Bird Reports for February 2011
Monday 28th February 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 28/02/11
East Mayne, Basildon, near Sainsbury's 09:00
20 Waxwing in central island trees. Mark Hutson.
Wallasea Island, 12:30 to 14:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier along ditchline in centre of island, 1 Barn Owl hunting sea wall - further east than the SEO but at one point they were hovering 10m away from each other!, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting south sea wall from opposite white gate and further east, 53 Corn Bunting in trees at Grapnells, none on songposts around island in contrast to recent days. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Pitsea, 12:35
3 Waxwing in small tree in Aldi's car park. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thrift Wood, Bicknacre 15:30 to 16:30
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at north end of wood, Jay, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, in central clearing, Blue Tit and Great Tit. Dave Dives.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00
1 female Sparrowhawk spent several minutes sitting on our fence checking out the roosting sparrows. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 27th February 2011
Wallasea Wetlands, 07:20 to 14:00
Full tide cycle count of DEFRA site, wader numbers generally much reduced. Records from eastern end only: 2 Red-throated Diver (1 seen on N side of Crouch flew off north until lost in distance, another found off Wallasea Ness was oiled and hauled up onto the mud near the point), 2 Little Egret (one sheltering in lee of first island past tower for the whole 6 hours was joined by a second at the end), 1 Marsh Harrier (distantly over Foulness), 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail hunting over the islands in eastern section), 1 Peregrine Falcon (seen playing with Marsh Harrier - about same size (a big female!)), 2 Greenshank (near webcam tower), 3 Rock Pipit (by outfall at Ringwood Point), 6 Reed Bunting (group in bushes NE of tower), 4 Corn Bunting (singing birds along field edges and borrowdyke). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Pound Wood 07:45
1 Woodcock (seemed spooked by Sparrowhawk and gave excellent views on the ground). Richard Gray.
Southend, Victoria Avenue 08:30
Male and female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Hilary LeMarie, Cath Williams.
Hockley Woods 10:00
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Robin, Chaffinch, Magpie, Green Woodpecker (heard), Great Tit, Collared Dove. Neil and Faye.
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 11:30
2,225 Dark-bellied Brent Goose between Shoebury Boom and Havengore Creek, 2 Kestrel, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 8 Skylark singing, 3 Corn Bunting singing. David Selley.
Wallasea Island, 11:00 to 15:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier (one quite gingery underneath), 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 4 Grey Plover, 1 Barn Owl, 5 Skylark. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 14:10
1 Great Crested Grebe on the river, 47 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag Goose, 7 Canada Goose, 6 Egyptian Goose (including one very pale bird), 15 Pintail, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair on the river), 1 Buzzard, 1 adult Red-tailed Hawk in heavy moult with jesses flying over the sewage works, 2 Skylark, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 17:00
1 Stock Dove singing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Mistle Thrush singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea, 14:00 to 14:05
8 Waxwing in poplar tree opposite Aldi car park. Mike Clarke.
Saturday 26th February 2011
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 09:30 to 15:30
3 White-fronted Geese, 1 Red-breasted Goose, adult female Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, adult Peregrine (walked past within 30 yards and did not fly off - falconer's bird?). Graham Smith.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09:12 to 11:30
Redwing pulling up large worms in garden, male and female Siskin on Sunflower heart feeders, 4 Lesser Redpoll (1m, 3f) on nyger seed, 8 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch. 4 Blackbird. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Great Bardfield - River Pant, Bridge End 12:00
1 Little Egret. Michelle Nixon.
Fingeringhoe Wick EWT 14:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and male). R. Shepherd.
Coombe Wood, 13:00 to 13:10
1 Firecrest in garden. Jeff Saward
Friday 25th February 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:50 to 08:30
29 Pochard, 1 Snipe on scrape, 3 Black-tailed Godwit in creek by marina, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Vange Wick, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing from hide. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 08:30 to 13:20
303 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 800+ Lapwing mostly on Foulness, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Curlew, 28 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 25 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Southend, Victoria Avenue 09:45 to 09:50
2 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Peter Collins (SOG).
Chelmsford, River Can 11:30
2 Grey Wagtail by Odeon. Tim Davis.
Pitsea, High Barretts 11:45
c.40 Waxwings on trees near Sandon Stores. Gill Morrell.
Southend, 12:45
1 Grey Wagtail in High Street. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:30 to 16:00
45 Mute Swan, 6 Egyptian Goose in field with swans, 7 Pintail, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 41 Fieldfare, 11 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canewdon, 16:05
1 Buzzard over Creeksea Ferry Road. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:10 to 17:45
1 Grey Heron, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Thursday 24th February 2011
Southchurch 08:00
Wren by garden pond. Nikki.
