South East Essex RSPB Wildlife Reports for March 2016
Thursday 31st March 2016variable, mostly clear, max12°c
RSPB Bowers Marsh 07:39 to 12:49
4 Redwing, Little Egret, 2 Chiffchaff, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, Gadwall, Pochard, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Oystercatcher, c.80 Avocet, Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Bearded Tit (male showing well on top of reeds), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Curlew, 1 Marsh Harrier (female hunting), 2 Mediterranean Gull (flew overhead), Little Grebe, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Jay, 1 Cetti's Warbler (others heard throughout reserve), 1 Grey Heron, House Sparrow, Tufted Duck, 2 Swallow (flew through), 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 Long-tailed Tit. Jeff Kinnerman.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:30 to 09:30
4 Siskin (2 male, 2 female) on feeders. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 08:40 and 08:50
1 Water Rail in reed bed left hand side of large willow tree SE corner of lake, 1 Water Rail feeding along left hand side brook bank/west of footbridge, then swimming across brook to opposite reedbed for cover. Robert Dobinson.
Rayleigh, Wellington Road 13:15
Male Siskin feeding on niger in garden. Russ Payne.
Wakering, Fleet Head 14:00 to 16:00
1 Mistle Thrush, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4/5 Skylark. Mike Sagrott.
Southchurch Park East 15:20
1 Water Rail feeding along left bank of brook, west of footbridge. Robert Dobinson.
Foulness Island 15:45
2 Swallow. Steve Giles.
Wednesday 30th March 2016south westerly, scattered clouds, max13°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Wheatear
Rayleigh, Hullbridge Road, Fishing Lake 06:30 to 13:00
Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Song Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Jay, Pheasant, Tufted Duck (pair), Grey Heron, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese (3 overhead). Keith Bartels.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30 to 09:30
2 Sparrowhawk displaying over garden, 3 Siskin on feeders. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:40 thru 17:15
3 Wren, 2 Greenfinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Water Rail, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Pied Wagtail. Robert Dobinson.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:48 to 11:58
2 Wheatear near west side of track, 1 Green Sandpiper at Coryton, 6 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 30+ Teal, a few Cetti's Warbler present, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 12:30 to 14:00
c.200 Carrion Crow, 7 Skylark, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard, 5 Reed Bunting, 80 Avocet, 12 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Coot, 28 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 8 Teal, 15 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 5 Mute Swan, 16 Greylag Geese, 27 Canada Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier. Denis Warren.
Chelmsford, Barnes Mill Lock 14:05 to 14:10
1 Kingfisher flew in from Baddow Meads perched over the water for a few minutes then flew back in the direction it came from. Tim Davis.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 14:30 to 16:00
4 Buzzard seen together, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Jackdaw carrying nest material, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Chaffinch. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:15 to 15:50
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 6 Mallard, 12 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 1 Curlew, 2 Skylark, 7 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 House Sparrow, 6 Common Pheasant, 60+ Woodpigeon, 5 Lapwing, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 150+ Herring Gull, 1 Collared Dove. Rob Harris.
Birch, Colchester 15:45
1 Swallow, hope that means Summer is here! Nigel Norton.
Chelmsford 16:40
Red Kite over Chelmsford town centre. The resident gulls did not like it being around and were mobbing it. It flew away towards Springfield. Lynn Copson.
Tuesday 29th March 2016south westerly, scattered clouds, max12°c
Southend, Meadow Drive 07:30
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on telegraph pole. Alec Beanse.
Hanningfield Causeway 10:00 to 10:30
43 Woodpigeon, 65 Tufted Duck, 50+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 2 Shelduck, 3 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 60+ Greylag Geese, 40 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 100+ Canada Geese. Rob Harris.
Priory Park 14:00
Pair of Little Egret, 2 Grey Wagtail. Phil Lusher.
Basildon, Gloucester Park, 16:00
Chiffchaff (1st time seen on my local patch). Jane Hale.
Shoeburyness, Vermeer Crescent 16:35
Blackcap on feeder. John Vanderloo.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:45 to 18:50
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 150+ Herring Gull, 7 Mallard, 60+ Woodpigeon, 2 Little Egret, 9 Redshank, 5 Common Pheasant, 15 Carrion Crow, 2 Skylark. Rob Harris.
Monday 28th March 2016west south west, scattered clouds, max12°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Swallow
Barking, River Roding, 13:00
2 Sand Martin. Regular nesting site by Tesco roundabout, hopefully first of many. Steve Wall.
Southend, Westbury Road 14:00
Long-tailed Tit making frantic efforts to fly in through back door (closed!!). Mick Holland.
Brentwood, Warley Place, 15:00
1 Chiffchaff heard and seen, pair Goldcrest. J. Howell.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 16:50
1 male, 2 female Siskin on feeders. Web Author.
Barling Hall Farm 16:50
1 Swallow, first of season. Terry & Tina Thorneycroft.
Hockley Woods 17:00 to 17:45
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Treecreeper. Tim Davis.
