Bird Reports for February 2010
Sunday 28th February 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 01/03/10
Canvey Seafront, 07:15 to 12:00
49 Gannet (mostly adults), 5 Kittiwake, 3 Sanderling, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-throated Diver. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 08:15 to 11:40
2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Kittiwake (2 adults, 3 1st winter), 40+ Gannet (1 2nd year, the rest adults), 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers, Jeff Delve, Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:40
5 Goldfinch, 2 Redwing in garden.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 13:50
1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 8 Snipe, 35 Shoveler, 50 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 17:30
1 adult male Peregrine Falcon at eastern end disturbed from fields. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 27th February 2010
South Fambridge, 07:45 to 08:50
Walking east along seawall c.1km: 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 4 Skylark, 2 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Whooper Swan (herd looks to have moved back further towards South Fambridge Hall, could only see a small part of the herd visible through hedgerow). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh Marsh, 08:00
1 Little Grebe and 1 Northern Water Vole in pond opposite golf driving range. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 09:00 to 09:40
1 Greenshank, 3 Corn Bunting singing around the car park, 4 Reed Bunting, 5 Skylark along the access road. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:10 to 11:00
Walked the MOD road and back: 3 Red-legged Partridge, 11 Fieldfare, 40 Corn Bunting, 800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Water Rail (heard), 2 Reed Bunting. 4 Brown Hare. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, 10:30 to 10:45
1 Ring-billed Gull showing well, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults, 95% summer plumage). John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (heard calling approx 100m SW of compound), 3 Nuthatch (All territorially 'singing'. 1 car park, 1 S of Play area, 1 150m Sw of compound). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:15 to 12:15
Sea Wall from coastguards to east end of Gunners: 1 Great Northern Diver showing well just off old jetty, 1 Rock Pipit. 1 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Potton Island, 12:30 to 14:30
Viewed from Barling Ness: 13 Canada Goose, 1 male Hen Harrier on eastern seawall, then flew across Middleway, 1 Merlin flew from Potton to Barling Marsh, 1 female Kestrel hunting on Potton, 1 Barn Owl (the bird with the black left wing-tip flew from Barling Marsh to Potton where it hunted along the north seawall). Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:30 to 16:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Mistle Thrush (2 singing), 1 Fieldfare. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 13:50
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi seen during a drive by). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Billericay, Lake Meadows 14:15 to 15:30
2 pairs Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pochard. Dan Davison.
Epping Forest Nr Whitehall Road 15:00
2 Little Egret. See photo: http://andysnaps.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/egret1sml.jpg. Andrew Perrin.
Havengore Island, 15:30 to 16:10
Viewed from Haven Point: 4 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, c.2500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Barn Owl (not the Potton bird. Hunting along the Havengore Creek seawall). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 17:15
2 Little Egret. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park
Male Siskin at our feeding station this afternoon, seen from the RSPB Visitor Centre for just five minutes. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Friday 26th February 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 25/02/10
Rochford, Craven Close 09:10 and 11:50
1 Wren, 1 male Blackcap. Richard Goring.
South Fambridge, 09:30 to 11:00
1 Whooper Swan, 13 Bewick's Swan on pool in field well east of South Fambridge Hall so easier to see that recently, 41 Mute Swan. Jeff Delve
Potton Island, 09:30 to 12:30
Viewed from the bridge, then from Barling Ness: 7 Canada Goose, c.300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 male Hen Harrier. Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling, 12:50 to 13:05
1 male Merlin perched in tree at rear of Barling churchyard. 'Scoped from 70 yards, a real joy. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Airport, 15:45 to 15:45
Westbarrow Hall Fishing Club off Aviation Way: 1 Kingfisher fishing with me for a while (and a 3lb 2oz Chub!), 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 25th February 2010
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:10 to 08:20
1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 5 Blackbird (1 male, 4 female), 1 male Blackcap, 3 Chaffinch (1 male, female) all in garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Potton Island, 13:30 to 15:15
3 Canada Goose, c.500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier over Middleway, 1 male Merlin attacking large starling flock, 1 Barn Owl hunting northern sea wall of Potton. This bird had dark outer primaries on the left wing, giving a distinctive black left wing-tip. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 25th February 2010
Rochford, Golden Cross, Craven Close, 08:20 and 10:20
1 male Blackcap. Richard Goring.
South Fambridge, 09:15 to 11:45
56 Mute Swan viewed with difficulty from the seawall about 1km east of South Fambridge, 12 adult Bewick's Swan with the mutes, 1 adult Whooper Swan with the herd, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair, upriver), 8 Skylark, 6 Reed Bunting (3 pairs, some singing). Don Petrie
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:30 to 12:30
25 Curlew, 24 Snipe, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch (singing), 4 Stock Dove, 20 FieldFare, 1 Redwing in with the Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush (singing well), c.250 Wigeon, 42 Shovler, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Also heard Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Tit. David Shepherd.
