Bird Reports for September 2011
Friday 30th September 2011
Baxter Avenue Southend, 08:30 to 09:00
1 female Peregrine Falcon on west side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Marsh, 09:00 to 11:30
2 Little Grebe, 16 Mute Swan (presumably Mutes flew south distantly over Wallasea and landed on Havengore), 1 female Marsh Harrier on Fleet Head, 1 immature male Merlin on Potton, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 200+ Wood Pigeon in one flock heading west, 20 Skylark (light south-west passage), 20 Meadow Pipit (light south-west passage), 10 Corn Bunting, 1 male Common Blue, 2 Small Heath. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Barling Pits, 11:30 to 12:05
2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 12:15 to 13:30
East hide: 1 Cetti's Warbler heard north of hide, 6 Ruff, 4 Little Egret, 12+ Little Grebe. Middle hide: 1 Spotted Redshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 1 Hobby (for several minutes on fence posts and hunting very low over fields north of reservoir), 3 Grey Heron. Also usual assortment of Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese and Lapwing. Ian White.
Hadleigh Downs, Hilltops by Houses 13:00 to 15:30
3 Honey Buzzard being mobbed by two Crows and Sparrowhawk, One Hobby hawking. Jeff Elliott.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:45 to 14:45
10+ Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 5 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 3 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit. 5 Migrant Hawker. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 14:55 to 15:50
400+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Buzzard lingered for c.10 minutes over the downs, mobbed by Carrion Crow, 1 juvenile Hobby flew strongly south over Benfleet Downs and across Canvey, 50 Golden Plover, 300 Grey Plover, 80 Knot, 4 Greenshank, 3 Skylark (singles flew south-west), 1 Yellow Wagtail. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:45
1 adult male Marsh Harrier, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-Tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, at least 100 Swallow. Andrew Cox.
Thursday 29th September 2011
Leigh on Sea, 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk flying south over gardens towards seafront. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Wednesday 28th September 2011
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:30 to 13:35
Buzzard flew towards Stow Maries, female Merlin chasing a Reed Bunting, Whinchat, Wheatear, c.200 Golden Plover, 22 Wigeon, c.150 Curlew, 9 Little Egret, 15 Reed Bunting, 50+ Skylark - a good number for this site. Ray Fuller.
Benfleet, 18:00 to 18:30
1 Hedgehog. The first in my garden for a few years. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tuesday 27th September 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 09:50
3 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 8 Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Ring-necked Parakeet over in the murk heading east. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury 14:00 to 19:00
4 Wheatear, 350+ Avocet, 4 Curlew, Shelduck, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover in summer plumage, Grey Plover, 1 Kestrel, 8 Little Grebe, Cormorant, 3 Grey Partridge on fields at dusk. Mark Wilson.
RSPB Wallasea Island 15:30 to 17:00
1 Whimbrel, 4 Wheatear, 15 House Sparrow, 5 Little Egret, 8 Redshank, 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, On the Creeksea Ferry Road before Lion Creek on the power cables; 1 Peregrine Falcon, saw it on the way on to Wallasea Island and on the way off. Rob Harris.
Monday 26th September 2011
Leigh on Sea, 06:45
c.100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on mudflats between Chalkwell and Leigh stations. John Wright (SOG).
Hatfield Peverel 09:30
2 Coal Tit visiting feeders regularly this morning. Alec Martin.
Leigh on Sea 09:30 to 10:15
1,500 Brent Geese, 50 Little Egret, many Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Grey Plover on mud as the tide came in. David Lee.
Two Tree Island East 11:00
73 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 200+ Redshank, c.120 Dark-bellied Brent Goose off Old Leigh. Seen from car park by the skateboard area. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 12:30
6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Arctic Skua, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Little Gull, 25 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, 4 Black Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 11:30 to 12:30
Hobby over childrens playground, 4 Bearded Tit. Hilary Knight.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 14:00
1 Siskin low over north. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Hatfield Peverel 15:00
7 Buzzard riding thermals above my garden, 1 Sparrowhawk sitting in neighbours tree. Alec Martin.
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 17:05
2 Lesser Redpoll over garden calling. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 18:40 to 18:50
1 Hobby chasing hirundines ahead of a storm cloud. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Sunday 25th September 2011
Wat Tyler Country Park 08:00 to 11:00
RSPB South East Essex Local Group Guided Walk: Mute Swan, Mallard, Shoveler, Common Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Bearded Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch. Web Author Et Al.
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:15 to 10:00
20+ Spotted Redshank, 2 Avocet, c.4 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, Chiffchaff heard singing, 1 Swallow, Kingfisher flew from lagoon and east by railway fence, 30 Wigeon, 3 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard, Sparrowhawk, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit. Richard Fahey.
Rochford Golf Course, 08:15 to 16:00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew west calling at c.09:30, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham, Eastend 09:30 to 11:30
Circular walk from the Plough and Sail: 5 Little Egret, 40 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, Curlew, 2 Sand Martin going south-west with the steady trickle of Swallow and House Martin, 39 Skylark also flying south-west in small groups, 7 Meadow Pipit, c.200 Starling, 3 Corn Bunting. Peacock and many Red Admiral butterflies. David Selley.
Two Tree Island West, 11:00 to 13:30
3 Little Egret, 72 Teal, 1 female Kestrel hunting the Broadway end of Belton Way, 1 Peregrine Falcon flew south over to Canvey, 3 Moorhen, 250 Oystercatcher, 40 Avocet (including one with two yellow rings on its left leg and a red and lower yellow ring on its right - no 8 something something), 240 Ringed Plover, 135 Golden Plover, 19 Grey Plover, 43 Lapwing, 45 Knot, 22 Dunlin, 175 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 153 Redshank, 24 Greenshank, 1 Turnstone, 200+ Starling, 10 Goldfinch, 12 Linnet. Sally Brierley (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 12:00 to 15:30
1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 10+ Little Grebe, 3+ Little Egret, 2 Whinchat, 6 Swallows passing through. Lots of Gulls on the reserve. Martin & Marie Singleton.
Wat Tyler Country Park 13:30 to 14:00
1 male Male Marsh Harrier hunting over Bowers Marsh being hassled by crows. Gary & Cheryl Beacon.
