Bird Reports For May 2009
Sunday 31st May 2009
Rochford 07.00 - 07.30
About 20 Swift and 16 House Martin. The Swifts are visiting two usual nest sites, the House Martins have at least three new nests this year. David Selley.
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 12:15
1 Nightingale flew across path towards feeder, and then sang on and off, I later heard it singing close to the right hand side of the borrowdike, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing really well in scrub inside the fencing by the slip-way carpark, 25 Whitethroat, 4 Stonechat (2 adults & 2 juvs.), 6 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 1 Kestrel (male), 4 Swift, 2 Tufted Duck (pair in Borrowdike). 5 Painted Lady, 1 Small Heath. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:15 to 11:20
1 Buzzard flew NE. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III (Seal Trip) 12.00 - 14.30
Oystercatchers on nest with 3 eggs,6 Common Seal. Gary Dunn, Web Author.
Rochford Golf Course, 14:15 to 17:30
1 Blackcap (singing), 3 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Green Woodpecker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:15 to 18:45
1 Reed Bunting (singing), 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Painted Lady. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Billericay, Lake Meadows 20:30
1 Common Tern. Simon Hooker.
Canewdon, 21:40 to 22:00
1 Tawny Owl (on posts on road by bungalow on double bend @ TQ918,942, responded to calling). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Saturday 30th May 2009
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Egret, 4 Corn Bunting, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lapwing (pair), 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler (still by fishermans car park), 1 Brown Hare. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Common, 10:45 to 11:15
1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 House Martin, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Pits, 11:30 to 12:15
1 Hobby, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 4 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe. 1 Common Lizard. John Wright (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 12:45
1 adult Mediterranean Gull by Sealife Centre. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk low through garden in hot pursuit of Starling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III (Seal Trip) 16.00 - 18.40
Oystercatchers on nest with 3 eggs, 1 Curlew, 3 Grey heron, 2 Common Tern, Hobby across Roach, 6 Common Seal. Gary Dunn, Web Author.
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:20 to 18:00
1 Cuckoo, 50 Swift, 1 Black Swan. 1 Painted Lady, 1 Brown Argus, 4 Common Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 29th May 2009
Canewdon 15.47
Male Hen Harrier flying 20 feet above road between bungalow and Lion House. Gary Dunn.
Great Leighs Racecourse 16.00
2 Buzzard soaring over farmland next to racecourse. Diane Parsons.
Thursday 28th May 2009
South Woodham Ferrers, Bushy Hill (Radar Hill) 16.00 - 18.00
3 Buzzard circling together, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Jackdaw, 30+ Rook. Dawn James.
Wednesday 27th May 2009
Stock, Common Lane 15:00
1 Hobby. Don Wildish.
Tuesday 26th May 2009
Two Tree Island 10:30 - 14:00
Avocet (chick taken by magpie), Ringed Plover (incl. pair with 2 young), 3 Dunlin, Redshank, Lapwing, Shelduck, c.100 Oystercatcher, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Common Tern, Black-headed Gull (6 appear to be sitting on nests), 1 Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, 1-2 Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Swallow, Wren, Dunnock, Stonechat (male), Blackbird, Song Thrush, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting (6 males). Andrew Cox.
Laindon West 15:30 - 17:30
At least 10 Swift, 2 House Martin, 2 Buzzard. 30-40 Painted Lady. Andrew Cox.
Monday 25th May 2009
Barling Pits, 09:15 to 10:00
1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Tern, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Pochard (pair), 6 Whitethroat. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:10 to 10:30
1 Cuckoo, 2 Common Tern, 1 Cetti's Warbler (car park bushes adjacent to MOD road). John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Common, 10:35 to 11:15
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 House Martin. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:40 to 12:00
1 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:15 to 12:30
1 Grey Wagtail ('canal' by old pond), 1 Little Egret ('canal' by old pond), 1 Chiffchaff (by the old pond). John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 12:50 to 15:00
1 Marsh Harrier (moulting female, imm male seen yesterday.), 7 Little Tern (looking very interested in the eastern island), 4 Common Tern, 1200 Herring Gull (with a scattering of GBB), 67 Grey Plover, 50 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Dunlin, 7 Knot (3 in full summer plumage), 7 Turnstone (several in fine plumage), 1 Eider (imm male east of tower with Mallards!), 100 Painted Lady (counted in small clover patch at eastern end - overall many hundreds on the island), 30 Common Blue (also 3 Cream-spot Tiger moths). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow 13.30 - 15.30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Little Owl, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldfinch, 5 Swallow, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, 1 Pheasant. Jane Hale.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 15:00 to 15:15
3 Painted Lady in the garden. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 24th May 2009
Daws Heath, Little Havens, 06:00
11 Painted Lady on 100 metres of path so no doubt a lot more around. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 06.50 - 09.00
1 Grey Heron, 9 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck (pair), 1 Kestrel, 12 Redshank, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 8 Swallow, at least 20 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 5 Turtle Dove, 4 Cuckoo (at least 1 female), 2 Reed Bunting. David Selley.
