Bird Reports for November 2008
Sunday 30th November 2009
Priory Park, Near Museum 08:00
3 Little Egret feeding on grass area in front of museum. Don Wildish.
Thorndon (and Thorndon South) Country Park 08.00 - 12.00
Female Goosander (Thorndon South), Tawny Owl (crossed entrance road just before first light), Green Woodpecker, Jackdaw, 6+ Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, c.3 Siskin, c.200 Lesser Redpoll with 5 or 6 Mealy Redpoll 
. Martin Cracknell, Steve Sanford, Web Author.
Southend Pier 09.00 - 13.45
1 Siskin (fly over), 14 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 24 Kittiwake, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Eider, 122 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper in amongst the turnstone roost on the pier head. Marc Outten RSPB.
Two Tree Island, 09:30 to 12:00
1500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2,200 Knot, 380 Dunlin, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 3 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Water Rail (from scrape hide), 18 Linnet, 12 Goldfinch, 7 Greenfinch, 3 Greenshank, 26 Teal. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:15 to 14:45
2 Great Northern Diver (at least, probably 4, but not all seen together. Also a more distant diver which was possibly Black-throated), 10 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Eider (in flight with a leading drake. Flew up river, then turned back and lost near Shoebury boom), 1 Purple Sandpiper (roosting with the turnstones), 65 Turnstone, 8 Mediterranean Gull (4 ad, 3 2nd W, 1 1st W.). Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:45 to 12:30
1 Great Skua, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair in flight), 3 Eider. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Eastwood, Langley Close (Brook), 12.30
1 Green Sandpiper, quickly flew up and around towards Rayleigh Road direction. Also a pair of Grey Wagtail present on most days,(when there is low water). Les Costin (EBS).
River Crouch, South Fambrige to Brandy Hole. 12:30 to 13:40
4 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Grebe, 45 Golden Plover (flew east), 150 Wigeon, 2 Little Egret, 1 Rock Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 female Sparrowhawk flew in high from east mobbed by a crow, then flew low through garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 29th November 2008 (First report of winter Great Northern Diver)
Abberton Reservoir 07.45
1 Bittern flying around reed beds 3 Little Egret 14 Gooseander. Mark Bicknell.
Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 09:00
1 Blackcap (male eating bread). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 09.30 - 10.50
Pair Green Woodpecker displaying in oak, 2 Wren, 2 Greenfinch. Web Author, K.M.
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.30 - 12.00
1 Red-necked Grebe (Point Hide), 11 Goosander (including four drakes), Goldeneye, Pintail, Shoveler. David Jobbins.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 09.45 - 11.15
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
1000 Brent Geese, 3 Grey Plover, 100 Turnstone, 150 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Little Egret, 8 Bearded Tit, 1 Barn Owl hunting, Water rail heard. Mark Bicknell.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:15 to 10:30
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend Pier, 10:30 to 12:55
1 Purple Sandpiper, 48 Turnstone, 10 Mediterranean Gull (4 ads, 6 2w), 1 Shag (imm. with red ring, white lettering/number), 1 Eider (imm male), 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Kittiwake, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver (about mid way between pier head and pier base), 1 male Tufted Duck in Lifeboat Bay was unusual. 1 Grey Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey West End, 10:40 to 11:30
14 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, 17 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush. Many more thrushes than usual. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands 11.10 - 12.30
Car park to just past the mast only: 32 Cormorant, 22 Little Egret, 63 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 227 Shelduck, 85 Teal, 30 Wigeon, 60 Mallard, 110 Redshank, 44 Curlew, 52 Golden Plover, 38 Ringed Plover, 28 Avocet, 1000 Lapwing, 900 Dunlin, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Skylark, 3 Corn Bunting. Also a flock of about 30 Chaffinch at Grapnells and 17 Mute Swan grazing in field opposite timber wharf entrance. David Selley.
Rochford, 11:30
2 Little Egret in creek by Purdey's Ind. Estate. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek & Two Tree Island (West) 11:30 - 14:30
16 Brent Geese, 10 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 70 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 1 Kestrel (male), 2 Water Rail (calling), 30 Oystercatcher, 60 Avocet, 65 Ringed Plover, 50 Grey Plover, 16 Golden Plover, 300 + Lapwing, 1000 Knot, 200 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew, 50 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 3 Stonechat. Andrew Cox.
