Bird Reports for December 2008
Wednesday 31st December 2008
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 12.55 - 15.00
Barn Owl hunting near road (excellent views, Barn Owls rare here), 8 Shelduck, 2 Stonechat (1m, 1f), 2 Little Egret, 14 Little Grebe, 3 Avocet, 6 Reed Bunting, Grey Plover, 3 Fieldfare. Ray Fuller.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:45 to 14:20
3 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Little Egret. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southchurch Seafront, 14:35 to 14:45
1 female Snow Bunting opposite Halfway House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 15:00 to 15:05
1 Slavonian Grebe. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 15:15 to 15:20
1 Shag close offshore by the boom. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Tuesday 30th December 2008
Eastwood, 08:10
1 Woodcock flew over Cherry Orchard Way, came out of the brook and headed west. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 12:15
1 Peregrine Falcon (male loitering around Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 09:15 to 10:45
3 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Little Grebe, 42 Mute Swan (flock about 1 Km east of SF), 1 Whooper Swan (with Mute Swan flock), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 2 Snipe. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford , Craven Close, Golden Cross, 10.10
2 Redwing graced our garden for several minutes at this time. One obligingly perched in our bare robinia close to the house, allowing us to study it with binoculars and note markings before reaching for our bird books to confirm the species. Probably attracted by the pyracantha, cotoneaster and ivy berries in the garden, along with next door's holly. Our more-or-less-resident blackbird eventually persuaded them to move on! Richard Goring.
Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 11.00 - 12.00
1 Smew, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Goosander, 1 Meadow Pipit, 5 Turnstone, 7 Redshank, numerous amounts of Teal, Shoveler, Pochard, Wigeon, Greylag, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Cormorant and Mallard. Sue Haffenden.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:15 to 13:30
17 Mute Swan, 24 Pintail, 12 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 5 Snipe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Burnham (1 Mile East) 12.00
Purple Sandpiper flew from seawall towards Wallasea Wetlands. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Two Tree Island 12:00 - 16:00
1 Kingfisher, showing very well on eastern pond, 1 Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Grey Plover, Avocet, at least 6 Snipe, 1 Water Rail showing well western end, Kestrel. Additionally, did anybody who checks this web site find a telescope on a bench at the eastern end of the island on this date? It is an Opticron Mighty Midgit. I put mine down here and promptly left it there. I didn't discover my loss until I reached the hide at the other end of the island and by the time I got back to the bench it had gone. If anyone picked it up I would appreciate its return. Many thanks. Andrew Cox.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 13.00
2 Penduline Tit at close range (25mtr) feeding on rushes. Wayne Twelftree.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 13.30 - 14.45
2 Penduline Tit in the rushes (very close to main hq), 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Superb Adult Female Peregrine Falcon hunting, 20+ Ring necked Parakeet, 10 Chaffinch, 20+ Reed Bunting. Terry Priest.
Benfleet Creek, 14:00 to 14:10
4 Green Sandpiper west of station, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing. Simon Watson (SOG).
Heybridge Basin 14.00 - 15.00
300+ Dark Bellied Brent Geese, 20 Redshank, 6 Oystercatcher, 10 Goldeneye, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Little Grebe, 6 Turnstones, 1 Grey Plover. Sue Haffenden.
Shoebury East Beach, 15:00 to 15:15
1 Shag (1st W feeding around the outfall by the boom). Don Petrie (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Slavonian Grebe just out from the slipway, then flew towards the Gunners Park pier. Don Petrie (SOG).
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Monday 29th December 2008
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:45 to 10:45
2 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank both in the creek viewed from the marina car park, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 72 Canada Goose on Fobbing Marsh, 50 Greylag Goose on Fobbing Marsh. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 - 12:00
1 Marsh Harrier (fem.), Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Greenshank, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Curlew, 1 Water Rail calling, 1 Green Woodpecker. Andrew Cox.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:15 to 13:45
2 Little Egret, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sparrowhawk, 350 Lapwing, 12 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Skylark, 3 Stonechat, 2 Fieldfare, 15 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:55 to 12:00
2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12.10 - 13.20
80 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Little Egret, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing and Ringed Plovers by the score and several hundred Knot driven in by the high tide. John Pitts.
