Bird Reports for March 2011
Thursday 31st March 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Canada Goose, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Magpie, Pochard, Teal, Chiffchaff, Swallow, Starling, Woodpigeon, Teal, 2 Mute Swan, Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Curlew, Dunnock, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jay, Goldfinch, Shelduck. Terry Jeffreys.
Marine Estate, Leigh 11:00
1 Carrion Crow sitting on nest in roadside tree. Martin Johnson.
Canewdon, 16:00 to 17:00
3 Brambling at least with finch flock on feeders. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gusted Hall Lake 16:45
1 darke Mandarin duck on lake, no sign of female. Barry Bridge.
Wallasea Island, 17:30 to 19:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier near haystacks and flew east, 12 Avocet on Foulness shore of Roach, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl flying high over north end of Foulness, different bird to Marc's near white gate. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Benfleet, 18:20
1 Osprey flew west at c.200ft over Canvey Way close to Sadler's Farm roundabout. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 18:20 to 19:20
1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl along seawall south of the white gate at 19.10, 3 Linnet, 11 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 30th March 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:30
From Marina: 300+ Wigeon on Vange Wick, 15 Black-tailed Godwit in creek, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Billericay 08:30
14 Lesser Redpoll in niger feeder in garden. There have been an average of 4 every day now for over 2 months plus occasional Mealy Redpoll, Siskin and a pair of Reed Bunting. Andy Wilson.
Canewdon, 08:30 to 10:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush eating ivy berries, c.5 Brambling with c.30 Chaffinch, 20 Greenfinch and 20 Goldfinch in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods 09:30 to 12:00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker around the car park, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker in the woods. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:10
5 singing male Blackcap, 1 Treecreeper. 2 Red Kite at tree-top height over Hawkwood, seen off by Crows. Stephen Burt.
Wallasea Island, 17:30 to 18:00
1 adult male Marsh Harrier in centre of island, 1 female Merlin between Grapnells and car park, 3 Linnet feeding near earth mound. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rivenhall 17:45
1 Swallow on wires next to main road through village. S. Cook.
Gunners Park, 18:25 to 18:55
1 male Wheatear in reserve. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Basildon, Burnt Mills, 18:00
1 House Martin, the first of our 12 pairs that come back every year. Pete and Dawn.
Tuesday 29th March 2011
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 07:30 to 07:35
1 Grey Wagtail on garden pond. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Chelmsford, Cormorant Walk 08:50
1 Redpoll, 1 male Siskin, 4 Goldfinch feeding on Niger seed in back garden. Janice Bright.
Colchester, Fordham 11:00
Male Black Redstart catching flies around the horse stables. Nigel Norton.
Great Leighs Race Course 14:40
1 Buzzard flying quite high above disused racecourse. John Hayes.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:05
1 Swallow. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30
3 Swallow on telegraph wire in between RSPB buildings. Neil Phillips.
Monday 28th March 2011
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:25 to 10:30
1 Grey Wagtail on garden pond, 2 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Vange Wick 11:30
1 Wheatear. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canewdon, 12:30 to 14:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Brambling (at least seen together under feeders), 1 Mealy Redpoll (came into feeders briefly). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Blue House Farm 16:00 to 19:00
Fairly large numbers of Greylag, Brent, Barnacle and Canada Geese still remaining. Shoveler, Teal, Shelduck, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, 10 Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 20+ Golden Plover, 20+ Curlew, 6 Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Heron. Paul Jeapes.
Southchurch East 15:25
One Sparrowhawk dived into a back garden in Shaftesbury Avenue backing on to Southchurch Park East and re-appeared with something in it's talons. It then flew off east over the back gardens and was lost to sight in the south-east corner where the copse is. Alec Beanse.
Wallasea Island, 17:30 to 19:00
1 Hen Harrier (distant ringtail), 1 adult Peregrine Falcon flew from fields to posts on sea wall, 1 Short-eared Owl high over sea wall south of Grapnells Cottages and then hunting across island, 1 Kingfisher on field drain along first dyke west of car park, 10 Corn Bunting (singing birds incl. colour ringed white/pink near car park). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Sunday 27th March 2011
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sandwich Tern
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swallow
Rochford Golf Course, 07:30 to 10:45
2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 drumming, 1 over the railway at Rochford Reservoir), 2 Skylark singing over airport, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush (1 singing), 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 4 Siskin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Edge of Coombe Wood 09:37
40 Redwing eating berries in large ivy-covered tree. Sue Hobbs.
Chelmsford, Cormorant Walk 10:30
1 Redpoll feeding on niger Seed in garden. Janice Bright.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 10:30 to 14:00
Seen on walk across Baddow Meads east along River Chelmer to Sandford Mill and past Brook End Road sewage works: 150+ Fieldfare, 1 Pheasant, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Dunnock. Also seen but uncounted: Blue tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, House Sparrow, Robin, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Meadow Pipit, Chiffchaff, Skylark, Blackbird, Starling, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Mallard. Paul Forsdick.