Canvey Point, 11:40 to 12:20
3 Eider (2 fem, 1st w male), 4 Great Crested Grebe. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 12:30 to 13:45
1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shag (both 1st W, Seen together between the coastguards and the old pier. One showed more white on front of the neck and had a red ring on the left leg), 1 Great Skua (resting on the sea and feeding on a dead gull). Don Petrie (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 13:10 to 13:15
1 Ring-billed Gull, usual place, showing well. John Wright
Two Tree Island (East) 14:45 - 15:45
20 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Turnstone, 50 Common Gull, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Water Rail (calling), 1 Rock Pipit, 7 Goldfinch. Andrew Cox.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Little Egret flew low west. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 28th November 2008
South Fambridge, Along the Crouch to Bridgemarsh Island 07:30 to 10:45
11 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 12 Mute Swan (feeding in fields approx 1km east of South Fambridge), 10 Skylark. Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:30 to 13:30
5 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan, 6 Pintail, 19 Goldeneye (including 3 drakes), 1 Kestrel. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14.10 - 15.40
1 Merlin (flying up the estuary), 10 Greenfinch, 1 female Kestrel, 1 Wren. Terry Priest.
Southchurch Seafront, 15:30 to 15:35
1 female Snow Bunting on the beach in front of the Camelia Hotel, then flew north and dropped behind houses. Don Petrie
Thursday 27th November 2008
Hullbridge, Nr Anchor Pub 13.30
13 Turnstone. David Chivers.
Priory Park 13.30 - 14.00
2 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker in front of the Priory. 2 Sparrowhawk circling over the ponds causing a Crow to disrupt them, 2 Little Egret in trees on island, 8 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 1 male Chaffinch, 2 Robin, 1 Wren in marginal bushes at side of lake. Leslie Spurling.
Wallasea Wetlands
80 Avocet, c.800 Dunlin, c.350 Ringed Plover, c.50 Grey Plover, 1 Little Stint. A scatter of Black-tailed Godwit and Knot and 'lots' of Redshank. Brent Goose and Shelduck numbers continue to rise c.350 of the former and c.150 of the latter plus 80 Mallard, 30 Wigeon, 50 Teal. Several Lapwing flocks on surrounding fields totalled about 1,000 with 400 Golden Plover. I also covered the south side of the island turning up the usual immature female Merlin and a female Marsh Harrier. Surprise of the day was a 1st winter female Snow Bunting that flew up from the side of the track across the island and gave brief views in the nascent Oilseed Rape Crop. As far as I am aware a first for the island. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wednesday 26th November 2008
River Roach from Bolt's Farm to Barling Marsh, 07:30 to 09:15
12 Great Crested Grebe, 42 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 14 Goldeneye (including 2 drakes), 4 Red-breasted Merganser (2 males, 2 females), 3 Skylark, 35 Greenfinch (flock feeding on sea wall), 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting (one singing). Don Petrie (SOG).
Priory Park 07:45
2 Ring-necked Parakeet. Don Wildish.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:15
2 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery, 12:45 to 13:15
10+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Green Woodpecker. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park, 13.30 - 15.45
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Greenfinch, 1 male Chaffinch, 20+ Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, numerous Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Jay, 7 Pied Wagtail. Jane Hale.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 13.40 - 14.10
Male Blackcap and Chaffinch in garden. Web Author, K.M.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.45 - 15.45
9 Little Grebe, 14 Great Crested Grebe, 31 Fieldfare, 12 Mute Swan, 6 Grey Plover, 4 Shelduck, 2 Little Egret, 21 Brent Goose, 2 Reed Bunting, 16 Avocet, 14 Golden Plover, 3 Curlew, 150+ Teal. Ray Fuller.
Tuesday 25th November 2008
Leigh on Sea, 07:30 to 07:35
1 male Sparrowhawk chasing pigeons over garden. Web Author, K.M.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
6 Lapwing flew north. Paul Baker (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park 09.00 - 11.15
1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Long-Tailed Tit, 10 Greenfinch, 15 Blackbird, Numerous Blue Tit and Great Tit. Jane Hale.
