Bird Reports For February 2013
Thursday 28th February 2013north easterly, mostly cloudy, max6°
Thurrock, Thamesside Nature Park 13:15 to 15:20
1 Marsh Harrier near reserve entrance, flew to Stanford Warren, 1 Avocet, 9 Pintail, 15+ Wigeon, 450+ Teal. Richard Fahey.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 14:30
200+ Black-headed Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 60+ Herring Gull, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40+ Mallard, 30+ Common Gull, 60+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Pochard, 150+ Wigeon, 43 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 3 Mute Swan, 20+ Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 50+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag Geese, 9 Barnacle Geese. Rob Harris.
Goldhanger 14:00 to 14:45
3 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 drake Pintail. 70 Brent Geese. G. Dixon.
Stanford Warren Nature Reserve/Mucking 15:20 to 16:40
1 Goldcrest, 2 Snipe. Richard Fahey.
Tollesbury 15:30 to 16:30
5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Little Egret, 7 Turnstone. G. Dixon.
Gunners Park, 16:45 to 17:00
1 female Long-tailed Duck still on the lake. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 27th February 2013north easterly, mostly cloudy, max5°c
Vange Cotelands 09:30
3 Siskin in tree. Mick Roe.
Southend, Wyatts Drive 11:45
Male Sparrowhawk perched on garden fence in Wyatts Drive. Alec Beanse.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:40
1 Bittern flew over scrape hide, landed in reed bed south east corner. Cleve Bull.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 17:30
Viewing from between farm and car park: 1 Kestrel, 1 female Merlin, 1 Short-eared Owl, 80+ Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 26th February 2013north easterly, overcast, max5°c
Southend Hospital 10:15 to 10:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Southchurch Park 12:45
1 Redshank feeding around edge of pond/exposed banks. Robert Dobinson.
Monday 25th February 2013northerly, overcast, max4°c
Richmond Park, Benfleet 07:20
1 Water Rail in brook behind Fish Market restaurant. Andrew Bridge.
River Chelmer, Chelmsford 07:25 to 07:30
1 Kingfisher, 2 Goosander (pair) near Riverside Weir. Tim Davis.
Stanford-Le-Hope 08:45 to 10:00
2 Waxwing feeding on a berry tree in back garden. Nick Argent.
Rayleigh, Glasseys Lane 09:15
1 male Blackcap has been around since early January, mainly feeding on apple. Peter Bowden.
Southend Pier, 10:40 to 12:45
1 Red-throated Diver (flew upriver), 1 Black-throated Diver (adult winter drifted out alongside Pierhead with tide), c.25 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Shag (present on sea around Pierhead throughout), 1 Common Scoter, 15 Mediterranean Gull (c.), 7 Kittiwake (4 x 1st-winters & 2 x adults following ships upriver plus an adult on old slipway posts ), 1 Guillemot (close in on the sea with the Razorbill), 1 Razorbill (Good, prolonged views). 2 Common Seal. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 13:00
Hide only: 50 Pochard, 6 Tufted duck, 7 Snipe, 112 Lapwing, 6 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 6 Little Grebe, 2 female Marsh Harrier hunting over scrape. David Shepherd.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:15 to 16:45
6 Woodpigeon, 3 Magpie, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Crow, 1 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Canada Goose, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 30 Lapwing, 35+ Mallard, 18 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 1 Chiffchaff. Far end marsh near factories c.100 meters from fence in ditch: 9 Mute Swan, 1 Pochard, 30 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 40 Shoveler. G. Dixon.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:30
2 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Fieldfare, 20+ Corn Bunting. David Shepherd.
Southend Hospital 15:50 to 17:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Rochford, 17:40 to 17:40
1 possible Merlin. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 24th February 2013northerly, mostly cloudy, max2°c>
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Fieldfare in garden and still on the apples and has been all week, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch on feeder. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley 09:10 to 09:20
3 Siskin on garden feeder, 1 Grey Heron on roof top being mobbed by Crows. Tim Davis.
Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 09:35
2 Grey Wagtail (Prittle Brook/Elmsleigh Drive). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
West Mersea 09:30 to 15:30
100+ Brent Geese, 3 Redshank, 5 Curlew, 200+ Dunlin, 32 Cormorant, 2 Shelduck, 28 Little Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Turnstone, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Shag, 1 Mute Swan. Stacey Belbin.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 11:15
2 Little Egret, 6 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover in field with Lapwing near Creeksea boatyard, 20+ Grey Plover, 50+ Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 6 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:30 to 12:15
35 Great Crested Grebe, 1 immature Shag close in to pier head on arrival but soon flew off towards the Shoebury shore, 11 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Kittiwake (3 1st w & an adult following a container ship), 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill. 1 Common Seal. John Wright
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Red-throated Diver heading up river, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 juvenile Mute Swan on sea, 4 Common Scoter (one drake close in). Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 12:45 to 15:55
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers
Pitsea 14:30 to 14:40
c.65 Waxwing on tall trees briefly near the old swimming pool. We counted 52 and estimate a further 13 birds on lower branches, before they flew off towards Felmores. Clare and Eddie.