Gunners Park, 16:45 to 17:30
1 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 24th September 2011
Gunners Park, 06:45
1 Kingfisher on barge pier. Dave Knight (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 08:45 to 09:45
1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 4 Snipe, 16 Spotted Redshank (at least), 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Barling Magna Millennium Wildlife Park 10:00 to 11:00
Mediterranean Gull, Jay, Magpie, Robin, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Sparrowhawk. Carole Simmonds.
Rochford Golf Course, 12:00 to 16:00
1 Little Grebe, 1 Osprey (probable flew over east), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit (singles flying over south-west), 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff (1 singing), 1 Goldcrest. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island 14:00
From end car park: Herring Gull with darvic ring red L971 or similar. Can this bird be traced? It had a bad limp. Angela Fletcher.
Wallasea Island, 14:00 to 14:45
2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Wheatear. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 15:00 to 15:30
1 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Green Woodpecker. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Great Wakering Common, Oxenham Farm and Mill Head 15:00 to 17:00
60 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Corn Bunting, 200 Swallow, 1 Little Egret, 3 Whinchat in blackberry brambles above the borrow dyke at Mill Head, 1 Greenshank, 10 Redshank, 4 Long-tailed Tit. Richard Mander.
Wallasea Island, 15:00 to 19:00
Walked South sea wall, watched Foulness from south east corner: c.10 Marsh Harrier (2 in south-west corner of Wallasea, 8+ over Foulness), 2 Sparrowhawk over Foulness, 1 Buzzard over Foulness, 9+ Kestrel, 1 Merlin hunting south=east fields, 1 Spotted Redshank (with Greenshanks), 3 Greenshank (very vocal along Foulness foreshore of River Roach), 2 Short-eared Owl (1 flushed from salt marsh alongside sea wall, other distant over Foulness). Tim Bourne (SOG).
Paglesham Eastend 15:30 to 18:30
From seawall: Common Pheasant, 6 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 5 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, Hobby, c.6 Marsh Harrier, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Swallow, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker. Plus as a bonus for me two P51 Mustangs in loose formation heading north! Kris Mee Web Author.
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 17:00 to 19:00
Walked south wall, viewed Foulness until dusk: 5 Marsh Harrier (including one juvenile flushed from just a few yards away in weedy fields south of Grapnells), 6 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 22 Arctic Tern (flock flew south down Roach then south over Foulness), 5 Swallow. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Friday 23rd September 2011
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 09:30 to 15:00
Recent sightings: 32 Little Egret, 500 Teal, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Buzzard, Osprey (9th and 14th), Merlin, 2 Hobby, 2 Little Stint, 15 Wheatear, 7 Whinchat, 222 Meadow Pipit (14th), 50 Yellow Wagtail, 90 Goldfinch, 80 Linnet. The Gyr/Hybrid has been seen again, catching, then re-catching a Starling after letting it go - a sure sign of a falconer's bird. Also, what was undoubtedly a Northern Flicker was seen perched on a fence post in front of the BWA hide on 13th September. It flew off towards the ridge and was not seen again but may still be in the Maldon/Southminster area. Hopefully, it will turn up at Bradwell! This presumably arrived courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. Graham Smith.
Wallasea Island, 13:30 to 18:00
3+ Marsh Harrier over Foulness, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard over Foulness, 1 Osprey, 6+ Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Wheatear. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 16:15 to 19:30
Viewing Foulness/Potton from 17:10 to 19:05 from south seawall opposite Middleway: c.30 Little Egret disturbed from their roost 1 mile + south of the church, 10+ Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard over Foulness, 1 Osprey flew west down Roach at 17:05, 8+ Kestrel (5+ on Foulness, 2+ on Potton, 1 on Wallasea), 8 Avocet along Roach, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Skylark, 50 Meadow Pipit (several small groups on Foulness/Potton seawalls). Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marshes 16:30 to 17:45
1 Spotted Flycatcher, follow footpath to the right, about 75m past play area, flying from the wire fence behind bushes catching crane flies and returning to the wire. It was very active, feeding for at least an hour. Clare and Eddie Smith.
Thursday 22nd September 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Short-eared Owl
Leigh on Sea 08:10
Brent Geese, whilst on the train between Leigh and Benfleet station - they were sitting on some farm land. Sarah Cox.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:45
1 Sparrowhawk took a sparrow off the fence, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 10:30 to 11:30
10 Mallard, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff (including 1 singing). 5 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood. Paul Baker (SOG).
Little Burstead 14:00
Buzzard above the garden. Michael Marks.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 17:45 to 20:00
12+ Marsh Harrier (at least 12 dropping in to roost on Foulness at about 18:30), 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Barn Owl (one near Grapnells, one on Foulness), 2 Short-eared Owl (2 mobbing a harrier on Foulness). 1+ Circus sp. (either 2 smaller harriers with slim wings or the same bird twice, seen dropping into the roost, briefly at first sighting, then later in fading light, not identifiable). Don Petrie (SOG).
Tuesday 20th September 2011
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 09:30
85 Sand Martin flying south-west in one flock, along with many Swallow and House Martin, 9 Mistle Thrush in one flock, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:00 to 10:30
1 female Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. John Wright (SOG).
Monday 19th September 2011
Southend, Meadow Drive 07:55
One grey Heron perched on the roof of a bungalow in Meadow Drive, near the junction with Wyatts Drive. It was being mobbed by one Magpie. Alec Beanse.
Gunners Park, 08:00 to 10:15
1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroat, 14+ Chiffchaff tennis court area. Dave Knight (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 10:30
2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 09:10 to 09:20
1+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldcrest. Paul Baker (SOG).
North Fambridge, EWT Blue House Farm 10:30 to 12:30
3 Wheatear, several Yellow Wagtail, 2 Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 50+ Barnacle Geese. Paul Gymer.
Benfleet 13:15
6 Goldfinch on the niger feeder in my garden. Steve Simmons.
Wakering Stairs 16:40 to 17:40
2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Teal - very unusual here, none seen in last 3 years WeBS counts, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 205 Ringed Plover, 64 Grey Plover, 78 Golden Plover, steady SW trickle of Swallow. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 18:20 to 18:50
1 Arctic Skua lingering between point and coastguards. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Sunday 18th September 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Red-throated Diver
Priory Park, 07:00 to 07:10
3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 07:25 to 08:10
Potton Road only: 1 female Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel on Potton, 50+ Red-legged Partridge, 1 male Blackcap, 25+ Goldfinch, 60+ Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wallasea Island, 08:00 to 16:30
15 Little Egret, 23 Greylag Goose on Foulness, 1 male Red-throated Diver in summer plumage flew close by and headed up the Roach, 3 Marsh Harrier on Foulness, 3 Sparrowhawk (2 on Foulness), 1 Buzzard over Foulness, 1 Kestrel, 1 large female Peregrine Falcon, 1 Avocet up Roach, c.30 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover in full summer plumage, 1 Barn Owl roosted in large haystack early morning, 2 Siskin over, steady stream of Swallow over all day. John Atfield, Web Author.