Battlesbridge, 09:15
2 Lapwing flew north. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11.15
Female Hen Harrier over heading east mobbed by two crows. Marc Outten, Alan Shearman, Steve Roach RSPB.
Monday 24th November 2008
Shoebury Coastguards, 08:15 to 09:15
1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe. Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:10
1 Green Sandpiper in brook between Eastwoodbury Lane and Western Approaches. Paul Baker (SOG).
Eastwood, 09:15
4 Siskin in alders along Edward Hall school playing field boundary with Rayleigh Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Kent Elms Corner 11.00
6 Pied Wagtail, including 1 probable "White", on roof of bus-stop shelter. Seen from A127 footbridge. David Selley.
Southend, Vallance Close 11:30
1 Little Egret feeding on green in close. Don Wildish.
Shoebury Coastguards, 13:25 to 14:00
5 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Gannet, 1 Kittiwake. Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:10 to 16:10
7 Great Crested Grebe (on the Roach), 35 Little Grebe (25 on the Roach), 10 Pintail (8 drakes, 2 ducks), 18 Goldeneye (15 feeding on the Roach by the outfall. 2 drakes, rest imm./fem.). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands
A delightful 6 hour count in the arctic wastes was rewarded early on with good views of both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper with Dunlin about 2/3 of way to eastern end from tower on the saltmarsh (most other mud covered by high tide). Also recently Merlin and Peregrine on the island. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Saturday 22nd November 2008
Leigh on Sea, 07:15 to 07:30
1 Sparrowhawk over garden, also, what appears to be a regular dawn spectacle, 1000+ Wood Pigeon leaving the roosts in Belfairs Woods. Web Author, K.M.
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00 to 12:50
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare, 1 Siskin (mobile flock along brook on SW side), 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Curlew (flew west calling - 2nd record). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 09:00 - 11:00
8 Grey Heron (on east point), 9 Redshank, 40+ Teal, 23 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Grey Plover, 5 Golden Plover, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 8 Cormorant, 2 Snipe, 1 Water Rail, Dunlin, 4 Moorhen, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 23 Oystercatcher, 100+ Knot flew over, 50+ Lapwing, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 4 Greenfinch, 10 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher (old sewage works), 6 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Corn Bunting, 20+ Sanderling. Noel Barnes.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:45
1 Green Sandpiper flew low east over house, along brook, calling! Paul Baker (SOG).
Magnolia NR, Hawkwell, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk (female carrying prey), 1 Stock Dove, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Jackdaw, 6 Redwing. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Southend, 14:10
1 Grey Wagtail on roof of Tomassi's in High Street. Web Author, K.M.
Rochford Station, 15:45
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker, Mike Bailey, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir
1 Spoonbill, 3 Goosander, 4 Bewick's Swan, 1 Little Egret. Mark Bicknell.
Canvey
Please would members keep a look out for a Sparrowhawk wearing jesses and bell lost on Canvey, heading to Hadleigh Downs. If seen, phone anytime 07771 847932. Wayne Marney.
Stansted Airport 22.00
1 Grey Wagtail flying around inside the busy concourse of the Airport and coming to roost above the Hertz car hire desk in the rafters. Leslie Spurling.
Friday 21st November 2008
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:45
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Eastwood, 09:00
6 Siskin in alders along Edward Hall school playing field boundary with Rayleigh Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00
1 Woodcock found dead at the base of Alexander House. Probably not a Peregrine kill, more likely to have hit the building at night. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea Foreshore 13.55 - 14.50
2 Great Black-backed Gull. M Foster.
Thursday 20th November 2008
Hadleigh Downs 08.15 - 11.30
2 Sparrowhawk (flying up high), 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Linnet, 1 Bullfinch. Terry Priest.
Basildon (Burnt Mills Road), 13.30
1 Little Egret. Eirwen Miller and Terry Miller.
Hadleigh Great Wood 14.00 - 16.00
2 Jay, 1 Robin. M Foster.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
Merlin and 1461 Brent Geese. One of my volunteers was doing a harrier roost count on Sunday and saw a Bittern go down into the reed bed, 13 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 2 Barn Owl and 2 Kestrel. A Red Kite yesterday over the car park, Tuesday: male Smew and Ferruginous Duck still on Joyce's Head. Juliette Elderton RSPB.
