Bird Reports for January 2009

Saturday 31st January 2009

Hayling Island 09.00 - 12.00
Brent Geese. Several large flocks seen at Hayling Island flying East. All flying just above wave level. Flocks from 10 to 20 up to at least 100. Joseph Lea.

Pitsea Rubbish Tip, 08:30 to 15:30
3 Caspian Gull (1st winter x2 and a 3rd-winter), 2 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter and 2nd winter), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter), 1 Herring Gull (adult with yellow-legs, the omissus type). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 10.00.to.14.30
2 Snipe, 4 Jackdaw, 52 Teal, 275 Wigeon, 14 Shovler, 3 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Stonechat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier (juvenile), I had good and close views of this Bird while I was on the marsh. This is the first marsh harrier on the marsh. David Shepherd.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 11:45
2 Marsh Harrier (adult males), 3 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Spotted Redshank (marina), 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (marina), 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Griggs, Mike Clarke (SOG).

Eastwood, Langley Close (brook) 11.55
1 Grey Wagtail. Les Costin (EBS).

Hampton Barns, 14:10 to 15:30
300 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Yellowhammer (male), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Woodcock (flushed form ploughed field at side of road), 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, 2 Pintail (pair). Paul Griggs, Mike Clarke (SOG).

South Fambridge, 14:45 to 15:20
1 Whooper Swan (adult with mute flock), 33 Mute Swan (flock still about 1 mile east of SF). Don Petrie (SOG).

Friday 30th January 2009

Wickford, Bromfords Drive Garden 07.50
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on garden fence. Second sighting but first could not be confirmed. Chris and Janet Wiley.

Wat Tyler Country Park 10.30 - 14.00
Timmermans Creek: 4 Spotted Redshank, Marina: 1 Green Sandpiper. 52 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 17 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 male Reed Bunting, 8 Teal. Scrape: 62 Greylag Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier. David Shepherd.

River Chelmer 11.30
From first light till 11.30 along both sides of river and around lake but no sign of yesterday's Otter. Still it's quite flooded, so any sign will be hard to see. Gary Clinton.

Eastwood, Langley Close (Brook) 11.45
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail, within a few feet of one another. When disturbed Green Sandpiper flew off and Wagtail retreated into nearby tunnel. Les Costin (EBS).

RSPB Rainham Marshes 11.55 - 14.30
200+ Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, 24 Curlew, 30+ Golden Plover, lots of Teal and Gadwall, 1 Water Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, 4 Reed Bunting (males), 20+ Goldfinch, 2 Brambling (around feeders), 2 Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff (siberian race), 1 Cettis Warbler, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Mute Swan. Terry Priest.

Thursday 29th January 2009

Thurrock Lakeside 09:00 to 09:30
11 Waxwing flew off north, 2 Chiffchaff both at Costco near big roundabout. Chris Cook.

Billericay Garden 09:45
1 male Blackcap feeding on suet and berries. Seen over the last 7 days. Marion Burch.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 10:15
6 Goosander (2m, 4f), 14+ Goldfinch feeding below alder tree. Marion Burch.

RSPB Old Hall Marshes 11.15 - 15.30
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
2000+ Brent Geese, 5 Ruff, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Northern Diver, 1 Velvet Scoter, 7 Merganser (from Sea wall at furthest eastern point by buoys), 1 Spoonbill (on Scrape by the Bench at end of short walk 15.00). Graham Saunders & David Galloway.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 13.00 - 13.45
7 Goosander (2 male, 5 female), 1 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mistle Thrush. Jon Clark.

Wat Tyler Country Park 14.30
Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk. R Shepherd.

Chalkwell 15.45
Mute Swan swimming off Chalkwell Promenade. Terry Strong.

River, Chelmer (Adj A12 nr A130 Jnct) 16:00
Otter swimming across fishing lake toward weir. I was so excited, first otter I've ever seen! Watched for a few moments and then it submerged and didn't reappear. Gary Clinton.

RSPB Old Hall Update: On 03/02/2009 the cattle grid at the entrance to Old Hall Marshes is being replaced and there will be no access (in or out) by vehicles larger than a bicycle between 8am and 5pm. The reserve is still open for those entering on foot.

Wednesday 28th January 2009

Priory Park, 13:10 to 13:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Long-tailed Tit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Wallasea Island 13.45 - 15.00
Juvenile Bewick's Swan in fields, didn't look well, Perigrine, Greenshank, 40+ Reed Bunting, 2 Little Grebe, 55 Shelduck, 4 Little Egret, c1000 Brent Goose. Ray Fuller.

