Bird Reports for November 2002

Saturday 30th November 2002
Hadleigh Downs, 09:30 to 09:40: Nice Sighting 1 Firecrest, Nice Sighting 1 Bullfinch. Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.
Paglesham, 10:00 to 15:00: Nice Sighting 1 Hen Harrier (3rd year male north of the lagoon), 2 Kestrel (a pair), Nice Sighting 1 Woodcock (flushed from ditch just north of lagoon), Nice Sighting 1 Cetti's Warbler (25 yards just north of the lagoon, showing well and giving a contact call similar to that of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.), 1100 Lapwing (on lagoon), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult on the River Roach), 10 Red-breasted Merganser (6 males and 4 females on the river), 270 Wood Pigeon, 30 Chaffinch, 60 Mute Swan. Also: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (by the Stambridge Sewage Works), 40 Skylark (in fields by Stambridge Sewage Works), 100 Meadow Pipit (in fields by Stambridge Sewage Works), 40 White / Pied Wagtail (in fields by Stambridge Sewage Works), 1 Pintail (female on Lagoon ), 94 Black-tailed Godwit (on river), 6 Ruddy Duck, 49 Gadwall, 121 Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye (including 14 on river) Steve Arlow (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 10:30 to 12:00: 5 Red-throated Diver (all flying west towards Benfleet station 1 bird came back east and landed on the creek), 5 Little Egret, 29 Skylark, 7 Stonechat. Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.
Canvey Point, 11:30 to 12:15: 3 Red-throated Diver (inc. 1 very close in), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 2 Snipe, 1 Rock Pipit, 25 Skylark. Paul Baker (SOG).
Roper's farm, 11:45 to 13:00: 7 Little Egret, 2 Pintail (Both females.), 18 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Goldeneye (Plus Wigeon, Teal. Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebes. ), 1 Rock Pipit, 50 Corn Bunting, Nice Sighting 1 Snow Bunting, 4 Stonechat (Two pairs.), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 13:40 to 14:35: 1 Short-eared Owl (hunting along Rushley seawall), 150 Avocet (roosting flock), Nice Sighting 1 Merlin (on Potton), Nice Sighting 1 Peregrine Falcon (on Rushley), Nice Sighting 1 Hen Harrier (adult male, hunting the whole time along Rushley seawall), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Red-throated Diver (partially oiled, circling around Tip and Havengore Bridge before apparently landing in a borrowdyke on Rushley!). Paul Baker  (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:30 to 16:35: 36 Little Egret (at roost), 10 Snipe, 1 Barn Owl (ousted from trees by the egrets then hunted along seawall/sewage works to 20ft range). Paul Baker  (SOG).

Friday 29th November 2002
Southend, 11:00 to 11:05: 1 Sparrowhawk (Over Victoria Avenue.). John Wright (SOG).

Thursday 28th November 2002
 Rayleigh Mount, 03:00: 2 Tawny Owl (reported calling) Paul Baker (SOG).
Priory Park, 11:00 to 11:40: 2 Grey Wagtail. Harry Carmichael (SOG).

Tuesday 26 November 2002 
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 11:00: Nice Sighting 1 Woodcock, 1 Chiffchaff. Also Short-eared Owl on Two Tree island (west) on the 23rd. Steve Bunn, Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
Priory Park, 15:25 to 16:10: 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk. Harry Carmichael (SOG).

