Bird Reports for May 2008
Saturday 31st May 2008
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 07:00 to 07:05
4 Jackdaw. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 08:40
1 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 10 Shelduck. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 09:00 to 09:20
2 Cetti's Warbler (singing). John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island 09.00 - 11.30
6 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Shelduck, 5 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Common Tern, 30 Curlew, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail 2 Ringed Plover, pair Mallard, Starling family group with four fledglings, numerous Skylark, 1 Hare. Paul Dunt.
Barling Pits, 09:30 to 10:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.35 - 11.35
12 Common Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, 3 Swallow, 2 Little Egret, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo, Corn Bunting, 11 Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe, 4 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 10:15
1 Cetti's Warbler by farm reservoir. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 11:35
2 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.00 - 12.30
1 Little Egret, 2 Turtle Dove, 4 Cuckoo (1 individual male and 1 male and 2 female flying together), 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Web Author.
Southend Seafront, 16:20 to 16:25
3 Mediterranean Gull (two adults and a 1st year by the sealife centre). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 18.00
1 Little Owl on usual telegraph pole. David Selley.
Paglesham, 20:30 to 21:00
1 Little Owl. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Southend Pier
1 Little Egret. George Abbott.
Friday 30th May 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 16:30
1 Peregrine Falcon, sitting on Portcullis House most of day. John Wright (SOG).
A12 Near Kelvedon 18.00
1 Red Kite, flying west over the A12 near Kelvedon. Martin Lawson.
Wakering Stairs, 20:00 to 22:00
380 Oystercatcher, 60 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (heard only, singing on and off from 20:30 onwards in second field from the end in the Shoebury direction) Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, 20:20
1 Hobby over back garden in a flash. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wallasea Island 20.20 - 21.20
3 Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatchers, 18+ Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, pair Mallars, 2 Avocet, Skylarks (one very close on seawall) 10+ Hare - great place for these. Paul Dunt.
Thursday 29th May 2008
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 17.10
2 Sparrowhawk - male sat on our garage roof for about 10 minutes this morning and a large female flew through garden at about 17.10. David Selley.
Hanningfield Reservoir 18:00 - 18:10
Black Tern from causeway. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 28th May 2008
Churchend 13.38 - 13.40
Little Owl, very close and low down in willow tree on bend. Gary Dunn.
Tuesday 27th May 2008
RSPB Vange Marsh 10.15 - 11.00
2 Black Tern. Marc Outten RSPB.
Monday 26th May 2008
RSPB Vange Marsh 11.00
Marsh Frog dead by the side of train track. This thing was well over a foot long and the body was as big as a saucer. I only noticed it because there were a couple of Magpies quarrelling over it. Gary Clinton.
Sunday 25th May 2008
RSPB Rainham Marshes 12.00 - 15.30
3 Hobby, Kestrel, 2 Firecrest, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Little Egret, Knot. Grey Seal (in Thames) Jon Clark, Charlie & Phoebe.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 13.35
5 Song Thrush - 4 well fledged juveniles + 1 adult, 4 fully fledged juvenile Robins + 2 adults, also 10 or 11 young House Sparrow in the bird table feeding party. David Selley.
Southend Seafront 15.00
Hobby frantically trying to avoid Lancaster bomber. Steve Wood.
Thames Estuary South East from Canvey Point 16.00
1 Gannet. Flying East. We were in a boat as it went by. Lloyd Walker.
Saturday 24th May 2008
Leigh on Sea 06:00
Peregrine Falcon over Lansdowne Avenue. Paul Bruty.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.40 - 12.00
2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Sedge Warbler, 11 Common Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, 5 Shelduck, 2 Little Egret, Corn Bunting,2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Swift, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Wallasea Island 10.00 - 10.40
1 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Corn Bunting. Web Author, KF.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 12.00 - 12.30
1-2 Turtle Dove calling, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. Robin Peppiatt.
Leigh on Sea Beach 13:30
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Paul Bruty.
