Bird Reports For October 2007
Wednesday 31st October 2007
Leigh on Sea, 06:25 to 06:50
c.1,000 Wood Pigeon flying west in small groups. John Wright (SOG).
Cherry Orchard Lane, 10:05
1 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter). Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.20 - 16.30
12 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat, 5 Grey Plover, 27 Brent Goose, 4 Curlew, 100+ Teal,3 Reed Bunting, 6 Fieldfare, Whinchat,Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Great Wakering 15.45
Black-tailed Godwit with coloured rings on both legs. red above yellow, same on each leg - above the knee. Andrew Toms.
Benfleet Creek/Downs 16.10 - 17.30
2 Grey Heron, 4 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl. Terence Priest.
Tuesday 30th October 2007
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 07:15 to 07:30
3,000 Wood Pigeon in waves flying south. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Abberton Causeway 16.00
3 Little Egret, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 3 Heron also Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler. M.Jameson, M.Howell.
East Mersea 12.00 - 15.30
Many Brent Geese, 11 Little Egret, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Stonechat, many Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck and Redshank, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Curlew, and 5 Godwits. M.Jameson, M.Howell.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:35 to 17:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (one in to roost on Portcullis House at 16:35, the other at 16:50). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Monday 29th October 2007
Ramsden Heath 08.00
1 very late Hobby. Kevin Rees.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:10
1 Swallow. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Island, Stanley Road, 11:04
1 Common Buzzard - flew in leisurely from east, briefly 'thermalled' with Herring Gulls before moving off west. 1 Sparrowhawk flew west approx. 15 mins later. Ian White.
A13 Five Bells, 11.20
Common Buzzard, disappeared towards Fobbing. Gary Clinton.
Benfleet Creek, 12:50
1 Wheatear on the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Two Tree Island East Point, 13.45 - 14.15
More than 60 Little Egret, 5 Curlew, 1 Whinchat, many Brent Geese. Godfrey Davies.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:10 to 17:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Sunday 28th October 2007
Wallasea Wetlands
Female Merlin, Kestrel pair, Little Stint (ad. winter), 250+ Ringed Plover, 300 Dunlin, 110 Grey Plover, 600+ Golden Plover, 800+ Lapwing, 70+ Black-taled Godwit, 30 Curlew, 5 Avocet, 2 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 60 Mallard, 45 Shelduck, Mute Swan pair (unusual here), 50+ Skylark on fields, 20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 10 Linnet, Stonechat male, large Starling pre-roost gathering distantly out towards Paglesham Churchend - best locally for a while.Jeff Delve (and Glyn Evans this pm) (EBS).
Saturday 27th October 2007
Canvey West End, 08:20 to 16:05
29 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Yellow-legged Gull (first-winter x5, second-winter x1 and adult x2), 4 Mediterranean Gull (adult x2, second-winter x1 and first winter x1), 1 Glaucous Gull (a massive 2nd/3rd winter bird seen in creek for only 5 minutes before being flushed, bird was nearly always obscured), 2 Caspian Gull (both first winters and both on Pitsea tip), 1 Lesser Redpoll (flew over west calling), 1 Larus sp. (1st winter hybrid - presumed GlaucousxHerring Gull). Steve Arlow (SOG).
River Roach from Lady Essex III 11.30 - 15.00
14 Little Egret, 200+ Avocet, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, c.1,000 Knot, c.200 Golden Plover, c.300 Grey Plover, 22 Brent Goose. 4 Common Seal. Gary Dunn, Web Author.
Cherry Orchard Lane, 11:30 to 11:40
1 Mediterranean Gull (adult with green ring). Don Petrie, Mike Bailey, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 12:00
10 Siskin, 2 Goldcrest. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 12:30 to 15:30
4 Pintail, 1 Scaup (female), 5 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 1 Yellowhammer, 7 Fieldfare, 4 Skylark, 100 Wigeon, 700 Golden Plover, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3,000 Starling (including flock of 1,500), 2 Goldcrest. Don Petrie, Mike Bailey, Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB Rainham Marshes 15:10 to 15:20
3 White-fronted Geese on the western edge of the reserve among a group of Greylag Geese. David Lee.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 16:40 to 16:45
1 Ring-billed Gull (Rossi still there and showing well). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Rochford
Little Egret in creek behind the Factory Shop, Purdey's Ind. Est. Terry.
Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond
2 Ring Ouzel, both very well marked (very scaly underparts) feeding on Hawthorn. Also Bullfinch (first one for three years or more). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wallasea Wetlands
1 Little Stint, 1 Greenshank, Lapwing numbers up as are Grey Plover. Cleeve Bull reported two Stonechat by camera tower earlier. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Friday 26th October 2007
Benfleet Creek, 08:10
1 Wheatear on the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:35 to 11:45
1 female Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:00 - 15:15
1 Golden Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Avocet, Shelduck, many Ringed Plover, Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Linnet, Kestrel. Chris Henry.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:00 to 14:30
A really dismal visit as there is NO water in the scrape at all, and has been dry since mid August. 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Water Rail (heard), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Lapwing. Paul Baker (SOG).
Thursday 25th October 2007 (first report of winter Black-throated Diver)
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:45 to 09:00
1 Ring-billed Gull showing well, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter), 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron. John Wright (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:00
1 Sparrowhawk over house. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 09:15 to 12:30
3 Great Skua, 7 Little Gull (all adults), 3 Arctic Tern (2 adult, 1 x 1st winter), 1 Black-throated Diver (along the seafront all morning), 9 Mediterranean Gull (5 adult, 2 x 2nd winter, 2 x 1st winter), 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Little Egret. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Leigh Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea 10.00
1 Green Woodpecker feeding on back lawn. Godfrey Davies.
Benfleet Creek, 11:00
1 Wheatear. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.10 - 16.50
5 Little Egret, 5 Fieldfare, 3 Shelduck, 49 Teal, 21 Brent Goose, 10 Curlew, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Stonechat, Green Sandpiper, 2 Grey Plover, Whinchat, 3 Avocet, 3 Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 15:35
2 Grey Wagtail flew from roof of Sainsbury's up Victoria Avenue. Don Petrie (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:10 to 16:20
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair, on Portcullis House). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 16:10
2 Wheatear on the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
Rayleigh, 22:00 to 22:05
1 Redwing (several flying over; calls heard every few seconds). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Cranley Gardens, Shoebury (am)
Female Rose Ringed Parakeet on peanut feeder on more than one occasion. Hilary Knight.
Wednesday 24th October 2007
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:25 to 08:40
1 Ring-billed Gull showing well, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter). John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 08:30 to 12:15
1 Great Skua, 1 Gannet, 1 Guillemot, 5 Little Gull (3 adults, 2 x 1st winter), 5 Arctic Tern (3 adult, 2 x 1st winter), 7 Mediterranean Gull (5 adult, 2 x 1st winter), 1 Common Tern (1st winter). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:50 to 09:55
1 Ring-billed Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:45 to 12:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel (male & female), 1 Stonechat (male), 10 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Linnet, 5 Goldcrest. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island East 16.00
1 Merlin. John Leeming.
Leigh Marshes Ponds 17.00
Bahama Pintail, escapee? John Leeming.
Tuesday 23rd October 2007
Priory Park 07:15
Woodcock disturbed by dog in park. Don Wildish.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 08:30 to 08:45
1 Ring-billed Gull. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 18:10
1 Sparrowhawk (male), 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 7 Goldcrest, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Don Petrie, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk over the garden being mobbed by 2 Pied Wagtails. John Wright (SOG).
Sunday 21st October 2007
Canewdon, Butts Hill (early morning)
Obvious passage with 31 Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing, 20+ Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 50+ Greenfinch, 8 Meadow Pipit, Goldcrest around the pond. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Wallasea Wetlands 10:45 - 12:30
260 Lapwing included a very distinctive creamy coloured leucistic bird that was previously seen in the 2004/5 winter and again in November 2005. Amazingly it has survived to appear again. 300+ Golden Plover, 350 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 3 Avocet, 120 Redshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, lots of Meadow Pipit and Skylark across fields and 2 Rock Pipit in borrowdyke. Marsh Harrier reported yesterday. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Chalkwell Beach 11.00 - 12.00
17 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1,400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank,Turnstone. 6 Common Seal on sandbank beyond the Ray. David Selley.