RSPB Wallasea Island 18:30 to 19:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Pheasant, 5 Mallard, 30+ Herring Gull, 34 Black-headed Gull, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 1 Redshank, 2 Moorhen. Rob Harris.
Sunday 27th March 2016south westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:45 to 11:30
1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Pipit (both showing well at Butts hide), 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Peregrine Falcon, 1 Raven, 1 Sand Martin, 1 male Kingfisher. Andrew Gouldstone.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09:50
Pair Lesser Redpoll and pair Siskin on feeders in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:55 to 11:55
1 Chiffchaff heard singing, 1 Whimbrel landed on creek calling (also a small Curlew nearby, but larger than this bird, with longer bill and plain head), 3 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 20+ Wigeon, 40+ Teal, pair of Shoveler, 1 drake Gadwall on Manorway Fleet, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler very briefly seen before it sang in cover at Manorway Fleet (a few more heard over area), 15+ Curlew (mostly at Coryton). Richard Fahey.
Thurrock, EWT Thameside 10:30 to 14:00
Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Magpie, House Sparrow, Rook, Carrion Crow, Sparrowhawk, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Curlew, Herring Gull, 40 Redshank, 50 Teal, 5 Yellowhammer, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Grey Heron, 15 Shelduck, Dunnock, Cormorant, Common Gull, Wren, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Dunlin, Knot, 5 Dark Bellied Brent Geese, Jackdaw. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
Barking Park 11:45
2 Grey Wagtail. Steve Wall.
Witham A12 14:00
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.
Abberton Reservoir 14:15 To 15:10
200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 200+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 100+ Shoveler, 2 Teal, 200+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 200+ Cormorant, 7 Lapwing, 100+ Mute Swan, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Blackbird, 5 Magpie, 100+ Carrion Crow, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 50+ Starling, 100+ Woodpigeon, 2 Common Pheasant, 29+ Jackdaw, 5 Blue Tit, 1 Red-crested Pochard. Rob Harris.
Ashingdon 14:20
1 Little Egret. Russ Randall.
North Shoebury 14:30
Pair of Brambling - a first sighting for our garden. Also present every day still in our garden is "our" juvenile Sparrowhawk (not so juvenile now). Jackie and Mike Bliss.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:15 to 17:50
1 Common Buzzard. 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Common Pheasant, 5 Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 9 Carrion Crow, 100+ Woodpigeon, 50+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.
Saturday 26th March 2016southerly, cloud, drizzle, max14°c
Southchurch Park East 08:20 to 08:40
1 Grey Heron flying due west over park towards estuary, 2 Chiffchaff calling out to each other in SE shrubbery, 1 Water Rail feeding/running along brook bank west side of footbridge at the east end of lake, 100+ Starling feeding in grass in centre of the field. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:30
3 Siskin (1 male, 2 female) on feeders. web Author.
Rayleigh, Fairland Close 10:15
Female Blackcap in garden. John Attfield.
Foulness Island 10:30 to 10:40
4 Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Egret. Steve Giles.
Coggershall, Marks Hall 12:30
Comma Butterfly. J. Howell.
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:30 to 13:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Skylark, 100+ Woodpigeon, 50+ Black-headed Gull, 100+ Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Redshank, 3 Moorhen, 2 Mallard, 2 Common Pheasant, 5 Magpie, 7 Carrion Crow, 20+ Starling. Rob Harris.
Friday 25th March 2016west north west, scattered clouds, max15°c
First Local Summer Migrant Report - Yellow Wagtail
RSPB Wallasea Island 07:49 to 12:35
Corn Bunting, Linnet, 3 Little Egret, Reed Bunting, 2 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 5 Lapwing, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, 6 Avocet, c.400 Brent Goose, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fieldfare, Dunlin, 1 Yellow Wagtail (conveyor belt area), Skylark (common throughout reserve). 1 Red Fox. Jeff Kinnerman & Bob Young.
Priory Park 10:00
2 Grey Wagtail. 2 Brimstone butterflies. Darren Pascoe.
River Roach Seal Trip 10:00 to 13:00
c.2000 Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Buzzard, 33 Avocet, 28 Curlew. 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 11:00 to 12:00
1 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff. Up to three small Tortoiseshell. Brett Andrews.
Wakering Stairs 11:10 to 12:40
112 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 130 Oystercatcher - smallish flock and 12 obvious pairs, 31 Redshank, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 4 Stock Dove, 2 Chaffinch, c.20 Linnet - small flock. Singles of Red Admiral, Peacock, and Comma butterflies. 14 Rabbit. David Selley.
Hamstel Road Allotments 11:15
Bee Fly - first of the season seen around the primulas. Mick Holland.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:30 to 15:30
1 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch. 2 female Adder. 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock. Steve RJ.
