Bird Reports for March 2012
Saturday 31st March 2012north easterly, mostly cloudy, max11°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swallow
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 08:00 to 11:00
Willow Warbler heard singing near flats at Mascalls Way but not seen. 40+ Fieldfare in flock feeding at horse paddocks, 2 Song Thrush, 1 male Blackcap, 5-10 Linnet, 2+ Green Woodpecker, 2 Gadwall, 3 Chiffchaff, Mallard, Starling, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Skylark (at least 7), many Reed Bunting. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh on Sea, 08:05 to 08:10
1 Buzzard mobbed by herring gulls, heading north east, 1 Wren (singing male visiting nest box in garden). Sally Brierley (SOG).
Lubards Farm, Hullbridge 10:30
1 Swallow. Hilary Knight.
Hole Haven Creek, 10:40 to 12:00
800+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cetti's Warbler (singing on Canvey Wick), 1 Blackcap (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Little Haven Nature Reserve and Pound Wood 11:00 to 13:00
Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Stock Dove, David Chivers.
Canvey Point, 16:40 to 18:15
8 Great Crested Grebe, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 18:30 to 18:40
From roadside hide: 1 Little Egret, 3 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck. Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 30th March 2012south easterly, mostly cloudy, max15°
Southchurch Park East 09:30 qnd 12:30
1 Snipe flying across back of low reed bed, 1 Water Rail, 1st sighting since last Thursday week, even more elusive, staying later than last year, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on tree north east of brook (also seen by others), both pairs of Swans are now sitting on nests, one pair since Monday and the other pair from yesterday. Robert Dobinson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 15:45
Sightings from scrape hide only: 1 male and 1 female Marsh Harrier, c.20 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 1 pair Bearded Tit, 1 pair Long-tailed Tit, 2 Snipe, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Wren, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Mallard, 4 Lapwing. Canada Geese, Greylag Geese. 1 Fox, 1 large Common Carp, feeding in shallows of the Fleet. David & Brenda Hale.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:45 to 10:50
1 Peregrine Falcon (brief fly around west side of Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier over wild bird cover, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull with mixed gull flock following plough, 150+ Stock Dove, 1 Short-eared Owl (great views of one along north sea wall and field edges), 400+ Corn Bunting (large flocks still present around wild bird cover). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 17:20 to 18:15
9 Great Crested Grebe off east end, 1 Little Egret on roost, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Thursday 29th March 2012northerly to southerly, scattered cloud, max15°
Rochford, 07:30
1 female Merlin flew over Purdeys Industrial Estate. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Canewdon, Scotts Hall Road 07:35
1 Little Owl in the usual tree, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush. David Selley.
Rayleigh Mount, 14:00 to 14:40
3 Mallard, 2 Stock Dove (pair - unusual here), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male), 3 Blackcap (2 singing males & a female), 2 Chiffchaff (singing males), 12 Great Tit (inc pair nest building in box), 1 Jay, 5 Rook (high west), 2 Carrion Crow. 1 Common Frog, 3 Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:00
1 Black-headed Gull. 2+ Bee-Flies in garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:50 to 16:55
2 Peregrine Falcon - the male flew around a bit before landing on the west side of Portcullis House. Demolition preparation is still going on so for how much longer the Falcons will use the building is anyone's guess. Female joined the male at 17:05. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet, 17:30 to 17:45
1 Sparrowhawk over garden, 4 Goldfinch over garden. 2 Small White in garden, 1 Bee-fly. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wednesday 28th March 2012westerly, clear, max18°
Ashingdon, 07:40 to 07:45
1 male Blackcap in the garden. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:30 to 18:00
From hide before 9am: Bearded Tit, male Marsh Harrier, 3 Avocet. During the day: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, male Sparrowhawk. Also: Peacock, Comma, Brimstone and Orange Tip butterflies on the wing. Neil Phillips.
Abberton Reservoir/Layer Breton Causeway 10:30 to 14:30
Jay, Jackdaw, Pheasant, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100 Mute Swan, Magpie, 8 Lapwing, 10 Skylark, Mallard, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, 70 Tufted Duck, 20 Great-crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Greylag Goose, Coot, 2 Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, Gadwall, 2 Meadow Pipit, 18 Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, 6 Teal, Blue Tit, Egyptian Goose, 20 Cormorant, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, 2 Little Egret, 6 Shoveler Duck, Chaffinch, Rook, 1 Red-legged Partridge, Dunnock. S.Jackson & M.Hill.
South Fambridge, 10:45 to 11:00
1 Black Redstart catching insects around small pool by Shellfish Packing Station. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 11:15 to 12:00
1 Glossy Ibis behind Fox and Raven Pub, 1 Green Woodpecker heard, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker moving along the tops of hedgerow, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Greenfinch from the pub car park. Les Costin EBS.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 12:30 to 13:00
1 Glossy Ibis in pools behind Pub, Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff. Hilary and Colin Knight.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:30 to 13:30
Flocks of Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, 9 Pochard, 21 Cormorant, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Chaffinch, 8 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 10 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackbird, 1 Woodcock flushed from ditch and flew over to Well Wood. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00
1 Black Redstart far corner of public car park, Fishermans Lodge end, in small bush alongside fence. G. Dixon.
Wickford 14:00 to 14:01
1 female Sparrowhawk flew across garden from top of berberis hedge. Rob Harris.