Leigh on Sea to Benfleet Sea Wall 14:30 - 16:00
Harris Hawk over Hadleigh Downs, c.15 Reed Warbler, female Wheatear. Paul Bruty.
Wallersea Island 15.45 - 16.15
4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl mobbed by starlings near Grapnells Farm, 1 Oystercatcher. Robin and Thomas Peppiatt.
South Benfleet 17:30 - 18:00
35 Jackdaw East. Paul and John Bruty.
Friday 23rd May 2008
Wallasea Island 09.15 - 10.30
2 Little Egret, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kestrel, Whitethroat (several), 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Shelduck, 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Common Lizard. Jon Clark.
Wat Tyler Country Park 18.00 - 20.00
Various sightings of Hobby some really clear although very quick such was the speed the best sighting through binoculars whilst perched on centre pylon , also lots of Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo seen on post and heard, Great Crested Grebes, Reed Warbler in front of hide. Terence Ross.
Havengore Island
For the last four years we have had a Hen Ring Ouzel around our farm on Havengore Foulness. She arrives in May and only stays a day or two. This year she arrived today 23rd May. I thought it may be of interest to you, we get many different species around our pond during the year, too many to mention. S.Sargent.
Thursday 22nd May 2008
Wallasea Island 14.00 - 16.25
Montagu's Harrier seen twice during afternoon. Also 2 Little Tern. Ray Fuller.
Canewdon, Loftmans Corner 21.30
Tawny Owl present on telegraph posts between the corner and the bungalow by double bend on Wallasea road. Jeff Delve (EBS).
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 - 19:45
1 male Garganey, 2 female Bearded Tit, 3 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Tim Bourne.
Hadleigh Downs 19.30 - 21.00
1 Tawny Owl, 1 female Harris Hawk catching rabbits and looking well! 1 Yellowhammer (singing), 8 Blue Tit, 2 Kestrel. Terry Priest, N.Fordham.
Wednesday 21st May 2008
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07.40
1 Little Owl on telegraph pole about 100 metres north of Greenacres Farm. David Selley.
Fingringhoe Wick 11:00 - 13:00
Little Grebe, several Whitethroat, Greater-spotted Woodpecker (male), 6 Pheasant (male & female). Chris Henry.
Abberton Reservoir 13:30 - 15:00
Several Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, male Chaffinch, numerous Common Tern, 2 Black Tern, several Peacock & a Comma butterfly. Chris Henry.
Wakering Stairs 18:00
2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Peregrine (hunting along firing range), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Common tern, 3 Curlew, 8 Ringed Plover, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Pheasant, 3 Whitethroat. Noel Barnes.
Two Tree Island 19.10 - 20.30
1 Female Peregrine Falcon carrying prey (heading along seafront towards Southend), 2 Dunnock. Terry Priest, N Fordham.
Tuesday 20th May 2008
Wickford 14.50
Large female Sparrowhawk over Wickford Business Park. Steve Wood.
Wallasea Island 15.45
Montagu's Harrier seen briefly. Ray Fuller.
Kelvedon Area 15.45
Very large eagle possible adult white-tailed soaring high over silver end heading towards Kelvedon. M.Bicknell.
Southend, York Road 17.45
Hobby over my house heading to Southchurch Park! being alarmed by all the sparrows. Steve Wood.
Monday 19th May 2008
Wallasea Wetlands 13.15 to 13.30
Montagu's Harrier, (seen at extreme distance only) from car park. 1 Common Sandpiper, many Ringed Plover and Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 8 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little Egret, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting. Les Costin.
Wallasea Island 13.50 - 15.45
Montagu's Harrier (seen 3 times during the afternoon), its possible there is a second "Monty" around here), 20 Yellow Wagtail, similar amount of Corn Bunting, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Egret, 2 Swift, Swallow, good numbers of Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Eastwood 14.15
1 Grey Wagtail, in brook, near Langley Close. Les Costin.
Chelmsford, Springfield Lock 16.00
1 male Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler. Sue Haffenden.
