SE Essex RSPB Bird Reports for June 2011

Bird Reports For June 2011

Thursday 30th June 2011

Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road 08:00
Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on peanut log in garden. This follows a sighting recently of a male woodpecker on same peanut log. Laurie Greenwood.

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 06:40 to 07:00
1 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Mallard. Also seen/heard but numbers not noted: Swift, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Starling, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Wren, Dunnock, Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.

Wakering Stairs, 20:30 to 21:45
1 Turtle Dove heard purring, 1 Barn Owl seen at very close range, 1 Skylark, 3 Whitethroat. Peter Collins (SOG).

Wednesday 29th June 2011

Wakering Stairs, 18:00 to 21:50
3 Kestrel, 2 Greenshank, 6 Turtle Dove (6 purring males, 2 at the southern end and 4 in the bushes between the double-bend of the sea-wall and Haven Point), 1 Barn Owl (hunting around Haven Point), 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sedge Warbler (signing at Haven Point), 20+ Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Don Petrie (SOG).

South Benfleet, St Mary's Churchyard Area 20:50
18 Swift in very close formation 'screaming' low over trees, 1 Hobby (apparent cause of the odd behaviour from the swifts), 4 House Martin. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 09:00
Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Pied Wagtail. 1 Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonfly, 5+ immature Ruddy Darters, 2 Scarce Emerald Damselflies. Neil Phillips (photos here http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/).

Tuesday 28th June 2011

South Benfleet, St Mary's Churchyard Area 06:25
6 Swift, 12 House Martin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest (Singing). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Small Skipper. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 14:30
1 Little Owl calling. Robin Peppiatt.

Hockley Woods, 18:15 to 18:55
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:00 to 20:40
3 Pochard (duck with 2 ducklings), 2 Kestrel (one carrying prey onto Potton Island), 110 Lapwing (flying north west), 2 summer plumage Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Common Tern, 2 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 20 Sand Martin, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 6 Corn Bunting (6 singing males). Don Petrie

RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:55 to 21:05
6 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron (1 caught and ate a coaster sized flatfish on the saline lagoon), 3 Oystercatcher, 34 Lapwing, 7 Redshank, 9 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 30 Swift, 15 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Monday 27th June 2011

Southend, Nestuda Way 09:15
2 adult Mediterranean Gull in small anting flock over Tesco's car park - surprisingly early in the day. David Selley.

Belfairs Nature Reserve, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Green Woodpecker (heard), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 2 Large Skipper, 2 Brimstone, 2 White Admiral, 4 Meadow Brown, 8 Ringlet. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Sunday 26th June 2011

Rochford 06:50 to 07:40
30+ House Martin with eight active nests and a further three or four probable nests, 12 Swift with two nests. All in the North St, Malting Villas, and hospital area. David Selley.

Maldon 07:30
1 Grey Heron. Laura Marsh.

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Sandford Mill Area 07:45 to 10:30
1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Tern, 2 Yellowhammer, 50+ Carrion Crow, 100+ Swift, 10+ House Martin, a few Swallow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Pheasant, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Skylark. Also seen: 2 Red Fox, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Longhorn Beetle, Devil's Coach Horse, 7 Spot Ladybird, 22 Spot Ladybird. Butterflies: Comma, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, various 'Whites'. Paul Forsdick.

RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 09:50
2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, c.8 Teal including 3 drake, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, 3 Oystercatcher, c.30 Lapwing, 1 Cuckoo. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:50 to 11:15
Female Bearded Tit seen well from hide, 1 of 11 Avocet with 3 chicks, 1 Common Tern, 1 Pochard with 2 chicks and 1 Cuckoo which was probably the same later heard. Richard Fahey.

River Crouch 11:00
2 Common Tern up river and 3 House Martin at the marina. Nikki.

Belfairs Nature Reserve 12:30 to 13:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 20 Small Skipper, 5 Large Skipper, 3 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 3 White Admiral, 4 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood, 8 Meadow Brown, 40+ Ringlet. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 12:30 to 15:00
2 Cormorant, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, 20+ Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 15+ Teal, 15+ Swift, 2 House Martin, Sparrowhawk, Grasshopper Warbler. Terry Jeffreys.

