Bird Reports for October 2011
Monday 31st October 2011
Wickford 12:25
Sparrowhawk over Nevendon road. Rob Harris.
Sunday 30th October 2011
Pitsea Area/Wat Tyler Country Park .09:35 to 11:00
2 Green Sandpiper, Water Rail heard, c.9 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, c.50 Lapwing on scrape, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
Ferndale Road, Rayleigh 10:00
6 Bullfinch, 17 Linnet over east. Robin Peppiatt.
Wakering Stairs 10:30 to 11:45
9 Little Egret, 820 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 male Merlin, 2 Rock Pipit, 11 Meadow Pipit. David Selley.
River Roach and Complete Circuit of Potton Island Seal Trip 12:00 to 15:00
42 Greylag Goose including leucistic individual, 25 Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, 2 Little Grebe, Cormorant, 14 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Marsh Harrier (2 on Wallasea, 2 on Foulness, 2 on Potton), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier on Wallasea, 1 Buzzard (very light bird, at first mistaken for a Harrier causing some debate on board as to whether bird was a Rough-legged but I couldn't see any sign of dark underwing carpals), 4 Kestrel, Oystercatcher, c.35 Avocet, c.300 Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, c.40 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Curlew, Redshank, Skylark, Pied Wagtail. 17 Common Seal. Web Author.
Hanningfield Reservoir 12:30 to 15:30
1 Slavonian Grebe seen from visitor centre, 50+ Great Crested Grebe, 15+ Little Grebe, 15+ Pintail, 10+ Grey Heron, 2 Eygptian Goose, Coot, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Cormorant. Martin and Marie Singleton.
Two Tree Island West, 13:00 to 17:00
EWT wader watch event: 4 Little Egret, 430 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 650 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Moorhen, 290 Oystercatcher, 56 Avocet, 140 Ringed Plover, 28 Golden Plover, 34 Grey Plover, 1,650 Knot, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 57 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 26 Redshank, 2 Turnstone, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Skylark, 8 Meadow Pipit, 16 Linnet. Graham Ryland (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:20 to 17:10
6+ Little Egret, 27 Greylag Goose flew over from Blue House Farm, 1 Kestrel, 7 Skylark, 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 29th October 2011
Gunners Park, 09:20 to 10:30
1 Brambling, 1 Siskin, 6 Lesser Redpoll. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Westcliff Seafront, 11:00 to 12:30
36 Little Egret. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Point, 12:30 to 15:15
1 Red-throated Diver flying up river, 7 Great Crested Grebe (including juvenile with a parent), 25 Wigeon (groups of 8 or 9), 5 Common Scoter, 2 Mediterranean Gull. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 16:45 to 17:30
32 Pheasant, 7 Little Grebe, 6 Linnet, 8 Moorhen, 60+ Starling, 30+ Feral Pigeon, 10+ Magpie. Also Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow but numbers not noted. Paul Forsdick.
South Fambridge, 17:15 to 18:15
6 Whooper Swan flew overhead calling; heading west at 5.44pm. Shortly afterwards and adult and a juvenile flew east beyond North Fambridge. The others may have landed on fields to the west of Brandy Hole/East of Battlesbridge. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Friday 28th October 2011
Southchurch Park East 12:45
1 Little Egret fishing in the lagoon near the sluice gate and lower south bank. Robert Dobinson.
Canvey Island, 13:30 to 16:30
2 Red-throated Diver, 27 Gannet, 5+ Mediterranean Gull (mostly adults, 1x2w), 3 Little Gull (2xad, 1x1w), 2 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Tern. 1 Harbour Porpoise. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:45 to 14:50
15 Skylark, 1 Lapland Bunting 
with the skylarks. flew in from the west onto the grazing marsh near the seawall. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 27th October 2011
Gunners Park, 08:20 to 12:50
3 Mute Swan on lake, c.800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose upriver, 7 Common Scoter, 3 Little Grebe on lake, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Lapwing (reserve), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow south-west, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 1 male Firecrest at western end of old tennis courts, 1 Brambling (heard), c.30 Goldfinch (mobile), 4 Siskin (2 over south-west, 2 over west), 16 Linnet, 1 Red Fox. Don Petrie (SOG).
