Bird Reports For February 2012
Wednesday 29th February 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max15°
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 11:00 to 11:30
2 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:45 to 14:00
5 Goldeneye, 6+ Gadwall, very many Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, 2 Barnacle Goose, 4 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Creeper. Les Costin EBS.
Paglesham Seawall, West From Boatyard 12:30 to 14:30
2 Short-eared Owl, one flushed from seawall, one over Wallasea Island, Black Swan, 48 Mute Swan, Sparrowhawk, ringtail Hen Harrier over Wallasea Island, 2 Green Woodpecker, 25 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:45 to 17:00
Female Merlin, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier over wild bird cover area, 2 Short-eared Owl over wbc, 2 Kestrel stole prey from SE Owl in mid air, impressive sight! Ray Fuller.
Tuesday 28th February 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max15°
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 1 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park/Vange Wick c.09:05 to 10:55
1 Mediterranean Gull on scrape, 4 Spotted Redshank and 1 Ruff together on creek, 600+ Wigeon over Vange Wick and creek, 2 Pintail included female on scrape and drake on Vange Wick, 40+ Teal (including at least 3 pairs on scrape), c.34 Pochard (including displaying drakes on fleet), 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher and Curlew on creek, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster 09:35 to 15:35
1 male Bullfinch in Pike Lane near centre entrance, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Green Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Wren, 1 Greenfinch. Kestrel, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tit, Blackbird, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, 1 Yellowhammer, Robin, Chaffinch, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, Mallard, Black-headed Gull. David & Brenda Hale.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 14:00
1 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Barnacle Goose, 2 Egyptian Goose, Goldcrest, Goldeneye (2m, 5f), 1 Bullfinch, 3 Meadow Pipit, 20+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wigeon, Teal, 1 Shelduck, Craig Messenger.
Hockley, Dome Village 11:50
3 Common Buzzard high on thermals going west. David Hills.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 17:30
1 Bittern flew across scrape into reed bed near the end of the fleet close to the road at 4pm, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Snipe, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Cetti's Warbler. Alan Shearman (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:40
2 Kestrel, 3 Little Egret, 21 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew, 7 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 40 Shelduck, flock of Corn Bunting, Linnet, Stock Dove, 20+ Starling, 1 Blackbird, 15 Carrion Crow, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Heron, 2 House Sparrow. 1 Stoat by borrowdyke west of the car park opposite old haystack. Rob Harris.
Canewdon, 14:00
1 Little Owl sat in usual tree along Scotts Hall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 14:00 to 15:00
2 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 15 Redwing, 5 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Eastwood Sewage Works, 15:00 to 15:20
1 Chiffchaff singing. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wick Meadows, Wickford 16:30
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew roof height over rear garden. A first sighting here in 27 years. David Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:20 to 18:00
1 Great White Egret flushed from borrowdyke south east of wild bird cover, flew in large circle before dropping onto salt marsh on Paglesham side of Paglesham Creek, 2 Short-eared Owl. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Monday 27th February 2012west south west, mostly cloudy, max11°
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:30 to 17:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female on and around Portcullis House throughout day). John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 15:00
2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Snipe, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stock Dove, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Pied Wagtail, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Lesser Black-backed, Black Headed and Herring Gull, 2 Cormorant, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Rook, Magpie, Starling, small flocks of Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit. David & Brenda Hale.
Sunday 26th February 2012northerly to southerly, mostly clear, max12°
Avro Road, Southend 06:45
1 Sparrowhawk - returned to the garden this morning and carried on eating the pigeon it killed yesterday, then flew off with the remains. Jackie Graham.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Manor Farm 06:45 to 09:15
1 Yellowhammer, 2 Grey Wagtail (and possibly a third), 2 Great Crested Grebe engaging in light courtship, 1 Cormorant, 3 Tufted Duck, 5 Goosander, 1 Kestrel. Also seen but numbers not noted: Blue Tit, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Coot, Dunnock, Fieldfare, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Jackdaw, Linnet, Magpie, Mallard, Meadow Pipit (lots in horse paddocks and field margins/ditches), Moorhen, Pheasant, Redwing (feeding with Fieldfares in horse paddocks), Reed Bunting (many seen along river and various watery ditches), Robin, Skylark, Song Thrush (at least 3 singing in various places), Starling, Woodpigeon, Wren. Paul Forsdick.
Hockley Woods, 08:50 to 11:30
2 Green Woodpecker (heard), 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker east of play area, 29 Redwing in play area, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Nuthatch, 7 Jay, 2 Chaffinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh c.08:55 to 11:35
1 Snipe flying, 4 Avocet, 2 Green Sandpiper, c.24 Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, c.5 Corn Bunting, single Water Rail heard at both ends of marsh, 3 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Wallasea Island 09:10 to 10:30
2 Little Egret, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 150 Linnet (at least), 70 Corn Bunting (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hockley Woods 09:10 to 10:55
Firecrest, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest all near White House, 6 Jay, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
2 Canada Goose, 31 Wigeon, 80 Avocet, 2 Greenshank, 4 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Reed Bunting. 1 Adder basking in the sunshine. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:30 to 13:30
1 pair Bearded Tit, 5 Linnet, 12 Reed Bunting, 1 Stonechat, 2 Dunnock, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Long-tailed Tit. 2 Marsh frog. (Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/bearded-tits-stonechat-reed-buntings-and-dunnock/). Neil Phillips
Chelmsford, Chelmer Village to Holybreds Woods via Waterhall Meadows and back via River Chelmer 09:30 to 14:00
Large flock of Fieldfare, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 pairs Bullfinch and 2 males, 1 Green Woodpecker seen several heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker seen and heard drumming. Sue Haffenden.
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Heron, 1005 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew north-east over Havengore Bridge, 4 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Skylark, 4 Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, many Chaffinch, 2 Corn Bunting - singing males. Much Rabbit activity, 2 Weasel, 1 Red Fox, freshly excavated molehills. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 12:30
4 Sparrowhawk (soaring birds viewed from Gusted Hall ridge), 6 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush (singing birds), 1 Firecrest in laurels and oaks by white house, 1 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 10:50 to 12:00
2 Lesser Redpoll. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rettendon Turnpike, Woodham Road 12:25 to 12:30
1 Common Buzzard flew west towards Hyde Hall. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:00 to 14:40
1 Bittern flew in over tip road from the other side and landed left of hide at 1.40pm. 15-20 minutes later flew up and past the hide on the hide side of the reeds and landed to the right of the hide for a couple of minutes before taking flight again and heading down the fleet and landing in reed by the large pylon, 2 Marsh Harrier (male and female seen separately), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Bearded Tit. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 15:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing over airport). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 15:25 to 16:05
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Snow Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 13:30 to 14:30
1 Kestrel, 2 White-fronted Goose, 140+ Canada Geese, 300+ Greylag Geese, flocks of Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Coot, 4 Goldeneye, 6 Moorhen, 40+ Mute Swan, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Egyptian Goose, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Greater Black-backed Gull. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:55
1 Bittern flew from left corner of scrape reeds to reeds at the north end of the fleet at 16:25, 12 Greylag Goose, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Bearded Tit +1 heard. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea 15:55
1 Merlin (presumed to be the same bird as last week). Phil Shaw.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:30 to 17:30
2 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Short-eared Owl, 14 Redshank, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Curlew, 10 Dunlin, 3 Wigeon, 1 Pheasant, flock of Corn Bunting. Rob Harris.
Saturday 25th February 2012north westerly, partly cloudy, max11°
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 07:30 to 09:30
Species seen on walk around Baddow Meads and along River Chelmer to Sandford Mill area: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, Green Woodpecker, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Moorhen, Goosander, Mallard, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan. Two unidentified birds of prey also seen on Baddow Meads around 8am flying together from Barnes Mill towards Chelmsford. Very 'sparrowhawk-like' in shape but large and one I saw had brownish breast and slightly paler belly (not pale striped like Sparrowhawk). Poor view though, beyond my identification abilities. Paul Forsdick.
Private Wood Near Terling 08:00 to 10:30
4 Woodcock, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Buzzard. John Wilson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:15 to 09:00
2 Snipe on causeway, 3 in flight, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Bittern in flight over road left hand side, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard. Jim Bailey.
