Bird Reports for May 2010
Monday 31st May 2010
Hadleigh Country Park 07.40
1 Red Kite being harassed by two crows on eastern border of country park and farm. Flew up from apparently ground level and flew south-east towards the marshes being harried by the crows. Ellen Hume.
Southchurch Park East 08:55
Swifts feeding over the lake. Alec Beanse.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 11:45
1 Nightingale singing at the east end of the borrowdyke, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Cuckoo (pair), 15 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 16 Whitethroat, 8 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 23 Common Tern, 1 Gadwall. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:15 to 11:30
2 Whitethroat singing, 2 Blackcap singing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Swift over marshes, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull flew east over marshes, 1 Common Tern (Benfleet Creek). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer from Baddow Meads to Essex Record Office 10:30 to 11:00
6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 1 Grey Wagtail (male), 1 Green Woodpecker, c.100 Starling (large flock feeding on meadow), 3 Moorhen, 5 Magpie, 1 Black-headed Gull, 4 House Sparrow, 2 Robin, 1 Swift, 5+ Greenfinch, 2 Blackbird, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Collared Dove, numerous Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:40 to 12:50
1 Cuckoo singing, 2 Whitethroat singing, 1 Reed Bunting, 30 Swift, 10 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stow Maries 12:30
Pair of Red Kite flying over and around Prince of Wales pub. Apparently been seen regularly for past couple of weeks. Glenn Austin.
Burnham on Crouch 13:00
1 Red Kite heading east. Jim Cockram.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 13:30
6 Common Tern, 12 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 13:40 to 14:05
20 Swift. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Red Kite high over Hadleigh Downs drifting west. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 30th May 2010
Eastwood Sewage Farm 09:00 to 11:30
Lesser Whitethroat singing from bushes along footpath at back of Sewage Works, 2 Blackcap and several Stock Doves in adjoining Wood which are possibly breeding. Green Woodpecker heard, several Whitethroat in bushes near disused old drying beds. 5+ House Martin, 2 Swift. Jay with food, Pied Wagtail including a juvenile. Bob Johnson.
Benfleet Downs, 11:00 to 12:00
8 Chiffchaff, 10 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler in north east of horse field. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:15
1 Cuckoo seen in front of Holly Cottage hide. David Lee.
Southend Seafront, 14:00 to 16:00
2 adult Mediterranean Gull either side of pier. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 14:10 to 14:15
1 Red Kite low over marsh then headed north. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hadleigh, Dodds Grove, 15:00 - 15:15
1 male Sparrowhawk. 1 Heath Fritillary. Ellen Hume.
Blackwater Decoy Point 15:30
3 Barnacle geese flying towards Northy Island. Rich J.
Saturday 29th May 2010
Rochford, 07:00 to 07:40
26 House Martin with at least eight nests being visited, 10 Swift with two nest sights so far, 1 Grey Heron over the reservoir. David Selley.
Hockley Woods, 10:00 to 11:20
4 Heath Fritillary (plus caterpillars). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Southend, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Wagtail around High Street. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:30
From Point Hide: 5 male and 1 female Red-crested Pochard with 3 chicks. Bob Johnson.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:00 to 12:10
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder in garden, 3 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Friday 28th May 2010
Hadleigh Castle 09:25
2 Yellow Wagtail (1M, 1F). David Lee.
Two Tree Island (East), 20:15 to 21:25
2 Cuckoo (at least), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Linnet, 1 Jay, 2 Little Egret. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Thursday 27th May 2010
Leigh on Sea, Pall Mall 09.30
2 Jackdaw with juveniles nesting on chimney stack. Joy Hammond.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Swallow, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Mallard, Greenfinch, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Oystercatcher, Chaffinch, Whitethroat, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Moorhen, Little Egret, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Starling, Chiffchaff, Robin, Reed Bunting, Herring Gull, Canada Goose, Green Sandpiper, Lapwing, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Cuckoo (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 13:20 to 15:15
45+ Swallow (steady stream north), 5 Whitethroat, 5 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:30 to 15:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Turtle Dove flew across fleet just south of main hide, 4 Shoveler (3 males, 1 female), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Warbler (carrying faecal sac), 1 male Reed Bunting, 1 Lapwing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 25th May 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:00 to 13:00
On saline lagoon: 9 Avocet, 4 Shelduck, 3 Oystercatcher. On brackish lagoon: 20+ House Martin, Swift, Lapwing, 2 Common Tern, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Redshank, Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler. Also seen, Orange-Tip and Small Heath butterflies. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 15:15
9 Common Tern (east), 1 Sandwich Tern (east), 3 Little Tern (close in, east), 1 Little Egret, 1 Linnet, 1 Sparrowhawk (male, chasing Starling flock along road nr Point). Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 25th May 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 13.00 to 15.00
Saline Lagoon: 9 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Pochard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo. Brackish Lagoon: 6 Shoveler, 2 Common Tern, 2 Mute Swan, House Martin, Swallow. David Shepherd.
