windmill hide), 3 Yellow Wagtail. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 15:15
2 Little Egret, 430 Oystercatcher, 14 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover (still in summer plumage), 12 Dunlin, 31 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Tern, 3 Black Tern (going up river with tide). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Rochford 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon trying to attack our chickens. Graham.
South Benfleet Grazing Fields 16:00 to 18:00
8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hobby, 2 Spotted Flycatcher. Pete.
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 11:15
1 Little Grebe (adult only), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing weakly), 1 Willow Warbler. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 19th August 2011
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 11:00
7 Willow Warbler (mostly juveniles, feeding together in a Birch tree in my garden most of the morning. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 08:25 to 09:00
1 Little Egret, 3 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat on seawall fence between car park and haystack, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 12:20
2 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon (west side of Portcullis House), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Gunner's Park 13:00 to 15:00
8 Swallow, 18 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, Wheatear, Green Woodpecker. S. Jackson.
Wakering Stairs 16:15 to 17:30
1 Osprey 
sitting on post to west of Broomway, at 17:00 it caught a large fish and returned to the post. 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 2 Turtle Dove, 50 Swallow (2 pairs still visiting nest sites), 2 Whitethroat, 10 Red-legged Partridge (1 adult and 9 fully grown juveniles), c.70 House Sparrow on stubble field. David Selley.
Stonehill Road, Leigh 16:30
Buzzard being mobbed by three Crows high above garden and drifting off eastwards. Laurie Greenwood.
North Shoebury 16:42
60+ House Martin over and around garden then resting on neighbouring roofs and TV aerials. Many juveniles among them some still being fed by parents. Terry Strong.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:45
1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, many Sand martin. Andrew Cox.
Bournes Green, 17:55
1 Red-legged Partridge crossed the road opposite Thorpe Hall School. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 18:00 to 21:00
1 Cattle Egret (the juvenile showed briefly in the roost at 20:25), c.80 Little Egret, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 1 male Kingfisher fishing in the sewage lagoons 19:15 - 19:45, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Pipistrelle, 1 Noctule Bat, 1 Comma. Paul Griggs, Dave Knight (SOG).
Thursday 18th August 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 07:00 to 08:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 4 Common Sandpiper flew over west quite high up calling, 2 Whinchat (Red hill area), 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell, Marc Outten (SOG).
Chelmsford, Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 07:15
2 Bullfinch feeding beside footpath. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:15 to 11:45
Reservoir: 6+ Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 male Peregrine Falcon on ground just beyond west end of Reservoir. Red hill: 2 Whinchat on fence beside path. Also, 1 Kestrel; 1 Sparrowhawk mobbed by several Swallows. Ian White.
Canvey Point, 11:15 to 16:20
1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 5 juvenile Little Gull, 2 Black Tern. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
Burnham on Crouch 18:30
Peregrine Falcon swooping/catching a black bird in flight approx. four feet above the ground in rear garden, left with the black bird still alive, protesting. Andy Pound.
Wednesday 17th August 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:30 to 14:30
1 Wood Sandpiper (early morning between road and middle hide), 12+ Yellow Wagtail feeding amongst cattle, 1 Whinchat on fence line near red hill, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:30 to 16:30
1 Canada Goose, 2 Wigeon, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 20 Whimbrel, 6 Arctic Skua, 15 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull, 150 Common Tern (at least), 1 Arctic Tern. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 18:25 to 18:40
3 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier over eastern end, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 22:10
1 Common Sandpiper over garden calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Tuesday 16th August 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Ballards Gore 13:00
Female Peregrine Falcon in field adjacent to Shepherd and Dog. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:10 to 14:30
4 Marsh Harrier, Merlin pursued by 3 noisy Greenshanks over Grapnells Farm, 4 juvenile Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:30 to 15:00
1 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper on the reservoir from the road hide, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wheatear on posts near the red hill. Don Petrie, Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Bishopsteignton 19:30
Woodcock flying over green opposite ASDA. John Meredith.
Monday 15th August 2011
Coombe Wood, 09:45 to 10:00
3 Willow Warbler, 2 Coal Tit. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 12:40 to 13:40
45 Little Egret, 300+ Curlew, 20 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard at end of main track. Peter Collins (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:40 to 20:20
2 Little Egret, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 19:40 to 20:30
1 adult Cattle Egret seen at roost 20:.10, 50+ Little Egret at roost, 14 Swift. Peter Collins (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 20:30 to 21:00
2 Cattle Egret (1 adult an 1 juvenile). Brian Baldock, Dave Knight (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island
Female Montagu's Harrier reported. Kate.
