South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for March 2014
Monday 31st March 2014easterly, partly cloudy, max14°c
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:35
1 Blackcap singing in the garden. David Selley.
Gloucester Park, Basildon 13:50
Mallard ducklings on water, 1 Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, pair (near the 2 bridges), 1 Snow Goose among Canada geese on south bank of big lake. Ben Setterfield.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 14:30
3 Mute Swan, 150+ Tufted Duck, 100+ Mallard, 1 Robin, 30+ Canada Geese, 50+ Greylag Geese, 7 Magpie, 21 Cormorant, 50+ Coot, 50+ Woodpigeon, 14 Carrion Crow, 100+ Herring Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch. Rob Harris.
Sunday 30th March 2014easterly, clear, max19°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:05 to 12:00
1 Whimbrel on creek, 1 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper seen and heard flying west from by the roundabout, 1 Blackcap heard singing by Manorway, 2 Chiffchaff heard singing by Manorway Fleet, 4 Avocet included three on lagoon and one on pool by north bank, Water Rail heard on west side of Manorway Fleet, 20+ Wigeon, 2 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, c.3 Gadwall at Coryton, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, a few Little Egret, 3 Oystercatcher in display flight by creek and lagoon, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:20
1 Spoonbill in Pitsea creek. David Lee.
Southchurch Park East 09:15
2 Mute Swan flew in east of estuary and nearly landed on pond, then did full circle of Wyatts Drive, back over pond to Southchurch Park and estuary west. Alec Beanse and Kimmy dog there to. Nice to witness the sound of the flying pair over us twice. Who needs an airshow anyway & no pollution! Robert Dobinson.
Paglesham Eastend 10:15 to 11:40
2 Cormorant, 6 Wigeon, 2 Mute Swan flying together over seawall towards RSPB Wallasea, 2 Little Egret, 9 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (pair), 3 Stock Dove, c.10 Skylark singing, 2 Reed Bunting singing. 5 Peacock butterflies, 2 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Brimstone, 1 Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus) by the seawall pillbox. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:30 to 15:00
2 Bearded Tit (glimpses). Peter Norgate.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:30 to 17:00
2 Bearded Tit (and others heard), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spoonbill. Peter Norgate.
Saturday 29th March 2014easterly, clear, max15°c
Wakering Stairs 06:25 to 08:10
2 Canada Goose, 9 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 10 Oystercatcher, 20 Redshank, Curlew - continuous calling overhead in the mist, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff, 15 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Langdon Nature Reserve 07:00 to 08:30
2 Garden Warbler singing well, 1 Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch. David Shepherd.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 12:15
1 Buzzard. David Selley.
Daws Heath 13:30
1 Buzzard over my garden. Mike Sagrott.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:15 to 17:50
3 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Magpie, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Black-headed Gull, 6 Carrion Crow, 3 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 3 Starling, 2 Skylark, 20+ Stock Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon, 5 Corn Bunting, 6 Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Friday 28th March 2014easterly, haze, max12°c
A130, North of A1245 Roundabout 09:30
Buzzard on small tree in field. Peter Norgate.
EWT Blue House Farm 09:30 to 17:00
3 female Marsh Harrier, 1 female Merlin (good views of preening bird on post), 1 Buzzard, 4 Avocet, 6 Redshank, many Lapwing, c.10 Snipe, c.50 Curlew, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Little Grebe, many Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, few Gadwall, Mallard, 3 Pintail, (1 drake, 2 female), c.50 Barnacle Geese, many Canada Geese, few Greylag Geese, 2 Brent Geese, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, several large flocks of Starling, 4 Pied Wagtail, many Meadow Pipit, 1 male Reed Bunting, many Skylark, 2 Redwing, few, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Blackbird 1 pair Dunnock. 2 Common Lizard, 7 Brown Hare. David & Brenda Hale.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:20 to 12:55
1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 5 Pochard, 20+ Mallard, 20+ Teal, 30+ Tufted Duck, 3 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 20+ Coot, 14 Avocet, 40+ Common Crow, 7 Magpie, 1 Robin, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 2 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 2 Collared Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird, 30+ Starling, 2 Chaffinch, 30+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag Geese, 1 Moorhen. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
5 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 100+ Herring Gull, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 14 Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 4 Linnet, 5 Skylark, 4 Corn Bunting, 30+ Stock Dove, 50+ Woodpigeon, 6 Little Egret, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Pitsea Station/RSPB Bowers Marsh 18:30
Bittern flew over Pitsea station towards Bowers Marsh. Emily Broad.
Thursday 27th March 2014easterly, scattered clouds, max10°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:15 to 12:33
1 Jack Snipe on cut reeds in front of hide bobbing and preening viewed briefly in open then sleeping behind reeds. 3 Snipe, 1 pair Mallard, 1 Pochard, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard only. B. Goss.
Wickford Memorial Park 11:30
Buzzard over park. Pam & Terry Bigland.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:00
1 Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, still in front of hide. Rob Harris.
