South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for January 2014

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Friday 31st January 2014southerly, rain, max7°c

Tile Wood, Daws Heath 10:00 to 10:30
2 Woodcock, 1 Treecreeper. Richard Gray.

Two Tree Island 10:30 to 14:35
c.2000+ Knot, c.1000+ Dunlin, 100's Lapwing, 3 Greenshank, many Redshank, 100's Grey Plover, few Oystercatcher, c.150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Starling, c.30 Avocet, c.20 Curlew, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Skylark, 1 Little Grebe, few Meadow Pipit, 11 Snipe, c.50 Wigeon, few Shelduck, c.100 Brent Geese, 4 Common Gull, 10 Cormorant, many Teal, 1 Kestrel. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Vange Marsh 12:45 to 14:00
1 juvenile Spoonbill, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Reed Bunting, 2 Pintail. Peter Norgate.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:05
23 Mallard, 30+ Redshank, 40+ Dunlin, 500+ Lapwing, 4 Kestrel, 30+ Woodpigeon, 7 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 60+ Herring Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Egret, 20+ Linnet. Rob Harris.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:30 to 14:45
1 Scaup. Peter Norgate.

Thursday 30th January 2014east south east, rain, max8°c

Southend Pier 10:40 to 14:00
Sightings: Over high tide, light SE breeze, flat sea, overcast. Excellent viewing once rain stopped. 72 Red-throated Diver (Most flying east in small groups, at least one on sea in summer plumage), 2+ Black-throated Diver (two on sea west of pier, one earlier flew close west with a GND), 2 Great Northern Diver (one on sea 200m east of pier, one flew east with 2 RtD, one later west with BtD), 3 Great Crested Grebe (2 summer plumage), 1 female Marsh Harrier (low over pierhead flew south into Kent), 17 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull (adults feeding along flow line, one nearly full summer.), 50+ Kittiwake (good mix of adults and 1st winter birds on sea and following fishing boats), 175 Guillemot (single scan count of birds on sea swimming east, at least 20 in summer plumage). 2 Common Seal, 1 Grey Seal, 4 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Delve.

Ramsden Heath, Dowsetts Road 14:20 to 14:30
100+ Redwing, 150+ Fieldfare, 23 Blackbird, 50+ Starling, 3 Magpie, 14 Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Southend 14:35
1 Peregrine Falcon perched on HSBC building. Jeff Delve.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:35 to 14:50
1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Jay, 2 Magpie, 10 Carrion Crow, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 50+ Coot, 50+ Tufted Duck, 40+ Pochard, 60+ Mallard, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 White Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:15 to 16:00
2 Short-eared Owl (reptile area), 1 Stonechat (female near car park). Jeff Delve.

Wednesday 29th January 2014easterly, rain, max6°c

Billericay 10:30
1 Lesser Redpoll on niger feeder with Goldfinches. The first this winter and almost three months later arriving than last year. Andy Wilson.

Cock Clarks 13:20
6 Goldfinch , 4 Lesser Redpoll on garden feeders. Jane Baxter.

Tuesday 28th January 2014southerly, partly cloudy, max9°c

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:28 to 11:30
1 female Marsh Harrier, c.6 Redwing, c.55 Wigeon included 40+ north over near Manorway roundabout, the others on creek, 100+ Teal on creek, 3 Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, c.20 Black-tailed Godwit flying south east low over the Shellhaven refinery near the roundabout, a few Little Egret. Richard Fahey.

Canvey Point 10:45 to 12:45
300+ Wigeon, 200+ Canada Geese, 3 Greylag Geese, 8 Pochard, 26 Shoveler, 12+ Teal, 26 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat, 3 Skylark, Reed Bunting, 2 Fieldfare, 8 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, Robin. Viewing towards Bowers Marsh from Sea Wall: 4 Marsh Harrier, 400+ Lapwing, 180+ Teal, 100+ Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret. Terry Blackwell.

Two Tree Island 13:00 to 15:00
Walk to west hide: 17 Corn Bunting, 4 Curlew, Redshank, 20 Brent Geese. Scrape hide: 300 Brent Geese, 3 Greenshank, 1 Sanderling, 3 Avocet, 100 Wigeon, 50+ Teal, 1 Mallard, 1 Little Egret far side of river, all birds disturbed by possible Peregrine Falcon, 50+ Avocet, 100+ Lapwing, 30 Black-tailed Godwit. Possible 25 White-fronted Geese over far side of river. They were not brent, Greylag or Canada, can anyone confirm? They dropped down by the building with coloured rectangles on it - probably a school. G. Dixon.

