Bird Reports for October 2010
Sunday 31st October 2010
Blue House Farm, North Stambridge 12:00
3 Bearded Tit, 6 Stonechat. Barry Jones.
Gunners Park, 13:10 to 14:20
2 Skylark (flew over), 10 Meadow Pipit, 19 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch, 2 Goldcrest, 11 Blackbird, 1 Grey Wagtail (flew over). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 16:45
Around island then watched waders in on tide from car park end: 1 Short-eared Owl hunting ditch lines, 1 Barn Owl (one with leather jess on left leg (only seen on photos) hunting ditch lines), 3 Merlin (immature male seen to chase and catch migrant Chaffinch over eastern salt marsh, 2 females sparring over central track), 1 Curlew Sandpiper (with Dunlin and Ringed Plover by car park on rising tide), c.1000 Golden Plover (roosting out on mud and pushed off by tide), 72 Black-tailed Godwit (from car park), 4 Rock Pipit together by car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:00 to 17:00
1 Marsh Harrier on Havengore, 3 Kestrel all on Havengore, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 26 Little Egret, 1500+ Knot, c.75 Grey Plover, c.400 Golden Plover, c.220 Redshank, c.275 Curlew, c.750 Oystercatcher, 8 Meadow Pipit, c.60 Ringed Plover, c.130 Dunlin, 1 Barn Owl. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:00 to 17:00
7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, c.100 Golden Plover, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine Falcon (pair, hunting waders on the river), 3 Little Egret. 1 Common Seal. Paul Griggs, Paul Baker (SOG).
Southend, Stock Road 15:30 to 16:30
4 Jay, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 10 Herring Gull, 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Peregrine Falcon taking Blackbird from tree top, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker (1 male, 1 female) also numerous Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch visiting feeders. Dan Davison.
Two Tree Island 15:30 to 18:00
Brent Goose, Curlew, Dunlin, Cetti's Warbler in reeds by saline pond, Wigeon, Teal, Grey Heron, 43 Little Egret, Dunnock, Green Woodpecker, Blackbird, Redshank, Coot, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Mallard, 82 Golden Plover, Grey Plover, 100+ Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Wren, Skylark (hung around then flew towards Canvey), 53 Avocet at hide, 2 Sparrowhawk, Knot, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Grebe, Canada Goose, 3 Greenshank, Linnet. Noel Barnes.
Saturday 30th October 2010
Romford, Rush Green, 09:20
1 Jay. Colin McMorran.
Benfleet Downs, 10:00 to 11:30
1 Buzzard, 5 Redwing. 1 Adder. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
South Fambridge 10:15 to 12:00
East along seawall: 5 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Curlew, 35 Skylark. On North bank by Blue House Farm: 280 Canada Goose, 88 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Greylag Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose (possible further two on far side of Canada flock), c.100 Wigeon, 51 Shelduck, 160 Lapwing. David Selley.
Canvey Island, Leigh Beck Seafront 11:30 to 12:30
1 adult male Snow Bunting feeding on seeds at seawall, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 5 Swallow, 5 Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 1 Great Crested Grebe. Hanna Karthauser, Johannes Kamp.
Leigh on Sea, 14:00
1 Sparrowhawk in my garden. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canewdon, 23:30
1 Barn Owl on footpath post on double bend just west of village. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Friday 29th October 2010
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 12:30
Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, Robin, Goldcrest, Flock of Brambling, 50 Chaffinch and Greenfinch, 200+ Greylag Goose, 100+ Canada Goose, 1 Egyptian Goose, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pintail, Wigeon, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Lapwing, 1 female Peregrine Falcon, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling. Brennan and Vince Briggs.
Southend, North Avenue 11:15
A Sparrowhawk was flying over being mobbed by 50+ Starlings. S. Jackson.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 14:50 to 15:20
1 male Grey Wagtail in brook in Bonchurch Park, 1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Belfairs Woods, 15:30 to 16:45
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Goldcrest (with tit flock). Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge 17:00 to 17:45
36 Little Egret disturbed from roost in trees behind the deer paddock in Nth. Fambridge, 280 Golden Plover flying up-river, 76 Pied Wagtail feeding around the seaweed on the seawall then roosting in reed bed, 1 Rock Pipit. David Selley.
Thursday 28th October 2010
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 16:00
1 immature Hen Harrier hunting eastern end of borrowdyke, 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon over fields, 1 female Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Sparrowhawk perched on post along sea wall and hunting salt marsh, 400 Golden Plover (most near Grapnells), 120 Black-tailed Godwit (in four groups, a really good count here), 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 120 Ringed Plover, c.300 Dunlin, 400 Golden Plover (most near Grapnells), c.40 Grey Plover, 4 Reed Bunting, 30 Skylark, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Snipe (flew over east end), 4 Knot, 40 Wigeon (recent increase). Jeff Delve (SOG).
River Crouch, 13:45 to 14:00
Viewing Crouch Valley from Canewdon Church: 1 Pink-footed Goose (very distant with 8 Canada's on Blue House Farm, north of R. Crouch), 40 Canada Goose (approx.), 100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (approx.). John Wright (SOG).