South Fambridge, 18:30 to 19:00
2 Little Grebe, 1 female Black Redstart on old shellfish packing factory, but elusive. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 27th March 2012easterly, clear, max15°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - House Martin
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
40+ Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, Little Grebe, Teal, 15 Curlew, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Green Woodpecker, 7 Skylark, Grey Heron, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1 with yellow ring), Common Buzzard mobbed by Kestrel. 1 Peacock 2 Comma Butterflies. Hilary and Colin Knight.
Cudmore Grove, East Mersey 10:15 to 18:45
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 pair Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk. c.15 Snipe, c.200 Brent Geese. 4 drake and 3 female Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, flock c.150 Wood Pigeon, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Black-tailed Godwit. 1 female Adder, 3 Red Fox, many Rabbit. Total bird species for the day 57. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 16:00
By white gate: 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 15 Crow, 5 Mallard, 29 Mute Swan, 3 Magpie, 6 Linnet, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Wood Pigeon, Flock of Stock Dove, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Bunting, 5 House Sparrow. By car park: 2 Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 20 Redshank, 2 Black tailed Godwit. Rob Harris.
Canewdon, 14:00 to 17:00
1 House Martin (flew over garden calling - very early record), 1 Chiffchaff (singing occasionaly from by Butts Hill Pond), 3 Reed Bunting (coming in to feeders, adult male, immature male and a female). Jeff Delve
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:20 to 17:35
1 Glossy Ibis in pools behind the Fox and Raven Pub, 4 Robin, 7 Blackbird, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 3 chaffinch, 3 Moorhen, 5 Mallard, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Common Gull, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear by Fox and Raven car park in tree, many Woodpigeon, Collard Doves and Carrion Crow. Chiffchaff heard but not seen. Joe.
Hockley/Hawkwell, 16:40 to 16:45
1 male Brambling in the garden with Greenfinch and Chaffinch. Peter Collins (SOG).
Monday 26th March 2012east north east, clear, max14°
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 13:00 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk (large female), 1 Chiffchaff singing, 2 very vocal Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch and 4 Goldfinch on feeders, 2 Robin carrying food. Large White, Comma and Peacock butterflies, Seven-spot Ladybirds emerging from everywhere and the first Bee Flies of the year. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 15:00
2 ringtail Hen Harrier, c.80 Corn Bunting (including very pale individual - also noted in Nov '11), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 5 Little Egret. Andrew Gouldstone.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:00 to 15:00
1 Glossy Ibis on small pools behind Fox and Raven pub, 1 Buzzard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Blackbird, 7 Common Crow, 1 Chaffinch. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island West, 15:10 to 17:30
1 Little Egret, 3 Teal, 1 Ringed Plover, c.200 Knot, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 1 Stonechat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Bicknacre 15:30 to 15:35
2 Common Buzzard over fields behind White Swan pub. Rob Harris.
Woodham Ferrers (Main Road and Workhouse lane) 15:45 to 15:50
1 Common Buzzard over fields. Rob Harris.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:05 to 16:20
1 Glossy Ibis. Tim Davis.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:30 to 18:10
Glossy Ibis, 7+ Linnet, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Great Tit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Little Grebe. Also seen but uncounted: Moorhen, Mallard, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Skylark. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island East, 17:30 to 18:20
3 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir
2 drake, 8 female Goldeneye, male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Oystercatcher, 2 Shelduck. John Atfield.
Sunday 25th March 2012easterly, mostly cloudy, max8°:
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:00 to 10:20
1 Little Egret, 18 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 1 female Merlin sat on a post for 10 minutes before flying off towards Potton Island, 14 Oystercatcher (7 pairs), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Curlew, 21 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit (4 displaying), 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park c.09:50 to 12:30
Hide only: Chiffchaff heard by car park, male and female Marsh Harrier (male later flew south over scrape), 1 Bearded Tit briefly seen and heard, 10 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler glimpsed and heard, 20+ Wigeon on marshes, single pairs each of Teal on scrape and fleet, 20+ Shoveler, pair of Oystercatcher, pair of Lapwing displaying over marshes. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 11:20
1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Linnet. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
3 Canada Goose flew east, calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach 13:00
c.300 Sanderling roosting on the shore, beyond the MoD fence. Andrew Gouldstone.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 14:30
1 Glossy Ibis on small pools behind Fox and Raven pub, found by another local birder on Birdforum. Said to be same bird previously seen at Maldon. Paul Forsdick.
Mucking Tip Area 14:45
2 Buzzard seen flying over the Mucking area, viewed from train just before mucking level crossing. Robin Guppy.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16:00
By white gate: 2 Ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Blackbird, 6 Common Pheasant, 7 Carrion Crow, 5 Mallard, 20+ Mute Swan, 4 Magpie, 1 Linnet, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Egret, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island 16:00 to 18:30
3 Little Egret, 1 female Peregrine Falcon overhead, then towards Hadleigh Castle, 1 male Stonechat, 17 Corn Bunting (west end), 420 Brent Geese (Benfleet Creek, towards east end of Canvey Island), 1 male & 1 female Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard. Andrew Gouldstone.
Two Tree Island East, 17:05 to 18:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Cetti's Warbler. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 17:20 to 18:50
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark singing over airport, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 24th March 2012easterly, haze then clear, max16°
Gunners Park, 08:50 to 10:10
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush. 1 Red Fox. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 09:00 to 11:00
2 Bullfinch, 3 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Skylark singing, 2 Sparrowhawk (male and female soaring), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pheasant. 1 Peacock Butterfly. Robin Peppiatt.
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 12:00
1 Mallard (pair sitting by stream), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 4 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Treecreeper. 4 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. John Wright (SOG).
