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Metropolitan Essex: Outside of Rainham the Ingrebourne Valley seemed he place to be during December with up to three Bitterns (29th), Short-eared Owl (from 16th), Merlin (17th), Mealy Redpoll (till 11th), Dartford Warbler (from 11th), Firecrest (26th) and the Hawfinch again (18th). On top of this there was a good bunting and finch flock and the usual Cetti's Warblers and up to 12 Ring-necked Parakeets! The latter were also being seen in Hutton. Elsewhere, the Lee Valley only held one Bittern, four Black-necked Grebes, and a handful of Smew and Goosander while the South Ockenden area hosted at least three more Smew. The male Dartford Warbler reappeared in Grays (20th) and high tide watching at West Thurrock Marshes produced up to two Jack Snipe and 31 Curlew. Two Little Egrets (1st) and four Ruff (29th) were un-seasonal at Dagenham Chase.

Rainham Marshes: Where should I start…..? The 4th saw the arrival of a first winter Sociable Plover which delighted and frustrated over 1900 people until its departure on 20th. During this time the reserve was graced with five Water Pipits, two Dartford Warblers, two male Black Redstarts and amazingly up to six Penduline Tits that first appeared on 18th with two seen again on 28th. Snow Bunting (6th) and Goldeneye (19th) were excellent site records and 19 Bewick's Swans through on 28th were a real bonus. The 9th produced four Avocet (others on 4th and 14th), a single Brent Goose and a ringtail Hen Harrier while two Merlins and the huge immature female Peregrine were sporadically seen. Up to three Ruff are wintering and a single Turnstone was present on 14th. Four Short-eared Owls returned from 26th. Gull watching produced at least four Caspian Gulls and up to ten Yellow-legged Gulls along with a first winter Med.

South East Essex : The gulls at Paglesham Lagoon and Barling Tip received a good grilling all month and at least 12 Caspian Gulls were located suggesting a regular early winter passage through the county. Rossi entertained but there were only a few Med Gulls seen. The single White-fronted Goose remained at Paglesham till 9th and up to five were at Wat Tyler till 13th. Fifty-five over flew Vange on 26th. There were no Black Brants reports and only one Pale-bellied sighting. Five Whooper Swans over Canvey (27th) continued the good trend this winter. The Thames held good numbers of Red-throated Divers and single a Black-throat was seen on 27th with Great Northern on 17th. A Red-necked Grebe was off Canvey on 27th. Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were found wintering at East Tilbury and the Dartford Warbler made occasional appearances. Marsh and Hen Harriers were regular at Wakering and the male Marsh continued to roost at Wat Tyler where the Hooded Crow was again seen on 4th. The site also held up to 800 Fieldfare for much of the month. Up to ten Snow Bunting frequented the Southend Seafront area with another at Canvey from 27th. The first Waxwings of the winter were seen at Benfleet (three on 6th) with another single at Thorpe Hall (10th) while Hawfinches were seen at Langdon Hills (two on 11th) and near Thundersley on 14th and 21st.

Old Hall: Several good high tides produced sightings of Black-throated and Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebes and two Long-tailed Ducks (19th). Up to five Marsh Harriers and three Hen Harriers were found wintering while Peregrine and Merlins were regularly seen. Fourteen Bewick's Swans went through on 28th and Bullfinch on 21st was noteworthy for the site.

Abberton Reservoir: A busy month with over 20,000 wildfowl on the site at the start of the month including 14,000 Wigeon. Amongst these were up to two Red-necked Grebes (till 15th), a single Black-necked Grebe, Black-throated Diver (4th-11th), up to 13 Red-crested Pochards (11th), eight Goosander (3rd) and only two Smew. Two Whoopers and a Bewick's Swan were seen on 11th with nine White-fronted Geese (30th). Wader numbers and variety were very good with amongst others 20 Turnstone (19th), six Spotted Redshanks (11th) and three resident Little Stints. Water and Rock Pipits were found round the edges along with up to four Snow Buntings but no Shore Lark. Peregrines were omnipresent.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A Black-necked Grebe was reported on 3rd but there were only two Red-crested Pochards (see Abberton!). A Marsh Harrier and Buzzard were seen on 15th and at least five Caspian Gulls passed through. A Bonxie on 30th was unusual.

