Bird Reports for September 2010
Thursday 30th September 2010
Gunners Park, 07:10 to 11:45
3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 104 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (all up-river), 90 Goldfinch, 87 Siskin, 14 Chiffchaff, 12 Skylark, 1 Goldcrest, 2 male Blackcap, 37 Linnet, 5 Jay (flew over reserve), 1 Moorhen feeding on hawthorn berries, 51 Meadow Pipit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Reed Bunting. Don Petrie, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:15 to 08:45
2 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:00 to 09:30
3 Siskin over calling, 12 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Chiffchaff. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:40
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Great Tit, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Teal, Sparrowhawk, Cetti's Warbler, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Mallard, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Lapwing, Cormorant, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Kestrel, Hobby, Greenfinch. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 16:20
5 Chiffchaff around tennis courts, 1 Blackcap (redhead in NE reserve), 1 male Stonechat, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, c.50 Swallow (steady stream of small groups south), c.10 Linnet, c.60 Goldfinch, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Barling Pits, 16:30 to 17:30
1 Ring Ouzel initially on east side of pit then flew to west side, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (a small greyish sylvia along east side of pit was most probably this species). Paul Baker, John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 19:00
5000+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose (a huge number of geese. At least 1000 on the sea along Wakering Stairs, and at least 4000, probably over 5000, on the sea off Havengore Island), 5 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel, 1 male Marsh Harrier on Havengore, 1 Stonechat (near Haven Pt.), 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard, Haven Pt.), 1 Merlin (fem/imm on Havengore Is. being mobbed by a Magpie, before the Merlin struck back and forced the Magpie to the ground), 1 Wheatear (Haven Pt), 1 juvenile Sandwich Tern, 68 Canada Goose (on Havengore), 1 Barn Owl (Havengore), 1 Short-eared Owl (18:30-18:40 hunting the seawall between the slipway and Haven Pt.). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 17:30 to 18:45
1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 12 Avocet, 2 Water Rail calling, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Swallow at dusk, heading for Pitsea Marsh, 1 Green Woodpecker, 50+ Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, 1 Green Sandpiper, Curlew, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank. Andrew Cox.
Barling Pits, 17:50 to 18:00
1 Ring Ouzel flying around far end of western pit, nearest church before settling in brambles, 1 Redwing, 2 Green Woodpecker. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Potton Island, 18:15 to 19:05
From the bridge: 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 120 Little Egret (plus, in one pre roost flock), 1 Red-legged Partridge (several calling). Vince Kinsler, John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 29th September 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Siskin and Ring Ouzel.
Gunners Park, 07:10 to 12:00
c.400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose mostly flying up-river, 15 Canada Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk (m+f), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail over, 10+ Blackbird, 25+ Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush (cricket field), 8 Chiffchaff, 11 Chaffinch, c.60 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin with reserve finch flock, 1 female Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 08:40
3 Little Stint, 7 Spotted Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plover, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Sandpiper, 7 Snipe. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Benfleet 09:15
1 male Ring Ouzel on fields at Jotmans Farm 09:30, flew south towards Canvey. Pete Jackson.
Barling Pits, 14:30 to 15:30
1 adult Ring Ouzel at southern end of pits showing in dead tree for 30 minutes, then flew to hedge immediately west of pits and lost, 1 Green Sandpiper over, calling, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Owl flushed from elm clump at southern end of long pit. 1 Red Fox. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:30 to 16:15
1 Eider, 1 Merlin, 10 Pintail. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 16:00 to 17:30
4 Grey Plover, 16 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 14 Avocet, 7 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, c.110 Lapwing, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Teal. David Shepherd.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:00 to 17:45
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk. Paul Forsdick.
Leigh on Sea, 17:45 to 18:00
c.500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose east of Two Tree Island saltmarsh viewed from Belton Hills, 1 Sparrowhawk (Belton Hills), 1 Grey Wagtail over Leigh Broadway. John Wright (SOG).
Fleet Head, 17:45 to 18:30
From Potton Bridge: 1 Corn Bunting, 15 Mute Swan flew west, 4 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting on Potton, 9 Grey Heron in a flock, flew south. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 18:35
1 Hobby. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tuesday 28th September 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Brambling.
Gunners Park, 08:30 to 10:45
1 Kingfisher, 9 Sand Martin, c.50 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 male Blackcap. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 13:00
Brambling in bushes by far hide, 2 Green Sandpiper, Curlew. Kris Mee.
Wakering, Fleet Head, 11:00 to 12:30
2 Grey Partridge by farm buildings. Matt Bruty (SOG).
PS Waverley Southend Pier to Margate 11:15 to 17:45
c.90 Common Scoter NE of Margate, c.100 Common Scoter mid-estuary N of Minster, 1 immature Gannet off Margate, 1 Skua sp. (not Great Skua) off Margate, c.30 Mediterranean Gull flushed from water by Waverley S of Mulberry Harbour. Martin Johnson.
Wallasea Island, 12:50 to 14:10
1 male Stonechat, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier hunting along ditches and sea wall, 1 2nd year male Marsh Harrier. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:00 to 16:00
2 Grey Heron flushed from pines then settled in reserve, 480 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew west, 1 Kestrel, 1 1st winter Mediterranean Gull over lake at 15:50, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 55 Swallow, 1 House Martin, c.8 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail near tennis courts, 1 Stonechat, 1 male Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 60 Goldfinch (surely newly arrived), 9 Linnet, 1 Song Thrush in reserve. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 14:20 to 17:20
1 1st winter Whinchat, 1 Buzzard came down in field then flew off north, 1 Common Sandpiper. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Gunners Park, 14:45 to 17:15
1 Little Gull on large pool at 15:20), 1 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Mistle Thrush, 60+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Chiffchaff. Dave Knight (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:20
2 Cormorant fishing near the road bridge but then flew up to perch on a dead tree, one with outstretched wings, 30+ Carrion Crow, 1 Jay, 8 Magpie, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Moorhen, numerous Woodpigeon. One pair of Common Darter dragonflies seen laying eggs on the river. Paul Forsdick.
Wakering Stairs 17:00 to 18:20
1 Little Owl still on the sleeper pile as reported yesterday, 193 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 85 Swallow - flock passed through at 18.00. David Selley.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 18:10 to 18:55
3 Little Stint, 3 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 6+ Snipe. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Monday 27th September 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Redwing.
Gunners Park, 07:10 to 14:40
3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose east past the Ness, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby made a couple of passes over the poplars until the tit flock flew out, then took a bird in mid-air, pecked it and headed off west and out of the park carrying it's lunch - aerial mastery, 1 female Kingfisher perched just upstream of the sluice by the reserve, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Meadow Pipit (migrants moving about the park), 2 Grey Wagtail flew north over the garrison, 5 Mistle Thrush on the cricket pitch, 1 Reed Warbler in the bushes north of the lake, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Jackdaw over the garrison, 6 Chaffinch feeding by the compound gates near the barge pier, 6 Linnet, 1 adult summer male Reed Bunting by the ditch next to the reserve. Don Petrie (SOG).