Two Tree Island, 08:15 to 12:00
4 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 49 Teal, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 50 Swallow (at least), 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 15 Robin, 4 Stonechat (pair + 2 juveniles), 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Gunners Park, 08:25 to 09:10
20 Swallow (light westerly passage), 40 House Martin (light westerly passage), 2 Meadow Pipit (singles over west), 3 Spotted Flycatcher (maybe 4, in same area as the Pied, but mobile), 1 Pied Flycatcher in trees in back gardens of Warrior Square Road backing on to the open grass area on north-west side of tennis courts, 6 Siskin (groups of 1 + 5 flying over west). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 09:30 to 11:40
6 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 15 Sand Martin, 375+ Swallow, 40 House Martin - continuous south-west movement of hirundines. In off the sea were: 35 Meadow Pipit, 3 Siskin, 20 Linnet. Many Red Admiral all flying west, 2 Weasel. David Selley.
Canvey Heights Country Park, 10:15 to 10:45
Outer perimeter: 2 Sparrowhawk, 70 Golden Plover in Benfleet creek, 1 Greenshank flew over calling, 60 Swallow (steady stream west), 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Siskin flew over calling, 10 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Wallasea Island (Eastern Corner) 10:30 to 16:30
Wallasea Island Wild Coast Event:
Benfleet 13:30
1 Chiffchaff, 1 Coal Tit (has made a daily appearance since July) both in my garden. Jerry Stock.
Potton Creek, 12:30 to 14:00
16 Golden Plover, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. Lee Ebbs (SOG).
South Fambridge 14:30
Brief glimpse of Wryneck on grass near small pond. David Flack.
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 17:30
1 Red-throated Diver still in summer plumage, 2 Arctic Skua lingering mid-river, 5 Mediterranean Gull. 2 Common Seal, 1 Harbour Porpoise. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 14:35 to 14:50
From road hide: 7 Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Gunners Park, 15:00 to 16:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 10+ Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher north of the tennis courts, 1 Pied Flycatcher still in the trees in the field north of the old tennis courts and in the Warrior Square back gardens. Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:10 to 16:20
1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, 2 Little Stint, 6 Ruff, 3 Snipe, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Hockley/Hawkwell, Belchamps 16:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:40 to 18:30
1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Chiffchaff (at least), 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher in trees at the back of the garden by the old tennis courts still. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Saturday 17th September 2011
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads 08:30 to 09:30
Seen on short walk around Baddow Meads and Manor Farm: 5 Swallow, 28 Lapwing, 7 Egyptian Goose, 3 Blackcap, 3 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 35+ Linnet, 15+ Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Grebe, 10+ Starling, 40+ Feral Pigeon, 75+ Woodpigeon, 2 Collared Dove, 10+ Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Paul Forsdick.
Maldon/Northey Causeway 12:00 to 13:00
4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Brent Geese, c.10 Greenshank, 500+ Golden Plover. Paul Gymer.
Honeypots Farm Near Mount Bovers 13:00
2 Spotted Flycatcher. David Chivers.
Gunners Park, 14:30 to 15:30
4 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:30 to 17:30
1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 pale juvenile Long-tailed Skua chasing terns out from the Point at 16:10 - possibly the same individual as the 2nd bird yesterday, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Black Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Wallasea Island 14:00 to 16:00
Little Egret, Lapwing, Kestrel, Knot, Black headed Gull. David Z.
Friday 16th September 2011
Canvey Point, 06:30 to 17:00
18 Manx Shearwater (mostly during the morning), 52 Gannet, c.45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Tufted Duck, 28 Common Scoter, 3 Buzzard circling high together over Isle of Grain, 1 Hobby, 13 Pomarine Skua (mostly adults, including 1 dark phase), 32 Arctic Skua, 2 Long-tailed Skua (intermediate juvenile at 13:55, pale juvenile at 14:05), 1 Great Skua, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 2 juvenile Little Gull, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull west at 09:10, 23 Black Tern, 3 Guillemot. 8 Common Seal. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:30 to 09:35
2 Little Stint, 1 Avocet, c.9 Spotted Redshank, c.4 Ruff, c.5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whitethroat seen from footpath to reserve, 3 Swallow, 32 Wigeon, 2 Common Snipe over, 1 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island East 15:00 to 16:00
90+ little Egret, 8 Greenshank, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Blue Tit, 150+ Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 600+ Starling, 1 Grey Heron, 20 Mallard, 2 Magpie. Rob Harris.
Wakering, 18:20
1 Hobby over the High Street. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 15th September 2011
First Local Winter Migrant Report - The Brent are Back!
First Local Winter Migrant Report - Guillemot
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 09:35 to 12:45
8 Meadow Pipit over, 10 Siskin over south-west calling, 1's 2' and a group of 4). 1 Red Admiral. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge 10:00
Wryneck at Brandy Hole end by small pond, on sea wall. Cleve Bull.
South Fambridge 10:00 to 10:20
Wryneck seen near the pond at Brandy Hole as the seawall turns south. The bird was feeding on the seawall at distances down to six feet until flushed by a dog. It flew into the birch trees at back of pond and then down to two dead bushes to south of pond. It then dropped down from view. Terry Jeffreys.
Rayleigh, 10:25 to 10:35
3+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2+ Siskin calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 10:45 to 12:00
13 Mallard (an obvious influx!), 3 Sparrowhawk (one hunting low through the trees, and 2 spiralling high up together and clearly migrating), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Swallow (south, my 1st record!), 5 Meadow Pipit (in 1's & 2's), 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 7+ Chiffchaff (including 2 in singing), 2 Jay, 5 Siskin together in one flock heading west, 3 Large White, 1 Small Copper, 3 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood. Paul Baker (SOG).
South Fambridge 11:15 to 11:45
Wryneck feeding on sea wall near small lagoon towards Brandy Hole end of Fambridge. Hilary and Colin Knight.
