Bird Reports for March 2004

Wednesday 31st march 2004

Wat Tyler Country Park 12.15 - 12.45: 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Reed Bunting. Steve Hiscock.

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 16:40 to 16:45: 10 Waxwing (outside no 201). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 16:50 to 19:00: 175 Brent Goose (feeding on the mud to the east of the island), 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Avocet, 230 Golden Plover, 4 Skylark. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 17:30 to 18:30: 100 Brent Goose (from the eastern end although extremely distant), 1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl (hunting the northern seawall at the west side). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Tuesday 30th March 2004

Thundersley, Fanes Wood 08:15 to 09:15: 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair), 7 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Gunners Park 08.30: 1 Kingfisher in brook, 1 Green Woodpecker. Web Author.

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:40 to 08:45: 10 Waxwing (feeding on the fruit trees in the central reservation). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 11.35: 4 Common Scoter in the fishing lodge bay, viewed from the car park. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 13:30 to 15:00: 1 Woodcock, 10 Chiffchaff. Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.

Shoebury, Trafalgar Road 16.45 - 16.50: Pair Siskin feeding on niger and sunflower feeders. Steve Giles.

Gunners Park 1730 - 1900: 3 Chiffchaff, Kingfisher around pond, 5 Mistle Thrush, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Linnet, 40+ Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker. Steve Giles

Two Tree Island (East) 17:55 to 18:40: 1 Black Brant (adult showed fairly well off of the eastern end of the island this evening), 5 Little Egret. Steve Arlow, Don Petrie, Graham Ryland (SOG).

Canewdon: Male Siskin again - different bird to last week - this one has a ring on it. Jeff Delve.

Monday 29th March 2004

Thundersley, Fanes Wood 10:30 to 11:30: 1 Bullfinch (Male), 4 Chiffchaff (2 Brimstone & 1 Red Admiral). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:00 to 13:05: 1 Sparrowhawk (Female circling over Belfairs Wood.), 5 Waxwing (On berry bushes in central reservation opposite house number 135). John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 17:30 to 18:30: 1 female Wheatear, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher (in brook). Web Author.

Paglesham Lagoon 18:30 - 19:30: Drake Scaup, male and female Pintail, 8 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, two pairs Goldeneye ( mating display ), many Shelduck, Pochard and Mallard. John Bronze.

Sunday 28th March 2004

Leigh, Tattersall Gardens, 09.10 - 09.11: 1 Sparrowhawk, male, landed on pole in back garden, then pursued arriving Great Tit into shrubs, but failed to catch it. Martin Johnson.

Leigh on Sea, 09:30 to 09:50: 12 Waxwing (at the junction of Sutherlands and Highlands Boulevard). Steve Arlow (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.35 - 11.20: 2 Mute Swan, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 male 1 female), 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Reed Bunting, 10 Shelduck, 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 15 Curlew, 5 Little Egret, 13 Corn Bunting, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.

Leigh, Adalia Crescent 09:40: 3 Waxwing on trees just west of the junction with Agnes Avenue. David Lee.

Canewdon (in garden) 10.00: Silky Starling briefly. from SE CHina!!). Jeff Delve.

Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 16:25: 57 Avocet (on lagoon), 1 Sand Martin (flew north past the pillbox at the eastern end), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, juvenile again seen in the creek / Black Brant: adult. was first seen at about a mile plus range from the pillbox. It was then photographed on the mudflats after walking out from Canvey Point for a mile). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Hadleigh Castle Country Park 11:00 - 12:30: 6 Skylark including 4 singing males on grazing marsh. Ross Gardner.

South Benfleet (in garden) 11.00:  Male Blackcap singing and showing well. R Shepherd.

Two Tree Island lagoon 11.00 - 11.30: 1 Spotted Redshank. Nick Green (EBS).

Rochford Area, 11:10 to 11:20: 1 Little Owl. Paul Baker (SOG).

Benfleet Creek 11:30 to 13:00: 4 Little Egret, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, including 2 coming into summer plumage, 3 displaying Skylark in the western grazing meadows of Hadleigh Castle C.P. Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.

Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 12:45: 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 18 Goldeneye, 7 Pintail, 1 Scaup (drake (also seen by Web Author)), 4 Yellowhammer (singing males), 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Avocet, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Eastwoodbury Lane 13:15 - 13:45: Single Skylark for the first time in possibly 3 years flying up from the ground to a considerable height, over the small holdings between North Crescent and Eastwoodbury lane. This area has now changed to basically grassland. David Griffiths.

