Bird Reports for August 2012
Friday 31st August 2012north north westerly, clear, max18°c
Two Tree Island East, 11:00 to 11:30
48 Little Egret, 20 Sand Martin. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:35 to 13:15
Viewed from East Beach: 1 Osprey on post out from slipway. Either the previous bird returning, or perhaps a second bird. Don Petrie (SOG).
EWT Thurrock Thameside 12:00 to 16:45
c.40 Goldfinch, c.500 Starling, few Linnet, 3 Swallow, 6 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, c.20 Lapwing, 4 female Teal, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Mallard, 10 Turnstone, few Curlew, c.30 Ringed Plover, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Robin. 1 Common Seal, 4 Harbour Porpoise. David & Brenda Hale.
Shoebury East Beach, 12:35 to 13:15
1 immature Shag feeding around posts of Shoebury boom near the shore, 1 Sandwich Tern on the boom, 2 Little Tern (adult and juvenile north), 1 Wheatear on the boom. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 17:00 to 17:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, probable Osprey on far distant post west of Broomway, 30 Ringed Plover, c.100 Grey Plover flying west. David Selley.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 17:15 to 18:15
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler. 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Brown Hawker. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
South Benfleet, St Mary's Churchyard Area 18:55 to 19:00
24 House Martin (surely migrating birds joining the last of the local breeders). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh Library 19:30
Young Peregrine Falcon unnerved by a hidden bird on roof of adjacent flats, circling the flats at high speed while distress calling. Steven Wood.
Wakering Stairs, 19:45 to 20:00
1 Osprey distantly sat on one of the posts. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 19:45 to 20:15
51 Little Egret counted on roost rather than flying in, so probably missed quite a few, 1 Barn Owl at east end, 9+ Swift. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 30th August 2012north westerly, scattered showers, max17°c
South Fambridge, 09:45 to 12:15
1 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 4 Whimbrel (possibly more), 45 Curlew, 3 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern (3 juveniles), 4 Swallow, 4 juvenile ellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Kestrel, 1 female/immature Redstart in bushes at garrison end, north east of park. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk; Around the park and creeks: Chaffinch, 40+ Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, 4 Little Egret, Grey Heron, 2 Curlew, Greenshank, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Moorhen, Collared Dove, 2 Mute Swan, eclipse Teal, Common Sandpiper, 3 Mallard, 2 Sparrowhawk, Cormorant, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow. On the scrape: Common Snipe, Lapwing, Avocet and juveniles, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Canada Goose, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, Pied Wagtail. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 11:00 to 12:30
4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 40 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Common Tern, 20+ Swallow, 15 Yellow Wagtail (at least 15 if not more), 1 Whinchat, 1 Corn Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 18:00
2 Wigeon, 1 Hobby, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull, 20 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern (probable, ad. winter plumage, followed for several minutes, but at long range and in difficult light), 100 Common Tern (at least), 19 Black Tern. 4 Harbour Porpoise (at least). Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 12:30 to 13:30
7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black-Necked Grebe, 50+ Herring Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Cormorant, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 500+ Tufted Duck, 350+ Mallard, 500+ Pochard, 40 Shoveler, 22 Lapwing, 300+ Greylag Geese, 350+ Canada Geese, 15+ Mute Swan, 5 Egyptian Geese, 1 Swan Goose, 3 Red-bellied Geese, 3 Aylesbury Duck, 3 Little Egret, 5 Pied Wagtail, 16 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 5 House Sparrow, 50+ Carrion Crow, 5 Jackdaw. Rob Harris.
Bradwell, Shellbank and Observatory 10:45 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, flock of Greenfinch, flock of Goldfinch, flock House Sparrow all with juveniles, many House Martin, 1 Swift, many Swallow (2 nests with young), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, few Chaffinch with juveniles, 1 Robin, 1 Starling flock c.50 birds, Collared Dove, 2 Wheatear, 1 male Grey Plover in full breeding colours, many Turnstone, c.100 Ringed Plover, many Curlew, 1 Little Egret, Oystercatcher, 6 Dunlin, 4 Knot. 2 Small Tortoiseshell, c.30 Red Admiral Butterflies and many Small Whites. 1 Brown Rat, 3 Rabbits. David & Brenda Hale.
Canvey Seafront, 18:15 to 19:25
11 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Egret (including 1 which flew north across estuary from Warden Point), 1 Hobby flew north across Thames at Point c.7pm, c.85 Common Tern, 13 Arctic Tern (loose high flying flock heading west), 1 juvenile Black Tern very close in headed west. 5 Grey Seal, 3+ Harbour Porpoise. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 29th August 2012south south westerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Wakering, Star Lane Lakes 06:30
Pied Flycatcher. Pete Chandler.
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 12:00
10 Sandwich Tern, c.100 Common Tern, 4 Black Tern together heading up river. John Wright (SOG).
Tuesday 28th August 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max22°c
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:00 to 11:30
8 Whinchat, 1 Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Swallow, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Lapwing, Heron. 2 Water Vole, 1 Stoat. Hilary Knight.
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 11:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 House Martin, 1 male Wheatear on reserve, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 12:00 to 13:00
1 Whinchat in front of middle viewing screen, 10 Green Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper on edge of main reservoir, c.25 Black-tailed Godwit in scrape behind reservoir. Mike Poole.
Monday 27th August 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Gunners Park, 06:30 to 08:45
2 Sparrowhawk (male over tennis courts, female over by mounds), 3 Mediterranean Gull, 20 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern (adult up river), 2 Whitethroat (around tennis courts), 2 Chiffchaff (by the mounds). 3 Migrant Hawker, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock Butterfly. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 06:35 and 08:00
1 Willow Warbler in the garden and at 08:00 10 Sand Martin going west. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 10:15
1 Great Skua flew up river, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 28 Swallow, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear in reserve, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. 6+ Wasp Spiders in long grass by the old demolished compound. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Coryton 07:45
Large Egret possibly Great White heading south. Jim Cockram.