North Shoebury 09:18 to 09:26
Spring Bird activity in garden this morning:- Pair of Blackbird, Pair of very flighty, active Dunnock, pair of Great Tit, pair of Blue Tit, pair of Robin, pair of Magpie, pair of Carrion Crow, two or three pairs each of Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove, a singing Song Thrush and a singing Greenfinch. Grey Heron on neighbours roof eyeing her pond. Terry Strong.
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 11:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 8 Skylark (singing birds), 1 Stonechat (drab immature near car park), 38 Corn Bunting (30 around Grapnells and 8 more on song posts around island, 2 colour ringed birds from across the Crouch). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blackbird, Great Tit, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Green Woodpecker, Cormorant, Coot, Greylag Goose, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Mute Swan, Teal, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Moorhen, Shelduck, Jay, Snipe, Starling, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Mallard, Little Grebe, Pochard, Great Black-backed Gull, Shoveler. Terry Jeffreys.
Wallasea Island, 16:00 to 17:40
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 45 Golden Plover, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting along sea wall, 8 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellowhammer (with corn bunting flock), 30 Corn Bunting. Sally Brierley, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 23rd February 2011
Leigh on Sea, 08:00 to 10:00
1 male Blackcap still in garden daily. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Southend, Cherry Orchard Way 08:50
8 Waxwing on roadside bushes. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:10 to 16:45
3 Little Egret, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on re-alignment, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (in dark-bellied brent flock on the re-alignment), 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 11 Knot, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 1 Barn Owl, 57 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Battlesbridge, Watery Lane 09:30
Little Egret wading in wet field next to Watery Lane. DZ.
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:00 to 17:00
6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 pairs flew up Roach), 2 Marsh Harrier (adult and immature females), 2 Hen Harrier (female and male ringtail (on size)), 2 Kestrel (1 hay stack / pile, 1 Grapnells), 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon flushed from tanks in centre of island, c.30 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover flew over, c.60 Grey Plover, c.100 Lapwing (several small flocks flew up Roach), c.30 Knot, c.300 Dunlin, 5 Black-tailed Godwit flew over east, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Curlew, c.50 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 1 Barn Owl hunting ditch lines late on, 2 Skylark (insane birds singing in the rain). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wickford, Enterprise Way 11:00 to 13:30
40+ Waxwing. Perched in various trees along side the railway line, kept coming down to feed on bushes planted along side the track. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Heybridge 13:30
2 Little Owl in their regular tree along Scraley Road. Thomas Harris.
Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Hockley Woods, 07:50 to 08:30
2 Stock Dove singing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 2 drumming), 2 Mistle Thrush singing, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit singing c.200m SW of black & white house. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey, Holehaven Creek, 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Woodpigeon, Starling, Carrion Crow, Magpie, House Sparrow, Shelduck, Curlew, Song Thrush, Robin, Skylark, Redshank, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Grey Plover, Teal, Lapwing, Dunlin, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Blue Tit, Dunnock. Terry Jeffreys.
Chafford Hundred, Sandmartin Pub, c.13:00
15 Waxwing flying from hedges one side of the road to trees on the other side. Joe & Jessica French.
Corner Rectory Road/London Road, Pitsea 14:00
100+ Waxwing. Glenn Jacobs (RSPB).
Monday 21st February 2011
Southchurch Park East 07:40
2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, one in SE corner and one in NE corner of Southchurch East - both were 'drumming'. Alec Beanse.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09:00
1 Redwing in garden. Kris Mee.
Wallasea Island, 11:00 to 11:45
350 Dark-bellied Brent Goose between Grapnells and car park, 5 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (family party, 2 adults and 3 juveniles), 1 Black Brant (nice bird, much easier to see in this flock), 1 female Hen Harrier hunting borrowdyke behind geese. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Halstead, Bluebridge Industrial Estate, 13:30
44 Waxwing, sounding like 44 mobile phones ringing! Trevor.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:00 to 15:10
2 Greenfinch (not seen any here for ages), 2 Chaffinch, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Song Thrush singing. David Selley.