Gunners Park 11:30 to 13:30
Spotted Flycatcher behind old tennis courts, Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail in reserve, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swan on lake, 2 Green Woodpecker, flock of c.200 Swallow and House Martin, Swift all headed south. Ray Fuller.
South Fambridge 12:15 to 13:00
Wryneck in a tree on Brandy Hole side of Fambridge 600 yards past the pill box, later feeding on the adjacent seawall path. I was able to stand next to it and take a video and a number of pictures, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 25 House Sparrows, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Cormorant. Rob Harris.
Southchurch Boulevard 12:20
1 Buzzard over drifting south. Don Wildish.
Canvey Point, 14:30 to 19:15
8 Manx Shearwater (at least, maybe 10 or a dozen), 3 Balearic Shearwater (maybe 4), 6 Gannet, 10 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 30 Teal, 3 Pomarine Skua (including a superb pale adult with spoons), 8 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Puffin. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:15 to 19:30
8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8+ Manx Shearwater (this is a cautious count, I had about 25 sightings around the estuary with 3 often seen together. There may well have been double this number), 2 Balearic Shearwater (a pale individual flew up river at 15:20 and returned around 16:45 while a dark/intermediate bird flew down river close-in at 17:00 before returning back up river. There were also two sightings before I arrived), 4 Gannet, 2 Pomarine Skua (a pale adult with spoons flew from Grain towards Canvey and then down river and later a dark juvenile flew down river), 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua (up river), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Gull, 1 Guillemot (winter plumage bird down river close in). Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 17:50 to 19:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Manx Shearwater (difficult to say how many birds were involved), 1 Little Egret, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull. Paul Baker (SOG).
Wednesday 14th September 2011
Rochford Golf Course, 08:00
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Phylloscopus sp. Paul Baker (SOG).
Coombe Wood, 08:00 to 10:00
2 Chiffchaff, 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Coal Tit. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Stonehill Road, Leigh on Sea, 09:00 to 13:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 20 Meadow Pipit (steady movement west), 1 Willow Warbler. 2 Red Admiral. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:10 to 11:20
2 Ruff (pair), Spotted Redshank. 5 Whinchat, 15+ Meadow Pipit, 5 Goldfinch. Chaffinch, Green Sandpiper, 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Terry Jeffreys.
Chigborough Lakes 10:00
2 Buzzard. Paul Gymer.
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 10:00 to 12:15
Wryneck in bushes on Brandy Hole side of Fambridge, later feeding on insects on the adjacent seawall path. This the same spot I first located it on September 9th, Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, Greenshank, c.50 Swallow. Ray Fuller.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:40
c.40 Siskin went west over the Green Centre (previously the Motorboat Museum). Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Canvey Point, 12:00 to 16:00
8 Great Crested Grebe (including group of 5), 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, c.300 Oystercatcher, c.85 Ringed Plover, c.120 Grey Plover, 8 Knot, c.130 Dunlin, c.200 Turnstone, 17 Common Tern, 4 Little Tern (3 juveniles and an adult). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wakering, Oxenham Farm 14:30 to 16:30
1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 female Kestrel, 2 male Kestrel, 1 Hobby making a cursory pass at a Woodpigeon in flight, pigeon flew on seemingly unruffled. Mike Sagrott.
Thundersley, 15:00
1 Hobby heading south. Jeff Saward (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:00 to 19:30
4 Little Egret, 1 Hobby (north side), 2 Red-legged Partridge calling, c.100 Golden Plover, 4 Green Sandpiper (including a party of 3 high overhead), 1 Wryneck on seawall 2/3rds of the way between pillbox and Brandy Hole opposite ploughed field, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Whinchat, c.10 Reed Bunting, c.10 Corn Bunting, 1 Mustela sp. (along edge of borrowdyke - Stoat or Weasel!). Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Gunner's Park 13:30 to 15:00
8 Swallow, 3 Mute Swan, 50 Starling, 8 Greenfinch. 4 Goldfinch, 2 Wheatear. S. Jackson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 18:30 to 19:30
3 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 9 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Swallow, 6 Whinchat (on red hill, then looked to go to roost in nearby bushes), 2 Willow Warbler (along double hedge), 1 Northern Water Vole swam across channel near double hedge. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 18:55 to 19:20
7 Common Snipe, Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler (heard), 2 Ruff, 3 Green Sandpiper. Terry Jeffreys.
Stow Maries Aerodrome
c.50 Yellow Wagtail. Would anyone visiting aerodrome please report to Russell Savory first.
Tuesday 13th September 2011
Coombe Wood, 08:05 to 08:10
1 Ring-necked Parakeet flying around gardens on the north-east side of the woods. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:20 to 11:40
Reservoir: 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 3 Pochard. Red hill: 1 Tree Pipit 
, 8 Whinchat. Also; 1 Green Sandpiper on 'dog loop' pools, 1 Sparrowhawk. Ian White.
(N.B. Red Hills: Coastal salt-making sites or salterns, from the Iron Age and Roman periods, survive as mounds of red earth, called red hills, where salt was crystallised by evaporating water from brine in clay vessels over charcoal fires. At this time the coastal fringe of Essex must have been relatively well populated and it is likely that individual families operated the salterns. Salt was a valuable commodity for preserving food hence the origins of the word salary. The absence of evidence of domestic occupation or alternative activities such as metalworking or the making of bricks, pottery or glass, supports this interpretation of the sites. Over 300 red hills have been identified in Essex including several at Abbotts Hall Farm. Excavation of red hills generally reveals concentrations of debris such as fragments of pottery, hearths, clay-lined tanks and “briquetage”).
Canvey Point, 12:30 to 18:30
2 Manx Shearwater (both east at 15:20 & 17:40), 1 Balearic Shearwater (intermediate phase west at 15:10), 4 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 2 Hobby, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 3 Black Tern, 1 juvenile Puffin (west at 14:50), 7 Sand Martin. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:35 to 18:20
31 Shoveler, 1 Hobby, 2 Little Stint, 4 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 2 Curlew, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher on the tidal sluice by the saline lagoon viewing screen, 1 Reed Bunting. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Richmond Drive, Westcliff 18:00
Ring-necked Parakeet, flying eastward over back garden. Melvyn Cox.
South Fambridge, 18:15 to 19:30
1 Kestrel, c.60 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Stock Dove, 70 Pied Wagtail going to roost, 3 Whinchat, 1 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 16 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker (SOG).
