Bird Reports for December 2010
Friday 31st December 2010
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 10:20
1 Woodcock in south west corner by the fenced off pond, c.50 Lesser Redpoll on the west side, 15 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Treecreeper, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Green Woodpecker. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve and River Chelmer into Town Centre 09:00 to 10:30
Bullfinch (male), Chaffinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, Grey Wagtail, Moorhen, Mallard, Goosander (2 female), Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, Jay, Magpie (two pairs seen building nests), Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Rochford Golf Course, 09:30 to 12:20
1 Crossbill 
flew over calling, appeared to come down in back gardens along Hall Road, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mistle Thrush, 20 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 4 Skylark flew over north. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 11:45
4 Bewick's Swan (with Mute Swans), 91 Mute Swan, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (female on lagoon), 5 Goldeneye, 53 Pintail, 7 Shelduck, 180 Pochard, 127 Gadwall, 86 Coot, 146 Tufted Duck, 4 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Pier and Seafront 10:00 to 12:30
7 Mediterranean Gull (6 adult, 1 1st winter), 3 Great Crested Grebe, Turnstone, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Brent Geese. 1 Marsh Harrier flying east along and just offshore of Southend. Andrew Cox.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11:30
1 female Goosander. Majority of lake still frozen. Marion Burch.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 12:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Goldfinch. Les Costin.
Gunner's Park 12:30 to 14:15
Kestrel, Blackbird, 15+ Linnet, 3+ Chaffinch, 11+ Greenfinch, 100+ Oystercatcher, 25+ Redshank, 5+ Greenshank, 3+ Curlew, 2+ Little Egret. S. Jackson.
Southend Airport, 14:35 to 14:40
Aviation Way road bridge: 1 Little Egret feeding in stream and catching plenty of small fish, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:45 to 15:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, North Avenue 16:10
1 Grey Heron flying over the garden towards Priory Park. S. Jackson.
Thursday 30th December 2010
Southend, Willingale Way 09:55
Flock of 20+ Waxwing and 1 Jay towards north end of Willingale Way. John Spencer.
St Lawrence Bay, Southminster 10:00
Grey Wagtail in back garden for 10 minutes. Steve Spicer.
Pitsea, 10:00 to 10:15
14 Waxwing still between Go Outdoors store and Tesco services. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend, Prittle Brook, 10:20 to 10:35
1 Spoonbill flew west low (c.15 metres) over Highfield Crescent heading towards Westbourne Grove following Prittle Brook, 3 Grey Wagtail (two together at Highfield Crescent and one under road bridge at Prittlewell Chase), 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blackbird, Great Tit, Rook, Magpie, Moorhen, Wood Pigeon, Wigeon, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Grey Plover, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Little Grebe, Spotted Redshank, Redwing, Green Woodpecker, Curlew, Jackdaw, Herring Gull, Coot, Grey Heron, Starling, Jay, Blue Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Wallasea Island 10:45
Ringtail and male Hen Harrier both near Hay Stack. Jeff Elliott.
Pitsea, 10:45 to 11:00
14 Waxwing. Simon Watson (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 10:55 to 11:45
Suggest viewing only from end of conifers to avoid disturbing the flocks: 5 Tree Sparrow perched together in hedge, 46 Teal in horse paddock, 2 Wigeon in horse paddock, 24 Corn Bunting, 3 Chaffinch, 52 Reed Bunting perched together in hedge, but more feeding in setaside, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard perched near chicken sheds, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 3 House Sparrow in hedge. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Chelmsford Town Centre 11:00 and 15:45
4 Goosander flying along Chelmer near Tesco's (2 male and 2 female), 15:45 2 female Goosander diving on Chelmer behind M&S. Celia Randerson.
Ingatestone, Fryerning Churchyard 12:00
Chiffchaff, one singing!! No doubt its response to the big Freeze. Graham Smith.
Pitsea, Go outdoors/Tesco Petrol Garage, 12:30 to 13:00
40 Waxwing feeding in the small rowan in the Go Outdoors Car Park and perching in a tall tree by the the petrol station entrance road. Flew off towards Aldi Car Park. Neil Phillips.
Southend Pier, 13:00 to 14:15
16 Great Crested Grebe feeding around pier head, 1 female Eider hanging around pier head, 7 Mediterranean Gull (6 adult, 1 1st W). Don Petrie (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:00 to 15:00
Behind Fox and Raven Pub on the flooded field: Pair Shoveler, 6 Gadwall (5 drake, 1 female), 1 Mute Swan, 3 female Goosander, quite a few Little Grebe. Sue Haffenden.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 14:40
1 Green Sandpiper. Les Costin.
Chalkwell Park 15:00
1 Grey Heron by the small pond in the Garden of Remembrance, 3 Mistle Thrush. David Selley.
Priory Park, 15:20 to 15:40
2 Ring-necked Parakeet loudly and constantly calling. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wednesday 29th December 2010
Pitsea 10:00 to 11:00
100+ Waxwing in and around Go Outdoors car park. Andrew Cox.
Hampton Barns, 10:30 to 12:45
2 Buzzard, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Brambling, 3 Yellowhammer, 16 Corn Bunting, 43 Reed Bunting, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Golden Plover. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend, Willingale Way 10:45
13 Waxwing in trees by last bridge (north End) before Thorpe Hall Boulevard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay. John Pitts.
Pitsea 12:00
109 Waxwing central reservation opposite Lidl's. Stephen Burt.
Corbetts Tey 12:00
2 Waxwing just west of Essex crematorium. GR Clark.
Belhus Woods 12:00
2 Marsh Tit on feeders by totem pole. GR Clark.
Wallasea Island, 12:00 to 14:30
2 Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon (on deck), 1 Greenshank, 5 Snipe, 5 Golden Plover, 4 Lapland Bunting together possibly more in SW corner, 150+ Skylark, 1 Stonechat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Prittlewell Brook, Between Darlinghurst Road and Southend 13:05 to 14:10
1 Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Grey Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve 14:00 to 14:10
2 Waxwing east of bridge behind McDonalds. Tim Davis.
Gunners Park 14:45 to 15:45
2 Little Egret, 20+ Linnet on sea wall, 15+ Waxwing in trees at the entrance to car park. Pat Dandridge.
Hampton Barns, 14:50
1 Buzzard on telegraph pole near to main road. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Tree Sparrow, 40 Reed Bunting (at least), 2 Green Woodpecker. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Tuesday 28th December 2010
Pitsea, 08:25 to 08:30
20 Waxwing by Tesco Petrol Station. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 11:45
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with mixed tit flock, 4 Treecreeper (with tit flocks), 1 Nuthatch, 15 Goldcrest (most with tit flocks), c.50 Lesser Redpoll, 15 Siskin (one flock), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea, 09:10 to 09:20
70+ Waxwing near the Tesco garage. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Canvey Point, 09:20 to 10:00
1 drake Velvet Scoter flew upriver. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Pitsea Petrol Station and Back of Aldi Supermarket 10:00
120 Waxwing, 2 flocks feeding on berries on trees. Mel.
Pitsea Tesco Garage/Go Outdoors 10:00 to 10:30
80+ Waxwing. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Pitsea, 11:00 to 11:30
80 Waxwing by Tesco service station. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 11:45
Viewing Vange Wick from the marina: 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st w), 166 Canada Goose, 350+ Wigeon, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea, Tesco Garage 11:40 to 12:30
80 Waxwing feeding on Rowan trees. Terry Jeffreys.
Wakering Stairs 11:45 to 12:15
500+ Fieldfare feeding on freshly thawed fields either side of Stairs Road, 30 Redwing, 2 Little Egret. David Selley.
