Bird Reports for May 2011
Tuesday 31st 30th May 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 31/05/11
Rayleigh Mount, 14:30 to 15:15
1 female Mallard still with 6 young, 2 Song Thrush (inc. 1 singing), 3 Blackcap (inc. 1 juvenile), 1 Chiffchaff (still singing), 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 6 Jackdaw (flying west), 12 Rook (flying west). 1 Small White, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood. Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 30th May 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads to Little Baddow 07:00 to 11:00
Species seen on walk from Baddow Meads along river Chelmer to Little Baddow (Great Graces): Yellow Wagtail (at least seven individuals at Graces Walk cabbage fields inc. one gathering nest material), Blue Tit (with young), Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit (with young), Robin (with young), Blackbird (with young), Chaffinch (with young), Greenfinch (with young), Whitethroat (with young), Starling (with young), Moorhen (with young), Pheasant (with young), Yellowhammer, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Wren, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Swift, Swallow, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jay, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Mallard, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Skylark. Paul Forsdick.
Belhus Woods Country Park 10:30 to 13:30
1 Hobby, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Common Tern, 1 Cob Swan with 5 very young Cygnets (Pen still on nest), 1 Cetti's Warbler seen several times, 2 Redshank, several Reed Buntings, Whitethroat and Linnet. Wayne Twelftree.
Canvey Point, 10:45 to 11:45
95 Ringed Plover, 30 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 2 Linnet. 3 Large Skipper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 12:00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Mediterranean Gull (possibly 4), 2 Common Tern (possibly 4), 1 Cuckoo, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap (singing male), 8 Whitethroat, 9 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Little Baddow, Paper Mill Lock 11:30 to 15:00
1 Cuckoo seen, another 1 heard calling. 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Common Pheasant couple more heard, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer, 1 Chaffinch, many Blue Tit, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, 8 Swallow, 1 Mute Swan with 6 Cygnets, 3 Reed Warbler, many Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, 5 Collard Dove, 5 Moorhen with young, 10+ Mallard. Jane Hale.
Canvey Wick, 12:00 to 13:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo (1 singing), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 House Martin, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 6 Whitethroat (incl. 2 juveniles). 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 3 Large Skipper, 3 Green Hairstreak, 2 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue, 25 Meadow Brown. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 12:30
Carrion Crow over garden carrying quite a large Magpie chick hotly pursued by the Magpie pair. A huge cacophony with the Magpies screaming and other Crows joining in. Another example of Magpies not always getting it their own way! Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:35 to 13:45
2 Black-necked Grebe on reservoir viewed from road, 1 Little Egret. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 14:00 to 14:50
1 Little Egret, 2 Teal (pair), 10 Pochard, 140 Coot, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Cuckoo singing from old tip, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 2 Reed Bunting (singing). Also, a probable Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Moth which flew through. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 29th May 2011
Two Tree Island 06:30 to 08:10
2 Nightingale seen displaying really well, four others heard, 1 Sparrowhawk, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Cock Pheasant, possible Redstart, 2 Mediterranean Gull. 15+ Greenfinch by car park. Jim Linda Bailey.
Leigh on Sea, Park View drive 07:30 to 07:45
Male Great Spotted Woodpecker on sunflower hearts in garden. Web Author.
Stanford-Le-Hope 08:15
Hobby flying west over church yard and also a Ring-necked Parakeet which was flying around shrieking wildly because it was obviously trying to get away from the other bird. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:50 to 10:30
2 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Sand Martin, pair of Oystercatcher. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 11:30
2 Mediterranean Gull, 19 Avocet on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard including one away from usual habitat by horse paddock. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island (West), 10:00 to 12:00
68 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 19 Redshank, 18 Common Tern, 1 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:15 to 12:00
2 Little Egret (possible pair), 4 Shelduck, 4 Redshank, 12 Oystercatcher (including 4 brooding birds), 3 Curlew, 1 Common Tern, 5 Swallow, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 5 Linnet, 2 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
Rochford, Shopland Road 12:20
50+ Swift over the field by the fishing lake. David Selley.
Benfleet Downs, 15:00 to 16:00
2 Sparrowhawk. 4 Large Skipper, 1 Green Hairstreak (a first for the country park), 1 Meadow Brown. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:50 to 17:35
1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale (at east end), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat (all singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 22:40
1 Tawny Owl - female heard calling. David Selley.
Saturday 28th May 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 12:00
1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (only 3rd garden record), 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap , 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Swift, 2 Swallow, 2 Cuckoo (these seem to be doing well this year. I've seen or heard them nearly every day this May but only heard one last year. Still no Turtle Doves yet this year though! Robin Peppiatt.
Rochford Golf Course, 08:15 to 12:15
1 Mediterranean Gull flew over calling, 2 Swift, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 1 Skylark singing over airport, 8 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit singing over airport, 1 Mistle Thrush (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 19:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair on feeders on and off all day). Brian Baldock (SOG).
