South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for January 2019
Thursday 31st January 2019variable, mist then partly cloudy, max4°c
Southchurch Park East 08:02 to 10:16
115 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 8+ House Sparrow, 1 Water Rail (showing well, west of lake). 6 Brown Rat. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Hockley 09:20 to 09:50
2 Coal Tit, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeders. Tim Davis.
South Woodham Ferrers, Stow Marsh 10:00 to 12:00
30 Golden Plover, 4 Grey Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, 200+ Lapwing, 200+ Dunlin, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Shelduck, 50+ Teal, 25+ Mallard, 50+ Wigeon, 2 Snipe, 25+ Redshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Redwing, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Robin. Steve Jellett.
Southend, Lewes Road 10:30
A pair of Pied Wagtail. Michael Holland.
EWT Crowsheath Wood 11:14 to 12:03
1 Treecreeper, 1 Jay, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Goldcrest, 40 Redwing, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male), 1 Sparrowhawk (female). Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Great Stambridge 11:45 to 12:00
In and around the garden: 2 Buzzard (displaying overhead), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush. Steve Sanford.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 12:10 to 12:25
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Pheasant, 2 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 22 Moorhen, 7 Rook, 50+ Carrion Crow, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Blue Tit. Robert Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:12 to 14:10
Causeway: 1 Common Buzzard, 200+ Teal, 7 Goosander (three females, four drakes), 54 Cormorant, 2 Pintail (drakes), 2 Common Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 53 Lapwing. EWT Reserve: 3 Stock Dove, 3 Egyptian Goose, 35+ Wigeon, 40 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, 8 Pied Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Goldeneye (six females, two drakes). Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Rayleigh A127 14:27
1 Peregrine Falcon. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:00 to 15:20
200+ Coot, 200+ Wigeon, 27 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 40+ Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 50+ Lapwing, 150+ Canada Geese, 70+ Greylag Geese, 180+ Black-headed Gull, 70 Herring Gull, 9 Great Black-backed Gull, 26 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Carrion Crow, 7 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Wednesday 30th January 2019variable, clear, max4°c
History of Mediterranean Gull Yellow 2H71
Rung on 17/12/2016 at Pitsea Landfill Site, Essex, GB
Subsequent sightings
08/01/2017 Southend Pier Essex United Kingdom Dudley Shayler
11/02/2017 Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, UK Max Hellicar
31/10/2017 Southend Pier Essex United Kingdom Jeffrey Kinnerman
18/01/2018 Southend Pier Essex United Kingdom Jeffrey Kinnerman
20/01/2019 Southend Pier Essex United Kingdom Graham Mee
Ulting Church 09:00
1 Bullfinch seen in bush in church yard. Joe.
Epping 09:10
1 Cattle Egret Epping road, B181, seen in a front garden near the By Kings Head Pub. Joe.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
2 Water Rail, 1 Stonechat, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 5 Mute Swan, 9 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 4 Reed Bunting, 19 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 5 Blue Tit, 20+ Coot, 50+ Canada Geese, 10+ Greylag Geese, 4 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 50+ Lapwing, 6 Carrion Crow, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Moorhen. Steve Jellett.
Hertfordshire, Lea Valley, Fishers Green 11:00 to 15:00
Red Kite, 19 Goosander, 3 Water Rail, Buzzard, Goldcrest, good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing. John Attfield, R. Payne, N. Oliver.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:30 to 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, Teal, Shoveler. Mick Roe.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 16:45
4 Short-eared Owl, 5 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 20+ Pheasant, 400+ Lapwing, 300+ Golden Plover, 10+ Carrion Crow, 2 Little Egret. Steve Jellett.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:00 to 15:15
100+ Herring Gull, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 100+ Coot, 31 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Carrion Crow, 27 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Mute Swan, 12 Woodpigeon, 3 Magpie. Robert Harris,
Tuesday 29th January 2019southerly, clear, max6°c
RSPB West Canvey Marsh/East Haven Creek (from reserve to Flood Barrier and return) 09:07 to 13:52
Reserve: 1 Greenfinch, c.80 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 300+ Wigeon, 16 Redwing, 1 Jay, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Stock Dove, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 7 White-fronted Goose (together from Pantiles Screen), 1 Bearded Tit (heard only), 1 Stonechat (male), 12 Common Gull. East Haven Creek: 1 Kingfisher, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Corn Bunting (with 10 Reed Bunting), 3 Skylark, 3 Grey Plover, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Avocet, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Red Fox. Jeff Kinnerman.