Canvey Island, 17:15
1 male Sparrowhawk over Kings Road. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Sunday 20th February 2011
Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 11:15
1 female ringtail Hen Harrier west of water vole area, 1 female Merlin over salt marsh at east end, 4 Short-eared Owl again roosting along SW sea wall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Paglesham Eastend, 11:00 to 14:00
25 Little Grebe on the river and the lagoon, 6 Egyptian Goose by Paglesham Lagoon, 14 Pintail (8 drake), c.50 House Sparrow, 12 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive, 11:25 to 11:30
Male and female Siskin in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Canvey, Stanley Road, 12:02
1 Chiffchaff in garden, flew from honeysuckle and clematis tangle onto shrubs before disappearing. Ian White.
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:00 to 14:30
1,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose (several large flocks), 1 female Eider on the river, 1 male Marsh Harrier headed out towards The Dengie, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew, 3 Corn Bunting on wires at Grapnells. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:40 to 16:30
1 Peregrine Falcon seen stooping on resident flock of feral pigeons at flats next to Springfield Lock, 65+ Carrion Crow, 20+ Jackdaw, 2 Cormorant, 2 Blackbird, 1 Robin. Uncounted but also seen: Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Mallard, Greenfinch. Paul Forsdick.
Rayleigh, Weir Gardens, 15:00
15 Waxwing on telephone wires then on garden bush. Marion Burch.
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 17:00
1,200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on fields to south of island at TQ957930, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (adult and 1st W), 1 adult Black Brant, 1 Barn Owl hunting borrow dyke inland from Paglesham Pool. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 15:40
c.40 Waxwing by the football pitches. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:10 to 17:10
2+ Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Brent flock between farm and car park, 1 Barn Owl hunting south seawall, 1 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canewdon, 17:20 to 17:25
1 Little Owl showing well and calling in usual trees along Scotts Hall Road. Neil Chambers, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Saturday 19th February 2011
Southend Pier, 10:00 to 12:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Purple Sandpiper with Turnstones, 43 Turnstone, 12 Mediterranean Gull (7 1st winter, 5 adult including 1 in summer plumage). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chelmsford, Central Park 12:15 to 12:30
2 Goosander (male and female), 2 Tufted Duck (male and female), 2 Mute Swan, 2 Coot, 1 Mistle Thrush, many Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Mallard. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30 to 16:15
1 near adult Slaty-backed Gull refound on tip by Steve Arlow then refound on Vange Wick by Matthew Rodgers at 14:55. Viewing from Wat Tyler Marina was difficult in the mist/drizzle with the bird head-on for most of the time, hence ID not clinched until 15:30, shortly before it flew back to towards the tip, 3 Cetti's Warbler (3 singing males heard from the scrape hide). Don Petrie, Steve Arlow, Matt Bruty, Neil Chambers, Ian Prentice (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 13:50 to 14:15
1 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 16:00
1 Water Rail heard, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Friday 18th February 2011
Canewdon, Apton Hall Road 08:05
23 Common Pheasant running along the road in front of me and a timber lorry. After a minute or so they took the decision to fly - slightly surreal! David Selley.
North Fambridge, Althorne 09:50 to 15:00
WeBS Count: 193 Pintail, 357 Shelduck, 1,242 Brent, 1 Red-breasted Goose, 6 White-fronted Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, adult female Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard flying north-east across Bridgemarsh Island at Althorne, 1,030 Lapwing, 284 Curlew, 244 Redshank. Graham Smith, Brian Oulds.
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Marsh Harrier over Foulness sea wall, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting ditch lines to east end, 1 female Merlin at east end, 4 Short-eared Owl, 20 Corn Bunting (several small groups around SW end of island). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 14:20
c.30 Waxwing in the usual area by the football pitches. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Rochford, Cherry Orchard Way 14:30 to 14:40
30 Waxwing in hedge on west side. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Tankerville Drive 14:35
1 male Siskin in alder trees. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canewdon, 15:00
1 adult male Peregrine Falcon over house and hunting over Butts Hill, including a spectacular stoop on Collared Doves, didn't see the outcome. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:15
1 Snipe, 1 Little Egret. Uncounted but also seen: Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mallard. Paul Forsdick.
Applerow, Eastwood, 16:20
c.30 Waxwing. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Thursday 17th February 2011
Hockley/Hawkwell, 10:00 to 10:05
14 Waxwing main road Hawkwell, corner of Mount Bovers Lane. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 11:00
3 Little Egret, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (drake and 2 redheads in Paglesham Pool), 1 adult female Marsh Harrier (a new bird), 1 female Merlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Short-eared Owl flushed from sea wall near borrow dyke immediately south of farm cottages), 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Corn Bunting (at least 8 on song posts around island, one colour ringed from north of the Crouch). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Redwing, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Great back-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Cetti's Warbler, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Grey Herron, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Cormorant, Lapwing, Chaffinch, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Little Grebe. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:30 to 17:00
35 Black-tailed Godwit in Vange Creek, 3 Spotted Redshank with Godwits in Vange Creek. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wednesday 16th February 2011
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Goldfinch Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hatfield Peverel 11:30
1 Goldcrest, 1 Reed Bunting on feeders, 1 Blackcap has been visiting all morning. Alec Martin.
Southend Pier 11:30
1 Black Brant. Alex Quig.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:30 to 16:40
Scrape hide only: 6 Little Grebe, 7 Shoveler, 56 Pochard, 1 Peregrine Falcon on pylons on Bowers, 2 Water Rail (heard), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:30 to 16:40
1 female Sparrowhawk, 3 Jackdaw, also the first bumblebees of the year on mahonia flowers in the garden. David Selley.
