Bird Reports for February 2008
Friday 29th February 2008 (first report of Sand Martin)
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:30 to 13:30
4 Caspian Gull (4 first-winters (plus a possible fourth-winter)), 5 Yellow-legged Gull (4 second-winters and a first -winter), 6 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults and singles of first and second-winters), 1 Cetti's Warbler (sang briefly early morning by the road), 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Larus sp. (1st win ter presumed Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 11:30
1 Firecrest seen at 09:00 and 10:00 300yds east from woodchips pile alongside private garden fence east direction, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dave Knight (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Peregrine Falcon zooming around Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Eastwood, 09:25
1 Sparrowhawk over The Bellhouse pub. Paul Baker (SOG).
Garden in Stonehill Road, Leigh 09.40
1 Redwing feeding in grass for 10 minutes did not return. Laurie Greenwood.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.45 - 10.00
5 Long-tailed Ducks from the causeway at a range of c2/3rds mile. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 10:20 to 11:50
2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Caspian Gull (all 1st winter), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (both 2nd winter), 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Fieldfare, 1 Larus sp. (probable glaucous x herring gull hybrid). Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 13:30
10 Siskin (Chapel Lane alongside pond), 2 Goldcrest. Dave Knight (SOG).
Springfield Drive Allotments 12.15 - 13.15
1 female Sparrowhawk chasing Great Tits, 1 Goldcrest. Terry Priest.
Two Tree Island (East), 14:00 to 14:30
1 Kingfisher, 6 Little Egret, 12 Teal, 4 Shoveler (hide east end). Dave Knight (SOG).
Wakering, Landwick - Oxenham - Potton Bridge - Wakering Common 15:40 to 17:40
2000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (at least, all in one large flock), 375 Golden Plover (Potton Creek), 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Wigeon, 1 Goldcrest. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir
3 Sand Martin. Andrew Allen.
Thursday 28th February 2008
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:10 to 16:30
2 Glaucous Gull (both juveniles/1st winters: one is the regular bird which was in the creek early morning and the second is the Barling/.Paglag bird which was in the seawall from 2.20pm onwards), 4 Caspian Gull (two of both first winters and fourth winters both the first-winter birds are repeaters), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (2nd winter), 15 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Larus sp. (adult Med GullxBlack-headed Gull hybrid, nearly jet black hood though still shaped as BHG; bold white Med Gull like eye lids; 2nd winter Med Gull like primary pattern; bill and over jizz/structure as BHG), Grey Heron. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Priory Park 07:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet very vocal by lakes. Don Wildish.
Hockley Woods, 07:50 to 08:20
1 Nuthatch (around car park), 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker (3 drumming), 10 Jay (at least). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11:30
Pair Red-Crested Pochard, 30+ Redwing, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker (drumming), Great Crested Grebe on nest. Marion Burch.
Two Tree Island 17:00
1 Short-eared Owl hunting by lagoon in from hide at dusk, 2 Skylark. Noel Barnes.
Canewdon
Chiffchaff in garden this morning. Chris Bent.
Wednesday 27th February 2008
Hockley Woods, 08:05 to 08:40
6 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair, plus another 4 drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush (singing), 2 Stock Dove (singing), 16 Jay (3 apparent pairs, and a raucous flock of 10+ in gardens on east side). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 08:30 to 14:20
1 Iceland Gull (stunning adult was in the creek for at least 45minutes from mid morning), 1 Caspian Gull (possibly two 1st winters including the large male has returned from his visit to Hanningfield and Rainham), 8 Mediterranean Gull (most, if not all, appear to have paired up), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Tuesday 26th February 2008
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Ring-billed Gull. Rossi came to within 2 feet today, if I had held out my hand with bread I'm sure he would have taken it, 7 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults, 2 second-winters and 2 first-winters). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Monday 25th February 2008
Southchurch Park East 09.00
1 male Kingfisher fishing from copse north of pond, then flying east of pond to fish from kingfisher sticks. 1 Little Egret, 7 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 6 Little Grebe , 2 resident Mute Swan. Robert Dobinson.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11.00
30-40 Redwing. 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker (drumming). 1 Green Woodpecker. Marion Burch.
