Bird Reports for September 2006
Saturday 30th September 2006
Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00 - 12.30
1 Whimbrel on the creek, 11 Redshank -n the creek, 3 Black-tailed Godwit on the lagoon, 62 Lapwing, on the lagoon, 3 Cetti's Warbler singing around the park, 7 Bearded Tit in flight over reedbed, 1 Sparrowhawk flew across the lagoon, 2 Kestrel over the creek, 1 Kingfisher in the fleet, 8 Swallow, 1 House Martin. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Paglesham Lagoon, 10:00 to 13:40
1 Marsh Harrier (female), 2 Whinchat, 2 Pintail, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Ruff (in Barton Hall Creek), 500 Golden Plover (at least in Barton Hall Creek), 200 Canada Goose (with a Bar-headed Goose). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:00 to 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Swallow. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 15.00 - 17.30
18 Little Egret, 32 Avocet, c.60 Golden Plover, c.40 Ringed Plover, 3 Kestrel. 5 Common Seal. Web Author.
Two Tree Island 15.10 - 18.30
From Lagoon Hide - 450-500 Black Tailed Godwit, 80-100 Oystercatcher, 20 Redshank, 18 Avocet, 3 Greenshank, 4 Ringed Plover, 30 Grey Plover, 2 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Stonechat, 1 Robin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Knot, 2 Little Egret, 14 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 1 Female Kestrel hunting over the Marsh. Flock of at least 600 - 700 Knot, Sanderling and Dunlin across saltmarsh on Canvey side of the Beck. Darren Chaplin.
Hadleigh Country Park 17.00
12 Swallow flying near castle. Marion Burch.
Friday 29th September 2006
Canewdon, The Anchor 07.45
5 or 6 Swallow feeding over village pond. David Selley.
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 12.00 - 14.30
Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, 1 Shelduck, Kestrel, Avocet, 1 Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed godwit, 4 Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Swallow, House martin. 4 Common Seal. Glenn Jacobs RSPB.
Canvey Seafront, 14:15 to 16:00
1 Arctic Skua (dark phase adult), 2 Arctic Tern, 25 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Tern, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult), 3 Pintail, 1 Hobby (adult, flying S low over river). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park 16.00 - 17.00
1 Adult Hobby catching and eating insects on the wing, 1 female Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Crows. Mike Sagrott.
Thursday 28th September 2006
Wat Tyler Country Park 10.00 - 11.45
80 Lapwing, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Greenshank, 4 Widgeon, 1 Snipe, 3 Greylag Geese, Constant stream of Swallow heading south. Carp in Fleet very active. Gary Clinton.
Abberton Reservoir 10.00 - 12.30
1 Grey wagtail, 3 Little Stint, 3 Spotted Redshank, 12 Ruff, 12 Common Tern, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet flying over Scraley Road, Chigborough Lakes. Trevor Bufton.
Prittle Brook (Westcliff) 15:45
2 Grey Wagtail. Tim Davis.
Wednesday 27th September 2006
Shotgate 11.20
9 Whooper or Bewick Swans reported flying from direction of Hanningfield A130 area across Shotgate industrial estate towards Wick Meadows Country Park. Darren Chaplin.
Lea Valley Park, Herts 16.30
Group of Gadwall on seventy acre lake mixed flock of Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits moving in bushes. Great Crested Grebes with young and a Hobby flying low over trees. M Jameson and M Howell.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:50
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Tuesday 26th September 2006
Southend, 15:50 to 15:50
3 Swallow flew south over A127 between Cuckoo Corner and The Bell. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler County Park
Hobby on the pylon, Sparrowhawk, Greenshank and Bearded Tits (2 Briefly). Gary Dunn.
Monday 25th September 2006
Prittlewell, 06:30
1 Convolvulus Hawkmoth trapped overnight. Mike Bailey (SOG).
Southend, Vickers Road, 07.00
Sparrowhawk watched for half an hour after taking a sparrow and leaving only the bones and a few feathers before flying off. Colin Banks.