Sunday 14th August 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Arctic Skua
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:55 to 09:35
14 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, c.7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove, Peregrine Falcon over near Fobbing. Richard Fahey.
Hadleigh Marshes, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Willow Emerald Damselfly in elderberry bush by pool, 1 Southern Migrant Hawker along ditch south from Willow Emerald pool. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Pitsea Area/Wat Tyler Country Park 09:35 to 11:15
Hobby flew over near CP entrance, 1 Common Tern, 2 Blackcap, adult Reed Warbler feeding juvenile, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Avocet. Richard Fahey.
Blue House Farm to Marsh Farm 10:30 to 14:30
87 Swallow, 2 Common Buzzard, female Montagu's Harrier, 180 Golden Plover, 130 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 40 Stock Dove, Whinchat, female Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 25 Avocet, 5 Greenshank, 65 Curlew, 160 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Tern. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Two Tree Island, 10:45 to 14:10
WEBS count: 44 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrine Falcon (one caught a redshank and showed off to its partner, dropping it from a great height and then catching it, this happened at least twice), 252 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 62 Grey Plover, 1 Lapwing, 2 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 1193 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 203 Curlew, 116 Redshank, 26 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 81 Turnstone, 73 Common Tern, 1 Stonechat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 319 Starling, 40 Goldfinch. 3 Painted Lady. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 11:00 to 11:30
2 Cattle Egret, 6 Sand Martin. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:15 to 13:00
1 sub adult Gannet, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Little Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Wheatear at Haven Point. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:00 to 15:35
8 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier (juvenile and sub-adult male), 4 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (huge adult female over sea wall being mobbed by 2 Kestrel later on fields), 5 Avocet (pair and 3 unfledged juveniles), 20 Lapwing, 1 Snipe (south-west borrowdyke), 80 Black-tailed Godwit (west end roosting on island), 5 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 150 Redshank (1 unfledged juvenile in south-west corner), 30 Greenshank (11, east end, 11 west end and 8 in south-west borrowdyke), 12 Green Sandpiper (11 south-west borrowdyke, 1 east end), 3 Common Sandpiper (2 south-west borrowdyke, 1 car park end), 1 Common Tern, 2 Sand Martin (with Swallows), 30 Swallow (small flock moving through), 3 Yellow Wagtail (adult and 2 juveniles still east end borrowdyke), 2 Northern Water Vole behind car park, 4 Common Blue, 10 Small Heath (east end). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 15:25 to 16:40
4 Little Egret, 1 large female Peregrine Falcon in field along access track, 10 Greenshank, 2 Yellow Wagtail (adult and juvenile). 6 Brown Argus, 20+ Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 20:00 to 21:00
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile again at roost flew in 20:35), c.80 Little Egret (on roost), 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Swift, 40 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler calling near central track. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 13th August 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 11:30
1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Northern Water Vole (adult and juvenile munching on vegetation and seemingly unconcerned by our presence!). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Wyatts Drive 08:50 to 09:10
08:50: Sparrowhawk flew over houses in Wyatts Drive and in to Thorpe Hall Golf Course. 09:10: Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on TV aerial calling. Alec Beanse.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:40 to 12:00
1 Hobby, 1 Ruff, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 10:00 to 10:15
6 Little Egret, 4 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults, 2nd winter), 8 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Bowers Marshes, 10:00 to 12:00
RSPB Guided Walk - Restricted access for the time being: 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby over the new saline lagoon area, 4 Avocet (2 adults, 2 fledged juveniles), 8 Greenshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:30 to 11:00
1 immature Red-crested Pochard in borrow dyke approx 100 yards east of road - didn't look too well. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:30 to 12:00
Rising tide, wader numbers building: 15 Little Egret, 20 Shelduck (first groups back post moult), 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, c.250 Ringed Plover, 1 juvenile Little Stint on salt marsh edge by car park, 100 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, c.300 Redshank, 6 Greenshank (east end), 1 Little Tern. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:00 to 13:00
2 Ruff, 115 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 13:25 to 14:25
1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear (juveniles at Haven Point), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. 3 Common Lizard, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small Heath. Neil Chambers, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Airport 13:55
Buzzard circling over the airport, also Sparrowhawk at the same time. Jackie & Chris Graham.
