Bird Reports for July 2011
Sunday 31st July 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 05:15 to 07:45
Kestrel, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler (adult feeding fledgling), Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Swift, Moorhen, Mallard, Cormorant. Disturbed water and bubble trails at Springfield Lock 'may' have been one of the Otters reported on Friday but no sighting of the animal to confirm - impression was of quite a large animal though. Paul Forsdick.
Stanford-Le-Hope, Corner of Corringham Road and Billet Lane 07:15
Hobby flew north. Richard Michael.
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:55 to 10:10
3 Spotted Redshank including grey juvenile on small lagoon, c.5 Greenshank on small lagoon, c.7 Green Sandpiper, c.3 Common Sandpiper, Cetti's Warbler in bush on west side, 3 Little Egret, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 12:00
65 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard high to the north east, 4 Common Sandpiper on the river Roach, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd summer), 6 Common Tern, 1 Wheatear along east embankment. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wallasea Island 10:00 to 12:30
16 Little Egret, 1 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Hobby - the Hobby being noisily harassed by the Peregrine, 27 Sand Martin going south, 6 Skylark, 60+ Yellow Wagtail (more than half juveniles), 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Brown Hare. David Selley.
Hadleigh Marshes, 11:20 to 13:20
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 4 Common Lizard in grass by pond plus at least 5 Rosel's Bush Crickets, 5 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 3 Migrant Hawker, 2 Brown Hawker along a ride up on the Downs. Benfleet Downs: 3 male Southern Migrant Hawker in ditch 100 metres east of usual pond. One holding territory and almost constantly on view was joined occasionally by two others for a bit of a fight! 4 Emperor Dragonfly, 10 Ruddy Darter. John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham, 12:10
1 Little Owl along East Hall Lane by the disused barns. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 15:00 to 15:10
1 Purple Hairstreak well worn individual was a surprise visitor to the garden! Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:20 to 16:45
1 Hobby over the downs, 30 Marsh Frog, 3 Emerald Damselfly, 15 Small Red-eyed Damselfly, 2 Azure Damselfly, 8 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 2 Brown Hawker, 1 male Southern Migrant Hawker in ditch north-east of main pool, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 2 Common Darter, 15 Ruddy Darter, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 3 Speckled Wood, 20 Gatekeeper, 10 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:30 to 17:15
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 18:30 to 20:15
2 Little Grebe (adult and juvenile), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island 19:00 to 19:30
1 Little Egret, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 9 Yellow Wagtail (mainly juveniles), 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 7 Corn Bunting, 50+ Starling (mainly juveniles}, 6 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Saturday 30th July 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 05:00 to 09:15
1 Avocet, 1 Ruff (rufous juvenile), 38 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank (1 summer plumage), 3 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 7 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canvey Point, 10:35 to 11:35
Out on the point, rising tide: 21 Little Egret roosting on salt marsh, 48 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Turnstone, 12 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Tern (at least), 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:50 to 12:25
From roadside hide only: 15 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, 5 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Tern. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:55 to 12:50
5 Little Egret, 1 Ruff, 70 Black-tailed Godwit (at least), 3 Spotted Redshank, 9 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd summer). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Island, Charfleets 12:30 to 12:40
Sparrowhawk seen taking prey (possibly Starling) and eating on top of garages. Craig Johnson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:15 to 15:10
32 Little Egret on the lake, 2 Hobby hunting in front of the centre hide overlooking the lake before heading off north east, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull (pristine juvenile in amongst large gull flock roosting on edge of lake). Steve Arlow garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 16:00
5 Kestrel, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear (an early bird just north of the concrete track, two ploughed fields in from the east end), 10 Corn Bunting in one flock. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford, 16:20 to 16:30
1 Hobby circling high over garden, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 1st summer north west over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belton Hills, 22:00 to 22:45
36 Glow Worms along Belton Way. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Friday 29th July 2011
Chelmsford, River Chelmer 07:30
3 Otters (1 adult and 2 young). Sue Haffenden.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:15 to 16:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon on and around Portcullis House most of day. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:50 to 12:00
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Cliff Road, 16:00
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 18:45
1 Little Egret flying high north over Hall Road / Cherry Orchard Way roundabout. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:25
1 female Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:45 to 21:00
2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Ruff, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 9 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 25 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
River Roach c.10:00
Report of 6 Dolphin. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Thursday 28th July 2011
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:10
3 Grey Wagtail at park lake. Also seen in area: Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Song Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:00 to 14:30
1 female Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Avocet, Cormorant, Stock Dove, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Teal, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Collared Dove, Common Sandpiper, Jay, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap. Terry Jeffreys.