Garons Golf Course 15:00 to 17:00
1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Mute Swan including a group of seven taking off from one of the lakes, 15+ Green Woodpecker. 2 Water Vole. Brian Coveney and Richard Atkins.
A130 16:00
Red Kite just past the Carpenter's Arms roundabout - between it and the Rawreth traffic lights. Paul Gordon.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 17:15
1 Corn Bunting singing from bush by car park. B. Goss.
Wednesday 26th March 2014northerly, light rain, max8°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 08:30 to 12:00
1 Great White Egret present all morning on Aveley Marsh, showing well from the visitor centre and hides. Andrew Gouldstone.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jack Snipe, 5 Pochard, 20+ Mallard, 20+ Teal, 30+ Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 9 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 50+ Coot, 11 Avocet, 40+ Common Crow, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 2 Dunnock, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Magpie, 3 Collared Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Robin, 2 Blue Tit. Rob Harris.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:55 to 14:25
1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Chiffchaff heard at Coryton, 6 Pochard and c.6 Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, a few Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Tuesday 25th March 2014south easterly to north easterly, partly cloudy, max9°c
RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 14:30
Sightings from scrape hide: 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Common Snipe, 1 pair Bearded Tit, 1 pair Marsh Harrier, 1 male Reed bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Skylark, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, many Black-headed Gull, few Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, few Canada and Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Mute Swan. David & Brenda Hale.
Monday 24th March 2014south easterly, partly cloudy, max11°c
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 09:30 to 16:30
5 Buzzard, 4 Marsh Harrier, (3 female, 1 male), 3 pair Long-tailed Tit, 1 pair Treecreeper, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jackdaw, few Goldfinch, Chaffinch, many Great Tit, Blue Tit, 2 Egyptian Geese, c.8 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Lapwing, 4 Red Crested Pochard, (3 drake, 1 female), few Goldeneye, Shoveler, many Gadwall, Tufted Duck, 3 Oystercatcher, many Black Headed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, few Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Canada and Greylag Geese. David & Brenda Hale.
Foulness Island 17:05
1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Steve Giles.
Southchurch Park East
2 Mute Swan (pair), flew in early this morning. All seems very civilised between them and resident pair/cygnet. Looks like resident pair will not breed this year. The male swan is behaving as if they are not a pair, no displaying/bonding or mating seen. All very strange this year.Robert Dobinson.
Sunday 23rd March 2014westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Sand Martin
Belfairs N.R. 07:00 to 08:30
1 female Sparrowhawk in trees, 1 Woodcock in Dodd's Grove, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 3 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Mistle Thrush (singing by Poors Lane entrance), 1 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Treecreeper (singing). Richard Gray.
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 08:10 to 08:25
4 Yellowhammer - singing males. David Selley.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:20 to 11:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Chiffchaff heard one singing, 11 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 4 drake and 2 female Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 400+ Black-tailed Godwit on creek, c.3 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard over area, pair of Little Grebe in courtship chase on Manorway Fleet. Richard Fahey.
Barling Marsh 08:30
1 Water Rail seen briefly in reedy ditch. T. Thorneycroft.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:30
1 Spoonbill in the creek from the marina. David Lee.
Langdon Hills, Willow Park 10:30 to 11:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Bullfinch. 9 Adder. Karl Price.
RSPB Wallasea Island 10:50 to 12:15
Car park to conveyer only: 8 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Dark-belled Brent Goose, 21 Shelduck around the new scrapes south of the conveyer, 5 Mallard, c.40 Black-headed Gull, 10 Herring Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting - singing male, 1 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 14:00
Jack Snipe 3 metres bobbing up and down in front of hide in cut down reeds, 1 Snipe. Mick Roe.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
14 Jackdaw, 30+ Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Coot, 40+ Mute Swan, 4 Teal, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Pheasant, 1 Pied Wagtail, 30+ Common Gull, 100+ Cormorant, 5 Skylark, 50+ Starling, 150+ Carrion Crow, 1 Blackbird, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Hybrid Geese. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:20
Sand Martin over scrape. David Lee.
Benfleet, Asquith Gardens 16:10
1 Sparrowhawk landed on Pergola in garden for a few seconds before taking off again. Steve Simmons.
Saturday 22nd March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max11°c
EWT Fingringhoe Wick 09:30 to 13:30
Red-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Little Egret, Chiffchaff, Wren, Dunnock, Great Tit, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Magpie. Adam and Christina Commons.
Foulness Island 10:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Steve Giles.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 16:35
3 Mallard, 40+ Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Carrion Crow, 5 Magpie, 4 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 2 Skylark, 7 Corn Bunting, 40+ Woodpigeon, 2 Pheasant, 7 Redshank, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Curlew, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Rob Harris.
Friday 21st March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max12°c
Hockley Woods 08:30 to 10:00
1 Buzzard hassled by crows, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 6+ Jay, 1 Song Thrush. Peter Norgate.
RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 09:45 to 11:15
Sightings from scrape hide: 2 pair Bearded Tit, (showing well in front of hide), 4 Snipe, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard (calling back and forth), 1 Little Egret. All islands still under water. David & Brenda Hale.