Thundersley, 15:55
1 Buzzard south over A127 approx. half mile east of A130. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 27th October 2010
Wallasea Island, 03:45 to 05:45
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 25 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 43+ Dunlin, 1 Little Stint with the Dunlin, 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 16:00 to 17:00
125 Golden Plover, 7 Greenshank, 72 Black-tailed Godwit. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:15 to 18:20
Walked East from South Fambridge for about half a mile and watched from the farm gate. Most Geese seen when flushed from Blue House Farm to the river by a low helicopter at 17:45: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Pink-footed Goose on the Crouch with the Canada flock from 17:45 until at least 18:10, 30+ Greylag Goose on Blue House Farm, 250+ Canada Goose flushed to river from Blue House Farm, 1 Barnacle Goose (with the Canada's, presumed feral), 200+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose flushed from Blue House Farm, 54 Shelduck, 400+ Wigeon flying around over Blue House Farm, 1 Marsh Harrier over Blue House Farm, 300+ Golden Plover flying up-river in several flocks, 13 Bar-tailed Godwit flew high up-river, 20+ Skylark on the fields and salt marsh. Don Petrie (SOG).
Roper's Farm to Bolt Farm, 16:20 to 17:30
1 Little Owl (excellent views as it perched in the poplars on Mucking Hall Road), 1 Peregrine Falcon flushed all the waders on the north side of Paglesham Reach, 41 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 7 Meadow Pipit, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, 310 Golden Plover, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Corn Bunting, 5 Goldcrest. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Tuesday 26th October 2010
Benfleet, 08:30
2 Goldcrest in garden bordering Downs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Simon Watson (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 11:00 to 11:10
3 Mediterranean Gull. 26 Common Seal out on the sandbank. John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 14:00
1 Red-throated Diver (lingering), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe drifted by, 4 Common Scoter up-river, 1 Buzzard flew up from the mouth of the river and then drifted NW over Southend, 10 Mediterranean Gull (7 Ad, 1 2ndW, 2 1stW). Don Petrie (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 14:00
1 Coal Tit on feeder with mixed tit flock. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Monday 25th October 2010
Blue House Farm/Bridgemarsh Island, North Fambridge 10:00 to 17:00
1200 Wigeon, 800 Teal, 283 Brent (201 adults and 82 juveniles), 1 Pink-footed Goose (injured foot), 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 1500 Lapwing, 850 Golden Plover, Jack Snipe (24th), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank (24th), 1 Greenshank (24th), 13 Rock Pipit, 2 Wheatear, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lapland Bunting. Graham Smith.
Wallasea Island, 10:25 to 14:20
1 Snow Bunting on the road by the haystack, 1 Brambling (at least one heard), 1 Short-eared Owl hunting along one of the middle drainage ditches, 2 Marsh Harrier (2 or 3 on Foulness), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier flew across the wetland and onto Island, 2 Buzzard on Foulness, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting, 3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Greenshank. John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
Barling Pits, 14:40 to 16:00
1 adult Caspian Gull on the tip showed well. Rubbish is being tipped on the S.W. side of the tip affording good views from the seawall, 7 Bearded Tit in the borrowdyke adjacent to the tip/creek, 6 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:00 to 18:00
3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 20 Golden Plover, 4 Grey Plover, 123 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 3 Rock Pipit, 42 Curlew, 142 Wigeon, 2400+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Lapwing. Sally Brierley (SOG).
A127/Childerditch Lane 16:44
2 Buzzard above fields on the left Southend bound. Don Wildish.
Sunday 24th October 2010
Belfairs Nature Reserve 07:40 to 09:00
Numerous Goldcrest, c.8 Long-tailed Tit, pair Treecreeper, Brambling heard in small flock of Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll briefly seen and heard, female Sparrowhawk. Richard Gray.
London Road, Westleigh Schools 08:30 to 08:35
Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 Jackdaw, 12 Fieldfare over while waiting at bus stop for coach to Rainham! Web Author.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads to Sandford Lock 10:00 to 12:00
4 Bullfinch (two at Barnes Mill, two at Sandford Mill), 17 Fieldfare (flying west along river at Baddow Meads), 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Kestrel. Plus uncounted: Woodpigeon, Moorhen, Skylark, Mallard, Robin, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Starling. Paul Forsdick.
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 12:00
1 Spoonbill at Haven Point, 11 Little Egret and 2 Grey Heron by Havengore Bridge, 1220 Dark-bellied Brent Goose between the Broomway and Haven Point with many more towards Shoebury Boom, 3 Kestrel, 86 Ringed Plover, 20 Golden Plover, c.150 Lapwing and a large Starling flock over Havengore, 9 Pied Wagtail, 13 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Skylark. David Selley.
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 12:30
3 Great Crested Grebe, 60 Turnstone, 6 adult Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:40 to 15:00
5 immature Gannet, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 44 Kittiwake (a juvenile, and then a flock of 30 and a flock of 13). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 12:20 to 14:50
110 Avocet, 6 Greenshank, 100+ Knot, 200+ Dunlin, 6 Little Egret, 22 Grey Plover, Teal, Wigeon, 62 Oystercatcher, 11 Shoveler, 3 Turnstone, Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 115 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 1 Siskin (flew over), 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit (on scrape to right of hide), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Peregrine Falcon (lovely bird attacking Knot flock and failing twice), Moorhen, Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Linnet, Cormorants (on posts), 1 Mediterranean Gull in with Black Headed Gulls at high tide back of lagoon. Noel Barnes.
Shoeburyness East Beach 12.30
8 Great Crested Grebe. Judy.
Wakering Stairs, 12:30 to 17:45
Mostly watching from Haven Point: 1 immature Spoonbill at Haven Point, c.500 Wigeon off Havengore, 1 Common Scoter (NE), 1 Goldeneye (SW), 2 Marsh Harrier (adult male and immature male), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard hovering distantly over Foulness, 
1 Harris's Hawk on Havengore, with jesses, 4 Kestrel (Havengore), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Short-eared Owl (Havengore), 10 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler Haven Point. Don Petrie
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:05 to 16:25
31 Knot over, north, 1 Little Stint from east hide, 1 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Curlew, 10 Wigeon, 19 Canada Goose, 23 Greylag Goose, 2 Kestrel, 3 Skylark, 1 female Kingfisher on roadside pool from east hide. 1 Red Admiral. Paul Griggs, Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 13:30
2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret. Judy.