Wallasea Wetlands, 11:20 to 15:00
15 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 70 Skylark, 10 Rock Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting, 14 Linnet, 150 Lapwing (including a leucistic individual), 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 1200 Golden Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier (immature). 1 Clouded Yellow, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey West End 11.30-13.00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Linnet, 3 Long-tailed Tit, one flock of 18 Meadow Pipit. 1 Clouded Yellow and 1 Painted Lady butterflies. 1 Common Seal (quite a way up a rapidly emptying Holehaven Creek by the jetty opposite Lower Horse, catching flatfish). Martin Cracknell.
RSPB Rainham Marshes 11.30 - 14.30
4 Reed Bunting (all males), 8 Stonechat (6 male and 2 female), 1 Black Swan, 6 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 3 Snipe, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Teal, 1 female Kestrel, 1 Whinchat (male), 1 Skylark, 1 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 female Marsh Harrier (flew over), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blue Tit. Terence Priest.
Wakering, The Fleet 14.00 - 15.00
2 Stonechat, 8 Little Egret, 40+ Lapwing. John Pitts.
Leigh-on-Sea, Victoria Wharf 15:00
1 Rock Pipit 
. David Lee.
Southchurch Park 15.30 - 16.00
5 Mute Swan arrived from the direction of the sea front, 2 adults and 3 juveniles. It would appear that our New Southchurch Park East family is still in the area! Web Author.
Saturday 20th October 2007
Coombe Wood, 09:45 to 10:00
2 male Brambling in garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands 09.00 - 10.00
Merlin from approach road and a large, unusually marked Peregrine (possible hybrid?) This bird, classic peregrine shape in flight, but very white on breast with limited spotting on breast sides and barring only well down on flanks, paler grey upperparts than most with contrasting black wingtips but head has brownish centre to moustachial, pale brown nape spots and supercilium. Perhaps a touch of Lanner or just a very pale bird with juv head pattern? No obvious jesses. Flew out south to Fleet Head / Potton. Generally fewer waders than last week - perhaps reflecting lower tides. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 10:00 to 10:05
10 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan (Unusual to see Mute Swans on the beach, didn't see much else as I was running at the time.) - (May be our Southchurch Park birds still in the area - Ed.). John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek 10:15 - 13:00
1 adult Peregrine, 1 male Merlin, 1 male Kestrel, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 1-2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, 7 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail (near Canvey bridge), Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Oystercatcher, 60 Avocet, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, 1 Greenshank, Teal, Shelduck. Andrew Cox.
Victoria Wharf, Leigh Old Town 11.00 to 12.20
1 Brent Goose, adult, ringed, same bird as reported 18/10/07, but seen closer c.100m off Victoria Wharf. Left tarsus broad white band with narrow black hoop near top; right tarsus broad faded red band with white 8 and 8 on either side (not solitary B as reported on 18/10/07). The 8 and 8 are on opposite sides of the band and most of the time cannot be seen simultaneously. This bird seems to be unpaired and in a group which approach close to Victoria Wharf. Someone said they saw a Brent Goose there with a red band on 19/10/07, possibly the same bird close to the wharf on 3 successive days. Martin Johnson.
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:15 to 14:15
2 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Mistle Thrush, 150 Lapwing. John Wright (SOG).
Daws Heath 17:00
Firecrest in my garden with Blue Tits. Neil Latham.
Friday 19th October 2007
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea 08.40
1 female Sparrowhawk cruised just below rooftop height from north to south over back gardens of houses on west side of road. Martin Johnson.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 09:00 to 09:15
1 Grey Wagtail present on and off since mid September. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Southend Pier 12.45
Juvenile Gannet sighted west of pier, approx half a mile out, fishing regularly and mobbed by Gulls. Laurie Greenwood.
Southend, 12:45 to 12:55
1 Peregrine Falcon soaring just south of Sainsbury's/London Road before drifting towards estuary. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Marshes, 15:30 to 16:30
1 Kingfisher. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:30 to 18:40
2 Bewick's Swan (adults) , 1,400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8,000 Oystercatcher (at roost), 8 Little Egret. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thursday 18th October 2007 (first report of winter Firecrest and Purple Sandpiper)
Benfleet - St Marys Church 06.10
Redwing heard flying over calling in the dark. Martin Cracknell.