Hadleigh Marshes, 14:30 to 15:30
1 Peregrine Falcon. 1 Common Lizard (gravid female), 1 Slow-worm, 2 Willow Emerald Damselfly (one showed really well perched for c.20 minutes low down on elderberry bush). John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:40 to 16:20
1 Osprey (distant probable briefly in flight then landed on an anchored container ship offshore), 1 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern, 30 Sand Martin, 600+ Swallow (steady stream of hirundines, mostly Swallows, moving south-west across the river), 80 House Martin, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 19:45 to 20:45
2 Cattle Egret, 1 Whimbrel flew over, 6 Swift, 9 Swallow. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Friday 12th August 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 13/08/11
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:00 to 09:00
50 Lapwing, 4 Ruff (all on the reservoir), 6 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 13 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 40 Goldfinch (flock on dog loop). Marc Outten (RSPB,SOG).
North Fambridge 15:00 to 16:10
21 Golden Plover (summer plumage) on saltings at the end of Ferry Road, 40 Lapwing, 12 Curlew, 3 Common Tern, 2 Kestrel, 100+ Swallow on wires over Blue House Farm car park. David Selley.
Blacktail Spit, South East Corner Maplin Sands 18:30
4 Black Tern seen from boat. Chris Cook.
Two Tree Island, 19:45 to 21:0
Essex Wildlife Trust Egret watch event: 2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile flew into roost at 20:10), 126 Little Egret. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Thursday 11th August 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:05
1 Hobby flying south. David Selley.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:35 to 08:40
5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults and a 2nd winter). John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:00
1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine Falcon (adult and juvenile over fields, juvenile chasing and begging for food). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 2 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Sand Martin, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wood Pigeon, Mute Swan, Coot, House Sparrow, Oystercatcher, Starling, 2 Avocet, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pochard, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, 4 Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Pied Wagtail, Common Tern, Carrion Crow, Rook, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 to 20:45
Saline lagoon: Curlew, 4 Little Egret, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher. Brackish lagoon: Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 30+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 21 Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, 50+ Lapwing, Common Tern, Teal, 2 Reed Warbler, 17 Greylag Goose. Terry Jeffreys.
Wednesday 10th August 2011
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
25 Teal, 3 Garganey, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Hobby, Barn Owl, 4 Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 33 Dunlin, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, 10 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 110 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Sand Martin, 20 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatear. 3-4 Wasp Spiders. Graham Smith.
Rayleigh, Crown Hill 14:00
1 Swift still visiting nest site in house opposite the crown. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 15:00 to 17:00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
6 Wood Sandpipers in fresh water lagoon, 1 Ruff, 15 Little Egret, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank. Rusty coloured Common Seal in estuary. Drew Lyness.
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 16:00
20-30 House Martin flying overhead and diving down to bathe in river. Paul Forsdick.
Rochford Golf Course, 18:40 to 20:10
1 Swift flying over south-west, 3 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallow, 30 House Martin (struggling into the wind), 2 Mistle Thrush. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Bradwell Observatory (PM)
1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 juvenile Marsh Harrier, 1 Montague's Harrier (4th seen this year, all interacting over Lure Point). Les, Wally & Dee (EBWS).
Tuesday 09th August 2011
Woodlands Road, Hockley 12:00 to 13:00
Small Copper, Orange Tip, 3 Jay. David Z.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 14:30
On the Layer Benton causeway: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Red-breasted Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Black Swan, many Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Coot. Rob Harris.
Chelmsford, Central Park 15:25
1 Kingfisher flying upstream along river, only had a short glimpse but appeared to be carrying a fish in its bill. Paul Forsdick.
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Common Tern (2 adults feeding a well grown very vocal youngster at tide's edge), 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Swallow, 27 House Martin, 1 Wheatear, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Whitethroat, 6 Linnet. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 20:00 to 21:00
5 Swift, 20 Swallow. Sally Brierley, Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Monday 08th August 2011
Coombe Wood, 07:30 to 07:35
1 Pied Flycatcher. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Stanford-Le-Hope, Abbotts Hall Chase 17:00
Hobby flew east at a low height. Richard Fahey.
Sunday 07th August 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:00 to 09:30
Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Redshank. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:00
7 Little Egret, 9 Tufted Duck (7 juveniles), 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 70 Curlew, 26 Common Tern (1 juvenile), 8 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat. 1 Small Skipper, 2 Large Skipper, 20 Gatekeeper. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Pitsea/Wat Tyler Country Park 09:30 to 10:40
1 Common Snipe, pair of Common Tern, c.24 Sand Martin over sewage farm and few seen from hide, 5 Avocet, 2 Stock Dove. Richard Fahey.