Rayleigh c.11:50
Red Kite, gliding west, toward Kingsley Wood direction. A garden tick! Peter Bowden.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:47 to 15:00
2 Chiffchaff singing and maybe 1 same seen at Coryton, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail present at Manorway Fleet, 1 Little Egret, 1 Wigeon, 60+ Teal, pair of Shoveler, 500+ Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
Shopland 13:30
61 Mute Swan sitting around and grazing on field north of Shopland Road, opposite the equestrian centre. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:45 to 17:00
2 Short-eared Owl. Alexandra Burgess.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:50
2 Short-eared Owl hunting on farmland between river and fishing lake, 1 Little Egret, 3 Linnet, 3 Mute Swan, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit, 2 Moorhen, 4 Mallard, 5+ Skylark, 10+ Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Robin, 30+ Woodpigeon, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:00 to 17:15
8 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 7 Avocet, 5 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Mute Swan displaying and mating. David Shepherd.
Tiptree 18:10
1 Nightingale singing in the middle of Tiptree. Gerald Prior.
Thursday 24th March 2016south westerly, partly cloudy, rain, max11°c
Southchurch Park East 05:05 and 17:15
1 male Kingfisher perching on the end of a branch near Bloomfield bench then flying 40ft to do the same then off again, awesome sight, 1 Water Rail feeding and running around newly cleared brook bank/scrape area west side of footbridge/east end of pond. Nature has a way of rewarding; after six days of work through March to restore reedbed area/scrape/brook edge/10+ bags of rubbish, tree coppicing and more. Thanks to Brett Andrews for all the hard graft. Robert Dobinson.
Benfleet, Daws Heath 12:00
Pair Brambling on feeders, Buzzard mobbed by pigeons over. 2 Red Fox. Dave Blackwell.
North Weald Airfield 13:00
7 or 8 Red Kite as I took off from the airfield on runway 02, pointing northish. Other pilots have seen them too recently. Gavin Mariner.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 13:00 to 13:40
Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Starling, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Green Woodpecker, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Common Gull, Chaffinch, Wren, Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Coot, Mallard, 1 Turnstone, Dunnock, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Grey Heron. Spencer Jackson.
Wednesday 23rd March 2016north westerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Hockley, Glencrofts 08:30
Song Thrush. Irwin Lewis.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08:40 to 08:50
5 Siskin on feeders, 3 male and 2 female - our first of the season. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09:30 to 10:00
3 Chaffinch, 6 Siskin on garden feeders. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Abberton Reservoir 13:15 to 14:30
200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 200+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 100+ Shoveler, 6 Teal, 200+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 200+ Cormorant, 1 Robin, 2 Smew (pair), 20 Lapwing, 100+ Mute Swan, 11 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 250+ Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 1 White Fronted Goose X, 5 Blackbird, 15 Magpie, 100+ Carrion Crow, 6 Pied Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 45 Starling, 200+ Woodpigeon, 2 Kestrel, 5 Common Pheasant, 1 Wren, 30+ Jackdaw, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 3 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Rob Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park 14:45 to 15:45
Bittern standing in full view on edge of reeds left end of scrape, 1 Peregrine Falcon on pylon, 1 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Bearded Tit. Mick Roe.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:45 to 16:50
2 Little Egret, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Grey Heron, 25 Mallard, 7 Common Pheasant, 1 Blackbird, 100+ Woodpigeon, 20+ Carrion Crow, 7 Magpie, 3 Moorhen, 100 Black-headed Gull, 40+ Herring Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 70+ Lapwing, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 12 House Sparrow, 1 Merlin, 2 Hen Harrier (1 male, 1 ringtail), 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Shelduck, 3 Skylark. Rob Harris.
Tuesday 22nd March 2016variable, scattered clouds, max12°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:00 to 13:30
Female Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackbird (12 male, 1 female), 2 Carrion Crow, Buzzard drifted high west, 1 Sparrowhawk over, 3 Chaffinch (1 male, 2 female), 6 Siskin (3 pairs), 1 Lesser Redpoll (female) in garden. Peacock Butterfly. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 08:40
2 Water Rail, one underneath big Willow tree/in reeds SE of pond opposite vicars bench and one in mouth of brook/pond east end of pond. Robert Dobinson.
Wickford, Shotgate 10:25
4 Buzzard circling and rising in a thermal over the garden, drifting west. David Hope.
Rettendon, Hyde Hall 11:00
Song Thrush, Chaffinch. Brimstone Butterfly. Mick Holland.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:00
1 Jack Snipe showing well on Purfleet scrape, 1 Avocet on Purfleet scrape, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting Aveley Marsh. Andrew Gouldstone.
Rochford, Ashingdon Road 11:20
Brimstone Butterfly. Steve Sanford.
Goldhanger 12:00
c.800 Brent Geese. Kathy.
Leigh on Sea, Park view drive 15:30
Sparrowhawk mobbing Buzzard over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Hockley, Glencrofts 16:00
1 Song Thrush. Irwin Lewis.
Monday 21st March 2016west north west, mostly cloudy, max11°c
Westcliff, Highfield Crescent 06:36
1 Chiffchaff singing. Jeff Kinnerman.
Westbury Road 07:45
Pair of Long-tailed Tit around the feeders in the garden. Mick Holland.
