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Bird Reports for January 2012

Tuesday 31st January 2012north easterly, drizzle and snow flurries, Max3°    

Maitland Place, North Shoebury 11:00
Female Sparrowhawk hunting over garden (despite the sleet), landed on neighbour's garage roof then seen off noisily by group of Black-headed Gulls. Jackie Bliss.

Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue), 11:30 to 12:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:30
2 male Goosander. 2 Great-Spotted Woodpecker. Marion Burch.

Monday 30th January 2012northerly, mostly cloudy, Max4°    

Pitsea, 08:40
1 male Sparrowhawk flew south over A13 flyover. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Green Sandpiper still present in brook, easily viewable from Western Approaches. Paul Baker (SOG).

Billericay 09:00 to 11:00
1 Blackbird, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Redwing in garden. Chris Henry.

East Beach by MOD 11:15
4 Snow Bunting, 1 Horned Lark (previously known as Shorelark). Dusty.

Canvey Road, Leigh 13:15
Male Sparrowhawk resting on low fence under bird feeder, stayed for about five minutes before flying off south west. Jane Attwell.

Southchurch Park East, 13:45 to 14:00
1 Water Rail competing unsuccessfully for bread occasionally but still generally elusive, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3+ Brown Rat. Paul Baker (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue), 14:00 to 14:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 14:30 to 15:15
17 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 7 Teal on sea, c.500 Knot, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Mistle Thrush. Paul Baker (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 15:00 to 15:30
4 Snow Bunting. At first on the beach near the boom and then on the grass half way down having been disturbed by dog walkers. David Lee.

Sunday 29th January 2012north westerly, cloudy and misty, Max4°    

Hockley Woods, 05:45 to 06:15
1 male Tawny Owl hooting just south-west of compound. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Canewdon, Scotts Hall Road 06:30 to 06:45
1 Little Owl. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

South Fambridge, 07:00 to 08:05
2 Skylark on salt marsh, c.90 Fieldfare, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Grove Woods to Hockley Woods 07:30 to 10:00
Grove Playing Fields: 2 Jay, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Carrion Crow. Sewage Works: lots of Black-Headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw. Fields and Hedges adjacent to works: 2 Long-Tailed Tit, 2 Blackbird, 2 Mallard over east, 2 Great Tit, mixed flock of c.20 Fieldfare and Redwing, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, c.30 Starling, lots of Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Jackdaw on footpath up to Hockley Woods. Hockley Woods: 8 Blackbird, lots of Great Tit and Blue Tit, 7 Jay, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 8 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (south of the compound), 1 Treecreeper. c.20 Goldfinch in Bramfield Road East and c.10 House Sparrow in Thorington Road. Paul Adams.

Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 09:40
2 Stock Dove (singing), 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker (4 drumming), 5 Redwing (1 singing), 5 Goldcrest, 3 Treecreeper (1 singing). Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Stambridge Mills, 08:15 to 12:00
79 Avocet, 175 Black-tailed Godwit (at least), 1 Short-eared Owl flushed from the seawall on two occasions. Probably only one bird, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Skylark singing, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush singing. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 11:15
84 Teal, 1 Pheasant, 74 Knot, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, 18 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Jay, 60 Linnet, 12 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 09:50 to 10:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Pitsea, Church Road 10:25 to 10:35
2 Yellowhammer, 11 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:40 to 11:05
7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek by marina, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing from hide. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, Flemming Avenue, 11:00 to 11:15
1 Grey Wagtail in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).

South Fambridge 11:00 to 13:00
Seawall to Brandy Hole and back: 580 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Canada Goose, 79 Shelduck, many Wigeon on north bank, large flock of c.3000 Dunlin, a few Knot, Redshank, 20 Curlew, 220 Lapwing, 100+ Fieldfare on field and in hawthorns by the seawall access path and a similar number flying west over South Fambridge Church, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, 30 House Sparrow, 6 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. David Selley.

Canvey Wick, 11:25 to 12:00
5 Lesser Redpoll flew from crossroads towards eastern end. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 11:30 to 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush (heard), 1 Treecreeper. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Southchurch Park East, 12:35 to 13:10
1 Water Rail coming to bread, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Brown Rat. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 13:25 to 14:00
2 Knot, 1 Kingfisher on pond behind boatyard, 4 Snow Bunting feeding on beach just north of slipway, then on the boom. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 14:00 to 14:15
2 Turnstone, flocks of Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:30 to 15:00
Seen on walk beside river Chelmer from Baddow Meads to Chelmsford town centre: 2 Goosander (male and female), 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Mallard, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Blackbird. Many Carrion Crow, Moorhen (at least 20), Black-headed Gull, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Starling. Paul Forsdick.

Southend Pier, 14:30 to 16:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 drake Common Scoter flew east, 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with Turnstones, 150+ Turnstone, 24 Mediterranean Gull (5 1'w, 3 2'w & 16 ad), 60+ Kittiwake (incl. 5-10 around the pier head and c.10 1st winters), 1 Razorbill (1'w close in on water for over an hour), 1 Puffin (1'w flew E at c15.15). Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 TO 15:20
Flock of Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel. Rob Harris.

Canvey Point, 15:00 to 16:30
1 Red-throated Diver on water, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit (flock flew past), 1 Great Skua, 40 Kittiwake (at least, a couple of groups following ships, many other sightings of ones and twos), 1 Guillemot. 5 Common Seal (many seals bobbing about), 3 Grey Seal. Martin Cracknell, Tim Bourne (SOG).

Southend, 16:35 to 16:40
1 male Peregrine Falcon on south-west side of Portcullis House. Neil Chambers, Richard Hall (SOG).

Saturday 28th January 2012northerly, sunshine and showers. Max7°    

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 08:20 to 08:25
1 Sparrowhawk hunting sparrows in berberis in garden, 2 Chaffinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 08:30 to 11:00
5 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 60 Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest near the white house. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Maldon 09:15 to 10:15
1 Corn Bunting on Maldon Golf Course, 2 Kingfisher near Beeleigh Weir. Paul Gymer.

RSPB, Old Hall Marshes 09:25 to 15:25
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
1 Red Breasted Goose in amongst grazing flock of 500+ Brent Geese, 40+ Black Tailed Godwit, 40+ Curlew, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, flocks of Goldfinch, 1 Black Swan, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Shelduck, Pintail, Teal, 200+ Wigeon, 3 Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Dunlin, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Meadow Pipit. David & Brenda Hale.

Canvey Wick, 10:30 to 13:30
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Woodcock, 60+ Fieldfare, 28 Lesser Redpoll feeding in birches at eastern end, 3 Mealy Redpoll (mobile group in birches around crossroads). Tim Bourne (SOG).

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:40 to 10:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 11:30 to 12:30
1 Kingfisher, 9 Snow Bunting (tripled in number!). Mike Clarke (SOG).

Friars Park, 12:00 to 12:30
2 Mandarin Duck tucked in hollow at the back of second island. Sally Brierley (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
6 Mute Swan, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20+ Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 14 Redshank, large flock of Stock Dove. Rob Harris.

Southend Pier, 13:45 to 15:30
3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, c.30 Shoveler, 23 Common Scoter, 60 Turnstone in and around pier, 19 Mediterranean Gull by slipway and flying around pier head, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Southend Pier, 14:00 to 15:15
1 Red-throated Diver, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Shoveler (bizarrely on sea off pier head), c.20 Mediterranean Gull, 30+ Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 15:00 to 15:30
6 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 7 Moorhen, flocks of Teal, Mallard, Coot, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Pochard, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Black-headed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull. Rob Harris.

Canvey Wick 15:00 to 16:00
18 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Woodcock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Jerry Stock.