EWT Thurrock Thameside 11:45 to 14:15
1 Marsh Harrier (Kent sea wall), c.300 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Avocet, c.25 Redshank, 40+ Shelduck, c.50 Curlew, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, c.200 Brent Geese (distant line in flight), c.100 Teal, 4 Skylark, 1 pair Dunnock. 3 Rabbit. David ∓ Brenda Hale.
Gunners Park 12:00 to 12:30
1 Wheatear on reserve. Peter Norgate.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 13.00 to 16:00
47 Avocet on east haven, 16 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Shelduck, 5 Little Egret, 7 Swan, 1 Green Sandpiper, 50 Wigeon, 4 Oystercatcher, 11 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting, Teal, Graylag Geese. Cetti's Warbler heard around the marsh. David Shepherd.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:00 to 16:25
1 Snipe, 1 immature male Marsh Harrier, 1 Chiffchaff heard singing at Coryton, 1 Green Sandpiper, briefly heard Water Rail below Holehaven Creek seawall, 4,000+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 8 Gadwall, a few Wigeon across area, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard between shrub area and Coryton, pair of Little Grebe in courtship chase on Manorway Fleet. Richard Fahey.
Langdon Hills, Willow Park 13:45 to 14:45
5 Adder. Karl Price.
Thursday 20th March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max16°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Wheatear
Hutton 09:30
3 Buzzard. Now a regular sighting! Mike Sullivan.
Cherry Orchard Park 09:40 to 12:30
15 Woodpigeon, 26 Magpie, 6 Green Woodpecker, 8 Great Tit, 10 Blue Tit, Skylark, 7 Carrion Crow, 7 Mallard, 5 Moorhen, Blackbird, 2 Coot, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 Jay, Robin, 25 Starling, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Sparrowhawk, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Feral Pigeon, Domestic Geese, Common Gull. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Orsett, Beauchamp Estate 13:00 and 15:00
Male Blackcap in a tree in our garden. Went and came back on a few occasions. In the same tree later a Willow Warbler was singing for at least 30 minutes. Steve Arnold.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:00
5 Mallard, 60+ Herring Gull, 150+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 6 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 1 Starling, 1 Skylark, 4 Corn Bunting, 40+ Stock Dove, 150+ Woodpigeon, 3 Little Egret, 1 Pheasant, 1 Kestrel, 1 male Wheatear on field east of Grapnells. Rob Harris.
Paglesham, East Hall Road 15:20 to 15:35
3 Mallard, 30+ Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 1 Blackbird, 21 Starling, 20+ Stock Dove, 250+ Woodpigeon, 1 Pheasant, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Wood Duck 
. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:30 to 16:55
6 Mute Swan, 50+ Tufted Duck, 70+ Mallard, 80+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese, 3 Magpie, 33 Cormorant, 50+ Coot, 50+ Woodpigeon, 30+ Carrion Crow, 250+ Herring Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Robin, 1 Pied Wagtail. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 19th March 2014south westerly. clear, max15°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:00 to 16:00
1 Kingfisher, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Wren, many Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting and House Sparrow, 4 Snipe, c.20 Redshank, 2 Curlew, many Shelduck, Wigeon and Teal, 5 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 pair Marsh Harrier, 1 Linnet, c.12 Redwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard, c.12 Greenfinch, many Lapwing, 1 Pochard, few Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, c.20 Pintail. Total of 53 species for the day. David & Brenda Hale.
Foulness Island 12:30 to 12:45
3 ringtail Hen Harrier buzzing each other approximately 200 metres from me. Steve Giles.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:40 to 14:30
5 Mute Swan, 100+ Tufted Duck, 30+ Pochard, 120+ Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 120+ Canada Geese, 130+ Greylag Geese, 7 Magpie, 50+ Cormorant, 120+ Coot, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Stock Dove, 20+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit. Rob Harris.
Langdon Hills, Willow Park 14:00 to 15:15
1 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch. 5 Adders. Karl Price.
Tuesday 18th March 2014westerly, scattered clouds, max14°c
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:30 to 15:00
3 Mute Swan, 100+ Tufted Duck, 30+ Pochard, 70+ Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 100+ Canada Geese, 140+ Greylag Geese, 3 Magpie, 50+ Cormorant, 100+ Coot, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Great Crested Grebe. Rob Harris.
Monday 17th March 2014westerly, mostly cloudy, max14°c
Paglesham, Church End 06:00 to 10:15
2 Little Owl flying between barns and trees, 2 Mute Swan in field beyond the rape field. Also, every time a jet comes into Southend there is about 500 wood Pigeon lifting from the rape field and lading in the trees. John Carson.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:05 to 15:00
1 Pheasant, 5 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 50+ Herring Gull, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 14 Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 8 Linnet, 2 Blackbird, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Skylark, 5 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Moorhen, 13 Stock Dove, 30+ Woodpigeon, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:00 to 17:00
1 Spoonbill, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 100+ Wigeon, 70 Shovler, 1 Marsh Harrier. Saline lagoon: 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Avocet. David Shepherd.