Southend, Jones Memorial Park 08:00
Very obliging pair of Yellowhammer gave good views from the top of a bush before both heading off towards Fossetts, Green Woodpecker, Robin, Dunnock and many Chaffinch. Phil Lusher.
Allotments, Hamstel Road 10:30
Green Woodpecker heard around trees backing onto Hamstel Road. Mick Holland.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30 to 12:30
2 Scaup, 1 Black Swan, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Buzzard. 2 Muntjac Deer. Mick Roe.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:00 to 12:00
3 Chaffinch, 6 Siskin on garden feeders. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB Vange Marsh 11:30 to 14:00
250+ Wigeon flew in from Vange Wick area, 50+ Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 12 Avocet, 1 Pintail, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 little Grebe, 12 Lapwing, 2 Marsh Harrier (one adult male, one juvenile), 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Reed Bunting. David Shepherd.
Priory Park 13:30
Pair of Little Egret on the grass beside the lake, flock of Long-tailed and Blue Tit, Robin, Carrion Crow and a number of pairs of Blackbird. Phil Lusher.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:00
200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 150+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 70+ Shoveler, 8 Teal, 200+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 200+ Cormorant, 20 Lapwing, 70+ Mute Swan, 150+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Canada Geese, 3 Magpie, 100+ Carrion Crow, 2 Blackbird, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 200+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Starling, 2 Kestrel, 2 Common Pheasant, 5 Blue Tit, 4 Goldeneye. 2 Goosander, 2 Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.
Sunday 20th March 2016northerly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
South Fambridge/River Crouch 09:00 to 11:30
Mute Swan, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser (pair), Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Buzzard (x4), Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting. RSPB Group.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:40 to 12:00
2 male Peregrine Falcon soaring near the Manorway reed bed, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 3 Yellowhammer with a few Reed Bunting at Coryton, 2 Avocet, 350+ Wigeon over area, 50+ Teal, 12 Shoveler included pair over Coryton, 20+ Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler present. Richard Fahey.
Foulness Island 13:10
Ringtail Hen Harrier. Steve Giles.
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 15:20
200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 150+ Tufted Duck, 200+ Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 55 Shoveler, 31 Teal, 150+ Mallard, 50+ Coot, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 200+ Cormorant, 32 Lapwing, 50+ Mute Swan, 150+ Greylag Geese, 100+ Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 3 Magpie, 100+ Carrion Crow, 3 Blackbird, 4 Pied Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 200+ Woodpigeon, 40+ Starling, 2 Common Pheasant, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Goldeneye. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:45 to 17:45
1 Short-eared Owl. Alexandra, Lisa and Dan.
Saturday 19th March 2016north easterly, mostly cloudy, max8°c
RSPB Vange Marsh/RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 07:53 to 12:33
Vange Marsh: 7 Shelduck, Shoveler, Mallard, 1 drake Pintail, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, 1 pair Gadwall, 1 drake Pochard, 5 Avocet, 1 Lapwing, c.250 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Snipe, 1 Jay, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier (pair hunting), 1 Curlew, 1 Stock Dove, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser-black backed Gull. Wat Tyler C.P: 1 Cetti's Warbler (viewed), Water Rail (heard), 10 Redwing, 1 male Sparrowhawk, House Sparrow, 2 Avocet, Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 16 Black-tailed Godwit (incl. 6 coming into summer plumage), 1 Greenshank, 22 Jackdaw (single flock), 1 Barn Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker. Jeff Kinnerman.
Canvey Point 09:45 to 10:45
50 Brent Geese, 150+ Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 6 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew, 100+ Oystercatcher, 30 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard (over Kent side of the river). Terry Blackwell.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:00 to 12:10
3 Chaffinch, 8 Siskin on garden feeders. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Colchester, Elstead Market 11:30
1 Red Kite. John Attard.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:45,to 17:20
1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mallard, 2 Common Pheasant, 1 Blackbird, 100+ Woodpigeon, 12 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 15 Black-headed Gull, 20+ Herring Gull, 3 Moorhen. Rob Harris.
Friday 18th March 2016north north easterly, mostly cloudy, max77deg;c
RSPB Rainham Marshes 08:19 to 13:36
15 Black-tailed Godwit, c.30 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting (all viewed from river footpath), Little Egret, Pintail (including 4 drakes), c.35 Golden Plover, 1 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, Stonechat (pair), 2 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe (both species viewed from Ken Barrett hide), 1 Raven (mobbed by single Carrion Crow), 2 Marsh Harrier (male & female), 1 male Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler (viewed, but others heard throughout reserve), 1 Water Pipit (viewed on the Butts Scrape), Stock Dove, Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff. Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:30 thru 17:05
1 Long-tailed Tit in shrubbery picking up a feather from ground and flying into nearby thicket, Coot nest finished on south ramp of island and sitting full time, 1 drake Teal sleeping alongside Mallard and feeding around Bloomfield bench area. Robert Dobinson.
