Bird Reports for February 2006
Tuesday 28th February 2006
Canvey Island, 10:20 to 10:20
1 Merlin (female on south side of Canvey Way). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh, Church Road 10.30
1 Peregrine Falcon seen in back garden. Was on the ground & feeding on a Dove carcass about 16ft away and watched for about 10 minutes. before bird flew off with carcass. Pat Coe.
32 Waxwing in Aldi's car park - showing very well, 5 Redwing. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh 16:30
1 Little Egret seen wading in Prittle Brook by Pavilion Drive. T Kerry.
Monday 27th February 2006
Canvey Island, Leighbeck 10:25 - 12:15
1 Common Buzzard 
at 11:50 appeared from direction of Isle of Grain, then flew north over my head at little more than rooftop height; 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter (m&f), 31 Great Crested Grebe. Ian White.
Thorpe Bay 15.00
1 Little Egret in Thorpehall Avenue near Station road, in the middle of the grass between duel carriage way. Jules.
Sunday 26th February 2006
Hockley Woods 08.15
1 female Hawfinch, feeding under bushes in play area, 20 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush. Viv & Tim Connett.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.25 11.00
68 Brent Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Curlew, 4 Teal, 4 Shelduck, 2 Mute Swan, Little Egret, 2 Grey Plover, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Hole Haven Creek, 10:00 to 12:30
1 Caspian Gull (1st winter also seen by Steve Bacon), 3 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Seafront 10.30
Ring-billed Gull on raft opposite Rossi's. Viv & Tim Connett.
Southend Seafront, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Ring-billed Gull. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 12:00
1 Ring-billed Gull, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in near full summer plumage. Hollis Cloughton.
Canvey West End, 13:10 to 15:00
3 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:50 to 15:30
2 Hen Harrier (ringtails), 1 Marsh Harrier. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wat Tyler County Park 15:00 - 17:00
A mixed flock of 20 - 30 Curlew, 30+ Lapwing 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel and about 40 Redshank. Also many wild fowl all feeding on the mud of the creek just past the Marina. All put up by a couple of lads on the opposite bank a magnificent sight. Martin Itter.
Saturday 25th February 2006
Hockley Woods 07:20
2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker near playground. Tim & Max Davis.
Canvey Seafront 07.50 - 09.00
1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (flying east), 17 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell.
Two Tree Island (West), 09:00 to 11:20
1 Little Egret on lagoon, 43 Avocet, 2 male Reed Bunting. Web Author.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 10.30
Redpolls, Siskins and Goldfinches - all very vocal and colourful in sunshine. Marion Burch.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:30 to 11:35
1 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Pitsea, 12:00 to 12:10
2 Waxwing in Aldi's car park, couldn't find the other 40! Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 15:25
1 Sparrowhawk flew past Blenheim Park. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Friday 24th February 2006
Hawkwell, Spencers Park
1 Little Egret. Mike and Debbie Hindshaw
Thursday 23rd February 2006
Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 13:20
4 Bullfinch (2f &1m together plus 1f nr. car park), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Woodcock (as the downs reach the marshes). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Pitsea, 15:00 to 15:30
44 Waxwing, 16 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wednesday 22nd February 2006
Hockley/Hawkwell, 08:00
4 Siskin (up to 4 over last 2 weeks feeding daily in garden). Peter Collins (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea 10:45 - 12:15
1 Water Rail (gap in reeds in front of hide); 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard in front of hide); 1 Common Snipe. Ian White.
Pitsea, 13:45 to 14:25
44 Waxwing, 12 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Tuesday 21st February 2006
Southend, Eastern Avenue, Boots & Laces 07:30
Little Owl on dead tree. Don Wildish.
Monday 20th February 2006
Pitsea 14:00
39 Waxwing Aldi car park, 1 Little Egret Wat Tyler CP. R Shepherd.
Canvey Sea Front, Adjacent to Canvey FC 1530 - 1545
Solitary Snow Bunting - flitting in and out flock Turnstone on foreshore. Tim Smith.
Sunday 19th February 2006
Hockley Woods, 07:00 to 09:15
1 female Hawfinch feeding on ground in play area, 8 Great Spotted Woodpecker (many drumming), 3 Green Woodpecker, 3 Nuthatch, 3 Goldcrest. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hole Haven Creek 08:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocet, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, reported: Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull. Richard Rhodes.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.20 10.55
21 Corn Bunting, 5 Grey Plover, Red-breasted Merganser (male), 2 Little Grebe, 19 Shelduck, 3 Mute Swan, 6 Curlew, Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, Stonechat. Ray Fuller.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:30 to 10:35
6 Siskin adjacent to Prittle Brook in Tankerville Drive. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Pitsea 10.30 - 12.30
42 Waxwing in Aldi car park, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing. David Flack.
Westcliff Seafront, 10:45 to 10:50
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult, near full summer plumage opposite Rossi's), 1 Little Egret in the salt water swimming pool. John Wright (SOG).
