Bird Reports for June 2012
Saturday 30th June 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Belfairs Nature Reserve, Dodd's Grove 11:15 to 12:15
1 Brown Hawker, 2 Common Darter, 1 Large Skipper, 2 Large White, 1 White Admiral, 3 Red Admiral, 6 Heath Fritillary, 8 Speckled Wood, 6 Gatekeeper, 20 Meadow Brown. John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 12:45 to 08:30
2 fledgling Magpie being mobbed by Sparrows with Magpie parents causing usual havoc, S. Park copse near loos at 12:4, 1 Cormorant basking on usual post after fishing, S. Park East at 08:30. Robert Dobinson.
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 07:00 to 10:00
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Turtle Dove (possibly three), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Private Land Near Crays Hill 13:00
1 small Tortoiseshell Butterfly, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Meadow Brown. 1 blue sp. G. Dixon.
Canewdon, Scotts Hall Road 21:55
1 Little Owl on a road sign close to the usual tree. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Canewdon, Private Site 22:00
2 adult Barn Owl leaving nest box. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Canewdon, Lark Hill Road 22:10
1 Barn Owl hunting over arable field. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Friday 29th June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max21°c
Heybridge gravel Pits 07:00 to 07:30
Swallowtail Butterfly seen around sea wall, close to tern island, has been seen since 27/06/12. Cleve Bull.
Fobbing/Corringham Marshes c.08:35 to 12:15
Lesser Whitethroat heard out on marshes, juvenile Stonechat, 1 Common Tern flew low at Corringham by Manorway, some Corn Bunting, c.5 Little Egret, 2 Cuckoo. Richard Fahey.
Southchurch Park East 08:45
5 Moorhen chicks with parents in south east corner of lake. Robert Dobinson.
Woodham Ferrers (Edwins Hall Road) 13:00 to 13:10
1 Hobby, 3 Blackbird, 23 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 12 Woodpigeon, 2 Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 13:30 to 13:45
3 Herring Gull, 9+ Black-headed Gull, 250+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 140+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 50+ Pochard, 16 Carrion Crow, 21 Magpie, 150+ Swift (very High over Reservoir). Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East 21:30 to 21:35
25 Little Egret on roost - counted from Belton Gardens. Martin Johnson.
Friar's Park, Shoebury 22:10
1 Reed Warbler in full and sustained song (heard not seen) calling from reed bed next to island in Friar's Park main fishing lake (unusual for this time of the evening?). Also plentiful Common Pipistrelle bats (at least 6, probably many more). Jackie Bliss.
Thursday 28th June 2012easterly to south westerly, partly cloudy, max28°c
Rochford 06:50 to 07:30
13 Swift screaming around and over nest sites - so hopefully still feeding chicks or incubating, 15+ House Martin. David Selley.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 10:00 to 13:00
Visited the 'Southern Migrant Hawker Pool' only: 2 Little Egret, 2 Female Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull flew east. 30 Azure Damsel, 5 Large Red, 10 Blue Tailed, 2 Scarce Emerald (joined pair), 2 male Emerald, 2 Hairy Dragonfly (joined pair), 4 Emperor, 1 male Broad bodied, 5 Four spotted. 5 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, 1 Hairstreak sp., 1 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood, 4 Marbled White, 3 Small Heath. Mike Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Magpie, Tufted Duck, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Avocet, Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Starling, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Whitethroat, 3 Kestrel (female + 2 juveniles), Cuckoo, juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Grey Heron. Terry Jeffreys.
South Fambridge, 10:45 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier over Blue House Farm, 1 Sparrowhawk (also over BHF), 1 Curlew, 2 Common Tern, 1 female Cuckoo, 10 Yellow Wagtail (at least, mainly juveniles), 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Reed Bunting, 6 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:15 to 14:35