Rayleigh, Fairland Close 12:30
Bumble Bee on white heather flowers outside dining room window. John Attfield.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:30 to 13:50
200+ Canada Geese, 250+ Wigeon, 33 Tufted Duck, 45 Mallard, 7 Goldeneye, 100+ Coot, 26 Cormorant, 5 Mute Swan, 100+ Herring Gull, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 36 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull, 50+ Lapwing, 100+ Starling, 5 Magpie. Robert Harris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 14:30 to 14:45
2 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Common Pheasant, 3 Blackbird, 150+ Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 3 House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, 60+ Woodpigeon, 14 Moorhen. Robert Harris.
North Fambridge 15:00 to 15:55
2 Curlew, 8 Redshank, 6 Teal, 40+ Wigeon, 2 Blackbird, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Blue Tit, 6 Herring Gull, 31 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Monday 28th January 2019north westerly, clear, max7°c
Leigh Golf Range to Benfleet Path 07:40 to 08:30
1 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 1 Magpie, 15 Wigeon, 50+ Teal (small groups along the Ray and on pond by LMBC), 9 Shelduck, 2 Curlew, 25+ Avocet, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen. Sue Lusk.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 09:22 to 15:47
28 Redwing, c.30 Fieldfare, 3 Skylark, 150+ Wigeon, 350+ Lapwing, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Kestrel, 9 Stock Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (female), 3 Dunlin, 67 Pintail, 3 Common Gull, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Curlew, 2 Stonechat (pair), 25 Pochard, 1 Yellowhammer (male, SW of reserve), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 3 Bearded Tit (pair, single male), 1 Mistle Thrush. Jeff Kinnerman.
Great Stambridge 12:25 to 13:25
In the garden for Big Garden Birdwatch: Sightings: 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 6 Collared Dove, 5 Woodpigeon, 2 Stock Dove, 6 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Robin, 5 Blue Tit, 7 Great Tit, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pheasant, 3 House Sparrow, 4 Starling, 3 Blackbird, 1 Magpie. Steve and Ros Sanford.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:10
7 Little Egret, 3 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Grey Heron, 100+ Starling, 70+ Linnet, 100+ Corn Bunting, 6 Common Pheasant, 100+ Woodpigeon, 60+ Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 60+ Redshank, 100+ Lapwing, 100+ Golden Plover, 37 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Magpie, 40+ Carrion Crow. Robert Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 16:00
130 Wigeon, 45+ Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 7 Shelduck, Gadwall, Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier (adult male), 1 Jack Snipe (on sea wall, west side of marsh). David Shepherd.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:30 to 14:45
100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 46 Herring Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 50+ Coot, 12 Cormorant, 6 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan. Robert Harris.
Southend, Priory Park 14:50
1 Kingfisher over pond. Tim Davis.
Billericay Garden 15:03
Song Thrush. Chris Henry.
Sunday 27th January 2019west north west, rain, max7°c
Leigh on Sea 10:00 to 11:00
In the garden for Big Garden Birdwatch: 6 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 11 Starling, 2 Blackbird, 4 Woodpigeon, 2 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow. Sparrowhawk through. Graham Mee.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:00 to 14:20
150+ Canada Geese, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Mallard, 3 Carrion Crow, 36 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 40+ Greylag Geese, 22 Woodpigeon, 1 Grey Heron. Robert Harris.
Saturday 26th January 2019south westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:40 to 11:00
1 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 140+ Teal, c.9 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall [Oozedam Farm], 4 Shoveler [creek], 2 Pochard [Manorway Fleet], 6 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Chaffinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30+ Stock Dove, 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island
Marsh Harrier chasing a flock of Mallard on the north bank of Two Tree Island. Richard Lytheer.
Friday 25th January 2019south westerly, clear, max11°c
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 12:10 to 12:35
1 Common Buzzard, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 18 Moorhen, 500+ Woodpigeon, 9 Blackbird, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Blue Tit, 120+ Carrion Crow, 1 Kestrel. Robert Harris.
Rettendon 15:00 to 15:05
1 Common Buzzard. Robert Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:50 to 16:05
150+ Canada Geese, 23 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Lapwing, 9 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 26 Cormorant. Robert Harris.
Thursday 24th January 2019variable, mostly cloudy, snow shower, max3°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:10 to 12:25
8 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Canada Geese, 60+ Teal, 24 Mallard, 40+ Carrion Crow, 9 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 3 Magpie 30+ Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
North Fambridge 14:00 to 15:20
1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Oystercatcher, 15 Redshank, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Snipe, 15 Redwing, 14 Fieldfare, 4 Greenfinch, 4 Robin, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Blue Tit 2 Dunnock, 18 Blackbird, 2 Mistle Thrush, 30+ Woodpigeon, 6 Collared Dove, 50+ Lapwing, 200+ Canada Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 7 Great Black-backed Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Herring Gull, 40+ Carrion Crow, 5 Magpie. Robert Harris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 16:00 to 16:15
250+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Rook, 1 Common Buzzard 2 Blackbird, 3 Magpie 50+ Woodpigeon, 30+ Moorhen. Robert Harris.