Blue House Farm 10:30 to 12:30
1 Great Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier who decided to sit og the ground forr more than an hour, 2 Whaeatear, Peter and Dawn.
Gunners Park, 11:15 to 14:15
4 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest seen briefly with the tit flock by old tennis courts, 10 Lesser Redpoll (8 in a birch just south of playground and 2 with Long-tailed-Tit near old tennis courts). John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 13:00 to 14:10
2 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher at the pond, 1 Firecrest bathing in rain drops on the ivy leaves, 1 Siskin over south-west. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 26th October 2011
Southchurch Park East 08:05
1 Little Egret feeding in the lagoon near the sluice in Southchurch East. Alec Beanse.
Two Tree Island, 11:50 to 12:05
1 Peregrine Falcon hunting waders/wildfowl over the water near the slipway. John Wright (SOG).
Tuesday 25th October 2011
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 09:30 to 09:45
1 Redstart (female or juvenile). On neighbour's front lawn and garden wall, then chased by a Robin into our holly tree where if briefly re-appeared. Really close views for a good 5 minutes. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 09:30 to 12:00
4 Red-breasted Merganser flew up river, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier crossed estuary towards Kent, 2 Sparrowhawk over estuary, 1 Peregrine Falcon over estuary flew to Kent, 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Rock Pipit . John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:05 to 12:35
Short-eared Owl flushed from seawall only a few feet away, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Greenshank, 65 Brent Goose, 55 Golden Plover, 8 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 5 Reed Bunting, 6 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
RSPB Vange Marsh 12:00
108 Lapwing, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Snipe, 8 Spotted Redshank, 12 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper. Mike Poole.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:20 to 14:00
1 Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Bunting. John Wright, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
Flock of Golden Plover, 2 Kestrel, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, Flock of Curlew, 50+ Redshank, 5 Skylark, Flock of Lapwing, Large Flock of Starling, 36 Black-headed Gull, 1 Female ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Pied Wagtail. 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 100+ Woodpigeon. Rob Harris.
South Fambridge, 17:30 to 18:05
24 Little Egret counted dropping into the North Fambridge roost. 4 Avocet upriver, c.50 Golden Plover, 1 Little Owl flying around the approach track to the seawall at dusk. Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 24th October 2011
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:40
2 Sparrowhawk (male north-west mobbed by a crow with a female east at same time). 1 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet 10:00
2 Lesser Redpoll in garden. Pete Jackson.
Rayleigh Mount, 10:50 to 11:45
1 Grey Wagtail (still present), 1 Goldcrest (still present), 1 Jay, 8 Jackdaw in one flock - first since 7th April. 2 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 to 14:30
3 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 250+ Starling, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier. 100+ Woodpigeon, 33 Redshank, 6 Grey Plover. Rob Harris.
Sunday 23rd October 2011
Barling Old Pits 08:15 to 09:00
2 Mistle Thrush, 9 Little Grebe, 12 Little Egret on rapidly drying out lake on southern end, 2 Green Sandpiper. T. Thorneycroft.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:10
45 Little Egret, 4200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 700 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 20 Ringed Plover, 58 Golden Plover, 80 Knot, 24 Dunlin, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Skylark, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Paglesham 09:30 to 11:30
13 Mute Swan (9 adults + 4 cygnets) and 15 Moorhen on the brassica field behind Jubilee Cottages, 11 Skylark, 1 Brambling with a small Chaffinch flock at Eastend. 1 Weasel, 1 Brown Hare. David Selley.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve 09:30 to 17:00
Great Egret, 120 Brent Geese, Water Rail (20th), Sparrowhawk (adult male caught Starling), Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, Merlin, 2 Snipe, 17 Avocet, Green Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel (17th), Water Pipit, 2 Bearded Tit (20th), 32 Fieldfare, 120 Linnet. Graham Smith.
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:30 to 13:40
2 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 400+ Coot, 40+ Greylag Goose, 40+ Cormorant, 50+ Teal, 20 Goldeneye, 50+ Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 50+ Lapwing, 1 Pied Wagtail, 10+ Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, 10+ Grey Heron, 6 Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck. Craig Messenger.