Ashingdon, Kirby's Nature Area, Magnolia NR 10:00 to 12:30
Moorhen, Collared Dove, Starling, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Magpie, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mallard, Jay, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch, Jackdaw, Pheasant, Long-tailed Tit, Common Snipe, female Blackcap, Chaffinch. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:00 to 13:30
2 Kingfisher, 2 Snipe, 7 Avocet, 2 Pintail, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpiper, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Tufted duck. Mick Roe.
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park 13:00 to 14:00
Little Egret, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Rook, House Sparrow, Common Gull, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Wren, Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker, Starling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Jay, Herring Gull, Collared Dove, Jackdaw. M. Hill & S. Jackson.
Tollesbury 15:00
1 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll on feeders. Brambling in a large bunch of Chaffinch on the feeders too. Nigel Norton.
Thursday 17th March 2016east north east, clear, max10°c
Ashingdon, Kirby's Nature Area, Magnolia NR 05:55 to 07:30
1 Penduline Tit - at last on my 6th visit! Visible on bulrushes for about 10 minutes as the sun rose, quite mobile, then lost to view towards the centre of the swampy area. 1 Water Rail heard, 3 Song Thrush. David Selley.
Ashingdon, Kirby's Nature Area, Magnolia NR 07:08 to 15:50
1 Water Rail (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 1 Woodcock flew into reeds, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldfinch, 1 Common Buzzard mobbed by 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Common Buzzard soaring together, House Sparrow, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. Jeff Kinnerman.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:30 to 12:00
3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel calling as it flew to north saltmarsh, 4 Avocet, 1 Kingfisher at Manorway Fleet, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 200+ Wigeon and Teal, 14 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall at Coryton, 2 pairs of Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, a few Cetti's Warbler present. Richard Fahey.
River Roach 10:15 to 12:00
c.200 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 18 Shelduck, 14 Avocet. 19 Common Seal. Web Author.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 14:00 to 15:30
8 Siskin in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Hullbridge, Hanover Farm 16:30
35+ Redwing. Hilary Knight.
Southchurch Park East 17:05
1 drake Teal asleep on water opposite the Bloomfield bench, Water Rail not sighted for 1 week now, although two seen in the area of the footbridge at the NE of the lake. Work undertaken to restore large south reedbed area today, extensive damage to Reed Warbler etc. habitat by police search team in August 2015. Will take a season to recover properly. Robert Dobinson.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:15 to 18:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Kestrel. Steve RJ.
Wednesday 16th March 2016nrth easterly, scattered clouds, max8°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:15 to 07:30
4 Greenfinch, 1 male Chaffinch, 6 Siskin (3 pairs) in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Tuesday 15th March 2016north north easterly, mostly cloudy, max10°c
Ashingdon, Kirby's Nature Area, Magnolia NR 11:00 to 11:50
1 Woodcock reported by the many birders present, 7 Snipe flushed from reedbed, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker both drumming, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, many Great Tit and Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch. David Selley.
Leigh on Sea, park View Drive 15:00 to 15:30
2 pairs Siskin on garden feeders. Web Author.
Monday 14th March 2016east north east, partly cloudy, max8°c
Hockley Woods 07:28 to 10:34
2 Jay, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit (both common throughout woods), 1 Nuthatch (flew through trees), 1 Wren, Long-tailed Tit. Jeff Kinnerman.
Ashingdon, Kirby's Nature Area, Magnolia NR 08:30 to 09:15 and 10:10 to 11:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail heard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing. At 08:50 a surprise was 1 Pipistrelle hawking insects over the bulrushes. David Selley.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:25 to 15:45
1 Great Crested Grebe on creek, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 100+ Teal, 4 Gadwall at Coryton, 1 Little Egret, 2 pairs of Oystercatcher, a few Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
Great Leighs, EWT Phyllis Currie Nature Reserve 14:00 to 16:15
4 Long-tail1ed Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Woodcock (flushed from swampy area), 1 Goldcrest, 3 Moorhen, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Magpie, 4 Dunnock. Steve RJ.
Ashingdon, Kirby Nature Area/Magnolia Nature Reserve 14:15 to 14:30
1 Penduline Tit feeding on the Bull Rushes. Kris Mee, Steve Sanford. Web Author
Hullbridge, Kendal Park, 15:30 to 16:50
1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20+ Goldfinch, 10+ Greenfinch, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 4 Magpie, 1 Jay, 6 Wren, 5 Robin, 10 Blackbird, 4 Carrion Crow, 20+ Collared Dove, 20+ Woodpigeon, 2 Chaffinch. Steve RJ.
Sunday 13th March 2016east north east, scattered clods, max7°c
Rayleigh, Hullbridge Road, Fishing Lake, 07:00 to 14:00
Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Jay, Great Tit, 5 Long-Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Pheasant (heard), Song Thrush, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), Jackdaw. Keith Bartels.
Southchurch Park East 08:45
3 Brent Geese flying over east of park due SW to estuary, 2 resident Mute Swan went flying up the pond as the geese honked there way overhead. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, park View Drive 09:30 to 10:00
2 pairs Siskin on garden feeders. Web Author.