Coombe Wood, 08:30 to 08:45
1 Firecrest in garden, 60 Fieldfare flying into the Wood. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Victoria Wharf, Leigh Old Town 08.40 to 11.00
1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, adult, bearing a broad white band with narrow black hoop near top on left tarsus and a broad red band with white letters BB or 88 on right tarsus. Belton Gardens, Leigh 11.20: 1 male Kestrel perched on top of street light. Martin Johnson.
Leigh-on-Sea, Victoria Wharf 10:30
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose Juvenile. David Lee.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11.20 - 12.40
About 300 Fieldfare flying over westwards in four flocks. David Selley.
Middlemead, West Hanningfield 13:00 - 13:50
5 Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, and a group of 9 Yellowhammer seen along the reservoir road to the village. Dave Griffiths.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.00 - 16.30
11 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat, 12 Teal, 11 Grey Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper, 18 Curlew, 2 Reed Bunting, Snipe, 3 Fieldfare, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Southend Pier 15.30 to 15.45
2 Purple Sandpiper , 10 Mediterranean Gull by pier Life boat centre. Gareth Powell.
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Canvey Seafront, 07:30 to 09:00
3 Arctic Skua, 2 Arctic Tern, 5 Little Egret. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Benfleet, 08:10
1 Kingfisher in my back garden, flew off towards Church Creek. Simon Watson (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 11.30 - 13.45
100+ Lapwing, 30+ Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Avocet, Greenshank, Redshank, 6 Little Egret, 1 male Kestrel, 1 male Peregrine Falcon, 1 male Stonechat, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Wren. Terence Priest.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13.00 - 16.30
1 Little Stint, 3 Shoveler, 30+ Pintail, 1 Black Swan, 7 Grey Heron, Wigeon, Teal, Goldcrest in scrub. M.Jameson, M.Howell.
Eastern Esplanade/Maplin Way, 13.35
1 Swallow. Iain Henderson.
Tuesday 16th October 2007
Baxter Avenue, Southend 13.30 to 13.40
2 Peregrine Falcon perched on top of Portcullis House. Martin Johnson.
Springfield Drive Allotments 17.25 - 17.35
1 female Sparrowhawk soaring high above the allotments, watched her harassing a small flock of starlings. Terence Priest.
Monday 15th October 2007
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:50 to 10:40
1 female Peregrine Falcon perched on top of Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh 10.00 - 16.00
c.7,000 Brent Geese, 1 Black Brant. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Sunday 14th October 2007
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.00 - 11.00
3 Little Stint, 2 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, 1 Green Sandpiper. Trevor Bufton.
Wallasea Wetlands 09.00 - 15.00
From the section immediately beyond the mast only, plus a few additional sightings from around the island: 1,400 Golden Plover, 16 Grey Plover, 250 Lapwing, 6 Greenshank, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin (peak count elsewhere 411 Ringed Plover and c.300 Dunlin on other sections). Male Sparrowhawk, female Merlin, 2 Kestrels were the only raptors but a few migrants, at least 7 Wheatears around the island plus a Willow Warbler with a scatter of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. 2 Clouded Yellows and a couple of Peacocks plus Silver Y moths were the insect highlights. Rick Vonk (RSPB) also reported Clouded Yellow and Brown Argus from western sections). Jeff Delve (EBS).
Benfleet Creek, 10:00 to 12:00
7 Stonechat, 8 Reed Bunting, 6 Little Egret, 50 Knot, 20 Goldfinch, 150 Golden Plover, 4 Greenshank, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 200 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Sparrowhawk (male & female). John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 11:00 to 12:30
1 Great Grey Shrike feeding on wasps from bushes about 100 metres NE of fence where red-backed was showing. Looks like the same bird as two weeks ago, 1,600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Little Egret, 3 Siskin (flying over), 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Stonechat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 11.45 - 14.45
1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Swallow, 1 Great Grey Shrike around hawthorns and on a post on the shore side of seawall west of Broomway, 2 Siskin (over). Seen during WeBS count. David Selley.