Orsett Cock Roundabout 12:30
1 Buzzard heading south. Jim Cockram.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 13:30
2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 26 Skylark, 200+ Starling, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier. Rob Harris.
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:20 to 16:30
70 Little Grebe (including c.35 on the lagoon and a flock of c.35 on the Roach), 6 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 40 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 40 Shoveler, 2 Aythya sp. (drake hybrids - one Redhead-type, one Lesser Scaup-type), 150 Pochard (including one with a pale blue nasal saddle), 40 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier distantly over Potton, 1 male Hen Harrier hunting over Barling Tip, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Ruff with Black-tailed Godwits on Roach by lagoon sluice, 500 Black-tailed Godwit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:45 to 18:25
1 Great Egret came into roost on north side of river almost opposite Brandy Hole with Little Egrets. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge, 17:30 to 18:15
6 Little Egret, 30 Pied Wagtail, 2 Common Pipistrelle, 1 Common Seal. John Wright (SOG).
Saturday 22nd October 2011
Golden Cross, North of Rochford 07:15
1 Grey Heron heading south south west. Richard Goring.
Gunners Park, 07:30 to 11:00
2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 155 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying east in groups all morning, 9 Turnstone, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Paglesham, 13:30 to 17:00
Circular walk from Church End, along Paglesham Creek, along Roach to the Lagoon and then North back to Church End: 5 Great Crested Grebe, 77 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier on Potton, 2 Kestrel on Wallasea, 2 Fieldfare, 7 Rook, 2 Reed Bunting, 8 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
A12 Midway Between J22 and J21 16:30
1 Buzzard, Low over the fields east towards Wickham Bishops. Rob Harris.
South Fambridge, 17:00 to 18:10
1 Spoonbill flew in behind Egret roost, 4 Pied Wagtail, 18 Corn Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
South Fambridge, 17:20 to 18:10
10+ Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret flew in from the east to the roost at 17:49. Visible occasionally on the roost after that, 2 Grey Heron, 1 immature Spoonbill flew east at 17:34, seen later flying around the roost at North Fambridge Yacht Club, 2 Kestrel, 1 female Merlin south at 17:44, 2 Reed Bunting. Paul Griggs, Mike Bailey, Tim Bourne, Martin Cracknell, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Parks
Southchurch Park: 9 Little Grebe, 2 Resident Mute Swan with 4 Cygnets. Southchurch Park East: 2 Cormorant fishing, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 2 Resident Mute Swan. 2 Pochard in Southchurch Hall Park. Robert Dobinson.
Friday 21st October 2011
Gunners Park, 10:20 to 12:20
3 Little Egret, 3 Mute Swan on the lake, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling, c.100 Goldfinch in small mobile flocks. John Wright (SOG).
Southend High School, 16:00 to 16:30
No public access: 1 Kestrel in trees near railway line, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Wren, 3 Fieldfare on school field, 3 Long-tailed Tit in mixed tit flock. Sally Brierley (SOG).
South Fambridge, 17:35 to 18:10
6 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret flew into the roost by North Fambridge Yacht Club at 18.02, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Common Seal. Marc Outten (SOG).
Thursday 20th October 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Lesser Redpoll
Rochford and Canewdon 07:30 to 08:00
At least 3000 Woodpigeon. The stubble field at the junction of Apton Hall Road and Doggetts Chase appeared grey with birds, c.1500 counted, with similar numbers on adjacent fields. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 09:20 to 11:30
North of/and the old tennis courts area: 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Siskin, 5 Lesser Redpoll. John Wright (SOG).
