Bird Reports for July 2012
Tuesday 31st July 2012south westerly. mostly cloudy, max20°c
Rochford Golf Course, 09:10
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Benfleet, St Mary's Church Area 20:45 to 20:50
1 Whimbrel in the creek opposite station, 2 Swift, 19 House Martin (presumably local nesting birds have fledged), 1 Song Thrush. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 20:50
1 Hobby low east. Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 30th July 2012west south west, partly cloudy, max20°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:30 to 12:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon high up with Swifts, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Barn Owl near Grapnells carrying prey and soared up to 50 meters, an altitude record for Barn Owl?, 50+ Swift. 1 Common Blue. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marsh 11:00 to 17:00
2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 female Sparrowhawk, pair Mute Swan with 4 cygnets, 1 Whimbrel, 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, pair Great Crested Grebe with 1 chick, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Warbler, several House Martin, c.8 Swift, few Lapwing, c.8 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, flock of House Sparrow many of them juveniles on centre feeders, 2 Goldfinch, several Coot with very small chicks, Lapwing with 2 chicks. Comma and Red Admiral Butterflies. 4 Marsh Frog. David & Brenda Hale.
Sunday 29th July 2012south westerly, light rain showers. max19°c
Two Tree Island (West), 08:00
400 Black-tailed Godwit (at least), 1 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:30 to 08:45
1 Jack Snipe flew west across middle back of pond landed left of Kingfisher stick and bobbed/feeding as it waded in the reed bed to the west. 2 Little Egret fishing of island in Southchurch Park. Robert Dobinson.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
South west corner: 1 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 8+ Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 23 Mediterranean Gull on ploughed fields near Grapnels, 2 Reed Warbler (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11:00 to 12:30
1 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 immature Marsh Harrier, c.10,000 Black-headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 20 Common Tern, c.1000 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 50 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 10 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Whitethroat. 1 Migrant Hawker, 20 Large White, 10 Small White, 1 Peacock, 10 Meadow Brown, 1 Gatekeeper, 5 Small/Essex Skipper. Mike Harris.
Shoebury, 11:20 to 11:40
1 Sparrowhawk. 2 Emerald Damselfly, 2 Ruddy Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:30 to 16:30
3 Little Egret, 2 Garganey (eclipse drake and female), 1 Ruff, 10 Snipe, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 10 Swift, 75 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Bearded Tit (heard). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Marc Outten (SOG).
Canvey Point, 18:50 to 19:50
7 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:00 to 19:45
50+ Black-headed Gull, 120+ Herring Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Redshank, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 1 Greenfinch, 5 Linnet, 6 House Sparrow, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Swallow, 7 Magpie, 19 Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 12 Stock Dove, 2 Moorhen, 3 Mallard Duck, 1 Pheasant. 1 Fox, 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Saturday 28th July 2012westerly, scattered cloud, max21°c
Wakering Stairs 06:40 to 08:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove in same place as last weekend, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Whitethroat (five juveniles), 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting. On the borrowdyke were the 7 now almost fully grown Mallard first seen in May at the "ball of down" stage without any adults present (then or since). They are still swimming around in formation like small ducklings - not sure if they will know about flying etc. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:10 to 09:30
2 Garganey, 1 Dunlin, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Spotted Redshank, 35 Redshank, 15 Greenshank, 1+ Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:10 to 12:20
2 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard (fourth sighting of this bird over same fields this week), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern, 4 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail (all juveniles), 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat (all juveniles), 4 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Shoebury, 12:40 to 13:10
1 male Sparrowhawk over Bishop Steignton pond. 7 Emerald Damselfly, 1 Four-spotted Chaser, 5 Ruddy Darter, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood, 3 Gatekeeper. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 To 17:30
250+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Herring Gull, 10+ Common Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Magpie, 9 Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 Little Egret, 3 Corn Bunting. Rob Harris.
River Roach, Lady Essex Wildlife Trip
3 Harbour Porpoise in Roach. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Friday 27th July 2012variable, mostly clear, max24°c
Leigh on Sea, 11:00 to 11:15
1 male Southern Hawker in the garden. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey 11:30 to 14:15
Reservoir: 17 Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Egret, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Heron. Creek: 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Egret, 4 Corn Bunting in song, 1 Yellow Wagtail (fly over), 1 Chiffchaff (Pantile). Ian White.
Thurrock Thameside 11:30 to 17:00
1 Redshank, many Curlew, flock of 13 Linnet and many individuals, 1 pair Whitethroat feeding young, 1 Skylark, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.20 Black-tailed Godwit, c.20 Avocet, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Hobby catching many aerial insects and eating on the wing, 6 Little Egret, 1000+ Gull feeding on flying insects, c.10 Oystercatcher, 1 pair Shelduck with 3 duckling, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Meadow Pipit, many Cormorant. 2 Harbour Porpoise hunting shipping lane at low water, 1 Grey Seal basking where river meets mud at low water. Gatekeeper Butterflies and many others. David & Brenda Hale.