Canvey Point, 20:00 to 20:45
1 Guillemot flew east close in at 20:15, 2 Sandwich Tern, c.15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 24th May 2010
Hockley Woods, 07:15 to 08:30
1 Firecrest in large holly trees SW side, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch (car park), 2 Chiffchaff singing, 4 Blackcap singing, 3 Stock Dove singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canewdon, 07:30
1 Golden Oriole 
singing behind Butts Hill Pond briefly before moving off east - sadly not seen, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 2 Stock Dove in field behind pond. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 10:15 to 11:30
1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Stambridge, 10:20 to 10:30
2 Corn Bunting. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive, 10:22
Common Buzzard over garden heading south. Web Author, Kris Mee.
St Oysth, Old Sand Pits 10:30
Turtle Dove, very vocal. T.Thorneycroft.
Wallasea Wetlands, 11:00 to 11:30
1 female Marsh Harrier hunting south of car park, 6 Corn Bunting, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:50 to 12:50
2 Common Tern, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher. 8 Orange-tip. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 23rd May 2010
Rochford Golf Course, 09:00 to 12:00
3 Whitethroat singing, 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit singing over airport, 2 Swift. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 09:00 to 12:15
1 Nightingale heard from east end of borrowdyke, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 23 Whitethroat, 2 Cuckoo (male and female), 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 25 Common Tern, 1 male Kestrel, 8 Skylark, 1 male Stonechat. 1 Wall, 10 Orange-tip, 1 Northern Water Vole. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:00 to 12:30
2 Cuckoo (pair), 4 Little Grebe, 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler. 1 Northern Water Vole, 5 Small Heath. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:50
1 Red Kite mobbed by a Carrion Crow heading west. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:05 to 12:00
From marina mound following report of Red Kite: 1 Honey Buzzard flew in from Holehaven direction headed straight through over Vange Wick NW, 1 Peregrine Falcon (large presumably female bird hunting over Vange Wick), 1 Hobby (over the tip), 1 Sparrowhawk (thermalling high over Vange Wick/Fobbing), 2 Cetti's Warbler (one heard from the marina, one from main hide). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
2 Wall, 4 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Woodham Ferrers 11:00 to 14:00
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Cuckoo. Thomas Harris.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 13:30
1 Buzzard, 1 Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
Thundersley, 12:00 to 12:10
1 Red Kite over the Woodmans Pub, moving slowly east to west. Bob Young (SOG).
Laindon West 13:00 to 17:00
4 Red Kite, 3 south-east at 13:30 1 south 16:30. Also 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, many Swift, a few Swallows, 2 House Martin. Andrew Cox.
Ashingdon 14:15
3 Red Kite. Ken Tracy.
Hadleigh Downs, 14:40 to 16:40
Looking south over marshes/Canvey: 2 Hobby (several sightings over Round Hill and high over marshes), 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk (male half-heartedly displaying), 1 Common Tern (Benfleet Creek), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Honey Buzzard (circling westwards, probably over Canvey, at 15:10, but lost to view as it gained height/distance. Briefly mobbed by a second Buzzard sp. which then thermalled up and away; had assumed that the Honey had done the same). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:15 to 15:30
1 Honey Buzzard drifted through from the east heading west presumably the same bird seen 10 minutes earlier on Hadleigh Downs, 1 Turtle Dove on wires along landfill entrance road, 2 Lapwing. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 16:15 to 17:30
1 Buzzard, 1 male Stonechat. John Wright (SOG).
Saturday 22nd May 2010
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 08:20 to 08:40
1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well approx. 50 metres from gate, adjacent to rail line. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 12:10
From Landwick Gate to the Broomway: 4 Shelduck, 3 Cuckoo (males heard), 12 Skylark, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 14 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff heard, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Nightingale seen by level crossing - short burst of song then heard, 11 Swallow, 5 Greenfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Kestrel (male and female). Orange Tip and Peacock butterflies. David Selley.
Canvey Point 10:15 to 12:00
3 Little Egret, 10+ Oystercatcher, 20+ Brent Goose, 6 Curlew, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, 3 Greenshank, Skylark, 2 Cormorant, Grey Heron. Terry Jeffreys.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 10:30 to 11:35
4 Grey Partridge along central track pass the barns - 2 on grass track by large dirt mound watched sunbathing for 15 minutes and 2 flew over the water and onto cereal field from central track adjacent to the barns, 1 Little Owl on red trailer in front of barns, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:50 to 12:30
2 Grey Partridge, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Linnet. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Barling Pits, 12:00 to 12:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Pochard (pair), 2 Tufted Duck (pair), 2 Little Grebe. 1 Grass Snake. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 13:30 to 14:30
2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Fordham, Colchester 15:00
2 Red Kite. Jane and Gary Cleghorn.
Mountnessing, On Road to Padhams Green 17:50
1 Red Kite. Rick and Katie Milsom.
Friday 21st May 2010
Rochford 07:15 to 07:45
At least eight existing House Martin nests in the North St./ Malting Villas area were being occupied or refurbished this morning. David Selley.