Ashingdon, 12:00 to 12:30
From the church: 33 Fieldfare, 3 Siskin. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 12:55 to 13:00
Footpath behind the church: 7 Yellowhammer. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 13:10 to 14:00
3 Buzzard circling over Blue House Farm area, north side of River Crouch. John Wright (SOG).
Lion Creek 14:20
1 Buzzard soaring over farm land. Rob Harris.
Rayleigh Mount, 14:45 to 15:30
1 Grey Wagtail feeding in the moat. This site has a track record of attracting Grey Wagtails in October!, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest (always nice to see), 1 Jay, 8 Goldfinch (an increase). 1 Red Admiral. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 17:30 to 18:15
8 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret flew west along north seawall with 8 Little Egrets from Blue House Farm and went to roost in large ivy covered tree just north of Red Deer field at North Fambridge from 18:02 - 18:10, c.55 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Avocet. Paul Baker, Neil Chambers, John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 19th October 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 08:10
1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Siskin flew low south west, calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Grays, Quarry Hill Primary School 08:50
1 Jay flying over school, 2 Jackdaw on house in Hathaway Road. Joseph French.
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:20 to 14:00
120+ Mallard, 100+ Tufted Duck, 22 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 150+ Wigeon, 500+ Coot, 120+ Greylag Geese, 80 Canada Geese, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 55 Cormorant, 7 Lapwing, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Buzzard mobbed by 3 Crows Flying south of the causeway. Rob Harris.
Hatfield Peverel 16:00 to 17:00
2 Lesser Redpoll in our Birch tree, stayed for about an hour. Alec Martin.
Canewdon, 17:35 to 18:05
Viewing north-west from church: 4 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret (the Blue House Farm bird flew west along the river, presumably to roost, with a Little Egret at c17.55hrs), 20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on river, 1 Buzzard over fields c3/4 mile NW of church, 10 Avocet on river, 1 Goldcrest. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 18th October 2011
RSPB Wallasea Island 14:00 to 15:00
30+ Redshank, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 5 Kestrel, 7 Skylark, 2 Grey Wagtail, 50+ Woodpigeon, 9 Carrion Crow. Rob Harris.
Westcliff Seafront, 17:45 to 18:00
1 Mute Swan zigzagging south and west down river, 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew down river, 2 Mediterranean Gull. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chelmsford, Off Sandford Mill Road 18:30 to 18:40
1 Barn Owl hunting on rough meadow on north side of river. Paul Forsdick.
Monday 17th October 2011
Chigborough Lakes 09:30 to 10:30
1 Red Kite flying north, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, 1+ noisy Kingfisher(s), 1 Little Owl. Paul Gymer.
EWT Blue House Farm 10:30 to 13:00
Flock of 20+ Barnacle Geese, 40+ Canada Geese, 1 Stonechat, 4 Meadow Pipit, 8 Curlew, 4 Skylark. Far hide: 1 Great White Egret, 2 Little Egret, 1 Pheasant. Mick Roe.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 16th October 2011
Rayleigh, Ferndale Road 08:00 to 19:30
1 Tawny Owl (calling 7:30pm), 1 Common Buzzard mobbed by Crows, 17 Siskin spent most of the day in birch trees, 2 Linnet, 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush. Robin Peppiatt.
RSPB Wallasea Island 08:00 to 14:00
Seen on the RSPB walk: 100+ Brent Goose, Common Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Common Teal, 3 Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, 1 Short-eared Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 50+ Skylark, Mistle Thrush, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting. Web Author et al.
Barling Old Pits 08:40
10+ Reed Bunting. T. Thorneycroft.
Leigh on Sea, 08:45 to 09:45
1 Kingfisher on neighbours TV aerial in Shirley Road. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 10:05
1 Yellow-browed Warbler North of the tennis court area. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 12:00
1 Grey Heron, c.7000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (c.3000 at Wakering Stairs and 4000+ off Havengore Head (Foulness)), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Swallow, 7 Skylark, 110 Goldfinch in small flocks flying west. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00 to 11:05
1 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Siskin all flew over within 5 minutes of each other. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 13:50 to 15:30
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 male Stonechat east of lake, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the same place as last year north of tennis courts - fairly vocal, but elusive, 5 Siskin (two small heard only groups heading south-west). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 15:30
1 Swallow, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 11 Long-tailed Tit. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Park View Drive 16:15
1 Redwing low over garden. Web Author.
Blue House Farm 17:30
Flock of 30+ Barnacle Geese. Russ Payne.