Southend Hospital 12:00 to 18:30
1 Peregrine Falcon. Stayed on top of chimney all day apart from a brief excursion to take a pigeon at 16.30. Jerry Stock.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:30
5 Oystercatcher (medium size waders flying very high heading north-east were probably this species). Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 26th July 2012easterly, clear, max22°c
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 07:00
2 Crossbill calling over east. Robin Peppiatt.
Billericay, Gooseberry Green Area 15:10
1 Common Buzzard seen landing in Tree on Farmland. David Chivers.
Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond Meadow 16:00 to 17:00
1 Common Lizard, 2 Emerald Damselfly (pair -new record for BHP), 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Southern Hawker, 1 Ruddy Darter, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 3 Large White, 4 Green-veined White, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 10 Gatekeeper, 4 Meadow Brown. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Southend Hospital 17:30 to 18:00
Peregrine Falcon on hospital chimney. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Canvey Point, 18:20 to 19:30
12 Little Egret (including 11 on roost on Kent side), 30 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel (flew high south), 35 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 80 Common Tern (including c.35 feeding off TTI slipway), 1 Skylark, 2 Linnet. 1 Stoat on salt marsh just south east of yacht club, 1 Four-spotted Chaser, 2 Marbled White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 25th July 2012easterly, clear. 27°c
Southend Hospital 17:50 to 18:30
Peregrine Falcon on hospital chimney. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 18:30
6 Crossbill flew south, calling. Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Fambridge, Brandy Hole 19:00
2 Corn Bunting. David Chivers.
Tuesday 24th July 2012easterly, clear, 27°c
Rochford, 06:00
1 Crossbill flew north west over garden calling whilst I emptied the Moth trap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:40 to 08:45
2 Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
1 Whinchat, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler, Green Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Common Gull. 1 Northern Water Vole, lots Butterflies. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:45 to 13:45
Sightings from first hide only: 1 Grey Heron twice dived head first into Fleet, catching 2 large Roach, 1 pair Common Tern with 1 chick, 2 female Tufted Duck with 11 ducklings, Water Rail heard, 3 Avocet, c.12 Lapwing with 2 chicks, 1 Redshank with 1 chick, few Black-headed Gull with 1 chick, 2 Stock Dove, many Little Grebe, Reed Warblers showing often flitting across reed tops close to hide, few House Martin low over horses field. David & Brenda Hale.
Westcliff 15:00 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney at Southend Hospital. Jerry Stock.
Tewke's Creek, 16:00 to 19:00
12 Canada Goose, 135 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 750 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 9 Mediterranean Gull (mostly adults, a few 2nd summers), 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 20 Marbled White along sea wall, especially at Canvey Heights. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Monday 23rd July 2012south westerly, clear, max27°c
Leigh on Sea 08:45 to 09:15
c.80 Swift. Flock of 30 screaming round at roof level in Chalkwell Park Drive and a larger number around the spire of Leigh Road Baptist Church - how a summer morning in Leigh ought to be. David Selley.
Private Land Near Crays Hill 10:00
1 Turtle Dove. G. Dixon.
Rayleigh Mount, 10:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 17:00
1 Grey Heron, c.40 Mute Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese, c.6 Common Tern, 4 Lapwing, 100`s of Coot, 100`s of Tufted Duck, pair Pochard with 5 ducklings, 2 eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard and 5 females with 5 ducklings, 1 distant Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull, few Black-headed Gull, female Mallard with 8 ducklings, many Cormorant, many Canada Geese, many Greylag Geese, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeders. Surprisingly, not one Swallow, Swift, or House Martin. Many Dragonflies and Damselflies. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:00 to 12:10
1 Whinchat near the Red hill. Early Autumn record! Marc Outten (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 12:00 to 12:50
100+ Mute Swan, 1 Swan Goose, 200+ Greylag Goose, 1 Ruddy Shelduck, 200+ Canada Goose, 3 Red-breasted Goose, 7 Egyptian Goose, 70+ Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 200+ Pochard, 300+ Tufted Duck, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 26 Cormorant, 7 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 100+ Coot, 7 Lapwing, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 7 Greater Blacked-backed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 45 Wood Pigeon, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 5 Magpie, 6 Jackdaw, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch, 24 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Swift. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:30 to 14:40
30+ Mute Swan, 200+ Greylag Goose, 200+ Canada Goose, 50+ Mallard, 200+ Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 23 Cormorant, 23 Lapwing, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Greater Blacked-backed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 5 Wood Pigeon. Rob Harris.
Southchurch Park East & Southchurch Park
With much sadness we have to report that the female Swan gave up sitting on the nest after 6 weeks and 3 days. This was her second batch this year. The male is looking lost but the female is just getting on with it the same as last year. I Suppose we must be grateful for getting her back from Orsett Wildlife Hospital in June. I feel that there is a strong chance that the Male Swan is related to the female, so we could have a genetic problem. As with the previous Male (pre 2011), she always had good strong cygnets so now they are without cygnets for another year. The seven cygnets in Southchurch Park are now 11 weeks old and doing well. Good news a bench is being put in Southchurch Park East facing the low reed bed where the Water Rail over-winters each year. Robert Dobinson.