Two Tree Island (East), 12:00 to 14:00
85 Little Egret, 2 Stonechat (pair), 1 Sparrowhawk (male), 2 Snipe, c.4,500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Black Brant, 3 Greenshank. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head 12.15 - 13.30
8 Redwing, 1 Wheatear, 1 Green Woodpecker. Iain Henderson.
Wallasea Wetlands 14.20 - 16.00
c.700 Golden Plover, 100+ Dunlin, c.300 Ringed Plover, 5 Greenshank, 1 Little Stint (winter plumage - possible 1st winter as there was some orange on the tertial fringes), 7 Meadow Pipit, 5 Skylark. Marc Outten RSPB.
Wakering Stairs 16.00 - 16.10
1 Little Auk . James Ryan.
Two Tree Island
Black Brant showing west of Victoria Wharf this morning in amongst the Brents. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Saturday 13th October 2007 (first report of winter Siskin)
Two Tree Island (East), 09:45 to 10:30
1 Cetti's Warbler sang briefly. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands 10:30 - 11:30 Low Tide
c.1000 Golden Plover, 150 Lapwing, 100+ Dunlin, 250+ Ringed Plover, 5 Grey Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwit. At least 2 Wheatear, 10 Meadow Pipit, 14 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting. Cleeve Bull reported Marsh Harrier earlier and 20 Avocet at eastern end. Canewdon, Butts Hill Pond this morning Chiffchaff singing. Jeff Delve (EBS).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:00 to 11:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Siskin . Paul Griggs (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 22:40 to 22:50
6 Redwing heard flying over. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Creek
6 Bearded Tit, at least 4 males gained height and flew off eastwards. 120+ Black-tailed Godwit, 4+ Stonechat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Greenshank. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island
Oystercatcher, 20 Avocet, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone. Also Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Stonechat. Andrew Cox.
Friday 12th October 2007
RSPB Rainham Marshes 10.00 - 13.00
20 Goldfinch, 25 Stonechat (male and female), 12 Meadow Pipit, 10 Skylark, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Shelduck. 1 Cormorant, 30 Mallard, 1 Little Stint, 3 Dunlin, 1 Kestrel, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Linnet (moulting), 20 Chaffinch, 2 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Wren, 2 Redshank, 1 juvenile Ruff, 100 Lapwing, 175 Greylag Geese, 4 Grey Plover, 2 Pintail, 6 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 22 Wigeon, 6 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret. Steve Arnold.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:15
1 Peregrine Falcon. Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Southend, 12:40
1 Sparrowhawk over the High Street. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 15:30 to 16:30
4,900 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 450 Wigeon, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Pintail (females), 2 Black Brant (adults), 66 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14.00 - 15.00
4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Snipe, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Wigeon, 1 Grey Wagtail. Marc Outten RSPB.
Southend Pier 14.05
1 Razorbill diving for fish to west of pier approx 250 yds from north end. (land end). Michael Eighteen.
Coombe Wood, 21:00 to 21:15
2 Tawny Owl calling in trees at the bottom of garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Two Tree Island
c.4,000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese now present. A sample count of 480 birds included 57 juveniles. Also counted 77 Little Egret feeding on the rising tide and 2 Pintail. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Thursday 11th October 2007 (first report of winter Fieldfare)
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 07:55
1 Brambling flew over calling. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Roots Hall Market 08:25
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Tattersall Gardens, Leigh 09:30
1 Wheatear, 1st winter female, flew into picture window at back of my house and killed itself. Martin Johnson.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 14.00 - 16.30
5 Fieldfare, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Little Grebe, 45 Teal, 8 Little Egret, 38 Curlew, 2 Mute Swan, 28 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, Great Crested Grebe, Greenshank, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Gunners Park 15.00
4 Little Egret, big movement of Brent Geese going east, 30+ Goldfinch, 20+ Meadow pipit. 2 Common Lizard. Steve Wood.
Victoria Wharf. Leigh Old Town 16.20 to 17.00
1 Light-bellied Brent Goose and 1 Black Brant among the c. 2,000 - 3,000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Martin Johnson, David Lowe.
Wednesday 10th October 2007
Fairlop Waters Country Park, Barkingside, 13:30
1 Buzzard seen hunting over grassland. Paul.
Heybridge Sea Wall 13.30 - 15.00
1 female Shag, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 20 Brent Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Wigeon, 10 Corn Bunting, 6 Little Grebe. John Wilson.