Canewdon, Lark Hill Road 07:30
1 leucistic Collared Dove. The bird was pale cream all over (no grey), with usual eye, collar, and leg colour and was with 2 normal birds. David Selley.
Benfleet, 07:45
2 Mistle Thrush over my garden. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Rochford Station, 07:50
5 Redwing south over station. Steve Arlow (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 10:00
3 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper in garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:00 to 15:00
53 Little Egret, 250 Teal, 196 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 450 Wood Pigeon, Buzzard, 22 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 6 Avocet, 3 Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit (scarce along Crouch), 135 Swallow on wires, 118 Meadow Pipit, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, 90 Goldfinch. Still 12+ Migrant Hawkers on wing. Graham Smith.
Rivers Crouch and Roach Aboard Lady Essex III 12:00 to 14:00
30+ Little Egret, 30+ Cormorant including 5 fishing in very shallow water off Burnham Town Quay. 30+ Avocet, large flocks of mixed waders including Grey Plover in summer plumage. A Peregrine Falcon made three unsuccessful attacks on three separate flocks of flying waders and moments later a Marsh Harrier appeared being mobbed by a relentless Short-eared Owl, the owl pushed the harrier higher and higher for a good five minutes. Gary Dunn.
Belhus Woods Country Park 15:00
At least 200 Swallow and House Martin skimming the lake. Quite a sight. Wayne Twelftree.
Two Tree Island (East) 16:00 to 17:25
2 Mute Swan, 106 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Common Shelduck, c.800 Wigeon, c.50 Teal, 79 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron. Martin Johnson.
Gunners Park, 16:30 to 17:45
2 Grey Heron roosting in the pines, 1 Mediterranean Gull high east, 1 Kingfisher on the lake, then the sluice, then the stream, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff (together SE corner of Warrior Square / Beach Road), 6 Chaffinch together behaving as if they were possibly newly arrived migrants, 1 Linnet. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:15 to 19:00
1 Little Owl perched on piles of old railway sleepers 100m north of the slipway, 1 Barn Owl flew from slipway to Haven Point, hunting along the way, 2 Short-eared Owl (c.18:30, brief views of two birds on Havengore Island from Haven Point. One appeared above the seawall for a few seconds while the other was seen shortly before about 3 fields back, again, only briefly). Don Petrie (SOG).
Sunday 26th September 2010
Wakering Stairs 10:00 to 11:15
69 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Ringed Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher, 1 Peregrine carrying prey (looked like a small wader), 190 Lesser Black-backed Gull off Haven Point, 12 Swallow, 6 Meadow Pipit. David Selley.
Southend Pier 10:00 to 14:00
Many Gannet, all juveniles or immatures up and down river, 30 Common Scoter (flocks of 20 and 10 upriver; 10 back downriver), 2 Great Skua downriver close to pier head, 2 Common Tern, at least 5 Mediterranean Gull. Andrew Cox.
Hockley 11:25
1 Brambling in my back garden. Steve Wood.
Canvey Point, 14:00 to 15:45
60+ Gannet (many on water and flying in all directions, mostly juveniles and 2nd winters), 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Marsh Harrier north across river, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult and 1w). Martin Cracknell, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 15:55 to 17:15
3 Mediterranean Gull (2 2ndw, 1w), 2 adult Little Gull together up river, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Groups of 5,3 and a single flew). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Saturday 25th September 2010
First Winter Migrant Report - Black-throated Diver.
Canvey Point, 06:50 to 08:45
3 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 11 Gannet, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult, 1w), 2 Arctic Tern (1 juvenile). Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Southchurch East Park 08:00 to 11:15
Four Southchurch East Park Mute Swan Cygnets all flew with Mum to the estuary for the first time. They have been going in ones and twos all week. As always there is a lazy cygnet but that one followed the others this morning. One was in York Road on Wednesday morning, the local Police did a good job retrieving it, good team work all round. I saw them all take off from the seashore near Camper Road at 11.15 and managed to follow their flight to Lifstan Way and over Southchurch Park, she held all four in Mid air almost static in the wind. She then bought them in, circling the east end of pond. She has done a great job on her own this year and the local community too. To see them all in flight makes all the time and work, from nesting to fledging, a joy to watch and never ceases to take my breath away. The 8 Mute cygnets in Southchurch Park should all fledge in the next week. On a sadder note, 1 Mute Male Swan was shot dead in Friars Park by two adult males between 3pm-5pm on Monday. There were some good witnesses. If you have any other information, please contact Shoebury Police Station. Robert Dobinson.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 09:00 to 11:00
1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mute Swan, 11 Swallow (one flying low across the meadow was very closely pursued by a female Sparrowhawk which launched an attack from a nearby willow). Uncounted but also seen: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Black-headed Gull (very large numbers on nearby fields being ploughed), Herring Gull, Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.
West Canvey Marsh 10:00 to 12:00
1 Kingfisher, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwit (inc. 1 colour ringed: left leg red/white, right leg both white). Andrew Cox.
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 10:00 to 12:10
3 Buzzard, two flew south the other over salt marsh, female Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 11 Little Egret, 8 Swallow, 4 Reed Bunting, Greenshank, 65 Curlew, Willow Warbler, 2 Skylark. Ray Fuller.
Southend Pier, 12:00 to 15:30
180 Gannet, 23 Common Scoter, 1 summer plumage Black-throated Diver, 1 Kittiwake, 15 Common Tern, 27 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Arctic Skua. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 12:45 to 14:30
1 adult male Peregrine Falcon on fields at east end, 1 immature female Merlin near car park. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:00 to 16:00
75 Avocet, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, 1 Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, 20+ Greenshank, 3 Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island, 14:00 to 17:00
175 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 18 Grey Plover, 15 Golden Plover, 26 Greenshank, 120 Oystercatcher, 135 Curlew, , 1 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 16 Little Egret. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 15:00
1 Red Kite at far eastern end flew across Roach from Foulness and drifted out to NW across Crouch. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 16:00 to 16:05
1 Ring-billed Gull, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet 18:30 to 19:00
Male Sparrowhawk eating what we think was a collared dove in our garden - Clarence Road/Downer Road South area. Couldn't positively identify kill as collared dove as not good light at the time. Our usual pair of collared doves now absent from garden. Jennifer French.
Friday 24th September 2010
Gunners Park, 07:15 to 10:15
17 Dark-bellied Brent Goose up-river, 2 Grey Wagtail, 35 Meadow Pipit heading SW, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap (two males, one redhead), 12 Chiffchaff (still mostly making the shrill down-slurred call, but a couple making the more usual hueet call), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 08:00 to 10:15
Western end: 4 immature Whinchat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Avocet, Cetti's Warbler singing well near the main wide ditch on the eastern end of the island. Andrew Gouldstone.
Two Tree Island 16:30
Eastern end: 54 Little Egret out on the estuary, 18 Brent Geese, 2 Arctic Skua distant over the low water channel, Cetti's Warbler singing well. Andrew Gouldstone.