Monday 12th September 2011
South Fambridge, 08:30 to 10:30
1 Hobby, 300 Golden Plover on ploughed field, most in summer plumage. Kris Mee, Web Author.
Canvey Point, 09:00 to 13:00
10 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 9 Arctic Skua, 1 Black Tern, 6 Sand Martin, 2 Whinchat flying along the seawall. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 13:00
2 Great Crested Grebe, 3+ Arctic Skua, c.20 Sand Martin. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:15 to 12:30
1 Wryneck well seen along concrete path by seawall about 200 to 300 yards past old pillbox going from Fambridge to Brandy Hole direction, also seen in flight, when it called once, a low "keet". 1 Wheatear, 2 (possibly 3) Whinchat, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Reed Bunting, Very many Swallow. Les Costin EBS.
Southchurch Park East 11:15 and 17:15
1 Kingfisher flying across usual place north-west top of pond at 11:15 by Dianne Hyem. 1 Kingfisher flying around pond and successfully diving for fish in south-east corner. This Kingfisher is just 1 week later arriving than in the last 2 years. 1 Little Egret flying south-west over pond to coast 8:30am. Robert Dobinson.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:15 to 14:00
1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 1 Wood Sandpiper showing very well close to the roadside hide, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Whinchat (quick look in bushes near redhill). Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
South Fambridge, 13:30 to 14:30
1 Wryneck c.100 yards past pillbox on sea wall then flew into small rosehip covered bush on far side of borrowdyke. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Wakering, Fleet Head, 14:15 to 16:00
1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Goldfinch, 45 Linnet. 3 Red Admiral. Andrew Woodhouse (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 15:15 to 15:45
3 Sand Martin, 1 Redstart (heard only). Mike Clarke (SOG).
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 15:50 to 15:55
1 male Sparrowhawk sitting on top of shed, then in trees surveying the feeders and sparrows. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Seafront, 16:00 to 17:30
6 Arctic Skua, 100+ Common Tern mostly mid-channel, 2 Little Tern along near shore for c.15 minute, 2 Black Tern east, 4 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:15 to 19:30
3 Little Egret, c.100 Golden Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, c.70 Pied Wagtail going to roost in borrowdyke reeds, 6 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Reed Bunting, 14 Corn Bunting. Paul Baker, Don Petrie (SOG).
Paglesham Quay 17:00
1 Swift with Swallows passing through. Gary Dunn (www.ladyessex.com).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:40 to 18:10
1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Sunday 11th September 2011
Coombe Wood, 07:30 to 08:00
1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 Willow Warbler. Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:30 to 11:30
1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 9 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher around dog loop, 11 Meadow Pipit, 13 Whinchat in the redhill area, my highest number of this species on the reserve, 2 Siskin over the car park calling. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh 08:50 to 10:20
12 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, Hobby, 1 Sand Martin, flushed 1 Snipe, 11 Wigeon, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Egret in trees on mound, Cetti's Warbler heard, 1 Sparrowhawk. Richard Fahey.
Wakering Stairs 09:55 to 13:05
Seen during WeBS count: 1 adult female Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Osprey, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 38 Sand Martin, 339 Swallow, 9 Skylark, 46 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet. David Selley.
Canvey Point, 10:00 to 12:05
5 juvenile Gannet, 8 Wigeon, 8 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua (probable juvenile seen distantly before settling on the water and not seen again). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Rochford Golf Course, 10:00 to 14:00
20 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Siskin (flyover singles heard calling), 2 Common Blue Damselfly, 6 Migrant Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker, 1 Brown Hawker, 1 Emperor Dragonfly, 4 Common Darter. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Paglesham Lagoon, 11:00 to 12:00
13 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Common Tern (repeatedly catching small fish in the Roach adjacent to the Lagoon), 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Yellow Wagtail (at least), 2 Corn Bunting. Steve Sanford (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 14:00 to 15:15
Wryneck first located in bushes at Brandy Hole then flew to seawall to feed and became very confiding down to 4-5ft, Peregrine Falcon, Wheatear, Whinchat, 2 Common Sandpiper. Ray Fuller.
South Fambridge, 14:00 to 17:30
1 Wryneck, 5 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Southend Seafront, 15:00 to 15:15
4 adult Mediterranean Gull around sealife centre. Mike Clarke (SOG).
South Fambridge, 16:35 to 17:30
1 Wryneck sheltering from winds on sea wall and in low tree on edge of drainage ditch same area as yesterday. Vince Kinsler (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:00 to 18:50
6 Swallow, 4 House Martin. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Saturday 10th September 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 06:25 to 07:35
1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 17 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 28 Meadow Pipit (several fly over groups), 5 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Linnet. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 06:45 to 09:10
1 Spotted Redshank (Holehaven Creek), 1 Green Woodpecker, 100+ Meadow Pipit (steady south-west passage early on), 15+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 male Redstart just west of crossroads, though elusive, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siskin flew over calling. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Brandy Hole, 07:40 to 13:00
3 Avocet, 15 Golden Plover, 1 Wryneck still present and often showing very well along the concrete path on top of the seawall; ranged from 1/4 mile from South Fambridge right up to Brandy Hole, 5 Whinchat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
South Fambridge 08:20 to 10:20
1 Wryneck in bushes at the freshwater lagoon where the seawall turns inland, (west of South Fambridge), 1 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat, 11 Sand Martin, 150 Swallow in small groups going south, 9 Mute Swan flying up-river, 4 Reed Bunting. David Selley.
Canvey Wick, 08:45 to 10:40
3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Sand Martin, 100 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Redstart (elusive and mobile around and just west of crossroads), 10+ Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 15+ Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Point, 09:30 to 15:30
6 Manx Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater east at 10:00, 4 Gannet, 2 Marsh Harrier south to Isle of Grain, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Osprey (south at 14:20 and 15:00), 1 Hobby, 1 Pomarine Skua, 80 Arctic Skua (including flocks of 26 and 17), 1 Long-tailed Skua (dark intermediate juvenile west 10:35), 4 Great Skua, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Kittiwake (4 adults, 1 juvenile), 24 Sandwich Tern, 10 Black Tern, 5 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 250 Swallow (at least - steady passage all day). Jeff Saward (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:35 to 09:45
Quick look from road side hide: 6 Little Grebe, 1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 09:40 to 09:45
2 Red Admiral, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth on Buddleia. John Wright (SOG).
South Fambridge, 10:30 to 12:15
1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wryneck showing well on sea wall up near Brandy Hole, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 8 Reed Bunting, 35 Corn Bunting. John Wright (SOG).