Hadleigh Downs 11.15 - 14.00
2 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker (male), 3 Stonechat (1m, 2f), 1 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Sparrowhawk (1m, 1f) 2 Kestrel (both female), 4 Chaffinch, plenty of Blue Tits, Great Tits and Robins, 4 Skylark. Terry Priest.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:25
1 Green Sandpiper (usual place again). Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:30 to 15:35
1 Green Sandpiper still present in usual place. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 24th February 2008
Hockley Woods, 09:45 to 10:20
1 Tawny Owl calling from east boundary of glade where meets with gardens, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Stour Wood/Estuary 10.45 - 14.30
20 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Shoveler, 40+ Lapwing, 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Cormorant, various Teal and Wigeon, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest, plenty of Great and Blue Tits, 1 Wren, 4 Robin and 1 Weasel. Terry Priest.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:55 to 11:00
1 Green Sandpiper in brook west of Western Approaches and 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, 11:00
1 male Yellowhammer singing from roadside bush 100m east of Morley's garden centre. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Pier 11:00 - 14:00
Black-throated Diver, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 17 Mediterranean Gull (adx5, 2Wx3, 1Wx9), Common Seal. Paul and Matt Bruty.
Rochford, 12:20
1 Little Egret in stream under Sutton Road by Purdeys Way Ind. Est. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:45
1 Green Sandpiper in brook to west of Western Approaches. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 17:00
80 Fieldfare (included one mobile flock of c50 and 2 smaller flocks of c15 over NW), 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:00 to 15:10
1 Ruff, 2 Stonechat (Along the road to Potton Island), 12 Corn Bunting (Along the road to Potton Island), 1 Pochard, 1 Green Woodpecker. 3 Brown Hare. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:40 to 16:30
20 Great Crested Grebe (mostly paired up), 5 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel (female), 2100 Oystercatcher (at roost on saltings), 900 Bar-tailed Godwit (at haven point run-out, included one in summer plumage), 1200 Dunlin (at Haven Point on the run-out), 1 Rock Pipit. Don Petrie (SOG).
Priory Park 15:45
1 Little Egret seen feeding along nature conservation area in park. Don Wildish.
Westcliff Seafront 16.30
1 Ring-billed Gull. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Southend Pier, 16:30 to 23:30
1 Grey Seal. 4/5 month old pup hauled out on pier steps 20ft above falling tide - coughing and minor bleeding - captured and taken to rehab centre where it is currently responding well to medicines, 5 Mediterranean Gull (3x ad, 2x 2w flying around pier head and roosting through the night). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 16:50 to 17:20
1 Kestrel, 1 Hen Harrier (sub-adult male. Flew across Potton, over to Barling, then back round past Wakering tip and onto Rushley), 2 Red-legged Partridge, 800 Golden Plover. 1 Common Pipistrelle flying around at 17:00, half-hour before sunset. Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 23rd February 2008
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:30 to 15:00
1 Glaucous Gull (the juvenile/1st winter bird was again present in the creek from about 8.50 to about 9.30am and then again for about 30minutes from 12.40. It was also seen briefly later in the afternoon up on the tip), 1 Caspian Gull (1st winter. A repeating bird with this individual being seen here on 5th Jan and 14th Feb), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 6 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 3 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winters), 1 Larus sp. (a possible GlaucousxHerring Gull 1st winter hybrid-odd looking bird). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore
Barling Rubbish Tip, 09:00 to 11:30
1 Water Rail in borrowdyke by jetty, 10 Little Grebe in creek, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Glaucous Gull (juvenile in the creek), 9 Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting, 7 Skylark, 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Black-headed Gull (95% white, a little black on trailing edge of primaries, red bill), 1500 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.10 - 11.50
32 Wigeon, 3 Grey Plover, 3 Curlew, 25 Brent Goose, 5 Reed Bunting, 30 Teal, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, 3 Red-legged Partridge, Stonechat (m),2 Shelduck, 4 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:20 to 13:20
1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Kestrel, 4 Bullfinch (two pairs together), 3 Siskin (2m and 1f in alder to north of lake near chapel lane car park). Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:20 to 12:25
1 Little Egret and 1 Green Sandpiper still in brook viewed west from Western Approaches. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea (timed tetrad visit for BTO Atlas)
Merlin, imm. female, c.2,000 Brent, Red-breasted Merganser on Roach, 20 Avocet in The Middleway. Garden in Canewdon: male Brambling came in to join finch flock on feeders but only for 10 mins. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 22nd February 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 17:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon around Portcullis House on and off most of the day. John Wright, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Pier 12:30 - 15:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Purple Sandpiper, c300 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gull (2xad, 1x2w, 2x1w). 2 Common Seal (adult & juv.). Paul Bruty.
Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea 15:20
Peregrine Falcon seen briefly from 11th floor of Civic Centre flying away from building eastwards. Mark Gregory.