Canvey Point, 15:40 to 16:45
1 Red-throated Diver flew west, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 1 dark juvenile Pomarine Skua chasing the gulls off the seafront, 2 Mediterranean Gull (ad & 1w), 90 Kittiwake (conservative count, many flying about and sat on the water just off the seafront. A good number of juveniles present in contrast to mostly adults seen in recent weeks), 1 Alcidae sp. (distant Guillemot/Razorbill). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Friday 27th January 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, Max9°    

Canewdon, 10:00
Watching below Butts Hill: 1 Peregrine Falcon on fields to north-west, 1 Corn Bunting fly over. Jeff Delve (SOG).

North Fambridge, Althorne 10:00 to 15:30
Red-necked Grebe (Bridgemarsh Creek), 900 Wigeon, 750 Brent Goose, 2 Marsh harrier, female Hen Harrier, 3 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, 1800 Lapwing, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Stonechat. Graham Smith.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 12:30
3 Marsh Harrier on Foulness, 1 Hen Harrier on Foulness, c.200 Stock Dove over wild bird cover. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 12:30 to 13:30
2 Bullfinch (male and female, stunning in the sun!), Redwing, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker. Hilary and Colin Knight.

Canvey Island 13:10
Goldcrest seen in garden flitting about in a tree, 3 Goldfinch in same tree and flying around garden, 5 Great Tit, Robin, 2 Blue Tit. About 2-3 weeks ago had about 6 Chaffinch in the garden. Carla C.

Ashingdon, 13:30
Over field off Ashingdon Road: 1 Buzzard. Lesley Guilfoyle.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:45
1 Little Egret, 3 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Mute Swan, 7 Carrion Crow, flocks of Lapwing in every field, 2 Blackbird, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Linnet, 1 Oystercatcher, 20+ Wigeon, 23 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 2 Male Pheasant, 1 Green Sandpiper by wood yard, 2 Green Woodpecker on south bend just off the island. 1 Stoat by white gate in bird cover. Rob Harris.

Gunner's Park 13:45 to 15:15
4 Ringed Plover on the sea wall, 3 Great-crested Grebe out to sea, 6 Cormorant flying towards the Pier, 5 Sanderling with 8 Turnstone on the beach. S. Jackson.

Southchurch Park East, 14:00 to 14:30
1 Water Rail in reed edge coming to food, 1 Green Sandpiper heard flying out from west corner. Jeff Delve (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island and Wetlands, 15:00 to 16:55
2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 1 male Red-breasted Merganser on Roach, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Southend Pier, 15:00 to 16:45
3 Red-throated Diver (All flying out), 1 Purple Sandpiper at lifeboat launch site then on slipway, 25 Mediterranean Gull (17 Ad, 5 2ndW, 3 1stW), 1 Kittiwake (11 on slipway, over 60 on sea), 1 Guillemot on sea, 1 Puffin 1stW flew out east at 16:15. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon and Seawall to Boatyard
Lagoon: Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Gadwall, Pochard, Brent Geese, Shoveler, Little Grebe. Seawall: Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Redshank, Curlew, Shelduck, 3 Grey Heron, Brent Geese in their hundreds on the fields as we walked the seawall fabulous sight as they took flight. Jill and John Parsons.

Thursday 26th January 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max9°    

Rettendon Turnpike 10:50
2 Buzzard over field just north of the roundabout. David Selley.

Southchurch Park East 12:45 onwards
1 Jack Snipe at 12:45 onwards in usual due north of low reed bed, 1 Water Rail in usual place in low reed bed all day. Robert Dobinson.

Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury c.13:40 to 15:00
Medium sized Merlin flew from Kent and further north of C.Fort dive-bombed a Crow, 250+ Avocet, 2 Little Egret, 10+ Grey Plover, 1 Curlew, 45+ Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 15:00
3 male Goosander, pair Great-Crested Grebe putting on a magnificent courtship display. Marion Burch.

Wednesday 25th January 2012south westerly, cloudy, max10°    

Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 10:45
1 male Blackcap. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 11:20 to 11:25
1 female Blackcap very actively feeding. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Maitland Place, North Shoebury 12:00 to 14:00
1 Wren very active in our garden, foraging for food and returning several times. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Fernlea Road, Benfleet 12:10
1 Chiffchaff in garden. Richard Gray.

Hockley Woods, 13:00 to 14:50
2 Green Woodpecker, 12 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Song Thrush, 30 Redwing, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Gunners Park, Barge Pier 13:00 to 15:00
Line of 30 Great Crested Grebe east side of pier, 8 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, many Turnstone roosting on pier. 12 Sanderling and Turnstone on beach, MOD land and lake, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshank, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan. David & Brenda Hale.

Southchurch Park East 13:30 to 14:00
Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk. Hilary and Colin Knight.

Southend, 13:30 to 16:50
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on the old HSBC building all afternoon. Paul Griggs (SOG).

One Tree Hill, Basildon 14:00
Greater Spotted Woodpecker, numerous Jay. Paul Osborne.

Shoebury, Friars Park 14:30
Female Red Crested Pochard, 3 drake Mandarin Duck. Hilary and Colin Knight.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Little Egret in brook Paul Baker (SOG).

Tuesday 24th January 2012southerly, cloudy rain, max9°     

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 15:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Jay. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 16:30 to 17:10
2 Tawny Owl heard hooting from south and west of compound from 16:55 onwards. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Monday 23rd January 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max8°     

Rayleigh Mount, 08:50 to 09:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 25 Redwing, 1 male Blackcap actually singing briefly! Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:10 to 12:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 20 Teal, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 40 Lapwing, 100+ Dunlin, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Curlew, 50+ Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 60+ Corn Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 09:40 to 10:30
6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest (holly by white house near car park), 2 Treecreeper. 1 Weasel. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southend Pier, 11:10 to 13:15
7 Red-throated Diver, 1 juvenile Great Northern Diver close east of pier initially drifted west toward the point, 180 Cormorant (many large strings all up-river), 2 Eider (female and immature male close in the bay throughout, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 14 Mediterranean Gull, 100 Kittiwake (at least, a steady stream for first hour), 6 Guillemot, 2 adult winter Razorbill (one gave close fly-by views). Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Canvey Point 11:30 to 16:30
3 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 100+ Oystercatcher, 100+ Dunlin, 100+ Knot, Common Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring, Lesser and Great Black Backed Gull, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Turnstone, Curlew, 30 Brent Geese, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Lapwing, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Cormorant. Many 100s of gulls on river, Skua on river between point and pier eating dead gull, species not identified. 4 Common Seals. David & Brenda Hale.

Eastwood, Belgrade Road 13:00
1 Green Sandpiper in the brook. Les Costin (EBS).

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 25 Corn Bunting, 3 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret. Ken Borley.

Southchurch Park East 13:00 and All Day
1 Snipe seen on various places around lake, 1 Water Rail seen in usual place for long periods all day. Robert Dobinson.

Hockley 13:45
1 Sparrowhawk. Tim Davis.

Wat Tyler Country Park 14:00
1 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Yellow Legged Gull all on scrape. Mike Poole.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:30
4 Goosander - 3 male, 1 female. Marion Burch.

Friars Park, 15:00 to 15:30
3 drake Mandarin Duck swimming between islands. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Southchurch Park East, 15:00 to 16:45
1 Water Rail in reed patch on south side whilst competing for bread with the Moorhens and Mallard. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Shoebury, Friars Park 15:15
3 drake Mandarin. Colin Knight.

Rayleigh 16:20 to 16:25
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker in Thorington Road, 2 Jay in Bramfield Road East allotments. Paul Adams.

Pitsea, Church Road By Entrance to RSPB Bowers Marsh (to open soon)
Lots of Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, Peregrine Falcon dived in and try and get a Reed Bunting in the long grass behind me. That was quite an experience! Dave Cornwell.

RSPB Wallasea Island
Corn Bunting, Kestrel, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Ringed Plover on scrape, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, c.1200 Brent Geese heading for Potton Island. John Ainsworth.