Southend Airport, 17:00 to 20:00
4 Sparrowhawk (a very vocal family party. Looked to be a pair with 2 fledged young. The male attacked a Mallard in flight but failed as the Mallard dived into the pond), 1 male Kestrel being mobbed by the Sparrowhawks, 4 Moorhen (a pair with 2+ young), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:30
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 27th July 2011
Cherry Orchard Lane, 08:05 to 08:05
1 Sparrowhawk with prey. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue, 10:00 to 16:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon on and around Portcullis House throughout day. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 18:30
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:50 to 21:00
11 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 3 Oystercatcher, 27 Lapwing, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Spotted Redshank, 12 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 11 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2nd summer), 2 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Tuesday 26th July 2011
Thorpe Greenways School 08:10
One Red-legged Partridge scuttling around in the front of Thorpe Greenways School. Alec Beanse.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 10:00 to 13:00
8 Green Sandpiper, 17 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 50+ Lapwing, 8 Little Egret, 4 Heron, 10 Cormorant, 2 Common Tern, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, 2 Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Goldfinch, Blue Tit. Hilary Knight.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 19:30 to 19:45
2 Green Woodpecker at Clements Hall. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 21:10 to 22:30
1 Song Thrush. 8 Common Pipistrelle (including 2 Soprano). Paul Baker, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Monday 25th July 2011
Rochford, Craven Close, Golden Cross, 06:15
1 female Sparrowhawk busy devouring a Collared Dove which it had presumably caught a little earlier. Flew off with the carcass around 06.23. Richard Goring.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09:00 to 12:30
Point Hide: 4 Egyptian Geese, 1 Common Tern. Oak Hide: 6 Common Tern. Walkabout: Comma, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Meadow Brown. Chris Henry.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:30 to 09:45
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker again. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Downs 10:00 to 13:30
Two families of Bullfinch and, amazingly, an adult Kittiwake that flew over us heading west calling merrily as it went. Very similar invertebrate list to Dudley with the addition of three Volucella hoverfly species, a huge female Great Green Bushcricket, 9 Brown Argus, the groovy fly Tachina fera. I shall post some images at www.elbf.co.uk on the other Essex wildlife page. Howard Vaughan.
Hadleigh Downs, 10:40 to 13:30
1 Little Grebe, 6 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap. 1 Emerald Damselfly, 2 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 7 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 5 Migrant Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker, 1 Brown Hawker, 5 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 10+ Common Darter, 2 Ruddy Darter, 5 Small Skipper, 3 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 10+ Common Blue, 6 Red Admiral, 3 Comma, 5 Marbled White, 20+ Gatekeeper. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 18:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over north end of the lane. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:30 to 19:45
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Belton Hills, 21:30 to 22:25
32 Glow Worms by the roadside walking up Belton Way. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Sunday 24th July 2011
Westcliff Seafront, 09:00 to 09:20
4 Mediterranean Gull (adult, 2 2nd year and juvenile). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southend Seafront, 10:30 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 91 Mediterranean Gull (with at least 10 juveniles). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford, 13:00 to 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hobby, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 20 Swift, 30 House Martin. 1 Holly Blue, 1 Gatekeeper. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hadleigh Marshes, 14:00 to 15:20
1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Migrant Hawker, 1 male Southern Migrant Hawker circling the northern side of the rectangular pond, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Common Darter, 8 Ruddy Darter, 1 Marbled White. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
1 Little Egret in the brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 17:30 to 19:00
2 Marsh Harrier (one adult female one immature), 2 Kestrel, 20+ Mediterranean Gull in a very large anting gull flock, 5 Turtle Dove including 2 juveniles, 435 Oystercatcher, 15 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 12 Common Tern (most carrying food), 1 Green Woodpecker, 19 Swallow, 70 Sand Martin (flock passing Haven Point), 11 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Yellow Wagtail (all juveniles), 33 Greenfinch (mostly juveniles), 3 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Thousands of Seven Spot Ladybirds all along the seawall. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 21:30 to 21:50
1 Common Pipistrelle. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 23rd July 2011
Canvey Point, 05:25 to 07:20
26 Shelduck, 1 drake Common Scoter flew east, 10 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone, 20 Common Tern. 1 Common Seal, 5 Gatekeeper. Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:40 to 08:30
16 Avocet, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 10 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 1 Reed Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers, Tim Bourne, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 09:00 to 12:00
3 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew, 2 Common Tern, 14 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin, 3 Turtle Dove, 2 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail (4 juveniles), 10 Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat, 16 Linnet, 8 Greenfinch. David Selley.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve North Fambridge 10:00 to 15:00
15 Little Egret, 3 Wigeon, Egyptian Goose (20th), 3 Turtle Dove, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, 3 Barn Owl, Mediterranean Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, 7 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, Whimbrel, 83 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Sand Martin moving south. 1st Southern Hawker of the year. Graham Smith.