Two Tree Island
Having read about Two Tree Island on your site, I went there today. Photos of birds taken at: http://www.essexbirds.com/twotreeisland. Paul Rowe.
Saturday 15th October 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 09:00 to 09:40
1 Redwing (my first of the season!), 3 Reed Bunting, 6 Skylark (making song flights and engaging in group territorial scuffles), 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 14 Moorhen, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Black-headed Gull, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 House Sparrow, 3 Robin, 4 Carrion Crow, 1 Magpie, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 10 Starling. Many Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Bowers Marshes, 10:00 to 12:15
RSPB guided walk - currently restricted access: 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard high over, 27 Lapwing, 4 Green Sandpiper, 30+ Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 50 Goldfinch, 110 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Sadlers Farm 12:45
2 Buzzard soaring also 2 at Orsett. Jim Cockram.
EWT Blue house Farm 13:00 to 16:00
1 Stonechat, 5 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Barnacle Geese, 30+ Canada Geese, 50+ Brent Geese, 30 Greylag Geese, 40+ Lapwing, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Kestrel, 1 Pied Wagtail, 20+ Goldfinch, 5 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting. Rob Harris.
Friday 14th October 2011
Gunners Park, 07:50 to 13:30
3 Mute Swan, 4 Teal off shore, 1 Sparrowhawk with prey, 1 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 16 Meadow Pipit, 14 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the western end of the poplars by the main car park. Heard first at 11.45 and seen at 11.53 through to 12.15. Some times very vocal but when silent difficult to locate. We lost the bird when it flew into the scrub to the north, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Brambling (one heard only), 80 Goldfinch, 16 Siskin. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 08:30
1 Little Egret over east, a welcome garden list addition. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Old Leigh 09:30 to 16:30
RSPB Brent Goose Watch: 33 Little Egret, c.6000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Grey Plover, 65 Black-tailed Godwit, c.400 Redshank, 1 Swallow. Web Author.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:30 to 17:00
Great White Egret (present most days this week, usually in front of the BWA (far) hide. Spoonbill - same hide. 17 Little Egret, 825 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 12 Pintail, 76 Brent (47 adults and 11 juveniles in one flock), 500 Rook, Sparrowhawk, female Marsh Harrier, Male ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Buzzard, 4 Greenshank, 110 Linnet, 100 Goldfinch. Still 2 Migrant Hawkers, 2 Red Admiral and a Small Copper on wing. Graham Smith.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:00 to 11:00
Large numbers of Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Gadwall, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 24 Canada Geese, 50 Greylag Geese, 300+ Lapwing, 200+ Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 12 Great Tit. Rob Harris.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 13:30 to 18:45
5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 18 Shelduck, 53 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 32 Mallard, 2 Marsh Harrier (all dark white headed immature and another with strong buff wing panels), 1 Hen Harrier (very well marked immature over centre of island headed south-east), 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine Falcon (immature female and adult male late on on fields), 137 Ringed Plover, 48 Golden Plover, 8 Grey Plover, 116 Lapwing, 110 Dunlin, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Curlew, 388 Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 2 Barn Owl (hunting over wild bird cover from 18:15, one tipped over in flight by a Short-eared Owl), 2 Short-eared Owl (hunting over wild bird cover from 18:30), 50+ Skylark (small groups well scattered, mostly moving through), 20 Meadow Pipit (several small parties heading west). Jeff Delve (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 15:00 to 17:00
8 Little Egret, c.6000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (c.3000 off the Stairs with a further c.3000 of the tip of Havengore Point on Foulness), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Stonechat. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch East Park 17:00
1 male Kingfisher flying west to east across south of pond. Robert Dobinson.
Rayleigh Weir 17:30 to 18:00
30+ Pied Wagtail, several flocks in the Sainsbury's car park. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 to 18:45
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, 2 Pintail (pair), 3 Water Rail (at least), 1 Avocet, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing, 2 Stonechat (pair). Andrew Cox.
