Bird Reports for December 2012
Monday 31st December 2012south south westerly, overcast, max12°c
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:55
14 Jackdaw over. David Selley.
Kelvinside, Stanford-Le-Hope 09:55 to 10:25
1 female blackcap on pyracantha and conifer. Bird has been seen on and off for a couple of days. Aston Phillips.
Canvey Seafront, 12:20 to 14:05
4 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (in the paddling pool), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Kittiwake, 10 Guillemot (auk species 18), 3 Razorbill. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay 13:15 to 14:00
1 Sparrowhawk plucking and eating what looked like a collared dove in our garden. Ian Smith.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:30 to 14:00
300+ Black-headed Gull, 17 Great Black-Backed Gull, 70+ Herring Gull, 7 lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Carrion Crow, 150+ Tufted Duck, 30+ Mallard, 80+ Pochard, 18 Cormorant, 18 Coot, 250+ Canada Geese, 200+ Greylag Geese, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:00
4 male Goosander. Marion Burch.
Sunday 30th December 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°c
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:45 to 08:35
12 Gadwall, 18 Shoveler, 71 Pochard, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 175 Lapwing, 2 Snipe. Marc Outten (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:20
2 Little Grebe, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Snipe, 15 Waxwing west end on rose hips. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:20 to 12:45
Pair of Peregrine Falcon at western end of marshes, adult male and female Marsh Harrier, 4 Pintail including 2 drakes, 550+ Black-tailed Godwit over creek by Canvey Island, 150+ Teal, 8 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 4 Shoveler, 1 Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 500+ Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
West Mersea 10:30 to 16:00
200+ Brent Geese, 50+ Wigeon, 1 Redshank, 50+ Grey Plover, 30+ Golden Plover, 400+ Lapwing, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Cormorant. Stacey Belbin.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:15 to 14:00
145 Wigeon, 53 Pochard, 1 Peregrine Falcon over Holehaven, 450 Black-tailed Godwit over Holehaven, 74 Curlew, 1 Mediterranean Gull on reservoir, 2 Meadow Pipit. Marc Outten (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 13:30 to 14:15
150+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 70+ Pochard, 100+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 50+ Greylag Geese, 60+ Canada Geese, 50+ Coot, 45+ Mute Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Swan Goose, 24 Moorhen, 2 White-fronted Geese, 2 Aylesbury Duck, 2 Pied Wagtail, 300+ Carrion Crow, 7 Magpie, 100+ Starling, 200+ Wood Pigeon, 4 Kestrel, A number of white/Grey Hybrid Greylag Geese and Duck. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:15 to 15:55
213 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 190 Teal, 40 Shoveler, 2 female Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jack Snipe flushed from western salt marsh, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Pipit on fresh marsh in front of middle viewing mound. Marc Outten (SOG).
Saturday 29th December 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max12°c
West Mersea 10:00 to 12:00
100+ Brent Geese, 300+ Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone. Stacey Belbin.
Canvey Point, 11:10 to 12:25
12+ Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver (still retaining some summer plumage), 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Peregrine Falcon flew over point and west up river, 50 Kittiwake (at least, all adults, following ships), 4 Guillemot (plus several sightings of distant auk sp.), 1 Razorbill. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:00 to 14:10
2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag Goose, 140 Canada Goose, 1 Egyptian Goose (from third hide), 2 Shelduck, 140 Wigeon (at least, loads on the fields), 8 Gadwall, 356 Teal (at least, loads on the fields), 12 Shoveler, 36 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Curlew, 3 Meadow Pipit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:40 to 12:55
First hide only: 2 Greylag Goose, 240 Canada Goose, 100+ Wigeon and 100+ Teal on fields. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:10 to 13:50
Viewing Vange Wick from marina: 30 Canada Goose. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monks Haven, Stanford-Le-Hope c.13:30
15 Waxwing in front and back gardens of bungalow but were spooked by a Sparrowhawk that came over low and also some Starlings. Richard Fahey, Bob Beech.
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 15:05
3 Little Grebe, 1 female Long-tailed Duck still on lake with Common Scoter, 1 female Common Scoter, 20 Turnstone on old barge pier and beach. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Thorpe Bay Seafront to Gunners Park 14:45 to 16:00
3 Little Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter (still together on the Gunners Park lake), 15 Turnstone, 1 Redshank, 100 Sanderling. Richard Mander.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 16:35
3 Little Egret, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Water Rail (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 28th December 2012southerly, mostly cloudy, max12°c
West Mersea 08:00 to 15:00
109 Cormorant, 200+ Lapwing. Stacey Belbin.
Barling Rubbish Tip, 10:55 to 13:20
12+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (drake on Roach), 1 Kestrel (on Potton), 1500+ Golden Plover (on Potton/Foulness), 1000+ Lapwing (on Potton/Foulness), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (both 1'w), 1 Caspian Gull (2'w on fields), 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 11:00 to 12:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Common Scoter on pond. 200 Sanderling and 70 Dunlin on shore. 1 Grey Heron within the reserve. Brian Coveney.
Two Tree Island West 11:45 to 12:45
Sightings: On the lagoon over high tide: 350 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 4 Shelduck, 12 Redshank, 10 Grey Plover, 300 Dunlin, c.1000 Knot, 6 Turnstone, 80 Lapwing, 15 Avocet (including one with grey, green and black rings on left leg) 2 Ringed Plover, 8 Cormorant, 30 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret. Richard Mander.