Rochford Area, 13:30: 1 Little Owl. Web Author.

Gunners Park, 13:30: 4 Chiffchaff (all around the pond). Paul Baker (SOG).

Wakering Rubbish Tip, 14:00 to 15:50: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Barn Owl. Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 14:30 to 16:40: 150 Brent Goose (including the juv Pale-bellied Brent and an adult Black Brant), 250 Golden Plover, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summers, one with green ring "3AP5"). Paul Griggs, Graham Mee, Don Petrie, Mark Wickins, John Wright (SOG).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 14:45 to 14:50: 12 Waxwing. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).

Southend Pier 16.00 - 17.45: 250+ Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 5 Mediterranean Gulls (3 adults, 1S, 2S). Nick Green (EBS).

Rochford Area, 19:25 to 19:30: 1 Little Owl. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hockley, Dome Village: Barn Owl over garden at Dome Village, Lower Road Hockley. Also Long-tailed Tits, Magpie, Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 2 Pied Wagtail, Starling, Blackbird, Canada Geese, Green Woodpecker, Collared Doves, and of course grey squirrels. Wendy Hills.

Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting. Jeff Delve.

East Tilbury: 4 Red-breasted Merganser; 1 Little Egret; 12+ Brambling (up to 18 have been seen in recent days, including near-summer plumage males); 2 Wheatear; steady light passage of Sand Martins; 2 Little Stints and 1 Spotted Redshank reported; good numbers Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. A Green-winged Teal, which has been present on the Kent side for some days, was seen on the evening high tide. David Jobbins (Birds of East Tilbury).

Saturday 27th March 2004

Hanningfield Reservoir. From Fremnall's Causeway 08.30: 1 Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, 3 Red-crested Pochard, including 2 drakes. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Two Tree Island (west) 08.30 - 09.17: 16 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting. Lagoon :- 69 Avocet, 6 Canada Geese, 4 x M Shoveler 2 x F. In creek 1 Little Egret numerous Black-tailed Godwit. 5 Mute Swan, 4 Adults & 1 juvenile, did an Island Flyaround. Terry Srong.

Thundersley: 09.00 - 09.15: 3 Siskin feeding on Silver Birch in my neighbour's garden. John Bennett.

Paglesham Lagoon, 09:00 to 14:40: 1 Scaup (drake still present), 12 Pintail (6 on the lagoon and 6 flew west), 17 Goldeneye, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 drakes and 3 redheads), 1 Chiffchaff (singing bird along barton hall lane), 5 Little Egret (on the river), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG). Also: 10 Brown Hare.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:15 to 12:30: 3 Mediterranean Gull (Adults in summer plumage.), 1 Marsh Harrier (Female.), 1 Bearded Tit (Male.), 15 Greylag Goose (Plus Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon.), 2 Cetti's Warbler (Both retraps, per ringing group.), 8 Chiffchaff (Singing). John Wright (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 12:00: 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.

Wakering Old Tip 11.30 - 12:30: 5 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron (in large group around angling ponds), 6 Skylark. Web Author.

Vange Marsh, 12:45 to 13:15: 2 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).

Two Tree Island (west) 13.30 - 16.30: 59 Avocet, 22 Ringed Plover, 12 Common Snipe (Jack Snipe and 2 Wheatear reported earlier). Web Author.

Pound Wood 13:30 - 14:30: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. They've been present in winter for the last three years at least. Ross Gardner.

Westcliff Seafront, 14:55 to 15:20: 4 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults and 2nd summer (no sign of the Ring-billed Gull but there is a noticeable reduction in gull numbers along the seafront)). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southchurch Hall Park 15:00: 1 male Mandarin (on Eastern pond) 1 Sparrowhawk, which put all of the resident pigeons to flight before departing northwards. Tim, Adam and Ashley Bennett.

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 15:05 to 15:20: 13 Waxwing (feeding on berries in the central reservation). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Leigh-on-Sea, Tattersall Gasrdens 17.30: 1 Blackcap, male, in my back garden. Martin Johnson.

Friday 26th March 2004 (first report of Sandwich Tern)

Southend Pier, 14:30 to 15:45: 1 Guillemot, 25 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sandwich Tern. Harry Carmichael (SOG).

