Bird Reports for May 2013

Friday 31st May 2013north westerly, scattered clouds, max20°c    

RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:15 to 15:20
Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Linnet, lots of Swift, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Magpie, Redshank, Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Little Egret, Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, Cormorant, Greylag an d Canada Geese, Mute Swan. 2 Holly Blue, lots of Small White, Glow Worm, 4 Marsh Frog, Spider (Tetragnatha extensa). Chris Henry.

Private Land Near Crays Hill 10:00
Male Bulfinch. G. Dixon.

EWT Blue House Farm 10:15 to 17:00
9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 drake Teal, few pairs Mallard, many Redshank, 2 Kestrel, c.10 Little Egret, 2 pair Lapwing (1 chick each pair), 2 Grey Heron, 1 pair Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler, 6 Mute Swan, nesting Black-headed Gull, c.18 Oystercatcher, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 pair common Tern, 3 male Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler heard, 100+ Starling with many juveniles, 2 Little Grebe, c.30 Swift, 6 Swallow, c.30 Shelduck, 2 Goldfinch, Chaffinch, 6 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit. David & Brenda Hale.

RSPB Wallasea Island 12:45 to 13:50
1 Jay, 12 Black-headed Gull, 2 Pheasant, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 8 Corn Bunting, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Shelduck, 14 Herring Gull, 1 Goldfinch, 15 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 7 Starling, 1 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 1 Swallow. Rob Harris.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 18:18 to 20:45
1 female Marsh Harrier passed north over Coryton, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew and 6 Avocet on lagoon, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 1 drake Pochard at Coryton, 1 Oystercatcher, pair of Lapwing displaying. Richard Fahey.

South Fambridge 20:00 to 21:20
4 Shelduck, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Swift, 47 Swallow - all single birds flying north-east over the Crouch and looking very much like late migration still happening, 3 House Martin - also north east over Crouch, 2 Song Thrush. 3 Pipistrelle. David Selley.

Thursday 30th May 2013northerly, mostly cloudy, max14°c    

Southend Hospital 16:00 to 18:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on chimney. Jerry Stock.

Wednesday 29th May 2013north westerly, light rain, max13°c    

Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 15:00
2 Cuckoo, many Reed Warbler, 1 pair Reed Bunting, 1 Wren, many Swift, few House Martin, 31 Avocet and 3 chicks, Coot with 1 chick, 1 pair Canada Geese with 3 gosling, 1 pair Greylag Geese with 2 gosling, 2 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Tern, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd winter bird with an adult), 4 Lapwing. David & Brenda Hale.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 14:00 to 14:30
3 Tufted Duck, 30+ Mallard, 6 Pochard, 3 Magpie, 12 Common Crow, 30+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag, 14 Coot, 200+ Swift, 40+ Black-headed Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 12 Cormorant, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

Private Land Near Crays Hill 18:10
Hobby flew over low heading East. G. Dixon.

Southchurch Park East 20:40
1 drake Garganey in water south west area of low reed bed, 50ft away and seen clearly. Robert Dobinson.

Tuesday 28th May 2013variable, light rain, max13°c    

Wat Tyler Country Park 12:00
44 Avocet (3 chicks), 5 Common Tern, 7 Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Shepherd.

Wat Tyler Country Park 19:30
1 Cuckoo, 5 Avocet chicks, 2 Common Tern. Pete Jackson.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 19:30 to 20:00
3 Tufted Duck, 30+ Mallard, 1 Egyptian Goose, 30+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag plus 4 Gosling, 14 Coot, 20+ Common Crow, 7 Magpie, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Herring Gull. Rob Harris.

Monday 27th May 2013south westerly, clear, max17°c    

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 07:19 to 10:17
Nightingale heard behind shrub by lagoon, 1 Curlew, 1 Swift and a few Swallow passed through, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 2 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker on telegraph pole at Coryton. Richard Fahey.

Hawkwell, Magnolia Park 07:40
1 Buzzard flying north at tree top level. David Selley.

Collier Row 14:00
1 Buzzard flying south, being mobbed by 2 crows. Ian Phillips.

Two Tree Island West 15:30
10 Avocet, 26 Common Tern, 1 Skylark, Cuckoo heard. R. Shepherd.

RSPB Wallasea Island 19:30 to 20:15
2 Cuckoo, 4 Pheasant, 5 Magpie, 5 Corn Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Moorhen, 20+ Carrion Crow, 6 Mallard, 30+ Black-headed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 40+ Ringed Plover, 4 Swallow, 50+ Woodpigeon, 2 Mute Swan and 5 Cygnet. Rob Harris.

Sunday 26th May 2013north westerly, clear, max19°c    

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 07:45 to 08:00
1 Sparrowhawk with starling-sized prey, 3 Swift. David Selley.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 07:53 to 11:12
1 female Marsh Harrier at Coryton was flying towards Fobbing, 1 Turtle Dove at Coryton, a few Swallow passed through, 1 Cuckoo at Coryton, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton/manorway, 2 Little Egret, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard. Richard Fahey.

Rochford 10:00 to 10:15
6 Swift and 11 House Martin over the North Street and hospital area. David Selley.

Rochford, 10:45 to 11:00
4 Mallard (flew over garden, first here for a while), 4 Buzzard together high over garden spiralling to the south east towards Waitrose, 1 Hobby over the garden heading south east, 10 Swift (at least). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Shoeburyness 11:00
Great Crested Grebe on the Estuary only 20yards from shoreline fishing near Uncle Tom's on the promenade. Jill and John Parsons.

Paglesham Eastend, 13:05 to 15:25
Boatyard and seawall: 2 Marsh Harrier (male and a tatty female), 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby over boatyard, 5 Common Tern, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Cuckoo (including a pair), 11 Swallow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:00 to 16:00
c.40 Coot, 2 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 5 Mute Swan, 16 Cormorant, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 16 Greylag Goose, 24 Canada Goose, 2 Pheasant, 1 Carrion Crow, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Common Tern, 4 Black-headed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 4 Swallow, 2 Woodpigeon. John & Sandra Neal.

Paglesham Lagoon 14:00 to 17.00
2 Reed Bunting, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Common Whitethroat, 1 Common Tern, 4 Little Egret, 12 Shelduck, 6 Pochard. 5 Brown Hare. Richard Mander.