9 Little Egret. Marc Outten (SOG).
Belfairs Nature Reserve, 16:20 to 16:30
1 White Admiral. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Woodham Ferrers (Edwins Hall Road) 20:30 to 20:50
1 Hobby, 2 Kestrel, 30+ Woodpigeon, 5 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 27th June 2012west south west, partly cloudy, max23°c
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 11:30
7 Herring Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Mallard, 250+ Greylag Geese, 120+ Canada Geese, 3 Blackbird, 50+ Pochard, 2 Coot, 12 Cormorant, 4 Magpie, 2 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Battlesbridge 14:00 to 14:10
1 Little Egret, 2 Magpie, 8 Wood Pigeon, 2 Black-Headed Gull, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Mallard, 1 Swallow, 1 Swift, 1 Blackbird, 2 Jay. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
1 Little Egret, 4 Magpie, 20+ Wood Pigeon, 8 Stock Dove, 12 Black-Headed Gull, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Swallow, 3 Swift, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Tuesday 26th June 2012south westerly, clear, max23°c
Rochford, 04:30
4 adult Mediterranean Gull over garden with Black-headed Gulls, when I was emptying the moth trap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southchurch Park East 08:40
1 Tufted Duck. Robert Dobinson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 13:00
2 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Reed Warbler, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe with young, 3 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1Grey Heron, 1 Pheasant. 1 Marbled White, 2 Holly Blue, many Meadow Brown. Hilary Knight.
Monday 25th June 2012westerly to easterly, partly cloudy, max21°c
Hadleigh Marshes, 17:15 to 18:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 15 Marsh Frog. John Wright (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 17:30 to 19:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hobby, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult low over), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail. Vince Kinsler, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:40 to 19:05
2 Skylark, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff all singing. Neil Chambers
Paglesham Boatyard 19:30 to 20:30
3 Little Egret over to Foulness, 1 Marsh Harrier hunting over Potton sea wall. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Sunday 24th June 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max20°c
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 11:30
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (all singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 15:10 to 16:00
2 Small Skipper, 3 White-letter Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood, 7 Marbled White, 6 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Rochford, 15:15
1 Hobby over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:30 to 19:15
2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Magpie, 3 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 30+ Wood Pigeon, 10 Stock Dove, 30+ Black-Headed Gull, 2 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 7 Corn Bunting, 2 House Sparrow, 5 Herring Gull, 1 Swallow, 3 Swift, 1 House Martin, 1 Blackbird, 9 Starling, 7 Shelduck. 2 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 19:15
1 male Peregrine Falcon high over garden before returning toward seafront. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Pitsea 19:20 to 20:00
1 Barn Owl. Phil Shaw.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 20:45 to 20:55
7 Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 70+ Tufted Duck, 60+ Mallard, 100+ Greylag Geese, 20+ Canada Geese, 7 Blackbird, 30+ Pochard, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Saturday 23rd June 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max19°c
Daws Heath, Starvelarks Wood, 10:15 to 11:50
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (singing). 1 Large Skipper, 8 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 77 Heath Fritillary (pylon clearing), 10 Speckled Wood. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 10:50 to 13:20
3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. 1 Common Lizard, 4 Adder (a female and 3 males), 2 White-letter Hairstreak (first of the year on usual bramble bushes), 4 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 4 Speckled Wood, 1 Meadow Brown. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Belfairs Nature Reserve, 11:00 to 13:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. 20 Heath Fritillary (9 in Dodds Grove, 11 in Hadleigh Great Wood down 3 different rides), 7 Speckled Wood, 3 Meadow Brown. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Pound Wood, 12:00 to 13:00
39 Heath Fritillary (pylon clearing). John Wright (SOG).
Belfairs Nature Reserve, Dodd's Grove, 15:10 to 15:30
2 Large Skipper, 8 Heath Fritillary, 1 Meadow Brown. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Eastwood Road, Leigh on Sea, 15:35
1 Green Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Friday 22nd June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max18°c
Coombe Wood, 07:45 to 08:00
2 Coal Tit (possibly 3, elusive, but calling continuously in trees on north east corner of woods). Jeff Saward
Southchurch Park East 08:45
1 drake Mandarin Duck in Eclipse, 2 Mute Swan (Approx. 1.5yrs old) flew in and chased off by resident male Mute Swan, 3 Sets of Mallard ducklings, (1 + 5 + 3), Green Woodpecker pair feeding young in copse. Robert Dobinson.