Sunday 22nd July 2012south westerly, mostly clear, max23°c
Paglesham Boatyard From 0720 but most of day
Turtle Dove still very active in boatyard, especially before 10.00am Often seen perching high in crane and calling. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:40 to 13:00
1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap (singing). 1 Banded Demoiselle (male), 12 Coenagrion sp., 3 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Ruddy Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:45 to 11:45
At least 6 Bearded Tit included at least 2 juveniles, a few-dozen Sand Martin, 4 Curlew on creek, some adult Avocet on scrape, 3 Teal on scrape, 1 Little Egret, 4 Common Tern included a juvenile, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 8 Tufted Duck chicks, 2 Lapwing chicks on scrape, 1 Redshank on scrape, c.4 Oystercatcher, 2 Black-headed Gull chicks on scrape. Richard Fahey.
Wakering Stairs to Haven Point 09:45 to 12:00
1 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 90 Oystercatcher, 28 Curlew, 1 Turtle Dove purring and showing, 5 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 9 Skylark singing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler singing, 6 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting singing. 1 Weasel, 1 Common Lizard, several Small Skipper. David Selley.
Rivers Crouch and Roach 11:00 to 13:30
A Seal and Wildlife Trip on a rising tide aboard "The Jacqueline Anne" from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island and the Town Quay at Burnham on Crouch to The River Roach: It was interesting to see the developments at Wallasea Island from the other side. The infrastructure foe moving the soil seems to be all in place. Birds seen on this delightful trip were 8 Swift, 4 Swallow, two lots of three Oystercatcher, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 6 Curlew, 5 Little Egret, 100+ Canada Geese, 3 Cormorant and numerous Herring and Black-headed Gull and Common Tern. A Shelduck family entertained. As we made our way back, a Buzzard was being mobbed by gulls. Terry Marshall.
River Roach Seal and Wildlife trip from Paglesham Aboard Lady Essex V 11:00 to 13:30
Good numbers of Common Seals many with pups, Marsh Harrier seen hunting over Foulness along New England Creek, 2 Green Sandpiper, pair of Shelduck initiallly with 3 very young ducklings, 2 were observed being taken by Juvenile Gulls. The first Waders are returning including 18 Lapwing 22 Redshank and a lone Grey Plover, Little and Common Tern seen fishing, 4 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 11:30 to 12:15
1 Shelduck (the only one left after everyone else has headed off for the moulting holidays), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard (tatty adult hunting low over central fields), 1 Kestrel (adult male hunting low and fast over fields almost hobby like), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 15:00
3 Hobby together high above The Lawns Classic Car Show. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 15:55 to 16:55
1 Little Egret, 200 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Linnet. 10 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 1 Comma, 2 Gatekeeper, 5 Meadow Brown. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 17:15 to 17:40
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:45
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:45 to 20:15
1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Bunting, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, 5 Lapwing, 40+ Woodpigeon, 20+ Carrion Crow, 1 Blackbird, 5 Magpie, 3 Swallow, 1 Cormorant. 1 Fox, 2 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Saturday 21st July 2012south westerly, mostly clear, max23°c
Rochford 07:00 to 07:35
7 Swift with birds still entering two presumed nest sites, 30+ House Martin with at least five active nests - young visible in three. David Selley.
Bradwell Observatory 12:00
Marsh Tit, around most of the time on feeders, first sighting here after 8 year absence. Les Norman & The Obs. Crew.
