Bird Reports for December 2005

Saturday 31st December 2005

Westcliff Seafront, 09:45 to 10:00
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult still opposite Rossi's), 5 Mediterranean Gull (adults). John Wright (SOG).

Southend Seafront, 10:15 to 10:40
10 Snow Bunting on the beach a couple of hundred metres east of the old gas works pier. John Wright (SOG).

River Roach, 11:00 to 12:15
5 Little Egret, 4 Pintail (2 pairs), 1 Rock Pipit (All from the seawall on the south bank via Ropers Farm), 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Grebe, 600 Wigeon. John Wright (SOG).

Southend Seafront 12:15 to 12:30
10 Snow Bunting on the beach opposite the Halfway House. David Lee.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:15
65 Fieldfare feeding in hawthorn hedge at end of road. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southend Seafront, 15:45 to 15:50
1 Peregrine Falcon a few hundred metres west of the pier, harassed the starlings going to roost and swooped at waders along the shoreline. John Wright (SOG).

Southend Seafront
Halfway House: 10 Snow Bunting, 35 Sanderling. Rossi's: Ring-billed Gull briefly then flew west, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 adult, 1 2nd winter), incredibly tame Sanderling. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Friday 30th December 2005

Hockley Woods 08:45 and 12:45
Sparrowhawk (west part of woods). Tim Davis.

Ashingdon, 09:00 to 09:05
27 Goldfinch in garden. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 15:00
110 Collared Dove (sitting in trees in 4 back gardens. This is actually quite a significant Essex count!), 1 Sparrowhawk (spooked all the doves). Paul Baker (SOG).

Thursday 29th December 2005

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 08:00 to 09:00
1 Bullfinch (male), 12 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk (male). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Benfleet Creek & Hadleigh Castle Country Park 08.10 - 09.20
2 Bearded Tit (heard), 1 Whimbrel, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 100 Grey Plover, 30 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 Skylark, 5 Sanderling, 20 Redshank, 15 Curlew, 10 Redwing. Chris Seaton.

Canvey Island (East) 08:55 - 12:05
5 Whooper Swan (NW over Country Park at 09:15). 1 Snow Bunting (on seawall at Leighbeck), 2+ Red-throated Diver, 3 Diver sp, 8+ Great Crested Grebe, 1 Goldeneye, 2+ 2 Common Scoter. Leighbeck 09:40 - 11:15: 1 Spotted Redshank, 20+ Avocet, 1 Sparrowhawk (Tewkes Creek). Ian White.

Northlands Park, Basildon 09:00 - 09:45
Various numbers of Blue Tit, Great Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 8-10 Long-tailed Tit. 4 Robin 1 very confiding. 1 drake Smew, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 8-12 Fieldfare and Redwing in treetops (mixed flock), several Pairs of Mallard. Darren Chaplin.

Westcliff Seafront, 11:10 to 11:25
4 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults & a 1st winter). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Southchurch Hall Park, 11:30 - 11:35
1 drake Mandarin. Darren Chaplin.

 Hadleigh, Castle Road 11:45
Green Woodpecker and Greater Spotted one foot apart in old apple tree in back garden, Sparrowhawk on ground plucking in front garden and 42 Fieldfare's in low trees of field edge. Roger Shinn.

Leigh Marshes Amenity Tip, Near Leigh Station 12:30
5 Siskin in alder trees. Mike Bunker.

Southend Seafront from Shoebury Common to Pier Forshore, 12.30 - 15.30
Dunlin, Knot, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, 1 Whimbrel, Various Gulls, all in varying numbers along the shore line. 8-10 Snow Bunting between Activities Centre and Gas Works Pier at 14.30. Group of 6 Turnstone hand fed at the rear of Peter Pan's Playground.  Darren Chaplin.

