Monthly Essex Roundup Archives

December 2004

Metropolitan Essex : Northern Bullfinches at Thorndon and nearby Warley CP continued to appeal with eleven birds at each site. Both sites also held sizeable Lesser Redpoll flocks with at least one Mealy at the latter. The only Waxwing was at Coxtie Green (8th). The Grays / Thurrock area amazingly held six species of wintering warbler during the month with the Dartford Warbler reappearing at West Thurrock Marshes (18th) and Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler all being seen nearby on 6th . The first Smew were at Mollands Lane (2nd) and the Long-tailed Duck stayed at Stubbers OPC throughout with another at nearby Grange Waters from 26 th . A nationwide goose influx did not miss the area with nine White-fronts at Fishers Green from 19th . Elsewhere three Scaup frequented Fairlop, Bitterns at Berwick Pond and rarely the Bittern Watchpoint, a near record count of 116 Mandarin in Epping Forest (12th) and a Common Crane over Theydon Bois (19th).

Rainham Marshes: The month got off to a flyer with seven White-fronted and a single Tundra Bean Goose (1st) followed by a first winter Pink-foot (9th) that stayed to New Year. Blackwits reached a new site peak of 190 on 29th and wildfowl increased with up to 18 Pintail and 700 Wigeon. Four Little Egrets were around and on the foreshore up to 23 Rock Pipits and two Water Pipits were seen. Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Peregrine were seen all month. The final few days saw a massive influx of 1100 winter thrushes to the scrub and to finish of the year in true style three Penduline Tits briefly visited on the 29th .

South East Essex : There were seven White-fronts at Wat Tyler (from 2nd ) and six Tundra Beans at Pagelsham Lagoon (11th) while Black and Pale-bellied Brants were seen at the latter site and around Wallasea. The Crouch also had two Velvet Scoters and a Black-throated Diver (5th). Southend Seafront held the usual suspects with Rossi the Ring-billed Gull, 25 Med Gulls, Purple Sandpiper (27th) and surprisingly four Snow Buntings (from 19th). Another Snow Bunt was on Canvey (31st). The only Waxwing was over Belfairs (19th).

Old Hall: Wild Geese were a feature of the month with three Tundra and nine White-fronts (2nd). The latter increased to a peak of 34 on 27th . The Black-throated Diver was around till 25th and a new Black Brant arrived same day. Other notable birds for the site included Water Pipit (29th) and a Bittern (27th). Only seven Twite were seen (7th).

Abberton Reservoir: Like elsewhere geese kick started December with 62 White-fronts (1st) and 23 Tundra Beans (2nd). Wild Swans followed with 13 Whoopers (7th) and ten Bewick's (19th). The two Velvet Scoters stayed till 19 th with the Long-tailed Ducks till 2nd . A Common Scoter was also seen (from 13th) while Scaup peaked at three (11th) and Smew, nine (31st). However the drake Lesser Scaup stole the show (from 11th) as only the second Essex record. Good passerines included the continued sporadic presence of the Shorelark and Snow Bunting and a Water Pipit on 4th .

Hanningfield Reservoir: A disappointing month with nothing of great note bar the first Smew from 18th , 70 Pintail (16th), two Scaup (from 28th) and Water Pipit (2nd).

East and North-East Essex: Many geese were reported from the area with White-fronts from Holland Haven (two on 1st), St Osyth (four on 19th and 18 on 30th) and East Mersea (ten on 1st). Tundra Beans were seen at Holland Haven (nine on 1st and two on 6th) and St Osyth (seven on 2nd) while Black Brants were reported from The Naze (28th) and Northey Island (18th). A Ferruginous Duck was seen at Heybridge (28th) and several Smew and Scaup were in that area. East Mersea held a mobile flock of at least 41 Snow Buntings with Lapland Bunting seen there (23rd) and up to 25 Twite including some colour ringed English birds. A Dartford warbler was at Colne Point (18th) with another at Goldhanger (12th). A shoot near Great Bromley on 28 th produced 30 Woodcock (28 of which got away!).

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Even more geese to be counted with up to 34 White-fronts (from 11th) but no Tundras. Six Barnacle Geese (from 5th) made up for this though. A Red-necked Grebe and four Slavs were on the river (5th) and 21 Bewick Swans rested on the mud flats (19th) before moving on. Snow Buntings reached at least 38 and a Shorelark was with them from 5th . A cracking Dartford Warbler (from 11th ) stayed to New Year

November 2004

Metropolitan Essex : The generally mild weather did not force any real bird movement although the six Northern Bulfinches at Thorndon proved popular from 14th . Cetti's Warblers appeared at the Bittern Watchpoint and up to ten were singing in the Ingrebourne Valley where six Chiffchaffs and a regular Bittern were also seen. At least ten Firecrests are wintering in the area and it seems a good winter for Lesser Redpolls with flocks of up to 50 being reported. A Dartford Warbler was seen at West Thurrock Marshes (14th ) with six Turnstone there next day. Woodcock were reported from several sites. Casper the Caspian Gull had returned for his 7th winter in the Royal Docks (13th ) and the Med Gull in Valentines Park was around most days. Good winter wildfowl included up to six Goosander at Weald Park ; a Scaup at Fairlop (from 28 th ) and the first local Long-tailed Duck for many years at Stubbers OPC (from 27th ). A Leach's Petrel on the Girling (8th ) was un-seasonal but the ten Black-necked Grebes present were the norm.