Gunners Park 13.40
Large Eagle sp, possibly Golden circled park then headed over central Southend before coming back to Gunners. Steve Wood.
Eastwood, 16:45
1 female Sparrowhawk over A127 / Progress Road. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 09th October 2007
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:10 to 09:15
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult-w, 2nd-w). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 14.35 - 16.00
2 Little Stint , 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 60+ Wigeon, 10 Pintail, 40+ Pochard. John Wilson.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:35 to 17:30
2 Peregrine Falcon, male and female perched on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 17:55
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Tony Mead (SOG).
History of colour ringed Mediterranean Gull red 6P2, metal ring number: FN 08394 as observed by David Lee on Sunday 16th September 2007
Colour ring position: left tarsus metal ring position: right tarsus
Ringing Data
02/06/2006 CHICK MIETKOW RESERVOIR, WROCLAW, POLAND 50.59 N 16.40 E. KOŁODZIEJCZYK, P.
16/09/2007 SOUTHEND PIER, ESSEX, UK. 51.33 N 00.42 E. LEE, D.
Monday 08th October 2007
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:20
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Victoria Wharf, Leigh Old Town 11.30 - 12.30
c.2,000 Dark Bellied Brent Geese on water waiting for low tide, c.3,000 Widgeon, 5 Little Egret roosting on saltings. Lyn Davies.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 16:55 to 17:00
29 Little Egret, 3 Mediterranean Gull (adult-w), 7 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
South Ockendon, Chestnut Tree in Gatehope Drive, 17.00
A flock of around 6 Ring-necked Parakeet, feasting on the ripe chestnuts, making an almighty racket. Wayne Twelftree.
Sunday 07th October 2007
Two Tree Island East 10.20 - 11.35
c.3,200 Brent Goose, c.2,000 Wigeon, 330 Curlew, 68 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 32 Ringed Plover, 4 adult and 4 juvenile Great Black Backed Gull, 19 Long Tailed Tit. David Selley.
Hadleigh Marshes, 11:00 to 12:15
1 Wheatear, 4 Stonechat, 2 Snipe, 3 Shoveler, 65 Teal, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Clouded Yellow. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea 13:00 to 13:30
Two Mute Swan in the creek off Victoria Wharf. Something I've never seen before in over 50 years of living in Leigh. (possibly our Southchurch Park birds? - Ed.) David Lee.
Wakering Stairs, 14:55 to 16:10
400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Little Egret, 11 Stonechat, 15 Swallow, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff (heard), 1 Kestrel, 12 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey (SOG).
Saturday 06th October 2007
Old Leigh 08.20
Single Grey Wagtail at waters edge, after a few minutes flew off in direction of fish quay. Tim Smith.
Wakering Stairs, 08:30 to 11:00
7 Stonechat, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Little Egret, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Reed Bunting. 1 Stoat with a rat as prey item. John Wright (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 09.30
1 Ring-billed Gull 100 metres west of Rossi's Ice cream Parlour. Feeding on small crabs at pole with conical marker. Eric Sharman.
Wakering, Oxenham Farm, 11:00 to 11:15
3 Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Little Egret, 4 Kestrel, 2 Greenshank. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 11:30 to 12:30
5 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 1 Kestrel (male), 6 Goldcrest. John Wright, Brian Baldock (SOG).
Friday 05th October 2007
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 10:30
1 Wheatear, 5 Skylark, 55 Swallow, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Goldfinch, 2 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, 9 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Sandwich Tern. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:10
2 Little Egret. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head 13.00 - 17.00
1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 1 male Stonechat. I found a 75mm lens cap,no makers name, on the approach road to Fleet Head, by the bridge, if anybody's lost one....? Mike Sagrott.
Thursday 04th October 2007 (First report of winter Short-eared Owl)
Rayleigh, 07:00
A few Redwing heard flying over. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Walton on the Naze 10.00 - 13.00
1 Brambling, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest a few House Martin and lots of Swallow, 1 Eider, 6 Brent Geese. Trevor Bufton, Brian Holwell.