Monday 25th November 2002
 Southchurch Hall Park, 08:15 to 08:15: Nice Sighting 1 Mandarin Duck (female). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Southend Pier, 13:00 to 15:40: 3 Kittiwake (2 oiled heavily) (The break up of the oil tanker Prestige last week and the release of oil into the marine environment has highlighted this problem (the Prestige held 77,000 tonnes of oil). Oil is poisonous if swallowed, and also affects the waterproofing of feathers, causing birds to become waterlogged and cold. Those washed ashore, even if they can be helped, will be only a fraction of the birds affected. Any oil spills in our waters will mean the deaths of many seabirds Ed.),  10 Mediterranean Gull (3 ad., 3 2nd w., 4 1st w.), 5 Eider (1m. 4f.), Nice Sighting 7 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver (Inshore, half-way pier at HT), 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-breasted Merganser. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Oiled Birds: We have also received the following report: Yesterday afternoon 25th November 2002 at 14.40 I watched a Black-throated Diver in winter plumage swimming downstream on the tide off the seawall opposite Beach House Gardens on the seafront at Canvey Island. From its plumage it appeared to be a First Winter bird. Unfortunately it appeared to have a lot of oil on its belly each time it stood up in the water to flap its wings. Nearby a Great Crested Grebe in winter plumage was swimming, and this was well covered in oil all over. Clive Jolly. (Please report any other sightings of oiled birds to us as soon as possible. Ed.).
Southend, 13:10: 1 Red-throated Diver (On the sea off of Eastern Esplanade). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon 13:30 - 16:00: 6 Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, 40 Fieldfare in hedges west side of lagoon, 17 Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe. River Roach: Red-throated Diver, 2 female Red-breasted Merganser, juvenile Nice Sighting Shag viewed down to 20 feet, 3 Great Crested Grebe, very large flock of Brent Geese on field west of lagoon, 2 Cetti's Warbler heard and seen in reed bed about 100 yards south of foot bridge. Tony Howells.
Southchurch Park West, 13:35 to 13:40: 1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Southend, 14:25 to 14:30: 1 Sparrowhawk (Drifting west over the Odeon.). John Wright (SOG).

Sunday 24th November 2002
East Tilbury 09:00 - 12:00: 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 adult Little Gull on river; Nice Sighting 1 ringed-tailed Hen Harrier over rough ground inside sea wall, 1 Merlin, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Rock Pipit, 6+ Stonechats, 1 Little Owl calling by the fort, 1 Grey Wagtail at the old sewage works, and c200 Avocets with thousands of Dunlin. 150 Fieldfares and 2 Redwings. David Jobbins.
Hampton Barns to Paglesham Lagoon 10:00 - 12:30: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egret, Grey Heron, c 1725 Brent Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, 17 Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, Oystercatcher, 31 Avocet, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat (male), 8 Fieldfare, 9 Yellowhammer. Steve Sanford.
 Belfairs Woods 09.30 to 12.30:  50+ Long-tailed Tit, 14 Goldcrest, male Brambling, 3 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Jay, 2 Song Thrush, juvenile Sparrowhawk. Tony Howells. 
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:30 to 16:00: 2000 Brent Goose (I found an adult Confirmed Sighting Black Brant  with the brent goose flock in the field to west of the lagoon. It was subsequently seen on the river and in fields a quarter of a mile west of the boatyard and was still present here at dusk.), 2 Little Egret, Nice Sighting 1 Shag (a ludicrously tame individual was on the river by the lagoon outflow pipe. 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2 males & 2 females on the river), 5 Goldeneye (on the lagoon ), 68 Mute Swan (on the lagoon), 3 Ruddy Duck, 40 Fieldfare (in fields opposite Stannets Farm). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:45 - 14:00: 2 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, Teal, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker, Stonechat. Stuart Bailey.
Southend Pier 14:00 - 16:00: Nice Sighting 1 Purple Sandpiper west side of pier with Turnstones, 10 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 4 Eider, 1 Guillemot, 20 Sanderling on shore.  Jeff Elliott & David Lee.
Southend Pier 14:20 - 16:00: A lot of Turnstone on the pier timbers and running along the walkway. 5 Mediterranean Gull roosting on timbers on the east side of the pier head. 5 Eider Duck, Several Great crested Grebe, 1 Guillemot, Numerous Black-headed Gull, Several Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Cormorant, Nice Sighting 1 Purple Sandpiper, seen around 15:40 to 15:50 on the timbers on the western edge on the extreme end of the pier amongst many Turnstone. David Lee.
 The Fleet, Potton Bridge 15:15 - 16:15: 1 Short-eared Owl, 37 Stock Dove roosting under bridge, 5 Corn Bunting, 7 Meadow Pipit, 8 Little Egret, 100 + Shelduck on avocet pond. Tony Howells.