Sunday 16th March 2014westerly, clear, max19°c
Paglesham, Church End 08:00
2 Little Owl calling each other. They have been very active for last 3 weeks now, calling each other all night long and some afternoon from about 15.00 and some mornings up to 11.00 around the farm buildings back of Ingulfs farm and in the trees both sides of the road. John Carson.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:40 to 11:40
1 female Marsh Harrier that later quartered reed bed by refinery, 1 Whimbrel calling in flight at creek, 1 Chiffchaff heard singing at Coryton, Water Rail heard on west side of Manorway Fleet reed bed, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton and by ditch on marshes, 10 Little Egret, a few Gadwall and a pair of Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 2 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.
Pound Wood, Daws Heath 09:00 to 12:00
1 Buzzard, 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 3 Brimstone butterfly, 2 Peacock butterfly. Jerry Stock.
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 11:45
1 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 185 Brent Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 50 Teal, 1 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 7 Stock Dove (1 pair in display flight), 20 Oystercatcher, 250 Curlew, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 100 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 30 Turnstone, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipit (includes two birds in song), 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Reed Bunting (singing males). 2 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoishell. On way home a fresh Common Buzzard road casualty on A130 from Canvey Island towards Chelmsford. Mike and Anita Harris.
Canewdon, Scott Hall Road 12:50 to 12:55
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Gunners Park 13:10 to 14:15
Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Starling, 7 Magpie, 13 Woodpigeon, 8 Collared Dove, 95 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 4 Blackbird, 20 Feral Pigeon, 5 Blue Tit, 9 Great Tit, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 15 Carrion Crow, 50 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 1 Green Woodpecker, 17 Greenfinch, 9 Dunnock, 4 Robin, 1 Herring Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Wren. S. Jackson.
A127 near Basildon 14:20
1 Red Kite flying high over A127 near Homebase Basildon. Marion Burch.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:30
1 Buzzard over garden. 4 Peacock butterflies. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 to 17:50
10 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 4 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 5 Oystercatcher, 50+ Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 20+ Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 5 Linnet, 1 Blackbird, 4 Starling, 3 Skylark, 4 Corn Bunting, 20+ Stock Dove, 50+ Woodpigeon, 20 Brent Geese, 2 Little Egret. Rob Harris.
Canewdon, Scott Hall Road 18:00 to 18:10
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Leigh-on-Sea, Tattersall Gardens 18:30 to 18:32
1 bat believed to be a Common Pipistrelle in low erratic flight over rear gardens. Martin Johnson.
Saturday 15th March 2014westerly, clear, max17°c
Hadleigh, West Wood 07:00 to 08:30
1 Sparrowhawk flying over, 1 Woodcock flying through trees, 2 Stock Dove (1 singing), 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (3 drumming), 2 Song Thrush (singing), 3 Mistle Thrush (singing - 2 heard at same time in southern section, 3rd bird heard at northern boundary), 2 Long-tailed Tit (pair), 2 Treecreeper (separate birds), both ponds on eastern boundary had lots of frog spawn. Richard Gray.
EWT Shut Heath Wood 09:50 to 10:20
Pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker near big stand of Holly bushes. Jeff Elliott.
Hullbridge 11:00 to 11:30
50+ Mute Swan, 34 Woodpigeon, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 12 Mallard, 3 Blackbird. Rob Harris.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:30 to 11:40
1 Red Kite drifted north-west towards Hullbridge, possibly same bird as seen last Saturday. David Selley.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00 to 12:30
14 Mute Swan, 150+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 2 Teal, 70+ Mallard, 100+ Canada Geese, 130+ Greylag Geese, 7 Magpie, 50+ Cormorant, 100+ Coot, 5 Moorhen, 70+ Herring Gull, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 Blackbird, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.
EWT Shut Heath Wood 12:00 to 13:30
1 Tawny Owl in holly trees. Peter and Margaret Norgate.
Friday 14th March 2014variable, early fog, max16°c
Shoeburyness 10:15 to 11:00
52 Dark bellied Brent Geese Shoebury East Beach, 1 Little Egret on island in Gunners Park lake. John Vanderloo.
Southend, Cromwell Road 10:00
11 Magpie in a small flowering cherry tree. I've don't know what that was all about! They all flew off together after about two minutes. Phil Lusher.
Hockley, Plumberow Mount 11:00 to 12:00
1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Greenfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Blackcap, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtail, 9 Jackdaw. 1 Brimstone, 2 Peacock Butterfly. David Glover.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00 to 12:30
150+ Canada Geese, 70+ Greylag Geese, 3 Curlew, 12 Magpie, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring, 150+ Carrion Crow, 10 Collared Dove, 60+ Woodpigeon, 8 Blue Tit, 7 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, 12 House Sparrow, 13 Redshank. Rob Harris.