Horndon on the Hill 16:00
Red Kite flew over circling and thermalling. Martin Itter.

Wakering Common/Fleet Head 17:00 to 19:00
2 Corn Bunting, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Avocet, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Lapwing (displaying), 8 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank. 1 Brown Hare. Richard Mander.

Heybridge Basin 18:15
2 Turtle Dove located in low branches of trees between sea wall and gravel pit. They were spotted while trying to locate Cuckoo heard but not seen. Peter Marchington.

RSPB Wallasea Island 19:30 to 20:45
1 Cuckoo, 5 Pheasant, 2 Magpie, 12 Corn Bunting, 2 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Moorhen, 20+ Carrion Crow, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 12 Mallard, 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret. Rob Harris.

Saturday 25th May 2013north westerly, scattered clouds, max15°c    

Canvey Point 10:00 to 11:00
1 Guillemot, 98 Brent Geese, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Swallow, 4 Common Tern, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Curlew. T. Blackwell.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:36 to 16:00
Nightingale heard at Coryton, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Avocet and 17 Black-tailed Godwit on lagoon, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, pair of Oystercatcher, pair of Lapwing displaying at Coryton, pair of Cuckoo flew to other side of creek, Peregrine Falcon behind seawall. Richard Fahey.

Padham's Green 13:40
Common Buzzard. Ben M.

Little Burstead 15:20
Common Buzzard. Ben M.

RSPB Wallasea Island 19:45 to 20.30
2 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Redshank, 5 Pheasant, 1 Magpie, 5 Oystercatcher, 6 Corn Bunting, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear, 20+ Carrion Crow, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 9 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 40+ Woodpigeon, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Swallow, 6 Linnet, 4 Ringed Plover. Rob Harris.

Friday 24th May 2013westerly to easterly, scattered clouds, max9°c    

Southend, Eastwoodbury Lane 21:11
Cuckoo flew across road and in to Mayflower Close. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Thursday 23rd May 2013north westerly, partly cloudy, max10°c    

Wat Tyler Country Park 05:30 to 07:30
1 Grasshopper Warbler on perimeter path. 1 Turtle Dove heard. David Lee.

Canvey Point, 10:20 to 12:00
Hail shower! 6 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Gannet (adults together), 6 Sandwich Tern, 40 Common Tern (approx.), 1 Black Tern. John Wright (SOG).

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:15 to 12:30
Road hide only: 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. John Wright (SOG).

Abberton Reservoir 14:00 to 14:30
80+ Cormorant, 60+ Coot, 50+ House Martin, 100+ Swift, 7 Swallow, 60+ Mute Swan, 30+ Mallard, 1 Swan Goose, 8 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Magpie, 2 Aylesbury Duck, 50+ Carrion Crow, 100+ Wood Pigeon. A number of hybrid White Duck and Greylag Geese. Rob Harris.

Westcliff Casino, 14:30
1 Buzzard flying low mobbed by crows, heading east. Bob Young (SOG).

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 19:15
1 Hobby. Vince Kinsler, Mike Bailey (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 20:00 to 20:45
2 Cuckoo, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Redshank, 2 Pheasant, 5 Magpie, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Corn Bunting, 20+ Carrion Crow, 14 Black-headed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 7 Mallard + Ducklings, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Moorhen, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan and 5 Cygnets. Rob Harris.

Wednesday 22nd May 2013north westerly, partly cloudy, max15°c    

Ashingdon, St Andrew's Church 07:30 to 08:00
2 Cuckoo, 5 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch. David Selley.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 11:00
1 drake Garganey, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Andrew Gouldstone.

Hockley, Merryfields Avenue 11:15
1 Great Tit in garden, Cuckoo calling from Plumberow Mount area. J. Jones.

Shoebury, Gunners Park 14:00
Male Blackcap on wire fence on the boundary of where they are building more properties on the garrison estate, 1 Cormorant on the estuary. John and Jill Parsons.

Tuesday 21st May 2013north westerly, mostly cloudy, max14°c    

Fossetts Park, 09:30 to 10:00
Land behind Waitrose: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Hanningfield Reservoir 11:30 to 12:00
8 Greylag Geese with 5 Gosling, 5 Canada Geese, 12 Coot, 3 House Sparrow, 4 Magpie, 12 Common Crow, 7 Swallow, 100+ House Martin, 400+ Swift, 9 Cormorant, 5 Pochard, 40+ Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 29 Black-headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Blackbird. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wallasea Island 13:45 to 14:15
2 Little Egret, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Blackbird, 2 Magpie, 12 Common Crow, 2 Mallard, 20 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pheasant, 1 Moorhen, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 30+ Woodpigeon, 1 Swallow. Rob Harris.

South Fambridge, 14:40 to 15:00
7 Swift, 1 Black Redstart on posts in small pond, right-hand side of bridleway. Ray Fuller (SOG).

Long Riding, Basildon 16:00
8 Swift flying above the houses, all of which have the potential to be nesting sites. Terry Jeffreys.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 16:22 to 19:10
1 Whimbrel on creek and lagoon, 1 Peregrine Falcon flew north over Manorway to land on pylon, pair of Gadwall on fleet west side of Coryton track, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton especially along the manorway, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Swallow north over Manorway. Richard Fahey.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 17:00 to 17:20
1 male Marsh Harrier, 30 Swift at least over scrape. Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).

Great Knightleys, Basildon 19:45
Hobby flying between houses over Great Knightleys towards Gloucester Park. Vince Briggs.

South Weald Country Park 20:10 to 20:40
Drake Mandarin duck seen in exactly the same same place as last week on bench at teacup pond! Cuckoo flew over main lake, circled and went back into woodland. Adam and Christina Commons.

Monday 20th May 2013north north westerly, overcast, max16°c    

Paglesham Eastend, 09:00 to 10:30
5 Little Egret flying across to rookery, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling approx 400m west of boatyard in borrowdyke, 1 Sedge Warbler, 10+ Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat. Jeff Delve (SOG).

South Fambridge, 14:40 to 15:00
7 Swift, 1 Black Redstart on posts in small pond, right-hand side of bridleway. Ray Fuller (SOG).

103 Long Riding, Basildon 16:00
3 Swift seen entering and passing food into holes in flat roof area. This site has been used by Swifts for the past two years. Terry Jeffreys.