Saturday 23rd November 2002
 Southend Pier, 08:50 to 14:00: Nice Sighting 12 Red-throated Diver (with several close to the Pier Head), Nice Sighting 1 Black-throated Diver, Nice Sighting 2 Great Northern Diver, 5 Little Gull (4 adults and 1 2nd winter), 3 Mediterranean Gull (adult, 2nd winter and a 1st winter), Nice Sighting 1 Shag, 5 Eider (2 adult males, 2 females and 1st year male), 11 Common Scoter, 19 Lesser Redpoll (flew south over the pier head), 2 Little Egret (on the mudflats at the pier base). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Stambridge, 09:00: Nice Sighting 1 Hen Harrier (adult male flew across road from field opposite football pitch, south east towards Waldens Farm). Paul Baker (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:30 to 12:30: I was fishing from the "hole in the wall" 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 7 Reed Bunting, 1 Corn Bunting, 400 Lapwing (including a leucistic, almost white bird), 400 Golden Plover. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:15: Nice Sighting 1 Woodcock. Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
 Shoebury East Beach, 10:30 to 10:45: Nice Sighting 1 Shag (Sitting on the Boom. Appeared partially oiled.). John Wright (SOG).
Oxenham Farm, 11:00 to 13:00: 3 Little Egret, 42 Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 1 Barn Owl (Around the farm buildings.), 200 Collared Dove (Around the farm buildings.), 600 Lapwing (Plus Black-tailed Godwits, Little Grebes (4), Shoveler (pair) Wigeon, Teal.), 1 Green Woodpecker (Plus Goldcrests, Long- tailed Tits, Redwings), 80 Fieldfare. John Wright (SOG).
By Benfleet Station 11:30: 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron. Jotmans Farm, 1 Kestrel, 10 Chaffinch. Stuart Bailey.
Wakering Stairs 13:43 - 14:00: 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Stonechat. Web Author.
From Wakering Old Tip 14:15 - 15:30: 8 Little Egret, Nice Sighting 3 Hen Harrier (2 female and a wonderful adult male), 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl. Web Author.
Eastwood Sewage Works 15:00 - 16:15: 10 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Meadow Pipit, Redwing, 14 Pied Wagtail, possible  Jack Snipe. Tony Howells.

Wednesday 20th November 2002
 Two Tree Island (West), 08:00: Unconfirmed Sighting 1 Wheatear (reported). Andrew Woodhouse Essex Ranger Service.
Fleet Head, Wakering 08:45 - 12:00: 417 Golden Plover, 60 Dunlin, Little Stint, 5 Ruff, 3 Avocet, Sparrowhawk, Snipe, 10 Ringed Plover, 3 Turnstone, 14 Skylark, 65 Shelduck, 5 Corn Bunting, 12 Little Egret, 178 Black-tailed Godwit, 600+ Lapwing, 2 Grey Plover, 9 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, Stonechat, 8 Meadow Pipit, male Reed Bunting, Jay. Tony Howells.
Westcliff Casino, 13:20 to 13:40: 2 Mediterranean Gull (1st-winter with green ring on left leg and a 2nd-winter). Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Tuesday 19th November 2002
Southend Pier 10:30 - 12:00: 1 Purple Sandpiper with Turnstones. Also at least 5 Mediterranean Gulls and 2 Red-throated Divers flew past and 1 possible Great Northern Diver. Marco Johnston. 
Potton island bridge early afternoon: 1 male Hen Harrier and 1 Peregrine Falcon. Marco Johnston.