Hadleigh Downs 19.55 - 20.30
1 Little Owl (hunting from fencepost), 1 Nightingale (singing), 1 Harris Hawk (near old reservoir, was carrying dinner - a rabbit), 12 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit. Terry Priest.
Sunday 18th May 2008
RSPB Rainham Marshes 04.00 to 06.20
Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler, Wren, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Carganey, Little Egret, Swift, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Mute Swan, Little Stint, Little Plover, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush. Chaffinch. Joe & Jessica.
Hadleigh/Benfleet Downs 07.45 - 08.30
1 male Kestrel, 2 Skylark singing above and one on ground which I managed to photograph before it took flight. 1 male Cuckoo, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Nightingale singing its heart out-beautiful! Ellen Hume.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.00 - 11.00
4 Red-crested Pochard, pair of Gadwall, 2 Black Swan, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, nesting Blue Tit. Sue Haffenden.
Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 11:45
1 Montagu's Harrier (1st summer male), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 10 Little Egret, 6 Corn Bunting, 4 Yellow Wagtail. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 10.30 - 11.50
2 Sedge Warbler singing at the far end of lake, 1 Blackcap and 2 Long-tailed Tit in bushes, 1 Little Egret, 4 Swallow and 2 House Martin around lake. Steve Wood.
Saturday 17th May 2008
Wallasea Island, 06:45 to 08:45
1 Montagu's Harrier (1st summer male showing really well from car park area at 06.35 + 07.50 only), 17 Corn Bunting (at least), 12 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 07:30 to 08:30
2 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 6 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel. John Wright, Bob Young (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:40 to 09:45
1 Greenshank, 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 2 Hobby (pair copulating on pylon), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright, Bob Young (SOG).
Wallasea Island 09.00 - 11.30
Montagu's Harrier - hunting field margins to SW of island before crossing to new sea wall and heading west. Osprey - one carrying a partially eaten fish over wetland, later landed and bathed near sea wall. Last seen heading SW out over Paglesham. (seen with Paul and Matt Bruty), 20+ Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting at least 12 singing, Whimbrel - one fly over, Golden Plover - group of 6 over with a couple in sum plumage, 3 Common Tern. 8 Brown Hare including group of 5 on one of the margins. Jeff Delve (EBS).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.30 - 11.15
Corn Bunting, 4 Swallow, Swift, 10 Common Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo, 2 Little Egret, 5 Yellow Wagtail,3 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Wallasea Island 11:00 - 12:30
1 Osprey (watched it feeding for 15 mins at the water's edge before flying North West), 1 Montagu's Harrier (quartering the fields and dykes in a Easterly/South Easterly direction from the car park), 1 Wheatear. Paul and Matt Bruty.
Wat Tyler Country Park, Scrape 12.00
2 adult summers and a 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret, 5 Shelduck, male Sparrowhawk low along the fleet. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wallasea Island, 12:15 to 12:30
1 Montagu's Harrier showing half mile east of wetlands car park. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 16:15 to 17:45
3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel (male), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 House Martin, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Corn Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier (male over potton). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 18:10
1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Montagu's Harrier (1st summer male). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Barling Pits, 18:00 to 19:00
2 Little Egret, 18 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck (pair), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 House Martin, 2 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Park East
2 Cygnets hatched this year Big & Healthy, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant fishing, Dozens of Reed Warblers, 1 Moorhen chick growing fast, 10-12 Swallows catching flies over pond. Robert Dobinson.