A13, East of Orsett Cock 09:35
1 Buzzard. L. Davis.
Benfleet, 10:00 to 10:15
1 Chiffchaff singing in neighbours garden. 2 Large White in garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm 10:15 to 17:15
1 Marsh Harrier, c.30 Avocet, c.30 Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, 1 drake Pintail, Mallard, Shoveler, Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, 2 Snipe, 4 Oystercatcher, c.30 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 6 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Barnacle Geese. 4 Brown Hare, 2 Peacock Butterfly. 1 Common Lizard. David & Brenda Hale.
Paglesham Eastend, 12:15 to 14:00
Seawall westwards from boatyard: 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2 pairs), 1 female Marsh Harrier over Wallasea Island, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier (one over Wallasea Island the other over fields near boatyard), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Plover. Ray Fuller (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:45 to 13:55
2 Kestrel over Potton, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 2 Common Seal, 1 Red Admiral. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Small White, 1 Comma. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pitsea 16:30 to 17:30
2 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Friday 23rd March 2012easterly, haze, max16°
Two Tree Island West 07:00 to 09:00
3 male and 1 female Stonechat, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Andrew Gouldstone.
Eastwood 07:05
1 Reeve's pheasant 
Nigel O'Dell.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:55 to 08:10
Quick look from marina: 1 Peregrine Falcon on pylon, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 08:15 to 08:45
Half an hour leaning on the white gate: 1 Little Egret, 2 Curlew, 23 Skylark, 1 singing male Yellowhammer, 5 singing male Reed Bunting, 300+ Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Shoebury East Beach, 09:00 to 09:30
2 Red-legged Partridge. Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:00 to 09:40
2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Lapwing displaying, 21 Curlew, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:50 to 11:10
1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Oystercatcher, 20 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff singing, 3 Bearded Tit. Marc Outten (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 11:20
1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Linnet. Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:15 to 12:20
1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Avocet, 4 Ruff, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Gull in amongst the Black-headed Gulls, On the water throughout, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Marc Outten (SOG).
Pound Wood, 11:35 to 12:40
2 Canada Goose flew over, 8 Chiffchaff (Pound Wood 4, Tile Wood 2, Belfairs NR 2). John Wright (SOG).
Leigh Library Gardens 13:30
2 Long-tailed Tit. Richard Goring.
Two Tree Island East, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 18 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 14:15 to 15:00
1 Peregrine Falcon west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 15:15 to 16:15
1 Buzzard north north west over garden at 15:45 mobbed by gulls, 1 Grey Wagtail over garden. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree island East 16:00 to 18:00
2 Cetti's Warbler ( 1 heard and seen well), 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker. Andrew Gouldstone.
Thursday 22nd March 2012east north east, haze, max13°
Barling Rubbish Tip, 09:25 to 12:10
2 Stock Dove (a pair), 1 male Reed Bunting. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton c.09:40 to 12:25
Female Hen Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper flew east calling, 20+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal included a pair at Coryton, c.6 Gadwall at Coryton, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, 40+ Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Curlew, pair of Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, pair of Stock Dove. Richard Fahey.
EWT Chigborough Lakes 09:45 to 16:00
1 Buzzard, many Chiffchaff seen and heard, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Jay, Shoveler, 3 pairs Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Grey Heron, c.12 Little Egret, Green Woodpecker heard, Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming, 1 Wren. Many Rabbits, 1 Muntjac Deer. David & Brenda Hale.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Black-headed Gull, Coot, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, 2 Oystercatcher, Spotted Redshank, Teal, Wigeon, 3 Little Egret, Shelduck, 2 Canada Goose, Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, Barn Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard, Chiffchaff (heard), Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, 14 Avocet, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Starling, Shoveler, Bearded Tit (heard). Brimstone. Terry Jeffreys.
Billericay, Queens Park 16:00 to 16:40
1 Song Thrush, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Wren, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker. Mick Roe.
Rook Hall Lake, Chigborough Fisheries 16:00 to 17:30
2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Buzzard, c.10 Greenfinch, 2 House Sparrow, c.30 Shelduck. 2 Herring Gull, 1 pair Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck. David & Brenda Hale.
Pitsea 17:20 to 17:40
1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Barling (Dusk)
Marsh Harrier being mobbed by two crows then within 5 minutes 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Barn Owl which was hunting, quartering two fields. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Wednesday 21st March 2012easterly, mainly clear, max15°
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 17:50
By white gate: 1 Hen Harrier, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Blackbird, 2 Common Pheasant, 14 Carrion Crow, 7 Mallard, 26 Mute Swan, 2 Magpie, 10+ Linnet, 1 Grey Heron, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove. By car park: 3 Little Egret, 8 Wigeon, 3 Corn Bunting, 25 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher. Rob Harris.
Tuesday 20th March 2012westerly, partly cloudy, max15°
South Fambridge 07:00 to 07:30
Bridleway to seawall only: 1 Green Woodpecker heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Yellowhammer. David Selley.
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 10:00
3 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap (singing male), 1 Chiffchaff singing. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Peregrine Falcon opposite the library throughout. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Rochford Reservoir, 09:15
1 Chiffchaff heard singing from station platform. Paul Baker (SOG).
Upminster, Thames Chase Forest Centre 09:35 to 15:20
2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, many Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, 3 Yellowhammer, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Skylark, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, 2 Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, 1 pair Mallard, Canada Geese. 1 Brown Rat, 1 Grey Squirrel, 1 Rabbit. 1 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly. David & Brenda Hale.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:15 to 13:15
Flocks of Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, 7 Pochard, 31 Cormorant, 5 Chaffinch, 10 Blue Tit, 12 Great Tit, 5 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Blackbird, 1 Common Pheasant, 3 Buzzard over trees back of reed bed from point hide. Rob Harris.