Rayleigh 16:35
1 Common Buzzard being mobbed by single crow above A127 at Fairglen interchange. Paul Adams.

Canvey Point, 18:40 to 19:40
10+ Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar flew upriver level with the point before turning round and heading back out, 16 adult Gannet in one group upriver, then back out again, 74 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (36 on the point were joined by another 38 which flew in from Kent), 1 Peregrine Falcon flew north across river, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 adult Kittiwake flew east, 5 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Sunday 19th May 2013easterly, partly cloudy, max18°c    

Wakering, Star Lane Pits, 07:00 to 08:00
2 Pochard, 3 Turtle Dove (all singing around main pond), 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 6 Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 07:50 to 11:58
1 Nightingale heard briefly at Coryton, 1 Whimbrel, c.10 Curlew, 4 Grey Plover on Holehaven Creek, 2 Avocet on lagoon, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 1 Little Egret, pair of Shoveler on lagoon, pair of Cuckoo behind seawall and 1 at Coryton, 1 Lapwing displaying, 1 House Martin passed through, a few Swallow passed through, 1 Chiffchaff heard at Coryton, Lesser Whitethroat heard, pair of Kestrel at Coryton, Little Grebe at Coryton, 1 Corn Bunting singing at Coryton. Richard Fahey.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 14:30
2 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 3 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo (heard), 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. Sally Brierley (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh 12:45 to 14:45
From scrape: Common Sandpiper, 11 Avocet, Little Egret, male Cuckoo, 2 Canada Goose, 7 Shelduck, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Herring Gull, Sparrowhawk. On brackish lagoon: 2 Mute Swan, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Avocet, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Canada Goose including pair with 8 goslings, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Shelduck. Around the perimeter: Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler (many heard around reserve), 2 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, House Sparrow, Peregrine Falcon. Terry Jeffreys.

Rochford Golf Course, 15:45 to 17:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Swift, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Neil Chambers (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:45 to 18:10
1 Little Egret, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Cuckoo flying alongside road near wood yard, 2 Skylark, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:20
1 female Sparrowhawk mobbed by Starlings. Paul Baker (SOG).

Saturday 18th May 2013westerly, mostly cloudy, max14°c    

Prittle Brook, Leigh on Sea, 08:00
2 Swift. Angela Baldock (SOG).

East Tilbury 08:10 to 09:48
1 Nightingale heard along Gobions FM Lane, c.9 Common Tern, some Swift passed through, a few Curlew, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard near old sewage works, pair of Gadwall on far north pit, pair of Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing displaying, 1 Moorhen with 3 chicks. Richard Fahey.

Two Tree Island East, 09:00 to 11:00
4 Little Grebe, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Swallow, 2 Nightingale, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting. 1 Orange-tip. Angela Baldock, Brian Baldock (SOG).

Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 15:00
3 Turtle Dove seen and at least 2 heard, 2 Nightingale heard, 5/6 Lesser Whitethroat calling, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 6+ Corn Bunting. Mike Butler.

Hanningfield Reservoir 10:15 to 10:40
2 Great Crested Grebe, 40+ Mallard, 12 Tufted, 40+ Coot, 11 Black-headed Gull, 20+ Greylag Geese with 8 Gosling, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Blackbird, 19 Black-headed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 200+ House Martin, 7 Swallow, 500+ Swift. Rob Harris.

Two Tree Island West, 11:00 to 12:00
2 Canada Goose, 1 Shelduck, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Whitethroat. Angela Baldock, Brian Baldock (SOG).

South Benfleet, 12:30 to 12:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Swift, 10 House Martin. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Canvey Point 14:45 to 15:45
51 Swallow, 16 Common Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern, 72 Brent Geese, 25 Great Crested Grebe, 20+ Oystercatcher, 5 Curlew, 8 Turnstone. T. Blackwell.

Hadleigh Marshes, 15:45 to 17:15
1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Shelduck, 2 Pochard (pair), 1 Cuckoo, 5 Swift, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler behind golf driving range, 26 Reed Warbler singing in the Salvation Army's section of borrowdyke, 1 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Friday 17th May 2013northerly, mostly cloudy, max12°c    

RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:00 to 11:30
1 drake Garganey, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Hobby and 1 female Marsh Harrier over the visitor centre, many Swift hawking over the marsh, 1 Cuckoo calling. Andrew Gouldstone.

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).

Canvey Point 14:30
1 adult Gannet, 14 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, 100 Brent Geese, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 10+ Oystercatcher, 2 Swallow, 3 Curlew, 1 Heron. 1 Bottlenose Dolphin on Kent side of the river playing or fishing on surface. T. Blackwell.

Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Gannet (two groups of nine and five birds up river), 3 Sandwich Tern, 20 Swift, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat on reserve, 4 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 16:25 to 19:18
1 Nightingale heard at Coryton, a few Swift passed through, 15+ Curlew, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, Cetti's Warbler heard including both sides of Manorway, a few Little Egret, pair of Gadwall on pool by track, a few Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing displaying, Goldfinch included 10+ flying off Manorway roundabout, 1 Little Grebe at Coryton. Richard Fahey.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh 17:15
1 Short-eared Owl. Jerry Stock.

Ashingdon, 18:10 to 18:35
Viewing north from church: 10 Little Egret mostly over BHF, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby flew west, 1 Barn Owl hunting over BHF, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 20:30
1 Little Egret in brook. Paul Baker (SOG).

Thursday 16th May 2013southerly to easterly, partly cloudy, max15°c    

River Crouch, Near Tower Mobile Home Park, Hullbridge 05:50
2 Cuckoo (pair). David Chivers.

Southchurch 11:00
2 Sparrowhawk circling high above Southchurch Hall Park, Jackdaw heard. S. Whitaker.

Rayleigh Mount, 12:30
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Angela Baldock (SOG).

RSPB Wallasea Island 14:30 to 15:00
2 Skylark, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Magpie, 11 Common Crow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pheasant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Mallard, 12 Black-headed Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 23 Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Billericay, Garden 15:15
1 Holly Blue, Orange Tip Butterfly flew into my garden for a short while without landing. Chris Henry.

Rettendon, Hyde Hall Garden 14:00 to 16:00
4 Little Grebe, 4 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 House Martin, 2 Green Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting singing in the meadow area, 1 Brown Hare. For anyone interested there is now a hide overlooking the garden reservoir, just east of the visitor centre. David Selley.