Sunday 17th November 2002
 East Tilbury 10:30 - 12:15: 200 Avocets; 1 Grey Wagtail; 1 Kingfisher. David Jobbins.
Westcliff Seafront 11:00: 1 Ring-billed Gull. David Jobbins.
Hampton Barns, 10:55 to 15:20: 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackbird (partially albinistic), 50 Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Stambridge Hall, 10:45 to 10:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult in field opposite the entrance to Hampton Barn Lane), 2 Black-tailed Godwit (in field opposite Hampton Barn Lane). Steve Arlow (SOG).
River Roach, 10:55 to 15:20: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat (male), 200 Teal, 403 Wigeon, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (females), 500 Lapwing, 10 Little Egret, 272 Shelduck, 94 Brent Goose, 140 Black-tailed Godwit. Steve Arlow (SOG).
 Oxenham Farm, 12:30 to 14:30: 6 Little Egret, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (Male and female in the creek plus 5 Little Grebes. Pair),  Nice Sighting 2 Hen Harrier (Near adult (prob. 2nd yr.) flew across Oxenham to Wakering Common, plus a ringtail on Rushley Island.), 1 Short-eared Owl (Hunting on Rushley Island and Oxenham farm..), 40 Red-legged Partridge (A covey on the farmland.), 130 Collared Dove (Around the farm buildings), 60 Golden Plover, 250 Lapwing, 15 Black-tailed Godwit John Wright (SOG).
 Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 14:30: 43 Mute Swan, 3 Ruddy Duck, 14 Goldeneye (10 females and 4 drakes ), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult in north east corner). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Fleet Head, Wakering 13:45 - 16:15: 3 Snipe, female Sparrowhawk, 2 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, 6 Little Egret, 
pair Red Breasted Merganser, 380 Golden Plover, 7 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 389 Lapwing, 2 Short-eared Owl on Rushley Island. Tony Howells.
Wakering Stairs to Old Wakering Tip: Large numbers of Brent Geese and very large flocks of Godwit, Knot and Oystercatcher. In the creek many Little Egrets, 2 Little Stints, 3 humans stranded in the creek in their boats (waders!), 2 Grey Plover, a flock of Golden Plover and a Harrier (probably female Marsh) briefly appearing above the sea wall on Rushley Island. 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 female Hen Harriers, Barn Owl, female Merlin on a barn roof, male Kestrel on the Wakering side of the creek, male Peregrine.  Philip Chalk.

Saturday 16th  November 2002
 Southend Pier, 08:40 to 10:30: 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Eider, Confirmed Sighting 1 Shag, 1 Tufted Duck, 12 Mediterranean Gull (2 2nd winters, 6 1st winters including a new green ringed bird 3LL7 and 4 adults including green ringed birds A00 & P20). Steve Arlow (SOG).
 Hanningfield Reservoir 10:30 - 14:00: 24 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, Sparrowhawk, Jay, Jackdaw, 6 Pintail (5 male), 19 Goldeneye, 28 Shoveler, 182 Cormorant, 13 Grey Heron, 10 Gadwall, 4 Ruddy Duck, large flock of Teal and Wigeon, Black Swan, Brent Goose, 128 Lapwing. Tony Howells.
Westcliff Casino, 11:00 to 11:15: 2 Mediterranean Gull. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wakering , 11:10 to 12:50: 1 Little Egret, 150 Wigeon, 170 Avocet (in the middlereach), Really nice to see our Wintering Hen Harriers back again! 1 Hen Harrier (a fine ringtail over the rubbish tip). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:30: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel. Brian Baldock (SOG)
Barling, 13:00 to 15:40: 1 Stonechat (by Ropers Farm), Confirmed Sighting 1 Lesser Redpoll (possibly 2 flew over calling ), 231 Wigeon (on the Roach), 237 Black-tailed Godwit (on the Roach including 2 rung birds / 1st bird: right Tibia Green. left Tibia White (or pale green) above Red. 2nd bird Right Tibia White with yellow on tarsus and Red on left Tibia. above), 898 Golden Plover (Barton Hall Creek), 8 Little Egret, 5 Red-breasted Merganser (on the Roach), 2 Goldeneye, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 1 Spotted Redshank (on the Roach). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Saturday 16 November 2002
Southend, 16:00 to 16:05: 1 Woodcock (flew over the roundabout by the Shell Garage, Eastern Avenue at 4.03pm). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Friday 15th November 2002
East Tilbury 10:00 - 13:00: 1 immature male Marsh Harrier quartering fields inside the sea wall (this bird has been present on and off for a while); 1 male Hen Harrier patrolling the borrowdykes before crossing the Thames to Cliffe. 415 Avocets. David Jobbins.