River Crouch, Hullbridge, Near Anchor Pub 07.15
1 Kingfisher. David Chivers.
Basildon, Festival Leisure Park 14.00
1 Wheatear in Holiday Inn car park. Andrew Bridge.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14.30-15.30
1 Slavonian Grebe, 8 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Stint, 4 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 3 Snipe, 2 Black-Tailed Godwit - all seen from Oak Hide and/or Point Hide. Stephen Burt.
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III
Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Brent goose (huge skein flying south), Shelduck, Teal, Mallard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Avocet, Ringed
Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern. 12 Common Seal. Glenn Jacobs RSPB.
Sunday 24th September 2006
Rochford Golf Course, 08:30 to 12:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Meadow Pipit (approx, flying over). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher (briefly in south west corner). Steve Arlow (SOG).
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.00 €“ 11.05
12 Little Egret, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Curlew, 3 Avocet, 2 Mute Swan, Grey Plover, 2 Reed Bunting, Common Tern, 2 Swallow. Ray Fuller.
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 11:30 to 14:00
46 Little Egret, 70 Avocet, 54 Dunlin, 40 Ringed Plover, 200+ Redshank, 28 Golden Plover, 11 Greenshank, 2 Kestrel, 7 Common Tern, 11 Common Seal. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Hadleigh Castle 11:50 - 12:00
1 male Sparrowhawk, 6 Swallow, 10+ House Martin. Dave Perry.
Marsh Farm CP, South Woodham Ferrers 13.00 - 15.00
100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Golden Plover, 1 Avocet, 20 Snipe, 6 Greenshank, 50+ Redshank, 20 Knot, 1 Peregrine Falcon chasing Golden Plover, 1 Little Egret, 30+ Swallow, 20 Linnet, 1 Wheatear. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Epping 13:30
Buzzard soaring over the M11 moving east. Neil Latham.
Benfleet Creek, 15:00 to 17:00
17 Little Egret, 2,000 Black-tailed Godwit, 220 Golden Plover, 1 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat (pair), 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 12 Greenshank, 1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 16:00 to 17:00
220 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 23rd September 2006
Canvey West End 06.45 - 08.30
6 Stonechat (2m, 2f+2Juv), 3 Whinchat (1m,2f) At one point sitting on a fence in one field of view in my binoculars I had a family group of m, f+2 juv. Stonechat and 2 f Whinchat!, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk (large female flew out and along Holehaven Creek putting all the waders and gulls up), 8 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wheatear. Martin Cracknell.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.25 €“ 11.50
12 Little Egret (8 on north side of Crouch), Avocet, 2 Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, 3 Common Tern, Little Grebe, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Kingfisher, 2 Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Grey Plover, 12 Swallow, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 10:00
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 11:30 to 13:30
23 Little Egret, 1 adult Hobby, c.2,000 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Kestrel, 20 Greenshank. John Wright (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 11:30 to 14:00
87 Little Egret, 52 Avocet, 4 Common Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel. 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 16:00
250 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (at least), 400 Wigeon (at least), 90 Little Egret, 2500 Black-tailed Godwit (on lagoon), 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Prittlewell Chase, 15:00
1 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island 15:15 to 16:15
C.1,000 Black-tailed Godwit and 41 Avocet on the lagoon. 1 Swallow flying over the bridge. David Lee.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00
40 Pintail, 1m Ruff. Mike Harris.
Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort
Arctic Skua - dark phase juv put up the waders before gaining height and heading inland over the fort, 400+ Avocet, 1 Grey Plover, 8 Curlew, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Redshank, 50 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat. 1 Clouded Yellow Butterfly. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Friday 22nd September 2006
Pitsea Cemetery 09:00
Gang of Starling, one almost completely white except for a few speckles on chest and shading to wingtips; a really striking bird. Gary Clinton.
Canvey Seafront, 12:00 to 13:30
2 Arctic Skua, 2 Black Tern, 25 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Thursday 21st September 2006
A127, Nevendon Roundabout, Basildon 07.57
1 male Hobby, superb colours, soaring overhead at approx 30 feet for 2-3 mins, before gliding off across fields towards Stevensons Farm, Wickford and being mobbed by Crow. Darren Chaplin.