Chalkwell Park, 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea, 13:30
41 Waxwing in Aldi's car park, 1 Redwing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 18th February 2006
Hockley Woods 07.50 - 08.50
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in big clearing off main track, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 7 Redwing, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Mistle Thrush. Martin Cracknell.
Pitsea, 08:00 to 08:15
42 Waxwing in Aldi car park, 3 Redwing. Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:20 to 10:30
1 Cetti's Warbler (another 3 heard), 5 Long-tailed Tit. Web Author.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:15 to 09:25
2 Siskin, 3 Goldfinch on nyjer seed in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:00
1 Hawfinch. Iris Cosgrove.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:00
2 Jackdaw over the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Basildon, East Mayne 10.40
male Siskin on tray of feeder in back garden. Adrian Mann.
Pitsea 10.45
30 Waxwing in Adli car park. Shaun Harvey.
Benfleet Creek, 15:30 to 17:40
2 Short-eared Owl, 8 Reed Bunting, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Greenshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1st winter Caspian Gull, 13 Little Egret flying to roost. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:35
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 17th February 2006
Hockley, Betts Wood 08:00
1 female Greater Spotted Woodpecker, also another drumming close by, but not seen. 1 Green Woodpecker on edge of wood by school. Sue Allen.
Pitsea 09:40 to 10:40
40+ Waxwing. 10:00 to 10:20 in and around the poplar trees east of Aldi. 10:25 to 10:35 in the tall tree just N of the flyover in Tesco's car park. They then flew back towards Aldi. David Lee.
Pitsea, by Aldi 11.00 - 13.00
40+ Waxwing, feeding on berries with Fieldfares and Redwings. Adrian Mann.
Pitsea 13:00 - 13:30
40+ Waxwing and Redwing at Pitsea market car park. Darren Chaplin.
Pitsea 14:30
25+ Waxwing, 1 Redwing in Aldi Car Park. R Shepherd.
Pitsea, 15:30 to 16:00
20 Waxwing, 5 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wakering, The Fleet 16:00 - 17:00
Hen Harrier flying low over creek, 1 Barn Owl, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 5 Black-tailed Godwit plus several Curlew, Dunlin, Redshank, Shelduck, Oystercatcher. Large numbers of Brent Geese in the distance. Sue Allen.
Two Tree Island 16.15 - 17.00
2 Short-eared Owl both quartering the middle of the island in brilliant sunshine, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Pheasant, 4 Little Egret flying to roost. Jerry Stock.
Pitsea
Waxwing and Redwing. David Lee..
Thursday 16th February 2006
Westcliff Seafront 07:00
Peregrine Falcon flying low along Westcliff seafront by the Casino. Liz Jenson.
Pitsea, 11:00 to 11:15
41 Waxwing. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hockley Woods 15:30 to 16:30
1 Female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 100 yds down west path from car park, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Tim & Max Davis.
Leigh Marsh, 16:40 to 16:50
1 Short-eared Owl hawking along seawall. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wednesday 15th February 2006
Benfleet Station, 09:10
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap. Simon Watson (SOG).
Pitsea 10:00 - 12:00
c.40 Waxwings still in Pitsea today (Aldi and swimming pool car parks). Richard Chew.
Hockley Woods 10.30 to11.300
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female), 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker (female), 1 Goldcrest, 1 pair Long-tailed Tit, 2 Mistle Thrush all seen around children's play area. Sue Allen.
Pitsea, 11:30 to 11:45
41 Waxwing (aldi car park), 1 Grey Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Mayland 09.00 - 12.00
Hen Harrierr (female), Greenshank, 500+ Golden Plover, Dunlin, Knot, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Goldeneye, Brent Geese, 40+ Avocet, Redshank, Curlew, Skylarks, Oystercatchers, Snipe. Adrian Mann.
Thundersley (garden) 0945 - 10.00
1 Goldcrest flitting about in a Lavatera bush. John Bennett.
Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 10:45
40+ Waxwing. Bob Sheridan.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11.30
1 drake Smew from Lyster hide. David Hills.
Hockley Woods 12:45 - 12:50
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by golf driving range. Brian Oulds.