Canvey Wick, 10:20 to 12:50
6 Cetti's Warbler (my highest count here), 27+ Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Kestrel (m+f), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Nightingale seen in the bushes it was singing from, 6 Linnet (3 pairs), 3 Green Woodpecker (at least), 3 Cuckoo, 4 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, 14 Reed Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler. 1 Common Lizard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 12:15
3 Cuckoo (1 male, 2 female). 2 Wall. Graham Ryland, Marc Outten (SOG).
Priory Park, 12:20 to 13:10
1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. 1 Smooth Newt, Large Red Damselfly. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer, between Record Office and Barnes Mill 16:00 to 18:00
1 male Grey Wagtail calling from sluice structure at Essex Record Office again, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 male Reed Bunting (one with insects for nestlings), 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Wren, 1 Jay, 2 Magpie, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, numerous Carrion Crow, Mallard, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island (East), 17:50 to 18:30
1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 55 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Greenshank. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 18:30 to 19:30
20 Common Tern (lagoon), 5 Stonechat (pair with 2 juveniles and a single male that was associating with the 'family'). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:00 to 20:45
2 Cuckoo, 10 Whitethroat, 20 Swift, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Nightingale (heard). Dave Knight, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Thursday 20th May 2010
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:00 to 11:00
10 Great Tit (3 adult + 7 juvenile), 8 Blue Tit (2 adult + 6 juvenile), 4 Robin (1 adukt + 3 juvenile) all in the garden this morning. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:40
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 2 Cetti's Warbler (singing and showing extremely well for about 5 minutes to right of Holly Cottage hide), Coot, 4 Little Grebe, Mallard, 4 Mute Swan, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, Wood Pigeon, Cuckoo, Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Green Woodpecker, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Moorhen, 2 Shelduck, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Magpie, House Sparrow, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, Great Tit, 11 Pochard, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:10 to 15:50
2 Corn Bunting, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Tufted Duck (3 males on main reservoir), 1 Grey Heron. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:05 to 16:45
2 Little Tern (pair, constantly calling to each other, one then landed on the water and the other brought it a small fish. Not seen this behaviour before presume it was pair bonding), c.15 Common Tern, 3 Linnet on the seawall. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canewdon Village, 17:45
1 Buzzard being mobbed by a crow. Mike Wright.
Wakering, 21:20
1 Little Owl on telegraph pole by Morley's Garden Centre. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 19th May 2010
Rayleigh, 08:00 to 09:00
1 Garden Warbler showing well, 3 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. 5 Orange-tip. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 08:30 to 08:40
1 Garden Warbler singing continually and showing well on occasions 50m - 100m in from gate on south side of railway line. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:30 to 09:15
2 Reed Warbler, 1 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 1 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:45 to 12:00
16 Shelduck flying around Sandpit Hill, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Hobby (a presumed pair flying together over round hill plus another 7 sightings of singles in 2 hours), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10+ Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 10+ Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler (the mixed songster which starts its song with some Chiffchaff notes is still present). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:55 to 11:40
3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lapwing, 5 Reed Warbler, 9 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Mute Swan (pair). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 12:00 to 12:25
1 Garden Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Barling, 20:15
1 Corn Bunting on wires on Shopland Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 19:00 to 20:15
1 Grey Partridge (heard only - called 4-5 times in quick succession at 19:50 from arable field c200m south of Potton bridge), 6 Red-legged Partridge (3 pairs), 2 Cuckoo singing, 2 Whitethroat singing, 2 Reed Warbler singing, 10 Corn Bunting singing, 8 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 20:25 to 21:00
3 Grey Partridge (a pair showing continually from 8:45 to 9pm on the seawall between Potton bridge and pond at Suttons Boatyard, viewed from MOD road and eventually flew to arable field on Fleet Head. Another single on the seawall and possibly another calling from arable field earlier, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo. Paul Baker, Marc Outten (SOG).
Tuesday 18th May 2010
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 06:50
1 Garden Warbler singing with great gusto for 10 minutes, giving good views, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. Robin Peppiatt.
Rochford 07:30 to 07:45
13 House Martin prospecting nest sites around the old hospital site, 6 Swift. David Selley.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 11:20 to 12:45
1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well along railway line, 1 Spotted Flycatcher in oaks along golf course edge by hole 4), 1 Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaff singing, 4 Blackcap. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:55 to 13:20
1 adult Woodchat Shrike seen in the area near the Red hill and second viewing screen. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:15 to 14:15
1 Cuckoo, 1 Woodchat Shrike on fence line and surrounding bushes near second hide/red hill. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
West Canvey Marsh 13:30
1 Woodchat Shrike. David Lee and Alan Shearman.
Gunners Park 14:30 to 15:45
3 Little Tern diving into the lake, Whimbrel on jetty, 7 Common Tern, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin, Mute Swan, Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area, 14:35 to 16:40
1 Garden Warbler (heard, probably two), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6+ Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff (unusual 'throaty' sounds between verses). 1 Orange-tip, 4 Speckled Wood. Vince Kinsler, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:10 to 15:45
1 Woodchat Shrike in bushes near red hill. Mike Bailey, Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:15 to 16:50
1 Woodchat Shrike, 1 Cuckoo (heard). Paul Baker, Peter Collins (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:00 to 19:15
1 female Woodchat Shrike on bushes between Red Hill and the hide. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:45 to 19:00
1 Woodchat Shrike still present and showing well. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 17th May 2010
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 08:47
Pair of Swift calling and mating on the wing over garden, the first time I have witnessed this. The pair, when mating, gave a very good impression of a Star Wars X-Wing fighter! Web Author.
Two Tree Island (East), 09:00 to 10:45
2 Swallow, 20+ Whitethroat, 1 Pheasant, 1 Nightingale heard south of feeders, 5 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Linnet, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:15 to 12:35
1 Cuckoo, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lapwing, 1 Corn Bunting, 7 Swallow, 1 Skylark, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Swift, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 2 Little Egret, 7 Shelduck, 3 Chaffinch. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Benfleet, 12:45
On outside lane of west bound A13: 1 Green Woodpecker (managed to avoid it but sadly hit by car behind me). Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:50 to 13:20
2 Sand Martin, 5 House Martin, 6 Little Grebe, 4 Shelduck, 4 Canada Goose (2 pairs with young), 1 Gadwall, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 White / Pied Wagtail. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:30 to 15:10
1 female Marsh Harrier over Bowers and railway, 1 Canada Goose (3 broods), 1 Greylag Goose on nest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:30 to 14:30
2 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Canada Goose, 5 Reed Warbler (1 seen, 4+ heard), 1 Lapwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Turtle Dove (heard). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 14:50 to 16:00
5 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Pheasant, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:15 to 15:45
3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper in creek, then saline lagoon, 1 Hobby. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 19:25
2 Nightingale (heard), 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 10+ Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Tufted Duck (pair), 1 Little Grebe, 10+ Swift, 3 Swallow. 1 Red Fox (a 3 legged individual. It looked like a proper amputation with no stump). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Sunday 16th May 2010
Thundersley, 06:40
1 Jackdaw opposite White Hart pub. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 07:00 to 12:00
1 Garden Warbler just east of feeders, north of track, showed briefly, sang for 10 minutes, 2 Greylag Goose back of reedy pool on south of track, 2 Cuckoo (pair), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Nightingale just east of feeders, one either side of track, 5 Blackcap, 44 Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 male Kestrel, 32 Linnet, 6 Wren, 12 Swift, 24 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 26 Common Tern, 14 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plover, 20 Oystercatcher, 5 Grey Heron, 4 Canada Goose, 1 1st year Mediterranean Gull. 1 Northern Water Vole on borrowdyke. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 09:00
1 Willow Warbler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler singing and giving good views high in oak 50 yds down path to left near gardens and over-head power cable. Robin Peppiatt.
Wakering Stairs, 09:00 to 10:45
1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale, 1 Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Kestrel, 2 Turtle Dove, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Skylark, 2 Little Egret, 19 Whitethroat. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:00 to 11:00
1 Linnet, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo (heard), Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Canada Goose, Skylark, Whitethrout, Swallow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Great Blacked Backed Gull, Magpie, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Carrien Crow, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Leigh on Sea, Eastwood Road 11:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding on mature oak tree. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:40 to 15:00
1 adult Gannet up river turned in bay and back towards pier, 1 breeding plumaged adult Guillemot on sea and then flew up river at 13:40. Steve Bunn (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:20 to 16:40
1 female Hobby flew west just offshore giving superb views, 1 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Willow Warbler singing from bushes by car park. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:20 to 18:10
1 Fulmar (upriver at 16:12), 18 Common Scoter (upriver at 15:45, then returned and landed off the point at 18:00), 2 Mediterranean Gull (Ad and 1st S), 1 Kittiwake (adult upriver), 3 Little Tern, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (near the point at high tide). Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 15th May 2010
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 10:00
1 Willow Warbler, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Bullfinch. Robin Peppiatt.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 08:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on fat ball in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:10 to 12:00
11 Avocet, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swan, Grey Heron, 3 Pochard, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Little Grebe, Blackcap, Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose. Also seen, the following butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Holly Blue and probably a Small Heath. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:20 to 11:30
4 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Hobby, 1 Wheatear, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Weasel, 2 Gadwall (pair). John Wright (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 11:00
2 Goldfinch on nyjer feeder. 1 Orange-tip. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 13:00
1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Turtle Dove, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 1 Orange-tip. John Wright (SOG).
Rayleigh (Over Carpenters Arms) 12:30
Single Red Kite being mobbed by gulls high over then joined by a second Kite. John Burfield.