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 16:45
3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:30 to 20:20
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 3 Magpie, 2 Greenfinch, 20+ Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 40+ Wood Pigeon, 13 Stock Dove, 30+ Black-Headed Gull, 2 Magpie, 4 Carrion Crow, 3 Corn Bunting, 3 Pheasant, 1 Skylark, 10 House Sparrow, 5 Herring Gull, 2 Swallow, 1 Swift, 2 House Martin, 1 Blackbird, 2 Starling. 3 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Canewdon 20:30 to 20:35
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 20:45 to 20:55
7 Herring Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Tufted Duck, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Mallard, 40+ Greylag Geese, 22 Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 34 Pochard, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 2 Red Crested Pochard (pair). Rob Harris.
Thursday 21st June 2012easterly, scattered clouds, light rain, max21°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 11:00
2 Marsh Harrier (adult female over wild bird cover, male at east end hunting borrowdyke), 1 Hobby on sea wall fence at east end flew west, 2 Curlew, 10 Redshank (very vocal breeding birds), 1 Turtle Dove just west of island near fishing lakes, 20+ Skylark (singing), 2 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting (singing males), 8 Corn Bunting (singing birds). 1 Large Skipper (first of the year), 1 Meadow Brown (first for the year). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Prittle Brook. Leigh on Sea, 12:10 to 12:15
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding juvenile on garden feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Maplin Way, McDonalds Roundabout 20:00
Hobby manoeuvring low over road with Swifts on move high above in a 'ball'. Steve Wood.
Dome Village, Lower Road, Hockley 20:30 to 21:00
Single Turtle Dove, probably same steady bird as seen last Friday, Feeding around base of bird table, on front lawn, such a treat! David Hills.
Wednesday 20th June 2012easterly, few clouds, max19°'c
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 07:40 to 08:25
2 Skylark, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 male Bullfinch. 1 Common Blue Damselfly, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Belfairs Nature Reserve, 15:30 to 16:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Blackcap (singing in Dodd's Grove). 9 Heath Fritillary (8 in Dodd's Grove, 1 Hadleigh Great Wood), 1 Speckled Wood (surprising lack of other butterflies). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Shoebury Nature Reserve 17:30
1 Little Egret fishing in pool formed by tide going out on beach by nature reserve. Kelly Love.
Tuesday 19th June 2012south westerly to south easterly, partly cloudy, max20°c
Dowsett's Lane, Ramsden Heath 11:00
Buzzard hovering low over field in Dowsett's Lane. G. Dixon.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:20 to 14:00
5 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 200+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Canada Geese, 43 Mute Swan, 2 Blackbird, 1 Pochard, 2 Coot, 3 Magpie, 8 Carrion Crow, 12 Starling, 3 House Sparrow. 5 Hybrid Ducks. Rob Harris.
Paglesham 14:12
1 Nightjar reported carrying moth or butterfly flew low across road in front of truck towards village just after big bend opposite farm. Paul Gilson.
Canvey Point 17:00 to 19:00
60+ Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egret, 4 Crow, 50+ Starling, Oystercatcher, 8 Great Crested Greebe, 4 Common Tern. G. Dixon.
Shoebury, Friars Park, 18:45 to 19:15
1 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo (calling male), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Reed Warbler (all singing), 2 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff. 6 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 20:30 to 20:50
2 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 20+ Black-Headed Gull, 1 Wren, 1 Pheasant, 12 Carrion Crow, 5 Blackbird, 3 Magpie, 20+ Woodpigeon, 12 Stock Dove. Rob Harris.
Woodham Ferrers, Edwins Hall Road 21:00 to 21:05
2 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 15 Carrion Crow, 2 Blackbird, 30+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Rettendon Hyde Hall Area 21:15 to 21:20
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Monday 18th June 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max18°c
Canewdon, 10:00 to 10:15
1 Cuckoo (fledged juvenile in garden squeaking, no sign of foster parents), 6 Long-tailed Tit (pair and 4 juveniles on feeders). 4 Holly Blue. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Stonehill Road, 14:00
Adult female Great Spotted Woodpecker with juvenile together on nut feeder. Laurie Greenwood.