Chigborough Lakes, 09:15 to 10:45
16 Grey Heron. Paul Gymer.
Lofts Farm, Heybridge 09:30 to 10:30
2 Little Owl in usual tree, 27 Cormorant, 6 Egyptian Goose. Paul Gymer.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:45 to 13:15
5 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret in south west corner of borrowdyke before flying towards Foulness 10:00 - 10:20, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin (male and female), c.200 Stock Dove, 50 Linnet, 12 Reed Bunting, 60 Corn Bunting. 1 Stoat. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:30 to 17:30
4 Short-eared Owl (3 together in flight, 1 below roosting), 2 Marsh Harrier over Havengore Island, 2 Peregrine Falcon off Haven Point both in pursuit of same Wood Pigeon, Curlew, Redshank, Teal, Shelduck, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, 1000+ Brent Geese, Long-tailed Tit, Meadow Pipit, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Magpie, 6 Hen Pheasant, Chaffinch, Great Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed Gull. 6 Rabbit. David & Brenda Hale.
Avro Road, Southend 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk caught and ate a pigeon in the back garden close to the house. Jackie Graham.
Shoebury East Beach, 12:40 to 14:20
2 Little Grebe on Gunners Lake, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Knot, 5 Snow Bunting on grass near car park, one flew towards boom, the other four flew up into a tree by the medical building where they proceeded to feed on buds in Redpoll fashion! Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 13:10
1 female Sparrowhawk. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 14:15
1 female Kestrel. 1 Egyptian Goose, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, 50+ Mute Swan, 4 Jackdaw, 15 Carrion Crow, 40 Cormorant. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:30 to 17:50
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Bittern seen flying into the reed bed opposite the hide at 15.55 and then shortly after it flew north up Pitsea Fleet towards the landfill entrance road landing in the reed bed south of the road. Great view! 25 Pochard, 1 Marsh Harrier (sub-adult male), 2+ Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher on Vange Wick, 2 Avocet, 410 Lapwing (including 300 on Vange Wick), 1 Ruff (on Vange Wick), 1 Jack Snipe (distantly on the far side of Pitsea Scrape), 1 Snipe, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten, Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Benfleet, 15:00
4 Jackdaw along Kents Hill Road south. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 to 18:00
3 Wigeon, 5 Mute Swan, 4 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow, 14 Dunlin, 15 Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Pheasant, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Friday 24th February 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max15°
Belfairs Nature Reserve 07:45
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming, in same tree and less than 10 feet away from drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Gray.
Rayleigh/Eastwood, 08:10
1 female Sparrowhawk over Connaught Drive junction with Eastwood Road spooking doves and pigeons. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canewdon, 08:45
2 Yellowhammer (pair with singing male along Gardener's Lane). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 17:30
Two visits: 09:00 to 11:00 and 15:30 to 17:30
1 Red-breasted Merganser on wetlands earlier (per Ray Fuller), 1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier (lots of sightings but possibly only one bird, looks like 1st winter male), 1 adult female Sparrowhawk over wild bird cover this evening, 3 Kestrel (including one hunting continuously over wbc), 2 Merlin (tatty tailed female in centre of island and male over wild bird cover late on), 130+ Stock Dove, 3+ Short-eared Owl (initially three together from by car park hunting over saltings then two over wbc and south sea wall, unknown overlap), 5 House Sparrow (4 males + 1 female), 40+ Linnet, 23 Reed Bunting in hedgeline, 85 Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00 to 13:45
Sightings on RSPB walk: Cetti's Warbler (heard), Blue and Great Tit, Magpie, Collard Dove, Blackbird, Greylag and Canada Geese, 2 White-fronted Geese in with the Canada, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Starling, Rock Pipit, Reed Bunting, 11 Skylark, Stonechat, 1 Linnet, 1 Chiffchaff, a flock of Back-tailed Godwit flew overhead, 4 Curlew, many Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 3 Pochard, a lot of Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, lots of Coot, numerous Golden Plover, Lapwing and Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Chris Henry.
Shoebury East Beach 13:00 to 13;30
In front of coast watch: Sightings: 1 Shorelark. Neil Shead.
Kelvedon 15:00
Red Kite flying over the south end of Kelvedon High Street. Stephen Fillingham.
Woodham Ferrers 15:15 to 15:30
Main Road and Workhouse lane: 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Moorhen, 3 Male Pheasant, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Thursday 23rd February 2012westerly, clear, max18°
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Green Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Collared Dove, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Carrion Crow, Rook, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Robin, Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Mallard, Spotted Redshank, Curlew, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, Starling, Wren, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing. Also; 1 Black-tailed Godwit with two colour rings on each leg. Left leg, red on top and white underneath, right leg, green on top and yellow underneath. Terry Jeffreys.
Eastwood Brook, 13:30
1 Grey Wagtail flew along brook at end of Progress Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:45 to 16:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 5 Reed Bunting, 100+ Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove, 30+ Wood Pigeon, 2 Pheasant, 3 Grey Heron, 23 Carrion Crow, 40+ Redshank, 4 Curlew, flocks of Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, flock of Lapwing. 5 Magpie, 26 Wigeon, 3 Skylark, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 3 Great Black Backed Gull. 2 Stoat by Car Park. Rob Harris.
Rayleigh Mount, 15:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:00 to 17:15
Flocks of Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 31 Cormorant, 2 Goosander (1m, 1f). Rob Harris.
Southchurch Park East
2 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe flying away north east/north west from low reed bed, Water Rails to North reed beds (1 Water Rail looked like it was fetching food for the other Water Rail), 2 Mute Swan, 2 Coot built nest already. Robert Dobinson.
Bovingdon Lakes, Hatfield Peveral
Green Woodpecker heard several times, Skylark singing overhead, pair of Great Crested Grebe courting with neck ruffs displayed, small flock of Long-tailed Tit, 30+ Fieldfare at dusk, Oh, and two nice 6lb tench! Peter Bowden.
Wednesday 22nd February 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°
EWT Warley Place, Brentwood 09:40 to 13:30
1 Woodcock, flew 50 metres, from cover to cover. 1 Goldcrest, good views of bird bathing at pond edge. 1 Wren, 2 Robin, 2 Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great, Blue and 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 pairs of Mallard, 2 Mallard crosses. Green Woodpecker heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Wood Pigeons. David & Brenda Hale.
South Fambridge, Over Fields 12:30 to 12:40
Rough-legged Buzzard, excellent views mainly hovering, pale appearance, white tail with dark band and characteristic wing kinks clinched identification, corvids drove it south east. Ray Fuller.
Paglesham 17:27
2 Little Owl. John Carson.
Tuesday 21st February 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max12°
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 11:00
Wigeon, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Skylark, 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 4 Curlew. Hilary Knight.
Maitland Place, North Shoebury 10:00 and 12:30
Evidence of Sparrowhawk kill in garden this morning (probably robin); later, 1 female Sparrowhawk circling low over garden above trees with feeders. Jackie Bliss.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:45 to 17:00
2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 5 Reed Bunting, 100+ Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove, 30+ Wood Pigeon, 2 Pheasant, 5 Grey Heron, 8 Carrion Crow, 1 Redshank. Rob Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:00 to 17:15
70 Wigeon, 1 drake Pintail on the reservoir, 15 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Peregrine Falcon (ambushed the wigeon grazing on the bank, missed, then sat on the field east of the middle viewing screen. Good stuff!). Marc Outten (SOG).
Pitsea, 17:35
1 Woodcock flew across Pitsea Hall Lane towards Vange Marsh. Marc Outten (SOG).
Monday 20th February 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max12°
Prittle Brook, Leigh on Sea, 08:00 to 08:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hockley, Dome Village 08:15
Single Common Buzzard over Dome Village going west. David Hills.
EWT Warley Place, Brentwood 10:00 to 15:35
6 Nuthatch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Goldcrest, 1 female Blackcap, 2 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker heard only, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow. 1 Cock Pheasant, Wood Pigeon. 1 Rabbit. David & Brenda Hale.
Two Tree Island Lagoon 13:00 to 14:30
10 Pair Avocet, 1 pair seen mating more than once, 30 Oystercatcher, 9 Shelduck, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Redshank, 4 Greenshank (one with a ring on left leg), 37 Lapwing, 6 Curlew. John Carson.