Southend Seafront, Halfway House to Gasworks Pier 13:00 - 15:30
10 Snow Bunting on beach, 8 Sanderling, 25 Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Curlew, Turnstone, Oystercatcher. Westcliff: Ring-billed Gull some distance out, up to 6 Mediterranean Gulls seen earlier but I only caught up with 2. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Rushbottom Lane, 13:00 to 14:00
3 Yellowhammer (1 male, 2 females), 11 Stock Dove, 15 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Stanford Warren 14.00
2 Siskin in churchyard. Jim Cockram.

Westcliff Seafront 14:00
2 Curlew, Turnstones, 10 Brent Geese, Oystercatchers, Black-headed Gulls, 1 Grey Heron (flying). Adam Firth.

Wakering stairs 14.00 - 15.00
1 Woodcock flushed from cover 300 yards east of car parking area. Brian Coveney.

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 17:00 to 17:45
1 Woodcock, 10 Lapwing flew over calling & landed on football field. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Basildon, Frampton Road
 Flock of 6 Goldfinch regularly visiting Teasels baited with Nyger seed in garden. Darren Chaplin.

Wednesday 28th December 2005

Canvey Point 08.10 - 10.10
28 Red Throated Diver,1 Black Throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier (Kent to Essex at 09.00), 18 Great Crested Grebe, 140 Skylark (Kent to Essex), and 64 Meadow Pipit (Kent to Essex). Also Woodcock over road just before A13. All Divers counted going downriver and not coming out. David Morrison.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
9 Skylark (loose flock heading low north east). Paul Baker (SOG).

Battlesbridge, 09:20
110 Golden Plover (flock circling over A130 / R.Crouch), 3 Mute Swan (flew south). Paul Baker (SOG).

Hockley Woods 10:30 - 11:30
Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, 6 Long-tailed Tit. Tim Davis.

Benfleet Creek, 10:50 to 12:30
300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 250 Golden Plover, 200 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, 2 Bearded Tit (at least 2 heard), 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Fieldfare, 7 Snipe. John Wright (SOG).

Eastwood, 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk (thermalling over Bellhouse Rd, viewed from A127). Paul Baker (SOG).

Westcliff-on-Sea, Southbourne Grove 13:45
1 Little Egret. Steve Cox.

RSPB Rainham Marsh
N.B. The reserve is not yet open to general public access, call 01708 892900 for information on Wednesday walks.
Grey Wagtail and Water Pipit on foreshore, Kingfisher, 2 female Penduline Tits near Avely lagoons - excellent views (these not seen since 21st so sporadic) and at least 6 Stonechats. Also at least 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and one adult + one first winter Caspian Gull. Black Redstart was also seen. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Tuesday 27th December 2005

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00
1 Sparrowhawk perched on next doors garage railings during snow flurry, immature male, 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 10:20 to 10:50
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult still showing well), 5 Mediterranean Gull (all adults), 5 Sanderling. Steve Arlow (SOG).

River Roach, 11:00 to 11:45
3 drake Pintail. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Canvey Island, 11:35 to 13:40
1 Snow Bunting (a very approachable and confiding bird from the point along the concrete footpath for 200 yards), 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 2nd winter), 1 Kittiwake (1st winter around fishing boat), 1 Red-necked Grebe (distantly). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Canvey Seafront 11.45-13.00
3 Red Throated Diver, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Snow Bunting. Martin Cracknell.

Benfleet Creek, 12:00
2 Short-eared Owl. John Wright (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 13:00
230 Shoveler, 181 Pochard, 11 Goldeneye (6 drakes), 2 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Yellowhammer. Steve Sanford (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.45 14.30
2 Red Breasted Merganser (1m & 1f), 19 Widgeon, 3 Brent Goose, 4 Shelduck, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Stonechat (pair), 4 Fieldfare, 30 Teal, Long-tailed Tit (mobile flock). Ray Fuller.

Rayleigh, 14:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (South over Great Wheatley estate (per Richard Hall)). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Battlesbridge, Along Watery Lane 14:00 to 14:05
1 Sparrowhawk, 30 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:00 to 15:30
60 Fieldfare (probably more), 20 Corn Bunting (loose flock was quite jumpy), 3 Snipe, 5 Ruff. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Hadleigh, 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).