Rochford, 10:30
Between Sutton Road, and Stonebridge, Barling: 2+ Corn Bunting in hedgerow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
On the RSPB walk: Collared Dove, Magpie, Jay, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Robin, Little Grebe, Pochard, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler, Wood Pigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Ruff, Teal, Snipe, Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Little Egret, Shelduck, Oyster Catcher, Gadwall, Shoveler, Rook, Greenfinch, Chaffinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Barling Rubbish Tip, 10:40 to 13:00
Plenty of Herring Gulls but not many GBBG or LBBG: 1 adult Pink-footed Goose grazing on Potton with 6 Canada and 2 Greylag viewed from seawall on north side of tip, 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female), 2 Yellowhammer by farm, 7 Reed Bunting, c.2500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on Potton, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 11:40 to 13:05
2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 7 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting, 3 Little Grebe, 15 Shelduck, 11 Curlew, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Skylark, 11 Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan with c50 Mute Swan in fields to the north of All Saints Church. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 15:15
50 Snipe, 25 Curlew, many Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler with a few Mallard, 3 Water Rail. Also Reed Bunting, Fieldfare, Redwing. Andrew Cox.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15.15
1 female Sparrowhawk caught a Collared Dove in the garden. David Selley.
Southchurch Park West
All day: Pair of Pochard and 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 residents Mute Swans seen mating, pen has blue ring now number 423. Robert Dobinson.
Wednesday 24th February 2010
South Fambridge, 07:15 to 08:10
To Brandy Hole and Back: 6 Little Grebe, 1 Rock Pipit, c.100 Golden Plover, 2 Reed Bunting (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Barton Hall Creek, 09:30 to 11:15
2 Reed Bunting (a pair), 18 Pintail on Bartonhall Creek, 2 Little Egret, 2 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Mistle Thrush, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard sat in small oak tree on east boundary of raised reservoir, 100m past chicken sheds. 'Mewing' and flying between the trees from 9:45 to 9:55, 3 Woodcock (two flushed from hedgerow running north of raised reservoir and one flew over concrete track). Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Park West 09:55
Pair of Pochard on pond. Robert Dobinson.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 12:00 to 13:15
2 Skylark, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel, 2 Song Thrush, 53 Redwing (haven't seen any for a while), 1 Fieldfare (with the Redwing), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 23rd February 2010
South Fambridge, 06:45 to 07:10
5 Bewick's Swan viewed from behind church. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Ongar, Mill Lane 08.20
2 Bullfinch excellent cock and hen feeding in hedgerow. T.Thorneycroft.
Laindon Shopping Centre 08:30
11 Redwing, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Blue Tit. Mike Cook.
Eastwood 10:00
1 Small Falcon, possibly a Juvenile Peregrine, flew very low over the rooftops, at tremendous speed. Disappeared in seconds. Les Costin.
Basildon, Gloucester Park 12:15 to 12:45
Mass of birds spread over the field by the skate park: 108+ Redwing, with 4+ Fieldfare, 100+ Starling, Wood pigeon, Crows and 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Phillips.
Chelmsford, River Can 13:05
1 Kingfisher by Essex County Cricket Ground. Tim Davis.
Monday 22nd February 2010
Southchurch Boulevard, Usually 11:00 to 15:00
Daily for the last ten days: 1 Little Egret - usually walks up and down central grass area feeding, completely oblivious to traffic. Betty.
Thundersley 14.00
Redpoll, Spotted by brother on feeder with Goldfinch. Mark D and Jim.
Southend, Victoria Avenue 14.30
1 immature Peregrine on window ledge. Mike Sagrott.
Hockley/Hawkwell, Potash Nursery, 14:50 to 14:50
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker all in the air together going their own ways. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Park, West Pond, 16:30