Hadleigh Downs, 12:30 to 13:00
1 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:45 to 14:30
2 Marsh Harrier (male and female), 3 Buzzard over, 2 Mediterranean Gull on scrape. Marc Outten (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers 14:00
3 Yellowhammer feeding very close at the chicken home within the Shetland Pony pen at tropical wings. Pete & Dawn.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 16:10
2 adult summer Mediterranean Gull over west calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Monday 19th March 2012westerly, mostly clear, max13°
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Bearded Tit (pair at south end of fleet). Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hockley, Bett's Wood 10:10 to 10:15
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker. Tim Davis.
Hockley, Crabtree Wood 10:55
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair). Tim Davis.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, flocks of Teal, Shoveler, Pochard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Coot, Cormorant, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. 5 Moorhen, Escapees: 1 Chinese Swan Goose, 3 Aylesbury Duck. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island West, 15:15 to 16:15
2 Short-eared Owl, 1 male Stonechat, 1 male Wheatear on flying field, 3 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Lofts Farm Gravel Pits, Heybridge 15:30 to 15:40
2 Blackbird, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 60+ Mute Swan, 70+ Canada Geese, 30 Greylag Geese, 3 Pheasant, 10 Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 6 Mallard, 8 Egyptian Geese, 2 Shelduck, 5 Moorhen, flocks of Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove. Rob Harris.
Sunday 18th March 2012north westerly, scattered cloud, max10°
RSPB Vange Marsh c.09:00 to 11:10
Chiffchaff heard, 1+ Bearded Tit on west side, 30 Avocet, pair of Pintail, 150+ Wigeon included a pair, 50+ Shoveler, Cetti's Warbler heard, 40+ Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:10 to 09:30
2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:20 to 12:15
1 Great Crested Grebe, 120 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 female Kestrel, 51 Knot, 9 Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rayleigh, Grayson Close, 10:00
1 Chiffchaff singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Daws Heath, Pound Wood 09:30
1 Woodcock. Jerry Stock.
Benfleet Creek, 10:45 to 12:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, c.250 Knot, 1 Woodcock flew from the downs across the marsh, over the creek towards Canvey, 1 male Stonechat singing on northern edge of Two Tree Is., 1 Wheatear on Hadleigh Marsh. 2 Common Lizard one basking and one being eaten by a Magpie. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:45 to 12:30
1 Kestrel, 4 Woodcock (all flushed from scrub), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Linnet. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Barling Gravel Pits and Creek 11:00 to 12:00
2 skylark high in sky singing. Steve Day.
Hockley Woods, 09:30 to 11:00
2 male Sparrowhawk over trees, 1 Woodcock flew over near Eastwood Sewage track crossroads, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4+ Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ((possibly 2) heard only calling, one in woods immediately west of field towards Gusted Hall ridge, one near Eastwood Sewage track crossroads), 1 Nuthatch heard south west of clearing. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill Area 14:30 to 15:30
1 Treecreeper on trees to left of rear gate to Sandford Mill. 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 pair of Greenfinch courting. Sue Haffenden.
Shoebury, Coastguard Station 15:00
1 Black Redstart. Steve Day.
Two Tree Island, 15:00 to 16:30
1 Stonechat near airfield, 3 Wheatear (2 males and a female on model aircraft field). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:35 to 18:00
From roadside hide only: 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Peregrine Falcon sat on fields opposite hide, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 17th March 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max11°
Southend Peregrines (news item)
We have seen a report regarding the Peregrines in Southend. A look around the base of Portcullis House for the remains of prey of the Peregrines produced, amongst other species, a juvenile Starling, 4 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and an Avocet!
South Fambridge, 10:15 to 12:00
1 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard over Stow Creek, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 6 Avocet, 1 Short-eared Owl quartering seawall north of village, 1 Stonechat, 4 Reed Bunting, 25 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:45 to 11:00
Quick look from roadside hide: 8 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Chiffchaff. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:00 to 18:00
Watching wild bird cover: 6 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin (possibly 3, at least 2 males), 1 Barn Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 460+ Corn Bunting (fantastic count, numbers right up again). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 16th March 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Wheatear
Beeleigh, Essex 08:45 to 10:00
2 Grey Wagtail, 1 drake Green-winged Teal See: http://opa.cig2.canon-europe.com/s/m/GZB4KeEdYGS still opposite Beeleigh Abbey. Paul Gymer.
Wat Tyler Country Park, c.09:10 to 12:00
Hide only: 1 Marsh Harrier, c.3 Bearded Tit, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 10 Avocet, pair of Teal, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret dropped to marshes, 6 Oystercatcher in display fight, Lapwing displaying over scrape, pair of Great Crested Grebe. Richard Fahey.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:30 to 11:15
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House, 1 Grey Wagtail. John Wright (SOG).