Benfleet, 10:00
1 Hobby over my garden near station. Simon Watson (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 19:35
A female Mallard was shot dead by two 16 year old lads, with .22 Air rifle. I fished the duck out of the pond and pursued them across Southchurch Park, but they gave me the slip on the Kursaal Estate. Bob Dobinson.
Friday 14th May 2010
Gunners Park, 06:10 to 07:30
Dog chasing the Rabbits and Oystercatchers in reserve. 1 Cuckoo, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow Wagtail over, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16 Swallow. Mike Bailey (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 09:50 to 10:45
1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Cuckoo, several Shelduck. David Lee.
Two Tree Island (West), 11:30 to 12:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Common Tern on the lagoon, 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 adult Mediterranean Gull on the lagoon. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:30 to 14:50
Redshank, Pochard, 7 Avocet, Tufted Duck, 3 Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Stock Dove, Little Egret (all from saline lagoon). Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 18:40 to 20:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Skylark singing, 4 Coot (2 adults with 2 newly hatched chicks in pool by 1st screen). Mike Bailey (SOG).
Thursday 13th May 2010
Bicknacre 01:30
Nightingale heard to the south of White Elm Road. Peter Walker.
A127, About 200 Yards Outside Borough Boundary 02:45
Nightingale heard but not seen. Peter Walker.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Reed Warbler, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Starling, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cetti's Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Moorhen, Whitethroat, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Blackbird, Magpie, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Pochard, Coot, Herring Gull, Swallow, Marsh Harrier, Long-tailed Tit. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:40 to 12:00
1 female Marsh Harrier hunting in front of hide then landed in reeds in front of hide, 1 Turtle Dove purring by hide then flew across to telephone wires, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Oystercatcher, 8 Pochard, 1 Canada Goose with 8 young, 8 Pochard on nest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 12:40
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Whitethroat, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Blackbird, Magpie, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Stock Dove, Coot, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Moorhen, Cuckoo (heard), 3 Greylag Goose, Mallard, Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 2 Swallow, 2 Little Grebe, female Marsh Harrier being chased from right to left in a fly-past the museum hide!), Great Tit, Starling, Song Thrush. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh 13:00 to 16:15
Saline Lagoon: 20 Avocet, 3 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting. Brackish lagoon: 3 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Garganey, c.60 House Martin, c.30 Swallow, c.10 Swift, 1 female Marsh Harrier flew into reed bed next to wooden gate. David Shepherd.
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 20:10
12 Great Crested Grebe on the sea, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Black Redstart at east end of reserve, 1 Garden Warbler singing and seen from 18:50 behind the blue hoarding at the SE corner of Warrior Square on The Garrison, 1 Chiffchaff singing in the magazine trees, c.10 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:15 to 17:45
5 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale, 17 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Meadow Pipit (pair), 4 Linnet (2 pairs), 4 Skylark, 2 Little Egret, 2 Ringed Plover. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Great woods Nature Reserve 16:25
2 Tawny Owlets sitting high in a tree being given away by an agitated jay! Ellen Hume.
Benfleet Creek, 17:00
1 Wheatear on seawall between Benfleet and Leigh. Simon Watson (SOG).
Wednesday 12th May 2010
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 10:35
1 Buzzard flew quite low over my house then Belfairs Golf Course and further East. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Gunners Park 14:00 to 15:25
Osprey - stunning views, very close in. I felt a little sorry for it as it tried to catch a fish but was driven off, still flying low, by a Gull flock in a westerly direction (15.05). Also: 6 Swallow, Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe, Yellow Wagtail. Ray Fuller.
Hatfield Peverel (along River Ter) 14:00 to 16:00
2 Buzzard, 2 Bullfinch (pair), many Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk. Alec Martin.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 18.30
7 Jackdaw, around all day upsetting the nesting Starlings, were joined this evening by 3 Rook - very unusual here. David Selley.
Tuesday 11th May 2010
Two Tree Island, 08:00 to 10:10
50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Nightingale just east of feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 38 Whitethroat, 4 Skylark, 1 male Cuckoo, 1 male Kestrel, 10 Common Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Tufted Duck in borrowdyke, 2 House Martin, 1 Swift, 14 Swallow. 1 Weasel. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 11:30
From Shipwright's Close to south of Round Hill and back: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker, 12 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 15.00 to 18.00
Around park: Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Sparrowhawk. Scrape: c.30 swallow, 2 Avocet, 2 lapwing, 5 Pochard, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Greylag Geese with one young, 2 Canada Geese with ten young, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Turtle Dove heard at the boat museum. David Shepherd.
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:35 to 19:10
1 drake Garganey, flew into north-western corner for a while before flying into the south-western corner. Also 5 Pochard (3m, 2f), several male Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 1 or 2 Lapwing, many Swallow and House Martin with occasional Swift and Sand Martin. 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting. Reed and Sedge Warblers singing. Andrew Cox.