Benfleet Downs, 12:45 to 14:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Blackcap (pair), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). 1 Marsh Frog. 6 Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 4 Azure Damselfly, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Emperor Dragonfly, 2 Broad-bodied Chaser, 2 Ruddy Darter, 1 Small Skipper, 25 Essex Skipper, 5 Large Skipper, 6 Small White, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 8 White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 25 Marbled White, 10 Meadow Brown, 9 Ringlet, 1 Small Heath. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 14:00 to 18:00
2 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 House Martin, 3 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Belfairs Nature Reserve 15:05 to 16:00
6 Large Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 1 Small White, 3 White Admiral, 5 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood, 20 Meadow Brown, 10 Ringlet. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).

Eastwood, Progress Road 17:00
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult SP anting). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Wallasea Island, 20:35 to 21:35
1 Barn Owl hunting ditch by car park, 20+ Skylark, 15+ Yellow Wagtail, 30+ Corn Bunting (including several singing males). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Saturday 25th June 2011

Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 14:00
Garganey - two drakes in eclipse. Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, Barn Owl - two pairs have bred, rearing 5 and 3 owlets respectively. Mediterranean Gull, 5 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank. Swallows: Thanks to those RSPB members who reported to the warden that the Swallow's nest in the porch of the new hide had collapsed, depositing the six, nearly fledged youngsters on to the floor. Five eventually made it to the safety of the wooded screens flanking the hide but the youngest remained in the porch. The nest was eventually lodged back into place by a visitor and I am happy to report that the same evening all six youngsters were back in the nest and being fed by the adults. Graham Smith.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:05 to 13:35
8 Teal (5 drakes), 1 Avocet, 30 Swift, 15 Sand Martin, 15 House Martin, 8 Reed Warbler (4 singing). 15 Small Skipper, 3 Marbled White. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Belfairs Nature Reserve, 14:10 to 15:30
1 Blackcap (singing). 5 Large Skipper, 2 Brimstone, 1 White Admiral, 2 Comma, 15 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood, 15 Meadow Brown, 25 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 14:50 to 16:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff. 6 Large Skipper, 21 White-letter Hairstreak, 6 Comma, 12 Marbled White, 5 Ringlet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 15:40 to 16:45
1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (all singing). 1 Slow-worm. 2 Hairy Dragonfly, 15 Small Skipper, 10 Large Skipper, 12 White-letter Hairstreak, 5 Comma, 12 Marbled White, 5 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 17:05 to 17:40
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing). 2 Small Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:55 to 21:10
3 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Oystercatcher (1 juvenile), 2 Avocet, 9 Lapwing, 3 Spotted Redshank, 5 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 30 Swift, 12 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Friday 24th June 2011

Belfairs Great Wood, 11:00 to 12:00
30 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 3 White Admiral, 1 Comma, 10 Heath Fritillary, 2 Speckled Wood, 6 Meadow Brown, 30 Ringlet. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:40 to 13:50
3 Little Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Pochard, 14 Avocet (one with 3 chicks), 4 Lapwing, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 juvenile Bearded Tit, 1 Reed Bunting (approx. 6 feeding young). Peter Collins (SOG).

Belton Hills, 12:45
2 Marbled White. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Belfairs Nature Reserve 15:30 to 15:40
1 White Admiral, tatty specimen nectaring on bramble bush. Ellen Hume.

Essex Wildlife Trust, Langdon
All day sightings: Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Sparrow, Starling, Collared Dove, Stock Dove, Jackdaw, Crow, Jay, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck, Magpie. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk. Essex Wildlife Trust.

Thursday 23rd June 2011

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on RSPB walk: Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, 30+ Avocet, 5 Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard) Chiffchaff (heard), Sedge Warbler, female Kestrel and 2 young, Garden Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Common Whitethroat, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Oystercatcher on nest, Lapwing, Name: Terry Jeffreys.

Rochford Station, 18:00
1 Reed Warbler singing from bushes near tennis courts. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wednesday 22nd June 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 24/06/11

Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 07:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (female and juvenile). Brian Baldock (SOG).

Rochford Station, 08:10
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).

Coombe Wood, 21:25 to 21:25
1 Hobby hunting low along east side of Coombe Wood. Jeff Saward (SOG).