Wednesday 23rd January 2019north north west, mostly cloudy, max3°c
Abberton Reservoir 09:40 to 14:17
Layer Breton Causeway: 10 Egyptian Goose, 2 Goosander (females), 150+ Pochard, 1 Shelduck, 3 Smew (females together), 3 Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier (female). Wigborough Bay/Billets Farm: 1 Goldeneye, 2 Peregrine Falcon (together), 7 Skylark, 1 Golden Plover (calling overhead), 400+ Lapwing, 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel (female). Layer de la Haye Causeway: 1 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander (females), 2 Long-tailed Duck (pair), 2 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 2 Scaup (females together), 1 Redshank. The EWT Reserve: 2 Stonechat (pair, car park), 1 Pintail (drake), 8 Goldeneye, 4 Black-necked Grebe (together, viewed from second hide), 5 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel (male). Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Fairland Close Rayleigh 10:25
Female Blackcap on fat balls outside dining room window. John Attfield
Canvey Island 10:30 to 12:00
1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 120+ Great Crested Grebe, 50+ Cormorant, 2 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 200+ Brent Geese, 1200+ Knot, 500+ Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover, 10 Curlew, 9 Redshank, 3 Turnstone. 1 Grey Seal. Terry Blackwell.
Rochford, Shopland Road 12:00
c.1200 Wood Pigeon up from fields by the equestrian centre. David Selley.
Two Tree Island and Creek 13:15 to 15:00
Massive flock waders mostly Knot and Dunlin, some Grey Plover, 31 Avocet, 95 Redshank, 3 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 15 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron. Denis Warren.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 13:30 to 15:30
More or less continuous westward movement of Wood Pigeon, 1 female Sparrowhawk at 15:30. David Selley.
Tuesday 22nd January 2019west south west, clear, max7°c
Abberton Reservoir 10.00 to 15.00
Great White Egret, Smew (pair), 21 Goosander, 5 Black-necked Grebe, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Ruff, 2 Long-tailed Duck. Red Kite flew over the Woodham Road. J. Attfield, R. Payne, N. Oliver.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park and River Crouch 10:30 to 12:00
20+ Blue Tit, 7 Great Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 (possibly 2) Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Magpie, 4 Redwing, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Carrion Crow, 20+ Woodpigeon, 10+ Collared Dove, 4 Robin, 5 Blackbird. River Crouch: 46 Mute Swan, 15 Mallard, 12 Redshank, 3 Cormorant, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 20 Lapwing. Steve Jellett.
Wickford 12:00 to 12:05
1 Common Buzzard. Robert Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 12:10 to 12:25
84 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 17 Mallard, 3 Teal, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 22 Great Black-backed Gull l00+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 12 Woodpigeon, 37 Cormorant. Robert Harris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 13:50 to 14:15
1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, 12 Moorhen, 40+ Carrion Crow, 33 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Bicknacre, Thrift Wood 14:00 to 15:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 3 Magpie, 10+ Goldfinch, 4 Robin, 10+ Carrion Crow, 20+ Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blackbird, 1 Buzzard (over), 12 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare. Steve Jellett.
Thorpe Bay 15:50
Buff Tailed Bumble Bee feeding on Winter Jasmine. Alec Beanse.
Little Leighs
All day: 2 Coal Tit, many Blue Tit, many Great Tit, Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock below feeder all in garden. Ben & Denise Matz.
Monday 21st January 2019south westerly, partly cloudy, max5°c
Canvey Point 10:00 to 12:15
5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Razorbill, 200+ Great Crested Grebe, 60+ Cormorant, 5 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 30+ Brent Geese, 100+ Dunlin, 200+ Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover. Terry Blackwell.
Little Leighs, Whites Lane and Church Lane 12:00 to 12:30
2 Kingfisher flying low over stream, 1 Little Egret, 1 Goldcrest foraging in pine trees. Also 2 groups of Roe Deer Ben & Denise Matz.