Canewdon, 15:20 to 15:20
1 Buzzard hunting low over fields at junction of Creeksea Ferry Road and Lambourne Hall Road. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:30 to 17:30
1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 50+ Golden Plover, 2 Barn Owl (possibly 3), 1 Short-eared Owl. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:15 to 17:05
From white gate: 1 male Kestrel, 2 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 20 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westbury Road
Female Blackcap feeding on an apple in our garden. Mick Holland.
Saturday 23rd February 2013north easterly, overcast, max1°c
Hockley Woods, 07:45 to 09:00
5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper, 10 Siskin (seven in trees by compound, another three overhead calling). Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Benfleet, Thundersley Park Road 09:30 to 10:30
2 Coal Tit, 1 Mistle Thrush (a garden tick). Jerry Stock.
Butler's Farm, 09:45 to 10:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Mistle Thrush. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:53 to 13:05
1 Barn Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier seen from the manorway, 100+ Avocet and 13 Pintail on Holehaven Creek, c.10 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon with maybe 4 of same later on fleet left side of track, 20+ Teal, a few Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit roosting on island in Holehaven Creek, 1 Little Grebe "bubbling" on Coryton lagoon, 50+ Stock Dove, most being at west end of marshes. Richard Fahey.
Rear of Waitrose, Fossetts Way 10:00
1 Water Rail. Peter Bennett.
West Mersea 10:00 to 16:00
200+ Brent Geese, 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 300+ Dunlin, 8 Cormorant, 22 Little Grebe, 5 Oystercatcher, 3 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Shag, 1 Mute Swan. Stacey Belbin.
Hainault/Chigwell 12:00
20 Waxwing feeding on my cotoneaster round the bay window. Colin Welsby.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:20 to 17:00
From white gate: 1 adult male Hen Harrier gave great views, 1 Merlin, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 22nd February 2013north easterly, mostly cloudy, snow, max1°c
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 09:05 to 11:15
Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Pochard, hundreds of Wigeon, Greylag Geese Canada Geese, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Goldeneye (2 drake, 3 female), Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 2 Chaffinch (pair), 3 Stock Dove, 2 Magpie, 5 Common Crow. Chris Henry.
Basildon, Roundacre Roundabout, 11:00 to 12:00
20 Waxwing. Vince Briggs.
Billericay, 12:50
Jay at top of tree near garden. Ben M.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 13:45 to 16:35
10 Magpie, Woodpigeon, 1000+ Starling, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, 25+ Coot, Moorhen, 500+ Wigeon, 300+ Lapwing, Pintail, Mallard, Carrion Crow, 2 Snipe (1 from centre and 1 from Butts Hide), 6 Little Egret, Robin, 2 Mute Swan, 50+ Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Teal, Kestrel, Blackbird, Great Tit, Pheasant, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe (marshland discovery zone), Canada Goose, Gadwall, Peregrine Falcon, Marsh Harrier, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Barn Owl, Dunlin. Ben M.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:15 to 16:15
2 Kestrel, 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Short Eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Grey Heron, 70+ Corn Bunting, 20+ Linnet, 8 Fieldfare, 7 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 3 Greater Black-backed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Mallard 9 Shelduck, large flock of Lapwing, 40+ Stock Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Basildon, Clay Hill Road 09:30 to 09:40
17 Waxwing seen in tree opposite house, one flew into garden, checked out bushes for berries? then flew off, flock flew off towards pitsea. Brian & Sue Cooper.
Thursday 21st February 2013easterly, mostly cloudy, max°c
Basildon, Clay Hill Road 09:30 to 09:40
1 Waxwing seen in garden for five minutes then flew off towards west. Brian & Sue Cooper.
Paglesham Lagoon 09:30 to 11:30
2 drake Scaup (both in full adult plumage), usual Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Brent Goose, 4 Cormorant, 20 Shelduck, 24 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 18 Mute Swan. On River Roach: 12 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 3 Curlew, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 40 Redshank. Richard Mander.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:00 to 12:10
Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 3 Canada Goose, 2 Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Redwing, Blackbird, 2 Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, House Sparrow, Teal, Wigeon, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Kestrel, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Shelduck, Shoveler, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, 2 Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 14:15
Sightings from first hide: male and female Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Snipe, 1 Redwing, 2 Common Gull, 4 Little Grebe, c.20 Pochard, c.150 Lapwing, c.40 Stock Dove. David & Brenda Hale.
Wednesday 20th February 2013easterly, mostly cloudy, max5°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:42 to 12:45
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail heard in reed bed behind fence below seawall, c.10 Pintail on Holehaven Creek, 1 Snipe, 20+ Wigeon, 6 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 200+ Teal, a few Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 30+ Fieldfare, a few Redwing, 2 pairs of Oystercatcher on creek, pair of Little Grebe "bubbling" on Coryton lagoon. Richard Fahey.
Southend, Hamstel Road 10:30
Grey Heron flying over going towards Shoeburyness. Mr & Mrs Jackson.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:15 to 16:30
1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel c.200 Lapwing, c.200 Wigeon, c.200 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, c.150 Golden Plover, c.4 pair Reed Bunting, 1 Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, 20+ Snipe, Pintail, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, 100+ Golden Plover, Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 500+ Starling. Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch. David & Brenda Hale.