Sunday 22nd January 2012westerly, partly cloudy, cold 12°    

Benfleet, 08:50
4 Jackdaw between Kenneth road and A13. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 09:10 to 12:00
1 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 48 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Pheasant, 1 Water Rail (east end calling from pool), 510 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Goldfinch. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:20 to 11:05
Hide only: c.6 Teal, 2 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, Water Rail heard, c.7 Fieldfare. Richard Fahey.

Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 11:30
Wood Pigeon (too many to count), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest south from car park, 1 Firecrest edge of children's play area, 1 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 09:45 to 10:30
8 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Mealy Redpoll. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 10:30
9 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 30 Gadwall, 38 Pintail (at least, 22 drakes), 160 Pochard (at least), 12 Goldeneye (4 drakes), 1 Green Woodpecker. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 10:30 to 11:45
2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 988 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2165 Oystercatcher, 297 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1100 Knot (plus a distant flock of c.2000 over Havengore Creek), 450 Dunlin, 127 Grey Plover, 77 Redshank, 12 Turnstone, just 6 Curlew, 10 Meadow Pipit. David Selley.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:45 to 11:45
1 Ruff, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Avro Road 13:30
Superb male Green Woodpecker feeding on the lawn in our back garden. Only the 2nd one in 7 years. Jackie, Chris & Mya Graham.

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 15:00
9 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Saturday 21st January 2012westerly, partly cloudy    

Shoebury East Beach, 08:00 to 08:30
3 Snow Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 08:10 to 11:40
Rook, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Pied Wagtail, Teal, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Ruff, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Shelduck, Mallard, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Magpie, Curlew, Starling, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose. Terry Jeffreys.

Grove Woods 08:30 to 11:00
Grove Woods to Hockley Woods: 3 Greenfinch in Thorington Road. Grove Playing Fields and Woods: 1 Blackbird, 2 Jay, 1 Song Thrush singing, c.10 Redwing, lots of Black-headed Gulls on playing fields. Sewage Works: lots of Jackdaw, Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, 1 Moorhen. Southern edge of Hockley Woods: 6 Jay, possibly kept seeing same ones, 3 Song Thrush (2 singing) c.20 Redwing, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Long-Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 1 weasel. Paul Adams.

Friars Park, 08:35 to 08:40
2 Mute Swan, 2 Mandarin Duck (2 drakes visible on the island). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 11:30
1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker south of compound, 3 Goldcrest. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Pound Wood, 09:50 to 10:50
1 Peregrine Falcon between Belfairs Wood and Pound Wood, had a half hearted attempt at some Wood Pigeons, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail in Little Havens woodland. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:15 to 16:30
43 Ring Necked Parakeets (five separate flocks flying over visitor centre at 16.15 hours), 100 Wigeon, drake and female Pintail Duck, 1 Snipe, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, male and female Reed Bunting, 1 Weasel. David & Brenda Hale.

Paglesham Lagoon, 12:30 to 13:45
11 Mute Swan, 25 Shelduck, 25 Gadwall, 12 Pintail, 20 Shoveler, 50 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 30 Avocet feeding in creek, 1 Rock Pipit on sea wall. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:45
1 male Peregrine Falcon hunting crows from the pylons opposite the marina. We watched for over an hour, but he didn't get his lunch! Gary & Cheryl Beacon.

Hampton Barns, 14:10 to 14:45
1 Buzzard, 5 Reed Bunting. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 15:00 to 15:20
6 Redwing, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Bullfinch. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Friars Park, 15:30 to 15:45
3 Mandarin Duck, 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Friday 20th January 2012westerly, mostly cloudy    

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Little Egret in brook, 1 Jay. Paul Baker (SOG).

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 15:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House on and off through day. John Wright (SOG).

Lake Meadows, Billericay 12:00 to 12:30
2 drake Goosander. Paul Hudson.

Hockley Woods, 11:30 to 13:15
1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Redwing, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (holly near east perimeter gardens), 1 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper, 6 Chaffinch. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 14:45
5 Song Thrush, 1 male Blackcap, 2 Jay (including 1 singing - can't say I've knowingly heard this before). Paul Baker (SOG).

Thursday 19th January 2012west south west, cloudy, rain    

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:15 to 07:45 and 16:30
46 Jackdaw flying south and south-east in small groups. At about 16:30 a group of 12 returned north-west towards Rouncefall and Beckney Wood. David Selley.

Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:00
Only walked around glade area: 1 female Tawny Owl calling occasionally from nearby gardens, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Firecrest (presumed pair together near south east corner of glade by perimeter track and a further pair at north east corner of glade by perimeter track although it is possible that one pair of Firecrests could move 250m quicker than I can!), 1 Nuthatch south end of glade, 2+ Treecreeper at south end of glade, 10 Chaffinch (small flock around compound). Paul Baker (SOG)

Danbury 10:00 to 16:00
A flock of Redpoll joining other tits and finches feeding on garden sunflower heart feeders Little Baddow Road Danbury. Terry.

Southend Pier 11:45 to 13:45
1500 Kittiwake, 2500 Black-headed Gull (all moving steadily upstream throughout my stay), 15 Mediterranean Gull, immature drake Eider, dark phase Arctic Skua. Graham Smith.

RSPB West Canvey Marshes 12:00 to 13:00
Short-eared Owl, 190 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 160 Wigeon, 90 Lapwing, 28 Curlew. Mike Poole.

Rochford, 13:00
10 Linnet. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 16:05
2 Short-eared Owl. Peter Collins (SOG)

Wednesday 18th January 2012south westerly, overcast, drizzle

Chelmsford, Hartford End 09:30
A small colony of Tree Sparrow have settled in own garden and are already sorting out the bank of nest boxes, 1 male Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer. John Wilson.

Southend Pier c13:00 to 14:00
1 drake Eider (eclipse), many Mediterranean Gull, countless Kittiwake both adult and juvenile, 1 3rd winter large white-winged gull - either Glaucous or Iceland Gull though unclear which. Andrew Fallan.

Tuesday 17th January 2012calm, clear

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:15 to 13:30
Scrape: 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard only). Marina: 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Peregrine Falcon calling noisily from same pylon on Vange Wick. Ian White.

Southend, Portcullis House 11:35
1 Peregrine Falcon. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Prittlewell Brook, Opposite Hospital 12:15
1 Grey Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 to 13:30
1 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 9 Great Tit, 14 Chaffinch, 12 Pied Wagtail, 14 Moorhen, 1 Drake Goldeneye Duck, flocks of Teal, Mallard, Coot, Tufted, Shoveler, Pochard, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Mute Swan, 7 Magpie, 12+ Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:20 to 16:10
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 2 Short-eared Owl, 40+ Corn Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).

Monday 16th January 2012easterly, clear, cold    

Hockley Woods, 08:25 to 08:45
1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard just west of track, 300m south of glade, 14 Song Thrush (singiing males), 10 Redwing (southern perimeter), 1 Goldcrest near southern perimeter, 1 Nuthatch (glade), 2 Treecreeper (south of glade), 6 Jay, 2 Jackdaw, 1 male Brambling calling from tree tops in glade. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hullbridge, River Crouch Near Anchor Pub, 08:30
1 Kingfisher (probably due to freezing Weather). David Chivers.

Southchurch Park East 08:45
1 Jack Snipe in reed edge as yesterday, 1 Water Rail in usual lower reed bed. Robert Dobinson.

Hadleigh Downs, 08:50 to 10:00
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodcock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Redwing, 3 Bullfinch (1 male, 2 female). Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Thundersley Glen, 10:05 to 11:10
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper singing, 12 Jay. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 10:30
25 Corn Bunting. Ken Borley.

Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 14:30
1 Goldfinch, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Jay, Blue and Great Tit, Robin, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming plus call of Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Blackbird. David & Brenda Hale.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:20 to 11:50
20 Pochard, 1 Snipe. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:00 to 12:30
Abstraction ditch only: 1 Water Rail, 1 Snipe. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 13:10 to 13:20
2 Bullfinch (pair showing well throughout along railway looking stunning in the sunlight). Paul Baker (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 13:15
3 Snow Bunting in trees adjacent to car park. Ken Borley.