Wallasea Island (pm)
Montagu's Harrier still showing well, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 15 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Avocet, Common Tern. Jeff Delve ns. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 16th May 2008
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:30 to 12:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on and around Portcullis House. John Wright, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rayleigh, 09:15
1 Sparrowhawk (low over A127 from woodland just west of Weir). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:45 to 21:00
2 Little Egret, 2 Greylag Goose, 16 Canada Goose (including 6 goslings), 3 Gadwall, 1 Garganey (drake, feeding with the godwits towards the creek wall, best viewed from the west bank), 4 Pochard, 5 Black-tailed Godwit (one in full summer plumage), 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Reed Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 17:30 to 19:00
1 Montagu's Harrier (only seen 18:00 - 18:10), 2 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtail (including one 'Channel Wagtail' by entrance gate), 6 Corn Bunting. John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:45
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:00 to 19:45
1 Montagu's Harrier (showed again at 19:30), 8 Corn Bunting, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Common Tern, 2 Brown Hare, 3 Linnet, 2 Skylark, 1 Hobby (19:20 - flew south). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Thursday 15th May 2008
Wallasea Island, 08:30 to 09:00
1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Montagu's Harrier (1st summer male - initially SW of Grapnell's Farm over seawall, then showing well just south of Wetlands car park where mobbed by the Marsh Harrier, then hunting the south side of the seawall opposite the car park), 10 Corn Bunting (approx) (3 singing), 15 Yellow Wagtail (approx). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:50 to 15:50
1 Montagu's Harrier (1st summer male quartering the raised bank c.1ml sw of wetland car park for three minutes before heavy rain forced it to land out of view), 6 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Little Egret. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:25 to 17:05
15 Swift, 2 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 17:30
1 female Peregrine Falcon flew in and perched on aerial of Portcullis House. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Southend Area, 02:40 to 04:10
Couldn't sleep so went for a drive! 4 Little Owl (1 sat on wires along Lower Road Hockley, 1 at usual Paglesham churchend site nr Punchbowl pub, 1 Scott's Hall Rd c200m from Apton Hall Rd, 1 midway along Barling Rd c.1ml before Little Wakering), 1 Barn Owl (sat on roadside wires along Creeksea Ferry Rd between Riverside park and Wallasea Marina at 03.43), 1 Cuckoo (heard calling continuously from near Punchbowl pub Paglesham Churchend at 03.36), 15 Red Fox (3 North Crescent Prittlewell, 3 A127 between Eastwood and Rayleigh, 2 London Hill Rayleigh, 2 Lower Rd Hullbridge, 2 Ashingdon Rd Rochford, 1 Royal Artillery Way opp. Essex Golf course Southchurch, 1 Priory crescent along Priory Park, 1 Manners Way Prittlewell), 1 Rabbit (by roadside on Paglesham Rd at 03.34), 1 Badger (ambling down London Hill Rayleigh at 03.01), 1 Weasel (ran across Beeches Rd between Battlesbridge and Hullbridge at 03.12), 1 Western Hedgehog (on roadside verge on Anchor Lane Canewdon at 03.45), 3 Common Pipistrelle (presumed this sp. - flying over road along the Ashingdon end of Lower Rd), 1 Chinese Muntjac (wandering around the car park of the Bull pub Hockley before it ran into the pub gardens at 03.23), 1 Tawny Owl (same place as last year - sat on telegraph pole on Paglesham Road c.50m from junction with Gore Rd and Creeksea Ferry Rd at 03.34). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Leigh Marsh, 12:45 to 13:10
5 Reed Warbler (Singing males during a short 1km walk along the borrow dyke), 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Shelduck, 7 Swallow. Also 1 Hairy Hawker Dragonfly. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:15 to 15:45
3 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 2 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 17:00 to 18:40
3 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel (male and female), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Tern. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 19:35 to 20:40
1 Montagu's Harrier (first-summer male hunting the edge of the rape field 1 mile south-east of Grapnells Farm), 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 30 Corn Bunting, 15 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Skylark, 1 Brown Hare. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham, 20:55
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (probable pair in copse adjacent to Shepherd & Dog). Paul Baker (SOG).
Stambridge, 21:30
1 Little Owl on top of 2nd telegraph pole east of The Cherry Tree pub. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 13th May 2008
Hadleigh Castle, 10:00 to 11:00
2 Cuckoo, 20 Small Heath. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh on Sea 16.30 - 16.35
Grey Wagtail singing its heart out from an aerial on top of Somerfields car park. Web Author.