Monday 27th January 2014south westerly, rain showers, max8°c

No reports received for this day.

Sunday 26th January 2014southerly, rain, max10°c

Chelmsford, Great Baddow 07:30
1 immature female Sparrowhawk flew into my garden and spent some time looking around (building up an impression of attack routes and where the feeders are I presume). First immature bird I have seen here. Also seen, 2 Robin, 1 male Blackbird, 15+ House Sparrow, all rather wary after the predator visit. Paul Forsdick.

Rayleigh, Daws Heath Road 08:45 to 09:45
Sparrowhawk, female Blackcap, Song Thrush (all part of RSPB Garden Birdwatch). Peter and Margaret Norgate.

Saturday 25th January 2014southerly to westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°c

Southchurch Park East 08:15
Unseen Woodpecker 'drumming' on a tree in the north-east corner of park. Alec Beanse.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 10:00 to 13:30
3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Spoonbill, Cetti's Warbler heard, Corn Bunting near the car-park, several Skylark including some singing, Great Crested Grebe including a pair displaying, 1 drake Pintail, Paul Hudson.

EWT Abberton Reservoir 10:40 to 15:40
1 male Hen Harrier, 3 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 pair Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Long-tailed Tit, few Great and Blue Tit, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackbird, 1 Skylark, large flocks Lapwing (birds mobile all over), 4 Grey Heron, c.20 Great Crested Grebe, drake and female Goldeneye, 12+ Pintail mostly drakes, 100's Teal, c.50 Pochard, many Mallard, Tufted Duck, few Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, 1 Redshank, c.15 Mute Swan, few Common and Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100's Black-headed Gull. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island 11:00 to 15:00
1 Rough-legged Buzzard and 1 Merlin both over Foulness, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2000+ Brent Geese, 1000+ Lapwing, 50+ Golden Plover. Mike Butler.

Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00
3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Redwing. Mick Roe.

Friday 24th January 2014south easterly, partly cloudy, max8°c

Thundersley Glen 10:30
1 Firecrest. Richard Gray.

Basildon, Gloucester Park, 12:45 to 12:55
Kingfisher at western end of fishing lake. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:20 to 14:40
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 3 Magpie, 16 Carrion Crow, 40+ Woodpigeon, 1 Pheasant, 47 Linnet, 27 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Skylark, 4 House Sparrow, 3 Stonechat, 3 Blackbird, 1 Little Egret, 200+ Lapwing, 30+ Redshank, 12 Mallard, 20+ Dunlin, 3 Shelduck, 1 Oystercatcher, 100+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Moorhen. Rob Harris.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 14:00 to 16:30
1 Merlin being chased by a Kestrel, 2 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 15 Fieldfare, 130 Greylag Goose, 200+ Canada Goose, large Numbers of Teal and Wigeon feeding in the flooded fields. David Shepherd.

Thursday 23rd January 2014westerly, partly cloudy, max8°c

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:45 to 10:45
1 Scaup, 250+ Wigeon, 5 Teal, 22 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 7 Mallard, 35 Curlew, 3 Skylark, 5 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, 3 Blue Tit. Terry Blackwell.

EWT Thurrock Thameside Nature Park 10:30 to 16:00
Sightings from hide: 100's Teal, c.500+ Avocet, 12 Shelduck, c.100 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatcher, c.100 Black-tailed Godwit, c.70 Dunlin, 12 pairs Mallard, 44 Curlew, c.50 Grey Plover, 1 Redshank, 7 Turnstone, 3 Kittiwake, many Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100's Black-headed Gull, many Herring Gull, many Cormorant. Large flock Lapwing (on Kent side), large murmuration of Starling (Kent side also), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Skylark, 1 pair Dunnock, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Robin, few Great and Blue Tit, 2 Kestrel, 2 Blackbird. 1 Rabbit. David & Brenda Hale.

A130, Hanningfield Area 16:00
Common Buzzard. Steve Day.

Wednesday 22nd January 2014southerly, partly cloudy, drizzle, max9°c

Two Tree Island 12:30 to 14:10
1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 5 Fieldfare, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 10 Carrion Crow, 15 Magpie around Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, 1 Avocet, 70+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 20 Lapwing, 1 Grey Plover, 10+ Redshank all on lagoon, 200 Brent Geese, 10 Shelduck, 800 Knot, 5 Curlew, 30+ Redshank, 20+ Oystercatcher on mudflats. B. Goss.