Canvey Point, 11:15 to 17:45
5 Manx Shearwater (all up-river), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Osprey crossed to Kent, 1 Hobby to Kent, 1 Pomarine Skua, 66 Arctic Skua heading west, 4 Great Skua heading west, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Black Tern. Don Petrie (SOG).
North Benfleet Fishing Lake 11:30
1 Osprey flying south east. Andy Bridge.
Canvey Point, 11:45 to 13:30
1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Gannet, 1 Hobby spooking the waders over the point, 1 Pomarine Skua, 40 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 4 Black Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Shoebury Coastguards, 13:05 to 14:10
2 juvenile Gannet flew upriver and out again c.15 minutes later, 20+ Mediterranean Gull (10+ adult and 10+ juveniles), 5 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern, 2 Meadow Pipit flew west. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:35 to 15:40
3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Gannet, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Osprey, 1 Hobby, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 14:00 to 15:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher. Mike Clarke (SOG).
South Fambridge 14:25
1 Wryneck on the concrete path (TQ848961). Tim Davis.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 15:00 to 16:00
1 Little Stint, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper. Mike Clarke (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:55 to 17:10
1 Manx Shearwater upriver at 16.55 along the Kent side, but was attacked and probably killed by large gulls, 2 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sandwich Tern, 15 Common Tern. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Ashingdon, Princess Gardens 18:20
1 female Sparrowhawk practically parted my hair as I stepped out of the back door, also at about 16:00 our first Hummingbird Hawkmoth of the year. David Selley.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 19:00
c.120 Yellow Wagtail (large flock high over the reserve heading west. The Wat Tyler scrape hide documents 100 Yellow Wagtail going to roost in the reed bed last night. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Friday 09th September 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 08:00 to 08:20
Briefly from the roadside hide: 1 Little Stint, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Spotted Redshank, 15+ Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 08:30 to 15:45
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House on and off throughout day. John Wright (SOG).
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 11:25
1 Fulmar going out of the river at 10.00, 1 Marsh Harrier going south across the estuary, 22 Turnstone, 1 Arctic Skua, 13 Common Tern, 2 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 11 Meadow Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 7+ Wheatear on the reserve, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Victoria Avenue, Southend, 09:50
1 Peregrine Falcon on east side of Portcullis House. Paul Baker (SOG).
RSPB Wallasea Island, 10:00 to 12:30
4 Cormorant, 6 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 30+ Mallard, 1 Buzzard over fields west of Lion Creek and flew south west, 4 Kestrel, 1 adult male Peregrine Falcon, 6 Avocet, 250+ Ringed Plover, 40 Golden Plover, 50+ Lapwing, 2 Curlew Sandpiper (at roost with Dunlin and Ringed Plover), 100+ Dunlin, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Curlew, 40+ Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 1 Turnstone, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Wood Pigeon, 6 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 100+ Meadow Pipit (several small flocks 10-30 birds moving through), 15 Yellow Wagtail (multiple singles and a flock of 8), 3 Whinchat near car park, bathing in roadside pool, 2 Wheatear (1 car park, 1 centre of island), 1 Carrion Crow, 250 Starling on fields near timber yard, 25 Linnet (with Starlings). Jeff Delve (SOG).
South Fambridge to Brandy Hole 11:10 to 14:20
Wryneck Brandy Hole side of Fambridge in bushes, showed well on and off then became mobile, seen later on seawall, Osprey flew low towards Hullbridge, female Marsh Harrier, 3 Whinchat (2 juveniles), 3 Wheatear, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 8 Little Egret, Mute Swan, 2 Common Whitethroat. Ray Fuller.
Shoebury East Beach, 11:35 to 11:45
3 Gannet (1 adult and 2 juveniles), 1 Osprey on post east of the Boom, 2 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 13:00 to 14:30
5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Whinchat (together), 1 Linnet. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park, 14:30 to 15:00
1 Spotted Flycatcher in bushes north of RSPB garden. Alan Shearman (RSPB, SOG).
Leigh on Sea, 15:00
1 Meadow Pipit flying west over town calling. Paul Baker (SOG).
Canvey Wick, 16:00 to 18:15
1 Sparrowhawk, c.40 Yellow Wagtail in paddocks and along sea wall, 2 Redstart feeding together along West track from crossroads; including 1 adult male in close to full summer plumage, 2 Wheatear along seawall, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6+ Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing in trees around eastern pads). Tim Bourne (SOG).
South Fambridge, 17:30 to 19:10
1 Wryneck c.1 mile west of South Fambridge feeding along seawall. When flushed from bank/seawall sat for prolonged periods in bushes along borrowdyke, but showed very well at times, 4 Whinchat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. Neil Chambers (SOG).
South Fambridge, 18:30 to 19:30
1 Wryneck still feeding on the concrete path on the sea wall 1.3 Km west of South Fambridge at TQ840962, 2 Whinchat. Don Petrie, Tim Bourne (SOG).
EWT Blue House Farm, North Fambridge
Hobby and a Marsh Harrier close up from the far hide, lots of Meadow Pipit and Whinchat about. Dave Cornwell.
Thursday 08th September 2011
Southend, Wyatts Drive 08:25
Red-legged Partridge running along Wyatts Drive then turning into Meadow Road where it disappeared into a front garden. Alec Beanse.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:40 to 11:40
Reservoir: 1 Little Stint, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 female Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 16 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Shoveler, 2 Pochard. Also: 1 Yellow Wagtail (over), 12 Curlew, 7 Greylag Geese (over), 1 Peregrine Falcon stooped at Starlings and Lapwings before circling high and disappearing north. Ian White.
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings on the RSPB guided walk: Swallow, Sand Martin, Coot, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Carrion Crow, Jay, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Mallard, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-headed Gull, Teal, Moorhen, Lapwing, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Magpie, Greylag Goose, Spotted Redshank, female Great Spotted Woodpecker, Starling, Pied Wagtail, 2 Gadwall. Terry Jeffreys.
Rayleigh Mount, 11:00 to 12:00
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap (redheads), 1 Willow Warbler (in sub-song occasionally). Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 17:45 to 18:20
3 Red-legged Partridge (one's gone missing!), 2 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Wheatear in reserve, 1 Willow Warbler. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Wednesday 07th September 2011
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 09:00 to 09:55
Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, 8 Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Yellow Wagtail, Hobby, 3 Black-tailed Godit, 4 Greylag Goose, 30 Canada Goose, Little Grebe. Terry Jeffreys.