Canvey Wick, 09:15 to 11:45
128 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Little Egret, c.500 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 13 Meadow Pipit, 1 Hobby, 35 Greylag Goose. Richard Howard, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Billericay 10:30
Male and female Blackcap feeding on elderberries in garden. Marion Burch.
Canvey Seafront, 12:45 to 16:50
5 Great Skua, 4 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult, 1 2nd-w 2 1st-w), 1 juvenile Arctic Tern, 20 Common Scoter, 2 Black Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 17 Gannet, 1 Kestrel, 25 Swallow, 10 House Martin. Richard Howard, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Pier 13:00 to 17:30
3 Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 3 immature Gannet, c.30 Mediterranean Gull (adults and immatures), 4 Arctic Skua. Andrew Gouldstone.
Hanningfield Reservoir 16:00
12+ Black Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 16:15 to 17:50
9 Gannet (one loose flock way out in the estuary), 3 Mediterranean Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 2 Grey Wagtail. Andrew Cox.
Southend Seafront 17:45
From the Pier to the Leas: c.15 House Martin, 4 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egret, 1 adult Ring-billed Gull. Andrew Gouldstone.
Thursday 23rd September 2010
Gunners Park 10:30 to 11:45
2 Grey Heron in the reserve, 4 Turnstone on the shore near the old jetty, Great Spotted Woodpecker landed on a fence post along the path leaded to the car park. S.Jackson.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Coot, Cormorant, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Mallard, Magpie, Starling, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Collared Dove, Green Sandpiper, Moorhen, House Sparrow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Curlew, Whimbrel, Teal, Shoveler, Black-headed Gull, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Great Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Terry Jeffreys.
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:15
3 Green Woodpecker, 3 Magpie, 1 Jay, 14 Carrion Crow, 6 Woodpigeon, 1 Collared Dove, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Moorhen. Paul Forsdick.
Wednesday 22nd September 2010
Gunners Park, 08:25 to 09:25
1 Tree Sparrow S.E. corner of reserve by compound, 1 Swift, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting. John Wright, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Southend Pier 09:30 to 12:45
c.150 Turnstone, c.50 Mediterranean Gull (adultsa and immatures), 2 Arctic Skua, 4 immature Gannet, 17 Brent Geese heading up river, 2 Sandwich Tern. Andrew Gouldstone.
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 10:30 to 15:00
37 Little Egret, 250 Teal, 6 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Avocet, 1 Whinchat, 92 Meadow Pipit. Graham Smith.
Gunners Park, 12:50 to 13:40
1 Tree Sparrow atop bushes in SE corner of reserve 1310-1320 before Sparrowhawk flew into bushes and scattered everything, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying east. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Westcliff Seafront 16:00
13 Seals seen on the beach from balcony of flat. Emily Broad.
Two Tree Island 17:00 to 18:30
Western end: 4 immature Whinchat, 1 Hobby. Andrew Gouldstone.
Tuesday 21st September 2010
Gunners Park, 06:50 to 07:50
Along seawall only: 10 Meadow Pipit (light passage SW), 1 Grey Wagtail around old barge pier, 6 Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 21 Blue Tit in old compound - flew up SW and returned several times, presumably migrants, 4 Great Tit, 60 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 15 Linnet, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island 07:30 to 11:15
All western end: 3 Stonechat, 1 Avocet, 6 male and 3 female Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 male and 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker, c.10 Reed Bunting, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, c.8 Greenshank, Cetti's Warbler singing well along the main wide ditch on the eastern end of the island. Andrew Gouldstone.
Gunners Park, 07:50 to 13:00
1 Tree Sparrow with sparrow flock in SE of reserve and on the ground by the barge pier, 1 Spotted Flycatcher by tennis courts, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting feeding with finch flock in reserve, 1 Sedge Warbler with finch flock in reserve, 1 male Sparrowhawk in reserve, 4 Yellow Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 11:00
2 Meadow Pipit (SW). Paul Baker (SOG).
Hanningfield Reservoir 11:00 to 16:30
2 Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 8 Pintail. Andrew Impey.
Little Waltham 11:45
2 Buzzards circling over farmland neighbouring our nursery. Jill Andrews.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 12:15
2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge, 15:45 to 18:00
West along seawall and down the eastern side of Brandy Hole: 1 Hobby (anting with the gulls), 1 Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Reed Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh (pm)
17 Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 11 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Little Egret, 10 Heron. Andrew Impey.
Monday 20th September 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 11:15 to 12:25
1 immature Spoonbill, 1 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 19 Spotted Redshank (two flocks), 1 Little Egret, 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Grass Snake - almost trod on it! Approx 1m long. Paul Baker (SOG).
Benfleet, 14:00 to 14:20
2 Hobby hawking over A130 south of Sadlers Farm roundabout. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:30
1 Grey Wagtail low west along the brook and over my garden. Paul Baker (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:20
2 Hobby low north west, one of which had just caught a bird in mid-air. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 19th September 2010
Gunners Park 07:00 to 09:45
15 Sand Martin flew over heading south, Swallow, House Martin, 12 Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 5 Blackcap (old tennis courts), 2 Wren, Robin, 1 juvenile Goldcrest by bridge near reserve, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Kingfisher between the bridges, Cormorant, 2 Brent Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling near jetty 1 Great Spotted WoodPecker, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Dunnock. Noel Barnes.
Wakering Stairs 07:40 to 10:40
Seen during WeBS count: 1 juvenile Gannet, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Sand Martin, 208 Swallow, 78 House Martin, 109 Meadow Pipit. Hirundines and Pipits all going SW. David Selley.
Two Tree Island, 07:45 to 12:20
WeBS count: 9 Cormorant, 35 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (flew in and landed at east end), 4 Shelduck, 11 Wigeon (7 on scrape, 4 on sea, east end), 62 Teal, 36 Mallard, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 10 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 483 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed Plover, 88 Grey Plover, 9 Lapwing, 2 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 301 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 133 Curlew, 81 Redshank, 24 Greenshank, 35 Turnstone, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern (on scrape, closest small island), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Sand Martin, 159 Swallow (constant stream moving over the island), 10 House Martin, 13 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Stonechat (male and juvenile), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 female Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff (giving a very odd call), 16 Jackdaw had a foray over the island, 84 Starling, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet, 2 Slow-worm. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Two Tree Island 08:00 to 11:30
South East Essex RSPB walk: Common Pheasant, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Kestrel, male Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Pied Avocet, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Common Tern (on Thames), juvenile Sandwich Tern on scrape, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Skylark, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Linnet. Web Author.