Wednesday 19th November 2008
Canewdon 07.45
At least 100 Common Pheasant in fields along Creeksea Ferry Road between Ballards Gore and Lambourne Hall Cottages. David Selley.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:10
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea, Cockle Sheds, 12.55
3 Pied Wagtail. M Foster.
Two Tree Island 13.25 - 16.10
2 Short-eared Owl, (excellent views, close to car-park) 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Kestrel, 8 Greenfinch, 1 female Chaffinch, 1 Water Rail, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Dunnock (by feeders), 1 Wren, 4 Great Tit, 10 Long-Tailed Tit. Terry Priest, Andrew Dutton.
Leigh, Park View Drive 14.30
10 Long-tailed Tit on silver birch in back garden. KM.
Hadleigh Downs, 14:30 to 15:45
1 Woodcock, 1 Bullfinch (male). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hadleigh, Salvation Army Footpath 15:00
3 Goldcrest with small flock of Long-tailed Tit and 6 Goldfinch. Roger Shinn.
Two Tree Island 15.00
32 Little Egret, 3 Teal (two male, one female), 4 Moorhen, 1 Cetti's Warbler. M Foster.
Abberton Reservoir 15.00 - 16.15
1 male Smew, 1 male Goosander, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 drake Mandarin Duck, 2 White-fronted Geese. John Wilson.
Hanningfield Reservoir 15:00 - 16:30
Rawl hide: Numerous Gulls, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Shoveler, 60+ Teal, 100+ Widgeon, 2 Mute Swan, 7 female Goosander. Point hide: 7 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Black Swan, 5 Black-tailed Godwit. Chris Henry.
Belton Way, Leigh-On-Sea 16.15
1 female Kestrel. Another seen at the same time about 1km further west. M Foster.
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Leigh, Park View Drive 08.45 - 12.00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (over), 5 Goldfinch in garden. Web Author, KM.
Basildon, Gloucester Park 09.00 - 10.00
1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Wagtail. Jane Hale.
Basildon, Gloucester Park 12.00 - 13-30
3 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Greenfinch, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail. Jane Hale.
Butts Hill Pond, Canewdon
Siskin pair on Alders with Goldfinch flock. Also on the 17th. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Monday 17th November 2008
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:45
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Basildon, Gloucester Park, 09.30 - 12.00
1 Little Egret, 3 Redwing, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kingfisher. Jane Hale.
Westcliff, London Road 10:15
1 Gray Wagtail picking around moss on the roof of Army and Navy stores! Noel Barnes.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 12:00 to 12:05
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult on groyne just east of Rossi's). Neil Chambers
Leigh-on-Sea 13.00
1 Golden Oriole (female or juvenile) SW of railway station, observed in-flight from fields onto Two Tree Island. MJ Foster.
Two Tree Island 14.00
1 Dunnock beneath hedge/bushes by bird-feeders. MJ Foster.
Sunday 16th November 2008
Two Tree Island (West), 07:10 to 07:15
1 Short-eared Owl. Terry Clark.
River Crouch, 08:45 to 14:45, From South Fambridge to Lion Creek
200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 5 Little Egret, 6 Reed Bunting, 5 Stonechat, 17 Skylark, 3 Corn Bunting, , 8 Knot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Greylag Goose, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 80 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Golden Plover, 5 Snipe, 7 Mute Swan, 5 Little Grebe. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Country Park 09:00
1 Grey Wagtail in brook by farm. Don Wildish.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:55
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Eastwood Sewage Works, 10:05 to 11:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Water Rail (+, heard), 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 10:30 to 11:30
1 Little Egret, 300 Knot, 2 Stonechat, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 70 Lapwing, 5 Grey Plover, 40 Black-tailed Godwit. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11.45 - 14.10
3 Serin (imm., females, w/e of seawall), 20+ Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 Peregrine Falcon (1f 1m 1imm. m), 1 Water Pipit, 12 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Rail, 200+ Golden Plover, 100+ Linnet, 4 Dunlin, 20+ Goldfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Twite (hanging around linnets) and 1 Buzzard. Also reports of 2 Dartford Warbler. Terry Priest.