Westcliff Seafront 15:30 - 14:30
5 Brent Goose, 23 Curlew, 55 Oystercatcher, 5 Sanderling, 2w Mediterranean Gull, adult Ring-billed Gull (opposite Rossi's), Pied Wagtail. Paul Bruty.
Two Tree Island (East), 15:00 to 15:35
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on post east end of marsh. Flew east at 1530, 1 Kingfisher viewed from hide east end. Dave Knight (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 16:00 to 16:10
10 Corn Bunting (north airfield), 6 Meadow Pipit (airfield grass). Dave Knight (SOG).
Thursday 21st February 2008
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:30 to 15:50
1 Iceland Gull (juvenile/1st winter flew in from the tip, flew around the creek and flew straight back towards the tip where we failed to refind it), 1 Larus sp. (a first-winter hybrid (GlaucousxHerring Gull) or a partially leucistic bird), 10 Mediterranean Gull (all adults), 4 Yellow-legged Gull (2 first-winters and 1 second winters). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:00
2 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 20th February 2008
Barling Rubbish Tip, 10:20 to 13:55
1 Glaucous Gull (juvenile present 10.25-11.30 (reported again on pager 2.10pm): same as the bird seen previously at Paglesham Lagoon), 3 Yellow-legged Gull (all 1st winters), 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stonechat, 1 Water Rail (in borrowdyke at the end of the farm track), 3 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon (male flying through the tip). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 13:00
3 Purple Sandpiper, 200 Turnstone, 1 Red-throated Diver, 17 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter), 3 Mediterranean Gull (ad winter). Dave Knight (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 14:00 to 14:10
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter). Dave Knight (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14.00 - 15.45
Tawny Owl on top of a bush west of airfield, seemed to be enjoying the sunny intervals. 2 Short-eared Owl. Ray Fuller.
Hadleigh Downs 15.45 - 17.10
1 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, 4 Long-tailed Tit, various Great Tit and Blue Tits, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Wren and 1 Barn Owl (flying low along the creek), 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 male Merlin chasing prey. Terry Priest.
Tuesday 19th February 2008
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 11:30 to 14:00
2 Yellow-legged Gull (2nd winter and 1st winter), 5 Mediterranean Gull. Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:45 to 13:10
4 Fieldfare. 1 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Pitsea Rubbish Tip, 14:30 to 16:00
1 Glaucous Gull (juvenile again showed well, though distantly, for about 15minutes), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (2nd winter), 5 Mediterranean Gull (4+ adults and a 1st year), 1 Caspian Gull (1st winter, probably the same bird as yesterday). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Monday 18th February 2008
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:30 - 13:30
2 Little Egret, 5 Stonechat (4 male, 1 female), 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Snipe, many Pochard, Tufted, Shoveller, Teal and Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 9 Goldfinch. Chris Henry.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 12:40 to 16:40
2 Caspian Gull (both first-winters on the seawall), 1 Glaucous Gull (same juvenile as last week on seawall), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter and 2nd winter), 5 Mediterranean Gull (adults ), 1 Larus sp. (presumed GlaucousxHerring Hybrid on tip). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.45 - 15.45
2 Stonechat (1m 1f ), Snipe, Kingfisher, 7 Grey Plover, 7 Reed Bunting, 3 Little Egret, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Teal,2 Shelduck, 6 Curlew, 500+ Brent Goose. Ray Fuller.
Sunday 17th February 2008
Two Tree Island (West), 08:55 to 10:45
7 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, 1 Kestrel (male), 1 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 1 Golden Plover, 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, c.4000 Knot. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Claire Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island Feeder, 09:30 to 09:45
2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock (feeding below feeder), 1 Robin (feeding below feeder). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 11:45
1 Kingfisher (female), 1 Kestrel (male), 4 Corn Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Skylark, 6 Coot (a marked population increase over the last three months), 1 Stonechat (male). Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:40 to 10:25
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch (around the car park), 2 Siskin (flew over glade calling), 1 Tawny Owl (called several times from slope SSE of car park). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10.30 - 11.45
565 Dark-bellied Brent Goose mostly flying east at falling tide, 1 Merlin (female), 1 Barn Owl near Haven Point. David Selley.