Prittle Brook (Leigh on Sea), 10:00 to 10:05
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on garden feeder. Brian Baldock (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 16:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair initially on fields then male flew over wetlands causing chaos amongst waders), 2 Marsh Harrier (juvenile and adult female), 1 Curlew Sandpiper (over high tide east end), 30 Dunlin (east end), 80 Ringed Plover (40 by car park rest east end), 10 Curlew (east end), 1 Whimbrel (east end), 3 Grey Plover (east end), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (east end), 18 Black-tailed Godwit (car park), 4 Green Sandpiper (SW borrowdykes late on), 150 Lapwing, c.100 Redshank (east end), 16 Little Egret (most east end), c.200 Linnet (east of tower on scrape area), 4 Reed Bunting (with linnet flock), 2 Wheatear (near car park), c.100 Swallow (steady passage all day), c.30 House Martin (steady passage all day), 3 Sand Martin, 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail (fly through), 20 Meadow Pipit (small groups), 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 10 Common Gull, c.200 Black-headed Gull, 20 Herring Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Cormorant (most east end), 1 Greenshank (east end), 1 Oystercatcher (east end), 30 Teal (most SW borrow dyke), 25 Mallard, 8 Canada Goose (flew over S), 40 Greylag Goose (over foulness), 6 Carrion Crow, 2 Shelduck (east end), 3 Grey Heron (SW borrowdykes and east end). 2 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 2 Small Heath, 3 Migrant Hawker, 6 Large White. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:20 to 12:15
5 juvenile Gannet, 23 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Common Tern, 1 drake Pintail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
Canvey Point, 10:40 to 12:10
c.150 Swallow (steady stream heading NW), c.150 House Martin (steady stream heading NW), 2 Shoveler (pair flew W), 7 Wigeon (flew W), 1 Mediterranean Gull. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 12:30 to 15:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 6 Little Egret, 1 Wheatear, 1 Meadow Pipit, 100 Swallow, 20 House Martin. Dave Knight (SOG).
Two Tree Island 13:00 to 16:00
30 Avocet, 8 Little Egret, 8 Lapwing, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Hobby, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Teal, 4 Redshank, 30 Oystercatcher, 1 Cormorant, 2 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, Moorhen. Peter Barrett.
Sutton Road Cemetery 16:50 to 17:30
4 Green Woodpecker, 4 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 10+ Mistle Thrush. Dan Davison.
Canvey Point, 18:00 to 19:00
5 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Arctic Skua (chasing the terns ), 110 Common Tern (at least, most behind working dredger), 2 Common Scoter, 36 Wigeon, 2 Mediterranean Gull (adult, 1w). 7 Common Seal hauled out on south side of river. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh
Immature Spoonbill still present. Philip Anderson.
Saturday 18th September 2010
Wakering Stairs, 07:00 to 10:10
2 Gannet (juv's NE), 3 Little Egret, 110 Greylag Goose (approx, on Havengore), 1 Marsh Harrier (imm on Havengore), 300 Meadow Pipit (+, steady SW movement), 1 Grey Wagtail (flew SW), 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff (incl. 2 singing), 25 Linnet (SW in 3 groups), 1 Wheatear. Neil Chambers, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 07:15 to 09:00
4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lapland Bunting 
(came down on shingle beach then flew onto salt marsh, then north lost to view towards Canvey Heights. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 07:35 to 09:25
3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Hobby, 15+ Meadow Pipit flying over in ones and twos. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 07:55 to 08:00
1 Goldcrest. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:00 to 11:00
1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Pintail, 4 Wigeon, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Swift, 12 Greylag Goose, 22 Little Grebe. John Wright (SOG).
Wallasea Wetlands, 09:30 to 11:00
Walk from car park to tower over high tide: 80 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Egret, 27 Dunlin, 6 Curlew Sandpiper, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Greenshank, 130 Lapwing, 4 Shelduck, 1 Wheatear, 156 Redshank, 10 Meadow Pipit (small groups over), 1 Chiffchaff (in small willow at gate!), 40 Swallow (steady passage and group mobbing a kestrel), 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Common Seal in first breach. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 11:40
2 Tree Sparrow dropped into the corner of the reserve near the barge pier at 11:05 for a few minutes before flying on, 3 Chiffchaff. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:00 to 13:20
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 Canada Goose, 4 Little Egret, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
River Roach 11:00 to 16:40
2 common Tern (juvenile being fed by adult), Sandwich Tern, 3 Marsh Harrier on Foulness, 1 Sparrowhawk on Foulness, 2 Kestrel. Pat Dandridge, Web Author.
Gunners Park, 11:40 to 14:10
11 Gannet (flew E, then W), 7 Pintail (flew W), 1 Arctic Skua (juv), 1 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 100 Swallow, 100 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mediterranean Gull (ad & 2'w). Neil Chambers, Don Petrie, John Wright (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 12:45 to 14:20
2 Hobby. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Canewdon, 12:45 to 13:15
Fields south of Canewdon village: 6 Mediterranean Gull (as least 5 adults, 1 2nd winter with large flock Black-headed and Common Gulls following plough). Jeff Delve (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 13:35 to 15:30
1 Ruff, 1 juvenile Spoonbill, 1 Green Sandpiper, 40 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail. Paul Griggs, Richard Howard (SOG).
Benfleet Downs, 14:15 to 15:30
1 Hobby, 2 Buzzard (rose on thermals over poplar plantation then headed north). Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 14:20 to 14:50
2 Whinchat in bushes along borrow dykes, 1 Wheatear along sea wall. Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 14:50 to 16:00
2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 1 Whitethroat (all around the old tree stump). Gordon Appleton (SOG).
Canvey Point, 14:50 to 17:50
1 Red Kite (probable distantly high south west over Hadleigh Castle CP at 15:35), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 15:00 to 17:00
4 Stonechat (male, female and 2 juveniles), 2 Whinchat, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 17th September 2010
Rochford, Golden Cross 07:55
6 House Martin over. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 09:45 to 11:35
32 Meadow Pipit (mostly on the deck), 6 Chiffchaff, 1 male Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron roosting in pines north of lake, 4 Sand Martin in mixed hirundine flock. Paul Baker (SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00 to 12:00
2 Peregrine Falcon (male and female around Portcullis House). John Wright (SOG).
Southend Pier 11:20 to 13:45
11 Common Tern, 7 Little Tern, 12 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 178 Turnstone, c.200 Sanderling feeding on the falling tide opposite the Kursaal, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew flying downriver, 4 Swallow flying north. David Selley.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 14:00
1 Chiffchaff. Paul Baker (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 17:00 to 17:15
35 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie, 2 Collared Dove, 2 Moorhen, 1 Greenfinch, 5 Woodpigeon, 6 Starling (riding on the local horses again). Paul Forsdick.
Thursday 16th September 2010
Canvey Point, 07:30 to 09:30
6 Gannet (6 upriver, then 2 out), 30+ Meadow Pipit passing W and SW in small groups. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 07:45 to 11:45
c.30 Meadow Pipit - several small groups heading SW, 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over SW, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:00 to 10:45
1 Little Egret, 1 Spoonbill, 5+ Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 1 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 24+ Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 1 possibly 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5+ Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Jay, 1 Reed Bunting. Les Costin.
Two Tree Island 11:15
1 Wryneck around recently burnt area behind lagoon hide. Ian White.
Gunners Park 14:00 to 14:30
Wheatear seen on the seawall from the middle fort to the jetty. S Jackson.