Wat Tyler Country Park 14:45 to 16:10
2 immature Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler seen 3 heard, 1 Fieldfare, 20+ Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 20+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 3 Chaffinch, 10 Goldfinch, 1 Wren, 1 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 3 Collared Dove, 5+ Woodpigeon, 1 Dunnock. B. Goss.

Foulness Island 15:00 to 15:45
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, c.65 Corn Bunting, c.45 Chaffinch, c.25 Goldfinch. Steve Giles.

Canvey Point 15:10 to 16:10
1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 2000+ Dunlin and Knot, 25 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, 6 Teal, 15 Turnstone, 100+ Oystercatcher, 20+ Brent Geese, 40+ Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant. Terry Blackwell.

Tuesday 21st January 2014south south easterly, partly cloudy, max8°c

Hockley, Plumberow Mount/Wood 10:00 to 11:00
1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch, 12 Chaffinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Redwing, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtail, 10 Long-Tailed Tit. Dave Glover.

RSPB Wallasea Island 11:15 to 16:15
3 Short-eared Owl, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier (birds showing constantly from 13:30 between RSPB car park and white gate), 500+ Brent Geese, c.20 Corn Bunting, 3 Kestrel, 1 pair Reed Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Cock Pheasant, few Meadow Pipit. David & Brenda Hale.

Hockley Woods 13:00 to 14:00
1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper (watched it feeding for 10 minutes), flock of 10+ Redwing feeding on berries left hand side of playground. Nicky Lee.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:35 to 14:50
2 Mute Swan, 40+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 30+ Mallard, 30+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese, 40+ Cormorant, 25 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 100+ Herring Gull, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Magpie, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Robin, 40+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Monday 20th January 2014calm, partly cloudy, max8°c

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 11:00
Marsh harrier, Cetti's Warbler showing well, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Goldfinch, many Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted duck. Mick Roe.

Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00 to 12:30
30+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 40+ Mallard, 13 Carrion Crow, 60+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese, 60+ Cormorant, 1 Wren, 5 Magpie, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Robin, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30+ Coot, 40+ Woodpigeon, 8 Blackbird, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch. Rob Harris.

RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 16:30
1 Spoonbill, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 45 Lapwing, 150+ Teal, 100+ Wigeon, 4 Snipe 1 Green Sandpiper. David Shepherd.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:20 to 16:45
500+ Lapwing, 3 Kestrel, 30+ Woodpigeon, 3 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl (both hunting reptile area), 2 Barn Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 50+ Redshank, 100+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 300+ Brent Geese, 40+ Dunlin, 3 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

Canewdon 17:00 to 17:10
1 Little Owl in oak tree end on Scotts Hall Road. Rob Harris.

Sunday 19th January 2014variable, partly cloudy, max9°c

Southend Pier 10:00 to 15:30
10+ Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot, 100.s Turnstone, Herring Gull, Sanderling on the beach. Kevin Taylor.

Stanford Warren and Mucking 10:15 to 13:30
1 male and 1 female Stonechat, 1 female Peregrine Falcon, 1 Common Sandpiper, 170 Avocet, c.25 Kittiwake (adults and immatures) following ship into Thames, accompanied by 1 immature Iceland Gull, 4 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Water Rail heard, 5 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare. Andrew Gouldstone.

Shoebury East Beach 12:30 to 12:50
House Sparrow, Starling, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 60+ Ringed Plover, 180+ Sanderling, 70+ Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, 30+ Turnstone. S. Jackson.

Southend Pier 12:30 to 14:30
18+ Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot. 1 Common Seal. Jeff Elliott.

Gunners Park 13:00 to 14:45
8 Magpie, 9 Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, 50+ Starling, Black-headed Gull, 5 Blackbird, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 16 Blue Tit, 10 Great Tit, Collared Dove, 3 Robin, 4 Chaffinch, 10 Mallard, 3 Pied Wagtail, 15 Greenfinch, 8 Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, 4 Moorhen, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Grey Heron, 160+ Dunlin and Sanderling. S. Jackson.

Southend Pier 13:45 to 16:15
10+ Mediterranean Gull (white E494 ringed amongst them), 1 Kittiwake, 100+ Turnstone, 10+ Black-headed Gull, 60+ Sanderling, 10+ Turnstone on rocks by lifeboat station on foreshore. 1 Grey Seal. B. Goss.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:30 to 16:40
2 Short-eared Owl hunting reptile area, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel all seen from RSPB car park. Jeff Elliott.

Saturday 18th January 2014variable, scattered clouds, max9°c

Hockley, Lower Road, 08:30
1 Buzzard on telegraph pole close to Dome Caravan Park. Dave Glover.