Southchurch Park East 14:00
2 Snipe together feeding on north bank (no sign of Jack Snipe). A. Toms.

Rayleigh Mount, 14:15 to 15:15
5 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7+ Song Thrush (high count), 5 Redwing feeding on holly berries, 2 male Blackcap, 2+ Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 5 House Sparrow. Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 16:30
30+ Fieldfare, 2 Common Gull, 1 Curlew, 1 Merlin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 17:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Corn Bunting, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Common Pheasant, 6 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.

Sunday 15th January 2012easterly, clear, cold    

RSPB Wallasea Island, 07:25 to 08:00
Viewing from white gate: 5 Little Egret flew in from north side of Crouch, 3 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper (ditch by wood yard), 100 Linnet, 200 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Canewdon 07:45 to 08:30
1 Little Owl in fallen oak tree in Creeksea Ferry Road and 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Green Woodpecker by Lambourne Hall pond. 30+ cock Common Pheasant wandering about in the fields. David Selley.

Two Tree Island 08:00 to 10:00
1 male Marsh Harrier from east end, along salt marsh, then high and inland over Leigh-on-Sea, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greenshank, c.40 Skylark, c.45 Linnet, 12 Reed Bunting. Andrew Gouldstone.

Hampton Barns, 08:15 to 08:50
2 Song Thrush singing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 30+ Reed Bunting in bushes by pheasant shoot, 1 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering Common, 08:45 to 09:15
1 Water Rail, 4 Skylark, 1 Goldcrest. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:25 to 12:10
7 Wigeon on scrape, 35+ Teal between scrape and creek, 100 Shoveler, 15+ Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, 60 Lapwing on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard, 15+ Fieldfare, Water Rail heard. Richard Fahey.

Hockley Woods, 10:10 to 11:20
1 Woodcock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 drumming), 2 Song Thrush (singing, including 1 Nuthatch mimic in gardens east of clearing), 1 Mistle Thrush singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 10:30 to 12:15
2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 200 Lapwing, 10 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit. Around the wild bird cover area were 30+ Stock Dove (with a few feral pigeon) and 150+ Corn Bunting - what a success for this bit of cover planting. David Selley.

Hadleigh Downs, 11:50 to 12:55
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Bullfinch. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Thundersley Glen, 12:15 to 13:20
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Stuart Bailey, Gordon Appleton (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 12:45 to 14:00
3 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 20+ Chaffinch, 3 Blackbird, 80+ Corn Bunting, 1 Stonechat by car park, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Kestrel. Rob Harris.

Canvey Point, 13:00 to 15:20
c.700 Cormorant upriver at a rate of c.100 every 15 minutes initially, then tailed off, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (1 drake, flew upriver), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 30+ Kittiwake following a ship, but probably many more in amongst the thousands of gulls feeding out towards the pier, 1 Rock Pipit. 4 Common Seal. Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:15 to 16:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier (Foulness), 1 Hen Harrier, 7 Kestrel (including 3 over on Foulness), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 74 Golden Plover, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Short-eared Owl, 150+ Corn Bunting. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Southchurch Park East, 13:40 to 14:30
4 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe skulking on north bank by broken pipe left of broken stick in water. 7 Common Gull, 14 House Sparrow. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:45
1 Little Egret, c.100 Greylag Goose (65 beyond scrape, remainder on Vange Wick), c.120 Canada Goose on Vange Wick, 2+ Gadwall, c.20 Pochard, c.14 Tufted Duck, c.15 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank from marina, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 30 Rook. 2 Red Fox on Vange Wick. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).

Southend Pier, 14:00 to 15:30
11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Kittiwake, 5 Guillemot. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Shoebury East Beach 14:35 to 15:00
Flocks of Sanderling, Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

Two Tree Island West, 14:50 to 16:30
20+ Oystercatcher, 86 Ringed Plover, many Knot, many Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 30 Fieldfare. Gordon Appleton, Stuart Bailey (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 4 Stock Dove. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).

Pitsea, 15:45 to 15:55
1 male Peregrine Falcon chasing bunting flock right above our heads, heard the swoosh of its wings as it changed direction!, 15 Yellowhammer, 6 Reed Bunting, 60 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:50 to 16:20
48 Greylag Goose in flight over Bowers, 20 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 male Peregrine Falcon took off from pylon and flew off over tip, 1 Water Rail heard, 1 Larus sp. (possibly 1st winter Caspian Gull on raft on fleet from hide - bird had a broken wing), 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Cherry Orchard Country Park, Ark Lane 16:20 to 16:55
1 Little Owl heard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush singing. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wallasea Island
Short-eared Owl with prey. Cleve Bull.

Saturday 14th January 2012calm ENE, clear, cold    

Rayleigh, Ferndale Raod 02:00
2 Tawny Owl calling. Robin Peppiatt.

Hockley Woods, 08:30 to 11:20
1 Stock Dove, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 1 Coal Tit (heard), 1 Nuthatch. Mike Clarke, Paul Griggs, Tim Jones, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Canvey Wick 08:50 to 09:40
7 Lesser Redpoll, Green Woodpecker,6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare. Terry Jeffreys.

Lee Valley, Fishers Green 08:50 to 16:15
1 drake Smew, 1 drake Goldeneye, 8 Siskin, 1 Wren, 1 drake Pintail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, flock of 17 Fieldfare, 2 Common Gull, Redwing, 1 female Reed Bunting. Muntjac Deer, Fox, 1 Grey Squirrel. David & Brenda Hale.

Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 11:15
4 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Firecrest in holly and laurel approx. TQ 836 922 on boundary path. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Two Tree Island 09:45 to 12:30
1 immature/female Marsh Harrier from west end, flew above Benfleet Creek, and on towards Southend, high. 1 Short-eared Owl hunting and perched east end, 1 male Green Woodpecker. Andrew Gouldstone.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 11:30
Kestrel, Wren, Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Curlew. Terry Jeffreys.

South Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 11:15
1 male Blackcap in garden. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Thundersley Glen, 11:30 to 12:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Jay. Gordon Appleton (SOG).

Stock Road Concrete Plant 11:30 to 12:30
2 Grey Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch (6m 6f), 6 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, Dunnock, 2 Robin singing, 20 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 6 Herring Gull, 5 Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker (heard). Dan Davison.

Rochford, Butler's Farm, 11:40 to 12:00
1 Little Owl roosting in knarled oak on far side of horse paddock (the big one in front of the buildings), 4 Fieldfare. Mike Clarke, Paul Griggs, Tim Jones, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Kingfisher on small pond looking through railings behind boats, 3 Snow Bunting. Mike Clarke, Paul Griggs, Tim Jones, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island and Wetlands, 13:00 to 15:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Lapwing, 4 Short-eared Owl, 350+ Corn Bunting. Dave Knight (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 13:15 to 16:15
c.50 Wood Pigeon flying south-west in small groups, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Leigh Creek, 13:30 to 14:00
2 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting. Gordon Appleton (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island and Wetlands, 14:00 to 17:00
10 Little Egret, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Hen Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 Short-eared Owl, 50+ Corn Bunting. Mike Clarke, Paul Griggs, Tim Jones (SOG).

Southend Pier, 14:10 to 16:25
6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Purple Sandpiper on the slipway with the Turnstones, c.250 Turnstone, 1 Great Skua flew out of the river at 15:50, 22 Mediterranean Gull, 50+ Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill. Marc Outten, Sally Brierley (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 200+ Corn Bunting, 3 Little Egret. Robin Peppiatt and Thomas Peppiatt.