Canvey Wick, 14:25 to 15:55
3 Little Egret, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 50 Meadow Pipit, 10 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock Butterfly. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 16:00 to 16:05
1 Nuthatch. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 16:10 to 18:20
1 juvenile Gannet on water then flew east, 2 juvenile Arctic Skua, 200+ Common Tern, 1 female Sparrowhawk flew south to Kent, 5 Little Egret, 10 Meadow Pipit. 1 Common Seal. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Earls Hall Avenue 16:15 to 17:15
Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroat and female Ring-necked Parakeet all in garden. Pat Dandridge.
Pitsea, 17:45 to 17:55
Station platform: 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 18:30 to 18:50
1 Wheatear on the beach, 9 Pied Wagtail on the beach, 1 Mediterranean Gull (second winter). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wednesday 15th September 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh 06:30 to 09:30
9 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Egret, c.100 Lapwing, 60 Canada Geese, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper. David Shepherd.
Gunners Park, 07:45 to 10:45
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wheatear in reserve, 1 female/immature Redstart still behind tennis court, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 18 Meadow Pipit moving west in small groups, 14 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:40
2 Peregrine Falcon (pair sitting together on Portcullis House). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:15 to 19:40
1 Sooty Shearwater flew upriver at 18:12. Appeared to follow the gannet in, but wasn't seen to follow it out, 1 juvenile Gannet flew upriver at 18:10 then turned around and flew out. Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 14th September 2010
Gunners Park 09:30 to 11:30
1 Redstart called and flew from tennis court to compound, 1 Whitethroat in scrub by chestnuts, 1 Green Woodpecker on grass behind main car park. Dave Cornwell.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:00 12:00
1 Whinchat, Kingfisher. Hilary Knight.
Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort 10:00 to 12:40
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: Starling, Dunlin, Little Egret, Greenfinch, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Collared Dove, Common Tern, Bar-tailed Godwit, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Shelduck, Avocet, Redshank, Cormorant, House Sparrow. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 14:15 to 16:00
3 Gannet (all immatures, a lingering single plus a further two way out in the estuary), 1 Black Tern. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Monday 13th September 2010
Southchurch East Park and Southchurch Park 09:15
1 male Kingfisher flying west to east of top of pond in Southchurch East Park (9 days later than the previous 3 yrs), 8 Mute Cygnets in Southchurch Park, 4 Cygnets in Southchurch East Park) are just learning to lift off the water, all hopefully should be on the estuary within the next 7 days. Robert Dobinson.
Gunners Park 12:00 to 13:15
General area of Tennis Courts only: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redstart, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Firecrest (elusive and mobile in trees along road opposite scaffolded building) 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Tree Pipit. Les Costin.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 12:45
1 Buzzard drifting high north-east. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Steeple, Southminster 14:45
7+ Buzzard soaring. Jennifer.
Gunners Park, 17:20 to 18:40
Beach Road area only: 1 Spotted Flycatcher sheltering in stand of pines SW of Beach Road, 1 Goldcrest with the spotted flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler (one with the spotted flycatcher, one in tennis court, 1 Green Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Sunday 12th September 2010
Winter Migrant Report - The Brent are coming back! Three days earlier than last year and exactly the same date as 2008.
Gunners Park, 07:45 to 11:45
1 Wryneck sunning itself in the eastern most pine in the compound by the tennis court, 1 Redstart (tennis court), 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Wheatear on beach below mess block, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:30
1 Wryneck still present in pines by old tennis courts and just east of Beach Road. Ian Douch (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:40 to 17:15
1 Wryneck seen well in the morning and evening in the compound by the disused tennis courts; in the evening it was feeding on the ground close to the gap in the hedge, 2 Pied Flycatcher (one in the compound by the old tennis courts and the other on the west side of the park by the wooden bridge), 10 Spotted Flycatcher (3 in the tennis court compound, 5 along the hedge on the west side of the park by the wooden bridge and 2 in bushes just the north of the reserve by the concrete pad), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (in the compound by the old tennis courts), 2 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler (at least), 2 Redstart (in the compound by the old tennis courts together in the dead tree by the blockhouse), 4 Yellow Wagtail (in reserve), 1 Swift, 2 Blackcap. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Paglesham lagoon 09:00 to 12:00
Juvenile Red-necked Grebe, 2 juvenile Black Tern still present near north bank, 1 adult winter plumage Mediterranean Gull, 1 Whinchat in bushes under sea wall, 1 Wheatear on wires east of lagoon, 1 Common Buzzard over fields towards Stannetts, 2 adult and 1 juvenile Common Tern on the river, 3 Great Crested Grebe also on the river, Large party of Long-tailed Tit and 3 Willow Warbler north west comer of lagoon. Jonathan and Mary Sieqien.
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:00
1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear, 190 Starling, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Slow-worm, Shrew (dead), 1 Small Heath, 43 Small White, 1 Comma, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Red Admiral. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:25 to 13:20
4 Spotted Flycatcher (2 by the tennis courts, 2 north of the reserve), 1 Pied Flycatcher in the trees west of the tennis courts, 1 Redstart in the tennis courts, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG)
Paglesham, East End 09.50 to 11.20
65 House Martin and 25 Swallow around the Plough and Sail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel over Wallasea, 1 Peregrine - large female hunting the seawall, 5 Little Egret on Potton, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Corn Bunting. Constant passage of Swallow and House Martin west along the Roach. David Selley.
Hadleigh Marshes, 10:00 to 11:15
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Yellow Wagtail. 15 Migrant Hawker, 4 Speckled Wood, 10 Small Heath, 1 Red Admiral. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 10:30 to 14:30
1 Pied Flycatcher, 9 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Wryneck. John Wright (SOG).
Brentwood, Stondon Massey 11:30 to 13:00
5 Buzzard soaring and it appeared that three of the buzzards were attacking the other two. Later two separate groups of 3 and 2 birds were observed. Not sure what was happening as we only usually see a pair of buzzards over the woods. Jean.
Gunners Park, 12:55 to 13:50
1 Pied Flycatcher by wooden bridge on west side, 5 Spotted Flycatcher (at least, by wooden bridge on west side), 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. 1 Small Copper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 13:30 to 14:30
6+ Little Grebe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whinchat (including juveniles), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 3 Little Egret, lots of Swallow flying over. T J Hurdley.
Rochford Golf Course, 14:15 to 18:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:15 to 16:45
All in tennis court compound: 1 Wryneck by compound entrance, 1 Redstart round base of pines, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Foulness Island 15:30
Marsh Harrier to the north of the main entrance road, chased and caught a pigeon. Paul Rossiter.
Wakering Stairs, 16:00 to 18:30
3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew NE, first I've seen this Autumn, 34 Greenshank on Haven Point run-off, 3 Dunlin, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on run-off, 1 Whinchat in bramble at Haven Point, 2 Marsh Harrier on Havengore Island, 5 Kestrel on Havengore, 400+ Swallow, steady movement of birds SW along the coast, 30+ Sand Martin, a group of 10 plus a few amoungst the swallows, all moving SW. Don Petrie (SOG).