Wallasea Island, 11:45 to 12:10
6 Little Egret, 2 Linnet, 20 Corn Bunting (flock of 15 west of car park and another 5 in song). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canewdon, 13:00 to 14:00
Around Garden and Butts Hill Pond: 1 Buzzard seen on telegraph posts west from Scotts Hall Lane at 5pm, 2 Chiffchaff singing around BHP, c.6 Brambling (5 together under feeders but at least one other on plumage variations), 2 Brimstone BHP. 1 Small Tortoiseshell BHP, Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 15:00 to 17:00
2 Waxwing on television aerials, 3+ Chiffchaff, 20 Redwing, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Siskin, 2 Bullfinch. Robin Peppiatt.
Pound Lane 15:20
Red Kite. Matt Bruty, Louise Bruty, John Bruty.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff (same bird as on 25th, still singing). Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:45 to 16:25
7 Great Crested Grebe on river west of village, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:55 to 18:05
90+ Great Crested Grebe all drifting east, including one raft of 40, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Sandwich Tern flew east, 1 Guillemot drifting east. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:00
Western end and then along wetlands: 1 immature Hen Harrier hunting ditch line, 1 adult Peregrine Falcon sat out on field, 47 Golden Plover (including some summer plumage birds on fallow area south of white gate), 2 Black-tailed Godwit (the first for ages on the wetlands), 2 Greenshank (usual birds near webcam tower), 6 male Reed Bunting singing, 12 Corn Bunting singing. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 17:15 to 18:15
1 Reed Bunting, 23 Corn Bunting (a flock). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey, Northwick Stables
2 Swallow. Dave Blackwell.
Saturday 26th March 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:30 to 09:00
4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Snipe flushed from eastern reed bed, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff singing on the old tip, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Aythya sp. (hybrid drake. Probably Drake Pochard x female Tufted Duck of Redhead type not the more commonly seen Lesser Scaup type. Orange eye, tufted duck like bill with extensive black tip, small white subterminal band). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 11:45
3 Sparrowhawk (2 females, 1 male), 8 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Nuthatch (pair in main clearing, 1 in car park), 2 Treecreeper. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Hawkwell, Glebelands Nursery 11:30
40+ Waxwing sitting on telephone wires opposite nursery entrance. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:00 to 12:30
1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Chiffchaff. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:10 to 13:55
8 Little Grebe, 10 Great Crested Grebe (7 on river, 3 on lagoon), 12 Little Egret, 46 Mute Swan, 10 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, 30 Pochard, 120 Tufted Duck, 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 drakes, 1 displaying and female on river), 800 Larus sp. (good numbers of large gulls, mostly 1st year Herring Gull), 1 Anser sp. (Canada x Greylag hybrid), 1 Aythya sp. (drake Lesser Scaup type hybrid). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:00 to 13:05
2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 adult summer Mediterranean Gull. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:40 to 16:50
2 Great Crested Grebe, 170 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 17 Shelduck, 8 Red-breasted Merganser (4 male, 4 female - 2 males seen displaying), 2 Kestrel, 1 female Merlin, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Owl. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Friday 25th March 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 07:00 t0 09:00
10+ Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Phillips (http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/).
Canewdon, 08:00 to 12:00
2 Brambling (one male and one female still present in garedn). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 16:00
2 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House most of day. John Wright (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:30 to 10:40
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hatfield Peverel 12:30
1 Chiffchaff, (first of the year) 5 Buzzard circling and calling overhead garden. Alec Martin.
Southend, Victoria Avenue 12:45
3 Peregrine Falcon (usual pair joined by a second male bird). Richard Mander.
Temple Farm, 13:20 to 13:40
1 Grey Partridge. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Canvey Island, Cedar Road 15:30
Cockatiel sitting on roof of house, had been in area all day as heard the bird earlier. Kizzy.
Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 18:00
1 immature ringtail Hen Harrier near haystack area flew south, 1 Barn Owl along south sea wall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Thursday 24th March 2011
Paglesham Sea Wall 06:30 to 07:15
1 Marsh Harrier over Potton, 1 Barn Owl hunting over field inside sea wall, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Curlew. Kestrel, 8 Skylark, Oystercatchers, 6 Brent Geese. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 10:00
Walked from Gusted Hall end: 3 Sparrowhawk (different birds out soaring / displaying), 1 Mistle Thrush. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Canewdon, 09:45
1 female Brambling still present in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings from the RSPB walk: Cetti’s Warbler (heard), Woodpigeon, Little Grebe, Coot, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Long-tailed Tit, Teal, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Goldfinch, Oystercatcher, Blue Tit, Shelduck, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Great Tit, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Pochard, Moorhen, Tufted Duck. Butterflies: Peacock, Brimstone, Comma. David Lee.
Gunners Park 14:00 to 14:30
Sparrowhawk sitting in the trees near the car park, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Mallard and 2 Little Grebe on the lake, 2 Ringed Plovers on the foreshore. S. Jackson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
Black-tailed Godwit. Dave Blackwell.