Sunday 17th June 2012south westerly, partly cloudy, max20°c
Paglesham Eastend, 08:30 to 14:00
11 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron (1 juvenile), 2 Common Tern, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Turtle Dove (2 purring males), 1 Cuckoo, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Blackcap (singing male), 20 Whitethroat (at least. All singing males between the Boatyard and Paglesham Lagoon), 4 Linnet (including 3 males). Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:40 to 11:00
Hide only: 6 Avocet chicks, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern, pair of Gadwall were joined later by 16 on scrape, 1 drake Shoveler and Teal on scrape, pair of Redshank displaying on scrape, 4 Lapwing on scrape, a small movement of Swift, 1 Little Grebe chick, c.37 Pochard. (a brown warbler about size of Blackcap with greyish-white underparts and a yellowish patch on wing was close on left side of hide. No idea what it was). Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island East, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Cuckoo, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 10:15 to 10:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Private Land Near Crays Hill 14:00
2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Blackcap singing. G. Dixon.
Wakering Common, 14:00 to 16:00
1 female Marsh Harrier flew over pond behind the tip, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 20 Swift, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 10 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Brown Hawker, 4 Black-tailed Skimmer, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Small Heath. Lee Ebbs (SOG), Ian Douch.
Rochford Golf Course, 15:00 to 18:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing over airport), 1 Meadow Pipit (singing over airport), 2 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). 3 Banded Demoiselle (2 males), 10 Azure Damselfly, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:15 to 16:30
2 Turtle Dove (one bird seen and another heard calling), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Rochford, 17:00 to 17:15
1 Sparrowhawk over garden, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 20:00 to 20:15
3 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 30+ Carrion Crow, 5 Magpie, 1 Barn Owl with prey, 20+ Wood Pigeon. Rob Harris.
Rettendon, Hyde Hall Area 21:00 to 21:10
1 Little Owl, 30+ Wood Pigeon, 3 Pheasant, 2 Blackbird, 1 Red-legged Partridge. Rob Harris.
Saturday 16th June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max18;c
Cherry Orchard Country Park, Edward's Hall Entrance 12:00 to 13:00,
1 Grey Heron, 1 male Pheasant, 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Yellowhammer (singing). 1 Northern Water Vole. John Wright (SOG).
Rochford, 15:00
1 Hobby over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 18:45 to 18:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 19:45 to 20:30
2 Greenfinch, 2 Linnet, 5 Pied Wagtail, 14 Wood Pigeon, 23 Stock Dove, 35 Black-Headed Gulls, 2 Magpie, 30+ Corn Bunting, 2 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 3 Skylark. Rob Harris.
Rochford Station, 20:00
1 Hobby. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 15th June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max19°c
Creeksea, Burnham on Crouch 09:00
Mistle thrush, successfully fledged brood. Les Norman EBS.
Hawkwell, Rawalpindi Nursery 15:15
1 Common Tern flying south carrying food. David Selley.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:55 to 19:10
4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff all singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Eastend, 20:00 to 20:30
2 Turtle Dove (calling birds near boatyard), 1 Cuckoo, 2 Blackcap (singing). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 14th June 2012easterly, partly cloudy, rain, max16°c
Benfleet Station, 06:35
10 House Martin collecting mud from Benfleet Creek. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canewdon, 09:00 to 11:00
Butts Hill Pond (BHP) and Gardeners Lane loop: 1 Turtle Dove calling briefly from Butts Hill Pond, first sign this year!, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (adult male feeding juvenile on peanut feeder in garden), 10 House Martin gathering mud from puddle on Gardeners Lane, 2 Blackcap (BHP and Finches), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing birds, 1 Finches and 1 BHP), 5 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing birds at BHP and Finches), 1 Jay coming to peanut feeder in garden, 2 Yellowhammer (singing males on footpath to Golf course), 2 Corn Bunting (singing males - Golf course footpath). 2 Holly Blue (garden), 1 Red Admiral (garden), 2 Speckled Wood (BHP). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 15:00
8 Ringed Plover on wetlands by car park, 4 Yellow Wagtail (car park area), 2 Sedge Warbler (singing birds near car park), 1 Reed Warbler singing by car park, 3 Whitethroat (singing birds near car park in charlock). 1 Small Heath on sea wall near car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 14:45 To 15:15
3 Common Tern, 17 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 50+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 200+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Canada Geese, 40+ Mute Swan, 3 Blackbird, 2 Pochard, 10 Coot, 2 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 20+ House Martin, 30+ Swift, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pied Wagtail, 7 Hybrid Ducks. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 13th June 2012northerly to south easterly, partly cloudy, max16°c
Fosset's Way, Three River Trail 13:30 to 15:30
Kestrel, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Wren, Linnet, Starling, Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen, Coot, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, Little Owl, Swift, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
South Fambridge 15:00 to 16:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Buzzard over the edge of Beckney Wood, 2 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo - one male heard and a rufous phase female seen hanging around the reed beds (not an early fledged juvenile - no nape patch), 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Skylark, 6 Greenfinch - family group feeding on salsify seed heads, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00 to 16:30
7 Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Great Black-Backed Gull, 50+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 200+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Canada Geese, 35 Mute Swan, 2 Blackbird, 14 Pochard, 10 Coot, 3 Magpie, 8 Carrion Crow, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Hybrid Ducks. Rob Harris.