Rochford, 18:00 to 18:05
8 Yellow Wagtail (south over garden together), 15 Swallow (west over garden). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Ashingdon, 20:20 to 20:25
1 Tawny Owl hooting to the north of Golden Cross Road. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 11th September 2010
Wakering Stairs 08:30 to 10:30
2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk hunting and chasing a small wader over mud flats for about 10 minutes before going out of sight, 1 Greenshank, 2 separate Sparrowhawk 1 over sea wall by car park, 1 over trees near to bridge. Jim.
Rayne 08.40
Within 5 minutes of each other 1 Hobby then a Female Hen Harrier being mobbed by a Crow over my garden in Rayne. Mark Bicknell.
Chelmsford - Baddow Meads, Manor Farm and Sandford Lock Area 09:00 to 12:00
Species seen on walk around Baddow Meads, Manor Farm, Sandford Mill, Brook End Road Sewage Works, to Asda and back along river Chelmer and Baddow Meads: Spotted Flycatcher (feeding flights from large oak on Meads), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Starling, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff (large number in blackthorn next to sewage works), Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Red-legged Partridge, Mute Swan, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jay (two seen carrying acorns away from an Oak at Sandford Mill), Great Crested Grebe (adult and two juveniles), Little Grebe, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, House Martin, Swallow (very large numbers of both over sewage works), Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker. Paul Forsdick.
Langdon Hills 09:30 to 13:00
2 Hobby, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1-2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper. Andrew Cox.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:30 to 11:30
2 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 11:05 to 11:15
1 Firecrest in garden. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 13:15 to 14:15
6 Little Tern viewed from Canvey point boat yard. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 17:00
6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Whinchat together on fence line where the Woodchat was in May, 1 cock Pheasant, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler sang a few times and showed well in hedge adjacent to children's play area. John Wright (SOG).
Friday 10th September 2010
Chalkwell Station, 08:30
1 Wheatear along seafront opposite station. Simon Watson (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 10:00 to 10:05
1 Grey Wagtail around garden pond. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon 11:45 to 13:30
1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Little Egret, many Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, 5+ Gadwall, 2 Pheasant, 3 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Black Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat. Shelduck (very many on the river). Les Costin.
Wallasea Island, 13:00 to 14:00
1 Osprey fishing over Roach at east end, 1 Wheatear, 1 Curlew Sandpiper on fields with Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull following harrow, 1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 28 Little Egret, 2 Greenshank. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon 13:00 to 15:15
2 juvenile Black Tern, Red-necked Grebe, Buzzard, female Marsh Harrier, Yellow Wagtail, c.150 Swallow, Willow Warbler. Ray Fuller.
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 18:00
Seawatching from The Garrison 14:30 to 15:40, then reserve and bushes: 1 juvenile Gannet flew into the estuary as far as East Beach, then headed SE for Kent, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Mediterranean Gull (including a flock of 11. 10 Ad, 1 2ndW, 5 1stW), 1 Little Tern, 4 Yellow Wagtail (reserve), 2 Wheatear (reserve), 1 Redstart (in compound by tennis courts), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (in pines near large blockhouse). Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:00 to 16:20
1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 14 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 8 Green Sandpiper, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 16:20 to 17:30
22 Little Egret, 1680 Knot - a few in fading summer plumage, 70 Grey Plover, c.200 Curlew, 6 Common Tern and 6 Little Tern fishing on the falling tide, 16 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:50 to 18:30
1 Kingfisher from 1st Hide, on pond between Reservoir and Road, 3 Common Sandpiper, 7 Green Sandpiper. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Thursday 09th September 2010
Paglesham Lagoon, 09:45 to 11:45
1 Garden Warbler in sheltered hollow NW side of lagoon, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 19 Teal, c.30 Wigeon, 1 juvenile Red-necked Grebe still present along north side, 2 Black Tern showing well and feeding continuously over lagoon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Yellow Wagtail. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:35
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Coot, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Redshank, Curlew, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Grey Heron, Mallard, Greenshank, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Swallow, Mute Swan, Green Woodpecker (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard). Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 14:00
2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard soaring high over, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Redstart (1 reserve SE bushes, 2 south of tennis courts), 4 Wheatear in reserve, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (tennis court). Don Petrie (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:45 to 16:25
2 Marsh Harrier (male over Potton, female over Fleet Head), 5 Buzzard (4 together over Potton and another over Barking Tip), 3 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 31 Goldfinch, 5 Corn Bunting. Don Petrie (SOG).
Wednesday 08th September 2010
Canvey Point, 08:00 to 13:15
15 Black Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Shoveler, 1 Little Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mediterranean Gull (1st winters), 12 Bar-tailed Godwit. 2 Common Seal. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park 10:45 to 13:30
1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker including a juvenile, 1 Redstart in compound in the reserve, looked like a juvenile, 1 Song thrush, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4+ Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher around the Tennis Court area, very elusive, 4 Linnet, very many Greenfinch. Les Costin.
Gunners Park, 12:30 to 14:30
7+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Redstart in fenced compound, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3+ Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher in trees with Pied), 1 Pied Flycatcher in trees south of fenced compound/tennis courts. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Maldon, Limebrook Fishery 14:50
Osprey flew over the lake heading south. Ben and Denise Matz.
RSPB Vange Marsh 15:15 to 17:15
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 8 Ringed Plover, Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 10 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 10 Redshank, 6 Green Sandpiper, Swallow, Reed Bunting. Andrew Cox.
Two Tree Island, 17:40 to 18:10
Low tide from the slipway: 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern, 5 Greenshank, 19 Little Egret, 72 Golden Plover. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:00 to 19:00
1 Redstart still in old tennis courts compound, 1 Swift. John Wright, Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tuesday 07th September 2010
Canvey Point, 06:15 to 07:30
1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Black Tern, 11 Yellow Wagtail. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 06:35 to 08:05
40 Common Tern feeding offshore, 1 Little Tern with the Common Terns, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellow Wagtail (singles flew over), 15 Dunnock, 10 Robin, 3 Wheatear, 15 Blackbird, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 30 Greenfinch, 10 Linnet. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:00 to 08:40
42 Redshank, 13 Spotted Redshank (maybe more but difficult to view in poor light), 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Water Rail feeding on the south-east of the scrape, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:45 to 13:20
5 Wheatear, 2 Redstart (1 SE of reserve, 1 near tennis court), 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher by tennis court, 1 Wryneck seen briefly in cherry tree in back corner of derelict tennis court (click for location). Don Petrie (SOG).
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:10 to 09:20
1 adult Ring-billed Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winters). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wallasea Island 10:00 to 12:00
Sightings on the RSPB walk: 2 Little Egret, Black-headed Gull, 20+ Redshank, Kingfisher, 100+ Ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Curlew Sandpiper, Herring Gull, 20+ Dunlin, 4 Avocet, 4 Swallow, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Kestrel, Curlew, 10+ Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wood Pigeon. Terry Jeffreys.
South Fambridge/Brandy Hole 10:30 to 12:40
Osprey flew south gaining height at 11.20, Buzzard hunting over salt marsh, 27 Little Egret, c.250 Golden Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail, 6 Curlew, 7 Swallow, 2 Greenshank, Mute Swan, Grey Plover. Ray Fuller.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:30 to 13:30
Temminck's Stint, 1 Ruff, 6 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, Hobby, 30+ Swallow. Hilary Knight.