Wednesday 23rd March 2011
Rochford Reservoir 06:00 to 06:20
5 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 pairs chasing and displaying and a fifth bird drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 08:00 to 12:30
1 Cormorant circling high overhead, 4 Sparrowhawk soaring and displaying, 1 Buzzard soaring to NW at 10:10am, 8 Stock Dove (4 pairs, most around clearing), 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff singing around clearing, 2 Nuthatch (car park and southern end of clearing), 3 Treecreeper (singing birds). 4 Brimstone, 6 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:20 to 11:30
8 Stock Dove (all paired up), 3 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff singing in main clearing, 2 Long-tailed Tit (pair observed nest building), 1 Coal Tit singing along west side), 4 Nuthatch (two pairs - one pair in car park, one pair south of main clearing, 3 Treecreeper (all holding separate territories), 4 Siskin flew over calling. 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Southend Airport, 09:30
1 Skylark singing and holding territory over the area soon to be paved over for the runway extension! Paul Baker (SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 09:30 to 16:30
Recent sightings: 2 Chiffchaff - still no other migrants! Up to 9 Buzzard over Stamford's Farm Hill, 2 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 76 Avocet, 30 Black-tailed Godwit. Graham Smith.
Canewdon, 13:00 to 14:00
3 Brambling (2 new males and a female by feeders in garden). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive
8 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Kris Mee.
Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08:00
1 male Blackcap in the garden. David Selley.
Canewdon, 08:30 to 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk (male raiding), 1 male Brambling (still moulting through), 1 male Siskin. Jeff Delve (SOG).
West Canvey Marsh 09:30 to 10:30
1 female Brambling from hide near sea wall. 1 Adder on sea wall. David Davies.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 13:00
3 Mute Swan flying over, 1 Cetti's Warbler seen, at least 2 singing Chiffchaff, 3 Brimstone butterflies, numerous Bumblebees and plenty of Seven Spot Ladybirds awaking from hibernation. Neil Phillips.
Hockley Woods 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 3 Nuthatch, Robin, Woodpigeon, Magpie, 5 Stock Dove, 2 Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, 2 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Sparrowhawk, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff. Terry Jeffreys.
Latchingdon, Maldon Road 13:00 to 13:10
Red Kite circling low over road and adjacent fields, spectacular views. Ray Britton.
Colchester, Highwoods, c.14:00
1 Red Kite circling over Baronia Croft and drifting northwards via Tesco car-park, accompanied by an agitated Sparrowhawk. Raymond Bowen.
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 17:00
1 possibly 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel near haystack along N/S road, 1 adult female Peregrine Falcon, 29 Golden Plover (migrant flock in fallow area S of white gate), 1 Greenshank near mast as usual, 2 Green Sandpiper in borrow dyke in SW corner, c.20 Skylark (singing birds), 1 Meadow Pipit singing in display flight from east end, 1 Stonechat far west end of wetlands towards marina, 5 Reed Bunting singing, 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds including a colour ringed bird by car park). 1 Common Seal in east end of wetlands over high tide. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Monday 21st March 2011
Canewdon, 07:30
1 Siskin in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 07:50 to 12:30
3 Sparrowhawk (at least), 1 Buzzard (south edge of woods being mobbed by crows), 4 Green Woodpecker, 10+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (south west area of woods, good views of male), 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch. 1 Chinese Muntjac in gardens north of clearing. 1 Brimstone. Matt Bruty, Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:55 to 08:20
From marina only: 150+ Wigeon on Vange Wick, 3 Ruff, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford, Craven Close, 08:40 to 09:00
5 Siskin (4 male, 1 female) enjoying sunflower hearts and nigers from our feeders at 08.40, then four seen again briefly at 09.00. Richard Goring.
Great Bardfield 08:45
1 Red Kite. C. Gillingham.
Wick Country Park 13:15
1 Little Egret. Dave Perry.
Southchurch, 14:00
1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 14:20 to 14:50
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair very active in display), 1 female Brambling on/around feeders for 20 minutes. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 20th March 2011
Wallasea Island, 07:00 to 13:00
Wetlands count and general birding; 1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 13 Golden Plover (some in summer plumage moving through), 2 Greenshank near mast, 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 07:30 to 11:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), c.30 Siskin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:40 to 11:30
3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Jackdaw. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Langdon Hills 09:00 to 13:00
3 Sparrowhawk, 9 Green Woodpecker, 9 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Nuthatch. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island, 09:50 to 13:20
WEBS count: 2 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Canada Goose, 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 Shelduck, 19 Teal, 17 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Pheasant, 7 Moorhen, 6 Coot, 162 Oystercatcher, , 8 Ringed Plover, 87 Grey Plover, 400 Knot, 710 Dunlin, 132 Black-tailed Godwit, 172 Curlew, 38 Redshank, 70 Turnstone, 579 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 16 Wood Pigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 11 Wren, 7 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 9 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 51 Starling, 2 Reed Bunting. 2 Northern Water Vole. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:00 to 10:15
2 female Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin (2 male, 3 female) on Sunflower hearts in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Stow Maries Aerodrome 10:15
Great Grey Shrike on posts on eastern boundary of airfield (CM3 6RN). Russell Savory.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 13:50 to 14:00
1 female Blackcap in garden. John Wright (SOG).