RSPB Canvey Marshes
2 Black-necked Grebe on the fleet by the first hides. Dave Blackwell.
Friday 27th May 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:40
6 Wren - 1 adult and 5 juveniles (or possibly 2 and 4) in the garden. David Selley.
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
Red Kite over Althorne-Woodham ridge, 1 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Barn Owl (Web Cam pair now have six owlets), 22 broods of Mallard (to date), one brood of Pochard. Provisional results of breeding survey (singing males or pairs): Skylark - 61, Meadow Pipit - 45, Reed Warbler - 65, Sedge Warbler - 45, Reed Bunting - 48. Graham Smith.
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:15 to 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Crossbill flew north, toward Belfairs N.R. at 14:55. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11:20
20 Swift flying south-west ahead of rain. David Selley.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 18:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding from feeder on and off during the day. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southchurch Parks
The Southchurch Park East Swans lost their last Cygnet overnight. She was sitting on it last night at 8.50pm but it was dead in the water by the front of the nest this morning - a very sad conclusion. There is a chance that her new male mate could be her son. As he has pinkish legs and it runs through the swans of this area genetically. Since his arrival, he has been acting very differently to other male Swans we have observed. Of the Seven eggs, two didn't hatch and one fell in the water. Of the four that did hatch, one was deformed, two small and one very small; In the past six years she has always had fat healthy cygnets. Lastly, the cygnet found dead on Saturday in Southchurch Park has a conclusion too - a dog walker called Linda has come forward. The Cygnet was attacked on the island at 6am Saturday morning, by a Crow, then a Magpie. Amazingly it put a fight up, but died where it fell. Nature at its worst this year. Bob Dobinson.
Thursday 26th May 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 18:45 to 20:30
2 Stock Dove, 35+ Swift in loose flock heading south-west, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker (incl. 1 drumming and 1 juvenile), 50+ House Martin in one group heading north-east, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 25th May 2011
Two Tree Island (West), 19:00 to 21:30
1 Ringed Plover, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 70 Black-headed Gull (lots of young seen), 42 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 2 Nightingale (heard - east side), 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 10 Whitethroat. Peter Collins (SOG).
Tuesday 24th May 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:40 to 10:50
1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Lapwing, 1 Cuckoo, 12 Swift, 8 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 3 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Peter Collins (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:20 to 12:00
1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 4 Avocet, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Peter Collins (SOG).
Tollesbury 18:00
1 male Peregrine Falcon stooping on my neighbours racing pigeons, what a spectacle, missed and flew off. Nigel Norton.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 20:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southchurch Parks
It is with much sadness that I have to update you all with the Swan and Cygnet situation in both Southchurch Parks. The Southchurch Park East Swans hatched 3 eggs only (from 7 eggs) last Tuesday evening. On Wednesday 11am, 1 Cygnet was seen struggling to get on the nest after their first swim on the lake. It didn't make it as there has not been enough rise and fall in the water level because of the low rainfall so the reeds that make the nest structure do not have enough give/softness in them for the Cygnets to climb up through. I did see the two remaining Cygnets at close quarters at 12.30am Sunday. They were the smallest Cygnets I have seen, in fact one was tiny. I didn't think it would survive and it couldn't make it back on the nest on Sunday evening. One of our Swan watchers saw it struggling. So she now has only one. The Southchurch Park Swans hatched 7 Cygnets from the 14th - 17th May. All looked good, but one started to look as if he was struggling on Thursday morning. He was a fighter, but died on the island Friday afternoon after a Magpie went after him. The 6 left looked just fine at 9.10pm Friday evening but after I got back from business at 6.00pm Saturday evening I was told another was missing on early that morning and no one could find him. I spotted him dead in the far NW corner of the island in the long grass - no idea of the cause. On Monday morning the remaining 5 looked just fine. But one of them started to go the same way of the first cygnet, the builders said it died on the island late afternoon. So now she has 4. I have heard all sorts of variations on why they died, but today i heard from a dog walker called Richard; He said yesterday morning at 5.30, he saw two Magpie's attacking the the 5 Cygnets. The male Swan was two busy chasing ducks. The female swan gathered them up under her wing, but Richard said the Magpies did peck some of the Cygnets. We lost Number 5 later that day and I think feel it is likely that's how No.6 died - from an attack. The first cygnet to die, was probably the last to hatch and I think was put on the pond too quick after hatching so got waterlogged. As they took over 3.5 days to hatch, the first to hatch would have been naturally waterproofed and the last not so protected. One last point, there is no doubt the lack of rain has affected the quality of the pond water. There has not been enough fresh water to dilute the salinity, in particular in Southchurch Park. Let's hope the other 5 cygnets make it. Bob Dobinson.