Southchurch Park East 12:45
Chiffchaff feeding along brook bank and along reed tops east of footbridge. Robert Dobinson.
Chigwell Station 13:55 to 14:15
1 Common Buzzard over Station, 2 Little Egret opposite Stapleford Aerodrome. Tim Everett.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
7 Mute Swan, 150+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 100+ Mallard, 100+ Canada Geese, 150+ Greylag Geese, 3 Egyptian Geese, 3 Magpie, 50+ Cormorant, 100 Coot, 250+ Herring Gull, 30+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 Blackbird, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel 1, Robin, 4 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.
Wakering Stairs 15:55 to 16:55
Stairs Road to seawall only: 2 Little Egret, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting crop field and ditches, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 2 Reed Bunting - singing males. David Selley.
Thursday 13th March 2014easterly, haze, max14°c
Ashingdon 07:20 to 07:45
5 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Fieldfare all singing in the fog between Ashingdon and Canewdon. Our garden Robin pair are now collecting and carrying food and the first two fledgling Woodpigeon of the year are crashing about in the garden - doesn't look like there will be a shortage of them this year then! David Selley.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 11:05 to 13:30
3 Bearded Tit in reed bed back of Manorway Fleet, 1 Chiffchaff at corner by ditch, 3 Avocet on lagoon, 2 Marsh Harrier, a chestnut Cetti's Warbler flew across path by lagoon after singing at very close range, c.5 Little Egret, pair of Pochard on Manorway Fleet, 17 Wigeon, c.7 Gadwall, pair of Oystercatcher on lagoon, 1 Sparrowhawk, a few Black-tailed Godwit including one close on lagoon. Richard Fahey.
Woodham Ferrers 12:50 to 12:55
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.
Collier Row 13:30
3 Buzzard high over Birds Farm Avenue; one flew back low 10 minutes later. Ian Phillips.
Abberton Reservoir 13:30 to 15:00
100+ Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Mallard, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 70+ Mute Swan, 40+ Teal, 1 Little Egret, 7 Shoveler, 1 Moorhen, 5 Grey Heron, 300+ Black-headed Gull, 250+ Herring Gull, 40+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30+ Common Gull, 50+ Starling, 250+ Carrion Crow, 2 Pheasant, 150+ Cormorant, 2 Great Tit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Skylark, 1 Blackbird, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Swan Goose, 1 Blue Tit, 7 Chaffinch, 1 Aylesbury Duck, 7 Hybrid Geese. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:40 to 16:30
1 Common Buzzard, (field east of Grapnells), 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Oystercatcher, 20+ Mallard, 3 Pheasant, 3 Little Egret, 6 Linnet, 8 Corn Bunting, 5 House Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, 7 Magpie, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 6 Greater Black-backed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 20+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon. 1 Brown Hare. Rob Harris.
Paglesham, East Hall Road 16:40 to 16:55
3 Blackbird, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Pheasant, 1 Little Owl in side of Barn top opening, 20+ Woodpigeon, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Starling. 2 Wood Duck . Rob Harris.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park
1 pair of visiting Mute Swan that arrived last week on Wednesday morning eventually had left before 12.30am today after persistent gentle persuasion from resident Swans (mainly the female). Due to start nest building next week. 1 Cygnet (Polish genetic) still on pond from last years brood. 1 Green Woodpecker drumming in south east corner of Southchurch Park East. Work done on Island yesterday, reeds for nest and plant/screen done. Whilst on island I noticed two eggs laid already, almost two weeks earlier than last year. Work swiftly done, so not to stress Male Swan standing guard. Thanks to Tony Little of Southend Parks. Southchurch Park. Robert Dobinson.
Wednesday 12th March 2014east north east, partly cloudy, max13°c
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 16:00
1 pair Goosander, 5 Red Crested Pochard, (4 drake 1 female), 1 pair Pintail, c.300 Wigeon, few Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Shelduck, many Tufted Duck, few Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, several pair Goldeneye, few Pochard, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull, many Black-headed Gull, few Common Gull, 1 pair Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wren, 1 pair Dunnock, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Stock Dove, few Blackbird, few Robin. David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 13:30
23 Magpie, 20 Woodpigeon, 45 Carrion Crow, 250 Black-headed Gull, 30 Mallard, 10 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 21 Canada Goose, 250+ Wigeon, 3 Curlew, 58 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 48 Shoveler, 26 Greylag Goose, 17 Skylark, 20 Pochard, Common Gull, Herring Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 37 Starling, Song Thrush, Common Buzzard, Great-Crested Grebe, Kestrel, Great Tit, 28 Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, Cormorant, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Feral Pigeon. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Hutton, 11:00
6 Buzzard including one dark phase, drifting towards Basildon. Mike Sullivan.
Hadleigh Downs 11:00
Buzzard seen circling over Hadleigh/Benfleet Downs - moved off north. Mick Holland.