Barrow Hall Road (east end near tip road) 16:00: 2 Skylark singing over fields on either side of road. Ross Gardner.

Hanningfield Reservoir: West Bank (EBS/EWT permit holders only) Blackcap singing (1st of spring) in NW corner, 6+ Chiffchaff. Rawl Hide 3 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank. Fremnells Causeway 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 drakes). Nick Green (EBS).

Fingringhoe Wick: 1 Chilean Flamingo (escape still in area), 5 Little Egret, 20+ Avocet, 2 Chiffchaff. Terry Strong.

Abberton Reservoir (causeway): 1 female Red-crested Pochard. Terry Strong.

Thursday 25th March 2004

Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:00 to 14:15: 2 Mediterranean Gull (Adults), 1 Sparrowhawk (No sign of reported L.R.P.), 1 Great Crested Grebe. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Rayleigh, Castle Road 14.40: Probable Black Kite flew over Castle Road from west to east. Sparrowhawk regularly seen in this area. Ernie Hillier.

Canewdon: 2 Brambling still present, male Siskin on niger, seed feeder, Linnet, Goldfinch, Great-spotted Woodpecker all at garden feeding station. Male Hen Harrier reported past Canewdon Church heading west last evening. Jeff Delve.

Wednesday 24th March 2004 (first Little Ringed plover report)

Wat Tyler Country Park 14.00: 1 Peregrine Falcon (in pylon opposite boat museum hide). Stuart Bailey.

Wat Tyler Country Park 14:10 - 15:25: 1 Little Ringed Plover - first noticed at 15:05; nervous/agitated, with bobbing action and frequent short fast runs; several times flew fast & low around and between islands for no apparent reason; still present at 15:25. Also: 1 Peregrine - on pylon from 14:10 - 15:25 at least, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Grebe, 40+ Shoveler, 4 Teal,  120+ Wigeon (in fields), 8 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, (Barnacle Goose with Canada & Greylag Geese in fields). Ian White.

Tuesday 23rd march 2004

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 09:00 to 10:30: 2 Chiffchaff (new arrivals.), 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk (Flew through my garden in Benfleet at 14.50). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Ashingdon, 09:10 to 09:10: 1 Blackcap (Male in the garden). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 11.00 - 12.30: 2 Curlew, 20+ Teal, 1 Little Egret (flying), 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Long-tailed tit. Karen Gordon.

Barton Hall Creek, 13:30 to 13:40: 3 Pintail (2 Drakes). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Barton Hall Farm, 13:45 to 13:55: 5 Yellowhammer, 2 Wheatear. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 14:30 to 14:45: 1 Scaup (Drake). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Two Tree Island (west): 17.30 - 18.30: 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 male Stonechat, 1 male Wheatear, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Avocet. R Shepherd.

Thundersley (my garden): 1 female Siskin, with Goldfinches feeding at seed dispenser. Mike Sagrott.

Canewdon: Definite new finch flock arrivals; 2 Brambling with 20+ Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch and up to 40 Greenfinch at feeding station in my garden. Jeff Delve.

Monday 22nd March 2004 (first report of Sand Martin)

Hadleigh Castle Country Park, 11:00 to 11:55: 1 Hawfinch (in tall hedge left of rangers office in Chapel Lane car park). Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 11:30: 1700 Starling ((circa) flying around the land fill site.), 5 Chiffchaff (All singing.), 1 Cetti's Warbler (Singing & showed on 2 occasions), 2 Bearded Tit, 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon: 1 drake Scaup, 2 Sand Martin. Lee Ebbs.

Sunday 21st March 2004

Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 - 10:30: 50+Shovelers, 6+ m&f Little Grebes all on the big scrape. 30+ Greylag Geese on the Marsh. Long-tailed tits in scrub by big hide and also around whole park. 2 Little Egrets on Creek along with 3 Curlews. Martin Itter.

Two Tree Island: 08:15 to 10:15: 1 male Wheatear at the western end of the model aircraft field. Showing well both at 8:25 and 9:30. 6 Skylark in various places, including the model aircraft field. 12 Avocet, 7 Shoveler, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Brent Goose, 1 Snipe on the lagoon. David Lee.

Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 14:00: 1 Spotted Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, 850 Grey Plover, 960 Dunlin, 500 Knot, 12 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 8 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Snipe, 1 Wheatear (on airfield (male)), 1 Short-eared Owl, 93 Brent Goose, 84 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Moorhen, 32 Shelduck, 86 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Bar-tailed Godwit, 126 Redshank, 6 Meadow Pipit, 89 Avocet, 134 Curlew, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 11:10 to 12:00: 1 Bullfinch, 4 Chiffchaff (all singing), 33 Goldfinch (at car park feeding station). Neil Chambers (SOG).

Fleet Head, Wakering 14:00 to 15:00: 1 Wheatear (a male seen on the dried out fleet by the east sea wall could have been the same bird along the MOD road), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Egret, 100 Brent Goose, 50 Corn Bunting (on wires along the main path past the farm). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Butts Hill Pond, Canewdon: Female Mandarin in the afternoon but not seen since and a Woodcock was flushed from the field edge. Jeff Delve.

Saturday 20th March 2004

Southend, 08:10: 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summers). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Rochford Golf Course, 08:15 to 12:00: 2 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Hockley Woods 08:15 to 8:25: 2 Hawfinch, 1 male and 1 female in the bushes at the opposite end of the play area to the entrance gate. David Lee.

Westcliff Seafront, 08:35 to 09:30: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer, 2nd-summer). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Leigh 09.00: 2 Jackdaw on roofs behind Leigh Broadway. Terry Strong.

Leigh-on-Sea Seafront 10.00: 15 Brent Geese. Yasmine Hamid.

Two Tree Island (West), 10:00 to 12:30: 95 Avocet, 100 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Brent Goose (including the juv. Pale-bellied Brent), 1 Spotted Redshank, 12 Snipe, 1 Wheatear (male on the flying field), 3 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 10:30: 2 Hawfinch (Pair in usual place. Reminder: please only view from outside the play area, give the birds some space). John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:00: 1 Chiffchaff (By the pond.), 1 Green Woodpecker. John Wright (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 12:10 to 12:20: 4 Mediterranean Gull (all in summer plumage. 3 2nd summers, 1 adult). John Wright (SOG).

Gunners Park 15.00 - 16.30: 2 Chiffchaff, female Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, male Stonechat, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Little Egret, c.15 Linnet, 1 Redwing. Steve Giles.

Leigh-on-Sea, Tattersall Gardens 15.10 - 15.18: 1 Sparrowhawk, male, sitting on back garden fence. Martin Johnson.

Friday 19th March 2004 (first report of Black Redstart)

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 11:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult), 4 Jackdaw, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Barn Owl (2 pellets on one of the window frames, I am sure they were deposited by a Barn Owl). Graham Ryland (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 11.45 - 13.15: South Westerly gale. 10! Curlew, 7 Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, 4 Widgeon, 2 Mute Swan in fields, 3 Skylark, (surprisingly !!) singing high up. Ray Fuller.

Gunners Park 16.10: 1 Black Redstart (flew in from sea wall in to EWT reserve), 1 Little Egret,  1 Common Snipe. Ray Fuller.

Thursday 18th March 2004

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:45 to 12:15: 2 Bearded Tit (Male & Female in front of hide.), 2 Cetti's Warbler (Both singing, one showing). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Gunners Park, 12:00 to 13:30: 1 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Mistle Thrush, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Redwing, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).

Ashingdon, 12:30: 2 Sparrowhawk (A pair circling and slowly drifting North). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Gunners Park 14.00 - 15.30: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker. Steve Giles.

Hanningfield Reservoir Point/Rawl Hides 14.30: 4 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Redshank, 2 Ruff, 2 White Wagtail. West Bank (permit holders only) - 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Fremnells Causeway - 2 Grey Wagtail Nick Green (EBS).

Wednesday 17th March 2004

Two Tree Island 08.30 - 09.50: 1 Kestrel, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Meadow Pipit, 20+ Skylark, good numbers of House Sparrows around Sea Scout Hut. Lagoon: 27+ Avocet, 20+ Grey Plover, 15+ Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 3 Lapwing, 3 Common Snipe, 7 (5m, 2f) Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, numerous Teal. Creek opposite Lagoon Hide: 30+ Avocet, 50+ Grey Plover. Outside the new Hide a large group of Brent Goose including 1 Black Brant. Terry Strong.