Monday 10th May 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 07:00 to 09:00
12 Whitethroat, 1 pair Blackcap, Reed Bunting, male Sparrowhawk (chasing a crow!), 3 Cetti's Warbler (1 seen, 2 heard). Also: Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler heard. Orange Tip, Green Veined and Large White butterflies, Scorpionflies. Neil Phillips.
Abberton Reservoir 07:30
Spoonbill in flight being chased by a Heron. Nigel Norton.
Pitsea Cemetery 07:55 to 08:10
Male Marsh Harrier quartering the dry area above marsh, fantastic views then disappeared south east. Gary Clinton.
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:20 to 11:35
5 House Martin, 4 Skylark, 6 Swift, 9 Whitethroat, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellowhammer singing, 2 Little Grebe on lake, 3 Blackcap, 2 Stock Dove (a pair), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:50 to 15:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Spotted Flycatcher in hedgerow along the path that leads to the scrape hide. The bird was mobile along the hedgerow, 1 Little Egret, 2 Lapwing. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Sunday 09th May 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:10 to 07:50
1 drake Garganey still present, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, c.40 Swallow, c.20 House Martin. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Point, 07:45 to 08:45
2 Little Tern feeding just offshore throughout, 20 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern flew east, 1 Grey Plover flew east, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit flew east, 1 Little Egret, 15 Swift flew across from Kent in 3 small groups, 3 Swallow flew north from Kent, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 08.15
1 male Cuckoo calling. Philippa Pitts.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 11:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 12:30 to 13:30
1 Cuckoo singing in a bush along main path from 2nd hide. Martin and Marie Singleton.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Little Grebe, many Whitethroat, Swallow and Swift around reserve. Andy Bridged.
Paglesham Lagoon, 18:15 to 20:10
11 Corn Bunting, 21 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Hobby, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone, 2 Common Tern, 1 Water Rail (briefly), c.10 Little Egret, 60 Swallow, 30 Swift, 40 House Martin, 12 Stock Dove, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe on Roach, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 08th May 2010
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 12:00
1 Turtle Dove flew through, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap singing, 2 Whitethroat singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Stock Dove singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:00 to 09:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 10:00 to 12:00
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Whitethroat, Robin, Chaffinch, Magpie, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Shelduck, 6 Skylark, 3 Linnet, Mallard, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler (heard), Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 13:45 to 14:45
1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at SW end, 1 Whitethroat singing, 20 House Martin feeding over lake and seawall, 1 Swift with House Martins, 2 Swallow, 20 Common Tern offshore, 1 Sandwich Tern offshore, 6 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 07th May 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park, 07:40 to 08:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Yellowhammer flew from Vange Wick and continued west, 1 Whimbrel in creek from marina, 1 Spotted Redshank (summer plumage in creek), 1 Greenshank in creek, 4 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 2 Blackcap (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Cuckoo (singing), 2 Reed Bunting (female + singing male), 2 Stock Dove. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Barton Hall Creek, 08:45 to 10:30
3 Green Woodpecker, 25 Swallow (including pair nest building), 8 Skylark, c.40 House Martin, 4 Mute Swan (two pairs including one pair on nest), 3 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lapwing, 1 Turtle Dove along tree line leading down to river just past very last barns and just past the large cockle shell mounds, 2 Yellow Wagtail (pair), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tufted Duck (pair on small reservoir just past chicken sheds). Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 10:45 to 12:00
1 Cuckoo, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Nightingale, 12 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 12:30 to 12:45
2 Marsh Harrier flying over Pitsea Marsh, viewed from the museum hide. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:30 to 15:00
1 Caspian Gull (1st year from the scrape hide briefly), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult summer flew over), 1 Great Crested Grebe. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 16:00
2 Hobby, Common Kestrel, 3 Shelduck. Thomas Harris.
Thursday 06th May 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park 05:00 to 07:00
Sightings on the RSPB Dawn Chorus walk: Cuckoo (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard), Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Robin, Kestrel, Chaffinch, Greenfinch (heard), Blackcap, Great Tit, Kestrel, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 2 Shelduck, 3 Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Grey Heron, Sedge Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 08:00 to 08:10
2 Turtle Dove south of motor boat museum hide, 2 Lapwing, 9 Swallow. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer from Baddow Meads to Town Centre 08:45 to 10:15
10 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Black-headed Gull, 8 Moorhen, 7 Mallard, 24 Feral Pigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 7 Woodpigeon, 4 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Wren, 6 House Sparrow, 36 Starling, 4 Greenfinch, 2 House Martin, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock. Paul Forsdick.