Wat Tyler Country Park 18:00 - 19:00
3 Grey Heron (1 juvenile), 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Grebe, 5 Shelduck, 1 Avocet, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Coots, Pochards, Mallards. Daniel Butcher.
Rochford, 19:10
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult east over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 21:20 to 22:40
1 Quail (Heard from 500 metres down footpath leading south from gate at end of road, TQ944940. Called in 3 short bursts between 21:30 and 21:35 but not later. Found by Chris Tyas earlier in the day), 1 Corn Bunting (sung once at 22:20). Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 12th May 2008
Wakering, Fleet Head 17.15 - 18.15
1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Avocet, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Sandwich Tern, 10+ Sedge Warbler (singing). Iain Henderson.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 19:10 to 19:15
1 Peregrine Falcon (flew on to ledge of Portcullis House with a fresh pigeon). Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 11th May 2008
Benfleet 06.15
1 Hobby over my garden. Jerry Stock.
Rochford, 11:25
1 Hobby over garden. Steve Arlow (SOG).
River Crouch / Buxey Sands Seal Trip on the Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.30
8 Grey Seal, 21 Common Seal, 11 Turnstone, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret. Gary Dunn.
Rochford, 11:45 to 12:00
2 Mediterranean Gull (adult over garden at 11.45 and 2nd summer over at 11.57). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:20 to 12:25
1 Kestrel, 5 Swift. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs 12.40 - 15.40
2 Cuckoo, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 2 Kestrel (pair), 2 male Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Swallow, 1 Hobby, 1 Wren, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Greenfinch. Terry Priest.
Rochford, 13:00
1 Little Egret in Prittle Brook behind Purdeys Ind. Estate. Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh, Southsea Avenue 17.05
Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Jackdaw over garden. Web Author.
Chelmsford, Chelmer Village 17.30
4 Swift over the garden. Sue Haffenden.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00
1 Green Woodpecker (heard). Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 10th May 2008
Wallasea Wetlands, 08:00 to 12:00
7 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 4 Curlew, 2 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallow, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Corn Bunting, many Skylark. Dave Knight (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:15 to 09:30
2 Cuckoo, 3 Turtle Dove, 7 Reed Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Blackcap, 2 Hobby, 1 Greenshank (in creek by first screen from museum end). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 09:15 to 10:45
1 Cuckoo, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Stonechat, 25 Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 2 Skylark, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Ringed Plover. Brian Baldock (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.50 - 11.50
15 Common Whitethroat, 4 Avocet, 3 Sedge Warbler, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Reed Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail,2 Common Tern, Swallow, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
River Crouch / Buxey Sands Seal Trip on the Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.30
4 Common Tern, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Common Seal 5 Grey Seal. Web Author.
Wallasea Wetlands 10.20 - 12.40
4 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag Goose, 35 Shelduck, 6 Grey Plover, 11 Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 4 Swallow, 7 Yellow Wagtail, many Skylark, 5 Linnet, 12 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Benfleet Downs, 10:30 to 10:35
1 Nightingale heard singing briefly north of the horse field. Gordon Appleton.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:30 to 12:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wigeon (drakes). 5 Brown Hare. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Laindon Hills, One Tree Hill 13:00
1 Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Buzzard (mobbed by crows to west of hills), 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker. Noel Barnes.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 14.00 - 14.05
4 Red Kite soaring together at a few hundred feet gradually gaining height and drifting south-east. Magnificent! Robin Peppiatt.
Canewdon Recreation Ground 14.30
4 Red Kite soaring, heading towards Burnham on Crouch. A real bonus whilst umpiring a cricket match. Jerry Stock.
Southend Airport, 13:00
1 Grass Snake on the pond, 1 Skylark (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Somerfields Supermarket, Roof Car Park 15.20
1 Grey Wagtail. Lyn Davies.
Rochford, 15:25
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult flew north over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 17:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 09th May 2008
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 06:25
10 Shelduck over the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Belfairs N.R., 07:30 to 09:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Blackcap (singing males in the old nursery), 1 Siskin (flew over calling). Don Petrie, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 07.55 - 08.05 and 18.10 - 18.25
2-3 Black Tern, 15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
River Crouch, Near Battlesbridge, 10.30
5 Greenshank. David Chivers.
Two Tree Island West 18.00
4 Whimbrel (flying over), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear (model airfield), 2 Stonechat, numerous Common Whitethroat. Pete & Sue Jackson.