Hadleigh Downs 07.00 - 08.00
13 Painted Lady butterflies all sighted along the bottom track from the castle towards Benfleet. Ellen Hume.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09.30 - 09.40
1 male Blackcap. 1 Painted Lady. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Two Tree Island (West), 10:15 to 10:45
2 Stonechat (pair), 161 Oystercatcher, 12 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Redshank, 5 Common Tern. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 10:45 to 12:45
1 Buzzard over the downs, flew west harried by crows, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Stonechat (female), 6 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Duck, 20 Reed Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Common Tern. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00 to 13:00
3 Painted Lady (there are hundreds in the county at the moment apparently). Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 15:30 to 18:00
7 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Marsh Harrier (both females, one missing inner primaries on both wings), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting (male), 6 Common Tern (3 pairs), 8 Painted Lady (some in good condition), 2 Common Blue, 2 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Small Heath. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Benfleet, 17:00 to 17:05
1 Hobby. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 18:30 to 19:00
6 Painted Lady in my garden on Nelson Road. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00 to 19:30
1 male Sparrowhawk hunting over garden, 2 Painted Lady. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 23rd May 2009
Two Tree Island (West), 07:15 to 08:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat (male), 3 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Bunting (inc. 2 fledged young), 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 15 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap. 1 Painted Lady. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:45 to 10:00
6 Grey Heron, 4 Reed Bunting, 10 Reed Warbler, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler. 4 Orange-tip, 1 Small Heath, 1 female Adder. John Wright (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 10.00 - 12.10
2 Shelduck, 18 Oystercatcher, 5 Little Egret, 3 Little Tern, 1 Common Tern, 2 Grey Heron one of which caught and ate a flatfish. 10 Common Seal including one which moved from the high tide haulout to the waters edge and appeared to drink like a dog for several minutes. I have never seen this behaviour before. Gary Dunn.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:30 to 11:30
2 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Hobby (Bowers Marsh), 1 Sparrowhawk, 16 Mute Swan (adults), 4 Reed Bunting, 10 Reed Warbler. 1 Wall. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 11:30 to 12:30
1 Hobby, 1 Willow Warbler. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canewdon 15.20
250+ Swift, 20 House Martin and a few Swallow feeding on a mass of insects over the rape field opposite Lambourne Hall. David Selley.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:35 to 18:30
7 Shelduck, 2 Common Tern, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Little Owl (by barn), 4 Whitethroat, 3 Corn Bunting. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Friday 22nd May 2009
Bowers Marshes, 07:15
From train between Benfleet and Pitsea: 1 Cuckoo in flight, 1 Little Egret. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Battlesbridge, 08:30
1 Little Egret flew west along River Crouch over old A130. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.00
Green Hairstreak butterfly (possible first record in Wat Tyler). Neil.
Hadleigh Marshes, 10:15 to 12:30
6 Reed Bunting (males), 25 Reed Warbler (males), 6 Linnet, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Pochard (2 male and 3 female), 2 Tufted Duck (pair), 2 Stonechat (male with juv.), 1 Northern Water Vole. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:15 to 17:20
3 Spotted Flycatcher in trees and bushes around car park area. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Stambridge, 21:10 to 21:20
1 Little Owl on wires opposite Cherry Tree PH. Peter Collins (SOG).
Rivers Crouch Seal Trip Aboard lady Essex III
17 Common Seal, 8 Whimbrel, 6 Little Tern, 4 Common Tern - one trailing fishing line but flying OK, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Oystercatchers, 1 Kittiwake reported by ferry passengers but not seen by me. Gary Dunn.