Hadleigh Great Wood, Dodd's Grove 12:00
1 White Admiral. Andrew Gouldstone.
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 12:15 to 13:15
1 Whimbrel, 2 Stock Dove, 30+ Swift, 50+ Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler (singing). 12 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 1 Azure Damselfly, 6 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Emperor Dragonfly (on pond), 1 Four-spotted Chaser, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, 10 Small Skipper, 3 Essex Skipper, 2 Large White, 2 Red Admiral, 7 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Pound Wood 13:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 White Admiral, 1 Brimstone. Andrew Gouldstone.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 15:45 to 18:00
15 Mallard (duck with 5 young ducklings and other now full grown families), 7 Pochard (duck with 6 well grown ducklings), 6 Tufted Duck (duck with 5 new ducklings (3rd different brood here)), 24 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 48 Redshank, 2 Greenshank (1 wetlands, 1 south west corner), 6 Green Sandpiper (south west corner), 1 Common Sandpiper (south west corner), 2 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults flew S over east end and a 2nd summer on roost over high tide), 30+ Black-headed Gull, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20+ Herring Gull (all ages), 10 Great Black-backed Gull (2nd and 3rd summer birds), 4 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern (east end), 20+ Skylark (including many juveniles), 9 Yellow Wagtail (including 5 juveniles), 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds). 5 Essex Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 20+ Large White, 6 Green-veined White, 100+ Gatekeeper (large hatch at east end feeding on Sea Lavender), 20+ Meadow Brown. Jeff Delve (SOG)
Rayleigh Mount, 17:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG)
Friday 20th July 2012east north east, mostly cloudy, rain, max16°c
Rivers Crouch and Roach, 12:00 to 14:00
A Seal and Wildlife Trip between Midday and 2pm on a rising tide aboard "The Jacqueline Anne" from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island and the Town Quay at Burnham on Crouch to The River Roach. Many and various Gulls and Terns seen resting and feeding in the RSPB lagoons on Wallasea Island as we made our way towards the river Roach. A small group of 6 Canadian Geese seen on the North East point of Wallasea Island with many more 50 or so stretched out along the tide line of the River Roach and resting on the salt marshes. Sighted in the River Roach 1 mother Common Seal with pup idly fishing with the pup riding on mum s shoulders. 1 juvenile Seal from last year at rest on the banks of Wallasea Island. And as we turned into a creek we saw a dozen and more seals; mothers with pups, and juveniles from last year, swimming in the water all around us; and further on, 15 more in a group at rest on the mud banks and swimming in the waters close to us. We were fortunate enough to get very close and see these lovely animals at rest without fear of disturbing them; and they were as interested in us as we were in them. Some excellent photos taken here. Close by there was a massive raft of Gulls and Terns resting on the flooded saltwater grasslands amongst which were several Oystercatchers. Oystercatchers also spotted in various areas throughout the journey, along with; 2 Little Egrets on Wallasea by the Crossrail Jetty, a pair of Herons making full use of one of breaks in the sea wall on Wallasea Island to stalk and fish, and several Common Tern diving alongside us in the Roach with good results. Also a rising flock of various Gulls and Tern which had been disturbed by something on Foulness Island but I couldn't t tell who the culprit was. Quite a few Pied Wagtail seen along the journey especially in the Roach but the best sighting of them was reserved for me at Wallasea Island as I was shutting the boat down for the day; just feet away from me pair of Pied Wagtail were perched aboard two separate dinghies moored side by side, calling and displaying. Despite the cloud and occasional shower, a very good trip was had by one and all! Ian Frakes. Skipper of the "The Jacqueline Anne".
Two Tree Island West 14:00 to 17:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler watched well in full song in north west of island, 3 Turnstone on lagoon in full breeding plumage, Whimbrel heard, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. 2 Marbled White, 1 Small Skipper. Andrew Gouldstone.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 21:00 to 21:05
1 male Sparrowhawk perched on my roof. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 19th July 2012westerly, partly cloudy, rain showers, max20°c
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:00 to 12:30 and 18:15
Steady light movement of Swifts to the west and south all day, culminating in a flock of 200+ circling very high in the calmer conditions this evening. David Selley.
Two Tree Island East 13:00
Nice lot of Curlew showing and 41 Little Egret on the pools and in the trees. Then on the walk back a fantastic site along the sea wall on the north side of the channel about a foot above the water sunning it's self on a raised log. A Turtle/large Terrapin dinner plate size , same size as coot and female Mallard, Scary or what ! Obviously been released years ago, what next salt water crocks? Roger Shinn.
Rochford Golf Course, 19:10 to 21:00
1 Kingfisher flew towards Rochford Reservoir - my first one here since Aug '07, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 12 Goldfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 18th July 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max20°c
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 11:45 to 12:15
15 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Greater Black-backed Gull, 450+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 240+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 30+ Coot, 3 Blackbird, 350+ Pochard, 6 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 350+ Swift, 16 Mute Swan, 25 Cormorant, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Dunnock, 35 Woodpigeon, 34 Lapwing. Rob Harris.
Benfleet Station, 20:50 to 20:50
3 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel (In creek opposite station), 2 Swift, 6 House Martin, 1 Reed Warbler (Singing in reedbed behind fish market). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Tuesday 17th July 2012westerly, mostly cloudy, max23°c
Two Tree Island 10:15 to 13:35
Sightings from scrape hide: 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.150 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, c.200 Redshank, (most we have seen in one flock for a very long time). 30 Avocet, 6 Canada Geese, c.50 Black-headed Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, many Oystercatcher, 35 Common Tern, flock Pied Wagtail, pair Greenfinch, 2 Swallow, 1 Swift, flock of juvenile Starling. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Canvey Marsh 14:00 to 15:15
Sightings from first hide: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Mute Swan, 2 pair Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 6 female Mallard, 8 Drake Pochard (6 female), 1 female Gadwall, few Coot, 1000s of Gulls over distant landfill workings, 1 Grey Heron, 2 juvenile Herring Gull. 2 Marbled White Butterflies. David & Brenda Hale.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:10 to 20:15
4 Little Egret, 1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 10 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1800 Starling, 2 Linnet, 5 Corn Bunting (2 singing). 1 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Gatekeeper, 40 Meadow Brown. Neil Chambers (SOG).