Billericay High Road 14.30
25+ House Martin high and calling going south from two juvenile Hobby fantastically swerving above the town for at lest 4 minutes. Steve Wood.
Westcliff Seafront, 15:35 to 15:50
1 Ring-billed Gull on sea in front of ice cream parlour. Paul Baker (SOG).
Southchurch Park 16.30 - 17.00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet calling and swiftly flying through park, 1 Heron on island and two House Martin high, 2 Little Grebe seen briefly. Steve Wood.
Hadleigh Downs, 17:00 to 18:00
13 Mistle Thrush in a flock, 1 Peregrine Falcon, adult, flying around the Castle. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wednesday 20th September 2006
Two Tree Island (West), 11:00 to 13:15
3,210 Black-tailed Godwit (Roosting), 25 Greenshank, 1 Whitethroat. 1 Clouded Yellow. Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 14:40 to 15:15
1 Clouded Yellow. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Tuesday 19th September 2006
Felmores Park (Western lake) 10:00
Water Rail, good views in storm cut, 20+ Swallow feeding over lake. Name: Gary Clinton.
Benfleet Creek, 14:30 to 15:00
1 Clouded Yellow. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canvey, Paddocks at end of Haven Road 18.40 - 19.10
15 Yellow Wagtail (appeared to be migrating through - flew overhead in small groups west across the mouth of the creek), 1 Wheatear, 10+ Swallow, 1 House Martin. Martin Cracknell.
Monday 18th September 2006
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 14:00 to 16:30
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 32 Avocet, 22 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 20 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 100+ Lapwing, 15 Dunlin, 120 Redshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 30 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 20 Common Tern, a few Swallow and House martin moving through. 12 Common Seal. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Felmores Park (Western Lake) 10:00
Water Rail, good views in storm cut., 20+ Swallow feeding over lake. Gary Clinton.
Sunday 17th September 2006
Two Tree Island 08:50 - 09:10
18 Little Egret, 86 Dark Bellied Brent Goose, c.300 Wigeon, 11 Grey Plover, 143 Turnstone, 34 Dunlin. Web Author.
East Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort 08:25 - 10:45
3 Sanderling, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Knot, 700 Avocet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Common Sandpiper. Lake at back of fort: 1 Pintail, 11 Common Scoter, several Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hobby seen while waiting for gates to lift at railway crossing. Trevor Bufton.
Hadleigh Country Park 12:00 - 13:30
2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 juvenile Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 3 Greenshank, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a few Swallow. Anita Pickles.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:00
1 Grey Wagtail, 6 House Martin. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 16:00 to 18:00
2 Hobby showing really well over fields just south of Jubilee Cottages, one was a juvenile calling continually, 2 Whinchat in field just after metal footbridge, 2 Wheatear (with the Whinchats), 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Mediterranean Gull (moulting into 2nd winter), 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Kestrel, 40 Linnet, 2 Greenshank, 670 Canada Goose, 1 Bar-headed Goose, 2 Corn Bunting, 11 Little Egret (1 on lagoon, remainder on Roach), 1 Green Woodpecker, 50 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on Roach, 1 Grey Plover on Roach, 5 Yellow Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey, Horse Paddocks at end of Haven Road 17.30 - 18.00
1 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Stonechat, 50+ Swallow, 6 House Martin. Martin Cracknell.
Saturday 16th September 2006
Canvey Point, 06:30 to 09:45
27 Gannet, 7 Great Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull (Ad. & 1st winter), 21 Common Tern (flying west), 40 Common Scoter 
, 15 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Wheatear (on the footpath in front of the sea wall), 1 Golden Plover (on the footpath in front of the sea wall), 2 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hadleigh Country Park and Benfleet Creek 07:30
Little Grebe, Kestrel (female), c.30 Lapwing, 6 Sandwich Tern, 4 Reed Bunting, c.30 Goldfinch, Common Tern, Green Woodpecker (juv), c.150 Black-tailed Godwit, Kingfisher, Jay, Skylark, 3 Greenfinch, Great Crested Grebe, 2 Pied Wagtail. Paul & Matt Bruty.