Lofts Farm Gravel Pits, Heybridge 14:45 to 16:00
1 Cormorant, 1 Glossy Ibis, 3 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 100+ Mute Swan. 70+ Canada Geese, 80+ Greylag Geese, 5 Pheasant, flocks of Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Collar Dove, 5 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Mallard. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 16:00 to 17:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, large flock of Brent Geese over Potton, 23 Shelduck, 6 Teal on the scrape, 125 Oystercatcher - much displaying and some mating pairs, 97 Curlew, 525 Grey Plover - one flock towards Foulness, 13 Stock Dove, 19 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Short-eared Owl. Many Rabbit, 1 Weasel. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:00 to 18:00
2 ringtail Hen Harrier together over far east sea wall, 1 Short-eared Owl flushed from east end sea wall. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:15 to 16:45
1 male Wheatear on the reserve, 2 Song Thrush, 25 Linnet. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Paglesham Eastend, 16:15 to 17:50
From sea wall just north of boat yard: 1 Great White Egret flew north just above Potton Island sea wall, then down, out of view on north west corner of Potton, 1 Hen Harrier (possibly 2, ringtails hunting field margins to north and north west of boat yard), 1 Barn Owl hunting south sea wall of Wallasea, 1 Short-eared Owl along Paglesham Creek. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:40
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female on west side of Portcullis House, with much calling to each other going on. John Wright (SOG).
A130, Southbound Carriageway 17:00
1 Buzzard sitting on fence post. David Z.
Thursday 15th March 2012southerly, some haze, max16°
A414 10:15
1 Buzzard sitting on a post by the side of the A414 about 1 mile past the garden centre. Bob Harrison.
Hockley Woods, 10:20 to 12:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 10 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper. Paul Baker (SOG).
Billericay 10:45
1 Buzzard flying over garden being mobbed by gulls. Marion Burch.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00 to 13:15
1 Comma. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Airport, 14:30 to 16:30
1 Kingfisher flew along brook towards golf course, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:50 to 14:55
1 Buzzard over Bowers from scrape hide. Marc Outten (SOG).
Paglesham Boatyard 15:40
Thin winged Harrier, slight orange breast, possibly Montagu's Harrier today and yesterday around boat yard. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
Paglesham Eastend, 16:10 to 16:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl quartering the seawall and field edges north east of Paglesham Boatyard and showing well, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 3 Corn Bunting. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Paglesham, 16:55
1 immature male Marsh Harrier hunting fields around access road to sewage works. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Two Tree Island West, 17:20 to 18:00
1 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting salt marsh near driving range, 1 male Stonechat, 11 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:30 to 18:00
2 Hen Harrier (male and female ringtails together over WBC, both flew east rather than roosting in the crop), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting the wild bird cover. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wednesday 14th March 2012easterly, hazy, max10°
Chelmsford, Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve 07:20
1 Chiffchaff singing from top of tree, my first spring migrant of the year. Paul Forsdick.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 07:35 to 08:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 1 Skylark singing, 3 Bullfinch (2 males). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:15
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming extremely loudly on telegraph pole opposite house! Web Author, Kris Mee.
Abberton Reservoir and Layer Breton Causeway, 09:45 to 16:00
2 drake Goosander, Goldeneye, c.10 Great Crested Grebe, many Teal and Shoveler, Pochard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, nesting Cormorant, 1 Egyptian Goose, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Jay. Good sightings of 2 Stoat, 1 entering water and swimming 5 meters between fleeing Teal! David & Brenda Hale.
Tuesday 13th March 2012easterly, mostly cloudy, max8°
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 06:15
1 male Blackcap singing from our overgrown ivy. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 07:50
Male Mute Swan in Southchurch Park East seen on last years nest doing some rebuilding work. Alec Beanse.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:20 to 10:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House but disturbed as preparation work to knock down building is underway. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
2 Little Egret, 3 Green Sandpiper, 30+ Curlew, 4 Heron, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Mediterranean Gull, numerous Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Little Grebe, 2 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 4 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler heard. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 15:00
Sightings from first hide only: 1 Wren, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 pairs Teal, 2 pairs Mallard, 1 pair Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan. 100's of usual Gulls, 4 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, Cetti's Warbler heard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, many Little Grebe, Pochard, Canada and Greylag Geese. Reports of Water Rail sightings, by other birder in hide. David & Brenda Hale.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:30
4 Goosander (two pairs, male and female) either side of Barnes Mill Lock. Paul Forsdick.
Monday 12th March 2012northerly, haze, max9°
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:15
2 Goosander (male and female) on lake alongside many Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Black-headed Gull. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00
37 Avocet, 54 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper. Mike Poole.
Shoebury East Beach 11:30 to 16:30
c.200 Sanderling, c.100 Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Common, Herring and Black-headed Gull, pair of Song Thrush, Blackbird, 4 Goldfinch, Turnstone, Cormorant, 1 Ringed Plover. Redshank, Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 1 Pied Wagtail, small murmuration of Starling, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker heard. David & Brenda Hale.
Barling (Mucking Hall Road) 17:15
2 Red-legged Partridge. Jackie Bliss.
Two Tree Island East, 17:40 to 18:45
1 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Sunday 11th March 2012west north west, scattered clouds, max14°
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Manor Farm 08:30 to 10:30
5 Goosander (possibly as many as 9), 2 Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming at Sandford Mill, 3+ Green Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Little Egret, 5+ Linnet, 2 Mute Swan (pair engaging in courtship), 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 3 Coot, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Robin, Skylark, Starling, Wren, Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh c.08:35 to 11:20
Single Bearded Tit at each end of marsh, pair of Pintail, 27 Wigeon (included a pair on lagoon), 5 Gadwall, 6 Avocet, 3 Green Sandpiper on small lagoon, c.15 Black-tailed Godwit, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, 10 Fieldfare just outside west end of reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, pair of Oystercatcher. Richard Fahey.
Hockley Woods 09:45
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 50mtrs. south west of newly coppiced area. Pat Danridge.