Hadleigh Downs, 14:45 to 15:15
1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:45 to 17:00
2 Hen Harrier (ringtail and immature male) and 2 Short-eared Owl over wild bird cover. Ray Fuller.
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill 16:15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Sue Haffenden.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:20
1 Little Egret and 1 Green Sandpiper in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 19th February 2012north westerly, partly cloudy, max6°
Southchurch Park East 08:30 to 12:30
2 Water Rail together at 8:30, 1 Snipe at close quarters flying off from Water Rail area from edge of reed bed, 1 female Cygnet from Southchurch Park (missing tail feathers) in Gunners Saturday at 9am, being chased off by what seems to be a new breeding pair, other single Cygnet there not involved at all. Robert Dobinson.
Chelmsford, Waterhall Meadows 08:45 to 09:45
3 male Bullfinch, 1 Buzzard, Fieldfare, Redwing, 42+ Red-legged Partridge (hammonds road), Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Little Egret, Robin, Wren, Pheasant. Jim Bailey.
Two Tree Island 09:00 to 10:00
Common Pheasant, 2 Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Song Thrush. Margaret & John.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 17:40
DEFRA Wallasea Wetlands count - birds seen other than the usual waders and wildfowl: 2 ringtail Hen Harrier eastern end of island, 2 Buzzard on north side of R. Crouch, east of Burnham, 1 female Merlin eastern end of island, 2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female, eastern end of island), 2 Greenshank, 1 Barn Owl showing well on the wild bird cover, 2 Short-eared Owl (wild bird cover), 1 male Yellowhammer in overgrown ditch 200 yards before white gate 09:10, 8 Reed Bunting, c.80 Corn Bunting. 1 Red Fox. John Wright (SOG).
East Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort 09:05 to 14:35
500+ Avocet, 1 Golden Plover and 10+ Lapwing in field at Coalhouse Fort, 7 Pintail, [mostly drakes), 80+ Teal, pair of Shoveler and 3 Gadwall on pit, 20+ Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, 1,000+ Grey Plover, 1 Little Egret in ditch at Coalhouse Fort, 10 Curlew, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Stonechat (including a pair). Richard Fahey.
Chigborough Lakes 10:30 t0 11:15
1 Scaup on lake, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk. Jim Bailey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Great White Egret flew out from south west borrowdyke and headed out south east far, far over Potton, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over wild bird cover, 1 female Merlin over central fields, 1 Greenshank on wetlands near mast, 250+ Stock Dove over wild bird cover and adjoining rape field, 100+ Linnet along road to car park, 100+ Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Barling Gravel Pits And Creek 11:00 to 12:00
1 female Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Little Grebe, Skylark, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Wren, Robin, Pochard, 50+ Brent Geese. Steve Day.
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 11:15 to 11:30
1 Great Crested Grebe (unusual to see here), 3 Black-headed Gull, 5 Little Grebe, 10+ Moorhen, 1 Coot, 2 Mallard, many Starling and Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Scrubs Wood, Danbury 11:40 to 12:30
50+ Redwing (2 groups), 20+ Chaffinch (1 flock), Great Spotted Woodpecker heard. 1 Muntjack Deer. Jim Bailey.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:15 to 14:15
20+ Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 1 Redshank, Teal, Tufted Duck, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit. Jim Bailey.
Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue 13:30 to 13:40
1 Grey Wagtail, 30 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 14:00 to 16:00
2 Bullfinch, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Long-tailed Tit. Robin Peppiatt.
Chelmsford, River Cam 15:00
1 Little Egret. Tam Sanger.
Pitsea 15:30
1 male Merlin. Phil Shaw.
Saturday 18th February 2012westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:10 to 09:30
Quick look from road hide: 7 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Waterhall Meadows, 10:15
4 male Bullfinch, 1 female Bullfinch in same tree. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:15 to 15:00
All sightings from the hide: Very few Gulls due to landfill site being closed, Common, Herring and Black-headed Gull, 1 juvenile Sparrowhawk, steady stream of Woodpigeon flying south from 14:00, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Greylag and Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Cormorant, Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan grazing on crops, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Wren. David Hale.
Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 12:15
Quick look from boat ramp: 21 Grey Plover, 40 Knot (close in lots more far out on mud), 300+ Dunlin, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel flew from salt marsh onto mud, 4 Curlew, 12 Turnstone. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park 14:15 to 14:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 female Red Crested Pochard, 1 male Blackcap. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00
Quick visit to marina and scrape hide: 1 Peregrine Falcon sat out on marsh at Vange Wick, 1 Spotted Redshank flew around calling before dropping back into creek below pillbox from near marina, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard from scrape hide. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 17th February 2012westerly to north westerly, scattered clouds, max11°
Chelmsford, Central Park and Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 07:10 to 07:20
2 Tufted Duck (pair), 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Canada Goose, many (uncounted) Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wren and Blackbird. Paul Forsdick.
Burnt Mills, Basildon 08:30
5 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Great Tit, 1 male Blackcap and 1 female Blackcap all seen in garden. Pete and Dawn.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:30
1 female Peregrine Falcon east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 16:00
Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, roosting on ground for duration, Lapwing, Skylark, Coot, Moorhen, Canada and Greylag Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Pochard, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Mallard, Black-headed, Herring and Common Gull, Blackbird, Robin, Fieldfare, 1000+ Gulls and large Starling flock over distant landfill site, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, 3 Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 male Stonechat, 2 pairs Reed Bunting, 4 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, Curlew. 1 Fox, 1 Rabbit. David Hale.
Maldon 10:30 to 10:50
1 drake Scaup close to Prom. Paul Gymer.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 11:30 to 11:45
2 male Goosander. Paul Hudson.
Southend Seafront 12:30 to 13:00
Sanderling, Turnstone, Curlew. 17 Common Seal on Hadleigh Ray. Pam and Terry Bigland.
Paglesham Road 13:00
500+ Fieldfare seen in the field as you turn of Paglesham Road into Church Road to go down to Church End. John Carson.
Southchurch Hall Park, 13:45 to 14:45
Magpie, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, 8+ Blackbird, Feral Pigeon, 4+ Moorhen, 3+ Domestic Goose, 2+ Greylag Goose. 18+ Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Starling, 8+ Robin, House Sparrow, 7+ Blue Tit, 5+ Chaffinch, 6+ Great Tit, 4+ Long-tailed Tit, 2+ Greenfinch, 6+ Goldcrest. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
West Wood, 14:15 to 14:40
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Treecreeper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 16:10
Viewing from marina, then the hide: 800+ Wigeon on Vange Wick, 2 drake Pintail on Vange Wick, 10 Pochard, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:30 to 18:00
Mostly watching from white gate: 2 ringtail Hen Harrier (possibly 3) immature male and female at least, 1 Merlin chasing Skylark in the gloom, 1 Barn Owl showing very well from 17:20, 40 Linnet, 120 Corn Bunting (at least counted on wires to south west). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Bonchurch Park, 15:45 to 16:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest in trees by brook west of Park. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Little Wakering 16:30
Buzzard flew from trees rear of church. Steve Giles.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:50 to 17:30
1 Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl. Peter Collins (SOG).
Thursday 16th February 2012westerly, scattered cloud, max10°
Thomasin Road, Basildon 07:11
male Sparrowhawk. B. Bohea.
Rochford, Craven Close, 07:25
1 Grey Heron - briefly alighted in the top of a holly tree! then headed off northeastwards. Seen again at 10:05 overflying heading west. Richard Goring.
A130, 1 Mile from Saddlers Farm 07:50
one pair of Sparrowhawk. B. Bohea.
Althorne, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
Great Northern Diver (9th - River Crouch), Black-necked Grebe (9th - River Crouch), 3 Goldeneye, 2 Marsh Harrier, female Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Barn Owl, 20 Corn Bunting. Graham Smith.
Maldon 11:00 to 12:00
1 drake Scaup close to Prom, giving excellent views. Paul Gymer.
Stanford le Hope, Rear of Branksome Avenue 11:40
Buzzard. B. Bohea.