Thursday 14th November 2002
Priory Park 13: 5 - 13:45: Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail. Steve Sanford.

Wednesday 13th November 2002
 Priory Park 13:15 - 13:45: Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail. Steve Sanford.
Hadleigh Downs, 13:20: 1 Tawny Owl (calling). Andrew Woodhouse, Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.
Priory Park, 15:45 to 16:25: 1 Sparrowhawk (Young bird), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Canewdon, Gay`s Lane To The River Crouch 12:30 - 15:30: Female Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Yellowhammer, 8 Corn Bunting, 10 Skylark, 18 Meadow Pipit, Jay, Male Stonechat, Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, 70 Brent Geese, Rock Pipit, 4 Little Egret, On Bridgemarsh Island 370 Golden Plover, 800+ Lapwing. Tony Howells.

Tuesday 12th November 2002 
Southend Old Gasworks 11:30: 1 Little Egret (seen on the mudflats by the old pier from my office window.). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Monday 11th November 2002 
Westcliff Seafront, 13:00 to 14:00: 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults & 2 2nd winters). Steve Arlow.(SOG).
Belfairs N.R., 10:00: 1 Long-eared Owl (flushed in Dodd's Grove). Tony Mead (SOG).
Westcliff Casino, 13:00 to 13:20: 2 Mediterranean Gull (ad-winter & 2nd-winter).Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow (SOG).

Sunday 10th November 2002
 Abberton Reservoir 09:30 - 12:30: 9 Goosander (male and 2 female), 9 Goldeneye (2 male), 28 Ruddy Duck, 2 Black Swan, 22 Gadwall, 35 Great Crested Grebe, large flock of Pochard, 2 Goldcrest, 2 male Bullfinch, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfare, Redwing. Tony Howells.
Hadleigh Downs, 13:30 to 15:30: 1 Firecrest (good, brief views in hawthorn scrub.), 2 Bullfinch (males), 5 Redwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Thundersley 15:15: 2 Goldcrest feeding in a Spanish broom bush in my garden. Ivan Batchelor.
Wakering Rubbish Tip, 15:15 to 16:15: 2 Sparrowhawk, Nice Sighting 3 Short-eared Owl (2 on Rushley, 1 on Potton), 1 Barn Owl (on Havengore), 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Avocet, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Little Egret (inc c.25 on roost), 20 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Butts Hill, Canewdon: Peregrine 'scoped on stag head oak tree just N of Pudsey Hall and subsequently flew NE out over Crouch towards Althorne. 15 Fieldfare, 2 Yellowhammer pr, 3 Siskin, 20 Mute Swan on fields E of S.Fambridge, Grey Seal in Raypits Reach. Jeff Delve.

Saturday 09th November
 Potton Creek, 08:15 to 14:35: 2 Little Stint, 281 Black-tailed Godwit (This flock included 2 birds that had red rings on the right leg at the tibia and a single bird that has smaller yellow rings on the tibia on both legs.), 250 Golden Plover (opposite the sea scout hut), 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Little Egret (5 together in the creek with another on Fleet Head), 1 Green Woodpecker (Wakering Boatyard). Steve Arlow (SOG).
 Westcliff Casino, 11:50 to 11:55: 5 Mediterranean Gull (3 ad-winter, 2 2nd-winter). Paul Griggs  (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 12:20 to 15:10: 7 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stonechat, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:30 - 16:00: 7 Grey Heron, 17 Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Brent Geese, Teal, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Snipe, Turnstone, Lapwing, Grey Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Nice Sighting Water Rail, 4 Stonechat, 4 Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Linnet. Andrew Cox.
 Fleet Head, 14:40 to 15:30: 17 Ruff, 50 Stock Dove (on Potton Island), 1 Stonechat (male on the bridge), 49 Mute Swan. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wakering Old Rubbish Tip 14:45 - 16:30: Nice Sighting 2 Short Eared Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1500 Brent Geese, Green Woodpecker, Redwing, male Stonechat, also a leucistic bird, probable Golden Plover which had near white head, breast, coverts and primaries. Steve Giles and Jeff Elliott.
Wakering Stairs, 15:30 to 15:50: 4 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret (on the saltings to the west of the road), 6 Common Scoter. Steve Arlow  (SOG).
Tesco, Westcliff 16:30: 42+ Pied Wagtail roosting. Tony Howells.
River Roach: 11 Red-breasted Merganser, Nice Sighting Cetti's Warbler calling from bushes north of Paglesham Lagoon. Pat Dandridge.

