Bird Reports for January 2011
Monday 31st January 2011
Pitsea 08:00 to 08:45
165 Waxwing - Aldi Supermarket car park dispersed by Sparrowhawk. A few birds returned later in the morning but stayed for only a short time. Philip Shaw.
Southchurch Park East 08:25
One Great Spotted Woodpecker in the copse in the corner of Southchurch East. Alec Beanse.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:40
15 Long-tailed Tit - biggest flock we've ever had in the garden. David Selley.
Basildon, Herondale 15:55
31 Waxwing on tree in garden of no. 52, sadly gone at 17:00. Terry Jeffreys.
Sunday 30th January 2011
South Fambridge, 08:10 to 11:20
West to south east side of Brandy Hole and east to salt marsh: 1 Little Egret, 1+ Pink-footed Goose on BHF with White-fronts & Greylags, 7+ White-fronted Goose on BHF with Greylags, 75 Barnacle Goose (the assortment of hybrids still present, but no sign of the other flock), 1 adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Brents, 1 Red-breasted Goose (seen later on in the afternoon from N side on BHF with the Canada / Brent flock), 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser close in to S side, seen from N side later on, 1 Marsh Harrier hunting on BHF, 1000+ Dunlin, 12 Skylark on salt marsh, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit (incl. 3 at Brandy Hole). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea 09:00 to 10:30
200+ Waxwing Aldi Supermarket car park and neighbouring residential area. Eventually dispersed by Sparrowhawk. Phil Shaw.
Hockley Woods, 09:50 to 11:10
1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker south side of woodyard with large mixed flock of tits, 1 Firecrest moving between holly and laurel bushes SE of playground, 1 Coal Tit SE of Playground, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 11:00 to 11:10
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeders in garden, 1 Greenfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge 11:15 to 12:15
6 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Barn Owl hunting seawall just west of SF, 4 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 60 Dunlin. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 12:50 to 15:00
20 Linnet along main track, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting along East Haven Creek, 8 Skylark along main track, 10 Fieldfare picnic area, 9 Snipe flying over picnic area, 30+ Curlew, 100+ Lapwing, 20+ Stock Dove. Martin and Marie Singleton.
Rayleigh, Victoria Road 13:00
15 Waxwing on telephone wires and feeding on berries. Robin Peppiatt.
Hockley Woods 13:20 to 13:30
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper. Tim Davis.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:00 to 15:30
8 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare. Mick Roe.
Saturday 29th January 2011
Leigh on Sea, 08:00 to 11:00
1 male Blackcap still in garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Sandford Mill Area 08:30 to 11:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Lapwing. Also seen: Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Robin, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Pheasant, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Cormorant, Jackdaw, Little Grebe, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush, Starling, Woodpigeon, Wren. Paul Forsdick.
Hadleigh, Woodfield Road 10:00
1 male blackcap on feeder in garden. Mark Duncan.
Hockley Woods, 10:15 to 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper. John Wright (SOG).
Pitsea 11:05
10 Waxwing in Aldi car park. Jerry Stock.
South Benfleet, Vicarage hill 11:30
1 male Blackcap on garden feeders again eating sunflower hearts. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Loughton 14:00
40 Waxwing in and around apple tree. Martin.
Hockley Woods, 14:00 to 16:00
2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 31 Redwing coming in to roost, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 6 Lesser Redpoll. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:55
17 Grey Heron flushed off salt marsh by marina in one flock, 6 Mute Swan, 19 Greylag Goose and 172 Canada Goose on Vange Wick, 1 Water Rail heard main hide, 1 Snipe main scrape, 1 Greenshank in creek by marina, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard main hide. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 28th January 2011
Southend, Baxter Avenue 08:15 to 09:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Purleigh, Hackman's Lane 08:50
Superb sighting of barn owl hunting over field ditch, slowed down to travel at same speed keeping the bird just in front of car, fantastic experience to view the owl from above. Jill Lambeth.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:50 to 08:55
1 adult Ring-billed Gull. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Island, 09:00 to 20:00
2 Waxwing outside Cartamundi on Kings Road, Charfleets Ind. Est. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB, West Canvey Marsh, 10:15
10 Stock Dove flew from field west of A130. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:15
1 Little Egret flew in from the east and landed in the brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh, Creswick Avenue 11:00
40+ Waxwing in and around London Road/Creswick Avenue area of Rayleigh on and off all day. Feeding off large berry bush in back garden in Creswick near Glebe School. J. Miller.
Billericay, Lake Meadows, 14:00
11 Goosander. 8(f),3(m). Marion Burch.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:30 to 16:00
1 Water Rail, possibly two in the stream with the sluice, north east corner. Also 20+ Wigeon, 10+ Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Shoveler, and 1 Water Pipit. Dave Dives.
Thursday 27th January 2011
Hockley Woods 09:15 to 10:45
1 Firecrest, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch. Jerry Stock.
Two Tree Island 10:15 to 12:20
Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Starling, Herring Gull, 200+ Redshank, 50+ Curlew, 100+ Lapwing, Feral Pigeon, 20+ Shelduck, 100+ Brent Geese flying East to West, Robin, 20+ Teal, 4+ Mallard, 1 Spotted Redshank, Shoveler, Moorhen, Blackbird, Cormorant, Greenfinch, 1 Avocet, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 20+ Knot, Collared Dove. S. Jackson & M.P. Hill.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: seen on the RSPB walk: Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Woodpigeon, Magpie, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Teal, Wigeon, Mediterranean Gull, Snipe, Great Black-backed Gull, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Grey Heron, Redshank, Mute Swan, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Rook, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Island, 15:00 to 15:10
10 Waxwing on berry tree briefly outside my office window on Kings Road. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wednesday 26th January 2011
Basildon, Ghyll Grove 08:30
120+ Waxwing feeding in the bushes while children walked within feet of them on there way to school. Joe House.
Sutton Road, Smith's Farm 10:10 to 10:30
Grey Heron standing in the middle of field near Sutton Road. S. Jackson.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (reported in main clearing), 1 Firecrest in thick holly SE of playground, 1 Coal Tit by playground in conifers, 4 Nuthatch (pair near playground and another pair in main clearing), 2 Treecreeper, c.30 Siskin in birch SE of playground, c.20 Lesser Redpoll same area. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Basildon, Back of Bas Centre, Opposite Central Office Loading Bay 10:30 then again at 13:00
50+ Waxwing yesterday and today on trees. Jane Hale.