Southend Seafront, 20:30
Walking past Cliffs Pavilion: 1 Peregrine Falcon cruising along cliffs with several herring gulls in tow. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Tuesday 21st June 2011

Rochford, Craven Close 10:30
1 female Sparrowhawk chased and caught a sparrow in our garden, then dropped to the lawn with it for about two minutes before flying off northwards. Richard Goring.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:10 to 13:15
1 Red Kite circled low over scrape then flew northeast gaining height. Peter Collins (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 18:15 to 18:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Purple Hairstreak (around tall, thin oak tree. Follow the main gravel footpath/bike track that leads from the SE corner of the main glade where the compound is that leads to Belchamps. Half way along there is an obvious seat and screen made out of woven wicker branches. Next to this is a well worn mud path that goes through a belt of woodland 20m deep, and then emerges into a large, open, coppiced area. The oak tree is almost dead ahead, perhaps slightly to the left. It did have a territorial Chiffchaff in it as well!). Paul Baker (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 19:15 to 21:15
1 male Kingfisher (stunning views of it perched and fishing in the creek just before the viewing screen for about 15 minutes), 1 drake Garganey, 4 Great Crested Grebe, hundreds of Swallow, Swift, House and Sand Martin, 2 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Teal, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Greenfinch, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Starling. Brennan and Vince Briggs.

Monday 20th June 2011

Rochford, 07:15
1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker in garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 07:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:30 to 07:50
Scrape Hide only: 8 Grey Heron, 16 Avocet, 13 Lapwing, 3 Common Tern, 5 Bearded Tit (4 juveniles and adult male). Marc Outten (RSPB,SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 07:50 to 08:40
6 Mallard (well grown young), 1 Great Black-backed Gull flew over, 1 Stock Dove, 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush (including adult carrying food for young), 6 Blackcap (including what appeared to be a family party with juveniles), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Red Fox. Paul Baker (SOG).

Sunday 19th June 2011

Pound Wood 07:00
1 Garden Warbler (singing). Richard Gray.

RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 09:25
4 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 8 Teal, 20+ Lapwing, 1 Little Egret, pair of Whitethroat with juvenile, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00 to 09:05
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:30 to 11:15
3 Mediterranean Gull, c.18 Avocet on scrape, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Cetti's Warbler seen at close range from hide while another was heard far from usual habitat near cp entrance. Richard Fahey.

Belfairs N.R., 10:00 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Essex Skipper, 4 Heath Fritillary, 1 Marbled White, 3 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 13:40 to 17:20
1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Belfairs N.R., 15:30 to 16:45
2 Chiffchaff. 4 Large Skipper, 4 White Admiral, 32 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (female and juvenile throughout the day). Paul Baker (SOG).

Saturday 18th June 2011

Ballards Gore 07:28
Weasel with prey (yellow wagtail) running along Brays Lane towards Golf Club. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00 to 14:00
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Belfairs N.R., 13:00 to 14:00
1 Blackcap (singing). 1 Large Skipper, 12 Heath Fritillary, 5 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14:50 to 15:00
About 60 Swift flying west towards blue sky after heavy shower. David Selley.

Southend Wyatts Drive at Junction with Meadow Drive 14:55
Red-legged Partridge running across Wyatts Drive, close to the junction with Meadow Drive. Alec Beanse.

Shipwrights Wood, 15:10 to 15:35
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Painted Lady (tatty looking individual in the meadow). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:00 to 19:05
4 Spotted Redshank together on saline lagoon in full summer finery, 1 Greenshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Friday 17th June 2011

RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:15
1 Hobby - flew east from marsh low over Canvey Way. Ian White.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00 to 09:10
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker still on peanut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush (singing), 3 Blackcap (2 singing males, 1 female), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).

Gidea Park (Garden) 14:10
1 Sparrowhawk caught small bird. Held in feet on lawn, only flying off when a Magpie and Crow entered the area. Laura.

Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon
Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Sparrow, Starling, Collared Dove, Stock Dove, Jackdaw, Crow, Jay, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck, Magpie. Essex Wildlife Trust.

Thursday 16th June 2011

Wat Tyler Country Park 07:00 to 09:00
1 Turtle Dove in centre of park, 5+ Swallow, 3 Grey Wagtail, Greenfinch around the entrance car park. Neil Phillips.