Paglesham, 10:40 to 14:30
1 Long-tailed Duck (female still on lagoon), 1 Scaup (drake still on lagoon), 20 Pintail (on lagoon), 5 Red-breasted Merganser (on river), 5 Goldeneye (on lagoon; drakes calling and head bobbing displays), 1 Stonechat (male by Paglesham boatyard). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:50
1 Green Sandpiper again in brook just east of Whitehouse Road road bridge. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:00 to 11:15
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 3 Mediterranean Gull (adult, 2 2nd-winter), 1 Red-throated Diver. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Claire Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 11:45 to 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk circling over Leighwood Avenue. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Priory Park, Southend 13.00
A pair of Mistle Thrush by the tennis courts in Priory Park. Leslie Spurling.
Two Tree Island (West), 13:00 to 14:00
1 male Kingfisher on sluice, 1 Short-eared Owl roosting in salt marsh facing Hadleigh Castle. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:30
1 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 13:30 to 15:30
3 Marsh Harrier (2 female 1 male), 1 Barn Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 17:00 to 17:45
c.3,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (one huge flock flew over the tip towards foulness at 17:45), 2 Marsh Harrier (male and female over Rushley Island), 1 Merlin (over Rushley Island), 1 Barn Owl (on Rushley Island), 41 White / Pied Wagtail (going to roost at the boatyard), 6 Little Egret. Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 16th February 2008
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 07:30 to 07:40
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:30 to 13:40
6 Caspian Gull (3 first-winters (including the huge male that has been around for at least 4 days), 2 second winters and a near-adult with oil around the right cheek), 5 Mediterranean Gull (at least: 4 adults and 1 second winter), 1 Iceland Gull (1st winter seen on Pitsea Tip by a visiting birder after we had departed), 1 Buzzard (high over Pitsea Tip). Steve Arlow, Simon Buckell, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:50 to 09:40
1 female Marsh Harrier being stalked by fox, 1 Kestrel, 6 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
South Fambridge 09.30
65 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on dead trees behind church, 2 Jay. David Selley.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:15
5 Long-tailed Duck, seen from the Point Hide. David Lee.
Wakering Stairs, 10:20 to 12:50
1 Kingfisher, 2 Skylark, 2 Long-tailed Tit. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rushbottom Lane, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Long-tailed Tit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:50 - 14:00
Many Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted duck & Lapwings, 3 Little Egret, 5 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 7 Mute swan, 5 Coot, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 White Fronted Geese amongst Grey Lags. Name: Dave Griffiths.
Prittlewell 11.00 - 12.00
2 Goldcrest on trees outside main entrance door to the museum in Priory Park first seen two weeks ago. Anne Irving.
Southend Airport, 13:00 to 16:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Skylark (singing), 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:15 to 16:15
3 Stonechat, 8 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark, 40 Shoveler, 45 Teal, 30 Wigeon, 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:25
1 Grey Wagtail feeding in stream between Whitehouse Lane and Western Approaches, 2 Little Egret (one to the east of Western Approaches and one to the west). Paul Baker (SOG).
Eastwood, 16:35 to 16:45
1 Little Egret in brook between Western Approaches and Cherry Orchard Way. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 15th February 2008
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:15 to 12:05
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:20 to 12:25
1 Green Sandpiper still in brook between Western Approaches and Whitehouse Lane, 1 female Sparrowhawk flew through. Paul Baker (SOG).
Eastwood, 12:45
1 Green Woodpecker feeding on grass by A127 / Progress Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:20
1 Mediterranean Gull (1st-winter flew north). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Billericay Area 15:00
Bullfinches. 5 in Lower Stock Road near Three Compasses pub, 2 in Swan Lane Margaretting Tye and 2 in Outwood Farm Road Billericay. Kevin Rees.
Thursday 14th February 2008
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:40 to 08:45
3 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer, 2nd-winter, 1st-winter). 2 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00 to 13:00
1 Green Sandpiper in brook viewable west from Western Approaches roadbridge. Paul Baker (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea 11.25 - 11.30
1 Green Woodpecker (male) feeding on the ground below my bird feeding station until disturbed by cat. Lyn Davies.
Wednesday 13th February 2008
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 07:10 to 07:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker in my garden on nut feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rochford, 08:15 to 08:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeders. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hockley Woods 12.00 to 14.00
1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (heard only) 3 to 4 Siskin, very flighty near Childrens Play area. No sign of Firecrest. Les Costin.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 12:30 to 16:30
1 Glaucous Gull (same juvenile as last week, showed very well on the seawall north of the fields), 2 Caspian Gull (1st winters (both new birds here making a total of 25 birds here since 27th October. One was in the creek and then again on the seawall which was a rather worn but stunning individual). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Westcliff, Valkyrie Road 13.45
1 male Peregrine. R. Cannon.