Hockley Woods, 09:45 to 11:15: 1 Chiffchaff (Singing & showing by log piles, Brimstone & Comma also in area.), 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker (No sign of Lesser spotted.). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Two Tree Island, 12:30 to 15:15: 1 Dartford Warbler (showed well for a 15 minute period. (female)), 1 Jack Snipe (on Lagoon, on edge beyond island ' A' with 9 Common Snipe), 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Short-eared Owl (Roosting in saltmarsh North towards Hadleigh Castle.), 180 Brent Goose (No sign of reported Black Brant). Peacock butterfly. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Hadleigh Downs, 13:30 to 14:30: 1 Firecrest (male in the same place), 4 Chiffchaff. Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.

Leigh on Sea 14.00:  In back gardens between Tattersall & Quorn Gardens, 1 Chifchaff seen in willow tree & heard singing. Martin Johnson.

Hanningfield Reservoir: 1 Slavonian Grebe. Nick Green (EBS).

Tuesday 16th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 07:00 to 07:10: 1 Sparrowhawk (circling over the play area). Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Hampton Barns, 12:30 to 12:50: 12 Redwing, 40 Fieldfare. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Barton Hall Farm, 12:50 to 13:10: 11 Yellowhammer, 2 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).

River Roach, 13:20 to 13:50: 6 Red-breasted Merganser (4 Drakes), 25 Black-tailed Godwit (Some in near summer plumage). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 14:00 to 14:30: 18 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 3 Pintail (2 Drakes), 24 Goldeneye. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Southchurch 16.00: 1 Chiffchaff. Dave Goddard.

Woodside Park, Thundersley, 17:00 to 18:15: 14 Redwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush. Also Comma Butterfly. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Monday 15th March 2004

Hockley Woods 08.50 - 09.00: 1 female Hawfinch. Nick Green (EBS).

Thorpe Bay, Navestock Gardens 09.00: 2 Siskin (on feeder in my garden). John Pitts.

Westcliff Seafront 10.05: 1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 adult summer Mediterranean Gull. Nick Green (EBS).

Paglesham Lagoon: Drake Scaup still present. Nick Green (EBS).

Heybridge GP: 1 Corn Bunting by wooden chalets. Nick Green (EBS).

Sunday 14th March 2004 (first Wheatear report)

Tilbury Power Station 07.15: 1 Wheatear. Richard Russell.

Two Tree Island, 09:20 to 12:00: 1 Little Egret, 6 Wigeon, 48 Teal, 10 Snipe (On Lagoon), 12 Bar-tailed Godwit (1 in near summer plumage), 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 280 Brent Goose, 14 Skylark, 16 Ringed Plover. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 11:10 to 11:35: 11 Mediterranean Gull (5 adults, 3 2nd years and 3 1st years). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Wakering Stairs, Haven Point 12.00: 1 Wheatear. Ray Fuller.

Two Tree Island 13.00: 4 Skylark, 1 female Common Pheasant, 15 Avocet on lagoon. Yasmine Hamid.

Southchurch Park West, 13:00 to 13:10: 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult summers). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Saturday 13th March 2004

Hockley Woods 08:00 to 09:10: 1 Greater-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 1 Jay, 1 Hawfinch feeding at the edge of the play area with Chaffinch and Greenfinch. David Lee.

Southend Pier, 09:00 to 10:15: 3 Mediterranean Gull (1 Adult, 2 x 1st year birds), 21 Great Crested Grebe. Graham Ryland (SOG).

Two Tree Island (West), 09:20 to 11:15: Dartford Warbler (On the Lagoon (also seen by Steve Arlow)), 4 Snipe (Lagoon), 8 Shoveler (Lagoon. All males), 4 Avocet (Lagoon + about 60 along Benfleet Creek.), 50 Teal (Lagoon), 200 Black-tailed Godwit (Benfleet Creek), 100 Golden Plover (Benfleet Creek), 2 Reed Bunting (Pair). John Wright (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.45: 5 Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 196 Brent Goose, 3 Red-breasted Merganser ( 2 male, 1 female ), Grey Plover, 2 Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, 4 Widgeon, Shelduck, 4 Mute Swan in fields, Short-eared Owl flew low over salt marsh towards Hullbridge, 15 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.

Southend Seafront, 10:40 to 10:50: 1 Ring-billed Gull (Adult on street lighting outside Rossi's). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Two Tree Island (West), 10:40 to 14:00: 6 Skylark, 80 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Avocet, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel (male), 400 Lapwing, 13 Snipe (on lagoon), 1 Golden Plover, 12 Brent Goose (plus a juv. Pale-bellied Brent Goose). Paul Griggs (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.50: 1 Short-eared Owl hunting over saltmarsh. Ray Fuller.