Thursday 21st May 2009
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.00 - 18.30
At least 3 Cuckoo (males + females). 1 Broad Bodied Chaser (male), 3 Four Spotted Chasers, 2 Common Blue Butterflies. Neil.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:10 to 14:25
1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Redshank, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Pochard. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 15.00 to 15.30
1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bearded Tit, 3 Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler (heard only). Les Costin.
Hadleigh Marshes, 17:10 to 17:15
1 Hobby, 3 Cuckoo. John Wright (SOG).
Hampton Barns, 19:00 to 20:00
Road to farm and back: 2 Turtle Dove (singing), 2 Common Tern (by fishing lakes), 1 Blackcap (singing), 6 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 19:30 to 21:00
1 Barn Owl (on Potton - viewed from Haven Point), 1 Yellow Wagtail (Haven Point), 8 Whimbrel (Haven Point), 4 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling from 8:45pm - 9pm - 200m SW of slipway), 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Fishing Trip Aboard The Lady Essex III
86 Seals seen yesterday during a fishing trip. 3 at different wrecks South of Foulness. At 16.45 44 hauled out on Foulness sand (a mix of Common and Grey ) at 16.48 a further 36 hauled out on the Buxey Sand. I think this is a personal record. 2 Fulmar at sea. Gary Dunn.
Wednesday 20th May 2009
Wat Tyler Country Park 09.00 - 16.00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Cuckoo (1 male + 1 female) heard. 2 Hairy Hawkers, 2 Four Spotted Chasers, Large Red Damselflies pairs, Azure Damselflies pairs, Blue Tailed Damselflies. Neil.
Two Tree Island 11:45 - 15:50
43 Avocet (including 9 chicks), 49 Oystercatcher, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Skylark, 1 Kestrel, 17 Shelduck (1 pair with 11 chicks), 5 Ringed Plover (1 pair with 3 young), 2 Canada Geese, 8 Redshank, 6 Common Tern, 1 Cormorant, 20+ Black Headed Gulls, 2 Moorhen, 2 Common Pheasant, 1 Dunnock. Dave Griffiths.
Wallasea Island 15.00 - 17.00
Wetlands car park to mast: 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Skylark, 8 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting. 10 or more Painted Lady of varying size and brightness. David Selley.
Battlesbridge, 15:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker over the old A130 near Rawreth. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Castle 15.50 - 15.55
1 Painted Lady butterfly seen along the saddleback by Hadleigh Castle. Ellen Hume.
Rayleigh Mount, 16:00 to 16:30
1 Painted Lady on flowers along road opposite Rayleigh station just before entrance to Rayleigh Mount. Paul Baker (SOG).
Maldon 16.30 to 18.00
1 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck (possibly 4). Kerry Cobey.
Southend, 20:00
1 Sparrowhawk over the Chase Fitness near Southend Hospital. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 19th May 2009
Essex Marina 17.45 - 18.30
2 Little Tern and 1 Common Tern constantly catching fish along the toe of the sea wall. Gary Dunn.
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:45 to 21:00
10 Heron, 10+ Swift, 15+ House Martin, 20+ Avocet, Green Woodpecker, numerous reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers, 3 Cetti's Warblers (heard), 30+ Shelduck, lots of the usual ducks and gulls, plus 4 water vole. Tim Bennett.
Two Tree Island
Redstart as you return from the furthest hide past where you can cross over to Hadleigh Castle at low tide, back towards the car park. Jill and John Warner.
Monday 18th May 2009
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 14:00 to 14:05
1 Painted Lady in garden. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Sunday 17th May 2009
South Fambridge 10.10 - 10.45
1 Red Kite - flew south across the Crouch then towards Hullbridge, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Swift, 2 Swallow. David Selley.
A127 Basildon 14:30
1 Kingfisher flying across road from Somerhill Garden Centre. Marion Burch.
Canvey Point, 18:15 to 19:30
83 Common Tern, 5 Little Tern, 4 Razorbill flew in and briefly landed on water at 19.05, then disappeared up-river returning past at 19.25. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 16th May 2009
Kelvedon, Essex 11:30
1 Common Buzzard. Stuart Turner.
Fairfax Drive/Westcliff Park Drive 17.30 - 17.35
1 male Sparrowhawk, flew directly in front of me as I was driving, taking interest in the newly fledged sparrows! Terry Priest.