Rainham Marshes: The Dartford Warbler persisted till 9th with the Stonechats which peaked at 26 (14th) and the three Firecrests stayed all month. A Corn Bunting (3rd ) was the first for the year. Raptors were on show all month with Hen Harrier (9th -10th ), Goshawk (10th & 22nd ), Merlin (a male on 8th & 10th and a female on 13th ), up to three Peregrines, three Short-eared owls and the Barn Owl. Wader highlights included 13 Avocet (24th ), 83 Blackwit (27th ), Barwit (1st), 3 Jack Snipe (14th) and Woodcock (14th) whilst Brents came through on 7th (two) and 10th (25). A Goosander (18th) was a good site bird and Pintail peaked at 15 (29th ) and Little Egret with four by month end.

South East Essex: Steve Arlow continued his excellent run of Black Brants in Essex with a new bird at Paglesham Lagoon from 12th . Little Auks appeared in the Outer Thames from 13th -21st with seven being seen. Med Gulls at the Pier peaked at 23 (13th) and a Shag was seen off there (28th). On Southend Seafront Rossi continued to delight at Westcliffe and a Purple Sand was seen on 9th -10th . Up to three Hen Harriers were in the Wakering area and Spotted Redshanks were wintering on Canvey and at Paglesham. A Long-tailed Duck was on the Thames at Tilbury (21st) and a Common Swift was at Chalkwell on 3rd with two Swallows.

Old Hall: The reserve did not miss out on the Little Auks with four on 14th . Good numbers of waders and wildfowl were on site including at least 47 Avocet. Hen and Marsh Harriers were obvious along with regular Merlin and Peregrine sightings. Both Red and Black-throated Divers were seen on 28th .

Abberton Reservoir: It was a scarce wildfowl month with a single Long-tailed Duck from 9 th and two from 26th ; two Velvet Scoter (from 27th); Common Scoter (14th); Scaup (23 rd); Smew, Red-crested Pochard and 12 Whooper Swans (all 7th). An elusive Shorelark and Snow Bunting were around all month (from 4th and 10th respectively). Merlin and peregrine were regular and a Cetti's Warbler (from 1st) was a good site record.

Hanningfield Reservoir: The month started well with two Black-necked Grebes and a Grey Phalarope (1st) followed by a small flurry of waders including four Ruff and Knot (9th) and a Purple Sand (23rd -24th). The first Goosander was back on 22nd and a Water Pipit was seen every now and then.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze had a couple of good days with two Waxwing, 26 Snow Bunting, 490 Common and two velvet Scoter (7th), Shorelark (22nd), Black Brant (23rd) and three Little Auk (14th). Two others were off Mersea and off Heybridge Basin the same day and one was off Walton Pier (19th). At Holland Haven there were two Purple Sands (8th), 25 Snow Buntings and two Crossbill (27th) and a Tundra Bean Goose (28th). Nearby Colne Point and St Osyth saw a Dartford Warbler (23rd), 98 Little Egrets roosting (23rd), Black Redstart (2nd), Great Northern Diver (23rd). Another Dartford Warbler was seen at Goldhanger (14th) and this section of the Blackwater held good wintering sea duck including both scoters, divers and all five grebes. Several Shags were noted. Snow buntings were widespread but mobile and it was encouraging to report small Twite flocks at several sites. Out of season records included two Curlew Sands at Abbotts Hall (11th) and a drake Garganey at Blue House Farm (14th). Three Waxwings were at Writtle College from 23 rd . The Little Egret roost at Lofts Farm reached 124 on 18th .

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Not to be outdone, the Obs had seven Little Auks on 14th along with the much rarer Puffin! Two male Eider lingered and ten Scaup were seen (10th) when three Velvets also passed by. Snow buntings peaked at 28 (27th) and Shorelark was seen (21st).

October 2004

Metropolitan Essex : A blinding start to the month with a Melodious Warbler at the county's premier warbler inland site, Fairlop (1 st -2 nd ). Winter thrushes began to appear from mid month and included 100 Fieldfare at Thorndon CP (14 th ) and a Ring Ouzel at Pages Farm (8 th ). A few warblers lingered and four Wheatears were at Walthamstow (16 th ). With so many Pallid Swifts being reported it was disappointing that the only swift seen (Silvertown on 13 th ) was a Common. The last Sand Martin was at Dagenham Chase on the 14 th . Bitterns were back in the Lee Valley by 11 th and Berwick Ponds by 24 th and Short-eared Owls at Fairlop, a Hen Harrier through the Lee Valley and two Merlins (22 nd ) suggested that autumn was moving into winter. Firecrests made a welcome return to their usual winter haunts around the Brentwood, Weald Park and Warley area while two Tree Sparrows were seen at Holyfield Hall Farm (24 th ) and several Woodcock arrived.