1 Great Crested Grebe in Summer plumage, fishing and diving. Robert Dobinson.
Sunday 21st February 2010
South Fambridge, 07:05 to 08:35
Brandy Hole and back: 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 1 Barn Owl hunting reedy borrowdyke by pillbox, 1 Corn Bunting flew east calling, 3 Reed Bunting (1 singing), c.20 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Fieldfare flew high north. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 08:50 to 09:05
1 Curlew Sandpiper with c.10 Dunlin on mud opposite car park, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Corn Bunting singing at Grapnell's. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge 11:20 to 12:00
1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Little Grebe, 3 Bewick's Swan flying east from beyond Beckney pillbox, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 pairs), 95 Wigeon, c.140 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting. David Selley.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:00
1 Kingfisher on the sewage tanks. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
South Fambridge, 11:30 to 13:00
Great Crested Grebe well east on river, 20 Little Grebe, 4 Red-breasted Merganser (1 pair east, 1 pair west), 1 Rock Pipit on salt marsh to east, 1 Whooper Swan with Mute Flock behind South Fambridge Hall, 3 Bewick's Swan (at least - difficult to see from sea wall), 2 Yellowhammer flew over path down to sea wall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Stondon Massey (Nr Brentwood) 11:45
6 Mandarin Duck (3 drake, 3 female). On previous days only 2 pairs sighted. Jean.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:30 to 14:00
2 Knot on the Fleet, unusual to see them on non-tidal water, 60 Teal, 7 Stock Dove, 2203 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (flock on the deck watched for 30 minutes at 100m range just north of central track, 4 Skylark, 700 Starling, 1 Ruff north of central track, 1 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl showing well, hunting central track, 1 adult Black Brant with the brent flock, 102 Corn Bunting (flocks of 60 near between barns and central track and 40 by boatyard pond, plus 2 singles by Potton bridge), 1 Sparrowhawk, 60 Lapwing, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Meadow Pipit, 9 Shoveler. 7 Brown Hare. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:10 to 15:30
1 Barn Owl showed superbly hunting seawall and car park at slipway, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 adult female Marsh Harrier hunting Haven Point and Havengore, 1 Sparrowhawk, c.100 Knot, c.1000 Bar-tailed Godwit at Haven Point, c.1200 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, c.350 Oystercatcher, c.40 Curlew, 1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 15:00 to 17:00
1 Purple Sandpiper with 550 Turnstones on old slipway, 41 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver crabbing just west of pier, 26 Great Crested Grebe well scattered - most towards Thorpe Bay. Also 2 Seals in lifeboat bay area. Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:50 to 17:35
1 Barn Owl, 1000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 250 Golden Plover, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk flew north across river, 80 White / Pied Wagtail came into roost. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 20th February 2010
Rochford, Craven Close, Golden Cross, 09.25
1 Wren. Richard Goring.
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:45 to 12:00
130 Wigeon, 80 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 13 Pintail, 100 Lapwing, 30 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs, 09:30 to 11:30
From Haven Point looking east towards Foulness: 1 Barn Owl on Foulness, 30 Fieldfare, 2 Kestrel, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 400 Lapwing, 3 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Bowers Marsh 10:00 to 12:15
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mute Swan, Corn Bunting, Robin, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Goldfinch, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Meadow Pipit, Canada Goose, Rook, female Marsh Harrier, Stock Dove, Skylark, Starling, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lapwing, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 11:45
1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse SOG).
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 10:45 to 12:20
Snow Bunting (11:00 - 11:20) 5OO yds west of pillbox on riverside of seawall, showed well but became mobile, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, Little Egret, 10 Reed Bunting, 4 Mute Swan, c.100 Shelduck, c.200 Brent Goose, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:10 to 14:30
From marina: 14 Ruff, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on RSPB Vange Wick, 1 Water Rail, 1 2nd winter Caspian Gull seen from marina pill box at 13.10, with another 2nd winter seen at 14.10 flying across creek. 2 Red Fox. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:15 to 11:45
1 immature male Peregrine Falcon hunting low through garden, came from the east, headed low west at 11:15, 1 female Sparrowhawk low through gardens at 11:45, came from east heading west. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 11:30 to 12:30
1 Kingfisher on old sewage tanks. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:30 to 13:00
2 Firecrest near west boundary where new coppice is cut. Probably a pair. NB Tim Bourne had another in large Holly near SW corner), 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch near playground, c.100 Redwing feeding on ground 200m SW of compound. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:15 to 16:15
1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, 100+ Lapwing (poss. Vange flock), 56 Black-tailed Godwit including one in summer plumage. Another had coloured leg rings: right leg green above and red below, left leg red above and white below), 10 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank. Also Curlew, Redshank, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard, Tufted Duck. Andrew Cox.
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 13:20 to 13:20
1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 6 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 1 male Blackcap. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 15:50
10 Ruff on RSPB Vange Wick from pillbox, 33 Corn Bunting in creekside bushes, 1 Cetti's Warbler from main hide. 1 Brown Hare on RSPB Vange Wick. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:00 to 16:15
1 Guillemot sat on water for 24 minutes midway between point and pier head before flying east out of estuary at 16.06, 1 female Marsh Harrier flew south over point towards Kent, 52 Great Crested Grebe. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 17:00
1 adult male Hen Harrier in from Foulness ended up sitting in field by borrowdyke late on, 1 Merlin on fields at eastern end, 1 Curlew Sandpiper with wader flock on falling tide from car park - flew out to feed in breach, c.3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (multiple flocks on Foulness regularly flying out to river but not onto Wallasea), 1 adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose in flight with Db Brent. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 15:10 to 15:35
36+ Mute Swan (main flock now about half a mile NE of Paglesham Church), 3 Bewick's Swan (may have been more as not all the Swan flock was visible from footpath to East of Church). Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 16:20 to 16:40
2 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Bullfinch in scrub just SE of Shipwrights Close entrance. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:15 to 17:40
1 Barn Owl, 3 Red-legged Partridge. 2 Brown Hare, 1 Red Fox. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Stanford Le Hope
Fircrest in St Margaret's church yard.
Friday 19th February 2010
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:30 to 13:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford, Golden Cross, Mansted Gardens, 11.50
1 Pied Wagtail. Have seen a Pied Wagtail close to Ashingdon Road/Rectory Road junction at Golden Cross in the past, but this is first sighting in nearby Mansted Gardens. Richard Goring.