Gunner's Park 13:15 to 14:30
Grey Heron, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, 1 Fieldfare, flock of Greenfinch and Goldfinch, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, 70+ Redshank, 150+ Oystercatcher, 20+ Curlew, Pied Wagtail, 15 Lapwing, Herring Gull, 2 Little Egret, 20+ Turnstone, Water Pipit, 3 Mute Swan (1 in sea), Robin, Dunnock, Collared Dove, Starling, Little Grebe, Great Tit, Blue Tit. S. Jackson.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:30
Marina end: 2 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 15:30 to 15:30
6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose feeding along tide edge opposite Rossi's, 35 Sanderling, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull on groin opposite Hope Hotel, 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi on station just offshore). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 16:00 to 16:30
1 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 27 Turnstone, 16 Goldfinch (flock opposite casino). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Tuesday 25th January 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:10
2 Sparrowhawk - male and female circling together and calling. David Selley.
Hockley Woods 10:00 to 12:20
1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 3+ Great Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 1 male drumming), 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 1 male), 50+ Common Redpoll (incl. 1 possible "Mealy", in single flock) - the last 3 species were all present at the same time in the same clearing! Ian White.
Canvey, Holehaven Creek, 10:30 to 12:45
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Curlew, House Sparrow, Starling, Woodpigeon, Shelduck, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Redwing, Blue Tit, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Mute Swan, Song Thrush, Linnet, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch, Black-headed Gull, Meadow Pipit. Terry Jeffreys.
Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:05
c.500 Brent Geese, c.900 Lapwing, 7 Red-legged Partridge, 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Monday 24th January 2011
Benfleet, 08:45
6 Jackdaw at top of Bread & Cheese Hill. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 10:00 to 12:30
13 Gadwall on reservoir, 74 Curlew on field north of reservoir, 5 Reed Bunting near play area, 12 Corn Bunting in one flock, 23 Linnet in a single flock, 1 Green Sandpiper near exit gate by picnic area, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 200+ Stock Doves (two separate flocks of approx. equal numbers). Ian White.
Victoria Avenue 13:10 to 15:00
2 Peregrine Falcon on top of Portcullis House, one continually mobbing the other for a time. Andy Clipsham.
Two Tree Island 13:45
1 Weasel. Nicky Lee.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon flew off office block and harassed the pigeons. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 14:00 to 16:30
At least 5,000 - 10,000 gulls feeding in mid-channel downstream of the pier, many around fishing boats, c.250 Turnstone at roost, 18 Mediterranean Gull (7 Ad, 2 2ndW, 9 1stW), 1 Little Gull (1stW), 23 Kittiwake (doubtless many more). 3+ Common Seal. Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet, 15:45
1 Green Woodpecker on Sadlers Farm roundabout. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rayleigh, Connaught Road 16:00
17 Waxwing on telegraph poll. Tom & Abigail Peppiatt.
Sunday 23rd January 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 09:00
17 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Goose, 56 Canada Goose, 2 Egyptian Goose (viewed from pillbox seen straight out looking left of reservoir. Feeding in a dip not always in view), 60 Lapwing, 2 Ruff (creek), 1 Greenshank (creek), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Reed Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 11:05
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in trees above path near driving range, 25 Redwing, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit c.100 yards SE of playground past houses down slope, 3 Nuthatch (pair in main clearing by woodyard, 1 W side), 2 Treecreeper, 3 Siskin flew over W side, 54 Lesser Redpoll (flocks of 40, 10, 5 flighty birds on SW side), 1 Mealy Redpoll (stand out large pale bird in flock of 5 lessers, other flocks presumed lessers on flight views only). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 08:25
Pair of Mute Swan flew over from the southeast and headed off over Southchurch Park only to return and circle a couple of times before departing north east. The resident pair put on an aggressive display, wings puffed up and necks in a sort of S shape. Alec Beanse.
Paglesham Lagoon 08:30 to 12:00
From Great Stambridge and back: Linnet, Green Woodpecker, Curlew, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Shelduck, Shoveler, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 16:00
1 Bittern flew from Pitsea Marsh along the scrape towards the marina, 1 female Marsh Harrier over Pitsea Marsh being harrassed by Crows. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 13:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest in holly S.E. of playground just past black and white house, 2 Nuthatch (pair), 8 Treecreeper, 3 Siskin in silver birch near playground, c.40 Lesser Redpoll (fly over flock). John Wright (SOG).
River Roach Wildlife Trip Aboard The Lady Essex III 11:00 13:30
c.2,000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 12 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, Common Teal, 1 female Common Eider alongside 3rd breach at Wallasea Island, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Little Grebe, Kestrel, Ringtail Hen Harrier hunting Potton, Oystercatcher, 35 Avocet, c.3,500 Lapwing, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Redshank, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull. 12 Common Seal. Web Author.
Hockley Woods, 12:30 to 13:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit singing along brook at back of rear gardens of Woodlands Road, 1 Treecreeper, 6 Lesser Redpoll at woodland pond Belchamps entrance. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:00 to 15:00
2 Ruff in creek from Marina, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1 heard, 1 seen). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 15:00 to 16:00
c.3,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (towards SW of island), 1 female Red-breasted Merganser in western section, 1 Greenshank (usual bird near tower). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:50 to 16:55
From scrape hide: 12 Greylag Goose, 1 Water Rail (heard), 1 Snipe, 2 Fieldfare, 2+ Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Bearded Tit. Paul Baker, Martin Cracknell, Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 22nd January 2011
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (c.100yards beyond compound up hill to the left of track in a clearer area), 1 Firecrest in ivy clad trunk on perimeter path in garden of black and white house, 2 Coal Tit (pair together in main clearing near compound. Also one heard near Firecrest), 2 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Lesser Redpoll. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 11:30
2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 12 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit by wood yard, 2 Nuthatch, 4 Lesser Redpoll. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Central Southend 09:10 to 09:15
47 House Sparrow in front gardens in Prittlewell Square and Devereux Road. Both had feeders and good perching places. David Selley.
South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 10:15 to 10:35
1 male Blackcap in garden eating sunflower hearts and bathing in bird bath. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:30 to 12:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Pintail (2m, 2f), many Mallard, Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler with a few Gadwall. 3 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper. 1 Water Rail. Andrew Cox.
Canvey Wick, 10:30 to 12:10
300+ Wigeon in Hole Haven Creek, 1,100+ Teal in Hole Haven Creek, 1 Woodcock, 800+ Black-tailed Godwit in Hole Haven Creek, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult with full black hood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 5 Chaffinch with Goldfinches), 10 Greenfinch with Goldfinches, 140+ Goldfinch at Hole Haven, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 11:10 to 11:40
Pier to Rossi's: 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1w), 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi in the usual spot). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Tankerville Avenue 11:20 to 11:30
2 Grey Wagtail, 1 male Siskin singing in Alder near Prittle Brook. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 11:30 to 12:00
2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Southend Pier, 11:40 to 14:45
2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, c.100 Turnstone, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Kittiwake (2 ad, 1 1w), 1 Razorbill drifted upriver on the rising tide at close range. 3 Common Seal (at least). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 16:40
1 female Marsh Harrier (same bird seen at Vange earlier), 1 Bittern (16:30, flew from scrape reeds into Pitsea Marsh), 4 Spotted Redshank (creek) 30 Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Curlew, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit. Andrew Cox.