Rochford 10:15
1 Swift over Back Lane car park. David Selley.
Canvey Point 10:30 to 11:15
1 Shearwater Species (probably Balearic), 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, Very many Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew and Common Terns, 1 Merlin. Les Costin (EBS).
RSPB Canvey Marsh 11:45 to 12:05
1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint. All viewed the from road side Hide. Les Costin (EBS).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 17:10 to 17:20
1 Little Stint on reservoir close to road side hide. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Tuesday 06th September 2011
Canvey Seafront, 18:15 to 19:20
6 Teal, 1 Arctic Skua, 7 Sandwich Tern, 300+ Common Tern (mostly heading west), 10+ Arctic Tern (flew west), 2 Little Tern, 1 adult Black Tern flew west. Neil Chambers (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 15:15 to 16:00
1 Little Ringed Plover, 110 Lapwing, 2 Little Stint, 8 Ruff, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank, 5 Redshank, 4 Green Sandpiper. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 19:35 to 19:40
1 Little Stint. Martin Cracknell (SOG).
Monday 05th September 2011
Temple Farm, 13:15 to 13:25
80 Swallow (could have been more over stubble field). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Pitsea, 10:30 to 10:40
2 Spotted Flycatcher in the trees to the east of the large house east of the Bowers Gifford crematorium entrance on Church Road. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 16:30 to 17:15
80+ Knot, 3 Curlew Sandpiper (2 moulting adults and a juvenile), 300+ Black-tailed Godwit. Don Petrie (SOG).
Two Tree Island, 16:55 to 17:35
Slipway run-in: 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 84 Ringed Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Knot, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 35 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60+ Common Tern, 2 Little Tern (1 adult and 1 immature). Paul Griggs (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 17:30 to 18:10
From Green Centre hide: 1 Sparrowhawk, 50+ Starling on telegraph wire, many Swallow and Sand Martin, 10+ Little Egret in roost at southern end of scrape with 1 Cattle Egret. Neil Phillips.
Canvey Point, 17:30 to 18:30
2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 juvenile Black Tern, 3 Sand Martin. Don Petrie (SOG).
Little Waltham Meadows 18:00 to 18:45
60+ Swift, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 Magpie. Joe.
Wat Tyler Country Park, 18:05 to 18:10
1 adult winter Cattle Egret in the Egret roost by the scrape. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Sunday 04th September 2011
RSPB Vange Marsh 07:50 to 09:45
1 Little Stint, 1 Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, c.8 Ruff, c.4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, c.13 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler heard. Richard Fahey.
Two Tree Island East, 09:15 to 10:55
2 Little Egret, 19 Teal, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair circling), 1 Hobby, 240 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 8 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 11 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 43 Goldfinch, 34 Linnet. 1 Migrant Hawker. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Hadleigh Downs, 09:45 to 12:00
30 Marsh Frog (probably more), 2 Grass Snake, 1 Southern Migrant Hawker (Fresh looking male). Dudley Shayler (SOG).
Sutton Bridge, Rochford 12:30
Kingfisher flying along the river Roach, from Button bridge in the direction of the Factory Shop. John N Spencer.
Canvey Point, 12:30 to 13:30
5 Little Stint (alighted distantly on exposed mud and rested for approximately 10 minutes), 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper (with Ringed Plovers in front of Yacht Club), 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 11 Sandwich Tern. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, 13:00
1 Hobby. Paul Griggs (SOG).
Rochford Golf Course, 17:50 to 19:20
2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 2 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rayleigh Mount, 17:50 to 18:40
1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 White / Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap (male and female, probably migrants), 2 Chiffchaff (probable migrants), 2 Spotted Flycatcher (both on the high ground), 5 Jay, 13 Chaffinch (an increase in numbers). Paul Baker (SOG).
Saturday 03rd September 2011
Wakering Stairs, 06:30 to 06:40
1 Osprey on post. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Chelmsford, Baddow Meads Area 06:30 to 09:30
2 Little Grebe, 1 female Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 male immature Bullfinch, 5 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 3 Blackbird, 15+ Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 5 Magpie, 3 Green Woodpecker, 4 Moorhen, 3 Cormorant, 2 Mallard, 1 Skylark, 6 Wren. Also seen in number but uncounted: Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Starling. 1 small baby Bank Vole on footpath. Paul Forsdick.
RSPB Wallasea Island, 07:00 to 08:20
1 female Kestrel, 10 Ringed Plover, 38 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Reed Bunting. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Rochford 07:15 to 07:45
40 House Martin all flying quite high - no activity around the nests now. David Selley.
Barton Hall Farm, 08:45 to 09:15
Hedgerow by big haystack: 2 Kestrel, 1 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler. Matt Bruty (SOG).
RSPB Vange Marsh, 09:30 to 10:30
2 adult Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
Barling Pits, 09:45 to 10:45
8 Little Grebe (including 4 juveniles), 10 Little Egret (Barlinghall Creek), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank (Barlinghall Creek), 5 Greenshank (Barlinghall Creek), 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Tree Pipit in long grass and bushes between pits and clay pigeon shoot, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff. 1 Migrant Hawker. Neil Chambers
Wat Tyler Country Park, 10:45 to 11:10
Scrape hide: 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler. John Wright (SOG).
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 11:30 to 13:45
1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Curlew, 3 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper (still on reservoir), 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Stock Dove, 3 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. 1 Common Pipistrelle at midday! Graham Ryland, John Wright (SOG).
Wakering Stairs, 13:00 to 15:30
1 Osprey still on post, 1 Kestrel, 140 Oystercatcher, 43 Ringed Plover, 54 Grey Plover (quite a lot still in summer plumage), 1 Little Stint (with dunlin and ringed plovers), 24 Dunlin, 320 Curlew, 3 Greenshank, 2 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern in creek between Havengore point and Foulness bridge, 15 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat near sea wall past Havengore point, 1 Wheatear. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, 14:30
1 Slow-worm, 1 Painted Lady. John Wright (SOG).
Tewke's Creek, 14:45 to 15:50
10 Little Egret, 40 Golden Plover, 60 Grey Plover, 10 Knot, 1 Little Stint, 4 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 800+ Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Swift, 50 Yellow Wagtail (several small groups heading south). Neil Chambers (SOG).