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 13:30
1 Kingfisher. Tim Davis.
Shoebury East Beach, 14:00 to 14:20
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on the boom, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 18th February 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
On the RSPB walk: Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Redshank, Teal, Wigeon, 7 Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Shelduck, Lapwing, Rook, Jackdaw, Moorhen, Little Egret, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Redwing, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Greenshank, Curlew, Fieldfare, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, Robin, Blue Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Cold Norton c.16:00
Barn Owl quartering the field at the bottom of our garden. Also present on the 16th and 17th. Steve Lambeth.
Wednesday 17th February 2010
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 09:20
1 male Blackcap. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Rayleigh, 10:10
1 Sparrowhawk over A127 just after Rayleigh Weir heading towards Southend. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:30 to 12:00
6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 drakes), 1 Snow Bunting on landward side of seawall near the bunker, flushed by dogs and could not be refound, 4 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 11:00 to 15:00
1 Woodcock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Turnstone, 1 Barnacle Goose. Thomas Harris.
RSPB Vange Wick 11:30
Viewed from Wat Tyler Country Park: 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Greenshank, many Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Wigeon. Les Costin (EBS).
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:15 to 14:15
1 Mediterranean Gull with almost full Summer Plumage, 3 Pintail, 5+ Pochard, very many Wigeon, Shoveler, and Teal, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Long-tailed Tit. Les Costin (EBS).
Wallasea Wetlands, 12:20 to 13:30
2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair in flooding channels on the wetlands). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 12:30 to 13:30
13 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mandarin Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Redwing, 1 pair Mute Swan. Neil Phillips, Ben Setterfield.
Hockley Woods, 14:15 to 15:30
6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Green Woodpecker. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill 15:30
2 pairs of Bullfinch, 50 Fieldfare. Sue Haffenden.
Hockley Woods, 15:45 to 17:00
Between car park and compound: 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Priory Park, 16:10 to 17:30
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew into favoured horse chestnut by stream just N of ponds at 16:35. After 10 minutes, flew to SW of island and roosted in around an ivy covered trunk. Called occasionally, sometimes the expected double squawk, but more a raucous jay-like call, or a deep magpie-like machine-gun chatter. Still visible at 16:20, although sometimes hidden within ivy, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker displaying north of walled garden, 12 Greenfinch in tree tops. Don Petrie (SOG).
Billericay, Norsey Wood
2 Treecreeper (at 16:00), 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (including drumming), c.25 Siskin, 2 Green Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Robin, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Redwing, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Buzzard flying over. Chris Huggins.
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Leigh on Sea, Thames Drive, 08:30 to 08:40
2 Waxwing feeding on roadside trees 60 metres south of London Road. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Billericay, Norsey Wood, 11:30
c.25 Redwing. Chris Huggins.
Prittlewell, Oakengrange Drive 14:15 to 14:30
34 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush and a few Blackbird all feeding in the short section east of Manners Way. For some reason they are mostly ignoring berry laden trees in the rest of the road. David Selley.
Billericay, Lake Meadows, 14:45
30+ Redwing, 1 female Goosander, 1 drake Shoveler, 10 Pochard - mixed group. Marion Burch.
Billericay, Norsey Wood
2 Song Thrush (singing), 2 Bullfinch (pair), Great Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Robin, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Jay, 1 Treecreeper, 20+ Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren. Chris Huggins.
Monday 15th February 2010
Hockley Woods, 07:30 to 08:15
c.10 Great Spotted Woodpecker (8+ drumming), 1 Stock Dove singing, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 2 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 08:30
1 Little Egret in stream by bridge. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 08:30 to 09:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mute Swan. Neil Phillips.
Two Tree Island 09:20 to 11:20
3 Black Swan on Benfleet Creek, 1 Water Rail on the scrape. David Lee.
Two Tree Island (East), 11:30 to 12:10
1 female Kingfisher showing well on near frozen sewage works, 1 Pheasant, 2 Skylark, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel (looks like a resident pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 11:30 to 13:45
West to Brandy Hole: 1 Snow Bunting on seaward side of sea wall near first pillbox west of steps c13:20-30, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail hunting opposite Brandy Hole c12:15), 2 Rock Pipit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:45 to 15:30
107 Shoveler, 15 Pintail, 12 Pochard, 6 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter on Vange 2nd winter and 4 adults on Vange Wick), 1 Slavonian Grebe still present on Vange Wick reservoir, 1 juvenile/1st winter Iceland Gull on Vange Wick, 16 Ruff on Vange Wick, 260 Wigeon, 59 Black-tailed Godwit on Vange Wick. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Gunners Park 12:45 to 13:45
Chaffinch, Kestrel flying over the park, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 40 Turnstone, 30 Knot, 4 Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Grey Wagtail, 20 Little Egret. S.Jackson.