Monday 23rd May 2011
Rayleigh Mount, 08:25 to 09:00
1 female Mallard still with 6 young, 1 Blackcap (singing male), 2 Chiffchaff (singing males), 2 Rook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 10:20 to 10:35
1 Mallard (at least 3 broods), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 19:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding on and off all day from feeders, 4 Grey Wagtail (family party between Flemming Avenue and Tankerville Drive). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Hullbridge 19:10
1 Hobby near the Anchor Pub. David Chivers.
Sunday 22nd May 2011
Stanford-Le-Hope, Billet Lane/Corringham Road 08:00 to 08:15
Hobby going west at a low height. Richard Fahey.
Wat Tyler Country Park 09:00 to 10:00
2 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Avocet one flying over hide, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:00 t0 11:30
2 different sightings of probably the same Hobby, pair of Avocet on small lagoon, drake Teal, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 13:00
2 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Lapwing, 18 Swift, 2 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 13:15 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Avocet, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Bearded Tit. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Ongar 14:00
1 Red Kite. Nigel Trott.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:30 to 19:35
1 male Sparrowhawk took a House Sparrow, 1 Jay feeding on the ground under the feeders. Paul Baker (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 20:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeders in garden. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Chelmsford, Avon Road Allotments (Afternoon)
1 Red Kite. Andrew Stroud.
Saturday 21st May 2011
Rochford 07:15 to 07:45
5 Swift, 18 House Martin around nesting sites, 1 Starling doing a very convincing Green Woodpecker imitation. David Selley.
Southchurch Park East 08:20
Two surviving cygnets on Southchurch East taken across to the stream for a drink. Alec Beanse (see: http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/zuhmevlox/Southend/2011-Cygnets.jpg).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 10:00 to 11:45
1 Little Egret, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Linnet. 2 Small White, 1 Orange-tip, 14 Green Hairstreak, 1 Brown Argus, 9 Common Blue, 2 Wall. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mistle Thrush. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:15 to 12:30
1 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 Avocet, 6 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Turtle Dove flew over scrape, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 3 Bearded Tit. Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:50 to 13:15
1 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 4 Four-spotted Chaser, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, 1 Small Copper, 1 Small Heath. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Brentwood, South Weald Cricket Club, 12:30
1 Red kite drifted west over cricket ground and in to Weald Park (my fifth ever Essex Red Kite sighting and fourth during a cricket match!). Andrew Stroud.
Two Tree Island (East), 13:00 to 14:00
4 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale showed quite well just before feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:30 to 15:00
4 Avocet, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Large Red Damselfly, 20+ Azure Damselfly, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Four-spotted Chaser, 1 Green Hairstreak. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 15:30 to 17:30
2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Yellowhammer, 16 Banded Demoiselle (8m, 8f). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 18:20 to 20:00
1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Avocet, 2 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 19:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair feeding on feeders on and off all day). Brian Baldock (SOG).
Friday 20th May 2011
Rayleigh Mount, 08:25 to 09:10
1 Song Thrush, 5 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 12:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker collecting food from feeders on and off all day. 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Orange-tip. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park, 15:00 to 16:00
1 female Sparrowhawk with prey, 1 Hobby, 5 Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush. 31 Banded Demoiselle (17 males and 14 females all along the stream from the park lake to Cherry Orchard Way), 2 Orange-tip, 3 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Southend, Tesco's Car Park 15:40
1 Hobby over the RBS building. David Selley.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 17:20
1 adult Mediterranean Gull low over garden calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Thursday 19th May 2011
Maldon 07:35
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flying over Morrisons. Nigel Norton.
Paglesham Boatyard 08:27
Barn Owl flew in to boat shed. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
River Crouch 13:00 to 14:00
1 Curlew, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo heard, Mute Swan family by static home park with maybe 6 cygnets. Nikki.
Southchurch East 15:56
Swan on nest, some cygnets visible. One un-hatched egg in water in front of nest. The egg can be seen in this photo: http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/zuhmevlox/Southend/Cygnets--Egg.jpg. Alec Beanse.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 19:10 to 19:50
2 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 3 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 10 Swift, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin. Peter Collins (SOG).
Southchurch Park East
3 Cygnets hatched by Wednesday, one struggled to get back on nest Thursday morning, can be seen lying dead in water at front right of nest. 1 egg in water at front of nest. 2 eggs still visible but a third was seen still in nest on Thursday. 2 hatched cygnets looking good. Lets cross fingers for remaining 3 eggs. 1 Cygnet in Southchurch Park not looking good, maybe not waterproofed yet. Robert Dobinson.
Wednesday 18th May 2011
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 06:15 to 06:20
1st winter Mealy Redpoll made its regular early morning visit to our niger feeder. We only seem to see this bird first thing in the morning and then it disappears towards Belfairs. Web Author.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 08:00
2 Cuckoo, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Jay, 10 long-tailed Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Swift, 2 Rook, 1 Jackdaw. Robin Peppiatt.