Two Tree Island (West), 11:35: 1 Dartford Warbler (Only a flight view). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Southend, 12:10: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult summer on Victory Sport Ground playing fields with about 100 Black-headed Gulls). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Shoeburyness (my garden, backing on to Friars Park) 13.30: 1 Firecrest. Kerri Webb.

Hadleigh Castle Country Park,  Chapel Lane Car Park 14.00: 1 Little Egret flying towards the Salvation Army farm, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Robin and House Sparrow around the bird feeders. Yasmine Hamid.

Paglesham Lagoon, 14:45 to 17:00: 1 Kestrel (female), 6 Pintail (4 drakes 4 ducks), 10 Red-breasted Merganser (5 drakes 5 redheads), 31 Mute Swan (on Barling Marsh), 1 Black Swan (on Barling Marsh), 28 Goldeneye, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Little Egret. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Friday 12th March 2004

Priory Park 10:30 - 12:30: 100+ Redwing, 5 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tits. Steve Sanford, Web Author.

Thundersley (my garden) 12.30 - 12.45: 2 Song Thrushes pulling worms from my lawn. (The first sighting in my garden for almost seven years!). John Bennett.

Southend Pier, 13:00 to 16:00: 1 Purple Sandpiper (On the old slip way, with Turnstones). Pat Dandridge.

Westcliff Seafront 16.45: 12 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plover. Yasmine Hamid.

Thursday 11th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 07:15 to 08:30: 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Pair. Displaying around the car park, calling frequently and showing very well), 3 Nuthatch (incl. 1 at a nest hole), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 1 Hawfinch (male. At top of tree immediately west of the playground, in the main wood (Seen by PB)). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).

Hockley Woods 08:45: 1 male Hawfinch, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (displaying), 4 Redwing. Lee Evans, Web Author.

Willingale Way, Thorpe Bay 09.45: 1 Kingfisher (by stream where it goes under Willingale). John Pitts.

Rayleigh, 10:30 to 11:00: 1 Kingfisher (In back garden. Took goldfish from our pond). Mark Wickins (SOG).

Southchurch Park East 11:00: 6 Little Grebe. Web Author.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:45: 1 Peregrine Falcon (on Pylon). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Gunners Park 14.50 - 15.30: 1 Little Egret, 5 Mistle Thrush in EWT reserve. 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Web Author.

Barton Hall Creek, 15:00 to 15:30: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Red-breasted Merganser (4 Drakes), 11 Pintail (6 Drakes). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Fingringhoe Wick 15.00 - 16.30: 8 Avocet, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Little Egret, Flocks of Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, many Redshank, Shelduck, Widgeon, Teal, Curlew, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, male Hen Harrier. R Shepherd.

Wednesday 10th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 07:05 to 07:10: 1 Hawfinch (In the play area). Dudley Shayler (SOG).

Canvey Coastguards 12.30: 1 Black-Throated Diver, close inshore. Dave Goddard.

Canvey Seafront, 13:00 to 15:00: 15 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Cory's Shearwater (Reported off Egypt Bay on Kent side). Mark Wickins, Chris Lewis (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon, 14:20 to 14:40: 1 Scaup (Male still present). Steve Sanford (SOG).

Westcliff Casino, 16:25 to 16:35: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult), 3 Mediterranean Gull (ad-summer, 2nd-summer, 1st-summer). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Southend 16.50: 18 Redwing on school playing field off North Road. Web Author.

Southchurch Park East: Unconfirmed report of Goosander on pond.

Tuesday 09th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 07:20 to 08:10: 1 Hawfinch (The male was seen twice though it was flushed on the first occasion by a cat but returned 10 minutes later). Steve Arlow. (SOG).

Two Tree Island 10:55: 1 Dartford Warbler - appeared briefly on top of vegetation on island in centre of lagoon. Seen from Hide. Ian White.

Hanningfield Reservoir (point hide) 11.30: 1 Bewick's Swan, to the left of the island. Dave Corderoy.

Southend Pier, 12:40 to 15:10: 12 Red-throated Diver, 9 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Black-throated Diver, 28 Great Crested Grebe (Inc. raft of 21 alongside pier), 1 Fulmar, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot. Harry Carmichael (SOG).