Wallasea Island, 14:00
1 Stonechat by car park, 1 Snow Bunting near 2nd yellow gate, 1 Wheatear by car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 17:00
1 adult Peregrine Falcon over fields at east end, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 female Sparrowhawk flushed from ditch line near 2nd yellow gate, 50 Wigeon (notable increase), 400 Golden Plover near Grapnells, 2 Corn Bunting on wires near timber yard, c.150 Skylark (well scattered all over fields, including territorial birds and singing), 1 male Snow Bunting had returned to car park area, 1 Wheatear (car park, seen to catch and eat a brown cricket). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 15:55 to 16:15
c.400 Golden Plover in field before farm, 1 Wheatear, 1 male Snow Bunting along road between car park and haystack. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southchurch East 16:10
2 Mute Swan seen slowly paddling around Southchurch East, perhaps the female has got herself a new mate? Alec Beanse.
Saturday 23rd October 2010
Two Tree Island 10:00 to 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, 75 Avocet, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Knot, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 1 Wheatear. Andrew Cox.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:00 to 16:00
1100 Teal, 900 Wigeon, 170 Pintail, 54 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 126 Brent (87 adults, 39 juveniles), immature male Sparrowhawk, adult female Marsh Harrier, 700 Lapwing, 310 Golden Plover, 2 Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 100 Curlew, 150 Fieldfare, 2 Redpoll (flying south). Goshawk reported on 17th. Graham Smith.
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:30 to 13:00
2 Corn Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 5 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, c.10 Little Grebe. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 16:10 to 17:30
Walked back to Landwick Cottages: 1 immature Spoonbill with Little Egrets on the mudflats, 11 Little Egret, 1 House Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 Greenshank, 19 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Friday 22nd October 2010
Benfleet Creek, 08:10
1 Cetti's Warbler in reeds along sea wall between Benfleet and Leigh. Simon Watson (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 12:00
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull, Jay, Goldcrest, Treecreeper. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:00 to 13:00
2 immature Spoonbill, 6 Spotted Redshank, 1 Little Egret. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 17:00
1 Hen Harrier (ringtail - probable juvenile male), 1 immature female Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Sandpiper in SW borrowdyke, 1 adult winter Curlew Sandpiper with Dunlin from Car Park, 6 Turnstone (from car park - a good count for here), 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Golden Plover resting on mudflat, c.70 Corn Bunting on telegraph wires at west end near causeway. 2 Common Seal (one in Roach, one hauled out on mud in a breach). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park 15:00 to 15:20
Tennis Court area only: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, also still very many House Martins going over. Les Costin.
Thursday 21st October 2010
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:20 to 08:40
2 Brambling from car park pass play area and view field/hedge to north from metal gate 20yards before T-junction. With Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinches, 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Fieldfare. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Black-headed Gull, Coot, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Starling, Cetti's Warbler, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Redshank, Kestrel, Cormorant, Teal, Wigeon, Curlew, Little Egret, Mallard, Mute Swan, Jay, Little Grebe, House Sparrow, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Tit, Collared Dove. Terry Jeffreys.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Phalarope from causeway. Jane Baxter.
Southend Pier, 11:00 to 13:15
1 Shag constantly fishing off the east end of Pier from 12:40 onwards, don't know where it was prior to this but it wasn't roosting on the Pier, 1 Short-eared Owl came in off the sea from the east at 12:15 mobbed by crows and gulls until it ascended high into the sky and was lost as a distant speck above the pier head!, 4 Skylark (flock flew west over pier head), c.15 Mediterranean Gull, c.100 Turnstone. 2 Common Seal. Paul Baker (SOG).
Bournes Green Chase 11:10
6 Grey Heron flying over the fields along side the road. S. Jackson.
Sutton Road Cemetery, 11:30
1 Stoat ran across Sutton Road near the small church and the mini railway line. Paul Baker (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:00 to 15:00
2 Swallow, 1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 16:15
1 male Bearded Tit pinging and showing occasionally at 10m range where fleet crosses path just prior to Pantiles swing gate and start of double hedge, 7 Lapwing, 2 Skylark, 2 Kestrel, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Fieldfare in hedge south of play area, 4 Little Grebe, 9 Chaffinch (flock of 6 at Pantiles double hedge and 3 on dog walker loop), 1 female Pheasant. Paul Baker (SOG).
Havengore Island, 17:15 to 17:45
Viewed from Haven Point: 1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 20th October 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Fieldfare.
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 09:00 to 11:00
6 Fieldfare, 1 male Merlin, male Peregrine hunting over Roach, Marsh Harrier, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, 100+ Avocet. 5 Common Seal. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:15 to 10:15
500 Fieldfare (at least heading west in small groups), 150 Redwing (at least heading west in small groups), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Little Egret, 3 Spotted Redshank, 4 Reed Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Wickford, The Wick Country Park 10:00 to 11:30
2+ Fieldfare, Goldfinch. 2 Common Darter. Neil Phillips.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 10:30 to 11:30
9 Redwing and about 150 Fieldfare flying west. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 12:30 to 15:40
1 immature Spoonbill, 17 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 36 Moorhen, 114 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Don Petrie (SOG).