Hampton Barns, 13:00 to 14:30
1 Grey Heron, 40 Fieldfare, c.100 Redwing, 1 Tree Sparrow on feeders, 25 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 13:10 to 15:00
1 Little Egret (Bartonhall Creek), 1 Skylark, 120+ Redwing (flew north over fishing lakes), 1 Tree Sparrow on feeder by double bend by pink barn, 8 Chaffinch, 1 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 15:00 to 16:00
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:30 to 16:00
Much disturbance at lagoon with a pack of Beagles out for a hunt: 14 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe on Roach, 2 Little Egret flew into roost in woodland, 18 Pintail (9 pairs at mouth Barton Hall Creek), 2 Pintail (1 pair), c.20 Goldeneye (incl. 2 males), 70 Oystercatcher, 40 Grey Plover, 50 Knot, c.250 Dunlin, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit on roost, 10 Redwing in trees at Stambridge, 1 Tree Sparrow on feeders at Hampton Barns. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Chelmsford, Sunningdale Road 15:15
16 Waxwing on aerials coming down to feed on rosehips. Large numbers of Woodpigeon, Starling and gulls (species not identified) in same area. 5 Redwing seen at Cotswold Crescent plus around 3:45pm at West Park 7 Pied Wagtail and 15+ Redwing feeding on grass around standing water left by recent flooding. Paul Forsdick.
Shoebury East Beach, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Great Crested Grebe. 1 Grey Seal. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 16:00
3 Ringed Plover, 37 Turnstone, 12 Chaffinch (flock by the compound at the foot of Barge Pier), 1 Brambling with Chaffinch, 27 Linnet. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Priory Park, 16:20 to 16:35
2 Goldcrest. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Thurrock Lakeside
c.50 Waxwing near TGI Fridays car park. Robin & Tracy Guppy.
Friday 21st January 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:40 to 09:10
Viewing Vange Wick from Marina: 1 Ruff in creek, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank in creek, 1 Greenshank in creek. Neil Chambers, Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 10:00 to 15:30
1,100 Teal, 1,900 Wigeon, 54 Gadwall, 1 female Merganser, 320 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier (pair), 2 Hen Harrier (adult male and a ringtail), 1 Buzzard, 4,000 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 320 Curlew. Graham Smith.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Black-necked Grebe present around the islands and rafts. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hockley Woods, 11:15 to 13:40
1 Coal Tit singing above perimeter track SE of playground and 100m north of stream. Adjacent to large and conifer rich gardens on Woodlands Rd. TQ836920, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Siskin with the Redpoll flock SE of playground, 20+ Lesser Redpoll feeding in birches 50m SE of playground, 2 Mealy Redpoll feeding with the Lessers SE of playground. Don Petrie (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park Swimming Pool Lake, 11:35
Drake Mandarin Duck (no rings on legs). Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:50 to 16:10
2 Egyptian Goose on Vange Wick seen flying at 15.50 onto neighbouring arable fields, c.80 Wigeon, 64 Teal, 2 Pintail, 1 female Marsh Harrier sat in the reeds, 11 Ruff on Vange Wick, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 15:00
WEBS count: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 348 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 53 Shelduck, 26 Teal, 42 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pheasant, 6 Moorhen, 9 Coot, 84 Oystercatcher, 320 Grey Plover, 22 Lapwing, 1800 Knot, 850 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 152 Curlew, 202 Redshank, 38 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting. 3 Common Seal. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 13:30 to 14:30
c.3,500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (seems as if Roach flock has linked up with Grapnells flock), 7 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (pair and 3 juveniles and another pair), 1 Black Brant, 3 Marsh Harrier (1 with Hen Harrier, 1 in SW, 1 over south sea wall), 2 Hen Harrier (ringtails at eastern end sparring with Marsh harrier), 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon on track to SW. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Stock Road Concrete Plant 14:00
Female Peregrine Falcon took wood pigeon from bird table, was then mobbed by 12 magpie and 2 crows until pigeon escaped. Dan Davison.
Hampton Barns, 14:15 to 14:30
1 female Brambling in birches at the double bend. Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30
1 Little Egret in brook, 1 Grey Heron low north west mobbed by crows. Paul Baker (SOG).
Danbury Lakes 15:30
5 Goosander on middle lake. Barry Jones.
Rochford 16:30
Woodcock came out of grass as we drove past made for the back of the rochford hundred golf course. Robin & Tracy Guppy.
Thursday 20th January 2011
Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 08:00 to 09:30
60+ Waxwing - flock dispersed with birds flying south and west after one bird was taken by a female Sparrowhawk. Phil Shaw.
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 10:30
2 Green Woodpecker by pond near Belchamps, 1 male Firecrest in holly SE of playground from track off to right just beyond the black and white house, 3 Nuthatch. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Green Woodpecker, Coot, 16 Redshank, Teal, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, 4 Grey Heron, Starling, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Robin, Rook, Spotted Redshank, Little Egret, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, 6 Shoveler, 2 Snipe, Black-headed Gull, 2 Tufted Duck, Wigeon, 2 Cormorant, 23 Lapwing, 6 Pochard, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redwing, Little Grebe, 5 Curlew. Terry Jeffreys.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11:00
8 Goosander (5 female and 3 male courting display and mating). Marion Burch.
Billericay 12:00
Female Blackcap in garden all week visiting bird feeder. Phil Shaw.
Wednesday 19th January 2011
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 12:00
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit near car park at 09.15 then seen again approx 50m south-east of the playground at 11.40, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Siskin, 18 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll (I was able to get prolonged views through my scope. The bird stands out in the flock as it is notably paler in overall appearance and considerably larger). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 09:30 to 11:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egret, 3 Green Sandpiper, several Gadwall, Skylarks singing, 16 Corn Bunting, 10+ Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker (heard). Tim Hurdley.
Gunners Park. 10:30 to 11:30
Dunnock, Mute Swan, Long-tailed Tit in two family groups, Fieldfare. S.Jackson.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:20 to 13:20
1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Pintail, very many Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warbler, Most areas waterlogged and extremely muddy. Other parts flooded, hence not a single wader. Les Costin (EBS).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:20 to 15:30
From Great Stambridge: 1 Black-necked Grebe feeding with Little Grebes in the south-west corner, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 23 Pintail, 11 Goldeneye (only 1 male), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Rock Pipit, c.25 Chaffinch by the large haystack east of Hampton Barns, 1+ Brambling with Chaffinch flock, 14 Reed Bunting at Hampton Barns, 9 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Basildon, Northlands Park, 14:15 to 14:40
3 Greylag Goose, 23 Canada Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Pochard. Terry Jeffreys.
Shoebury, Friars Park, 15:50 to 16:10
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:20 to 17:00
4 Little Egret, 2 Pheasant, 100 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Pied Wagtail flying into the reed bed next to Sutton Boat Yard, 2 Bearded Tit in the block of reed next to the Potton Road. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Tuesday 18th January 2011
Chelmsford, New Writtle Street and Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve, 07:10 to 07:20
4 Song Thrush all singing, 1 Blackbird, 1 Magpie calling, 5 Robin singing, 2 Herring Gull calling, 1 Wren singing. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:00 to 09:30
2 Cetti's Warbler (one near motorboat hide and one opposite RSPB visitor centre). Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Danbury Country Park 10:00
4 Goosander on the centre lake. Christopher Rawlings.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:15 to 11:45
Cetti's Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 5 Curlew, Redwing. Terry Jeffreys.