East and North-East Essex : Holland Haven had six White-fronted Geese till 4th with another ten on 28th. Fourteen others flew over West Bergholt on the same day. The Maldon Black Brant was seen throughout the month. The 9th saw 12 Bewick's Swans over Pete Tye Common while later in the month ten went over Northey Island (27th) and seven over Southey Creek (29th). The Blackwater produced up to 14 Slavonian Grebes, all three divers, two Long-tailed Ducks and small numbers of both scoters. Short-eared Owls were scarce and a Long-eared Owl was at Holland Haven. The Harrier roost on Langenhoe produced nine Marsh and three Hen Harriers (18th). Up to 51 Snow Buntings commuted across the Colne and 32 were at The Naze (11th) with a single well inland at Writtle (22nd). Yet another Dartford Warbler was found on Christmas Day in Heybridge. Four Waxwings were found at Great Oakley and up to six at Peldon on 26th. The only Twite were six on Mersea (27th). Continuing the good run of sightings a Hawfinch was seen three times in Friday Woods and a single was seen at Harlow.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: High tides produced much the same in the Blackwater as those at Rolls farm opposite and included 15 Red-throats, single Black throated and Great Northern and a Leach's Petrel on 3rd. Two Whooper Swans took up residence and three Shag could be found around the outfall. Only five Twite (4th) and 15 Snow Bunting (4th) were seen and Merlin, Peregrine and both Harriers were frequent.

Metropolitan Essex : A strange month with a real mix of autumn and winter. Goosander and Smew were back in the Lee Valley early in the month although not in the east of the area yet. A Mallard at Dagenham Chase was seen with a brood of ten new ducklings on 20th! The two Bitterns showed occasionally in the Ingrebourne but despite the cold snap the Seventy Acres bird was still generally elusive. Little Egrets were seen in the Lee Valley and in Mayesbrook Park . There were no rare grebes bar the usual congregation of Black-necks on the Girling. The heavy frost mid month forced at least six Woodcock into the open and the only other wader of note was an Avocet swimming around on Walthamstow Reservoir (22nd). Med Gulls were regular in Valentines Park and at Dagenham Chase and a few Yellow-legged Gulls were seen along Thameside. Casper the Caspian Gull actually returned to the Royal Docks for his ninth winter on 29th October and was seen again in November on 20th. An Arctic Tern at West Thurrock on 6th was late. A Dartford Warbler put in a brief appearance at Lion Gorge, Chafford (8th) and a couple of Firecrest moved through. Finch flock checking in the Ingrebourne yielded 300 Linnet with a few Lesser Redpolls and a single Mealy plus a Hawfinch and three Brambling with Chaffinches on 27th. There were two other Hawfinch sightings during the month.

Rainham Marshes: Despite the cold snap mid month, the duck numbers were still relatively low although 16 Pintail numbers were about average. A Whooper Swan flew through on 5th and the two families of Mute Swans on site were still getting parental flying practice. The Peregrines made sporadic appearances and a dashing female Merlin was seen on three occasions. Black-tailed Godwit numbers started to increase with nearly 100 by month end while single Jack Snipe (20th) and Turnstone (16th) were found on the foreshore. Up to six Grey Plover and a scattering of Golden Plovers were to be found among the Lapwing along with two male Ruff. Several Yellow-legged Gulls and two Caspian Gulls (4th & 26th) were seen on the pools. It was a surprisingly good passerine month with up to 24 Stonechats (5th) across the site and not one but now two Dartford Warblers. The original bird from late October was seen occasionally while a second bird appeared on 19th. Autumn lingered well into the month with Black Redstart on 7th, two Ring Ouzels on 9th and Wheatear and Whinchat till 13th. More wintery were the four Bearded Tits on two days and three Brambling and two Yellowhammers on 5th. Possibly the highlight of the month was the discovery of a companion for our lonely Barn Owl with two heads seen peering out of the box.

South East Essex: The usual assortment of gull life was on parade in the Southend area during the month with many Meds and Rossi the Ring-billed entertaining at Westcliff and Caspian Gulls located at East Tilbury (12th) and at Paglesham Lagoon (19th and 26th). Two Whooper Swans were seen on the Thames off Canvey and then over Chalkwell (17th) while a Pale-bellied Brent was among Dark-bellied Brents at Paglesham Lagoon on 19th when two White-fronted Geese were also present. Hen Harriers were seen on several dates in the Wakering area and up to three Merlins were seen on Wallasea Island . The only Marsh Harrier was a male that came into roost each evening at Wat Tyler CP through out the month. The mid-month freeze pushed at least four Woodcocks into revealing themselves. A late Ring Ouzel was seen at Hadleigh Downs on 7th and the East Tilbury Dartford Warbler reappeared (12th). A Hooded Crow was first seen on 9th at Wat Tyler CP and was seen briefly subsequently. Finch flocks were scarce with the only records of note being 30 Twite on Wallasea Island (20th) and a Hawfinch in the last week at Wat Tyler CP. Three Snow Buntings were seen at South Fambridge on 27th but there were no reports from Southend.

Old Hall: The Long-billed Dowitcher made it through to the 11th but was not seen subsequently. A fairly normal month on site with typical wintering waders and wildfowl and up to 22 Eider congregating at the furthest point. Six raptor species were resident with Kestrel being the scarcest of the set. Snow Buntings reached 16 on 26th and a single Bewick's Swan was seen on 20th. Two Whoopers on 36th were part of a local influx.

Abberton Reservoir: Wildfowl numbers were impressive; especially the Pintail with over 300 on 7th when a Black-throated Diver flew through the site and off north towards Colchester . A single Smew from 12th was joined by another redhead from 20th and up to three Red-crested Pochards could be seen most days. A Slavonian Grebe was seen on the 12th and a Red-necked Grebe arrived on 20th. A good selection of waders included Spotted Redshanks and a lingering Little Stint from 20th. Mirroring 2004, a Shorelark and Snow Bunting appeared on the 23rd. On this date two Cetti's Warblers and a Water Pipit were also seen.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A very dull month with the only birds of note being 14 Goldeneye, Red-crested Pochard, female Marsh Harrier and Water Pipit on 24th

East and North-East Essex : A seawatch off The Naze on 6th was productive with two Arctic Skua, 87 Little Gulls and a Grey Phalarope while Holland Haven held an influx of 350 Blackbird on 17th, 35 Snow Buntings (19th), seven White-fronts (22nd) and seven Whooper Swans (21st). Eleven Whoopers were also seen over Stanway Green (26th) and 18 over Wivenhoe on 28th. This is quite exceptional for Essex . Up to three Salvonian Grebes and a Great Northern Diver were to be found in the Blackwater and a Black-throated Diver was seen in Hamford Water (22nd). Nine Scaup briefly called into Heybridge GP on 17th while a late Whimbrel lingered at Colne Point (1st) and Curlew Sandpiper at Mistley (3rd). A Common Tern was seen in Hamford Water (2nd). A Swallow was seen at Braxted (2nd) and a House Martin was at Bightlingsea (5th). Inland at Great Braxted a Snow Bunting was found feeding on a gravel driveway on 15th! Finally it would appear that the Ingrebourne Valley Ring-necked Parakeets have been visiting Hutton with up to six at various times during the month visiting a bird table.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: A quiet month bar the 6th when a good seawatch produced a Black-throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Arctic Skua, 22 Little Gulls, two Arctic Terns and two Common Terns. Three Merlins were also seen on this date. The 18th saw a Velvet Scoter go by while the 21st saw the first Essex Waxwing of the season.