Two Tree Island East, 16:00 to 17:00
c.100 Little Egret, 1 Golden Plover, c.200 Curlew, 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper. John Wright (SOG).
Chelmsford 16:40
3 Swift. Tom Chandler.
Fingringhoe 16:15 to 16:30
1 Osprey. Paul Brown.
Mayflower Close, Eastwood, 16:40
3 Grey Wagtail together, east along brook. Paul Baker (SOG).
Gunners Park, 16:40 to 18:25
4 drake Common Scoter flew east, 1 Osprey (the Stairs bird, on post and flying around just the other side of the East Beach boom), 1 Hobby hunting between car park and reserve, 1 Sandwich Tern, 30 Common Tern, 10 Sand Martin, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Rochford, Avro Road
50+ Swallow, a mix of adults and juveniles, sometimes being fed by the adults on the wing, occasionally perched on the house aerials. Very vocal & delightful. Jackie & Chris Graham.
Friday 02nd September 2011
Gunners Park, 07:00 to 11:15
2 Little Grebe, 3 Sparrowhawk (including a pair), 1 Kingfisher flew in over sea wall and hunted ditch east of reserve, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (strikingly fresh juvenile), 1 Stonechat, 2 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (with finch flocks around tennis courts). Matt Bruty (SOG).
Canvey Road, Leigh 07:30 to 07:45
1 escapee 
Grey Cockatiel calling loudly on our chimney. Flew off in easterly direction. Jane Attwell.
Gunners Park, 09:30 to 11:45
300 Oystercatcher, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper on lake edge, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Sand Martin, 80 Swallow heading south then west along the coast, 30 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (tennis courts), several Migrant Hawker. Vince Kinsler
Billericay 13:20
3 (very worn looking) Red Admirals in garden. Chris Henry.
Gunners Park, 15:15 to 17:00
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 juvenile Kestrel, 2 Swift, 8 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 Spotted Flycatcher by playground. Sally Brierley (SOG).
Canvey Point, 15:45 to 19:00
10 Curlew Sandpiper (possibly 11, 1 juvenile on roost; 1 adult and 9 juveniles together on mud on south side of salt marsh as tide receded, 1 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2s), 2 Little Tern. Tim Bourne (SOG).
Rochford, 17:00 to 18:30
1 Sparrowhawk (regular large female seen several times over garden), 3 Buzzard (over garden, 2 spiralling high to the north-east and then one came in from the south-east and headed off north-west towards Hockley), 1 female Kestrel (straight through south was only about the third record for the garden), 1 Hobby over garden (seen several times so could, in fact, be more than one bird involved), 1 Mediterranean Gull (or 2 adults over garden), 40 Swallow (or more). Steve Arlow (SOG, www.birdersplayground.co.uk).
Wakering Stairs, 17:00 to 18:15
1 Osprey on post throughout, 2 Kestrel (one flew out over the river towards Sheppey), 3 Mediterranean Gull, 80+ Swallow (large flock feeding on ant over the approach road), 2 Yellow Wagtail. Don Petrie (SOG).
From A127 17:16
Buzzard circling just past the A1245 south-west of Rayleigh. Web Author.
RSPB Vange Marsh, 17:30 to 18:15
3 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 1 Buzzard low over heading west, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Ruff, 7 Snipe, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank, 11 Redshank, 9 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, c.20 Swallow. Marc Outten (RSPB, SOG).
Thursday 01st September 2011Latest Wildlife News - updated 30/08/11
Gunners Park, 06:50 to 07:55
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 40 Swallow, 1 Wheatear (in reserve), 1 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat (one gave a brief burst of song), 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing), 35+ Greenfinch. Neil Chambers (SOG).
Blue House Farm EWT Reserve, North Fambridge 08:00 to 12:00
Large Falcon: Size approaching that of a Goshawk. Broader based wings and tail than a Peregrine gave it a more ponderous jizz. Dark slate grey above, slightly browner on tail; heavily streaked dark grey below. Little contrast between pale face and poorly developed moustachial stripe. Looked very dark at a distance. Almost certainly a young Gyr Falcon but could have been a falconer's hybrid; even if former a captive origin seems most likely. We have had two Lanners here in recent years, both of which escaped from a site at South Woodham. Also a female Marsh Harrier (with a bulging crop!), 2 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, Barn Owl, 137 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint (in large bay), Little Ringed Plover, 3 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 5 Green Sandpiper, 9 Greenshank, 40 Black-tailed Godwit (on fleets), 4 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear. Graham Smith.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh 08:55 to 11:10
On and around reservoir: 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, c.20 Lapwing, 105 Canada Geese, 3 Shoveler, 18+ Little Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Yellow Wagtail, c.15 Swallow flying purposely north-east. Pantile area: 20+ Linnet (in single flock). Dog Loop: 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 male Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker. Ian White.
RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 09:15 to 10:30
18 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Dunlin (first time I had recorded Dunlin on the reserve), 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper still on reservoir, 2 Ruddy Darter. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Wat Tyler Country Park 10:30 to 12:30
Sightings: on the RSPB walk: 4 Swallow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Mute Swan, Collared Dove, Little Ringed Plover, Starling, Grey Heron, Coot, Mallard, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, 8 Redshank, 2 Curlew, Greenshank. Terry Jeffreys.
Canvey Point, 11:00 to 16:30
1 Pomarine Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 1 Black Tern. Jeff Saward, Tim Bourne, Don Petrie (SOG).
Canvey Point, 13:45 to 15:15
1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 11 Sandwich Tern. Graham Ryland (SOG).
Stock Brook Manor Golf Course 14:00
Osprey fishing over golf course lakes - mobbed by various gulls. Jabez Weale.
Gunners Park, 16:00 to 17:00
1 Grey Heron, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 1 juvenile Green Woodpecker, 1 Wheatear all in reserve. Matt Bruty (SOG).
Wakering Stairs 16:15 to 17:15
2 Osprey (one on each of the two posts in line with Warden Point), 165 Ringed Plover, 14 Golden Plover, 80 Grey Plover, 35 Turnstone, c.200 Curlew on the roost at Morrin's Point. David Selley.
Tewke's Creek, 16:30 to 17:45
1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 50 Golden Plover (including a number still in summer plumage), 2 Little Tern. Jeff Saward (SOG).
Bradwell Observatory
Over past 5 days: Osprey. Les and other EBWS members.