Canvey Point 10:00 to 12:30
Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow. Kevin Taylor.

Wickford, Nevendon Road 10:10 to 10:12
Sparrowhawk very low over garden fences, perched for awhile checking out the many bird feeders here. Rob Harris.

RSPB Bowers Marsh 11:00 to 13:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 100+ Lapwing, large number of Canada Geese with some Greylag mixed in. We wondered why the car park gate and various others were locked and only discovered the reserve was closed on returning home, however the paths were not flooded apart from a couple of puddles. David Flack.

RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 11:15 to 15:15
Sightings from scrape hide: 2 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, c.30 Goldfinch, c.40 flyover Wigeon, 100+ Lapwing over West Canvey Marsh, 4 Skylark, 3 Shelduck, c.50 Shoveler, c.50 Pochard, many Mallard, few Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 500+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull, 1 Cormorant, c.200 Starling, steady stream of Woodpigeon all flying West. David Hale.

Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 13:15 to 15:30
c.250 Avocet, c.30 Corn Bunting, 1 male and 1 female Stonechat, c.30 Kittiwake (adults and immatures) following ships out of the Thames, 1 Arctic Skua (dark phase), 2 Marsh Harrier Kent side of Thames. Andrew Gouldstone.

Hullbridge 14:00 to 16:00
Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit on peanut feeders in garden. David Flack.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:15
1 Pheasant, 4 Kestrel, 9 Corn Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 3 Stonechat (pair by farm), 30+ Stock Dove, 2 Magpie, 15 Carrion Crow, 50+ Redshank, 800+ Lapwing, 150+ Dunlin, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 30+ Linnet. Rob Harris.

Friday 17th January 2014south westerly, rain, max9°c

Billericay 08:30
Peregrine Falcon. Kasim Aly-khan.

Billericay 10:30
5 Redwing feeding on holly in private garden. Whilst this is not particularly unusual, these are the first I've seen this winter and usually they have stripped the holly well before Christmas. No sight yet of Fieldfare or Lesser Redpoll this winter - both have been annual visitors to my garden for many years, typically arriving in November. I assume the mild winter has some bearing on this. Andrew Wilson.

Two Tree Island 13:00
1 Common Seal on slipway. Angela Fletcher.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:50 to 14:05
30+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 30+ Mallard, 100+ Wigeon, 2 Carrion Crow, 150+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 14 Cormorant, 50+ Herring Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30+ Coot, 16 Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir, Fishing Lodge 15:00 to 15:05
1 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mallard, 5 Coot, 10+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Tufted Duck, 1 Ruddy Shelduck. Kate Booker & Pat Mitchell.

Thursday 16th January 2014southerly, mostly cloudy, rain, max11°c

EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:10 to 16:30
Sightings from Rawl hide: 1 Buzzard, 1 female Marsh Harrier (this bird seemed desperate for a meal and after more than an hour of fruitless hunting the reeds on the west bank it made many failed attempts to take a Teal, Wigeon etc, from the reservoir), 2 drake, 9 redhead Goosander, 1 pair Goldeneye, 1 pair Pintail, 1 female Pochard, 1 Lapwing, many Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, many Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, c.16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull, many Black-headed Gull, flock of 12 Long-tailed Tit with 1 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit. Grazing Meadow sightings: c.200 Canada Geese, c.50 Greylag Geese, 1 Song Thrush, 20+ Pied Wagtail, few Common Gull. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
1 Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Blackbird, 2 Stonechat (pair), 30+ Stock Dove, 3 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 3 Curlew, 40+ Redshank, 300+ Lapwing, 100+ Dunlin, 5 Mute Swan, 5 Shelduck, 12 Canada Geese, 50+ Herring Gull, 15 Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.

Private Land Near Crays Hill 15:00
Peregrine Falcon flew over my head at about 100 feet travelling west. G. Dixon.

Wednesday 15th January 2014south south westerly, cloud and rain, max11°c

RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00 to 12:50
Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Shelduck, Pochard, Snipe, Curlew, Greylag and Canada Geese, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant. Chris Henry.

Canvey Point 14:15 to 15:15
3500+ Dunlin and Knot, 20 Sanderling, 80+ Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 120+ Curlew, 15 Redshank, 200+ Oystercatcher, 12 Turnstone, 200+ Wigeon, 100+ Brent Geese, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant. Terry Blackwell.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:30 to 14:50
40+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 60+ Mallard, 100+ Coot, 7 Magpie, 30+ Carrion Crow, 4 Goldfinch, 17 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag Geese, 50+ Cormorant, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40+ Woodpigeon, 5 Mute Swan, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Domestic Geese. Robert Harris.