Hampton Barns, 11:45 to 12:30
14 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow in hedge with Buntings, 5 Brambling (1m and 2f) in hedge with Buntings and 2 female in horse paddock), 15 Yellowhammer (12+ in hedge with Buntings and 3 in horse paddock), c.80 Corn Bunting (commuting from horse paddock to hedge), c.150 Reed Bunting (counted in flight when flushed by Sparrowhawk), 35 Chaffinch (25 in horse paddock and 10+ with Buntings in hedge), 1 Little Egret in horse paddock, 1 Kestrel, 38 Stock Dove, 26 Teal in horse paddock, 15 Wigeon over, 1 Sparrowhawk. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Pitsea, 11:50 to 12:00
17+ Waxwing in trees on central reservation opposite McDonalds/Lidl. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Maldon 12:00
50+ Waxwing first at Morrisons car park then opposite Morrisons feeding on roadside berries. Steve Lambeth.
Boreham 12:00
6 Waxwing seen opposite Cock Inn pub. Alec Martin.
Pitsea, Tesco Petrol Station/Go Outdoors Car Park 14:00 to 14:20
87 Waxwing, 1 Sparrowhawk over. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Monday 27th December 2010
Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 12:30
53 White-fronted Goose (briefly on fields, then flew out SW), 2 Hen Harrier (Ringtails), 3 Marsh Harrier (1 juvenile, 1 immature male, adult female), 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon spooked Brent flock, 1 female Merlin, 1 female Sparrowhawk hunting over fields, 2 Kestrel, 6 Lapland Bunting (at least, seen well on track west of T junction tanks with c.200 Skylark. Flock very skittish and wide ranging, also near Water Vole habitat by SW sea wall). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:30 to 09:30
1 Jack Snipe flushed from east reedbed, 4 Snipe (3 east reedbed, 1 abstraction ditch), 1 Water Rail (east reedbed), 14 Redwing. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:25 to 11:45
c.60 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Goldcrest. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford Middlemead 09:30
Goldcrest in garden bushes, 20+ House Sparrow, 20+ Starling, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Wren all on or around garden feeders. Dan Davison.
Rayleigh 10:30 to 12:00
7 Waxwing Clarence Road/Lesley Road junction 10:30 and 12:00. Regularly flying around but returning to feed. Bob and Peter Johnson.
Canvey Island, 11:45 to 12:00
13 Waxwing between Dutch Cottage and Garden Centre. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 11:45 to 13:15
5 Woodcock, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 50+ Redwing. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hanningfield 12:00
3+ Pale-bellied Brent, 5+ Dark-bellied Brant. GR Clark.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 15:00
91 Mute Swan, 3 Bewick's Swan in fields south of Jubilee Cottages, 245 Gadwall (a large count for here), 78 Pintail (a large count for here), 18 Goldeneye, 1 Peregrine Falcon. 1 Stoat. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island (West), 12:15 to 13:45
8 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 32 Linnet, 210 Wigeon, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Greenshank. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 12:15 to 13:30
1 Buzzard near the battery chicken barns, c.50 Reed Bunting, 35 Corn Bunting, 10 Yellowhammer. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea, 12:50 to 14:00
42 Waxwing around Tesco petrol station. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge 13:00
3+ Lapland Bunting on small hay heap behind bales with Corn Buntings, Twite with Skylarks on frozen borrowdyke. GR Clark.
Canewdon, 13:30
1 Brambling around feeders in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island 14:00
3+ Lapland Bunting on small hay heap behind bales with Corn Buntings. GR Clark.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:00 to 15:00
40+ Tufted Duck, 3+ Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Magpie, 1 Goosander, 75+ Black-headed Gull, 4 Coot. Also seen but uncounted: Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow. Paul Forsdick.
Blue House Farm 14:00 to 16:00
c.20 White-fronted Goose, c.300 Brent Goose, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Merlin, 1 Barn Owl. Ross Gardner.
Wakering Stairs, 14:10 to 15:20
3 Eider (females/juvs resting close inshore), 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail around Haven Point), 1 female Marsh Harrier on Foulness, 1 Sparrowhawk on Havengore Island, 2 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl hunting on Havengore, 200+ Fieldfare. Don Petrie (SOG).
Pitsea, 15:10 to 15:20
42 Waxwing Tesco petrol station. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Braintree, Peel Crescent
21 Waxwing. Mark Bicknell.
Sunday 26th December 2010
Wallasea Wetlands, 08:00 to 11:20
3 Hen Harrier (Ringtails, 1 flew east along south sea wall at 9am, 2 together East along north sea wall at 10:25), 1 Marsh Harrier (possibly 2, 1st west along north sea wall then south across island at 10:20), c.180 White-fronted Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Barn Owl hunting field margins close to car park at 8am, 1 Snow Bunting flew over calling and alighted in field east of hay stack, 6 Lapland Bunting in mixed flock with Corn Buntings, flew over calling and alighted in fields. Counted 6 on the ground., 1 Merlin (possibly 2 females seen separately). Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 13:30
4 Hen Harrier (2 ringtail females, a ringtail male and a superb adult male), 4 Marsh Harrier (2 different juveniles, adult female and sub adult male), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 178 White-fronted Goose (including a bird with neck ring ES and N), 3 Barnacle Goose, c.7,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (large flocks on Crouch, on south fields and near Grapnells), 11 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (one with mixed goose flock, 10 with Grapnells flock - 2 family parties of 2 adults plus 3 juveniles), 8 Lapland Bunting (at least 8 seen in flight with skylarks, several seen on the fields, two flew over calling), 1 Snow Bunting with Skylark flock, 800 Skylark (at least, buntings with flock of c. 400 near T junction), 2 Pintail (pair on Roach near Paglesham). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Maldon 10:00
150+ Waxwing along main road past Morrisons. Alec Martin.
Orsett, Parker Farm Road 10:30
2 Buzzard plus numerous Fieldfare and Redwing. Jim Cockram.
Shoebury, Eagle Way, 11:00 to 14:00
c.60 Waxwing. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wallasea Island, 11:30 to 15:30
8 Lapland Bunting in flight, with Skylarks, 3 seen on the ground, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, c.500 Skylark, 44 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 3 Hen Harrier (2 ringtails and an adult male), 2 Kestrel, 207 White-fronted Goose (2 skeins counted when flock disturbed by gunshots 170 and 37), 1 Snow Bunting in flight with Skylark flock, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Snipe, 6 Golden Plover, 17 Fieldfare, 9 Canada Goose, 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 16:05
Walked in from fishing lakes, 3/4 of the lagoon frozen over: 1 Tree Sparrow (at least one bird seen several times in the hedge at Hampton Barns), 20+ Yellowhammer, 60+ Corn Bunting, 60+ Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Tufted Duck (the drake hybrid x pochard still present), 26 Goldeneye (incl. 4 adult drakes all on lagoon), 38 Pintail, c.400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (on fields near hampton barns, including 1 presumed barnacle cross), 20 Golden Plover, 1 Bewick's Swan (only able to scan part of the mute flock near Jubilee Cottages from distance). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Island 13:25 to 13:40
16 Waxwing in silver birch and feeding with Redwing and Fieldfare in hedgerow between garden centre entrance and Dutch Cottage Museum. Ian White.
Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond 14:00
4 Siskin feeding on alders at north end. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 14:00 to 15:30
1 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, 50 Ringed Plover, 30 Golden Plover, 20 Grey Plover, 6 Lapwing, 12 Oystercatcher, 30 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50+ Dunlin, 6 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare. Richard Mander.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, flock of 50+ Fieldfare with even greater number of Redwing in field at Pantiles Farm site. Ian White.