Hockley, Lower Road 16:10
Barn Owl hunting by verge near to farm. Irwin Lewis.
Basildon Roundabout A127/A132 16:30
2 Mistle Thrush both together on the south side of the roundabout. Pete and Dawn.
Tuesday 19th February 2013variable, clear, max10°c
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 15:00
2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit singing in gardens on east side of wood, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:50 to 12:40
2 male Coal Tit singing and showing by the gardens (same sighting as Alan Shearman) and a bit later a pair in same area. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet 11:30
75 Fieldfare flew south towards Canvey. 30+ Pied Wagtail Jotmans Hall field. Pete Jackson.
Benfleet Downs, 12:00 to 14:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 female Bullfinch. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Hockley 13:00
3 Siskin on garden feeder. Tim Davis.
Upminster 14:15 to 15:30
Flock of maybe 12-15 Waxwing feeding on rotting apples on apple tree in flat car park next to Upminster Station. A lovely sight! Martene Giles.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:30 to 16:40
1 Pintail, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Monday 18th February 2013easterly, partly cloudy, max7°c
Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 10:45
6 Stock Dove (1 singing), 1 female Tawny Owl calling from gardens, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (3 drumming), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (one heard north west of path to Eastwood SF, then it or another heard and seen c.300 south west of the compound before flying off towards the compound area), 3 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit singing by gardens on east side, 2 Treecreeper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chelmsford 10:00 to 10:30
1 Peregrin Falcon. Eleanor Randall.
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 11:15 to 18:00
1 hunting Barn Owl, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 3 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, c.1000 Lapwing, c.500 Wigeon, c.500 Starling, c.80 Shelduck, c.50 Curlew, c.50 drake Pintail (1 female), c.60 Barnacle Geese, c.100 Brent Geese, c.50 Greylag Geese, c.100 Canada Geese, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, 8 Stock Dove, 2 pair Reed Bunting, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 Redwing. 4 Brown Hare, 4 Rabbit, 1 Fox. David & Brenda Hale.
West Wood, 11:20 to 11:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1+ Siskin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:25 to 15:00
c.20 Great Crested Grebe (drifted up on the tide), 10 Mediterranean Gull (incl 2 1'w, 2 2'w and 3 adults in full summer plumage). 5 Common Seal on sandbank, 2 Harbour Porpoise. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:20 to 15:45
2 Little Grebe on lake, 1 Kestrel, 1 Song Thrush singing. 1 Brown Rat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:45 to 17:25
From white gate: 2 Hen Harrier (ringtail over southern seawall, male came in to roost late on), 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Fieldfare, 15 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 17th February 2013east south east, mostly cloudy, max7°c
Hockley 07:15
1 male Siskin on garden feeder. Tim Davis.
Shoeburyness, Shoebury Avenue 09:00 to 10:00
3 Long-tailed Tit on fat balls brilliant! Steve Day.
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:15 to 11:25
2 Mute Swan, 2 Snipe, Kingfisher, 21 Curlew, Redshank, 2 Canada Goose, 3 Robin, 10 Shelduck, Grey Heron, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 5 Redwing, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Magpie, Woodpigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, Mallard, 20 Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Cetti's Warbler (one seen but plenty heard between abstraction ditch and eastern reedbeds), Coot, Moorhen, Kestrel. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Wallasea Island 10:00 to 11:55
2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail just south of car park), 28 Stock Dove, 5 Skylark, c.130 Corn Bunting (some singing males until fog closed in). David Selley.
West Mersea 10:00 to 15:00
200+ Brent Geese, 7 Wigeon, 2 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 100+ Dunlin, 2 Cormorant, 400+ Golden Plover, 32 Lapwing, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Turnstone, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Goldeneye, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Shag. Stacey Belbin.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:15 to 12:45
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Collared Dove, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Shoveler, Pochard, Canada Goose, Mallard, Shelduck, Common Gull, Coot, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Herring Gull, Curlew, Kestrel, Redshank, Rook, Wigeon, Teal, Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black Backed Gull, House Sparrow, Moorhen. Ben M.
Gunners Park, 11:45 to 13:15
1 Little Grebe on lake, 1 Song Thrush singing, 1 Redwing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 13:00 to 14:00
6 Redpoll in bushes along side the path. S. Jackson.
Gunners Park, 14:10 to 14:20
1 Kingfisher feeding in the stream near the end pool. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer 15:00
1 Kingfisher. Tim Davis.
South Fambridge, 15:30 to 16:30
5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 male Kestrel, 60 Golden Plover, 1 Barn Owl hunting along seawall. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Saturday 16th February 2013variable, partly cloudy, max10°c
Southend, North Crescent, 08:55
1 Merlin viewed for several minutes on fence looking for prey. David Griffiths.
West Mersea 10:00 to 16:00
500+ Brent Geese, 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 12 Dunlin, 8 Cormorant, 80+ Lapwing, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Shag. Stacey Belbin.