Southchurch Park
The injured cygnet taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital last Wednesday is pretty much back to full health after sustaining a slight leg injury/wound, it should be released back into the wild in due course. Any donations to the hospital are always welcome and I only call on their services when really needed because they know their stuff and they make a big difference. www.southessexwildlife.org. Bob Dobinson.

Tuesday 14th January 2014westerly, partly cloudy, max7°c

Daws Heath, Fairmead Avenue 06:00 to 06:30
Male and female Tawny Owl calling - possibly 2 male birds. Mike Sagrott.

Havering, EWT Bedfords Park 09:35 to 14:35
1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine Falcon both showing together over Larch Wood, Falcon went into a fast stoop dive into wood, many Great and Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Dunnock, c.25 Redwing, 2 Goldfinch, many Robin, many Jackdaw and Carrion Crow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, many Blackbird, 2 flyover Cormorant, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 juvenile Mute Swan, 3 pair Mallard, c.30 Black-headed Gull. Many Grey Squirrel. David & Brenda Hale.

Southend, North Avenue, 10:29
Male Sparrowhawk landed on the feeder station in the back garden. S. Jackson.

Bulphan 10:30
Common Buzzard - on the ground in field next to A128 just south of Bulphan. Phil Shaw.

Southchurch Park 11:00
Drake Tufted Duck. Jill and John Parsons.

Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00
1 Greenshank, 4 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Redshank, 5 Curlew, 1 pairr Teal all on Timberman's creek from bird screen. Neil Phillips.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 13:30
2 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 3 Stonechat, 20+ Stock Dove, 3 Mallard, 50+ Redshank, 200+ Lapwing, 5 Mute Swan, 20+ Carrion Crow, 40+ Canada Geese, 60+ Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, 30+ Woodpigeon, 70+ Dunlin, 2 Moorhen, 60+ Starling, 7 Linnet. Rob Harris.

Gunner's Park 13:30 to 14:30
3+ Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Starling, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, 10+ Carrion Crow, 6+ Magpie, Feral Pigeon, 7+ Blackbird, 2+ Song Thrush, 4+ Woodpigeon, 8+ Greenfinch, 2+ Robin, 18+ Mallard, 4+ Collared Dove, 5+ Great Tit, 6+ Dunnock, 4+ Moorhen, 2+ Mute Swan, 4+ Little Grebe, 70+ Turnstone, 140+ Sanderling, 30+ Oystercatcher, 50+ Redshank, 7+ Blue Tit, Pied Wagtail. S. Jackson.

Foulness Island 14:30 to 16:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, c.50 Chaffinch. Steve Giles.

Monday 13th January 2014southerly, partly cloudy, max10°c

Billericay 09:30
25+ Magpie, 2 Redwing and 3 Long-tailed Tit in tree in Perry Street. Marion Burch.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 11:30
1 Scaup, 200+ Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 15 Pochard, 10 Teal, 100+ Canada Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, 20+ Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 20 Lapwing, 60+ Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Skylark, 1 Goldfinch. Terry Blackwell.

Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
1 drake and 1 redhead Smew, 100+ Pochard, 200+ Wigeon, 200+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 150+ Herring Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Pied Wagtail, 100+ Starling, 200+ Carrion Crow, 2 Kestrel, 50+ Lapwing, 1 Pheasant, 150+ Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Swan Goose, 1 Aylesbury Duck, 3 Hybrid Geese. Rob Harris.

Chelmsford Town Centre 17:00
100-150 Pied Wagtail roosting in small trees outside Maplin at Springfield Road roundabout - a sight I've wanted to see for years! Paul Forsdick.

Sunday 12th January 2014south south easterly, partly cloudy, max9°c

Abberton Reservoir 08:15 to 08:45
5 Smew (3 drakes, 2 females), Water Rail (heard), 2 Red Crested Pochard (both female), 2 Snipe. Peter Norgate.

Canvey Point 10:00 to 11:00
1 Guillemot, 100+ Curlew, 30 Ringed Plover, 12 Grey Plover, 2000+ Dunlin and Knot, 80+ Oystercatcher, 12 Turnstone, 3 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 100+ Brent Geese, 10 Teal, 15 Cormorant, 20 Great crested Grebe. Terry Blackwell.