Thursday 08th May 2008
Wat Tyler Country Park (Dawn Chorus) 05.00 - 07.30
1 Nightingale singing well in the back of the small pond on the perimeter track, 3 Turtle Dove purring and showing well, 2 Cuckoo, 4+ Cetti's Warbler, 8+ Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, many Whitethroat and Blackcap, 1 Common Sandpiper in the creek, along with Curlew and Oystercatcher. Alan Shearman RSPB.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:30 - 12:30
Reed Warbler, Stonechat, Garganey (m + f), 2 Grey Plover, Redshank, 2 Little Grebe. Chris Henry.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.00 - 11.30
3 Black Tern, Common Tern, 6 Red-crested Pochard, many Blackcap, Chiffchaff. Dave Beryl Knight.
Two Tree Island West 15.00
1 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, many Avocet +2 chicks, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Plover, many Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Oystercatcher, 4+ Ringed Plover. Richard Shepherd.
Wednesday 07th May 2008
Hadleigh 11.25 - 11.30
3 Common Crane, soaring over London Road, Hadleigh in the thermals, heading in a northerly direction. Wonderful sight in the sunshine. Mike Sagrott.
Southend, North Road, 13.00 - 15.10
10 Swift flying above the BT building. Terry Priest.
Paglesham Lagoon, 18:20 to 20:10
1 Common Sandpiper (on Roach), 10 Great Crested Grebe (eight on Roach, two on lagoon), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Corn Bunting (along road in Paglesham), 2 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret (several), 1 Skylark. Paul Baker, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Tuesday 06th May 2008
Benfleet Creek, 06:50
5 Little Egret by Canvey road bridge/Benfleet station. John Wright (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11.00
2 Cuckoo flew over garden. David Selley.
Monday 05th may 2008
RSPB Rainham Marshes 07.30 - 09.00
Grasshopper Warbler singing west end opposite Tilda. Riverside: 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Dunlin, at least 1 Common Tern feeding on the river. Reserve: female Marsh Harrier quartering behind targets and a Cuckoo. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Rochford 08.00
9 Swift, 11 House Martin over North Street/Weir Pond Road. David Selley.
Two Tree Island, 08:45 to 11:45
2 Jackdaw, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel (pair), 41 Whitethroat, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Song Thrush (male was managing a few bubbling notes very similar to a Nightingale), 2 Swallow, 5 Swift, 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, , 1 Canada Goose, 2 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea island 09.00 - 13.00
12 Black-tailed Godwit, 30+ Shelduck, 50 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 12 Grey Plover, 3 Curlew, Plenty Oystercatcher, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 6+ Little Egret, lots of Yellow Wagtail, lots of Skylark, lots of Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet. Sue Haffenden.
Hadleigh Downs, 09:10 to 14:40
3 Sparrowhawk, 1 Harris's Hawk (no jesses, mobbed by crows), 1 Woodcock (circled just above trees south of Shipwright's Close entrance), 1 Nightingale (the 'new' one from yesterday), 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 12:30
2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawk (male & female), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Whitethroat. 10 Marsh Frog. John Wright (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 13:10
1 Little Egret over the garden. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 14.00
1 Black Tern (from the hide). Wayne Twelftree.
Langdon Hills Country Park 14.15 - 16.30
1 Red Kite (seen soaring above the tree line, heading towards Basildon), 1 male Bullfinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 3 Robin, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Swift, 1 Swallow, 1 female Kestrel (hunting), 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 4 Chiffchaff. Terry Priest.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 14:30