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:15 to 14:15
6 Little Grebe, 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 18 Pintail, 1 drake Scaup, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 26 Avocet on the river, c.60 Stock Dove, 1 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 12:00 and 17:10
2 Sparrowhawk - male and female circling together at 12:00, 2 Song Thrush singing at dusk - one close by, the other more distant. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 13:00 to 13:10
1 Long-tailed Duck still on the lake. John Wright (SOG).
Church Top, Langdon Hill 13:25
3 Ring-necked Parakeet. G. Dixon.
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:30
1 Long-tailed Duck still present on the lake. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
1 Short-eared Owl hunting opposite car park, 1 Stonechat, 20+ Corn Bunting, 10+ Redshank, 1 Little Egret. David Z.
Canvey, North Wick Road
Short-eared Owl, and Redpoll. David Blackwell.
Friday 15th February 2013westerly, partly cloudy, max9°c
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:00 to 11:00
1 male Blackcap still around the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park 12:30 to 13:00
Peregrine Falcon on first crane, 10+ Skylark (some in full song high up), 5 Stonechat (two super coloured males), 1 Buzzard in usual place. Jim Bailey.
South Fambridge, 12:45 to 16:00
3 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 White-fronted Goose (seen twice with Greylags on Blue House Farm), 2 female Marsh Harrier north side of Rover Crouch, 5 Buzzard (3 seen together east of Blue House Farm and 2 seen together east of South Fambridge village), 1 Kestrel, c.600 Lapwing, 2 Barn Owl hunting over Blue House Farm, 1 Water Pipit western end of salt marsh, 1 female Stonechat east of salt marsh. John Wright (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:55 to 17:00
1 Barn Owl, 20+ Avocet, 2 Green Sandpiper, c.13 Pintail on Holehaven Creek, 1 Wigeon each on Holehaven Creek and Coryton lagoon where there was also c.8 Gadwall, 200+ Teal, 10+ Shoveler, 1 Snipe, 850+ Black-tailed Godwit on Holehaven Creek, pair of Oystercatcher on creek, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Little Egret, 20+ Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
Southend Pier 15:00 to 16:30
Shag fishing 80-100yrds from pier opposite Jamie & Jimmy's Cafe working towards the end of pier, finally flew towards East Beach area at 16:30, 5 Guillemot, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Turnstone, 8 Brent Geese near life boat building. 2 Seals. Clare and Eddie.
Pipps Hill, Asda 17:18
1 Sparrowhawk flew over. G. Dixon.
Thursday 14th February 2013southerly to westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c
Paglesham Church End 09:40
5 Cock Pheasant in grazing meadow on left after 1st right hand bend to Church End. John Carson.
Canvey Island 12:00
Pristine Red Admiral flying around in the sun! Tim Hurdley.
Two Tree Island 12:00 to 14:15
Avocet with four rings: right leg top red; lower blue, left leg top silver (This appeared to be the data ring), lower was green, c.1,800 Knot on river, 15 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 50 Teal, Black-headed Gull, 33 Shelduck. On Scrape: 4 Greenshank, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60 Lapwing, 6 Oystercatcher, 15 Wigeon (plus more on river), 1 Grey Plover, 3 Snipe, 4 Avocet. On walk to hide: 1 Song Thrush, 1 Linnet. Gavan Dixon.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:10 to 16:00
Sightings from scrape hide: 4 Snipe, 1 male Kestrel, 1 female Sparrowhawk, c.150 Lapwing, c.50 fly over Wigeon, 1 pair Canada Geese preparing nest site, c.50 Greylag Geese, 3 pair Mallard, c.50 Stock Dove, 1 pair Tufted Duck. 5 pair Shoveler, 1 pair Teal, 1 Cormorant. David Hale.
Fortune Roundabout A127 Laindon 14:10
c.40 Waxwing in tree in Laindon High Road North on north side of Fortune roundabout - departed North after about 10 minutes excellent viewing. John Neal.
Wednesday 13th February 2013south easterly, mostly cloudy, max3°c
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:40 to 07:50
24 Waxwing on the wires. I've been fruitlessly chasing round after reported sightings all winter then they turn up just outside the front door! Flew off east and couldn't re-find. David Selley.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 09:30 to 10:30
1 male Blackcap, 1 male Goldcrest, 1 male Chaffinch. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:55 to 11:40
3 Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Canada Goose, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Wren (heard), Teal, Wigeon, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, 20 Stock Dove, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, 5 Redwing, Blackbird, Starling, Green Woodpecker (heard), Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, 4 Snipe, Gadwall, Pied Wagtail, Mallard. Terry Jeffreys.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 11:15 to 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Lesser Redpoll feeding on weed seeds around the Alexandra Road footpath entrance. 1 Grey Squirrel, 1 Rabbit. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:25
1 Bittern seen flying north then landed near to scrape hide to clutch reed stems and adopt the 'bitterning posture' for some three minutes before departing north again. A stunning close encounter with this rare bird. Glenn Osgood.
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 12:45
15 Great Crested Grebe offshore from coastguards, 1 immature Shag feeding just off the coastguards, 2 Mistle Thrush around the Garrison. John Wright (SOG).