Canvey Point 06.40 - 09.45
7 Great Skua (Bonxies), 6 Arctic Skua (including one stunning very pale juvenile), 27 Gannet, 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 60+ Common Scoter (incl. one flock of c.40), 80+ Wigeon (several mobile flocks), 1 Golden Plover + 1 Wheatear (both very close on seawall). Martin Cracknell.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.20 €“ 11.10
8 Little Egret (3 on north side of Crouch), 3 Reed Bunting, Common Tern, Great Crested Grebe, 14 Curlew, 2 Avocet, Corn Bunting, Little Grebe. Ray Fuller.
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 11:30 to 14:00
19 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 juvenile Shelduck, 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier over Foulness, 1 Sparrowhawk over Potton, 1 Peregrine Falcon - good close views as this bird lazily circled over our boat, 48 Avocet, 14 Golden Plover, c.300 Dunlin, 4 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern. Web Author.
Hanningfield Reservoir 14:30
23 Pied Wagtail, 5 Curlew, 5 Pintail, Lesser Whitethroat. Paul, Matt & John Bruty.
Benfleet, Vicarage Hill 17.00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet (flew over garden screeching). Martin Cracknell.
Friday 15th September 2006
Canvey Seafront, 06:30 to 07:30
1 Grey Wagtail, 35 Common Tern, 2 Common Scoter. 2 Harbour Porpoise feeding along the tiderace offshore. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 11:30 to 14:00
19 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 33 Avocet, 8 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 4 Black Tern, 12 House Martin, 9 Corn Bunting. 8 Common Seal. Web Author.
Canvey Point, 15:00 to 17:15
4 Gannet, 4 Arctic Skua (3 juvs., 1 ad. dark phase), 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 27 Wigeon, 2 Mediterranean Gull (Adult & 1st winter), 83 Common Tern (all flying west (migrating)), 9 Little Tern (flying west), 29 Sandwich Tern (on the Point), 2 Black Tern (flying west), 1 Hobby (juv., hunting over the saltings). 2 Common Seal. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 17:15
1 Sparrowhawk (Pall Mall). John Wright (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, From Road Bridge 17:50 to 18:35
54 Little Egret, 74 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, c.220 Wigeon, 8 Grey Plover (4 in stunning summer plumage), 1 Peregrine Falcon - stupendous views of this adult bird. It flew in low from Two Tree Island and over the cockle sheds. The bird then chased Dunlin and Redshank around the masts of the boats in the creek. Watched for at least 3 or four minutes and then it disappeared high over to Kent. Web Author.
Thursday 14th September 2006
Dunton, Ford 08:50
Common Buzzard, heading north mobbed by crows. Gary Clinton.
Billericay, Garden 09.45
1 Hobby chasing small group of Swallows over Billericay gardens. Marion Burch.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10:45
17+ Black Tern, 4 Yellow Wagtail (adult & 3 juv's), Neil Chambers (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 - 12:50
1 Shelduck, 5 Pintail, Widgeon, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, 18 Black Tern, 10 Shoveler, 2 Pied Wagtail, Gadwall, 4 Ruddy Duck. Chris Henry.
Battlesbridge, 16:40 to 16:50
2 Kingfisher fishing in weir pool viewable from humpback road bridge and often resting on the white metal waterwheel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Battlesbridge 17.30 - 18-00
2 Kingfisher fishing just after high tide from a beam on the opposite side from the mill. Graham Saunders and David Galloway.
Laindon, King's Road, Steele View 18:30
Barn Owl flying, stalling, stopping, turning repeatedly backwards and forwards along the hedgerow and headland of a freshly ploughed field. All lit by a strong lowering August sun against distant dark purple storm clouds complete with flashing lightening!! Gary Clinton.
Wednesday 13th September 2006 (The Brent Geese are Coming back!)