Hadleigh Downs South of Sandpit Hill 17:54 to 17:56
1 Hobby appeared low from east, landed in small Field Maple tree in middle of field, hawked around and perched in tree twice more then disappeared low to west. Martin Johnson.
Tuesday 12th June 2012northerly, cloudy, rain, max12°c
Canvey Point, 15:20 to 17:50
1 Gannet, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Sandwich Tern, 30+ Common Tern, 5 Little Tern (at least), 1 Black Tern flew upriver. 1 Harbour Porpoise showed mid river on several occasions. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Monday 11th June 2012east north east, rain and drizzle, max15°c
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea 15:00 to 15:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (regular visitor to garden feeder). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Sunday 10th June 2012easterly, partly cloudy, max17°c
Rochford 07:00 to 08:00
30+ House Martin active around nest sites - quite reassuring after such a cold wet windy spell, 15 Swift, 3 Pied Wagtail. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:25 to 10:50
Between railway and hide only: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove, c.7 Avocet chicks, Cetti's Warbler heard (including at horse paddock), 1 Little Egret, c.4 Gadwall, pair of Pochard with 1 chick, 2 Cuckoos, 3 Oystercatcher flying towards creek and 1 on scrape, pair of Redshank on scrape, drake Shoveler on scrape, 1 Common Tern. Richard Fahey.
Shoeburyness Park, 08:45 to 09:15
1 adult Mediterranean Gull on fishing pond. 7 Red-eyed Damselfly, 25 Blue-tailed Damselfly. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 09:00 to 13:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). 2 Large Red Damselfly, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
1 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 40 Black-headed Gull, 40 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Skylark, 2 Nightingale, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 13:50 to 14:10
3 Whitethroat (singing). 4 Banded Demoiselle (3 male). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, 16:00 to 16:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker visiting garden feeder regularly, 1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 16:00 to 16:40
7 Herring Gull, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Mallard, 100+ Greylag Geese, 120+ Canada Geese, 3 Blackbird, 14 Pochard, 10 Coot, 12 Cormorant, 4 Hybrid Ducks, 12 Carrion Crow, 7 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Heybridge Basin 17:00
1 Egyptian Goose on the edge of a lake behind Blackwater Sailing Club. Peter Marchington.
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:00 to 18:30
40+ Swift, 2 Swallow, 7 Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Mallard, 40+ Corn Bunting, 6 Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Linnet, 3 Greenfinch, 18 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 2 Kestrel, 2 House Sparrow, 30+ Wood Pigeon, 50+ Stock Dove, 2 Shelduck, 10+ House Martin, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Blue Tit. Rob Harris.