Wat Tyler Country Park
No sign of Bittern this evening but 1 Little Egret and 2 Cetti's Warblers singing. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Tuesday 27th January 2009

Hockley Woods, 08:30 to 10:00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female SW of car park near 'crocodile' tree), 12 Great Spotted Woodpecker - lots of drumming activity, 3 Green Woodpecker (several calling). Jeff Delve (EBS).

Hanningfield Reservoir 10.00 - 13.00
1 White-fronted Goose, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Scaup female, 5 Goosander (2m 3f), 1 Slavonian Grebe (Rawl hide), 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest. John Wilson.

Billericay, Lake Meadows 10:30
13 Goosander (4 male, 9 female), 1 Goldcrest. Marion Burch.

Southchurch, Rylands Road 12:15 to 14:30
1 Chiffchaff feeding in garden. Dave Knight (SOG).

Kent Elms Health Centre 13.15 - 13.20
1 Grey Wagtail on the roof of the health centre. Terry Priest.

Southend, Nestuda Way 16.20
1 female Sparrowhawk flying over football pitches, 30+ Goldfinch. Terry Priest.

Wat Tyler Country Park 16.40 - 16.45
1 Bittern flew off the scrape before landing in the reedbed directly opposite the motorboat museum hide. Marc Outten, Steve Roach, Briony Coulson RSPB.

Monday 26th January 2009

Two Tree Island 10.00 - 13.00
Little Grebe, Water Rail, Wigeon, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, 3 Snipe, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Skylark, Fieldfare. David Hope.

Temple Farm, 13:15 to 13:35
5 Curlew, 9 Stock Dove. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Southend, Cuckoo Corner 14.30
1 Goldcrest in back garden. Paul.

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 16:15 to 16:20
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Priory Park, 16:30 to 16:50
2 Ring-necked Parakeet, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Little Egret, 45 Greenfinch. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Sunday 25th January 2009

Southend Pier, 10:30 to 12:15
1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 adult Kittiwake, 1 Great Northern Diver flying down river, 300 Cormorant feeding mid-channel, 14 Mediterranean Gull (8 ad, 4 2w, 2 1w). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11.40
9 Jackdaw - very vocal on our roof. David Selley.

Shoeburyness, Kingfisher Close 12.00
10+ Redwing seen feeding on pyracantha berries in bushes along side my garden bordering Sandpiper Close. They have been there on an off for about a week. Del Smee.

Southchurch Seafront, 12:30 to 12:40
1 Snow Bunting opposite Castle Pub with Turnstones, 500 Sanderling, 100 Ringed Plover, 75 Dunlin. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Saturday 24th January 2009

Wakering, Fleet head, 07.30 - 08.10
1 Little Owl flushed from the hedgerow on Common Road, 2 Barn Owl (1 on Potton Island), 1 Peregrine, 10 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten RSPB.

Pitsea Rubbish Tip, 08:30 to 14:00
1 Glaucous Gull (2nd year), 1 Caspian Gull (1st winter), 4 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 1 Herring Gull (albino), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st winter). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).

Royal Artillery Way 09.45
Little Egret. Jan Coveney.

Southend Pier 11.30
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with the Turnstones. 2 2nd winter and an adult winter Mediterranean Gulls Alan Shearman RSPB.

Southend Pier, 11:30 to 13:20
1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Kittiwake (adult), 5 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Mediterranean Gull (6 ads, 6 2nd winters), 5000 Herring Gull. Several thousand large gulls (mostly Herring) in the estuary, including c750 by the shore. Neil Chambers

Billericay Garden 12:40
Female Green Woodpecker. Chris Henry.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 13:45
5 Goosander (2 male, 3 female), 5 Redwing. 1 Cormorant. Marion Burch.

Southend Seafront 14.00
1 Snow Bunting on beach opposite TEAC. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Hawkwell 15.45
escaped bird Saker Falcon low over the main road heading south west. Alan Shearring (EWT).

Thursday 22nd January 2009

Southchurch Seafront, 10:45 to 11:30
1 Snow Bunting seen well opposite TEAC. Steve Bunn (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 12:30
1 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Paul Baker (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 12:45
1 Snow Bunting opposite TEAC. Paul Baker (SOG).

Priory Park 15:45
2 Ringed-necked Parakeet, 2 Little Egret. A flock of 15 finches high in the trees could possibly be a flock be Brambling? did not have my binoculars with me. Don Wildish.