Between Finchingfield and Great Sampford, 15.30
4 young Cranes, definitely not herons, larger, but not got the coloured head or trailing rear plumes of the adult. Watched them in the field for quite some time. Coming through Little Sampford from Finchingfield, there is a bend between Little Sampford and Great Sampford, and on the right is a large field which shows half green and half grey, it slopes down to the road. It was in this field. Gill Walker.
Tuesday 12th February 2008
Canewdon, Scotts Hall Road 08.10
1 Little Owl in ivy covered tree opposite gas relay station. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Nuthatch around car park, 1 Treecreeper, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Brambling (possibly 2 in clearing well to the south of car park). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Benfleet, 10:50
2 Redwing on Sadlers Farm roundabout. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hockley Woods 14.00 - 16.30
6 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Jay. David Flack.
Monday 11th February 2008
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff 13:15 to 13:30
Ring-billed Gull (on post and then in lengthy flight), Mediterranean Gull (adult), 2 Sanderling and 10 Turnstone. Hollis and June Cloughton.
Two Tree Island (West), 15:00 to 16:00
2 Greenshank, 2 Water Rail, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 2 Stonechat, 3 Rock Pipit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 10th February 2008
Great Baddow, 08.00 - 08.20
1 Blackcap on garden feeder table, 1 Robin, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit. Derek Holroyd.
Hockley Woods 08.30 - 10.00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Jay, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. David Flack.
Hawkwell, The Scrubs 09.30 - 12.00
1 Woodcock. R. Cannon.
Two Tree Island West 10:30 - 11:45
4 Skylark, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Redwing, 13 Teal, 5 Pochard, 3 Redshank. Dave Griffiths.
Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 13:40
10 Corn Bunting at least along road, 6 Little Egret, 50 Golden Plover (at least), 2 Stonechat, 1 Goosander (drake with Shelduck on Eastern 'lagoon'), 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Linnet, 1 Pintail (drake). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 10.40 - 14.00
2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag Goose, 218 Shelduck, 185 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 27 Mallard, 18 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Avocet, 1,615 Lapwing, 2,409 Dunlin, 570 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 629 Curlew, 914 Redshank, 3,870 Black-headed Gulls, 132 Common Gulls, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 70 Herring Gulls and 57 Great Black-backed Gulls. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Westcliff 11.20 - 11.30
"Rossi" Ring-billed Gull present on the beach just past the icecream parlour on the incoming tide. Andrew Allen.
Two Tree Island Feeder, 11:40 to 14:30
3 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 11:40 to 14:30 (WeBS)
1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 568 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 258 Golden Plover, 248 Lapwing, 60 Teal, 15 Little Egret, 138 Redshank, 39 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2,030 Knot, 2,330 Dunlin, 99 Oystercatcher, 49 Turnstone, 178 Ringed Plover, 131 Grey Plover, 293 Curlew, 5 Meadow Pipit, 5 Skylark, 36 Shelduck, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher (female), 1 Stonechat, 6 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:00 to 16:00
4 Little Egret, 1 Avocet (lagoon), 3 Water rail (lagoon), 2 Snipe (lagoon), 25 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 10 Grey Plover, 100+ Ringed Plover (lagoon), 3 Robin (including 1 in hide), 2 Wren, 1,000+ Knot, 100+ Dunlin, 5 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Great Tit (on feeders), 10+ Blue Tit (around feeder), 34 Turnstone, 53 Lapwing, 3 Long-tailed Tit (jetty car park), 2 Kestrel, 5 Black Backed Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Corn Bunting, 50 Redshank, 5 Greenshank (mostly in Lagoon), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit (lagoon), 2 Mute Swan, 4 Shelduck, 50+ Teal, 15 Curlew, 37 Oystercatcher. Noel Barnes.
Southend Pier 12.30 - 14.30
2 Purple Sandpiper roosting with lots of Turnstones and 1 Dunlin by the toilets also at least 15 Mediterranean Gull. 18 Great Crested Grebe. Andrew Allen.
Rochford Golf Course, 12:30 to 16:15
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 13:20 to 15:20
200 Turnstone (roosting), 2 Purple Sandpiper (roosting with Turnstone flock), 21 Mediterranean Gull (4 1st winter, 5 2nd winter and 12 adults including one with red ring PAJ1), 1 Guillemot. 3 Common Seal (around pier head). Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 09th February 2008
Hockley Woods 08.30 -11.00
2 Lesser spotted Woodpecker heard and seen at distance flying from car park area, 4 Greater spotted Woodpecker, 6 Redwing in the play area, 5 Jay, 30-40 assorted Blue and Great Tits. David Flack.