River Roach
At least 2 Harbour Porpoise at mouth of Roach by Branklet Buoy. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com)
Monday 16th July 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max23°c
Southchurch Park East 07:20
1 Moorhen with one chick in south-east corner. Alec Beanse.
Enfield 07:30
1 Little Egret in a tree at the fishing lakes at Forty Hall, Enfield. I saw a heron fly past the day before but they are a common sight here. I'm not a great bird spotter but I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this beautiful little bird. Pure white, elegant neck, long beak. I was walking my dog at the time. Amanda O'Connor.
South Fambridge, 09:30 to 11:15
4 Little Egret, 31 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 4 Yellow Wagtail (all juveniles), 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:00 to 11:00
6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, c.35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Common Tern, 62 Lapwing. Mike Poole.
Rayleigh, 14:20
1 Sparrowhawk low across Downhall Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 15th July 2012westerly, cloudy, max19°c
Hockley to Paglesham Cycle 07:45 to 09:30
Many Swallow, Swift and House Martin, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 5 Corn Bunting, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch. David Z.
Southchurch East 07:50
Pair of Coot with two chicks. Female Swan on nest constantly flicking wings. Alec Beanse.
Rochford Golf Course, 07:50 to 11:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. 2 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 3 Ringlet. 1 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:50 to 11:55
1 Greenshank on creek, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Curlew, Bearded Tit heard close to hide, c.7 Avocet chicks, 2 Little Egret, 4 Common Tern at scrape, 1 Teal flew up from fleet, 4 Oystercatcher over scrape, 5 Redshank on creek included a juvenile. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:00 to 10:00
9 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sand Martin. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Near Navestock Side c.09:45
Red kite. I was at the junction of Tan House Lane and Prince's Road and watched kite approach from the north, wheel around above the field to the south and then disappear in an easterly direction. Only the second kite I've ever seen in Essex. Name: Peter Walker.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:00 to 12:00
2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Linnet, Swift, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit (heard), 5 Avocet, 7 Spotted Redshank, 10+ Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, Common Tern, Hobby. Terry Jeffreys.
EWT Thurrock Thameside c.10:30
1, possibly 2 Great White Egret flying over creek and lagoon east of visitor centre. Martin Itter & Bob Beech.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 14:00
7 Little Grebe, 46 Mute Swan, 1 Kestrel, 8 Oystercatcher (on the river), 2 Lapwing (on the river), 1 Spotted Redshank (on the river), 75 Redshank (on the river), 4 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Skylark (singing males), 1 Song Thrush (singing male), 2 Corn Bunting (1 singing male). Steve Sanford (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:20 to 14:10
1 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 1 Ruddy Darter, 5 Essex Skipper, 5 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Comma, 1 Marbled White, 15 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet, 3 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:30 to 14:45
20 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 25 Cormorant, 10 Great Black-backed Gull, 350+ Tufted Duck, 60+ Mallard, 80+ Greylag Geese, 50+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 200+ Pochard, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 17:30
2 Little Egret, 12 Sand Martin, c.55 Swallow feeding over crop fields - about two thirds appeared to be juveniles, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Stock Dove, 4 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. 1 Weasel, many Rabbit. David Selley.
Belfairs Woods, 16:10 to 16:45
1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. 2 Large Skipper, 1 White Admiral (Dodd's Grove), 1 Gatekeeper, 40 Meadow Brown, 25 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 14th July 2012westerly to northerly, rain, max16°c
Tilbury 08:20
2 Ring-necked Parakeet south over A13. Paul Adams.
EWT Thurrock Thameside 09:15 to 15:00
4 Whimbrel, c.15 Curlew, 2 Common Tern, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroat, many Linnet, many Skylark, pair Dunnock, pair Blackbird, 1 Wren, Housemartin, Swift, (mixed flock, c.20, passing through). c.12 Oystercatcher, pair Shelduck with 3 ducklings, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, C.12 Cormorant, c.50 Starling (many juveniles). 2 Harbour Porpoise hunting where shipping lane meets mud, showing every 60 seconds. David & Brenda Hale.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 15:30
4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sandwich Tern. 3 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Friday 13th July 2012westerly, scattered clouds, max20°c
Blacktail Spit, South East Corner of Maplin Sands 14:00
1 adult Gannet, 3 adult Mediterranean Gull. Chris Cook.
Belfairs N.R., 14:00 to 15:20
3 Small Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 3 White Admiral (2 Dodd's Grove), 40 Meadow Brown, 60 Ringlet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:15 to 15:30
1 Little Egret in brook, first one here since the spring but coincidentally the long grass along the brook was cut this morning by the council. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 17:45 to 18:00
45 Herring Gull, 700+ Black-headed Gull, 21 Cormorant, 18 Great Black-Backed Gull, 500+ Tufted Duck, 60+ Mallard, 200+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 3 Coot, 250+ Pochard, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 3 Swift, 2 Blackbird, 43 Lapwing. Rob Harris.