Saturday 09th June 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max19°c
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:15 to 11:00 and 18:30 to 20:00
10 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret (a probable at distance flying low west along and behind north crouch seawall), 3 Grey Heron, 17 Shelduck (6 pairs, one with 5 ducklings), 12 Mallard (including female with 5 ducklings), 6 Tufted Duck (3 pairs), 13 Oystercatcher (at least 5 pairs), 12 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper (south west Borrowdyke), 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair flew east), 1 Common Tern (sitting on east island), 5+ Little Tern (2 pairs possibly a third at east end), 15 Swift, 30+ Skylark (singing birds), 5 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit (song flighting birds at east end), 12 Yellow Wagtail (8 singing males, 4 females ), 5 Sedge Warbler (singing birds, all in rape edge), 22 Corn Bunting. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:45 to 11:15
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stock Dove, 20+ Swift, 5 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 11:30 to 14:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat. 2 Red Fox, 30+ Rabbit (including one dead inside foxes mouth). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 15:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 20+ Common Tern, 3 Little Tern. Neil Chambers, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 15:00 to 15:30
400+ Swift, 100+ House Martin, 10 Swallow, 12 Herring Gull, 26 Black-headed Gull, 50 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Mallard, 40+ Greylag Geese, 40+ Canada Geese, 6 Pochard, 12 Coot, 14 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:45 to 16:00
1 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 20 Swift. Neil Chambers, Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 16:30
4 Swift, 2 Swallow, 5 Herring Gull, 35 Black-headed Gull, 2 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 2 Kestrel, 1 House Sparrow, 20 Wood Pigeon, 30+ Stock Dove. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island East, 16:25 to 17:05
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair briefly), 30+ Common Tern, 3 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Belfairs Woods, 17:20 to 17:45
1 Azure Damselfly, 3 Heath Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Little Wakering Creeks 18:00 to 20:30
10+ Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Avocet, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Common Tern, 1 Pheasant, 1 Moorhen, 10+ Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Lapwing, 50+ Starling, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 House Sparrow, 50+ Black Headed Gull, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Mallard, 2 Red-Legged Partridge, 1 Magpie. Juan Ruiz.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 18:10
2 adult Mediterranean Gull low over calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Pitsea 18:30 to 19:20
1 Barn Owl. Phil Shaw.
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 20:35 to 20:45
c.200 Swift low over fields, 1 Little Owl on telegraph pole in Brays Lane. David Selley.
Friday 08th June 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max16°c
Hockley, Dome Village, 06:45
Single Turtle Dove confidently walking in and out of our front gardens and up and down footpath, I did not see or hear them on this site last year. David Hills.
Thursday 07th June 2012southerly, rain and clouds, max18°c
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 08:00 to 08:15
500+ Swift, 100+ House Martin, 30+ Swallow, 8 Herring Gull, 6 Black-headed Gull, 30 Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Mallard, 40+ Greylag Geese, 20 Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 8 Pochard, 30 Coot, 18 Cormorant, 12 Hybrid Ducks, 50+ Starling, 1 Chaffinch. Rob Harris.
Paglesham Boatyard Area 12:00 to 12:45
2 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, many Collared Dove and Goldfinch. Les Costin.
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 18:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Gannet (up river), 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wednesday 06th June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max19°c
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:30 to 16:15
5 Swift, 3 House Martin, 2 Swallow, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Mallard, 46 Black-headed Gull, 1 Blackbird, 30+ Starling, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 5 Corn Bunting, 35 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Pheasant, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Kestrel. Rob Harris.
Rochford Golf Course, 16:55 to 20:00
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (singing), 15 House Martin, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 05th June 2012south westerly, scattered clouds, max20°c
Wat Tyler Country Park c.08:40 to 11:15
Hide only: 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Avocet families comprised 5 chicks, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, 1 pair of Teal on scrape, 5 Gadwall (2 pairs and 1 single), 1 Cuckoo, Lapwing displaying, 1 Common Tern. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:30
1 Common Tern, 3 Little Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Churchend, 10:00 to 12:00
Footpath round to seawall: 8 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 6 Stock Dove, 6 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 Whitethroat, 8 Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting (singing males). 1 Small Heath. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 11:15
1 Mediterranean Gull. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Manchester Drive Allotments, 13:30
2 Grey Wagtail (fledgling and adult). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 14:00 to 14:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker coming regularly to feeders. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:50 to 16:30
All sightings from first hide: Pair of Cuckoo showing well together at south end of fleet, Water Rail heard twice close to hide, 18 Avocet and 2 chicks, 1 Common Tern, 3 drake Teal, 3 pair Gadwall, many Pochard (mostly drakes), 1 drake Shoveler, 1 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker on telegraph pole for 10 minutes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 male Reed Bunting, Canada and Greylag Geese with growing gosling, c.6 Blackbird (all males), 2 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe. 1 Weasel seen on approach road. David Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:25 to 15:35
1 1st summer Little Gull still at east end of reserve. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Belton Gardens, West of Thames Drive 15:30 to 15:44
1 Hobby riding stiff southerly breeze, very swift and aerobatic but at times motionless in relation to land, rarely flapping wings; it stooped rapidly on 4 occasions but apparently without catching prey before moving off rapid;y to the east. Martin Johnson.