Monday 26th December 2005

Westcliff Seafront, 10:00 to 10:300
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi again), 4 Mediterranean Gull (all adults). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:20 to 12:40
1 Merlin (fine male), 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail), 12 Ruff in field north of the central track with Lapwing and Golden Plovers. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Vange Marsh 14.00
55 White-fronted Geese flew north. Also 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper. Julian Thomas.

Belhus Country Park, Conservation Lake 14:15
1 male and 2 female Smew on the conservation lake. Wayne Twelftree.

Sunday 25th December 2005

Benfleet - Vicarage Hill - 09.30
1 Sparrowhawk. Dull thump from outside followed by feathers fluttering down past downstairs window presumed to be bird flying into patio doors/balcony railings upstairs when suddenly Sparrowhawk landed on lawn with prey (Collared Dove?), cue frantic rushing around for camera, managed one shot taken just as bird spotted cat, then flew off with prey still in claws! Martin Cracknell.

Westcliff Seafront, 10:00 to 11:20
4 Mediterranean Gull (adults). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Chalet Site in Heybridge 11.45
 Dartford Warbler. Tim & Viv Connett.

Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winter). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Southchurch Park East Lake 15.00 - 15.15
3 Little Grebe, 1 Redshank and a Sparrowhawk wheeling overhead and being mobbed by some Starlings. Leslie Spurling.

Saturday 24th December 2005

Priory Park Area 00:05
Song thrush still singing across Victoria Ave from Priory Park gates. Traffic still heavy even at this time of night but bird is undeterred. Peter Walker.

Paglesham Lagoon, 08:40 to 12:30
1 Common Gull (leucistic adult), 1 Black-headed Gull (leucistic adult (the Barling Tip bird)), 125 Pochard, 218 Shoveler, 252 Mallard, 19 Little Grebe (on the Roach), 16 Goldeneye (on the Roach). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:15
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southend Seafront 10:30
Approximately 12 Snow Bunting feeding on the sea-weed line opposite the Camelia Hotel. Disturbed by passing ambulance noise but settle again further up to beach towards the Pier. Ian and Marion Smith.

Southchurch Seafront, 13:10
10 Snow Bunting feeding along high tide mark in front of Camelia Hotel. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southend Seafront 14:00
8 Common Seal (including 1 pup) on Hadleigh Ray. Web Author.

Canvey Point 14.00 - 14.15
1 Red Throated Diver, 2 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull. Martin Cracknell.

Parsons Corner, North Shoebury (The Angel Pub) 21:00
Barn Owl flying over from the fields opposite then over the Angel Pub. Simon Hughes.

Friday 23rd December 2005

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 11.00
Little Egret, 6 Grey Plover, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Fieldfare, 6 Shelduck, Reed Bunting, 2 Curlew, 200 Brent Goose. Ray Fuller.

Canvey West End, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Larus sp. (a leucistic bird in Hole Haven Creek was almost certainly a small Herring Gull though did bear resemblance to an Iceland Gull), 150 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 2 Mediterranean Gull (both adults in Hole Haven Creek), 400 Great Black-backed Gull (at least). Steve Arlow, Ian Prentice (SOG). (Leucistic or 'dilute' birds are abnormally pale or washed out, although the normal pattern and colour of the plumage is discernible. This plumage aberration is perhaps more frequent than any except albinism, though still very unusual).

Southend Seafront 10:40 to 10:50
9 Snow Bunting on the beach just east of Lifstan Way. David Lee.

Lake Meadows Billericay 11.30
3 pairs Mandarin Duck. Marion Burch.

Westcliff Seafront, 14:45 to 15:00
1 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 10 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (on seawall). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend
A male and female Sparrowhawk in my garden. The female on the ground next to the pond with lunch in her left hand (from my bird table) and hubby on an adjacent tree, looking on. John Harwood.

Thursday 22nd December 2005

As from Tuesday 20 December 2005 the Reserve at Rainham Marshes will no longer be opening to the public, as we have been recently for viewing the sociable plover and other birds.