Thursday 12th July 2012west to south west, scattered clouds and rain, max19°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Little Egret, Stock Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Collared Dove, Oystercatcher, Swift, Swallow, Woodpigeon, 2 juvenile Kestrel, Canada Goose, Avocet, Lapwing, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Coot, Common Tern, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Goldfinch, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff (heard), Greenfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
EWT Blue House Farm 10:50 to 14:30
Sightings from new hide only: 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, (good views of bird catching Dragonflies over the scrape), Redshank with 2 chicks, male Reed Bunting, c.8 Gadwall (all juveniles), 1 pair Mallard, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, pair Coot with 1 chick, Lapwing, 4 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 4 Pochard, 1 pair Shelduck, 1 Moorhen, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 female Shoveler, c.6 Little Grebe. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island 11:00 to 12:00
2 Skylark, 10+ Little Egret, Spotted Redshank plus one young, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, many Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull and Common Gull, flock Lapwing. David Z.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
2 Whimbrel, 60+ Black-Headed Gull, 4 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Greenfinch, 15+ House Sparrow, 2 Skylark, 20+ Woodpigeon, 20+ Stock Dove, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Corn Bunting, 3 Magpie, 16 Carrion Crow, 20+ Swift, 7 Swallow. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 11th July 2012westerly, scattered clouds, thunderstorm, max19°c
Rayleigh, High Street 14:25
50+ Swift flying north away from thunderstorm. David Selley.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:20 to 20:20
From farm to start of seawall only: 7 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting (male singing), 2 Corn Bunting (singing). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 20:45
1 Little Owl flew over main road to trees by car park. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 10th July 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max19°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 19:30
8 Pochard (pair and 6 ducklings), 7 Tufted Duck (2 pair plus 3 ducklings), 1 adult male Marsh Harrier, 1 adult female Merlin (incredibly early record - local summering bird?), 8 Whimbrel (5 from car park, 3 Paglesham Creek), 10 Redshank, 4 Greenshank (south west Borrowdyke), 7 Green Sandpiper (south west borrowdyke), 1 Common Sandpiper (south west borrowdyke), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull (flew right over car park), 10 Common Tern fishing from wetlands near car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Monday 09th July 2012west south west, scattered showers, max19°c
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:20 to 12:20
1 Ruff, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Green Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 15:25
1 Pied Wagtail. Alec Beanse.
Crays Hill, Oak Road 17:00
1 Bulfinch. Not same bird reported previously. G. Dixon.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 21:15 to 21:30
1 Little Owl on posts by young trees by car park and hunting in long grass. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Sunday 08th July 2012westerly, scattered showers, max19°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 11:00
1 Hobby flew east hunting low over crop, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Common Tern fishing Roach, 1 Cuckoo landed out on salt marsh at east end - possibly after caterpillars. 1 Essex Skipper, 4 Large White, 6 Green-veined White, 10+ Meadow Brown, 4 Small Heath. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:00 to 19:10
2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egret, 2 Skylark, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Corn Bunting, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 House Sparrow, 3 Swallow, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Pheasant, 40+ Woodpigeon, 12 Stock Dove, 2 Blackbird, 35+ Black-Headed Gull, 10 Herring Gull, 3 Magpie, 12 Crow. 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:00 to 19:20
1 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 41 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Redshank, 7 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Swift, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Pitsea 18:00 to 19:20
1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Ringed Plover. Phil Shaw.
South Fambridge 19:20 to 19:40
6 House Sparrow, 3 Greenfinch, 10+ Woodpigeon, 18 Stock Dove, 3 Blackbird, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet, 40+ Black-Headed Gull, 15 Herring Gull, 3 Magpie, 2 Crow, 2 Moorhen, 1 Barn Owl over fields by boat yard Blue house farm. Rob Harris.
Saturday 07th July 2012south easterly, scattered cloud, max20°c
South Fambridge, 06:45 to 08:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier (tatty female), 5 Common Tern, 5 Yellow Wagtail. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
One-Tree-Hill, Corringham 09:15 to 10:05
A good number of Blackcap heard, 2 Chiffchaff singing. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 11:00
14 Teal (eclipse birds from car park), 10 Redshank (south west borrowdyke), 2 Greenshank (south west borrowdyke), 8 Green Sandpiper (south west borrowdyke), 2 Cuckoo from causeway feeding on moth caterpillars on salt marsh, 5 Swift, 4 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 23 Linnet (several family parties), 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Corn Bunting. 3 Essex Skipper, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Common Blue (very tatty individual), 50+ Meadow Brown, 20+ Small Heath. Jeff Delve (SOG).
River Crouch, Hullbridge 09:45
11 Little Egret. David Chivers.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Ruff, 37 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper on north west corner, 2 juvenile Bearded Tit. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island, 11:25 to 12:10
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. 1 Small Skipper, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 10 Marbled White. John Wright (SOG).