Shoebury Coastguards, 13:10 to 13:30
1 Great Northern Diver close in, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:30 to 17:00
Walked in from Stambridge fishing lakes: 2 Mute Swan (only 2 birds feeding SE of Jubilee Cottages, the main flock seems to have moved), 18 Pintail, 2 Scaup (pair still present), 16 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 2 Snipe. 1 Stoat showed well on the bridge over the stream at the SW of the horse jump field between chicken sheds and Hampton Barns. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue, 14:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on top of office building. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 14th February 2010
Victoria Avenue 08:30
Female Pergrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Glenn Jacobs. RSPB.
Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 11:00
2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male and female showing well), 1 Treecreeper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Firecrest (in large group of tall holly bushes on the boundary fence with Bullwood Hall 100m north of the Bull Lane footpath TQ828916). Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Red-necked Grebe disturbed by power boat, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Little Grebe. Dave Knight (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 13:00
Seen during WeBS count: 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker. David Selley.
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 13:20
WEBS count: 1 Slavonian Grebe on old sewage works, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2500 Dunlin, 3400 Knot, 155 Redshank, 28 Turnstone, 229 Curlew, 2 Greenshank, 133 Ringed Plover, 190 Grey Plover, 2 Snipe, 66 Oystercatcher, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Lapwing, 63 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Water Rail, 88 Teal, 45 Shelduck, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 800 Black-headed Gull, 16 Common Gull, 2 Kestrel (pair), 2 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 7 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rochford, Golden Cross, 10:30
1 Long-tailed Tit. Richard Goring.
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:10
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male south west of the compound, not calling or drumming), 1 Firecrest (large Hollys on the Bullwood Hall boundary), 2 Nuthatch (1 in main clearing, 1 heard east of car park), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:15 to 12:00
1 Firecrest in tall holly trees along Bullwood Hall boundary, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Stock Road Southend 11.30
Pair of Kestrel, checking out their usual nest site. Dan Davison.
Two Tree Island (East), 11:30 to 12:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 Slavonian Grebe. Dave Knight (SOG).
South Fambridge, River Crouch 11:30 to 14:15
1 Red-necked Grebe showing well c.1 mile east along seawall with Great Crested Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 1 Snow Bunting c.1 mile west along seawall. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:00
From hide: c.2000 Knot, c.1000 Dunlin, 79 Avocet, 1 Water Rail, 33 Grey Plover, 138 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Grebe, 29 Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 6 Shoveler, 3 Coot, 12 Redshank, 2 Moorhen, 15 Turnstone, 2 Little Egret, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Greenshank, 5 Shelduck. Noel Barnes.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:00 to 13:00
1 Slavonian Grebe and 1 Kingfisher on old sewage tanks viewed from the hide, 2 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
South Fambridge, 12:20 to 13:30
1 female Snow Bunting on seawall opposite Stow Creek and showing well, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Red-necked Grebe distantly towards Bridgemarsh. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 12:20 to 13:40
2 Crossbill (flew in from SW at 12.30, landed v briefly by perimeter path behind golf driving range, then continued towards Bull pub / car park, calling continuously. Ian Prentice heard 1+ heading SW over the SW corner of the wood at 12.25), 1 Nuthatch (car park), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove (singing by clearing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 13:45 to 16:00
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Firecrest, 1 Tawny Owl (heard). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 14:45 to 15:30
1 Firecrest. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:45 to 16:30
1 Slavonian Grebe still in old sewage tanks. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:45 to 17:30
15 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe (1 just west of village; 1 came out of Stow Creek on falling tide - 2nd bird?), c.50 White / Pied Wagtail coming into roost in reed bed by seawall just west of village. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Springfield Lock and Basin 16:05 to 16:10
1 Kingfisher perched south of stone bridge which then flew round into basin where it perched again and after a short while dived and caught a small fish, perched again and fed. Tim Davis.
Wat Tyler Country Park
1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Marsh Harrier from motorboat museum hide, 5 Chiffchaff from ringing area and 4 Corn Buntings in bushes along Timberman's Creek. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Saturday 13th February 2010
Hockley Woods, 06:50 to 07:35
1 female Sparrowhawk, 10 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 07:20 to 10:00
1 Nuthatch, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (pair), 13 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper. Paul Griggs, Bob Young (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:15 to 10:45
1 Red-necked Grebe, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 drakes). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Point, 10:15 to 11:45
1 Red-necked Grebe close in off point throughout, 1 Great Northern Diver mid river throughout, 1 Black-throated Diver distant offshore from Westcliff seafront, c.30 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier hunting Kent side. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friars Park, 10:50 to 11:00
1 drake Mandarin Duck, 1 Red Fox. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:30 to 14:15
1 Little Egret, 2 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 17 Grey Heron. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 12:10
20 Curlew in flight, 200 Oystercatcher, 200+ Knot at high tide roost, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier flew towards Foulness being harried by a Crow. Jackie, Chris, Mya Graham.