Two Tree Island, Essex 15.00 - 16.00
1 Water Rail SE corner of island, near WW2 pillbox in reeds of small scrape/lagoon. MJ Foster.
Two Tree Island, Essex 15.30
2 Grey Heron, 28 Little Egret eastern end of marshes. MJ Foster.
Benfleet Creek, 15:30 to 16:00
1 Kingfisher. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands
Highlight of high tide visit was a group of 17 White-fronted Geese (albifrons) with the 60 Graylag and 120 Canadas at the east end. Other wildfowl included 150+ Shelduck, 22 Wigeon, c200 Teal, c100 Mallard. Large numbers of waders were very flighty and near impossible to count but c800 Lapwing, 300 Golden Plover (with another flock of 400 on Roach). Good numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Knot and Grey Plover and 65 Curlew. Single Green Sandpiper over and 2 Snipe. Adult female Marsh Harrier flew north over Wetland and across Crouch. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Monday 15th November 2008
Wakering Stairs, 07:30 to 10:20
1200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (approx), 1 Black Brant (with main Brent flock just off the end of the road. This is a different bird to that at Shoebury East Beach as both birds watched at almost the same time and photos show different pattern on left flank), 3 Stonechat, 35 Goldfinch (passed through SW in small groups). Don Petrie (SOG).
Havengore Island, (watched from Haven Point) 08:15 to 08:30
16 White-fronted Goose (distant, feeding to north of road, near the Canada flock), 210 Canada Goose. Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:30
1 Little Egret. Paul Baker (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 08:30
1 Woodcock flew along the seafront. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 08:50 to 09:30
1 Black Brant (Yesterday's bird still present with c500 Brents just east of the boom), 2 Little Egret, 3 Red-legged Partridge. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.45 - 11.25
Short-eared Owl (I inadvertantly flushed this in long grass,I nearly trod on it!!), 3 Little Egret, 4 Grey Plover, 12 Curlew, Great Crested Grebe, 500+ flock of Wigeon and Teal, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Mute Swan. Ray Fuller.
River Roach, 10:00 to 11:45
5 Little Egret, 800 Golden Plover, 600 Lapwing, 400 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 22 Corn Bunting, 2 Kestrel, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Bunting, 60 Shelduck. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 12:00
1 Blackcap (female), 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:15 to 13:15
12 Great Crested Grebe (mostly on river), 15 Mute Swan, 4 Pintail (2 pairs), 1 Red-breasted Merganser (drake on the Roach, then flew down-river), 1 Kestrel (fem), 45 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Fieldfare, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Reed Bunting, 4 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:30 to 12:40
2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Eider (fem), 1 Mediterranean Gull (1st w), 1 Peregrine Falcon (caught + ate small wader on the point). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Lake Meadows, Billericay 12:00
14 Long-tailed Tit in small flock. Marion Burch.
Friars Park, 12:15 to 12:50
1 Chiffchaff in roving flock with the tits & Goldcrest, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Mandarin Duck (3 drakes & a duck). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey 14.00
Please would members keep a look out for a Sparrowhawk wearing jesses and bell lost on Canvey, heading to Hadleigh Downs. If seen, phone anytime 07771 847932. Wayne Marney.
Canewdon
3 Corn Bunting singing on lane to river. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 14th November 2008
Shoebury East Beach, 07:10 to 08:20
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with approx 500 brent), 1 Black Brant (with brent flock). Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:00 to 14:00
1 Purple Sandpiper, 594 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Eider. Chris Lewis (SOG).
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 14.00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
2 Red-Breasted Geese on far south east corner of reserve, 2 White-fronted Geese, 1 Jack Snipe. Jeff Elliott.
Priory Park 16:10
2 Little Egret roosting in trees on island. Don Wildish.
Wallasea Wetlands
c600 Golden Plover, c850 Lapwing, Redshank several hundred widely scattered, c50 Knot, c500 Dunlin, c150 Ringed Plover, c40 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper from eastern borrowdyke, Kingfisher, 60 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, c40 Teal, Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, 20 Corn Bunting on wires near Grapnells. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Canewdon
Superb view of adult male Peregrine low over house having flushed large corvid flock from nearby fields - 200 Rook and 120 Jackdaw - most unusual for here. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Rayne 16.10
1 Great White Egret flying over Rayne towards Chelmsford. Mark Bicknell, Dale Bicknell, Shaun Tullet.
Thursday 13th November 2008
Chelmsford, Chelmer village, Back Garden, 07.00
2 Goldcrest. Sue Haffenden.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:30
1 Peregrine Falcon flying north past Portcullis House. Don Petrie (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11.00 - 14.00
1 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20+ Pintail, 1 Goosander. Graham Saunders, Anne Windle & David Galloway.