Rochford, 13:10
1 adult Mediterranean Gull over Ashingdon Road. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Chelmsford, Central Park Lake, 14.00
25 Goosander (5 male). David Doo.
Audley End Nr. Saffron Walden 14.00
1 Little Egret flying over river. Landed in tree near by and flew off after 10 mins. Bev Stumpf.
Pitsea, Parkhurst Road, 14:30 to 14:35
11 Waxwing. Tim, Max & Archie Davis.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 14:35 to 15:40
1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 5 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30 to 14:30
1 Little Egret (in brook east of Western Approaches), 1 Moorhen, 1 Green Sandpiper (in brook west of Whitehouse Rd/Eastwoodbury Lane bridge). Paul Baker (SOG).
Kenilworth Gardens
2 Little Egret feeding on disturbed ground in the central reserervation, Westcliff, together with a confused looking crow. Catherine, Hilary Le Marie.
Sunday 28th December 2008
Pitsea, 08:00 to 09:30
4 Waxwing, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail all in and around rowan tree corner of Parkhurst Road. Web Author, K.M.
Dodds Grove, Belfairs NR 08:45
1 Firecrest. Richard Gray.
Leigh on Sea, 10:10 to 10:15
1 Sparrowhawk near the Woodcutters pub. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:45 to 12:00
1 male Hen Harrier being mobbed by Peregrine and Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Merlin, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Little Egret. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:45 to 12:45
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with Turnstones, 4 Great Northern Diver (3 close to pier head), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Mediterranean Gull. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 12:15
2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Alcidae sp. (distant, flying upriver ), 1 Fulmar, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:30 to 13:10
1 Merlin, 3 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier (seen over Rushley/Havengore). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southchurch Seafront, 13:00 to 13:15
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi on sea opposite Rossi's). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:30 to 14:15
1 Green Sandpiper in ditch. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Merlin flew north by David Lloyds Leisure centre! Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:45
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe (close inshore. Worked its way from the coastguards round to the first blockhouse), 3 Red-breasted Merganser (drake with two redheads), 1 Black-headed Gull (leucistic, snow white except for dark patch on underside of outer primaries). Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Airport 15.00 - 15.30
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wren. Terry Priest.
Saturday 27th December 2008
Pitsea 07.45 - 08.30
1 Waxwing in Pitsea Market car park at 7.45. 4 Waxwing around Pitsea Tile Centre and down Parkhurst Road from 07.50 - 08.30, 1 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk. Matt Bruty.
Chelmsford 09.00
3 Little Egret along River Can in West/Admirals Park. 1 ended up flying towards Writtle. Tony Kennelly.
Pitsea Lidl 09.00 - 09.35
4 Waxwing (3m, 1f), excellent views, 2 Siskin. Terry Priest.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 10:00 to 10:15
2 Siskin (male & female visiting feeder daily). Peter Collins (SOG).
Eastwood Sewage Works, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling Rubbish Tip, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 1 Larus sp. (1st winter possible HerringxCaspian Gull intergrade) Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 12:00
16 Meadow Pipit, 6 Yellowhammer, 9 Pintail (5 drakes), 6 Goldeneye (2 drakes), 2 Green Woodpecker, 450 Golden Plover, 2 Sparrowhawk. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:30 to 12:30
3 male and 6 female Goosander from Oak Hide, good numbers of Goldeneye forming small groups, 23 noted from Lister Hide. Bob Johnson.
Pitsea, 11:50 to 12:20
4 Waxwing in trees opposite east end of Lidl car park. Mike Bailey, Steve Bunn (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:00 to 12:30
6 Pintail (flew NE), 1 Merlin (flying between access road and rail sheds). Don Petrie (SOG).
South South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.00 - 14.50
Marsh Harrier (fem), 15 Golden Plover, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Little Egret, 5 Little Grebe, 6 Curlew, Whooper Swan, 38 Mute Swan. Ray Fuller.
Benfleet Downs, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Friday 26th Deecember 2008
Chelmsford 10.00
26 Goosander (6m & 20f) on fishing lake, Central Park, 1 Little Egret along river between west Park and Admirals Park. 2 singing male Song Thrush in Central Park. Tony Kennelly.