Kirby Nature Area/Magnolia Nature Reserve Ashingdon 11:00
1 Penduline Tit feeding on the Bull Rushes have seen this bird most days since Monday 7th March it has taken me a week to identify it. It usually feeds after 11am when the bull rushes have dried in the sunshine. Kirby's Nature Area is situated along a footpath at the end of Hogarth way Ashingdon. Debbie Haynes.
Saturday 12th March 2016variable, haze, max10°c
Leigh on Sea, park View Drive 07:30 to 08:30
2 pairs Siskin on garden feeders. Web Author.
RSPB Bowers Marsh 08:08 to 12:45
2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 pairs House Sparrow, Little Egret, 1 pair Pintail, 1 Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull (in the high hundreds), 1 Snipe, 1 pair Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Avocet (East Haven), 6 Bearded Tit (single flock, breakaway flock of 3 males, 1 female showed very well feeding on top of reeds), 1 Water Rail (showed well before skulking into reeds in SW of reserve), 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Linnet, 1 Ruff. Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park East 08:30 thru 17:00
3 Green Woodpecker heard calling from different areas of park, then one perched on a tree in Shaftesbury Avenue back garden, 1 drake Teal asleep near the Bloomfield bench area and then moved to NW of reedbed, thrupping as it went. Robert Dobinson.
River Roach Wildlife and Seal Trip, 11:00 to 14:30
c.3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Shelduck, 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser flew past boat, 1 female Peregrine Falcon caught and killed an Oystercatcher on Foulness side of Roach, then flew off over island with bird in her talons, 5 Oystercatcher, 15 Avocet, 25 Curlew. 12 Common Seal. Web Author.
RSPB Wallasea Island 16:00 to 17:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Heron, 20+ Redshank, 6 Shelduck, 30+ Starling, 8 Mallard, 60+ Woodpigeon, 8 Carrion Crow, 6 Magpie, 40 Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Pheasant, 2 Little Egret, 12 Mute Swan. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:30 to 17:00
15 Avocet, 1 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard both flying low over the marsh. David Shepherd.
Friday 11th March 2016east north east, partly cloudy, max10°c
Woodham Mortimer 13:00 to 13:05
1 Common Buzzard. Rob Harris.
Foulness Island 15:30 to 16:30
Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Kingfisher, c.1000 Brent Geese, also male Siskin and Goldcrest in garden yesterday. Steve Giles.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:40 to 18:15
2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Skylark, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Common Pheasant, 2 Magpie, 12 Carrion Crow, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Brent Geese, 20+ Mute Swan, 25 Shelduck, 30 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 9 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Moorhen, 2 Blackbird, 25 Starling, 70+ Herring Gull. Rob Harris.
Thursday 10th March 2016northerly, overcast, 9°c
Southchurch park East 08:40 thru 17:10
1 Teal heard calling across pond, 1 Water Rail feeding and swimming around the usual Bloomfield bench area. Robert Dobinson
Northumberland Crescent and Kensington Road 13:10 and 17:20
2 Chaffinch feeding on tree buds in Northumberland Crescent. 1 Frog rescued from Merlin the neighbour's cat and put back in a pond. Kensington Road. Robert Dobinson..
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 male Marsh Harrier, c.35 Golden Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Andrew Gouldstone.
Rayleigh, The Chase, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Goldcrest, 1 Robin. 1 Fox. Steve RJ.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:30 to 11:40
2 Buzzard gliding on a thermal when the sun came out, 1 Sparrowhawk at about 14:00. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:00 to 14:00
200+ Wigeon, 7 Shelduck, 50+Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 36 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 17 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher. David Shepherd.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park, 11:30 to 12:45
2 Goldcrest, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 10 Blackbird, 6 Robin, 2 Wren, 6 Dunnock 4 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 1 Jay. Steve RJ.
Brentwood, Warley Place 14:00 to 15:00
1 Firecrest frequenting rhododendron close to the reserve boundary with the B186. Ross Gardner.
Wat Tyler Country Park 15:00 to 16:00
Timbermans creek hide only: 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Redshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Barn Owl. David Shepherd.
Hockley Woods 15:00 to 17:00
1 Firecrest, 8 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 4 Magpie, 6 Carrion Crow, 20+ Blue Tit, 10+ Blackbird, 25+ Woodpigeon. Steve RJ.
Rochford, Hall Road 21:20
1 Barn Owl from new housing development over Hall Road towards airport. Russ Payne.
Wednesday 09th March 2016south easterly, mostly cloudy, max8°c
Southchurch Park East 08:50 thru 17:10
1 Water Rail on open water and feeding in and around the reedbed higher water level opposite the Bloomfield bench. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:15
Pair of Siskin on feeders. web Author.
Westcliff on Sea, Sandown Avenue 11:15 to 11:25
Pair of Goldcrest flitting in and out of a conifer, Blackcap feeding on cotoneaster, my first ever sighting! S. Whitaker.