Wednesday 21st January 2009

Southend Pier, 09:30 to 11:30
2 Kittiwake (adults), 12 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Shag. Richard Howard (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 10:20
1 Snow Bunting opposite TEAC. Dave Knight (SOG).

Westcliff, Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:30
1 Ring-billed Gull. Dave Knight (SOG).

Two Tree Island (East), 11:00 to 12:00
1 Kingfisher, 12 Teal, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret. Dave Knight (SOG).

Two Tree Island (West), 12:00 to 13:30
2 Water Rail, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Wigeon, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 10 Shoveler, 40 Teal, 20 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank. Dave Knight (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 13:00 to 13:15
1 female Snow Bunting by TEAC club. Richard Howard (SOG).

Tuesday 20th January 2009

Leigh on Sea, 08:30
10 Jackdaw near Westleigh School. John Wright (SOG).

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 10:00
1 Goldcrest, 1 Jackdaw. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:15 to 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 5 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Egret, 5 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting, 50 Greylag Goose. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 12:00
1 male Marsh Harrier flew from Fobbing marsh north over Wat Tyler and Bowers and appeared to keep going, 1 Greenshank in the creek viewed from marina car park, 1 Spotted Redshank in the creek viewed from marina car park, 81 Stock Dove on Fobbing marsh, viewed from marina car park. John Wright (SOG).

Chelmsford 12.00
Kingfisher and Blackcap. John Howe.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 13:30
2 Spotted Redshank (marina), 2 Greenshank (marina), 4 Black-tailed Godwit (marina), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

Canewdon, 13:45
1 Little Owl in tree along Scotts Hall Road. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Leigh, Park View Drive 14.10 - 14.30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeders, Jackdaw in tree. Web Author, K.M.

Priory Park 14.30 - 16.00
2 noisy Ring-necked Parakeet n/e side of park in trees, 3 Little Egret very confiding, 2 Green Woodpecker, 25 Long-tailed Tit. Ray Fuller.

Friars Park, 15:30 to 15:45
2 Mandarin Duck (pair on back of island). Jeff Delve (EBS).

Shoebury Coastguards, 15:45 to 16:10
1 Red-throated Diver (very contrasty bird in the light 150m SE), 14 Great Crested Grebe. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Prittlewell, Manners Way 16.00
1 male Sparrowhawk lying in road. Rescued by a passer-by and with no obvious injuries, it then flew off strongly as I arrived. David Selley.

Two Tree Island (West), 16:00 to 17:00
1 Rock Pipit, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Water Rail, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Egret. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park
2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank from the Marina this lunchtime. Alan Shearman, Marc Outten, Steve Roach RSPB.

Monday 19th January 2009

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 08:40 to 08:45
1 Snow Bunting on beach opposite TEAC club. John Wright (SOG).

Shoebury Coastguards, 09:00 to 09:15
1 Black Redstart on the inland side of the sea wall adjacent to the coastguards building. John Wright (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:45 to 10:00
1 Ring-billed Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull (adults). John Wright (SOG).

Sunday 18th January 2009

Canewdon 08.30 - 08.40
120 House Sparrow (approx.)- flock flew from hedge in Anchor Lane. 1 Merlin, male along hedge top in Lark Hill Road. David Selley.

Hockley Woods, 10:10 to 10:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Nuthatch (1 in car park, 1 just to the SW). Paul Baker (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:20 to 10:45
5 Mediterranean Gull (adults). 18 Common Seal. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10.30 - 12.15
8 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 148 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon, 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Avocet, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Golden Plover, 4 Grey Plover, a few Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, Lapwing, 13 Meadow Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting. David Selley.

Southchurch Seafront, 11:15 to 12:00
1 female Snow Bunting. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard, Don Petrie (SOG).

Friars Park, 12:15 to 12:35
3 Mandarin Duck (2m, 1f), 2 Redwing. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 12:30 to 15:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Redwing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

South Fambridge, 13:00 to 15:15
29 Mute Swan, 1 Whooper Swan, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Skylark. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).

Gunners Park 16.00
1 Barn Owl hunting. Carol O'Leary.

Friday 17th January 2009

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.05 - 11.40
44 Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, 44 Shelduck, 8 Avocet, 3 Wigeon, 85 Brent Goose, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 7 Grey Plover. Ray Fuller.