Shoeburyness, Gunners Park 15:30
1 Little Egret. Gary Baugh.

South Weald Country Park 17:30 to 20:00
Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Chiffchaff, Tufted Duck, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, Wren, Moorhen, Coot, Chaffinch, Whitethroat, Magpie, Great Tit, Swallow. Adam and Christina Commons.

Wat Tyler Country Park 18:00
1 male Cuckoo landed on bush close to scrape hide then glided down to reeds whilst another Cuckoo heard in the distance. Mick Roe.

Prittle Brook, Leigh on Sea, 18:00
3 Swift. Angela Baldock, Brian Baldock (SOG).

Shoebury, Friars Park, 19:15 to 19:45
1 Hobby, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Wednesday 15th May 2013south westerly, mostly cloudy, max13°c    

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:00 to 18:00
1 male cuckoo seen flying to 'traditional' wire across the fleet for first time this year, 1 Swift, a flock of 10 Goldfinch, 2 Swallow, Avocet, Oystercatcher. Neil Phillips.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 16:20 to 18:40
Pair of Avocet on lagoon, a few Swift passed through, a few House Martin, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff heard at Coryton, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, a few Little Egret, pair of Shoveler on lagoon, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing displaying. Richard Fahey.

Rochford 16:30 to 16:50
4 Swift and 7 House Martin over town centre. David Selley.

Hullbridge, River Crouch 18:00
2 Common Tern by the Anchor Pub. Tessa Frampton.

RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 19:55 to 21:10
4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cuckoo (one on reserve and one heard distantly towards Canvey Wick), 4 Skylark (at least), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting. Martin Cracknell

South Weald Country Park 20:00
Drake Mandarin Duck spotted sitting on a bench at Teacup pond, watched for five minutes before flew off. Adam and Christina Commons.

Tuesday 14th May 2013southerly, light rain, max11°c    

Benfleet Downs, 09:30 to 11:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (wet area at bottom of main valley from Chapel Lane). 2 Common Lizard, 2 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Paglesham Eastend, 10:20 to 12:15
Boatyard and seawall: 3 Marsh Harrier (male and two females, one missing some secondaries), 3 Common Tern, 2 Turtle Dove (possibly 3), 1 Cuckoo, 19 Swift, 12 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Bunting. Ray Fuller (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 10:35 to 16:10
Sightings from scrape hide: Peregrine Falcon on pylon, 1 Kestrel, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Skylark, 100+ House Martin, few Swallow, few Swift, 4 Common Tern, 1 Whitethroat, 1 male Blackcap, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 male Cuckoo, perched, calling and harassed by a Chaffinch, (have noticed Chaffinch doing this to Cuckoo before), Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, few Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron. Many Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 3 male Blackbird. 1 Pied Wagtail. 3 juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull, many juvenile Herring Gull, few Black-headed Gull. David Hale.

Abberton Reservoir 13:00 to 13:30
1 Jay, 60+ Common Crow, 1 Magpie, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 150+ House Martin, 30+ Swallow, 200+ Swift, 1 Blackbird, 3 Starling, 1 Pheasant, 29 Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler, 40+ Mallard, 23 Tufted, 5 Shelduck, 40+ Coot, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Aylesbury Duck, 5 Lapwing, 1 Swan Goose, 30+ Greylag Geese, 20+ Canada Geese, 52 Cormorant, 3 Common Tern, 30+ Black-headed Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Rob Harris.

Rayleigh Mount, 17:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).

Monday 13th May 2013west south west, cloud ain, max15°c    

Paglesham Boatyard 08:43
Pair of Turtle Dove mating on pulpit of boat in yard. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).

Eastwood, 08:45
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).

Rayleigh Mount, 09:10
4 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:40
64 Black-tailed Godwit on scrape, 1 Common Tern, 2 Turtle Dove (pair in bushes between the Green Centre and RSPB visitor centre), 1 Bearded Tit heard. John Wright (SOG).

Leigh on Sea 14:00
1 Grey Heron on roof top next road to Bellini's Bar, off London Road. Gary Baugh.

Canvey Point 18:00
12 Brent Geese. T. Blackwell.

Hanningfield Reservoir 19:30 to 20:00
1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 20+ Canada Geese, 40+ Greylag plus 15 Gosling, 30+ Mallard, 30+ Tufted, 40+ Coot, 200+ Swift, 100+ House Martin, 30+ Swallow, 20+ Common Crow, 20+ Black-headed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Rob Harris.

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 19:45
1 Swift. Paul Baker (SOG).

Sunday 12th May 2013south westerly, cloud and rain, max15°c    

Wakering, Fleet Head, 06:00 to 07:30
1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocet, 5 Swift, 3 Swallow, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Corn Bunting all singing. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Canvey Golf Course 08:15 to 12:15
15 Swallow heading south east, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Coot with 2 chicks, 1 Little Egret, 2 Magpie, 1 Crow. Bill Foster.

Coryton/Fobbing/Corringham Marshes 08:18 to 12:10
2 Whimbrel, c.10 Curlew, pair of Cuckoo near village, 1 Lesser Whitethroat heard at Coryton, 1 male Blackcap near village, 3 Swift and a few Swallow passed through, 1 Chiffchaff heard at back of village, 1 Yellowhammer flew over calling by manorway, Cetti's Warbler heard behind village, Little Egret included one that rose behind village, pair of Gadwall, a few Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank displaying over salt marsh. Richard Fahey.

Southchurch Park East 08:25
One House Martin passing through the park. Alec Beanse.

Gunners Park, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 5 Whitethroat. Angela Baldock (SOG).

RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:30 to 14:00
1 Common Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park 16:00 to 18:00
4 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swift, 30+ Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 50+ House Martin, 10+ Swallow, 1 Little Egret, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan. B. Goss.

North Fambridge 19:30 to 20:00
25 Black-headed Gull, 2 Shelduck, 2 Jackdaw, 4 Blackbird, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 40+ Common Crow, 30+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.

Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway 20:30 to 20:45
2 Great Crested Grebe, 40+ Mallard, 30+ Tufted, 40+ Coot, 17+ Common Tern, 15 Black-headed Gull, 30+ Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Blackbird. 1 Muntjac Deer. Rob Harris.