RSPB Wallasea Island 12:45 to 13:20
1 Grey Heron, 100+ Woodpigeon, 20 Carrion Crow, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 200+ Herring Gull, 32 Redshank, 3 Teal, 24 Mallard, 3 Skylark, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Pheasant, 6 Magpie, 2 Moorhen, 30+ Lapwing. Rob Harris.
Foulness Island 16:00
Male Brambling on feeder. Steve Giles.
Hadleigh, London Road 17:10
1 male Blackcap on sunflower hearts feeder. Steve Thomas.
Tuesday 08th March 2016south westerly, partly cloudy, max8°c
Hullbridge, Kendal Park, 10:00 to 12:15
1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 2 Magpie, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (two seem to have paired off with the singleton only drumming), Green Woodpecker (heard), 2 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 5 Blackbird, 4 Robin, 4 Great Tit. Steve RJ.
Southchurch park East 12:00 to 12:30
2 Mute Swan (pair), 1 Water Rail, 1 Wren. Web Author.
Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 12:30 to 14:15
House Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Common Gull, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Wren, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, Turnstone, Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Coot, Mute Swan, Sanderling, Linnet, Jay. S. Jackson.
Hullbridge, 15:30 to 15:35
Sparrowhawk sitting on garden fence. Steve RJ.
Monday 07th March 2016north north westerly, scattered clouds, max5°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30
1 Wren, 2 pairs of Siskin on feeders. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 08:50 thru 17:05
1 Water Rail showing in and around reedbed and across open water/scrape feeding in the bright sunlight in the usual Bloomfield bench area. Robert Dobinson.
Hullbridge, Kendal Park, 09:00 to 11:30
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (continually calling, chasing and drumming), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 10+ Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 10+ Woodpigeon, 10+ Collared Dove, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Robin. Steve RJ.
Chalkwell Park 09:30 to 13:30
1 Goldcrest in garden at back of rose garden, 1 Stock Dove flew over, 1 Green Woodpecker. Jeff Kinnerman.
River Roach Seal Trip 10:00 to 12:30
2 Mute Swan, c.50 Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Marsh Harrier (on Potton and Foulness), 46 Avocet, 38 Oystercatcher, 8 Common Seal Web Author.
Hockley 10:30 to 12:00
2 Green Woodpecker (pair), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 1 male Pheasant (variant), 2 Collared Dove, 5 Dunnock, 5 male Blackbird, 1 male Chaffinch in garden. George.
Sunday 06th March 2016north westerly, scattered clouds, max7°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30
Female Green Woodpecker, 4 Siskin (2 pairs) in garden. Web Author.
North Shoebury 07:38
Green Woodpecker in garden. Terry Strong.
Two Tree Island 08:09 to 12:31
On the estuary between The Peter Boat and the cockle sheds: c.55 Sanderling, 50+ Knot, c.120 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plover, Dunlin (in abundance), Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher. Two-tree Island: 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover, Redshank, Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 35+ Avocet, Turnstone, 9 Snipe, Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Teal, Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 200+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Jeff Kinnerman.
Southchurch Park East 08:45 thru 17:20
1 Water Rail running around reedbed area for food in morning/lunchtime and across open water/on scrape, probing in the mud food in the early evening light for 15 minutes before returning to NW point of reedbed. In the usual Bloomfield bench area. Robert Dobinson.
Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 09:07 to 11:30
2 Common Buzzard singles, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80+ Teal (including a pair on Manorway Fleet), a few Wigeon and Shoveler on creek, 150+ Lapwing, 400+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler present at Manorway Fleet, Grey Wagtail also reported. Richard Fahey.
Hadleigh, 10:00
Single male Blackcap spent at least an hour today and yesterday feeding on sunflower hearts in feeders and on fat filled coconut halves. Steve Thomas.
Tollesbury 11:00
Two pairs of Lesser Redpoll on feeders all day. Nigel Norton.
Eastwood Road, 11:00 to 12:00
c.5 Goldfinch, c.5 Chaffinch, c.3 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 male Blackbird, 1 male Blackcap, 1 male House sparrow all on or around garden feeders. Richard Hollis.
Barling Magna, Millennium Park 11:32 to 12:15
Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Starling, Goldfinch, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, Moorhen, Mallard, Lapwing. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Barling, All Saints Church to Sea Wall 12:20 to 13:15
Coot, Collared Dove, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Magpie, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Mallard, Teal, Redshank, Great Black-backed Gull, Brent Geese, Water Rail, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Buzzard, Wren, Robin, Starling, Chaffinch. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Belfairs Wood 13:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Goldcrest, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 10+ Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Robin, 8 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel. Rebecca Jones. and Joseph Shaffery
Foulness Island 13:30
Male Siskin most of afternoon on feeders. Steve Giles.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 16:15
Male Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared Owl, Kestrel, Barn Owl. Jeff Elliott.
Wakering Stairs 14:45
Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover. Lydia.