Canvey Sea Front (Near Chaplin Sands Launch Jetty) 10.00 - 10.30
20+ Turnstone along the shoreline and up onto the footpath below the sea Wall. Got within 10/15ft of me. I noticed that one of the birds has three coloured rings, blue on right leg, white and green on left leg. Bob Sheridan. (BTO informed - Ed.)
Two Tree Island 10:00 to 10:30
2 Water Rail on the north edge of the lagoon. David Lee.
Thundersley, Garden 11.00 - 12.15
Male Sparrowhawk caught, killed and ate a Collared Dove in my garden just outside lounge window - whole process took over an hour, until hawk flew off with the remains of the dove. Mike Sagrott.
Pitsea, 11:30 to 11:45
4 Waxwing mainly in Parkhurst Road but coming to the tree on j/w High Rd opposite east end of Lidl car park. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:10 to 14:25
3 Greenshank Benfleet Creek by marina. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wakering Stairs, 16:00 to 16:10
1 Merlin across behind the grey sheds west of stairs. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Thursday 25th December 2008
South Fambridge, 09:15 to 09:50
18 Little Grebe, 32 Mute Swan, 1 adult Whooper Swan 
, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 10:20 to 10:40
200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Hen Harrier (adult male), 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Golden Plover, 40 Dunlin. 1 Brown Hare. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Pitsea, 10:50 to 11:30
3 Waxwing, adult and 2 first-winters still near Lidls. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Seafront, Southend to Chalkwell 10.50 - 11.50
31 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 55 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Ring-billed Gull - Rossi on one of his usual breakwater posts, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush in cliff trees. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:20
1 Green Sandpiper in brook, east of Western Approaches. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Seafront, 11:25 to 11:40
1 Snow Bunting opposite the Camelia Hotel. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rayne 11.45
Flock of pink-footed Geese over. Mark Bicknell.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:45 to 11:50
1 Ring-billed Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults, 1 2nd-winter with lower right leg missing). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rawreth Fields 12.00
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin. A.Brown.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 12:00 to 12:10
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult still here), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Leigh on Sea, 12:10
2 Sparrowhawk near the Woodcutters pub. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wednesday 24th December 2008
Shoebury Coastguards, 09:00 to 09:30
4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Eider (1st W male). Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:45
1 Green Sandpiper in brook west of Western Approaches roadbridge. Paul Baker (SOG).
Waitrose, Eastern Avenue 10.57
2 Waxwing in bushes. Marc Outten RSPB.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:45 to 13:50
2 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, 14:00 to 14:05
2 Waxwing in tree at entrance to Wellesley Hospital opposite Waitrose along Eastern Avenue. Paul Baker (SOG).
Waitrose Car Park / Wellesley Hospital, 14:30 to 14:55
2 Waxwing (adult male with a less well marked bird, probably a 1st winter. On lamppost opposite entrance road to Wellesley Hospital, occasionally dropping into bushes on the edge of Waitrose car park to feed on berries. Flew off strongly in NW direction at 14:55). Don Petrie (SOG).
Tiptree Close, Leigh on Sea 15.10
1 Little Egret this was at my garden pond. J Burvill.
Tuesday 23rd December 2008
Wallasea Wetlands, 08:40 to 14:40
Summary of eastern end: 1 Hen Harrier (resplendent male along eastern most ditch line), 3 Stonechat (one on island, pair in borrow dyke), 1100 Lapwing, 270 Golden Plover (and a further 400 on Roach), 130 Knot (very good for here), 90 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 50 Black-tailed Godwit (incl. two colour ringed birds), 1 Little Stint (recorded from area A west of tower). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Bolts Farm, 10:30 to 13:00
4 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Goose, 40 Shelduck, 80 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 3 Skylark, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Fieldfare, 22 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11.00 - 14.35
300+ Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwit, 200+ Greylag Goose, 22 Curlew, 2 Water Pipit, 35 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1 Buzzard, 1 adult male Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff, 45 Stock Dove, 25 Collared Dove, 10 Redwing, 13 Fieldfare, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 1 Bearded Tit, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Serin, Also reported 2 Penduline Tit. Terry Priest.
