Bird Reports for June 2010
Wednesday 30th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:00 to 08:00
1 Grasshopper Warbler (good view of bird reeling), 2 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler. Saline Lagoon: 1 Oystercatcher with two young birds, 35 Lapwing, 4 Green Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Redshank on marsh, 3 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, c.20 Lapwing, 3 Avocet, 3 Little Egret, Mute Swan with 2 Young. David Shepherd.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:10 to 11:30
7 Spotted Redshank (Incl. 4 roosting on saline lagoon), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from bushes on east side of reserve, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Martin Cracknell
Belton Hills, 11:45 to 13:25
1 Hobby, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 1 Peregrine Falcon carrying prey but lazily circling, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. 5 Marbled White. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 17:00 to 17:25
7 White-letter Hairstreak on usual bramble bush. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:40
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 to 20:00
c.20 Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage SW of marsh, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. David Shepherd.
Tewke's Creek, 19:15 to 19:45
1 Caspian Gull (2nd summer, two dark orange rings on right leg, just too distant to read the black letters/numbers and metal band on left leg). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tuesday 29th June 2010
Rochford, 07:35
1 Hobby over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07.35
1 female Sparrowhawk caught and partially plucked a Wood Pigeon on the grass verge. When disturbed she managed to fly off with the entire carcass. David Selley.
Belfairs Woods, Dodds Grove 16:00 to 16:30
1 White Admiral, 120 Heath Fritillary, 8 Large Skipper, 4 Meadow Brown. Vince Kinsle (SOG).
Lion Creek and Adjoining Farmland 17:00 to 19:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, Mallard, 3 Magpie (1 adult and two juveniles being fed), 2 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Shelduck, 1 Pheasant, 1 Great Tit, 1 Grey Heron, Skylark (heard), 1 Little Egret, Yellowhammer (heard), 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, 1 Swift, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Swallow. Also 3 Fox cubs. Anthony Brett.
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 to 18:45
2 Black-tailed Godwit (pair), 7 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, at least 6 Green Sandpipers, 3 Redshank, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Andrew Cox.
River Orwell 19:10
We were standing on the jetty watching male and female Peregrine beside their nest box under the Orwell bridge when a pigeon passed under them. From under the bridge came 2 young Peregrines and one took the pigeon. The weight of the pigeon took the young bird down to the break water under the bridge. they set about eating there catch. excellent. Malcolm and Elaine Pitman.
Monday 28th June 2010
Two Tree Island 14:50 to 16:00
2 Little Egret, 15 Greenfinch, 2 Shelduck, 13 Skylark, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Teal, 1 Kestrel, 5+ Swift, 3 Swallow, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 3 Grey Wagtail and 1 Pheasant. Nick M.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Les Costin.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 15:30
7 adult Mediterranean Gull on main scrape, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Maldon 16:00
1 female Sparrowhawk. Thomas Harris.
Benfleet Downs, 16:00 to 16:40
2 White-letter Hairstreak, 10 Large Skipper, 20 Small Skipper, 4 Essex Skipper (at least), 8 Marbled White, 6 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, 10 Holly Blue, 4 Comma. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 27th June 2010
Wakering, Fleet Head 04:30 to 08:30
5 Shelduck, 1 Moorhen, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Curlew, 5 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, Chaffinch (heard throughout walk), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Little Egret, 1 Sedge Warbler (a very long privileged view for a change!) 2 Whitethroat, 5 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 1 Skylark, 3 Herring Gull, 1 Swift, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Greenfinch and 2 Goldfinch. Anthony Brett.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:15 to 09:45
3 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff (a handsome rufous male in NE corner), 4+ Green Sandpiper, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (both in NE of reserve), 2 Cetti's Warbler. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10.00 to 12.00
5 Little Egret, 3 Turtle Dove, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Skylark, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Swallow, 8 Oystercatcher - four pairs apparently holding territories plus a further c.100 birds on low tide roost, 7 Curlew, 4 male Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. Several Red Admiral feeding on mallow flowers, 2 Meadow Brown, 3 Six-spot Burnet. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:30
1 male Sparrowhawk over garden carrying small bird. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Belfairs Woods, 11:30 to 13:30
1 White Admiral, 100 Heath Fritillary (at least), 2 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, 10 Large Skipper, 5 Small Skipper (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belhus Woods Country Park 15:00
The Sand Martin colony has had a very successful season. All 15 nest holes are now empty, all youngsters have fledged and the air is full of their calls. Wayne Twelftree.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00 and at 19:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 26th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 11:15