Billericay 08:30
2 Green Woodpecker on Buttsbury Infant School playing field. Also seen at Mayflower School playing field. Marion Burch.
Shoeburyness Seafront 08:30
80 Ringed Plover, 6 Sanderling, 12 Turnstone. Dave Morrison.
Wakering Stairs, 10:30 to 13:00
Tern flock out behind trawler resulted in the seabirds present: 6 Gannet (3 juveniles and 3 adult types), 3 Pomarine Skua flew in with 4 Arctic Skua's to the tern flock but didn't linger, 12 Arctic Skua (at least), 1 Long-tailed Skua, 2 Great Skua, 70 Common Tern (at least), 15 Little Tern, 2 Chiffchaff along MOD road bushes. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 12:30
6 Gannet, 12 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 1 Great Skua, 6 Sandwich Tern, 60 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 13:30
1 Marsh Harrier (south to Kent), 16 Arctic Skua (including a flock of 13), 1 Great Skua, 15 Sandwich Tern, 140 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Tern (at least), 2 Guillemot. 5 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 13:00
18 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 31 Mute Swan, 35 Swift (at least), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow (a few feeding young), 5 House Martin, 1 female Whinchat, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Whitethroat. Steve Sanford (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 11:15 to 12:05
Many Species of Gulls all over the island, 8 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Greenfinch, 5 Swallow, 12 Linnet, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 60+ Corn Bunting, 7 Skylark, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 70+ Woodpigeon, 100+ Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel. Rob Harris.
Leigh on Sea, 11:30
1 Sparrowhawk low over Bridgewater Drive. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk through garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Ruff, 18 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 10 Spotted Redshank, 25 Redshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 3 juvenile Common Tern, 1+ Bearded Tit (heard). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Pitsea 16:45
1 juvenile Peregrine Falcon. Phil Shaw.
Tewke's Creek, 17:20 to 17:40
1 Kestrel, 3 Greenshank. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 17:50 to 19:15
1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 1 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier over Kent flying west, 1 Hobby flew up Thames from outer estuary, 12 Sandwich Tern roosting on mud, 200 Common Tern, 1 Swallow. 4 Grey Seal. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 19:20 to 19:50
11 Little Egret, 10 Knot, 1+ Whimbrel, 6 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swallow, 7 Yellow Wagtail flew over together at dusk possibly to roost. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 26th August 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Canvey Point, 06:00 to 08:00
8 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 2 Little Tern, 1 Black Tern, 1 Wheatear. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Point 06:45 to 08:00
5 Great Crested Grebe, Common Gull, Wheatear, 2 Little Tern, Black Tern, Common Tern. Terry Jeffreys.
Benfleet Creek, 07:15 to 09:00
TTI, then Tewke's Creek: 6 Little Egret, 20 Grey Plover, 500 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 juvenile Black Tern west and over Canvey. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Holehaven Creek 08:15 to 08:45
4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Goldfinch, Green Woodpecker. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Wick 08:45 to 09:30
Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point 09:30 to 10:00
1 juvenile Osprey, 50 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 20 Turnstone, 100 Oystercatcher, 5 Common Tern, 9 Little Egret. Mat Phillips.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 10:30
2 Common Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 3 Cormorant, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail. Terry Jeffreys.
Wakering Stairs 09:55 to 11:45
2 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 38 Swallow, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Wheatear, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 70 House Sparrow just inside Landwick Gate. David Selley.
South Fambridge, 11:30 to 13:00
3 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 15 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 7 Swallow, 1 Wheatear. Peter Collins (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 11:30 to 12:15
50+ Herring Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Cormorant, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 500+ Tufted Duck, 350+ Mallard, 500+ Pochard, 40 Shoveler, 3 Lapwing, 300+ Greylag Geese, 350+ Canada Geese, 50+ Mute Swan, 10 Egyptian Geese, 1 Swan Goose, 3 Red Bellied Geese, 2 Aylesbury Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 6 Spotted Redshank, 7 Pied Wagtail, 60+ Swallow, 30+ House Martin, 30+ House Sparrow, 200+ Carrion Crow, 2 Red-Legged Partridge. Rob Harris.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:00 to 13:10
Up to Potton bridge and round to boatyard: 3 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Kestrel (mostly over Potton), 14 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Migrant Hawker, 2 Common Blue. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:00
6 Swift west, 1 Swallow. Paul Griggs, Mike Clarke (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:20 to 14:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 1 Redstart (1'w male feeding along south side of hedge by the 'mounds', east of playground, north of car park). 3 Migrant Hawker, 2 Brown Hawker, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 10 Ruddy Darter, 10+ Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 10+ Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:00 to 14:15
50+ Herring Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 68 Cormorant, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 350+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Mallard, 300+ Pochard,200+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 8 Lapwing, 30+ Mute Swan. Rob Harris.
Potton Creek, 14:00 to 15:00
200 Golden Plover (large flock over Potton), 4 Greenshank, 3 Whitethroat. 1 Emerald Damselfly, 6 Migrant Hawker, 10 Ruddy Darter, 5 Common Blue, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small Heath. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 16:45
1 Redstart feeding in same area, 3 Lesser Whitethroat on reserve, 1 Chiffchaff. 2 Migrant Hawker, 1 Small Copper, 3 Holly Blue. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Canvey Point
Osprey off of point. Aston.
Saturday 25th August 2012south westerly, rain showers, max21°c
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:35 to 12:20
From hide only: 1 Garganey, 1 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:45 to 13:30
30+ Herring Gull, 3 Greater Black-backed Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Greenfinch, 3 Swallow, 7 Linnet, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 33 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 15 House Sparrow, 7 Magpie, 30+ Carrion Crow, 40+ Woodpigeon, 70+ Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel, 20+ Starling, 1 Blackbird, 7 Skylark. Rob Harris.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:55
1 Hobby flying west. David Selley.
Friday 24th August 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Benfleet Creek, 08:00
2 Yellow Wagtail on seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:30 to 19:00
6 Arctic Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 juvenile Little Gull flew east, 10+ Sandwich Tern, 100+ Common Tern (numbers reduced as wind turned to South), 3 Black Tern following ship west with Common Terns. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill Road, 17:00
Buzzard still flying between pylons, occasionally mobbed by Kestrel, 2nd horse field along private road to Cuton Lakes. Sue Haffenden.