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 10:30 to 15:00
Mallard - 12 broods seen, drake Garganey, female Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Barn Owl (webcam pair now have 5 owlets), 2 Mediterranean Gull, Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, 16 Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, 27 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, red phase female Cuckoo. 5 Cream Spot Tiger Moth. Graham Smith.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:10 to 13:40
6 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Gadwall, 6 Avocet, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Snipe (a late record), 40 Swift, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:00 to 16:15
4 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose, 21 Shelduck, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper on reservoir, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat. 1 Green Hairstreak along the Pantile track. First record for the reserve. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 20:30 to 21:30
1 female Mallard with 6 chicks still, 4 Song Thrush (possibly 2 pairs), 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 2 Common Pipistrelle (possibly 3), 2 Red Fox, 1 Badger. Paul Baker, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Southchurch Park
The Southchurch Park cygnets are all hatched now and on the water. There are seven in total and they took four days to hatch. The cygnets in Southchurch Park East started hatching at 8.30pm last night and, unusually, the male is sitting on them while they hatch which is something that I have not witnessed before. They have seven eggs, so we will see how many hatch. Bob Dobinson.
Tuesday 17th May 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park, 05:30 to 07:30
RSPB dawn chorus walk: 2 Stock Dove, 1 Turtle Dove (heard south end of the fleet), 1 Cuckoo, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 12+ Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Canewdon 07:15 to 07:45
2 Oystercatcher on pill box in the middle of the field opposite Lambourne Hall farm, 5 Swallow over the farm buildings, 2 Skylark, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting by the small farm pond - both singing, 2 House Martin checking out old nest site in village centre. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 10:00 to 12:30
2 Swift, 2 Cuckoo, Egyptian Goose, Quail 
(heard) on field to the left of dog walk. Hilary Knight.
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:00 to 13:05
Wheatear a very dark male, 3 Whimbrel, Great Crested Grebe, 9 Yellow Wagtail (some juveniles), c.30 Common Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Swift, 6 Swallow, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting, Little Egret, 3 Canada Goose, 5 Shelduck, 4 Curlew. Ray Fuller.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:00 to 17:50
1 Little Grebe on reservoir, 3 Little Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose in front of 2nd hide, 6 Tufted Duck on reservoir, 1 Quail singing frequently and showing well on occasions, 2 Mediterranean Gull flew over calling, 1 Cuckoo singing, 12 Swift low over reservoir, 8 Skylark (at least), 1 Sedge Warbler singing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, 2 Reed Bunting (pair feeding unseen young inside hawthorn bush). 2 Wall. Mike Bailey, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:00 to 17:20
1 Quail excellent bird showing well at times, 1 Cuckoo, 30 Swift, 17 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:25 to 17:50
1 Little Egret, 1 male Quail calling and occasionally showing well for prolonged periods, 1 male Cuckoo, 5 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:30 to 17:10
1 Quail calling frequently and showing well on occasions, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting (pair). Paul Baker (SOG).
Foulness Island 18:00
1 Marsh Harrier flying close up, 1 Little Egret, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 2 Common Pheasant, 6 Skylark, Cetti's Warbler singing on top of bush, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 Grey Wagtail. 5 Hare. A friend who lives on the island advised he saw a white stork or crane on the island last week (see entry for 10th May - Ed). Emily Broad.
Wakering, 18:35
1 Buzzard drifting over north. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, 19:30
1 Sparrowhawk over Clements Hall. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Park
Six Cygnets hatched from Saturday to Monday afternoon, still one or two eggs to hatch. Robert Dobinson.
Monday 16th May 2011
Chelmsford, Central Park Lake 07:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese. Sue Haffenden.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:10
1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11:30
1 Cuckoo - very good showing, perched on a bare tree. Steve Wall.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 17:00
1 Egyptian Goose. Dave Dives.
Sunday 15th May 2011
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 06:20 to 07:00
1 Mealy Redpoll now becoming a regular early morning visitor to niger seed in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 07:35 to 07:55
3 male Cuckoo (all singing) who apparently were all pursuing 1 female around the eastern side of the park. Two males then flew over towards Two Tree island. Ellen Hume.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
1 Little Grebe, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, , 3 Dunlin, 74 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 63+ Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 47+ Swift, 2 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail (pair), 3 Nightingale, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 21 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting. 1 Azure Damselfly, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Heath. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, Shoeburyness 09:45 to 10:15
1 Grey Heron, 2 Common Tern, 2 Tufted Duck. John Pitts.
South Fambridge 09:50 to 11:00
Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Bunting, female Marsh Harrier, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Canada Goose, Dunnock, Cuckoo, Wren, Chaffinch, Sedge Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 12:00
1 drake Garganey, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Avocet, 1 Greenshank, 1 Swift, 1 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Chelmsford, Hylands Park 17:30
2 Treecreeper taking food into crevice in bark of old oak tree situated near pond in main garden. Janice Bright.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:30 to 19:10
Main hide only: 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Avocet, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 1 Bearded Tit (heard), 1 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island 19:00
1 Great Tit taking food to young in nest (young heard) the nest it situated in end of the height barrier at the first entrance into the car park just over the bridge. Maggie Davis.