Basildon 12:30
1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare in neighbours rowan tree, 1 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit. Gill Edwards.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 14:30
8 Common Pheasant, 1 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 12 Corn Bunting, 1 Skylark, 6 Mallard, 19 Black-headed Gull, 30 Herring Gull, 50+ Woodpigeon, 1 Redshank. Robert Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 16:00
63 Shoveler, 90+ Wigeon, 30+ Gadwall, Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper. David Shepherd.
Sunday 20th January 2019variable, clear, max5°c
Southchurch Park East 08:40 and 12:45
2 Water Rail just north of footbridge, both feeding on scrape, 1 Water Rail feeding in the usual crooked tree area. Robert Dobinson.
Fobbing and Corringham Marshes/Coryton 08:40 to 12:42
1 Merlin [male atop of tree overlooking Fobbing village, before flying west], 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 60+ Lapwing, 10 Curlew, 1 Grey Plover, c.9 Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 4 Gadwall [Manorway Fleet], 3 Little Grebe [1 creek and 2 Manorway Fleet where 1 heard], 20+ Redwing, 20+ Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Common Buzzard, 3 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler [present Manorway Fleet], 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker ["Fobbing wood"], 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
Prittlewell 09:00
2 Fieldfare in crabapple tree in my garden. J. Goodman.
Southend Pier 10:30 to 13:15
Brent Goose, Eider (x9), Cormorant, Shag, Great Crested Grebe, Sanderling, Turnstone, Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull (included yellow ring 2H71 and white ring 3263), Herring Gull, Carrion Crow. 6 Grey Seal (one with pup). Graham & Kris Mee. See Facebook page for photographs.
History of Colour Ringed Mediterranean Gulls Seen on This Visit
White 3263
29/05/2011 Total, Antwerpen, Antwerpen, BELGIUM 51,15N 4,19E Raepsaert, Arent
12/05/2018 Total, Antwerpen, Antwerpen, BELGIUM 51,15N 4,19E Duponcheel, Camille
20/01/2019 Southend Pier, Essex, GB 51,31N 0,43E Mee, Graham
RSPB Wallasea Island. 12:00-15:00
House Sparrow, Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, 40 Corn Bunting (all in trees by Essex Marina), Fieldfare, Little Egret, Starling, Blackbird, Marsh Harrier, Teal, Shoveler, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, Magpie, 60+ Shelduck, Widgeon, 1 Snipe, Redshank, Buzzard, Common Crow, Skylark, Coot, Pheasant, Meadow Pipit, Canada Goose. Noel Barnes.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:50 to 16:10
300+ Black-headed Gull, 80+ Herring Gull, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull, 70+ Cormorant, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Carrion Crow, 3 Woodpigeon, 7 Mallard, 3 Coot, 100+ Canada Geese, 23 Greylag Geese. Robert Harris.
Saturday 19th January 2019south south east, partly cloudy, max5°c
Eastwood Brook, Comet Way 10:25 to 10:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret. Tim Davis.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:30 to 12:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank. Mick Roe.
Hockley 12:00 to 16:10
2 Coal Tit on garden feeders numerous times. Tim Davis.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 12:30
Grey Wagtail, Wren, many Blue Tit and House Sparrow. Les Costin.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 16:00 to 16:15
5 Coot, 150+ Canada Geese, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 70+ Herring Gull, 2 Mute Swan, 14 Mallard, 14 Teal, 9 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 16 Woodpigeon, 2 Blackbird. Robert Harris.
Friday 18th January 2019south south east, clear, max7°c
Southchurch Park East 08:45 and 12:45
1 Water Rail feeding in reeds close to bank edge, r/hand of crooked tree. Robert Dobinson.
Two Tree Island 09:43 to 13:03
2 Greenfinch, 5 Meadow Pipit, 38 Ringed Plover, 5 Turnstone, 31 Grey Plover, 25 Avocet, 2 Grey Heron, c.150 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe (together, lagoon), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.1000 Dunlin, 1000+ Knot, 102 Curlew, 1 Kestrel (female), 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Fieldfare (together), 4 Little Egret (together), 1 Peregrine Falcon. Jeff Kinnerman.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 13:30
2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Curlew, 9 Redshank, 2 Reed Bunting. 1 Red Fox. Mick Roe.
EWT Warley Place 12:30
1 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Coal Tit, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 21 Blue Tit, 12 Great Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Wren. Lynn Morris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 14:00 to 14:30
4 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 200+ Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 60+ Rook, 23 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Pheasant, 40+ Woodpigeon, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Lapwing. Robert Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:15 to 15:30
50+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 9 Snipe, 3 Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal. David Shepherd.
Thursday 17th January 2019north westerly, clear, max12°c
Hanningfield, EWT Crowsheath Wood 10:00 to 11:30
1 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 10+ Blackbird, 15+ Blue Tit, 20+ Great Tit, 4 Carrion Crow (over), 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 2 Jay, 1 Magpie, 4 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Grey Squirrel. Steve Jellett.