South Fambridge 14:00
Barn Owl, Merlin, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Golden Plover, Rock Pipit. Richard Rhodes.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 14.00
Red-crested Pochard pair, 1 Cormorant (resident). Woodpecker heard drumming. Marion Burch.
Canewdon
1 Waxwing has been sighted in the High Street, Canewdon. Lynne Kaye.
Monday 13th February 2006
Southend, Royal Artillery Way 12:00
Little Egret seen 'marching' up Military Way again at lunchtime today on the left hand verge on the way towards Southend. Liz Jenson.
Southend, Royal Artillery Way 12.15
1 Little Egret about 100 yards after Bournes Green roundabout. David Davis.
Pitsea, 12:30 to 13:00
41 Waxwing in market car park, 6 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southend Seafront 12:30 - 13:30
9 Snow Bunting opposite the Halfway House. Iain Henderson.
Benfleet Downs, 13:00
1 Green Sandpiper feeding in dyke. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk (male attempted to take a Cettis warbler!), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Peregrine Falcon (male commuting between pylons), 1 Little Egret. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southchurch Park 16.30
Turnstone feeding on the edge of lake plus two Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk. Steve Wood.
Southend, 16:40
40 White / Pied Wagtail (at least going to roost at the Bell). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Sunday 12th February 2006
Hockley Woods, 07:10 to 09:45, Constant rain!
1 Hawfinch at least one fem in children's play area with another one calling but not seen, plus 1 female seen in trees at SE corner of woods briefly at 7.55am before it flew towards car park calling, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Green Woodpecker, 1 Treecreeper in trees bordering the south side of golf driving range, 1 Nuthatch by car park, 26 Redwing in play area, 12 Fieldfare in fields on S side of woods, 24 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Red Fox in bramble bordering the south side of golf driving range. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Shoeburyness 08:46
5 Long-tailed Tit in tree in front garden. Web Author.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.05 11.45
9 Little Grebe, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (4 male, 2 female), 5 Grey Plover, 32 Teal, 2 Reed Bunting, Stonechat, 3 Shelduck, 12 Curlew. Ray Fuller.
Southend Seafront, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with Sanderling, Dunlin, Ringed Plover about 200 metres east of the old gasworks pier, 9 Snow Bunting on the beach adjacent to the Half Way House Pub. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea, 11:30 to 11:40
41 Waxwing in Pitsea market car park. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 11:30 to 11:45
1 Ring-billed Gull (on sea), 5 Mediterranean Gull (adult winters). Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Old Gasworks Pier, 11:50 to 12:20
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting on gasworks pier. Paul Baker
Pitsea, 12:00 to 12:10
41 Waxwing by Aldi supermarket car park. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 12:30 to 12:50
1 Slavonian Grebe on sea, mid range. Straight out from end of George St., 1 Great Crested Grebe (close in). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30 to 13:30
1 Peregrine Falcon (male sitting on pylon), 1 Cetti's Warbler (calling occasionally, right of the hide), 2 Water Rail (heard). John Wright (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 13:15
1 Blackcap in my garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 14.00 - 14.20
6 Goosander (4 male 2 fem), 1 Smew (fem), 9 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint. Martin Cracknell.
Saturday 11th February 2006
Hole Haven Creek, 08:00 to 14:00
1 Iceland Gull (1st winter in creek for 10 minutes at 11am before flying towards Pitsea Cleanaway), 2 Caspian Gull (2nd and 1st winter birds, both being new for the site being the 12th and 13th for here in 5 visits respectively), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults with one being virtually fully hooded ), 1 Green Sandpiper, 10 Black-tailed Godwit. Steve Arlow, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 09:00 to 09:15
2 Siskin in garden on niger feeder. Peter Collins.
Two Tree Island 09:30 - 11:50
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, Common Shelduck, 34 Avocet, Grey Plover, 3 Common Snipe, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, 2 Wren, pair of Reed Bunting. Web Author.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 10:20
1 Sparrowhawk over Potash nursery. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Thundersley (Garden) 10.30
11 Redwing feeding on Holly berries. The first Redwing appeared on the 2nd, since then between 4 and 6 Redwing have appeared daily peaking at today's count. Nearly all the berries have now been eaten. John Bennett.
Pitsea, 10:40 to 10:50
19 Waxwing by Pitsea swimming pool viewable from Aldi car park adjacent to Pitsea market. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Blackcap, male in back garden for half an hour. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Southend Seafront 12:21 - 12:30
340 Sanderling, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 9 Snow Bunting. Web Author.
Wakering Stairs to Haven Point 13:11 - 15:40
Marsh Harrier, distant ringtail Hen Harrier, Water Rail in brook, Barn Owl hunting all afternoon along the stairs, Kingfisher. Web Author.