Tattersall Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea 11.55
1 Jackdaw, came down to take food from garden bird table. First time I have seen that here. Martin Johnson.

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 2 Goldeneye, 1 Kingfisher. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Priory Park, 16:10 to 16:30
1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Little Egret. Vince Kinsler, Mike Clarke (SOG).

Friday 16th January 2009

RSPB Vange Marsh 07.30 - 10.00
400 Lapwing, 2 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 adult Peregrine falcon, this bird was twice seen hunting over the marsh. David Shepherd.

Chelmsford 12.00
1 Green Woodpecker. John Howe.

Priory Park, 16:00 to 16:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet came in to roost in trees by the fishing lake - quite vocal. John Wright (SOG).

Thursday 15th January 2009

Wallasea Wetlands, 09:50 to 15:50
Full Tidal range count. Wader Nos = peak at E end, more on other sections
1 Little Stint (far eastern end - seen on two low tide counts), 1 Curlew Sandpiper (seen on two low tide counts in section pre tower Per Paul Charlton), 11 Barnacle Goose (flew over late pm per Chris Tyas), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (pair on lagoons at eastern end), 174 Ringed Plover, 778 Dunlin, 87 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 210 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 508 Teal, 140 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler (pair only 2nd record), 195 Shelduck, 500 Lapwing (on fields), 400 Golden Plover (100 on wetlands, 300 on fields). Jeff Delve (EBS).

Billericay, Lake Meadows 10:45
5 Goosander (1 male, 4 female), 5 Redwing. Marion Burch.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14.00
Many Pochard, Tufted Duck and Wigeon, 5+ Goldeneye, pair of Goosander. R Shepherd.

Wednesday 14th January 2009

Hadleigh, Morrisons 08:30
1 male Blackcap. Ross Gardner.

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 14:40
1 female Peregrine Falcon, Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Tuesday 13th January 2009

Danbury Ridge 11.00 - 14.30
5 Treecreeper, 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 8, Greater spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker, many Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 100's of Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Blue Tit, 4 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodcock (I almost stood on), Many Blackbird, 10 Jay, many Wren. Alec Martin.

Stambridge Mill / River Roach to Bartonhall Creek 13.00 - 15.15
Kingfisher, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Snipe, 30 Wigeon, Grey Plover, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Little Egret, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Curlew, 50+ Teal. Ray Fuller.

Sunday 11th January 2009

Shoebury East Beach, 08:00
371 Cormorant on the boom. John Wright (SOG).

Southend Pier, 09:45 to 13:30
2 Great Northern Diver (one at least was an adult), 10 Great Crested Grebe (at least),  4 Kittiwake (adults),  15 Mediterranean Gull (at least - no specific count made but a lot of birds),  1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (drake about 300metres from the pier base at 1.25pm), 1 Peregrine Falcon (flew south across river, could it be one of the Portcullis House birds?). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Hanningfield Reservoir 10.30 - 12.30
2 Smew and 2 Goosander together, Slavonian Grebe in front of Point Hide. 5 Snipe. Many Goldeneye, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard. David Hope.

Paglesham Lagoon, 10:45 to 14:30
From trout fisheries: 3 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Corn Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Fieldfare, 10 Snipe, 1 Skylark, 1 Water Rail, 9 Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 10 Pintail, 1 Kestrel, 21 Mute Swan, 1 Brown Hare, 25 Golden Plover, 1 Redwing. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wallasea Wetlands, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Peregrine Falcon (adult female flew south over fields), 1500 Dunlin, 250 Ringed Plover, 70 Knot, 150 Lapwing - some very confiding birds feeding by Grapnells, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Turnstone, 100 Wigeon (good number for here and increasing), 1 Stonechat (female), 5 Rock Pipit. Jeff Delve (EBS).

Rayleigh, 11:15
1 Goldcrest in Wickes' car park. Paul Baker (SOG).

South Fambridge, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Whooper Swan (with the Mutes on the R. Crouch), 36 Mute Swan, 1 Goldeneye (female), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (male), 1 Snipe, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Stonechat (male), 71 Greylag Goose, 88 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 11.35
1 Peregrine Falcon flew south towards Sheppey during WeBS count. David Selley.

Friars Park, 13:00 to 13:15
3 Mandarin Duck (2 males, 1 female ), 1 Chiffchaff (seen by Lee Ebbs), 1 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing. John Wright (SOG).