Saturday 14th May 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 13/05/11
Wat Tyler Country Park, 05:30 to 07:30
4 Cuckoo (inc. 1 female), 1 Nightingale singing on former county tip, heard from middle hide, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 6+ Reed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 10+ Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Wick, 07:15 to 09:50
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 female/immature Golden Oriole alighted briefly in trees along Northwick Road then flew off high south-west towards Fobbing/Coryton. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 07:20 to 07:30
1 Mealy Redpoll still in garden on niger seed. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Hadleigh Castle Country Park 07:30 to 08:10
2 male Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale heard then seen at the eastern end of the park. Ellen Hume.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 09:30 to 11:00
1 Garden Warbler along track by railway line, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. 1 female Broad-bodied Chaser. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 11:30 to 13:15
2 Little Egret, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, c.90 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover, c.75 Dunlin, 12 Skylark, 11 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Corn Bunting (singing). Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 House Martin, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wyatts Drive 18:00
Greater Spotted Woodpecker on bird bath in back garden. Alec Beanse.
Friday 13th May 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 06:00 to 07:00
1 Garden Warbler singing persistently, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk. Robin Peppiatt.
Leigh Creek, 08:00
3 Yellow Wagtail on seawall path opposite Two Tree Island. Simon Watson (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
15 Grey Heron (several young birds, probably from Fambridge Hall Wood colony), pair Teal, pair Wigeon, pair Snipe (mating), 45 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, female Marsh Harrier, 5 Buzzard, 2 Barn Owl (WebCam pair - see screen on barn in Blue House farmyard - have now hatched three of their six eggs, 1 Wheatear. Breeding waders badly hit this year by fox and crow predation. Graham Smith.
Rayleigh Mount, 10:20 to 11:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush (inc. 1 singing), 3 Blackcap (only 1 male singing now), 4 Chiffchaff (only 1 male singing now). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 19:10 to 20:45
Drake Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, 6 Avocet, Greenshank, 10 Swift, 6 Swallow, 4 Gadwall, Teal. Terry Jeffreys.
Wednesday 11th May 2011
Grays Media College, Hathaway Road 07:50
1 Sparrowhawk, 4+ Swift. Jessica French.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 09:00 to 10:25
2 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 5 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Little Owl tucked in the middle of the pallets on the back of the trailer by the barn, 7 Swallow, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Gunners Park 10:15
1 Cuckoo singing and showing well at top of a dead tree by the lagoon. John Pitts.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:15 to 12:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm 12:30 to 14:30
1 female Marsh Harrier, c.20 Avocet, 1 Greenshank, Spotted Redshank in summer plumage, still many Barnacle Geese, 3 Shoveler, many Pochard, 1 pair Teal. Paul Gymer.
Tuesday 10th May 2011
Rayleigh Mount, 09:05
1 female Mallard with 6 chicks, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East) 10:00 to 11:00
Nightingale east of feeders, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, 2 Whimbrel, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Thundersley, 12:45 to 12:50
1 Red Kite flying west mobbed by gulls. Bob Young (SOG).
Thundersley 15:30
1 Common Crane flying over garden pursued by 2 Crows and heading west. Mike Sagrott.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:25
2 Hobby together over house, presumed pair, 1 female Sparrowhawk thermalling at the same time as the Hobbies! Paul Baker (SOG).
Woodlands Road, Hockley 18:00
3 Swift swooping over garden flying towards Hockley Woods. DZ.
Two Tree Island, 18:00 to 21:00
1 Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 32 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Nightingale (heard), 1 Stonechat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Whitethroat, 20 Linnet on flying field. Peter Collins (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 18:40 to 18:50
1 female Mallard with 13 young at Ark Lane, 1 Little Owl flew from 'usual tree' along Ark Lane at the back of The Lawns, 2 Green Woodpecker (The Scrubs), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (The Scrubs). Paul Baker (SOG).
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:55 to 19:15
1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (all singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Monday 09th May 2011
Hockley Woods, 08:30 to 08:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Coal Tit. Paul Baker (SOG).
North Shoebury 08:54
House Martins having fist arrived over three weeks ago, disappeared but have this morning come back to reclaim nest site in garden. Terry Strong.
Canvey Wick, 10:00 to 12:30
1 Cuckoo, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting. 1 Common Lizard, 3 Hairy Dragonfly, 11 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Copper, 10 Brown Argus, 8 Common Blue, 5 Wall. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Sunday 08th May 2011
Rochford 07:15 to 07:30
9 Swift, 24 House Martin high over last year's sites. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 08:00 to 10:30
RSPB Local Group Walk: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall (pair), Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Whimbrel, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, c.20 Skylark, 2 Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Robin, Wheatear, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting. Web Author et al.