River Roach, Lady Essex Seal Trip 12:00 to 14:00
A routine Seal and Wildlife Trip between Midday and 2pm, on a rising tide, aboard "The Jacqueline Anne" from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island and the Town Quay at Burnham on Crouch to Yokes Fleet Creek between Wallasea and Potten Islands .. and back. A large flotilla of Canadian Geese (60+) seen stretched out along the north bank of the River Crouch paddling down stream along the Old Sea Wall toward the newly flooded areas and the new Crossrail Jetty. Sighted in the Rive Roach basking in the cloudy weather, approximately 20 to 30 Harbour Seals; mothers with this years pups ..... some newborns, still very small and very cute ..... some a few weeks older, very healthy and appropriate weight and size for their age ..... along with several Juveniles from last year. We were fortunate enough to get close enough to view the mothers and pups at rest ashore, and also see mothers and pups at play in the shallows with some pups hitching a ride on mum's back and others taking their first tentative strokes alone. Most unusual of all, one juvenile seal was happy enough to swim alongside us as we moved away and he gave us an effortless display of his ability to out-run us and impersonate a Dolphin at play by arching himself clear out of the water and back in with hardly a splash as he picked-up speed and then veered sharp left and landed himself at speed onto the beach.
Continued on and entered the creek and saw another dozen or so mothers, pups and juveniles basking on the east shore and yet more at the next creek on Foulness Island. Several Oystercatchers spotted in various areas throughout the journey, along with; 6 Little Egrets, several Common Tern carrying small silvery fish back to nesting sites, various Gulls and one good sighting of a Marsh Harrier over Potten Island. Also flocks of various Gulls and Tern further up the creek at rest on the shores of Wallasea Island; exact details unavailable but a static white mass close alongside resting Harbour Seals. On returning to Wallasea Island we saw close up 1 Common Tern diving and catching small fish in Essex Marina and feeding it's lone offspring on a mud bank close to our regular mooring jetty. All in all and safe, enjoyable and productive day. Ian Frakes
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:15 to 15:15
Sightings from scrape hide only: c 12 Avocet with 8 chicks, 1 Redshank with 1 chick, 2 Oystercatcher with 1 chick, 4 Lapwing with 2 chicks, pair Common Tern with 1 chick. 6 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 7 flyover Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Stock Dove, Reed Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, female Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard. 1 pair Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe with chick. 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Cormorant. 2 Jackdaw, 1 Robin. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:30
1 Wood Sandpiper. Mike Poole.
Shoebury, Uncle Toms Cabin 13:30
1 Mediterranean Gull. David Chivers.
RSPB Rainham Marsh 14:00
1 Spoonbill. Craig Pizzey.
Benfleet Downs, 15:30 to 17:00
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat. 4 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 20 Azure Damselfly, 2 Ruddy Darter, 5 Small Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 4 White-letter Hairstreak, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 12 Marbled White, 5 Meadow Brown, 10 Ringlet. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:35 to 16:00
14 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 19 Cormorant, 12 Great Black-Backed Gull, 250+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Mallard, 200+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 3 Coot, 50+ Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 1 Jay, 50+ Swift, 2 Blackbird, 1 Pheasant, 2 Common Tern. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:00 to 18:30
3 juvenile Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Teal, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Bearded Tit (heard). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Friday 06th July 2012south easterly, partly cloudy, max20°c
Wakering Stairs to Morrin's Point 16:15 to 17:20
2 Little Egret, 16 Oystercatcher, 10 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 92 Curlew, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull and 41 Lesser Black-backed Gull with the thousand or so strong flock of Common and Black-headed, 9 Swallow, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Skylark, 6 Linnet. Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Wall, and Red Admiral butterflies. David Selley.
Rochford Golf Course, 16:15 to 20:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:30 to 19:15
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 2 Skylark, 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 35 Woodpigeon, 12 Stock Dove, 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Mallard Duck, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 70+ Swift, 25 Carrion Crow, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 8 Herring Gull. Rob Harris.
Thursday 05th July 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Eastwood, 07:15
1 Buzzard over Progress Road heading north being mobbed by crows. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Rochford 07:40 to 08:00
12 Swift visiting two nest sites with some activity around a third. David Selley.
Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond 10:00 to 12:00
1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat calling in hedge line. 1 Common Lizard in meadow. 4 Azure Damselfly (ovipositing), 1 Emperor Dragonfly (ovipositing), 1 Essex Skipper, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 3 Meadow Brown. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Cuckoo (heard), Goldfinch, Oystercatcher, Whitethroat, Black-headed Gull, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Starling, Peregrine, Curlew, Avocet, Blackcap, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Shoveler, Common Tern, Cormorant, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Black-tailed Godwit, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Benfleet Downs, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 2 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 10 Azure Damselfly, 30 Common Blue Damselfly, 10 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 2 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Four-spotted Chaser, 2 Broad-bodied Chaser, 3 Ruddy Darter, 15 Small Skipper, 10 Small White, 6 White-letter Hairstreak (+), 1 Holly Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood, 6 Marbled White, 10 Meadow Brown, 10 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG)
Two Tree Island 14:30 to 16:00
West: 20 Common Tern, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 24 Lapwing, 1 Knot, 3 Linnet, Skylark, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, 50+ Oystercatcher, 2 Spotted Redshank, 10 Redshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin in full summer plumage. Richard Shepherd.