Saturday 25th December 2010
South Fambridge, 08:15 to 09:30
c.250 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 1 Snipe, 5 Gadwall, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Twite showed well on the saltings east of the pill box. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Little Egret, 14 Red-legged Partridge, 85+ Skylark, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:30 to 11:30
Out to east of steps: 1 Snipe, 1 Twite (with a dozen skylarks), 6 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan (no sign of usual flock), c.60 Fieldfare along road in and in hedgerows on track to sea wall, 20 Redwing, 4 Jackdaw (can't remember seeing these here before). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rayleigh, Clarence Road 11:00 and 15:00
17 Waxwing seen sitting on house roof aerials on Clarence Road between Poplar Road and Leslie Road. Returned at least twice. Bob and Peter Johnson.
Hampton Barns, 11:15 to 12:40
1 Buzzard (the usual 'contrasty' bird), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 50+ Corn Bunting, 200+ Reed Bunting, c.30 Yellowhammer, 2+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 75 Stock Dove. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:45 to 16:00
Covered south and centre of island: 190 White-fronted Goose (82 with brent then 32 and 24), c.50 Greylag Goose (with whitefronts at east), 2 Barnacle Goose, 5,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (c.1,000 near Grapnells), 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (2 adults with main flock), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting southern ditch late on, 1 Barn Owl hunting centre to southern end, 3 Hen Harrier (3 ringtails, 2 females and a male. Looks like they are roosting around old creek in centre of island), 1 Snipe flew out to east end saltings. Jeff Delve (SOG).
North Shoebury
Sparrowhawk in garden. Terry Strong.
Friday 24th December 2010
River Crouch, 08:05 to 08:30
Viewed from north side at North Fambridge: 1+ Waxwing (heard only - flew south over river), c.500 Dunlin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue 09:00 to 12:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House all morning. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:40 to 11:40
2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (together in the main brent goose flock), c.2,600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (a bit too distant for a decent count), 2 Barnacle Goose, 220 White-fronted Goose, 160+ Skylark, 24 Corn Bunting, 1 Hen Harrier (a stunning adult male quartering the re-alignment seawall as I got out of my car), 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlin (both harassing a small passerine along the southern seawall), 1 Rock Pipit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Parkanaur Avenue 10:05 to 10:20
1 female Blackcap eating apple in back garden. Ian and Marion Smith.
Hadleigh Marshes, 11:00 to 12:30
3 Grey Heron, 5 Reed Bunting, 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Snipe. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Rushbottom Lane, 11:00 to 13:00
2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Skylark, 7 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 71 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 2 Emperor Goose, 4 Coot, 28 Moorhen, 46 Collared Dove, 10 Common Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 94 Black-headed Gull, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Goldcrest. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Woodcock, 3 Bullfinch (pair at top of valley in CP and a male near the bottom), 3 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 13:15 to 14:00
Slipway car park: 20+ Redwing, 5 Fieldfare. Maggie and David Davis.
Wakering Stairs 13:15 to 15:05
Shortened WeBS count postponed from Sunday 19th: 2 Cormorant, 4 White-fronted Goose, 18 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Shelduck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 2 Common Pheasant, 2,900 Oystercatcher, 13 Ringed Plover, 47 Golden Plover, 338 Grey Plover, 195 Lapwing, 7,370 Knot, 1,100 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 393 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1,389 Curlew, 199 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 33 Turnstone, Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls (all present but not counted), 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 550 Wood Pigeon, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 48 Blackbird, 249 Fieldfare, 143 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush, 3 Magpie, 3 Carrion Crow, 20 Starling. Plenty of hawthorn berries left for the winter thrushes. David Selley.
Basildon, Little Lullaway, Trees near Gladwyns Sign Opposite Flats 13:30
20+ Waxwing. Jane Hale.
Shoebury Common 14:00
15 Turnstone, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Jan and Brian Coveney.
Westcliff Seafront 14:15
1 adult Ring Billed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Sanderling, 3 Grey Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 40+ Turnstone. Bob and Peter Johnson.
Canvey Island, Dutch Cottage, 15:00
20-30 Waxwing in trees just up from garden centre. Tim Hurdley.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:00 to 16:00
Grey Heron, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Snipe, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover, 1 Kingfisher, Redwing, Long-tailed Tit, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
Thursday 23rd December 2010
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00
1 Sparrowhawk on bird table. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 16:00
Formal wetlands count then general birding on island. Wader counts approx from east end only: c.250 White-fronted Goose (flock on fields on south of island difficult to count accurately, especially when with the Brent flock. Earlier had 9 in NE corner and groups of 6 and 25 fly over), 11 Barnacle Goose with White-fronted, c.6,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (c.4,000 in south of island, 2,000 on wetlands/north fields), 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (single adults seen in each of the Brent flocks), 2 Marsh Harrier (adult female and immature male), c.5,000 Wigeon (on Crouch, most moved onto wetlands at high tide), 1,500 Teal, 300 Shelduck in east end, 250 Knot, 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 350 Dunlin, 1 female Eider (at high tide), 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Gadwall (1 on wetlands and 4 others flew onto island from Roach), 30 Grey Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 15 Lapwing feeding on sea wall, 20 Curlew, 2 Turnstone, 2 Crane picked up flying east onto Foulness at 8:15, 3 Pintail (scarce on the island), 1 Snipe flushed from sea wall in SW corner, 30 Corn Bunting with Skylarks on central fields. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:10 to 08:35
Scrape hide only: 1 Water Rail calling. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 08:45
1 Little Egret flew east over A130 just south of River Crouch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 11:15
430 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 61 Shelduck, 48 Wigeon, 73 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 78 Mallard, 8 Pochard (on a small unfrozen section on borrowdyke), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 57 Golden Plover, 13 Skylark, 2 Rock Pipit, 22 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 14 Blackbird. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Redwing, Wigeon, Teal, Ringed Plover, Moorhen, Black-tailed Godwit, Mallard, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Grey Plover, Common Gull, Curlew, Coot, Starling, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sparrowhawk, Black-headed Gull, Jackdaw, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 10:30 to 12:30
2 Peregrine Falcon hunting together, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 female Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Common Scoter, 23 Wigeon, 1 Pomarine Skua west at 1145. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Leigh, Stonehill Road, 12:15
Female Sparrowhawk feeding in garden on Sparrow. Laurie Greenwood.
Pitsea, 12:15 to 12:20
c.40 Waxwing trying to land on small berry tree at Tesco petrol station. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Maldon 12:30
90+ Waxwing opposite the Morrisons car park, in bushes alongside the busy main road. Also plenty of Redwing and Fieldfare. Andrew Impey.
Maldon Quay 13:30
1 Avocet, Redshank, Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Shelduck, Teal, Little Grebe, 100+ Greylag goose, 50+ Canada Goose. Andrew Impey.
Westcliff Seafront, 15:00 to 15:05
1 adult Peregrine Falcon perched on top balcony at front of Tower Court, Westcliff Parade. Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:15 to 16:15
1 Bullfinch, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canvey 13:00 to 16:00
35 Waxwing at the Dutch Cottage. Dave Blackwell.
Wednesday 22nd December 2010
Rochford Reservoir 07.30
25 Cormorant in tree tops by the Freight House. David Selley.
Eastwood Brook, 11:25
1 Green Sandpiper flew out of brook by The Bellhouse and over Eastwood Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:40 to 13:50
2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 6 Shelduck, 1 Teal, 3 Velvet Scoter (2 drakes, 1 female flew out the river from upstream of Canvey Coastguards until lost to view beyond the Pier at 12:30), 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-w), 1 Rock Pipit. Paul Baker (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 12:30 to 13:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 6 Goosander, 24 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron (flying away from farm buildings with what appeared to be a Rabbit!), 1 Wren, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit. Also seen: Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow. Another pair of Goosanders seen at Chelmsford Central Park lake around 11:30am. Paul Forsdick.
Tuesday 21st December 2010
Two Tree Island (East), 09:30 to 11:30
2 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 28 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 30 Teal, 8 Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Shoveler, 6 Greenfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 10:20 to 11:35
130 Anser sp. (circa, grey geese, probably white-fronted, flew west high above the river as a group of 70 followed closely by another 60), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Eider (up-river then down again), 1 Coot (near the shore), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Don Petrie (SOG).
Maldon 11:00 to 12:30
50+ Waxwing at Morrisons car park, 20+ Redwing, a few Fieldfare as well, 2 Song Thrush. Alec Martin.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 male Sparrowhawk perched on shed before being chased off by Magpie. Paul Baker (SOG).
Lubards Farm, Hullbridge 14:30
Jack Snipe flushed from edge of fishing lake. Hilary Knight.
Monday 20th December 2010
Hockley, Dome Village, 08:30 to 11:00
House Sparrow, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Jay, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit all feeding in our garden. 2 Red Fox. Wendy and Dave Hills.
Hockley Woods 08:50 to 10:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Treecreeper 5 Long-tailed Tit. 1 Muntjac Deer. Les Costin.
Althorne to North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
16 Little Grebe, Goosander - female found dead; emaciated, 42 White-fronted Geese - flying west over Bridgemarsh at 10.00, 580 Wood Pigeon, 2 Buzzard, Peregrine, Merlin, Barn Owl, 560 Dunlin, 12 Knot, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Avocet, 280 Skylark, 11 Rock Pipit, 140 Redwing, 135 Fieldfare, 36 Greenfinch, 22 Corn Bunting, 12 Brown Hare. Graham Smith.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:25 to 10:35
2 Snipe in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Basildon 11:00
Redwing. Matty Smart.
South Fambridge, 11:00 to 14:20
From South Fambridge to Landsend Point and back: c.15 Pintail, 6+ Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander (drake and 3 redheads. Not present as we walked out, but found on our return between Bridgemarsh Island and the saltings at 13:30. Swam to the north bank, then at 13:40 flew down-river to about Black Point before heading north over the Dengie near Althorne), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (redhead flew up-river and later seen feeding just west of SF), 2 Kestrel (around Bridgemarsh), 2 Snipe, 6 Skylark, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Twite (at western end of saltings with skylark), 7 Reed Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer (between SF village and seawall). Don Petrie, Paul Baker (SOG).
Barkingside 11:45
1 Redwing seen in back garden. Ray Lloyd.
Maldon 13:00
20+ Waxwing. Barry.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:00 to 14:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Snipe, 10+ Red-legged Partridge, 4 Little Grebe, 80+ Shelduck, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Maldon 14:00
c.20 Waxwing on tree in A414/Limebrook Way Roundabout by Morrisons supermarket and another 2 in tree by southern most zebra crossing in Fambridge Road. Tony Kennelly.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:45 to 16:15
3 Bewick's Swan (adults with the Mute herd south of Jubilee Cottages), c.75 White-fronted Goose (first seen flying from the west, north of the lagoon and heading NE at 15:15, then returned and landed between the lagoon and Barton Hall Farm before taking flight again and following the river east, finally appearing to land behind Barling Tip, probably on Fleet Head or Potton at 15:40), c.70 Pintail, 16 Goldeneye (one on the Roach, but the rest packed into a small area of open water on the lagoon), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (redhead on the river), 1 Peregrine Falcon (seen twice, finally harrassing the roosting wildfowl at dusk), 6 Reed Bunting, 40+ Corn Bunting (roosting in the reedbed to SE of lagoon). Don Petrie, Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:20
32 White-fronted Goose (flock over, initially heading north-west the came back round to the east and then headed north). Marc Outten, Steve Roach and Hanna Karthauser (RSPB).
Coombe Wood, 15:30
2 Jack Snipe flew out of the trees at the bottom of my garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
River Roach, 16:00
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 19th December 2010
South Fambridge, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Twite feeding on salt marsh near gate with skylarks, 13 Skylark, 26 Gadwall (good number on river), 2 Yellowhammer at end of road, 20 Fieldfare feeding in hedgerows along road, 30 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey Point, 09:00 to 11:10
5 Eider flew east mid-river, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Purple Sandpiper still at Yacht Club Roost, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 100+ Skylark (incl. flocks of 15, 38 and 42 flew in from S over river), 20+ Linnet, 3 Twite Feeding on Saltmarsh with mobile Linnet flock. Eventually saw 3 together, 1 Gavia sp. distantly flew east. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:00 to 10:05
1 female Blackcap in the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 10:00 to 14:30
Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, 1 Aythya Sp. - looked like a female Scaup but with no white base to bill, flanks very pale, sandy 'biscuit' brown. 2 Sparrowhawk (1m, 1f), 1 Kestrel, 1 immature Peregrine Falcon, 1 Water Rail (eastern borrowdyke), Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Knot, Turnstone, Snipe, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Bar Tailed Godwit, Redshank, 1 Greenshank. 5 Regular Gull Sp., 1 Green Woodpecker, many Skylarks, a few Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting. Odd Fieldfare and Redwing. Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blue and Great Tit, Song Thrush and Blackbird. Andrew Cox.
Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 14:30
Central road and sea wall the length of the wetlands: 4,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (2,500 near Grapnells, 1,500 at east end moving between fields and wetlands), 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (2 adults and 2 juveniles with flock at east end), 1 Black Brant (with flock at east end), 1 female Merlin on sea wall fence at east end then flew south, 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail female and then a full adult male late on near haystack), 1 immature male Marsh Harrier flushed the Grapnells Brent flock, 1 Kestrel hunting seawall, 15 Scaup (flock on wetlands at east end on high tide then later on river Crouch. All females and immature males), 80 Black-tailed Godwit (minimum, including 30 feeding on grass top of sea wall over high tide), 600 Shelduck (at least across wetlands), 300 Wigeon (at least - some feeding on fields with Brent), 500 Teal (most at east end), 1,000 Skylark (at least - fields were covered in birds with many flocks of 200+), 6 Reed Bunting feeding on salt marsh. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:45 to 15:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 7+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with large tit flock on southern perimeter, 15 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin, 25+ Lesser Redpoll (mobile, including a flock of 15, presumed Lessers). Don Petrie (SOG).
Daws Heath, Deanes School 14:10
10 Siskin, 25 Lesser Redpoll (mixed flock feeding in Alder briefly before flying towards West Wood - no further sign by 16.00. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh on Sea 15:10 to 15:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding on nuts. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Saturday 18th December 2010
South Fambridge, 08:10 to 10:00
2 Twite showed well feeding along the salt marsh/seawall just west of gate (east of steps), one associating with Skylarks the other mainly on its own, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall (pair), 14 Pintail, 6 Yellowhammer in trees between houses and seawall, 8 Corn Bunting, 10 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting. John Wright, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 08:30 to 09:30
1 Snipe, 4 Goosander (1 male, 3 female) , 1 Pochard (female), 4 Gadwall (female), 11 Tufted Duck, 1 Redwing, 50+ Goldfinch, 8 Mute Swan, 2 Coot. Large numbers of Cormorant on/over river plus uncounted but also seen: Moorhen, Little Grebe, Robin, Wren, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Hatfield Peverel. Garden 10:00
5 Common Redpoll feeding in Silver Birch. Alec Martin.
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:00
20 Lesser Redpoll near small pond in SE corner of wood. Not all scoped but appeared small and dark, and scoped birds obvious lessers, 1 Nuthatch by car park, 2 Crossbill flew over near pond (per Nick Green), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrest. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:15 to 11:40
30 Lesser Redpoll (in small groups - all Lessers as far as I could see), 1 Firecrest, 2 Snipe (fly overs), 8 Goldcrest. John Wright (SOG).
Kensington Road (Back Garden) 10:30
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, first time i have seen one. It was 30ft from my kitchen window, tree creeping and trying to find a decaying section in my rotten apple tree. It hung around for 20 minutes and used the feeder too. Superb and close. 1 more Cygnet left from Southchurch Park 11 am, 5 left now. 1 Turnstone in Southchurch and East Park, all day. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, 11:00 to 11:05
1 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Benfleet 11:30
1 Little Egret perched on a stump in our back garden surveying our small pond. All the more surprising as our garden is modest and we are over a mile and a half from Benfleet Creek. Clive Dobson.
Southminster, Asheldham 14:00 to 16:00
2 Woodcock. John.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:05 to 15:20
1 female Sparrowhawk flew low through the garden as I was clearing snow the from bird table, 6 Cormorant over. David Selley.
Benfleet Station, 15:10 to 15:45
All birds in creek: 11 Snipe, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 17th December 2010
South Fambridge, 08:00 to 10:10
2 Reed Bunting, 6 Redwing, 31 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Tufted Duck (on the river), 234 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Fieldfare, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Twite on the salt marsh by the gate east of the pill box. Paul Griggs, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 08:15 to 16:15
Official count on wetlands, high to low tide 8 - 2 and then birding around island. Wader counts from east end only: 5 Red-breasted Merganser (incl. 2 males over high tide), 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (1200 at east end, 800 near Grapnells), 1 Black Brant (cracking gander, jet black mantle, huge collar. Poor views as in midst of the large flock at east end), 220 Shelduck, 85 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 40 Knot, 400 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone, 35 Curlew, 30 Grey Plover, 20 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing, 20 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 1 adult female Marsh Harrier with displaced feather on right wing, 2 Hen Harrier (immature male and female), 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon, 3 Snipe (all fly overs), 3 Greenshank (near tower per Nick Green), 80 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Twite initially on saltings 10.21 then flew over grass bank south of path and seen feeding on slope with skylarks around the gravel track perpendicular to seawall. One (presumably of the same two birds) then low over circling salt marsh and calling at 10.40am., 8 Skylark, 5 Snipe, 150 Wigeon, 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Yellowhammer between seawall and SF village, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (redhead). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:30 to 14:10
From the trout fisheries: c.150 Golden Plover, 1 Buzzard (the contrasty bird near and around the chicken sheds), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Kestrel, 15+ Reed Bunting, 72 Corn Bunting, 8 Yellowhammer, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Snipe, 1 Little Egret, 150+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 drake Tufted Duck (Tufted X Pochard "Lesser Scaup" type), 1 female Tufted Duck with blue nasal saddle with letters "DL" still present, 1 female Scaup, 8 Goldeneye, 8 Little Grebe, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (redhead), 76 Mute Swan, 38 Pintail, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Griggs, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
Maldon 11:30
4 Waxwing sitting on top of a tree on the corner of Fambridge road by the roundabout. Also Chigborough Lakes (EWT): 4 Fieldfare, 5 Bullfinch, 30+ Redwing. Alec Martin.
South Fambridge, 12:50 to 13:45
8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 White-fronted Goose (adult and 1st-w still on BHF. Viewable from high ground behind pillbox on 55x in sunlight before farmer chased me off!), c.2000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Gadwall on the Crouch, 2 Shoveler (a pair on tiny unfrozen part of borrowdyke behind raised seawall), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (redhead), 4 Ruff (on BHF), 2 Jack Snipe (one flushed from long grass growing underneath the barbed wire fence, one flew up from salt marsh and flew to raised grassy seawalls), 2 Snipe (flushed from seawall), 1 Black-tailed Godwit (on BHF), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat (between SF and seawall), 30 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 1 Twite on salt marsh with flock of 6-8 Skylarks, also once on raised grass seawall immediately south of fence, and perched on barbed wire fence and showing well, calling frequently in flight, 5 Yellowhammer (all males between SF and seawall), 2 Reed Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 16th December 2010
Leigh on Sea 08:00
1 male Blackcap in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Althorne-Fambridge 10:00 to 15:00
21 Little Grebe (Bridgemarsh Creek), 15 Gadwall (R.Crouch), Goldeneye, 3 Merganser (eastern end of Bridgemarsh Island), female Goosander (Bridgemarsh Creek), 108 Greylag Geese, 42 Stock Dove, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 11 Snipe, 700 Dunlin, 300 Fieldfare, 2 Water Pipit (Blue House), 35 Greenfinch, 25 Reed Bunting. Graham Smith.
Hockley Woods, 10:15 to 11:15
7 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Moorhen, Blackbird, Starling, Jackdaw, Teal, Wigeon, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Coot, Curlew, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Common Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Thundersley, Woodside Park, 11:45 to 12:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 21 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 14:30
Flock 25+ Goldfinch landed in top of oak tree in garden, stayed short time then all flew. Laurie Greenwood.
Wednesday 15th December 2010
Hockley Woods, 07:35 to 08:15
1 Crossbill flew over car park calling, then over clearing south of brook heading towards Belchamps, c.15 Lesser Redpoll in mixed flock south of clearing SE of compound, c.5 Siskin with the Redpolls, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing in play area. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 07:40
1 female Sparrowhawk floating down the Leigh Road at rooftop level. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch in the clearing, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (TQ832921), 2+ Lesser Redpoll (2 fly-overs). Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge, 14:00 to 15:50
8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Twite feeding on the saltmarsh east of South Fambridge just before the gate, TQ863963. Flew west at 15:25. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 14th December 2010
Hockley/Hawkwell, 08:20
3 Waxwing by Esso garage on a quick drive past. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 08:30 to 08:35
3 Waxwing still by Esso garage. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 08:45 to 09:55
1 Marsh Harrier hunting Bridgemarsh Island, 2 Ruff on Blue House Farm, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, c.20 Fieldfare, c.10 Barnacle Goose (all geese were much harder to see today except for Brents which were plentiful and often on the Crouch), 3 Great Crested Grebe (incl. a pair displaying!), c.25 Little Grebe. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 09:00 to 09:10
3 Waxwing still feeding on berries next to petrol station. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Benfleet, 13:15 to 14:00
1 Grey Wagtail chasing insects along St. Mary's Road. Simon Watson (SOG).
Hullbridge, 13:20 to 13:30
End of Ferry Road viewed from north side: 51 Mute Swan, 11 Turnstone, 3 Little Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 13:30 to 15:30
Marsh Harrrier hunting along Roach sea wall at East end of Defra site, Hen Harrier flying South across Crouch towards Wallasea. Over 1,000 Brent in several large flocks on banks and afloat at Horseshoe corner. Avocet, 150+ Shelduck in groups of up to 20, loads of Teal. 6 Common Seals. No Egrets seen. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 16:35
All from scrape hide, fleet frozen, scrape 75% frozen: 3 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew south mobbed by crows, 4 Water Rail (3 on edges of frozen scrape, 1 calling from north end of fleet), 51 Coot (including one with messy white under-tail coverts, but not convincingly American), 47 Moorhen, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2+ Cetti's Warbler (2 singing together by the hide and perhaps a different bird singing c.100m to the south). 3 Red Fox (2 on the scrape ice while a third was on the frozen fleet). Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 13th December 2010
Hockley/Hawkwell, Esso Service Station, Greensward Lane 08:00
7 Waxwing still present this morning. Jeff Delve (SOG).
North Shoebury 08:17
2 Pied Wagtail (pair) Foraging under feeder table in garden. Terry Strong.
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
Female Goosander on River Crouch, Marsh Harrier, 9 Snipe, 3 Avocet, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce here), 3 Water Pipit together on flooded field, 500 Fieldfare feeding on haws along reserve hedgerows, 4 Brown Hare. Graham Smith.
Shoebury, Ravendale Way 10:35
Huge flock of 70+ Waxwing in same trees as earlier in week. Terry Strong.
Temple Farm, 13:05 to 13:40
4 Red-legged Partridge, 27 Curlew, 1 large female Sparrowhawk, 50+ Carrion Crow, 7 Corn Bunting, 6 Meadow Pipit, 15 Skylark, 8 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows, 14:30
1 female Goosander. Hopefully more will return when lake has thawed. Also small flocks of Long-tailed Tit. Marion Burch.
Sunday 12th December 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 13/12/10
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07:40 to 07:50
120+ Blackbird in the hedgerows, mostly males. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 08:10
c.12 Cormorant in a group fishing. Difficult to be precise as to the actual number due to the constant diving. Alec Beanse.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 11:30
1 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 1 female Green Woodpecker, 1 female Kestrel, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Snipe, 68 Wigeon, 4 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 71 Mallard, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch. Graham Ryland (SOG).
South Fambridge 10:00 to 11:20
1 Song Thrush singing from top of a hawthorn in the sunshine - unexpected treat, 11 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Little Grebe, 172 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 150 Wigeon, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 90 Dunlin, 17 Golden Plover, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Yellowhammer. David Selley.
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
Mostly east end and south shore: 1 Marsh Harrier (one with displaced feather on right wing - thought it was a wing tag at first), 1 immature male Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 2 Short-eared Owl flushed from sea wall in SW corner, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with c.800 Brent near Grapnells, another 800 around Paglesham Creek mouth), c.800 Skylark (could easily be double that - huge numbers flushed all along central road from oil seed rape fields and across most of the field when scanned), 30 Corn Bunting (Grapnells), 1 Redwing (Grapnells), 1 Fieldfare (bedraggled bird flew from ditch at eastern end). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Paglesham, 12:30
c.75 Mute Swan viewed from Jubilee cottages. Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 12:30 to 14:30
6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 White-fronted Goose seen in flight twice with Greylags at Blue House Farm, c.60 Greylag Goose at Blue House Farm, 50+ Barnacle Goose at Blue House Farm, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 26 Black-tailed Godwit, c.150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Blue House Farm. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 12:35 to 12:40
6 Waxwing by the Esso garage, Greensward Lane. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:50 to 15:40
2 Greylag Goose, 12 Canada Goose, 1 Water Rail in ditch in front of third hide, 7 Curlew, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Skylark, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Canewdon, 13:00
1 Little Owl in ivy covered oak along Scotts Hall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 13:00 to 13:30
1 Buzzard, 1 Tree Sparrow, 5 Yellowhammer. Pat Dandridge, Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:50 to 15:40
3 Waxwing with Fieldfares in Hawthorns south of path between Haven Point and Havengore Bridge, c.110 Fieldfare, 1 Barn Owl on Havengore, 1 Marsh Harrier on Havengore, 1 Merlin on Havengore, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Redwing. Tim Bourne (SOG).
South Fambridge, 14:00
1 Rock Pipit. Paul Baker, Paul Griggs, Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 14:40 to 14:50
6 Waxwing by the Esso garage in Greensward Lane. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).
Saturday 11th December 2010
South Fambridge, 07:35 to 09:15
900 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (most on river c.1 mile east of South Fambridge), 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Jack Snipe flushed from salt marsh, 8 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting, 20 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare, 12 Little Grebe, 4 Shoveler, 5 Corn Bunting along seawall, incl. 1 singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Station 07:50
c.12 Waxwing. David Chivers.
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose with single juvenile dark-bellied on fields, 2 Merlin (immature male and female), 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon with prey nr Grapnells. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thorpe Bay, 10:15 to 12:15
18 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 12 Collared Dove, 3 Moorhen, 3 Little Egret, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Jay, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 House Sparrow, 21 Magpie, 18 Carrion Crow, 19 Blue Tit, 12 Robin, 16 Blackbird, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Great Tit, 1 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 39 Wood Pigeon, 7 Chaffinch, 105 Black-headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Starling. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Adder (same male reported in November). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 11:00 to 16:00
1 Snow Goose with 25+ Barnacle Geese, 3 White Fronted Geese, 1 Peregrine, 3 Marsh Harrier, 60+ Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Eider, 1 Drake Smew with 25+ Goldeneye, 1500+ Brent Geese. 200+ Greylag Geese, 60+ Avocet, 30+ Bar-tailed Godwit. Jeff Elliott.
Canvey Wick, 11:30 to 13:30
Many finches and thrushes in area west of "crossroads": 2 Waxwing flew low over crossroads heading west, 8 Lesser Redpoll in birches by "crossroads", 1 Woodcock, 30+ Fieldfare, 60+ Redwing, 1 Snipe, c.30 Goldfinch in small groups mostly feeding on the ground, c.20 Greenfinch, 4 Linnet. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 12:55 to 13:00
1 adult Mediterranean Gull on the lawn, 2 Common Gull, 20 Black-headed Gull, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Friars Park, 13:00 to 13:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge, 13:00 to 16:00
2 Yellowhammer, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Merlin, 1 Barn Owl (Blue House Farm), 3 adult Bewick's Swan on river, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Greylag Goose (Blue House Farm). Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island 14:00
12 Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Judy.
Wakering Stairs, 14:00 to 15:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier on Havengore, 2 Kestrel on Havengore, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Peregrine Falcon chasing a redshank, 2 Snipe. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Shoebury, 15:00
21 Waxwing in Ravendale Way on roadside trees by first give way sign. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Stambridge, 15:00
1 Buzzard in trees alongside the football club, near road to Hampton Barns. Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:10 to 15:30
Viewed from Ashingdon Church: 3 adult Bewick's Swan on Crouch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canewdon, 15:15
1 Little Owl in oak with thick ivy on Scotts Hall Road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoebury, 15:30
c.40 Waxwing along Mountbatten Drive. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Friday 10th December 2010
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:00 to 15:00
Little Egret - none since onset of snow and frosts. 900 Brent Goose, 109 Greylag Goose, 45 Stock Dove, Sparrowhawk (flushed from remains of Dunlin), 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine (killed Grey Plover), 1 Merlin (with prey), Lapwing: only 70 remaining, down from 1500 before cold weather. 15 Avocet, 57 Black-tailed Godwit, 265 Skylark (mostly in game cover and on saltings), 23 Fieldfare, 45 Greenfinch. Graham Smith.