South Fambridge 07:30 to 08:00
In fields by footpath to Lower Road on left as you come into South Fambridge: 1 female Cuckoo, lovely reddish brown colour, 1 Kestrel hunting and Skylark. Paul Dunt.

Hathaway Road Near Grays Media School 08:15
5+ Swift flying overheard. Joseph French.

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
RSPB walk: 2 Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Whitethroat, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, female Kestrel, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Starling, 24 Avocet, female Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Bearded Tit, 3 Cormorant, 4 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 12 Swift at entrance to park. Terry Jeffreys.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 13:00
2 Little Egret, 20+ Avocet on scrape, 1 Ringed Plover on scrape, 2 Turtle Dove west of the Green Centre. Alan Shearman (SOG).

Arena Essex Roundabout 11:00
Little Egret flying away towards the service station. Joseph French.

Wednesday 15th June 2011

Chelmsford, Central Park 07:15 to 07:30
1 Grey Wagtail, Canada Goose, Coot, numerous Mallard, Woodpigeon, Moorhen. At neighbouring Marconi Ponds nature reserve one Yellowhammer heard calling and seen flying across the footpath to trees next to railway line, a very strange sight in the middle of town! Paul Forsdick.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00 to 18:00
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on and off throughout the day. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 16:40 to 17:40
From Stairs Road only: 1 Hobby being shadowed by a single Swift, 14 Skylark, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Swallow (at least) constantly in and out of the large hangar type building on the MOD road to Q battery, 3 Stock Dove also hanging around the hangar, family parties of both Blue and Great Tit, 10 Greenfinch, 4 Linnet, 4 Corn Bunting. David Selley.

Tuesday 14th June 2011

Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 06:45 to 07:00
Seen along River Chelmer from Baddow Meads to Chelmsford Town Centre: Jay, Skylark, Reed Bunting, House Martin, Swift, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Whitethroat, Woodpigeon, Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Starling, Blackbird, Blackcap. Paul Forsdick.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00 to 15:10
1 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on peanut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:00 to 19:40
4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Blackcap singing, 4 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 22:55
2 Oystercatcher heard low overhead. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Belhus Woods Country Park
1 pair of Skylark in Huntshill Meadow. Robert Goodrick.

Monday 13th June 2011

Shoebury, Ness Road 08:40
Chiffchaff and Chaffinch heard opposite Shoebury House near Gunners Park. Nikki.

Fossetts Way 09:00
1 Kestrel hovering alongside of the road, 1 male Green Woodpecker on the grass verge. S. Jackson.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 10:10
2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Spoonbill (flew off 9.15), 1 Avocet, 1 Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Swift, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 1 Reed Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:50 to 13:45
3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe (2 juveniles), 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 29 Avocet, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo (heard), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), c.6 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Bearded Tit (together), 1 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty, Peter Collins (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 14:35
1 summer plumage Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Wakering, Fleet Head 15:50 to 19:00
Circular walk round Fleet Head sea wall and old tip: 3 Kestrel, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Skylark, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Southend, 17:05 to 17:05
1 immature Peregrine Falcon hunting over the town centre. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, 19:10 to 20:20
1 Common Tern, 3 Cuckoo (heard), 1 Barn Owl, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Sunday 12th June 2011

RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 10:05
4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Avocet, 1 Curlew on small lagoon, pair of Oystercatcher with only 1 chick now, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler only heard, 1 Sand Martin. Richard Fahey.

Wakering Stairs 08:45 to 10:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier (adult female), 1 Kestrel, 6 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 20 Oystercatcher, 7 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 5 Swallow, 11 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing), 10 Whitethroat, 2 Chaffinch, 50+ Greenfinch (including about 40 juveniles) feeding on rape field, 5 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting. 1 Common Shrew. David Selley.

RSPB Vange Marsh 09:00 to 11:30
1 Spoonbill, 2 Garganey, 2 Water Rail calling, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Mediterranean Gull. Andrew Cox.

Blenheim Park, 12:00 to 12:10
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair feeding chicks in nest hole). Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Heybridge Hall Lake 12:30 to 15:30
Black-headed Gulls nesting with lots of young, Common Tern breeding colony on another little island in the lake, 3 Avocet, lots of Tufted Duck, a pair of Shelduck with 16 ducklings, pair of Linnet, lots of Reed Warbler. Also: 2 Little Grebe that appeared to be all black but with a little dot of white on the head just above the eye. Sue Haffenden.