3 Common Tern, 6 Spotted Redshank (NE corner), 2 Greenshank (NE corner), 2 Wood Sandpiper (NE corner), 1 Teal (juvenile. west end), 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 10 Reed Bunting, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, 8 Shoveler. 1 Common Lizard, 1 Northern Water Vole, Black-tailed Skimmers, 20 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:30 to 12:00
From scrape hide: 3 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Hobby over Bowers, 10 Grey Heron. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:30 to 15:20
8 Green Sandpiper (at least), 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Water Rail. 16 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 10 Small Heath, 1 Common Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet Downs, 14:45 to 16:00
1 Cuckoo, 5 Essex Skipper, 1 White-letter Hairstreak on usual bramble bush near bottom of gas pipeline path, 7 Marbled White. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:35 to 17:00
4 White-letter Hairstreak (2 were seen dogfighting with two further singles on the brambles), 12 Holly Blue, 2 Ringlet, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Comma, 1 Large White, 1 Marbled White, 5 Large Skipper, 5 Small Skipper (or more), 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet Creek, 16:00 to 17:00
1 male Stonechat, 1 Curlew, 12 Common Tern. 1 Marbled White. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:30 to 20:00
4 Spotted Redshank, 7+ Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Garganey (eclipse drake), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:30 to 21:30
1 Garganey (eclipse drake, mobile, seen in NE corner, on West side, and on saline lagoon), 1 Hobby, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 9+ Green Sandpiper, 2 Grasshopper Warbler (2nd reeling south of creek from saline lagoon screen), 1 Mediterranean Gull. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Paglesham East Hall Road, 20:30 to 20:45
8 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Canewdon, 21:45 to 22:00
1 Tawny Owl on telegraph pole Creeksea Ferry Road, 1 Little Owl on dead branch, Scotts Hall Road by 's' bend. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Friday 25th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:40 to 11:30
6 Spotted Redshank, 6 Green Sandpiper (3 saline lagoon, 3 main), 1 Garganey (drake in almost full eclipse still present), 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Tern, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Curlew. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southend, Baxter Avenue 10:00 to 10:15
1 male Peregrine Falcon with prey on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Southend, 10:35 to 10:40
1 Sedge Warbler singing in trees 50 metres west of Odeon - very odd. John Wright (SOG).
Canewdon, 21:45 to 22:00
2 adult Tawny Owl, one at entrance to Saltings Poultry Farm, another on telegraph post by bungalow, 2 Cuckoo (pair over house earlier in day 'bubbling'). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 24th June 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:45
On the RSPB walk: Green Woodpecker, Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Blackcap, Starling, Magpie, Whitethroat, Wren (heard), Collared Dove, Oystercatcher, 3 Little Egret (2 in trees along Timberman's Creek), Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Jay, Kestrel (with 4 chicks in nest box), Blackbird, Chiffchaff (heard), Lapwing, Moorhen, Mediterranean Gull, Canada Goose, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Rochford, 13:40
1 Buzzard high over south west. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:00 to 18:00
Saline Lagoon: 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 15 Lapwing, 2 Avocet. On Marsh: 2 Greenshank, 5 Spotted Redshank, 14 Shelduck, c.20 Avocet, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan with two young, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, c.8 Shoveler, 5 Reed Bunting, Swift and Swallows. David Shepherd.
Belfairs Woods, 16:20 to 18:10
333 Heath Fritillary (largest count of the year so far), 10 Large Skipper (at least), 1 Speckled Wood. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:40 to 17:50
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer on reservoir), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 1 Little Egret, 3 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford - Baddow Meads and Neighbouring Manor Farm 17:00 to 18:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat (possibly 2), 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 2 Great Crested Grebe plus 4 young, 1 Pochard, 2 Sand Martin. Many Tufted Duck, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Coot, Sedge Warbler and at least four Scarce Chaser dragonflies. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:35 to 18:40
2 Greenshank, 5 Redshank, 10 Green Sandpiper (7 on saline lagoon), 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull on the saline lagoon. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 19:45
1 Grasshopper Warbler by dyke on seawall between Benfleet and Leigh. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wednesday 23rd June 2010
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 06:40 to 07:20
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Green Sandpiper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Common Sandpiper (saline lagoon), 8 Green Sandpiper (2 saline lagoon, rest NE, E side with the shanks), 2 Greenshank, 5 Spotted Redshank, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Chiffchaff singing by level crossing, c.6 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Benfleet, 17:50
1 Marbled White through my garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Rochford, Town Centre Area 06:00 to 07:00
c.20 House Martin flying this morning with 7 or 8 active nests and some birds apparently still prospecting new sites. 4 Swift nests, possibly 5, on two buildings. David Selley.