Rochford, 13:30 to 13:35
1 Willow Warbler calling in garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet Downs, 15:00
1 Hobby. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:20 to 16:20
20 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 4 Avocet, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 11 Redshank, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Reed Warbler (incl. 1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 16:00 to 19:00
1 Common Tern flying over, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Coal Tit. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 20:00 to 21:00
1 2nd summer male Marsh Harrier, 6 Kestrel hunting sea walls, 110 Black-tailed Godwit feeding on wetlands, 10 Greenshank (party on wetlands flew out high south calling), 1 Green Sandpiper east end borrowdyke, 1 Common Sandpiper, 80 Common Gull (at least with Herrings), 1000 Herring Gull (at least on plough at east end), 1 Wheatear along central road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 20:30 to 20:50
1 adult Cattle Egret flew in at 20:40. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Saturday 06th August 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads - Little Baddow 04:45 to 10:30
Seen on walk from Baddow Meads to Little Baddow (Great Graces): 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Partridge, 4 Jackdaw, 2 Blackcap, 4 Skylark, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 15+ Lapwing. Also seen but numbers not noted: Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Moorhen, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Starling, Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. Rabbit, Hare, Field Mouse, Grey Squirrel. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:10 to 08:10
2 Little Egret, 4 Avocet, 1 juvenile female Ruff, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 15+ Spotted Redshank, 15+ Greenshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 15 Common Sandpiper, 2 adult Common Tern, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing from old tip, 3 Reed Warbler. Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Rochford 07:20 to 07:50
29 House Martin. Young still present in four of the six nests I looked at. David Selley.
Benfleet Creek, 09:00 to 16:30
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile. First picked up along Benfleet Creek towards the yacht club before flying to Tewkes Creek where the adult stayed in the same spot for at least the next four hours. The juvenile was eventually seen to fly to the Cattle Fields west of Hadleigh Castle at around 4.30pm which was the first time all day either one of them had done this), 1 Hobby, 45 Avocet, 200 Black-tailed Godwit (at least), 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Clouded Yellow. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 11:15 to 12:15
Edwards Hall entrance: 3 Sparrowhawk circling together, 95 Carrion Crow (inc. 85 together on stubble field), 1 Yellowhammer, 10 Banded Demoiselle on eastern section of River Roach. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Island, Tewke's Creek, 16:00 to 16:30
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile on salt marsh but juvenile flew to Salvation Army farm hillside cattle field (Hadleigh Downs) at approx. 16.25, 1 Whimbrel. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 16:45
Car park only: 1 Little Egret, 1 immature male Marsh Harrier. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 17:00 to 17:45
72 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron on hight tide salt marsh roost. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:00 to 19:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Hobby attacking Swallows over the reservoir, 2 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:15 to 17:40
5 Whimbrel flew over south-west calling, 4 Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kingfisher flew along creek by saline lagoon (seen by Les Steward). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 20:00 to 21:00
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile flew into the egret roost at 8.28pm but soon departed when the roost went up. 40 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 05th August 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 10:30
1 female Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Langdon Reserve, 12:30
Woods behind Willowfield: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in canopy with tit flock. Dave Cornwell.
Two Tree Island East 13:00 to 17:30
61 Little Egret, 7 Grey heron, 200+ Curlew. David Flack.
Stanford Warren NR/Seawall 13:15 to 16:00
c.10 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank on mudflats bay, 2 Common Sandpiper on creek, Hobby, 1 Sand Martin, c.20 House Martin briefly by brook bridge, c.10 Swallow passed through, c.6 Avocet on mudflats bay, c.10 Little Egret, pair of Common Tern, adult and juvenile Green Woodpecker, 1 Curlew and 2 Oystercatcher on mudflats bay. Richard Fahey.
Tewke's Creek, 13:15 to 17:00
1 adult Cattle Egret present from at least 13:15 until 15:30, then vanished into the saltings until 16:45, when it rejoined the Little Egrets on the roost. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 14:30
12 Sandwich Tern, 65 Common Tern, 5 Harbour Porpoise (at least, actively feeding between Canvey Point. and the Isle of Grain). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 15:00 to 15:30
2 Willow Emerald Damselfly (a male and female at same location as on Wednesday). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 20:15 to 21:00
1 adult Little Ringed Plover, 1 adult Temminck's Stint picked up on south side then showed closer in south-west corner from west bank, 2 Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 70 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island 20:50 to 21:00
60+ Little Egret. 2 Grey Heron Viewed from car park opposite skate park. Rob Harris.