Two Tree Island East, 14:30 to 15:00
6 Fieldfare, 2 Cetti's Warbler by the horseshoe pond. Gordon Appleton (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 14:30 to 16:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (pair along western boundary, watched for 10 minutes before I left them to it. Brief display seen), 10 Redwing. 1 Weasel with Wood Mouse prey. John Wright (SOG).

Two Tree Island West, 15:30 to 16:00
40+ Avocet, 80+ Golden Plover, 100 Lapwing+ over the fields adjacent to the sea wall, Knot (There were reported to be 1500 last week, this was close to double that amount), many Dunlin. Gordon Appleton (SOG).

Two Tree Island East 15:50 to 17:00
Water Rail heard, 14 Grey Heron on salt marsh, 13 Little Egret seen into roost. Andrew Gouldstone.

South Fambridge, 16:35 to 16:50
1 Barn Owl hunting by old shell packing factory, then flew east. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hockley/Hawkwell, Clements Hall 16:50
1 Woodcock flew out of wooded hedgerow by skate park and flew around football pitches! Paul Baker (SOG).

Friday 13th January 2012wind north west, clear skies, cold

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08:00
2 Grey Heron over together being harassed by 2 noisy Jackdaw. A couple of bumblebees foraging on our mahonia flowers despite the visible frost. David Selley.

Pound Wood 08:30 to 09:30
1 Woodcock, 1 Bullfinch. Richard Gray.

Shoebury East Beach, 09:40 to 10:40
1 female Kingfisher fishing in small pond best viewed from path to north, 3 Snow Bunting flew in and feeding on beach near groyne. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 10:30 to 11:00
3 Snow Bunting still present on the beach and car park by the boats. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 12:30
2 Stonechat (pair at south car park), 2 Reed Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southend Pier, 12:30 to 15:15
20+ Red-throated Diver (lots of flybys and birds sat out on water), 4 Great Crested Grebe, 250+ Cormorant (large rafts in several places and all around fishing boats with 1000's of gulls), 1 Arctic Skua, 15+ Mediterranean Gull (+, 12 ad, 2 2nd w 1 1stw at least), 250+ Kittiwake (large flock in with other gulls around fishing boats, single on posts at pierhead), 7 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill inshore of pier head, 1 Puffin flew out of estuary from Canvey direction, following a Guillemot east, one unidentified skua sp. very distantly towards Canvey chasing gulls. Jeff Delve, Nick Green.

Southend, 12:40
1 Grey Wagtail flew over the Odeon calling. John Wright (SOG).

Baxter Avenue Southend, 13:00 to 15:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 15:15
250+ Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 300+ Lapwing, 1500+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 40+ Corn Bunting, 20+ Chaffinch near Grapnells, 1 Green Sandpiper in ditch by timber yard, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Stonechat by car park. 100+ Starling. Rob Harris.

Rochford, Butler's Farm, 14:40 to 15:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Little Owl on posts along edge of horses field, 4 Redwing. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Fernlea Road, Benfleet 15:00 to 15:05
5 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Richard Gray.

Wickford, Old Southend Road 15:15
3 Bullfinch along entrance road to N.G.depot. Don Wildish.

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 15:30
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on Portcullis House. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Two Tree Island West, 15:30 to 16:35
8 Avocet, 80 Golden Plover, Knot, Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 30 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 40 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. 3 Common Seal. Vince Kinsler, Tim Jones (SOG).

Shoebury, Friars Park, 15:35 to 15:50
3 drake Mandarin Duck sitting on tree branch close to the water on the north end of first island. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 16:00 to 16:35
500+ Oystercatcher all in MOD bay, 50+ Ringed Plover, 150+ Sanderling, 100+ Dunlin, 50+ Redshank, 30+ Turnstone, 1 Kingfisher in small pond behind boats, 3 Snow Bunting flew over calling from boats to MOD land. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 16:10 to 16:40
500+ Oystercatcher, 50+ Ringed Plover, 150+ Sanderling in wader flock on MOD beach, 100+ Dunlin, 50+ Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 3 Snow Bunting flew over to west calling, well over MOD area. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East
3 male Cygnets flew off pond in Southchurch Park and did a full circuit of the park and then to the estuary at last where they were seen with the 3 older (Gunners Park) white cygnets swimming/flying in the Shoebury East direction. We believe that Gunners is becoming a nursery pond, for all the local cygnets now being successfully fledged. 1 Female cygnet now left in Southchurch Park. 1 Water Rail showing all week in Southchurch Park East in usual place swimming/wading/on outer reed bank, becoming very friendly but cautious. Some great photos taken. Robert Dobinson.

Thursday 12th January 2012wind wsw, scattered cloud, cold    

Two Tree Island 09:40 to 15:45
2 Green Woodpecker, flock of Greenfinch, male and female Stonechat, 40+ Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, 6 Greenshank, Redshank, 500+ Knot, 200+ Dunlin, 100+ Lapwing, 50+ Avocet, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, 3 hen Pheasant, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, 6 Common Gull, Black-tailed Godwit. David & Brenda Hale.

Pitsea, 09:45 to 09:50
1 Waxwing perched in top of tree at East end of Cotelands. Mike Bailey, Tim Jones (SOG).

Southend, 10:00 to 13:10
3 Peregrine Falcon (two around Portcullis House at 10:00. Three flying together over Victoria Circus at 13:10). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Maitland Place, North Shoebury 10:45
Sparrowhawk circling over the Close. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Southend High School, 10:30 to 10:35
1 female Sparrowhawk. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Gadwall, Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Fieldfare, Redwing, Pied Wagtail, Starling, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.

Southend Airport 11:00 to 11:30
2 Peregrine Falcon displaying over Lancaster House. Steve Wood.

RSPB Wallasea Wetlands, 13:00 to 14:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier (from white gate), 30 Golden Plover, 1 Kingfisher flew across car park. Bob Young (SOG).

Abberton Reservoir 13:00 to 14:00
Flocks of Pochard, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler Duck, Coot, Mute Swan, Lapwing, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Carrion Crow. 3 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pintail Duck, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Blackbird, 1 Barn Owl, 6 Moorhen. Rob Harris.

Lake Meadows, Billericay 15:00
3 Goosander - 2 males, 1 female. Marion Burch.

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Barling, Shopland Area 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker, Marc Outten (SOG).

Wednesday 11th January 2012west south west, clear am, cloudy pm    

Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 10:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 8 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by cross roads to Eastwood track, 5 Treecreeper. Jeff Delve (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 08:15 to 08:45
c.350 Lapwing, c.120 Teal, c.80 Wigeon, c.50 Shoveler, 1 Ruff, 1 Stonechat, 1 Water Rail. Mike Poole.

Canvey Wick 09:15 to 10:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (a pair), Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, 2 Mute Swan, Cetti's Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.

Hockley Woods 10:50 to 11:35
1 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker watched for ten minutes on silver birch TQ831916, 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest. Tim Davis.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 12:00 to 16:30
WeBS count of wetlands and general island: 2 Little Grebe (1 wetlands, 1 roach), 5 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 6 Mute Swan, 3400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (main flock near south wall), 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 160 Shelduck, 38 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 297 Teal, 58 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Marsh Harrier (2 Foulness, adult female on Wallasea), 3 Hen Harrier (1 Foulness, 2 into roost), 1 Buzzard (on Foulness), 1 Rough-legged Buzzard (very distant on Foulness), 8 Kestrel (5 on Foulness, 3 Wallasea), 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon on fields, 3 Oystercatcher, 170+ Avocet flew west along Roach towards Middleway, 160 Ringed Plover on high tide roost, 270 Golden Plover, 900 Lapwing, 140 Knot, 760 Dunlin, 165 Black-tailed Godwit, 29 Curlew, 150 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper in ditch by timber yard, 1 Turnstone, 7 Short-eared Owl (1 Foulness, 6 Wallasea around sea walls). Jeff Delve (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 15:20
3 Snow Bunting alternating between boom, beach and firing-range fence. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Tuesday 10th January 2012west south west, mostly cloudy    

Breton Causeway Abberton Reservoir 08:50 to 10:30 & 15:45 to 16:30
Bittern, drake and redhead Smew, Peregrine on pylon, 18 Snipe, female Marsh Harrier. Short-eared Owl seen during afternoon. David & Brenda Hale.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail in brook, 1 Jay (Heycroft School). Paul Baker (SOG).