Canvey Island, Leigh Beck: 13:50 - 14:45: 3 Red-throated Diver (on sea); 1 Fulmar (flew up river); 16 Great Crested Grebe (on sea, incl. group of 12 off Canvey Point). Ian White.

Trafalgar Road, Shoebury 15.00 - 15.30: male Siskin, on niger seed feeder. Steve Giles.

Monday 08th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:10: 2 Hawfinch (Playground). Harry Carmichael (SOG).

Canvey Seafront, 14:40 to 14:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult on the green by Labworth Green). Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).

Canvey Heights Country Park 15.00: 9 Skylark including 4 displaying. Stuart Bailey.

Sunday 07th March 2004

Vange Marsh, 07:30 to 09:30: 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Water Rail, 2 Bearded Tit (probably more heard). Chris Lewis (SOG).

Hockley Woods 08.15 - 09.00: 2 Hawfinch in playground, female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling & drumming about 100m west of clearing with woodpiles about 150m SW of car park. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 08:25: 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).

Barton Hall Creek, 09:00 to 09:30: 32 Golden Plover, 19 Yellowhammer, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (1 drake (River Roach)), 1 Scaup (Drake Paglesham Lagoon). Also; 4 or 5 singing Skylark. Steve Sanford (SOG).

Eastwood Area 09.30 - 09.45: Whitehouse Road/Safeway supermarket & Western Approaches - 11 Waxwing. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Fleet Head, 09:50 to 11:45: 10 Little Egret (Potton Is.), 2 Hen Harrier (Ringtail on the fleet, male on Potton), 1 Marsh Harrier (Female on Potton), 2 Barn Owl (One on Potton, one on the old tip.), 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 10:00 to 10:25: 1 Ring-billed Gull (adult still showing very well), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and a different 2nd summer from yesterday). Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).

Two Tree Island 10.15 - 10.30: Female Dartford Warbler on sueda-covered island immediately in front of Lagoon Hide, Short-eared Owl near Model aircraft area. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Southend Pier, 10:35 to 13:00: 14 Mediterranean Gull (4 1st years, 4 2nd years and 6 adults. Of the adults there were several ringed birds: Green A00 from France, Yellow 57P from Kent, metal ringed birds Praha EX35054 and Praha EX35055 from Czech Republic and metal ring IA0001553 from Germany, the Pier is cosmopolitan), 3 Guillemot, 40 Great Crested Grebe (at least), 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Common Scoter (drake), 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Steve Arlow, Paul Griggs (SOG).

Canvey Heights Country Park / Smallgains Park Pond 11:00 to 12:00: 40+ Brent Geese, 12 - 14 Skylark, including several pairs in courtship displays, 1 pair of Kestrel on telegraph pole at entrance to park, Golden Plover and Little Grebe. Tim and Adam Bennett.

Canvey Heights Country Park 13:35 to 14:00: 1 Little Egret, 19 Skylark, 2 Kestrel. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Southend Pier 12.00 - 14.30: 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Guillemot, 14 Mediterranean Gulls, 60+ Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Common Scoter. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Rochford Golf Course, 13:00 to 16:45: 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 14:30 to 15:25: 4 Mediterranean Gull (2adults and 2 2nd summers). Steve Arlow (SOG).

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 15.05 - 17.40: 397 Brent Goose, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (1 male, 1 female), 5 Grey Plover, 6 Great Crested Grebe, Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Egret, 45 Corn Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Shelduck, Kingfisher, 10 Curlew, 40 Golden Plover, 4 Widgeon, 2 Teal (1 male, 1 female), 6 Skylark singing and ascending. Ray Fuller.

Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 17:30: 4 Little Egret, 400 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, 3 Skylark, 61 Avocet. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Paglesham Lagoon: Male Scaup, 25 Pintail. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Wallasea Island: Barn Owl, 2 Green Sandpiper. Jeff Delve, Nick Green, Glyn Evans. (EBS).

Saturday 06th March 2004

Hockley Woods 07:30 to 10:00: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ( in Oak trees along the South East edge of the play area ). 2 Hawfinch ( male and female ) seen feeding on the ground, for extended periods amongst mixed finch flock, and in tree tops of the copse in the playground. Also Treecreeper, many Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Redwing, Mistle Thrush. Tim and Adam Bennett.