1 Whimbrel (heard from garden). John Wright (SOG).
North Crescent, Prittlewell, 22:15
1 Whimbrel flew over garden calling. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Sunday 04th May 2008
Weir Essex Record Office. 08.00 - 09.30
2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Common Tern. Sandford Mill Road 10.00 - 12.00: 12 or more Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap. Sue Haffenden.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:00 to 10:00
2 Turtle Dove, 1 Nightingale. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.15
Nightingale singing and showed well (through a scope) on opposite side of tinnerman's creek, near the western end of the old landfill site. Also 2 Turtle Dove, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Common Terns and a Hobby. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Two Tree Island (East), 09:30 to 11:30
1 Jackdaw (Island tick), 1 Whimbrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Kestrel (2 males +female), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 3 Little Egret, 1 House Martin, 2 Swift, 1 Cuckoo (male). 4 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Comma, 30+ Orange Tip 30. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 10:30
2 Wheatear, 4 Sanderling, 3 Blackcap, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 5 Swallow, 1 Little Egret. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Benfleet Downs 10.00 - 11.30
2 Nightingale, (one in same place, the other in thicket to left of gravel track 50-100 yds beyond seat under tree at top of field), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard soaring high up in distance. Numerous Whitethroat and Blackcap. Gordon Appleton.
Abberton Reservoir 10.00 - 14.00
2 Black-necked Grebe, 4 Hobby, Common Tern, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Nightingale, Many Whitethroat and Blackcap. Dave, Beryl Knight.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:00 to 13:00
7 Pochard, 2 Blackcap, 2 Tufted Duck, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Common Tern, 12 Lapwing, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting (singing), 4 Little Grebe, 5 Greenshank, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 8 Brown Hare. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 12:00 to 13:15
1 Willow Warbler (still by fishing lake), 1 Cetti's Warbler (still around wet area at bottom of valley), 2 Garden Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Rayleigh, 12:15
5 Swift 'screeming' overhead. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet/Hadleigh Downs 14.35 - 15.55
1 Common Buzzard (soaring very high close to the water tower, then headed towards Canvey flying across the downs, very impressive!), 1 female Kestrel, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker (male). Terry Priest.
Loughton 16.15
16+ Swift. Roy Elsom.
Hanningfield Reservoir 17.30
15 Black Tern. Dave, Beryl Knight.
Saturday 03rd May 2008
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 06.30 - 13.00
1 Common Buzzard soaring heading South 10am. 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethoat, 1 Garden Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Stock Dove. Also; Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Small white, Green-veined White, Orange-tip. Robin Peppiatt.
Gunners Park, 07:00 to 08:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat. 1 Common Lizard, 1 Slow-worm. John Wright (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 07.00 - 09.30
3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Black-necked Grebe, many Swift, 20 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Hobby, 1 Sedge Warbler. M.Bicknell.
Leigh on Sea, 08:10 to 08:15
3 Sparrowhawk circling over Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 10:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, 150 Sanderling (some in summer plumage), 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 3 Blackcap, 5 Swallow, 1 Swift, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.00 - 10.30
8 Common Sandpiper, 17 Black Tern, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, several Red-crested Pochard. Trevor Bufton.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:15 to 10:15
2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Ruff, 3 Little Egret, 9 Corn Bunting (singing males), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel. 8 Brown Hare. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 10:30 to 11:15
1 Nightingale (same place), 2 Adder, 1 Slow-worm, 4 Common Lizard. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Barling Pits, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Corn Bunting, 4 Little Grebe, 7 Sedge Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.30 - 12.30
1 Hobby, 9 Black Terns, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Black Swan, 1 Sparrowhawk. David Jobbins.
Wakering, 11:25
1 Hobby crossed road near Morley's. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:40 to 12:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, c.250 Oystercatcher. John Wright, Angie Baldock, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:00 to 15:15
6 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier (female), 1 Kestrel (male), 6 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Tern, 15 Skylark (singing), 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 25 Yellow Wagtail (approx), 6 Reed Bunting, 11 Corn Bunting (singing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Downs 14.15 - 16.45
From Chapel Lane carpark just down to the main valley and fields: 1 Kestrel perched in dead tree, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blackcap (male), 1 possible Hobby (only got a quick glimpse), 1 Whitethroat, 5 Jay. Terry Priest.