Thursday 14th May 2009
Two Tree Island, 11:45 to 15:30
1 Cuckoo (male), 1 Sedge Warbler, 23 Whitethroat, 2 Stonechat (pair), 3 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Linnet, 2 Blackcap, 2 Common Tern, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Egret, 25 Redshank. 1 Northern Water Vole. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:45 to 18:10
4 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Lapwing (displaying). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
South Fambridge, 19:15 to 20:25
1 Little Egret, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Shelduck, 1 Cuckoo (heard). Peter Collins (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 20:00 to 20:30
1 Temminck's Stint. Simon Buckell (SOG).
Wednesday 13th May 2009
Hanningfield Reservoir 07:55 - 09:10
Little Tern at 8am, 21+ Black Tern, 10 Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 13:30
Seawatch from 12.10 to 13.15 where everything of interest was flying east: 1 Wheatear (bright female in reserve), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo (singing), 4 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Razorbill (at 12.25), 3 Little Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 14 Arctic Tern (2 groups of 7 at 12.20 and 13.00), 1 Little Gull (adult at 12.45), 28 Bar-tailed Godwit (single flock), 30 Common Tern (plus another 80+ distant 'commic' terns in small groups). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 16:45
All Terns flying strongly east: 5 Gannet, 3 Little Gull (all 1st summer), 3 Mediterranean Gull (adults), 272 Common Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Little Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, 13 Black Tern, 2 Guillemot, 3 Sanderling, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Egret. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:45 to 14:15
1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 54 Swift, 4 Swallow, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14.00 - 17.30
1 Oystercatcher, 4 Grey Plover 14.45 stayed only 5 minutes! 17 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, Alan Shearman RSPB.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:40 to 17:45
2 Grey Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Sanderling (summer plumage), 10 Grey Heron, 2 Common Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Tuesday 12th May 2009
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:00 to 07:10
1 Hobby headed north over A13, 3 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
West Horndon Station 08.45
2 Peregrine Falcon flying fairly low over station, seen from train. Neil.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:45 to 11:20
10 Swift, 1 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Barling Creek 11.45 - 12.30
Whimbrel, 1 Herring Gull, 6 Linnet, 4 Little Egret. John Wilson, Ruth Clark.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 15:45
1 Kittiwake, 28 Common Tern, 3 Little Tern, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Gunners Park 13.30 - 14.30
2 Cuckoo (pair) excellent views, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Cormorant, 1 Mistle Thrush. John wilson, Ruth Clark.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 17:25
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 11th May 2009
Tollesbury Wick Marshes 13.00
2 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Shoveler, 3 Cuckoo. Nigel Norton.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 15:00
1 Hobby flying north low over river, 1 Great Crested Grebe, c.60 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Tern, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 2 Razorbill flying east past Canvey Point at 13:25. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:45 to 18:15
1 Marsh Sandpiper. The bird flew onto the marsh at 17.45 and was observed feeding for 20 mins when it was chased by a Black-headed gull on to the saline lagoon, Alan Shearman then had it on the lagoon briefly before the it was again chased off by Black-headed gulls. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:30 to 19:30
1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 4 Sand Martin. Paul Baker, Mike Bailey, Neil Chambers, Mike Clarke, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 10th May 2009
Rochford 07.00 - 07.15
The Rochford House Martins are back - 11 over the hospital. David Selley.
Langdon Hills 09:00 - 12:00
1 adult Peregrine Falcon, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush. Andrew Cox.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 09:00 - 11:00
2 Linnet, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Whitethrout, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 3 Skylark, 1 Redshank, 4 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, 5 Avocet, 1 Cormorant, 1 Swallow, 2 Swift, 1 Coot, 2 Wood Pigeon. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:30 to 16:00
1 Dunlin (summer plumage), 4 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Corn Bunting, 5 Swallow, 1 Kestrel, 6 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs 14.50 - 17.20
4 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Bullfinch (pair), 1 Dunnock, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Woodcock, 1 Skylark, 4 Linnet, 1 male Merlin flying along marsh, 2 Kestrel, 4 Swallow. Terry Priest.