Hockley Woods, 13:10 to 14:55
6 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch (car park), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male from S boundary track in SW corner shortly before Bullwood Hall), 1 Firecrest (in last tall holly bush on left before woodlog piles if you walk down main track from car park no sign along S boundary track), 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker (at least), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Martin Cracknell
South Fambridge 13:15 to 13:30
1 Red-necked Grebe mid channel, west of steps, 9 Redwing in tree, 60+ Fieldfare in fields along Cherry Orchard Way (see map). Web Author, Kris Mee.
Wallasea Wetlands, 15:20 to 16:30
2 Curlew Sandpiper (3/4 of the way towards the mast just beyond 2nd breach on the mud), 1 male Merlin, 1 Barn Owl, 1 male Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Egret. Martin Cracknell, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Friday 12th February 2010
Benfleet Park from End of Brook Road to Rail Station, 07:35 to 07:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe flushed from brook running through park together with egret, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Benfleet, 08:20 to 08:25
1 Buzzard drifting north low over Sadler's Farm roundabout, pursued by Crows. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:30 to 10:00
2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 50 Redwing. Bob Young (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 09:00 to 13:00
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi), 2 Slavonian Grebe (Shoebury Coastguards), 49 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Mediterranean Gull. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 12:45
2 Nuthatch (1 by car park, and 1 near southern perimeter track), 4 Treecreeper (3 where Firecrest was on the southern edge of woodland the other 100m sw of compound), 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Mistle Thrush, 30 Redwing (flock feeding on ground 150m south west of compound), 2 Woodcock (1 flew over coppiced area 400m north of southern perimeter, the other flushed from under a holly tree just off southern perimeter), 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (a pair showing well 100m sw of compound not calling or drumming, 1 called twice and did brief display flight around coppiced area 400m north of southern perimeter from central track. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Red-necked Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mediterranean Gull. Bob Young (SOG).
South Fambridge, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Red-necked Grebe showing well and continuously from steps on seawall, favouring mid channel or south side of river approx. 300m west of steps towards Brandy Hole, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 drakes and a female), 1 Snipe flew down river, 10 Shoveler, 15 Mistle Thrush (flock on approach road), 2 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Baker
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:15 to 15:35
2 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Little Stint on first breach directly out from car park, 1 Barn Owl hunting southern seawall, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie
Thursday 11th February 2010
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:25 to 08:30
1 adult Ring-billed Gull still present, 1 male Red-breasted Merganser 10 meters from the beach, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult winter and 2 adults nearly in summer plumage). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Park Country Park 10:30 to 12:45
RSPB walk today: Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Pochard, Magpie, Moorhen, Coot, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Little Grebe, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Blackbird, Shoveler, Herring Gull, Robin, Common Gull, Canada Goose, Mallard, Fieldfare, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Dunnock. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:15 to 14:00
8 Pintail (5 male, 3 female), 47 Shoveler, c.200 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 2 Snipe, 11 Meadow Pipit, 2 Little Grebe. David Shepherd.
Wat Tyler County Park 14:30 to 16:00
Marina: 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe. Scrape: 2 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 12 Pochard on fields left of hide, c.100 Canada Geese, 49 Lapwing, 60.Wigeon. David Shepherd.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 17:45
1 Barn Owl along southern seawall, 2 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 10th February 2010
Basildon, Gloucester Park 12:00
1 drake Mandarin Duck, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Mistle Thrush in close proximity to each other. Neil.
Rayleigh, Weir Gardens 13:30 to 14:50
7 Redwing, 1 male Blackcap feeding on Cottoneaster berries in garden. Carol Wright.
Hockley Woods, 13:30 to 15:10
2 Firecrest, 80 Redwing (approx feeding on the deck near Bull PH flushed by Sparrowhawk), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Priory Park, 16:25 to 16:40
1 Ring-necked Parakeet on a tree overhanging the brook by the NE corner of the fishing lake. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Tuesday 09th February 2010
Hockley Woods, 11:40 to 13:40
2 Nuthatch (1 car park; 1 clearing), 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 half-heartedly drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Redwing, 1 Firecrest (a cracking male in holly tree to north of southern perimeter path about halfway between the path down to Eastwood SF and the path to Bull Lane, Rayleigh), 4 Goldcrest (in same area as the Firecrest, but moved off into the wood). Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Marsh Harrier hunting SE side of island, 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail along S side of island, the other on Foulness/Potton), 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (several flocks along Roach and on Foulness/Potton). 3 Brown Hare. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00 to 16:00
4 Fieldfare in the 'dog free' meadow. Neil Phillips.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 14:20 to 15:45
3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Shelduck, 17 Pochard, 5 Goosander plus 32 Redwing on the field behind the swimming pool. Chris Henry.