Wakering Common 11:00 to 11:30
5 Waxwing, 1 Snipe, 100+ Fieldfare. Pat Dandridge.
Bournes Green Roundabout 11:35
1 Lapwing wandering about the middle of the roundabout. Terry Strong.
Billericay 13:15
5 Waxwing in tree in garden. Marion Burch.
Wallasea Island, 14:45 to 16:00
1500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (500 near Grapnells, 1,000 at east end), 1 Black Brant (probable hybrid, poorly marked bird with larger flock), 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, together at eastern end, obvious male and female, 2 Merlin (female with prey on fields and later immature male flyby), 30 Knot with Dunlin and Grey Plover at east end, 50 Black-tailed Godwit in with main roost, 1 Barn Owl on haystack, 9 Red-breasted Merganser (incl. 2 males - displaying on wetlands on high tide). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Earls Hall Avenue, 15:00
2 Ring-necked Parakeet in garden. Pat Dandridge.
Thursday 09th December 2010
Pitsea 08:35
Waxwing. Central Island at Pitsea Broadway. Ken Borley.
Rochford Reservoir, 10:10 to 10:25
41 Cormorant (an impressive gathering!), 1 female Tufted Duck (the only diving duck), 1 Grey Heron. Paul Baker (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 10:30 to 10:50
14 Little Grebe, 2 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 3 Goosander, 2 Coot, 9 Tufted Duck. Many uncounted Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Mallard, Blackbird, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Green Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Water Rail, Jackdaw, Redshank, Magpie, Starling, Grey Heron, Dunlin, Mallard, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wigeon, Teal, Grey Plover, Little Grebe, Coot, Robin, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Marsh Harrier. Terry Jeffreys.
South Fambridge, 10:45 to 11:20
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Merlin hunting north seawall, 1 Peregrine Falcon crossed from the north to hunt fields behind pillbox, 3 Coot on the river, 2 male Reed Bunting, c.20 Fieldfare, 1 Turnstone flew low south, inland over car park. Paul Baker (SOG).
Belfairs Wood 11:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Wagtail seen near the bridge close to Woodlands Park entrance. Laurie Greenwood.
Ashingdon, 11:25 to 11:40
Viewing Blue House Farm from church: 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, c.50 Greylag Goose, c.100 Canada Goose, c.15 Barnacle Goose. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk low through gardens. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:45
1 male Sparrowhawk on the feeders by the RSPB Visitor Centre. David Lee, Dave Gonning.
Leigh on Sea, Kingswood Chase 15:30
c.45 Waxwing. Pat Dandridge.
Wednesday 08th December 2010
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Sandford Mill Area 08:45 to 10:30
Species seen on (very cold) walk: 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 9 Goosander, 1 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Uncounted numbers of Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Mallard, Moorhen, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin, Magpie, Pied Wagtail (in great numbers at Brook End Road sewage works), Pheasant, House Sparrow, Starling. Paul Forsdick.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 12:40
1 Green Sandpiper in usual spot again, 6+ Goldfinch. Les Costin.
Southend, Oakengrange Drive 13:05
c.40 Waxwing seen from bus in a tree on the corner of Oaken Grange Drive and Manners Way. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 09:00 & Last 6 Days
1 Turnstone SW corner of park around sluice/tidal gates foraging for food on grass/banks, very friendly, has been around for last six days. Female Mute Swan now has a new male mate, he has been settling in for the last two months. 6 Cygnets still in Southchurch Park, 2 left 4-6 weeks ago. Robert Dobinson.
Tuesday 07th December 2010
Avro Road 08:15
A Heron landed on the roof of the Avro Centre and stayed around for about 10 minutes despite being annoyed by the local Crows. Jackie Graham.
Billericay 08:30 to 08:45
5 Long-tailed Tit, Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit and a Grey Heron just flew over garden. Chris Henry.
Westcliff, Cobham Road 09:30
2 Turnstone walking around the driveways. Emily Broad.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:20 to 15:50
From fish ponds: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Little Grebe, 57 Pintail, 1 Aythya sp. (drake hybrid tufted x pochard remeniscent of Lesser Scaup), 1 adult female Scaup, 11 Goldeneye (4 drakes), c.700 Dark-bellied Brent Goose at mouth of Barton Hall Creek, 1 Buzzard (contrasty bird still between fishponds and Hampton Barns), 1 female Kestrel, 45+ Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers, Saltcotes Park 13:30
7 Waxwing. Dawn James.
Monday 06th December 2010
Leigh, Canvey Road, 07.45
Female Brambling on snow under feeders. Jane Attwell.
Cobham Road, Westcliff Next to Seafront 11:00
2 Turnstone walking along the path and in driveways then flying back to seafront. Lots of Black-headed Gulls flying around near them must be food for both species down here. Emily Broad.
Buckhurst Hill 14:00
1 Green Woodpecker. J. Antony.
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 16:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Stonechat near car park, c.100 Skylark all along central track. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Sunday 05th December 2010
Wakering Stairs 09:00 to 10:30
12 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 1 Kingfisher in dyke halfway up road L.H. side, 1 Little Egret, Brent Geese flying over towards Foulness and in rafts on incoming tide, 3 Ringed Plover, 20+ Sanderling, Oystercatcher, 10+ Grey Plover, 2 Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and Redshank, 1 female Common Scoter swimming in bay and onto the stairs resting until dog walker made her clumsily walk off into tide and paddle towards the Ness. Large Raptor flying from Foulness towards Shoebury very marked forked tail, possible Red Kite. John Meredith.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:00
1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Golden Plover, 699 Dunlin (after the L.B.B.Gull had breakfast), 550 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (caught and eat Dunlin), 73 Skylark, 11 Meadow Pipit, 14 Reed Bunting, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Brentwood, Doddinghurst 10:00
Sparrowhawk on prey in back garden. Roy Perkins.
Magnolia NR, Hawkwell, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Snipe, 1 Redwing. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Buzzard (contrasty bird, presumably the bird from nearby yesterday), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Merlin flushed from field by the Peregrine, 11 Goldeneye, 68 Pintail, 1 Aythya sp. (drake hybrid; presumably Tufted DuckxPochard). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Point 12:00 to 14:15
1 Purple Sandpiper on seawall, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 150 Brent Geese, 1 Snipe on seawall, 600 Dunlin, 750 Knot, 2 Lapwing, 20 Linnet, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Peregrine, 35 Turnstone (including 1 cr-ringed in 2008 on Ellesmere Island, Canada). Hanna Karthauser, Johannes Kamp.
Fairlop Waters 13:00
2 Goldcrest, 7 Greylag Geese, 1 Lapwing, 20+ Redwing. Barry.
Wakering Stairs, 13:00 to 14:20
1 ringtail Hen Harrier on Havengore Island, 2 Barn Owl (one on Havengore Island, one on Haven Point), 1 Short-eared Owl on Havengore Island, 4 Rock Pipit at Haven Point. Don Petrie (SOG).
Potton Island, 15:00 to 15:45
Viewed from the bridge: 2 Hen Harrier (both distant ringtails, one on Havengore Island, the other towards Foulness), 1 Barn Owl. Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 04th December 2010
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Sandford Mill Area 08:30 to 10:30
Species seen on walk around Baddow Meads, Manor Farm, Sandford Mill and River Chelmer: Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch (flock disturbed at Sandford Mill, five counted but more had dispersed when I disturbed them on path), Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark (50+ feeding on field near Manor Farm fishing lake), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Wren, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon (very large numbers in trees at edge of farmland), Pheasant, Lapwing, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Goosander (5 at Barnes Mill, three female, two male), Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Common gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Westcliff Seafront, 09:30 to 10:00
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi again this morning on the closest post on the breakwater). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford, 10:00
2 Ring-necked Parakeet flew across fields Rochford side of Sutton Road. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 10:30
Scrape only: 2 Ruff, 1 Sanderling, 18 Lapwing, 1400 Black-headed Gull (probably more), 1 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:45
1 Grey Wagtail in brook, 3 Snipe in brook, viewed from Western Approaches bridge. Paul Baker (SOG).
Roper's farm, 10:50 to 11:10
1 Woodcock. John Wright (SOG).
River Roach, 11:10 to 13:30
Seawall from Ropers Farm: 1 Kingfisher, 4 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 80 Teal, 50 Wigeon, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, , 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 24 Mute Swan, 20 Reed Bunting, 25 Corn Bunting, 1 Sparrowhawk, 150 Lapwing. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:15 to 12:00
Fresh marsh frozen although some areas starting to thaw: 1 Jack Snipe, 14 Snipe, 3 Ruff on saline lagoon, 3 Ringed Plover, 24 Dunlin on frozen fresh marsh, 1 Sparrowhawk, 65 Teal, 2 Cetti's Warbler (one seen very well in the abstraction ditch), 2 Water Rail (heard only), 310 Lapwing. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:30 to 14:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, 1 Avocet, 1 Grey Plover, 25 Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, Rredshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Wigeon, Teal, 1 Stonechat, 2-3 Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler both showed well. Andrew Cox.
Hockley Woods 11:45 to 12:10
1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Heard call of LSW then observed it tapping high up in numerous trees between 12:00-12:10 (TQ831920). Tim Davis
Stock Road Concrete Plant 11:45 to 14:30
4 Jay, 8 Chaffinch, 5 Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull (aluminium ring on right tibia unreadable). Dan Davison.
Gunners Park 12:00 to 13:30
Green Woodpecker, Lapwing, Linnet, 2 Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock, Jack Snipe (simply feeding on the mud by reserve - first one I've seen at Gunners), Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Kingfisher between the bridges along the dyke. Noel Barnes.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 12:45
c.25 Jackdaw seen whilst driving. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 14:00
22 Siskin in birches, 4 Goldfinch, 9 Redpoll flying over. Robin Peppiatt.
Ashingdon, 15:50
1 Green Woodpecker behind church. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 03rd December 2010
Westcliff, 08:30
1 Snipe flew over London Road. John Wright (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:50
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Benfleet, 09:00
1 Sparrowhawk in garden. Simon Watson (SOG).
Battlesbridge 09:30
1 Little Egret viewable from bridge. Ken Borley.
Chalkwell Station, 10:30
10 Sanderling. Simon Watson (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 14:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 17 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 12 Pochard (down-river), 9 Eider (up-river), 2 Sparrowhawk (adult male and a female), 80+ Lapwing (70 SW, 16 NE, 10+ on the shore), 20+ Snipe (counted 34, mostly in the western ditch, but this probably involved some double counting), 1 Green Sandpiper (in western ditch), 16 Skylark, c.20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11:00 to 13:30
1 adult Peregrine), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, large numbers of Teal with a few Wigeon and Shoveler, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone, Snipe, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, 1 Greenshank. Another visitor reported a flock of Snow Bunting from the salt marsh east of the end car park but I only found Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Reed Buntings. Andrew Cox.
Shoebury East Beach, 12:15 to 13:00
1 Snipe, 7 Snow Bunting (mobile flock on the beach and snow-covered dunes, mostly towards the boom. Included 4 males). Don Petrie (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park 13:00
3 drake and 1 female Mandarin Duck. R. Harris.
Temple Farm, 13:25 to 13:45
40+ Fieldfare, 15+ Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 3 Stock Dove. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend, North Avenue 15:15
Pied Wagtail walking up under my porch, where there is no snow. S. Jackson.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 15:40 to 16:10
1 Cormorant, 2 Goosander (females), 2 Mute Swan, 16 Little Grebe, 18 Moorhen, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 2 Mallard, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Dunnock, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 1 Kestrel. Numerous small birds in south edge bushes but unidentified in gathering gloom. Paul Forsdick.
Thursday 02nd December 2010
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:30 to 10:00
c.60 Lapwing (S.W. over), 1 Oystercatcher (east over), 1 female Sparrowhawk landed in garden tree, 1 Bittern (09:15 flew low below roof level over the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 08:40 to 13:00
1 Black-throated Diver, 9 Pintail, 5 Scaup (flew east at 9:00 close to shore; probably same group (then 6) seen later east over river), 2 Eider, 14 Common Scoter (groups of 12 and 2), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jack Snipe (flew east along seafront with 1 dunlin, then back west), 3 Snipe (flew east along seafront and alighted distantly on foreshore), 1 Woodcock (flew SW across river), 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 x ad + 2w), 21 Little Gull (incl 2 x 1w). Tim Bourne, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:00 to 11:07
1 Redpoll on birch tree in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 11:00 to 12:00
2 Stock Dove (garden tick, feeding on the ground.), 16 Wood Pigeon, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14:00 to 14:15
1 Coal Tit with 4 Blue Tit and 2 Great Tit on fatball feeder, 8 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 20 House Sparrow. David Selley.
Southchurch, Castleton Road 15:00
12 Waxwing. Nicola Mander.
Garons Golf Course 17:45
1 Woodcock flushed whilst out walking dogs. Don Wildish.
Wickford High Street 18:00
1 Woodcock landed in the middle of Wickford High Street at the roundabout with Station Avenue. Dodged a couple of cars in the snow and flew up Station Avenue and disappeared along Jersey Gardens. Martin Singleton.
Wednesday 01st December 2010
Canvey Seafront, 07:40 to 15:40
2 Great Crested Grebe, c.100 Common Scoter, 5 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad, 2 2nd-w, 1 1st-w), 7 Little Gull (6 ad, 1 1st-w), c.200 Wigeon, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Black-throated Diver (2 west at 09:50, 1 west at 14:15), 3 Sanderling, 84 Pintail (51 west at 10:30, 20 west at 12:35, 33 east 14:45), 6 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 1 drake Velvet Scoter flew east with 6 teal at 09:25, 36 Lapwing (all south), c.40 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Shelduck, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 immature Kittiwake, 33 Skylark (east), 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Woodcock flew upriver together at 12:23, 1 Snipe, 4 Stercorarius sp., 2 Pomarine Skua upriver at 13:30, 1 juvenile just offshore downriver at 15:15, 25 Eider, 1 Storm Petrel (picked up by Paul Baker at 11:44 at a range of c.200 yds. The three of us watched it fluttering out of the river, almost landing on the water a couple of times. Plain upperwing, rounded wingtips, square tail tip, feet not projecting, square all-white rump. The low wave height meant it was on view continuously for c.1 minute), 3 adult Gannet. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Westcliff, 08:00
c.150 Lapwing south over London Road. John Wright (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 15:30
2 Peregrine Falcon both on Portcullis House until 09:30 and then just one for rest of day. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 09:40 to 09:40
1 female Sparrowhawk made an unsuccessful attempt on feeding starlings in the garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Westcliff to Southend Seafront 11:00
Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Sanderling all along the beach between Westcliff and Southend, 1 Lapwing on beach, 1 Knot, Redshank in various parts. Emily Broad
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 12:45
500-1000 Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Mallard, Redshank, Lapwing, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin, 10 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, many Gulls of the 5 common species. Andrew Cox.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 15:00
9 Dunlin, 15 Snipe, Curlew, Black- tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 1 Sparrowhawk, many thousands of Gulls, again of the 5 common species (Scrape, Fleet, Marina, Tip). Andrew Cox.
Leigh on Sea, 15:35
1 Snipe (garden tick). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00
3 Goosander (2 female, 1 male), 1 Cormorant. Paul Forsdick.