Hockley, Lower Road 11.45
280 Rook on pylon and power lines over Riverside Nursery. David Selley.
River Ingrebourne, Brentwood 12:15
1 Little Egret. Anneliese Rushworth.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Green Sandpiper (east of Western Approaches roadbridge), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pitsea, Lidl 15.15
I had just left Lidl, returned to my car parked at the rear of the store and looked up to see 12 Waxwing roosting in a small tree above. David Flack.
Monday 22nd December 2008
Wallasea Island, 08:30 to 09:45
1 Peregrine Falcon (huge adult female flushed from central fields), 3 Stonechat around borrow dykes. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Lake Meadows, Billericay 11:15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (seen and heard drumming), 1 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush, numerous Long-Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Goldcrest. Marion Burch.
Benfleet Downs, Hadleigh Creek 12.30 - 16.15
1 Little Owl (down in the valley), 12 Corn bunting, 2 Grey Heron, 20+ Goldfinch, plus large flock of Blue/Great Tits, 1 Yellowhammer (heard singing), 1 Male Sparrowhawk with prey. Terry Priest.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 13:00 to 13:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Blackbird. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Temple Farm, 13:20 to 13:35
32 Curlew, 14 White / Pied Wagtail, 5 Blackbird. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 13.50
1 female Blackcap and 3 Goldcrest with a small tit flock. Our Collared Doves and Wood Pigeon are nest building - no wonder they are taking over the world. David Selley.
Sunday 21st December 2008
Hockley/Hawkwell, 10:00 to 10:15
2 Siskin in the garden on nijer feeder. Peter Collins (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:10 to 11:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Nuthatch all SW of car park. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:20
1 Green Sandpiper in the brook underneath Western Approaches bridge - good to see it back again! Paul Baker (SOG).
Bridgemarsh Island, 12:00 to 15:00 (walked from Canewdon to S.Fambridge with Nick Green)
1 Peregrine Falcon (ad. male hunting over fields behind Butts Hill), 100 Skylark (well spread over stubble field), 650 Dunlin (just west of Upper Raypits), 20 Knot (just west of Upper Raypits), 16 Oystercatcher, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Teal, 390 Wigeon, 75 Pintail, 72 Shelduck, 1 Stonechat (female in borrow dyke), 38 Mute Swan (1km east of S. Fambridge), 1 Whooper Swan (1km east of S. Fambridge). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wakering Stairs 14.30 - 15.30
50 plus of each Redshank and Ringed Plover. 2 Little Egret. Brian Coveney.
Saturday 20th December 2008
Abberton Reservoir 07.30 - 09.15
5 Smew, 2 Red-crested Pochard, countless amounts of Coot, large numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Gulls and Geese. Flocks of Lapwing around 1000+. 1 Otter on Layer Breton causeway. Mark Bicknell.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 08:00 to 14:40
2 Caspian Gull (a 1st winter and an adult were in the creek and a highly probably adult was in the fields), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter), 1 Herring Gull (leucistic adult ), 4 Mediterranean Gull (all adults). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 12:00
4 Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 
1 Harris's Hawk. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 10.15 - 10.25
8 Long-tailed Tit on feeders in garden. Web Author.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.20 - 12.25
44 Brent Goose, 42 Mute Swan, 11 Little Grebe, 45 Shelduck, 9 Grey Plover, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Little Egret, 21 Avocet, 4 Curlew, Great Crested Grebe, distant flocks of Teal and Wigeon. Ray Fuller.
South Fambridge, 11:15 to 13:00
3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 38 Mute Swan (on fields about 1000 m east of South Fambridge), 1 Whooper Swan (adult with the mute flock, seen distantly from SF, then very well when flock flew onto the river). Don Petrie (SOG).
Lake Meadows, Billericay 12:00
3 Goosander - 1 male, 2 female. 1 Kingfisher (first time I have seen one at Lake Meadows). Marion Burch.
Wallasea Island, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Merlin, superb adult male flew west just past Grapnells, 2 Peregrine Falcon, adult pair - male in field, female hunting wetlands. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Barton Hall Creek, 13:15 to 15:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Yellowhammer, 5 Reed Bunting, 11 Corn Bunting, 3 Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Goldeneye (a pair), 1000 Golden Plover, 500 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:20 to 15:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Mute Swan (at least, mobile with much flying in and out), 12 Goldeneye (3 drakes), 6 Red-breasted Merganser (on the river, 2 pairs plus lone drake and redhead), 2 Water Rail. Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:55