South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.40: 13 Curlew, 41 Brent Goose, 5 Reed Bunting, Great Crested Grebe, 24 Shelduck, 10 Red-breasted Merganser (8 male, 2 female), 4 Little Egret, 7 Corn Bunting, 6 Golden Plover, 12 Skylark singing and displaying. Ray Fuller.

Southend Pier 12.15 - 13.30: 36 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Mediterranean Gull (including green-ringed adult A00, a second year and 2 first years). Stephen Harris.

Two Tree Island (West), 13:00 to 14:30: 1 Dartford Warbler (On the lagoon first seen by Andrew Cox). Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.

Two Tree Island 13:30 - 14:00: 1 Dartford Warbler, female, among saltmarsh vegetation on lagoon. Close to hide. Showed well. 60 Avocet. Many Teal, Shoveler, usual waders. Black & Bar-tailed Godwits on creek as tide ebbed, one of the former in summer plumage. Andrew Cox.

Southchurch Park East, 14.00: 17 Little Grebe. Stephen Harris.

Benfleet 14.30 to 16.30: All visited garden. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (on bird table), 1 Redwing, 1 Green woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (male). Jim English.

Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 14:40: 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Reed Bunting (female), 9 Avocet, 3 Skylark, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Linnet. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Gunners Park 15.50: 18 Great Crested Grebe offshore (2 pairs displaying) also 18 Sanderling. Green Woodpecker. Web Author.

Hadleigh Downs, 16:00 to 16:30: 2 Firecrest (Male and female same place). Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.

Priory Park 16:00:Kingfisher in Prittle Brook, alongside play area. Tim and Adam Bennett.

Wakering Stairs 16.50: 2 Yellowhammer (both calling) in bushes at end of road. Web Author.

Paglesham Lagoon: 1 male Scaup. Pat Dandridge.

Westcliff Rugby Club: Heard Skylark singing first over the farmer's field to the right and later on the Cherry Orchard Way side so don't know whether it was the same individual or two different birds. Also  at 14:45 on the New Hall Farm field along the Millenium Way footpath between Prittle Brook and Sutton Church heard Skylark singing. Vi Walker.

Garons Sports Centre, Eastern Avenue: at least three Skylark singing at 09.15. Web Author.

Friday 05th March 2004

Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 08:55: 3 Nuthatch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey Island, Smallgains Pond 09:45: 1 Water Pipit - beside pond, before flying further down fields. Ian White.

Thursday 04th March 2004

Hockley Woods 07:55 - 08:00: Male and female Hawfinch feeding on ground in children's play area. Don Wildish.

Benfleet, 08:00 to 09:20: 2 Bullfinch (Pair (Fane Wood)), 10 Common Gull (Roost regularly on Cricket pitches), 8 Fieldfare (Fane Lane), 12 Redwing (Fane Lane), 2 Green Woodpecker (Fane Lane). Graham Ryland (SOG).

Hockley Woods, 08:15 to 08:50: 1 Hawfinch (in play area at 8:15 and it or different bird at 8:50), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (heard only, called several times from north end of open area), 1 Chinese Muntjac Deer (reported in the play area this morning!). Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey Island, Tewkes Creek 10:35 - 11:10: 1 Spotted Redshank feeding & roosting below boat jetty, 1 Greenshank feeding near sluice, 1 Avocet, 1 Little Egret roosting on boat jetty, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), Also present were several Knot feeding & roosting with Dunlin. Ian White.

Wednesday 03rd March 2004

Canvey Island, Leigh Beck 10:00 - 10:50: 2 Sanderling (feeding on foreshore of Canvey Point), 1 Red Throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Ian White.

Canvey Island, Benfleet Creek 11:15 - 12:15: 250+ Knot in groups of 10 - 50 birds, spread along edge of sandbar in middle of Creek & feeding on receeding tide. Golden Plover - a few with roosting Grey Plover, 15 Avocet, 10+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Stonechat (female) on saltmarsh behing Country Park. Ian White.

Tuesday 02nd March 2004

Westcliff Casino, 08:20 to 08:30: 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-summer, 2nd-summer). Paul Griggs (SOG).

Hockley Woods 10:25: 2 (1 male, 1 female) Hawfinch in tops of trees in childrens play area. John Atfield.

Hadleigh Downs, 15:30 to 16:15: 1 Firecrest (in hedge in the first valley near the finger post pointing towards Shipwrights Drive). Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.
 

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