Thorpe Bay 15:25
4 Brambling in garden. Betty.
Tuesday 19th October 2010
Canvey Point, 09:00 to 10:15
1 immature Gannet, 1 Merlin hunting the shingle point and salt marsh. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 10:00 to 12:00
1 Cetti's Warbler, 3400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 136 Wigeon (including 1 in the borrowdyke), 10 Greenshank, 450 Redshank, 120 Ringed Plover, 78 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 35 Skylark, 18 Goldfinch. 1 Brown Rat. Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:30 to 13:00
1 Brambling briefly in hedge north of dog loop trail with a few Chaffinches, 5 Skylark, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Greylag Goose, 30 Stock Dove, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egret, c.12 Meadow Pipit, 3 Little Grebe. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:45 to 12:00
1 immature Spoonbill still present, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, 2 Water Rail (heard), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard). John Wright (SOG).
Maylandsea, Mundon Creek 14:00 to 16:30
6 Whooper Swan, 60-100 Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Wigeon, Teal, Brent Geese. John Lilley.
Shoebury East Beach, 15:00 to 15:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest in compound at northern end. Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 18th October 2010
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 13:00
1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 200+ Swallow (west), 80+ House Martin (west). Dave Knight (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 10:45
1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 25 House Martin, 80 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park 12:00 to 15:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker , 1 Yellow Browed Warbler at 12.15, usual spot, but seen only very briefly. Frustratingly elusive, 3 to 5 Goldcrest, 3 Long tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 1 Chaffinch, Very many House Martin and Swallow going over. Les Costin.
Lake Meadows, Billericay 15:00
1 Red-breasted Goose swimming with flock of Canada Geese. A magnificent small goose first noticed by it's unusual call. Marion Burch.
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:45
1 Yellow-browed Warbler mainly heard but good brief view of wing pattern obtained, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Siskin. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:00 to 17:50
1 immature Spoonbill, 3 Bearded Tit (2 in NW corner calling and showed briefly; a third calling along west side), 1 Spotted Redshank, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Snipe, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet (low over west ), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only, west side), 5 Curlew. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Sunday 17th October 2010
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 08:45
1 Firecrest near tennis court, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dave Knight (SOG).
Canvey Point, 07:30 to 09:15
1 female Velvet Scoter showed well but briefly before flying off beyond Canvey Point and landing someway off. As the Scoter yesterday were all drakes this is a 5th bird.), 10 Little Egret, 400 Wigeon, 8 Common Scoter. 1 or 2 auks sp. 1 Common Seal. John Wright, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 09:30 to 10:30
1 Goldcrest, 3 Bearded Tit (1 seen 2 or 3 heard). John Wright (SOG).
Langdon Hills 09:30 to 13:00
1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Treecreeper, 1 female Blackcap. Andrew Cox.
Wakering Stairs 10:15 to 12:00
c.4000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose between Haven Point and Shoebury Boom. Two flocks of 330 and 102 close inshore each contained 25-30% juveniles. 12 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Swallow, 2 Stonechat, 220 Goldfinch. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 11:50 to 13:00
2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (flew SW), 7 House Martin (flew NE), 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (called several times, but not seen), 2 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Jay. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park 12:00 to 14:30
Grey Heron, Peregrine Falcon (on east side Southend bound), Goldcrest (reserve), Turnstone, Whimbrel, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Kestrel, Dunnock, Greenfinch, 150 Brent Geese, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Little Egret, Chaffinch. Noel Barnes.
Southend Pier, 14:40 to 18:10
9 Great Crested Grebe, 1 juvenile Shag on the slipway at the pierhead for much of the time. Caught and ate a Greater Pipefish, 11 Common Scoter, 1 juvenile Arctic Skua, 6 Mediterranean Gull (3 adult, 3 1st W), 1 Black-headed Gull (leucistic bird, snow white except for black underside to outer primaries and dark tips to upperside of outer primaries forming a dark trailing edge). Don Petrie, Paul Griggs, John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier, 16:00 to 18:15
1 immature Shag, 10 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1000 Wigeon (Canvey Point/Two Tree area). John Wright, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:30 to 18:00
1 Yellow-browed Warbler in same area with crest flock; called a total of six times and showed briefly twice, c.20 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest. Lee Ebbs, Ian Douch (SOG).
Saturday 16th October 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 16/10/10
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 00:30 and 15:40
1 Little Owl heard at 00.30, 3 Swallow over at 15.40. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 07:15 to 09:30
1 Yellow-browed Warbler calling often and seen occasionally in bushes on north side of open area east of Warrior Square Road, north of tennis courts, 1 Chiffchaff, 3+ Goldcrest, 2 Brambling flew over, Siskin (heard calling in flight), 85+ Goldfinch (several small mobile groups), 4 Swallow, 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Linnet on mounds north of lake, 1 Little Egret flew over. Martin Cracknell, Tim Bourne, Marc Outten, John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:00 to 09:50
12+ Brambling in the western double hedgerow (Pantile track), 4 were later seen feeding in front of the middle viewing screen with goldfinches but could have been some of the 'Pantile' flock), 15 Goldfinch, 7 Curlew, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Shoveler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads and Surrounding Area 10:00 to 13:30
2 Goldcrest, 2 Kestrel, 2 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 24 Lapwing, 2 Cormorant, circa 150 Starling, 8 Skylark, 2 Collared Dove. Also seen but not counted: Carrion Crow, Magpie (large numbers seen in big groups of as many as 11), Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Pheasant, Robin, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Moorhen, Coot, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull. Paul Forsdick.
East Tilbury 10:15 to 15:00
1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 2 Water Rail, a few Ringed Plover, many Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Andrew Cox.