Cherry Orchard Park Lake 12:10
1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker. lynn Morris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:30
Scrape only: 13 Cormorant, 4 Shoveler, 60+ Lapwing (put up by Sparrowhawk), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Grey Heron. David Shepherd.
Shoebury Park 14:00
2 Egyptian Goose, 10 House Sparrow, 15 Black-headed Gull, 3 Woodpigeon, 5 Collared Dove, 1 Blackbird, 1 Magpie, 20+ Mallard, 8 Herring Gull, 4 Moorhen, 2 Coot. Michael Guilford.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:00 to 14:30
200+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese, 1 Blackbird, 2 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 4 Pied Wagtail, 27 Lapwing, 60+ Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 26 Great Black-backed Gull, 70+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40+ Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 40+ Teal, 15 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Benfleet Downs/Hadleigh Castle 14:00 to 16:30
2 Goldcrest near SE corner gate/cattle grid, 1 Marsh Harrier along seawall borrowdyke, 200+ Brent Geese on field between railway and seawall, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, several Wren, countless Woodpigeon on fields and in trees. Peter Bowden.
Wednesday 16th January 2019south south westerly, mostly cloudy, showers, max12°c
RSPB Bowers Marsh 08:20 to 12:06
20 Redwing (together), 50 Pintail, 9 Fieldfare (together), 5 Greenfinch, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 350+ Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 2 Ruff, 1 Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 35 Pochard, 2 Gadwall (pair), 1 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel. Jeff Kinnerman.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:20 to 13:37
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 17 Cormorant, 200+ Lapwing, 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk. Jeff Kinnerman.
Tuesday 15th January 2019south westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Priory Park, Prittlebrook 08:30
Grey Wagtail feeding in brook near Victoria avenue by bridge. Noel Barnes.
Hadleigh Downs 08:48 to 10:54
17 House Sparrow, c.424 Brent Goose (on field), 2 Common Buzzard (together), 2 Stonechat (pair near Castle), 2 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park and River Crouch 10:30 to 12:00
Kendal Park: 2 Jay, 2 Magpie, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 6 Blackbird, 4 Robin, 50+ Woodpigeon, 25+ Collared Dove, 4 Carrion Crow. 6+ Grey Squirrel. River Crouch (towards Battlesbridge): 15+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 9 Lapwing, 58 Mute Swan, 12 Mallard, 30 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher. Steve Jellett.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:50 to 11:20
27 Lapwing - groups of 12, 6, and 9 flying northwest. David Selley.
Hockley Woods 12:17 to 14:12
1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (female), 4 Jay, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:30
2 Barnacle Geese among the Canada's from the causeway. Pete Jackson.
Monday 14th January 2019north westerly, cloudy, showers, max8°c
A127 08:45
Red Kite mobbed by crows and 2 magpies 500m after Laindon turn off London bound. Noel Barnes.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:47 to 11:30
1 Green Sandpiper, c.14 Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 6 Gadwall [Coryton], 2 Shoveler [Coryton], 4 Shelduck, 100+ Lapwing, 13 Curlew, c.9 Redwing, 2 Little Grebe [singles on creek and Manorway Fleet], 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egret, 30+ Stock Dove, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00 to 16:30
200+ Wigeon, 50+ Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, 4 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Shelduck, 18 Lapwing, 2 Marsh Harrier (male and female). David Shepherd.
Little Leighs, Church Lane 14:05
1 Goldcrest in trees at edge of lane. Ben & Denise Matz.
Sunday 13th January 2019westerly (windy), mostly cloudy, max12°c
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:20
8 Great White Egret, 5 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Bewick's Swan, 2 Scaup, 1 Smew (Red Head}, 3 Goldeneye, 130+ Cormorant, 3 Linnet, 50+ Goosander, 100+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Pochard, 100+ Mallard, 60+ Mute Swan, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 2 Swan Geese. Robert Harris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 11:30 to 11:45
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Common Pheasant, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 45 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 4 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch. Robert Harris.
Abberton Reservoir 13:00 to 15:00
1 Great White Egret, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 60+ Goosander, 2 Smew and several Goldeneye. Richard Shepherd.
Southchurch Park 14:45 to 16:15
1 Mute Swan cygnet, after a lot of toing and froing, left the pond between 2.45-4.15pm. Last one of the original 6 this year to leave. Robert Dobinson.