Thursday 13th October 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Great Northern Diver and Fieldfare
Gunners Park, 08:40 to 12:30
3 Mute Swan on lake, c.1500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose up river in groups, 15 Wigeon up river, 2 Little Grebe on lake, 2 Grey Heron in reserve, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 38 Swallow, 32 House Martin (including a group of 22), 20 Meadow Pipit, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 10 Ring Ouzel (a mobile and noisy flock of 10 around the east end of the lake at 10:00 moved towards the tennis courts. The flock appeared to break up and disperse. I did not see any birds after 10:30.), 1 Fieldfare in reserve, 62 Song Thrush (including flocks of 34 and 20 south west), 2 Redwing in reserve, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 male Blackcap together, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Jackdaw, c.20 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling calling from tree tops, then flew north east, c.125 Goldfinch, 4 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southchurch Park East 08:50 and 11:00
1 male Kingfisher flying east to west across pond. Robert Dobinson.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 09:00 to 13:25
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
1 Fieldfare, 4 Snipe. David Lee.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 11:40
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Blackbird, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Little Egret, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Curlew, Moorhen, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Snipe, Starling, Fieldfare, Black-headed Gull, Meadow Pipit. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 14:30
Seawatching: 580 Dark-bellied Brent Goose up-river, 17 Common Scoter, 1 Great Northern Diver down river, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 60 Gannet (18 up-river, 60 down-river), 40 Cormorant (31 on the boom and 9 on Mulberry harbour), 2 Great Skua, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Little Gull (2 adults and 1st winter together), 10 Swallow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Common Seal. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:40 to 17:00
1 Red-throated Diver, 11 Gannet, 3 Pintail, 25 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 10 Great Skua, 6 Mediterranean Gull (4ad, 1x1w, 1x2w), 1 adult Little Gull, 3 Arctic Tern, 4 Guillemot (at least), 1 Short-eared Owl flew south to Kent then east. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 14:00
64 Redshank, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 28 Snipe, 22 Spotted Redshank, 6 Green Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 1 Avocet, 1 Dunlin. Mike Poole.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 15:30 to 16:30
2 Whinchat, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water Rail. Mike Sagrott.
South Benfleet, 22:05
2+ Redwing flew over calling in the dark. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wednesday 12th October 2011
Heybridge Gravel Pit 09:30 to 11:30
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Wheatear, 1 female Stonechat, at least 3 Bearded Tit (2m, 1f), 50+ Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 4 Cetti's Warblers singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing. 1 Red Admiral, 1 Migrant Hawker. Paul Gymer.
Old Leigh, 09:30 to 16:45
RSPB Brent Goose Watch: 33 Little Egret, c.5000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, c.400 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Swallow flew west, 2 Redwing west along coast, 200+ Goldfinch in small groups moving west all morning. 1 Common Seal. Web Author.
Fossett's Three River Walk 13:30 to 14:30
15 Magpie, 28 Woodpigeon, 3 Kestrel, 50 Starling, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, 5 Goldfinch, 9 Great Tit, 16 Black-headed Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jackdaw, 10 Carrion Crow, 2 Jay, 2 Robin, Linnet, 12 Greenfinch, Mute Swan, 7 Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron. S. Jackson & M. Hill.
Tuesday 11th October 2011
Chelmsford, Central Park 07:10 to 07:20
Seen at park lake and neighbouring Marconi Ponds nature reserve: 95 Mallard, 4 Canada Goose, 7 Moorhen, 17 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Black-headed Gull, 1 Magpie, 4 Woodpigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh Seafront, 10:00 to 14:00
RSPB Brent Goose Watch: 5000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (two random counts of a thousand produced 15% and 17% juveniles), 1 Black Brant showed well on falling tide mid afternoon. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 12:30
1 Swallow, 1 Whinchat, 5 Curlew, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 1 Merlin. Hilary Knight.
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:00 to 17:30
1 wheatear foraging around the 'village green' most of the day, around the Wat Tyler Centre and the barn. Photos here: http://www.uk-wildlife.co.uk/wat-tyler-wheatear/. Neil Phillips.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:15 to 16:25