Hadleigh Downs, 10:30 to 11:00
1 Bullfinch, 2 Adder, 1 Small Copper. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:45 to 12:25
3 Brambling (1m, 2f), 6 Skylark, 1 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:50 to 12:00
11 Brambling (10 or 11 seen west end at 'Pantile'). John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 16:50
1 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 97 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Little Egret, 1 Sooty Shearwater (15:04 - 15:08 flew east, frequently ), 4 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Gannet, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Eider (drake flew west), 1 Common Scoter (drake flew east), 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Alcidae sp., 4 Velvet Scoter (four duck seen distantly at 15:25 flying west. 1 Red Admiral, 1 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:00 to 18:05
1 juvenile Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 29 Kittiwake (a flock of 21 and 8 respectively), 1 Guillemot (1 possibly 2), 1 Eider, 4 Velvet Scoter (drakes flew close by and landed on the sea about 17:10. Close enough to see detail such as the yellow area of bill, joined by the eider and eventually c.15 Common Scoter and still viewable at 18:00), 15 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mediterranean Gull. John Wright, Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:00 to 17:40
5 Black-tailed Godwit on reservoir, 1 Yellowhammer, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Two Tree Island, 17:35 to 17:55
From the slipway: c.10 Common Scoter (got up off the sea at 17:50), 3 Velvet Scoter (drakes, got up with the Common Scoter and flew a few hundred yards east), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 Little Egret, 1 Snipe. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Friday 15th October 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Red-throated Diver.
Stambridge, Shepherd and Dog P.H. 06:50
Little Owl sitting on top of pole opposite pub. Don Wildish.
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 15:00
2 Red-throated Diver (a near summer plumage bird seen at Shoebury CG 07:50, then drifted downstream with the tide. A second bird seen flying up-river), 3 Great Crested Grebe (sea), 245 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (feeding on shore, many juveniles), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (over W), 50+ Swallow (feeding and moving through), 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit (beach just east of pier), 1 Redwing, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler heard to call several times at 10:20 and responded to ybw recording, but only glimpsed. Heard to call several times more at 12:40 when also heard and glimpsed by Jeff Saward. Both encounters at the northern end of the Garrison field just west of the big house, TQ938846, 5+ Chiffchaff, 15+ Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest in Goldcrest flock at North end of the Garrison field by the big house, 19 Carrion Crow (19 together on the sea wall fence at 07:40, presumably migrants), 1 Brambling calling from tree tops at NE of Garrison cricket field, 25 Goldfinch (NE), 5 Siskin (S), 12 Linnet feeding near the pier, 2 Reed Bunting by gun emplacement. Don Petrie, Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 07:50 to 07:55
1 Ring-billed Gull on lampost. John Wright (SOG).
Navestock Gardens, Thorpe Bay Time: 08:00
1 Redwing in my garden. John Pitts.
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 15:15
1 Eider, 4 Gannet, 1 Little Tern, 600 Wigeon, 2 Little Egret, 3 Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 14:55
1 Ring-billed Gull eating chips beside the road. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:00 to 17:30
14 Brambling (5+ in hedgerow bordering flooded field plus at least 9 feeding along main footpath just beyond gate to western section), 1 female Marsh Harrier. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:05 to 17:40
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25+ House Martin, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (heard only in the hedgerow bordering the north part of the grassy area north of the tennis courts), 1 Chiffchaff, 7+ Goldcrest. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Thursday 14th October 2010
Canvey Island, 10:00 to 10:40
Waterside Farm playing fields: 4 Siskin over calling, 2 Green Woodpecker, 16 Long-tailed Tit. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Cormorant, Magpie, Mallard, Coot, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Robin, Teal, Little Egret, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Jay, Greylag Goose, Pied Wagtail, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Lapwing, Starling, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, House Sparrow, Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Great Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 14:30
1 Eider, 6 Common Scoter, 1000 Wigeon (at least), 9 Mediterranean Gull (mostly adults), 2 Little Egret, 2 Meadow Pipit eating the swarms of flies along the seawall, 6 Pied Wagtail also eating flies. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wednesday 13th October 2010
Canewdon, 07:20
1 Buzzard flew low across road near church. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Hadleigh, Castle Road 07:30 to 08:20
1 Ring-necked Parakeet feeding on nuts and flower seeds in back garden. Roger Shinn.
Gunners Park, 08:55 to 12:40
1 Great Crested Grebe, 150+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose (including a group of 82 feeding on the mud which contained 30 juveniles), 3 Lapwing (reserve), 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (over), 20+ Swallow (feeding over the reserve and sea wall), c.10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler (a late date), 15 Goldcrest, 25 Goldfinch (NE), 1 Siskin (over), 11 Linnet (feeding on sea wall), 1 Reed Bunting (in reserve). 1 Red Fox (reserve). Don Petrie (SOG).
Billericay 09:30 to 10:00
1 female Brambling in garden, picking up nyjer seeds dropped by Goldfinches. Stephen Burt.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:00 to 16:00
155 Mallard, 1040 Teal, 940 Wigeon, 29 Pintail, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, 450 Lapwing, 150 Golden Plover, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Redwing, 1 Twite (no sign of the other 499 I used to see here!), 1 Lapland Bunting (so close I couldn't focus bins!). Graham Smith.
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 15:45
Female Sparrowhawk harassing a pigeon flock, 2 Swallow over south west. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Tuesday 12th October 2010
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 12:30
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Skylark (over), 5 Swallow, 10 Meadow Pipit, 30+ Blackbird, 20+ Song Thrush, 2 Redwing (reserve), 1 Chiffchaff, 14 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling flew low west over magazine trees and called, 18 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea 10:15
1 Peregrine Falcon put up the geese and then roosted on the flats above the old town. David Lee, Alan Shearman (RSPB).
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 12:00 to 14:00
Lapwing, Cormorant, Little Egret, Shelduck, 150+ Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier. 7 Common Seals, Gary Dunn, Hilary Hunter (RSPB).