Tewke's Creek, 14:30 to 15:45
1 Curlew Sandpiper (juv.), 1 Peregrine Falcon (juv.). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach 14.45 - 16.45
c.12 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 5 Ringed Plover, c.10 Redshank, 2 Turnstone, c.90 Black-headed Gull, c.50 Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, c.50 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail. At 15.17 a flock of 30 Wigeon came flying in from the north way offshore and continued away southwards out to the middle of the Thames estuary towards Kent. At 15.20 a flock of 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese came flying in from the north way offshore and continued away southwards out to the middle of the Thames estuary towards Kent. At 15.52 a party of 6 Wigeon were seen flying in a south-north direction over the sea way offshore. Clive Jolly.
Wat Tyler Country park 15:00 - 17:00
On the lagoon: 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck (juvs.), 1 Kingfisher flew over. On the tidal creek around high tide: 4 Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Wigeon. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Canvey Point, 15:45 to 16:45
1 Arctic Skua (adult dark phase), 6 Black Tern (heading up river), 8 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 15.45
1 Common Buzzard, on far side of reservoir from the hides, being mobbed by crows. Also 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Heron and 4 Great Crested Grebe. John Pitts.
Hanningfield Reservoir 17:45-18:00
5 Black Tern, Little Gull, Green Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Stanford Le Hope
Kingfisher in river by train station. Andrew Daines.
Tuesday 12th September 2006
Priory Park, Southend 06:45
1 Kingfisher (also on the 11th) Michael Halsall.
Canvey, Lobster Smack, 12.00 - 13.15.
80 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Greenshank and 3 Clouded Yellow butterflies. Anita Pickles.
Cudmore Park 13:00
1 Little Egret, 7 Grey Wagtail, 2 Little Grebe seen from hide in park on pond. Michael and Lydia Howell.
Shoebury East Beach 14.30 - 16.30
2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, c.70 Common Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 50+ Redshank, c.20 Sanderling, c.20 Ringed Plover, c.30 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Cormorant. Four times parties of Swallows totalling 46 flew overhead in a north-south direction. The highlight however was at 15.45 when all the gulls on the boom jutting out into the sea suddenly flew up for some unexplained reason. As I lifted my binoculars to look at them I saw a large dark bird at the front of them, and to my amazement saw it was an Osprey and it was carrying a large fish in its talons beneath itself. The bird climbed a bit into the sky and flew away southwards about 100 feet up over the sea followed by many of the gulls flying around it. Through my binoculars I watched it for a couple of minutes as it gracefully flew away southwards towards Shoebury Garrison, where I lost sight of it amongst the gulls. I think it might have turned south-westwards, perhaps going towards Gunners Park. Clive Jolly.
Basildon, Rear Garden at 8 Frampton Road 18:30
Male Sparrowhawk. Darren Chaplin.
Monday 11th September 2006
Coombe Wood, 08:00
1 Clouded Yellow, also Hummingbird Hawk Moth again. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Kiln Road Thundersley 08.30
1 Adult Hobby over my garden. Mike Sagrott.
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 10.15 €“ 12.05
5 Common Tern, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Little Egret, Reed Bunting, 3 Widgeon, Common Sandpiper, 3 Curlew, 3 Greenshank, Common Whitethroat, Great Crested Grebe. Ray Fuller.
Hadleigh Country Park 10.30 - 12.30
2 Male Kestrel, 1 Female Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard. Mike Sagrott.
Two Tree Island (West), 12:15 to 13:15
2,000+ Black-tailed Godwit (in Benfleet Creek also). 1 Adder on the centre path. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Rivers Crouch & Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 13:10 to 15:00
Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 20+ Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Turnstone, Redshank, 30+ Avocet, 100+ Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 1 Guillemot (a suprise!), 3 Whimbrel. Gary Dunn.