Tuesday 12th February 2013north north easterly, mostly cloudy, max2°c
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:30 to 11:30
1 Fieldfare, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch. John Wright (SOG).
Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park 09:25 to 11:55
150+ Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 600+ Teal included several on creek, 1.500+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Turnstone, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
EWT Two Tree Island 11:15 to 14:45
1 Peregrine Falcon over car park. From scrape hide: 6 Snipe, 6 Turnstone, 4 Greenshank, 1 male Kestrel, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Shoveler, Teal, Curlew, Shelduck, c.40 Grey Plover, c.100 Brent Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1000+ Knot, 1000+ Dunlin, c.150 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.30 Goldfinch, c.30 Linnet, 1 male Reed Bunting, 1 pair Pheasant, c.50 Lapwing. David & Brenda Hale.
Southend Pier, 12:15 to 14:15
2 Red-throated Diver (one in almost full summer plumage), 15 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Long-tailed Duck flew out from Shoebury area and landed just east of pier at about 12:45 and about 45 minutes later flew back towards shore west of Gunners Park coastguards, 18 Mediterranean Gull (mostly adults), 1 immature Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot. John Wright (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 12:00 to 14:00
11 Smew (4 drake), 3 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Snipe, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Hilary Knight.
Monday 11th February 2013north easterly, snow, rain, max2°c
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 09:25 to 09:30
1 male Blackcap. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Southend Hospital 11:00 to 16:15
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Shoebury East Beach, 13:40 to 13:50
1 Shag on the boom. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend, 13:45 to 14:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on north west corner of HSBC building with one still present at 16:20). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hartford End, Chelmsford 15:15
1 Barn Owl (hunting), 2 Treecreeper, 1 Buzzard, 4 Yellowhammer, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. John Wilson.
Sunday 10th February 2013south easterly, rain, rain, max4°c
Hockleyhall Wood, 08:00 to 09:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit (one bird seen and heard singing briefly along footpath by garden with green mesh on fence), 1 Nuthatch (heard only), 3 Treecreeper. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
West Mersea 11:30 to 14:00
100+ Brent Geese, 12 Turnstone, 1 Great Northern Diver. Stacey Belbin.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:5 to 14:30
Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Wigeon, Teal, Bittern (at 12:52 flying south over Pitsea Creek, 100 yds east of scrape screen), Black-headed Gull, Cetti's Warbler in bushes near abstraction ditch, Pochard, Shoveler, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 3 Redwing, Green Sandpiper. Terry Jeffreys.
Tennyson Close, Leigh, 13:45 to 13:55
1 Fieldfare. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend 16:30
Little Owl on the riding school at the back of Ingulfs Farm on the road to Churchend after 3rd bend on the right hand side, Sparrowhawk. John Carson.
Chalkwell Seafront, 18:00 to 18:20
5 Sanderling. 1 Red Fox went out onto the mud flats. Matt Bruty (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers
1 female Blackcap on and off all day. Julia.
Saturday 09th February 2013south easterly, rain, drizzle and snow, max4°c
West Mersea 08:30 to 10:00
1 Little Egret, 400+ Brent Geese, 60+ Wigeon, 3 Redshank, 12 Curlew, 200+ Dunlin, 5 Cormorant, 30-40 Grey Plover, 50+ Golden Plover, 30+ Lapwing, 18 Little Grebe, 6 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone, 15 Red-Breasted Merganser, 8 Great Black-backed Gull, 25 Ringed Plover, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Shag. Stacey Belbin.
Leigh on Sea, Nelson Road 09:30 to 10:30
1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap (male and female), 5 Goldfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Belchamps, Hawkwell 09:30 to 10:30
4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Jay. David Z.
Tennyson Close, Leigh, 10:00 to 10:10
1 Green Woodpecker. Mike Clarke (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:55 to 12:10
1 Buzzard sitting on hedgerow east of village, 1 Barn Owl on fence posts north side of village, 1 Water Pipit showed well eastern end of salt marsh, east of village. John Wright (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:05 to 11:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 5 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Applerow, Eastwood, 11:40
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG)
Eastwood Sewage Works, 12:45 to 13:30
66 Fieldfare on farmland to the east, 1 Goldcrest, 184 Carrion Crow. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh Seafront, 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:05 to 17:05
1 Barn Owl flew towards the manorway reed bed, 10+ Avocet, 10 Pintail and 12 Wigeon on Holehaven Creek, 7 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 250+ Teal, 10+ Shoveler, 20+ Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Sparrowhawk flushed from behind seawall with prey, 1 Green Woodpecker, 40+ Stock Dove, 1 Snipe. Richard Fahey.
Paglesham Eastend, 13:25 to 13:40
4 Little Grebe, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 drakes and 2 females just east of boatyard and another drake off of Barling Tip. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 14:00 to 15:30
2 Wood Pigeon, 4 Collared Dove, 1 Wren, 3 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 male Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 12 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 16:55
From White gate: 4 Marsh Harrier (3 female, 1 juvenile male), 1 female Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Lesser Redpoll with Corn Buntings, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, male and female stonechat, Little Egret, Common Pheasant. 2 Red Fox. Jim and Linda Bailey.