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 12:00
2 Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard high over the west end. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:40
Reed Warbler, Canada Goose, Little Grebe, Green Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Pochard, Tufted Duck, Whitethroat, Coot, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Lapwing, Chaffinch, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Magpie, Robin, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird. Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Brimstone butterflies. Large Red and Blue Tailed damselflies. David Lee.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 11:00 to 12:30
2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Skylark. Dave Cornwell.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:10 to 11:30
1 Little Grebe. Peter Collins (SOG).
Maldon 11:15
Peregrine Falcon. Thomas Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:15 to 12:45
3 Reed Warbler, 2 Lapwing, 2 Great Crested Grebe (pair on the reservoir), 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Greenshank, 4 Little Grebe. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:00 to 16:00
1 male Cuckoo calling, Turtle Dove calling. Blue-tailed Damselfly. Neil Phillips.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:45
1 Hobby over heading west. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:00 to 17:10
Little Grebe, 4 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby (adult, chasing hirundines, without success), 10 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 5 Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, many Swallow and House Martins, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road Area 18:15 to 19:10
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Common Tern, 2 Blackcap (singing), 4 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 05th May 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 06:20 to 07:15
4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Little Grebe. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:15 to 09:30
2 Black-necked Grebe still present western end of reservoir, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Whimbrel. Bob Young (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 15:45
1 Garden Warbler in bushes at the north end of the lagoon between the path to Jubilee Cottages and the main track by the small pumping generator hut, 200 Swallow, 70 House Martin, 150 Swift, 2 Mediterranean Gull (pair of excellent 2nd-summers), 5 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Temple Farm, 13:15 to 13:45
6 Skylark, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Long-tailed Tit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Basildon, Northlands Lake, 15:20 to 16:30
Drake Mandarin Duck, 2 Common Tern. Terry Jeffreys.
Two Tree Island, 17:55 to 19:00
2 Nightingale, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Swift, 1 Whimbrel. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Westcliff Seafront, 18:00 to 18:05
1 adult Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh
2 Black-necked Grebe, Greenshank. Dave Blackwell.
Tuesday 04th May 2010
Wat Tyler Country Park, 06:15 to 07:45
2 Cuckoo, 2 Bearded Tit (pair from south hide), 2 Turtle Dove (on wires south end of fleet), 22 Swallow moving through, 6 Cetti's Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:45 to 09:15
1 drake Garganey still present, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 15 House Martin. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:20 to 11:30
2 Avocet, 6 Canada Goose (one pair were with 6 goslings), Oystercatcher, Stock Dove, Cormorant, 20+ House Martin, 2 Shelduck, drake Garganey, Little Grebe, 2 Shoveler. Terry Jeffreys.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:35 to 10:10
2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Turtle Dove in tree right of scrape hide, 4 Reed Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:30 to 11:45
2 Black-necked Grebe (pair again present). John Wright (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:00
West end of the dam wall: about 30 Swift circling overhead. Also, just off and on the dam wall, 7 Red-crested Pochard (six drakes and one female). Clive Dobson.
Gunners Park 14.15
1 female Black Redstart in large tree and on picnic table on car park side of lake. Dave Cornwell.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 14:20
2 Black-necked Grebe (best from 2nd hide). Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:30 to 15:00
2 Black-necked Grebe still present, 1 Whimbrel. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 15:45
2 Black-necked Grebe (pair on main reservoir, feeding at the western end). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:00 to 18:00
Saline Lagoon: 3 Avocet, 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Shelduck. Reed Beds: 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard). Brackish lagoon: 4 Little Grebe, 5 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Gadwall. Large numbers of Swallow, House Martin and a few Swift. David Shepherd.
Southchurch Park East 16:05
Swan and four cygnets were heading back to the nest. Alec Beanse.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:10 to 16:25
2 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Swallow, 2 Lapwing, 6 Whitethroat. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:30 to 18:00
15 Whimbrel flew east, 1 Common Sandpiper on lake edge, 12 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 female Grey Wagtail by lake, 2 female Wheatear in the reserve, 6 House Martin feeding over the lake. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 16:35 to 17:50
5 Arctic Tern (feeding together 1650-1702hrs then upriver), 3 Gannet (sub-adults together), 28 Common Tern (plus 10 'comics' feeding around power stn Kent side), 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Egret, 8 Whimbrel (together flying north), 12 Swallow. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Monday 03rd May 2010
Southchurch East Park and Southchurch Park 10:00
5 Cygnets hatched in Southchurch Park East from 7 eggs, but 1 died overnight on nest. All 4 on pond this morning. 8 Cygnets hatched in Southchurch Park from 9 eggs, all on pond this morning. 2 Spotted Woodpeckers nesting in willow and poplar tree north of Southchurch Park East. Robert Dobinson.
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:00
1 immature Spoonbill flushed from borrowdyke at east end, flew out over Roach and lost to sight, 4 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier (female hunting over east end rape fields, another headed over wetland towards Burnham), 1 large sub adult female Peregrine Falcon south west corner, 2 Sparrowhawk (female near Grapnells, male near Lion Creek), 17 Whimbrel (small groups along salt marsh of wetlands), 8 House Martin (small party heading west along sea wall), 4 Swallow (Lion House meadow, 17 yesterday by caravan site entrance), 12 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Linnet, 5 Corn Bunting (singing birds), 2 Kestrel (hunting sea wall). Jeff Delve (SOG).