Canvey, Tewke's Creek, 13:15 to 14:30
4 Curlew Sandpiper (all juvs.), 3 Common Sandpiper, 350 Golden Plover. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 16:00
2 Arctic Skua (dark phase adult & dark phase 2nd year ), 2 Black Tern (adults), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 17:10 to 19:00
3 Yellow-legged Gull (juvenile, adult and 2nd winter), 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult winter), 20 Wigeon (at least), 2 Ruff (on the river), 5 Black-tailed Godwit (on the river), 1 Greenshank (on the river), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Harrier (juvenile), 13 Little Egret (roosting in the copse to the east of the lagoon), 1 Hobby. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Sunday 10th September 2006
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 11:00
1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, 10 Linnet. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 10:15 to 11:30
2 Adder, 1 Clouded Yellow. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 17:30 to 17:40
2,000 Black-tailed Godwit (at least 2,000, estimated at about 2,200 roosting on the lagoon), 4 Little Egret. Don Petrie, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Potton Creek, 17:30 to 19:00
2 Curlew Sandpiper (fine juveniles), 18 Little Egret, 100 Golden Plover (at least), 3 Greenshank, 3 Knot, 1 Marsh Harrier (female on Potton Island). Steve Arlow (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 18:00 to 18:05
17 Sand Martin flying over south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Saturday 09th September 2006 (First Autumn Report of Black-throated Diver)
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 08:00 to 09:00
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 09:40
3 Little Egret in the ditch that runs parallel to the raised embankment, 3 Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 09:55 to 13:30
1 Gannet (east), 7 Arctic Skua (west), 3 Great Skua (very distantly east were probably Bonxies), 200 Sanderling (at least), 14 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Mediterranean Gull (adult with white ring in Havengore creek), 1 Wheatear, 40 Golden Plover. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:00 to 10:30
1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker. Web Author.
Hanningfield Reservoir 10.00 - 12.30
1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Ringed Plover. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Wakering Stairs, 10:00 to 13:00
30 Little Egret, 9 Teal, 7 Wigeon, 11 Arctic Skua, 1 Gannet. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:40 to 13:30
1 Gannet, 18 Little Egret, 11 Arctic Skua (incl. 1 pale phase. 3 were possibly Great Skua), 1 Mediterranean Gull (white ring on right tarsus to distant to read), 7 Long-tailed Tit. Lee Ebbs, Web Author.
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 15:45
1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Little Tern (plus modest numbers of Common & Sandwich Terns), 9 Arctic Skua (all around high tide), 17 Wigeon. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Island - East. Immediately south of Yacht Club 14:25
1 Wheatear on shingle bank at high tide. Flew off towards Benfleet Creek. Tim Smith.
Two Tree Island
97 Little Egret at the high tide roost on the eastern saltmarsh. Mark Bridges, Chief Warden.
Friday 08th September 2006
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 13:30
6 Wigeon, 2 Arctic Tern (with a few passage Common & Sandwich Terns), 2 Mediterranean Gull (1st & 2nd winter). Jeff Saward (SOG).
Lady Essex III Bird and Wildlife Trip 11.00 - 13.45
2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier overflew the boat at less than 40 feet, superb views of underwing, 12 Shelduck, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Kestrel, Spotted Redshank, Lapwings, 20 Little Egret, 8 Cormorant, 12 Avocet. 2 Harbour Porpoise, 12 Common Seals. Gary Dunn.
Gunners Park, 12:45 to 13:50
5 Little Egret, 32 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Short-eared Owl (Mobbed by crows, lifted high south over estuary). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Canvey Island, Leighbeck 13:25 - 15:20
1 Arctic Skua (juv., chased terns then flew towards Southend Pier), 1 Auk sp. (up river), 6 Swallow (north), 2 Mediterranean Gull (down river). Ian White.
Two Tree Island, East 13.30
77 Little Egret roosting, 1 Little Tern. Anita Pickles.
Shell Haven Marshes 14:00
1 female Merlin. Nick Argent.
Thursday 07th September 2006 (First Autumn Migration Report of Fieldfare)
Woodside Park, Thundersley, 07:15 to 07:45
6 Fieldfare flew over, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Prittle Brook (Southend), 11:15 to 11:25
3 Grey Wagtail (Vic.Ave - P'well Ch. at Priory Pk. Group, 2 ad.). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Thorpe Bay, Parkanaur Avenue 12:00
Humming Bird Hawk Moth on Lavender bushes in the garden. Ian and Marion Smith.