Canvey Point 13:50 to 14:30
Lesser Black-backed Gull, 150+ Oystercatcher, 6 Curlew, 23 Herring Gull, 260+ Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Black-backed Gull, Turnstone, 350+ Brent Geese, Redshank, Common Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Tuesday 11th March 2014east north east, partly cloudy, max10°c
EWT Warley Place 12:25 to 17:00
2 Jay, few Jackdaw, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Fieldfare, 3 pair Blackbird, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, many Great and Blue Tit, 2 Wren, 2 pair Dunnock, few Robin, few Chaffinch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 3 Moorhen, 2 drake, 1 female Mallard, Green Woodpecker heard. 2 Rabbit, 3 Bank Vole. David & Brenda Hale.
Wickford, Whist Avenue 15:00 to 16:00
Male Sparrowhawk in our garden four times, on the garage, bush and wall. Never got any of our birds. Pam and Terry Bigland.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15:40 to 16:15
1 Mute Swan, 100+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Pochard, 130+ Mallard, 80+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 7 Magpie, 14 Cormorant, 75+ Coot, 250+ Herring Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.
Foulness Island 16:45 to 17:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Little Egret close together on field. Steve Giles.
Hutton, Rayleigh Road, 17:00
Merlin perched on mound of earth on farmland. Adam Commons.
Monday 10th March 2014north north easterly, partly cloudy, max14°c
Horndon on the Hill, Lower Dunton Road 10:15
Very vocal Buzzard soaring over garden. and then over Langdon hills golf/country club. Gavin Davis.
Shipwrights Wood 09:30 to 10:30
2 Stock Dove (1 singing), 2+ Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (both drumming), 5 Long-tailed Tit (3+1 pair at half completed nest), 2 Treecreeper (both singing). Richard Gray.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:25 to 11:35
Buzzard over high heading north east, 2 Sparrowhawk displaying over garden. Web Author.
Rawreth 12:15
1 Buzzard. Mike Sullivan.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 13:00
50+ Teal, 30+ Mallard, 15 Avocet, 50+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring, 100+ Carrion Crow, 5 Magpie, 5 Collared Dove, 60+ Woodpigeon, 10 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 7 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 9 House Sparrow, 1 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.
Sunday 09th March 2014southerly, clear, max19°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 08:55 to 11:55
2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Green Sandpiper, 30+ Wigeon mostly over by pool to south, 1 Pochard and 5 Gadwall at Manorway Fleet, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard widespread. Richard Fahey.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 10:00
1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker. 2+ Brimstone, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoishell. Robin Peppiatt.
Rettendon, Hyde Hall Garden 10:15 to 13:30
9 Tufted Duck on garden reservoir, 2 Skylark singing, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, 5 Greenfinch, many Chaffinch, 1 Yellowhammer - singing male. Several Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, and 1 Peacock butterflies. David Selley.
South Woodham Ferrers 12:00 to 13:00
Little Egret, Grey Heron seen in marshes behind cadet huts. Karen Moore.
Ingrave, A127 12:00
2 Buzzard Ingrave, A127 12.35, 3 Buzzard Brook Street roundabout on the south weald side, 2 more Buzzard at Fishers Green along with 1 Brimstone, many Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. Mike Sullivan.
Wickford (Nevendon Road) 14:00 to 14:15
3 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock. 10 Starling 4 Gatekeeper. Rob Harris.
Two Tree Island 15:00 to 17:00
4 Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 200+ Dunlin, 100+ Knot, 2 Stonechat, 100+ Curlew, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit. Peter Norgate.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:15 to 17:50
5 Oystercatcher, 20+ Mallard, 8 Pheasant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 30+ Redshank, 20+ Dunlin, 3 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Stonechat, 5 Mute Swan, 60+ Herring Gull, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Greater Black-backed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Blackbird, 7 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 20+ Stock Dove, 50+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Foulness Island 16:45
1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Steve & Fran Giles.
Canewdon, Scott Hall Road 18:00 to 18:10
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Saturday 08th March 2014southerly, clear, max15°c
EWT Shut Heath Wood, Great Totham 09:40 to 13:20
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (good on and off views for 30 minutes), 2 Buzzard, many Great and Blue Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker heard. David & Brenda Hale.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:50
1 Red Kite going south-west and mobbed by noisy gulls, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Comma butterfly. David Selley.
EWT Abberton Reservoir 13:40 to 16:55
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Grey Heron, (4 on nests), many nesting Cormorant, few Goldeneye, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Stock Dove, c.2 Fieldfare, 1 Firecrest, 1 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Great and Blue Tit, few Jackdaw, few Blackbird, many Starling. 1 Smooth Newt in visitor centre entrance pond. David & Brenda Hale.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:45 to 17:10
1,500+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20+ Knot on Holehaven Creek, 60+ Wigeon, Water Rail heard below Holehaven Creek seawall, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard across area, 2 Green Woodpecker flew over Manorway, 3 Gadwall at Coryton, 1 Oystercatcher displaying near coffer dam. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 14:30 to 17:00
1 Corn Bunting, 6 Reed Bunting, 12 Skylark, 16 Little Egret, 7 Bearded Tit, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, many Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Little Grebe, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese. Richard Mander.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:00 to 17:50
5 Oystercatcher, 15 Mallard, 6 Pheasant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Shelduck, 30+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 24 Dunlin, 1 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting, 5 Mute Swan, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 60+ Herring Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Blackbird, 5 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Canewdon, Scott Hall Road 18:00 to 18:10
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.