Thursday 04th August 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:35 to 09:45
330 Swift. A single flock flying quite slowly south-east apparently just ahead of frontal rain. David Selley.
Tewke's Creek, 17:30 to 17:45
Viewed from Hadleigh sea wall: 1 adult Cattle Egret. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 20:10 to 21:10
1 adult Cattle Egret came in to roost in Egret roost but no sign of juvenile. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wednesday 03rd August 2011
Southend, Wyatts Drive 08:55
1 juvenile Green Woodpecker feeding on lawn. Alec Beanse.
Tewke's Creek, 16:10 to 17:00
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile feeding on salt marsh throughout viewed from seawall 300m north of rugby club. Both flew to cattle field 400m west of Hadleigh Castle at 17:00), 12 Little Egret (not with Cattle Egrets), 1 Sparrowhawk. Don Petrie, Tim Bourne, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:45 to 20:00
1 Little Egret, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull off of East Beach, 5 Swift, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 House Martin, 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Small Copper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 19:00
2 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 19:15 to 20:30
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile on the saltings from at least 19:15 until 20:30, when they flew off to the Two-Tree roost), 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 20:15 to 21:50
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile flew in over the egret roost at 20:40, circled and flew towards the saltings off of the pillbox. They did not return until about 21:20), 90 Little Egret (at least). Steve Arlow, John Wright (SOG).
Tuesday 02nd August 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 08:10 to 08:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 09:00
2 pairs of Little Grebe both with 1 chick each, slightly older than each other. 1 surviving Duckling. Robert Dobinson.
Brightlingsea 09:15
1 Black Redstart on groyne in front of the beach huts. Tom Chandler.
Canvey, Tewke's Creek, 15:15 to 19:15
1 adult full summer plumage Cattle Egret present on the Tewkes Egret roost from high tide until around 5pm, then flew off to feed amongst the cattle at the Salvation Army Farm, above Hadleigh Marsh, before returning to Tewkes c.1815, and still there when I left, 28 Little Egret, 2 Hobby distant over Benfleet Downs, 75 Grey Plover (mostly summer plumage), 15 Greenshank (at least), 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult, 3 juveniles), 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Yellow Wagtail. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 17:45 to 18:45
Viewing at distance from Benfleet Creek seawall: 1 adult Cattle Egret with cattle approx. 400m west of Hadleigh Castle, 1 Kestrel, 1 Whimbrel (heard), 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Tern. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 18:00 to 19:45
1 adult summer Cattle Egret on west side of Hadleigh Castle in cattle field. Was flushed and flew to saltings on Canvey Side of Benfleet Creek. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh Downs, 18:10 to 18:40
1 adult Cattle Egret flew to salt marsh. John Wright, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Canvey, Tewkes Creek, 19:00 to 19:15
Cattle Egret west on sea wall past Tewkes Creek Sluice to the first set on iron steps. The bird was north-west across creek with Little Egret and 3 Grey Heron. Terry Jeffreys.
Hadleigh Downs, 19:15 to 20:00
1 adult Cattle Egret on Tewke's Creek salt marsh viewed from castle, 4 Little Egret, 1 female Kestrel, 110+ Avocet in Benfleet Creek, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 19:55 to 20:50
Viewing salt marsh to north of sluice by rugby club/golf course: 2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 20:25 to 21:15
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile, initially flying along Benfleet Creek then showing on the roost with the adult looking really good), c.90 Little Egret, 3 Greenshank. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 20:30 to 21:15
2 Cattle Egret (adult and juvenile). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 20:45 to 21:10
Viewed egret roost from station car park: 1 adult Cattle Egret, 91 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Monday 01st August 2011
Rayleigh Mount, 13:00 to 13:45
4 immature Mallard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Jay, 1 Brown Rat, 9 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Purple Hairstreak around oak tree canopy near Crown Hill entrance, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 4 Speckled Wood, 1 Meadow Brown. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:00
2 Marsh Harrier. 1 Red-legged Partridge. 2 Goldfinch. 2 Curlew. 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Heron. Stoat ran across the road on the bend at Lion Creek. Rob Harris.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve North Fambridge 14:30 to 17:30
10 Little Egret, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, Green Sandpiper, 4 Curlew, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 30+ Barnacle Geese, 15 Lapwing, 8 Common Redshank, 40 Golden Plover, 4 Stock Dove, Ruff, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. 2 Hare, Fox, Adder. Andrew Steele.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:45 to 20:55
2 Little Egret, 3 Avocet, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 13 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 14 Sand Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).