Wallasea Island, 08:30 to 10:30
6 Mallard, 2 Marsh Harrier (immature and adult female), 1 Avocet (flew west up Roach), 2 Whimbrel (up river), 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank (south borrow dyke), 15 Black-headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Stock Dove, 25 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit (one carrying faecal sac), 13 Yellow Wagtail (mostly in rape), 2 Sedge Warbler (singing in rape crop), 1 Reed Warbler (singing in rape crop at east end), 2 Whitethroat (song flight over rape crop), 3 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting (singing birds). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Pitsea 09:15 to 09:45
Nightingale heard behind Kerellys Cafe. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island, 09:40 to 12:40
10 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (very late for them), 1 Common Sandpiper on Lagoon, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Skylark, 1 Nightingale showed briefly east of feeders, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Bunting. 2 Brimstone, 1 Holly Blue. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hockley Woods, 09:55 to 11:25
3 female Sparrowhawk, 10 Swift over north-east side of wood, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Nuthatch calling in main clearing, 15 Jackdaw, 14 Crossbill (vocal flock of mostly females/immatures over edge of field at south-east corner of wood and flew west into wood). 1 Large White. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 09:55 to 13:00
2 Little Egret, 9 Shelduck, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Grey Partridge (heard yesterday, heard and seen today), Oystercatcher, 3 Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, 3 Turtle Dove (all at east end), 4 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker (heard), 6 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Nightingale (one by Stairs Rd, one behind the new scrape, one at far west end by perimeter fence), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, many Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 3 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting (singing males). David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:45 to 11:30
Drake Garganey, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Lesser whitethroat. John Atfield.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:20 to 12:00
1 drake Garganey north west corner. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:55 to 13:50
1 drake Garganey in north-west corner, 48 Coot, 4 Avocet (2 pairs on saline lagoon), 3 Greenshank along north side, 2 Common Sandpiper along north side, 30 Swift, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing). 1 Grass Snake, 6 Azure Damselfly, 4 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Green-veined White. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Rochford, 13:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby flew over garden whilst watching the MedGull), 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st-summer over garden), 5 Swift, 2 Holly Blue. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:25
1 Buzzard circling westwards distantly to the north-east, 1 Cuckoo (singing), 1 Bearded Tit (heard calling from hide). Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 14:40 to 16:15
1 Greenshank heard calling from Benfleet Creek, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Blackcap (singing), 4 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Whitethroat (at least singing), 1 Willow Warbler (near St Mary's Road entrance - same place as last year). 6 Smooth Newt (3 males), 15 Marsh Frog, 4 Common Lizard, 1 Slow-worm, 5 Large Red Damselfly, 15 Azure Damselfly, 20 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Hairy Dragonfly, 2 Four-spotted Chaser, 10 Broad-bodied Chaser, 5 Common Blue, 2 Comma, 1 Wall. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:00 to 16:45
8 Whimbrel, 14 Common Tern, 2 Turtle Dove (Haven Point), 1 Nightingale, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13+ Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:00 to 17:00
4 Little Egret, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Whimbrel, 10+ Yellow Wagtail, 10+ Corn Bunting. Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:30 to 17:15
1 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 17:00 to 18:00
1 Marsh Harrier (creamy headed immature), 1 Hen Harrier (immature ringtail (rufous underparts) hunting along east wall), 49 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover, 41 Dunlin (most in summer plumage), 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Arctic Tern (fishing near eastern breach - sometimes mobbed by the Little Terns), 2 Little Tern. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 17:10 to 17:20
Mealy Redpoll in garden on nyger feeder (impression was of a slightly chunkier bird than our usual Lessers and much paler), 15 Swift over Belfairs Woods. Kris Mee, Web Author
Saturday 07th May 2011
Priory Park 11:00
Cuckoo, heard (not seen) in Priory Park. I heard it quite distinctly from St. Benet's Road - it called 4 times. I've never before heard one anywhere near the Park (lived in the area and walked in the park for about 30 years). Peter Walker.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 12:30
4 adult summer Mediterranean Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 12:00 to 14:10
1 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults and 1 2nd summer), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Writtle Park Farm 12:50
Honey Buzzards soaring over fields. Cleve Bull.