Wat Tyler Country Park
RSPB Webcam nest box: Our nest box has been the victim of an unwanted raider today. This morning there were five chicks, one rather smaller than the rest. This afternoon a large bill was seen poking in the hole - it belonged to a Magpie. Later the nest looked partially empty. When last seen only three mouths were asking for food. David Lee.

Saturday 11th June 2011

RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:15 to 09:30
2 Spoonbill (one flew off south), 2 Garganey (moulting drakes in north-east corner), 1 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo, 2+ Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 female Red-backed Shrike (mobile on east side of reserve between abstraction ditch and east boundary fence). Martin Cracknell, Steve Arlow, Marc Outten, Don Petrie, Alan Shearman (SOG).

Margaretting 09:15
Pair of Barn Owls seen hunting every night nesting nearby. The result of our deliberate change of field management three years ago. Philip Torr.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Spoonbill, 1 Garganey (in south west corner), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 female Red-backed Shrike (present although mobile), 1 Reed Bunting, 5+ Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 male Broad-bodied Chaser. Sally Brierley, Graham Ryland (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Spoonbill, 1 Red-backed Shrike. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Gunners Park 10:15
2 Swift. John Pitts.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:15
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo. David Chivers.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:00 to 14:00
5 Little Egret, 1 Spoonbill, 1 drake Garganey, 1 Hobby, 2 Avocet, 1 adult summer Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 female Red-backed Shrike, 4 Reed Bunting. 3 Blue-tailed Damselfly. Paul Griggs, Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:25 to 13:45
1 Buzzard over at 13.40 heading east, 20 Avocet on the scrape, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 14:30 to 15:30
13 White-letter Hairstreak nectaring on usual bramble bush near the bottom of the gas pipeline path, 7 Marbled White. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 16:00 to 18:40
1 adult Mediterranean Gull west at 18:40, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap singing. Paul Griggs (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 18:45
1 Spoonbill, 2 Garganey, 1 Hobby, 1 Greenshank, 1 Stock Dove. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, 18:50 to 18:55
1 Mediterranean Gull came to bird table for left over mackerel with Black-headed Gulls. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Friday 10th June 2011

Two Tree Island 06:15 to 10:00
On the Lagoon: Numerous Black-headed Gull with chicks, pair of Mediterranean Gull, 30 Common Tern, 12 Oystercatcher, large number of Avocet, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Ringed Plover, Little Egret, Shelduck. On a walk round the island a Cuckoo, Linnet, Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Greenfinch. Chris Henry.

Hockley/Hawkwell, 06:30 to 06:35
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker eating sunflower hearts on the feeder. Peter Collins (SOG).

Ongar 09:15
1 Buzzard by the small river on Essex Way, seen here before. J. Hayes.

Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:00 to 10:30
Pair of Green Woodpecker and pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker in garden. Kris Mee.

Two Tree Island (East), 11:45 to 13:45
1 male Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 17 Swift, 14 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Badger. 2 Common Seal on sandbank looking toward the pier from the point. Graham Ryland

Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:15
3 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Song Thrush (1 singing), 12 Whitethroat (incl. adults feeding young), 2 Linnet. Peter Collins (SOG).

Stock Road Concrete Plant 16:30 to 18:00
6 Mediterranean Gull including 2 juveniles, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, large number of Black-headed Gull. All coming down for food. Dan Davison.

Battlesbridge 17:00
Little Egret wading by mill. DZ.

RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 to 18:45
Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, 2 Spoonbill (flew in at 18:30), 4 Shoveler, 2 drake Teal, 2 drake Garganey (north east corner, preening), 2 Water Rail calling, Oystercatcher, Avocet, 1 Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, Many Swift, Swallow and House Martin, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.

RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 to 21:10
2 Spoonbill (adult and juvenile), 2 drake Garganey, 2 Teal, Green Sandpiper, 10+ Swift, 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin, Little Egret, 2 Avocet. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 20:35 to 21:15
2 Spoonbill, adult and juvenile feeding along western edge, 2 Green Sandpiper. Don Petrie (SOG).