South Fambridge, 14:05 to 15:00
9 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 24 Mute Swan in fields east of village, 1 adult male Hen Harrier flew east over road by South Fambridge Hall Farm, 1 Barn Owl hunting BHF, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting north side west of marina. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 08th February 2013north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:10 to 10:45
NE corner only: 1 Water Rail in stream, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin flew low west calling along railway line then landed. Paul Baker (SOG).
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30 to 14:30
4 Buzzard circling together over west bank, 2 Redhead Smew, c.100 Wigeon, 3 adult Great Black-backed Gull (2 juveniles), 6 drake Goldeneye and 4 females, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Redwing, 1 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Grey Heron. David & Brenda Hale.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00 to 12:45
20+ Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Firecrest, 10+ Redwing feeding on the ground, group Long-tailed Tit. Jim and Lin Bailey.
Paglesham Eastend, 12:30 to 13:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 drakes and a female with much courtship and displaying going on). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:30 to 14:25
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 115 Stock Dove (including flighty flock of 95 in wbc), 1 Barn Owl hunting southern seawall, 20 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting, 100 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 14:15
3 Reed Bunting, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Fieldfare, 60+ Lapwing, 150+ Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 18 Woodpigeon, 100+ Stock Dove, 8 Carrion Crow, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 16:30
From the Layer Breton Causeway: 7 Smew (4 males, 3 redheads), 4 Goosander, 20 Goldeneye, 12 Great crested Grebe, 1 Bittern in the nearest south west reed bed, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 150 Fieldfare, 3 Kestrel. Richard Mander.
Ballards Gore, 14:35
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Essex Arena Lake 14:45 to 15:00
1 Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 pair Tufted Duck, 2 drake Goldeneye. Jim and Lin Bailey.
Hockley, Glencrofts 15:20
1 male Siskin on niger feeder. Irwin Lewis.
EWT Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park 15:45 to 16:55
1 Short-eared Owl, 15+ Stonechat, 1 Buzzard on usual place. Jim and Lin Bailey.
Hockley 16:15
1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding in garden. Tim Davis.
Thursday 07th February 2013west north west, partly cloudy, max6°c
Billericay 08:00
1 Song Thrush in garden. Ben M.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:20
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Around the park and creeks; Coot, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Lapwing, 2 Kestrel (pair), Curlew, Mallard, Shelduck, Redshank, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Starling. On Vange Wick; Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Fieldfare, Mute Swan. From the Museum hide; Snipe, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Pochard, Little Grebe, 3 Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Bittern at 12:15 flying south, above reeds between fleet and scrape for approximately. 100 yards - magic!. Terry Jeffreys.
Southchurch Hall Gardens 12:00
1 Fieldfare. Mick.
EWT Lion Creek, 12:30 to 14:30
Kestrel, 1 male Hen Harrier, Lapwing, 10 Mute Swan, 12 Redshank, 3 Reed Bunting, Carrion Crow, 1 Little Egret, 1 Perigrine Falcon sat in field for half an hour. G. Dixon.
Craylands, Basildon 14:00
Grey Wagtail feeding on pavement. Mick Roe.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:45 to 16:15
White Gate: 2 Kestrel, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Stock Dove, 20 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing, 30 Corn Bunting, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80 Brent Goose. G. Dixon.
Abberton Causeway 15:15 to 15:30
1 drake Smew, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag, 2 Carrion Crow, many Coot, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtail. Ray Britton.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:15 to 16:35
2 Water Rail calling from scrape hide, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch flew over calling heading west just north of the RSPB visitor centre. Marc Outten (SOG).
Wednesday 06th February 2013north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:30 to 09:00
Timberman's Creek: 7 Spotted Redshank, 3 Redshank (+2 or 3 flying past), 1 Curlew, 10+ Teal, 4 Wigeon. Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/playing-with-pentax-q-and-da300mm/. Neil Phillips.
Wickford, Great Saling 11:00
Female Blackcap regular on feeder table last few days, with small flock of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrows, Great Tit and Blue Tit. David Hope.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:30
1 Sparrowhawk took a Great Tit from the feeders at the center. G. Dixon.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:30 to 14:45
50+ Cormorant, 3 Mute Swan, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Magpie, 30+ Mallard, 30+ Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 3 Carrion Crow, 250+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag Geese, 30+ Coot, 1 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:00
Song Thrush in garden. Kris Mee.
Tuesday 05th February 2013north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:03 to 13:05
1 Green Sandpiper west over Coryton, c.9 Pintail on Holehaven Creek, 12 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall on Coryton lagoon, 250+ Teal, 1 Little Egret, 250+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher on creek, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Hockley Woods, 09:20 to 10:30
12 Redwing, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper (singing, main clearing.), 2 Lesser Redpoll flying south from car park. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 11:30
c.300 Wigeon, c.50 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 50+ Coot, 20 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6+ Shoveler, c.70 Canada Geese, 30+ Curlew, 1 Cormorant, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Stonechat (pair nr. red hill), c.100 Stock Dove, 1 Little Egret. Ian White.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
2 Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Curlew, 1 drake Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:10 to 15:00
Sightings from scrape hide: 1 male Marsh Harrier, 6 Snipe. 102 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Fieldfare, 10 Long-tailed Tit, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, 1 pair Wigeon, Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swan. Put up several times over Bowers Marsh; c.1000 Starling, c.500 Wigeon, c.200, Lapwing. 1 Water Vole along edge of reeds on fleet. 1 Fox. David & Brenda Hale
Dedham, Essex
Completely white Jackdaw seen! Matthew.