17 Meadow Pipit, 12 Moorhen, 13 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove. Paul Forsdick.
Sunday 09th October 2011
Wakering Stairs 08:40 to 11:40
Migration activity seen during WeBS count: 72 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 112 House Martin, 101 Meadow Pipit, 5 Redwing, 4 Siskin. 2033 Dark-bellied Brent Goose counted with not many juveniles present - just 2 out of 79 in a close inshore flock. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 10:30 to 13:30
4 Great Crested Grebe, 85+ Gannet (including 3 flocks of 20+ mixed adults and juveniles), c.4500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50+ Wigeon, 20+ Teal, 20+ Common Scoter including 1 really close in female, 1 pale phase Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua close by. Kris Mee, Web Author.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:45 to 12:00
1 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Skylark, 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Whinchat, 3 Redwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Heybridge Basin 11:30 to 14:30
Very large flock Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Wigeon, 2 Little Egret, Lapwing, 2 Redshank, numerous Canada, and Graylag Geese. Sue Haffenden.
Canewdon, 15:20
2 Barn Owl. Steve Sanford (SOG).
Saturday 08th October 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Redwing
Canvey Point, 08:00 to 09:35
6 Gannet, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua west 08:55 back east at 09.20, 10 Great Skua (two flocks of 3 and 7), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Arctic Tern followed ship west. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve 08:30
1 female Grey Wagtail at small weir by university buildings. Paul Forsdick.
Old Leigh 09:30 to 16:30
RSPB Brent Goose watch: c.4500 Brent Geese, 18 Little Egret, 73 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Arctic Skua past, 1 Swallow south, 6 Siskin south, 8 Redwing crossed Thames. 12 Common Seal on Hadleigh Ray. Web Author.
Canvey Point, 09:35 to 11:30
1 Red-throated Diver, 53 Gannet (including one group of 24), 46 Common Scoter (including one group of 34), 2 Red-breasted Merganser flew west, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 adult Pomarine Skua with spoons, west at 10:35, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 1st winter), 3 Little Gull flew west just before 08:00, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Razorbill alighted on water close to point, then seen flying east at 10:55. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island 17:30 to 18:15
4 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 6 Pheasant, 46 Redshank, 70+ Starling, 5 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.
Friday 07th October 2011
Southend High For Boys 08:15
50+ Carrion Crow gathered on school playing field. Pat Dandridge.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
Spoonbill (present since 4th), 500 Wigeon, 250 Teal, Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, Merlin, Green Sandpiper, 4 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 2 White Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 80 Linnet. Great White Egret reported on 5th. Jack Snipe seen on September 30th. 15 Redwing s at Danbury on 8th. Graham Smith.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:30 14:45
30 Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 2 Whinchat, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Grey Heron. Rob Harris.
Wakering, Fleet Head 15:15 to 15:45
60 Red-legged Partridge, 10 Pheasant, 3 Pied Wagtail. Rob Harris.
Thursday 06th October 2011
Canvey Point, 08:20 to 10:00
100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Oystercatcher, 50 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 10 Dunlin, 10 Turnstone, 8 1st winter Common Tern, 1 1st winter Little Tern, 1 juvenile Black Tern flew west, 3 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wheatear, 8 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 08:30 to 09:30
3 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk actively hunting, made an attempt on a Collared Dove, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Wood Pigeon (incubating!), 1 Green Woodpecker in nearby gardens, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtail, 8 Chiffchaff (including 2 in nearby gardens - an obvious influx), c.20 Chaffinch (a recent influx), 4 Goldfinch (a family party). Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 10:10 to 11:00
3 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 15 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 13:00 to 14:00
70+ Mallard Duck, 100+ Tufted Duck, 18 Gadwall Duck, 300+ Coot, 120+ Greylag Geese, 80 Canada Geese, 3 Egyptian Geese, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 20+ House Martin, 40 Cormorant, 7 Lapwing, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 100+ Black-headed Gull. Rob Harris.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:10 to 14:05
1 Little Grebe, 2 Avocet, 3 Ruff, 3 Snipe, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting. 1 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier, 15:20 to 17:40
12+ Mediterranean Gull, 14 Common Tern, 1 Guillemot (flew/blown down-river). 1 Common Seal, 1 Harbour Porpoise. Don Petrie (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:45
2 House Martin, 4 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Moorhen, 1 Green Woodpecker, 41 Woodpigeon, 7 Black-headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Starling, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Feral Pigeon, 1 Magpie, 3 Goldfinch. Paul Forsdick.