Metropolitan Essex: A busy month with good finds across the area. Late migrants included Turtle Doves at Holyfield (15th) and Sewardstone (7th), a Honey Buzzard over Galley Hill (9th) while Garganey were reported from Connaught (15th) and Walthamstow (21st). The latter site also held the last Wheatear on 31st. A Whinchat was in the Ingrebourne as late as 30th and a Redstart was at Tylers Common (4th). Finches moved through all month with many reports of small parties of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll as well as a few Bramblings and a lone crossbill over Tylers (5th). Three Tree Sparrows reappeared at Hornchurch CP (9th). Up to three wintering Firecrest, a couple of early Redwing (from 5th) and Woodlark (at Seventy Acres Lake on 11th) hinted at more incoming birds and two Continental Coal Tits out of range in Ilford were a surprise. Elsewhere a Little Egret persisted in Barking Park, Med Gulls were in Ilford and at Dagenham Chase, an Osprey flew over West Ham and a flock of 12 Ring-necked Parakeets in Hornchurch suggested that they have bred locally again. Winter wildfowl were scarce but three Mergansers were on the Girling (15th) and a Smew was back in the Lee Valley by 29th. A Bittern was back on Seventy Acres by 13th.

Rainham Marshes: Another classic October on site with a good mixture of incoming wildfowl and passage passerines. Thrushes were in evidence all month with Song Thrushes predominating although 70 Fieldfare went south on 23rd. Finches were always visible with Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, Bramblings and even two Bullfinches being reported. Star finds of the month go to the Penduline Tit seen well on 9th with a male Goshawk the same day and a Yellow-browed Warbler that was heard only on 12th. A Turtle Dove was late (4th) and a Black Redstart was a year first (15th). Beardies were back for the winter from 9th and a Firecrest arrived on 26th. Waders were scarce but Jack Snipe were back by 23rd. Up to seven Rock Pipits and a single Water Pipit (from 23rd) were on the foreshore and the Stonechat numbers increased to over 20. Unsurprisingly a Dartford Warbler was found on 27th. The only large BOP was a Marsh Harrier (6th).

South East Essex : East Tilbury was the hot spot for the month with a string of good finds staring with a Storm Petrel, Woodlark, Scaup and Fulmar on 15th with Pom Skua and Guillimot the next day. The 23rd saw the appearance of a White-rumped Sandpiper on the foreshore (till at least 25th) along with two Little Stints and two Curlew Sands. The RSPB Feed The Birds event on 29th then turned up a male Dartford Warbler, Tree Sparrow and Bramblings! Elsewhere Rossi the Ring-billed Gull continued to frequent Westcliff and several Ring Ouzels arrived from 19th. Paglesham Lagoon had two Scaup from 1st and a Slav Grebe on 22nd. A Purple Sandpiper on the Pier (5th) was the only good bird reported before it went up in flames.

Old Hall: The Long-billed Dowitcher was around al month along with good numbers of other waders including peaks of 25 Greenshank (4th), 28 Spot Reds (19th) and 120 Avocet (26th). Marsh and Hen Harriers were frequent and Merlins made several appearances. A Hobby on 12th was late. Finally a Ring Ouzel (28th) was the first since 1970 on site!

Abberton Reservoir: Relatively quiet this month with the rarest bird not being one normally associated with water………a Hawfinch that was seen well on 23rd. Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Peregrines were all regular and a Hen Harrier was seen (18th). A Black-necked Grebe was found on 23rd when a late Black Tern was also seen. Two Cetti's continued to sing and a Water Pipit paid a brief visit (31st). Thirteen Bewick's Swans arrived on 30th when 17 Little Egrets were also present.

Hanningfield Reservoir: The Black-necked Grebe stayed till 1st but wildfowl remained static bar two Scaup on 12th. A Little Stint was the best wader (26th) while a Bonxie (20th) terrorized the gulls.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze had its moments during the month with four Yellow-browed Warblers between 5th and 27th; Black Redstart (6th); only two Firecrests (9th); Woodlark 9th; Ring Ouzels on 15th, 19th (three) and 23rd (two) and Tree Sparrow (4th). A Dartford Warbler was seen on 21st but not subsequently. Holland Haven did well with a Lesser Yellowlegs (11th-13th); Richard's Pipit (8th) and three Bewick's Swans while Pallas's Park in Harwich pulled in YBW's on 6th and from 15-17th. Three Red-necked Grebes were in Kirby marina (26th) with another on Ardleigh Res (16th). This site also held Woodlark (7th). The only Red Kite was over Salcott (20th) and likewise the only Little Auk in the county was off Walton Pier (25th). A Bittern was reported from Doddinghurst (11th) and another Dartford Warbler was on Langenhoe (30th).