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 19th December 2008
Lake Meadows, Billericay 09:30
8 Goosander - 2 males, 6 females. Also small flock of Long-tailed Tit. Marion Burch.
Southend, 15:55
1 Little Egret flew low west over Bournemouth Park Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 16:05
2 Peregrine Falcon roosting on each top corner of Portcullis House. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 18th December 2008
A130 2 Miles North of Battlesbridge 08.50
Female Peregrine flew up from verge in front of car and flew in front of and beside me for a few hundred yards, really close fantastic view, nearly stacked the motor! Gary Clinton.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 11:30
14 Goosander - 4 males with 10 females. Also small flocks of Goldfinch. Marion Burch.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 12.30
1 female Sparrowhawk flew past me below head-height along our driveway. Terrific fleeting view from above! David Selley.
Wednesday 17th December 2008
Wallasea Wetlands, 08:20 to 16:20
203 Shelduck, 51 Wigeon, 54 Teal, 46 Mallard, 375 Lapwing, 270 Golden Plover, 45 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 59 Ringed Plover, 350 Dunlin, 140 Knot, 36 Black-tailed Godwit, 53 Redshank, 1 Greenshank (just W of tower), 1 Little Stint, 35 Curlew, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret (where have they all gone?), 3 Stonechat (Pr. plus single male), 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit (Borrow Dyke as usual), 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Kingfisher (Flew along borrow dyke), 20 Skylark (Steady passage over). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 15.00 to 15 45
1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Chaffinch, 10 Long-Tailed Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 10 Blackbird, 2 Egyptian Goose now with Canada Geese. Jane Hale.
Tuesday 16th December 2008
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:20 to 09:00
2 Little Egret, 30 Greylag Goose, 34 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 524 Lapwing, 2 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:30 to 10:50
5 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cormorant, 27 Mute Swan. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey, Holehaven Creek, 11.20 - 14.40 (WeBS Count)
276 Shelduck, 49 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 53 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 9 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 5 Oystercatcher, 72 Avocet, 1 Ringed Plover, 54 Grey Plover, 1,904 Lapwing, 183 Knot, 659 Dunlin, 522 Black-tailed Godwit, 65 Curlew, 251 Redshank, 811 Black-headed Gull, 47 Common Gull, 99 Herring Gull, 84 Great Black-backed Gull. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:35 to 13:15
1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Mute Swan, 68 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Pintail, 34 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (drake on the river), 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 1 Kestrel (female), 2 Chiffchaff in small willows and low vegetation on eastern edge of lagoon. Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea 13:10
1 Grey Wagtail in my garden. It only stayed for 10 seconds on our patio. Odd as we have no water nearby. David Lee.
Temple Farm, 13:45 to 13:50
10 Curlew, 5 Stock Dove, 1 Red Fox. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend, Sutton Road Cemetary 14.15 - 15.25
Waxwing at west end of cemetary, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpecker, 100+ Fieldfare with several Redwing. Ray Fuller.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 15:25 to 15:50
20+ Fieldfare, 1 Waxwing seen in poplars with fieldfares and starlings about 150 metres south of the N.W. corner. Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 15th December 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 10:15
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Stambridge Mills, 12:45 to 12:55
3 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 12.55 - 14.45
2 White Wagtail, Short-eared Owl, 25 Mute Swan, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, Fieldfare, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Stonechat (1m, 1f), 3 Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Temple Farm, 13:10 to 13:15
1 Kestrel, 6 Stock Dove. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 13.30 to 14.45
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldfinch, 15 Long-Tailed Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 15 Blackbird, 5 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 14 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, 20 Greenfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 7 Robin, 5 Jay, 1 Wren. Jane Hale.
Sunday 14th December 2008
Two Tree Island, 10:20 to 13:30, (WEBS count)
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 42 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Kestrel (male & female), 405 Oystercatcher, 143 Ringed Plover, 254 Grey Plover, 31 Lapwing 3,700 Knot, 3,220 Dunlin, 7 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Bar-tailed Godwit, 55 Redshank, 135 Turnstone, 3 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, Greater spotted Woodpecker, 10 Skylark, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10:30 - 12:20
5 Redshank, 4 Common Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Kingfisher (showing well at sewage area), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Snipe, 31 Avocet (lagoon), 15 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 300+ Knot (on mud flats), 3 Rock Pipit, 1 Corn Bunting, 50+ Brent Geese (east of island), 3 Dunlin, 2 Dunnock, 4 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch (flock east of island), 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Cormorant, 8 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 4 Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk (near feeder), 2 Kestrel, 4 Turnstone, 50+ Sanderling (on tide edge), 8 Blackbird, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron. Noel Barnes.