Saturday 11th May 2013south westerly, scattered clouds and rain showers, max15°c    

RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 08:50
From scrape screen: 10 Swift, Little Egret, 4 Avocet, 4 Canada Goose including pair with 6 goslings, 2 Greylag Goose, Mallard, 2 Teal, Common Sandpiper, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, Great Crested Grebe, Collared Dove, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, Coot, Moorhen, 2 Cuckoo (pair), Green Woodpecker over Pitsea Creek. On brackish lagoon: 2 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Heron, Common Tern, 3 Swallow, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 2 Gadwall, Avocet, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10+ Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Shelduck, 6 Canada Goose including pair with 8 goslings. Around the perimeter: Common Whitethroat, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Bearded Tit heard, Cetti's Warbler heard, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler heard, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 House Sparrow, Dunnock, Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:55
1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail heard, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 40 Swift, 15 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Bearded Tit, 2 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Danbury Common 10:00 to 12:00
1 Nightingale - and at least 4 others heard. Paul Hudson.

Basildon 10:30
Red Kite high over heading towards Wickford. Joe House.

Linford, Thurrock (Tarmac Site) 11:20
3 Hobby, possibly 2 male chasing 1 female. Cleve Bull.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 13:05 to 15:40
10 Whimbrel Holehaven Creek, 1 Common Sandpiper, pair of Avocet on lagoon, 70+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 House Martin, pair of Cuckoo behind seawall, Lesser Whitethroat heard at Coryton, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Little Egret, pair of Gadwall, 3 Oystercatcher, pair of Lapwing. Richard Fahey.

Chigborough Lakes 13:00 to 15:00
2 Hobby, many House Martin with smaller numbers of Sand Martin and Swallow low over main lake, a few Swift flying high. Paul Hudson.

Barling Pits, 14:00 to 15:15
2 Little Grebe, 1 Hobby, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Hockley, Clements Hall 14:30
1 Buzzard. Jerry Stock.

RSPB Wallasea Island 19:15 to 19:45
2 Blackbird, 12 Common Crow, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Skylark, 3 Pheasant, 4 Corn Bunting, 5 Linnet, 15 Woodpigeon, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Egret, 7 Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 1 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 18 Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.

Canewdon 19:55 to 20.00
1 Little Owl. Rob Harris.;

Friday 10th May 2013westerly to south westerly, mostly cloudy, max18°c    

EWT Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 14:00
100's of Swift, House Martin, Swallow, 1 pair Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 pair Greylag Geese with 8 gosling, 1 pair Canada Geese with 4 gosling, 4 female Mallard with 22 duckling between them, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 3 Hobby all hunting reed bed on west bank, c.18 Gadwall, 8 Great Crested Grebe, many Common Tern. David & Brenda Hale.

Hanningfield Reservoir 14:20 to 14:40
24+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylag Geese with 17 Gosling, 30 Mallard, 20+ Tufted Duck, 1 Ruddy Shelduck, 4 Herring Gull, 30+ Coot, 3 Magpie, 7 Common Crow, 12 Black-headed Gull, 16 Mute Swan. Rob Harris.

RSPB Wat Tyler Country Park 14:20 to 16:00
Sightings from scrape hide: 1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Reed Warbler (1 with silver ring on right leg), 4 Common Tern, 1 Wren, 2 Lapwing, c.100 Avocet, few House Martin, 1 Juvenile Great Black-backed Gull, 1 drake Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose. David & Brenda Hale.

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 16:15 to 18:55
1 Greenshank, 70+ Black-tailed Godwit on lagoon, 6 Swift and 4 Swallow passed through, c.6 House Martin at Coryton (or "Tank Martins" as their known, if residents as I think they are!), 1 Cuckoo, male Blackcap and Chiffchaff at Coryton, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, pair of Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe at Coryton, pair of Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing. Richard Fahey.

South Benfleet, St Mary's Churchyard Area, 19:15 to 19:20
7 House Martin, 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Whitethroat. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Thursday 09th May 2013south westerly, scattered clouds, max15°c    

RSPB Vange Marsh 13:20 to 15:00
From scrape: 5 Swift, Little Egret, 4 Avocet, 2 Canada Goose, 6 Shelduck, Mallard, 2 Teal, Curlew, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull. On brackish lagoon: 2 Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Mallard, 2 Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Canada Goose, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Shelduck. Around the perimeter: Water Rail, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler heard, Reed Warbler heard, Sedge Warbler heard, 2 House Sparrow, Dunnock, 2 Goldfinch. Terry Jeffreys.

Wednesday 08th May 2013southerly, scattered clouds, max18°c    

Fossetts Park, 06:00 to 06:20
1 Nightingale (area behind Waitrose), 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Rochford 16:00 to 16:10
1 House Martin and 12 Swallow west along the Roach (from Factory Shop car park). David Selley.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:45 to 19:05
2 Greylag Goose, 1 male Kestrel, 60 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Skylark, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Corn Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Rayleigh, 18:00
1 Hobby flying low west and seemingly hunting near Rayleigh Downs Road seen from Eastwood Road. Paul Baker (SOG).

Tuesday 07th May 2013easterly, claer, max19°c    

Benfleet Station, 06:35
1 Cuckoo heard. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Two Tree Island 07:15 to 08:50
11 Swift, 3 Song Thrush. David Lee.

Fossetts Park, 10:00 to 10:30
Area behind Waitrose: 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).

Whitmore Park, Basildon 16:00
Ring-necked Parakeet showing very well at 10 metres on path and on tree for 15 minutes next to bowling green. Mick Roe.

South Weald Country Park 17:00 to 19:00
Honey Buzzard soaring overhead, good look through binoculars, Buzzard soaring at same time above it, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Reed Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe. Adam and Christina Commins.

Two Tree Island West, 17:30 to 18:20
1 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Common Tern, 5 Skylark, 3 Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Cold Norton. Essex 18:00
2 Turtle Dove in garden. Steve Lambeth.

RSPB Wallasea Island, 18:25 to 19:20
2 Little Egret, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whimbrel, 10+ Swift (over Burnham), 2 Skylark, 10+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat (singing), 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 20+ Corn Bunting (2 singing), 1 Anthus sp. (probable Tawny Pipit flew east over the car park at c18:45, calling constantly, and landed near the two red generators south of the conveyor). Neil Chambers (SOG).