Southend, 14:00 to 14:20
15 Redwing 30 Fieldfare (at least, still in Oaken Grange Drive). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Heybridge Basin 14.00 - 16.00
70 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 30 Mallard, 25 Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, 1 Smew (female), 15 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 300-400 Brent Goose, 40 Canada Goose, 4 Oystercarcher, 8 Avocet, 6 Turnstone, 20 Redshank, 3 Black-Tailed Godwit, 5 Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Fieldfare, 4 Goldfinch.  Herve Groleau.

Abberton Reservoir
Quick glance from Layer De La Haye Causeway before sunset: 2 Goosander (pair), Many Grebes, Geese, hundred of coots, some Tufted Ducks, few dozen Shovelers on the West side of the causeway. Nice variety for a couple of hour's walk binoculars in hand. First post from a French birdwatcher now living in Essex (Chelmsford). Herve Groleau.

South Fambridge, 14:50 to 15:10
1 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 2 Greylag Goose, 90 Canada Goose, 43 Mute Swan (distant), 1 Kestrel. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi on station), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). Jeff Delve (EBS).

Wat Tyler Country Park
Report of a Spoonbill flying over Wat Tyler heading south from a reliable birdwatcher. Also we had a report of Waxwings at St Margarets school on the old A13 at Bowers Gifford from a visitor to the RSPB barn today. David Lee.

Saturday 10th January 2009

Bulphan Fens 08:30
1 Buzzard being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows. J Reeves.

Thorrington, Essex 09.30
7 Redwing, 10 Goldfinch. One looked much bigger than others and could have been a Siberian Goldfinch as it also had brighter gold wing bars and a whiter rump. Clive Lewis.

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Ring-billed Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull (adults). John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 10:30 - 12:00
At least 8 Snipe, 45 Lapwing, 30 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, Little Grebe, at least 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Sparrowhawk (male & female), 1 Water Rail calling. Andrew Cox.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 12.45 - 14.15
73 Canada Goose, 2 Grey Plover, Stonechat (m), 8 Red-breasted Merganser (4m, 4f), 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, 12 Little Grebe, Little Egret. Ray Fuller.

Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 13:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail feeding along flooded path at top of valley. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Wat Tyler 12:15 - 14:45
2 Spotted Redshank, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Teal, 100 Wigeon. Timbermans Creek: 1 Greenshank, Redshank, Curlew, Teal, Little Grebe, Kestrel (Marina). Andrew Cox.

RSPB Vange Marsh 13.40 - 15.00
3 Jack Snipe (2 in the feeder stream and 1 in the marsh at western end), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat, 6 Skylark. Alan Shearman RSPB.

Harlow, Toddbrook Stream 14.00
1 kingfisher fishing along stream. M.Howell.

Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 14.30
3 male and 1 female Tufted Duck, 6 Canada Geese, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Goosander, 1 fishing Cormorant, 1 Heron. We have got such a fantastic amount of birds on that small streach of river this year at which we are amazed because it is so littered with rubbish that people seem to put there believing it makes the river look good, WE WISH THEY WOULD TAKE IT HOME! Sue Haffenden.

Friday 09th January 2009

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:00 to 08:15
1 Ring-billed Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1ad, 2x2w). Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 08:20 to 08:35
1 Snow Bunting still hanging out with the turnstones. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southend Seafront 08.30 - 08.40
1 Iceland Gull (1st winter) by Southend Marine Activity Centre, then flew west at 08.40. Marc Outten RSPB.

Shoebury East Beach, 08:45 to 09:15
1 juvenile Shag on booms. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over heading south west. Paul Baker (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00
1 Green Sandpiper in brook west of Western Approaches roadbridge. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:15 to 10:35
2 Mediterranean Gull (adults). Paul Baker (SOG).

Rayleigh, 11:00
1 Chinese Muntjac has been dead in the road on London bound A127 just west of Rayleigh Weir before Esso station for the last week. Paul Baker (SOG).

Thorpe Bay 11:30
1 Woodcock spotted in back garden of Clieveden Road. I threw out some cut up apples into the garden. A couple of hours later saw the Woodcock. I was digging it's long beak into lawn - did not touch the apples. Steve Bartlett.

Thursday 08th January 2009

RSPB Rainham Marshes 11.15 - 13.55
2 Penduline Tit (still showing well), 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Water Pipit, 12 Curlew, 40+ Chaffinch, 2 Grey Wagtail, 100+ Dunlin, 30+ Greenfinch, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Peregrine (pylons), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Terry Priest.