Ballards Gore 12:30 to 12:45
5 Partridge, 4 Pheasant, 7 Carrion Crow, 60+ Herring Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Hadleigh Downs, 13:00 to 14:00
5 Bullfinch (2 male and 3 female in one flock along bridleway at bottom of the valley). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
35 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 15 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 58 Grey Plover, 60+ Lapwing, 2 Cormorant, 3 Magpie, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 Blackbird, 40+ Corn Bunting, 4 Kestrel, 39+ Herring Gull, 100+ Wood Pigeon, 3 Stonechat. Rob Harris.
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:40 to 15:35
10+ Little Grebe, 42 Mute Swan (31 on fields, 11 on lagoon), 4 Pintail (3 drakes), 150 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup (1'w drake & 1'w fem both with aythya flock, but mostly not together), 15+ Goldeneye, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (4'w), 1 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:15 to 16:15
1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier (2 males, flew north over island at 15:09 and 15:20 a [3rd?] male also seen over fields around haystack at 15:25). 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over wild bird cover South of car park at 15:45 then flew east and probably landed beyond haystack), 3 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Thursday 27th December 2012south south westerly, mostly cloudy, max12°c
West Mersea 10:00 to 13:00
100+ Brent Geese, 20 Wigeon, 1 Curlew, 20 Dunlin, 3 Cormorant, 500+ Golden Plover, 100+ Lapwing, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Turnstone, 7 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Goldeneye, 15 Sanderling. Stacey Belbin.
Wednesday 26th December 2012south south westerly, light rain, max10°c
Hadleigh Downs, 08:30 to 09:15
2 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:15 to 10:30
1 Bittern flew from centre of reed bed c70m left of hide, over fleet to north west corner of scrape at 09:58, 4 Marsh Harrier (adult male, female, 2 immature), 20+ Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard only). Tim Bourne (SOG).
West Mersea 10:00 to 11:30
3 Little Egret, 500+ Brent Geese, 70+ Wigeon, 1 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 25 Dunlin, 2 Cormorant, 12 Grey Plover, 200+ Golden Plover, 500+ Lapwing, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Turnstone, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Goldeneye, 35+ Ringed Plover. Stacey Belbin.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 10:25 to c.13:05
1 Snow Goose flew north with a large flock of Canada Geese and they had all seemed wary, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Water Rail heard in ditch behind fence below seawall, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20+ Avocet swimming on Holehaven Creek, 1 drake and a female Pintail, 10+ Wigeon, 4 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 240+ Teal, 10+ Shoveler, 10+ Fieldfare and Redwing, 3 Snipe, 100 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard behind fence below seawall, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:50 to 11:30
1 Bittern flew from north west corner of scrape across tip road and down into reed bed on other side, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon on pylon, 6 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wickford, Nevendon Road Area 11:00 to 11:05
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.
Gunners Park, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11:00 to 14:00
20+ Waxwing, 1 male Merlin crossing Havengore Creek, 1 male Marsh Harrier on Foulness. Mike Sagrott.
Barling Marsh 11:30
1 male Hen Harrier, lovely looking bird hunting all ditches and stock piles on tip. T. Thorneycroft.
Canvey, Rushbottom Lane, 11:30 to 13:05
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 52 Mallard, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 29 Moorhen, 17 Coot, 75 Collared Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 32 House Sparrow, 18 Chaffinch, 4 Yellowhammer. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:50 to 12:30
12 Red-throated Diver at least, several visible on the water throughout, others flying through including one group of three, 13 Great Crested Grebe, 3+ Guillemot (and couple of more distant auk sp.), 1 Razorbill. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:00 to 13:00
6 Carrion Crow, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 7 House Sparrow, 60+ Corn Bunting, 3 Stonechat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East 13:00 to 13:10
13 Waxwing (fairly mobile). Mark Bridges.
Two Tree Island (East), 13:40 to 14:15
9 Waxwing flew north and could not relocate them. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham 14:15 to 14:45
1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 4 Waxwing (before marina turn off), lots of Corn Bunting. Jim Bailey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:50 to 15:15
1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Tuesday 25th December 2012southerly, rain, max10°c
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 08:30
1 adult Cormorant (Sinesis), very unusual crown/neck, a huge bird, standing/basking on pond island wall, 3 young Cormorant fishing, 6 Little Grebe, 2 adult Mute Swan, they still have one last female Cygnet for company all in Southchurch Park at 8.30am. 2 adult Mute Swan with numerous Mallard, 5 Coot, 9 Moorhen and a few Little Grebe. All in Southchurch Park East at 8.45am. Robert Dobinson.
Tennyson Close, Leigh, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 male Blackcap together, 1 Goldcrest, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 16 Goldfinch. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 10:50 to 10:55
6+ Waxwing feeding in hedge on west side at north end. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford, 11:15 to 11:20
30 Waxwing (about 20-25 flew north over the roundabout at the north end of Cherry Orhcard Way followed by 5+ over the playing fields. They were not seen perched), 20 Fieldfare along hedge north of Hall Road near the roundabout at the end of Cherry Orchard Way, 40 Redwing along hedge north of Hall Road near the roundabout at the end of Cherry Orchard Way. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Green Lane, Eastwood 11:45
25 Waxwing feeding on pyracantha bush. Although we have lots of different birds visiting our garden this is the first time we have ever seen Waxwings. Carol Mathieson.