Thursday 09th June 2011

Chelmsford, Essex Record Office 07:05
2 Common Tern fishing in river just downstream from sluice. Paul Forsdick.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 07:30 to 08:00
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker again on peanut feeder all morning. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southchurch Park East 08:30
1 red-legged Partridge running along bottom of Hedgerow, inside park on Lifstan Way side. Robert Dobinson.

EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge, 09:30 to 17:00
Shag - river, 5 Teal, drake Garganey, 2 Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Barn Owl - nestcam pair still have 5-6 owlets, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Ruff, 2 Little Stint reported on 7th, 2 Green Sandpiper, Greenshank. 5 pairs of Lapwing with chicks and 7-8 Redshank ditto, so something may be salvaged from this breeding season. 77 Small Heath on transect. First Small Skippers on wing. Graham Smith.

Wednesday 08th June 2011

EWT Langdon Hills 08.30
7 Chaffinch, 57 Great Tit, 2 Jay, 6 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Stock Dove, 5 Song Thrush, 9 Dunnock, 17 Mallard, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, 8 Robin, 66 Blue Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Collared Dove, 7 Jackdaw, 7 Canada Goose, Bullfinch, Magpie, 8 Wren, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blackbird, 5 Chiffchaff, Pheasant, 3 Crow, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Greylag Goose, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, 4 Moorhen, Common Whitethroat, Coot. Essex Wildlife Trust.

Thundersley, Starvelarks Wood 11:00 to 11:30
7 Crossbill at least flew over, 27 Heath Fritillary. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Tuesday 07th June 2011

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 13:00
2 Cuckoo (male and female), 6 Swift, 2 Swallow, Egyptian Goose, Pair Shelduck with 4 young, Lapwing, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat feeding young, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Cormorant. Hilary Knight.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:15 to 16:20
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker again on nut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Monday 06th June 2011

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding juvenile from peanut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 11:30 to 12:30
2 Cormorant flew over, 6 young Mallard no sign of female, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Paul Baker (SOG).

Paglesham Boatyard 15:07
Barn Owl carrying prey. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:15 to 17:30
4 Grey Heron (one seen eating a fairly large juvenile coot), 24 Avocet on the scrape, 12 Mediterranean Gull (seen without a scope, could well have been more), 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Turtle Dove purring in the scrub behind the reserves office, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 male Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Sunday 05th June 2011

Rochford Golf Course, 07:30 to 10:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 1 Yellow Wagtail (flew over calling), 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 3 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Two Tree Island (East), 08:00 to 12:10
Summer migrant walk and bird ringing, 66 birds rung in total: 1 male Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Cuckoo (2 males 1 female), 11 Swift, 1 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 1 Song Thrush (rung), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap (3 rung), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (both rung), 5 Chiffchaff (4 juveniles rung), 1 Jay (rung), 5 Goldfinch (1 juvenile rung), 1 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 08:15 to 09:30
1 Avocet, Cetti's Warblers (heard), pair of Oystercatcher and 2 chicks, flock of 11 Lapwing plus 2 displaying pairs, c.20 Gadwall and perhaps an early juvenile Blackcap. Richard Fahey.

Langdon Hills 09:00 to 12:00
1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Swallow, 3 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Long Tailed Tit, c.15 Crossbill. Andrew Cox.

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:40 to 11:07
Drake Garganey, first seen in flight when I noticed blue wings before landing and giving very good views on scrape, 4 Mediterranean Gull including 2 flying north over scrape as they uttered distinct calls, c.20 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler heard close to horse paddock, pair of Common Tern, 1 Little Egret and a Green Woodpecker flew in front of hide. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:45
1 male Bearded Reedling seen well from the Scrape Hide. David Lee.

Rayleigh, 10:15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker over A127 at start of 50mph zone. Paul Baker (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 14:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Jackdaw. 1 Red Fox, 1 Purple Hairstreak seen by the ranger around the first oak tree on the left as you pass through swing gate at top of the valley just after coming down the steep slope with the fishing lake on your left. Paul Baker (SOG).

Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:50 to 11:30
1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing). 1 male Banded Demoiselle. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Southend, Avro Road 11:30
A commotion caused the local Starling flock to scatter, along with all the Collared Doves, racing and Wood Pigeons, as a Peregrine cruised over the gardens maybe using the tall conifers as cover. Also witnessed a Carrion Crow returning from the conifers with a sizeable egg in its beak! Watched a pair of Mice stealing the bird seed. Jackie and Chris Graham.