Tollesbury Wick 09:45 to 12:15
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl, c.100 Avocet, 1 Red-breasted Goose with Brent, 5 Eider (3m,2f). Paul Gymer.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
80+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Wigeon, 100+ Fieldfare, 18 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 12 Lapwing, 5 Corn Bunting, 6 Stock Dove, 1 Skylark, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Little Grebe, 4 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Shoveler. Hilary Knight.

Cudmore Grove, East Mersea 11:00 to 15:30
c.25 Snow Bunting on beach, 7 Red Breasted Merganser, 10 Sanderling, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Snipe, 6 Redwing, flock of Greenfinch (probably 15 birds), 6 Goldfinch. David & Brenda Hale.

Two Tree Island, 13:30 to 16:00
6 Teal, 20 Avocet, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Stonechat, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 14:00 to 14:30
1000+ Oystercatcher, 21 Redshank, flock of Ringed Plover, flock of Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Robin. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:30
1 Little Egret, 500+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Common Pheasant, 8 Mute Swan, flock of Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting. Rob Harris.

Hockley Woods 15:10 to 15:15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 male, 1 female), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron flying north west. Tim Davis.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 16:15
Short-eared Owl hunting near Pantile. Mike Poole.

Monday 09th January 2012westerly, cloudy    

Hullbridge, 08:15
1 Kestrel over Lower Road. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Two Tree Island West, 08:50 to 09:35
185 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank (lagoon), 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 09:50 to 10:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 14 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 16 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Mealy Redpoll ('scoped at length, interestingly they split from the flock on two occasions when flying between trees before rejoining). Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:50 to 11:35
410 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 1 Waxwing from middle mound look toward woodyard, scan east and just right of the first railway cable support to right of buildings is a London Plane tree on horizon. Bird was preening and present throughout. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southend Pier, 12:15 to 15:15
36 Red-throated Diver (several showing very well), 1 Great Northern Diver off east point, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Canada Goose flew east, 4 Wigeon, 8 Common Scoter in one flock, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 Sanderling at Pier stem, 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting, c.20 Mediterranean Gull (including white colour ring 32TO), c.35 Kittiwake (all adults bar one), 42 Guillemot (an almost constant passage, some showing well), 7 Razorbill. 2 Common Seal, 6 Grey Seal. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:15 to 12:45
188 Canada Goose on Vange Wick, 1 Peregrine Falcon on the Vange Wick pylon closest to the marina, 1 Mediterranean Gull on the scrape. Marc Outten (SOG).

River Roach 14:00
Ringtail Hen Harrier near Barton Hall Creek. Jeff Kinnerman.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:30 to 16:30
3 Hen Harrier from white gate, coming in to roost, 2 Kestrel, 2 Short-eared Owl from white gate, 30 Corn Bunting. Bob Young (SOG).

Sunday 08th January 2012north westerly, cloudy, mild    

RSPB Wallasea Island 07:00 to 08:45
3 Barn Owl (1 sat on the post by white gate 20ft from the car), 4 Short-eared Owl, 6 Hen Harrier (3 up at same time). Jim and Linda Bailey.

Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 09:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (first heard down footpath leading into the woods by park, a male bird was then watched for twenty minutes, before being chased away by great spotted woodpecker), 1 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Vange, Cotelands 08:15 to 08:30
17 Greenfinch in one tree, 1 Waxwing. Mick Roe.

Wakering Stairs 08:50 to 12:00
Highlights of WeBS Count: 1 juvenile Pale-bellied Brent Goose feeding close inshore and apart from the 698 strong Brent flock, 3 Velvet Scoter, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl. David Selley.

Two Tree Island, 08:50 to 12:05
WEBS count: 3 Little Grebe, 12 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 12 Canada Goose flew east, 124 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Wigeon, 104 Teal, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 111 Oystercatcher, 94 Avocet, 16 Ringed Plover, 110 Grey Plover, 113 Lapwing, 1530 Knot, 731 Dunlin, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 240 Bar-tailed Godwit, 119 Curlew, 60 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 64 Turnstone, 18 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Greenfinch, 23 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:15 to 12:30
2 Slavonian Grebe near marina, 1 Water Rail, Peregrine Falcon flew to pylon by scrape, 125+ Wigeon (85 on scrape), 25+ Teal, 10 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 13 Lapwing over scrape but 100s more flying. Further down creek: 1 Redwing, 10+ Fieldfare, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.

Two Tree Island West, 09:30 to 10:45
4 Avocet, 2 Greenshank, 1 Chiffchaff. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Friars Park 10:00
3 drake Mandarin on island and in water. Matt G.

Hampton Barns, 10:15 to 11:00
1 Kestrel, 5 Linnet, 20 Reed Bunting. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Southend Pier 10:15 to 13:45
Sightings on the RSPB guided walk: Brent Goose, Shelduck, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Turnstone, Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull (including ringed birds: white 3E72, white E494, green AJHA, green AAEZ), Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Guillemot. 1 Grey Seal. Web Author et al.

Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:25 to 12:10
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard over Potton, 1 Merlin over car park. Dudley Shayler  (SOG).

Southend, Victoria Avenue 10:40
Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. Matt G.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 11:00 to 13:00
59 Mute Swan on rape crop, 1 male Red-breasted Merganser at mouth of Paglesham Creek, 1 adult female Marsh Harrier over white gate, 3 Hen Harrier (2 hunting east side of Potton from mouth of Paglesham Creek, 1 from white gate), 5 Kestrel, 1 Merlin (fly through wild bird cover hassling linnets), 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon on fields, 200+ Avocet (flock flushed along Middleway), 300+ Golden Plover over Roach, 800+ Lapwing over Roach, 1 Short-eared Owl (white gate), 1 Stonechat by car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).

Southend Pier, 11:45 to 12:15
2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver seen well but briefly on the sea to the East, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sanderling on beach at pier head, 1 Purple Sandpiper on ramp, 25 Mediterranean Gull, 20 Kittiwake (at least in a very distant flock), 1 Guillemot (plus several distant not specifically id'd). Mike Clarke (SOG).

Friars Park, 12:15 to 12:30
1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:25
1 Great Northern Diver, 5 Little Grebe on the lake, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan on the lake, 1 Kingfisher near the sluice. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Rayleigh, Thorington Road 15:50
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Adams.

Shoebury East Beach 16:15
Kingfisher on usual low branch above pool behind boat yard. Jackie Bliss.

Saturday 07th January 2012north westerly, partly cloudy    

RSPB Wallasea Island 07:00 to 09:30
2 Barn Owl, 5 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Snow Bunting, 3 Tree Sparrow (1m, 2f), 3 Kestrel, large flocks of Corn Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipit. Jim Bailey, Mark Tutte.

RSPB Wallasea Wetlands, 08:00 to 09:40
3 Little Egret, 120 Shelduck, 1 female Merlin, 250 Golden Plover, 20 Knot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 80 Corn Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Shoebury, 08:35
1 Sparrowhawk flew across road by St. Mary's Church. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 08:40 to 09:00
3 Snow Bunting on boom. 1 Anthus sp. (Rock/Water - heard only, called twice). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Canvey Point, 08:40 to 13:30
11 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver flew upriver, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding close to point after high tide, 12+ Great Crested Grebe, 1 female/immature Eider flew upriver, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 adult Mediterranean Gull, 80+ Kittiwake (conservative estimate, from one scan of river, many birds circulating east and west), 26 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 09:10 to 09:20
1 female Kingfisher, 3 Snow Bunting. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 09:10 to 11:40
Shelduck, Long-tailed Tit, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Jay, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Little Egret, Pied Wagtail, Great Black-backed Gull, Meadow Pipit, Water Rail, Greenfinch, Redshank, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Collared Dove, Waxwing. Terry Jeffreys.