Thurrock Thameside 20:00 to 22:00
Common and Soprano Pipistrelle Bats, seen and heard via bat detectors, on EWT's first evening event. David & Brenda Hale.
Thursday 23rd August 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max22°c
Cycle Path Between Baddow Meads and Springfield Lock Chelmsford 06:00
1 Muntjac deer by the blackberry bushes. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 4 Goldfinch, Swallow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Starling, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, Kestrel, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Curlew, 4 Redshank, Little Grebe, Greenshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Cormorant, 3 Wigeon, Mallard, Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, Green Woodpecker. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:40
1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk diving into Starling flock, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Peter Collins (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:00 to 12:35
12 Herring Gull, 3 Greater Black-backed Gull, 8 Black-headed Gull, 9 Greenfinch, 5 Swallow, 3 Linnet, 16 Yellow Wagtail, 24 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 18 House Sparrow, 7 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 40+ Woodpigeon, 10 Stock Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 50+ Starling. Rob Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:45 to 13:05
1 Southern Migrant Hawker in the ditch that runs east to west by the playground. Marc Outten (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:00 to 13.15
30+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 56 Cormorant, 10 Great Black-backed Gull, 350+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Mallard, 100+ Greylag Geese, 60+ Canada Geese, 300+ Pochard, 9 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 17 Lapwing, 3 Swallow. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island West 15:00
2 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 200+ Ringed Plover, 200+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 summer plumage Grey Plover, 100+ Oystercatcher, 1 Turnstone, 30+ Redshank, 50+ Dunlin. Richard Shepherd.
Coombe Wood, 15:30 to 15:30
1 Hobby heading south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Field Behind Sandford Sewerage Works, Chelmsford 17:00
1 Buzzard on pylons 3 days in a row. Sue Haffenden.
South Fambridge, 17:30 to 18:45
c.10 Little Egret, 4 Marsh Harrier (3 hunting field east of village, 1 sitting in field to the west), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard over North Fambridge and BHF, 5 Kestrel, 16 Golden Plover sitting in stubble field west of village, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern (adult and juvenile), 1 Whinchat east of village along seawall, 1 Whitethroat. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 22nd August 2012west south west, scattered clouds, max22°c
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:00 to 07:40
3 Garganey (possibly 5, but two birds of the group swam out of view before I could get a good look but my initial thoughts they were this species.), 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper. Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:20 to 10:00
1 Buzzard over heading south. Marc Outten (SOG).
Bradwell Observatory 13:00
Redstart showing well in garden. Les Norman (EBS).
Rettendon, North Towards Chelmsford 15:00
Buzzard high to north Rettendon, 4 Swallow, 100 plus Rook. I think the buzzard probably had one for its tea as all the rooks flew up from a cut corn field. G. Dixon.
Gunners Park, 18:30 to 19:00
1 Whimbrel, 4 Turnstone, 3 adult Mediterranean Gull, 8 Little Tern (small group down river). 1 Painted Lady. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Tuesday 21st August 2012west to south west, partly cloudy, max23°c
Southchurch Park East 07:35
Cormorant fishing in the lagoon in Southchurch East. Alec Beanse.
North Shoebury 07:58
Great Spotted Woodpecker in garden. Terry Strong.
South Fambridge, 10:30 to 12:00
1 juvenile Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby dispersed Swallows on wires, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 15 Swallow, 6 juvenile Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Thurrock Thameside 11:15 to 15:00
1 Hobby, low over water crossing from Kent to Essex, 6 Little Egret, c.100 Avocet on low water line moving west as they fed, many Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Lapwing, 2 Turnstone, 18 eclipse Mallard, 1 Female Kestrel, c.100 Starling, 2 Linnet, c.20 Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, several Cormorant again catching and struggling with flatfish, appears to be plenty of fish in the river. 1 Common Seal. David Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:30 to 15:50
10 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier (1 male, 1 female), 1 Hobby, 2 Quail (possibly a third, audible from car park), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 7 juvenile Yellow Wagtail. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00 to 18:30
Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Brown Hawker, Emerald Damselfly, probably Lestes Sponsa. All seen on ponds from toilets to end of disused craft shops, Southern Migrant Hawker dragon fly Aeshna affinis: at least 3 seen possibly 4 between the toilets and the end of the disused craft sheds. another "watcher" also saw one of them. Also a "small" blue butterfly, Peacock, Spotted Wood, Gatekeeper. G. Dixon.
Daws Heath, Little Havens EWT Reserve 17:00 to 18:00
1 Hobby seen and heard and again at 19:30 on return visit. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:20 to 18:55
5 Little Egret, 90 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 19:00 to 20:45
80+ Little Egret came into roost in the trees to the south of the scrape, 3 Garganey, 1 Hobby, 2 Water Rail (heard), 4 Snipe, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (SOG).
Monday 20th August 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max25°c
Gunners Park, 11:55 to 12:25
Quick look in reserve and around Garrison: 1 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Common Tern flew upriver, 5 Little Tern (family party fishing close in offshore throughout), 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Brown Rat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 12:45
1 Wheatear on seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14:30 to 17:00
All sightings from scrape hide: 3 Greenshank, c.150 Black-tailed Godwit, c.100 Ringed Plover, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Little Egret, 2 female Teal, 1 Turnstone, 4 Curlew, 2 Cormorant, c.40 Dunlin, c.10 Knot, 2 Ruff, 8 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, c.150 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, few Herring Gull, c.30 Black-backed Gull, 4 female Mallard. David & Brenda Hale.