Benfleet Downs, 13:00 to 13:40
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Hobby. 4 Large Skipper, 7 Small Skipper, 4 Holly Blue. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 18:30
7 Spotted Redshank in NE corner, 1 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, c.2 Sand Martin. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 18:30 to 18:40
1 Sparrowhawk over garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:50 to 20:30
5 Spotted Redshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 1 Teal, 10 Swift, 1 Hobby. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 21:30 to 22:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 21st June 2010
South Fambridge 12:45 to 15:00
From seawall: 4 Buzzard, one over Stow Maries, 3 displaying over Bushy Hill, 4 Kestrel north of Crouch, Avocet, 5 Yellow Wagtail all juveniles, Corn Bunting, 5 Reed Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, Swallow, 2 Little Egret, Little Grebe, 3 Curlew, 6 Common Whitethroat, 6 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive, 17:10
1 Hobby over garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Sunday 20th June 2010
Paglesham Sea Wall and Lagoon 04:00 to 08:00
1 Curlew, 2 Little Egret, Cuckoo (heard) 1 Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Grey Heron, Swift, House Martin, 1 Skylark, Canada Geese and Greylag Geese, Tufted Duck and Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Linnet (male and female), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Yellowhammer (male and female) Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, 3 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Greenfinch And Blue Tit. Anthony Brett.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:15 to 07:50
4 Spotted Redshank (NE corner), 2 Garganey (2 drakes again on west side viewed from east bank, female not evident), 2 Wigeon, 3 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Island 08:00
1 Cormorant, diving for fish just pass The Labworth Restaurant on Canvey island, then flew off further round and was spotted again off the corner near Thorney Bay beach. Kizzy Smith.
Wallasea Wetlands, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Green Sandpiper on eastern borrow dyke - 4 others in SW corner island Saturday, 6 Tufted Duck (3 pairs), 7 Pochard (duck and 6 young still). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 12:45
2 Cuckoo (pair), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel (pair), 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat (female), 20 Common Tern (+13 chicks), 2 Oystercatcher (+2 chicks), 6 Redshank (+3 chicks), 40 Black-headed Gull (+18 chicks), 8 Linnet, 2 Skylark. 1 Red Fox, 1 Northern Water Vole, 1 Slow-worm. Graham Ryland (SOG).
South Fambridge towards Brandy Hole 10:30 to 11:55
2 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 4 Swift, 2 Swallow, 7 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Little Grebe, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 8 Yellowhammer (2 males, 6 females or juveniles). David Selley.
Southend Airport, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Garden Warbler singing and showed once, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker (adults again visiting noisy youngsters in nest hole). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:40 to 15:30
1 Hobby (trying for one of the many Swallows), 4 Reed Warbler (2 pairs), 5 Whitethroat, 4 Skylark, 40+ Swift, 40+ Swallow, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Lapwing. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Blackcap singing. 2 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:20
1 adult Great Spotted Woodpecker on peanut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 20:00 to 20:30
1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 House Martin over north. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Canewdon, 21:55 to 22:10
Three owls in 15 minutes around village: 1 Barn Owl hunting field immediately south of village and flew over Scotts Hall Road to west, 1 Tawny Owl on wires above road just past the bungalow on way to Wallasea - usual site, 1 Little Owl on double bend corner of Scotts Hall Road. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 19th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:15 to 12:00
Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Pochard. On brackish lagoon: 5 Spotted Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Teal. Terry Jeffreys.