South Benfleet, 19:25
St Mary's Churchyard area: 4 Swift, 1 House Martin (hopefully first of the returning breeding birds), 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Jay. Martin Cracknell (SOG).

Monday 06th May 2013southerly, clear, max20°c    

Wakering Stairs 06:10 to 08:00
Stairs road and seawall to Haven Point: 2 Mute Swan flew out to sea going beyond mid-channel towards Warden Point, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Oystercatcher (5 pairs, 2 pairs mating), 12 Dunlin, 4 Cuckoo singing and 1 apparent pair, 1 Green Woodpecker, 31 Swallow including 19 in off the sea, 2 Wheatear, 2 Nightingale singing, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 19 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, (all warblers singing and/or displaying), 14 Linnet, 10 Chaffinch, 2 Corn Bunting singing . At least 16 Jay were hanging around the tower at "Q Battery" - taken to be the same birds as seen yesterday. Hopefully, for the sake of the warblers etc., they will disperse before serious nesting begins. David Selley.

Canvey Wick, 06:30 to 08:45
1 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler (minimum), 5 Blackcap (minimum), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Whitethroat (at least), 2 Chiffchaff. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

RSPB Rainham Marshes 09:00 to 15:00
2 Common Sandpiper (seen from Ferry Lane overlooking the river), Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, female Ruff in summer plumage, Hobby flew overhead at good speed! Redshank, Oystercatcher, Whitethroat, 2 Cuckoo (female displaying to male on the reserve, great views for a crowd of us with scopes!). Adam and Christina Commons.

Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 09:06 to 10:16
a few Whimbrel, 1 Blackcap, Chiffchaff heard, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing displaying, 1 Green Woodpecker. Richard Fahey.

Gunners Park Shoebury 09:40 to 10:00
1 Coot, 1 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Whitethroat. 1 Little Grebe. John Pitts.

Gunners Park, 10:35 to 11:55
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 4 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing). 7 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).

River Roach, Lady Essex Seal Trip 11:30 to 13:30
1 Buzzard on Foulness being mobbed by Crows, 2 Shelduck, 10+ Common Tern (no sign of these on Saturday). 24 Common Seal. 1 Orange Tip. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Coryton/Fobbing/Corringham Marshes 13:06 to 16:40
1 Nightingale heard well at back of shrub, a few Whimbrel, 3 Avocet and 5 Black-tailed Godwit on lagoon, 1 Lesser Whitethroat heard, 1 Chiffchaff heard back of village, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Yellowhammer singing near village, a few Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 3 Oystercatcher on lagoon, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.

Southchurch Park 15:00
9 Cygnets hatched and 7 on water. Robert Dobinson.

Leigh on Sea, Park View drive 17:57 to 18:15
1 Hobby heading north and 12+ Swift calling over garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Sunday 05th May 2013westerly to southerly, partly cloudy, max19°c    

Wakering Stairs 06:40 to 08:35
Via seawall and south perimeter path to Cupid's Corner: 1 Little Egret, 18 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Pheasant, 98 Oystercatcher, 17 Grey Plover, 115 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 29 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 22 Black-headed Gull, 133 Common Gull on farm field, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Herring Gull, 14 Stock Dove, 100+ Woodpigeon, 2 Cuckoo singing, 2 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Skylark singing, 16 Swallow, 8 Blackbird (3 singing), 1 Song Thrush singing, 4 Nightingale singing, 10 Lesser Whitethroat (7 singing), 40 Whitethroat (many singing), 3 Chiffchaff singing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 20 Jay together, had the distinct look of a Spring movement with 3 birds being joined by others from the west, after about 10 minutes the whole lot flew off east in a loose flock, never seen more than 2 or 3 here before, 4 Magpie, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 1 male Reed Bunting singing. David Selley.

Hockley Woods 06:45 to 08:30
Walk to Hockley Woods from Grove Playing Field: In the streets along the way, lots of House Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, 1 Greenfinch. At the Sewage Works: Black-headed Gull, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Whitethroat singing, 2 Pheasant, Great Tit, Wren, Green Woodpecker drumming in Rawreth Hall Woods, 1 Jackdaw on path to Hockley Woods, 1 Skylark singing high above The fields to the west, 2 Chaffinch. In Hockley Woods: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Wren. Crows started going berserk above me then a Buzzard swooped down through the canopy very close then veered away when it saw me, crows went mad above me again about 30 minutes later in roughly the same area above the canopy chasing another (or the same) Buzzard. Paul Adams.

Glencrofts, Hockley 07:00
Green Woodpecker eating ants on lawn for over 10 minutes. Irwin Lewis.

Two Tree Island 07:10 to 08:00
1 Swift, 2 Nightingale heard. David Lee.

Leigh on Sea 07:05
1 Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling south of the skate park by Leigh station. David Lee.

Two Tree Island East 08:00 to 12:00
EWT bird ringing demonstration and walks: In the nets: 3 Nightingale, 1 Blackcap, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Dunnock. On the reserve: 3 Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swift, 10 Swallow, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Common Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 4 Wren, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Magpie, 2 Carrion Crow. Mark Bridges.

Hadleigh Downs 08:25 to 08:40
Buzzard being mobbed by Crows, 2 Cuckoo flew overhead towards the sea wall, the one chasing the other was calling, possible pair? Ellen Hume.

Coryton/Fobbing Marsh 09:05 to 10:15
1 adult female Marsh Harrier, a few Whimbrel, 1 Snipe flew off Fobbing Reserve. Richard Fahey.

EWT Blue House Farm 09:30 to 15:00
1 Barn Owl, 1 Black-tailed Godwit on river, 7 Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 20+ Shelduck, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, 3 Little Egret, 2 Heron, 3 Mute Swan, Meadow Pipit, Greylag Geese, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Barnacle Geese. Mark Hudd.

Rochford 09:40
3 Swift. David Selley.

Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 10:07 to 10:32
Buzzard over south being mobbed by Gull, male Sparrowhawk in thermal. Kris Mee, Web Author.

South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10:20 to 12:15
1 Grey Heron, 2 Great Crested Grebe - pair displaying, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 5 Swallow, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Bunting singing, 1 Corn Bunting singing. Small White, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies. Saint Mark's Flies everywhere - about two weeks late. David Selley.