Paglesham Lagoon, 15:15 to 16:00
Just viewed from north end: 44 Mute Swan (SE of Jubilee Cottages), 8 Bewick's Swan (with mute herd), 27 Pintail, 2 Scaup (pair), 13 Goldeneye. Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:20 to 17:25
1 Red-necked Grebe (c300m either side of North Fambridge yacht club and both sides of the river, and showed extremely well on occasions), 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 drakes), 1 Barn Owl hunting seawall just east of village, 1 male Sparrowhawk flew north across river, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Grebe (including 1 odd bird which was entirely black & white, and had a very capped appearance, and could easily be mistaken for a Slavonian on a brief/distant view). Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:50 to 17:30
1 Red-necked Grebe (active and mobile - showed very well from steps at South Fambridge, at times to c20m!), 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Barn Owl. Mike Bailey, Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie (SOG).
Maldon 16:00
1 Merlin. Thomas Harris.
Monday 08th February 2010
Barling Marsh, 08:30 to 11:30
Along seawall round tip to nearly opposite Paglesham Lagoon and back: 2 Hen Harrier (male flew from Potton west along the Roach; ringtail hunting on Potton), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Herring Gull (or hybrid) (a 3rd winter bird; head/bill as argenteus, mantle slightly paler, primaries washed out brown/cream). Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, Golden Cross 09.15 and 10.10
1 Fieldfare at 09.15 and 2 Redwing at 10.10. We are getting both species in ones and twos for the past 3-4 weeks. They come to feast on our cotoneater berries, much to the displeasure of our winter-resident Blackbirds. Richard Goring.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 14:30
50+ Redwing, 5 Goosander (1 male, 4 female), 1 Shoveler, 6 male Pochard. Marion Burch.
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock, River Chelmer 14:30
69+ Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker in meadow on south side of river. Paul Forsdick.
Canvey Point, 15:00 to 16:50
7 Kittiwake (1 + 6 adults flew east), 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults & 1 2nd winter), 4 drake Pintail on water off point briefly, c.10 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 07th February 2010
Wakering Stairs, 07:45 to 08:15
1 Red-breasted Goose, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 200 Knot, 2 Red-legged Partridge. Bob Young (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:05 to 08:20
12 Pintail (6 drakes), 20 Shoveler, 50 Teal, 60 Wigeon, 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island, 08:30 to 08:55
Canvey Heights CP: 2 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Grebe on Smallgains flood, 108 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Peregrine Falcon spooked all the geese and gulls from Smallgains. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 08:55 to 09:05
1 male Bullfinch, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11:30
1 Barn Owl being shadowed by a male Kestrel over the rough ground behind the sea wall. Also several Redshank calling and feeding on the mud. Chris and Jackie Graham.
Rayleigh, ASDA Car Park 13.15
A pair of Long-tailed Tit, 3 Pied Wagtails, 7 Black-headed Gull, 4 Blackbird, 5 Magpie, 8 Carrion Crow. S.Jackson.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 13:15 to 13:20
1 male Siskin on the feeder. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:55 to 14:35
1 Slavonian Grebe still on reservoir which now has quite a bit more water than last week, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 14:55 to 15:05
1 Ring-billed Gull on mud opposite Rossi's, 3 adult Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 15:20
1 Peregrine Falcon near camera mast. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canewdon, Gardener's Lane 15:25 to 15:55
c.14 Yellowhammer in trees and bushes at NE end of lane around garages/sheds, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:45 to 17:15
180 White-fronted Goose (+, 2 flocks flying NE at mid height over the mud at 16:05. The first flock counted as a main skein of 115 with a trailing skein of c.45. The second flock contained 26 birds and was about a minute behind the first), c.800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (mostly on Havengore and difficult to view. At 17:10, most of the birds flew south to the foreshore at Wakering Stairs at the edge of the incoming tide, but the light was too poor to see if the Red-breasted Goose was present), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing at the southern end. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:05 to 16:40
2 Curlew Sandpiper with Dunlins and Ringed Plovers on 1st breach 100 yds east of car park, c.3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose - a large flock at east end of island. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:40 to 16:45
1 Barn Owl. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Saturday 06th February 2010
Paglesham Lagoon 07:40
1 female Smew, Dunlin, Dunnock, 3 Goldeneye, 55 Gadwall, 15 Pintail, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, 10 Greylag Goose, 12 Canadian Goose, 6 Mute Swan, 3 Bewick swan (with mutes on farm land), 12 Avocet, 20 Little Grebe, 150+ Coot, Moorhen, 50+ Pochard, Black-tailed Godwit, Shelduck, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, 1m Scaup (amongst Tufted), Redshank, Lapwing, 30 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-legged Partridge near farm buildings. Noel Barnes.
Canewdon, Scotts Hall Road 08:00 to 08:10
1 Little Owl. Bob Young (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 09:30
8 Bewick's Swan with mute flock, south of Jubilee cottages, c.20 Goldeneye, 2 Scaup, 16 Pintail. Bob Young
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 11:00
Slavonian Grebe showed well on Vange Wick reservoir viewed from the pill box at Wat Tyler. In Tinermans creek from the marina 15 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank and 1 Greenshank along with Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwings, Curlews and Redshanks. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Peregrine Falcon from main hide, 15 Ruff in creek by marina. Bob Young (SOG).