Pound Wood, 11:00 to 12:25
156 Heath Fritillary, 1 Meadow Brown. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Thundersley, 12:25 to 13:20
66 Heath Fritillary (Starvelarks Wood), 2 Heath Fritillary in Tile Wood (first time I have found them here), 2 Small Skipper. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belfairs Woods, 13:35 to 15:15
98 Heath Fritillary, 7 Large Skipper, 3 Speckled Wood. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:30 to 17:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 House Martin, 2 Swift, 2 Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:40 to 15:40
2 Little Tern fishing along the front throughout, 1 Little Egret, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:50 to 16:30
Heavy shower brought swifts and hirundines down low over reservoir: 100+ Swift, 30 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 8 Sand Martin, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing by playground. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 19:20
18 Lapwing, 13 Teal, 5 Spotted Redshank (north-east corner), 7 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Wigeon, 3 Green Sandpiper (north-east corner), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, 137 Coot. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Friday 18th June 2010
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:20 to 08:50
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on peanut feeder throughout. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 14:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:25 to 10:40
1 drake Garganey, 2 Spotted Redshank (same two still present), 1 drake Wigeon, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 18:00 to 19:30
Saline Lagoon: 5 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper. On the marsh: c.20 Avocet, 9 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Cadwall, 7 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Water Vole, many Swift, House Martin, Swallow. David Shepherd.
Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 19:00
4 Green Sandpiper in borrow dyke in SW corner, 7 Pochard (duck with brood of 6, wetlands), 4 Tufted Duck (2 pairs), 2 Marsh Harrier (females - one landed in wheat). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 17th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:00 to 08:00
14 Avocet, 14 Shelduck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Grebe +4 Young, 9 Pochard, 15 Lapwing, 11 Shoveler, 2 Oystercatcher, c.100 Coot, 1 Spotted Redshank in summer plumage, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo seen together, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting (adult male feeding two young), Swift, Swallow, House Martin and a few Sand Martin. David Shepherd.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:45
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Coot, Magpie, Starling, Whitethroat, Swift, Chiffchaff (heard), Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Cuckoo (heard), Mute Swan, Little Egret, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Herring Gull, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, House Sparrow, Grey Heron. Terry Jeffreys.
St Lawrence Bay (Next to Blackwater) 12.00
Turtle Dove. Steve Spicer.
Westcliff, 12:30 to 13:00
1 Mistle Thrush in Cliff Gardens. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14:30 to 17:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling briefly, 1 male Stonechat, 1 second summer Mediterranean Gull, 1 Grey Plover (non breeding plumage) on lagoon. Andrew Cox.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 19:30 to 20:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (including a juvenile), 3 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Yellowhammer (singing males). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 16th June 2010
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00 to 11:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon sitting on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 16th June 2010
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:45 to 11:30
1 Hobby half-heartedly chasing swifts over the reservoir, 1 Cuckoo, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 2 Little Egret, 1 Corn Bunting, 50+ Swift at least over the reservoir. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 15:30
2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Garganey, 9 Teal (pair + 7 males), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, many Swift, House Martin and Swallow, at least 1 Sand Martin. Andrew Cox.
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00 to 16:30
Scrape: 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls. Andrew Cox.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 18:45 to 19:25
2 Linnet, 2 singing male Yellowhammer, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sparrowhawk thermalling over The Lawns. 1 Painted Lady, Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 20:30 to 22:15
2 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Nightingale sang briefly on north side, not seen, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeled in 2 short bursts, showed briefly north side of southern reed bed, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Tuesday 15th June 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 13:00
2 Cuckoo calling (male and female), Oystercatcher, flock of 40+ Starling. 6 Emerald Damselflies, Blue Tailed Damselflies, 1 Red Damselfly, 1 Common Blue Butterfly, 1 Water Scorpion. Neil Phillips.
Shoeburyness 09.20
Female Kestrel trying to take a house sparrow that had got its leg caught on our bird feeding station and was trapped hanging upside down, our feeding station is one of the metal poles with arched hanging poles from all side at the top so be watchful if you have one of these. Robin and Tracy Guppy.
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 12:25
1 Hobby south over garden. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:40 to 15:35
3 Garganey (2 drake, 1 female together asleep in floating vegetation on north side), 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 6 drake Teal (new in today), 1 Little Egret. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery 17:15
4 Kestrel, chicks plus female just fledged near chapel. 3 Green Woodpecker, pair Greater Spotted Woodpecker with two young in nest hole in silk covered tree. Dan Davison.
Southend Seafront, 18:00 to 19:00
36 Mediterranean Gull between Chalkwell shelter and the Coastguards - 24 aqdults and 12 1st summers, 15 Common Tern. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 18:25 to 19:30
5 Common Tern, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 15 Curlew. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Monday 14th June 2010
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 06:15
11 Goldfinch (mostly juveniles), 4 Greenfinch (1 adult and 3 juveniles), 1 Song Thrush singing. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
1 female Sparrowhawk perched on fence and bird table before being seen off by the local Magpies. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 15:05
2 Spotted Redshank (superb in full summer plumage), 3 Garganey (lone drake and a pair on west side), 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing on the old tip. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Shoeburyness 14.40
Female Sparrowhawk in the bottom of our garden. on floor with wings spread out protecting her kill a baby Starling. Robin and Tracy Guppy.
North Shoebury 18.00
8+ House Martin over occupying nests in the immediate vicinity. The regulars return. Terry Strong.
Sunday 13th June 2010
Howe Green (Tetrad Count) 06:00 to 10:00
Highlights of the 42 species seen during Bird Atlas visit: 2 Bullfinch, 1 Buzzard (3 sightings), 3 Kestrel (including 1 mobbing buzzard), 1 Little Egret, 15 Yellowhammer, 11 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Stock Dove, 6 Linnet, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1m Goldcrest, 38 Whitethroat, 10 Skylark, 5 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow (visiting stables), 40 Blackbird (and juveniles), 42 Starling (and juveniles), 8 Pied Wagtail (and juveniles), 56 Great Tit (and juveniles) & 62 Blue Tit (and juveniles). Tony Kennelly.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
2 Nightingale (both east of feeders), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Cuckoo (2 male, 1 female), 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Common Tern (+2 chicks), 82 Black-headed Gull (19 chicks), 70 Starling. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wakering Stairs to Morrin's Point 10:20 to 12:00
1 Grey Heron, 165 Oystercatcher on intertidal roost, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 20 Whitethroat. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 13:00
31 Heath Fritillary, 1 Large White, 2 Holly Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Leigh on Sea, 12:00 to 12:10
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Kelvedon and A12 Maldon Bypass 12:50 then 13:05
1 Buzzard at each location, circling above the road. Ray Britton.
Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redshank, 1 Cormorant, 2 Shelduck, 8 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Tern, 2 Oystercatcher. Rick Gill.
South Fambridge, 13:15 to 14:45
From the pill box looking north across the River Crouch: 2 Buzzard (single sightings as well as a pair seen together twice but probably involved the same 2 birds), 2 Hobby, 3 Kestrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Common Tern. John Wright
Canewdon, 13:30 to 14:00
Looking north from back of Butts Hill Pond: 1 Buzzard hunting over woodland SW of Stamfords Hill Cottages throughout TQ883979, 1 Kestrel hassling the Buzzard - some interesting aerobatics. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Chelmsford, Hylands Park, 14:00 to 16:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker. Sue Haffenden.
Benfleet Downs, 15:00 to 16:00
2 Cuckoo. 1 Large Skipper. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:00 to 16:00
2 Cuckoo. 1 Large Skipper. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 15:15
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Saturday 12th June 2010
Chelmsford 08:30 to 09:30
Peregrine Falcon stooping down over Parkway and County Hotel towards Town Hall at 08:30. River Cam: 4 Linnet, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret, several Blackcap between Admirals and West Park all near metal footbridge. Tony Kennelly.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 10:45
3 adult Mediterranean Gull on the scrape. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Cuckoo, 100 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 15 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 6 Shelduck. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:10 to 13:35
2 Turtle Dove (pair flew from scrub at Haven Point over to Foulness), 2 Marsh Harrier (one of which was on Foulness), 16 Common Tern, 3 Little Egret, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 36 Curlew. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Belhus Woods Country Park 14:00
The Sand Martin colony is doing really well with c.15 nest holes, all occupied, all with young. Wayne Twelftree.
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 15:00
2 Grey Wagtail. Les Costin.
Wakering Stairs 15.00 to 17.00
2 Little Egret, 1 female Kestrel carrying prey, 10 Oystercatcher (including 3 nesting pairs), 3 juvenile Redshank, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove heard, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Swallow, 8 Skylark. Also 1 Slow Worm and 5 fresh and bright Painted Lady. David Selley.
Benfleet, 16:50 to 17:00
8 Swift over my garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 17:15 to 18:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 male Stonechat, 10 Common Tern. 2 female Adder, 2 Common Lizard, 2 Slow-worm. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:00 to 18:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Red Fox. John Wright (SOG).
North Shoebury 19:10
1 Jackdaw over, garden first. Terry Strong.
Friday 11th June 2010
Two Tree Island 09:45 to 16:00
Many Black-headed Gull including at least 8 hatched broods. 16 Common Tern with at least 6 nests, two with hatched young. At least 4 Little Tern. 1 Avocet chick on lagoon with 90-100 adults. Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover. Pair of Tufted Duck, 23 Linnet on model aircraft field, pair of Stonechat, 1 Nightingale showing well and singing close to eastern path, Green Woodpecker, 1 Curlew, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, many Swift, at least 4 Yellow Wagtail including 2 males in pea field across seawall and several Swallow near old barge wreck. Andrew Cox.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 13:10 to 13:15
1 Peregrine Falcon around Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:30
2 drake Garganey in north-east corner. Tim Bourne.
Thursday 10th June 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Sparrowhawk, 4 Mute Swan (one pair at Holly Cottage hide with one cygnet and a pair on the scrape with 2 cygnets), Carrion Crow, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Wood Pigeon, Cetti's Warbler, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, 2 Oystercatcher, Magpie, Chaffinch, Sedge Warbler (heard), Blackcap, 2 Kestrel (occupying nest box at Timberman's Creek), Canada Goose, 18 Grey Heron (11 on Vange Wick and 7 on the scrape), Common Gull, Little Egret, Mallard, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Swift, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose, Starling, House Sparrow, Swallow. Terry Jeffreys.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00
2 Lapwing low north east, unusual at this time of year. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet, 12:45
1 Hobby flew over A130 between Canvey and Sadlers Farm, towards RSPB Canvey West. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:10 to 14:20
20+ House Martin, 20+ Swift, 1 drake Garganey beginning to moult into eclipse, feeding out in open on west side with Mallards, 1 drake Wigeon, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:30 to 14:55
1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan (2 pairs, look like they only have 1 chick between them now), 2 Canada Goose (a pair with 7 quite large young now), 6 adult Mediterranean Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wickford, Wickford 16:00
Turtle Dove on the garden feeder, a first for my garden, chased off by the Collered Doves. There are at least 2 separate Swift nests on neighbour's houses. David Hope.
Wednesday 09th June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 05.30 to 07.00
Saline Lagoon: 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Avocet, 16 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, Nightingale singing on the old tip. Brackish Lagoon: 20 Avocet, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 14 Shoveler, 11 Lapwing, 6 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag, c.110 Coot, 5 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Common Tern, Cuckoo calling from the west end of old tip, c.10 Swift. David Shepherd.
Orsett Road, Grays 05:55
4 Swift flying in a line around the houses and shops in the nearby area - calling as they fly. Joe French.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 05.55 to 07.30
1 Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Turtle Dove (purring) 1st for 2 years here! 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Bullfinch, Pheasant, 2 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Magpie, Rook, Crow, Jay, House Sparrow, Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Swift, Swallow, House Martin. Robin Peppiatt.
South Fambridge, 12:10 to 13:30
3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, 2 Corn Bunting (pair), 4 Yellow Wagtail. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:20 to 16:30
Scrape only: 1 Bearded Tit seen briefly in front of the hide, 2 Lapwing, 2 Mute Swan (+ one cygnet), 1 Cuckoo (heard), 4 Reed Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 18:00
1 drake Garganey present in the north-west corner of the freshmarsh, 4 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 drake Wigeon, 6 Shoveler (4m,1f), c.30 Swift. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Southend, Central and north Avenue 19:00 to 21:00
8 Swift flying over and around these streets to-night. S.Jackson.
Tuesday 08th June 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30
1 Spoonbill. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:40 to 10:45
1 Spoonbill still present on the scrape. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Seafront 11:00 to 12:00
2 Little Tern flew up-river close to seawall, not observed returning, 1 Common Tern, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Hobby south, Andrew Cox.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 12:30 to 13:50
1 Kestrel, 1 House Martin, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Common Lizard and a single Bee Orchid. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:30
1 wheatear. John Atfield.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:40 to 15:50
1 Spoonbill roosting on closest island to scrape hide, 7 Grey Heron, 1 male Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Monday 07th June 2010
Paglesham Road Sewerage Works 09:00
Red Kite. Steven Clapp.
Belfairs Great Wood, 10:45 to 11:00
Dodds Grove: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. 2 Heath Fritillary. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge, 12:00 to 13:30
6 Buzzard (between 4 and 6 birds on north side over woodland), 2 Sparrowhawk (on north side), 2 Kestrel (on north side), 6 Little Egret (c. on north side), 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell, Don Petrie, Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Spoonbill, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Web Author, Kris Mee.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:25 to 17:00
2 Cuckoo, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Egret, 1 Painted Lady. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:25 to 18:00
Scrape only: 1 Spoonbill on the scrape then was not visible after 17.40, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove flew north past the hide, 5 Reed Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:10 to 19:20
1 drake Garganey present in the north-west corner of the freshmarsh, 9 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Nightingale singing on the east end on the old tip site, 2 Teal (pair), 4 Shoveler (3m,1f), 40+ Swift, 60+ House Martin. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Eastwood
Report of a Crane over. Ken Gooding.
Sunday 06th June 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 06/06/10
Two Tree Island (West), 09:30 to 13:15
E.W.T. Wader chicks event: 8 Coot (chicks), 16 Black-headed Gull (chicks), 3 Redshank (chicks), 1 Common Tern (chick), 3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Island 10:00 to 11:40
Car park to just east of mast: 1 Little Egret, 6 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 14 Skylark, flock of 150+ juvenile Starling, 11 Reed Bunting (9 males including 2 carrying faecal sacs + 2 females), 9 Corn Bunting. Many fresh and bright looking Common Blue butterflies. 50 Swift over rape field by Grapnells. David Selley.
Two Tree island (West) 11:15
1 Painted Lady butterfly seen along southern sea wall walk. Ellen Hume.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:45 to 14:00
1 male Cuckoo, 1 Marsh Harrier on Rushley Island, 17 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Meadow Pipit (4 singing males), 4 Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:55 to 15:25
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair flew over), 2 Whitethroat singing, 5 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing. 3 Small Heath, 6 Common Blue. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:40 to 17:30
1 Common Tern, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 5 Whitethroat (2 singing), 1 immature Marsh Harrier flew in from SW and crossed Crouch - different bird to yesterday, 1 Little Egret, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:55 to 18:00
1 Spoonbill feeding and showing well, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cuckoo heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 05th June 2010
South Fambridge, 07:40 to 08:40
Viewing north from pillbox: 1 Marsh Harrier (fem/imm hunting on north side), 2 Corn Bunting singing, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 male Reed Bunting, 3 Reed Warbler singing, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:30
1 Spoonbill still present on scrape, 2 Mediterranean Gull. Bob Young (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:45 to 11:30
5 Little Egret, 2 Barnacle Goose, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 1 male Peregrine Falcon. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Spoonbill quite actively feeding on the scrape. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Great Yeldham, Essex, 14:00
1 Red Kite circling overhead of garden very low and did a number of circuits for about 2 minutes. David Watkins.
Benfleet Creek, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Little Egret, 5 Black-tailed Godwit on scrape, 20 Common Tern on scrape, 8 Reed Bunting, 20 Oystercatcher, 1 Cuckoo. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:00 to 18:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Greylag Goose, 2 Barnacle Goose (on the 'wader scrape', both unringed but presumably feral), 7 Pochard, 22 Tufted Duck, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st S), 1 Cuckoo singing from wires near seawall. 2 Wall. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rayleigh Station 18:40
1 Hobby. David Chivers.
River Colne
Family of Greylag Geese on the Colne between Colchester and Wivenhoe, they had 7 young a couple of weeks ago but today only had 6, Also a cormorant this morning flying along the Colne. Ben.
Friday 04th June 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:35
Spoonbill captured on the RSPB Webcam. Web Author.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 09:15 to 09:20
1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 09:45
1 Spoonbill. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:35 to 10:00
1 Spoonbill on scrape. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:30 to 14:30
1 Black Swan, 5 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Pochard, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Common Tern, c.4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3+ Reed Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker. Les Costin.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:50 to 16:05
1 immature Spoonbill still present on the scrape. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 18:00 to 18:50
Spoonbill flew off at 18.50 towards Canvey Marsh, looked like she landed that way. Craig Pizzey.
Two Tree Island, 18:45 to 21:40
1 Grasshopper Warbler at west end, close to the hide, reeling well and showed briefly, 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 Nightingale either side of feeders, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 40+ Swift, 1 female Kestrel, 1 male Cuckoo, 8 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Stock Dove. Graham Ryland, Neil Chambers
Thursday 03rd June 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 05.30 to 07.00
Saline lagoon: 5 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. Brackish lagoon: 30 Avocet, 6 Pochard, 2 Swan, 6 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 little Grebe +2 young, 2 Gadwall, c.20 Swift. David Shepherd.
Basildon, Luncies Road, 06:15
Turtle Dove in sycamore in my front garden. Gary Clinton.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 12:30
RSPB weekly walk: 2 Cuckoo (1M, 1F), Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Reed Warbler, Coot, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove. Orange-Tip Butterfly, Speckled Wood Butterfly, Burnet Companion Moth, Broad-bodied chaser Dragonfly, Four-spotted Dragonfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly. David Lee.
Tollesbury Wick Marshes 10:15 to 13:30
20 Avocet, 1 Little Tern, at least 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Reed Warbler - many more heard, Little Egret, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Redshank, Common Tern, Reed Bunting, Lapwing, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Oystercatcher. Sue Haffenden.
South Fambridge, 11:00 to 13:30
1 Red Kite seen a couple of times flying around between Stow Maries and Bushy Hill from 12:10 off and on until at least 12:45, 4 Buzzard (several sightings of singles and pairs throughout the watch. At one point I had 4 buzzards spiralling together with a 5th bird which was probably the Red Kite), 2 Kestrel north of the Crouch. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:30 to 12:45
Only viewed from saline lagoon screen: 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe flew from tidal creek, an interesting mid-summer record, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Pochard, 2 Teal (a pair on saline lagoon). 1 Slow-worm between flyover and railway, 1 Large White, 2 Small Skipper, 3 Small Copper. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.12:00
Hobby and Great Spotted Woodpecker both flying. Emily Broad.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:55 to 14:00
3 adult Mediterranean Gull on scrape, 2 Little Egret on Bowers, 1 Hobby, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Skylark, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Greylag Goose (pair with a downy young). Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 14:45 to 15:45
1 Kestrel north side, 1 female Marsh Harrier came in high from the north before losing height and then hunting over Blue House Farm, 3 Buzzard (singles, all between 15:30 & 15:45, high over fields to the north), 2 Common Tern fishing off the steps, 1 female Yellow Wagtail along seawall top, 3 Little Grebe (adult with 2 young in pool), 4 Little Egret (one was thermalling high initially over Radar Hill before dropping down). Paul Baker (SOG).
Thundersley, 16:05 to 16:40
23 Heath Fritillary, 1 Common Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:05 to 17:45
2 Little Grebe, 7 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck, 1 Mute Swan, 10 Swift, 2 Corn Bunting, 3 Whitethroat. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Belfairs Woods, 17:10 to 18:10
1 Brimstone, 6 Heath Fritillary. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belfairs N.R, Dodd's Grove 17:10 to 17:25
6 Heath Fritillary. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Foulness Island, 19:30 to 19:40
2 Barn Owl. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wednesday 02nd June 2010
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 10:00
2 Garden Warbler still singing, 1 Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Robin Peppiatt.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:20 to 18:30
2 Grey Partridge (pair at the north end of the fleet), 2 Little Egret, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summers flew East), 5 Corn Bunting. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, Doggetts Pits, 18:40
1 Turtle Dove purring. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 01st June 2010
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Neighbouring Manor Farm 04:45 to 06:30
3 Skylark, 7 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Great-crested Grebe, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard (including a female with 7 chicks), 1 Reed Warbler (back at last year's nesting spot), 7 Coot (including 3 chicks), 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Pheasant, 2 Blackcap, 3 Great Tit (including 2 chicks) and a great abundance of Sedge Warblers in brooks and alongside River Chelmer. House Sparrow, Moorhen, Wren, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow and Song Thrush also seen but numbers not noted. Paul Forsdick.
Hadleigh Downs, 07:20 to 10:20
Viewed from Tewke's Creek: 1 Buzzard rose up from beyond Round Hill at 08:45, circled a couple of times, then headed west over Benfleet, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:50 to 19:30
1 Little Egret, 16 Tufted Duck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Lapwing. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).