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:30
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker working through canopy south of driving range, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Nuthatch (car park), 3 Treecreeper (singing birds in same area). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 12:50
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard calling south of the compound TQ834918. Probably the same bird seen by Alan a few minutes later, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Nuthatch singing between car park and clearing TQ835921, 3 Lesser Redpoll feeding just south of the bridge beside the compound. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 11:50 to 12:50
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in tree tops just beyond the wood yard area. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 12:00
2 Sparrowhawk (male and female, soaring high together). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Pitsea, Aldi Car Park 12:20 to 13:00
2+ Waxwing (http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/waxwings-in-pitsea-essex-take-2), 1 Sparrowhawk. Neil Phillips.
Monday 17th January 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00 to 11:20
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Vange 12:00 to 14:00
1 Siskin dominating peanut feeder from Great Tits and Greenfinches. Mick Roe.
Hockley Woods, 13:00 to 16:45
1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker watched feeding in tree tops at southern crossroads then tree-hopping its way down the path to the South TQ832915, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest in holly along western perimeter TQ827917, 200+ Carrion Crow gathering to roost, 10+ Lesser Redpoll (one or more small flocks flying over the southern woods were presumed to be predominantly Lessers). Don Petrie (SOG).
Pitsea, 14:30
1 Waxwing sat in a tree in the Lidl's car park. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Pitsea, Brackendale Avenue 14:35 to 14:40
99 Waxwing perched in trees above A13 between Brackendale Avenue and the south side of A13 near slip road. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows 15:00
8 Goosander (2 male, 6 female). Marion Burch.
South Woodham Ferrers 15:00
6 Waxwing sitting at top of tree in Brent Avenue, just outside Woodham Pre School. Barry Jones.
Pitsea, 15:15 to 15:30
c.100 Waxwing in Aldi car park - far section, then flew off SW. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Sunday 16th January 2011
Barton Hall Farm, 08:00 to 09:30
1 Buzzard (usual individual in roadside field Hampton Barns), 15 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling in hedgerow on corner immediately north of huge hay-bale cube. Also 2 possibly same individuals flew over small paddock at Hampton Barns towards setaside), 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting (1 singing). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island 08:00 to 10:00
1 immature Peregrine Falcon over lagoon at western end, 1-2 Cetti's Warbler singing at eastern end, c.200 Brent Geese on the water at high tide at eastern end. Andrew Gouldstone.
Shoebury East Beach, 08:10 to 08:25
4 Ringed Plover, 8 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone, 3 Snow Bunting by the boom. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Pound Wood 08:45
2 Bullfinch (pair). Richard Gray.
Leigh on Sea, 09:00
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap still in garden daily. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 11:20
1 Firecrest in holly bushes near play area, 1 Coal Tit in fir trees in play area, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 6 Siskin. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Wigeon, 47 Teal, 110 Lapwing, 40 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 8 Turnstone, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Skylark, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:25 to 10:20
2 Stock Dove, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in tit flock near compound, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 20 Lesser Redpoll flew over compound toward Belchamps. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hockley Woods 10:00 to 11:00
1 Firecrest, 1 Coal Tit in conifers in children's playground, 6 Goldfinch, 10+ Chaffinch (male and female), Jay. In SE corner of playground; 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 female Sparrowhawk in trees behind car park. DZ.
Hampton Barns, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, c.50 Redwing, 1 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 11:35
2,740 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (family party with other Brents), c.6,100 Knot, 15 Skylark, 2 Corn Bunting. N.B. Anyone planning to visit Wakering Stairs in the next few weekends be warned that the potholes in Stairs Rd are extremely deep (even by Southend standards!) - don't assume that what you are about to drive through is just a puddle. David Selley.
Basildon, High Barretts 10:30
40+ Waxwing in tree by flats. Gill Morrell.
Shoebury East Beach, 10:45
3 Snow Bunting east side of boom. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:00 to 12:00
1 female Kestrel, 13 Lapwing, 37 Sanderling, 42 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, 27 Linnet. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 13:00
25 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel carrying prey. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Pitsea, 13:00 to 13:20
100+ Waxwing Aldi car park, Rectory Church Road. Peter Collins (SOG).
Two Tree Island/Benfleet Creek 14:00 to 16:00
110 Avocet on Benfleet Creek off west end of Two Tree, 230 Brent Geese in fields alongside seawall. Andrew Gouldstone.
Saturday 15th January 2011
Pitsea, Tesco Petrol Station 10:10
50+ Waxwing. Jerry Stock.
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Woodcock flushed from coppice near pond in SE corner, 25 Long-tailed Tit in mixed flock, 1 Coal Tit 
with mixed flock of Tits south of wood yard, 1 Treecreeper near playground, c.20 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin with Redpolls coming to drink from stream near pond. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Pitsea, High Barretts, 11:00
50+ Waxwing eating off hawthorn bush by flats. Gill Morrell.
Stanford Warren 12:00 to 13:00
1 female Hen Harrier. Ross Gardner.
Wallasea Island, 14:30 to 16:00
11 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (two family parties with about 1,200 Brent near Grapnells farm), 1 Barn Owl hunting water vole habitat. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Firecrest c.100 yards SW of playground, 1 Treecreeper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 14th January 2011
Butler's Farm, 08:20
2 Ring-necked Parakeet seen whilst driving on Shopland Road flying into the garden of the house next to Butler's Farm. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:40 to 12:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker moving silently through the canopy 150m south of the compound along the main track, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest by the south west corner of the playground, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 19 Goldfinch around the playground, 1 Siskin over, calling whilst watching the Redpolls, 20+ Lesser Redpoll in one group feeding in coppice plot with predominantly Birch standard tree along main track running east to west. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:45 to 10:00
5 Pintail, 2 Redwing, Green Woodpecker, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, numerous Teal and Wigeon. Terry Jeffreys.