Rainham Marshes: A surprisingly productive month with visible migration being evident most days with many thrushes, finches, Skylark, Mipits, Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons being observed. On 27 th 3750 of the latter were seen moving south in just two hours. Passerine highlights included: three Tree Sparrows (5 th ), House Sparrow (20 th ) – the first for two months!, 25 Brambling (9 th ), two probable Northern Bullfinch (27 th -28 th ), seven Lesser Redpoll (9 th ), Woodlark (11 th ), Ring Ouzel (9 th ), Water Pipit (from 13 th ) and a peak of 14 Rock Pipits (24 th ), Cetti's Warbler (first site record on 24 th ), Dartford Warbler (second site record from 30 th ), two Firecrest (from 15 th ) and an impressive 27 Stonechat (17 th ). Wader numbers were good with a peak of nine Grey Plover, 25 Blackwit (26 th ), five Curlew and five Jack Snipe (17 th ). Up to three Short-eared Owls were seen along with Hen Harrier (19 th ) and Merlin (24 th ). Duck numbers remained stable although Teal did increase and a Common Scoter (11 th ) and Merganser (12 th ) were seen on the river.

South East Essex : A late flurry of seabirds had locals at the usual spots where they turned up, at least seven Leach's, single Storm Petrel and Long-tailed Skua between 9 th and 12 th . Scarce passerines were just that with a brief Yellow-browed Warbler in Gunners Park (8 th ) and a couple of Ring Ouzels and several Firecrests being the highlights. Rossi entertained and the first Hen Harriers were back at Wakering by 13 th . Two Black Brants were reported on Foulness (16 th ) and a Grey Phalarope was popular at Vange Marsh from 18 th .

Old Hall: Good waders persisted into the month with a Pec Sand taking up residence (1 st -17 th ) and sightings of Little Stint (two on 4 th ) and Jack Snipe (30 th ). Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl were all back by mid-month and a single Pale-bellied (but no Black Brant) was seen (18 th ). Beardies continued to erupt!

Abberton Reservoir: Highlights in a rather quiet month included a Black Tern (13 th -24 th ), three Bewick's Swans (14 th -20 th ), two male Scaup (9 th ), first Goldeneye back (from 14 th ), Black-necked Grebe (9 th ) and Garganey (2 nd -3 rd ). Good passerines for the site were a Cetti's Warbler (19 th ) and Woodlark (9 th ).

Hanningfield Reservoir: Still quiet till mid-month when a Black-throated Diver and Little Stint were found (12 th ). A Slavonian Grebe was present (10 th -15 th ) and a Red-necked Grebe appeared on 23 rd . Good passerines included Firecrest (19 th and Water Pipit (30 th ).

North East Essex: Another good month at the Naze with fly-over Red-throated Pipit (3 rd ) followed by the first Arctic Warbler for Essex (5 th -7 th ). Chiffchaffs peaked at 70 (6 th ) and Firecrests reached at least 17 by mid-month. Bramblings, Tree Sparrows (17 th ), Lap Bunts (3 rd ) and Black Redstarts were recorded but the only Yellow-browed was on 31 st and Pallas's on 22 nd . A late Swift was seen on 17 th . Offshore two Leach's were seen (10 th ) along with a Sooty Shearwater, Scaup and two velvet Scoter the same day. The Purple Heron was re-discovered on Mersea (2 nd -3 rd ) and Pallas's (30 th ) and Yellow-browed (9 th ) were found in Harwich. A Great Grey Shrike was reported from Colne Point (10 th ) and a Long-tailed Skua was seen at St Osyth on the same day.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Seabirds held sway during October with at least eight Leach's Petrels and three Long-tailed Skuas being seen. Two Pallas's were found (20 th -23 rd ) and another was trapped (31 st ). A Swift on 17th mirrored other late sightings and encouragingly three Twite from a group of twelve were colour-ringed English birds.

September 2004

Metropolitan Essex: Another good month for scarce passerines with two Redstarts and three more Pied Flys and countless Spot Flys recorded. Whinchats suddenly arrived mid-month with about 50 seen on 15 th including 25 at Fairlop. A single Tree Pipit was heard over Barking Park (17 th ) and a Wryneck was released into Harrow Lodge Park (15 th ) after a short while in care. Two early Redwings were at Hornchurch CP on 18 th and 40 over flew Leyton Orient FC on 25 th . A Raven was seen over the A406 on 28 th . A few terns made it as far as Tilbury Docks and included 12 Arctic, 17 Sandwich and 22 Common on 7 th with an Arctic Skua in tow. Another Arctic Skua was seen in Barking Bay (9 th ). Marsh Harriers were seen at Hornchurch CP (16 th ) and at Dagenham Chase (22 nd ). A Merlin was also seen here on that date with a Short-eared Owl the day before. Two Spotted Crakes were seen in the Ingrebourne Valley from 18 th -26 th .

Rainham Marshes: Duck numbers increased and three different Garganey were seen till 2 nd with the first Wigeon back by mid-month. The only waders of note were a small resident party of Blackwits and a single Spot Red on 3 rd . Two Little Egret (4 th ) were the first since July. Marsh Harrier was bird of the month with seven different birds passing through the site between 4 th and 18 th . Other highlights included a Guillimot (8 th ), 27 Arctic Terns (8 th ), Pied Flys (16 th and 21 st ), Coal Tit (29 th ) and Bearded Tits (4 th and 18 th ).

South East Essex: A fairly quiet month with good numbers of Whinchats, Pied and Spot Flys, a few Redstarts and a lone Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit to whet the autumn appetites. Rossi was about all month and Med Gulls in the Southend area peaked at 49 (4 th ). Riverwatching on 7 th produced an impressive, 129 Arctic , one Pom, 97 Great and 6 Long-tailed Skuas as well as 15 Little Gull, 11 Meds and 75 Arctic Tern. A Manx Sheatwater off The Pier (18 th ) was the only other seabird of note. A Purple Sand at Canvey (24 th ) was the best wader while shear rarity value goes to the Raven over Billericay (8 th ) and the Black Stork heading for Kent on 15 th .