Vange Wick 10:15 to 12:35
1 Nightingale in sustained song on other side of Vange Creek, a few Whimbrel, 1 Swallow, 1 adult male and later 1 adult female Marsh Harrier soaring over reed bed, pair of Avocet displaying, 1 drake Wigeon, 4 Teal flying off included pair earlier, Lesser Whitethroat heard ,1 Cetti's Warbler heard on other side of Vange Creek, a few Pochard, 1 Lapwing, family of Greylag Goose on ditch, 3 Little Grebe on ditch, a few Corn Bunting. Richard Fahey.

Canvey Wick, 11:30 to 14:45
9 Shelduck, 2 Buzzard (the first bird very pale with notches missing in wing where a wing tag would be), 2 Oystercatcher (mating), 61 Black-tailed Godwit (in summer plumage), 1 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swallow, 3 Wren, 5 Sedge Warbler (singing), 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 20+ Whitethroat (most singing with display flight), 2 Chiffchaff (singing). Sally Brierley (SOG).

Fobbing Marsh/Coryton 12:35 to 15:12
2 Wheatear near Coryton, 1 Nightingale heard at Coryton (not as sustained, loud and clear as earlier one), a few Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper at creek, pair of Avocet, Lesser Whitethroat heard along Manorway, 6 little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, pair of Gadwall at Coryton, 1 Little Grebe on Coryton lagoon, pair of Oystercatcher at lagoon. Richard Fahey.

Leigh on Sea, Tattersall Gardens 11:48 to 11:50
1 Common Buzzard very high heading slowly south in long glides. 1 male Blackbird in garden with beak full of worms - to feed mate or young? Martin Johnson.

Hadleigh 13:00
2 Robin nesting next door to each other in our garage roof within two inches of each other with young. Wish we had a webcam they are coming in and out of the garage window thick and fast. Saw the Red Kite over our garden in Hadleigh last week, lunchtime Thursday. Jenny and Gordon Knight.

Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 13:36 to 13:39
Red Kite, quite high, heading west over garden, circled three times giving nice forked tail views then descended towards Hadleigh. New garden tick! Kris Mee, Web Author.

Tewke's Creek, 14:35 to 16:55
Viewing north towards the Downs: 2 Grey Heron thermalling high to the west, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo singing from Benfleet Downs, 20 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit (singing), 1 Reed Warbler (singing), 3 Whitethroat (singing), 40 Rook. 10 Small White, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Leigh on Sea, Park View drive 15:00 to 15:05
1 female Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel heading east over garden, 1 Green Woodpecker in garden. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Abberton Reservoir, Layer Breton Causeway 15:00 to 16:00
4 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Tern, Red-throated Diver (still in winter plumage), 50+ Cormorant, Swan Goose, Greylag Goose, 4 Teal, Greenshank, Grey Heron, 6 Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard (with 6 chicks), Coot, Moorhen, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, 4 Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, 2 Pheasant, Swallow, 4 Red-legged Partridge seen on farmland just after causeway. Adam and Christina Commons.

Wakering Stairs, 16:30 to 16:50
MOD Road only: 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Nightingale, 1 male Wheatear. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 17:15 to 17:50
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Willow Warbler (singing). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Southend, Western Promenade, 18:10
13 Turnstone (some in winter plumage, some in summer) chasing around. Ben M.

Two Tree Island 18:30 to 19:45
Grasshopper Warbler heard just south of road near skate park, male Ring Ouzel 100m north of airfield, Cuckoo, Whitethroat, 6+ Common Tern, 3 Avocet. Peter and Margaret Norgate.

Saturday 04th May 2013south westerly, partly cloudy, max16°c    

Canvey Point 07:45 to 08:45
8 Common Tern, 14 Swallow. T. Blackwell.

Coryton/Fobbing/Corringham Marshes 08:12 to 12:05
10 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit on Holehaven Creek, 2 pairs of Lesser Whitethroat at foot of village, 2 male Blackcap including one with nest material at foot of village, 1 Chiffchaff singing near village, Cuckoo heard, 1 Swift and House Martin passed through, c.14 Swallow passed through, pair of Barn Owl, Cetti's Warbler heard included 1 at foot of village, a few Little Egret, 9 Teal and a female Shoveler on lagoon, pair of Gadwall on pool at Coryton, 3 Oystercatcher included pair on gravel path near barrier, 1 Lapwing displaying. Richard Fahey.

River Roding, Barking, Near Tesco Roundabout, 09:30
Sand Martins - regular annual visitors. Steve Wall.

RSPB Wallasea Island 12:30 to 13:30
4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whimbrel, Corn Bunting, Avocet. Jon Clark.

Rivers Crouch and Roach, Lady Essex Seal Trip 13:30 to 15:30
2 March Harrier on Foulness, 1 Jackdaw over Roach. 24 Common Seal. Web Author.

Wick Meadows, Wickford 13:40 to 13:41
2 Swift low over estate, flying north west. David & Brenda Hale.

Two Tree Island 15:00 to 18:00
2 Nightingale singing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing, Cuckoo heard, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Cetti's Warbler heard. Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Tern, 2 Sedge Warbler. Jon Clark.

Castle Park, Colchester 16:00
1 Red Kite. Tim Davis.

Billericay 16:10
Common Buzzard being mobbed by crows over garden. Ben M.

Southchurch Park and Southchurch Park East 17:10
1 Cygnet hatched, male Swan sitting and watching it all in Southchurch Park. 3 Ducklings on pond, many Reed Warbler nest building around tall reed beds and very vocal in Southchurch Park East. Robert Dobinson.

Canewdon, 20:30
1 Little Owl at top of oak entrance to Scotts Hall Road. Kris Mee, Web Author.

Friday 03rd May 2013southerly to westerly, partly cloufy, max16°c    

RSPB Vange Marsh 05:45 to 08:15
From scrape: 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Avocet, 2 Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, 5 Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshank, 2 Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Cuckoo. On brackish lagoon: 2 Mute Swan, 3 Greenshank, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Greylag Goose, 3 Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Pied Wagtail, 3 Shelduck. Around the perimeter: Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 5 Stock Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker (heard), Blue Tit, Blackbird, Wren, Cetti's Warbler (many heard around reserve), 2 Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.

Benfleet Creek, 07:40 to 07:50
2 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo (one Canvey side near BYC the other on Benfleet Downs), 1 Barn Owl by Golf driving range Leigh, 2 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat. Simon Watson (SOG).