Gunners Park, 12:00 to 13:00
4 Little Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck confiding on main lake, diving frequently, 1 Common Scoter. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Abbotts Hall Chase, Stanford-Le-Hope c.13:00
30+ Waxwing briefly, most going off north with the remaining south east. Richard Fahey.
Fossetts Way, Southend 21:25
Barn Owl hunting over rough grassland along Fossetts Way on right hand, just after turning left from Sutton road roundabout. John Spencer.
Monday 24th December 2012southerly, rain, max13°c
Benfleet, 08:15
1 Mistle Thrush over my garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:05 to 09:55
1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sanderling on beach, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker. Graham Ryland, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 10:30
1 Long-tailed Duck still on lake, constantly diving to feed, 1 Common Scoter, 9 Sanderling on beach by barge pier. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford 12:20 to 12:25
25 Waxwing perched in top of berry trees lining the road near the Rochford end, occasionally dropping down to feed on berries. Watched for 5 minutes - still present when drove back 30 minutes later. P. North.
Westcliff, 12:30 to 12:35
1 Little Egret on the Westcliff High School for Girls flooded school field. John Wright (SOG).
Thundersley, 12:55 to 12:55
2 Waxwing corner of Sayers and Cedar Hall Gardens. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Sunday 23rd December 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max13°c
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 09:50
Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egret, 2 Fieldfare, Kestrel, 2 Canada Goose, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, 3 Snipe, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Redshank, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker, 15 Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 3 Stock Dove, Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
3 Little Egret, 780 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Wigeon, 550 Teal (at least), 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 130 Lapwing, 94 Turnstone, 1 Caspian Gull (1st. Winter), 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Long-tailed Tit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Thurrock Thameside Nature Park c.09:40 to 13:00
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Avocet, 100+ Wigeon, 160+ Teal, 1 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 10:15
3 Little Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Purple Sandpiper on old pier. Dave Knight (SOG).
West Mersea 10:00 to 12:00
2 Little Egret, 20 Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 2 Cormorant, 600+ Lapwing, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Turnstone, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Whooper Swan flying west across Mersea quarters. Stacey Belbin.
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 13:30
2 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 female Long-tailed Duck, 1 female Common Scoter. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:00 to 13:50
3 Sparrowhawk - our regular large female over at 11:00 followed by a male about half an hour later, then a smaller probable female at 13:30. Also 9 Long-tailed Tit, (visiting our feeders for the first time), and Great Tits being quite vocal in the background. David Selley.
South Fambridge, 12:00 to 13:30
Brandy Hole and back: 14 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 200 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 8 Pintail (4 pairs on flooded fields), 6 Avocet, 300 Lapwing, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, 12:15 to 12:30
74+ Waxwing feeding in Bull Lane between Highfield Crescent and Derwent Avenue. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00
1 Hen Harrier, 10+ Corn Bunting. Robin Peppiatt.
Westcliff 13:30
Spotted a Kingfisher at 51.56697,0.67155, along the brook in the park by the bridge. This is between Snakes Lane and White House Road. Gary.
Southchurch Park West, 13:35 to 15:00
c.50 Waxwing initially then moved to Southchurch Park West where they could be seen from the park car park on the north side before flying off. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southchurch Park East 13:45
30+ Waxwing landed on Rowanberry tree and fed at west end of Southchurch Park East pond, took off after 5+ minutes and did wide circuit anticlockwise of outer park, landed back after 5 minutes, then counted at least 55+. They were feeding within 15ft of me and Dianne, 1.30 to 1.45pm. 3 young Cormorant fishing in Southchurch Park at 09:45 and 2 adult Cormorant fishing in Southchurch Park East at 08:30. The 3 young Cormorants switched ponds through the day, 1 Turnstone in Southchurch Park at 09:10. Robert Dobinson, Dianne Hyem.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:45 to 15:00
15+ Snipe, 3 Marsh Harrier (1 immature male 2 female), 1 Kestrel, Shoveler, manly Lapwing, Cetti's Warbler heard, 10 Redwing in bushes, 1 Bittern (possible 2nd bird showed). Jim Bailey.
Sayers, Thundersley 13:48
34 Waxwing feeding on rose hips. J. Fletcher.
Abbotts Hall Chase, Stanford-Le-Hope c.13:50 to 14:10
40+ Waxwing in garden but flew off to tree further north in garden by Webster Road. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 15:45
1 Bittern flew from reeds on north side of scrape to north west corner at c.15.20. Apparently it had been seen a few times earlier along the east and north sides of the scrape, 70 Pochard, 4 Marsh Harrier (adult male, female, 2 juveniles), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:00
1 male Hen Harrier hunting very low by car park. From white gate: 2 male Hen Harrier in same binocular view briefly and then singly several times hunting 2ft from ground, 1 Barn Owl seen several times hunting. Jeff Elliott.
Saturday 22nd December 2012south easterly to south westerly, rain, max13°c
Southend, Tesco by RBS 08:05
c.12 Waxwing (flying east - reward for shopping at 6.30am!). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 10:00
1 female Sparrowhawk plucking a starling under the feeders for half an hour. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:35 to 10:05
1 female Long-tailed Duck still on lake with the Common Scoter, 1 female Common Scoter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 11:00
1 male Blackcap in my garden, feeding on halved pears I have speared on rose bushes. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:20 to 11:35
1 Little Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter. Peter Collins (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 12:00
Blackcap feeding on fat ball in garden, female Great Spotted Woodpecker here today as usual on the nuts. Laurie Greenwood.
Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay 12:00
1 male Sparrowhawk flew in to corner of garden with a Blackbird in its talons. Ian Smith.
Gunners Park, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 9 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll. Marc Outten, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, North Springfield, 12:30
2 Bullfinch, male and female in trees/hedgerow behind neighbour's garden. First time sighting! Peter Marchington.
Stanford-Le-Hope, Abbotts Hall Chase c.12:30
45+ Waxwing atop of tall tree at bottom of garden, which I photographed from indoors before they flew off. I was amazed! Richard Fahey.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 13:20 to 13:30
1 male Blackcap taking sunflower hearts from feeders by hovering. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park 14:45 to 15:15
1 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck still associating together. Richard Mander.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:15 to 16:15
2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and adult male), 1 Kestrel, 1 Magpie, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Cormorant, 7 Mallard, 6 Carrion Crow, 30+ Woodpigeon. 1 Stoat by Car Park. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:35 to 15:55
1 Bittern seen dropping in to the reed bed, left hand side from the hide, 1 Peregrine Falcon over the scrape. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 21st December 2012west south west, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Hanningfield Reservoir 09:00 to 11:30
7 Treecreeper, 40+ Goldcrest amongst Long-tailed and Blue Tit (very mobile). Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldeneye, many Teal. Jim Bailey.
Great Wakering 09:30 to 11:30
Hawfinch in the back garden along with a Goldcrest. Andrew Toms.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:47 to 13:05
5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Marsh Harrier flew north over manorway, 2 Green Sandpiper included 1 flushed at rain pool at Coryton, 40+ Teal, c.9 Shoveler, a few Redwing, 15+ Fieldfare, 46 Curlew on Holehaven Creek, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard behind fence below seawall, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Southend, 10:35 to 10:40
1 female Peregrine Falcon on south west corner of Alexander House. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 11:00 to 11:30
Female Long-Tailed Duck, female Common Scoter. Jeff Elliott.
Gunners Park 12:30
Female Long-tailed Duck with female Common Scoter (latter been present circa 1 week) on the lake at seaward end of the park. Pat Dandridge.
Hockley, Glencrofts 13:00
4 Lesser Redpoll on niger feeder. Irwin Lewis.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:15
50+ Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swan, 15+ Shoveler, 1 male Marsh Harrier mobbed by crows and flew east, 2 Reed Bunting. Keith Bartels.
Station Road, Lawford Essex 13:40
31 Waxwing. Peter Gant.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 15:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 female Hen Harrier, 3 Peregrine Falcon (2 adults on fields, then flew north together, 1 immature on fields), 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Stonechat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:30 to 15:30
2 Grey Heron, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:45
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:45 to 15:15
1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Common Scoter. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Little Egret, 1 female Long-tailed Duck, 1 female Common Scoter. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:15 to 15:35
1 Grey Heron, 1 Long-tailed Duck together with the Common Scoter often close to the edge, 1 female Common Scoter, 8 Long-tailed Tit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:45 to 16:05
6 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Long-tailed Duck on the lake usually with the scoter, 1 female Common Scoter on the lake. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 16:15
from white gate: 1 female Marsh Harrier moving steadily east, 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and adult male, the latter taking prey from one of the Merlins), 1 Kestrel, 2 Merlin chasing small passerine and catching it but being dispossessed by the male Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl in area behind car park, 1 Short-eared Owl in area behind car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 20th December 2012south easterly, light rain, max10°c
Hockley, Glencrofts 08:20
3 Lesser Redpoll on niger feeder with 1 Greenfinch. Irwin Lewis.
Westcliff 09:40 to 09:45
37 Waxwing in tree behind 36 Tintern Avenue. Jerry Stock.
Chelmsford, Cormorant Walk 10:20 to 10:30
1 male Siskin on Niger feeder in back garden. Janice Bright.
Southend Airport, 12:55
16 Waxwing flew north east over St Laurence Park. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thundersley, Sayers 15:15 to 15:30
7 Waxwing. J. Fletcher.
Wednesday 19th December 2012south easterly to easterly, cloudy, rain, max7°c
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 07:30 to 07:40
3 Waxwing over west calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Tattersall Gardens 09:07 to 09:08
1 male Sparrowhawk made unsuccessful pass at finches on and beneath garden feeders, then sat on garden fence for 1 minute before departing. Martin Johnson.
Hockley, Broad Walk 11:00 to 11:05
2 Waxwing ignoring a well-stocked red berry tree and feeding on a small tree with white berries. P. North.
Westcliff, 11:25 to 11:30
30 Waxwing rear of 36 Tintern Avenue. Peter Collins (SOG).
Southend, 12:15 to 12:20
9 Waxwing at Reads of Sutton, Garden Centre. Ray Fulle (SOG)..
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
12 Grey Plover, 400+ Lapwing, 35 Dunlin, 60+ Redshank, 70+ Corn Bunting, 20+ Linnet, 40+ Wood Pigeon, 2 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 2 Kestrel, 8 Shelduck, 40+ Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Greater Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Robin, 5 Blackbird, 1 Curlew, 1 Marsh Harrier, 40+ Starling, 9 Mallard. Rob Harris
Wickford, Enterprise Way, 15:30
20+ Waxwing feeding on Pyrocantha. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Tuesday 18th December 2012north westerly, mostly cloudy, max8°c
Westcliff, 09:40 to 09:50
25 Waxwing at the rear of 38 Tintern Avenue. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Monday 17th December 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max9°c
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 11:45
14 Waxwing flew low over my house heading west. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:45
Jack Snipe from the lagoon hide. David Davies.
Hockley Woods, 13:30 to 14:00
1 Firecrest in holly 25 metres south of Woodlands Road entrance TQ836922. Don Petrie (SOG).
Main Road Ashingdon 14:45
4 Goldfinch playing and warming up in sunshine on bush in garden. J. Jones.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 16:15
2 Kestrel, 2 Short-eared Owl hunting over fields between car park and white gate, 1 Stonechat briefly in wild bird cover. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Paglesham
3 Bearded Tit in reeds by Boat Yard. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Sunday 16th December 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c
West Mersea 08:00 to 09:30
10 Whooper Swan flying across from Tollesbury flying east. Stacey Belbin.
Southchurch Park East 08:30
1 Water Rail tracking/feeding across low reedbed/either side of Kingfisher stick north west of pond. Robert Dobinson.
North Shoebury 08:30
Female Sparrowhawk on garage roof beside our back garden. Jackie Bliss.
Fobbing/Corringham Marshes/Coryton 09:20 to 13:15
1 Lesser Redpoll with a small flock of Chaffinch, 2 male Yellowhammer, 1 female and 1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 63 Avocet on Holehaven Creek, 20+ Wigeon, 3 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 110+ Teal, 10+ Fieldfare, a few Redwing, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 500+ Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing at Coryton, 1 Green Woodpecker, Corn Bunting singing at Corringham, 1 Snow Goose with a laege flock of Canada Geese, Richard Fahey.
West Mersea 09:30 to 10:30
300+ Brent Geese, 80+ Wigeon, 1 Redshank, 6 Curlew, 200+ Dunlin, 5 Cormorant, 30 Lapwing, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Grebe, 17 Oystercatcher, 6 Turnstone, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 female Common Scoter, 1 drake Goldeneye. Stacey Belbin.
RSPB Wallasea Island 10:00 to 15:00
1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Rock Pipit. Mike Butler.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:30 to 11:00
Merlin. Terry Jeffreys.
Shoebury, 10:50 to 11:00
6 Waxwing in trees around Friars School, 1 Fieldfare. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Benfleet 11:00
1 male Blackcap feeding on apples in garden. Pete Jackson.
North Shoebury 11:28
female Sparrowhawk in garden. Terry Strong.
Two Tree Island, 11:30 to 14:30
WeBS count: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 630 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Wigeon, 210 Teal, 50 Mallard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 15 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 29 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 12 Ringed Plover, 59 Golden Plover, 199 Grey Plover, 26 Lapwing, 2547 Knot, 1830 Dunlin, 8 Snipe, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 316 Curlew, 258 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 75 Turnstone, 11 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Linnet, 9 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 11:55 to 12:00
20 Goldfinch, 1 Comma warming up in the winter sunshine. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff, 13:05 to 13:25
1 Waxwing flying over the rear of 38 Tintern Avenue - plus a few others heard. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:15
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Hen Harrier, 12 Grey Plover, 400+ Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 100+ Corn Bunting, 4 Magpie, 100+ Wood Pigeon, 16 Carrion Crow, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 32 Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Stock Dove, 5 Greater Black-backed Gull, 1 Little Grebe, 23 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan. Rob Harris.
South Fambridge, 14:45 to 16:05
3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 500 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 400 Golden Plover (including one grey bird which was slightly smaller and lacked any yellow tones, but was probably just a Golden Plover), 600 Lapwing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:20 to 16:20
2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (almost caught one of the kestrels), 1 Barn Owl, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, c.50 Corn Bunting. Sally Brierley, Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 15th December 2012south south westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c
Chelmsford, Central Park 08:45
7 Goosander on lake alongside usual Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot and Canada Geese. Paul Forsdick.
West Mersea 09:00 to 11:00
65 Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 80 Dunlin, 1 Cormorant, 45 Grey Plover, 5 Golden Plover, 18 Lapwing, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Turnstone, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 female Common Scoter. Stacet Belbin.
North Shoebury 09:45
Male Sparrowhawk in damson tree in our front garden (our feeders tree). Jackie Bliss.
Hockley, Glencrofts 09:30
1 Lesser Redpoll on niger feeder in garden - first time in 15 years, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Goldfinch. Irwin Lewis.
Canewdon, 10:00
1 adult male Sparrowhawk, 1 male Blackcap, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Chaffinch, 19 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Woodlands Road, Hockley 11:00 to 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker perching on tree in back garden for a few minutes, 6 Long-tailed Tit on feeders, 2 Jay, 3 Dunnock, 2 Wren. David Z.
Howe Green A130 12:15
Green Woodpecker on verge of A130. J. Jones.
Westcliff, Tintern Avenue 12:45 to 13:00
60+ Waxwing. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Southend, 13:00 to 14:00
2 Sparrowhawk over Cluny Square. Paul Baker (SOG).
Westcliff, Tintern Avenue 13:20 to 13:30
70+ Waxwing behind number 40, visible from corner of Westborough. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 13:40 to 14:40
750+ Avocet flew north, 36 Lapwing flew north east, 10+ Fieldfare, a few Redwing, 25+ Chaffinch. Richard Fahey.
Westcliff, 13:45 to 14:00
110+ Waxwing in tree behind 36/38 Tintern Avenue, also on nearby house roof and TV ariels. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 14:20
1 male Marsh Harrier over wild bird cover, 1 female Hen Harrier over charlock by car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Westcliff, 14:00 to 14:30
70 Waxwing at least on Tintern Avenue. Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:15
10 Teal, 4 Grey Plover, 400+ Lapwing, 15 Dunlin, 23 Redshank, 80+ Corn Bunting, 50+ Linnet, 100+ Wood Pigeon, 4 Magpie, 16 Carrion Crow, 1 Kestrel, 30+ Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 2 Stonechat, 200+ Herring Gull, 250+ Black headed Gull, 20+ Greater Black Backed Gull, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Mallard. Rob Harris.
Westcliff, 14:15 to 14:25
100+ Waxwing rear of 36/38 Tintern Avenue. Dave Knight (SOG).
Westcliff, 14:35 to 14:45
70 Waxwing in Tintern Avenue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Billericay, Mayflower School 15:30
25 Pied Wagtail on netball court. Marion Burch.
Friday 14th December 2012south easterly, overcast, rain, max11°c
Westcliff, 10:50 to 11:00
5 Waxwing still in gardens behind 36/38 Tintern Avenue. John Wright (SOG)
Thursday 13th December 2012easterly to northerly, partly cloudy, max2°c
Belhus Woods, South Ockendon 10:00 to 11:00
1 Waxwing, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Redpoll sp, 2 Sparrowhawk. Mike Butler.
Hockley, Dome Village 10:00 to 11:30
Single Waxwing feeding on Honeysuckle berries in our garden. David Hills.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:10
22 Goldfinch - a flock of 16 and a couple of hours later a flock of 6. John Wright (SOG)
Westcliff, Tintern Avenue, 10:15
9 Waxwing in trees. Jerry Stock.
Westcliff, 12:00 to 12:10
9 Waxwing in back gardens around No 34 - 38 Tintern Avenue, viewed from side alley of No 38. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff, 12:40 to 12:50
11 Waxwing sat in a tree behind number 38 Tintern Avenue, also viewable from in front of Westcliff MOT centre on Westborough Road. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:00 to 16:10
Most of lagoons and pools frozen: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10+ Avocet on Holehaven Creek, 5 Pintail included 4 drakes on Holehaven Creek, 70+ Teal, 40+ Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler and 5 Gadwall on Holehaven Creek, 10+ Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 10 Snipe, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Snow Goose with large flock of Canada Geese. Richard Fahey.
Basildon 14:00 to 15:30
5 Redwing, 2 Blackcap male and female feeding on holly berries in my garden. David Shepherd.
Southend Hospital 15:15 to 15:45
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Wednesday 12th December 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max4°c
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 08:05
9 Bewick's Swan. Terry Jeffreys.
Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay 09:30
20 Fieldfare in our garden. Ian Smith.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:10 to 10:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Blackcap. John Wright (SOG)
Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park 13:00 to 14:00
Flock of 8+ Corn Bunting along Mucking Creek, resident Short-eared Owl on east field, large flocks of 400+ Avocet, 500+ Black-tailed Godwit, also Ring Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew, Redshank and Turnstone in good numbers. Bob Morgan (Site Manager).
Private Land Near Crays Hill 13:00
2 Bulfinch (pair). The male was washing himself on the recently defrosted wet twigs. Most odd! 1 female Sparrowhawk. G.Dixon.
Langdon NR, Dunton 13:12 to 13:46
1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Tuesday 11th December 2012north westerly, clear, max4°c
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:30
9 Bewick's Swan 
. David Lee.
Canvey Seafront 10:00 to 13:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Goosander, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 3 Common Scoter, over 20 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe. Mike Butler.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:20 to 14:00
9 adult Bewick's Swan, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2ndW). Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:55 to 16:10
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard over castle mobbed by crows towards Benfleet. Dave Knight (SOG).
Southend Hospital 15:30 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 15:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker through garden. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 10th December 2012north westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c
Rochford, 07:30
4 Glossy Ibis flew north west past Rochford station and over the golf course. Not much more than a silhouette in gloom. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Westleigh Avenue, Leigh on Sea 09:00
1 female Blackcap on berries in back garden. Andrew Gouldstone.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
Peregrine Falcon with prey flying over reservoir towards the car park where it almost tried to showed me what it had caught! Pete Jackson.
Sunday 09th December 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max9°c
Chelmsford, Writtle, 08:45 to 09:30
1 Jay, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock, 2 Magpie, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Carrion Crow, 50+ Canada Geese, 1 Snipe flushed and flew across fields, 10+ Blackbird, 1 Robin, uncounted numbers of Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull. Joe.
RSPB Wallasea Wetlands (now renamed All Fleet's Marsh) , 09:00 to 10:30
Car park to conveyor - good numbers of birds: 450+ Teal, 80 Golden Plover, 30+ Grey Plover, c.400 Lapwing, 1 Knot, c.650 Dunlin, c.300 Redshank, 80+ Corn Bunting opposite car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
3 Grey Heron, 110 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 150 Golden Plover, 950 Knot, 300 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 09:30 to 11:30
1 male Merlin tore across Stairs road and appeared to take a Redwing from hawthorn hedge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1,225 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (in a sample count of 103 birds, 7 were juveniles), c.2000 Dunlin and c.1800 Knot off Haven Point, 55 Redshank, 115 Grey Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 84 Redwing, 16 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush. David Selley.
West Mersea 10:00 to 12:00
100+ Brent Geese, 20 Wigeon, 22 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Cormorant, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Turnstone, 2 Great Black-backed Gull. Stacey Belbin.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 11:05 to 11:10
1 male Sparrowhawk swooped in at the sparrows on the feeders, c.12 Waxwing fast and low over the garden heading north west. John Wright (SOG).
Saturday 08th December 2012wetserly, clear, max7°c
Canewdon, 08:00 to 09:00
40+ Fieldfare and 4 Redwing around Butts Hill Pond. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoeburyness, Shoebury Avenue 08:00 to 12:00
Goldcrest in fir tree, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Wood Pigeon, male Chaffinch, 2 Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Steve Day.
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 08:15 and 08:45
2 Cormorant flying off from Southchurch Park pond and 1 Little Egret flying over Southchurch Park at 08:15, 3 juvenile Cormorant fishing pond in Southchurch Park East and flying off one by one at 08:30, 1 female Kingfisher fishing/roosting along north bank. Robert Dobinson.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:15 to 12:45
6 Waxwing flew low overhead by the roundabout at Coryton going northwest towards Fobbing, 3 Lesser Redpoll at Coryton, 1 Water Rail heard in reed bed behind seawall at Holehaven Creek, 2 Snipe, 70+ Wigeon, 8 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 60+ Teal, 3 Shoveler, a few dozen Redwing and Fieldfare, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard behind seawall, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Stock Dove. Also 1 Snow Goose with a large flock of Canada Geese (this is the first one here since November 4th and I wonder if it's one of two seen at Pitsea last month). Richard Fahey.
West Mersea 10:00 to 13:00
1 Little Egret, 57 Brent Geese, 50+ Wigeon, 11 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 222 Dunlin, 5 Cormorant, 9 Grey Plover, 140 Golden Plover, 160 Lapwing, 10 Shelduck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Grebe, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Oystercatcher, 10 Turnstone, 5 Great Black-backed Gull. Stacey Belbin.
A130 How Green 11:30 to 11:35
1 Common Buzzard, 12 Common Crow. Rob Harris.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:30 to 12:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
South Fambridge, 13:30 to 15:30
11 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 150+ Pintail on west side of Bridgemarsh, 2 Kestrel (1 over BHF), 400 Golden Plover, 600 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 4 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:30 to 16:00
1 Water Rail, 1 Marsh Harrier. 2 Water Vole first from hide. Mick Roe.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 16:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 80+ Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canewdon, 16:15
1 Tawny Owl on side of telegraph post near woodland behind bungalow on Creeksea Ferry road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 07th December 2012north westerly, mostly cloudy and rain, max6°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:20 to 08:25
Goldcrest in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 09:25
1 Waxwing heard when I was putting out bird food, I think it went over the roof. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey, Holly Walk 10:15
2 Goldcrest on garden feeder. Tim Hurdley.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 13:25 to 14:40
2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Waxwing favouring tall trees in the middle of cemetery, 5 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 6 Mistle Thrush. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Hockley, Glencrofts 15:40
8 Long-tailed Tit on feeders in garden. Irwin Lewis.
Thursday 06th December 2012south westerly, clear, max4°c
Southchurch Park East 08:30 to 09:30
Redhead Smew in south east corner. Robert Dobinson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Around the park and creeks; Coot, Moorhen, Jay, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Rook, Magpie, Robin, Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Curlew, Mallard, Redshank, House Sparrow, Little Grebe, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Dunnock, Starling. On Vange Wick; Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. From the Museum hide; 7 Snipe, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Blackbird, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull. Sparrowhawk. Terry Jeffreys.
Southchurch Park East 12:00 to 13:00
4 Little Grebe, 1 Teal, 1 Water Rail, 2 Mute Swan. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East, 12:15 to 12:45
1 Water Rail flew across from north bank to south, 1 Snipe, 3 Redwing. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:55 to 13:20
1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 6 Mistle Thrush. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, 13:20 to 13:25
4 Waxwing in tree behind Malting Villas House at the junction of Malting Villas Road and the Drive. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford, 13:25 to 13:40
4 Waxwing favouring large tree at rear of 1 The Drive. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 05th December 2012north westerly, cloudy, snow, max2�c
Rochford Golf Course, 08:20
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Waxwing in poplars just north of train station. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Near Bonchurch Park 09:00
1 Redwing in garden. Also Chaffinch and lots of Starling on fat feeders. NickyLee.
Chelmsford Town and Baddow Meads 10:30 to 11:00
1 Goosander on river by the Essex Records Office, 1 fieldfare, 16+ Mallard, 1 little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Blue Tit, 5+ Blackbird, 1 Robin heard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Cormorant and uncountable numbers of Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeons and Magpie. Joe.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Fieldfare, 8 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 20 Greenfinch. Dave Knight (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14:00 to 16:00
Continuous westward movement of Wood Pigeon all afternoon, probably 1000+ birds - hopefully some locals moving on rather than new arrivals! also 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant and 5 Fieldfare all going west. David Selley.
Tuesday 04th December 2012westerly, scattered clouds, max8�c
Rochford, 07:30
6 Waxwing (at least) seen on way to work at the north end of Cherry Orchard Way in hedgerow on east side of road by football pitches. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Eastwood, 07:35
1 Merlin again over the RBS Building. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Baddow Meads, Chelmsford 09:00 to 10:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Stonechat, 1 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 1 Common Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Starling, 1 Blackbird, 1 Moorhen, 7+ Little Grebe, 8+ Mallard, 3 Collared Dove Many Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow and small unidentified passerines. Paul Forsdick.