Old Hall: A return to the norm with a quiet month albeit with sightings of the Black Stork on 1 st and 10 th . Little Egrets peaked at 44 (3 rd ) and Marsh Harriers with ten juvs on 21 st . A Merlin was seen on 11 th and Little Stint peaked at 5 (11 th ) and Curlew Sandpipers with 22 (14 th ). A respectable 23 Bearded Tits were seen (29 th )

Abberton Reservoir: The Egret roost reached a new high of 120 (4 th ). Waders continued to pass through with Wood Sand (13 th ) and15 Greenshank (8 th ) being notable. Marsh Harriers were around constantly and an Osprey was seen (13 th ). Two Red-necked Grebes were seen (11 th ) and a Black-necked Grebe found same day stayed till 26 th .

Hanningfield Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe, Garganey and Little Gull were all seen on 1 st and Black Terns peaked at 12 (3 rd ). Two Little Stint (2 nd ) and two Sanderling (30 th ) were the wader highlights while a Sedge Warbler (5 th ) was a good site record.

North East Essex: The Naze was busy all month at least 20 Pied Flys going through (including 12 on 5 th ) along with many other common migrants. Two Barred Warblers were seen (5 th and 16 th ) along with the second Essex record of Greenish Warbler (12th ), Wryneck (8 th -9 th ), two Tree Sparrows (5 th , Brambling (12 th ) and a Woodlark (29th -30th ). Curlew Sands at Stone Point peaked at 22 (19 th ). Holland Haven had a juvenile Purple Heron (6th -7th ) before being relocated on Mersea from 27th to month end. A Richard's Pipit at Colne Point (28th ) and a Wryneck at Thaxted (1st ) were the only other birds of note.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: It was another good raptor month with Merlin (11th and 19th), Red Kite (11th ) and Buzzard (19th ). Manx Shearwater and Long-tailed Skua were reported (15th ) and Tree Sparrow (19th ) was the best passerine.

August 2004

Metropolitan Essex: It was very much a passerine month with up to ten Pied Flys and four Redstarts being seen from 11th . The first Whinchat appeared on 15th at Weald Park. A Tree Pipit flew over Tylers Common on 21st while a Wood Warbler was at Thorndon CP on 16th -17th. Wader passage continued through the area although access restrictions prevented any news leaking out of the KGV Res where it was described as being like a mini Staines Reservoir! The odd Blackwit and Greenshank continued to move through along with the continued presence of the Garganey at Dagenham Chase till 3rd and another at Hornchurch CP from 11th. Three Ruddy Shelduck flew through Walthamstow Res on 21st and a Black-necked Grebe was at Fairlop on 29th.

Rainham Marshes: Waders continued to move but in fairly small numbers although 18 species were seen on 10th including the long staying Avocets (now four), 2 Grey Plover, a Wood Sand, Curlew Sand and 17 Greenshank. Sanderlings were seen on 12th and 17th but not one Ruff was recorded. Common Sands peaked at 21 (11th ) and Ringed Plover at 44 (26th ) and duck started to arrive by month end including at least two Garganey. Yellow-legged Gulls increased to a season high of 89 on 13th. A Black Tern on 10 th and a couple of Sanis were the only birds of note on the river. A single Marsh Harrier was seen (29th ) and Redstart and Spot Fly visited the scrub. Star bird was the Aquatic Warbler seen on 24th – the eight Essex record.

South East Essex: The juvenile Marsh Sand at Fobbing stayed till 14th but became no less reliable. Paglesham Lagoon held a sum plum Red-necked Grebe on 4th -5th . Med Gulls increased dramatically along Southend Seafront peaking at 86 on 19th , although possibly 110 have been involved during the month. A Little gull was also seen (19th ) and Rossi the Ring-billed Gull returned on 30th to Westcliff. Other birds of note included two Pied Flys at Gunners Park (10th) with Redstart there on 24th, a Garganey at Wat Tyler (12th) and 95 Greenshank at Wakering Stairs (14th). A Quail showed at Rayne on 4th . Curlew Sands peaked at 32 at East Tilbury along with 42 Knot on 10th and a small tern passage on 8th included 10 Sandwich, 80 Common, three Little and 42 Black.

Old Hall: Another blinding month with the American Golden Plover staying till 13th and a good supporting cast of other waders including 18 Wood Sands on 13th and a Red-necked Phalarope from 23rd -28th . A juvenile Monty's was seen on 14th and 17th with a small ringtail Hen Harrier on 16th just to make life interesting! To finish the month off the juvenile Black Stork that had originally been found at Copt Hall on 13th (before adjourning to Fingringhoe for a while) eventually graced the reserve from the 27th -30th.

Abberton Reservoir: Waders included 17 Greenshank and three Wood Sands on 18th and a Little Stint on 11th . The peak Egret roost was again 104 (11th). Small flocks of Black Terns moved through and included 13 on 20th and a juvenile White-winged Black Tern briefly on 17th . Hobbies and Marsh Harriers were regular. Nearby a Great White Egret was reported at Abbotts Hall on 2nd .