Saturday 12th January 2019westerly, mostly cloudy, max13°c
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 08:30 and 12:45
1 Mute Swan flew off just after dawn, one more flew toward estuary at 8.30am, so 1 cygnet now left to depart the pond, 1 Water Rail in the edge of the reedbed feeding, r/hand of crooked tree. Robert Dobinson.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:00 to 13:15
40+ Mallard, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Herring Gull, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Carrion Crow, 9 Woodpigeon, 19 Canada Geese, 17 Cormorant. Robert Harris.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 14:00 to 14:20
2 Blackbird, 16 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Common Pheasant, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Blue Tit, 8 Moorhen, 36 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Friday 11th January 2019west north west, mostly cloudy, max9°c
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:15
4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200+ Lapwing, 250+ Golden Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Oystercatcher, 60+ Redshank, 100+ Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Shelduck, 50+ Teal, 34 Mallard, 100+ Corn Bunting, 40+ Linnet, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Blackbird, 150+ Woodpigeon, 5 Mute Swan, 16 Carrion Crow, 5 Magpie, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 200+ Starling, 23 Herring Gull, 10 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Pheasant. Robert Harris.
Foulness Island 14:20 to 15:00
2 Common Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, 5 Little Egret, c.50 Fieldfare, c.20 Redwing. Steve Giles.
Wakering Stairs 15:20 to 16:30
48 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Shelduck, 3 Green Sandpiper, a few each of Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew, c.50 Fieldfare, 13 Redwing, 30+ Blackbird, 2 Stonechat, 6 Linnet, 6 Reed Bunting. 1 Grey Seal, 1 Common Seal. David Selley.
Thursday 10th January 2019north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:27 to 11:58
1 Water Rail [seen by end of the north fleet], 1 Kingfisher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 20+ Lapwing, c.10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, c.25 Wigeon, 70+ Teal, 7 Gadwall [Oozedam Fm.], 2 Shoveler [on fleet by east fence], 1 Tufted Duck [Manorway Fleet], 20+ Redwing, 5+ Fieldfare, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler [present Manorway Fleet], 1 Little Grebe [Manorway Fleet], 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
RHS Hyde Hall Garden 12:00 to 14:40
3 Little Grebe and 9 Gadwall on the "new" lake, 65 Fieldfare, 7 Mistle Thrush, 9 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush. David Selley.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 13:10 to 13:25
9 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Common Pheasant, 12 Blackbird, 5 Blue Tit, 100+ Woodpigeon, 16 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard. Robert Harris.
A130 14:15
1 Short-eared Owl perched in roadside bushes south side half way between Rettendon and Chelmsford. Denis Warren.
North Fambridge 14:30 to 14:50
16 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 33 Dunlin, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 1 Little Grebe, 60+ Brent Geese, 16 Herring Gull, 4 Collared Dove, 5 Blackbird, 40+ Woodpigeon, 2 Great Tit, 5 Magpie, 3 Carrion Crow. Robert Harris.
Rayleigh Weir 15:20
10 Siskin feeding on birch catkins on the north side of Homebase car park, (by the ambulance station). David Selley.
Wednesday 09th January 2019north north westerly, partly cloudy, max6°c
RSPB Bowers Marsh 09:47 to 14:48
2 Song Thrush, 1 Jay, c.30 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 White-fronted Goose (with Greylag and Canada Geese), 275 Lapwing, 17 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 5 Greenfinch (together), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Skylark, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Marsh Harrier, 27 Pochard, 7 Pintail (three drakes, four females), 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Bearded Tit (male), 2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel (female), 2 Yellowhammer (pair, SW of reserve), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 Red Fox. Jeff Kinnerman, David Lee.
Canvey Point 11:10 to 13:00
12 Red-throated Diver, 170+ Great Crested Grebe, 50+ Brent Geese, 70 Knot, 500+ Dunlin, 30 Grey Plover, 8 Redshank, 10 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 25+ Cormorant, 1 Peregrine Falcon. 4 Common Seal. Terry Blackwell.
Two Tree Island 14:00 to 15:30
Massive flock of 2000-3000 Knot and Dunlin with some Grey Plover and Turnstone, 30 Redshank, 8 Avocet all on the scrape, c.100 Brent Geese on the adjoining creek, 6 Pochard, 15 Teal, 2 Curlew, 1 Marsh Harrier. Denis Warren.
Foulness Island 15:00 to 15:30
Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Kingfisher, c.250 each of Lapwing and Golden Plover in same field. Steve Giles.