Southend Seafront, 14:30 to 14:50
1 Purple Sandpiper feeding on falling tide in front of Castle Pub, 9 Snow Bunting feeding in front of Castle Pub, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1x ad, 1x 1st w, 1x 2nd w on falling tide in front of Castle Pub). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Belfairs, 15:45 to 16:00
2 female Siskin in alder in front of 19 Tankerville Drive. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 16:45 to 16:45
1 Sparrowhawk flew over my garden in Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Basildon (daily for the last month)
Flock of up to 20 Siskin and 10 Goldfinch feeding daily in small Basildon garden. Feeding on mixed foods from feeders. They are there most of the day and have been for the past months, numbers are growing. Alison.
Friday 10th February 2006
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:10 to 08:25
1 Water Rail heard calling. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:15 - 14:00
45 Teal, 23 Tufted Duck, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 7 Coot, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 8 Heron and 1 Black Swan from Rawl hide & Causeway. David Griffiths.
Between Barnston and Little Dunmow 16.00
3 Little Egret. Elaine Squirrell.
Thursday 09th February 2006
Canvey Island, Tewkes Creek 09:15 - 12:15
1 Spotted Redshank, c.30 Avocet, 200+ Golden Plover, 1 Little Egret, c.30 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk. Ian White.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:40
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Water Rail (heard). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend, York Road 11.30
2 Kestrels attacking a hidden bird on top of the Palace Hotel. Thought it must be the local Peregrine but it might be just a crow. Steve Wood.
Pitsea 13:00
42 Waxwing in the Aldi car park. Also; female Marsh Harrier over Wat Tyler this morning. Glenn Jacobs RSPB.
Leigh-on-Sea 15.00
3 Little Egret in Prittle Brook Between Pavillion Drive and Manchester Drive. Graham Saunders and David Galloway.
Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 15:00
2 Whooper Swan. R Shepherd.
Wednesday 08th February 2006
Rayleigh, 09:15
1 Sparrowhawk low over A130. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rolls Farm, River Blackwater 09:00 - 09:30
2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Slavonian Grebe. Trevor Bufton.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 10:00 - 10:45
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
3 Marsh Harrier, 6 Barnacle Geese, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Little Egret, several Ruff. Trevor Bufton.
Hadleigh Downs, 15:00
1 Red Admiral. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park 15:30
Immature Peregrine falcon flying west toward Southend. Close view of Woodcock hiding under low scrub. Flock of mixed Goldfinch/Linnets and possible Merlin fast along ditches. Steve Wood.
Tuesday 07th February 2006
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:55 to 08:10
1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 09:00 - 11:00
Numerous Lapwing, Golden Plover, Redshank and Teal Several Curlew, Oystercatcher and Shelduck. 1 Kestrel, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Plover and 1 male Shoveler. Sue Allen and Malcolm Vann.
Sunday 05th February 2006
Rochford Golf Course, 08:15 to 11:45
1 Little Egret (feeding in brook), 3 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 1 drumming). Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 11.25
54 Shelduck, Stonechat, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Curlew, 6 Teal, 7 Reed Bunting, 41 Brent Goose, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
East Tilbury 08.30 - 12.30
1 Short-eared Owl passing south high over the saltings, 8 Common Scoter, Green Woodpecker, c.400 Black-tailed Godwit, many Avocet, 7 Stonechats. David Jobbins.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 09:00 to 10:00
3 Siskin in garden on Niger feeder, 3 Redwing in garden feeding on berries. Peter Collins (SOG).
Eastwood, Aviation Way (in the brook) 09:40
1 Little Egret working its way along the brook behind the St Laurence Industrial Park. Judith Wilkins Paul Wiseman.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10.30 - 12.30
Note: The reserve is not yet open to general public access since infrastructure and facilities are currently under construction. Guided walks are available on most Wednesdays, call 01708 892900 for details.