Wallasea Wetlands, 11:30 to 14:30
1500 Dunlin, 50 Knot, 1 Little Stint (usual wintering bird), 70 Grey Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 800 Lapwing (several flocks across fields), 150 Ringed Plover, 1 Kingfisher (by car park), 1 Stonechat (male by car park), 1 Merlin (imm. male at eastern end), 50 Wigeon. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wakering Stairs, 12:35 to 14:10
2 Red-throated Diver (distantly flying north were almost certainly this species), 4 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 17 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit. Paul Baker. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, Near The Point 14.30
8 Turnstone. The tide was high. The group were foraging on the banking and footpath. I was cycling along the footpath and could see that the group were moving towards me. I stopped,they continued towards me they came within 8 feet. They were unperturbed by my presence. They did not fly off but just walked around me. My regret is that I did not have a camera with me. Bob Sheridan.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 14:30 to 14:40
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi again point blank range), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Shoebury East Beach, 14:30 to 15:15
14 Great Crested Grebe. Don Petrie (SOG).
Fleet Head, 14:30 to 15:50
1 Meadow Pipit, 10 Corn Bunting (flock of 9 plus a single), 130 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk (with prey), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Jack Snipe (flew out of saltmarsh in bay by 'avocet pool' and appeared to land in Barling Creek), 1 Short-eared Owl (+ hunting north seawall of Potton), 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 175 Starling, 6 Turnstone, 55 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 50 Red-legged Partridge (flushed from game cover in field beyond barn), 2 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel, 100 Shelduck. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 15:50
1 Great Northern Diver feeding just out from the old pier. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 15.50 - 16.35
2 Short-eared Owl, 10 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 1 Male Sparrowhawk (pursuing Starlings), 1 Water Rail. Also 1 female Peregrine Falcon along Benfleet Creek. Terry Priest.
Saturday 13th December 2008
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:45 to 11:20
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi showed at point blank range on the foreshore), 6 Mediterranean Gull (5 adults and a 2nd winter). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:45 to 11:00
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult & 2nd w.). John Wright (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 11:15 to 11:45
1 Snow Bunting (on beach opp. Camilia Hotel but flew west and was then on beach opp. Chester Road/T.E.A.C. Social Club), 50 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 30 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 13:10 to 13:40
1 Great Skua, 3 Kittiwake, 500 Black-headed Gull (at least this many mid-river in huge mobile mixed gull flock), 5 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad + 1w along seafront, 2 ad with gull flock mid river). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 14.30
2 male and 3 female Gooseander. Sue Haffenden.
Southchurch Seafront, 14:30 to 15:30
1 Snow Bunting (female feeding on beach immediately east of the 'Ocean Beach' cafe, mostly close to the sea wall. Watched from 15:10 to 15:25 when it flew inland). Don Petrie (SOG).
Friday 12th December 2008
Thundersley (Garden) 10.30 - 11.00
4 Siskin, 2 Goldfinch. Dave Corderoy.
Thursday 11th December 2008
Basildon, Gloucester Park 09.15 to 11.15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Green Woodpecker, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, 10 Greenfinch, 8 Long-Tailed Tit, 9 Blackbird, 1 Cormorant, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Chaffinch, Numerous Blue Tit and Great Tit, 10 Jay. Jane Hale.
Priory Park 10:00
1 Ringed Necked Parakeet, 1 Little Egret. Don Wildish.
Rochford, 12:15 to 12:20
1 Green Sandpiper at Magnolia Way on Purdey's Estate on the tidal brook, 1 Redshank. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Temple Farm, 12:40 to 12:50
34 Curlew, 57 Lapwing, 10 Stock Dove. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00 - 14:30
About 80 Rooks on the power lines east of the park. David Lee & Jackie Stubberfield.