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 11.10
1 Buzzard drifting SW. David Selley.
Gunners Park, 12:15 to 15:00
All sightings in the fenced off compound only: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wryneck in stand of 6 pine trees in same fenced off area immediately east of Beach Road but elusive, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart. Paul Baker, Matt Bruty, Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:25 to 19:00
6 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad, 1 2nd-y, 3 1st-y), 1 Great Skua close in on the sea, 9 Sand Martin, 7 House Martin, 16 Swallow, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Wryneck, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 18 Common Tern. Paul Griggs, Ian Douch, John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford, New Writtle Street 16:25
1 female Sparrowhawk seen perching on block of flats at The Meads but was mobbed by Herring Gulls and flew away. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 16:40 to 17:40
Dog walking loop only: 1 Temminck's Stint showing well close to 1st hide, 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 15+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Spotted Flycatcher in hedgerow between south track from car park and road, 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 17:45 to 19:45
2 Marsh Harrier on Havengore Island, 2 Kestrel, 8 Yellow Wagtail on the seawall, 1 Redstart beside road to 'O' 'P' and 'Q' Battery, 3 Whinchat at Haven Point, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat. Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 18:20 to 19:05
1 Swift flew south, 1 Wryneck in pines briefly at c18.40 then flew into cover in northernmost derelict 'tennis court'. Neil Chambers, Steve Arlow (SOG).
Monday 06th September 2010
Gunners Park, 06:45 to 11:30
1 male Kestrel, 6 Wheatear in the reserve, 1 female/immature Redstart north of the reserve gate, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Linnet. Don Petrie (SOG).
Leigh on Sea, Prittle Brook, 08:15
1 Grey Wagtail. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:15 to 09:00
1 juvenile Temminck's Stint. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:30 to 11:45
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Ringed Plover, many Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank, many Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4-6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper. Andrew Cox.
Rossi's Ice Cream, Westcliff, 09:00 to 09:10
1 adult Ring-billed Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gull (adult-winters). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Gunners Park 09:30 to 11:00
1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redstart in bushes near old barge pier. Laurie Greenwood.
Westcliff Seafront 11:15 to 12:00
West of Casino but before Rossi's Ice Cream: Skua feeding off floating Gull carcass. From comparison with Herring Gulls mobbing it, probably Great Skua. Laurie Greenwood.
Rossi's, Westcliff 11:20 to 11:40
2 Cormorant, Artic Skua. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Seafront, 12:00 to 17:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 5 Gannet, 45 Wigeon, 7 Arctic Skua, 7 Mediterranean Gull (2 x 2nd winter, 5 x 1st winter, including 3 mobbing the Fulmar), 3 adult Arctic Tern, c.30 Black Tern. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 13:10 to 13:10
1 Whinchat on seawall path opposite Two Tree. Simon Watson (SOG).
Two Tree Island 18:30 to 18:50
Top car park: 1 Yellow Wagtail near jetty, 1 Wheatear on northern banks towards 1st hide, 1 Sparrowhawk. Noel Barnes.
Sunday 05th September 2010
Coombe Wood, 07:00
1 Hobby heading north! Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 07:30 to 09:30
44 Common Tern, 9 Sandwich Tern, 3 Black Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Chelmsford and Howe Green 07:30 & 08:00 to 10:00
Chelmsford: 100-200m east of Army & Navy along A130 07:30 4 Red-legged Partridge feeding on grass verge. Howe Green Tetrad roving count: 4 Yellow Wagtail (1 adult amd 3 juveniles in horse livery paddock), 36 Swallow, 2 female Kestrel, 1 adult Hobby, c.200 Lesser Black-backed Gull, female Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler (2 juveniles), Stock Dove, 3 House Martin, 8 Linnet. Tony Kennelly.
Two Tree Island, 07:40 to 09:15
Slipway only: 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, c.60 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 4 Greenshank, 3 Sandwich Tern, 1 Swift, 4 Common Tern. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Canvey Marsh 08:15 to 09:30
1 juvenile Temminck's Stint (nice views from hide near road). Noel Barnes, Les Costin.
Westcliff Seafront, 08:25 to 08:50
A few brief stops between Chalkwell Avenue and the pier: 2 Mediterranean Gull (juv/1st w). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 08:30 to 13:20
1 juvenile Red-necked Grebe, 1 Swift, 61 Yellow Wagtail (including a Blue-headed Wagtail), 5 Mediterranean Gull (1st winter, 2nd summer and 3 adults), 2 Hobby, 3 Yellowhammer along seawall, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Little Egret, 2 juvenile Black Tern showing well, 2 Lapland Bunting (flew south at 10.25 but not seen subsequently), c.80 Little Grebe. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Gunners Park, 09:00 to 11:15
12 Common Scoter, 1 Redstart in SE corner of reserve in old compound, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 female/immature Blackcap, 1 female Sparrowhawk in reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c.40 Common Tern moving up river, 100 Swallow (steady trickle heading south). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 09:15 to 10:40
50 Common Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern, 10 Black Tern (3 up 09.20 and 7 down 10.25), 3 Little Grebe. Vince Kinsler
Two Tree Island, 09:15 to 12:15
3 Curlew Sandpiper roosting on lagoon, 27 Greenshank, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 740 Oystercatcher, 1 Garden Warbler just east of feeders, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tufted Duck (5 juveniles seem to have moved on). Graham Ryland (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 09:45 to 11:30
3 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Kingfisher both around reeds near scrape fence, 5 Green Sandpiper, 10 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 4 Greenshank, 1 Canada Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Swift, 10 House Martin, 14 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, Shelduck, Teal, 3 Heron, 4 Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Yellow Wagtail (heard). Noel Barnes, Les Costin.
Gunners Park, 09:50 to 10:30
1 Redstart east end of reserve, 1 Whinchat mobile in centre of reserve, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 10:50 to 12:00
Temminck's Stint (excellent view from first hide), Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Ruff (juvenile), 2 Green Sandpiper. Terry Jeffreys.