Two Tree Island (West), 12:30 to 13:00
1 Hobby, 3 Sand Martin. 33 Pyramidal Orchids past their best. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 15:30
1 adult Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 16:00 to 21:00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
Turtle Dove, Common Pheasant (male and female), 2 Marsh Harrier (1 male, 1 female) both showing really well, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Hobby distant, 3 Redstart (1 male, 2 female), 9 Bearded Tit, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Little Egret, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Pink-footed Geese, Greylag Geese, possible Bean Goose, Common Tern, Shelduck, Swift, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer (heard), Cetti's Warbler, (heard). Jim Bailey, Mark Tutte.
Wallasea Island 20:30 to 20:15
1 Kestrel, 3 Barn Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier. Rob Harris.
Wyatts Drive
Chaffinch calling all day since the 10th! Alec Beanse.
Friday 22nd July 2011
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 16:30
7 Mediterranean Gull, 1 adult Black Tern 
(summer plumage), 1 Guillemot, 2 Yellow Wagtail along the sea wall. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 16:00 to 16:30
3 Mediterranean Gull (hoods fading already). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:00 to 18:00
5 Little Egret, 1 Shoveler, 2 Marsh Harrier (female and immature over Havengore), 5 Kestrel (2 on Fleet Head, remainder over Potton/Havengore), 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 30 Greenshank (24 roosting on 'Avocet pool', 6 in the Middleway), 9 Green Sandpiper on the Fleet, 6 Common Sandpiper all around edge of Potton Creek, 1 Common Tern, 2 Little Owl together on dung heap by barn, viewable from main footpath, 8 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting (singing). Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:15 to 16:30
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder again. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:15 to 17:45
Scrape only: 12 Tufted Duck (2 females with two separate broods of 3 and 7), 12 Avocet (7 adults, 5 juveniles), 4 Common Tern (pair with 2 juveniles. N.B. Juveniles will soon be fledged, plenty of wing flapping going on this evening), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap in song, 3 juvenile Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 19:00 to 20:30
3 Little Grebe (adult + 2 juveniles), 1 Swift, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:15
1 female Sparrowhawk low north. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 21st July 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 07:30 to 07:45
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder again. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:15
2 Green Woodpecker (adult and juvenile), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Greenfinch, Wren, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon (on nest), House Sparrow, Turtle Dove (purring), 3 Common Tern (female + 2 juveniles), 2 Great Crested Grebe (including 1 juvenile), Little Egret, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, 2 Reed Warbler, Magpie, Starling, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, female Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck (female + 5 juveniles), Blackbird, Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 3 Mute Swan, 5 Avocet, 2 Blackcap, 6 Swift, Greenshank, Green Woodpecker (heard), Mediterranean Gull, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, 30+ Rook, 21 Canada Goose, Collared Dove. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 17:30
1 Balearic Shearwater (Superb dark phase individual, close inshore - west at 15:15 and back east at 15:35 and out along Westcliff and Southend Seafront), 2 Gannet, 45 Common Scoter (mostly males), 6 Sandwich Tern (including 1 juvenile), 100 Common Tern (a few juveniles). 1 Common Seal, 2 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wednesday 20th July 2011
Coombe Wood, 07:15 to 07:30
Hummingbird Hawk-moth on buddleia in garden this morning. 2 Mistle Thrush. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Benfleet, 09:25
1 Hobby taking a Swift, low over Tesco Express at Tarpots. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 18:10
1 juvenile Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 19th July 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 06:45
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 09:30 to 09:50
2 Coal Tit again, in gardens on east side of the wood. Jeff Saward (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10:25 to 12:40
Buzzard over Blue House Farm, 2 Marsh Harrier (1f,1m), Whimbrel, 12 Yellow Wagtail all juveniles, 5 Swift, 3 Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 5 Reed Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, c.100 Curlew, 4 Little Grebe two were juveniles, 4 Corn Bunting, 6 Little Egret, Common Tern, 15 Common Whitethroat many juveniles. Ray Fuller.