Canvey Point, 13:15 to 16:15
4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Guillemot, 1 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 15 Mediterranean Gull (at least, mostly round the dredgers), 1 Marsh Harrier flying north from Kent, 12 Greylag Goose. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads And Surrounding Area 16:00 to 17:45
Species seen along river from town centre around Springfield Lock, around meadow on north side of river and across Baddow Meads: Sparrowhawk, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Grey Wagtail, Starling, Stonechat, House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Meadow Pipit (at least 33 on Baddow Meads - hopefully the start of the return of the large winter flock of over 100 seen here the last two winters). Paul Forsdick.
Pitsea, 17:30
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flying high west over Tesco. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Monday 11th October 2010
Gunners Park, 12:00 to 15:45
3 Great Crested Grebe, 500+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, c.70 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 2 Lapwing in the reserve, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit on concrete structure just east of barge pier, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling (at least 2, probably 3 birds feeding in the weeds on the inner slope of the sea wall south of the lake. Flew into the park when flushed), c.25 Goldfinch. Don Petrie (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 17:30
Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Robin, Green Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Goldfinch, Wren, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.
Sunday 10th October 2010
Canewdon, Hyde Wood Lane 07:30 to 07:50
120 Goldfinch, 30 Greenfinch, 9 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch, 4 Song Thrush, obvious influx of Dunnock - they seemed to be calling from all the hedges, 3 Jay. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 08:10 to 09:55
1 Chiffchaff, 21 Redwing, 25 Meadow Pipit (most together in field to east of middle screen), 6 Skylark, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper, 10 Goldfinch (numbers well down on yesterday). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Two Tree Island 11:00
100 Little Egret. 70-75 on south of island and 30-35 on north side of mud flats. Mark Duncan.
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 16:00
27 Gannet (incl. a flock of 20), 1 Black Tern, 1 Black-throated Diver (the 'regular' bird), 20 Mediterranean Gull (at least), 600 Wigeon (at least), 2 Great Skua. Jeff Saward, Sally Brierley, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park 16:00 to 17:00
400 Sanderling, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, Pat Dandridge.
Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 18:25
3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier (adult male with juvenile together on Havengore), 2 Short-eared Owl (on Havengore, 1 mobbing both the Marsh Harriers). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 09th October 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Guillemot.
Canvey Point, 07:30 to 08:10
1 juvenile Common Tern, 6 Gannet, 26 Wigeon, 1 Swallow, 5 Pied Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 37 Goldfinch, 1 Little Egret, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Rock Pipit along seawall. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve 07:30 to 09:00
Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Mallard, Green Woodpecker. Appeared very quiet compared to visits in previous autumns - few tits and those not in flocks, no Chaffinches or Greenfinches seen and very few Goldfinches seen only fleetingly. Although I may have just picked a 'lull' day the Baddow Meads has also been very much quieter than last year so I wonder if this may be a consequence of the previous hard winter affecting local populations? Paul Forsdick.
Canvey Heights Country Park 08:15 to 09:05
2 Reed Bunting, 2 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, 1 male Kestrel hunting salt marsh. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 10:30
70 Redwing near tennis courts, 25 Swallow all in small parties heading east, 2 Brambling (2 over heading east), 25 Meadow Pipit (several small groups), 1 Chiffchaff (vocal disyllabic call very brown chiff with good supercilium near tennis courts), 2 Goldcrest (tennis courts and near reserve), 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (small flocks heading west, good proportion of juveniles - looks like it was a decent breeding season). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Leigh-on-Sea, Tattersall Gardens 09:40
1 Grey Wagtail, 1st winter bird, on roof of neighbouring house. Martin Johnson.
Leigh on Sea 10:00 to 16:00
Sightings on the RSPB Brent Goose watch: c.4500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese - a really good proportion of juveniles observed, in a group of 600 there were 180 juveniles, c.3000 Knot, 82 Little Egret. Web Author.
Canvey Point, 10:15 to 14:30
19 Gannet, 9 Great Skua, 2 Black Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair), 1 Black-throated Diver, 20 Mediterranean Gull (at least), 21 Common Tern, 1 Hobby south across the river. Jeff Saward, Don Petrie (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 11:10
20 Redwing north. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Stonehill Road, 12:15
20 Redwing over, heading west. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 12:30 to 16:30
1 Curlew Sandpiper (moulting adult with roosting flock), 3 Turnstone, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 23 Curlew, 450 Golden Plover (large flock NW of Grapnells), 2 Mediterranean Gull (adults, 1 on fields, 1 on Roach flying past Lady Essex 3), 450 Dunlin, 380 Ringed Plover (in roost with Dunlin on shingle at Wallasea Ness), 4 Greenshank, 250 Redshank, 250 Linnet (80 in eastern borrowdyke, 170 on plough near Grapnells), 23 Little Egret, 2000 Starling (at least feeding across fields), 45 Grey Plover. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 15:20
30+ Skylark, 1 Little Grebe, 30 Little Egret, 32 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redwing on sea wall, 4 Reed Bunting, 180 Linnet, 5 Canada Goose, 18 Dunlin, 100 Lapwing, c.200 Ringed Plover, 18 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 5 Swallow, 85 Golden Plover (north), 1 Merlin, 2 Common Seal. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:15 to 17:00
1 Sooty Shearwater west up river at 15:36 and out east at 16:25, 1 Guillemot, 2 Black Tern, 5 Great Skua, 6 Gannet, 1 Hobby, 550 Wigeon, 6 Common Tern, 8 Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB Canvey West 13:30
1 Brambling north end of bushes adjacent to car park. Pete Jackson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:40 to 15:15
1 Kingfisher around pool on dog walking loop, 250+ Goldfinch (one big flock of c.200 feeding in field to north of main reservoir and several smaller groups), 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Merlin made two attempts at the goldfinch flock then flew east. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 15:40
Adult male Marsh harrier quartering for five minutes left side of hide. Mick Roe.