Canewdon, 14:00
1 female Brambling on feeders in garden. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Stow Marsh 14:00 to 16:30
5 Common Buzzard (3 soaring over ridge, one hunting fields and catching something and one heading south over the Crouch), very large female Peregrine Falcon on fence, near summer plumage Water Pipit, 400 Dark Bellied Brent Geese, 85 Stock Dove. Comma butterfly. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Stow Maries Airfield 14:30
1 Great Grey Shrike, 1 Little Owl, 8 Stock Dove, 130+ Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Fieldfare. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:30 to 16:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting along the sea wall on Potton Island, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Short-eared Owl being mobbed by crows on Potton Island. Gordon Appleton, Stuart Bailey (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:00 to 16:20
Along seawall to end of East Beach and back: 1 Little Egret on lake, 1 immature Mute Swan on lake, 30 Turnstone, 1 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:30
7 Siskin (4 male, 3 female), 5 Lesser Redpoll (3 male, 2 female). on garden feeders. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Rayleigh Mount, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Stock Dove, 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff singing and showing, 6 Jackdaw flew west. Paul Baker (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm 16:00
4 Greylag Geese, 9 Canada Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, Shoveler, Lapwing, Avocet, Little Grebe, female Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 20+ Golden Plover (some in summer plumage), Sparrowhawk, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Little Egret, Heron, Curlew, Redshank. Paul Jeapes.
Eastern Avenue, Behind Waitrose 17:44
1 Little Owl sitting in usual dead tree on waste ground behind waitrose car wash. Don Wildish.
Saturday 19th March 2011
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:45 to 13:30
3 Siskin (1 male and 2 female) in garden - the male prefers nyger seed and the female the sunflower hearts. Great to hear them this afternoon sitting in our birch tree singing and calling constantly Kris Mee, Web Author.
Langdon Hills 08:00 to 13:00
1 Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 5 Sparrowhawk in the air together, 1 Kestrel, 1 Woodcock, 8 Green Woodpecker, at least 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, at least 10 Siskin, at least 5 Lesser Redpoll. Andrew Cox.
Benfleet Downs 08:15 to 08:20
1 Bullfinch, 1 Chiffchaff heard. Ellen Hume.
Wakering Stairs 08:30
Short Eared Owl, Barn Owl. Tony Pilkington.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 09:00 to 10:00
2 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Siskin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Jay, Robin Peppiatt.
Benfleet Downs, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Chiffchaff (all singing), 1 Bullfinch. 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Stow Maries 11:00
2 Buzzard circling on thermals over hill Stow Maries area. Hilary Knight.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:35 to 14:10
2 Stock Dove (1 singing), 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 1 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk over Belfairs School. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pitsea, 12:00 to 12:15
2 Buzzard and 1 Peregrine Falcon over Vange Wick. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Belfairs Woods, 13:40
1 Buzzard came out of woods and drifted north high. Web Author.
Leigh on Sea 16:47
Common Buzzard from Belfairs Woods very low across garden heading east being mobbed by Crow. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Friday 18th March 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 00:30
3+ Tawny Owl calling. Robin Peppiatt.
Hockley Woods, 06:10 to 09:20
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodcock flew through clearing at sun rise, 6 Stock Dove, 5 Green Woodpecker, 11 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest (2 pairs), 1 Nuthatch. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:00
1 Chiffchaff. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:00
2 Canada Goose, 130 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 165 Shelduck, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 17 Ringed Plover, 14 Grey Plover, 1 Knot, 37 Dunlin, 60 Curlew, 120 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Reed Bunting, 6 Corn Bunting (singing birds, including 2 colour ringed from Burnham Wick). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 10:50 to 11:15
84 Great Crested Grebe, 5 adult Gannet flying out of the river, 18 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 13:30 to 16:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Canewdon, 14:00 to 15:00
Watching garden feeders whilst rain falls: 47 Chaffinch (flock has doubled in last few days - coinciding with noted passage movements), 2 Brambling, 15 Greenfinch (have been over 20 recently), 16 Goldfinch. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Roxwell, Nr Chelmsford 15:00
Fishing at Newland Hall fisheries: Buzzard trying to catch some thermals, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Fieldfare, Tawny Owls calling at night. Melvyn Cox.