Applerow, Eastwood, 11:45
1 female Sparrowhawk hunting low over rooftops. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 13:30 to 14:15
1 immature Moorhen, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in moult, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet c.17:00
1 male Sparrowhawk tried to take baby Blue Tit from bird feeder in my garden. Jerry Stock.
Monday 18th July 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:45
1 Little Egret in the brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford, Golden Cross 08:50
4 Mistle Thrush. Two adults feeding two juveniles in the roadside oak outside the Olde Sweete Shoppe! David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:35 to 18:45
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 17th July 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:05 to 07:10
1 Ruff, 8 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 7 Green Sandpiper, 100 Swift (over Fobbing Marsh), 2 Sand Martin, 4 Reed Warbler (3 singing), 2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea 06:15 to 17:40
Roe deer female. Phil Shaw.
Stanford Warren/Mucking 07:50 to 10:00
Hobby, Turtle Dove flew over, 3 Common Tern including a juvenile, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker herad, c.30 Linnet. Richard Fahey.
Ashingdon, The Chase and Rouncefall 10:00 to 11:15
4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Heron, c.60 Rook and 45 Jackdaw on field just south of Rouncefall mast, 7 Swallow, 1 Kestrel. Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Peacock butterflies. David Selley.
Blatches Farm, 10:30 to 12:00
3 Stock Dove, 20+ Swift, 12 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Redstart (small group flying at some distance disappeared near Blatches Farm?), 4 Whitethroat, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 male Banded Demoiselle. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:20 to 15:45
Scrape only: 13 Avocet (8 adults, 5 juveniles), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, 7 Bearded Tit (2 family parties 2 males and 5 juveniles). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet 18:30
1 Coal Tit in my garden (first reappearance since January). Jerry Stock.
Saturday 16th July 2011
Chelmsford: Baddow Meads Area 07:30 to 09:30
Species seen on (very wet!) walk around Baddow Meads and neighbouring Manor Farm: Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Starling, Sparrowhawk, Carrion Crow, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Red-legged Partridge, Black-headed Gull, Swift, Magpie. Paul Forsdick.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 11:30
1 Little Egret flew over in a northerly direction. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:20
1 Little Egret flew west along brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:10 to 19:20
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker again on peatnut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pages Wood, Harold Hill 19:30
flock of 30-40 Ring-necked Parakeet in parkland near Pages Wood. Stephen.
Thundersley Glen, 21:00
1 Chinese Muntjac. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Friday 15th July 2011
Rochford 06:50 to 07:30
30+ Swift screaming low around nest sites, 45+ House Martin with visible and audible young in nests. David Selley.
Coombe Wood, 09:15 to 09:20
2 Coal Tit in trees in my garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00 to 12:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House with prey. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:10 to 12:35
Scrape only: 7 Grey Heron, 6 Tufted Duck (1 adult female with brood of 5. Scarce local breeding species), 13 Avocet (including 5 juveniles), 4 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Common Tern (1 adult, 2 juveniles), 2 Bearded Tit (heard). Marc Outten (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:45 to 14:35
2 Little Egret, 1 female Sparrowhawk with prey, 8 Avocet, 59 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 148 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 10 Spotted Redshank, 13 Redshank, 17 Greenshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 9 Common Sandpiper, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1 adult, 1 juvenile), 1 Yellowhammer heard over on Goldings Farm. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:25
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:00 to 16:30
1 Peregrine Falcon hunting out over the river, 1 adult Sandwich Tern, 1 Sand Martin heading south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:20 to 17:20
1 Little Egret flew low east along brook, first one here for several months. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 14th July 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Little Egret, female Sparrowhawk, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Cormorant, Reed Warbler, Little Grebe, Avocet, Common Tern, Grey Heron, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Blackcap, Collared Dove. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:55 to 21:00
9 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 3 male Ruff, 2 Snipe, 104 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 11 Green Sandpiper, 20 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Red Fox paddling around in the shallow water right out in the middle of the marsh, much to the annoyance of the waders. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:25 to 18:35
1 immature Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder again. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 13th July 2011
Paglesham Churchend, 21:00 to 21:40
1 Quail calling from pea field several times, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 4 Corn Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG). Note: We have received the following notification "Information for local birdwatchers. The pea fields at Paglesham Churchend are currently being harvested, unsurprisingly no sign of Quail". Ed
Tuesday 12th July 2011
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:00 to 15:00
Buzzard, 3 Barn Owl, Mediterranean Gull, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Avocet, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, Wheatear - very spotty juvenile with down still attached to underparts! Bearded Tit. Lapwing (28 pairs bred, 20 young reared, a success rate of around 0.7 - 0.8 per pair, the worst showing (due to fox predation) for at least five years but just sufficient to sustain the population). Yellow-winged Darter on 11th. Graham Smith.