Thames Chase Forest Centre 10:30 to 12:45
4 Redpoll high in alders and c.20 flying over treetops, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jay. David & Brenda Hale.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:30
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Waxwing associating with Fieldfare, 25 Fieldfare. Ray Fuller (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marsh 13:15 to 16:00
c.1000 Lapwing, c.75 Black-tailed Godwit, c.100 Wigeon, c.30 Curlew, 1 drake Pintail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fieldfare, c.15 Redwing, c.40 Dunlin, 1 Golden Plover, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Shelduck, c.1000 Starling. 50+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Canada Geese. 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret. David & Brenda Hale.
Billericay, Sunnymede Area 14:30
1 Hawfinch in the top of my neighbour's oak tree for several minutes. Paul Hudson.
Golf Club Between Brentwood and A127
Swallow quartering the ground not more than 10 yards from me kept very low to ground the flew over hedges just keeping above the hedge line. G. Campbell.
Monday 03rd December 2012westerly, mostly cloudy, rain, max10�c
Southend, 09:30 to 14:10
1 Sparrowhawk (south at 14:10), 2 Peregrine Falcon (pair). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canewdon, Lark Hill Road 13:45 to 13:50
4 Mistle Thrush, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Blackbird, 1 Pheasant. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:15
2 Curlew, 34 Chaffinch, 80+ Corn Bunting, 250+ Lapwing, 3 Little Egret, 7 Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Blackbird, 3 Pheasant, 5 Magpie, 24 Carrion Crow, 70+ Wood Pigeon, 1 Cormorant, 5 Herring Gull, 30+ Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.
Southend Hospital 15:30 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:50
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 02nd December 2012westerly, clear, max4�c
West Mersea 08:00 to 11:30
20 Redshank, 18 Curlew, 30 Avocet, 100+ Golden Plover, 8 Grey Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 50+ Shelduck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Guillemot, 2 Mute Swan, 200+ Wigeon, 80+ Lapwing, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Great Crested Grebe (1 juvenile), 28 Little Grebe, 20+ Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 50+ Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Oystercatcher, 22 Turnstone. Stacey Belbin.
RSPB Wallasea Island 08:15 to 16:00
1 immature Spoonbill (08:30), flying north west over island, appeared to drop into River Crouch area north of Canewdon?, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, c.100 Corn Bunting, c.80 Linnet, 2 Stonechat, 1 Greenshank, 2 drake and 1 female Gadwall. Andrew Gouldstone.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:20
1 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 380 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 110 Mallard (my largest count for the island), 1 male Kestrel, 5 Coot, 60 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 26 Skylark, 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit around the slipway, 1 Pied Wagtail, 11 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 30 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet, 7 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 12:00,
23 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, c.500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 drake Pintail, 7 Goldeneye (2 drakes), 2 Kestrel, 74 Avocet, 55 Golden Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Meadow Pipit. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:15 to 14:15
Sightings from first hide only (most of scrape frozen over): 3 female Marsh Harrier all venturing over the scrape from midday, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, c.40 Stock Dove, c.15 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, c.15 Snipe, c.40 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 1 Little Egret, c.12 Greenfinch, 18 Wigeon, 3 Chaffinch, c.50 Lapwing. 1 Fox. David Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island 10:50 to 12:10
2 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon west along Crouch, 26 Shelduck, 9 Wigeon, 14 Teal, Redshank, c.200 Dunlin, 58 Ringed Plover, 160 Lapwing, 6 Curlew, 12 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 24 Chaffinch in one flock, 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 145 Corn Bunting in one flock between Grapnells and the car park. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:30 to 14:30
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Stonechat. Andy Bridge.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:00 to 14:15
250+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 100+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 150+ Wigeon, 80+ Pochard, 50+ Shoveler, 18 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Coot, 100+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag Geese, 40+ Lapwing, 5 Magpie, 21 Carrion Crow, 5 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 14:30 to 14:45
3 Barn Owl (2 flying repeatedly over road by the Broomway, 1 flying simultaneously but more distant towards Shoebury ranges). Jackie Bliss.
Canvey Point, 15:15 to 15:45
1 Red-throated Diver, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Guillemot. 2 Common Seal. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 01st December 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max5�c
Wyatts Drive 08:30 to 09:00
Female Pheasant, Green Woodpecker and Greater Spotted Woodpecker in back garden. Alec Beanse.
Battlesbridge and South Woodham Ferrers 09:10 and 09:25
Whilst driving Buzzard seen flying towards Battlesbridge then coasting in to land on a tree top. At South Woodham Ferrers another Buzzard this time being harassed by 2 Crows really lovely on a bright sunny frosty morning. Jill and John Parsons.
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 09:45
1 male Blackcap, 13 House Sparrow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 16:00
9 Bewick's Swan flying north, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Greenshank, c.210 Corn Bunting. Andrew Gouldstone.
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 13:30 to 14:35
400+ Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper flew by, 1 Stonechat, 50+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 1 Little Egret. Richard Fahey.
Shoebury, Friars Park, 14:50
3 drake Mandarin Duck. Jackie Bliss.
Shoebury, Friars Park, 15:00 to 15:30
3 drake Mandarin Duck, 1 drake Shoveler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling flew overhead calling, with 3 Chaffinch. Lee Ebbs (SOG).