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Black Brant (very smart gander in with approx 3,000 Brent immediately south of tanks), 4 Skylark, 12 Corn Bunting (8 by haystack (or more hay pile now) and 4 more singing from ditch near Paglesham Pool sea wall). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
Rough-legged Buzzard flew in from Fambridge-Althorne ridge and landed in large bush directly in front of the BWA (far) hide, where it remained for around forty minutes. It was then beaten up by a Marsh Harrier. Very nice! Little Egret (1st here since early December), 1,900 Wigeon, 1,100 Teal, adult female Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 750 Lapwing, 4 Ruff, 5000 Starling, 550 Rook, 1 Water Pipit. Graham Smith.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 09:30 to 10:30
11 Goosander (3 male + 8 female). Chris Henry.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:35 to 13:30
55 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 420 Teal (highest number I have recorded on the marsh), 2 Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 42 Snipe (one large 'wisp' flying around the marsh for about 10 minutes, occasionally breaking up into smaller groups). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 12:45 to 12:45
36 Waxwing at junction of Western Road and Cottesmore Gardens. Simon Watson (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 13:00 to 13:35
5 Snow Bunting on the beach near the first aid block. Peter Collins (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park 14:40
2 Mandarin Duck, a pair on island. 1 Little Grebe, 13 Red-legged Partridge in nearby field. Les Costin (EBS).
Thursday 13th January 2011
Shoebury East Beach, 10:00 to 10:10
5 Snow Bunting on beach, flew south and returned landing on boom. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 10:15 to 10:30
2 Mandarin Duck (a pair on west edge of island). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Jay, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Moorhen, Coot, Teal, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Redshank, Avocet, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Curlew, Pheasant, Wigeon, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Mallard, Gadwall, Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit, Sparrowhawk, Chaffinch, Meadow Pipit. Terry Jeffreys.
Pitsea Road, Pitsea near Little Garth 12:52
20+ Waxwing. Terry Jeffreys.
Rettendon
1 Buzzard around Rettendon church on the new A130 just past the Rettendon junction when heading towards Chelmsford. She's been here for a few months now. John Meyn.
Wednesday 12th January 2011
South Fambridge 10:30 to 12:15
26 Yellowhammer between village and seawall, Water Pipit, Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, Little Egret, c.150 Fieldfare, 4 Grey Plover, 24 Golden Plover, 6 Reed Bunting, 12 Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Brent Goose, 7 Shelduck. Ray Fuller.
South Fambridge, 11:00 to 11:45
4 Skylark on salt marsh, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Twite flushed from sea wall at sluice. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tuesday 11th January 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 09/01/11
Southchurch Hall 13:00 to 15:00
1 Egret, 2 Greylag Geese, 10 Moorhen, 20 Mallard, 4 Carrion Crow. M.H.
Wallasea Island, 14:30 to 16:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Buzzard (very contrasty individual flew N over east end of island - exiting from Hampton Barns area?), 1 Barn Owl hunting SW sea wall and then ditch towards car park. Jeff Delve
Monday 10th January 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 09/01/11
Basildon Railway Station 08:19
50+ Waxwing in the trees behind the Vet's surgery. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 15:15
1 Red-breasted Goose (likely escaped bird on the scrape at 15.15 with Canada Geese), 671 Wigeon on Vange Wick, counted whilst on site, the largest number to date for the reserve, 30 Teal, 1 Ruff, 41 Black-tailed Godwit on Vange Wick, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Waxwing (single bird heard calling whilst in the RSPB reserves office garden but couldn't locate). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Rochford Station, 09:30
1 Grey Wagtail flew across station towards golf course. Paul Baker (SOG).
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
1,200 Wigeon, 200 Pintail, 47 Gadwall, 16 Pochard, 217 Shelduck, 153 Canada Geese, 77 Greylag Geese, 5 White-fronted Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose (with Whitefronts), 51 Barnacle Geese, 53 Barnacle/Canada Hybrids, 3 Buzzard, 1,000 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 190 Black-tailed Godwit, 65 Curlew, at least 6 Water Pipit on flooded fields, 200 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing, 9 Corn Bunting. Graham Smith.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09:45 to 11:00
1 Goosander (redhead) in front of Rawl Hide, 9+ Goldeneye (incl.4 drakes), 1 Coal Tit on feeders at visitor centre, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Shoveler, a few Fieldfare over. Ian White.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 11:30 to 12:50
On Reservoir: 1 Green Sandpiper, 150+ Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, numerous Teal and Gadwall. On fields around Reservoir: 3 Black-tailed Godwit, c.60 Stock Dove, 50+ Lapwing, c.20 Curlew, several Fieldfare and a few Redwing over. Ian White.
Shoeburyness, St Marys (Nature Reserve) 13:00 to 14:30
1 Coal Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Robin, 15+ Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wren, 5 Great Tit, 5+ Dunnock. Westley Byford.
Wickford, Enterprise Way, 13:20 to 14:00
40 Waxwing appeared in trees along the railway line and kept coming down to drink from puddle on the pavement. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Leigh on Sea, Tankerville Drive by the Brook. 13:40 to 13:50
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Siskin. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:30
6 Goosander (4 male, 2 female). Marion Burch.
Priory Park, 15:45 to 16:35
1 Ring-necked Parakeet in tall trees NE side of park at 15:55 calling, flew off east, 15 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Long-tailed Tit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 09th January 2011
Cherry Orchard Lane, 07:45
1 Green Woodpecker near The Lawns. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 08:00 to 09:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Fieldfare, 1+ Tree Sparrow, 10+ Yellowhammer, 60+ Reed Bunting, 30+ Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 10:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Red-breasted Goose flying with Canada Geese eastern end of reed bed toward Bowers Marsh. No doubt the escape that was around the area last year, 1 drake Pintail still present, 2 Green Sandpiper, 40 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). John Wright, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:05 to 11:35
From Great Stambridge: 57 Mute Swan, 3 Bewick's Swan, 12 Pintail, 210 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 male Merlin south over field between Great Stambridge and Hampton Barns, 60 Fieldfare, 1+ Tree Sparrow (Hampton Barns), 35 Chaffinch at Barton Hall, 3 Brambling feeding with the chaffinches on the track north of Barton Hall, 4 Yellowhammer (Hampton Barns), 50+ Reed Bunting, 24 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
South Fambridge, 09:00 to 10:30
10 Wigeon, 1 Water Pipit, 30+ Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 1 Yellowhammer. Dave Knight, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 09:20 to 09:40
1 Bullfinch, flock of 15+ Long-tailed Tit with 2 Goldcrest amongst them. Ellen Hume.
Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 09:40
1 Blackcap in garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hockley Woods 09:40 to 11:40
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker about 200 yards in, beyond playground (on left-hand footpath) high up and to right of footpath calling loudly, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Long-tailed Tit. Les Costin (EBS).
Two Tree Island, 09:55 to 12:00
300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 84 Shelduck, 102 Wigeon, 7 Coot, 33 Oystercatcher, 48 Knot, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 29 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, 51 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush, 8 Linnet. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Pier 10:00
Turnstone, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Common Scoter, Great Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher. Emily Broad.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 11:15
1 immature male Marsh Harrier on Bowers Marsh and over scrape, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:30 to 12:30
18 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 13 Mediterranean Gull, 2 juvenile Kittiwake. Kris Mee, Web Author.