Tuesday 15th February 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
Green Sandpiper, Peregrine Falcon, Corn Bunting, Linnet, Chaffinch, Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, Tufted Duck, 1 Brent Goose with Canada Geese. Good numbers of Gadwall, Teal, Widgeon, Mallard, Skylark. Hilary Knight.
Hockley Woods 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, Jay, Blackbird, Robin, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Herring Gull, Song Thrush, Siskin (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Chelmsford Town Centre 12:30
7 Siskin near green bridge by Sea Cadets. Flock of up to 20 present since January 2011. Grey Wagtail called in flight. Mark Gregory, Sean Gregory.
Stow Maries Halt EWT Reserve 13:00
A Buzzard and a Red Kite were watched circling above the clearing where we were having our work party lunch break this morning. The Buzzard seemed to be escorting the kite off its territory! Graham Smith.
Navestock Gardens, Thorpe Bay 13:20
1 Blackcap in my back garden. John Pitts.
Southchurch Hall Gardens 13:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Nikki.
Westcliff 14:15
150 Waxwing in grounds of RBS Thanet Grange seen from St. Laurence Park. Jerry Stock.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 15:00
5 Goosander (4f, 1m). Marion Burch.
Benfleet, 15:00
1 Blackcap singing for the last week near Queens Road, 1 Goldcrest, 25 Goldfinch. Simon Watson (SOG).
Thundersley, 15:00 to 15:15
32 Waxwing in trees in Rayleigh Road near junction with Hart Road. Bob Young (SOG).
Wickford, Enterprise Way 15:30
22 Waxwing, stayed for 15 minutes before flying off towards Rayleigh. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Eastern Avenue 17:22
1 Little Owl sitting on branch of dead tree behind Waitrose car wash. Don Wildish.
Southchurch Park East
The 2 adult Mute Swans and remaining cygnet took off from the bridge, into a NE wind. Mum and cygnet made it down to the estuary, Dad just clipped a telephone line and landed inside the bowling green, he was OK though. I picked the male swan up and took him down to the estuary. The other two were just off the foreshore/beach waiting. They were still in that area at 12:45 and looking fine. Its the first time since both adults arrived late last February that they have made it to the estuary. These two are creatures of habit and in the last two years disappeared for a few days, at this time. If they do the same hopefully they will drop the last cygnet off somewhere. All the same now they are back on the estuary and the cygnet will move on in due course. In the next two weeks, I will cut some reeds from the Southchurch Park East and put them on the island in Southchurch Park as they will start nest building by early/mid March, all being well. It's a credit to all involved that both sets of cygnets, the four from S. East Park and eight from S. Park, all fledged eventually. In our first year, 2005, I saw four cygnets die in five days. How things have changed and it has made the park a better place too although I must admit it is a long job and only a good team makes it possible. One person in particular is Tony Little of Southend Parks. Without him being just a real top guy and pulling strings, the lake environment would be a very different place. He always seems to understand the heartbeat of nature and managing it where need be. Bob Dobinson.
Monday 14th February 2011
Colchester 07:45
2 Waxwing in the new Sainsbury's grounds. Nigel Norton.
Southend, Manners Way 07:55
2 Waxwing. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:20 to 08:25
5 Waxwing feeding in the central reservation till disturbed, when they flew NE. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend Seafront 09:45 to 13:00
At the Casino: 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Goldfinch in the small trees in front. Numerous Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull but no sign of 'Rossi'. On seafront: 4 Brent Geese, 1 Turnstone and 1 Mistle Thrush on grassy bank. A fairly large group of Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull were feeding off the jetty to the east of the Pier. At the end of the Pier: 5+ Mediterranean Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 60+ Turnstone, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 A Curlew. Neil Phillips.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:25 to 16:00
1 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Fleet Head only), 64 Teal, 4 Marsh Harrier (2m, 2f on Potton), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew from Foulness onto Potton at 15.10, 2 Sparrowhawk (1m, 1f on Potton), 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (one seen successfully attacking the starling flock on Barling tip at 12.05), 2 Red-legged Partridge, c.1620 Lapwing (a massive flock of c.1500 birds flew up from Foulness the rest were on Fleet Head), 4 Dunlin, 5 Curlew, 124 Redshank, 8 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Cetti's Warbler (near reed bed in Sutton boatyard), 11 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Barling Rubbish Tip, 12:30 to 16:00
60 Redshank on creek, 1 Green Sandpiper seen twice near tip, 1 Caspian Gull (1st winter in melle). Don Petrie (SOG).
Butler's Farm, 13:20 to 13:20
1 Buzzard flew south across Shopland Road, just West of Butler's Farm. Don Petrie (SOG).
Barlinghall Creek, 13:30 to 16:15
Wader/gull figures are birds on the mud for low-tide count from 13:45-14:35: 6 Little Grebe, 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser on the roach feeding on crabs, 2 Marsh Harrier on Potton, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier on Potton, 1 male Sparrowhawk carrying a starling, 424 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper in borrowdyke by the tip, 443 Black-headed Gull, 145 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 39 Herring Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Skylark, 1 male Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00
4 Gooseander. R. Shepherd.
Sunday 13th February 2011
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 08.00 to 10:00
2 Waxwing flying over calling, heading west, 2 Redpoll flying over, heading north, 17 Siskin in birch trees. Robin Peppiatt.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:40 to 09:05
Scrape Hide only: 7 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 79 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 3 Cetti's Warbler (heard only). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Laindon West 09:00 to 09:15
50 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Andrew Cox.
Langdon Hills 09:15 to 13:00
1-2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, c.6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, c.150 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper, 30 Goldfinch, 12 Siskin. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 12:10
35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 169 Teal, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sanderling, 2 Green Woodpecker (female east end, male west end), 3 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 27 Linnet. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rawreth Lane 11:00
200+ Redwing flying south. Robin and Thomas Peppiatt.
Victoria Avenue, 12:25 to 12:35
2 Peregrine Falcon on and circling Portcullis House. Tim & Max Davis.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 12:45
20+ Waxwing alongside football ground. David Flack.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:45 to 13:05
Marina only: c.380 Wigeon on Vange Wick, 15 Black-tailed Godwit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods 12:45 to 13:15
About 50 Redpoll high up in birch trees to the south of woods along track leading to exit for Grove Woods and Eastwood sewage works. Anita Pickles.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 13:35
c.20 Waxwing on roadside bushes along Cherry Orchard Way. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea Market Car Park 16:00
2 Waxwing. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Visible from Park View Drive 16:30 to 16:36
8 Waxwing perched briefly in large tree on the edge of Belfairs Woods before flying off north. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Saturday 12th February 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 07:30 to 11:00
Seen on walk at Baddow Meads, Manor Farm, Sandford Mill and Brook End Road sewage works: 50+ Redwing, 10+ Reed Bunting, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Goosander (female), 3 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10+ Pheasant, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Mallard, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mute Swan. Also seen in numbers but uncounted: Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Starling, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Skylark, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie. Paul Forsdick.
West Wood, 08:05 to 08:45
2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 1 drumming), 1 Treecreeper, 1 male Brambling with c.10 Chaffinch just over stream and left of main path. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:10 to 08:20
Male and female Siskin, 8 Chaffinch on feeders. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 09:00 to 14:30
8 Waxwing arrived at 13.00 and stayed until we left at 14.30, kept coming down to feed on the pyracantha. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 11:05
2 male Blackcap together in garden. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 11:40 to 12:20
2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit in and around small boat compound c.400m east of car park, 1 Black Redstart still in boat compound, but very elusive and only seen once briefly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Buzzard, 20 Corn Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 13:00 to 16:00
2 Sparrowhawk, 30+ Curlew on fields adjacent to railway line, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit in bushes along borrow dykes, 10 Yellowhammer (very mobile flock along second borrow dyke), 8 Reed Bunting. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:00 to 14:30
25 Little Grebe, 10 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Chelmsford, Hylands Park 15:00
2 Treecreeper. David Atkins.
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 15:10
1 male Sparrowhawk over garden. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane 15:10 to 15:35
50+ Waxwing in oak tree, groups flying down to drink from puddles below (TQ857902). Tim & Archie Davis.
Tewke's Creek, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Black Redstart (initially elusive but then showed very well in the small boat compound). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 11th February 2011
Eastwood, 09:05 to 09:10
c.52 Waxwing Benvenue Avenue j/w Whitehouse Road. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach aboard Lady Essex III 12:30 to 14:30
Female Eider in 2nd Defra breech. Thousands of Lapwing with birds densely packed for over one mile on South bank of Wallasea. 38 Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over Foulness. 23 Common Seal. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Earls Hall Avenue 14:00
2 female Ring-necked Parakeet on feeder in my garden. Last seen on 30th December. Pat Dandridge.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 15:00
13 Goosander (10f, 3m). Marion Burch.
Thursday 10th February 2011
Cherry Tree Lane 09:00 to 09:30
90+ Waxwing flying between football ground and Cherry Tree Lane North. Chris Cook.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Redshank, Curlew, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Coot, Moorhen, Pochard, Mute Swan, Chaffinch, Robin, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Little Egret, Little Grebe, House Sparrow, Starling, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Pheasant, Mallard, Blackbird, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Cormorant, Dunnock, Tufted Duck, Shoveler. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island (West), 13:20 to 15:00
Hundreds of Knot and Dunlin, c.50 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 4 Ringed Plover, c.10 Grey Plover, 5 Snipe, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 16:15
10 Waxwing on wires opposite Rawalpindi Garden Centre. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wednesday 09th February 2011
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock, 07:25
1 Kingfisher south of stone bridge. Tim Davis.
Mayland, Essex 08:25
1 Short-Eared Owl. James Houghton.
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
1 Black-necked Grebe in River Crouch with Dabchicks, wintering Little Stint (feeding with Dunlin in small horseshoe bay), Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Marsh Harrier, 7 White-fronted Geese, Red-breasted Goose. Graham Smith.
Cherry Orchard Lane 10:20 to 10:55
c.100 Waxwing in trees and on bushes at Ashingdon Boys Football Ground. Ray Fuller.
Cherry Orchard Lane 11:00 to 13:15
15 Waxwing. John Wilson, Ruth Clark.
Hockley Woods 11:45 to 13:45
All seen from the Mount Bovers side only: 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 possibly 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Redpoll (2 of these were definite Lessers, but the third, seen briefly and separately was much different in appearance and was a probable Mealy Redpoll). Les Costin (EBS).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:20 to 13:25
1 Ring-billed Gull on groyne opposite small Rossi's hut. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 14:00 to 14:10
14 Waxwing (main road Hawkwell opposite Rawalpindi Garden Centre. Peter Collins (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:30
1 Little Egret flew along brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 15:40 to 15:50
c.100 Waxwing along hedgerow bordering football pitches and Cherry Orchard Way but highly mobile. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 08th February 2011
Cherry Orchard Lane, 08:05
5 Waxwing by the football pitches. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Hullbridge 10:35 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Great Tit, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Song Thrush, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Little Egret, Turnstone, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Little Grebe, Black-tailed Godwit, Cormorant, House Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harrier (in distance across the river). Terry Jeffreys.
Hockley Woods, 12:00 to 13:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest. Peter Collins (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 14:30 to 14:40
53 Waxwing near football pitches. Don Petrie (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 16:20 to 16:30
5 Waxwing on TV aerial from my back garden flying down to feed in neighbours garden, looking resplendent in the evening sunlight! Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Monday 07th February 2011
Fossets Way 09:10
Grey Heron flying over seen while driving to work this morning. S. Jackson.
Pitsea, Aldi Supermarket 10:30
30 Waxwing. Steve Wall.
Cherry Orchard Lane 12:45
20+ Waxwing high up in oak tree but more flew in as I left. Les Costin (EBS).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 15:25 to 15:45
1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:35
1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank in creek by marina, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard from hide. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Bournemouth Park Road Area 20:45
Little Owl heard calling from back garden. Don Wildish.
Sunday 06th February 2011
Wallasea Island 10:00 to 11:30
1 Grey Heron over the RSPB Portakabin at Grapnells, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Peregrine Falcon, 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying up-river, 430 Lapwing, c.100 Redshank, 5 Curlew, 27 Stock Dove feeding on field by the straw bales. David Selley.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:00 to 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Siskin. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 11:00 to 12:30
1 Skylark making song flight (with difficulty in the strong winds!), 44 Carrion Crow, 32 Meadow Pipit, 7 Magpie, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4 Collared Dove, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Moorhen, 2 Mallard, 5 Coot, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe. Numerous Starlings and Woodpigeons. Small groups of birds seen flying at Moulsham Mill unidentified but from past experience of location thought to be Greenfinches. Paul Forsdick.
Maylandsea Marshes 11:00 to 13:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Lapwing, 10 Skylark in adjacent fields. Neil & Faye.
Wallasea Island 12:30
Marsh Harrier hunting saltings between EWT reserve and Riverside Caravan Park. Flew East over timber yard. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 12:30
c.30 Waxwing in roadside bushes, then flew towards country park. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 12:30
At least 30 Waxwing adjacent to football pitches. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane 13:00
30-50 Waxing in tree above lay-by just past garden centre in Old Lane. Dan Davison.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 13:30 to 14:00
120 Waxwing in oak trees to west opposite football club car park. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane 15:00 to 15:10
70+ Waxwing majority in oak tree (TQ857901). Tim & Archie Davis.
Cherry Orchard Lane 16:00
60+ Waxwing, 20 Long-tailed Tit along the shrubs on the east side of the road. The Waxwings were very mobile eventually flying off over the farmland on the west side. We had superb views of both species from the bridle path. Jackie & Chris Graham.
Saturday 05th February 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 13:00
1 Little Egret, c.65 Greylag Goose, 207 Canada Goose, 1 Red Kite (also seen by Steve Bacon, flew over North West at 10:00), 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Pitsea, Aldi, 10:00 to 10:30
60+ Waxwing. David Flack.
Hockley Woods, 10:20 to 11:20
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Lesser Redpoll flew over clearing on SW side. Neil Chambers (SOG).
River Colne, Halstead 11:00
1 Little Egret on Colne River where it joins the flood defence area. Mr & Mrs Langley.
Rayleigh, 11:45 to 11:50
11 Waxwing feeding on single berry bush on Victoria Road. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, 11:50
14 Waxwing on wires along Rawreth Lane opposite Exmouth Drive. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, 11:55
20+ Waxwing on aerials by Rawreth Lane/Downhall Park Way junction, then flew north into paddocks. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, Fitzwimarc school 12:00
1+ Waxwing flew over car park trilling. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:20 to 13:20
2 Wigeon (pair battling upriver). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 15:00
2 adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose with 700 Brent near Grapnells, 250 Teal, 3 Shoveler on wetland with teal, 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon, 30 Golden Plover on fields, 550 Lapwing, c.400 Dunlin from car park, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit with curlew flock, 55 Curlew, 1 Short-eared Owl flushed from sea wall near Water Vole habitat, 6 Skylark (small flock near Water Vole area), 150 Linnet on fields near caravan site. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 13:30 to 13:45
1 Rock Pipit, 15 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:55 to 15:05
1 Little Grebe on reservoir, c.250 Wigeon on reservoir and floods, 1 male Kestrel, 10 Skylark, 2 Jackdaw, 28 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, c.35 Corn Bunting, 1 Aythya sp. (hybrid drake, probably Scaup x Tufted Duck on reservoir). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, 14:00
1 dead Chinese Muntjac Deer on the westbound A127 by Esso garage just past Weir, looked to be this species. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pitsea 14:50
100+ Waxwing in berry bearing tree by Tower store. Jerry Stock.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 15:30 to 15:40
120+ Waxwing mostly in trees along south side of football pitches east of north end of Cherry Orchard Way, as I was driving out c.60 were on lamp posts at north end of Cherry Orchard Way. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:45 to 15:45
1 Little Egret in brook again. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canewdon, 16:00
1 Short-eared Owl 
flew east from Scotts Hall Road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 16:00 to 16:15
120 Waxwing still present but flew towards country park and then only 54 returned to hedgerow by football pitches. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 04th February 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:45
1 Goldcrest in the scrub near the crossroads at the top of the hill on the path to the barn. Neil Phillips.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 09:05
11 Waxwing (there were 7 when I went by at 08.25 with the increase to 11 at 09.05). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Island, Tewkes Creek Area, 12:00 to 13:40
1 Black Redstart in small boat compound east of Tewkes Creek car park. The bird showed well from time to time, calling and tail flicking, 100+ Avocet, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 juvenile female Pregrine falcon attacked Avocets forcing several of them to drop beneath water as it made passes at flying flock. It later landed on salt marsh, Usual flocks of hundreds of Knot, Dunlin and Grey Plover wheeling over and roosting on Benfleet Creek. Ian White.
Southend Pier, 13:20 to 14:30
1 Purple Sandpiper with 38 Turnstone roosting on the south face of the pier head, 293 Turnstone, 14 Mediterranean Gull (8 ad, 2 2w, 4 1w), 5 Kittiwake (3 1w, 2 ad). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00 to 15:00
1000+ Starling performing over Pitsea landfill. Neil Phillips.
Wakering, 15:50
8 Corn Bunting on Lion Fields. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 03rd February 2011
Pitsea 08:30
120 Waxwing - Aldi Supermarket car park. Smaller groups present for short periods after 09.00. Phil Shaw.
Rochford, 08:35
c.10 Waxwing seen from car along Cherry Orchard Way. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 08:50 to 09:15
27 Waxwing, 11 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 09:15 to 09:25
1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 31 Waxwing initially to east of Cherry Orchard Way in large oak tree by football pitches, then flew west to Cherry Orchard Lane, then flew off to Country Park and probably landed near Western Approaches, 50 Fieldfare in large oaks along Cherry Orchard Lane. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 12:35
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Firecrest in large laurel bush S.E of playground. Flew in from Holly bushes south of path, 2 Nuthatch. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blue tit, Great Tit, Mallard, Magpie, Teal, Carrion Crow, Rook, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Avocet, Curlew, Wigeon, Lapwing, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, 22 Godwits, Greenshank, 12 Redshanks and 4 Spotted Redshank (Godwits and Redshanks from 2nd hide overlooking Timberman's Creek), Starling, House Sparrow, 3 Cormorants, Cetti's Warbler (heard from Museum hide). Terry Jeffreys.
Braxted Park, Great Braxted 11:30 to 14:00
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Hawfinch (very mobile) 1 Coal Tit, 4 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk. Alec Martin.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12:00
1 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Also Siskin and Redpoll reported from friends garden at Edinburgh Drive, Leigh on Sea. Kris Mee.
Hockley Woods, 12:30 to 13:30
2 Stock Dove singing, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrest 100-150m south of play area, 1 Firecrest in holly in small hollow, 50m south of play area, 4 Nuthatch, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Chinese Muntjac amongst rhododendron in garden just east of glade till flushed by a cat, 100+ Honey Bees creating a hive in tree cavity on east side of glade was interesting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 14:00 to 15:15
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with Turnstones on slipway, 3 Kittiwake (all first-winters roosting on slipway). Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Rayleigh, 14:00 to 15:00
16 Waxwing in front garden of 146 Rawreth Lane opposite Asda feeding on crab apples. Assumed birds previously reported from Sweyne Park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 14:35 to 14:50
1 Sparrowhawk, 55 Waxwing feeding on hawthorn on east side by football pitches, then resting in tree on west of road before flying south at 14:45. When looking for them in the country park at 15:15, I could see them back in the same tree. Don Petrie (SOG).
Private Site With No Public Access
8 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 leucistic Herring Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1st winter), 5 Caspian Gull (1st winter x2, 2nd winter x3), 1 Slaty-backed Gull (adult or near adult; the Rainham Tip bird relocated late this afternoon; another possible UK first), 1 Iceland Gull (dark coffee coloured first-winter). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wednesday 02nd February 2011
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
1,200 Wigeon, 51 Gadwall, 284 adult and 20 juvenile Brent Geese in one flock, 6 White-fronted Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Red-breasted Goose (with Brents), 2 adult male and 1 adult female Marsh Harrier, pair of Peregrine, Barn Owl, 3,200 Lapwing, 400 Golden Plover, 1 Ruff. Graham Smith.
Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 10:00 to 10:30
15 Waxwing - So pleased I've finally seen them. Absolutely beautiful! Nicky Lee.
Hockley Woods, 14:30 to 16:30
1 Woodcock flushed from wet area, 3 Firecrest (1 in usual laurel/holly patch, 2 from path immediately before first log pile from main clearing at dusk, both calling but one seen well), 30 Long-tailed Tit in two flocks, 2 Nuthatch in main clearing, 2 Treecreeper. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:00 to 15:15
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Siskin (first recorded visit), 4 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch (2m, 3f), 5 Blackbird all in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Tuesday 01st February 2011
Pitsea 08:00 to 09:00
180 Waxwing - Aldi Supermarket car park. Smaller groups present for short periods after 09.00. Philip Shaw.
Belfairs Great Wood, 08:30 to 10:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Jackdaw, 1 Siskin (flew over calling), 12 Lesser Redpoll (landed in same tree as 'flammeas' and fed on catkins. All flew off together), 2 Mealy Redpoll (feeding between Poors Lane entrance and Dodds Grove entrance, opposite small xmas tree plantation 0940-0955hrs). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Leighbeck, Canvey Island 10:10 to 11:40
c.20 Kittiwake (followed tug and barge up river), 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Scoter (female drifted up on tide then flew to Kent side). Some thousands of Knot flew up from estuary, most carried on but a large number joined wader roost on Canvey Point). Ian White.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:10 to 11:45
3 Redwing, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler, Kingfisher, Tufted Duck, Meadow Pipit, Pintail, Shelduck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Grey Heron, 3 Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 12:00
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 calling from a lofty perch, much to the irritation of the resident pair!). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 13:15 to 14:05
1 ringtail Hen Harrier (presumably the same bird that was seen by a member of staff on West Canvey Marshes today), 1 Sparrowhawk (with the hen harrier), 11 Snipe (over). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).