Paglesham Lagoon, 15:00 to 16:00
6 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Whitethroat (at least), 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Mistle Thrush (feeding young), 1 Little Egret (as before), 1 Turtle Dove (heard), 1 Cuckoo (heard), 2 Common Tern. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Wickford, Hodgsons Way, Shotgate 15.30
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing and showing well at times, in the hedge opposite my house! Has been there about a week now. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Barling Pits, 16:00 to 17:05
5 Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Swallow, 4 Swift, 1 Greenshank, 2 Skylark, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Wall, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Small White, 1 Orange-tip. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:20 to 19:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Wheatear (female), 1 Whimbrel, 2 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier (females), 2 Common Tern. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Rainham
Osprey reported at Launders Lane Fishing Lake, Rainham, could it be the same bird reported by Steve Wood on Southend Seafront on 5th May? Web Author.
Saturday 09th May 2009
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.10 - 12.05
Hobby, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Little Egret, 12 Common Whitethroat, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Mute Swan, Corn Bunting, Whimbrel, Common Tern, Swallow, 4 Shelduck, 3 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Friday 08th May 2009
Fossetts Park, 05:30 to 06:40
4 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Linnet, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Blackcap, 3 Swallow, 5 Swift. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.00 - 15.00
1 Blackcap, 5 Red-crested Pochard, a good number of Swift, Swallow and Sand Martin low over water. M.Jameson, M.Howell.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:45 to 15:00
4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Linnet, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 15 Shelduck, 2 Common Tern, 1 Kestrel. 6 Brown Hare on tip. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Common 15.15
2 Cetti's Warbler two calling. Pat Dandridge.
Wakering, Fleet Head 16.00
Cetti's Warbler one calling. Pat Dandridge.
Thursday 07th May 2009
Hockley 10.00
Swifts back over Broadlands Road Hockley - only three so far of regular group that return to this location every summer. Paul Dunt.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:00 to 10:40
5 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Common Tern, 20 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 10.00 to 14.30
2 Reed Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (full s.p.), 3 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank (full s.p), 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Shelduck, 10 Swallow, 6 Swift 2 Avocet, 2 Water Vole. David Shepherd.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:45 to 11:30
2 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank (full s.p.), 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 2 Swift. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17.30 - 18.30
4 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 14 Ringed Plover are new in. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wednesday 06th May 2009
RSPB Vange Marsh 07.15
Summer plumaged Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 2 Oystercatcher and a dozen Swift. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Hadleigh Downs 14.30 - 16.45
1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel (female), 5 Whitethroat, 2 lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale (close to rangers hut), 4 Chiffchaff 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Pheasant (male), 1 Yellowhammer (male, singing!), 2 Chaffinch (both males), 3 Blackcap (all males), 10+ Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. Terry Priest & Andrew Dutton.
Gunners Park, 14:40 to 15:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallow, 2 House Martin (flew over heading west), 1 Little Egret, 4 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Ashingdon, St. Andrew's Church 16.00 - 16.20
2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Swift, 2 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff. Also several Orange Tips and 1 Speckled Wood. David Selley.
Belton Hills 16.50
1 female Kestrel (hunting) excellent views and 1 Wren (singing). Terry Priest & Andrew Dutton.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:55 to 18:50
3 Swift, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warbler, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallow, 7 Corn Bunting, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Skylark, 8 Linnet. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 20:00 to 21:00
1 Nightingale (alerted by a friend - bird present for past couple of days ), 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming distantly, 2 Tawny Owl (at least two calling). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Tuesday 05th May 2009
Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 07:10 to 07:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Linnet, 2 Cetti's Warbler (possibly 3), 2 Swift. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Southend Seafront 08.05
Osprey being mobbed by a Crow by Royal hotel. Steve Wood.
