Bird Reports for June 2000

01/06/00 - Reported on 30th May: Pomarine Skua at East Tilbury lingering mid-river off dry lagoons. Old Hall Marshes, four Spoonbill in the Iron Gate Flash area also Garganey, Little Egret, Whimbrel and Little Gull.

04/01/00 - Crane reported at Barling Gravel Pits. This is probably the same bird reported at Steeple later on in the day. Two apparently immature Pomarine Skua at East Tilbury lingering mid-river off dry lagoons, also reports of two Peregrine in the same location with another Pomarine being reported at Tollesbury.

06/06/00 - Two Tree Island, 09.30: Two Little Egret, 11 Avocet (at least two pairs nesting) and at least 7 singing male Sedge Warblers. Wakering Stairs, 19.00 - 21.30: Two Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl and Yellowhammer.

08/06/00 - Old hall Marsh, 10.00 -16.00: Avocet (x60), Little Egret (x2), Little Tern, Barn Owl, Reed Bunting  and Two Marsh Harrier. One of the Marsh Harriers had the rather unusual markings of bright white flashes above the wing at the shoulders and extending almost to the trailing edge of the wing. Unfortunately the semi-resident Spoonbill decided to have a day away from the marshes. This bird, a single male, seems to be quiet at home on Old Hall and can be seen most days early morning or late evening in the Iron Gate Flash Area. Also frequenting this area (but not today!) is the Forster's Tern. Wakering Stairs, 20.15: Magnificent and close views of a hunting Barn Owl. This Bird has been observed at this time of night for the last three days. The Owl can be sighted 800 yards from the security entrance and over towards the long hangar type building on the right. The question has to be asked, is this the same Owl that gave a lot of people stunning views in Gunners Park this winter?

10/06/00 - Wonderful and very close views of a Female Marsh Harrier from the main hide at Wat Tyler Country Park. The Harrier has been in this area for the past two weeks. Also observed were six Bearded Tits (Reedling), Reed Warblers, Reed Bunting and Hobby.

11/06/00 - (from David Jobbings) Pomarine Skua, morning, ranging between Mucking Bay and LH Point.

17/06/00 Crested Lark: Tilbury : By A1080 at 6.00 am Possible, 1/2 mile south of main dock.

18/06/00 - Black Redstart : Rainham Marshes by old jetties near stone barges.

21/06/00 - ( from feedback ) I was kindly informed by telephone this evening of a Woodchat Shrike flying into a patio door in the Rayleigh / Hullbridge area. The bird recovered and subsequently flew off. Please keep an eye out in this area as further sightings would be appreciated.

25/06/00 - Wakering Stairs 10.30am. Solitary Sandwich Tern observed. At Haven Point, Adult Grey Heron accompanied by two juveniles both looking as though they were receiving a fishing lesson!

26/06/00 - ( from feedback ) Common Buzzard, from April-June at Thorrington woods viewed from Brightlingsea. Hobby, at least two frequently over Brightlingsea, near All Saints Church, May and June.

30/06/00 - ( from feedback )Pair of little Owls reported at Orsett at 06.15. Observer: Terence Ross.