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:15 to 18:00
1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Moorhen, 5 Mallard, 30+ Woodpigeon, 4 Mute Swan, 8 Carrion Crow, 4 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Saturday 05th March 2016north westerly, mostly cloudy, max6°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30 to 08:30
4 Siskin (2 pairs), 2 Lesser Redpoll on feeders. Web Author.
Rayleigh, Milton Close, 09:35 to 09:40
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail in brook. Tim Davis.
Leigh on Sea, Tattersall Gardens 10:25 to 10:28
1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff - seen in bright sunshine in garden from only 7 or 8ft range picking for food on rose bush with dark almost black legs very evident - I think this is an overwintering bird and not an early migrant arrival as I have seen such a warbler of Chiffchaff/Willow Warbler appearance 2 or 3 times before this winter but too distant, too briefly and in too poor light to positively determine specific ID. Martin Johnson.
Tollesbury 11:30
1 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll on feeders. Nigel Norton.
Belfairs Wood 13:00
2 Chaffinch, 10 Blue Tit, 10 Great Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Wren, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jay. Rebecca Jones and Joseph Shaffery.
Hadleigh Castle 16:00
2 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 3 Jay, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Collard Dove. Rebecca Jones.
Foulness Island 17:45
Pair Little Owl by regular nest site. Steve Giles.
Friday 04th March 2016south westerly, scattered clouds, max9°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:30 to 09:15
4 Siskin (2 pairs), 1 male Lesser Redpoll on feeders in garden. Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 08:30 to 17:05
1 Water Rail running around just inside reedbed for food in the morning and lunchtime, then feeding on open water in the early evening sunlight. Robert Dobinson.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 14:15
Wren, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Canada and Greylag Geese, 3 Woodpigeon, many Black-headed Gull, many Wigeon feeding on the grazing meadow, 27 Teal, 6 Crow, 17 Gadwall, 5 Mute Swan, numerous Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Heron, 21 Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck, 1 immature Great Black-backed Gull + 2 adult males, 2 Herring Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Robin, 1 Goldcrest. Chris Henry.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:20 to 11:35
3 Buzzard calling and circling on a thermal. One individual had a very pale tail and rump, very distinct and dark carpels, and distinctly raised wings when gliding - reminiscent of Rough Legged Buzzard. It drifted off east, the others north-west. David Selley.
Hockley Woods 13:40 to 14:45
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (2 male, 2 female), 4 Treecreeper, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Stock Dove (heard). Tim Davis.
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:00
3 Short-eared Owl, 14 Redshank, 3 Mallard, 2 Common Pheasant, 6 Skylark, 20+ Starling, 3 Corn Bunting, 50+ Woodpigeon, 3 Magpie, 60+ Herring Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, l7 Carrion Crow, 2 Moorhen. Rob Harris.
Thursday 03rd March 2016westerly to southerly, partly cloudy, max9°c
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:30 to 08:30
Wren hunting insect eggs, 4 Siskin (2 male, 2 female), 4 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Web Author.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:00 to 11:30
1 Dartford Warbler, 1 Barn Owl (sitting by bird box), 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat. Steve RJ.
RSPB Wallasea Island 11:00 to 12:00
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, many Skylark. Mick Roe.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:30
2 Short-eared Owl hunting Aveley Marsh. Andrew Gouldstone.
Wednesday 02nd March 2016west south west, scattered clouds, max8°c
Leigh Library Gardens 07:14
Peregrine Falcon flew west. Jeff. Kinnerman.
Hullbridge 07:45 to 08:30
2 Dunnock, 2 Jay, 4 Blackbird (building nests), 2 Blue Tit, 20+ Starling, 15+ House Sparrow, 2 Robin, 6 Collared Dove, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Chaffinch. 1 Frog with frogspawn in garden pond, 2 Wood Mice all in garden. Steve RJ.
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:25 to 17:15
1 Water Rail feeding in reedbed and across open water in the morning, lunch and early evening, 2 Mute Swan island nesting site, cut reeds placed around nest area, buddleia whips planted for screening, wooden ramps repaired etc. and platform attached on perimeter wall/just above water line for Little Grebes to build nest on. Male Swan already asleep in reeds by 12.45am Southchurch Pk. Robert Dobinson.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:30
3 Green finch, 3 Siskin (2 male, 1 female) on garden feeders. Web Author.
Rayleigh 15:45 to 15:55
Grey Wagtail on rill leading to pond in garden. Possibly same bird seen same place some months ago. Norman Oliver.
Tuesday 01st March 2016south south westerly, mostly cloudy, max13°c
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 08:40 to 17:10
1 Water Rail feeding across left hand scrape in morning, running around reedbed at lunch, out on the open water feeding for 10 minutes in the early evening sun, 2 Mute Swan performing courting ritual for 10 minutes before mating and forming a heart shape to celebrate, 1 Grey Wagtail feeding along length of rock edge under footbridge Robert Dobinson.
Tollesbury 14:00
Pair of Reed Bunting feeding with the Chaffinch and Greenfinch in the garden. Seen them on our sea wall but first time in the garden. Nigel Norton.