Canvey Wick, 09:30 to 10:55
1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 1700+ Lapwing, c.1100 Dunlin, 1 Woodcock, c.200 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Fieldfare, 29 Redwing (single flock), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 12 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 30 Linnet, 31 Lesser Redpoll (two separate flocks (10 and 21). Flock of 21 mixing with Linnets close to Roscommon Way), 1 Mealy Redpoll. Marc Outten

Friars Park, 09:25 to 09:45
1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. John Wright (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Pochard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:40 to 11:00
1 Marsh Harrier (left field by 1st hide), Peregrine Falcon on pylons, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, 60+ Teal, 200+ Lapwing, Jim Bailey.

Maitland Place, North Shoebury 11:00
Male Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder in garden. Jackie Bliss.

Southend Pier, 11:00 to 13:15
15 Red-throated Diver (at least), 2 Great Northern Diver east of pier head, close at times, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 50 Turnstone, 17 Mediterranean Gull (3 2nd w, 2 1st w, 12 ads.), 6 adult Kittiwake, 12 Guillemot (at least), 1 Razorbill. 1 Common Seal, 2 Harbour Porpoise together. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 11:00 to 16:30
60 Mute Swan grazing most of day, usual car park Stonechat, 2 Ringtail Hen Harrier, large flocks of Corn Bunting, 10 Redwing, 4 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 100+ Brent Geese, 100+ Dunlin, 50+ Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover, Redshank, 4 Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Mallard. David Hale.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:10 to 12:10
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Ruff, 1 Waxwing viewed in tall London Plane trees north of the Railway track, north-west of the middle viewing mound, 1 Stonechat. Marc Outten (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:50 to 12:35
3 Gadwall, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Waxwing showed in tall trees to north of A13 eventually from 12:30, viewed from middle viewing mound. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hampton Barns, 12:00 to 12:30
18 Curlew (flock in field south east of barns), 1 Yellowhammer, 15 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting in field on the way to Paglesham Lagoon. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Barling Pits, 12:15 to 13:15
3 Little Grebe, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Corn Bunting. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 12:50 to 13:50
2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Sanderling, 3 Snow Bunting on beach. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 12:50 to 14:15
1 Woodcock, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 17 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 26 Linnet, c.20 Lesser Redpoll in stand of silver birch near crossroads, 2 Mealy Redpoll in redpoll flock. 1 Rabbit. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Two Tree Island, Slip Way Car Park 13:00 to 13:15
1 Little Grebe in channel between car park and island. Maggie and Dave Davis.

Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 14:15
11 Pintail, 16 Goldeneye. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Gunners Park, 14:00 to 14:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Goldcrest. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Pitsea, Church Road 14:00 to 14:30
16 Yellowhammer in hedge bordering Bowers Marsh entrance, 2 Reed Bunting. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:25
5 Canada Goose, 5 Lapwing. Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:20 to 16:40
Viewed from white gate, sunset 16:05: 2 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret flew from direction of Potton/Foulness at 16:30 and headed north-west towards Creeksea, 3 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper in wood-yard ditch, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 50+ Corn Bunting in cover crop. Don Petrie, Sally Brierley, Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Hockley/Hawkwell, Clements Hall 15:30 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Jackdaw. Paul Baker (SOG).

Friday 06th January 2012westerly wind, mostly clear    

Wat Tyler Country Park 08:30 to 13:00
40+ Fieldfare (numbers seemed to be increasing all week), 4 Redwing, Blue Tit and Great Tit very numerous at RSPB feeders and 2 Goldfinch with them. Neil Phillips (Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/fieldfares-goldfinch-blue-and-great-tits/.

Southend Pier, 09:10 to 10:55
22 Red-throated Diver (most flying west but 5 together on water), 1 Purple Sandpiper, 120 Turnstone, 1 Pomarine Skua upriver 1010hrs mid channel, 18 Mediterranean Gull, 12 Kittiwake (including 6 perched/floating round pierhead), 4 Guillemot. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Althorne, Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
Black-necked Grebe at Bridgemarsh Creek, Althorne; 1250 Brent, 158 Pintail Duck, Sparrowhawk, adult and juvenile male Marsh Harrier, female Hen Harrier, 6 Buzzard, Peregrine, Stonechat, 50 Corn Bunting, immature Lapland Bunting 500yds east of Blue House on seawall - very tame, 2 Spoonbill were seen on December 31st, one of them colour ringed. Still awaiting details. Graham Smith.

South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10:45 to 12:45
Ringtail Hen Harrier (very rare here), 4 Grey Plover, 6 Corn Bunting, Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, Little Grebe, c.150 Brent Goose, 26 Teal, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Skylark. Ray Fuller.

Shoebury East Beach 12:30
3 Snow Bunting on beach near boom. Hilary and Colin Knight.

Southend Pier 10:00 to 14:00
1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwake, 12 Mediterranean Gull, 40+ Turnstone, 40+ Cormorant in flight over pier head. David Hale.

Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00 to 14:30
4 Treecreeper, 1 Firecrest, 10+ Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 40+ Long-tailed Tit, large flocks of Blue and Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock. 1 Weasel. Jim Bailey.

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 13:15
1 Sparrowhawk low through garden. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Lake Meadows, Billericay 14:15
Pair Goosander. Marion Burch.

Hadleigh Country Park 15:00
Watched 2 Bullfinch for half an hour on footpath down hill from lagoon. Roger Shinn.

Shoebury East Beach 15:00 to 16:00
3 Snow Bunting, 1 Kingfisher, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank. David Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:15 to 16:50
3 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret flew west along south seawall and across Crouch to roost at c.4:25pm, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier at roost, 2+ Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Green Sandpiper by woodyard at 4:50pm, 6 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat by car park, c.40 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, c.80 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker, Jeff Delve, Don Petrie (SOG).

Victoria Avenue, Southend, 15:25 to 15:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).

Thursday 05th January 2012westerly wind, mostly cloudy    

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:45
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, Teal, Woodpigeon, Robin, Greenfinch, Little Egret, Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, 5 Redshank, Pheasant, Stock Dove, Pochard, Mallard, Starling, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, House Sparrow, 40 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing. Terry Jeffreys.

Priory Park, 10:40
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over Priory Crescent. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wednesday 04th January 2012westerly wind, showers pm    

Tewke's Creek, 08:55 to 09:10
1 Grey Wagtail, 14 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 09:15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2+ Mistle Thrush. Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey Point, 09:20 to 10:40
16 Red-throated Diver (flew upriver in groups of 2 + 13 +1), 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mallard (pair flew upriver), 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 5000+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Kittiwake (all adults), 3 Guillemot, 2 Common Seal, 1 Grey Seal. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 10:55 to 12:35
1 Woodcock, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit Holehaven Creek, 1 Rock Pipit Holehaven Creek, 10+ Fieldfare, 5+ Redwing, 24 Linnet in paddocks by Lobster Smack, c.25 Lesser Redpoll in birches south of main track c.200yds east of main 'crossroads', 2+ Mealy Redpoll with the redpoll flock, 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:45 to 13:00
c.110 Canada Goose, 50+ Wigeon, 15+ Teal, 8 Skylark. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:15 to 14:00
1 Little Grebe on scrape, 2 Greylag Goose with Canadas, 100+ Canada Goose on Vange Wick, 15+ Shoveler, 1 drake Pochard, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 15+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank in creek by marina. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Pitsea, Church Road 14:10 to 14:20
6+ Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 16:15
20 Mute Swan, 3 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Tuesday 03rd January 2012overcast, windy    

Hadleigh Downs, 14:30 to 15:00
c.100 Fieldfare. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marshes 13:30
110 Lapwing, 25 Curlew, 35 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher. Mike Poole.