Gunners Park, 16:15 to 17:45
1 Grey Heron in reserve, 8 Ringed Plover on beach, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 1 Whinchat in reserve, 2 Wheatear in reserve, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff by car park, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Linnet in reserve, 1 Brown Rat along reserve fence. 3 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 17:00 to 19:00
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey off Haven Point on a more easterly post than usual, 12 Stock Dove, 5 Turtle Dove including a party of four of which at least two were juveniles, 8 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Goldfinch on thistles, 4 Linnet. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:40
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 19:00 to 20:30
2 Teal, 2 Marsh Harrier (both originally over on Fleet Head/Potton then 1st year male flew across to boatyard then low across Paglesham Lagoon and towards Stambridge at dusk), 1 Buzzard (flew through quite low south west upon arrival), 1 summer plumage Grey Plover on Roach, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Tern, 1 Little Owl calling 400 west of Jubilee Cottages, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Linnet. 1 Stoat (smashing views!). Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Ballards Gore, 20:40
1 Little Owl flew across road near Golf Course. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 19th August 2012variable, clear, max27°c
RSPB Vange Marsh, 05:55 to 07:05
6 Pochard, 1 Dunlin, 4 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 12 Spotted Redshank, 5 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 25+ Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler (singing), 2+ Bearded Tit (heard only). 10 Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 1 Azure Damselfly, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Common Darter, 2 Small Skipper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:15 to 07:40
1 Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:15 to 07:40
1 Peregrine Falcon sat on pylon, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
WEBS count: 27 Little Egret, 3 Teal, 31 Mallard, 2 Pheasant, 8 Oystercatcher, 54 Ringed Plover, 1 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 101 Black-tailed Godwit, 283 Curlew, 81 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Jay, 6 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:30 to 11:05
Hide only: 2 Greenshank on scrape, 1 Whitethroat, a few Swallow passed through, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Avocet, Bearded Tit heard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Gadwall, c.6 Shoveler. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:45 to 13:15
19 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 2 Quail calling by car park, 3 Greenshank, 5 Little Tern, 30 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat by conveyor belt, 1 Wheatear, 12 Reed Bunting (together). 1 Common Seal. 12 Small Tortoiseshell (at least). John Wright (SOG).
Lady Essex Seal and Wildlife Trip 11:00 to 15:15
18 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier on Potton, 8 Ringed Plover, 25+ Little Tern, 12 Common Tern. 37 Common Seal in Roach. Web Author.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:45
7 Swift south together. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:55 to 14:10
1 Osprey flew onto post straight out from slipway. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:05 to 18:35
6 Little Egret, 53 Canada Goose, 1 Quail heard by white gate, 3 Whimbrel, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 11 Little Tern, 50+ Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Corn Bunting. 1 Brown Rat. 6 Small White, 1 Common Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 7 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Gatekeeper, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Pitsea 18:00
1 Whinchat. Phil Shaw.
Gunners Park, 19:00 to 19:30
2 Red-legged Partridge, 12 Swift, 1 Whinchat on reserve, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00 to 19:45
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:30 to 20:15
16 Herring Gull, 5 Greater Black-backed Gull, 28 Black-headed Gull, 10+ Ringed Plover, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Linnet, 14 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Magpie, 18 Carrion Crow, 40+ Woodpigeon, 10 Stock Dove, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Quail singing by car park, 5 Mallard. Rob Harris.
Saturday 18th August 2012south westerly, clear, max33°c
Wakering Stairs 06:50 to 07:15
Seawall end of Stairs road only: 1 Osprey still on the post, 6 Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, 13 Swallow. David Selley.
Rochford 07:45 to 08:15
c.35 House Martin. David Selley.
Seal watching trip along Crouch/Roach 10:00 to 12:00
12 Little Egret, 4 Marsh Harrier (pair south east corner Wallasea, juvenile north east with 2 Buzzards, female north east), 3 Buzzard (1 over Foulness, 2 thermalling north east), 20 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20+ Little Tern (mostly juveniles), 6 Common Seal. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:45 to 14:00
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Tufted Duck, 350+ Pochard, 50+ Mute Swan, 8+ Grey Heron, 70+ Cormorant. Large White, Small Heath, Peacock, Common Blue, Comma. Southern Hawker, Ruddy Darter, Common Blue Damselfly. Grey Squirrel, Muntjac Deer. S. Jackson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View drive 12:50 to 12:55
12 Swift high over garden heading south. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:00 to 14:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard low over car park area flapping slowly south, 1 Hobby. 2 Southern Migrant Hawker, one still in wide ditch west of the Red Hill, and before the kissing gate, and one in ditch west side of children's play area, 1 Marbled White. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, park View Drive 13:38 and 14:40
Female Sparrowhawk low over west and then again an hour later east. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Rodbridge Drive 15:15
One dead Sparrowhawk laying on it's back in Rodbridge Drive. Alec Beanse.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 16:45
Quick look from car park: 5 Little Egret, 2 Quail still singing by car park, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Tern, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 17:00 to 18:40
1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin. 1 Emerald Damselfly (my first one here), 20 Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 3 Migrant Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 5 Coenagrion sp. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 18:00
1 Buzzard over at 30ft mobbed by 2 crows. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:00 to 19:45
2 Little Egret, 10 Herring Gull, 2 Greater Black-backed Gull, 14 Black-headed Gull, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Linnet, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 1 Meadow Pipit, 7 Corn Bunting, 3 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 30+ Stock Dove, 4 Quail (2 singing in wild bird cover by white gate and 2 singing by car park). Rob Harris.
Leigh on Sea, 19:50
2 Swift south. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 20:15
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 17th August 2012soutth westerly, partly cloudy, max27°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:15 to 13:15
Sightings from first hide only: Pair Avocet with 2 chicks, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Peregrine Falcon circling high before stooping fast to the ground, 4 female Teal, 1 Kestrel, 13 Little Egret in usual roost, pair Little Grebe with 2 chicks, 1 Pied Wagtail, few Lapwing, c.20 Black-headed Gull. David Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:50 to 15:00
Sightings from first hide only: 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pochard, 20 eclipse Mallard, 2 Swallow, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Grey Heron, Little Grebe, 1000+ Gulls on top soiled Landfill site, few Black-headed Gull on posts, 1 Lesser Black=backed Gull. David Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:40 to 18:50
2 Quail (1 singing by car park, the other c250m E/SE of car park in stubble field, but still invisible!), 2 Greenshank, 2 Little Tern, 1 Skylark, 30 Yellow Wagtail (mostly juveniles), 2 Whinchat by conveyor belt, 50 Linnet, 8 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Hospital 19:15
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Ashingdon, 19:30 to 20:15
5 House Martin, 1 Southern Hawker in parent's garden. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 20:15 to 20:25
2 Noctule Bat feeding high over the oaks. Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Thursday 16th August 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max22°c
Coombe Wood, 09:00
4 Crossbill flying over calling, heading south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Lion Creek EWT Reserve 14:15 to 16:05
4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 House Martin, 1 Turtle Dove just beyond the hide, 3 Skylark, 14 Linnet, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Corn Bunting. Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, and Wall butterflies. David Selley.