Friday 08th November 2002
Thundersley, Kiln Road 11:00:  In my garden, 1 Goldcrest, in with a party of Blue Tits and Great Tits, and 1 Male Sparrowhawk - fortunately not at the same time! Mike Sagrott.

Thursday 07th November 2002
Fleet Head, Wakering 06:45 - 10:15: 468 Golden Plover, 234+ Dunlin, 13 Avocet, 325+ Lapwing, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stonechat, 10 Meadow Pipit, Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 10 Fieldfare, 47 Mute Swan, 52 Ruff, 13 Corn Bunting, 12 Skylark, 25 Rook, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, 12 Black-tailed Godwit. On Rushley Island: 1,060 Brent Geese, Short-eared Owl, 2 Marsh Harrier (1 male and 1 juvenile), Merlin being mobbed by two Crows. One Fox On Potton Island. Tony Howells.
South Benfleet 07.45 - 07.47: Seen in Benfleet Creek from train: 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron on fence standing over water in dyke just west of Benfleet Station, 1 Kingfisher. Martin Johnson.
Southend Pier, 10:40 to 13:00: 11 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Eider, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Benfleet, Pound Lane 11:30 - 12:35: 2 Sparrowhawk (1 male), 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 male Bullfinch. Stuart Bailey.
Westcliff Seafront, 13:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Tuesday 05th November 2002
 Hadleigh 0845: c.80 Wood Pigeon heading south across Thames. Web Author.
Marine Estate, Leigh 11:25: In my back garden a large Sparrowhawk "stooped" at 45 degree angle down at Collared Dove on crown of cherry tree with legs and talons extended. It missed the dove which fled with a clatter of wings through the crown of the cherry tree and out on the opposite side from the hawk. The hawk pulled out of its dive passing c. 2 m from my head. Martin Johnson.
Southend Airport 12:30 - 13:00: 100+ Wood Pigeon flying s.w.9-00am, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, all seen from footpath leading east from St. Lawrence church. Ivan Batchelor.
Southchurch Park, 13:10: 1 Mediterranean Gull (Adult). Also: 16 Grey Seals on sand banks off of Westcliff Seafront. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Canvey Island 13:10: Grey Wagtail Flitting alongside the water-outlet in Kismet Park. Phil.
Gunners Park, 13:45: 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult flew over north). Steve Arlow (SOG).

Monday 04th November 2002
 Westcliff Seafront, 08:15: Confirmed Rarity 1 Ring-billed Gull (again opposite Rossi Ice cream), 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon 12:15 - 14:40: 72 Pochard, 90 Shoveler, 12 Goldeneye, 5 Ruddy Duck, 40+ Tufted Duck, 2 Redwing, 5 Yellowhammer, 30+ Blackbird, Snipe, 7 Little Grebe, Jay. River Roach: 6 Great Crested Grebe, 124 Shelduck, Little Egret, 32 Brent Geese, many Widgeon. Tony Howells.
 The Fleet and Potton Creek, Wakering 14:07 - 16:15: 8 Little Egret, 27 Mute Swan, 2 Marsh Harrier (1 female), Nice Sighting female Hen Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 115 Avocet, 1 Little Stint, 2 Short-eared Owl (one on Rushley and one of Potton), Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 13 Corn Bunting. Web Author.
 Priory Park, 14:30 to 16:00: 1 Brambling (Among finches), 1 Grey Wagtail. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Butts Hill Pond, Canewdon: Nice Sighting 3 Siskin feeding on Alder with Goldfinches and 15 Fieldfare with small numbers of Redwing. Jeff Delve. 