Dome Village, Hockley, 12.15 to 12.35
10 Long-tailed Tit on feeder in our garden. Wendy & Dave Hills.

Hullbridge 13.00
Female Blackcap around feeders and also Moorhen. 1st for our garden! Hilary Knight.

Benfleet, Back Garden 15.30
1 Common Snipe. Digging for earthworms in lawn! 1st for us. David Williams.

Wednesday 07th January 2009

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 10:00 to 10:05
1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd-winter). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:15 to 14:20
1 Kingfisher underneath the Whitehouse Road bridge then flew to the Western Approaches bridge. I've never seen it this far upstream before, 1 Snipe feeding in brook, 1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rochford, 15:20 to 15:30
1 Moorhen was a surprise addition to the garden list with one strolling about on the back lawn. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Tuesday 06th January 2009

Two Tree Island 08.30 - 14.00
2 Water Rail, 12 Shoveler, 26 Mallard, 5 Lapwing, 2 Turnstone. Not a lot on the lagoon (scrape) is frozen as is the old sewage works on the island. Nick M.

Thorpe Bay 09.15 - 13.15
1 Fieldfare - a first in back garden Parkanaur Avenue. Marion & Ian Smith.

RSPB Vange Marsh 11.00 - 11.45
1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail (both in the abstraction ditch), 7 Common Snipe, 16 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten RSPB.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.10 - 15.00
35 Brent Goose, 16 Little Grebe, 36 Mute Swan, Sparrowhawk, 2 Stonechat (1m, 1f), 2 Grey Plover, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Curlew, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Avocet, 50+ Shelduck, Teal + Wigeon distant flocks c1000. Ray Fuller.

Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet 13.15 - 14.20
1 Redwing (first winter sighting in garden) and 1 male Blackcap. Tim Smith.

Southend Airport, 14:40 to 14:45
1 Kingfisher fishing in partly frozen brook by small concrete weir just west of Aviation Way. Best viewed from within car to avoid flushing. Paul Baker (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:50 to 14:50
1 Water Rail in brook between Western Approaches and Whitehouse Road. Paul Baker (SOG).

Harlow 15.15
20+ Redwing in horse field, 1 male Bullfinch 1 Kestrel. M Howell.

Monday 05th January 2009

RSPB Vange Marsh 10.15
1 Marsh Harrier (male), 6 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 8 Skylark, 140 Wigeon, 50 Teal. Marc Outten, RSPB.

Baxter Avenue, Portcullis House, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Peregrine Falcon. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Chelmsford, Springfield Lock, 15.30
7 male and 10 female Goosander. Sue Haffenden.

Southend, Prittlewell
Male and female Ring-necked Parakeets on bird table in garden. Pat Dandridge.

Sunday 04th January 2009

Lansdowne Avenue, Leigh on Sea 09:30
1 Male Blackcap, Matt Bruty.

Ashingdon, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 20 House Sparrow, 15 Chaffinch (in parent's back garden). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:15
1 Green Sandpiper. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hampton Barns, 10:30 to 11:00
6 Yellowhammer, 21 Corn Bunting, 8 Reed Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).

River Roach Wildlife Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III 10.30 - 12.30
c.700 Brent Goose, 2 Mute swan, c.50 Common Teal, 3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, c.70 Avocet. 22 Common Seal. Web Author.

Two Tree Island East 11.00 - 11.35
4 Brambling and 12 Corn Bunting by the (frozen) borrowdyke, 4 Redwing, many Blackbird. David Selley.

St. Lawrence Bay (Nr Bradwell on Sea) 11.00 - 12.00
30 Dunlin, 50 Brent Geese, 20 Shelduck, 12 Curlew, 30 Redshank. Sue Haffenden.

Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 14:00
29 Pintail (22 on lagoon and 7 on river Roach), 11 Goldeneye (on River Roach), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (on river Roach), 1 Chiffchaff (in bushes at north end of lagoon), 250 Black-tailed Godwit (on River Roach). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Benfleet Creek, 11:30 to 11:50
1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 60 Corn Bunting (a flock of approx 60 birds flew along the seawall Leigh end). John Wright (SOG).

River Roach, 11:30 to 13:00
3 Red-breasted Merganser (1 drake), 15 Ringed Plover, 3 Stonechat. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Curry Point, Shell Haven 12.00
100+ Avocet, 80 Teal. C.Cole.

Bradwell on Sea/Bradwell Waterside 12.30 - 14.30
500 Brent Geese, 30 Curlew, 50 Redshank, 200 Lapwing, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush. Sue Haffenden.