North Crescent, Prittlewell 11:15 to 11:45
4 Swallow over small holdings near airport. Dave Griffiths.
Lion Creek, 11:45 to 12:45
8 Whitethroat. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 13:00 to 15:20
86+ Little Grebe, 1 juvenile Red-necked Grebe showing well on SE side, 2 Little Egret, 10 Wigeon, 1 adult female Marsh Harrier along Roach c3/4 mile W of lagoon, 2 juvenile Black Tern, 1 Sedge Warbler flushed from seawall W of lagoon, 1 Mediterranean Gull (juv/1st w). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sutton Road Cemetery 14:25
5 Mistle Thrush (all juveniles), 1 Green Woodpecker, 6+ Long-tailed Tit. Les Costin.
Hadleigh Marshes, 14:30 to 15:30
12 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:15 to 18:45
1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Black Tern, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Jeff Saward, Paul Baker, Neil Chambers, Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 19:00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew west, calling. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Saturday 04th September 2010
Gunners Park, 07:00 to 08:00
Reserve only: 2 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Redstart in bushes at eastern end of reserve, 4 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler. Don Petrie
Rochford 07:30 to 07:50
16 House Martin. One nest still in use with 3 visible and vocal young. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:30 to 09:35
1 juvenile Temminck's Stint, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker, Vince Kinsler, Marc Outten, Don Petrie, Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Island, 09:00 to 10:00
1 Temminck's Stint, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Sally Brierley, Paul Griggs (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:30 to 14:30
1 juvenile Temminck's Stint, 1 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Whinchat, 1 Buzzard flew west at 12:50, 7 Yellow Wagtail, c.50 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin. 1 Common Lizard. Paul Griggs, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:20 to 11:30
1 Swift, 4 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 10:20 to 12:30
15 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk (incl. 1 on Havengore and 1 circling SW), 3 Buzzard (circled SW), 6 Kestrel (incl. 4 on Havengore and 1 circling high SW), 1 juvenile Hobby harassing waders over the mud, flew NE, 350 Golden Plover, 1 Sanderling, 30 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 4 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 11:40 to 13:00
1 Kingfisher, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Bearded Tit (heard). John Wright (SOG).
Barling Pits, 13:00 to 14:10
20 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier on Potton, 1 Buzzard circling SW distantly to the east, 5 Common Tern (2 juveniles), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting. 10 Migrant Hawker, 10 Small Heath, 6 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers, Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:30 to 14:30
1 juvenile Temminck's Stint from middle hide, 1 Ruff, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Whinchat. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Canvey Point, 13:30 to 16:00
9 Arctic Skua in a flock at 14:25, 1 adult Arctic Tern, 1 Little Tern around the shell banks all afternoon, 20 Common Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 16:15 to 16:45
85 Golden Plover, 4 Yellow Wagtail. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 16:45 to 17:30
8 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 2 Wheatear. 1 Common Lizard. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Basildon 17:15
2 Swift, 4 House Martin flew over back garden. David Shepherd.
Friday 03rd September 2010
Gunners Park, 06:30 to 10:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher (tennis court), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatear. Don Petrie (SOG).
Benfleet Creek, 08:10
1 Wheatear on the seawall between Leigh and Benfleet. Simon Watson (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 10:15 to 11:10
2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Hatfield Peverel 11:00 to 15:00
Around fishing lakes: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Bullfinch, many Goldfinch (lots of young), 2 Blackcap (pair), 3 Buzzard, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, many Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 150-200 strong flock of Swallow and House Martin (Hobbys were hunting within them had superb views of this). Alec Martin.
Barling Rubbish Tip, 11:30 to 13:30
3 Marsh Harrier on Potton, 1 Circus sp. (a very dark ringtail harrier was seen briefly disappearing over the tip at 12:45 but was not specifically identified and not relocated), 3 Green Sandpiper on the leachate pools south of the tip, 1 Kingfisher flew along the borrow dyke on the southern edge of the tip, 2 Whinchat on the fence on the northern edge of the tip. Don Petrie (SOG).
Southend Airport, 14:00 to 17:00
1 Kingfisher came in calling from the brook at 15:15, did a full circuit of the pond and then departed, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel. Paul Baker (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon 15:30
30+ Little Grebe, 10 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 20 Mute Swan, Pochard, Shoveler, Mallard, 7 Cormorant, 1 very showy juvenile Red-necked Grebe by north bank about halfway down towards the outfall. Jonathan Siequien.
Wallasea Island, 16:00 to 19:00
7 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper (6 together far eastern end wetlands, 1 west of tower), c.450 Ringed Plover, c.200 Dunlin, 14 Greenshank (4 at eastern end, 10 west of tower), 10 Green Sandpiper (SW corner borrowdyke), 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank (SW corner borrowdyke), 2 Black-tailed Godwit, c.70 Golden Plover (west end on fields), 1 Wheatear (from central track), 1 Marsh Harrier (worn adult female), 1 Merlin hunting edge of saltmarsh. Jeff Delve (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 17:30 to 19:00
1 Arctic Skua, 15 Common Scoter, 12 Teal, 42 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 12 Knot, 27 Common Tern, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel. Graham Ryland, Paul Griggs (SOG).
Shoebury East Beach, 18:20 to 18:55
1 Pied Flycatcher seen briefly in the north-west hedgerow 100m east of the entrance opposite Shoebury Station. I was unable to relocate after it was chased off by a song thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Greenfinch. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 02nd September 2010
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:00 to 13:00
1 immature Spoonbill, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Hobby, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Stock Dove. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Baxter Avenue Southend, 10:00 to 11:30
1 male Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Wakering, 10:30
1 Swift over the garden. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB walk: Swallow, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Green Woodpecker, Starling, Redshank, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Whitethroat, Lapwing, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Black-tailed Godwit. Terry Jeffreys.
Gunners Park, 13:30 to 15:30
1 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redstart seen briefly in the north-east corner of the EWT reserve, 3 Wheatear, 2 Common Tern, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Chelmsford, River Chelmer From Town Centre to Baddow Meads 16:00 to 16:30
45 Mallard, 43 Carrion Crow, 9 Woodpigeon, 8 Moorhen, 4 Starling, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Feral Pigeon. Paul Forsdick.
Tewke's Creek, 16:50 to 18:00
3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 4+ Common Sandpiper, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 350+ Grey Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier circled high over Hadleigh Downs then flew NE, c.30 Knot. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 18:00 to 18:45
Seawall at car park only, high tide: 192 Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 5 Greenshank, 2 immature male Marsh Harrier hunting eastern seawall and another hunting Roach/Foulness, 5 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag Goose flew along Roach. 1 Red Fox. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 18:40 to 19:20
From Slipway: 45 Little Egret on salt marsh eastern end, 6 adult Arctic Tern at 19:00 dropped in from height and flew west up Benfleet Creek. John Wright (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 20:10
1 Badger. John Wright (SOG).
Wednesday 01st September 2010Latest Wildlife News - updated 02/09/10
Gunners Park, 06:40 to 11:00
4 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Wheatear, 2 Redstart in NE corner of the reserve near the fence, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Tree Sparrow around SE corner of reserve near old compound from 07:05 but flew off high the north at 08:30. Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunners Park, 07:55 to 09:15
3 Tree Sparrow, 1+ Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 2+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 12:00 to 13:45
43 Swallow flying south, 2 Tree Pipit perched west end for a couple of minutes and then flew south calling, 2 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat (2 juveniles), 230 Starling. 1 Common Lizard. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 16:30 to 17:00
380 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Greenshank, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 44 Canada Goose, 18 Knot, 13 Little Egret. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Two Tree Island (West), 16:30 to 18:30
High tide roost: 1820 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 142 Redshank, 118 Oystercatcher, 31 Greenshank, 4 Teal, 1 Wheatear, 3 juvenile Common Tern still being fed, 29 Little Egret. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:50 to 19:00
1 Redstart still present in NE corner of reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3+ Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat. Paul Baker (SOG).