Barling Pits, 16:45
1 Barn Owl. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 17:50
1,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying south into estuary, 1 Short-eared Owl west of parking area then seen again hunting field ditches from approach road. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Thursday 17th March 2011
Chelmsford, Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 07:20
1 Chiffchaff singing in trees next to footpath, first I've heard this year. Paul Forsdick.
Southend, Lancaster Gardens 08:45
1 Chiffchaff in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Mallard, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Teal, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Common Gull, Cetti's Warbler (heard). 36 Black-tailed Godwit, 10+ Shelduck, Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Green Woodpecker, Common Snipe, Goldfinch, Magpie, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Wigeon, Greenshank, Woodpigeon, Curlew, Redshank, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Little Grebe, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Rook, Chaffinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:00
3 Siskin in the alder tree opposite the RSPB reserves office. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Creek 13:00
2 Ring-necked Parakeet sitting on the creek wall, roughly opposite the golf course. As I got nearer they flew into nearby tree and stayed there. Kizzy.
Gunners Park 13:30 to 14:30
1 Mute Swan sitting on the foreshore, 3 Little Grebe on the lake. S. Jackson.
Noak Bridge/Billericay, Barleylands Road, 15:15
Small flock of Waxwing (approx 12) perched on a telegraph wire. Claire.
Wednesday 16th March 2011
Canewdon, 08:00 to 09:00
1 Siskin over Butts Hill Pond calling. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:55 to 09:00
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi perched on lamppost). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:45 to 11:30
2 Shelduck over, 5 Stock Dove, 3 Song Thrush, 17 Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin over calling, 2 Bullfinch (pair). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Gunners Park 10:00
2 Little Grebe in lagoon. John Pitts.
Two Tree Island 10:00 to 12:00
Feral Pigeon, Starling, Woodpigeon, Magpie, 40 Redshank, Black-headed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 100 Brent Geese, 25 Curlew, 30 Oystercatcher, 4 Turnstone, 50 Shelduck, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Skylark, 7 Blackbird, Greenfinch, Mallard, Dunnock, Wren, 100 Avocet, 6 Wigeon, Canada Geese, 60 Teal, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Shoveler Duck, Collared Dove. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Chelmsford, Central Park 15:25 to 15:35
1 Sparrowhawk, 20-30 Waxwing feeding in tree next to rail viaduct as on Monday, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 20 Mallard (including at least two domestic/wild crosses), 2 Canada Goose, 1 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Mistle Thrush. Also seen but uncounted: Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Tit, Herring Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Wallasea Island, 16:15 to 17:15
3 ringtail Hen Harrier (possibly just 2). One at far east end, one heading west along sea wall from car park and 15 minutes later one perched on post near water vole area - could just have been the same, 1 female Merlin between Grapnells and car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tuesday 15th March 2011
Pitsea, 07:45
36 Waxwing in small trees in centre of Aldi car park. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Southend, 08:55
1 Waxwing heard but not seen flying past RBS building in Eastwood; perhaps more in the misty conditions? Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Billericay 10:30
1 male Blackcap. Claire.
Corringham/Stanford-le-Hope Area 16:00 to 16:30
Female/immature Merlin flew east at a low height perhaps not more than a 100mtrs or so away over built-up area between Priory Road and Monks Haven. Richard Fahey.
Monday 14th March 2011
Southchurch 06:50
Grey Heron flying over Southchurch area. Nikki.
Hockley Woods, 07:20 to 13:30
1 Woodcock flew through wood east of main clearing, 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (noisy group in main clearing at 7:30 with much wing fanning), 8 Treecreeper (singing birds, one watched nest building), c.200 Chaffinch on top of 500 already counted as movements continued throughout the morning, 5 Mealy Redpoll (small group feeding in old birch by stream just west of where main track crosses). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:40 to 08:45
2 Sparrowhawk (pair calling to one another and interacting over my house). Paul Baker (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:00 and 14:50
40 Chaffinch in a single flock at 10.00 and a second flock of c.150 at 14.50 all flying east. David Selley.
Chelmsford, Stone Bridge in Central Park 15:15
20-30 Waxwing in the tree over the bridge coming from behind e2v into Central Park. Sue Haffenden.
Chelmsford, Central Park 15:25
Small flock of Waxwing in tall tree between stone footbridge and rail viaduct. Flock spotted by a lady on a bike with binoculars and the birds appeared to be feeding on flowering buds, behaviour I'd also seen on Saturday at the Chelmer Valley reserve. Paul Forsdick.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:15
4 female Goosander seen flying up from river and heading southwards. Very large numbers of what appeared to be Redwings on north meadow but had no binoculars to hand for a better view. Paul Forsdick.
Sunday 13th March 2011
Hockley Woods, 06:10 to 09:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Tawny Owl heard, SW edge of woods, 4 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 07:50 to 09:35
2 Sparrowhawk (male and 1+ female), 3 Stock Dove (1 singing), 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 drumming), 2 Mistle Thrush singing, 1 Firecrest singing by black and white house, 2 Coal Tit showing well just north of clearing along main path to car park, 3 Treecreeper (2 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods 07:50 to 12:00
Treecreeper, Buzzard being mobbed by 14 corvids, 5 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming on 3 occasions, Green Woodpecker, Jay, 2 Peregrine. Terry Jeffreys.