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:35 to 12:50
1 Goldcrest in garden. John Wright (SOG).

Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 14.00
5 Redwing. David Flack.

Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet 14.20
Goldcrest - first ever sighting in garden, present for about 5 minutes before flying off northwards. Tim Smith.

Foreshore at Eastern Esplanade opposite Chester Road, Southend 15.30
1 Snow Bunting. Carol O'Leary.

Hullbridge 15.30
8 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Robin. David Flack.

Saturday 03rd January 2009

Hockley, 09.45
4+ Long-tailed Tit in our garden. Sharon Newman.

Eastwood, 11:50 to 12:30
50 Golden Plover flew over Westcliff Rugby Club with c.20 Lapwing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 13:30 to 13:40
1 Ring-billed Gull on groyne between yacht club & casino. Neil Chambers

Westcliff Seafront, 13:30 to 13:40
1 Ring-billed Gull on groyne between yacht club and casino. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Westcliff, 13:39
1 Little Egret feeding on disturbed ground in centre reservation of Kenilworth Gardens. web Author, K.M.

Southend Seafront, 14:00 to 14:30
1 Snow Bunting still on beach opposite the Camelia. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Riverside Village Caravan Park 14.30
1 Snipe flushed from dyke. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).

Two Tree Island 14:00 - 16:00
Very quiet around somewhat frozen lagoon hide: 4 Common Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 10-15 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 12 Avocet, (near jetty at high tide) 300 Knot, 250 Dunlin sent scattering by 2 Peregrine Falcon. Noel Barnes.

Essex Marina 14.45
1 very thickly oiled and dead Guillemot, 2 Rock Pipit 2 Little Grebe. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Green Sandpiper flew over childs play area from the west, possibly from as far up the brook as near Applerow, 1 Goldcrest by childrens play area. Paul Baker (SOG).

Friday 02nd January 2009

Abberton Reservoir 08.00 - 09.30
5 Smew, large numbers of Pochard, Goldeneye, Coot, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard. Mark Bicknell.

Chelmsford 08.30 - 09.30
2 Little Egret along river Can in admirals park. About 12 Common Gull on football pitch too. Tony Kennelly.

Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 08:30 to 12:30
14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd winter), 3 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 5 Pintail, 1 Stonechat, 11 Linnet. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.05 - 11.55
52 Shelduck, 12 Avocet, 21 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Plover, 25 Brent Goose, 4 Stonechat (2m 2f), 5 Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Little Egret, 8 Reed Bunting, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Corn Bunting, 3 Curlew, 32 Mute Swan. Ray Fuller.

Chelmsford 09.00 - 10.30
1 Kingfisher along river Can under railway viaduct heading west towards admirals park. 13 Goosander (2m & 11f) on fishing lake, Central Park, 1 Little Egret fyling west over fire station. 34 species seen in total, including Redwings but no fieldfares spotted. Yellowhammers & Meadow Pipits along footpath heading towards Writtle from Admirals Park. Tony Kennelly.

RSPB Old Hall Marshes 10.00 - 14.00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
Large numbers of mixed waders: Redshank, Grey plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Knot etc, 3,000 Brent Geese, 2 Red-breasted Geese, 12 White-fronted Geese, 500 Greylag Geese, 200 Canada Geese, 1 Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Stonechat, 6 Pintail, 5 Eider, 2 Shag, 2 Great-northern Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Velvet Scoter. Mark Bicknell.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 10.15 - 13.30
Golden Plover, 2 Penduline Tit, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit (great to see all three together in one scope view for comparison). Steve Sanford, Web Author, K.M.

Two Tree Island 10:30
Golden Plover, Wigeon, Teal, Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, Water Rail, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Shoveler, Mallard, Moorhen, Black-tailed Godwit, Fieldfare, Kestrel, Blackbird, Dunnock. Brennan Briggs.

Hockley Woods 10.45
Female Firecrest in brambles (50yds in on right hand side of wood). Cleve Bull.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00
1 Green Sandpiper in brook again. Paul Baker (SOG).

Pitsea, 12:00 to 12:10
14 Waxwing Parkhurst Avenue opposite Lidl's. John Wright, Graham Ryland (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 12:55
1 Snow Bunting opposite the Camelia. Simon Watson, Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Pitsea 14.00
3 Waxwing on Rowan trees at entrance to Pitsea Market car park. David Flack.