As you may be aware the reserve is still officially closed to the public and members until we have completed most of the major developments such as the Environment & Education Centre. We are due to open fully in Autumn 2006. We are obliged to marshal reactive events such the visit from the sociable plover with staff and volunteer resources not only because of the safety considerations to visitors and contractors on site, but also because as an ex-MoD firing range we still have areas on the site which are still deemed unclear of unexploded ordnance. As responsible landowners we cannot allow at this time for members and the public to walk the site unless we can marshal the area. Due to the Christmas period we are unable to deliver this service to visitors. However visitors can access the River Wall Riverside Footpath from Spider Park located at New Tank Hill Road next to the reserve main entrance. People will be able to view the reserve from this area only. The rest of the site will be closed to the public, but we will open up again on New Years Day only, when we will be open from 9am until 3pm, and the site will be locked up at 3.30pm.

From over the last 2 weeks, we have had over 1,700 people visit the reserve to see this rare bird, we would like to thank all who have helped to marshal and guide visitors on site. We would also like to thank all our visitors during this period for respecting our wishes and guidance when arriving at the reserve.

Best wishes
Colin Bartholomew
Senior Warden, Rainham Marshes RSPB

Priory Park Area 00:30
Song thrush singing, same place as yesterday. Peter Walker.

Barling Rubbish Tip, 09:30 to 14:00
1 Black-headed Gull (leucistic bird again, first time seen in about a year), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter), 2 Herring Gull (2 adult bird masquerading as Caspians in different guises (one more structurally and the other brilliant white head with small dark eye)). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend Seafront, 13:30 to 14:00
10 Snow Bunting on beach opposite Halfway House pub. Steve Bunn, Simon Buckell (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:10 to 14:15
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (seen distantly with several hundred Brent from Barling). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering Rubbish Tip, 14:30 to 15:40
1 Hen Harrier (ringtail), 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl. Steve Bunn, Simon Buckell. (SOG).

Benfleet (My Garden) 15:00
Blackcap (male), Robin, Great tit & Blackbird all in the same tree at the same time. Tim Murphy.

Shoebury East Beach, 15:00 to 15:40
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 1 Herring Gull (another Caspian look-alike on the broomway). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wednesday 21st December 2005

Priory Park Area, 01:00
Heard, not seen: Robin singing in horse chestnut at bottom of Hill Road; Song Thrush singing in bushes across Victoria Ave from Park Gates. Peter Walker.

Little Haven Hospice/Nature Reserve 09:45
1 Hawfinch (retuned later around midday). Ross Gardner.

40 acres (off Church Rd, Benfleet) 13:00
50+ Redwing, 5 Jay, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit. Ken Borley.

Southend Seafront, 13:00 to 15:10
10 Snow Bunting just east of Halfway House, showing very well today, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd Winter) by Southend Sea Marina. Simon Buckell (SOG).

Vange Marsh 17:25
1 Tawny Owl (flying in SW direction from Vange Marsh area towards One-Tree Hill). Ken Borley.

Tuesday 20th December 2005

St Marys Church Woodham Ferrers 10:45
Mixed flock of about 60 Fieldfare plus a few Redwing in orchard and field adjacent to the Graveyard. Mal Watson.

RSPB Rainham Marsh 11:00
N.B. The reserve is not yet open to general public access, call 01708 892900 for information.
4 Penduline Tit, 1 (regular) Peregrine, 2 male Black redstart, 2 Dartford Warbler, Sociable Plover. Bob Morgan.

Monday 19th December 2005

Hullbridge, Pooles Lane Garden Bird Feeders 08.00
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 50+ Starling, 7 Collared Dove, 12 Blue Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 50+ House Sparrow and 4 Great Tits. Grey heron flew over. David Flack.

Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 15:10
2 Caspian Gull (adult and a 2nd winter in the pre-roost gathering this evening), 2 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Thorpe Bay Seafront, 13:30 to 13:40
10 Snow Bunting feeding on shore in front of Halfway House. Don Petrie (SOG).

Sunday 18th December 2005

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:00
1 Blackcap. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Westcliff, Finchley Road 10.15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Alvey.

Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 12:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Bullfinch, 15 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 Skylark. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 11.15 - 12.30
Water Rail, Kingfisher and Little Egret in ditch halfway along MOD road, 2 Stonechat, 4 Avocet, Sparrowhawk. Ray Fuller.

Wakering Stairs, 14:00 to 15:30
1 Water Rail in the ditch half way down the road, 1 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 14.00 - 15.45
2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk, at least 150 Fieldfare and 60+ Redwing, 1 Little Egret. Martin Cracknell.

Eastwood, The Scrubs, 14:45 to 16:15
2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret on newly created lake, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Meadow Pipit, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Mute Swan on lake, 75 Black-headed Gull (pre-roost gathering on new lake, worth keeping an eye on in future). Paul Baker (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 15:30 to 15:30
1 Short-eared Owl. John Wright (SOG).

Saturday 17th December 2005

Ashingdon, 09:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Goldfinch on niger feeders in garden. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Southend Seafront, 09:30 to 09:50
5 Great Crested Grebe (by pier), 1 Guillemot, 9 Snow Bunting by old gasworks pier. Web Author.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 11.35
3 Canada Goose, 2 Stonechat, Grey Plover, 100+ Widgeon disturbed by gunmen, 3 Little Egret, Avocet, 20 Brent Goose, 6 Curlew, 7 Shelduck, 3 Reed Bunting, 200+ Fieldfare, 3 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 12:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Corn Bunting, 50 Redwing, 200 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Goldfinch. John Wright (SOG).

Rawreth Village Hall 12.00
75+ Fieldfare 5+ Redwing (very mobile, flighty, probably three-figure flock), 1 Kestrel. Martin Cracknell.

Wakering Stairs, 12:25 to 13:00
1 Great Northern Diver (close by shore), 2 Eider.  Web Author.

Junction A127/A130 13.30
3 Redwing eating berries on roundabout under A127. Martin Cracknell.

Friday 16th December 2005

Barling Rubbish Tip, 09:00 to 13:00
1 Caspian Gull (1st winter was not what could be called a classic individual though it still stood out from the crowd), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winters), 50 Herring Gull (good numbers of argentatus Herring Gulls as well as colour ringed birds (Red, Orange and White) though unable to read the rings due to strong winds). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Thursday 15th December 2005

Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 13:15
5 Yellow-legged Gull (1 adult, two 2nd winters and two 1st winters ), no sign of any Caspian's today but gull flock was always flighty. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Canvey Island, Tewkes Creek 11:00 - 13:10
1 Peregrine (cruised over wader roosts on saltmarshes in Benfleet Creek, before dropping behind seawall below Hadleigh Downs), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat,  4+ Corn Bunting, 3+ Little Egret, 36 Avocet. Ian White.

Wednesday 14th December 2005

Thundersley, Little Havens Hospice/Nature Reserve 09:30
1 Hawfinch. Ross Gardner.

Southend Seafront, 10:20 to 11:00
10 Snow Bunting (first on beach near the Gasworks pier were flushed by a jogger and moved east and ended up opposite the Halfway House). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend Seafront 10:30
8 Snow Bunting. Steve Wood.

Basildon, Ash Tree Walk
1 Blackcap on bushes with three Redwing and Song Thrush. Steve Wood.

Tuesday 13th December 2005

Battlesbridge (By-Pass) 12:00
Common Buzzard heading south east toward Rayleigh. Gary Clinton.

Wat Tyler Country Park 15:00
5+ White Fronted Geese amongst Greylags in field. Redwings over in good numbers. Kevin Rees.

Monday 12th December 2005

Barton Hall Farm, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (west of Paglesham Lagoon with c.2000 Brents), 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Corn Bunting, 2 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).

Sunday 11th December 2005

Southend Seafront 0845 - 08:50
36 Sanderling, 10 Snow Bunting between Warwick Road and Clieveden Road. Web Author

Wakering Stairs 09:00 - 13:00
5 Little Egret, 1 juvenile male Marsh Harrier, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, male Merlin, Water Rail in brook half way down MOD road, Common Sandpiper, Stonechat (pair), Web Author.