Southend, Victoria Avenue, 14.45
Peregrine Falcon flying south past eastside of 11th floor of Civic Centre. Mark Gregory.
Wednesday 12th November 2008
Richmond Park, Benfleet 07.00
1 Grey Wagtail by the stream which runs through the park. Andrew Bridge.
Brentwood, Garden 07.45
1 Waxwing in tree tops. Joy Dunn.
Gunners Park 13.00
1 female Merlin chasing Pipits, 2 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay, 1 Redwing, 5+ Fieldfare, 2 Cormorant. Les Costin.
Laindon, Shakespeare Avenue 15:20 - 15:40
8 Waxwing flew into top of horse chestnut tree in Shakespeare Ave, Laindon preening and trilling for twenty minuets before flying of in the direction of one tree hill. Len Dean.
Tuesday 11th November 2008
Gunners Park, 07:15 to 08:45
3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Shag (1st W), 1 Eider (1st W drake), 1 Siskin (flew over heading west). Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh Old Town Creek and Mudflats 14.00 - 14.15
3 Little Egret, 2,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Light-bellied Brent Goose. Martin Johnson.
Southend Seafront 13.45
1 Merlin chasing Starlings by Royal Hotel. Steve Wood.
Shoeburyness, East Beach, Site of Former Cafe, 14.40 - 14.55
2 Pied Wagtail. Lyn Davies.
Sunday 09th November 2008
Wat Tyler Country Park 08.50
Firecrest in scrub west of Skirt's Meadow in Wat Tyler Country Park, with 3 or 4 Goldcrest and lots of tits. Glenn Jacobs RSPB.
South Fambridge to the Brandy Hole 10.20 - 11.40
9 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 7 Little Grebe, 45 Golden Plover flying up-river, 300+ Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 65 Canada Goose flying down-river, 12 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting. Also 1 Common Seal swimming close to the bank less than 10 metres away - seemed quite interested in us! David Selley.
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:00 to 13:00
1 Swallow, 2 Pintail (drakes), 3 Goldeneye (1 drake), 300 Golden Plover (at least), 2 Green Woodpecker, 12 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 13:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 08th November 2008
Wakering Stairs, 07:50 to 10:10
5 Little Egret, 3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (approx), 1 Eider (duck), 1 Sparrowhawk (fem.), 1 Kestrel (fem.), 2 Skylark (calling as flying over), 2 Redwing, 12 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 09:00 to 09:20
3150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.30 - 11.15
60+ Avocet, 4 Little Egret, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Plover, 24 Brent Goose, Green Sandpiper, 15 Curlew, 25 Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Two Tree Island (East) 10.30 - 11.30
3000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Little Egret, 43 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 66 Curlew, Redshank, 3 Redwing, at least 2 Brambling with small Chaffinch flock. David Selley.
Oxenham Farm, 10:40 to 11:40
1 Stonechat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Goldcrest, 9 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 11:45 to 13:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Plover, 20 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Snipe. John Wright (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:15 to 15:15
11 Great Crested Grebe (on the Roach), 8 Mute Swan, 1 Pintail (drake), 2 Goldeneye (imm/fem, on the Roach), 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 2 Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Cetti's Warbler (flitting along lagoon edge ), 1 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Orsett Fen 15.30
1 Rough-legged Buzzard in field off Parkers Farm Road. Kevin Rees.
South Fambridge, 15:50 to 16:20
3 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (approx.), 1 Reed Bunting, 9 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Friday 07th November 2008
RSPB Rainham Marshes 09.45 - 11.15
2 Brambling with large Linnet flock (no sign of snow bunting), 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Serin, 1 juvenile Dartford Warbler (close to cycle track, showing well!) 1 male Peregrine Falcon (on pylons as usual!), 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron. Terry Priest RSPB.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes 11:00 - 15:00
Note that access to the site is by permit only, although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.