Hanningfield Reservoir: Up to 21 Common Sands were seen (5th) and a good variety of other waders passed through including a Sanderling (14th) and eight Blackwit (5th). A Goldeneye had returned by 23rd and a single Black-necked Grebe was seen (11 th -12 th ) along with up to two Garganey. A Redstart (21st) and two Pied Flys (26th) added a touch of autumn.

North East Essex: The Naze had a fairly quiet month but a Wood Warbler (25th) and at least 16 Pied Flys went through (including 12 on 15th ) along with many other common migrants. Other highlights included a male Scaup (1st), Garganey (8th and 14th) and Bonxie (8th).

Bradwell Bird Observatory: A good month with the continued presence of the Marsh Tit (till 1st), an Osprey from about 12th to 28th , Hen Harrier on 11th and 14th , innumerable Marsh Harriers, Pied Fly (8th) among a good month for trapping and a brief Icterine Warbler (15th)

July 2004

Metropolitan Essex: Wader passage started early with a very good selection moving through the lower Lee Valley including Avocets, Knot and Sanderling. Elsewhere, two Whimbrel went over Ilford (20 th) and Greenshanks and Common Sands were seen at several sites. Likewise up to ten Egrets were at one site in the Lee Valley and included colour-ringed juveniles from Kent and to the west of London while others were seen at Fairlop, Ilford and in the Ingrebourne. Red Kites were at Gidea Park (4 th) and Cornmill Meadows (6 th) and Crossbills were seen over Chingford (13 on 9 th) and Ilford (two on 22 nd). A juvenile Garganey was at Dagenham Chase from 31 st.

Rainham Marshes: A good trickle of waders including many Greenshanks and a few Blackwits and Whimbrel were seen along with three Avocet on 18 th and 31 st and Wood Sands on 25 th and 31 st. Little Egrets peaked 21 on 15 th. Star birds were the adult Gannet on the Thames (4 th), three Fieldfare (20 th) and Red Kite (28 th). A few Yellow-legged Gulls were around.

South East Essex: The juvenile Marsh Sand at Fobbing from 29 th was erratic but much appreciated. This site also hosted Garganey and Wood Sand at this time. Med Gulls remained stable along the Southend Seafront and Little Egret numbers started to noticeably increase. Other birds of note included Crossbills over Belfairs on 8 th and 18 th, Red-breasted Merganser along the Seafront (5 th), a Manx Shearwater at Tilbury (17 th) where Yellow-legged Gulls peaked at 176 (29 th) and 50 Yellow Wagtails on Wallasea (25 th).

Old Hall: A quiet month except for the crowd pulling American Golden Plover from 21 st into August. Another long awaited first for Essex. A good variety of other waders were seen including 31 Spot Reds (12 th).

Abberton Reservoir: Wader passage got under way and by 30 th, 70 Common Sands were on the perimeter. Up to 12 Greenshank (14 th) were seen and a single Garganey appeared on 12 th and females of both Scaup and Red-crested Pochard arrived on 31 st. The Egret roost steadily increased to 104 on 31 st.

Hanningfield Reservoir: Highlights included two Little Egret (6 th with one on 27 th), Black Tern and Spot Red (28 th), Little Gull (29 th) and 22 Common Sands (30 th), Whimbrel (22 nd) and Sanderling (26 th). Ruddy Shelduck and Red-crested Pochards were present throughout.

North East Essex: Nothing of great note but Cetti’s Warblers were confirmed as breeding and the St Oysth Egret roost reached 88 on 22 nd. Two Wood Sands were on East Mersea (21-22 nd).

June 2004

Metropolitan Essex: A typically quiet month with no real surprises. Egrets appeared at Dagenham Chase and Fairlop at the end of the month. A Black Kite was seen again over Goodmayes (25 th).

Rainham Marshes: Breeding birds got on with there stuff and the only arrivals were the steadily increasing Little Egrets which peaked at eight (28 th) including fresh juveniles.

South East Essex: Med Gulls started to build up along Southend Seafront with 29 by 30 th. Other birds of note included a lone Brent Goose at Wakering (26 th), a Raven at Wat Tyler (25 th) and four Cranes over Southend (30 th). A sum plum Red-necked Grebe was on the Thames at Tilbury (14 th) and 11 Crossbill flew over Rayne (22 nd)

Old Hall: Unusual numbers of arctic waders were around during the month including up to 6 Spotted Redshanks, 48 Knot and 30 Grey Plover. Similar sightings elsewhere in the county suggest an aborted breeding season. A Quail sang on 12-13 th and there were up to 17 Egrets.

Abberton Reservoir: The third major bird of the spring was found on 5 th, a Squacco that showed very well for just over two hours before disappearing into the cormorant trees never to be seen again. This was a county first. 5000 Swifts (20 th) were the only other records of note.

Hanningfield Reservoir: The colour ringed Osprey found at the end of May stayed until 6 th June and was traced to the runt from the Loch of the Lowes brood in 2002. However it was the Glossy Ibis (25 th) that stole the show being the first in the county since 1974 when the bird at Swanscombe, Kent occasionally visited Grays. This individual went onto become one of the famous Stodmarsh duo, one of which stayed until 1992!

North East Essex: Very quiet with similar numbers of stray arctic waders as Old Hall being seen at Colne Point and The Naze. Up to three Little Gulls seem to be summering at Colchester Hythe.