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 09:15
3 Great Crested Grebe, 52 Mute Swan in field by lagoon, 3 Egyptian Goose in flight as I walked across fields, flew east and appeared to land but not visible from lagoon, 2 female Goldeneye still present, 7 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:40 to 12:00
3 Sparrowhawk (at least), 1 Buzzard (one initially seen being mobbed by crows to the north of the clearing and it or another over the track at the southern end of the main ride), 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch (1 in the car park and 1 in the clearing), 1 Treecreeper singing in the clearing. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Hockley Woods, 09:10 to 11:50
6 Sparrowhawk (at least six different birds), 1 Buzzard over north mobbed by crows, 2 Peregrine Falcon together west of woods, 1 Nuthatch calling around car park, 1 Treecreeper. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh on Sea 11:05
1 female Siskin feeding with Chaffinches on sunflower hearts in bird feeder in garden. Martin Johnson.
Rayleigh 17:15
2 Coal Tit on sunflower heart feeder in garden. Chris.
Saturday 12th March 2011
Private Site With No Public Access, 07:00 to 14:00
6 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull, 1 1st winter Caspian Gull, 1 1st winter Glaucous Gull for 15 minutes in the morning and again for about 15 minutes in the mid afternoon; probably loafing on Bowers Marsh. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:30 to 08:35
5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Mute Swan, 48 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair and another drumming), 2 Mistle Thrush singing, 2 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll flying around on its own calling. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 08:05 to 13:00
6 Sparrowhawk (2 or 3 pairs), 3 Buzzard (single flew south and a pair spiralling high to the NW), 1 Coal Tit 100 meters south of car park, 1 Nuthatch, 30 Lesser Redpoll. John Wright, Tim Bourne, Martin Cracknell, Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canewdon, 09:00 to 15:00
1 Chiffchaff, 6 Siskin (4 males and 2 females feeding on alder cones). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve 12:00 to 15:00
17 Waxwing feeding on rosehips at the river, similar numbers of Redwing. 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pheasant, 2 Mallard. Many (uncounted) Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12:45 to 15:20
3 Siskin (2m, 1f), 1 Brimstone. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Hockley Woods 15:00 to 16:30
2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (pair), also calling in oaks bordering clearing south of Woodlands Road, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch (car park). Hanna Karthauser, Johannes Kamp, Suzanne Grimwood, Jon Rapley.
Hatfield Peverel 16:00
Single Lesser Redpoll feeding in the top of our Silver Birch. Alec Martin.
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:00
Very few waders still around: 1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew north across island from SW corner, 12 Oystercatcher (6 pairs), 50 Dunlin (few birds remaining widely scattered along wetlands), c.20 Curlew, c.80 Redshank, 1 Stonechat (drab bird 50m west of car park again). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 11th March 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 10/03/11
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Wheatear
Hockley Woods, 08:25 to 13:20
1 female Sparrowhawk flew over main clearing, 1 Woodcock seen in flight twice by track to Eastwood sewage works, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 8 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard calling briefly by southern crossroads, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest around black & white house south of car park at 08.50 and 13.00, 1 Coal Tit c.50m south of black & white house, 1 Nuthatch heard from main clearing, 3 Treecreeper (one of which was singing almost continuously in main clearing), 2 Siskin, 7 Lesser Redpoll flew over track on south side of wood. 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma. Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Paul Griggs
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:30 to 09:40
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Orsett, Parker Farm Road 10:30
3 Common Buzzard displaying. Jim Cockram.
Chelmsford, Central Park 12:50
11 Redwing singing in trees near rail viaduct. Paul Forsdick.
Hempstead, nr S.Walden, 14:20
1 Red Kite, gliding over fields and gardens, then mobbed by a crow. I have lived in this area for 30 years and although over the last five years or so it has become common to see Buzzard this is the first time I have seen a Kite. Julian McCarthy.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 15:30
1 male Wheatear north of bird hide near seawall, resting on small grassy mound. Johanna Karthauser, Dave Launder RSPB.
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00
3 Ruff. Martin Iddon.
Thursday 10th March 2011
Magnolia Nature Reserve, Hawkwell 09:45 to 11:45
Carrion Crow. 40 Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Collared Dove, 40 Magpie, Starling, 3 families Blue Tit, Greenfinch, 10 Blackbird, Moorhen, 10 Robin, Long-tailed Tit, 30 Jay, Sparrowhawk, Great Tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch, House Sparrow. S. Jackson, M. Hill.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 7 Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Teal, Wigeon, Magpie, Cetti's Warbler (heard at both Holly Cottage and Museum hides), Carrion Crow, Robin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, 5 Mute Swan (in field behind Vange Wick), Coot, Woodpigeon, Redshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Snipe (on solitary island on scrape), Tufted Duck, Herring Gull, 10 Pochard, Mallard, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling. Terry Jeffreys.