Tuesday 08th January 2019north westerly, clear, max9°c
Hadleigh Castle, West Side Downs 11:00 to 12:30
4 Greenfinch, 3 Dunnock, 12 Blackbird, 3 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Jay, 4 Magpie, 7 Moorhen, 2 Coot. 2 Rabbit. Denis Warren.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30
Lapwing heard but not seen, 10+ Curlew on marsh, 2 Teal, 3 Wigeon, large flock of Rook and Jackdaw in flight. Gill Edwards.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 13:45 to 15:30
6 Mallard, 25 Teal, 16 Pochard, 8 Pintail, c.100 Canada Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, c.400 Lapwing, 8 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 Blackbird, Bearded Tit (heard), c.50 Starling. Denis Warren.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:30 to 14:50
2 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Great Black=backed Gull, 24 Shoveler, 32 Mallard, 5 Coot, 36 Teal, 60+ Cormorant, 300+ Woodpigeon, 2 Carrion Crow, 250+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese. Robert Harris.
Monday 07th January 2019west south west, mostly cloudy, max11°c
Hockley 08:45
Merlin flying low over stubble fields hunting Meadow Pipits. Neil Latham.
Canvey Point 13:10 to 14:45
5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Black-throated Diver, 1 Razorbill, 4 Guillemot, 6 Gannet, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 200+ Great Crested Grebe. Terry Blackwell.
Hanningfield, EWT Crowsheath Wood 14:00
Siskins in the trees feeding and a stock dove in the same tree. Gareth Powell.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 14:30 to 14:50
1 Common Buzzard, 300+ Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 2 Blackbird, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Common Pheasant, 1 Blue Tit, 24 Moorhen, 100+ Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
North Fambridge 15:40 to 16:00
2 Blackbird, 15 Woodpigeon, 1 Meadow Pipit, 80+ Dunlin, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, 40+ Golden Plover, 50+ Lapwing, 60+ Wigeon, 25 Herring Gull, 2 Redshank. Robert Harris.
Sunday 06th January 2019variable, mostly cloudy, max8°c
Canvey Point 08:50 to 11:40
23 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 23 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 1 Guillemot, 220+ Great Crested Grebe. Terry Blackwell.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:55 to 11:30
15+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 5 Gadwall [Coryton], 6 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck [Manorway Fleet], 10+ Shelduck, 300+ Lapwing, 8 Curlew, 20+ Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe [Manorway Fleet], 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 13:00 to 15:00
7 White-fronted Geese (by pools, seen from 1st gate nr picnic tables), many Canada and Greylag Geese, 30+ Fieldfare, 4 Marsh Harrier (at least 2 birds male and female), 12+ Pintail, 20+ Pochard, many Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 2 Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal. Peter Bowden.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:30 to 14:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Mick Roe.
Woodham Edwin Hall Lane/Crow Lane 14:50 to 15:05
250+ Woodpigeon, 200+ Carrion Crow, 3 Moorhen, 3 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Common Pheasant, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, Dunnock. Robert Harris.
Saturday 05th January 2019north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
Canvey Point 08:50 to 11:15
45 Gannet, 21 Red-throated Diver (one in summer Plumage), 4 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 200+ Great Crested Grebe. Terry Blackwell.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 11:30 to 11:45
50+ Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Gadwall, 50+ Mallard, 21 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 60+ Teal, 40+ Shoveler, 6 Lapwing, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Barnacle Geese, 300+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Woodpigeon, 36 Cormorant, 140+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan. Robert Harris.
Friday 04th January 2019westerly, mostly cloudy, max4°c
Chelmsford, High Street 07:05
c.200 Pied Wagtail roosting in tree outside Debenhams. Tim Davis.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:00pm to 12:40
Young female Mute Swan with a red ring on its right leg, 1 Water Rail walking around the left hand side on top of the grass bank/usual area, in clear view 15ft away. Robert Dobinson.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:50 to 11:28
20+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 7 Gadwall [Coryton], 1 Shoveler [Coryton], 1 Tufted Duck [Manorway Fleet], 100+ Lapwing, 6 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Stonechat, 20+ Redwing, 7 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Skylark, 4 Little Grebe [2 each on creek and Manorway Fleet], 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 10:25 to 12:42
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Greenfinch (together), 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail. 1 Red Fox. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Foulness Island 10:50 to 11:00
Ringtail Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, c.50 Fieldfare. Steve Giles.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:00 to 13:15
4 Carrion Crow, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 70 Herring Gull, 11 Great Black-backed Gull, 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Greenshank, 24 Shoveler, 27 Teal, 50+ Canada Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 60+ Cormorant, 4 Magpie, 14 Mallard, 9 Woodpigeon. Robert Harris.