Benfleet, 13:30 to 13:35
1 Sparrowhawk over garden, 5 Swift over garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 14:00 to 16:30
RSPB Wallasea Wander Guided Walk: 1 Merlin (distant bird chasing skylark over centre of island), c.30 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover, c.50 Dunlin, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Whimbrel (flocks of 12 and 8, including 4 feeding on the sea wall path), 2 Curlew, c.20 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 30+ Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warbler (singing birds along edge of rape), 2 Whitethroat, 20 Linnet (flock near mast), c.25 Corn Bunting (singing birds). 1 Green-veined White, 1 Orange-tip, 1 Common Blue (major hatch on sea wall), 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Small Heath. Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:25 to 17:55
1 drake Garganey close in along north side, 2 Avocet, 2 Grey Plover on saline lagoon, including 1 in full summer plumage, 7 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 male White Wagtail in north-east corner, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 17:00 to 17:05
Bought a new feeder today and within 15 minutes of putting it out we had our first bird – a Redpoll! The bird looked much brighter than the Lesser Redpolls that we had in the winter and we are pretty sure that this was a Mealy Redpoll. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Rochford, 17:00 to 17:10
1 Peregrine Falcon north over garden, 1 adult summer Mediterranean Gull south over garden, 10 Swift (at least), 1 Swallow. Steve Arlowrlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 06th May 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 07:00 to 09:00
1 Cuckoo (seen and heard), 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Rook, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Heron, 4 Goldfinch. Robin Peppiatt.
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 18:30
3 Cuckoo (1 female, 2 male) 5+ Whitethroat, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler ( 1 seen 3 others heard). Also: 2 Hairy Hawkers, 15+ Llarge Red Damselflies (10 in ovipositing pairs), 1 pair of Azure Damselflies (+1 teneral), 5+ Broad Bodied Chasers. Neil Phillips (http://my.opera.com/Ukwildlife/Tweets/).
Hockley Woods, 08:20 to 08:45
1 large female Sparrowhawk with missing tail feathers again, doing it's best to look like something other than a Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Skylark. Paul Baker (SOG).
Blue House Farm, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
Garganey, Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, 2 Barn Owl, Mediterranean Gull, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, 90 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Wheatear. Graham Smith.
RSPB Vange Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Common Tern, 2 Swallow. Hilary Knight.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00 to 14:00
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin over the Western Approaches colony. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh, 15:00
1 female Sparrowhawk over A127 just west of Weir. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 15:15 to 16:15
2 Little Grebe (pair with 1 young), 1 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan (pair on a nest), 2 Greylag Goose (pair with 6 young), 2 Canada Goose (pair with several young), 3 Teal, 8 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Avocet, 4 adult summer Mediterranean Gull, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on scrape, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 16:25 to 17:15
2 Canada Goose (pair with 8 young), 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thorpe Bay, 16:45 to 17:30
1 Kestrel, 3 Swift, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Goldcrest. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:20 to 18:00
5 Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler (inc. 1 seen well by the hide). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:45 to 19:00
1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 5 Whimbrel (3 + 2 flying over heading north-east), 6 Greenshank (1 flying over north, 5 in south-west borrow dyke), 1 Common Sandpiper (south-west Borrowdyke), 20 Yellow Wagtail (at least, everywhere), 1 Sedge Warbler in song from rape crop at east end, 1 Reed Warbler in song from rape crop at east end, 1 Whitethroat in bramble and edge of rape at east end of road, 8 Reed Bunting (singing males), 15 Corn Bunting (singing birds). 1 Red Fox in crop near marina, posing nicely! Jeff Delve (SOG).
Basildon, Herondale 18:00
4 Swift over my house. Terry Jeffreys.
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road, 18:10 to 19:20
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Blackcap (singing), 1 Garden Warbler (singing along railway), 3 Whitethroat (singing), 3 Chiffchaff (2 singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh, 18:15
1 male Sparrowhawk with prey by A130 / A127. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 18:30
1 male Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Pitsea, 21:15
Start of track opposite railway station car park: 1 Nightingale. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Thursday 05th May 2011
Rayleigh, 08:15
2 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).
Priory Park, 13:00
c.40 Swift with small numbers all over Southend area today. Looks like today was the day they returned. Paul Baker (SOG).
Radar Hill 12:10
2 Turtle Dove, 1 seen another heard purring near the bluebell woods. Dawn James.
Two Tree Island (East), 16:00 to 17:00
2 Little Grebe, 3 Whimbrel at east point, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Nightingale singing at east point, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Paul Baker (SOG).
Edwards Hall Park, 16:45 to 17:15
1 Buzzard over north, drifting west, 2 Hobby, 15 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, c.20 Swallow, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 20:00 to 21:10
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Nightingale on the approach road, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat. 1 Badger, 15+ Rabbit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 04th May 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 female Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:20
1 Hobby. David Selley.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:20 to 16:35
1 1st winter Iceland Gull, 1 Cuckoo. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 16:30
1 1st winter Iceland Gull on the scrape. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:05 to 18:35
1 Iceland Gull (on scrape), 1 Turtle Dove purring from wires over fleet north of hide, 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 2 Reed Warbler (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 03rd May 2011
Rayleigh Mount, 08:15 to 09:00
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Waxwing (a vocal flock together in tall trees), 1 Swift flying behind the Waxwings - a rare double act! 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Jay, 4 Rook. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:20 to 11:00
2 drake Garganey, 2 Common Tern, 4 Wood Sandpiper. Terry Jeffreys.