Wallasea Wetlands 08.30 - 14.30
Drake Goosander still consorting with the Shelduck, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Stint, 2 Stonechat (pair often seen on the islands). Nick Green (EBS).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:45
1 male Blackcap in my garden (poss. 2 birds present). John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 08.50
1 male Blackcap. Martin Cracknell.
Southchurch Park East 09.15
1 male Kingfisher back after 5 weeks, sunning himself on copse north of pond, then flying east to brook and willow tree at back of big houses. 7 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 2 resident Mute Swan. Robert Dobinson.
Hadleigh, Pound Wood 11:00
1 Firecrest, Nuthatch heard. Ross Gardner.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Bullfinch. 1 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Merlin (female flew south), 1 Scaup (drake still present), 1 Long-tailed Duck (female still present), 17 Pintail, 9 Goldeneye. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hockley Woods 13.20
Firecrest 100 yards east of wood chip pile in holly bushes. Also single Peacock and Comma butterflies. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Great Braxted Park 14.00
1 Common Buzzard over. Web Author.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:45 to 16:00
1 Scaup (drake still present), 1 Long-tailed Duck (female still present), 80 Pochard (c80), 50 Shoveler (c50), 60 Tufted Duck (c60), 40 Gadwall (c40), 8 Pintail, 20 Little Grebe (c20), 1 Barn Owl (seen earlier by 4 birders). John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Long-tailed Duck (female), 1 Scaup (drake), 110 Fieldfare. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:05 to 16:05
1 Green Sandpiper (circling around my garden calling after presumably being flushed from brook). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 16.15 - 16.40
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Martin Cracknell.
Priory Park 17:00
Ring-necked Parakeet coming into roost with Collared Doves by fishing lakes. Don Wildish.
Hockley Woods
2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers. David Flack.
Friday 08th February 2008
Pound Wood, Daws Heath 09:00 - 11:00
4+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Treecreeper (pair +1), 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Bullfinch (pair), 3 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk (male). Richard Gray.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00 - 12:30
Many Lapwing, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon and Gulls, a small number of Teal and Pochard, 8 Canada Geese, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 7 Snipe, 3 pair Pintail, 12 Goldfinch, 3 Dunnock, 1 Redstart, 16 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet, 6 Reed Bunting (male and female), 6 Gadwall (male and female), 2 Long-tailed Tit, 9 Stonechat (male and female), 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit. Chris Henry.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 10:35 to 10:35
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods 11.00 - 12.00
Firecrest in holly bush 50yds from east end of car park 11.00 and 11.40. Cleve Bull.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:30 to 13:00
1 female Kingfisher by the sewage tanks, 1 Water Rail (heard only). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 - 14:00
100+ Canada Geese, 30 Greylag Geese with 2 White-fronted Geese present all seen in field at end of the reservoir causeway. Dave Griffiths.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.50 - 16.00
4 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, Snipe, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Corn Bunting, 11 Teal, 10 Curlew, 8 Shelduck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Brent Goose, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
River Rom, Collier Row 15.00
2 Little Egret roosting in weeping willow by River Rom, back of Charlotte Gardens, Collier Row; birds have been present for several weeks now. Ian Phillips.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:10 to 16:30
1 Peregrine Falcon from Library car park, on roof aerial. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Thursday 07th February 2008
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:30 to 15:00
1 Caspian Gull (1st winter), 1 Glaucous Gull (1st winter (not the Paglag bird)), 3 Mediterranean Gull (all adults). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue, 09:00
1 Redwing. Matt Bruty.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 09:00 to 13:00
3 Caspian Gull (2 different first-winters and a cracking adult), 4 Yellow-legged Gull (3 first-winters and an adult), 4 Mediterranean Gull (all adults including one with near complete hood). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows 10.15
40+ Redwing. Marion Burch.
Rochford, 15:00 to 15:05
1 Goldcrest singing in garden, 1 female Sparrowhawk took sparrow from Holly Bush only a few feet from where I was standing. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hockley Woods 15:15 to 16:30
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest. Matt Bruty.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:00 to 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon (female with prey). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wednesday 06th February 2008
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:25 to 08:35
2 Mediterranean Gull (1st-winter, 2nd-winter), 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 1 Grey Wagtail. 17 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:45 to 09:10
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi again showing well on the incoming tide), 9 Mediterranean Gull (5 adults, 3 second-winters and a first-winter). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 10:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair present on Portcullis House with prey, probably a pigeon). Don Petrie (SOG).