Wednesday 15th August 2012easterly to southerly, mostly cloudy, max25°c
Canvey Point, 09:30 to 14:05
5 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Gannet, 4 Little Egret, 11 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 25 Ringed Plover, 1 Pomarine Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Little Gull, 9 Sandwich Tern, 13 Little Tern, 38 Black Tern, 1 Wheatear. Marc Outten, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hockley - Wallasea cycle, via Paglesham 14:30 to 16:30
150+ Starling on phone wire by Canewdon Church, 2 Whitethroat, many House Martin and Swift, 4 Grey Wagtail, 10+ Yellow Wagtail, many Magpie, Crow, Collared Dove. 1 Easyjet scaring a large flock of Black headed Gulls near Paglesham Church End! David Z.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 19:00 to 21:00
1 adult Hobby sat on one of the lizard mounds south of road, 4+ Quail (at least 3 between car park and yellow gate plus 1 from path by white gate), 4 Golden Plover flying high overhead, 1 Common Sandpiper heard calling from white gate, 1 Barn Owl flew from barn to hunt WBC, 4 Swift, 6 Swallow, 1 Wheatear south of road to car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tuesday 14th August 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max24°c
Gunners Park, 07:20 to 08:20
1 Common Tern (offshore), 2 Green Woodpecker (1 juvenile), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Swallow, 50 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler (1 singing), 2 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:40 to 11:30
Reservoir: 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mute Swan, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe (including 4 juveniles). Elsewhere on Reserve: 1 Buzzard south, mobbed by crows, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 2 Yellow Wagtail over together, 2 Corn Bunting. Ian White.
Leigh Marshes 11:00 to 14:30
Common Buzzard, Common Pheasant, 34+ Little Egret near sewage works, 30+ Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, juvenile Avocet. Large White, Small White, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Common Blue, Holly Blue. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Monday 13th August 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max23°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 11:00
Wetlands by car park on rising tide and south west borrowdyke: 7 Pochard (female with full grown brood of 6 still), 1 Marsh Harrier (juvenile hunting south sea wall), 2 Kestrel, 1 Hobby (adult hunting low and fast over stubble), 2 Quail (1 by car park, 1 along ditch line by yellow gate), 130+ Ringed Plover, 3 Golden Plover, 8 Lapwing, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adults), 20+ Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 200+ Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult on fields by Grapnells, 1 adult + 1 1st summer on wetlands), 1 Common Tern, 15 Little Tern (mostly juveniles on mud in breach), 16 Swift, 4 Swallow, 30+ Yellow Wagtail (lots of juveniles), 50+ Linnet, 4 Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 18:15 to 18:55
2 Quail singing by car park, 2 Ringed Plover, 12 Snipe, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Swift, 2 Swallow, 8 juvenile Yellow Wagtail. 2 Whitethroat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 19:30 to 20:30
1 Quail heard several times from car park, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl viewed from seawall by car park hunting over fields. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Sunday 12th August 2012easterly, clear, max24°c
River Crouch, Hullbridge to Battlesbridge 07:00 to 08:00
2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 12 Little Egret. David Chivers.
Hockley - Wallasea Cycle 08:00 to 10:00
1 Cormorant flying over, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Yellow Wagtail, many House Martin and Swift, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brown Hare. David Z.
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:55 to 11:00
Hide only: 3 Greenshank over scrape, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Swallow over marshes, 1 Common Tern, 2 Avocet and c.4 chicks, 5 Teal, 2 Shoveler, c.4 Gadwall, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, c.5 Little Egret, few Bearded Tits. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 12:00
South west borrowdyke area: 7 Pochard (duck with grown brood), 1 Marsh Harrier (tatty adult female), 4 Whimbrel, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 10 Swallow. Jeff Delve (SOG).
A13, Stanford le Hope 10:15
1 Buzzard seen circling over fields between Stanford le Hope and Orsett. Dawn and Pete.
RSPB Wallasea Island 10:20 to 12:00
From white gates: 2 Kestrel together, 8 Swift, 31 Swallow, 1 Corn Bunting. From car park to mast: 1 Little Egret, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Redshank, 6 Common Tern, 9 Skylark, c20 Yellow Wagtail (most juveniles), 2 Sedge Warbler, 12 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting. 1 Peacock butterfly, many Meadow Brown, a few Small Heath. David Selley.
Wakering Stairs, 10:30 to 11:10
1 Osprey still out on the posts from end of MOD road, 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Wall. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:20 to 12:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler (including 2 singing at south end), 1 Scarce Emerald Damselfly (male by toilet block), 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker, 5+ Southern Migrant Hawker (4+ around pools near toilet block and 1 over pool on right of entrance road), 4 Common Darter, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:30 to 14:00
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier came over sea wall and promptly seen off by crows, 1 Buzzard mobbed by crows, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wheatear in field near road hide, 1 Corn Bunting singing. 2 Southern Migrant Hawker (same place as yesterday), 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Wall. Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:40 to 18:25
Seawall to east end and back: 4 Little Egret, 1 Quail singing between car park and yellow gate - heard once at 6.15pm), 8 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 35 Little Tern, 5 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 10 Yellow Wagtail (juveniles), 1 Wheatear (juvenile), 20 Linnet, 20 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 20:00 to 21:00
5+ Quail (eventually isolated four calling birds in area south of car park plus one from white gate, Frank Vargas had two from white gate earlier so at least six in the area), 1 Barn Owl flew out from farm buildings to hunt wbc. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 11th August 2012easterly, few clouds, max21°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 05:50 to 06:10
1 Quail 
singing just south east of white gate, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 07:30 to 08:15
5 Little Egret, 1 Quail (barely audible from white gate briefly at 7:50 and occasionally between 08:10 - 08:15. Also no sign last night 21:30-22:15), 1 Barn Owl showing well, with Field Vole, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Swallow (south), 10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler, 10 Linnet, 1 female Reed Bunting, 25 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 11:00
30+ Teal, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 230+ Black-tailed Godwit (including three ringed birds), 3 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper. Jeff Delve, Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Southern Migrant Hawker in reedy ponds one each side of the path by the kissing gate towards the sea wall, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 4 Wall, 1 Marbled White. Sally Brierley, Marc Outten, John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 11:00 to 13:00
Swallow, 2+ Pied Wagtail, Little Egret, 2+ Marsh Harrier (pair), 30+ Yellow Wagtail, 7+ Corn Bunting, 2+ Common Pheasant. Large White, Small White, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 13:15
1 Little Egret, Oystercatcher, 60 Lapwing, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat. 25 Common Blue Damsel, 2MM Southern Migrant Hawker on pool near the entrance to the children's playground, about 60M before the start of the boardwalk, 3 Emperor (MMF), 30 Ruddy Darter. 5 Large White, 2 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 5 Peacock, 1 Marbled White, 20 Meadow Brown, 10 Gatekeeper, 2 Small/Essex Skipper. Mike & Anita Harris.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 Painted Lady. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:30 to 15:00
1 juvenile Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove, 1 juvenile Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Corn Bunting (1 singing). 1M Blue tailed Damsel, 20 Common Blue Damsel, 1M Red eyed Damsel, 1T Migrant Hawker, 1M Emperor, 50 Ruddy Darter. 5 Large White, 2 Peacock, 1 Marbled White, 30 Meadow Brown, 10 Gatekeeper, 1 Small/Essex Skipper. 1 Roesel's Bush Cricket on one of the reptile mats sunning itself with lots of its smaller cousins. Mike & Anita Harris.