Hadleigh Downs, 12:10 to 14:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 5 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 2 Large Red Damselfly, 3 Emperor Dragonfly, 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 15 Broad-bodied Chaser, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 3 Small Skipper, 3 Common Blue, 1 Comma, 4 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Southend Pier, 12:50 to 14:00
9 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 60+ Common Tern. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Canvey Point, 15:20 to 16:10
1 Gannet (3rd Summer), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 20+ Common Tern, 1 Alcidae sp. (a distant 'guillebill' flying down-river in the murk). Don Petrie (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:30
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker again on nut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Saturday 04th June 2011

Rochford, North Street And Old Hospital Area 07:30 to 08:00
11 Swift around three probable nest sites, 26 House Martin, 1 Grey Heron flying over east. David Selley.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:20 to 10:30
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder again. Paul Baker (SOG).

Two Tree Island 12:00 to 15:30
2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Knot, 1 possible Roseate Tern. This had a bill that was dark red grading into black about half way along its length. The head appeared slightly larger and longer than those of the common terns. Upperparts pale grey, underparts creamy white with a definite flush, rather dirty pink-buff. Also the contrast between upper and lower parts was less clearly defined than in the common terns. Legs very dark red. Tail streamers were noticeably longer than any of the common (although not as long as on the 1st May bird and this had an all black bill.) First seen in flight where its dark bill and general 'jizz' were slightly but noticeably different. It looked completely different to any of the common terns present. Quite mobile around the lagoon, most of the common terns wouldn't tolerate it and chased it away from their immediate vicinity. Eventually it settled at very close range, right in front of the hide. Flew off of the lagoon and out onto Benfleet Creek at 14:45. Andrew Cox.

Basildon 15:30
Red Kite moving south, quite high being mobbed by crows. Neil Latham.

Two Tree Island (West), 16:10 to 18:20
Mostly at the lagoon: 4 Shelduck (2 pairs), 183 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 summer plumage Knot, 8 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st summer), 440 Black-headed Gull on the lagoon, plus at least 166 chicks, 1 Sandwich Tern, 68 Common Tern (plus a couple of young chicks), 2 Skylark (singing), 2 Stonechat (juveniles), 14 Whitethroat (mostly singing males), 20+ Greenfinch (including 3 recently fledged young being fed). Don Petrie (SOG).

Friday 03rd June 2011

Wakering, 04:20
1 Little Owl near Thorpe Hall School on lampost. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 09:45 to 10:35
1 Buzzard flew east at 09:45, 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:00
At least 25 Goldfinch, including about 15 juveniles, on overhead wires, aerials, and in a neighbour's weedy front garden, 1 Song Thrush singing in the distance. David Selley.

Paglesham Lagoon, 13:55 to 16:35
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 100 Swift at least feeding over the sewage works, 1 Green Woodpecker, 17 House Martin, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler singing, 2 Corn Bunting singing. 10 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:00 to 17:00
1 drake Garganey again in NE corner. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Canvey Wick, 20:15 to 22:00
1 Hobby, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Bourne (SOG).

Thursday 02nd June 2011

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 10:30
2 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. Robin Peppiatt.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:25
1 Sparrowhawk spiralling over football fields opposite. Paul Baker (SOG).

South Fambridge, 20:00 to 20:45
West to nearly Brandy Hole and back: 1 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo singing, 1 Barn Owl hunting rough ground by track to seawall, 3 Yellow Wagtail singing, 4 Reed Warbler singing, 1 Corn Bunting singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Wednesday 01st June 2011

Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 08:00 to 20:00
A day gardening produced: 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 male Bullfinch, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Linnet, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallard, 10 Swift, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin (42 species in all). Robin Peppiatt.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:30 to 12:00
5 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swift, 2 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:00 to 18:40
8 Pochard, 7 Avocet, 2 Cuckoo (presumed pair, 1 singing), 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 3 Reed Warbler singing, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 3 Bearded Tit (4 reported in log book on Monday). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:15
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker calling and perched on neighbours TV aerial! Paul Baker (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:15 to 19:20
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker on nut feeder. Paul Baker (SOG).

Back to latest sightings