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 10:30 to 11:00
3 Goosander (2 drake, 1 female), 3 Little Grebe, 2 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 4 Moorhen, 10+ Woodpigeon, 20+ Feral Pigeon, 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 2 Great Tit, 1 Herring Gull, 6 Black-headed Gull. Paul Forsdick.

Foulness Island 13:45 to 14:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Kestrel. Steve and Fran Giles.

Saturday 11th January 2014westerly, partly cloudy, max9°c

EWT Fingringhoe Wick 09:40 to 16:15
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker heard, 1 female Bullfinch, many Great Tit, few Blue Tit, many Robin, many Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch. 7 Little Grebe, 10 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, c.400 Avocet, c.200 Lapwing, many Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall, 1 pair Wigeon, c.100 Brent Geese, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 pair Red-breasted Merganser, 1 pair Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, many 100s Dunlin, c.100 Golden Plover, many Grey Plover, Curlew, Redshank, 2 Turnstone, c.20 Black-tailed Godwit. David & Brenda Hale.

Corringham 12:30
Pair of Red Kite flying west over Corringham. Martine Pullen.

Jaywick Beach (Martello Tower) 14:00 to 14:30
37 Snow Bunting, 30+ Starling, 8 Herring Gull. Rob Harris.

Two Tree Island West 15:30 to 15:45
2 ringtail Hen Harrier showing well quartering in front of first hide. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Abberton Reservoir 16:10 to 16:30
40+ Canada Geese, 50+ Coot, 17 Greylag Geese, 100+ Mallard, 200+ Pochard, 100+ Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 2 Magpie, 2 Teal, 3 Kestrel, 200+ Cormorant, 50+ Mute Swan, 100+ Starling, 2 Grey Heron, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Carrion Crow, 1 Swan Goose, 1 Aylesbury Duck. Rob Harris.

Friday 10th January 2014south south westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c

Cock Clarks 08:30
2 Lesser Redpoll on garden feeders, 2 Buzzard over village mid morning being mobbed by Crows. Jane Baxter.

Hockley, Plumberow Wood 09:00 to 10:30
2 Sparrowhawk (male and female), 8 Goldfinch, 12 Chaffinch, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Coal Tit in among a large group of Blue and Great Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker. Dave Glover.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:30 to 14:30
Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, 40+ Carrion Crow, 35+ Coot, 120+ Canada Goose, 5+ Mute Swan, 70+ Teal, 200+ Wigeon, 170+ Starling, 160+ Lapwing, Mallard, 50+ Shoveler, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20+ Greylag Goose, 120+ Pochard, Green Sandpiper, 12+ Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Magpie, 10+ Fieldfare, 2+ Robin, 8+ Jackdaw, 15+ Moorhen, Dunnock, Stonechat, Blue Tit, Redshank, Collared Dove. S. Jackson & M. Hill.

Rochford, Hall Road 12:45 to 13:00
20+ Redwing in trees near cemetery, 2 Fieldfare. Peter Norgate.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:30
1 Hen Harrier, 30+ Ringed Plover, 30+ Corn Bunting. Peter Norgate.

Thursday 09th January 2014westerly, mostly cloudy, max12°c

No reports received for this day.

Wednesday 08th January 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c

Bradwell Shellbank 10:00 to 16:00
2 Little Owl, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, many Chaffinch, (1 leucistic bird amongst flock), c.20 Goldfinch, c.20 Greenfinch, few House Sparrow, many Redshank, 2 Dunnock, few Blue and Great Tit, 50+ Starling, c.50 Red-throated Diver, 1 pair Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 250+ Brent Geese, 9 Mute Swan, c.500 Black-headed Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, c.10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, many Herring Gull. c.1000 Golden Plover, 100s Dunlin, Grey Plover, 100s Oystercatcher, many Curlew, 2 Turnstone, 1 Shelduck. 30 Magpie in single flock 10 other single birds, 1 pair Blackbird, 1 Moorhen. 1 Peacock Butterfly! David & Brenda Hale.

Battlesbridge, Beech's Road 13;00 to 13:05
40+ Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 2 Blackbird, 30+ Woodpigeon, 2 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.

Laindon 13:30
3 Gulls mobbing a Sparrowhawk which then did a 80ft vertical nose dive into a tree, quite spectacular! Mick Roe.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:05
500+ Lapwing, 3 Kestrel, 30+ Woodpigeon, 7 Mallard, 2 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 8 Corn Bunting, 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 Moorhen, 3 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 100+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 70+ Redshank. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:15
2 Kestrel, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl all on WBC. B. Goss.