Eastwood Brook 13:11 to 13:31
1 Kingfisher. Jeff Kinnerman, Scott Ambrose.
Terling, Owls Hill 13:50
1 Red Kite being mobbed by Jackdaws. Ben and Denise Matz.
Rettendon 15:00 to 15:05
2 Kestrel, 8 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 3 Carrion Crow. Robert Harris.
Wakering Stairs 15:30 to 16:05
1 Buzzard, 40 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler. David Selley.
Barling, Barrow Hall Road 16:15
1 Kestrel and 1 Little Owl sitting on adjacent roadside telephone poles. David Selley.
Thursday 03rd January 2019north westerly, partly cloudy, max6°c
Canvey Point 08:30 to 11:15
27 Gannet (all actively feeding), 14 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Eider, 3 Shelduck, 200+ Great Crested Grebe (1 group of 181), 100+ Brent Geese, 20+ Cormorant. 5 Common Seal. Terry Blackwell.
Southchurch Park and Southchurch East Park 08:30 to 16:15
3 young Mute Swan (interlopers) doing circuits of both parks, 1 Mute Swan male from S. East Pk on estuary & flying back, 1 lone adult Mute Swan also offshore, so maybe a new pair for S. East Pk forming. 5 Mute Swan cygnets from Southchurch Park on estuary somewhere 12.40 to mid afternoon, on returning two adults Swans starting to chase cygnets from pond. Robert Dobinson.
River Roach (N), Coombes Farm to Paglesham Lagoon via Bartonhall Creek and return 09:07 to 16:00
9 Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel, 4 Jay, 2 Mistle Thrush, 16 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 280 Dunlin, 18 Meadow Pipit (together), 51 Curlew, 150+ Wigeon, 150+ Teal, 1 Green Woodpecker, 500+ Lapwing, 230 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 40+ Turnstone, 22 Brent Goose, 5 Fieldfare, 12 Common Snipe, 1 Kingfisher (Bartonhall Creek), 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Common Buzzard, 115 Avocet, 8 Goldeneye, 230 Black-tailed Godwit, 156 Pochard (lagoon), 4 Pintail (lagoon), c.50 Gadwall (lagoon), 1 Stonechat (male, Hampton Barns), 51 Curlew, 30 Knot, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier (male), 11 Corn Bunting (together), 1 Bee (species). Jeff Kinnerman.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 15:00
100+ Teal, 60+ Wigeon, 37 Shoveler, 12 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 9 Snipe, 6 Redshank, Gadwall. David Shepherd.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 15:30
1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier (female, 1 with fresh kill on ground), 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrel. Mike Sagrott.
Hockley 14:30
6 Common Buzzard circling together, slowly moving south. Neil Latham.
Wednesday 02nd January 2019north north westerly, mostly cloudy, max7°c
Canvey Point 08:40 to 11:15
24 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 16 Gannet, 1 Guillemot, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 160 Great Crested Grebe, 200+ Brent Geese. Terry Blackwell.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:55 to 11:30
1 Whimbrel, 1 Kingfisher [Manorway Fleet], 60+ Teal, 8 Gadwall [Coryton], 1 Shoveler [Coryton], 70+ Lapwing, 5 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe [Manorway Fleet], 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 2 Mute Swan. Richard Fahey.
Southend High Street 10:25
1 Peregrine Falcon over calling. Jeff Kinnerman.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00 to 12:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 2 Redshank. Mick Roe.
EWT Blue House Farm 12:00 to 15:00
5 Bewick's Swan, first heard coming in from the south calling, they circled around the scrape then landed. 1000+ Golden Plover, 500+ Lapwing, several Marsh Harrier sightings. 2 Yellowhammer. 30+ Curlew. Shelduck, Greylag, Canada and Barnacle Geese. Peter Bowden.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 12:40 to 12:50
1 Water Rail feeding in reeds close to collapsed grass bank in the usual area, 5 Mute Swan cygnets out on the estuary. Robert Dobinson.
Southend Pier 14:00 to 15:30
4 Gannet, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, flocks of Knot and Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow. 1 Grey Seal (close to pierhead), 1 Common Seal. Ross Gardner.
Tuesday 01st January 2019westerly, partly cloudy, max13°c
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 08:18 to 08:30
5 Mute Swan cygnets taking off from park and doing circuits of area for 5 minutes before landing, 1 Water Rail feeding around right-hand of grass bank/crooked tree, 3 Teal landing on pond. Robert Dobinson.
Canvey Point 13:00 to 14:00
1000+ Knot, 500+ Dunlin, 100+ Oystercatcher, 5 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 152 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon. Terry Blackwell.