Stambridge to Paglesham Lagoon 10.00 - 12.30
Peregrine (seen taking down a wood pigeon), Scaup (drake), Long-tailed Duck (female), Water Rail. Marc Outten.
Two Tree Island (West), 11:00 to 13:00
1 Water Rail on lagoon, 3 Greenshank on lagoon, 3,000 Knot (at least in the creek), 5 Black-tailed Godwit (at least on lagoon). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Vange, Clay Hill Road/Collingwood Walk, 11.30 - 12.05
4 Redwing. Brian Cooper.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:50 to 11:55
1 Red Kite reported flying low over marsh toward Benfleet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hockley Woods 12.00 - 13.30
1 Firecrest 12.15(in holy bush 100yds south from car park down main track), 1 Nuthatch in car park, Treecreeper by log pile, Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest. Cleve Bull.
Buttsbury/Padhams Green Area 16.00
Large movements of Fieldfare and Redwing. 2 Common Buzzard again. Looked like same birds I reported week before last. Kevin Rees.
Tuesday 05th February 2008
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 11:15
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (around car park), 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch (car park pair), 2 Treecreeper (pair), 1 Firecrest (male at 10.45 just N.E of woodchip pile in low bare young trees), 15 Redwing (playground), 8 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin (2m, 1f singing on sth edge of playground). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.30 - 12.30
5 Long-tailed Duck (point hide), 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 White-fronted Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 200 Wigeon, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Goldeneye. John Wilson.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10.50
1 male Sparrowhawk chased by 4 Jackdaw, and at 14.15 1 female Sparrowhawk. David Selley.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 12:40
1 Long-tailed Duck (female), 1 Scaup (drake), 9 Goldeneye, 1 Northern Water Vole (swam along parallel to west bank). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Springfield Drive Allotments 12.30 - 12.35
1 female Grey Wagtail, down by the dyke feeding on insects. Terry Priest.
Abberton Reservoir 13.30 - 16.00
1 Smew (male), 30 Goosander, 2 White-fronted Goose, 3 Egyptian Goose, 10 Goldeneye. John Wilson, Margaret Harris.
BT Building, North Road, Westcliff 14.10 - 14.15
1 male Peregrine Falcon chasing flock of Starlings, high above BT building. Terry Priest.
Monday 04th February 2008
Canvey Island, Leigh Beck 10:15 - 10:20
1 Black Redstart (male) ranged between front gardens across grassy area to seawall at the end of Beveland Road. Frightened off by dog walker. Ian White.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:30 to 16:20
1 Glaucous Gull (juvenile/1st winter watched for an hour around the islands at the north end of the lagoon before it flew towards Barling Tip, it was a real monster being close to Great Black-backed Gull in size and bulk; presumably same as Don's bird on Saturday.), 3 Yellow-legged Gull (single 1st and 2nd winters and an Adult), 16 Pintail, 1 Shoveler (the nasal saddled bird F1LF1 still present), 6 Goldeneye, 1 Scaup (drake still here), 1 Long-tailed Duck (female still here). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 - 14:20
5 Long-tailed Duck, 6 Goldeneye, Tufted duck, (Rawl Hide) Blue & Long Tailed Tits. Dave Griffiths.
Sunday 03rd February 2008
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.30 - 11.00
5 Long-tailed Duck, several Goldeneye, 5 Barnacle Geese, 1 White-fronted Goose, 30 Redwing. Trevor Bufton.
Ashingdon (garden), 12:30 to 12:45
30 Chaffinch, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Padhams Green 14.00
Large flock c.200 Fieldfare with a few Redwing in field and at Bulphan Fen c.150 Redwing with a few Fieldfare in horse paddock. Kevin Rees.
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 15:30
50+ Kittiwake (mostly adults), 1 Rock Pipit (no sign of Black Redstart, 2 Arctic Skua seen by other birders c.2pm). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 15.00 - 15.50
Flock of over 10 Fieldfare. Jessica & Joe French.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:30 to 16:45
1 Water Pipit on main island near west gate across path, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 55 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 2 Stonechat, 1 Barn Owl hunting between scrape and A13. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marshes, 16.05 to 16.45
Barn Owl flying over fields. Jessica & Joe French.