Gunners Park, 17:15 to 18:00
1 Wheatear, 1 Little Egret. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Potton Creek, 18:15 to 19:45
3 Curlew Sandpiper (juv's.), 1 Marsh Harrier (Havengore Is.), 50 Yellow Wagtail (approx. Steady stream flying over and appearing to go to roost on saltmarsh on Potton Is.), 40 Little Egret (flying towards roost on Foulness between 19:00-19:05 - otherwise no count made), 1 Whitethroat (Fleet Head), 1 Green Sandpiper (Fleet Head), 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 10 Knot, 1 Green Woodpecker (Wakering Boatyard), 1 Sparrowhawk (female), 350 Golden Plover, 250 Lapwing, 1 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 06th September 2006
Lady Essex III River Boat Trip 09:30 - 12:45
c.120 Little Egret (including one group of 62), 3 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, Greylag Geese (incl. whitish individual), Canada Geese, 1 adult 2 juvenile Shelduck, 3 Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Merlin (spectacular and close aerobatic views as this bird chased a Dunlin over the water - as far as we could see the Dunlin got away), Hobby, Oystercatcher, 40+ Avocet, 200+ Ringed Plover, 50+ Grey Plover, 10+ Golden Plover, c.1,000 Lapwing, 1 Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 40+ Curlew, 7 (probably more) Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 200+ Common Redshank, 70 Greenshank (46 together in a single group), 20+ Knot, 400+ Dunlin, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Swallow (many passing south), House Martin, Wheatear, Linnet. Also 2 Harbour Porpoise in Crouch, 20 Common Seal. Alan Shearman, Paul Fisher, Chris Tyas, Web Author. (see our calendar page to book your own Lady Essex trip - Ed.).
Abberton Reservoir 12:00 - 15:00
Layer de-la Haye causeway: 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and many Ruff. From EWT hides: fairly quiet, although numerous Common Tern seen from Tony Soper hide were nice to see. Ross Gardner.
Benfleet, 14:00 to 14:20
1 House Sparrow (completely white albino bird within a flock of sparrows at a feeding station). Simon Watson (SOG).
Priory Park, 17:30 to 18:30
2 Green Woodpecker (Ad.1. Juv.1), 4 Spotted Flycatcher (Ad.2, Juv.2). Harry Carmichael (SOG).
Two Tree Island (East), 18:00 to 19:45
78 Little Egret (coming in to roost ), 1 Common Sandpiper (heard), 3 Swift. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Abberton Reservoir
The White Pelican has landed at Abberton. Sightings reported this morning before it flew to a more distant part of the reservoir. It was thought that it may be the Pelican from Bough Beech in Kent. David Flack.
Tuesday 05th September 2006
Canvey Island., Hole Haven Creek 08:45 - 11:45
c.150 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin, 17 Yellow Wagtail (in paddocks nr. Lobster Smack), 4 Stonechat (incl. 2 juvs), 5 Whinchat, (2 paddocks nr. Lobster Smack; 3 with Stonechats near start of oil jetty), 18 Little Egret (incl. 12 on Lower Horse), 1 Sparrowhawk (juv.), 1 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank, 450+ Curlew (Lower Horse), 1 Common Tern. Ian White.
Two Tree Island 10:00 - 12:00
End hide: 1,200 Black-tailed godwit at least, 31 Greenshank, 36 Avocet, 22 Redshank, 30+ Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 22 Lapwing, 17 Ringed Plover. Over the estuary: 4 Bar-tailed godwit in flight, 21 Golden Plover in flight, Little Egret (3 roosts of 12, 8 & 11), 42 Curlew on roost, 1 Wheatear on model airstrip, 1 Kingfisher over the lagoon. Alan Shearman RSPB.