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:30 to 09:45
2 Blackcap (both males at bottom of garden). Brian Baldock (SOG).

Little Leighs, Chelmsford, 14.00
3 Common Buzzard. Denise Matz.

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 14:10
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 14:30 to 13:30
1 Hen Harrier (ring tail heading for Havengore from Shoebury), 1 Short-eared Owl (on Havengore). Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Langdon Hills a.m.
2 Hawfinch (1 Hall Wood, 1 Great Berry/Lincewood), 2 Nuthatch, Green Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, at least 2 Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush. Andrew Cox.

Saturday 10th December 2005

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 07:50
14 Cormorant (South over my house). John Wright (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 08:10 to 13:10
1 Caspian Gull (1st winter, one of the birds from last weekend), 4 Yellow-legged Gull (three 1st winters and an adult), 3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on field to the east of lagoon, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Steve Arlow (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.40 11.30
9 Avocet, 3 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Widgeon, 2 Fieldfare, 22 Shelduck, 5 Grey Plover, 2 Curlew, 70 Brent Goose, 20 Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Southend Seafront, 10:25 to 10:40
10 Snow Bunting on the beach opposite the Halfway House pub, they then flew west towards the old gas works pier. John Wright, Dave Knight (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 11:20 to 12:45
4 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Marsh Harrier (3 together, at least 1 male. A female eventually flew south across the estuary towards North Kent), 1 Hen Harrier (Ringtail), 1 Barn Owl, 1 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock (disturbed by shooters, seen by Maureen Rudge), 1 Snow Bunting (flying towards Shoebury.), 3 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).

Thorpe Hall School Playing Field Bushes 11:45
Single Waxwing Seen briefly feeding on bushes at edge of road then perching in high trees near school. Steven Wood.

Rayleigh Mount, 13:20 to 14:20
1 Blackcap (male moving through back garden briefly at 13.20-13.21), 1 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk (female flew through back garden at 13.35), 2 Jay, 1 Goldfinch. Mike Bailey (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:50 to 15:05
5 Little Egret, 8 Mute Swan, 174 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Black Brant, 2 Hen Harrier (superb views as juvenile male and female hunted reeds on first scrape close to the MOD road), 1 Barn Owl (on Potton), 1 Stonechat (male), 11 Corn Bunting. Web Author.

Friday 09th December 2005

Paglesham Lagoon, 10:30 to 13:00
2 Caspian Gull (4th winter/near-adult and a 1st winter. The 1st winter bird is a new bird and not one of those present in the past couple of weeks), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winters), 1 White-fronted Goose (juvenile still with 1000+ Brent Geese), 21 Pintail, 40 Mute Swan, 1 Barn Owl (same bird again as seen in past month). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Thursday 08th December 2005

Shoebury, Trafalgar Road 11:00 - 11:05
Female Blackcap, feeding on pyracantha berries. Steve Giles.

Southend, 20:40
1 Barn Owl (Edge of golf course adjacent to Garrons Sports Centre). John Wright (SOG).

Wednesday 07th December 2005

Southend, 11:45 to 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk along Nestuda Way, being mobbed. Paul Baker (SOG).

A130 near Rettendon 13:00
1 Buzzard. Ross Gardner.

Gunners Park 14:00 - 15:00
Kingfisher (on pond), male Stonechat, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Steve Giles.

Tuesday 06th December 2005

Benfleet, Stadium Way Trading Estate a.m. and p.m.
3 Waxwing on rowan trees. N R Latham.

Canvey Island, Leighbeck 14:05 - 15:00
1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 7 Great Crested Grebe. Ian White.

Monday 05th December 2005

Southend Seafront, 14:30 to 15:00
8 Snow Bunting feeding on the shoreline in the seaweed between Gas works and 2nd wooden pier towards Thorpe Bay. Simon Buckell (SOG).

Sunday 04th December 2005

Wakering Stairs, 09:45 to 11:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 300 Knot, 2 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).