Gunners Park, 11:45 to 13:00
1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher in brook, 1 Green Woodpecker, c.50 Swallow, 6 Stonechat (2ad, 4 juv.), 2 Wheatear, 1 female Blackcap, 32 Goldfinch. Web Author.
River Blackwater, Witham 13.00 - 17.00
2 Kingfisher, 2 Common Buzzard calling to each other, 1 Grey Partridge. Mike Sagrott.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 13.35 - 16.00
2 Stonechat, 15 Little Egret, Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Plover, 19 Curlew, Green Sandpiper, 15 Avocet, 90 Teal, 9 Shelduck, 20 Golden Plover, 2 Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, 2 Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer. Ray Fuller.
Two Tree Island East 16.00
2 Kingfisher. c.2,500 Bent Geese. c.3,000 Wigeon. 1 Short Eared Owl. 2 Little Grebe. John Leeming.
Wakering Stairs 18.15
1 Red-Backed Shrike showing well by metal steps. Ken Borley.
Wednesday 03rd October 2007
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 11:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female perched on Portcullis House). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir, 11.30 - 13.00
2 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stint, 5 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 18 Ringed Plover, 20 Lapwing, 30+ Pintail, 20+ Wigeon, 3 Meadow Pipit, 5 Little Gull. Robin Peppiatt.
Gunners Park, 15:30 to 18:20
170 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Linnet, 8 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Siskin (flew over), 3 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island East 16.00 - 18.30
105 Little Egret roosting on saltings, 1,735 Dark bellied Brent Goose, c.3,000 Wigeon, c.300 Curlew, 1 Barn Owl, 1 female Green Woodpecker. Martin Johnson.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens, 16.25 - 16.35
100+ House Martin very high and drifting south, 4 Swallow. David Selley.
Wakering Stairs, 17:30 to 18:10
1 Siskin (over), 1 Red-backed Shrike (juvenile still present at the western end showing well on the railing of the steps at 5.50pm. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 23:00
2 Redwing heard flying over. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Tuesday 02nd October 2007 (First report of winter Eider)
Hanningfield Reservoir 07:40 - 08:00
6 Little Gull (2 juv's and 4 adults). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point 13.15 to 17.00
13 Common Scoter, 84 Swallow, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 1st winter), Great Skua, 23 Common Tern, 25 Brent Geese, 7 Little Egret, 7 Arctic Skua lingering all afternoon, 9 Sandwich Tern, 2 Sanderling, 4 Eider (3 Drakes), 16 Little Gulls, Pintail. Common Seal. Dave Morrison.
Thorpe Bay Seafront, 16:20 - 16:30
7 Swallow seen around the cafe and car park area. Dave Griffiths.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 17:45 to 17:50
1 adult Ring-billed Gull perched on lampposts. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend, 20:45
1 Barn Owl near Garons Sports Centre. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 01st October 2007
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 07:50
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 12:00 to 18:30
168 Gannet (mostly early afternoon), 31 Arctic Skua (including a number of pale phase adults), 8 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua (adult and 2nd/3rd year birds flying together), 2 Sabine's Gull (both juvs., first at 13.50, watched on the water for 1/2 hour, second at 14.10, first bird seen again at 17.10 for 15 minutes), 48 Little Gull (mostly adults, a few 2nd winter and juvs.), 16 Mediterranean Gull (all ages), 15 Kittiwake, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater , 1 Fulmar, 17 Arctic Tern. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 16:05 to 16:20
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 16:55 to 18:30
1 juvenile Sabine's Gull flew slowly out of river resting at times on the sea between 17:30 and 17:45, 1 Manx Shearwater flew out at approx. 17:15, 5 Mediterranean Gull (2 x1st w, 2x adult, 1 x 2nd w), 2 Great Skua flew out, 2 Kittiwake flew out, 1 juvenile Arctic Tern close inshore flew out, 10 Arctic Skua (lingering and harrassing the gulls and terns), 35 Little Gull (adults flying out), 2 Gannet (adults), 9 Sandwich Tern, 45 Common Tern, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 18:30
1 juvenile Red-backed Shrike on the fence crossing the seawall at the Shoebury end, 7 Stonechat, 450 Bar-tailed Godwit. Paul Griggs, Steve Arlow, Don Petrie (SOG).