500+ Brent Geese, 100+ Curlew, 5 Spotted Redshank, 3 Knot, 2 Stonechat, 20+ Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 10 Bearded Tit, 10+ Little Egret 4 Kestrel, 3 Marsh Harrier (2 Juv., 1 Adult), many Wigeon, many Teal, heard Water Rail in reed beds a few times. Alec M.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 12:00
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury, 12:30 to 14:00
10+ Long-tailed Tit (Garrison, Warrior Square Road), 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing. Dave Knight (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 10+ Redwing, 2 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat. Dave Knight (SOG).
Hadleigh, Sally Tea Room Footpath 15.30
24 Goldfinch, flock flying between thistles and ash trees. Roger Shinn.
Thursday 06th November 2008
Priory Park, 08:25
1 Sparrowhawk flew from the park over the road protesters. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 08:50 to 09:00
3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shag (both 1st W, fishing around the concrete outfall pipe). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 12:45 - 14:45
Numerous Lapwing & Gulls, 48 Wigeon, 8 Teal, in flocks approx. 26 Goldfinch, 20 Linnet, 2 pair Gadwall, 1 Kestrel. Chris Henry.
Barling Gravel Pits & Surrounding Seawall 12.50 - 13.30
2 Whooper Swan, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 6 Moorhen, 2 Coot, c.20 Grey Plover, c.11 Knot, 1 male Montagu's Harrier, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Robin. The Montagu's Harrier was scene flying north towards Paglesham Lagoon. Nick M.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 13.05 - 15.45
1 Snow Bunting with 50+ Linnet flock (west end of seawall), 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 12 Reed Bunting (mixed flock), 20+ Goldfinch. Terry Priest RSPB.
Wednesday 05th November 2008
Westcliff-on-Sea 13:00 - 14:00
Swallow (west), Ring-billed Gull. Paul Bruty.
Boreham 15.45
1 Quail flying over road near Boreham Scrap Yard. Mark Bicknell.
Tuesday 04th November 2008
Gunners Park 08:30
Black Redstart very obligingly feeding on barge pier. Don Wildish.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:40 to 08:45
4 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winter). 12 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Chigborough E.W.T 11:30 - 15:00
Many Redwing, many Fieldfare, 20 Gadwall, 1 Peregrine flew over, 15 Bullfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 6 Goldcrest, 1 flock of Long-tailed Tit, 5 Great Tit. Alec M.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.55 - 15.30
Short-eared Owl harassed by corvids, eventually drifted west, Merlin pursuing a Pipit, 2 Stonechat (1f, 1m), Green Sandpiper, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 6 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Shelduck, 3 Curlew. Ray Fuller.
Canvey Lake 14:10
Grey Wagtail feeding west of Canvey lake weir. Paul Bruty.
Gunners Park 15.30
1 Black Redstart on wall by pier, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Redwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, 3 Little Egret. Jerry Stock.
Monday 03rd November 2008
Canvey Island, Leighbeck 08:50 - 11:05
12 Gannet (togther east), 52+ Common Scoter (mostly east; some on the water), 1+ Red-throated Diver, 2 Little Gull (west), 2 Great Skua (togther east), 1 Pomarine Skua (west). Ian White.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 14:40 to 15:40
7 Mediterranean Gull (3 Ad W, 2 2nd W, 2 1st W), 2 Little Gull (Ad W and 2nd W). Don Petrie (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens, 15.05
120 Jackdaw in one flock flying north, (with a few Rooks). We see or hear Jackdaws almost every day now but usually two or three at a time. David Selley.