Wednesday 05th October 2011
Wakering Common, 11:20 to 12:35
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Mistle Thrush, 1 Cetti's Warbler (in subsong), 1 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, c.30 Siskin dropped into the plantation and were feeding on the Alder providing excellent views, 19 Corn Bunting. Marc Outten, Don Petrie (SOG).
A12 between M25 and Brentwood 11:30
1 Buzzard low crossing road. Daniel Butcher.
Wakering Stairs, 16:45 to 18:30
c.1800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (c.1100 off Havengore plus 732 off the slipway of which only 22 were juveniles), 3 Marsh Harrier (male plus 2 females over Havengore Island), 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon over Havengore mobbing the Marsh Harrier, c.3500 Oystercatcher at the roost. Don Petrie (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:05 to 17:15
1 Kestrel, 5 Moorhen, 50+ Meadow Pipit. Paul Forsdick.
Tuesday 04th October 2011
RSPB West Canvey 10:00 to 12:30
2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear (Red Hill area) 4 Swallow, 8 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 6 Stock Dove, 5+ Skylark, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 12 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, many Little Grebe, Lapwing, Jackdaw, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard. Hilary Knight.
Maldon 10:30
6 Little Stint. Paul Gymer.
Baxter Avenue Southend, 11:00 to 12:00
2 Sparrowhawk (together by Portcullis House), 2 Peregrine Falcon (pair together in arial display), 2 Mistle Thrush. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:00 to 13:20
10 Little Grebe, 20 Pochard, 40 Lapwing, 2 Ruff, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Skylark, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. Peter Collins (SOG).
Monday 03rd October 2011
Grays, Hathaway Road, 07:50
Sparrowhawk chasing a couple of Woodpigeon. Joe & Jessica French.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 08:10
9 House Martin. David Selley.
RSPB Wallasea Island 13:00 to 14:00
1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 5 Mallard Duck, 2 Pheasant. Rob Harris.
Paglesham, Easthall Road 14:10 to 14:20
2 Kestrel, 6 Moorhen. 1 Pied Wagtail. Rob Harris.
Sunday 02nd October 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park/Pitsea Area 08:00 to 10:45
4 Bearded Tit, 5 Green Sandpiper on fleet, 1 Common Sandpiper on scrape, Chiffchaff heard singing, 2 Wigeon, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Cetti's Warbler heard, Green Woodpecker in flight, 4 Cormorant flying north near railway line. Richard Fahey.
South Fambridge to Raypits 10:00 to 11:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard high and distant to the north, 10 Skylark, 72 Meadow Pipit - not seen as many here before. Most surprising were the number of Red Admiral butterflies, with at least 300 all flying south. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:00 to 11:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard soaring over old tip, 3 Water Rail (2 seen, 1 heard), 3 Avocet, 4 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 10 Spotted Redshank, 15 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
St Lawrence Bay, Blackwater Estuary 12:30
12 Brent Geese, 3 Swallow. J. Eva.
Wakering, Haven Point, 14:10 to 18:45
18 Little Egret, 3000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 200+ Wigeon, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe (heard), 2 Greenshank, 60+ Swallow, 60+ House Martin, 3 Wheatear. 1 Common Seal, 5 Red Admiral. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Saturday 01st October 2011
Hadleigh Downs, 10:00 to 12:15
2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 4 Goldfinch. 2 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 4 Red Admiral, 4 Wall, 5 Meadow Brown. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
River Roach Aboard Lady Essex Seal Trip 12:30 to 14:30
1 Marsh Harrier on Wallasea, 6 Common Seal. Web Author.
Hadleigh Downs, 15:00 to 16:00
2 Buzzard. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Southend, Wyatts Drive 17:20
One male Sparrowhawk having supper (One Collard Dove) in a back garden in Wyatts Drive. Alec Beanse (see: http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/zuhmevlox/Big-Budgie.jpg).