Gunners Park, 10:15 to 11:15
2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Lapwing, 20 Wood Pigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 200+ Starling, 6 Greenfinch. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:50
1 Skylark flew over, calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 11:30 to 14:40
WEBS count: 4 Little Egret, 77 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Teal, 38 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Moorhen, 4 Coot, 220 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 74 Grey Plover, 564 Knot, 501 Dunlin, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Stonechat, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:30 to 13:45
1 Purple Sandpiper on ramp with Turnstone, 65 Turnstone, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2w and two 1w). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:30 to 15:30
1 Buzzard west over garden at 14:00, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Redwing, 6 Goldfinch. John Wright (SOG).
Coalhouse Fort and Grasslands 15:00 to 17:30
300 Avocet on river at high tide, 30 Teal, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 25 Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 23 Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Corn Bunting, 3 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Mute swan, 1 Little Egret, 4 Curlew, 12 Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, 10 Redshank, 8 Grey Plover, 15 Golden Plover, 106 Dunlin, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Short-eared Owl quartering shoreline east of fort, 1 Little Owl in trees at car park side of Fort. G. Dixon.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:00 to 17:30
11 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 28 Curlew (Wet grassland), 1 Green Sandpiper heard, 3 Short-eared Owl on Bowers viewed from seawall, 2 in air together being mobbed by crow with 3rd sat on fencepost, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hornchurch, 16:15
Peregrine Falcon. Sarah Bourne.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 16:30 to 17:20
3 Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Two Tree Island East, 17:45 to 18:00
4 Little Egret, 2 Snipe, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1 female Reed Bunting. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 18:00 to 18:50
1 Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 1 Barn Owl flew around edge of reedy pool, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing. 5 Common Pipistrelle, 1 Rabbit. John Wright, Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 10th March 2012westerly, scattered clouds, max16°
Shoebury East Beach, 06:45 to 07:15
1 Shore Lark on public side of beach, 1 Black Redstart on first building on mod side of beach. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 07:00 to 08:30
1 Little Egret, C.450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 4 Teal on the borrowdyke, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Common Pheasant, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush singing, 3 Redwing (one in brief sub-song, possibly encouraged by the Song Thrush), 5 Skylark, 50+ Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch. David Selley.
Shoebury East Beach, 07:30 to 08:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 1 Shore Lark on both sides of MOD fence, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Black Redstart around first MOD building. Neil Chambers, John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 07:50 to 08:25
1 Shore Lark on the beach both sides of MOD fence, 1 Black Redstart on MOD building by metal stairs. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 08:35
Drive through only: More bushes have been hacked to pieces, south of children's playground. 2 Sparrowhawk (pair). John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 08:40 to 09:30
Brandy Hole and back: 3 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 1 female Marsh Harrier on BHF, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting salt marsh at Brandy Hole, 70+ Avocet, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park/Vange Wick 08:55 to 12:30
1 Water Rail in front of hide but chased off by a Moorhen, drake Pintail, -100 Wigeon on Vange Wick, 25+ Teal, 5 Avocet, 15+ Black-tailed Godwit on creek (included a colour ringed Iceland bird), Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Snipe close to hide, 17 Pochard, pair of Oystercatcher on creek. Richard Fahey.
Shoebury East Beach, 09:20 to 10:05
1 Black Redstart, 1 male Stonechat. Vince Kinsler, Sally Brierley (SOG).
Flemming Avenue, Leigh on Sea, 13:00 to 13:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 6 Common Frog. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 13:15 to 13:50
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Rook. 1 Common Frog. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 14:00 to 17:45
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark singing over airport, 1 Meadow Pipit flew south-west, 1 Song Thrush singing, 2 Mistle Thrush (1 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Pitsea 16:15 to 16:30
1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
Shoebury East Beach, 16:20 to 17:00
1 Green Woodpecker on roof of large wooden building, 1 Black Redstart (not present until 16:50 when seen on roof of large wooden building beyond light green one, then flycatching and feeding from gutters of light green MOD building on seaward side), 1 male Stonechat occasionally feeding on roof of first brick built MOD building. Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury, Friars Park, 17:05 to 17:20
2 Mute Swan, 1 Common Frog (squashed!), 1 Brown Rat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Maitland Place, North Shoebury, 17:25
Female Sparrowhawk taking a House Sparrow from thick ivy on side of house (established nesting area for sparrows - 25+ birds). After 2 - 3 minutes on the ground, Sparrowhawk flew off with kill intact. Mike & Jackie Bliss.
Friday 09th March 2012west south west, mostly cloudy, max11°
Lion Creek, 07:00 to 07:15
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 4 Yellowhammer. Bob Young (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach 07:15 to 07:50
Shore Lark feeding on beach near the slipway then flew to the MOD compound. Black Redstart on coastguard building. Doug and Tina Holden.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:50 to 08:25
Hide only: 45+ Canada Goose, 11 Avocet, 3 Cetti's Warbler singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 08:00 to 08:25
1 Shore Lark on MOD beach, 50yd from fence, 1 Black Redstart on first MOD building. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Bob Young (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach 08:30 to 09:15
Shore Lark showing very well situated near the MOD buildings in tideline debris. Flew overhead and landed on shingle, again feeding on tide line debris about 200ft from fence on public side of beach, Black Redstart also showing nicely, on MOD buildings by radars. Noel Barnes.