Friday 07th March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max16°c
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:30 to 15:45
Hide only: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard thermalling towards Bowers, 2 Snipe, 2 Water Rail briefly, Cetti's Warbler seen at left-hand side of hide, lots of Little Grebe, 2 Bearded Tit, Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye. Jim Bailey.
Wakering Stairs 16:30 to 17:40
4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall - pair in borrowdyke, 1 Little Egret, 108 Oystercatcher - small flock on the wader roost and several territorial pairs, 12 Redshank, 1285 Bar-tailed Godwit, 460 Knot, 200 Dunlin, 160 Curlew, 7 Grey Plover, 7 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush singing, 100+ Woodpigeon, 3 Magpie, 1 Corn Bunting - singing male. 20 Rabbit, 1 Water Vole. David Selley.
Thursday 06th March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max14°c
Hanningfield 09:00 to 12:40
Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, 2 pair Gadwall, 1 pair Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe displaying, 100's Wigeon, 1 pair Teal, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Chaffinch, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Robin, 2 Wren, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, Greylag and Canada Geese plus 1 Domestic Goose, 1 Oystercatcher, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, 1 Black-backed Gull. Chris Henry.
Wakering, Mill Barn Fishery, 11:00
2 female Hen Harrier on fields at side of track leading to reservoir. A VERY vocal Buzzard circled the lake at regular intervals. 2 Green Woodpecker. Phil Lusher.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:15 to 11:25
2 Sparrowhawk - pair circling together until male was chased off by crows. David Selley.
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea 11:34
1 male Sparrowhawk flying high from west and turned north till out of sight, 1 Skylark singing high over field to west. Martin Johnson.
Southend, Jones Memorial Park 14:00
Green Woodpecker. Little Owl on fence post at Boots and Laces. 2 Peacock butterflies. Phil Lusher.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
1 Shelduck, 5 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, 50+ Herring Gull, 70+ Black-headed Gull, 14 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie, 12 Linnet, 4 Blackbird, 40+ Starling, 7 House Sparrow, 4 Skylark, 5 Corn Bunting, 20+ Stock Dove, 50+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Wednesday 05th March 2014south westerly, partly cloudy, max13°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:50 to 16:05
3 Green Sandpiper, Water Rail heard behind fence below Holehaven Creek seawall, 33 Avocet on lagoon (probably included 7 earlier on Holehaven Creek), 2000+ Black-tailed Godwit and 10+ Knot on Holehaven Creek, 100+ Wigeon, 7 Pochard and c.10 Gadwall at Coryton, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard across area, pair of Oystercatcher on wall by coffer dam. Richard Fahey.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
100+ Tufted Duck, 50+ Pochard, 100+ Mallard, 100+ Coot, 3 Magpie, 20+ Carrion Crow, 2 Dunnock, 17 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 200+ Wigeon, 11 Greylag Geese, 40+ Cormorant, 40+ Woodpigeon, 200+ Herring Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Robin, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Domestic Geese. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00 to 16:30
2 Marsh Harrier (male flew in front of hide), 3 Snipe in front of hide, 1 Kestrel fly by, Bearded Tit in reeds under hide, Cetti's Warbler seen and heard, Pochard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, loads of gulls on scrape, lots of geese over left of road. Jim bailey.
Two Tree Island 16:30
1 ringtail Hen Harrier. Michael Sullivan.
Shoebury 14:00
Pair of Osprey high over ASDA car park. John Atfield.
Southchurch Park East
A new pair of Mute Swan flew in this morning before 08:30. Resident pair and remaining cygnet have been involved in minor territorials, but it all seems rather civilised - very strange behaviour indeed. Could be one on the new pair is related to resident female. Interesting observing the interaction developing. Robert Dobinson.
Tuesday 04th March 2014westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Cudmore Grove Country Park 09:30 to 15:30
Blue Tit, Great Tit, many Chaffinch, few Robin, 3 pair Dunnock, 1 Wren, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Mistle Thrush, (calling from treetop), 2 Song Thrush, 6 Stock Dove, 4 Jay, 1 Water Rail, 2 Pied Wagtail, few Oystercatcher, c.10 Turnstone, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit, (one showing coloured rings, white on left leg, orange ring, above a blue ring, on right leg), 20 Dunlin, c.100 Redshank, few Lapwing, c.30 Moorhen, c.100 Curlew, 1 Great Crested Grebe, few Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, large distant flock of 1000+ Knot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, many Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, few Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, 100's Brent Geese. David & Brenda Hale.