Basildon, Gloucester Park 14.00 to 15.15
2 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Fieldfare, 7 Long-Tailed Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Cormorant, 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 Blackbird, 12 Blue Tit, 7 Great Tit, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Greylag Goose. Jane Hale.
Benfleet, 15:15
1 Peregrine Falcon low and slowly west over Sadlers Farm roundabout. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 10th December 2008
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 11:00
1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel (male), 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Redwing, 8 Skylark, 12 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Corn Bunting, 18 Linnet, 1 Little Grebe. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Temple Farm, 12:30 to 13:00
40 Golden Plover (minimum), 1 Curlew, 100+ Lapwing, 32 Fieldfare, 8 Stock Dove. 1 Red Fox. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:45 to 12:50
1 Firecrest reported in tit flock near Chapel Lane car park. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 15.00 - 15.30
1 Greylag Goose, 1 Egyptian Goose with 30+ Canada Goose on field near swimming pool. Jane Hale.
Benfleet Creek and Hadleigh Downs 15.05 - 17.45
1 Woodcock, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Barn Owl (flying across marshes at dusk), 1 Little Owl, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Pheasant. Terry Priest.
Tuesday 09th December 2008
Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 08:35
2 Jay. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier 10.30 - 11.45
5 Mediterranean gulls on the end of the pier. David Lee.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:30 to 13:00
25 Fieldfare, 6 Mistle Thrush, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Temple Farm, 13:00 to 13:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 70+ Wood Pigeon. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 13.00 - 14.00
5 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 2 Chaffinch, numerous Blue Tit and Great Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 15+ Blackbird, 10+ Greenfinch, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Greylag Goose with Canada Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose in middle of cricket field, first one we have seen in the park. Jane Hale.
Rochford Reservoir 13.50
12 Cormorant perched high in trees at Freight House end. David Selley.
Monday 08th December 2008
Temple Farm, 12:45 to 13:15
100+ Lapwing, 1 Curlew (heard), 1 Pheasant, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 07th December 2008
Wakering Stairs, 08:00 to 10:45
1 Kestrel, 3 Stonechat, 120 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 50 Blackbird, 6 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh, Salvation Army Farmland, 09.45 - 10.15
1 Harris Hawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Owl all seen within half an hour of each other on walk along the public footpath through the Salvation Army farmland. Ellen Hume.
Benfleet Creek, 09:50 to 12:00
2 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat, 10 Reed Bunting, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Corn Bunting, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Lapwing, 60 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 8 Canada Goose. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, Eastern Avenue Allotment 10:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dave Knight (SOG).
Hampton Barns, From Great Stambridge to Paglesham Lagoon 10:00 to 12:00
23 Corn Bunting (incl. 1 flock of 15 by set-aside), 5 Yellowhammer, 25 Reed Bunting (most of the buntings in/around set-aside with many finches), 1 Brambling (fem.), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat. Martin Cracknell, Steve Sanford (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:10 to 10:55
1 Firecrest (in lower branches of oak trees initially between car park and play area before moving west and ending up in car park), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing, 8 Greenfinch (feeding flock in play area), 2 Chaffinch (with Greenfinches). Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 13:00
28 Goldeneye (22 together on river), 4 Red-breasted Merganser (1 drake), 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Stonechat, 31 Little Grebe (mostly on the river). Martin Cracknell, Steve Sanford (SOG).
South Fambridge 10.40 - 11.20
1 male Merlin on fence post by footpath, flew off over seawall, 15 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, many Blackbirds. David Selley.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:00 to 16:00
28 Goldeneye (5 drakes, most birds on the river), 5 Red-breasted Merganser (2 pairs downriver, plus a redhead with the goldeneye), 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 16 Pintail (9 drakes). Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:35 to 16:55
1 Snipe, 25 Little Egret (flying east in ones and twos to roost), 15 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk over Kent Elms Corner. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 06th December 2008
Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 09:35
1 Sparrowhawk over Oakwood Avenue. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.00 -12.05
98 Brent Goose, 6 Little Grebe, 18 Mute Swan, 11 Avocet, 2 Little Egret, 23 Grey Plover, 5 Curlew, Marsh Harrier (harrasing a Teal flock), 40+ Fieldfare, Sparrowhawk (chasing a Fieldfare flock), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Shelduck, 200+Teal, 2 Stonechat (1m, 1f). Ray Fuller.