Fordham, Colchester 13.00
Pair of Common Buzzard, 4 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch, 10 Swift, 14 Swallow, Grey Heron, 4 Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker (all seen whilst eating my lunch sitting in the car!). Nigel Norton.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13.50 - 15.15
Female Wigeon still, Peregrine low over 2pm heading north, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, Red Kite over heading north as I was leaving the reserve at 15.15. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Belton Way 19:30
5 Swift, 1 Kestrel. Daniel Baker.
Monday 04th May 2009
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 09:55
17 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wheatear (male in reserve), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Great Crested Grebe (on sea), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Little Egret, 1 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 09.15
1 Cuckoo calling whilst perched on the dead tree and then flew down into the buffer zone. Philippa Pitts.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Swift, 1 Greenshank, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult pair), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Swallow. 2 Orange-tip, 1 Wall. 2 Brown Hare. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Wigeon (female), 7 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 4 Swift, 1 Spotted Redshank (full s.p.), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Paul Griggs, Peter Collins (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:15 to 15:15
3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk (female, stooped and caught startling in mid-air), 1 Kestrel, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo (1 heard to south, other at Barling), 3 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Swallow, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear (female), 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard by fishponds and along approach road), 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 7 Corn Bunting. 2 Brown Hare. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:30
3 Cuckoo, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Turtle Dove. Paul Griggs, Peter Collins (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 13:20 to 14:40
1 Swallow, 6 Corn Bunting. 1 Brown Hare. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Chelmsford, Papermill Lock 14.00
1 Cuckoo, 3 Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting (male, female and 2 young ones), Whitethroat, 1 Green woodpecker on telegraph pole. Sue Haffenden.
Two Tree Island West 15.00
1 Cuckoo, 3 Avocet chicks. R Shepherd.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:00 to 15:25
1 Cuckoo (Heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (Heard), 1 Whimbrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Swallow, 4 Little Egret, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Whitethroat. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 17:00 to 18:10
4 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Swallow, 5 Corn Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel (male), 2 House Martin. 7 Brown Hare. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Sunday 03rd May 2009
Chelmsford, Farmland Around Sandon Mill 09.00 - 11.00
2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Mistle Thrush trying to chase off a Magpie. Sue Haffenden.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:30 to 16:40
1 Wood Sandpiper 
in South-west corner, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wigeon (female still present). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17.15
Wood Sandpiper still in SW corner at 17.15. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 18:40 - 18:45
Herring Gull, Jackdaw. Both new garden ticks on lawn together eating last night's naan bread. So much for wild bird food!. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Saturday 02nd May 2009
Wat Tyler Country Park (Dawn Chorus Walk) 05:00 - 07:00
2 Turtle Dove, 3 Cuckoo, 2 possibly 3 Nightingale, 4 Cetti's Warbler, Whitethroats were singing from nearly every bush! and 2+ Blackcap. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 06.00 - 18.00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Buzzard over 10am heading south, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Robin Peppiatt.
Benfleet Downs, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Bullfinch (male), 1 Nightingale, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Lea Valley / Epping Forest 11.00
1 Savi's Warbler (reeling and Showing well, late pm), 2 Raven (Over Galleyhill Wood from Holyfield Viewpoint), 1 Male Goshawk (attacking crow over Long Running, Epping), 3+ Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6+ Hobby, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, Several Swift, 5+ Cetti's Warbler, 10+ Nightingale, 5 Fallow Deer (Holyfield Viewpoint). No sign of Marsh Tit or Wood Warbler at Long Running. R.Clark.
Buxey Sands - Seal Trip Aboard Lady Essex III 12.00
51 Common Seal, 7 Atlantic Grey Seal, 2 Little Egret, Common Tern. Web Author. Kris Mee.
Eastwood, 16:25
1 Sparrowhawk over A127 / Progress Road junction. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend, 19:00 to 19:15
2 Swift over Bournemouth Park Road. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Friday 01st May 2009
Two Tree Island (West), 08:00
1 Cuckoo, 2 Swallow. Simon Watson (SOG).
Lower Dunton Road 11.30 - 12.00
Cuckoo calling. Gary Clinton.
Belton Hills, 12:30
2 Swift. Simon Watson (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17.15 - 18.20
Female Wigeon still, 1 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank moulting in to summer, 4 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Cuckoo. Alan Shearman RSPB.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 1 Snipe, 1 Wigeon (female), 7 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret. 1 Northern Water Vole. Paul Baker v
Benfleet Station, 18:20 to 18:25
2 House Martin. Simon Watson (SOG).
Belfairs N.R., 20:00 to 20:45
1 Chinese Muntjac. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).