Southend, 14:00 to 14:15
15 Redwing, 15 Fieldfare. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:10 to 14:15
From the marina car park: 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Thorpe Bay 14.30
Peregrine Falcon, sitting on garden seat in back garden. Identified by black lobes on face & neck, Sparrowhawk is fairly often in garden, this was definitely different. Maggie & Dave Davis.

Wakering Common, 15:00
1 Barn Owl (by barns), 1 Merlin (male). Lee Ebbs.

Thursday 01st January 2009

Hockley Woods, 07:30 to 09:20
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Nuthatch, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (09:00 male watched for 10 mins around the car park and playground area), 3 Redwing, 1 Siskin. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:15 to 08:20
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Steve Arlow . Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

South Fambridge, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Kestrel, 45 Mute Swan (2 juv.), 1 Bewick's Swan (flew north-east, calling, with 4 Mute Swans), 1 Whooper Swan (adult with 41 resident Mute Swans), 3 Golden Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 31 Little Grebe, 1 Stonechat (male). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Southchurch, 10:00
1 Goldcrest in garden. Dave Knight (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 10:40
1 Water Rail, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:00 to 10:20
1 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). 52 Common Seal (most I've ever seen here. Mainly cows with calves but at least one bull). John Wright (SOG).

Wallasea Wetlands, 10:40 to 11:50
1 Mute Swan, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Little Egret, 3 Knot, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Pitsea, 10:45 to 11:00
11 Waxwing in Parkhurst Road then flew to market car park to feed. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Hart Road, Thundersley 11.00
6 Waxwing feeding on rowan. Peter & Jane Fletcher.

Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:00 to 11:10
8 Little Egret in field adjacent to MOD road. John Wright (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 11:15 to 12:00
1 Little Egret, c.1000 Wigeon, 1 Rock Pipit. John Wright (SOG).

Friars Park, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Barnacle Goose (tame!). John Wright (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
1 Green Sandpiper immediately west of Whitehouse Rd/Eastwoodbury Lane bridge then flushed and flew high south. Paul Baker (SOG).

Friars Park, 12:00
3 Mandarin Duck (2 drakes and a female). Lee Ebbs.

Paglesham Churchend, 12:10 to 12:15
250 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Eastwood Brook, From Aviation Way 12:30 to 12:50
1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Shoebury Coastguards, 13:00 to 13:20
1 Slavonian Grebe showing well just off shore. John Wright (SOG).

Canvey Island, 13:00 to 13:55
1 Jack Snipe seen well, flushed 3 times at Canvey Flood. Steve Bunn (SOG).

Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Southend Airport, 13:30
1 Kingfisher in brook west of Aviation Way. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 13:40 to 13:55
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Paul Baker (SOG).

South Woodham Ferrers, Washlands 14.00
20 Siskin, Green Sandpiper. Alan Shearring.

Pitsea, Area of Lidl Roundabout 14:00
6 Waxwing. Ken Borley.

Shoebury Coastguards, 14:00
1 Slavonian Grebe close inshore and showing well. Paul Baker (SOG).

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 14:00 to 14:15
1 Wood Mouse feeding on spilt bird food in my garden. John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:05
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southchurch Seafront, 14:10 to 14:25
1 female Snow Bunting with Turnstone flock. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey

Shoebury East Beach, 14:10 to 14:20
1 Eider (1st-w male), 1 Shag (1st-w on boom). Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:20 to 15:00
3 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard ), 1 Peregrine Falcon (on pylon), 1 Kestrel. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Pitsea, 14:20 to 14:50
11 Waxwing still present around Lidl's. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Friars Park, 14:25 to 14:40
1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).

Shoebury Coastguards, 14:30 to 14:35
1 Slavonian Grebe. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 14:40 to 15:35
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult, though NOT Rossi, this bird had grey-green coloured legs and an injured right leg. This could well be the bird seen on 1/11/2008 at Holehaven Creek, which had a noticeable limp). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey

Bournes Green, 14:45
1 Little Egret feeding on grass verge beside Royal Artillery Way. Paul Baker (SOG).

South Fambridge, 15:00 to 15:45
1 Whooper Swan (adult), 41 Mute Swan, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat. Paul Baker (SOG).

Gunners Park 15.15
1 Little Egret, 1 female Stonechat. Jan Coveney.

Hadleigh Downs, 15:30 to 17:30
3 Tawny Owl (heard and seen), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Goldcrest, 4 Lapwing. Steve Bunn (SOG).

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