Gunners Park 13:30 to 14:30
15 Great Tit, 9 Blue Tit, 3 Robin, House Sparrow, 110 Black-headed Gull, 30 Starling, 15 Common Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, 5 Blackbird, 17 Greenfinch, 7 Moorhen, 9 Carrion Crow, 11 Magpie, 2 Mute Swan, 16 Mallard, Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, 30 Turnstone, 13 Sanderling, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, 1 Great Crested Grebe at sea. S. Jackson.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 16:30
Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch. Kevin Taylor.
Monday 03rd March 2014variable, partly cloudy, max9°c
Hockley, 09:00 to 09:30
A good variety of birds coming into tune around the garden: Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Blackcap among them. However, this chorus was soon plunged into silence by a beautiful female Sparrowhawk which proceeded to hang around for a good 10 minutes offering outstanding views. David Glover.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:45 to 15:15
Sightings from scrape hide: 1 pair Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk. 3 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler (more heard), 4 Little Grebe, (1 pair nest building), 2 Oystercatcher, c.100 Lapwing, many 1000s Gulls over West Canvey Marsh, c.50 Black-headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 pair Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, many Shoveler, Pochard, Wigeon, few Tufted Duck, Mallard, 2 male Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush in full song, 1 Blackbird, few Great and Blue Tit, 2 Little Egret. David & Brenda Hale.
EWT Abberton Reservoir 15:00 to 15:35
100+ Pochard, 200+ Tufted Duck, 80+ Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 100+ Greylag Geese, 7 Mute Swan, 300+ Black-headed Gull, 250+ Herring Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 50+ Starling, 250+ Carrion Crow, 2 Pheasant, 150+ Cormorant, 1 Stonechat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Swan Goose, 1 Aylesbury Duck, 5 Hybrid Geese. Rob Harris.
Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 16:30 to 16:55
2 Mute Swan, 50+ Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 100+ Wigeon, 70+ Mallard, 80+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese, 3 Magpie, 17 Cormorant, 25 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 250+ Herring Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gull, 30+ Carrion Crow, 50+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
Southend sea front (by Sealife Centre) 16:45
32 Sanderling, 2 Redshank, 25 Turnstone, 18 Oystercatcher, 6 Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover, 7 Common Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull. Joe Harris.
Sunday 02nd March 2014southerly, mostly cloudy, max11°c
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:20 to 12:10
1 Chiffchaff in shrub by lagoon, seen briefly and identified by call, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Avocet on lagoon, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard across area, pair of Gadwall on Manorway Fleet. Richard Fahey.
South Fambridge to the Brandy Hole 10:00 to 12:05
4 Great-crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 8 Wigeon, 375 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (including 105 in the deer paddock at Nth Fambridge and c.200 towards Hullbridge), 1 Buzzard over the Althorne ridge, 1 Kestrel, 6 Oystercatcher, 50 Curlew at the Brandy Hole, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Skylark, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Linnet, c.40 House Sparrow in hedge in village. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:20
1 Greenshank, 6 Grey Plover, 1 Knot, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, c.500 Brent Geese, 2 Little Egret, 3 Stock Dove, 22 Shelduck. Joe Harris.
Saturday 01st March 2014north westerly, partly cloudy, max8°c
EWT Stanford Warren Nature Reserve 07:30 to 08:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Marsh Harrier, lots of Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard, Water Rail heard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Green Woodpecker. Jim Bailey.
Billericay 09:30
2 Long-tailed Tit feeding in tree in our garden. Ben M.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:50 to 16:50
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, 2 female Marsh Harrier, many Reed Bunting, 1 male Stonechat, few Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Wren, few House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, 3 Greenfinch, 6 Redwing, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler heard, 3 Jackdaw, 100's Starling, 4 Stock Dove, many Shoveler, Shelduck, Gadwall, Pochard, Teal, 100's Wigeon, c.20 Pintail, (mostly drakes), 100's Lapwing, c.100 Redshank, 6 Snipe, 6 Curlew, c.50 Golden Plover, c.50 Dunlin, many Little Grebe, 4 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, many Black-headed Gull, few Lesser Black-backed Gull, few Herring Gull. 2 Rabbits. ( 54 species seen). David & Brenda Hale.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 10:15 to 10:20
1 Water Pipit by sluice gate to saline lagoon - showing first signs of summer plumage. Richard Gray.
Hockley, Glencrofts 11:00
1 female Blackcap. Irwin Lewis.
Thurrock Thameside Nature Park 13:15 to 14:20
30+ Avocet, 30+ Wigeon, 400+ Teal, 5 Oystercatcher included 3 displaying. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:15 to 15:25
1 Bittern took 4 short flights in 10 minutes, 2 Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit seen working reed roots (males and females), 3 Snipe in front of causeway feeding, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Grey Heron, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese. Jim and Lin Bailey.
M11 15:30
1 Buzzard just south of North Weald Aerodrome. Kris Mee, Web Author.