Rayleigh Mount, 11:30 to 12:30
2 Mallard (first year birds), 1 Moorhen, 2 Great Black-backed Gull flew over, 3 Song Thrush, 3 male Blackcap, 2 male Chiffchaff, 2 Jay. 1 Small Skipper, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 11th July 2011
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:10 to 07:15
3 Grey Wagtail - one male, one female and one juvenile at paved area at narrow end of lake. Also seen: Mallard, Woodpigeon, Coot, Moorhen, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Black-headed Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:30 to 15:00
8 Grey Heron, 20 Avocet (on the scrape 12 adult + 8 juveniles), 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Common Tern (2 adult, 2 chicks out of the nest finally), 1 Turtle Dove purring in the scrub behind the reserves office, 4 Bearded Tit (juveniles), 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Ballards Gore, 10:30
1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier harassing the buzzard south from Paglesham Road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:35 to 18:30
10 Avocet, 3 Ruff, 97 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 6 Spotted Redshank, 12 Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 9 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Maldon, Fambridge Road, Royal Oak Car park 15:45
Corncrake, heard only, unable to locate despite sounding close in the field of wheat behind the pub. Ray Britton.
Hadleigh Marshes, 16:00 to 17:30
1 Hobby, 70 Small Skipper, 30 Essex Skipper, 5 Large Skipper, 3 White-letter Hairstreak (all very tatty), 2 Common Blue, 3 Comma, 1 Wall on buddleia at east end St Marys Road, 50 Marbled White, 1 Gatekeeper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:40
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:40 to 19:20
1 Greenshank (scrape), 4 Turtle Dove flying around together south of main hide, then on wires over fleet, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 1 Marbled White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 20:20 to 21:20
2 Little Egret, 1+ Quail calling every 5 minutes or so from pea field, 1 male Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3+ Linnet, c.8 Corn Bunting. 2+ Northern Water Vole showing very well in brackish dyke. Paul Baker, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Ballards Gore, 21:35
1 Little Owl atop telegraph pole opposite golf club. Paul Baker, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Sunday 10th July 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:50 to 08:10
5 Little Egret, 7 Oystercatcher, 5 Avocet, 2 Dunlin, 4 Ruff, 32 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, 9 Spotted Redshank, 7 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:10 to 09:50
1 Ruff, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat, Hobby, c.15 Curlew, c.8 Teal, 4 Stock Dove, juvenile Yellow Wagtail. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 11:00
1 Bearded Tit briefly seen as it flew into reeds calling, c.8 Avocet with c.4 chicks, c.4 Common Tern, Tufted Duck with 9 ducklings, 2 Little Egret. Richard Fahey.
Paglesham Eastend 10:00 to 12:00
30 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Skylark, 35+ Yellow Wagtail (mostly juveniles) around the small pond by the mouth of Paglesham Creek, 7 Reed Bunting (5 singing males), 2 Linnet, 4 Corn Bunting. Also Red Admiral, many Peacock, very many Whites (large and small), 1 Painted Lady, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet, Small and/or Essex Skipper. David Selley.