May 2004

Metropolitan Essex: Nightingales were found at two new sites and several Tree Pipits returned to traditional haunts. Wader passage was excellent at Fairlop with a Temminck’s Stint (2 nd) being the best among Whimbrel, Greenshank and Wood Sand. This site also hosted Red Kite (18 th) while a Black Kite was over Goodmayes (13 th) and White Stork (18 th) and two Cranes (29 th) were seen over Whipps Cross. Could the observers of the last three birds please contact me with more details? The Lee Valley was quiet although there were a couple of Kite sightings and eight Arctic Terns were at Holyfield (6 th). Four more were seen at Creekmouth (9 th). The summer plumaged Red-necked Grebe that graced Fairlop (20 th) and Dagenham Chase (21 st) stole the prize for bird of the month.

Rainham Marshes: It all happened on the 1 st with a staggering 85 species recorded in the morning including 18 species of wader, amongst which were five Avocet, both godwits, both curlews, all three shanks, Wood Sand and Grey Plover. In addition a male Garganey, 45 little Gulls, three Little Egrets and a male Whinchat were also seen. The rest of the month was an anti-climax with a Marsh Harrier (12-14 th) and three Little Terns (8 th).

South East Essex: The Pag Lag Scaup stayed till 2 nd but it was a fairly quiet May with the only interesting passerines being a Black Redstart (3 rd) and Ring Ouzel (1 st) at Gunners Park, a pair of unseasonal Brambling at Barling (31 st) and another Red-rumped Swallow at Wakering (9 th). A Red Kite went through Basildon (18 th) and two Temminck’s Stints performed well at Vange Marshes (13-14 th)

Old Hall: A Honey Buzzard (8 th) and a male Monty’s (22 nd) moved through. The only notable passage waders were five Wood Sands and two Little Stints (16 th). Two Spoonbills briefly visited (11 th)

Abberton Reservoir: Another Channel Wagtail appeared (3 rd) along with a female Blue-head and the pair of Black-necked Grebes was still around at months end. The two highlights were both found on private land adjacent to the reservoir. The singing male Subalpine Warbler (7 th) stayed firmly out of view but the Great Reed Warbler (from 18 th) tantalized everyone at great distance from the causeway. The first twichable Essex record.

Hanningfield Reservoir: Very quiet with the only birds of note being a Marsh Harrier (8 th), an Arctic Tern (13 th) and up to nine Red-crested Pochards.

North East Essex: A trip of 21 Dotterel at St Osyth (11 th) had increased to 26 the following day. Montagu’s Harriers were seen at Holland Haven (male 9-10 th) The Naze (ringtail 16 th) and Langenhoe (male 19 th). An Osprey at The Naze (2 nd) was the only other raptor of note.

Dengie Penninsular: More Monty sightings with adult males on 16 th and 30 th and an immature male on 22 nd. A Red Kite (19 th), two Ospreys (9 th & 19 th) and a steady Marsh Harrier passage made for good viewing. Four Dotterel (13-14 th with two still on 16 th) and a singing Quail were also noteworthy.

April 2004

Metropolitan Essex: The Hume’s YBW almost made it to May (25 th) and even started singing! A pair of Slavonian Grebes at Dagenham Chase (3-17 th) was seen mating and displaying raising vain hopes. Two Mergansers (KGV 10 th), Goosander (KGV 12 th) and Smew (Belhus Woods CP 23 rd) were all late. A few Fieldfares lingered. A pair of Garganey at Dagenham Chase (16 th) were the only new birds. Migrants arrived in force from mid-month: Ring Ouzels at KGV (13 th) and Fairlop (20-21 st); Redstarts at Sewardstone and Hainault; Black Redstart, KGV (20 th); several Whinchat; many Wheatear; Serin, Chingford (27 th); peak of 54 Yellow Wagtail (and one Blue-head), Fairlop (29 th); Wood Warbler, Parndon Wood (26 th); Tree Pipit, Warley CP (19 th) and Fairlop (29 th). Wader Passage was fairly slow with a Wood Sandpiper at Fairlop (from 28 th) being the highlight. A few terns were seen with two Sandwich (KGV, 11 th) and a single Black there (26 th). Two Red Kites were at South Ockenden (4 th) with another nearby (24 th). Finally a caudatus type intergrade Long-tailed Tit frequented Cornmill Meadows from 17-23 rd when two Mealy Redpolls were present with 20 Lessers.

Rainham Marshes: Wader passage was slow with the first Whimbrel through on 17 th and lone Avocet (24 th), Greenshank (15 th) and Spot Shank (27 th). Five Water Pipits lingered to 3 rd but incoming migrants were scarce. Little Egrets peaked at five and a lone Brent Goose spent three days on the reserve (15-17 th). Raptors included female Marsh Harrier (24 th) and Hobby and Merlin (27 th). The star of the month was the Hoopoe found on the 27 th. It showed well and entertained all day.

South East Essex: Usual suspects included the Pag Lag Scaup (till 22nd), Two-Tree Island Black Brant (till 17 th) and Pale-belled Brent (till 2 nd) and the last five Waxwings in Leigh-on-Sea (9 th). Late leavers were a Redwing (13 th) and Jack Snipe (5 th). Ring Ouzels were seen at Gunner Park (15 th and 30 th) and Hadleigh Downs CP (17 th) and the former site also held both redstarts in April and a male Serin (17 th). An Osprey was over Southend Airport (28 th). Highlights from East Tilbury were Little Stint (5 th) and Green-winged Teal (9 th).