2 Penduline Tit, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting. Ron White.
Hanningfield Reservoir (Wickford Wildlife Society outing) 10.30 - 12.30
3 male Smew near to tern raft, 12+ Goosander far bank from point hide, 12+ Snipe at pond in meadow, 2x Siskin at edge of Peninsular Wood, plus Treecreeper, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers & Sparrowhawk. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00 - 16:30
100+ Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret, 20+ Shoveler, 1 Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, 20+ Blue Tit, 10+ Great Tit, 4 Wren, 2 Snipe, 8 Curlew, 3-4 Black-tailed Godwit, 15+ Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Water rail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Female Gadwall on creek. 1 Peregrine Falcon just missed as we walked into the Scrape Hide. Martin & John Itter.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:10 to 16:30
1 Green Sandpiper flew over garden after coming out of brook, 1 Little Egret present in brook throughout, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Song Thrush singing, and feeding on lawn. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:30 to 15:30
2,560 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 472 Golden Plover, 12 Pintail (8 drakes), 75 Fieldfare. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Thorndon Park, Brentwood 15:00
7 Waxwing. Andy Ponton.
Benfleet Creek 15.15
Outside Benfleet Railway Station; 17 Teal, 21 Lapwing, 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, many Sanderling. 16.30: In Benfleet Creek, opposite Hadleigh Castle: 28 Shelduck, 4 Avocet, 18 Teal, 3 Curlew, est. 100+ Lapwing, 2 Heron, 2 Little Egret. Leslie Spurling.
Langdon Hills
1 Hawfinch, Hall Wood possible second bird present, c.30 Siskin, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, many Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Redwing, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit. Andrew Cox.
Saturday 04th February 2006
Thorndon Country Park 09.00 - 13.00
5 Waxwing, 10+ Lesser Redpoll, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Siskin, Bullfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest. Richard Rhodes.
Benfleet - Garden, Vicarage Hill 09.10 - 09.20
1 Female Blackcap (first ever record summer or winter!), 1 Goldcrest. Martin Cracknell.
Wakering Stairs 09:30 - 12.00
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2000+ Dark-bellied Brent, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Avocet, 6 Little Egret, Peregrine, Hen Harrier, 15+ Twite, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat. Richard Rhodes.
Shenfield 10:00
1 Little Egret just off A1023 opposite Officers Meadows. Trevor Bufton.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.30 - 12.05
2 Bullfinch, 1 Water rail (heard) 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Graham Saunders and David Galloway.
Belfairs, 14:00 to 15:30, Around the reservoirs, north of Belfairs
1 Coal Tit by Thatch Farm, Bramble Crescent, 2 Siskin by Bankside, Bramble Crescent. Don Petrie (SOG).
Vange Marsh, 14:20 to 14:40
6 Snipe, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (in creek), 2 Stonechat, 12 Teal. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 14:30
1 Blackcap (male again in garden). Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Seafront 15.30 - 15.45
9 Snow Bunting on beach by Camelia Hotel. Graham Saunders and David Galloway.
Pitsea Station 16:30
A huge pre-roost gathering of Goldfinch in the tree at the western edge of the car park, next to the level crossing. There were at least 120 birds, possibly over 130+. Had previously seen flocks of up to 30 goldfinch when walking through to Vange Marsh.Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.
Friday 03rd February 2006
Rayleigh Mount, 11:30 to 14:30
1 Blackcap (male again in back garden). Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 02nd February 2006
Belfairs, 08:00
1 Coal Tit singing by the reservoirs on the north west corner of the golf course - first record for 2 years. Tony Mead (SOG).
Wednesday 01st February 2006
RSPB Rainham Marsh 09.30 - 12.30
Note: The reserve is not yet open to general public access since infrastructure and facilities are currently under construction. Guided walks are available on most Wednesdays, call 01708 892900 for details.
1 male Black Redstart. Robin Peppiatt.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 - 13:155
1 Grey Wagtail (Causeway), 10+ Goldcrest (one group in Chestnut Wood), 4 Bullfinch (Chestnut Wood), 1 Coal Tit, 1 Egyptian Goose (Rawl Hide), 38 Goldeneye (Point Hide). Ian White.
Kiln Road, Thundersley 10.30
In my garden, 1 Blackcap (female), 3 Long-Tailed Tit on Nut feeder, 1 Redwing. Mike Sagrott.
Westcliff Seafront 10.45 - 13.15
Ring-billed Gull showed very well from 11.20 - 12.50, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egret, 11 Brent Goose. Southend seafront 13:00 - 13:45: Purple Sandpiper in the high tide roost opposite Castle Pub. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wakering, Fleet Head 13.30 - 15.30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Stonechat, 1 female Merlin, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier,, 100+ Golden Plover. Mike Sagrott.
Southend Seafront 13:45
1 Purple Sandpiper in wader roost opposite Castle Pub. Robin Peppiatt.
Rayleigh Mount, 15:00
1 Blackcap (male in back garden). Paul Baker (SOG).