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
3 Kestrel (one seen to catch two young water voles in quick succession, only bothered to eat the head of the first before catching the second), 8 Avocet (6 south-west borrowdyke, 2 wetlands), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (spectacular full summer plumaged bird on wetlands), 12 Whimbrel (wetlands), 8 Greenshank (south-west borrowdyke), 7 Green Sandpiper (south-west borrowdyke), 1 Little Tern (juvenile on wetlands), 50+ Yellow Wagtail (lots of juveniles all over island, looks like a really good breeding season), 3 Sedge Warbler (singing from rape at east end), c.25 Linnet (family groups near haystack). 5 Essex Skipper, 400 Large White (huge hatch along sea wall), 4 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Gatekeeper (first of the year for me), 50 Meadow Brown. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 11:00 to 11:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Hobby being mobbed by Swallows, 1 Common Tern, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Whitethroat, c.6 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Quail singing in pea field. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 14:30 to 15:30
2 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 16:00 to 17:00
3 Quail (at least 2 birds counter singing from pea field but almost certainly three), 2 Cuckoo (adults feeding on moth caterpillars in the salt marsh, possibly ground lackeys), 1 Marbled White (my first local record in grass at edge of salt marsh near Wallasea causeway). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island 18:00 to 19:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egret, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Linnet (male and female), 9 Corn Bunting, 5 Skylark, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 50+ Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.
Paglesham Eastend, 19:00 to 22:00
2 Tawny Owl (adult and young calling from trees by Plough and Sail). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:30 to 21:30
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying north-east along the coast, 1 1st summer male Marsh Harrier on Havengore Island, 4 Kestrel on Havengore Island, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Little Ringed Plover (pair plus 2 juveniles at Haven Point), 5 Black-tailed Godwit (high, flying south-west, probably actively migrating), 7 Mediterranean Gull (4 Ad, 2 2nd S, 1 1st S ), 4+ Turtle Dove (4 flying around together plus a couple, possibly different, doing display flights), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 19:55 to 20:40
1 Quail singing fairly distantly to south-east, 1 Turtle Dove purring from west of the sluice, 160 Swift feeding high over fields, then moved off east, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Whitethroat (including several juveniles), 7 Corn Bunting (including 2 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 09th July 2011
Wallasea Island 08.45
1 Marsh Harrier in drainage ditch near straw bales then flew towards the eastern wall. 1 Kestrel hovering on grassland just to right of main entrance. There were a pair there hunting together last night. Paul Dunt.
Rochford, Golden Cross, 08:00 and 08:40
1 female Sparrowhawk. At 08:00 was standing below and watching our bird feeders. At 08:40 returned and caught a Sparrow, which it plucked on our lawn before flying away with it. Richard Goring.
Corringham Town Centre 13:15
Hobby going south. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 18:00 to 18:30
18 Avocet (11 adults, 7 chicks), 2 Oystercatcher + chick, 2 Common Tern, 20 Little Egret and 20 Grey Heron in tree roost, family of 5 Bearded Tit showing well, 1 Hobby flew low over scrape, 2 Pochard, Coot, Goldfinch, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, 2 Stock Dove, Reed Warbler, Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, 1 Mediterranean Gull. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon Hills
Long-tailed Tit, Green Woodpecker, Mallard, Pheasant, Black-headed Gull, Great Tit, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Crow, Coot, Jay, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Kestrel, Buzzard. Essex Wildlife Trust.
Friday 08th July 2011
Paglesham Churchend, 08:00 to 09:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 1 Quail (possibly 2 in the set aside field but mostly distant). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southend, Baxter Avenue 10:00 to 12:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on and around Portcullis House through most of the morning. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, Wyatts Drive 10:05
One adult and one juvenile Green Woodpecker feeding on lawn. Alec Beanse (http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/zuhmevlox/Southend/Woodies.jpg).
Leigh on Sea, Prittle Brook, 14:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male and juvenile, on feeder in garden). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Thursday 07th July 2011
Paglesham Churchend, 04:00 to 05:00
2 Quail (taking concrete footpath 100m west of Punch Bowl to sea wall. One very close to north-west edge of pea field 0422hrs onwards and one distantly further east from there), 1 Turtle Dove on roadside wires, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 05:40 to 05:45
1 Little Owl opposite north end of Cherry Orchard Lane on telegraph pole in grounds of Rectory Cottage. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 08:45 to 10:30
2 Quail calling from same field. One mobile along Northern field margin, showed well (for a quail!) in north-west corner before being flushed by a walker then flew east c200m; the other was some distance south-east, 2 Cuckoo. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue, 09:00 to 09:10
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:30
12 Mediterranean Gull, Avocets with 8 Chicks, Oystercatchers with 3 Chicks, 2 Common Tern with Chicks, 1 Little Egret. R Shepherd.