Sunday 03rd November 2002
 Fleet Head, Wakering 08:15 - 10:15: Swallow (note that the Swallow sightings for today are very late and unusual for this time of year. Ed), 2 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 32 Ruff, 15 Black Tailed Godwit, 6 Little Egret, Male Sparrowhawk, 200+ Golden Plover, 400+ Lapwing, 48 Rook, 2 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, large flock of Teal, large flock of Widgeon, 28 Mute Swan. Tony Howells.
Two Tree Island (east) 09:00 - 13:00: 7 Little Egret, c.10 Swallow flying west, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Goldcrest. Web Author. ( A big thank you for everyone who came to the Brent Goose Watch - Ed).
Gunners Park 10-30 To 12-25: 24 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, many Blackbird, male Stonechat. Off sea wall: Red-throated Diver, 17 Common Scoter flying east, 10 Turnstone. Tony Howells.
Westcliff Seafront, 10:30 to 10:40: 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults & 2 2nd winters). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 11:00: 4 swallow. Steve Blackburn & Sarah Costeloe.
Rayleigh 11:00: flock of 50 Fieldfare heading west. Robin Peppiatt.
Wakering , 11:05 to 15:30: A very rare bird for Essex 1 Dotterel (I found this bird in with a Golden Plover flock at 12.50pm on the mud opposite the Wakering Sea Scout hut. The bird was watched at around 250 yards range from Wakering Boatyard. The plover flock then took flight at 1.20pm and bird was lost. About half an hour later the plover flock reappeared on the mud again but the Dotterel was not with them.), 2 Little Stint, 1 Hen Harrier (a juvenile on Potton), 1 Short-eared Owl (on Potton Island), 1 Stonechat (male by the boatyard). Steve Arlow. On Fleet Head, Wakering: 6 Little Egret, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Ruff, 42 Mute Swan, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Steve Arlow (SOG).
East Tilbury 11:30 - 13:00: 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Hen Harrier, 10 Golden Plover, 1 male Stonechat, 1 female Stonechat, 1 Swallow, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, many Dunlin, many Grey Plover, 3 Reed Bunting, 6+ Skylark, 30+ Avocet, 3 Mistle Thrush. Stephen Burt and Jon Hunter.
 Canvey Point 11:30 - 13:00: 3500+ Dunlin, 50+ Redshank, 60+ Goldfinch, Stonechat, 12 Greenfinch, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, 4, Meadow Pipit. Also seen in varying numbers - Curlew, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Knot, Brent Geese, Grey Heron. Ron Galliers.
Two Tree Island (west) 13:15 - 15:00: 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Bar-Tailed Godwit, 1 Stonechat, 3 Goldfinch. Stuart Bailey.
Hadleigh Downs, 16:10 to 16:20: 4 Swallow (over Chapel lane car park). Steve Bunn Essex Ranger Service.
Butts Hill Pond, Canewdon: Juvenile Peregrine Falcon flying W (to 70metres), 40 Linnets, 5 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer. Jeff Delve.

Saturday 02nd November 2002
 Westcliff Seafront, 10:15 to 10:30: Confirmed Sighting 1 Ring-billed Gull (Adult, opposite Rossi's.), 4 Mediterranean Gull (2 adults, 2 2nd winters, opposite Rossi's.). John Wright (SOG).
Butts Hill, Canewdon: male Brambling. Jeff Delve.
Hanningfield Reservoir: 13:00 - 15:35: 94 Pintail, 2 Ruff, 15 Snipe, 26 Shoveler, 15 Goldeneye, 4 Common Sandpiper, 19 Gadwall, large flock of Widgeon, large flock of Teal, large flock of Tufted Duck, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 200+ Lapwing, Black Swan, 5 Dunlin, 18 Pied Wagtail, Male Bullfinch, Jay. Tony Howells.

Friday 01st November 2002
Eastwood, 13:00 to 16:10: 2 Nuthatch (regular at bird table most of day), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, Nice Sighting 1 Woodcock (flew over garden at 4.05 and landed in park. Seen again briefly flying along hedge into woods.). Mike Bailey, Vince Kinsler (SOG).