Hockley Woods, 18:10 to 18:55
1 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Robin (recently fledged juvenile), 1 Coal Tit, 2 Nuthatch. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:20 to 18:45
1 1st winter Iceland Gull preening on central island. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Monday 02nd May 2011
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive, 07:29
3 Swift over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Southchurch Park East 08:30
2 Canada Geese chased off pond by resident male Swan. 9,5 and 2 sets of ducklings, not being bothered by other wildfowl. Robert Dobinson.
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 09:50
1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:00 to 12:30
1 drake Garganey (NE corner), 4 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper (NW corner), 2 Common Sandpiper (on saline lagoon), 1 White Wagtail (male NW corner), 2 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11:00 to 12:45
2 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove (possibly 2), 4 Common Tern, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 3 House Martin (arrived with 6 of the Swallows over Morrin's Point), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, many Common Whitethroat, many Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet. David Selley.
Two Tree Island 12:30 to 15:00
10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Nightingale, 1 male Stonechat. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island (West), 13:30 to 14:30
5 Dunlin, 58 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 60 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (reeling north of toy plane airstrip). John Wright (SOG).
Stanford le Hope, Southend Road 14:00
1 Hobby. Jim Cockram.
Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 16:50
75 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st cy), 59 Common Tern (including two birds with almost completely dark bills), 1 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail (heard), 2 Stonechat (pair). Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:30 to 16:00
c.60 Common Tern (inc. 2 birds with near all dark bills). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:35 to 16:55
2 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Garganey (drake initially in reeds along E side, then moved to NE corner where it showed very well), 10 Pochard, 1 Hobby, 1 Avocet, , 3 Spotted Redshank, 7 Wood Sandpiper (5 together in NE corner, 2 half way along N side), 1 Common Tern, 1 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 20 House Martin, 1 White Wagtail (with Pieds in NW corner), 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 16:40
1 Night Heron still in Egret roost, viewable from central track, Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 17:30
1 Garganey, 8 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:45 to 19:00
1 Circus sp. seen briefly over the south sea wall, an apparently narrow winged ringtail was probably a Montagu's, 1 Hobby, 1 Swift, 5+ Yellow Wagtail. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:10 to 18:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 1 Swift, 4 House Martin, 1 White Wagtail. Peter Collins (SOG).
Sunday 01st May 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:30 to 10:30
6 Whimbrel (over calling), 3 Spotted Redshank (on fresh marsh), 8 Wood Sandpiper (on fresh marsh), 3 Common Sandpiper (on saline lagoon), 4 Common Tern. Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Rochford Golf Course, 08:30 to 12:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap (singing), 3 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:50 to 09:10
3 Spotted Redshank, 6 Wood Sandpiper (NW corner of the fresh marsh, 8 reported at 07.30), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island 09:00 to 12:00
c.30 Brent Geese, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Mediterranean Gull, At Least 70 Common Tern, 1 Roseate Tern on western lagoon with commons, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Nightingale. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:10
14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Ringed Plover, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper (2 on old sewage works and 1 on borrowdyke), 1 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 53 Common Tern, 2 Nightingale, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 32 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wallasea Island 10:30 to 11:40
2 Little Egret, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Crouch, 1 Canada Goose flew up from the rape field, 8 Shelduck, 8 Curlew, 7 Swallow (5 around Grapnells, 2 over the island), 5 Stock Dove, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Skylark, 6 Corn Bunting. 1 Adder basking on the footpath up from the car park. David Selley.
Daws Heath, 11:00
2 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:30 to 12:00
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00
2 Sparrowhawk in, through and over the garden on 3 occasions today! Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:20 to 13:30
1 Red-throated Diver still in winter plumage, fishing close to the barge pier throughout, 30 Bar-tailed Godwit (flocks of 20+, 6+ and 4 flew east), 1 adult Kittiwake flew east close in, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail in reserve, 1 Blackcap (singing), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 8 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 13:30
4 Whimbrel, 2 Spotted Redshank, 8 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 10 Swift, 1 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Stow Marsh 12:30 to 16:00
6 Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 6 Whimbrel. Hairy Dragonfly, Emperor Dragonfly. Alan Shearring (EWT).
Chelmsford, Sandford Mill 15:00
2 Common Tern fishing over Sanford Mill, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker going into nest in tree. Sue Haffenden.
Hockley Woods 17:00
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in trees behind the driving range. DZ.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:30 to 16:35
8 Wood Sandpiper on freshwater lagoon from west viewing mound, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk over Wat Tyler CP, group of c.20 Hirundines incl. 6+ House Martin, 3+ Sand Martins, 2+ Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo (heard calling from Wat Tyler CP), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard only). Ian White.
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 18:00
1 Swift. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 19:30 to 20:15
On main path to old sewerage works: 3 Greenfinch, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 50+ Wood Pigeon, 6 Blackbird. Rob Harris.