Wickford 18:00
1 male Sparrowhawk drying out on dead tree at the end of my garden. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:45 to 20:55
2 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 25 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wallasea Island 19:45 to 21:00
1 Marsh Harrier between entrance and sea-wall car park. 1 Barn Owl at dusk hunting towards southern sea-wall, but mobbed by crow or rook and lost prey so switched to northern wall. Paul Dunt.
Wallasea Island 21:30
2 Barn Owl hunting the ditches by the 'S' bend near the Marina. 2 Hares on the road to car park. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 06th July 2011
Paglesham Churchend, 06:30 to 08:50
Walk from Churchend to quail location and NE along sea wall to cockle shell piles: 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Quail (same area as yesterday but sounded to be slightly more north east), 3 Common Tern, 1 Barn Owl hunting in meadow by shell piles, 3 Skylark, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler, 11 Whitethroat, 3 Linnet, 12 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chelmsford, Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 07:15
1 male Bullfinch seen briefly hanging in cow parsley next to footpath. Paul Forsdick.
Paglesham, Westwards Along Seawall 12:50 to 15:35
3 Marsh Harrier (2m,1f), Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Plover already loosing their breeding plumage, 8 Avocet, 5 Greenshank, 2 Little Egret, 8 Yellow Wagtail (mostly juveniles), 5 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Swift, 15 Swallow, 9 Common Whitethroat. Ray Fuller.
Burnham on Crouch 13:30
1 female Cuckoo (rufous morph) near Farm building, east of Burnham Wick. David Chivers.
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:30 to 20:30
Saline lagoon: Curlew. West end of brackish lagoon: 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Swift. Terry Jeffreys.
Paglesham Churchend, 20:35 to 20:50
1 Little Egret, 1 Quail, 2 Yellowhammer, 14 Corn Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tuesday 05th July 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 08:00
2 Turtle Doves purring, 5 Green Woodpecker (2 adults and 3 young) very noisy! 1 Lesser whitehtroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 whitethroat, 10 Swallow. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Robin Peppiatt.
Paglesham Churchend, 09:15
1 Quail (report of one singing continuously from west end of creek- take footpath north from Paglesham Church end to approx TQ924937 or from other end of footpath Wallasea causeway). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 11:00 to 12:00
1 immature Moorhen, 2 Stock Dove (probable pair), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. 1 Large Skipper, 1 Ringlet. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:00 to 17:00
On the saline lagoon: 4 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Curlew, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher. On the main lake: flock of 30+ summer Black-tailed Godwit. Dave Dives.
Paglesham Churchend, 16:45 to 17:45
2 Quail still singing, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Linnet, 10 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 04th July 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 08:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat calling, 1 Bullfinch. 1 Purple Hairstreak. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:55 to 15:20
1 Avocet, 3 Greenshank, 6 Green Sandpiper. 1 Adder, 3 Small Red-eyed Damselfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canewdon, 15:00
3 Barn Owl (one adult and two freshly fledged juveniles. Private site, no access). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 15:50 to 15:55
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:50 to 17:10
2 Common Tern, 4 Skylark, 2 Swift, 15 Woodpigeon, 3 Starling, 1 Reed bunting, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Feral Pigeon, 2 Greenfinch. Paul Forsdick.
Wallasea Island 20:00 to 21:00
1 Red-legged Partridge standing on yellow gate passed the car park, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 16 Corn Bunting, 4 Cuckoo on the power cables around the s bend at Lion Creek. Rob Harris.
Wallasea Island, 20:55 to 21:30
1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Barn Owl. 1 Northern Water Vole. 1 Southern Hawker. Neil Chambers, Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Sunday 03rd July 2011
Langdon Hills 08:30 to 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch. 3 Silver Washed Fritillary; also: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Comma, Large White, Small White, Ringlet, many Purple Hairstreak. Andrew Cox.