Southchurch Park East
Just to let you know, that at 12:35 as I was on my way to the park knowing that the five cygnets had now been gone five days and should have moved well away by now. Just as that thought left me, I walked towards the back of Herbie's shop oon Lifstan Way, looked up to the corner and saw two cars around what looked like a Swan. As I rushed toward the scene i received phone call, it was one of Brinsley Manzi's relatives at the scene. They had done a fine and swift move protecting it. It looked like one of our 5 cygnets, as was user friendly but was stressed also. It looked like it came down on the wet road and maybe got spooked by cars so messed up its landing. Had a good look, bit of blood on beak, one cut ankle, small blood on underside of body but couldn't see any obvious breaks. We took it to Medivet for a quick assessment. I Thought we were going to start to lose it for a moment (mild shock) but it passed. The vet checked all limbs and it seemed superficial. So as much as the estuary might have been the option to take it to we have not come this far to take that risk. After a quick discussion it was decided to take it over to Orsett Wildlife Hospital. It was just fine in the car, very lively on arrival at 2.20pm and parping away as they do. I will call OWH in a couple of days and keep you all informed. The first eight days of this year have been nuts, swans, cygnets, park criminal damage/lots of reassurance to a concerned pensioner for her personal safety, some neighbourhood planning stuff and every day too. A Mad 2014 so far. Bob Dobinson.

Tuesday 07th January 2014south westerly, rain,max11°c

Canvey Point 12:30 to 14:00
2 Guillemot, 20+ Cormorant, 10+ Great Crested Grebe, 200+ Dunlin, 6 Curlew, 16 Ringed Plover, 80+ Grey Plover, 8+ Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 5 Wigeon. 1 Common Seal. Terry Blackwell.

Gloucester Park, Basildon 13:00
2 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 15-20 Redwing. Ben Setterfield.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00
9 Goosander. Mike Butler.

Monday 06th January 2014south westerly, mostly cloudy, max13°c

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 00:15 and 11:50
1 Little Owl, possibly 2, calling for about 5 minutes just after midnight, 2 Sparrowhawk together - pair displaying and calling. David Selley.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:00 to 13:20
1 Kestrel, 40+ Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 60+ Mallard, 23 Coot, 6 Carrion Crow, 250+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Cormorant, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30+ Woodpigeon, 4 Mute Swan, 250+ Wigeon, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock. Rob Harris.

Sunday 05th January 2014south south westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:20 to 11:45
1 Whimbrel on creek, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper, 350+ Teal on creek, 3 Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret on dry land north of barns (also one very nearby, strangely enough, was hanging by it's neck between pylon cables!), Richard Fahey.

Canvey Point 10:00 to 11:15
150+ Wigeon, 4 Scoter, 3000+ Dunlin and Knot, 100+ Grey Plover, 8 Curlew, 20+ Redshank, 6 Turnstone, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 100+ Oystercatcher, 100+ Brent Geese, 30+ Cormorant, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Rock Pipit. 1 Common Seal. Terry Blackwell.

South Fambridge 10:10 to 12:00
9 Cormorant, 17 Shelduck, 185 Wigeon, 1 male Merlin just south of village, c.2500 Lapwing (including flock of 1500+ over Bluehouse Farm), 252 Golden Plover, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, Curlew heard, small flock of Dunlin, 125 Rook over North Fambridge rookery, 4 Jackdaw, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush. David Selley.

Wickford, Nevendon Road 11:20 to 11:22
1 Sparrowhawk. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 12:00 to 12:15
1 Pheasant, 50+ Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 60+ Mallard, 7 Coot, 6 Carrion Crow, 25 Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 60+ Cormorant, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Woodpigeon, 4 Mute Swan. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:30
Mute Swan, Teal, Cormorant Little Egret, male Marsh Harrier, female Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, female Merlin, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Southend, Wyatts Drive 13:55
Bee Fly (Bombylius Major) feeding on Winter Jasmine in back garden. Alec Beanse.

North Shoebury 16:20
Female Sparrowhawk finishing its meal as we drove into our front garden - in exactly the same place as two Sundays ago. Jackie and Mike Bliss.

Saturday 04th January 2014southerly, cloud and rain, max10°c

Canvey Point 10:00 to 12:00
5 Guillemot, 2000+ Dunlin and Knot, 9 Sanderling, 8 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Grey Plover,6 Turnstone, 200+ Oystercatcher, 20+ Teal, 100+ Brent Geese, 25+ Cormorant, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail. Terry Blackwell.

Billericay 10:15
20 Redwing landed in tall tree in Billericay garden. Marion Burch.