Temple Farm, 14:30 to 14:30
3 Red-legged Partridge in field south of nursery east of Sutton Road. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Monday 02nd January 2012windy, heavy showers    

Shoebury East Beach, 07:30 to 08:00
3 Snow Bunting on the beach some 70 metres before the boom. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Canvey Point, 07:40 to 08:40
2 Great Crested Grebe, 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 40 Turnstone, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Heybridge Basin and Gravel Pit 08:00 to 10:30
Pheasant, 2 male Cetti's Warbler at either end of lake, 2 Goldeneye (m & f) 200m out from lock in River Blackwater, c.1000 Golden Plover, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, c.100 Avocet, 1 Turnstone, 2 Knot, Wigeon, Teal, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Mallard, Shelduck, c.60 Brent Goose, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Greylag and farmyard Goose, c.10 Canada Goose, Meadow Pipit, 10+ Corn Bunting around "The Lakes" estate and saltings, 30-40 Fieldfare over, 1 Peregrine over river, 1 Sparrowhawk circling high over Northey Island, several singing male Song Thrush. Tony Kennelly.

Hampton Barns, 08:15 to 09:00
1 Kestrel, 3 Stock Dove. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 09:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on nearest pylon opposite marina, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek by marina. Mike Clarke (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:35 to 10:25
3 Golden Plover, 13 Curlew, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting the Pantile area, 1 Green Woodpecker, c.300 Fieldfare. Marc Outten (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:50 to 09:15
1 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Friars Park, 09:00 to 10:00
3 Mandarin Duck together on island, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:15
1 Water Rail, 1 Cetti's Warbler showing well. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Cotelands, Vange 10:00 to 10:15
1 Waxwing, 1 Green Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler.

Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 11:00
17 Little Grebe, 25 Pintail (17 drakes), 8 Goldeneye (2 drakes). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 10:30 to 12:30
53 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 160 Redshank, 78 Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon (a quite large female), 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, many Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 3 Skylark. N.B. The water level in the borrowdykes and the scrape in now higher than during most of 2011. David Selley.

Canvey Wick, 10:45 to 11:40
3 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, c.1800 Lapwing (in Holehaven Creek flushed by the Peregrine), 40 Dunlin, 2 Green Woodpecker. Marc Outten (SOG).

Friars Park, 11:20 to 11:30
3 drake Mandarin Duck in usual place on island, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Brown Rat. Paul Baker (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 11:40 to 12:05
1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher on pool behind car park, 3 Snow Bunting on boom. Paul Baker (SOG).

Benfleet, 11:55
1 Grey Wagtail over the train station. Marc Outten (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 12:00 to 12:30
3 Snow Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 12:30 to 13:30
3 Snow Bunting feeding on the busy beach (along high tide mark 30 metres from boom) for 10+ minutes. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Friars Park, 12:45 to 13:00
3 Mandarin Duck. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:15 to 13:30
1 Red-legged Partridge. Mike Clarke (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:30
2 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 50+ Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, 24 Lapwing, 30+ Redshank. Rob Harris.

Wakering Stairs, M.O.D. Road Only 13:45 to 14:00
1 Water Rail in brook half way down road. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Potton Creek, 14:00 to 15:30
2 Hen Harrier (both ringtails, the first bird was scoped on Potton, shortly after a second bird was seen hunting over the pools on Fleethead), 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Ringed Plover, 10 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 30 Lapwing (lots more on Potton but distant), 5 Dunlin, 20 Black-tailed Godwit. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Eastwood, St. Laurence Park 14:10
20 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Friars Park, 14:20 to 14:30
3 drake Mandarin Duck on north-east side of island. 2 Brown Rat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

South Fambridge 14:30 to 15:15
3 Little Egret, 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300+ Lapwing on north bank, 20 Golden Plover, 55 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk which put up all the waders, 3 Skylark. David Selley.

Friars Park, 14:35 to 14:45
3 drake Mandarin Duck swimming around in the open. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 14:50 to 15:45
60+ Knot, 1 Kingfisher. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 15:00
Chiffchaff heard in trees around the pool behind the boat yard at Shoebury East Beach. Jackie Bliss.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 17:00
3 Little Egret, 1 Black Swan, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Corn Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:05 to 16:40
5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 55 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, 200+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl screeching at each other! 25 Corn Bunting. Kris Mee, Web Author.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:20 to 16:25
2 Little Egret, 55 Mute Swan, 1 Black Swan, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin (male and female), 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 40 Corn Bunting. Vince Kinsler, Mike Bailey, John Wright (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 15:25 to 15:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher in pool by the boatyard. Marc Outten (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 15:30
1 Short-eared Owl. Maggie & Dave Davis.

South Fambridge, 16:05 to 16:35
1 Little Grebe, 50 Golden Plover. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Ballards Gore, 16:30
1 Little Owl on top of hedge c.200yds east of Shepherd and Dog PH. John Wright (SOG).

Sunday 01st January 2012cloudy, rain in afternoon    

Ashingdon, 08:00 to 08:15
1 Sparrowhawk flew into next door's oak tree. A little later it swooped out of sight, only to fly back over our garden carrying prey less than a minute later. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Canvey Point, 08:15 to 09:10
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Peregrine Falcon hunting over and sat on the point, 30 Grey Plover, 10 Knot, 30 Dunlin, 10 Curlew, 20 Turnstone, 12 Kittiwake (ones and twos heading up river), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 09:30
54 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 27 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 2 Water Rail, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 09:25 to 09:45
800 Lapwing (at least, a huge flock over Holehaven), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 30 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing. 1 Weasel. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:35 to 11:15
1 Little Egret, 6 Gadwall, 260 Teal, 306 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 3 Curlew, 2 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 female Stonechat. Marc Outten (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 09:40 to 10:50
1 Green Woodpecker heard, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard twice 150yds west of the compound, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Richard Howard, Don Petrie (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 11:00
Marina: 12 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 20 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Southchurch Park East 11:00 to 12:00
Very good views of Water Rail in open water (flushed out of reeds by 3 large rats). Unfortunately, the bird also attracted interest from a loose dog and was spooked into flight before disappearing into heavy reed cover. Jackie & Mike Bliss, Joolz & Jerry Fawcett.

Hockley Woods, 11:15 to 12:00
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 6 Chaffinch. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 11:50 to 12:50
1 Little Egret, 23 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Aythya sp. (male. Pochard x Tufted hybrid). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Richard Howard, Don Petrie (SOG).

Prittle Brook, Aviation Way, 12:10 to 12:15
4 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 1 Grey Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 12:15 to 15:30
6 Little Egret, 3500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 65 Avocet (R. Roach), 1 Short-eared Owl, 200 Corn Bunting (Nr Grapnells). 1 Stoat near bird cover. John Wright (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 13:00 to 13:40
4 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher on pond, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Snow Bunting feeding by roadside then on beach. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach, 13:05 to 13:40
12 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher on lake edge, 3 Snow Bunting. Vince Kinsler, Mike Bailey, Paul Griggs, Richard Howard, Don Petrie (SOG).

Gunners Park, 13:50 to 15:20
Walked to end of East Beach and back: 1 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Shoebury East Beach 14:00 to 14:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, flocks of Redshank, Turnstone, Ring Plover, Grey Plover, Blackheaded Gull, 3 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

Paglesham Lagoon, 14:00 to 14:35
12 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 17 Pintail, 42 Shoveler, 66 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Chalkwell Seafront, 15:15 to 15:45
5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 45 Sanderling, 3 Turnstone. 2 Common Seal. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Lion Creek, 15:20 to 16:20
Heavy rain so viewing from car only: 2 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan flew south at 16:10, 10 Teal, c.400 Golden Plover over Wallasea, 1 Meadow Pipit, 26 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG)

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