Monday 04th June 2012northerly, partly cloudy, max15°c
Canvey Wick, 11:00 to 12:25
2 Cuckoo (singing male and female), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (all warblers singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 13:00
2 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler (one from scrape hide and two from south hide), 3 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:35 to 13:20
3 Little Egret, 10 Swift, 50 Swallow, 10 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 15:00 to 18:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing over airport), 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 15:30 to 16:30
1000s of Swift over reservoir, woods and causeway, many at head height (judging by my jacket, I was used for target practice!), a few House Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Herring Gull, few Black-headed Gull, 3 pair of Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, c.15 Mallard, 8 Greylag Geese. David Hale.
Gusted Hall, Hawkwell 16:00
2 Hobby flying as a pair across the wheatfields, our first sighting, lovely. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 17:50
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, at least 7 Turtle Dove (two pairs together and displaying, two in display flight, one or two more purring but not seen), 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Swallow, 5 Skylark. 100+ Rabbit, 1 vocal Marsh Frog. David Selley.
Pitsea 18:00 to 18:45
1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Cold Norton, Ferris Avenue, 19:05
Pair of Bullfinch feeding on dandelion seed heads in back garden, a strong case for not mowing the lawn. Also 1 Dunnock and 1 Collared Dove. Ray Britton.
Paglesham Boatyard
2 Turtle Dove around all day for the last week with another that turned up today, Cuckoo keeps calling from top of crane (diesel, not feathered!). Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Sunday 03rd June 2012easterly, rain, max12°c
Canvey Golf Course 07:30 to 12:00
2 Cuckoo displaying, 1 Green Woodpecker entering nest, 30+ Swift (flock), 2 Whitethroat, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 7 Mallard (6 drake chasing 1 duck), 2 Oystercatcher displaying, 4 Moorhen. Bill Foster.
Canvey Seafront, 12:30 to 14:15
7 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 02nd June 2012easterly, rain and drizzle, max12°c
Dengie Peninsula, Bridgewick Pump House 15:00
1 Short-eared Owl sitting on post at sea wall. Formerly a fairly frequent sighting in the area, this is the first for 3 or 4 years. Peter.
Paglesham Boatyard
Cream-spotted Tiger Moth at the boatyard on step down the sea wall. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Paglesham Village
Terrified black cat being chased by brown hare along road, cat dived into bush and hare sat and stared before itself fleeing from vehicle. Hare was very close to cat but cat, swerving and veering suddenly, kept just in front until it escaped into the bushes. Second hare in field. There are cats here which do catch rabbits and pheasants, perhaps it thought the hare was a rabbit? Gary and Jacqui Dunn.
Friday 01st June 2012westerly to easterly, scattared clouds, max20°c
Benfleet 07:30
Red Kite flying low and directly over Benfleet Station towards West Canvey. Richard Gray.
Canvey Island, 08:30
1 Hobby over Charfleets. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:30 to 10:40
3 Jackdaw and 14 Rook circling and calling. Rooks are very unusual here until the last week or two, since when they have turned up daily in increasing numbers. David Selley.
RSPB Canvey West Marsh 13:00
1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Corn Bunting. 3 Wall Brown, 2 Orange Tip and numerous Small Heath. Pete Jackson.
Stanford-Le-Hope, Abbotts Hall Chase c.13:25
A fantastic view of a Hobby going northwest overhead at a very low height, I could see every feature. Richard Fahey.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:00
2 Little Gull. Mike & George Bunker.