Chelmer Valley Riverside Reserve
Female Merlin perched and hunting in the vicinity of the Arun Close entrance. Mick.
Monday 04th February 2013westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:45
1 Grey Heron over being harassed by 2 Jackdaw. The heron turned up during the snowy week and seems to have been a daily morning visitor since. David Selley.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 10:15 to 11:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Siskin. John Wright (SOG).
Basildon Roundabout, A127/A132 12:30 to 12:32
1 Mistle Thrush feeding alongside 2 Woodpigeon on roundabout grass. David & Brenda Hale.
Abberton Reservoir 13:00 to 13:30
5 Great Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Herring Gull, 70+ Pochard, 100+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Coot, 100+ Mallard, 35+ Greylag Geese, 26+ Canada Geese, 20+ Mute Swan, 1 Swan Goose, 24 Moorhen, 2 Aylesbury Duck, 2 Pied Wagtail, 100+ Carrion Crow, 7 Magpie, 50+ Starling, 200+ Wood Pigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 40+ Cormorant. Rob Harris.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 14:00
100 Fieldfare in ploughed field at north end. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Hospital 16:50
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.
Rochford 22:00
Barn owl flying over Cherry Orchard Way towards country park car park. Esther Spencer.
Sunday 03rd February 2013west south westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Hockley Woods, 08:45 to 10:45
1 Peregrine Falcon flew over compound, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Ow having a tussle with the Kestrel by the steps at the end of the concrete track, 1 Water Pipit flew across the river to the marina, seen well enough to ID but not well enough to appreciate it. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 10:00
Waxwing heard calling flying over, not seen. Robin Peppiatt.
Shoebury Avenue, Shoeburyness 10:00 to 10:30
3 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, female Chaffinch, Goldcrest, 20 Starling, Robin, Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, Collared Dove building nest in conifer. Steve Day.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:00 to 16:00
1 Fieldfare, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest in garden, 23 Goldfinch flew low over. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge 10:15 to 11:15
1 Barn Owl hunting just east of old packing station, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Greylag Goose, 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 120 Wigeon on north bank, 40 Lapwing, 18 Golden Plover, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 10:15 to 11:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard near the compound, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:50 to 13:30
1 Bittern in flight distantly for c.10 seconds over reed bed north of tip access road at 13:05, 2 Snipe, 1 Woodcock flushed from cover at north end of park, 2 Spotted Redshank in creek by marina, 2 Bearded Tit heard a few times. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Water Rail heard, 6 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek by marina. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Eastwood Sewage Works, 11:40 to 12:20
1 Water Rail heard, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
West Mersea 12:00 to 16:00
100+ Brent Geese, 8 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 12 Dunlin, 1 Cormorant, 22 Little Grebe, 5 Oystercatcher, 6 Turnstone, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Shag. Stacey Belbin.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:35 to 13:30
1 Bittern glimpsed for one second at the far north end of reed bed near railway line, then at 13:05 flew the length of the reed bed before dropping down in reeds just north of road to tip, c.25 Greylag Goose, 3 Snipe. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:55 to 14:15
1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stonechat (pair along the patch between the first gate and the middle hide), 1 Reed Bunting. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Lion Creek, 14:00 to 15:15
4 Bewick's Swan (Four birds with mute swans scoped from sea wall), 1 Kestrel, 3 Reed Bunting, 20 Corn Bunting. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 14:15 to 15:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Firecrest in bushes just south of Alex entrance, 4 Lesser Redpoll mobile and always in flight but calling around the Alex entrance. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:20 to 14:30
4 Spotted Redshank from marina, 1 Black-headed Gull (partially leucistic adult, all white primaries). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 14:30 to 15:00
1 Fieldfare in garden eating apple halves. Kris Mee.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 15:15 to 15:45
4 Lesser Redpoll. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 15:45
1 Bittern flew in front of hide at about 15:40. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:00 to 17:30
3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret flew into roost at 17:15, 21 Pintail, 15 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 100 Avocet on Roach, 1 Aythya sp. (drake hybrid, most closely resembling Tufted Duck). Lee Ebbs, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canewdon
Little Owl is a regular visitor to one of our tress. Ian Castleton.
Saturday 02nd February 2013north north westerly, scattered clouds, max5°c
Hadleigh Country Park 08:00 to 08:25
2 Song Thrush, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, 1 Grey Heron and 3 Mallard flying towards marshes. 1 Red Fox. Ellen Hume.