South Fambridge, 11:00 to 12:30
c.500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, 130 Fieldfare, 1+ Twite with the Skylarks, 11 Yellowhammer. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Benfleet High Road Near Junction with Clifton Avenue 12:30 to 15:30
50+ Waxwing. David Flack.
North Fambridge, Blue House Farm 12:45 to 15:30
1,000+ Brent Geese, 200 Barnacle Geese, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, White Fronted Geese, 40 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellowhammer, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Pochard, 3 Mute Swan, Coot, Grey Heron, Starling, Carrion Crow, Rook, Black-Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 3,000 Lapwing, River Crouch: 2 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Dunlin, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 30 Shelduck, 5 Redshank. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Westcliff-on-Sea by Rossi's 13:00
1 adult Ring-billed Gull. Terry Jeffreys.
Benfleet, 13:10 to 15:10
56 Waxwing feeding on berries in garden on the corner of Lime Tree Avenue and the High Road. Initially a flock of 56 then split into smaller, mobile flocks. Gordon Appleton, Stuart Bailey, Simon Watson (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:20 to 13:25
15 Waxwing. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Shoebury, 13:25
1 female Sparrowhawk low across road near Asda. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:30 to 13:45
2 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend, Adjacent to Artillery Way, Behind the Football Pitches 14:00
1 Red Kite, moving slowly west, being mobbed by two crows. Paul Rossiter.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00
1 Bittern, 1 male Marsh Harrier. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Benfleet Downs, 14:00 to 14:20
1 Adder (first January record). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30 to 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk up high, 1 Green Sandpiper along brook, flew west, very vocal, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Redwing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Basildon Railway Station Time: 1440 Sightings: Name: Terry Jeffreys
Basildon Railway Station 14:45 to 14:50
21 Waxwing in trees behind the Vet's Surgery. They flew off South in the direction of the Owl and Pussycat PH in Clayhill Road, 4 Long-tailed Tit in trees opposite the bus station. Terry Jeffreys.
Saturday 08th January 2011
Benfleet, Clifton Avenue Near Junction with High Road 09:10
42 Waxwing. Jerry Stock.
Leigh-on-Sea, Tattersall Gardens 09:20 to 09:21
1 male Sparrowhawk sitting in garden tree; grey back, rufous cheeks, white nape patch, chest had dark bars on almost white not rufous background; presumed to be first winter bird. Martin Johnson.
Rushbottom Lane, 09:30 to 10:45
2 Yellowhammer, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Canada Goose. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Chelmsford, Hoffman Way 10:30
18 Waxwing perching, into wind, in willow trees, then descending to feed on gelder rose fruits. Peter Chapman.
South Fambridge, 11:15 to 14:20
15 Fieldfare on Fambridge Road, 6 Redwing, 82 Lapwing, 19 Wigeon, 3 Little Grebe, 19 Dunlin, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Anthus sp. (Bird stayed in salt marsh west of pillbox for duration. A brief glimpse looked promising for water pipit). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:30 to 11:30
1 Little Egret fishing in the brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Benfleet, 11:45
c.50 Waxwing flying over by Clifton Avenue. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:00
5 Bearded Tit (heard only, same place as the 5 on 24/12 - in small reedbed on left 200m from new gate along Potton road). Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:30 to 13:40
1 male Lesser Redpoll with superb pink breast feeding in our solitary silver birch for 10 minutes. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:45 to 16:45
3 Water Rail, at least 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Sparrowhawk, many Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Pochard, c.100 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew. Andrew Cox.
Canewdon, 14:20 to 14:45
Cycle between Fambridge and Wallasea (via roads): 1 Buzzard over Creeksea Ferry Road, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Buteo sp. (contrasty buzzard seen briefly on Lark Hill Road. Looked like Hampton Barns bird). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:30 to 16:00
1 female Merlin, 1 female Kestrel, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:50 to 16:00
18 Golden Plover, 5 Skylark, 8 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Little Egret, 2 Corn Bunting, 8 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 15:10 to 15:15
1 Peregrine Falcon bombing around high in the sky. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 15:10 to 15:55
7 Snow Bunting feeding on the strandline near the boom. The birds also sat on the boom when they were flushed by people on the beach, 47 Turnstone, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Meadow Pipit. Marc Outten, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 16:20 to 16:25
4 Mandarin Duck (3 drakes and a duck perched together on a willow branch on the island near Exeter Close). Don Petrie (SOG).
Friday 07th January 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 08:45
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Tankerville Road, 10:15 to 10:30
6 Siskin in alder trees where the brook crosses Tankerville Road. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge, 11:50 to 13:50
1 Twite with skylarks on the seawall then moved onto the salt marsh, 1 Water Pipit feeding along the seawall approx 50m east of pillbox, 1 Rock Pipit, 60 Black-tailed Godwit, 147 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Corn Bunting, 130 Dunlin, 6 Skylark, 43 Wigeon, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Golden Plover. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows, 13:45
7 Goosander (3 male, 4 female). Marion Burch.
Wallasea Island, 14:10 to 16:00
1 female Eider with Shelduck inside the re-alignment, 1 Kestrel, 106 Shelduck, 4,100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (two flocks - one on the south of the island c.2,900, second flock of 1,200 on the north-east area of the island.), 2 Corn Bunting, 250 Dunlin, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 40 Redshank, 29 Grey Plover, 7 Red-legged Partridge, 121 Golden Plover (over), 1 Little Egret, 2 Rock Pipit in borrowdyke. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Prittlewell Brook, 14:35 to 15:15
Between Darlinghurst and Prittlewell Chase: 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer by Essex Record Office 15:00
Grey Wagtail sifting though floating rubbish by the weir with 2 Moorhen 1 female Goosander lots of female Tufted Duck and only 1 male! Sue Haffenden.
Chelmsford., River Can, Bell Meadow, 15:00 to 15:10
1 Kingfisher. Tim Davis.
Thursday 06th January 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Magpie, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Song Thrush, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Grey Plover, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Grey Heron, Dunlin, Coot, Curlew, Teal, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Black-tailed Godwit, House Sparrow, Starling, Shoveler. Terry Jeffreys.
Billericay, Lake Meadows 11:30
5 Goosander. 3-m, 2-f. Lake gradually thawing. Marion Burch.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:25 to 14:10
1 male Marsh Harrier along the seawall at the west of the reserve, 8 Snipe, 2 Pintail. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 05th January 2011
Wallasea Island, 07:50 to 11:50
6 Bean Goose flew up Paglesham Pool creek, appeared to land somewhere south of Canewdon, 60+ White-fronted Goose flew over from Foulness and back twice, 5,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2,500+ Wigeon, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (1 drake), 2 Marsh Harrier (immature male and female), 1 female Merlin on post along south side, then it or another flushed from seawall at SE end, 1 Peregrine Falcon, c.50 Black-tailed Godwit on Potton, 17 Skylark (incl. flock of 12 along central track), 5 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting (2 singing). 17 Anser sp. grey geese, probably more Beans, flew west over island (viewed from SE corner) and landed near entrance track, but couldn't be relocated. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 09:00
1 male Blackcap in garden, 1 female Sparrowhawk. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Danbury Ridge 11:00 to 14:00
1 female Crossbill, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Woodcock, 1 Sparrowhawk, 50+ Long-tailed Tit, 5 Goldcrest within flock, many Blue Tit, Great Tit. Alec Martin.