Shoebury East Beach, 10:00 to 10:15
1 Shore Lark on beach near playground, close views. Peter Collins (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 10:00 to 11:15
1 Shore Lark using whole length of beach between 10:30 and 11:00, often on the mud and chasing turnstones! 1 Black Redstart on pale green MOD building. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chigborough Lakes 10:45 to 11:45
1 Glossy Ibis between Lofts Farm and Scraley Road, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 10 Egyptian Geese. Paul Gymer.
Eastwood Sewage Works, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff singing. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock and Baddow Meads 15:45 to 16:00
2 Goosander (male and female), 5 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 7 Moorhen, 3 Magpie, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Carrion Crow, 10+ Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Wyatts Drive 16:05
After a long absence the Thorpe Bay Red-legged Partridge has shown up again in a front garden in Wyatts Drive between Meadow Drive and Brettenham Drive. http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/zuhmevlox/Partridge.jpg. Alec Beanse.
Thursday 08th March 2012west north west, clear, max12°
Heybridge 07:30
1 Glossy Ibis feeding on a horse paddock by Chigborough Lakes 30 feet from the road. Nigel Norton.
Shoebury East Beach, 07:45 to 08:15
1 Shore Lark on beach initially, then on the boom. Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 07:50 to 08:10
1 Shore Lark. Marc Outten (SOG).
Southend, 08:25
1 Sparrowhawk Royal Artillery Way mobbed by a Crow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:00 to 10:40
Mostly watching from Gusted Hall ridge: 5 Sparrowhawk (at least) distinct soaring birds over woodland, 4 Green Woodpecker, 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20+ Redwing (two small flocks), 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 1 Goldcrest singing, 3 Treecreeper (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 09:45 to 16:00
c.500 Avocet, Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gull, 2 Little Egret, 2 pair Stonechat, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 pair Reed Bunting, 1 pair Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, flock of 10 House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Blackbird. David & Brenda Hale.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Rook, Great Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Buzzard , Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Barn Owl, Kestrel, Teal, Wigeon, Curlew, Cetti's Warbler, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Grey Heron, Mallard, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Cormorant, Wren. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:10
1 Buzzard over the landfill site. Marc Outten (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:30 to 16:20
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail (1 heard), 1 Snipe, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult near summer), 1 Stock Dove, 2+ Cetti's Warbler. Paul Baker (SOG).
Maldon, River Chelmer 15:45 to 15:50
1 drake Green-winged Teal. Tim Davis.
Waitrose, Eastern Avenue 17:45
Little Owl behind car wash, sitting in usual tree. Don Wildish.
Wednesday 07th March 2012south westerly, light rain, Max8°
No reports
Tuesday 06th March 2012north westerly, scattered clouds, max9°
East Tilbury/Coalhouse Fort c.08:40 to 12:30
500+ Avocet, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 300+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 pairs of Oystercatcher, 55 Lapwing circled over Coalhouse Fort, 1 Little Egret, at least 5 Stonechat (included 2 pairs), 1 Redwing, Fieldfare, 12+ Linnet, 10+ Corn Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 48 Teal. Also a bird seen briefly in flight at Coalhouse Fort could have been a Woodcock being larger than a Snipe with a direct flight. Richard Fahey.
Shoebury East Beach, 09:30 to 11:00
20 Ringed Plover, 100+ Sanderling, 40 Redshank, 30+ Turnstone, 1 Snow Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).
RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 09:30 to 13:45
Sightings from hide only: 1 Bittern dropped into reeds on other side of road to the left of the hide behind `NO FISHING' sign, 1 Water Rail feeding out in open in front of hide, 6 Snipe, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, Lapwing, 1 Black Tailed Godwit. Most water fowl now in pairs including; Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard and Pochard, large flock of fly by Wigeon, Little Grebe, Canada and Greylag Geese, many Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, Cetti's Warbler showing frequently. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
1 Short Eared Owl (pantile area), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Little Egret, 30+ Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 6 Skylark, 12 Curlew, Little Grebe (many), Grey Heron, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit. Hilary Knight.
Hadleigh Downs, 15:00 to 15:30
2 Bullfinch. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Monday 05th March 2012north westerly, rain, max7°
Canvey Point, 09:25 to 10:40
2 Red-throated Diver, 26 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black-necked Grebe (possibly 2 feeding in tight group of grebes between the point and the pier), 1 female Merlin gave prolonged scope views crossing from Kent to hunt on the point c.10:15. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 09:30 to 10:45
1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 adult Gannet, 1 female Merlin flew north offshore at 10:35, 1 Knot, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Common Seal. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:00
18 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper, 54 Shoveler, c.250 Wigeon, c.80 Teal. Mike Poole.
Rayleigh / Eastwood, 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk by Silver Jubilee pub. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 04th March 2012southerly, heavy rain and drizzle, max9°
Shoebury East Beach, 07:00 to 07:30
30+ Ringed Plover, 1 Shore Lark at base of slipway. Dave Knight (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 08:00 to 08:30
1 Shore Lark, 2 Snow Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 08:15 to 10:20
1 Shore Lark still present but often elusive; was seen at one point to fly a couple of hundred yards along the beach east into the MOD side and disappear into the next non visible bay before reappearing 20 minutes later by the boom, 1 Black Redstart 
on the buildings around the Coastwatch Hut, 2 Snow Bunting. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Point, 09:20 to 09:50
3 Black-necked Grebe (2 in summer plumage, drifted east on tide with small group of GCGs). Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, c.09:25 to 12:35
Hide only: 1 Marsh Harrier came close to scrape but flew east and was last seen high over South Benfleet, 1 Bearded Tit, 9 Snipe on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard very closely and seen briefly flying, pair of Avocet, Water Rail heard, c.7 Teal, 10 Shoveler included 2 pairs on scrape, 11 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret flew down to marshes, pair of Oystercatcher on scrape, 10 Lapwing included displaying pair on scrape. Richard Fahey.