Shoeburyness, Wakering Road 12:08
1 Peregrine glided overhead. Don Wildish.
Stock Road Tip, 15:20 to 15:25
2 Green Sandpiper flying around the tip and being very vocal, presumably disturbed from adjacent sewage works. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 09th March 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:45
1 male Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:30
3 Little Egret (most since early December), Shag, female Merganser, 260 Shelduck, 70 Stock Dove, Sparrowhawk, 2 female Marsh Harriers, 3 Buzzards mobbing a Red Kite over Stamford's Farm Hill, immature Peregrine, 5 Snipe, 19 Avocet, 70 Redwing. Graham Smith.
Shoeburyness, Wakering Road 10:40
1 Buzzard being mobbed by a crow heading north. Don Wildish.
Wick Country Park 11:30
1 Little Egret perched on fence of wooden walk-way then flew towards the lake. Dave Perry.
Tuesday 08th March 2011
Hockley Woods, 10:30 to 12:40
1 Firecrest singing near white house, 2 Coal Tit stripping pink rhodedendron flowers where rear gardens of Woodlands Road meets the woods, 1 Nuthatch in car park, 2 Treecreeper singing. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wallasea Island 11:40 to 13:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Harrier sp. probable Marsh, 1 Kestrel, 11+ Stock Dove, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, Several Skylark (many heard but none seen), 1 Stonechat. Les Costin (EBS).
Monday 07th March 2011
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 11:30
1 male Goshawk 
high over woodland, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker performed well just north of the crossroads from track towards Eastwood SF, 1 Firecrest in holly thicket just off NE corner of main clearing, 1 Nuthatch by car park, 4 Treecreeper (very vocal birds singing), 20 Lesser Redpoll (flock high overhead included some Siskins too). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hawkwell 12:00
2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit in garden. Nikki.
Wallasea Island 14:45 to 16:00
Ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Marsh Harrier including 2 pairs, 35 Corn Bunting, 2 Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve 16:00 to 17:00
2 Treecreeper, 6 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mallard, 1 Dunnock. Also seen but numbers not noted: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Herring Gull, Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.
Sunday 06th March 2011
Wallasea Island 09:00 to 11:30
Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Kestrel, Merlin (fantastic views as this bird chased a Skylark over the island for a good two or three minutes trying to wear the Skylark down, the aerobatics were incredible!), 1 female Peregrine Falcon, 2 Marsh Harrier, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Common Redshank, Knot, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Corn Bunting. Also seen, and what a nice sight it was too, Caroline Grace's Spitfire flying south to north! Web Author.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:15 to 12:00
2 Mediterranean Gull (pair), 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi still present). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
South Fambridge to the Brandy Hole 10:30 to 11:45
2 Cormorant, 13 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Shelduck, 65 Wigeon, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, 2 Avocet, 2 Skylark, 2 Rock Pipit at Beckney Sluice. David Selley.
EWT Blue House Farm 10:30 to 15:00
850 Brent Geese, 2,000 Lapwing, 2,000 Starling, male Peregrine, 3,000 Golden Plover, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, 20 Avocet, 52 Pintail, female Eider on river, 4 White-fronted Geese. Alan Shearring (EWT).
River Crouch, From Canewdon to Hullbridge 10:30 to 16:00
4 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Robin, 12 Chaffinch, 5 Great Tit, 2 Cormorant, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Jay, 7 Blue Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, many Brent Geese, c.12 Shelduck. Nikki.
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 14:00
15 Great Crested Grebe (including a raft of 9), 1 Purple Sandpiper with 92 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gull. Sally Brierley (SOG).
East Tilbury 11:00 to 15:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 female Merlin, 1 male Kestrel, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Avocet, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Knot, Common Snipe, Curlew, Turnstone, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
Rochford Golf Course, 13:20 to 17:10
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush (1 singing), 3 Siskin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 14:00 to 14:45
1 Sanderling, 4 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults, 1 1w), 1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi loafing just offshore, then on lamp post). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Paglesham Church End and Lagoon 15:15 to 17:15
6 Little Grebe, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 30 Mute Swan, Reed Warbler, 6 Egyptian Goose, 50 Lapwing, 40 Shelduck, Pochard. Richard Mander.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 15:30
1 very smart adult Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed diving on food on our neighbour's garage roof. David Selley.
Saturday 05th March 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 06:30 to 08:00
Seen from Baddow Meads to Chelmsford High Street: 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 female Goosander, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Meadow Pipit. Many Skylark singing on Meads and having territorial scuffles, as were a good number of male Reed Bunting on the riverbanks. Also seen in numbers but uncounted: Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Paul Forsdick.
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:00 to 08:40
80 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 Redwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing on Canvey Wick, 4 Chaffinch, 15 Greenfinch, 60 Goldfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 08:30
1 Spotted Redshank. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:45 to 11:20
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit together along track past play ground 200yds, adjacent to the big gardens, 1 Treecreeper. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:45 to 13:00
120+ Wigeon, 60 Teal, 31 Shoveler, 37 Pochard on the reservoir, 2 Ruff on the southern side of the reservoir from the 1st hide, 56 Black-tailed Godwit on the wet grassland including two colour ringed birds, 60 Curlew, 21 Linnet, 9 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Southchurch Park East 10:00
Water Rail in reeds south centre of pond. Robert Dobinson.