Saturday 02nd February 2008
Wallasea, Gardeness Point (first light)
Male Hen Harrier feeding on what turned out to be a Golden Plover, which it carried over the sea wall from the river and devoured on the bank out of the wind. All that was left after about 15 minutes were the wings, one leg and the breastbone and neck. Harrier then flew South. Gary Dunn.
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 10:15
1 Firecrest (male viewed for five mins only (09.00-09.05) moving uphill through scattered holly bushes between woodchip pile and car park), 3 Goldcrest, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker (3 male, 2 female), 2 Green Woodpecker (heard), 14 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch (heard), 5 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Jay (in one group), 2 Jackdaw (flew over), 1 Song Thrush. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:00
1 Little Egret by Eastwood Road. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.25
3 Mute Swan, Stonechat (m),15 Teal, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Little Egret,10 Little Egret, 4 Reed Bunting, 18 Shelduck, 4 Curlew, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Canvey Point 10:00
1 Black Redstart on grass area at end of Beveland Road. Tim Bourne.
Paglesham Churchend and Lagoon 10:00 to 15:00
20+ Little Grebe, 1 Female Long-tailed Duck, 1 Male Scaup, 9 Pintail Duck, 23 Golden Plover, 1 Barn owl, 9 Fieldfare, 12 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting. The Brutys.
Leigh on Sea, 11:10 to 11:30
2 Redwing, 1 Chaffinch all on ivy in back garden. Web Author.
Two Tree Island (West), 12:30
1 Stonechat. John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:30 - 15:00
5 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goldeneye 2 male 1 female, 17 Redwing in field next to causeway. Chris Henry.
Hockley Woods, 13:00 to 14:15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 12 Redwing, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Tawny Owl (female called twice east of woodchip pile), 1 Siskin (male singing in treetop 50yds NW of pile). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 13:45 to 16:00
1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinch (Plus Chaffinch, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons), 1 Redwing, 8 House Sparrow. John Wright (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 14.10 - 16.10
Visitor Centre area - 2 Siskin, 1 Bullfinch (fem), Scott Hide - 1 Black-throated Diver, Layer Breton Causeway - 1 Bittern (fantastic close views), 2 Smew (redheads), 9+ Goosander (at least 2 males). Martin Cracknell.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:15 to 16:30
1 Scaup (drake), 1 Long-tailed Duck (female), 1 Glaucous Gull (1st winter. Resting with flock of large gulls beside footpath in second field south of road to Paglesham West End. Flew off South in direction of Barling Tip), 11 Goldeneye, 1 Grey Wagtail, 15 Pintail. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs 15.10 - 17.10
2 Tawny Owl, 1 Little Owl, 2 Treecreeper, 12 Chaffinch (mostly males), 2 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 2 Little Egret (flying overhead), 1 male Sparrowhawk chasing finches, 2 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker (adult male sitting on fencepost). Terry Priest.
Friday 01st February 2008
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:05
1 female Sparrowhawk chasing Collared Doves in my garden. John Wright (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:55 to 08:55
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi only there briefly), 3 Mediterranean Gull (singles of 1st and 2nd winters and adult). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Firecrest in dense brambles at the north end of the main clearing by the woodchip mounds, calling only very occasionally, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Green Woodpecker (A pair chasing around the clearing), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (a pair in the clearing), 8 Redwing. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Grange Primary School, 10.00 - 11.45
20 Starling, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Crow, 3 Black-headed Gull, 2 Blackbird, 5 Wood Pigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Magpie, 1 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing. Big School Birdwatch. Tina Wing.
Hockley Woods, 14:40 to 16:20
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Firecrest both together in mixed holly/bramble. Seen along small muddy track heading east from the main path 40 metres north of the wood chip pile picked up by another birder. Don Petrie. (SOG).
Padhams Green, 15.00
Approx 8 Brambling in with a flock of Chaffinches in field. Also 2 Nuthatch at Galleywood Common. Kevin Rees.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 15:20 to 15:35
1 Ring-billed Gull (on beach), 5 Mediterranean Gull (2 x ad, 2 x 2nd-w, 1 x 1st-w). Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:15 to 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk (again taunting the roosting Starling flock). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marshes
Merlin low along the creek late afternoon. Barn Owl showed very well over the NE corner of the marsh from 4.30 pm. Teal have increased to around 300, 50+ Shoveler, 30 Wigeon and 2 Shelduck. 15 Reed Bunting, 20+ Meadow Pipit and 2 Skylark. And of interest a single blackthorn bush is beginning to flower! Alan Shearman RSPB.