Rochford Golf Course, 16:15 to 20:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG)
Wednesday 04th July 2012southerly, partly cloudy, max23°c
South Fambridge, 07:00 to 07:15
1 Green Sandpiper flew west along river, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing well east of sheds. Jeff Delve (SOG)
Bradwell Marina and Estuary 14:30 to 16:30
Peregrine Falcon, Oystercatcher, 3 Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Common Tern, Cormorant, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, many House Sparrow, Linnet. David & Brenda Hale.
Nevendon 16:00
1 baby female Adder seen under a piece of iron board. Pete and Dawn.
Wakering Stairs to Haven Point 16:30 to 18:15
10 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 22 Oystercatcher including an adult with three chicks and a mating pair, 24 Redshank, 212 Curlew, (seems a very high number for early July - possible indication of breeding failure?), 3 Swallow, 5 Skylark, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. David Selley.
South Fambridge, 18:35 to 19:10
3 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard (distantly over north side), 1 Barn Owl (hunting over BHF), 1 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG)
RSPB Wallasea Island
Hobby, Marsh Harrier (tatty 1st summer male and adult female), 3 Green Sandpiper, Avocet, Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoo, Barn Owl most around the south west corner. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tuesday 03rd July 2012southerly, mostly cloudy, max19°c
South Fambridge, 06:45 to 07:30
1 male Kestrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling continuously and showing well, 5 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Glencrofts, Hockley 08:00
Sparrowhawk in garden with kill. Irwin Lewis.
Barling Pits, 08:15 to 09:30
2 Turtle Dove in bushes around main pond, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallow, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat. 2 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Common Darter, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 8 Meadow Brown. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
A130 Gorse Wood Rettendon 09:30
Red Kite flying south at tree height along hedgerow west side of A130. Russ Payne.
RSPB West Canvey 10:30 to 13:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and family, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little Egret, Heron, Cormorant, 1 Cuckoo,2 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Swallow, Swift, Skylark. 20+ Meadow Brown, 20+ Marbled White. 1 Northern Water Vole. Hilary Knight.
Canvey Wick, 12:30
2+ Crossbill over, heard only. Marc Outten (SOG).
Westcliff 16:00 to 17:10
Female Peregrine Falcon on chimney at Southend Hospital. Great views from 9th floor. Jerry Stock.
Private Land Near Crays Hill 19:30
1 Turtle Dove seen and calling, 1 female Bullfinch. G. Dixon.
Monday 02nd July 2012south westerly, cloudy, rain, max19°c
South Fambridge, 10:15 to 11:30
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Tern, 11 Swift, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling behind the old shellfish packing station, could well be same bird as May 9th here, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Shoebury, 11:00 to 12:00
5 Emerald Damselfly on pond behind the railway bridge on Maplin Road, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Sunday 01st July 2012west south west, cloudy, light rain, max19°c
Rochford Golf Course, 07:45 to 17:45
1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing), 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat. 1 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 1 Meadow Brown. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh c.08:10 to 09:30
5 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, c.13 Avocet, c.5 Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
2 Mediterranean Gull, 17 Common Tern, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 6 Small White, 1 White-letter Hairstreak (island tick, fresh individual at east end on brambles, presumed one from Hadleigh Country Park), 2 Holly Blue, 5 Red Admiral, 1 Comma. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Pitsea Area/Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:35 to 11:05
Between railway and hide: 1 Hobby over marshes, c.9 Avocet chicks, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, pair of Common Tern, pair of Green Woodpecker by sewage farm, pair of Gadwall on scrape, some Swallow over area. Richard Fahey.
Seal Trip from Paglesham Aboard Lady Essex V - 10:00 to 11:00
Seal Pups Now Born! 20+ Common Seal, mostly mothers with pups. Unusually almost all the seals were in the water and were very spread out, each mother being on her own with her pup. There was no socialising with other beasts. A regular passage of Common Tern carrying small silver fish were passing South across Shellford Creek - perhaps they have young on man made island? At least 12 birds were seen. 1 Grey Heron being mobbed by Gulls, 2 Little Tern, 8 Oystercatcher. 1 fox apparently stalking a flock of Canada Geese on Foulness. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com). New seal trip dates and times just published, see: http://www.ladyessex.com/wallaseatrips.htm Ed.
Paglesham, Eastend 10:00 to 12:00
20 Swallow, 6 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cuckoo - one flew over the Roach and onto Potton, the other a male still calling behind the boatyard. 3 Turtle Dove, 15 Linnet on weedy edge of rape field, 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Belfairs Woods, 17:20 to 17:55
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Large Skipper, 8 Heath Fritillary, 3 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:30 to 19:30
12 Long-Tailed Tit, 1 Chaffinch by Lion Creek, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Skylark, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 100+ Swift all over main fields, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 16 Corn Bunting, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 5 Greenfinch, 1 Pheasant, 40+ Woodpigeon, 12 Stock Dove, 4 Redshank, 30+ Black-Headed Gulls. Rob Harris.