Sunday 02nd November 2008
Gunners Park, 07:25 to 09:20
3 Goldcrest (mounds), 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Skylark (flew W), 6 Siskin (flew W), 2 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 1 Black Redstart (prob 1w male; in 'muddy' fenced off area north of raised track north of east end of 'lake'). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:50 to 10:45
1 Firecrest (in bushes adjacent to playground and mound), 2 Black Redstart (1w m-type at E end of raised cycletrack on large mounds of bare earth and another in the Nature Reserve), 2 Stonechat, 5 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 2 Lesser Redpoll (flew over ), 5 Siskin (flew over), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Long-tailed Tit (including one with no tail), 2 Goldcrest, 4 Skylark (flew over), 1 Peregrine Falcon (flew low over playground heading W), 1 Sparrowhawk. Mike Bailey, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 08:00
22 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush. 1 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 12:00
1 Firecrest (by playground), 3 Redwing (at least), 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 1 Black Redstart (on the new mounds of earth north of raised cycle track), 1 Blackcap, 1 Barn Owl (flew from small pines north of new raised cycle track), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 09:20
50 Wigeon, 10 Teal. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park, 09:30 to 10:30
1000 Golden Plover (at least, probably 1500. Flew up from fields between Paglesham Lagoon and Barton Hall Creek), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Skylark (flew over calling), 1 Stonechat, 2 Lesser Redpoll (flew west calling), 5 Siskin (flew west, flock of 4 perched before continuing). Don Petrie
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 10:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kestrel. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury, 10:55 to 13:15, St Mary's Churchyard and Woodland Reserve
1 Brambling (male feeding in sycamores), 3 Chiffchaff (including 1x prob 'Scandinavian Chiffchaff' (ssp abietinus) with very distinctive call), 20 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 4 Goldcrest. Mike Bailey, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 11:00 to 12:00
1 Stonechat, 28 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Shoebury, 12:15 to 13:00
3 Chiffchaff (one probably an eastern bird abietinus calling on and off), 1 Brambling. Steve Arlow, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:30
1 Little Egret. 1 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 12:45 to 13:45
1 Firecrest (area near playground), 1 Goldcrest. Peter Collins (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:30 to 15:00, Garrison Housing Estate - Warrior Square Road
1 Brambling (winter male feeding low in bushes), 4 Chiffchaff (at least), 4 Goldcrest. Mike Bailey, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00
1 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
Shoebury, 14:00 to 14:50
1 Yellow-browed Warbler (a Yellow-browed or Pallas's Warbler seen extremely briefly in elms by Warrior Square Road was not relocated.), 4 Chiffchaff (at least), 1 Brambling. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Saturday 01st November 2008
Canvey Heights Country Park, 07:30 to 09:30
2 Black Redstart (both fem/1w, along fence at east end by saltmarsh), 3 Stonechat, 2 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 17 Redwing (flew over), 15 Robin (at least, obviously migrants, most along fence with black redstarts), 1 Kestrel. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 07:45
1 Sparrowhawk (female). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey, Hole Haven Creek, 07:45 to 10:45
1 Ring-billed Gull (adult at 9.40 to 9.50 on creek then flew off, presumably to the tip. This bird has a noticeable limp), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult), 4 Mediterranean Gull (3 adults and a 1st winter), 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Fieldfare (at least flew over). Steve Arlow, Pete Livermore (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:10 to 11:00
1 Yellow-browed Warbler at 09.24 as it flew from the bushes adjacent to playground into the mound area. The bird initially showed very well for c.1hr but gradually became more elusive as it joined a very mobile Long-tailed Tit flock and the rain set in. It called about ten times during the hour and a half we were watching it), 125 Fieldfare (most flying over E), 3 Skylark (flying E), 3 Siskin (heard calling overhead), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Firecrest with mobile Long-tailed Tit flock (and the YB Warbler!), 4 Goldcrest (at least), 15 Long-tailed Tit (approx.), 12 Redwing (in bushes near the lake), 20 Blackbird (at least), 1 Little Egret. Mike Bailey, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Firecrest, 1 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Siskin. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Martin Cracknell, Dave Knight, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:25 to 11:35
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 12:00 to 14:30
12 Great Skua, 4+ Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 13 Common Scoter, 6 Eider, 2 Little Gull, 3 Gannet (juvs.), 25 Kittiwake. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Southend Pier, 12:45 to 15:30
1 Mediterranean Gull (4 ad-w, 3 2nd-w, 2 1st-w), 5 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 4 Gannet, 25 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Great Skua , 2 Great Crested Grebe. 1 Common Seal. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 12:55 to 13:20
12 Great Crested Grebe. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 16:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Brian Baldock (SOG).