Wat Tyler Country Park 11:15 to 15:15
Sightings from scrape hide, all islands under water: 2 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 100+ Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 2 pair Wigeon, few Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, 2 Moorhen, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Herring Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, c.20 Black-headed Gull, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Cormorant, c.350 Lapwing over West Canvey Marsh with a huge flock of Starling, probably in the 1000's, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Blue Tit, 1 pair Blackbird. 1 fox cub on exit road. David Hale.

Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 13:50 to 14:45
Male Blackcap, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch Dunnock all in garden, 19 Redwing feeding on berries in neighbour's holly tree. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Friday 03rd January 2014south westerly, cloud and rain, max11°c

Two Tree Island 09:30 to 10:15
1 juvenile Spoonbill, 1 Little Egret, large flocks of Teal, Wigeon and Lapwing. David Lee.

EWT Fingringhoe Wick 09:30 to 14:00
2 Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, massive flock of Lapwing, Curlew, Shelduck, 15+ male Bullfinch in one group, Goldcrest, Marsh Tit. Jim Bailey.

Cock Clarks 13:30
6 Greenfinch, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 4 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit on garden feeders. Jane Baxter.

Southchurch Park East
As anticipated sooner or later, bearing in mind the cygnets are ten weeks late leaving, the two adult Swans started giving two of the cygnets hell and very swiftly too. After rescuing one outside the dry cleaners in Woodgrange Drive and one from the sluice gate pit, I had look at taking them to the estuary for their own safety. I walked out there and the sea was white with horses!. Both were then put in a volunteers car and taken to Hullbridge, nice and calm with lots of Swan company. After having lots of opportunity to leave yesterday in the fine weather, the remaining five just got harassed badly. In particular one cygnet, which was getting exhausted, was causing concern. This morning at 9am all five were on the grass/Rose garden Kensington Road end with the parents not letting them in the water. So bearing in mind a small fine weather window and the tide being out still, it was decided to lift them to the estuary so they could move on before the weather closed in. Ray, Dianne and Peter assisted and all 5 cygnets flying about on the estuary by 10.15am - lets hope they don't journey back. It has been a crazy three days, with constant worried phone calls from the public etc. Job Done. Bob Dobinson.

Thursday 02nd January 2014south westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°c

Canvey Point 09:45 to 11:00
1 Guillemot, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 25 Cormorant, 3 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 100+ Brent Geese, 1000+ Dunlin and Knot, 1 Sanderling, 100+ Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 20 Turnstone, 150+ Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret. Terry Blackwell.

Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 12:00
3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Marsh Harrier, plenty of Teal, several hundred Canada Goose, thousands of Black-headed Gull. David Lee.

Two Tree Island 11:00 TO 13:00
1 Spoonbill with large numbers of waders. David Davies.

EWT Abberton Reservoir 11:15 to 16:15
3 drake and 1 redhead Smew, 1 drake Goosander, 100+ Pochard, 100+ Wigeon, many Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, 2 drake Pintail, 6 drake Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shelduck, few Great Crested Grebe, c.100 Canada Geese, c.50 Greylag Geese, 10 Mute Swan, 100s of Black-headed Gull, few Common Gull, few Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 male Hen Harrier, 2 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 pair Stonechat, 40 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, c.30 Pied Wagtail, 200+ Rook into waterside roost at dusk, murmuration of c.500 Starling at dusk, large numbers of flyover Jackdaw, few Lapwing, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 male Blackbird. 2 Brown Hare chasing each other and boxing. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:15 to 13:45
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 5 House Sparrow, 1 Skylark, 30+ Starling, 3 Magpie, 30+ Carrion Crow, 3 Moorhen, 50+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Herring Gull, 30+ Black-headed Gull, 21 Mallard. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:15 to 13:35
100+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Pochard, 100+ Mallard, 20+ Gadwall, 100+ Wigeon, 50+ Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 200+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese, 80+ Cormorant, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Wednesday 01st January 2014southerly, cloud and rain, max12°c

Canewdon, Apton Hall Road 08:15 to 08:45
1 Little Owl in roadside tree, 1 Mistle Thrush - typically stroppy and seeing off the many Blackbirds on orchard windfalls. David Selley.

Hadleigh Castle Country Park 08:45 to 09:10
2 Little Egret on sodden flood plain, 1 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush heard, 1 male Kestrel hunting. Ellen Hume.

Wickford 09:45
1 female Merlin flying low across gardens on housing estate. Stuart Fleming.

Rayleigh, Glasseys Lane 10:15
3 or 4 Redwing feeding on berries in my back garden. Peter Bowden.

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