Canvey Point, 16:15 to 18:00
1 Sooty Shearwater flew out of the river at 16:25, 49 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Little Egret, 1 adult Kittiwake, 7 Wigeon, 1 Gannet, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. Paul Griggs, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, Haven Point, 17:00 to 18:15
2 Short-eared Owl (one on stairs side toward Havengore Bridge), 1 Merlin, 3 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Rock Pipit, 800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 70 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Friday 08th October 2010
Gunners Park, 08:40 to 15:00
6 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Shag (1st year bird in central drain. Weak and allowed close approach by people and dogs. Taken into care shortly after I saw it ), 10 Skylark, c.25 Goldfinch (much reduced), 6 Canada Goose, 100+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose (several groups passing in each direction), 12 Linnet, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Wheatear on beach below mess block. Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea 10:00 to 16:00
Sightings on the RSPB Brent Goose watch: 1 Black Brant, c.4500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, c.1000 Wigeon, 58 Little Egret. Web Author.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:30 to 15:00
880 Wigeon, 440 Teal, 29 Pintail, 1 juvenile Red-necked Grebe, 1 Grey Partridge, immature Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 590 Lapwing, 230 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 40 Skylark, 40 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, Wheatear, 1 Lapland Bunting. Graham Smith.
Wallasea Island, 11:00 to 15:00
1 immature Hen Harrier hunting the linnet patch, 1 immature Marsh Harrier over fields, 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon over fields, 1 immature female Merlin over linnet patch, 2 Kestrel, 1 immature male Sparrowhawk hunting linnet patch, 600 Dunlin (large influx in last week), 250 Ringed Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Curlew, c.100 Grey Plover (another big influx), 300 Golden Plover (most on fields N of Grapnells), 400 Lapwing, 2000 Starling (mostly on fields S of Grapnells), 150 Skylark (widely spread across fields and steady passage), 20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit (by haystack), 40 Teal, 20 Mallard, 1 drake Shoveler at east end, 1 Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 300 Linnet (200 in water vole area, 100 in linnet patch past tower), 12 Little Egret, 350 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Turnstone, 4 Knot, 1 immature Common Tern flew east, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin in centre of a field right out in the middle! Never seen one so far from cover, 1 Wheatear near car park, 200 Wood Pigeon, 30 Stock Dove, 5 Collared Dove (one out on salt marsh!), 1 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Cormorant, 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (lots of small parties moving through - seem to be quite a few family parties with young), 5 Grey Heron. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 11:15 to 12:40
6 Skylark, 9 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park 11:15 to 14:30
1 Wheatear, steady stream of passing Swallow,1 Sand Martin, 1 Swift (rather late!), 5 Linnet, 2 Grey Heron, 300+ Brent Geese, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Shelduck. John Wilson.
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 12:45
3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sanderling, 400 Wigeon (at least off the point), 23 Common Scoter (single flock on the water). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:45 to 18:00
1 Short-eared Owl on Havengore (17:30), 1 Wheatear Haven Point. John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Old Town 17:25 to 17:58
1 Brent Goose opposite Peter Boat pub (among 3 - 5,000 widespread on mudflats) with bands on legs. Right tarsus orange band with letter D in white, Left tarsus white band with two narrow black hoops, one near the top, the other in middle. Behaviour solitary, not in family group or paired. Martin Johnson.
Thursday 07th October 2010
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:30 to 12:30
1 Peregrine Falcon, 22 Meadow Pipit, 6 Skylark, 40 Lapwing, 4 Pied Wagtail, 10 Goldfinch, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret. 1 Weasel. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:35
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Coot, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Rook, Goldfinch, 4 Little Egret, Canada Goose, Curlew, 16 Redshank, Jay, Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wigeon, 2 Buzzard, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Mute Swan, Starling, Kestrel, Shoveler, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
RSPB Vange Marsh (East) 11:00 to 13:00
1 Chiffchaff, 3 Cetti's Warbler (one glimpse, two heard), 2 female Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel. 1 Clouded Yellow Butterfly, 1 Comma Butterfly. Dave Cornwell.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:50
2 Buzzard over the old Pitsea Tip. David Lee, Clive Woodward.
Canvey Point, 13:00 to 14:30
2 female Black Tern, 1 Little Gull, 1 Common Scoter, c.20 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Rock Pipit, c.300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, c.20 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Vange, Gales Corner, 17:05
1 Buzzard. Terry Jeffreys.
Wednesday 06th October 2010
Please see below three links to Essex Birdwatching Society survey maps detailing Bullfinch, Turtle Dove and Cuckoo in Essex. If you have had any sightings of these birds in a location not included in these maps please do let us know.
The Bullfinch in Essex - An Essex Birdwatching Society survey which began on 01 April 2010 and is ongoing.
The Turtle Dove in Essex - An Essex Birdwatching Society survey which began on 01 April 2010 and is ongoing.
The Cuckoo in Essex - An Essex Birdwatching Society survey which began on 01 April 2010 and is ongoing.