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 12:00
4 Stonechat, 4 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Little Egret, 150 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing. John Wright (SOG).
Braxted Park, Great Braxted 11:30 - 13.30
2 Hawfinch in tall trees north of the park wall (possibly 3 or 4 different birds in total but not seen together). Matt Bruty.
South Fambridge, 11:30 to 13:30
12 Great Crested Grebe, 33 Little Grebe, 21 Mute Swan (20 on field 1km east of SF, 1 on river), 600 Wigeon, 1 Goosander (drake flew by, downriver). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, Motorboat Museum Hide, 12:50 to 13:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 4 Fieldfare. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:45
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:45 to 16:15
1 Short-eared Owl, 12 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 05th December 2008
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 11:30
1 Kestrel (female), 7 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07.40 - 07.50
1 Kestrel, 3 Jay, 25+ Fieldfare in hedges, obvious influx of Blackbirds - they seemed to be everywhere. David Selley.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:25
1 Little Egret over the house heading for the estuary. John Wright (SOG).
Priory Park 14.00
4 Little Egret. Lots of woodpeckers at Garon Park Golf Course. Dan Imossi.
Romford, Harrow Lodge Park 15.30
3 Little Egret. Wendy.
Wednesday 03rd December 2008
Coombe Wood, (Garden) 08:00 to 09:20
2 Siskin, 1 Blackcap (male), 1 Firecrest (female). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Temple Farm, 12:45 to 13:20
3 Sparrowhawk, 100 Lapwing (approx. on stubble field). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend Seafront 15.00
Snow Bunting on beach 100 metres east of Ocean Beach cafe also 100+ Sanderling. Ray Fuller.
Eastwood, Langley Close (Brook) 15.30
1 Green Sandpiper feeding in brook, viewed from small bridge (third time seen recently), 3 Siskin briefly, high up in trees nearby. Les Costin (EBS).
Tuesday 02nd December 2008
Leigh-on-Sea, Garden 10:30
1 male Blackcap, 2 Jackdaw. David Lee.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:45 to 13:15
70+ Fieldfare, 5 Mistle Thrush, 2 Green Woodpecker. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 19:30
1 Woodcock flew over five-a-side pitch at Clements Hall in the dark! Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 01st December 2008
Canewdon, 08:00
Stubble field behind Butts Hill Pond: 50 Corn Bunting (in two flocks, 28 in trees to east and c.25 on stubble), 35 Skylark (flushed from field), 1 Peregrine Falcon (adult female low over field hunting pigeon flock), 35 Stock Dove (with 50+ Woodpigeon and a scatter of townies). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Eastwood, 09:15
2 Siskin by Edwards Hall School playing field. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 10.00 - 13.30
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
1 Slavonian Grebe, 4 Eider Duck, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Shag, 100 Grey Plover, 20 Great Crested Grebe, c.1000 Brent Geese, 500 Greylag Geese, c.1000 Dunlin, 14 Ringed Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, lots of mixed Pochard, Wigeon, Mallard etc., 2 Black Swan, 40+ Curlew, c.150 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Rock Pipit, c.40 Meadow Pipit. Mark Bicknell.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:00 to 11:15
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi still showing very well), 4 Mediterranean Gull (adults). rine Falcon. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 12:30
1 Woodcock found dead at front of Portcullis House. Injuries to neck suggest a Peregrine kill. Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.10 - 15.05
5 Little Egret, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Reed Bunting, 42 Brent Goose, 10 Mute Swan, 2 Stonechat (1m, 1f ), Grey Plover, 4 Curlew, 25 Teal, Fieldfare. Ray Fuller.
Basildon, Gloucester Park 13.15 - 15.00
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10+ Blackbird, 20+ Greenfinch, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, numerous Blue Tit and Great Tit. Jane Hale.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 13:30 to 15:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:30 - 16:00
Numerous Gulls, Wigeon, Greylag and Canada Geese, 9 Goldeneye (6m & 3f), 2 pr. Gadwall, 1 Redshank. Chris Henry.
Southend Seafront 15.30
1 Snow Bunting on the beach with a few Turnstones in front of The Castle Pub. Roger Shinn.