Loughton, Essex 15.25
6 Swift, feeding over Loughton, Essex. Roy Elsom.
Prittlewell, 15:30
15 Swift hawking above Roots Hall. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island, Pond Next to Golf Club/Boat Yard 16:00 - 16:30
Tufted Duck, male and female diving for food. Lee Trayler.
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 - 18:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Reed Bunting, at least 5 singing Reed Warbler, 1 female Bearded Tit collecting food, 1 pair of Kestrel mobbed and chased away a Peregrine from second pylon right of 'goalposts'. Very determined, even when it had a go back. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs, 18:15 to 18:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler still present. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 19:00 to 21:10
1 Long-tailed Duck (female still there), 4 Common Tern (investigating the rafts), 1 Cuckoo, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands
Female immature Merlin, Sparrowhawk - very large female along sea wall, Yellow Wagtails - at least 30 - they are everywhere on the island, Corn Bunting - ditto, Skylark - ditto, Wheatear 1. Wetlands Area: 1 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 40+ Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover - two pairs seem to have territory on the cockle capped island, 2 Turnstone, 4 Grey Plover, 14 Blacktailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, lots of Redshank and Oystercatcher, 3 Avocet, 4 Common Tern, 4 Little Tern, including one pair prospecting the island (lets hope they stay to breed!). Butts Hill Pond Canewdon: Turtle Dove, pair of Blackcap, pair of Lesser Whitethroat. Orange tip, Peacock and Large white, Grass snake. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 02nd May 2008
Two Tree Island 09:45 to 11:30
14 Brent Goose, 86 Avocet, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Swallow. David Lee.
Gunners Park, 11:00 to 12:30
3 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear, 3 Swallow, 1 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Eastwood, Snakes Lane 12.20 - 12.55
2 Sparrowhawk (pair, flying high above the sports centre in the thermals), 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Blue Tit. Terry Priest.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.45 - 16.00
6 Whimbrel, 4 Common Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, Avocet, 2 Shelduck, 2 Corn Bunting, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Little Egret, Perigrine (impressive fast dive from high altitude into a bush, emerged with prey), 2 Tufted Duck (rare here), Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, 4 Swallow, 6 Swift, Little Grebe, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Curlew, 6 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Gunners Park, 17:05 to 19:20
3 Wheatear, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Little Egret, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Blackcap, 5 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:30 to 20:15
1 Cuckoo, 8 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting, 1 Barn Owl (over Potton Is.). Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 20:25 to 21:00
2 Cuckoo, 3 Little Egret, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 01st May 2008
Cressing Temple, Near Braintree 08.30
Buzzard flew over and a Little Egret decided to join me for dinner at a local river in rivenhall at 12.30pm. M.Bicknell.
Wat Tyler Country Park 12.45 - 13.30
1 Hobby, 1 Greenshank, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Butterflies seen: 6 Orange Tips and 4 Green-veined Whites. Marc Outten RSPB.
Eastwood 13.00
Hobby,( Rayleigh Road, Nr Oakwood pub). Flew low and at great speed over rooftops, towards Belfairs direction. Les Costin.
Chelmsford, Essex Records Office 15.30
1 Whitethroat. 2 Grey wagtail. Sue Haffenden.
Two Tree Island East 16:00
Nightingale singing close to left of track 200m from gate. John Leeming.
Belton Hills, 18:25 to 18:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 19:30
2 Peregrine Falcon (male flew in with a pigeon and fed while female flew around calling). Don Petrie (SOG).
Basildon Golf Course 19.30 - 19.45
Nightingale singing in small copse adjacent to 8th fairway. Gary Clinton.
Hadleigh Downs 20.40 - 21.15
1 Tawny Owl, (heard and seen), 1 Nightingale, 1 Wren, 2 Robin. Terry Priest.