Old Hall: Meager April highlights included Garganey (27-28 th), Common Scoter (6 th), Buzzard (6 th) and Little Gull (23 rd). Wader passage generally slow but Whimbrel started moving from 19 th peaking at 57 (25 th). Three Spot Shanks were also seen (22-23 rd).

Abberton Reservoir: Various winter birds appeared as spring arrived including Scaup (pair till 11 th), Slavonian Grebes (two till 13 th), Long-tailed Duck (male 11-13 th), Smew (pair till 17 th) and Bewick’s Swan (9 th). Red Kites were seen on 12 th and 22 nd and a good variety of waders included Spot Red on 16 th and several Whimbrel. Terns included the first Common (8 th), Arctic (19 th) and Black (25 th). Top bird went to the Red-rumped Swallow (18 th) and ‘Channel’ Wagtail present nearly all month.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A grebe month with peaks of 12 Black-necked (1 st) and three Slavonian (9 th) and a fine sum plum Red-necked (10-11 th). Other highlights included pair Brambling (11 th) and up to seven Red-crested Pochard. Two Red-rumped Swallow were seen on 29 th.

Elsewhere in Essex: Selected highlights were: Long-tailed Duck, Walton Channel (to 24 th); Ruddy Shelduck, East Mersea (14 th); seven Med Gulls there (3 rd); Red Kite, Braxted mid month; Firecrests at The Naze (12 th and 17 th); Red-rumped Swallow, Holland Haven (30 th); Hoopoe, St.Osyth (19-22 nd) and an early Swift at Maldon (17 th)

March 2004

Metropolitan Essex: A real mix of winter and spring with the Hume’s YBW making it to April and some good wildfowl sightings including immature Whooper Swan in the Ingrebourne Valley (8 th), Brent Goose on a cricket pitch in Walthamstow! (31 st), Garganey at Connaught (7-13 th) and Walthamstow (from 28 th), Black-necked Grebes peaking at 22 on the Girling (29 th) when there were also seven Red-breasted Mergansers. A sickly Fulmar was off Grays (10 th) and a White Stork spent an hour on a roof in Ockenden (18 th). Three Tree Sparrows continued to be seen at Holyfield Hall Farm and Hawfinch and Firecrest sightings mirrored February. A Snow Bunting at Fairlop (4 th) was notable.

Rainham Marshes: Wildfowl numbers started to decrease but Pintail peaked at 32 (7 th). Four adult Bewick’s Swans headed south (8 th) and 30 Brent went up river (30 th). A Glaucous Gull (7 th) was the only white-winger of the winter. Notable waders included 120 Blackwit (7 th) and two Avocets (10 th) while up to four Egrets were seen. Peregrines were resident and a Merlin (15 th) and ringtail Hen Harrier (20 th) passed through. Rock and Water Pipits continued to increase with peaks of 23 and eight respectively (7 th) A Twite was seen (10 th).

South East Essex: Rossi lingered at Westcliff (till 20 th). A Black Brant frequented Two-Tree Island (from 17 th) along with a juvenile Pale-bellied Brent, the female Dartford Warbler, a Short-eared Owl and two Spot Reds. The Scaup was still at Paglesham Lagoon all month and a Purple Sandpiper was on the Pier (17 th). Tilbury had a good day on 28 th with four Mergansers, Green-winged Teal, 18 Brambling, 2 Little Stint and two Spot Reds. Red Kites were at Margaretting (25 th) and East Tilbury (30 th).

Old Hall: Again quiet with highlights of: three Marsh Harrier (26 th); Merlin (28 th); 243 Avocet (13 th); Jack Snipe (30 th) and Cetti’s Warbler (29 th).

Abberton Reservoir: Smew peaked at ten (3 rd); Goosander at 12 (14th) and Goldeneye at 360 (21 st) while a pair of Scaup lingered. A Slavonian Grebe was seen (28 th) and various migrants put in there first appearance before months end.

Hanningfield Reservoir: Highlights included a Berwick’s Swan (10 th), Slavonian Grebe (17 th and two 30 th); Black-necked Grebe (27 th); Crossbill (17 th) and Water Pipit (23 rd).

Elsewhere in Essex: The American Wigeon remained at Cattawade and the Hooded Crow was seen into March at Rayne.

Migrants included the first Sand Martin (16 th); Swallow (20 th); House Martin (16 th); Willow Warbler (27 th) all at Dagenham Chase; LRP (13 th) Belhus Woods CP; Wheatear (14 th) Wakering Stairs; White Wagtail (18 th) Hanningfield; Yellow Wagtail (30 th) Abberton Reservoir and Cuckoo (31 st) Hornchurch CP.

February 2004

Metropolitan Essex: Another fantastic month with the long staying Hume’s Yellow-browed Warbler making it through to March and some incredibly early migrants with a male Wheatear at Dagenham Chase (4 th) and a House Martin also seen there (9 th)! Wintering Firecrests in the area reached about 20, Lesser Spots became vocal and the Tree Sparrows and Bramblings continued to delight all month at Holyfield Hall Farm. More good passerines were to come in the form of a Woodlark at the Lee Valley Birdwatching Fair (14 th), Hawfinches in the Harold Hill/South Weald area and Ongar Park Wood, a reappearance of the Raven from October (?) in the Ingrebourne Valley (23 rd) and star of the month a caudatus Long-tailed Tit found at Hampden Wood, Warley from 23 rd. The first twitchable Essex record. More typical were the good Smew flocks at Belhus and Seventy Acres, Bitterns at the latter site and Berwick Pond, 95 Mandarin at Connaught Water (7 th) and peaks of two Woodcock, five Jack and 40 Common Snipe at West Thurrock Marshes.