Wallasea Island, 10:25 to 12:35
2 Little Stint (juv's.), 150 Ringed Plover, 30 Dunlin, 4 Greenshank, 18 Little Egret, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting, 20 Yellow Wagtail (at least, along the seawall). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 11:00 to 12:00
1 Osprey sitting on post eating fish and preening. Chris Lewis (SOG).
Rushbottom Lane, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Little Egret, 4 Linnet, 1 Kestrel, 3 Stock Dove. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Woodside Park, Thundersley, 17:30 to 18:30
1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 18 Swallow, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Mistle Thrush. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Monday 04th September 2006
Ashingdon , Princess Gardens 09.45
95 House Martin. David Selley.
A129 Shotgate, Wickford 14.10 - 14.25
Buzzard circling overhead for 15 minutes, landed on pylon nearby, flew again briefly and soared off towards A130 Battlesbridge area. Darren Chaplin.
River Roach (Middleway) Seen from Lady Essex III 16.30 - 16.45
Marsh Harrier very close hunting over Potton Island seen for several minutes, 15 Avocet, 100+ Golden Plover, 8 Little Egret, 3 Curlew, 2 Kestrel. 17 Common Seals. Gary Dunn, (Lady Essex III Boat Trips).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 17:30
1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 03rd September 2006
Canvey Seafront, 06:45 to 09:00
75 Common Tern, 18 Sandwich Tern, 12 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey West End 08.15 - 09.15
11 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell.
Wallasea island 08:15
On high tide this morning in very blustery conditions: 4 Little Stint, 120+ Dunlin, c.300 Ringed Plover, 10 Greenshank, 5 Curlew, 2 Grey Plover, 30+ Lapwing, 6 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 10 Little Egret (over 20 yesterday). Fields near farm: 600 Herring Gull plus a scatter of Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common and Black-headed Gulls, 2 Wheatear, 10+ Yellow Wagtail. (Yesterday 3 Wheatear and 2 Whinchat). Note: For anyone taking the long trek out there check tide times - it is very difficult to find the birds away from peak tide when they are pushed up onto mud near sea wall. Jeff Delve, Nick Green and Glyn Evans (EBS).
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:00
1 Grey Wagtail flew over house. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Leigh Marsh, 11:30 to 11:35
2 Swift over the rubbish tip. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Belton Way 12.34
1 Swift, 2 Sparrowhawk and further down A13 one juv. Hobby above the college past Hadleigh roundabout. Steve Wood.
Chigborough Lakes 15.30
Great White Egret flew from Chigborough to Lofts Farm, seen at Lofts farm from the gate in Scraley Road (look through the gate only as it is private land that side). Viv & Tim Connett.
Wakering Stairs to mouth of Havengore Creek 16.50 - 18.30
2 Little Egret, c2,500 Oystercatcher roosting to S of Stairs and saltings, 1 juv. Spotted Redshank in dyke behind sea wall, c. 350 Black-tailed Godwit roosting on mudflat to S of Stairs and saltings, 2 Wheatear. Martin Johnson.
Leigh on Sea, 19:30 to 19:35
1 Sparrowhawk flew over my garden (Shirley Road). Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden. One of many sightings in the last two weeks. Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Saturday 02nd September 2006
South Fambridge / Brandy Hole 09.40 €“ 11.25
8 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Common Whitethroat, 24 House Martin, 4 Curlew, Reed Bunting, Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Leigh on Sea, 14:00 to 14:05
3 Swift. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Two Tree Island 17:30 - 18:05
54 Little Egret counted from Belton Way, 1 Kestrel on hills. Web Author.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 19:00
1 Sparrowhawk. Paul Baker (SOG).
Friday 01st September 2006
Hadleigh, 09:30 to 09:45
1 Whinchat in the maize maze. Jeff Saward, Steve Bunn (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 09.50 - 11.50
1 Little Grebe, 4 Black-necked Grebe, M + 5 F Shelduck, 2 Pochard, 3 Great-crested Grebe, 6 Teal (all from Rawl hide). Kingfisher flew across following the waters edge (Rawl hide). Peregrine flew across in front of hide then over to woods on farthest bank opposite hide (Rawl hide). Chris Henry.