Brentwood Road, Chadwell St Mary 12:45
Buzzard being mobbed by crow. B. Bohea.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway, 14:30 to 15:30
Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gull, Goldeneye, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Great Crested and Little Grebe, Shoveler, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Canada and Greylag Geese, Robin, Blackird, Starling, 1 Grey Heron. David & Brenda Hale.
Paglesham Lagoon 15:00 to 16:00
Drake Smew in company of Goldeneye, Short-eared Owl on sea wall, 7 Meadow Pipit near chicken sheds. Pat Dandridge.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 17:30
1 female Hen Harrier seen all along south wall, 1 adult female Merlin seen twice along south sea wall, 1 Snipe in south west borrowdyke, 1 Kingfisher by car park. 22 Common Seal on mud in Middleway. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 16:45
1 Water Rail usual place 4.45pm, my first sighting since Sunday, 1 Heron (last three mornings 9am). Last Cygnet taken off Southchurch Park (15th Feb) to around Thorpe Bay Yacht club foreshore, after much bullying from both Mute parents. Robert Dobinson.
Wednesday 15th February 2012westerly, mostly cloudy, Max10°
Hullbridge, 07:35 to 09:25
Walked to Battlesbridge sewage works and back, and a quick look off the recreation ground: 35 Little Grebe, 1150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 80 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 07:45
Greater Spotted Woodpecker pecking (not drumming) at a tree, Hen Pheasant took off from Conservation Area and flew towards Golf Course. Alec Beanse.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 13:00
35+ Canada Goose, Herring Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 30+ Coot, Mallard, 25+ Moorhen, 40+ Wigeon, Little Grebe, 6+ Shoveler, Tree Sparrow just before the avenue of trees, 2+ Long-tailed Tit, 50+ Fieldfare, 8+ Skylark, 18+ Teal, 3+ Tufted Duck, 18+ Pochard, Meadow Pipit, 2+ Green Woodpecker, Robin, 4+ Blackbird, Woodpigeon, 6+ Great Tit, 3+ Little Egret, 5+ Redshank, House Sparrow, 6+ Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull. S.Jackson & M.Hill.
Heybridge Basin, Heybridge 11:45 to 13:00
5 Collard Dove, 1 Great Crested Grebe by lock, 3 Redshank, 15+ Black-tailed Godwit, 50-60+ Avocet, 2 Shelduck, Black headed and Common Gull, 1 Carrion Crow. Joe.
Benfleet, Upland Road 12:07
Male Sparrowhawk. B. Bohea.
Leigh on Sea, East of Eastwood Boulevard 12:30
2 Grey Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:30 to 16:05
4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, c.90 Great Crested Grebe, 11 adult Mediterranean Gull, 30+ Kittiwake (including a few 1st winters), 7 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill (1 adult, the rest 1st winters). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 TO 14:30
3 Grey Heron, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Lapwing, 12 Corn Bunting, 4 House Sparrow, 3 Skylark, 25 Mute Swan, 24 Carrion Crow, 3 Pheasant. 2 Blackbird, Flock of Stock Dove. Rob Harris.
Battlesbridge, Beeches Road 15:00 TO 15:10
12 House Sparrow, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, flock of Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Gunners Park 15:00 to 16:00
Woodcock near car park, Slavonian Grebe on sea near barge pier. Pat Dandridge.
Tuesday 14th February 2012north west to west north west, scattered clouds, Max7°
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 09:00 to 09:20
1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Redwing. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Durham Road, Laindon 09:11
1 Sparrowhawk. B. Bohea.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:20
7 Long-tailed Tit with Blue Tits in the garden, 2 Robin, (obvious pair presenting food and prospecting ivy covered fence). Small parties of Redwing over for most of the morning. David Selley.
EWT Blue House Farm, North Stambridge 10:45 to 16:00
2 Marsh Harrier, 100+ Rook, Jackdaw, 50+ Teal, Black Tailed Godwit (1 bird with red rings on both legs), 1 pair of Mallard, 1 fly by Pintail, 40+ Wigeon., Barnacle, Canada, Greylag and Brent Geese, 2 Moorhen, Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Skylark, Meadow Pipit, 1 Rabbit, 6 Brown Hare. On river Crouch from sea wall: Redshank, Dunlin, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Cormorant, 3 Green Sandpiper. Shelduck. Fieldfare, Black Headed and Herring Gull. (All scrapes still frozen over, with no open water). David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:00
24 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe, 78 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 1 Kingfisher. Mike Poole.
Stambridge 14:30
1 Black Swan if field near Stuart Elms farm. John Carson.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00
c.5 Kestrel seen on the drive through the farm to car park and back and one on post near contractors huts eating a small bird. John Carson.
Southend Hospital, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 17:30
Mostly watching from white gate: 1 female ringtail Hen Harrier came in to roost, 1 Sparrowhawk hunting at east end of wetlands, 1 Barn Owl (super views of one hunting the wild bird cover), 1 Short-eared Owl (possibly 2 hunting over wbc late on). 1 Red Fox watched hunting voles in the crop, often leaping high in pounce into the grass. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Stambridge Road 21:50
Barn Owl flying north along side the road hunting not far from T junction with Gore Road. John Carson.
Monday 13th February 2012north westerly, partly cloudy, Max7°
River Crouch, 08:25 to 14:05
From Lion Creek to west end of Bridgemarsh and back: 4 Little Grebe, 17 Great Crested Grebe, 700 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (in 2 flocks), 700 Wigeon, 1200 Teal, 270 Pintail, 1 female Marsh Harrier over Bridgemarsh, 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon, 4 Avocet, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Short-eared Owl flushed from near Lower Raypits sluice, 60 Skylark (a few small flocks), 5 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Pipit on foreshore just east of Raypits Farm. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:20
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park 09:45
1 Kingfisher flying alongside main ditch towards sea wall. John Pitts.
Woodlands Road, Hockley 10:00 to 10:30
20+ Redwing, 1 Jay, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch (1 male, 1 female), 1 Song Thrush, 20+ Black-headed Gull. David Zeffie.
Near Hockley Hall Farm, Lower Road 11:30
Little Owl. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 16:15
3 Water Rail, (2 feeding in front of hide from 15:00), 1 Mediterranean Gull, a few Common Gull amongst 1000+ Gulls on scrape, 30+ Fieldfare flying over scrape, short flight views of 2 Cetti's Warbler over reeds, flock of 150+ Woodpigeon flying south, Goldfinch, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, 1 Wren, 2 Little Grebe, 3 flyover Lapwing, 1 immature Herring Gull showing red ring on left leg, number unknown, Canada Geese. 2 Fox. David & Brenda Hale.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 14:15
Flocks of Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed, Carrion Crow, 1 Greater Black-backed, 1 Cormorant. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:15 to 14:45
From white gate: 2 Hen Harrier (female and 1st winter male), 500 Skylark, 100 Linnet, 200 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue to entrance to Belfairs 14:30 to 15:00
3 Fieldfare, 130 Redwing, 3 Greenfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Leigh on Sea Flemming Avenue 15:30 to 16:00
1 Grey Wagtail in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Sunday 12th February 2012north westerly, overcast, Max4°
Paglesham Lagoon, 07:30 to 08:25
1 drake Smew still present. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Garons Golf Course 07:50
2 Woodcock, 3 Snipe. Don Wildish.
Rayleigh, East of High Road 08:00 to 10:00
Lots of Redwing in the tree behind our house, and more flying around, 20 or 30 perhaps. Peter Bowden.
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:00 to 16:00
1 Little Egret, 53 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, 51 Pintail, 14 Goldeneye, 7 Smew (drake and 6 Redheads commuting between lagoon and River Roach), 2 Red-breasted Merganser on River Roach, 1 female Marsh Harrier flew west, 1 Peregrine Falcon (very large female north over lagoon), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd winter), 3 Short-eared Owl flew from seawall west of lagoon and then flew over river towards Barling, 40 Skylark on fields to east of lagoon, 1 Aythya sp. (drake presumed hybrid Tufted Duck x Pochard). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:15 to c.11:50
1 Water Rail seen very well from hide, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Avocet, 50+ Wigeon and 60 Teal all in creek, pair of Shoveler on scrape, 3 Black-tailed Godwit on creek, 1 Redwing in RSPB visitor centre garden, 15+ Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Plover on creek. Richard Fahey.
Craven Close, Rochford 09:20
1 Wren. Richard Goring.
Hockley Woods, 09:45 to 10:15
Along the eastern boundary path only: 1 Stock Dove (singing), 3 Goldcrest (1 singing), 1 Firecrest (by black & white house), 1 Nuthatch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:45 to 10:40
11 Goldeneye, 7 Smew (drake relocated on the Roach at 10:20 after an anxious 35 minutes, then quite unexpectedly a flock of 6 redheads flew in from the east and landed on the lagoon at 10:30! 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair on Roach), 1 Short-eared Owl. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 13:00
Walked in from Stambridge: 40 Little Grebe (major concentration on Roach near pillbox), 15 Pintail (some on lagoon, others in Barton Hall Creek), 12 Goldeneye, 7 Smew (drake on river, 6 redheads flew into lagoon), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd winter bird on ice), 3 Short-eared Owl flushed from sea wall c.200m west of lagoon). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Foulness Island, 10:00 to 16:00
5 White-fronted Goose, 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 10 Pintail, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier (1 male, 1 ringtail), 1 Buzzard (and another that may have been Rough-legged), 4 Woodcock, 5 Barn Owl, 8 Short-eared Owl. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Hockley 10:05
1 Sparrowhawk in our garden, eating another smaller bird, flew off after about 20 minutes taking carcass with him. Pat Hodges.
Billericay 11:00
40+ Redwing in trees surrounding garden. Marion Burch.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 11:30
2 Little Grebe, 23 Pochard, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:45 to 12:30
c.300 Wigeon flew out of Pitsea Creek, 130 Teal off the salt marsh, 2 Water Rail, 13 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit on salt marsh by viewing screen. Marc Outten (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 11:50 to 12:00
1 Grey Wagtail, 16 Redwing. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:50 to 15:40
80 Wigeon, 25 Pochard, 1 Peregrine Falcon on Vange Wick, 3 Water Rail, 4 Grey Plover from the marina, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 14:45
1 Drake Smew, 1 Kestrel, 1 White-fronted Goose, 40+ Canada, 30+ Greylag Geese, flock of Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, 8 Mute Swan, 12 Carrion Crow, 4 Turnstone, 5 Pied Wagtail, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 4 Greater Black-backed Gull, lots of ice on Reservoir west of causeway. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 12:30 to 15:30
2 Barn Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl all four visible at the same time hunting just east of access road, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Song Thrush feeding on winkles using a beach stone as an anvil. David Selley.
Canewdon, 13:10 to 13:10
1 Little Owl again in usual tree on Scotts Hall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 14:20 to 14:50
Crossroads area only: 23 Lesser Redpoll (flighty flock never settling for long, eventually disappeared towards west end), 2 Mealy Redpoll. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 14:30 to 15:00
9 Snow Bunting. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:30 to 16:00
5 Smew (smart drake as well as four redheads), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair on roach). Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Pitsea, Winifred Road 15:00 to 16:00
12 Goldfinch on sunflower feeder, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit. Billie Bohea.
Canvey Point, 15:00 to 16:20
1 Red-throated Diver (looked like the same bird as yesterday), 52 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Golden Plover on thawing grassy banks behind seawall, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit (flock flew past), 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill close in off seafront, diving constantly, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting the point. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:15 to 16:00
1 Kingfisher. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 16:00 to 16:20
1 female Sparrowhawk mobbed by Crow over garden, 2 Redwing coming to apples within 2 minutes of putting them out! 4 Chaffinch (2 male, 2 female) in garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Shoebury Avenue, Shoeburyness 16:15
Woodcock sitting under conifer until wife scared it off! Steve Day.
Shoebury, Friars Park, 16:15 to 16:20
c.200 Mallard, 1 female Red-crested Pochard. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 16:25 to 17:05
15 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe (with Great Crested), 100+ Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Song Thrush singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 16:30 to 16:40
3 drake Mandarin Duck, 1 Red-crested Pochard (pallid female). John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge Road 17:00 to 17:10
1 Little Owl perched on an oak tree just before the last bend leading to the village. Barry Bridge.
Northumberland Avenue, Chalkwell
Woodcock in garden all day. (per phone call).
Burnt Mills, Nevendon Bushes, All Day
100+ Redwing flying between Northlands Park, Burnt Mills, Nevendon Bushes and Pound Lane. Pete and Dawn.
Saturday 11th February 2012northerly, clear, Max1°
Pitsea Area, 08:10 to 12:45
Private site with no public access: 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 adult Ring-billed Gull (same as the bird here on 2nd February), 5 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Caspian Gull (1st winter including the yellow rung PKCS bird), 1 1st winter Iceland Gull very briefly. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 10:00 to 11:00
1 adult female Sparrowhawk causing chaos amongst the Wood Pigeons, 1 Woodcock flying around over trees, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming and calling, 5 Redwing, 2 male Bullfinch came in to 'piping'. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 10:30 to 11:30
8 Little Grebe, 2 Water Rail southern reed bed, 2 Snipe. Dave Knight (SOG).
Foulness Island, 10:30 to 15:30
1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Black Brant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 420 Skylark, 120 Corn Bunting. Chris Lewis (SOG).
South Benfleet, Vicarage hill 10:55
1 male Blackcap in garden. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 11:30 to 11:45
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Jay, 23 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 11:45 to 12:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Snow Bunting. Dave Knight (SOG).
Butler's Farm, 12:00 to 12:10
1 Little Owl. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hockley Woods 12:05
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (TQ834919). Tim Davis.
South Fambridge, 12:30 to 14:30
1 immature Great Northern Diver, 12 Little Grebe, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 30+ Cormorant, 1 Goldeneye, 5 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Friars Park, 12:30 to 13:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Red-crested Pochard. Dave Knight (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:45 to 15:15
2 female Goldeneye near Avengore bridge, 1 female Marsh Harrier hunting on Foulness, 2 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl (both owls were seen close together hunting in fields just north of parking area), 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Goldcrest. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:00 to 14:00
1 male Marsh Harrier from hide, 3 Water Rail, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull moulting to summer plumage. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 16:30
2 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 2 Wren, 1 Robin feeding on ice in front of hide for duration, Shoveler, Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Common, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gull. Rook, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Canada Goose. 1 Fox. David Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 15:45
1 Kingfisher, 6 Golden Plover, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Kestrel, 40 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 20 Brent Geese. Judy.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:30 to 14:45
55 Canada Goose, 15 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Water Rail, 1 Ruff, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach 14:00
1 Lapwing. M. Howard.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:20 to 17:05
40+ Little Grebe (including 30+ on the Roach), 50 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 20 Teal, c.30 Pintail (including 8 at Barton Hall Creek), 180 Shoveler, 180 Pochard, 100 Tufted Duck, 20+ Goldeneye (5 drakes), 1 drake Smew, 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser on Roach, 1 female Merlin flew through south-west, 40 Avocet roosting at Barton Hall Creek, 4 Short-eared Owl, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Aythya sp. (usual hybird drake). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:40 to 15:55
1 Red-throated Diver, 59 Great Crested Grebe (including a raft of 43 together), 80 Kittiwake (probably more, flocks of c.60 and 20 following ships west, 30 came back east behind another ship). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Rochford Reservoir, 14:45 to 14:50
Mostly frozen over but river clear of ice: 1 Kingfisher. Don Petrie (SOG).
Marine Parade, Leigh 16:45 & 17:00
2 Lapwing, 1 lively and feeding but probably injured wing at top of station steps, another flew away. Pat Holden.
Garons Golf Course 16:55
1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Snipe, 1 Woodcock. Don Wildish.
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:55 to 17:35
Large parts of lagoon frozen over. Temperature dropping rapidly after sun set. -9c when I got back to car: 1 Black Swan, 20+ Pintail, 20+ Goldeneye (6 drakes, birds flying onto lagoon from river at dusk), 1 drake Smew keeping to itself, diving often but didn't see it catch anything, 1 Aythya sp. (usual lesser scaup type hybrid). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 10th February 2012south easterly, mostly cloudy, Max1°
Leigh on Sea, 07:30 to 07:45
40 Redwing in bushes bordering Our Lady of Lourdes playing fields. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Richmond Drive, 08:45
1 Woodcock in next doors garden. Melvyn Cox.
Rayleigh, 08:45
1 Sparrowhawk at A130/A127 junction. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 09:20 to 09:25
1 Redwing. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:30 to 12:30
1 Water Rail, Sparrowhawk, 1 Drake Pintail, Pochard, 2 Ruff. 1000+ Gulls including: 2 Mediterranean, Common, Herring, Black Headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 1 pair Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, 40+ Fieldfare, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, Robin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wren. Good flight views of Cetti's Warbler over reeds, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Greylag Geese, Starling, 1 Cormorant, large flock of Woodpigeon flying south. 1 Fox. David & Brenda Hale.
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Great Wakering, Conway Avenue, 11:15
4 Collared Dove, 2 Pied Wagtail, several Goldfinch, 2 Blackbird, Starling, House Sparrow and a gorgeous Song Thrush all in garden. Jan Coveney.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 16:00
Watched Wild Bird cover (wbc) for a while: 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over wbc, 1 female Merlin on field just east of wbc, 3 Peregrine Falcon (adult pair and large immature female on sea wall near car park), 1 Snipe in ditch line with Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper in ditch line opposite wood yard entrance as usual, 1500 Skylark (reasonable count, again, approx. 500 to west and over wbc, 1000 to east in fields towards haystack road, phenomenal! 9 House Sparrow (5 males, 4 females), 20+ Chaffinch, 40+ Reed Bunting well scattered, 300+ Corn Bunting (wbc - over 100 very noisy from ditch/hedge along road to white gate). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 13:15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 13:15 to 14:00
3 drake Mandarin Duck, 1 female Red-crested Pochard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:00 to 16:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Magnolia NR, Hawkwell, 14:30 to 15:30
1 Snipe, 75 Fieldfare (at least), 5 Redwing, 24 Jackdaw. Steve Sanford (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 16:00
Flocks of Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Stock Dove, 2 Reed Bunting, 40+ Lapwing, 12 Redshank, 14+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Stonechat by car park, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Pheasant, 8+ Carrion Crow, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Curlew, 25 Shelduck, 31 Mallard, 12 Teal, 20 Dunlin, 14+ Avocet, 30 Black-headed Gull, 3 Grey Plover. Rob Harris.
Thorpe Bay Seafront, 14:40
20+ Lapwing on green at Thorpe Bay and also in Shorehouse PH car park - a sure sign that the cold weather is beginning to hurt these birds. Web Author.
Shoebury, Friars Park 15:30
3 Mandarin Duck, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch. Les Costin EBS.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 16:30 to 16:40
12 Fieldfare, 40+ Redwing over garden, heading for Belfairs to roost. Web Author.
Eastwood, Belgrade Road 16:35
1 Green Sandpiper, in the brook. Les Costin EBS.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:45 to 17:05
1 Ruff, 1 Barn Owl flew from behind Motorboat Museum and out over scrape where it was mobbed by Crows at 17:00, c.30 Fieldfare. Paul Baker, Steve Arlow, Marc Outten (SOG).
Rayleigh, Fairland Close
Coal Tit on feeders outside dining room window - a first for our garden. John Atfield.
Rayleigh, Victoria Road
Woodcock in garden. Michael Stanbridge.
Thursday 09th February 2012southerly to northerly, mostly cloudy, Max1°
Stock Road Concrete Plant 08:00 to 15:30
14 Chaffinch, 6 Blackbird, 4 Greenfinch, 2 House Sparrow, Dunnock, 6 Robin, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Pied Wagtail, male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Carrion Crow. Dan Davison.
Lubbards Farm Hullbridge, 09:30 to 15:30
1 Jack Snipe, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker approx 100 Mallard on reservoir. Hilary Knight.
East Tilbury/Coalhouse Fort 09:45 to c.12:50
Drake Red-breasted Merganser flew south, c.25 Golden Plover, 30+ Pintail very nearly all on Mucking Flats, 20+ Avocet, 130+ Teal mostly on Mucking Flats, 1 Green Sandpiper, 60+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Knot, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1,750 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Fieldfare, 15 Brent Geese on river and in field at Coalhouse Fort. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 13:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, Rook, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Curlew, 50+ Reed Bunting, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Plover, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Woodpigeon, Kestrel, Collared Dove, Greenshank, 10+ Redshank, 2 Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Heron, Wigeon, Mallard, 5 Redwing, 50+ Fieldfare, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Gadwall, Lapwing, Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit, Jay, Starling, Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Billericay 11:15
1 male Blackcap, 7 Redwing, flocks of Redwing in trees in surrounding gardens. Marion Burch.
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 11:35 to 11:50
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:30 to 14:10
1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull, 1 Caspian Gull (smart 1st winter bird on the scrape. Yellow ring, fairly sure PKC5 (black code) upper right leg. maybe a Polish bird with this colour ring). Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:30 to 16:30
Walked sea wall from/to east end over high tide: 4 Little Grebe (2 on wetlands, 2 from causeway from Lion Creek), 2 Cormorant (1 adult in breeding finery with white streaked head), 250 Shelduck, 105 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall (pair), 185 Teal, 54 Mallard, 5 Pintail (2 males), 4 Shoveler (2 pairs), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair east of tower), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel (adult male knocked an immature bird off a perch and mantled over it before finally releasing it and resuming his rightful place on the perch), 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Avocet (well scattered along wetlands), 8 Ringed Plover (where have they all gone?), 50 Golden Plover (flock over wetlands, a few individuals just stood by roadside with Lapwing), 30 Grey Plover, 30 Lapwing, c.248 Knot, 750 Dunlin, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50+ Curlew, 237 Redshank, 1 Short-eared Owl west of car park, 1000+ Skylark (many, many hundreds along road), 1 Stonechat near car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Priory Crescent 14:45
1 Sparrowhawk flew over Priory Crescent. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:45 to 16:00
Flocks of Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Stock Dove, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 50+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Short-eared Owl on seawall just west of car park, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 7+ Carrion Crow, 1 Little Grebe. Rob Harris.
Friars Park, 14:55 to 15:10
3 drake Mandarin Duck in usual place on island, 1 female Red-crested Pochard still present, 1 Lapwing on the grassy hill, 2 Woodcock (had 3 separate sightings of a bird or birds blatting around both ponds at treetop height affording rather good views!), 1 Skylark flew low east calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 15:00
1 female Blackcap. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 17:15
1000s of Gulls on scrape 3-4pm, 4 Little Grebe, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 4 Water Rail (sightings of at least 3 birds), 1 Ruff, 2 Mediterranean Gull (1 ad w and 1 ad partial summer), 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1 ad and 1 1st w), 1 Barn Owl (at 16:45 actually perched on a hide window ledge for a split second c.6ft away!), 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wednesday 08th February 2012northerly, mostly cloudy, Max1°
Runwell 06:00
2 Woodcock. Sue Braham.
Craven Close, Rochford 09:50
1 Pied Wagtail in garden. Richard Goring.
Two Tree Island 09:50 to 14:00
3 Goldfinch, 100+ Fieldfare, 20+ Brent Geese, 15 Avocet, Shelduck, Curlew, Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, 1 Wren, pair of Reed Bunting, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 30 + Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 10+ Redshank, 40+ Oystercatcher, 500+ Dunlin, 200+ Knot, 3 Snipe feeding out in full view for the duration, 30+ Golden Plover, 10 Grey Plover, 3 Turnstone, Blackbird, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling. 12 Ringed Plover. 1 Brown Rat boldly taking seed, put on hide window sill for usual Robin, Robin keeping its distance, 1 Grey Heron, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Woodpigeon. David & Brenda Hale.
Wickford 10:00
4 Lesser Redpoll on nyjer seeds in our garden again today - up to four have been daily visitors since end November 2011. Valerie & Paul Vine.
Sunnymede Area, Billericay c.11:00
Male Blackcap in the garden - first this winter. Paul Hudson.
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 11:15 to 11:40
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Lubbards Farm, Hullbridge 11:45
1 Jack Snipe. Hilary Knight.
Southchurch Park East 13:00 to 13:30
1 Water Rail, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, flock of Mallard, 7+ Moorhen, 10 Coot, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 15:00
1 adult male Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier (possibly 2), 1 adult female Merlin, 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon, 1400+ Skylark (as yesterday but many birds now around wild bird cover). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Laindon, Victoria Park 13:05
30+ Fieldfare. Web Author.
Eastwood, Belgrade Road 14:00
1 Green Sandpiper in the brook. Les Costin EBS.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 14:15
c.600 Brent Geese, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Linnet, 100 Stock Dove, 10 Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 40 Lapwing. Rob Harris.
Battlesbridge Beeches Road 14:45 to 14:50
Flock of Fieldfare. Rob Harris.
Basildon 16:00
Woodcock in my garden. Peter King.
Tuesday 07th February 2012calm, partly cloudy, Max -1°
Ashingdon 08:15
300 Fieldfare in hedges and fields around Ashingdon School. Also many Blackbird and 20 or 30 Redwing. David Selley.
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 10:15 to 10:45
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 12:10
1 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 3 Little Grebe. Les Costin EBS.
Shoebury Park 14:00
1 Snipe sp. flew up from ditch behind Skate board park, 3 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Les Costin EBS.
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier scoped drifting low over the sea, before heading off high towards Kent, 1 1st winter Kittiwake. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Belton Way, Leigh on Sea c.15:00
Approximately 50 Fieldfare in the treetops near the proposed Fair Havens Hospice site. Godfrey Davies.
Two Tree Island West 15:00
30 Avocet, 4 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Lapwing, 3 Grey Plover, some Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, 1 Shelduck. R. Shepherd.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 16:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1400 Skylark (huge influx, two main flocks, 400 near wild bird cover, 1000 south of remains of haystack). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 16:00 to 16:30
3 Mandarin Duck, 1 female Red-crested Pochard on main pond with mallards, surely an escapee. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Daws Heath, Little Haven EWT Nature Reserve 16:15
Woodcock flew out of hedge and landed hundred yards ahead. Neil Latham.
Monday 06th February 2012calm, overcast and freezing fog, Max1°
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 07:45 to 08:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:05 to 08:15
2 Golden Plover flying east, 3 Lapwing flying east, 22 Redwing flying west. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, 11:30 to 15:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House for a few hours, 1 Grey Wagtail flew past east side of Alexander House. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 11:40 to 12:30
17 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 5 Mediterranean Gull (3 x ad, 1 x 2nd-w, 1 x 1st-w). 1 Grey Seal. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:00 to 13:30
6 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 4 Knot, 20 Sanderling, 1 Snipe, 12 Turnstone, 1 1st winter Kittiwake. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 15:00 to 15:30
9 Snow Bunting just south of boom on beach. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Southchurch Park East
The Water Rail has been calling out for the last two or three days. This morning there is now a pair and they are tracking each other, the new arrival is more cautious. 1 Snipe north west reed bed, 2 Mute Swan. Robert Dobinson.
Sunday 05th February 2012south westerly, overcast, Max1°
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08:00 to 12:00
Seen while shovelling snow: 1 Grey Heron, 17 Redwing, 6 Lapwing, and most surprising 1 Grey Plover all flying over. Blackbird, Robin, 5 Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, c.20 House Sparrow, Starling, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove around feeders. David Selley.
Rochford, 09:00 to 13:00
In garden: 3 Wood Pigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 10 Blackbird (record garden count), 1 Song Thrush (uncommon garden visitor), 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Magpie, 10 Starling, 14 House Sparrow, 7 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Conway Avenue, Great Wakering 10:00 to 13:00
Great Tit, 2 Pied Wagtail, several Goldfinch, lots of House Sparrow and Starling, 2 Blackbird, several Woodpigeon and Collard Dove and one Meadow Pipit. Jan Coveney.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:15
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet 11:30
1 Lesser Redpoll, a first for my garden. Jerry Stock.
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 11:30 to 12:30
25 Golden Plover flew over Tankerville Drive, 4 Wood Pigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 3 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush feeding on mistletoe, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 1 Jay, 2 Magpie, 2 Jackdaw, 35 Starling, 7 House Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, 22 Goldfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 12:00 to 13:00
2 Little Egret, 60 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 12 Meadow Pipit, c.200 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 35 Linnet, 15 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Corringham/Stanford Area, Junction of Priory Road, Monks Haven and The Glen c.12.20
c.15 Golden Plover flew west at a very low height overhead during the bitterly cold weather. Richard Fahey.
Fernlea Road, Benfleet 14:15
1 Rook on my neighbour's bird table. Richard Gray.
Hockley Woods 15:00 to 16:30
20 Redwing on southern edge, 4 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin, Magpie, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail. David Zeffie.
Shoeburyness Park, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Snipe, 1 Woodcock flushed from ditch alongside skateboard area. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering High Street, 15:40
19 Golden Plover over, by the church. Marc Outten (SOG).
Oxenham Farm, 16:00 to 16:10
1 Woodcock flushed from a ditch. Marc Outten (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:30 to 17:20
2 Little Egret, 63 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier over Potton, 21 Red-legged Partridge, 11 Avocet, 70 Dunlin, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 44 Skylark. Marc Outten (SOG).
Saturday 04th February 2012southerly, mostly cloudy, heavy snow from 23:00. Max0°
Hockley Woods, 06:30 to 08:25
1 Tawny Owl heard - southern edge of woods, 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 07:40 to 08:15
2 Wigeon, 3 Pintail (flying west), 4 Knot, 9 Snow Bunting (must have missed one!). Marc Outten (SOG).
Pitsea Area (Private site with no public access), 08:00 to 15:00
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 adult Ring-billed Gull (a different bird that was here on Thursday), 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Caspian Gull (2 adults, a 2nd winter and 3rd winter), 1 Iceland Gull (2nd winter). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Prittlewell School, 08:45
1 Grey Wagtail opposite school. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:10 to 09:30
18 Wigeon, 1 drake Pintail, 34 Shoveler, 2 Snipe (one really showy bird in front of the hide in the cut reed area). Marc Outten (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 09:15 to 09:45
19 Goosander (around Springfield Lock), 1 Little Egret, many Moorhen, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Starling, Fieldfare, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.
Southchurch Park East, 09:30 to 10:15
1 Snipe. Matt Bruty, John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Bowers Marsh 10:00 to 14:20
Note that this exciting new reserve is not open to the public yet. This was a 'first look' guided walk - there will be another on the 3rd March - see our calendar page for details.
1 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 7 Shelduck, c.50 Wigeon, 4 Pintail over, 15 Shoveler, 5 Grey Partridge, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull (ad.w), 1 Iceland Gull gaining height and drifting west, 1 Kingfisher (seen by some of the group), 1 Green Woodpecker, 80 Skylark, 1 Water Pipit feeding on reed edge on the reservoir, 20 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 150 Linnet (large flock on the landfill site), 4 Reed Bunting, c.120 Corn Bunting (the largest single flock I have recorded on the reserve). Marc Outten (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30
1 Woodcock flew across road from Gunners Park in front of car. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 10:30 to 11:10
10 Snow Bunting. Matt Bruty, John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 10:45 to 11:15
1 Jack Snipe north-west corner - bob bob bobbing. John Wright (SOG).
Friars Park, 11:15 to 11:30
3 Mandarin Duck. Matt Bruty, John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 12:00 to 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Greenshank on the scrape, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:00 to 13:15
1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Kittiwake (2 adults, 4 1st winters on the pier. Many more Kittiwakes out to sea). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 13:15 to 13:40
1 Little Grebe, 1 Jack Snipe (north west corner, doesn't look in great shape, nearly taken by a rat! 1 Brown Rat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 13:30 to 13:45
1 Little Grebe, 7 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 2 Mute Swan. Rob Harris.
Shoebury East Beach 14:00 to 14:15
1 Kingfisher, 3 Little Egret, 1 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blackbird by pond behind boatyard, flocks of Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.
Southend Pier, 14:00 to 15:20
5 Red-throated Diver, 1 adult Black-throated Diver c.100m out drifting east 14:45-15:00), 8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe east of pier feeding with 3 Great Crested Grebes from 15:00, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair east of pier), 24 Mediterranean Gull, 40 Kittiwake (including 2 adults on booms and 6 1st winters). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 15:30 to 15:45
1 Jack Snipe along the north west edge of the lake. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 17:15
1 Hen Harrier (probably more), 2 Kestrel, 4 Short-eared Owl. Matt Bruty, John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 16:10 to 16:30
1 Jack Snipe north edge of lake. Bob Young (SOG).
Friday 03rd February 2012west north west, mostly clear, Max 2°
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 11:00
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 100m west of compound near newly coppiced area, 1 Treecreeper singing. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hullbridge, 09:30 to 09:45
19 Mute Swan, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone around slipway on north shore, 1 Goldcrest in solitary larch at end of Ferry Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 11:35
1 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan (with the geese), 1 Greylag Goose, c.800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 47 Pintail, 14 Goldeneye (including 3 on Roach), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (a pair on the Roach), 7 Avocet, 50 Stock Dove. 1 Aythya sp. (regular drake still present). Paul Baker (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 10:00 to 13:00
2 Short-eared Owl both perched on posts for the duration. 2 drakes and 2 Red head Smew, 1 Drake and 3 female Goosander, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 female Kestrel. 3 White-fronted Goose, 4 Egyptian Goose, many Canada and Greylag Geese, 12+ drake Pintail, Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Goldeneye, flock of Long-tailed Tit, 20+ Mute Swan, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow, Cormorant. 1 Muntjac Deer. David & Brenda Hale.
Thundersley Glen 10:30 to 11:30
1 Woodcock, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Treecreeper. Richard Gray.
Benfleet 11:30
1 Snipe in the back garden of a house in Benfleet. Peter Chipperfield.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 11:45 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret flushed from southern borrowdyke by Marsh Harrier, 7 Mute Swan, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on north side of Crouch, 1 male Marsh Harrier initially over game crop then hunting southern seawall, 5 Kestrel, 150 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker feeding on lawn of bungalow at Loftmans, 120 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting, 120 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Fernlea Road, Benfleet 12:30
2 Stock Dove feeding on lawn. Richard Gray.
Canewdon, 12:45
1 Little Owl sat very low down in his usual tree on Scotts Hall Lane. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southchurch Park West, 12:50 to 13:00
13 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 adult-winter Mediterranean Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 13:15 to 15:40
At feeders: 1 female Kestrel, Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit, Greenfinch. On the Reserve: 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, 2 Drake and 3 Red head Smew, 3 Drake and 5 female Goosander. Goldeneye and Tufted Duck, 1 Snipe, 1 Jay, Common, Black-headed and Lesser Black Backed Gull. Mallard. David & Brenda Hale.
Southchurch Park East, 13:30 to 14:30
1 Water Rail at back of reed bed area, 1 Jack Snipe feeding in north west corner, 2 Snipe. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:00 to 16:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 16:30
1 Great White Egret flew in to borrowdyke near Water Vole area then flushed by Marsh Harrier and headed out north-west, 1 adult male Marsh Harrier watched from east end on Foulness came right south round island to wild bird cover, 1 Hen Harrier (2 ringtails, one an obvious young male starting to moult), 1 female Merlin flew past wild bird cover late on, 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon sat on tank at T junction, 1 Stonechat on sea wall near haystack. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 14:15
2 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Egret. David Chivers.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:30
1 male Siskin, 5 Redwing, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 1 Coal Tit, numerous Goldfinch. Marion Burch.
Southchurch Park East, 14:30 to 14:45
2 Mute Swan, 1 Water Rail seen in reeds, 1 Jack Snipe showing well along north bank in the open and in the sunshine!, 1 Snipe. 1 Red Fox, 2 Brown Rat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 15:10 to 16:15
3 Red-throated Diver, 35 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 50+ Cormorant, 32 Mediterranean Gull (mostly adults), 30+ Kittiwake. 4 Common Seal (3 together half way down pier from train). Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:00 to 17:20
Walked east to the saltings: 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret flew to roost, 1 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag Goose on Blue House Farm, 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on Crouch, 1 drake Shoveler on Crouch, 2 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 30 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Park East, 16:20 to 16:55
1 Jack Snipe, 1 Snipe. Paul Griggs, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Friars Park, Shoebury 16:30 to 17:00
3 Drake Mandarin, 1 female Red Crested Pochard X. Jackie Bliss.
Southchurch Park East, 16:30 to 17:00
1 Jack Snipe watched feeding for about twenty minutes, although quite well hidden, 1 Snipe. Lee Ebbs, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 16:40 to 17:00
200 Knot feeding near boom, 10 Snow Bunting (super little flock flew in to within 20m of us). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friars Park, 17:10 to 17:20
3 drake Mandarin Duck swimming behind the two islands. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southchurch Park East All Day
1 Jack Snipe (bobbing) north reed bed afternoon, 1 Snipe north west corner reed bed, 1 Water Rail usual place all day, 2 Mute Swan mating. Robert Dobinson.
Thursday 02nd February 2012north easterly, partly cloudy, Max 1°
Pitsea Area 08:00 to 15:30
1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Ring-billed Gull (new adult), 3 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Caspian Gull (2nd winter). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hullbridge, Slipway Near Anchor Pub 08:30
1 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Turnstone. David Chivers.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:50
1 Green Sandpiper still in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 16:30
1 male Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House all day. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female watched for 10 minutes 100m west of compound joined by male at 1100hrs and pair started displaying), 2 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper (two pairs), 4 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch. Vince Kinsler, Bob Young (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
30+ Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Curlew, 2 Grey Plover, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Blackbird, 50+ Teal, 5 Pied Wagtail, Robin, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Wigeon, Pochard, Water Rail, Shoveler, Gadwall, Marsh Harrier. Terry Jeffreys.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30 to 16:15
Goosander (1 male 1 female), 1 Ruff, 2 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, 5 Stock Dove, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, 2 Dunnock, 40+ Lapwing, Wigeon, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, 3 Goldfinch, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Grey Heron, 15 Cormorant, Robin, Black-headed, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldeneye, (drakes and females), 1 Wren, Starling, Woodpigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Chaffinch, Blackbird. 1 Fox. David & Brenda Hale.
Canvey Island 12:00
Snow Bunting feeding in garden. Andrew Robson.
Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue 12:00 to 12:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Eastwood, Bramble Road 14:05
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail, both seen briefly close together in the brook. Sadly both flew off when a lurking Cat suddenly appeared. Les Costin.
Southend Pier, 14:30 to 16:45
1+ Red-throated Diver swimming off Pier head, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe drifted up with the tide at mid-river, 1 Slavonian Grebe showing quite well throughout off east point, 2 Shelduck, 2 Lapwing flew south, c.15 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Little Gull (all adults), 100+ Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill (good views). 1 Grey Seal. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:25
1 Woodcock flew across in front of me as I drove out of the park. Marc Outten (SOG).
Wednesday 01st February 2012north easterly, partly cloudy, Max3°
South Fambridge 07:30 to 07:50
3 Grey Heron flying west along river, 1 Barn Owl hunting just inside seawall east of village, 9 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, huge flock of Woodpigeon over Beckney Wood Ashingdon. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East & Wyatts Drive 08:05 & 09:10
1 Little Egret in ditch south east corner of Southchurch Park East @ 08:05. One male Pheasant in back garden in Wyatts Drive and one female Pheasant see through the garden fence on Thorpe Hall Golf Course @ 09:10. Alec Beanse.
Billericay 09:00
4 Lesser Redpoll on feeders in garden with 10+ Goldfinch. Lesser Redpolls have become an annual visitor when the weather turns very cold plus the occasional Mealy Redpoll, but none this year yet. Andrew Wilson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:00 to 16:00
2 fly-over Buzzard, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk. Mike Poole.
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:10 to 13:20
Ringtail Hen Harrier and Peregrine Falcon, these two were hunting together for a while, a rare sight, c.100 Fieldfare, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Golden Plover, Little Egret, 2 Brent Goose, 5 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 25 Wigeon, 4 Curlew, 3 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Shoebury East Beach 16:15 to 17:00
1 male Kingfisher on usual perch by pond behind boatyard. 4 Snow Bunting alternating between boom and beach. Jackie and Mike Bliss.
Southchurch Park 16:45
1 Red Crested Pochard X. Robert Dobinson.