South Fambridge, 12:10 to 14:30
Between steps and east to saltmarsh only: 1 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 15+ Barnacle Goose (on BHF, 'proper' ones not associating with the feral flock), 1 drake Pochard on river, didn't look too well, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Pipit along seawall by pillbox, then on salt marsh, then flew over seawall, 1 Twite seen twice briefly with Skylarks, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit (on BHF). Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet, 12:40 to 12:45
1 Sparrowhawk taking a Waxwing from the apple tree on corner of Kimberly and South View Road, 22 Waxwing (was 23 before the above incident!). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 14:45 to 15:35
4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 04th January 2011
Leigh on Sea, 08:00 to 16:00
1 Blackcap in garden most of the time. Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:20 to 09:10
1 Bittern seen briefly in flight at 08.53, landed by green gate, 2 Water Rail (1 calling, 1 seen), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 2 Snipe. Neil Chambers, Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:54
Bittern seen flying low over the eastern reed bed at 08:54, landing near the green gate. Terry Jeffreys.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:25 to 09:35
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. 9 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:00 to 12:00
11 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe, c.60 Barnacle Goose (BH Farm flock), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 3 Skylark on salt marsh, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Corn Bunting, 6 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting, 10+ Fieldfare, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit (including c.40 roosting at Blue House Fm.), 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose flew down-river in Brent flock and all landed at Blue House Farm. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rayleigh, 11:30 to 11:35
6 Waxwing feeding in tree at junction of Leslie Road and Clarence Road, then flew east. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 11:55
1 Ring-billed Gull on usual lamp post just east of Rossi's. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 12:05
19 Waxwing flew in from east, circled road a couple of times and then flew off up over towards Clifftown Parade. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:10 to 13:50
1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with Turnstones on old slipway, 14 Mediterranean Gull (7 adults, 2 2nd winters & 5 1st winters), 10+ Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Seafront, East of Pier near SMAC 12:30 to 13:00
Large flock of Knot (about 200) flying low and landing over water's edge, c.30 Avocet, 22 Oystercatcher. DZ.
Hampton Barns, 12:30 to 13:10
Viewed from west end of conifers on footpath to Great Stambridge: 2 Tree Sparrow, 60+ Reed Bunting, 40+ Corn Bunting, 3+ Yellowhammer. Don Petrie (SOG).
Shoeburyness Park, 13:00
5 Siskin, 1 Goldcrest. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Chelmsford, Central Park 13:00 to 13:30
4 female Goosander, 1 drake Pochard. Andrew Bridge.
Southchurch Park East, 14:00 to 14:05
4 Little Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea, 14:10
25 Waxwing flew south over old A13 (now the B1464) at junction with Pound Lane 300m west of Saddler's Farm roundabout. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 14:15 to 14:30
3 drake Mandarin Duck on SE side of island nearest to Exeter Close entrance. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 14:40 to 15:45
7 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail, 20 Wigeon. Peter Collins (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:50 to 15:20
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rayleigh, London Road
20+ Waxwing in trees by old electricity building. Norman Oliver.
Monday 03rd January 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:20 to 09:30
1 Water Rail (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Bittern seen flying low over the reed bed at 08:41, 1 drake Pintail. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet, Kimberley Road 08:50
70+ Waxwing, although number reduced by one due to successful female Sparrowhawk. Jerry Stock.
North Fambridge, Blue House Farm, 09:30 to 15:00
Recent sightings: December 19th 2010; 14 Scaup (R.Crouch), Jack Snipe, 16 White-fronted Geese. December 23rd 2010; 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Ruff, 14 Avocet, Barn Owl. January 3rd 2011: 11 Merganser, 16 White-fronted Goose, 40 Barnacle Goose (the genuine article, not the Canada/Barnacle hybrids that usually hang around at BH. One bird was colour ringed but could not get the number), 102 Stock Dove, 450 Rook, immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, adult male Peregrine, 1 Merlin, Barn Owl, 144 Black-tailed Godwit (on fields), 2 Bearded Tit, 205 Redwing, 222 Fieldfare, 24 Blackbird, 30 Corn Bunting. Graham Smith.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:30
3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 drake Pintail, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Water Rail. Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 10:05 to 10:10
2 Waxwing on a roadside bush, then flew east. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 10:10
2 Jackdaw. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh, High Street c.10:15
55+ Cygnus sp. (swan) flew over heading north, no binoculars so I couldn't get a positive ID, Did anyone else see these? Web Author.
Benfleet Creek, 10:20 to 10:50
40+ Pied Wagtail around sewage farm, 3 Green Sandpiper, 20 Redwing, 6 Gadwall disturbed from flooded field by Canvey Way, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Woodcock. Simon Watson (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:20 to 12:10
6 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting, 70 Fieldfare, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Greylag Goose, 75 Barnacle Goose (over Blue House Farm), 68 White-fronted Goose (over Blue House Farm and the river). Paul Griggs, Jeff Delve, Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:45 to 11:30
1 Black-necked Grebe showing well on right hand side, 94 Mute Swan, 4 Bewick's Swan, 7 Goldeneye, 12 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 11:25 to 12:05
1 Buzzard flying around over sewage works, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 5 Yellowhammer (4 males), 30+ Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting (incl. 1 singing), 75 Chaffinch, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 11:40 to 15:00
3 Little Egret, 205 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Buzzard, 86 Golden Plover, 3 Yellowhammer, 32 Reed Bunting, 18 Corn Bunting. Graham Ryland, Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:05 to 15:05
11 Little Grebe (5 on lagoon, 6 on river), 1 Black-necked Grebe (at north end), 3 Bewick's Swan (with Mute Swan herd), 1,500+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose (at Bartonhall Creek), 16 Pintail, 230 Pochard, 16 Goldeneye, 19 Black-tailed Godwit (at Bartonhall Creek), 1 Little Egret, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1'w in field E of lagoon). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet, 12:30 to 12:40
50+ Waxwing at Kimberly Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:35 to 15:10
86 Mute Swan, 4 Bewick's Swan, 16 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Tufted Duck ("Lesser Scaup" type TuftedxPochard hybrid still present), 10 Fieldfare. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Vange, High Road 13:00
20+ Waxwing very mobile between hawthorn trees and other trees on both sides of the road between Timberman's View and the Working Men's Club. Terry Jeffreys.
Laindon North 13:30 to 13:50
c.85 Waxwing. Large Flock in front garden tree, tv aerials, bottom of King Edward Road, then flew south. Dave Cornwell.