Orsett, Baker Street 14.00
2 Common Buzzard. 1 Sparrowhawk. Jim Cockram.
High over Westcliff on Sea 14:00 to 14:30
2 Common Buzzard circling above Westcliff for over half an hour. These were soaring high and a fair way from me but I have seen them here before. I would estimate they were above the Bell pub area. Previous sightings have been at similar times. Mark Allington.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:10 to 15:20
Sparrowhawk over, 1 male Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 15 Magpie all in garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Roper's Farm and River Roach, 15:15 to 17:00
12 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Pintail (pair), 300 Wigeon, 400 Teal, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Bunting, 25 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Little Grebe. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:20 to 15:40
3 Bewick's Swan behind church with mutes, 5 Mute Swan. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Belfairs 15.30
1 Common Buzzard flying up the eighteenth, high above the trees causing mayhem amongst other birds. Paul Rossiter.
Ark Lane, 16:00 to 16:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Woodcock flushed from the edge of the path, 1 Little Owl very vocal and showing well in the usual tree, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Fieldfare. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 05th February 2010
Basildon, Noak Bridge 09:00 - 17:00
10 Mallard, 1 Mandarin Duck (usually here but has not been seen for a week - looks like it's been at Wat Tyler. has been here for at least 3 months), 1 Shoveler, (been here for some years), 2 Moorhen. Patti Lindsay.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Slavonian Grebe seen well on reservoir from pillbox lookout, 1 Spotted Redshank from Marina, 4 Corn Bunting singing birds from lookout, 10 Pintail flew over with large Wigeon flock from Vange Marsh. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Parkanaur Avenue 12:25 to 13:15
Female Green Woodpecker. Ian and Marion Smith.
Basildon 16:30
1 Peregrine on window ledge in NE corner of office block adjacent to the station. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 17:30 to 17:40
1 Tawny Owl in woodland next to Chapel Lane car park. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Thursday 04th February 2010
Wat Tyler Park 10:30 - 12:45
RSPB walk today: Shoveler, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Pochard, Jay, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Moorhen, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Teal, Redshank, Widgeon, Black-tailed Godwit, Shelduck, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Robin, Mute Swan, Lapwing, Canada Goose, Redwing, Starling, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Chaffinch. Terry Jeffreys.
South Fambridge, 10:40 to 11:30
5 Bewick's Swan, 16 Mute Swan behind church. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:40 to 12:40
2 Nuthatch 1 Treecreeper in clearing, 8 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:15 to 15:00
1 1st winter Iceland Gull on field next to Reservoir, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull almost with a full hood on reservoir, 25 Corn Bunting (flock in bushes along creek), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard from pillbox viewing platform. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 15:30
1 Kingfisher sitting in the tree, he has been about for several days. Sue Haffenden.
Wednesday 03rd February 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:30 to 09:00
11 Pintail, 12 Pochard, 50 Shoveler, c.200 Wigeon, c.125 Teal, 90 Lapwing, c.150 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag Geese, 2 Snipe, 1 Reed Bunting. David Shepherd.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 09:15
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Slavonian Grebe on Vange Wick reservoir at 08.50 and later at 16.10, 2 Water Rail heard by scrape hide. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:30 to 13:15
4 Great Crested Grebe on the river, 3 Little Egret, 48 Mute Swan south of Jubilee Cottages, 8 Bewick's Swan with the swan herd at Jubilee Cottages, 17 Pintail, 2 Scaup (pair), 22 Goldeneye, Don Petrie (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens, 11:50
1 male Blackcap in the garden. Patricia Selley.
Rochford, 13:15 to 13:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeders. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Tuesday 02nd February 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:40 to 11:50
1 adult Iceland Gull on reservoir 11:05 - 11:15), 1 Spoonbill flew from Vange Marsh direction and landed directly north of reservoir out of view at 1040, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull (one approaching summer plumage), 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Sparrowhawk. 2 Red Fox. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 15:30
5 Great Crested Grebe, 240 Oystercatcher. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southend 14:15
2 Peregrine Falcon displaying and calling over Baxter Avenue, seen from Sainsbury's car park. David Selley.
Barling, Mucking Road 14:15
12 Red-legged Partridge. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Monday 01st February 2010
River Crouch Aboard Lady Essex III 08:04 to 08:12
1 Eider. 24 Seals both Common and Grey hauled out on Buxey Sands West of the Ray Sands channel 2, Common Seal Bulls Hauled out on Foulness Sands by Buxey 2 buoy. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 11:00
1 adult Iceland Gull at 10:30 on the RSPB reservoir and adjacent fields, 1 Slavonian Grebe on the RSPB reservoir, showed for a few minutes along nearside N.E. end, 2 Little Grebe, (1 on the reservoir and one in the creek, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull on the reservoir. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 10:20
In the creek from the marina: 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 12:15
1 Sparrowhawk high over the tip, 1 Cetti's Warbler called briefly behind scrape hide, 1 Chiffchaff briefly left of the hide. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:40 to 14:15
8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe about 200m off the point at 13:45, but moved downstream and became distant. Don Petrie (SOG).