Belfairs Golf Course 10:15
1 Woodcock flushed by dogs. Don Wildish.
Hockley, Woodlands Road, 10:30 to 11:00
8 Long-tailed Tit and 10+ Dunnock feeding in garden. DZ.
Benfleet 10:45
1 Coal Tit in my garden. Jerry Stock.
Westcliff Seafront, 11:05 to 12:05
1 adult Ring-billed Gull on lamp post opposite Rossi's for around 20 minutes, then flew off. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:15 to 13:50
1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Eider (pair initially fairly close in to west of pier, drifted towards Canvey Point), 7 Mediterranean Gull (adult & 6 1st winters). 1 Harbour Porpoise close in moving west. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Island, Tewkes Creek 13:50 to 14:15
1 Black Redstart, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Falcon sp. wearing jesses. Jerry Stock.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive, 14:00 to 14:05
1 Buzzard high over Belfairs Woods, drifted south west, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin (male and female), 3 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Southend 15:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon seen on rear Portcullis House. Jerry Stock.
Southchurch, 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk thermalling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 15:50 to 16:00
1 Ring-billed Gull. Jerry Stock.
Friday 04th March 2011
Hockley Woods, 07:40 to 08:25
1 Green Woodpecker, 12+ Great Spotted Woodpecker (9+ drumming), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming for several minutes on 25ft high dead tree stump next to path north of track to sewage works by clearing, just south of crossroads - cTQ833915, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit singing west of path between car park and open area, 1 Nuthatch in car park, 1 Treecreeper, 60+ Chaffinch feeding on ground north of crossroads where the LSW was. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Althorne-Blue House Farm 09:30 to 15:30
Adult Shag in river, female Eider in river, 4 White-fronted Geese, Sparrowhawk, female Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzard (6 on 27th Feb), Barn Owl, 1,200 Lapwing, 3 Siskin. Graham Smith.
Westcliff Seafront, 10:20 to 10:40
1 adult Ring-billed Gull in front of Rossi's. Alan Shearman (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, Canvey Island 12:20 to 13:05
1 Black Redstart, 1 Water Pipit. Both were in and around small boat compound east of Tewkes Creek. Ian White.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 12:45 to 13:50
10 Sanderling, 1 Ring-billed Gull flew in at 13:30 and posed on his favourite groyne by Rossi's. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 03rd March 2011
Leigh on Sea, Canvey Road, 08:15
1 male Blackcap on sunflower feeder, 1 Magpie precariously balancing on fat ball feeder. Jane Attwell.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Coot, Teal, Mallard, Rook, Black-headed Gull, 2 Buzzard (from Timbermans Creek), Shelduck, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, 50+ Black-tailed Godwit (in Vange Creek), Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Grey Heron, Jackdaw, Moorhen, Curlew, Jackdaw, Great Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Snipe (on scrape), Pochard, Shoveler, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Robin, Mute Swan, 2 Peregrine (on pylons behind scrape), Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard from Museum hide), House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Hockley Woods 13:00
Nuthatch, 4 Magpie, 3 Wren, 3 Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, lots of Blue Tit and Great Tit but most spectacular c.30 Chaffinch together. Pete and Dawn.
Benfleet Downs, 13:45 to 14:30
2 Bullfinch (pair). 3 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Eastwood, Bramble Road Brook 14:30
1 Grey Wagtail (back after a long absence). Les Costin (EBS).
Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 18:00
1 Kestrel by Grapnells, 2 Barn Owl (one on south sea wall, one by car park late on flew west), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting SW sea wall and salt marsh to S, c.35 Corn Bunting in trees at Grapnells, one colour ringed. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wednesday 02nd March 2011
Wickford, Rear of Aldi Car Park, 10:10
13 Waxwing in trees bordering River Wick. Stayed about 10-15 minutes. Mike A'Bear.
Leigh-on-Sea 14:45 to 15:15
1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Sparrowhawk in my garden. David Lee.
Rayleigh Mount, 15:00
1 male Blackcap in back garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
Lion Creek, 15:00 to 16:00
Short walk around meadow and south side of creek: 34 Mute Swan in fields to NW of creek towards Lower Raypits, 120 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 400 Starling, 6 Yellowhammer in hedgerow and then bramble tangle in Lion Creek. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:30
1 adult female Merlin to 40m on Conservation Margin signpost near Grapnells. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Tuesday 01st March 2011
River Crouch, 08:00 to 08:25
6 Great Crested Grebe east of South Fambridge. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet 11:10 to 12:00
1 Firecrest, 2 Long-Tailed Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow. Steve Simmons.
A127, Just Before A130 Junction, Southend Bound 23:50
1 Barn Owl hunting the central reservation underneath the street lamps. Dave Dove.