Southchurch Park East 08:35
2 Reed Warbler in the reed bed at east end of lake. Alec Beanse.

Canvey Point 09:00
10 Common Tern, 4 Linnet, 1 Swallow. T. Blackwell.

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler. Vince Kinsler (SOG).

EWT Chigborough Lakes 11:00 to 16:30
6 Swallow, many Whitethroat, 1 pair Blackcap, 6 Jay, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Kestrel, 4 Chiffchaff, c.8 Grey Heron, c.10 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 2 pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 pair nesting Mute Swan, c.75 Mute Swan on crops and lake, north of Bean Mere trout lake, 1 pair Greylag Geese with 7 gosling in tow, 4 Canada Geese, 1 female Mallard with 7 duckling, 2 pair Gadwall, 4 pair Tufted Duck, 2 pair Pochard, 1 Robin, 4 male Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit. A few Peacock Butterflies, 1 Muntjac Deer, 4 Rabbit. David & Brenda Hale.

Hullbridge 13:30
1 Common Buzzard flying over Burnham Road towards the Sports and Social club. Cheryl & Gary Beacon.

Hadleigh Great Wood 14:25 to 14:30
1 Chinese Muntjac seen about 30 metres from the Sanctuary Road entrance walking through the trees, came out onto path about 6 metres from me! Took off further into the wood. Ellen Hume.

Benfleet Creek, Midway Between Gladys and Hadleigh Castle 14:30
1 Cuckoo perched at various positions along the wire fence by the drainage ditches. Called infrequently and with little enthusiasm. Clive Dobson.

River Crouch, Hullbridge to Battlesbridge 15:00 to 17:00
12 Whimbrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Skylark, 2 Common Tern, 1 Blackcap. David Chivers.

Barling Pits, 15:45 to 16:45
2 Common Tern, 2 House Martin, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. 10 Small White, 5 Orange-tip, 10 Peacock Butterfly. Lee Ebbs (SOG).

Southchurch Park East, 16:00 to 16:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 3 Whitethroat (2 singing). Sally Brierley (SOG).

Westcliff Seafront, 16:45 to 17:00
3 Mediterranean Gull. Sally Brierley (SOG).

Paglesham, 17:30 to 20:00
Walked in from Stambridge along Hampton Barns Lane to the Lagoon and back: 1 drake Wigeon still on lagoon, 1 Buzzard, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Whimbrel, 1 adult summer Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern, 3 Turtle Dove (one by the first pink by barn before Hampton Barns Farm, the second was past the farm and the third was by the straw bales beyond Barton Hall Farm), 1 Cuckoo, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Tennyson Close, Leigh, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swift. Mike Clarke (SOG).

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh, 18:15 to 19:00
1 female Marsh Harrier over Brandy Hole, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard soaring north of Crouch, 3 Blackcap (singing), 2 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Bullfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).

Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 21:35
1 Whimbrel over calling several times, an unexpected addition to the garden! Vince Kinsler (SOG).

Thursday 02nd May 2013variable calm, clear, max20°c    

Brentwood, Pilgrims Hatch, 08:30 to 10:30
3 Buzzard circling overhead being mobbed by a single Crow, male Sparrowhawk chased a Sparrow into a hedge, sparrow got away, Sparrowhawk remained in hedge for a few seconds, then flew off about 8 feet away, Kestrel on telegraph pole in Doddinghurst Road!! Adam Commons.

Doggetts Farm, 11:15 to 12:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Turtle Dove still in copse by red and white barrier - purring and showing well a couple of times. John Wright (SOG).

Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 female Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).

Southchurch Park East 16:15
Peacock butterfly in south east corner. Alec Beanse.

Rochford, 16:20 to 16:25
2 Blackcap (pair in the garden, female with indistinct cap). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).

Wednesday 01st May 2013east north east, partly cloudy, max15°c    

Wat Tyler Country Park 09:00 to 15:00
4 Blackcap, Cuckoo heard over on the tip.1 Weasel ran across the path near marina. Peacock, Comma, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange Tip. First large Red Dmselfly of the year also spotted. Photo here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/first-large-red-dmaselfly-and-solitary-bees/. Neil Phillips.

RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:15 to 11:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).

Benfleet Downs, 11:00 to 12:00
2 Large Red Damselfly, 5 Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Speckled Wood. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).

Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:45 to 13:30
1 Whimbrel, 9 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler. 2 Smooth Newt, 1 Large Red Damselfly, 4 Brimstone, 4 Orange-tip. John Wright (SOG).

Great Wakering 12:30
Group of 3 Buzzard soaring over Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon drifting south with prevailing wind. John Boocock.

Gunners Park 14:05 to 14:55
Peregrine Falcon chasing after flock of waders, then heading to Southend. Long-tailed Duck on Lake, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroats, 4 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Cuckoo (quiet). 2 Orange Tip. 1 Common Lizard on a tree trunk. Steve Wood.

Two Tree Island East, 14:30 to 15:00
1 Little Egret, 67 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 1 Weasel. John Wright (SOG).

Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 16:50 to 17:30
1 male Sparrowhawk through the garden - probably the same one that took one of "our" Robins last week, 1 Buzzard - a very light coloured bird flying quite fast north-east. David Selley.

Fobbing Marsh//Coryton 16:58 to 19:55
Nightingale heard at Coryton, 3 Whimbrel, pair of Avocet on lagoon, 1 Sand Martin flew south, 1 Cuckoo heard at Coryton, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap at Coryton, 3 Teal (pair on lagoon and drake on pool at Coryton), pair of Oystercatcher on lagoon, 4 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard at Coryton, 1 Green Woodpecker, pair of Gadwall and 1 Little Grebe at Coryton. Richard Fahey.

Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 17:00 to 17:05
1 Holly Blue in garden. John Wright (SOG).

Shell Haven, Stanford-le-Hope 17:10
1 Hobby swooping low over rough grassland. Nick Argent.

RSPB Vange Marsh 19:00 to 20:45
From scrape: 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Avocet, 2 Canada Goose, 6 Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, 6 Greenshank, Swallow, Pheasant. On brackish lagoon: Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Canada Goose, 6 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 14 Pied Wagtail, 3 Shelduck. Around the perimeter: Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Starling, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 3 Stock Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler (many heard around reserve), 2 Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 4 House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.

Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 19:30
1 Hobby. Robin Peppiatt.

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