Rainham Marshes: The site remained wet and as such the number of wildfowl remained good with peaks of 26 Pintail (18 th), 1019 Teal (22 nd) and 406 Wigeon (22 nd). The sporadic Blackwit flock reached 112 (18 th) but three male Ruff were the only other waders of note. Other good birds included: Bearded Tit and Yellowhammer (22 nd), Little Egret and Long-eared Owl (14 th) and a notable increase in Water Pipits from just 2-3 all winter to four on 22 nd and nine on 25 th. Rock Pipit numbers remained stable.

South East Essex: Rossi and his Med Gull chums stayed at Westcliff all month while up to 12 Meds were at the Pier on 22 nd along with two Scoter, eight Red-throated Diver, two Great Northern Diver, two Razorbill and a Shag! A Black Brant was in the Wakering area. Hockley Woods had Hawfinch and Lesser Spot all month and Waxwings peaked at 25 at Pitsea (6 th) and 14 Eastwood (18 th). Up to 200 Avocet were at Tilbury and a Cory’s Shearwater was reported there on (29 th).

Old Hall: Fairly quiet with only one Brant to 17 th, a Bittern (13 th), 197 Avocet (19 th), up to three Slavonian Grebes, only three Twite (15 th) and regular Merlin and Peregrine.

Abberton Reservoir: Very little reported bar peaks of 6 Smew and 38 Goosander (21 st).

Hanningfield Reservoir: Highlights included a Red-breasted Merganser (5 th), Slavonian Grebe (from 19 th) and a Firecrest (8 th).

Elsewhere in Essex: Several Red Kites were reported including Fingringhoe (25 th) and Maldon and Chelmsford (27 th). The American Wigeon returned for its third winter at Cattawade and a Hooded Crow was seen in the Raine area from 19 th. Twelve Waxwings were reported from Colchester Hythe (22 nd).

January 2004

Metropolitan Essex: A fantastic start to the year with two county firsts in the form of an American Robin seen on 9 th & 12 th at Dagenham Chase by a local lepidopterist and a very showy Hume’s Yellow-browed Warbler at Fairlop from 11 th. Amazingly a ‘normal’ Yellow-browed Warbler was also seen there on 15 th & 18 th. Tree Sparrows and Bramblings continued their stay at Holyfield Hall Farm and two Hawfinches in Harold Hill were the first local birds since 2000. The Great Northern Diver stayed at Arena Essex till 12 th and a Slav Grebe was at Holyfield Lake on 11 th. Up to 7 Black-necked Grebes were on the KGV Res all month with another at Corbets Tey. Other wintery birds included 12 Smew at Belhus Woods and at least 15 in the Lee Valley, a pair Scaup on KGV (18 th), Red-crested Pochard, Grange Waters (18 th) and good numbers of Goosander. Two Bitterns were seen again at Berwick Ponds and up to 3 were at the Bittern Watchpoint. The only really good wader was an Avocet at Barking Bay (2 nd).

Rainham Marshes: A very wet month with peak counts of 832 Wigeon, 451 Mallard, 2467 Teal, 36 Pintail, 116 Gadwall, 117 Shoveler, 2690 Lapwing and 3 Beardies on 25 th. Blackwits reached a new site record of 130 (19 th). Up to 3 Water Pipits were seen on the Barges and 3 Ruff and a single Little Egret are wintering.

South East Essex: A busy start to the year with wintering Pale-bellied and Black Brants at Fleet Head; Hooded Crow, Black-necked Grebe, Little Stint and Spot Red at Wakering Stairs; 20 Twite at Barling (3 rd); 3 Bewick’s Swans and 14 Pink-feet at Roper Farm. A Dartford Warbler at Haven Point (10-11 th) was appreciated while a Yellow-browed Warbler was found near Basildon on the same day as the Fairlop Hume’s! Waxwings returned for another winter at Pitsea Tescos and peaked at 26 before stripping all the berries and moving on. Finally a Hoopoe was seen on a roadside verge on Canvey (30 th)

Hanningfield Reservoir: A quiet month with highlights being a Water Pipit, 2 Smew, a Sanderling, 4 Brent Geese and bizarrely a male Lady Amhurst’s Pheasant!

Abberton Reservoir: Very much wildfowl orientated with a peak of 3 pair Smew (10 th & 30 th), Common Scoter (3 rd), pair Scaup intermittently throughout, Goosander peaking at 56 (25 th), Red-crested Pochard (27 th), one Bewick’s Swan throughout, a Red-throated Diver (1 st) and a very good count of 373 Goldeneye (25 th). Ten species of wader were seen including, Sanderling Turnstone and Spotted Redshank.

North East Essex: Very little reported during January but a Black Brant was seen regularly in the Heybridge area with up to three still being seen at Old Hall all month. This site also had Black-throated Diver and Slav Grebe (23 rd), a Crane (7 th), up to 35 Snow Buntings and 2 each of Hen and Marsh Harrier. Another flock of c.25 Snow Buntings was seen at various sites along the Colne. A Waxwing flock on the outskirts of Colchester peaked at 71.