Two Tree Island West, 15:00 to 17:30
c.650 Black-tailed Godwit feeding on the mud at the water line in the river, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper in the lagoon, 1 Sandwich Tern seen from slipway, 5 Common Tern. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:30 to 18:30
4 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Whimbrel flew past in a flock, 8 Arctic Skua all heading strongly west, 1 adult Kittiwake, 6 Sandwich Tern, 65 Common Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wyatts Drive and Southchurch Park East
Juvenile Green Woodpecker feeding on back lawn in Wyatts Drive 15:30. Flock of House Martin over Southchurch East 16:10. Sparrowhawk in pursuit of Collared Dove through back gardens in Wyatts Drive 17:35. Alec Beanse.
Friday 10th August 2012variable, clear, max25°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 09:00
Short walk along from car park: 15 Ringed Plover, 10 Golden Plover (summer plumaged birds), 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 88 Redshank, 6 Little Tern, 1 Short-eared Owl flushed from south sea wall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09:20
1 Hobby south of garden travelling east. Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 18:00
3 male Southern Migrant Hawkers. Individuals identified (while perched) by amount of damage to their wings, almost certainly more in the park, some in same ponds as yesterday and two seen on pond halfway down entrance road. Also seen: 6 Scarce and 1 Common Emerald on same ponds, 1 patrolling Brown Hawker, 1 female Emperor and many Ruddy Darters. Photos from today can be seen here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/southern-migrant-hawker-aeshna-affinis/. Neil Phillips.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 13:45
Viewing from west bank only: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff, 7 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Bearded Tit (heard). 1 Marbled White. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:55 to 14:20
3 Little Egret in creek at marina, 1 Southern Migrant Hawker on first pond on right after entrance gates. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:30 to 16:00
2 Hobby distantly over Benfleet Downs, 1 Green Sandpiper (heard), 1 male Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting (including several singing), 2 Adder, 1 Southern Migrant Hawker in wide ditch south of start of pantile track, 2 Marbled White. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, East of Castle 15:45 to 16:00
1 Kestrel (female or juvenile). Martin Johnson.
Tewke's Creek, 16:15 to 17:25
4 Little Egret, 5 Knot, 8 Dunlin, 650 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 21 Greenshank. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 17:35 to 18:10
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier hunting seawall in Kent, 25 Common Tern. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 18:00
1 Hobby heading west. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:00 to 18:30
1 male Southern Migrant Hawker hunting along roadside hedgerow next to new toilet block, 1 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:30 to 19:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Phylloscopus sp. (heard), 1 Scarce Emerald Damselfly. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:45 to 19:15
1 Scarce Emerald Damselfly on first pool on right past entrance gate, 4 Sympetrum sp. (probably Commons). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:10 to 20:30
12 Avocet, 13 Curlew, 4 Sedge Warbler, Bearded Tit (heard), 3 Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, numerous Redshank, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper, 3 Swallow. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island East, 19:30 to 21:00
EWT Egret roost event: 82 Little Egret, 71 Swallow. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 19:30 to 21:00
Over high tide at east end and later at white gate: 2+ Quail (singing in wild bird cover just east of white gate), 130+ Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 30+ Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 150+ Redshank, 25+ Little Tern (mostly juveniles), 1 Barn Owl hunting wbc. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 09th August 2012easterly, fog then partly cloudy, max22°c
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:10 to 09:15
1 Peregrine Falcon. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 11:30
7 Common Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff (heard singing), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, several young Common Whitethroat. 4 Common Lizard. Tim Hurdley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Reed Warbler, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Great Crested Grebe, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, House Sparrow, 2 Oystercatcher, Little Egret, 5 Redshank (3 in Vange Creek, 1 plus juvenile on scrape), 3 Curlew, Carrion Crow, Whimbrel, 40+ Greylag Geese (over Vange Wick), 2 Jackdaw, 3 Cormorant, Blackcap, 3 Long-tail Tit, 3 Whitethroat, Stock Dove, Starling, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Common Tern, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing plus juveniles, Swallow, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Avocet plus juveniles, 5 Shoveler. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 15:00
3 male Southern Migrant Hawker dragonflies at the same pond as yesterday, plus a 4th in the scrub. Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/southern-migrant-hawker-dragonfly-at-wat-tyler-country-park/. Neil Phillips.