Canewdon, Lark Hill Road 07.30
55 Swallow on the wires and milling around. David Selley.
Hadleigh Downs, 12:30 to 13:15
1 Small Copper, 1 Painted Lady. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 15:00 to 16:15
2 Meadow Pipit over. 1 Red Admiral. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:00 to 17:00
To Brandy Hole and back: 4 Wheatear along seawall on east side of Brandy Hole, 1 Whinchat (with the Wheatears), 8 Swallow flew south, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby south over river and village, 10 Little Egret, 10 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 15:45 to 17:10
Seen between Essex Record Office and Barnes Lock along River Chelmer: 7 Magpie, 10 Moorhen, 37 Woodpigeon, 5 Robin, 1 Cormorant, 2 Dunnock, 2 Mute Swan, 10 Black-headed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Feral Pigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Carrion Crow, 4 Little Grebe, 20 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blackbird, 1 House Martin, 1 Greenfinch. Paul Forsdick.
Tuesday 05th October 2010
Gunners Park, 08:10 to 11:20
2 Black Tern, c.400 Goldfinch in flocks of 30 to 70 heading SW, 35 Meadow Pipit (most over SW ), 7 Skylark over, 48 Dark-bellied Brent Goose up-river, 116 Swallow SW, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Cormorant on the boom, 145 Great Black-backed Gull on the boom, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Siskin over S, 8 Sand Martin SW, 1 female Sparrowhawk with a Starling. Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea
Steady stream of Swallow over garden heading south west all day. Kris Mee.
Monday 04th October 2010
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 11:00
1 Peregrine Falcon on Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Clements Green Creek to Marsh Farm 11:30
40 Ringed Plover, 80 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egret, 1 Reed Bunting, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 30 lapwing, 6 Redshank, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull. Dawn James.
Coombe Wood, 12:00 to 16:00
3 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 12:00 to 16:00
3000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Black Brant (well marked adult). Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 15:50 to 17:10
Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Marsh Harrier, Greenshank, c.200 Golden Plover, Willow Warbler, 4 Curlew, 5 Reed Bunting, 8 Little Egret. Ray Fuller.
Sunday 03rd October 2010
Wallasea Wetlands, 09:00 to 11:00
Falling tide: 4 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper around first breach east of tower, 1 juvenile Little Stint east end, 120 Ringed Plover, 450 Dunlin - significant increase in numbers, 80 Grey Plover - major influx in last few days including some superb summer plumaged birds, 4 juvenile Knot, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Greenshank, 300 Redshank - several large flocks, 14 Little Egret, 6 Cormorant, 600 Lapwing in 3 main flocks, 20 Golden Plover (with Lapwing), 1 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatcher, 26 Curlew, c.500 Herring Gull (many loafing on road and fields, including 2 with red colour rings although not close enough to read the numbers), 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Great Black-backed Gull, c.80 Black-headed Gull, c.20 Common Gull, 26 Mallard, 55 Teal. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront, 12:10 to 12:15
1 adult Ring-billed Gull on beach between Rossi's and Casino. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Walton on the Naze/Abberton 07:45 to 17:30
Sightings on the Swallow Birding "Highlights of Essex" coach trip: Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Herring Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Mediterranean Gull, Starling, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Jay, Pheasant, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Meadow Pipit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Mallard, Reed Bunting, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunnock, Redshank, Cormorant, Curlew, Brent Goose, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Coot, Lapwing, Shoveler, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Pectoral Sandpiper, Gadwall, Collared Dove, Curlew Sandpiper, Egyptian Goose, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Teal, Dunlin, Pintail, Ruff, Little Gull, Black Swan, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Grey Wagtail, Red-crested Pochard, Wigeon. but no House Sparrow or Blackbird! Terry Jeffreys.
Saturday 02nd October 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 02/10/10
Barling Pits, 07:25 to 08:40
30 Skylark (several small groups over W), 10 Meadow Pipit, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 15 Blackbird, 15 Robin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 08:50 to 11:50
3 Marsh Harrier (2 female, 1 sub adult male), 12 Little Egret, 1 juvenile Hen Harrier, 2 Stonechat, 1 Merlin (imm/fem), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Kestrel, 1000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 09:00 to 10:45
3 Curlew Sandpiper from car park, 1 Merlin chasing skylark over Paglesham Creek, 1 Marsh Harrier over foulness, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 100 Skylark at least across fields, 30 Meadow Pipit at least, 3 Wheatear. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 09:15 to 11:30
1 Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 8 Adder, 2 Common Lizard, 6 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Comma, 1 Small Copper. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 09:25 to 11:25
6 Little Egret, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1'w in Holehaven Creek), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail (flew over SW), 1 Ring Ouzel flushed twice from SW of 2nd crossroads along N-S track from end of Northwick Road, 42 Magpie around fields at Holehaven, c.10 Chaffinch at Holehaven, c.10 Greenfinch at Holehaven, c.25 Goldfinch at Holehaven, 12 Siskin flew over SW, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Cetti's Warbler singing, incl. 2 at Holehaven. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East) 10:00 to 11:50
4 Grey Heron over Belton Hills, 5 Little Egret, c.1500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose off Old Leigh and a further c.500 put up by a bait digger by the low tide line, 1 male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 12 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Jay. David Selley.
Rochford Golf Course, 13:20 to 17:20
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker, 9 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 15:50 to 17:15
1 Great Skua loafing offshore, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Common Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:10
1 female Merlin flushed from sea wall. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:40 to 18:30
1 Short-eared Owl hunting on Havengore, viewed from Haven Point, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 8 Little Egret heading towards Foulness, 3000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose at least. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Friday 01st October 2010
Barling Pits, 08:40 to 09:20
60 Lapwing over, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Redstart at the north end of the long pit in the hedgerow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin. 3 Red Admiral. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 17:45
2 Grey Wagtail over. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Southend, 10:15 to 17:30
1 Peregrine Falcon on Maitland House all day. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 13:15 to 17:50
2 Great Skua, 3 Black Tern, 23 Mediterranean Gull (at least, mostly 1st winters), 1 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Common Tern. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG)