Bird Reports for March 2002
30/03/02
Shoebury East Beach 15:20: c.540 Sanderling on boom at high tide. Web Author.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:00 to 15:15: 1 Little Egret, 4 Pintail (2 pairs), 4 Goldeneye (all female/imm), 5 Wigeon, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Ruddy Duck (males), 1 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:20 to 12:50: 1 Barn Owl, 1 Merlin (On saltings for c. 1 hour, perched.), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret, 12 Brent Goose. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
East Tilbury, 09:00 - 12:30: Avocet 190; Curlew 10; Grey Plover 1; Oystercatcher 10; Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Green Woodpecker 1; Goldfinch 9; Corn Bunting 39 (personal site record). David Jobbins.
30/03/02
Gunners Park, 17:00 - 18:00: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redwing, c30 Linnet. Steve Giles.
Two Tree Island, 08:00: 12 Avocet, 2 Short eared Owl, adult Peregrine flying high to north and at New Havens reserve two adult Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers near entrance to first wood. Steve Wood.
River Crouch (EWT Thames Barge Trip) 09:40 to 16:00: 237 Oystercatcher, 444 Black-headed Gull, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Common Gull, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Feral Pigeon, 243 Redshank, 4 Cormorant, 79 Dunlin, 14 Canada Goose, 2 Little Egret, 2 Hen Harrier (1 Male, 1 Female), 153 Shelduck, 23 Herring Gull (19 ad, 4 2y), 286 Curlew, 28 Avocet, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 28 Brent Goose, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Eider (Female), 32 Wigeon (16 Drake's, 16 Female's), 1 Grey Heron, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Skylark, 12 Mallard (9 Drake's, 3 Female's), 12 Black-tailed Godwit (sum. plum), 12 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Wood Pigeon. Paul Levey.
Canvey Seafront 15:00: Sparrowhawk 1, flying south towards Kent, being mobbed by gulls. Ron Galliers.
Fobbing Marsh 10:30 - 12:00: Lapwing, Greenfinch, Corn Bunting, Goldfinch, Sparrowhawk, Fieldfare, Little Grebe. Also; Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White and Peacock butterflies. Jes Morley.
29/03/02
Hadleigh Downs: 09:00 to 11:00: 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap. Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
Two Tree Island (West), 13:30 to 14:30: 34 Avocet, 2 Snipe. Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service
Hockley Woods, 11:00 to 12:00: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Nuthatch (including a pair copulating), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 - 10:30: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret, 1 Redwing, 5 Long Tailed Tit, c15 Linnet, 2 Jay. Swallow reported flying over seawall by out of area birder. Steve Giles.
Gunners Park, 16:00 - 17:00: 1 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 1 male Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. Web Author.
Gunners Park, 16:30 - 18:00: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Long Tailed Tit. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Tollesbury Wick Marshes:, 11:00 - 15:00: 3 Short-eared Owls, 1 female Hen Harrier, 100 Avocets, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Ruff, 2 Greenshanks. Steve Blackburn & Sarah Costeloe.
28/03/02
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 15:30: 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 14:30 to 15:30: 26 Avocet (On the lagoon.), 1 Greenshank (In front of the new hide.), 2 Corn Bunting (By the sea scout hut.). John Wright (SOG).
27/03/02
Southend Airport, 09:20: 2 Sand Martins overflew flying north. 22 Redwings overflew flying east. Ivan Batchelor.
Gunners Park 16:45 - 18:00: 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 male Reed Bunting, 7 Meadow Pipit, c40 Linnet and 12 Pied Wagtail feeding together on flooded left side of park. Steve Giles.
Bradwell Bird Observatory/Sales Point 11:15 to 17:45: 21 Skylark, 6 Common Pheasant (4 Male's, 2 Female's), 4 Chaffinch (2 Male's, 4 Female's), 8 Greenfinch, 57 Black-headed Gull, 5 Blue Tit, 6 Mallard (4 Male's, 2 Female's), 3 Corn Bunting, 7 Reed Bunting (6 Male's, 1 Female), 2 House Sparrow (1 Male, 1 Female), 32 Shelduck, 25 Wood Pigeon, 97 Starling, 36 Redshank, 3 Common Gull, 1 Blackbird (Male), 2 Cormorant, 2 Dunnock, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Magpie, 1 Carrion Crow, 75 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, 175 Grey Plover, 5 Curlew, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk (Female), 2 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 2 Moorhen, 1 Coot. (+1 Firecrest observed by BO only). Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Dengie (Southminster Road) 18:00: 1 Little Owl, 1 Carrion Crow. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
26/03/02
Glenwood Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, 18.50: Woodcock flew low over our garden. Steve Blackburn & Sarah Costeloe.
Earls Hall Avenue, 17:00 to 17:05: 1 Woodcock (Flying N-S, low over gardens.). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:45 to 12:30: 1 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Old Hall Marshes 15:00: Pair of Marsh Harriers displaying. Web Author.
Belhus Park Woods, 08:30 - 11:30: Flocks of Long Tailed Tits, 2 Kingfishers, Pair of Great Crested Grebes "weed dancing on main lake", Pink footed Goose paired with Canada Goose, 3 Kestrels "hawking" on adjacent fields, flocks of Great tits and Blue Tits on hedgerows, 20+ Tufted Ducks, Wren nest material gathering. Also: 2 Red Eared Terrapins basking in sunshine. Martin Itter.
Stanford Warren Nature Reserve 11:35 to 14:35: 5 Great Tit, 2 Coot, 11 Tufted Duck (7 Drake's, 4 Female's), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Carrion Crow, 7 Magpie, 1 Moorhen, 2 Blackbird (2 Male's), 32 Wood Pigeon, 1 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 House Sparrow (3 Male's, 1 Female), 4 Feral Pigeon, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Chaffinch (1 Male, 2 Female's), 25 Canada Goose, 3 Mallard (2 Drake's, 1 Female), 1 Mute Swan, 25 Goldfinch, 12 Linnet (In a flock mixed with the 25 Goldfinch, flock seen feeding from the ground and perched together in a tree), 3 Collared Dove, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Black-headed Gull. Reptiles: 5 Slow Worm, 2 Adder. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
25/03/02
Hadleigh: Pair of Siskins alternating on peanuts with a Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Castle Road Hadleigh. Roger Shinn.
Gunners Park, 13:15 to 14:00: 1 Little Egret, 1 White / Pied Wagtail (sub sp. alba - White Wagtail). Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16-45: 18:00: 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Linnet, 5 Meadow Pipit, 11 Pied Wagtail. Steve Giles and Don Wildish.
24/03/02
Two Tree Island: High Water 08.20 - 08.40hrs on mudflats to east of saltings off Leigh Old Town Brent Goose 21, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Turnstone, Dunlin. 09.30 - 0.20hrs Lagoon at western end of TTI: Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet 22 - one with dull copper coloured ring on tarsus of right leg - could not read any numbers on it with my telescope with 28 magnification, Ringed Plover, Redshank.
Martin Johnson.
Two Tree Island: (West), 16:15 to 16:50: 16 Avocet, 1 Green Woodpecker, 85 Black-tailed Godwit. Paul Baker (SOG).
Fingringhoe Wick: 1 Little Owl, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (male seemed to be displaying to a pair of ruddy duck!), 1 Avocet, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Redshank, Brent Geese (approx 15). Also; 4 adder basking in the sun and a few Chiffchaff calling, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe , Jay. Dave Messenger.
23/03/02
Gunners Park 09:30 - 11:30: 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Curlew, 4 Mistle Thrush, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet, 2 Long Tailed Tit. Steve Giles.
Gunners Park 16:45 - 18:00: pair Blackcap (by pond NW of park)1 Redwing,7 Grey Wagtail, 5 Linnet, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Curlew. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Fleet Head, 10:20 to 11:40: 1 Little Egret, 2 Pintail ((pair) on the roadside pool), 1 Sparrowhawk (over Potton Island). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Pound Wood, 10:00 to 10:15: 3 Chiffchaff (At least 3 singing in the wood.). John Wright (SOG).
Stanford Warren 09:00 - 10:00: Cetti's Warbler again heard and seen briefly by foot path, 3 Greater Spotted Woodpecker in Churchyard, 5 Chiffchaff. Jim Cockram.
23/03/02
Westcliff Seafront, 08:00 to 08:10: 1 Mediterranean Gull (Opp. Rossi's, Sm. Plum. but still with some retained 2nd W. wing tips. ), 1 Green Woodpecker (On the cliffs by Cliffs Pavillion ). John Wright (SOG).
Barling Pits, 09:50 to 11:00: 13 Ruff (9 male, 4 female), 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit (1 carrying feathers), 2 Snipe. Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 09:45: 1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park: 10:00 - 11:30: 1 female Blackcap, 6 Linnet, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Red Legged Partridge, Grey Heron. Steve Giles.
Wakering Stairs, 08:00 to 10:00: 6 Eider, 1 Hen Harrier (female), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 2 Chiffchaff. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point 14:00 - 16:00: 5 Little Egret, 1 male and 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Barn Owl. Web Author.
Coal House Fort, Tilbury 13:00 - 16:00: Water Pipit (summer plumage), Great Spotted Woodpecker. Ivan Batchelor.
22/03/02
Leigh on Sea, 07:00 to 09:00: 1 Blackcap (Female, in my garden.). John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 16:00 to 17:00: 74 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Eider. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 08:20 to 08:25: 3 Corn Bunting. Tim Jones (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00: A pair of Great Crested Grebes were diving and presenting weed and shaking heads at each other in the fleet opposite the "Boat Museum" hide for about 1/2 Hr. worth watching. Jes morley.
Stanford Warren 12:00 - 13:00: Cetti's Warbler (heard and seen in short flight), Chiffchaff, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers. Jim Cockram.
21/03/02
Southend Pier, 13:40 to 15:10: 12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Guillemot, 4 Mediterranean Gull (1adult, 3 second winter). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:50 to 12:45: 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Ruddy Duck (2 pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
20/03/02
Barling Pits, 16:15 to 16:30: 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:15 to 13:45: 1 Little Egret, 1 Guillemot (offshore), 33 Great Crested Grebe (large flock offshore). Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 08:25 to 08:30: 2 Little Egret. Tim Jones (SOG).
Dengie (Southminster Road) 11:00 to 11:05: 1 Little Owl. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Sales Point/Bradwell Bird Observatory 11:20 to 15:20: 10 Chaffinch (5 Male, 5 Female), 5 Wood Pigeon, 23 Greenfinch, 8 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 3 Reed Bunting (2 Male, 1 Female), 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird (1 Male, 1 Female), 5 Skylark, 32 Black-headed Gull, 3 Moorhen, 29 Redshank, 31 Brent Goose, 37 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 62 Grey Plover, 5 Curlew, 5 Turnstone, 4 Herring Gull (1 ad, 3 2w), 4 Shelduck, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Merlin (1 Male, 1 Female), 6 Corn Bunting, 4 Cormorant, 1 Common Pheasant (Male), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male), 1 Dunnock. Mammals: 1 Rabbit. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Wat Tyler Coutry Park 11:30: Below hide by boat museum on the scrape, 1 Water Rail. Jes Morley.
Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 10:00: 4 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff. Chris Lewis (SOG).
19/03/02
Westcliff Leisure Centre, 08:20 to 08:25: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult-s). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Belfairs Woods, 12:40 to 13:40: 1 Stock Dove, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing (heard), 1 Woodcock, 2 Siskin. Paul Griggs (SOG).
19.03.02
The Naze (Walton-on-the-Naze) 10:50 to 13:55: 10 Dunnock, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Robin, 9 Magpie, 34 Black-headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull (1 1w, 3 ad), 12 Starling, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbird (20 Male's, 10 Female's), 2 House Sparrow (2 Male's), 3 Chaffinch (1 Male, 2 Female's), 9 Jackdaw, 9 Wood Pigeon, 4 Feral Pigeon, 3 Pied Wagtail, 7 Skylark, 4 Redwing, 5 Great Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 10 Blue Tit, 1 Wren, 3 Linnet (1 Male, 2 Female's), 4 Ringed Plover. Mammals: 2 Rabbit. Paul Levey.
Walton-on-the Naze - Seafront (Near the Pier) 14:03 to 14:05: 7 Herring Gull (2 1w, 2 2w, 3 ad), 8 Sanderling, 69 Black-headed Gull, 2 Turnstone. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Holland Haven Country Park 15:30 to 16:57: 2 Blackbird (2 Male's), 1 Dunnock, 2 Collared Dove, 12 Starling, 5 Black-headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 257 Golden Plover, 213 Wigeon (122 Drake's, 91 Female's), 197 Lapwing, 38 Moorhen, 42 Coot, 4 Common Snipe, 8 Shelduck, 78 Teal (48 Drake's, 30 Female's), 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Starling, 3 Pied Wagtail, 7 Curlew, 10 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 1 Gadwall (Drake), 1 Shoveler (Drake), 6 Turnstone, 7 Cormorant, 2 Mallard (1 Drake, 1 Female), 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Little Owl, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Barn Owl (Seen at 16:32 to 16:37 & again at 16:45, Hunting over fields LHS of hide), 7 Wood Pigeon, 5 Greylag Goose, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Robin, 1 Magpie. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:00 to 12:30: 4 Grey Wagtail (2 near Elmsleigh Drive and 2 near Albany Laundry). Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
Belfairs Woods, 11:00 to 12:00: 2 Chiffchaff. Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
Barling, 08:00 to 11:00: 18 Red-breasted Merganser (River Roach), 10 Great Crested Grebe (River Roach), 6 Ruff (Barling Pits), 31 Mute Swan (Barling Marsh), 120 Corn Bunting. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:00 to 11:25: 1 White / Pied Wagtail (ssp alba (White Wagtail)). Chris Lewis (SOG).
17/03/02
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:00: 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Stonechat. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 14:30: 7 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier (Fem. In high, circled. Flew S., low. In view 15 min, from 11.15), 1 Hen Harrier (ringtail). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
The Fleet - Wakering 15:30 - 16:30: 3 Little Egret, 1 female Hen Harrier, 3 Reed Bunting (1 male calling from wires), 4 Corn Bunting. Web Author.
Fleet Head, 11:00 to 13:00: 2 Green Sandpiper, 10 Little Egret. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, 15:30 - 17:30: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 female Blackcap, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Linnet, 2 Skylark, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Gunners Park, 10:45 to 11:45: 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:30 to 18:00: 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Woodcock (flew through at 17:30). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island: We had great views of 2 Short-eared Owls on Two Tree Island at around 4pm today. Very close views, down to 30 feet, as they were quartering, we had them in view on and off for about 30 minutes. This was from the Country Park side of the island , ( creek side). Nathalie Schorbon.
Wat Tyler Country Park 1000-1030: Female Marsh Harrier. Steve Hiscock.
Wakering Stairs 1430-1600: Barn Owl, Corn Bunting c30, Yellowhammer, 3 male Reed Bunting. Steve Hiscock.
Wat Tyler Country Park 1600-1700: Peregrine Falcon, Marsh Harrier (immature male), Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover (1). Steve Hiscock.
Canvey Island, 11:00 to 12:00: 1 Peregrine Falcon Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
East Tilbury 09:15 - 12:40: Avocet 45, Dunlin 1000, Stonechat 1, Rock Pipits 2, Jack Snipe 2. Also male Hen Harrier reported early am. David Jobbins>
Sales Point/Bradwell Bird Observatory 10:48 to 16:46: 40 Wood Pigeon, 5 Carrion Crow, 12 Ringed Plover, 301 Dunlin, 12 Curlew, 136 Redshank, 622 Grey Plover, 96 Turnstone, 7 Sanderling, 20 Brent Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 23 Black-headed Gull, 4 Cormorant, 4 Common Pheasant (4 Male's), 1 Chiffchaff (Seen at 12:15, 12:17 to 12:20 & again at 15:49), 4 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Firecrest (Male, released by ringer at 12:42, seen again at 12:48 to 12:55 and also at 15:45 to 15:54, showing very well), 1 Hen Harrier (Male), 2 Robin, 6 Blue Tit, 1 Merlin (Male), 99 Oystercatcher, 9 Shelduck, 1 Great Tit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit (Both in Summer Plumage), 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Brambling (1 Male, 1 Female), 1 Corn Bunting, 9 Skylark, 393 Knot, 7 Herring Gull, 4 Reed Bunting (4 Male's), 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird (Male), 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 House Sparrow (1 Male, 1 Female), 2 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Mute Swan. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Blackwater Estuary at Maldon: 10:00 - 15:30: Merlin 1 over Northey Island, Golden Plover 55, Black-tailed Godwit 580 (many in summer plumage), Greenshank 1, Mediterranean Gull 1. Stephen Harris.
Old Hall Marshes 11:45 - 18:00: Goldfinches, Coal Tit, Bullfinch all seen from the Car park. On the walk we saw about 6 Fieldfares, A flock of Brent Geese, Reed Warbler, Black-headed Gulls, A few Avocets, 2 Curlews, Mallards, Lapwings, Tufted Ducks, Shelducks, Ruddy Duck, a Small Flock of Skylark, and a Shoveler. also 3 Rabbits. Kerri Webb (age 10).
16/03/02
Two Tree Island, Western Lagoon 13.30 - 14.40hrs: Shelduck 4, Mallard 2, Teal c. 30, Oystercatcher 2, Avocet 34, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Turnstone, Dunlin, Redshank, Snipe. 15.00-16.15hrs: Western half TTI and over saltings and mainland sea wall, Short-eared Owl 2. Hadleigh Ray/Benfleet Creek as tide receded; Great Crested Grebe 1, Brent Goose 100+, Shelduck 28, Red-breasted Merganser 1 (male), Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew. Martin Johnson
Leigh Area: 2 Blackcap (A female joined the 'resident' male today in the garden.). John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 12:00: 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Ruddy Duck (male), 4 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 1 Bullfinch (male). Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
Wakering Stairs, 13:10 to 14:30: 1 Glaucous Gull (a 2nd winter flew south past the car park at 1.50pm with 5 Herring Gulls), 1 Little Egret, 1 Black-throated Diver (far offshore), 1 Great Northern Diver (also far offshore). Steve Arlow, Mark Wickins (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir: Two pairs of Red Crested Pochard and a pair of Gadwall. Terry Strong.
15/03/02
Two Tree Island (West), 14:45 to 15:30: 2 Red-breasted Merganser (males, 1 on lagoon and 1in creek), 37 Avocet (on lagoon), 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Stonechat (the pale one). Andrew Woodhouse, ../essexranger.htmEssex Ranger Service.
Fingringhoe Wick EWT Nature Reserve 11:00 to 14:05: 2 Moorhen, 11 Common Pheasant (2 Male's, 9 Female's), 1 Great Grey Shrike (Seen along Lane @ 11:05 to 11:10, then again @ 11:50 to 12:08. Seen again on tree by the Coach Car Park @ 12:45 - Showing very well, although frequently mobile), 5 Curlew, 6 Black-headed Gull, 25 Shelduck, 7 Little Egret, 3 Chaffinch (3 Male's), 2 Herring Gull, 2 Ruddy Duck (2 Male's), 7 Tufted Duck (4 Male's, 3 Female's), 3 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Carrion Crow, 9 Red-breasted Merganser (5 Male's, 4 Female's), 2 Mallard (1 Male, 1 Female), 3 Blue Tit, 2 Magpie, 2 Blackbird (1 Male, 1 Female), 2 Coot, 1 Little Grebe (After attempting to eat a fish that was obviously too big to swallow the Little Grebe eventually gave up trying and moved on), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Female, on feeder by Visitor's Centre). Mammals: 1 Rabbit, 1 Grey Squirrel. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Abberton Church (St. Andrew's) 14:20 to 14:30: 1 Mistle Thrush, 7 Goldfinch. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Abberton Reservoir EWT Nature Reserve 14:40 to 16:00: 7 Blue Tit, 5 Canada Goose, 5 Moorhen, 4 Blackbird (2 Male's, 2 Female's), 1 Goldcrest, 3 Coot, 1 Dunnock, 8 Wood Pigeon, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Mallard (1 Male, 1 Female), 4 Chaffinch (2 Male's, 2 Female's), 4 Great Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Robin, 3 Common Pheasant (1 Male, 2 Female's). Paul Levey, Brian Oulds..
14/03/02
Westcliff Leisure Centre, 10:45 to 10:50: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-s), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (drake). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh Area: 2 Blackcap (2 males still around the garden.). John Wright (SOG).
Fingringhoe: Great Grey Shrike reported.
13/03/02
Lowestoft Area: 13 Waxwing reported in St Margarets churchyard.
12/03/02
Westcliff Leisure Centre, 08:25 to 08:30: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 adult-s, 1 second-s, 1 first-s). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Churchill Gardens, 13:40: 1 Woodcock (flew through the gardens). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Southend Airport 12:30 - 13:00: female Stonechat on taxi way .10+ Skylarks on large area of grass next to runway, 1pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers near footpath that runs from st Laurance Church. Ivan Batchelor.
Gunners Park - Shoebury 14:10 - 14:45: 1 Little Egret, 1 female Common Eider (off shore), 1 Red-legged Partridge (in EWT reserve), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch. Web Author.
The Fleet, from Wakering Old Tip 15:10 - 15:40: 1 female Hen Harrier, c.28 Pied Avocet, 5 Skylark. Web Author.
Salvation Army footpath, Castle Road to Chapel Lane car park Hadleigh 12:00-13:30: House Sparrow, Blackbird, Wren, Starling, Thrush, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Pheasant, Moorhen, Kestrel, Magpie, Mallard, 42 Redwing, and on the Reservoir Black-headed Gulls 14, Coot 2, Great Crested Grebe 1, Mute Swan and 3 Tufted Duck. Roger Shinn.
Fingringhoe Wick 11:45 to 15:25: 12 Common Pheasant (4 Male's - 2 Fighting in Field, 8 Female's), 2 Robin, 12 Moorhen, 4 Magpie, 14 Wood Pigeon, 1 Reed Bunting (Male), 6 Black-headed Gull, 1 Carrion Crow, 42 Shelduck, 10 Little Egret, 81 Brent Goose, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 33 Chaffinch (14 Male's, 19 Female's), 3 Curlew, 5 Tufted Duck (4 Male's, 1 Female), 4 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackbird (Female), 32 Redshank, 2 Canada Goose. Mammals: 7 Rabbit, 1 Grey Squirrel. Insects: 1 Comma Butterfly. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Abberton Reservoir 15:45 to 16:30: 10 Blue Tit, 9 Chaffinch (5 Male's, 4 Female's), 2 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 4 Common Pheasant (3 Male's, 1 Female), 4 Coot, 3 Goldeneye (1 Male, 2 Female's), 1 Blackbird (Female), 4 Pochard (3 Male's, 1 Female), 2 Wood Pigeon, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Carrion Crow, 12 Black-headed Gull, 3 Magpie, 52 Canada Goose. Mammals: 2 Rabbit. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Fambridge (North) Railway Station 17:12 to 17:32: 2 House Sparrow (2 Male's), 2 Collared Dove, 1 Wood Pigeon, 4 Starling, 3 Blackbird (3 Male's), 2 Blue Tit, 1 Robin. Paul Levey.
Fingringhoe Wick 10:00-12:00: Great Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker. Stephen Hiscock
Tollesbury Wick 13:00-14:30: Female Hen Harrier (2), Short-eared Owl (4), Black-tailed Godwit, Kestrel. Stephen Hiscock.
11/03/02
Leigh Area: 2 Blackcap (A pair in my garden. Blackcaps, often a pair, have become an annual occurrence in my garden in March. John Wright (SOG).
10/03/02
Westcliff Seafront: 08:45 - 09:15: Adult Ring-billed Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull in near full summer plumage. Andy Massey
Fingringhoe 14:30 - 15:00: Close views of Great Grey Shrike in scrub. Jeff Elliott.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12.30 - 14.00: Large number of Shoveler, 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe (Displaying), numerous pairs of Goldeneye (displaying), Goosander (1 male & 1 female), Tufted Ducks, Teal, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Red-Crested Pochard. Nick Bustin.
09/03/02
Gunners Park - Shoebury 10:15: 1 Little Egret (having been observed three weeks running, this bird seems to have taken up a permanent roost in the bushes at the top end of the EWT reserve viewable from the end of the public road), 2 female Common Eider (from sea wall), Kestrel, 2 Curlew (in EWT reserve), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. Web Author.
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point 11:00 - 12:00: 5 Little Egret, 1 female Hen Harrier, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 male Reed Bunting. Steve Giles, Web Author.
08/03/02
Hockley Woods 10:30 to 12:50: 3 Collered Dove, 17 Jay, 5 Mistle Thrush, 6 Starling, 3 Redwing, 4 Robin, 7 Blackbird (6 Male's, 1 Female), 19 Blue Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Greenfinch, 5 Chaffinch (2 Male's, 3 Female's), 25 Great Tit, 2 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 22 Wood Pigeon, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male), 1 Treecreeper, Mammals: 11 Grey Squirrel. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds. 14:15 to 15:30: 7 Blue Tit, 3 Blackbird (1 Male, 2 Female's), 16 Wood Pigeon, 2 Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk (Female - Being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crow's), 2 Carrion Crow (Mobbing Sparrowhawk), 5 Great Tit, 2 Magpie, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Jay, 10 Starling, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Chaffinch (Male), 2 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock. Mammals: 5 Grey Squirrel. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Gunners park, Shoeburyness 16:15 - 17:45: 1 male Sparrowhawk,1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. Steve Giles.
07/03/02
Barling Gravel Pits, 14:30 to 15:50: 17 Ruff (On second pit from seawall; reported from Mar 1 up to 25.). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Orsett Area: Red Kite reported heading north towards the A127 from farmland by Conway Road and A128 at 14:20.
Fingringhoe: Great Grey Shrike reported as showing well this morning.
06/03/02
Westcliff Leisure Centre, 08:25: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult-s). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:20 - 15:30: Little Grebe 2, Wigeon c.50, Shoveler 17, Tufted Duck 11, Pochard 15, Teal 22, Shelduck 1, Ruddy Duck(m), Little Egret (near marina), Redshank 15, Curlew 4, Oystercatcher 3, Kestrel (f), Carrion Crow c.100, Hen Harrier (female) hunting on rough ground opposite marina. Long-tailed Tit, Reed Bunting (m), Gadwall (m&f). Jim English.
Hadleigh Downs, 08:45 to 10:00: 1 Woodcock, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Skylark. Paul Baker (SOG).
Curry Farm, Bradwell 11:20 to 11:50: 1 Blue Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 5 Little Grebe, 17 Shoveler (10 Drake's, 7 Female's), 2 Mallard (1 Drake, 1 Female), 2 Tufted Duck (1 Drake, 1 Female), 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Starling. Mammals: 2 Rabbit. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Bradwell Bird Observatory 12:00 to 17:00: 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Female), 5 Greenfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chaffinch (3 Male's, 1 Female), 2 Blackbird (1 Male, 1 Female), 2 Common Pheasant (1 Male, 1 Female), 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Robin, 1 Moorhen, 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Bunting (Male), 1 Great Tit, 2 Wood Pigeon, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Cormorant, 6 Curlew, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shelduck, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Merlin, 40 Redshank, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit (1 sum. plum, 14 win. plum), 77 Grey Plover, 1 Herring Gull (2nd year), 47 Dunlin, 102 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Red-legged Partridge. Mammals: 2 Rabbit. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Dengie (Southminster Road) 17:15 to 17:25: 2 Little Owl. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
Fingringhoe: Great Grey Shrike still reported as showing well.
05/03/02
Gunners Park, 16:00 - 17:30: 3 Green Woodpecker 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Grey Heron, Curlew. Also among a group of Starlings was one entirely of a creamy white colour. Steve Giles.
River Roach (WeBS Count - Paglesham Boatyard to Great Stambridge inc. Paglesham Lagoon) 11:40 to 15:30: WATERBIRDS: 5 Little Grebe, 3 Great
Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 398 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 63 Shelduck, 66 Wigeon (43 Drake's, 23 Female's), 40 Gadwall (26 Drake's, 14 Female's), 180 Teal (106 Drake's, 74 Female's), 44 Mallard (22 Drake's, 22 Female's), 4 Pintail (2 Drake's, 2 Female's), 72 Shoveler (51 Drake's, 21 Female's), 58 Pochard (35 Drake's, 23 Female's), 49 Tufted Duck (17 Drake's, 32 Female's), 7 Goldeneye (2 Drake's, 5 Female's), 9 Red-breasted Merganser (6 Drake's, 3 Female's), 11 Ruddy Duck (7 Drake's, 4 Female's), 11 Moorhen, 40 Coot, 22 Oystercatcher, 50 Avocet, 9 Ringed Plover, 32 Grey Plover, 296 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Curlew, 215 Redshank. GULLS: 1119 Black-headed Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull (17 adult, 4 2nd year), 216 Herring Gull (200 adult, 16 2nd year), 16 Great Black-backed Gull (9 adult, 7 2nd year). BIRDS OF PREY: 1 Kestrel (Male). OTHER BIRDS: 1 Stonechat (Male), 1 Dunnock, 199 Wood Pigeon, 43 Carrion Crow, 169 Starling, 2 Reed Bunting (2 Male's), 9 Skylark, 5 Blackbird (3 Male's, 2 Female's), 3 Magpie, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Common Pheasant (Male), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Collared Dove, 4 House Sparrow (2 Male's, 2 Female's). MAMMALS: 1 Brown Hare. Paul Levey, Brian Oulds.
04/03/02
Gunners Park, Shoebury 15:20 - 16:00: 67 Great Crested Grebe off shore, 1 Little Egret in bushes by end pool, 1 female Common Eider close off shore, 1 Curlew, 6 Pied Wagtail on flooded ground, 3 Mistle Thrush. Web Author.
Hockley Woods, 14:15 - 16:45: 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 7 Long Tailed Tit, probable female Bullfinch on left of path past the playground half way down hill. Steve and Corrina Giles.
Bridgemarsh Island, 14:00 to 16:00 nearing high tide: 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Hen Harrier (female hunting Raypits and Butts Hill), 5 Pintail, 3 Little Egret, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Linnet (At Butts Hill NR). Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, 08:20: 1 Grey Wagtail (Flew over B & Q car park). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Nevenden Area 07:45: 2 Stonechat, M + F, on fence alongside Nevendon Road (A132) just north of A127 (Nevendon flyover). Ron Galliers.
South Woodham Ferrers: Spoonbill reported on on the River Crouch at Bridgemarsh Island; also 4 Bewick's Swan.
Fingringhoe: Great Grey Shrike still reported present near the visitor centre.
03/03/02
Shoebury, 07:50: 1 Tawny Owl (Circled my house off of Ravendale Way, then headed towards ASDA). Web Author.
Southend Seafront, 12:00 to 17:00: 91 Great Crested Grebe (including 67 at East Beach), 11 Mediterranean Gull (10 at pier ), 4 Guillemot (Pier), 739 Turnstone (434 at Pier Head), 391 Sanderling, 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi). Chris Lewis (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:00 to 17:00: 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck (Flew over). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island 11:30 - 12:00, From Lobster Smack to jetty walking west: 58 Shelduck, 30 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Redshank, 200 Lapwing, 16 Cormorants,1 Grey Heron, 60-70 Dunlin flying. West side of jetty, Mixture of "Godwit", Curlew, Shelduck by the lower horse. Jes Morley.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 - 13:00: Ring Tail Hen Harrier 1, Peregrine 1. Stephen Burt.
Fingringhoe Wick: 10:55: 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Owl, 1 Great Grey Shrike. Web Author.
Tollesbury Wick 13:00 - 14:15: 2 Hen Harrier (1 male over Old Hall, 1 female), female Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, 5 Short-eared Owl (two displaying). Web Author.
Tollesbury Wick, 08:00 - 09:00: Hen Harrier (1 male), Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl (2), Goldeneye, Black-tailed Godwit (2), Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Little Grebe. David Hope.
02/03/02
Barling Pits, 09:30 to 12:25: 1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult summer on the creek opposite the rubbish tip), 25 Ruff (On the main pit), 1 Green Sandpiper (Flew over the the main pit), 5 Black-tailed Godwit (in Barling Creek). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park - Shoebury, 10:00 - 11:00: Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe (from Sea wall), 1 Little Egret (in brook), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Curlew, Kingfisher (in brook), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush. Web Author.
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point 13:30: 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 9 Common Eider, Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (immature male), 2 Barn Owl. John Wright (SOG), Web Author.
The Fleet - Wakering (from old tip) 14:30 - 17:10: Wigeon, Teal, 1 female Hen Harrier, 53 Pied Avocet, 3 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, Long-tailed Tit, 5 Corn Bunting. Web Author.
River Roach, Paglesham Lagoon: Great Crested Grebe (9), Little Grebe (3), Little Egret (2), Red-breasted Merganser (1 pair ), Goldeneye, Wigeon, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Gadwall, Teal, Kestrel, Grey Plover (c.25 ), Turnstone, Lapwing, Redshank, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting. Steve Sanford.
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:00 to 10:00: 102 Shoveler, 8 Ruddy Duck (all males), 14 Goldeneye, 80 Tufted Duck, 56 Pochard, 1 Pintail (male), 23 Yellowhammer, 22 Chaffinch. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Temple Farm, 14:00: 1 Pheasant (male, in Southend Cemetery, then crossed Stock Road and visited KeyMed car park, an unusual location !). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir, 11:00 - 12:00: Slavonian Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Red-crested Pochard, Goosander (2 male 3 female). David Hope.
Fingringhoe Wick, near visitor centre: Great Grey Shrike reported.
01/03/02
Hadleigh Castle Country Park, Chapel lane car park 13:15 - 14:00: 1 Grey Heron, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Goldfinch, 14 Chaffinch. Web Author.
Westcliff Seafront, 15:50 to 15:55: 1 Ring-billed Gull (The adult again on lamp post by Rossi ice cream) .Steve Arlow (SOG).