Benfleet Downs, 12:15 to 13:45
1 Buzzard hunting low over downs and marshes, mobbed by the Hobby, then chased off by crows, 1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler (including one which gave a brief burst of song and another with a beak full of grubs). 3 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 7 Red-eyed Damselfly, 40 Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 10 Azure Damselfly, 10 Common Blue Damselfly, 5 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 4 Migrant Hawker, 2 Brown Hawker, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, 5 Common Darter, 45 Ruddy Darter, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 15 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 1 Small Heath. Neil Chambers
Gunners Park, 14:20 to 15:00
Garrison / tennis courts: 10 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 1 juvenile Whitethroat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Hospital 16:30 to 19:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 18:30
1 Hobby carrying prey over garden heading towards Belfairs Woods. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:45 to 20:30
2 Little Egret, 5 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 50+ Herring Gull, 2 Greater Black-Backed Gull, 30+ Black-Headed Gull, 5 Swallow, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Linnet, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 House Sparrow, 7 Corn Bunting, 3 Magpie, 7 Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 30+ Stock Dove, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Pheasant. 2 Fox. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 08th August 2012westerly, scattered clouds, max23°c
Thurrock Thameside 10:15 to 16:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, flock c.50 Starling, male and female Blackbird, flock c.40 Goldfinch, 13 female flyby Mallard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on mud plus flock of Godwits, c.15 in flight, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 6 Whitethroat, 12 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Shelduck, 12 Avocet, 3 Common Tern, many Cormorant 6 evenly spaced along low water line, two spotted struggling to swallow large flatfish, many Black-headed Gull, few Herring Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull. 2 Whimbrel, 1 Common Seal. David & Brenda Hale.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00
1 male Southern Migrant Hawker spotted flying over the at the north end of the main path board walk near the green roofed toilet block. Neil Phillips.
Wakering Common, 15:30 to 17:15
1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30+ Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Linnet. 2 Migrant Hawker, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 2 Ruddy Darter. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 16:00 to 16:05
1 Peregrine Falcon circling high over the wood. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 17:15
1 Osprey on the nearest post just right of the Broomway. David Selley.
Wakering Stairs, 17:30 to 18:15
1 juvenile Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard). Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 20:00
90 Ringed Plover (including 20 high over to south), 14 Dunlin (including 5 over high to south), 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 183 Redshank (most at east end), 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 8 Common Tern (including 4 juveniles), 23 Little Tern (including many juveniles), 1 Barn Owl hunting wild bird cover, 3 Wheatear between car park and Grapnells. Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 20:00 to 20:15
2 Hobby, both pursuing Swallow. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Rochford, 23:30 to 23:45
1 Tawny Owl heard very distantly from garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Tuesday 07th August 2012west south west, partly cloudy, max21°c
Rayleigh, 06:45 to 06:50
1 Willow Warbler in garden. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southchurch, 16:00
1 Hobby (superb adult low north and very close at rooftop height when I was up on the roof). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:45 to 17:45
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey on post east of Slipway towards Havengore Creek with fish and showed well (for here) from Haven Point, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Sandwich Tern, 10 Common Tern, 1 Wheatear (Haven Point). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 17:30 to 17:50
1 Osprey on post out from Haven Point, 3 Grey Plover. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Osprey perched on post, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 3 Sand Martin. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 18:20 to 20:00
2 Little Egret, 35 Grey Plover (several still in full summer plumage), 250 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 12 Greenshank, 6 Common Sandpiper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:35 to 19:00
1 Osprey on post east of slip way. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:45 to 19:05
1 Osprey, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Sanderling, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
3 Corn Bunting, 1 Hobby, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. numerous Gatekeeper, still good numbers of Marbled White, large number 6 Spot Burnet, 1 Peacock, 3 Wall Brown between last hide and seawall gate. Pete Jackson.
Monday 06th August 2012west south west. partly cloudy, mac22°c
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:40
26 House Sparrow on neighbour's lawn and feeders. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:00 to 15:30
Viewing from nr west gate only: 3 Oystercatcher, c.70 Black-tailed Godwit, 24 Curlew, 6 Spotted Redshank, 3 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park 15:30 to 16:30
1 Hobby, 1 Willow Warbler. Mike Sagrott.
Leigh on Sea, Tattersall Gardens 15:36
1 female Sparrowhawk, 10m above rooftops. Martin Johnson.
Tewke's Creek, 18:10 to 18:45
1 Golden Plover, 60+ Grey Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adults), 480+ Black-tailed Godwit (rough count of birds flying south west from roost on salt marsh), 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 15 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:55 to 19:30
1 Osprey perched on posts feeding on a fish, 1 Whimbrel (heard). 7 Seal sp. on the artificial island, 3 large adults with 4 half-grown pups. Don Petrie, Vince Kinsler, Marc Outten (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Seal Trips This Week
On our recent seal and wildlife trips aboard the good ship "Jacqueline Anne", we've had numerous sightings of Harbour Porpoise in the Crouch and Roach. The sightings of numerous mother Seals and their pups are still frequent, and sightings of Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Avocet are increasing. Ian Frakes.