Vange, High Road, 14:00 to 15:20
53 Waxwing feeding in Hawthorn bushes on north side of road just west of Vange and Pitsea Working Men's Club. Phil Shaw.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:30 to 16:35
2 Water Rail (heard), 2 Pintail (pair), 4 Cetti's Warbler (3 singing, 1 calling), 5 Snipe, 7 Jackdaw (flew over S), 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
East Tilbury, Coal House Fort
1,200 Avocet, c.500 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, 11 Teal, 20 Pochard, 7 Tufted duck on moat, c.3,000 Dunlin. Richard Fahey.
Sunday 02nd January 2011
Hadleigh Downs 08:35
1 Bullfinch. Ellen Hume.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:40 to 10:50
1 Bittern briefly in flight over eastern reed bad at 09.30, 1 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Snipe. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:45 to 10:30
Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, 3 Redwing, Green Woodpecker. Terry Jeffreys.
Pitsea 09:20
20 Waxwing in Aldi car park. David Lee.
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:30 to 14:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 30+ Pintail, 100+ Pochard, 200+ Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Grebe, 20+ Wigeon, 40 Mute Swan, 4 Bewick's Swan. Dave Knight (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 09:30 to 14:10
100+ Redwing, 1 Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30+ Chaffinch, 10+ Goldfinch, 1 Brambling, 6 Reed Bunting, 100+ Corn Bunting, 100+ Golden Plover with Lapwings, 50+ White-fronted Goose. Dave Knight (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 13:30
1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 Corn Bunting, 8 Skylark, 1 Gadwall on old sewage pond with mallards, 68 Shelduck. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Benfleet, 10:25 to 10:35
60+ Waxwing at Kimberly Road junction with South View Road. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 10:50 to 11:15
1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Benfleet, 11:00
60 + Waxwing at junction of Kimberley Road and South View Road feeding in an apple tree and also mobile to an adjacent oak tree. Barry Jackson.
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00
3 Bewick's Swan. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 11:00 to 11:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker in garden feeding on nuts, 1 female Siskin in garden feeding on nyjer seeds, 3 Goldfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Pitsea, 11:10 to 11:20
30 Waxwing near Go Outdoors shop. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 13:30
1 Black-necked Grebe, 4 Bewick's Swan (with mutes on fields), 5 Goldeneye, 3 Pintail, 7 Little Grebe (3 on river), 1 Rook. Matt Bruty (SOG).
North Fambridge, Blue House Farm 11:30 to 15:30
Brambling, 2 Common Buzzard, 3 Ruff, 200 Pintail, 2 female Red-breasted Merganser, female Peregrine, 160 White-fronted Geese, 3000 Brent Geese (2,000 of which near Black Point), Greenshank in Crouch, Barn Owl, 2,500 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Leigh on Sea, Tankerville Drive 11:45 to 12:00
1 Siskin. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southend, Fields East and West of LA Fitness 12:00
10 Grey Heron. Judy.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:50
Timbermans Creek: 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Grey Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Ruff. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Hampton Barns, 12:00 to 12:30
c.50 Reed Bunting, c.35 Corn Bunting, 57 White-fronted Goose, c.100 Golden Plover, 1 Buzzard, 5 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Benfleet, Kimberley Road 13:00 to 13:05
20 Waxwing, mobile flock around apple tree in garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Ashingdon, 14:00 to 14:10
c.35 Waxwing in back garden on Golden Cross Road, then flew NE. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 14:00 to 15:00
5 Yellowhammer, c.25 Reed Bunting, 32+ Corn Bunting, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 14:20 to 15:30
1 male Blackcap in garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Saturday 01st January 2011
Hockley Woods, 06:50 to 07:10
2 Tawny Owl heard. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 07:30 to 09:00
12 Little Grebe, 1 Black-necked Grebe first seen around rafts then moved to river end of lagoon, 1 Little Egret, 77 Mute Swan, 3 Bewick's Swan, 22 Pintail, 17 Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 2 Yellowhammer. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 10:30
2 Bewick's Swan, c.30 Pintail, 10 Goldeneye. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 09:15 to 09:50
2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Buzzard on ground close to main road, 12 Corn Bunting, 25 Reed Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 09:55 to 10:05
1 Ring-billed Gull on lamp post just east of Rossi's. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Priory Park, 10:00 to 10:10
1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Long-tailed Tit. 1 Brown Rat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:00 to 11:00
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers, Inchbonnie Road 10:00 and 14:00
6 Waxwing at 10am on trees by roundabout at Inchbonnie Road. Later 12 Waxwing in same place. Hilary Knight.
Southend Seafront, 10:15 to 10:40
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull (1w & ad), 12 Sanderling, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Southend, 10:15 to 10:45
1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Redwing flew over High Street. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:50 to 11:15
1 Woodcock. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 11:20 to 11:35
17 Corn Bunting flew over and landed in trees on NW side. 1 Brown Rat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:25 to 11:55
1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Rail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunner's Park 11:30 to 12:50
1 Grey Heron in the trees near the car park, 10+ Oystercatcher, 17+ Redshank, 3 Little Egret, 10+ Turnstone, 30+ Brent Geese flying up and down river, 7+ Sanderling, 20+ Knot. S. Jackson.
Shoebury East Beach, 11:40 to 12:05
Ebbing tide: 250+ Knot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark flew over. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:15
1 Spotted Redshank, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Grey Heron, 350 Wigeon. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Benfleet, Junction of Kimberley Road and South View Road, 12:05
60+ Waxwing feeding in an apple tree and also very mobile to an adjacent oak tree. Terry Jeffreys.
Southend, Thorpe Hall Avenue 12:15
1 Sparrowhawk flew over. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:20 to 12:35
2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 12:30 to 13:45
6 Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Redpoll (woodland ponds-Belchamps), 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in tit flock between compound and wood pile, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Paglesham, 12:50 to 13:05
85+ Mute Swan opposite Jubilee Cottages, 3 adult Bewick's Swan with Mute Swan herd, 200+ Fieldfare in field by turning to Churchend. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island 13:30 to 13:45
10 Waxwing viewed from car around Dutch Cottage Museum car park. Ian White.
South Fambridge, 14:00 to 14:50
5 Yellowhammer, 200 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 1 Twite (still associating with skylarks in usual place), 6 Skylark. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 16:30
1 Bittern in and around main reed beds, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, at least 3 Water Rail, 7 Snipe, Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
Hampton Barns, 14:20 to 15:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Buzzard in trees by the Memorial Hall. Dudley Shayler (SOG)
Hampton Barns 14:25 to 15:15
1 Buzzard, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Yellowhammer, 8 Corn Bunting, c.30 Reed Bunting. G. James.
Wallasea Wetlands, 15:00 to 16:35
150 Golden Plover, 450 Lapwing, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 207 White-fronted Goose (87 on field with Brents and 120 overhead toward Foulness), 3 Barnacle Goose, 2500 Wigeon, 1200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Vince Kinsler (SOG).