South Fambridge, 10:15 to 11:25
Viewing north side from pillbox west of village: 2 Little Egret, 5 Buzzard (including 1 displaying), 4 Yellow Wagtail (including 2 juveniles), 4 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Corn Bunting (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 13:40 to 15:25
1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 8 Whitethroat (2 singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 3 Linnet, 2 Ruddy Darter, 10 Small Skipper, 2 Peacock Butterfly, 110 Marbled White, 6 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Belhus Woods Country Park 15:00
12 Common Tern, 1 Brown Argus, plenty of Small Skippers, 1 Large Skipper. Wayne Twelftree.
Canvey Point, 15:40 to 16:10
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:40 to 18:05
5 Little Egret, 10 Teal, 1 Avocet, 3 Spotted Redshank (saline lagoon), 1 Redshank, 3 Greenshank (on west side), 7 Green Sandpiper (including 5 together on west side), 2 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Adder, 20+ Small Red-eyed Damselfly along the moat, 6 Azure Damselfly, 200+ Blue-tailed Damselfly, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 6 Black-tailed Skimmer. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Colchester, High Woods 17:45
1 female Redstart in High Woods Park on the east side of the valley just below the lake. Raymond Bowen.
Wakering Stairs 20:00 to 21:30
2 Barn Owl (one hunting inside seawall just east of Broomway and one sitting on MOD road sign), 8 Turtle Dove with much display flight, c.120 Swift low over crop fields either side of Stairs Road. David Selley.
Wallasea Island, 20:15 to 22:10
4 Marsh Harrier (3 males and a female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Quail calling every few minutes from 20:20 until 21:55. Audible from car park but bird located in conservation margin along ditch running south from the yellow gate east of the car park. The bird was glimpsed once running across the cleared edge between the wheat field and the conservation margin, 1 Cuckoo calling in the distance from the direction of Paglesham, 2 Barn Owl (one along the southern sea wall and one near the yellow gate). Don Petrie, Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell, Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 02nd July 2011
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 09:30
Male Great Spotted Woodpecker seen feeding a juvenile on the peanut log feeder in the garden. Second sighting. Laurie Greenwood.
Hockley Woods 09:30 to 10:00
Two White Admiral, one by fallen tree (cut up) about 300yds from Bull Lane path along the prison path. Second seen in clearing 300-400yds north of first along the south edge of clearing. Cleve Bull.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk thermalling up high. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 13:00 to 17:00
3 Oystercatcher (2 adults and 1 large chick), 2 Green Woodpecker, 27 Swallow, 18 House Martin, 2 Wren, 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 8 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. 2 Red Fox. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 2 Black-tailed Skimmer, 5 Ruddy Darter, 9 Small Skipper, 13 Essex Skipper, 8 Small White, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 32 Marbled White. Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:15 to 17:00
Saline lagoon: 5 Little Egret, 3 Cormorant, 7 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher, 40+ Lapwing, Common Tern, Cetti's warbler (heard). Brackish lagoon, east end: 2 Teal, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Cormorant. West end: 7 Green Sandpiper, 3 Teal, 3 Spotted Redshank, Bearded Tit (heard), 2 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, 4 Avocet, 2 Swift, 2 House Martin, 3 Swallow, 5+ Sand Martin, Snipe, Curlew (heard), Reed Bunting. Terry Jeffreys.
Benfleet Downs, 15:00 to 16:35
1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 20+ Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 12 Ruddy Darter, 10 Small Skipper, 15 Essex Skipper, 10 Large Skipper, 11 White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Red Admiral, 3 Comma, 30 Marbled White, 6 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 16:30 to 18:00
2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 11 Swallow, 2 Sedge Warbler, 15 Whitethroat, 22 Oystercatcher, 90+ Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 15 Linnet. David Selley.
Two Tree Island 17:30 to 18:35
Nightingale showing and singing really well 200yds from entrance, Blackcap, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Kestrel Whitethroat, Little Egret, Cetti's Warblers heard. Jim.
Ballards Gore, 21:50 to 21:55
1 Little Owl at the junction of Scotts Hall Road and Apton Hall Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Friday 01st July 2011
Benfleet Station, 06:30
5 Little Egret (best count I've had in the creek here this year). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Eastwood, 09:00
1 Sparrowhawk (large female carrying prey). Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 11:00 to 11:10
6 Mallard, 1 immature Moorhen (my first one here), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. 2 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Ringlet. Paul Baker (SOG).
Belfairs Nature Reserve, 14:20 to 15:40
2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. 8 Large Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 3 Purple Hairstreak, 10 White Admiral, 4 Comma, 3 Heath Fritillary, 50 Ringlet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 17:50
1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Greenshank, 1 Turtle Dove on metal fence at Haven Point then flew over to Foulness. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island
4 Yellow Wagtail (2 juveniles) on main footpath, summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on Lagoon. John Atfield.