Sunday 05th August 2012southerly, scattered cloud, showers, max21°c
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:45 to 11:10
2 Green Sandpiper on scrape, 1 Bearded Tit, a small movement of Swallow, pair of Avocet with 3 chicks among a few others, c.8 Teal, 10+ Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Lapwing chicks, 1 Little Grebe with 2 chicks on fleet. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:30
510 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Warbler. 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 2+ Small Skipper, 3+ Essex Skipper, 1+ Large Skipper, 1 Green-veined White, 30+ Gatekeeper. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 09:00 to 12:30
1 Kingfisher, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler. 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Large White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 12:45 to 14:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Hobby (chasing the Swifts), 19 Ringed Plover, 1 Golden Plover flew over seawall calling, 17 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 10 Mediterranean Gull (juvenile x1, 1st summer x2, 2nd summer x3, adult x4 most in recently ploughed fields and one on river), 14 Little Tern (including a couple of juveniles), 500 Swift (minimum, all one one huge spiralling flock under storm clouds), 25 Swallow (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:30 to 18:30
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler. 5 Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 15 Coenagrion sp., 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Emperor Dragonfly, 8 Large White, 2 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:00 to 16:40
5 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard (appears to be the "resident" bird, beginning to moult now), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 6 Common Tern, 2 Swift, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (unusual here), 11 Swallow, 7 Yellow Wagtail (all juveniles), 1 Reed Warbler (juvenile), 2 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:30 to 15:40
50+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 33 Cormorant, 10 Great Black-backed Gull, 350+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 100+ Greylag Geese, 150+ Canada Geese, 3 Blackbird, 200+ Pochard, 300+ Coot, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 35 Mute Swan, 25 Lapwing, 10 Swallow, 30+ Swift. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point 15:45 to 17:45
27 Little Tern, 1 Common Tern, 2 Common Sandpiper, 200+ Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover (one with red tag on left leg No.E.9 and yellow ring on right leg with silver ring), 40+ Greenshank, 11 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Egret, 1 Wheatear, 30+ Sand Martin, 5 Swift, 15+ Swallow, 20+ House Sparrow. Pat Dandridge.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 17:00
3 Little Egret, 10+ Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 5 Common Tern, 5 Greater Black-Backed Gull, 20+ Black-Headed Gull, 50+ Swift, 5 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 3 Whitethroat, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Linnet, 8 Pied Wagtail, 2 Blackbird, 2 Meadow Pipit, 12 House Sparrow, 3 Corn Bunting, 5 Magpie, 30+ Carrion Crow, 30+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Stock Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Wheatear. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 16:10 to 18:00
2000+ Swift over fields off Stairs Road (based on sample count of 2 x 100) watched for about half an hour during which time they were completely silent - by 16:50 most had gone. c.100 Swallow, 30 Sand Martin, 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 41 Curlew, 47 Bar-tailed Godwit. David Selley.
Wakering Stairs, 17:20 to 18:00
1 Gannet (4th-w flew out of estuary), 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier (immature female hunting wheat field adjacent to approach road and showing down to 10ft from the car), 30 Greenshank, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 22 Common Tern, 10 Little Tern (together in one flock), 350 Swift, 70 Swallow, 50 House Martin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Phylloscopus sp. (heard to call twice, probably a Willow Warbler), 6 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:25 to 19:00
Garrison, near Tennis Courts: 1 female Sparrowhawk, 100 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 immature Willow Warbler showing well. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 19:20 to 20:00
Viewing from the seawall by main car park only: 1 Little Egret, 1 male Marsh Harrier over Foulness, 1 male Kestrel, c.12 Ringed Plover, c.15 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper in borrowdyke, 1 Barn Owl over wild bird cover, 2 Skylark, c.20 Yellow Wagtail, 40 Linnet, 20 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 04th August 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max22°c
Barling Pits, 16:00 to 16:45
Quick walk along the track to the seawall and back: 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier on Fleet Head, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 18:00
Mostly at east end wetlands: 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier (first of the year, over wild bird cover), 4 Oystercatcher, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover (smart summer plumaged bird), 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper (in good plumage ), 32 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 40+ Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Mediterranean Gull (including 1 juvenile with lareg mixed gull flock on plough), 1 Common Tern, 30+ Swift (feeding low over crop), 40+ Swallow (feeding low over crop), 3 House Martin, 3 Meadow Pipit (including 2 singing birds), 20+ Yellow Wagtail (including many juveniles), 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:00 to 19:30
20+ Black-headed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 1 Little Egret, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Swallow, 70+ Swift, 5 Magpie, 1 Barn Owl, 20+ Carrion Crow, 30+ Woodpigeon, 30+ Stock Dove, 4 Cormorant. Rob Harris.
Friday 03rd August 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max21°c
Private Land Near Crays Hill 08:15
2 Bullfinch (pair) feeding on sow-thistle seeds. G. Dixon.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:15 to 11:15
Sightings from first hide: pair of Avocet with 3 small chicks, Lapwing with 2 chicks, Tufted Duck with 8 ducklings, Redshank with 1 chick, Common Tern with 1 chick, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Shoveler, 2 House Martin, 1 Pied Wagtail, pair of Black-headed Gull with 1 chick, c.4 Reed Warbler. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:40 to 14:40
All sightings from green viewing screen: 1 Kingfisher, c.50 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Tern, c.20 Lapwing, few Oystercatcher, 3 Avocet, 2 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 100 + Gulls. David & Brenda Hale.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 5 Emerald Damselfly, 6 Red-eyed Damselfly, 2 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 1 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 7 Gatekeeper. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Thursday 02nd August 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max21°c
Private Land Near Crays Hill 10:45
1 Hobby flew over at tree top height. G. Dixon.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:30 to 16:00
6 Ringed Plover, 1 Golden Plover (superb summer plumage adult), 12 Lapwing, 7 Whimbrel, 30+ Redshank (including many juveniles), 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Common Tern, 4 Little Tern (including a juvenile). 2 Large Skipper, 6 Large White, 10+ Green-veined White, 1 Common Blue, 40+ Gatekeeper. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:40 to 15:40
10 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 6 Oystercatcher, 22 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Little Tern, 8 Common Tern, 1 Swift, 5 Swallow at Grapnells, 5 Yellow Wagtail - all juveniles, 18 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Rochford Station, 15:00
1 Common Lizard on the station steps leading up from the Golf Course! Paul Baker (SOG).
Canewdon, Creeksea Ferry Road 20:55 to 21:00
1 Hobby. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 21:00 to 21:25
1 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel, 31 Woodpigeon, 2 Fox. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 01st August 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max23°c
Rochford 07:00 to 07:40
1 Swift, 26 House Martin, c.400 Woodpigeon - constant movement westwards. David Selley.
Coombe Wood, 08:25
6 Crossbill flying over low calling, heading south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 12:30
5 Little Egret, 6 Gadwall, 22 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 85 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Spotted Redshank, 15 Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Bearded Tit (2 juveniles showed well, others heard), 1 Marbled White. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:30 to 13:30
50+ Black-headed Gull, 120+ Herring Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Little Egret, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Linnet, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 2 House Sparrow, 5 Corn Bunting, 2 Swallow, 5 Magpie, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 60+ Stock Dove, 1 Cormorant, 150+ Swift, 1 Seal fishing in the lagoon behind car park being attacked by the Terns when it caught fish. Rob Harris.
River Roach Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex
5 Harbour Porpoise around boat, 25 Common Seal with pups. Unprecedented numbers of Porpoise in Crouch and Roach. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).