Abbotts Hall Chase, Stanford-Le-Hope 08:10 to 08:35
1 Waxwing eating apple in garden. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:00 to 11:45
Scrape and RSPB Centre: Numerous Black-headed Gull, Coot, Lapwing, Mallard, Blue Tit, 6 Tufted Duck, 10 Teal, 7 Little Grebe, 11 Pochard, 3 Snipe, 2 Canada Geese, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Jay. Chris Henry.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:15 to 12:00
1 Water Rail crossed gap in reeds in front of hide, 1 Cetti's Warbler flew across in front of hide, 1+ heard also, 2 Bearded Tit flew along reed bed beyond fleet. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Thurrock, Thameside Nature Park/Mucking 09:40 to 11:35
200+ Avocet, 2000+ Black-tailed Godwit, 500+ Teal, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mucking Church. Richard Fahey.
West Mersea 10:00 to 12:00
8 Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 1 Cormorant, 3 Lapwing, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Great Black-backer Gull, 1 Sanderling. Stacey Belbin.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:10 to 15:20
1 Peregrine Falcon hunting over Vange Wick watched from marina, 1 Spotted Redshank from the marina, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Hockley Woods 10:25 to 11:45
4 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 30+ Great Tit, 30+ Blue Tit, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Chaffinch, Song Thrush, 60+ Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Starling, Nuthatch (heard in car park) Green Woodpecker (2 heard in wood). Also on the way there, Kestrel. Ben M.
EWT Thurrock Thameside 11:50 to 16:35
32 Pintail, 70 Shelduck, c.1000 Knot, c.1000 Dunlin, c.50 Curlew, c.500 Avocet, 2 pair Wigeon, 3 Skylark, Turnstone. 1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 hunting Barn Owl mobbed twice by the Peregrine and twice released from it's clutches!. David & Brenda Hale.
Pitsea, 12:15 to 12:40
Overlooking Pitsea and Bowers Marshes from Pitsea Crematorium: 1 Bittern in flight over Pitsea Marsh and landed in reed bed. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:40 to 16:15
1 Bittern flew in from the other side of the road and landed in reeds in front of hide at 15.10, 1 Water Rail heard. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Fieldfare eating halved apples. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 14:30 to 15:00
Just around the Alexandra Road entrance: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3+ Lesser Redpoll (at least 3 Lessers by the Alexandra Road entrance). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 16:25
1 Bittern seen as it flew from reed bed north of tip road to reed bed just to the left of the hide. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:15 to 16:00
1 Bittern. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:00
From the hide: 1 Bittern flew in from across the tip road and landed just left of the hide at 15:55, 1 Water Rail. 1 Northern Water Vole. John Wright (SOG).
Coalhouse Fort 16:00
c.900 Avocet on tide line close to bank. G. Dixon.
Billericay
Song Thrush and Blackcap in garden. Chris Henry.
Friday 01st February 2013variable, scattered clouds. max7°c
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 08:30 to 09:30
1 Fieldfare and 1 male Blackcap in garden. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford Town 09:15 to 09:25
20-25 Siskin in tree opposite canoe club, 1 Song Thrush in Tesco home plus car park, 5 Dunnock along river. Joe.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 09:30 to 09:40
70+ Black-headed Gull, 9 Great Black-backed Gull, 60+ Herring Gull, 4 lesser Black-backed Gull, 40+ Mallard, 30+ Common Gull, 40+ Tufted Duck, 30+ Pochard, 33 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 2 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 10:40
2 Spotted Redshank. Paul Baker (SOG).
Chadwell St Mary 11:30
11 Waxwing in my garden. Rob Lay.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:30 to 15:30
Sightings from scrape hide: 1 Bittern - two good sightings of same bird passing hide. 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, 1 male and 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 1 Goldcrest with flock of Long-tailed Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler seen and heard, c.1000 Starling, c.500 Lapwing, c.2000+ Gulls all put up over Bowers Marsh by Peregrine Falcon, 12 Fieldfare, 1 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe. 1 Fox. 1 leaping Common Carp. David & Brenda Hale.
Paglesham Churchend 12:15
Common Buzzard on fence near back entrance to Ingulfs Farm and flying up to near by trees. John Carson.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:30 to 13:40
1 Bittern flew from right to left in front of the scrape hide and landed in reeds north of the tip road at 13:25, 7 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh), 13:00 to 15:45
2 Little Egret, 600 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 100 Lapwing, 125 Curlew, 1 Short-eared Owl, 11 Skylark, 2 Stonechat (pair), 75 Fieldfare, 5 Reed Bunting. John Wright, Richard Howard (SOG).
Westcliff, Tintern Avenue 13:30
1 Skylark flew east calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 14:20 to 15:50
2 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 16 Avocet, 19 Golden Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl (all three Owls hunting together just north of village, impressive sight). Ray Fuller (SOG).
Thameside Nature Park 14:30 to 17:00
10+ Wood Pigeon, 1 Magpie, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Common Gull, 3 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 6 Mallard, 300 Teal, 30 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 100+ Wigeon, 10 Skylark, 10 Curlew, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short Eared Owl, 1 Kestrel. G. Dixon.
Southend, 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk thermalling over The Bell. Paul Baker (SOG).