A130/Howe Green/Sandon Brook 10.50
1 Red Kite. Dudley Shayler.
Two Tree Island 11:00
Cuckoo in flight and perched, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Nightingale. Little Grebe. Sarah and Lucy Hubbies.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 11:30
1 drake Garganey feeding in the north east corner, 8 Canada Goose (pair + 6 young), 10 Swift, 20 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler singing, 4 Reed Bunting, 5 Reed Warbler singing, 2 Whitethroat, 1 female Kestrel, 1 Greenshank. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs 12:00 to 14:00
5 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 1 Cuckoo calling and up to 6 Lesser Whitethroat calling. Garden Warbler heard. Common Lizards and 1 female Adder. Steve Wood.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 12:00 to 13:30
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warbler (singing), 6 Swallow, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Red-legged Partridge (calling from tip), 1 Kestrel, 8 Skylark, 2 Little Grebe (pair), 2 Green Woodpecker, 12 Swift, 2 Canada Goose, 1 Little Egret, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 14 Corn Bunting (singing), 2 Stock Dove, 15 Linnet, 5 Meadow Pipit (several singing), 11 Whimbrel, 1 Pochard (female), 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Tern, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Sedge Warbler (singing). Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 12:50 to 16:10
3 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 House Martin flew south. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 30 Common Tern (c), 2 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Little Egret, 1 Turtle Dove (seen briefly flying along top of scrub midway towards Haven Point), 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Dunlin, 2 Skylark, 1 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 15:45 to 16:55
c.300 Oystercatcher on high tide roost, 55 Dunlin (one flock, about half in summer plumage), 8 Curlew, 5 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Corn Bunting singing. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 16:40 to 18:15
1 Red-rumped Swallow over lake with House Martins at 16.45 for 2 minutes then disappeared in a heavy shower, reappearing at 17.25, 10 House Martin, 3 Swift, 3 Great Crested Grebe offshore, 1 Common Sandpiper on lake. 1 Harbour Porpoise east offshore. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 19:50
1 Red-rumped Swallow showed well over lake, 10 House Martin, 1 Common Sandpiper on lake, 1 Little Egret, 1 Swallow, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Steve Arlow, Mike Bailey, Paul Baker, Neil Chambers, Jeff Delve, Ian Douch, Lee Ebbs, Paul Griggs, Vince Kinsler, Dave Knight, Marc Outten, Don Petrie, Dudley Shayler, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 19:00 to 19:10
Little Egret, 8 House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow. Web Author, Kris Mee.
Sunday 02nd May 2010
Prittle Brook, Leigh on Sea, 09:30
2 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 10:00 to 15:45
9 Gannet (8 adults, 1 3rd year), 1 Great Skua, 5 adult Kittiwake, 2 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 75 Common Tern (at least), 87 Swift mostly in small flocks, heading north, low over the river, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Whimbrel. 1 Harbour Porpoise quite close inshore, seen a number of times prior to high tide. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 01st May April 2010
Langdon Hills 09:00 to 13:00
1 Buzzard, 1 Nightingale. Andrew Cox.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:30
2 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southchurch Park East and Southchurch Park 10:00
Five Cygnets hatched in Southchurch Park and four in Southchurch Park East. Robert Dobinson.
Hadleigh Marshes, 10:00 to 11:00
5 Wheatear (4 males and a female), 5 Pochard (2 males and 3 females), 7 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 12:00
30 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 7 Wheatear in the reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Whitethroat, 2 Kestrel, 3 Swift, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:30
On the RSPB walk: Grey Heron, Lapwing, Coot, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Magpie, Starling, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, 2 Swift, Dunnock, Skylark, 2 Cuckoo (one seen and one heard), Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker (heard), Linnet, Shelduck, Pochard, 2 Gadwall, Canada Goose, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Little Egret, Kestrel, Pheasant (heard), 2 Curlew, 3 Swallow, Moorhen. Terry Jeffreys.
Hadleigh Downs, 11:00 to 11:45
1 male Wheatear, 9 Shelduck, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 11:30 to 11:35
5 Swift (first over garden), 1 Swallow. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 12:00
20 Swift. 1 Speckled Wood, 4 Holly Blue. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Downs 12:00
1 Hobby, 2 Swallow. Gordon Appleton.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:15 to 16:30
From scrape hide: 1 female Marsh Harrier hunting over Bowers Marsh, 2 Bearded Tit (elusive pair in front of scrape hide), 2 Cuckoo (both heard and seen flying near tip), 1 male Reed Bunting, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 6 Reed Warbler, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pochard, 12 Swallow, c.50 House Martin, 2 Lapwing. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir 15:00
Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Yellow Wagtail, Common Whitethroat, Swallow, Swift, Common Tern, Nightingale, Willow Warbler, Buzzard, Skylark. Thomas Harris.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:15 to 17:40
1 Cuckoo, 1 Whimbrel, 14 Greenshank, 1 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:00 to 18:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Nightingale, 2 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 18:35 to 19:15
3 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 4 Common Tern. John Wright (SOG).