River Crouch, 10:20 to 11:25, South Fambridge to Brandy Hole and Back
10 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 400 Golden Plover (flew west), 1 Rock Pipit, 20 Skylark, 6 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Water Rail (heard calling). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 11:10 to 14:30
2 Short-eared Owl, 32 Corn Bunting, 20 Reed Bunting, 3 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, 1.010 Brent Geese, 130 Black-tailed Godwit, 2,033 Dunlin, 614 Knot, 450 Golden Plover, 12 Little Egret. Graham Ryland (SOG).

River Crouch, 11:25 to 12:35, South Fambridge to Landsend Point
20 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (mobile along whole river and incl. c.60% 1st winters), 2 Merlin (both fem/imm's), 1,200 Golden Plover, 700 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 4 Snipe, 5 Skylark, 20 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:20 to 13:20
c.900 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 White-fronted Goose (juvenile still with the Brents), 4 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail carrying prey), 1 Barn Owl (Short-eared Owl also reported), 2 Green Woodpecker, 22 Skylark, 71 Greenfinch being harassed by the Sparrowhawk. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:30 to 12:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).

River Crouch, 12:35 to 15:30, Landsend Point to Lion Creek
1 Black-throated Diver (juv. off Upper Raypits, then flew west up river), 3 Little Egret, 1 Common Scoter (fem/imm at Black Point), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (drakes), 500 Golden Plover (probably part of the previous flock), 250 Lapwing, 1 Barn Owl (at Lion Creek), 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Rock Pipit, 30 Skylark, 20 Reed Bunting (incl. a flock of 16 just past Raypits), 15 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:45 to 13:00
70 Greylag Goose (at least), 200 Fieldfare (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Bowers Marshes, 13:15 to 13:55
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 1 Stonechat (male), 1 female Marsh Harrier. Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wat Tyler Park 13:40 - 14:50
1 female Marsh Harrier over Bowers Marsh, 1 female Merlin on post in front of scrape, 1 Peregrine on pylon, Cettis, Water Rail and Bearded Tits all calling, 3 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Numerous Fieldfare and 1 Redwing. Kevin Rees.

Two Tree Island (West), 15:00 to 15:45
2 Stonechat, 3 Snipe, 3 Short-eared Owl, 12 Shoveler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 15:00 to 16:00
3 Bullfinch (1 male & 2 females), 15 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Goldcrest. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park
7+ Water Rail calling, 5 Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 700+ Fieldfare, Little Egret, female Peregrine Falcon. Howard Vaughan. Also 1 Hooded Crow early am near Pitsea Station. Ruth Barnes.

Saturday 03rd December 2005

Paglesham Lagoon, 08:50 to 14:50
5 Caspian Gull (adult, three 2nd winters (including the same bird from two weeks ago but not the two birds from last weekend), and a 2nd winter), 4 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and three 1st winters), 13 Pintail, 5 Corn Bunting, 1000 Golden Plover (on the fields to west of the lagoon), 25 Skylark (west over the lagoon). Steve Arlow (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.35 11.05
15 Avocet, 60+ Shelduck, 155 Brent Goose, 2 Reed Bunting, Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Grey Plover, 6 Curlew, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Teal, 5 Fieldfare, c.500 Golden Plover disturbed by gunmen, Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 12:00
2 Bullfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Woodcock, 45 Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Hanningfield Causeway 13:00
Red Crested Pochard, male & female. Tim Smith.

Wat Tyler Country Park 14:45
2 White Fronted Geese in field to left of hide, 2 Water Rail, hundreds of Fieldfare. Kevin Rees.

Friday 02nd December 2005

Canvey Island, Golf Course 11:50 - 13:15
1 Grey Wagtail (female), 7+ Little Egret, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stonechat (male & female). Ian White.

Thursday 01st December 2005

Billericay, Lake Meadows  11.30
2 pairs Mandarin Ducks. Marion Burch.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30 to 13:10
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Little Egret, 10 Greylag Goose. Paul Griggs (SOG).

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