Leigh on Sea, Lansdowne Avenue 09:30
1 Redwing. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 09:30 to 10:00
2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Sanderling, 1 Shore Lark, 1 Snow Bunting. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Point, 09:50 to 10:30
2 Black-necked Grebe (at least 2 of the 3 seen earlier somewhat distantly with group of Great Crested Grebe disappearing on ebbing tide towards the pier), 11 Common Scoter, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Martin Cracknell, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocet, 9 Snipe, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Bearded Tit. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 13:00
16 Greylag Goose, 10 Canada Goose, 1 distant Marsh Harrier, 1 Spotted Redshank in creek, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing close to main hide. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Shore Lark (fly by from MOD area heading south west along beach, it landed but I couldn't relocate it), 1 Snow Bunting (a very bedraggled bird by boat ramp). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Saturday 03rd March 2012south westerly, mostly cloudy, max13°
Shoebury East Beach, 07:10 to 09:10
3 Red-legged Partridge (north of boom looking a bit out of place), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Shore Lark (mostly between slipway and boom, but with a brief foray north of the boom), 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Snow Bunting feeding near boom then flew north. Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell, Lee Ebbs, Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Southchurch, Rylands Road 08:00 to 08:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on tv ariel. Dave Knight (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 08:50 to 09:15
1 Shore Lark. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh c.9:10 to 11:15
c.18 Avocet, 320 Wigeon, 30+ Teal, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Cambridge Road, Near Wilson Road 10:00
1 Hummingbird Hawk Moth feeding on winter flowering Viburnum x Bodnantense 'Dawn' in garden. Mike Bunker.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 17:10
1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 3 Avocet, 1 Ruff (creek by marina), 10 Black-tailed Godwit (in creek), 2 Spotted Redshank (in creek), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers, Martin Cracknell, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:30 to 17:30
By white gate: 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl all in the air at the same time, 3 Pheasant, 12 Crow, 7 Mallard, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Magpie, 5 Reed Bunting, flock of Corn Bunting, 15 Stock Dove. By car park: 3 Little Egret. Rob Harris.
Friday 02nd March 2012easterly, overcast, max8°
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:45 to 11:05
7 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Pipit on the wet grassland area, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:30 to 16:30
Pair of Goosander, 3 drake and 8 female Goldeneye, 4 Ruff, 6 Grey Heron, c.100 Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Canada and Greylag Geese, Cormorant, 3 Shelduck, 2 Pochard, Shoveler, flock of at least 40 Pied Wagtail, 1 Coal Tit on feeders with Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit, 4 Goldfinch, Dunnock, Stock Dove. Meadow Pipit. 1 Weasel. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:00 to 16.00
By white gate: 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 12 Crow, 9 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Magpie, 10+ Linnet, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Wood Pigeon. By car park: 1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl. Rob Harris.
Thursday 01st March 2012north westerly, clear, max15°
South Fambridge 07:00 to 07:30
Footpath to seawall only: 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan and c.60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying up-river, Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, many Blue Tit and Great Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit, many Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 10 Linnet, 20+ House Sparrow. Appropriately for 1st March - 1 Brown Hare. David Selley.
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster 09:15 to 13:45
Bullfinch (2 pairs and a single bird), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redwing, 4 Skylark, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, 3 Mute Swan, Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming. David & Brenda Hale.
Shoebury, Gunners Park 09:30
1 Pochard diving on Lagoon. John Pitts.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Rook, Shelduck, Spotted Redshank, Teal, Black-tail Godwit (ringed), Redshank, Curlew, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Great Black-backed Gull, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Green Woodpecker (heard), Robin, Common Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Herring Gull, Cetti's Warbler, Starling, Lapwing, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island East, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Cetti's Warbler singing. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:45 to 13:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 2 Adder, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Comma. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunner's Park 13:30 to 14:30
Starling, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Brent Goose, Redshank, Sanderling, Herring Gull, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mallard, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Linnet. S. Jackson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:15 to 16:45
Sightings from first hide only: 1 Green Sandpiper, 9 Curlew, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, Common, Black-headed, Herring and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Great Crested Grebe, many Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Rook, Moorhen, Coot, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 1 pair Tufted Duck, Lapwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, Blue Tit, Starling flock, 3 Black-tailed Godwit. 3 Rabbit. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00
2 Cormorant noted on reservoir on drive past, 1 Peacock Butterfly flew across Canvey Way. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:00 to 17:00
3 Pintail (2m/1f over), 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard mobbed by corvids and pushed east at 15:45, 2 Peregrine Falcon on adjacent pylons, 1 Water Rail showing in front of hide, 2 Mediterranean Gull (fsp), 3 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Red Fox. Vince Kinsler, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Maldon, Near Beeleigh Abbey 15:15 to 15:45
1 male Green-winged Teal with many Common Teal in the same place as reported on the EBWS website yesterday. Paul Gymer.
Pitsea 16:00 to 16:30
1 Short-eared Owl. Phil Shaw.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:30 to 18.00
1 Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 5 Pheasant, 15 Crow, 20+ Redshank 3 Curlew, 5 Black-tail Godwit, 23 Mallard, 3 Little Egret, 7 Mute Swan, 1 Magpie, flock of Corn Bunting, flock of Stock Dove, 1 Grey Heron, 20+ Linnet. 2 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.