Bradwell Bird Observatory: The juvenile Black Kite was seen again on 15th over Mayland while the Obs stayed quiet bar the WeBS weekend when three Cory's Shearwaters were seen well off Marsh House (16th).

Metropolitan Essex : Wader passage was still slow with the only birds of real note being nine Whimbrel over Beckton (11th). Teal and Wigeon started to return and a single Garganey was at Walthamstow Res. (27th) which also held the first two Goldeneye of the Autumn (23rd). Passerine movements were insignificant by recent standards with only one Pied Fly, three Redstarts and few Spot Flys. A Firecrest at Warley (23rd) was the only record while six Tree Sparrows at Hornchirch CP (22nd) constituted the biggest local flock for some years. Small group of Siskins moved through various sites. Single Ospreys were seen over Brentwood (7th) and Romford (10th) and a male Goshawk passed over Beckton (4th). A Short-eared Owl was a good find at Dagenham Chase (17th-21st) and the Bittern had returned early to Berwick Pond (27th). Nine Bee-eaters over Harold Hill on 23rd were memorable for the single observer.

Rainham Marshes: With a little extra water the Reserve drew in a fair selection of waders including three Curlew Sandpipers (3rd-11th), up to ten Greenshank, Spotted Redshank (4th), Golden Plover (9th), Grey Plover (21st), Whimbrel (18th), Jack Snipe (17th & 28th) and best of all a Pectoral Sandpiper (11th-15th). River passage was quiet with no Black Terns but 12 Arctics on 12th was noteworthy. The day the Pec Sand was found was a real Red Letter Day with Red-backed Shrike (till 13th) and a fly through Osprey that was then tracked past West and East Tilbury. The last time both these species were at Rainham was on 21st September 2002 and they both appeared on the same day on that occasion too! The first Pintail were back on 12th with a few Wigeon at the same time. Passerines included several Siskin days, Redstart (7th), eight Spot Flys, Marsh Warbler and Tree Pipit (13th) and an early Lapland Bunting (18th). No Marsh Harriers wee seen all month but a single Buzzard on 18th. Two late Swifts were seen on 18th.

South East Essex: A good month on the Thames although there was no big skua movement involved. Off Canvey, Manx Shearwaters were seen on 9th, 16th (two) and 30th with five Pom Skuas and Long-tailed Skua (10th), Leach's Petrel (16th & 18th) and Great Northern Diver (17th). Tern passage peaked on 10th with at least 90 Black Terns, a juvenile White-winged Black Tern and two adult Roseates, amongst the Common, Sandwich and several Arctic Terns at Tilbury Power Station. One Roseate was seen next day before both headed out past Canvey. A juvenile Sabines proved elusive in the Tilbury area (9th-11th). Along the seafront Rossi continued to show and up to 68 Med Gulls (6th) were recorded along with a Purple Sandpiper (30th). There were several Osprey Sightings and a Honey Buzzard was over Belfairs (13th). Waders were at their best at Vange with up to 12 Curlew Sands, 3 Little Stints and a Pec Sand (10th-11th). Rarity of the month was a Savi's Warbler trapped and ringed near Wakering (3rd) which was erroneously put out as a Radde's Warbler!

Old Hall: A good typical selection of autumnal waders included several Little Stints and Curlew Sands along with a juvenile Red-necked Phalarope (14th-19th) and a juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher from 25th. Marsh Harriers were ever present with six on 13tth while Hen Harriers, Buzzards and Merlins all put in an appearance.

Abberton Reservoir: The Island appeared and so did the waders and wildfowl with double figure counts of Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Ruff. Curlew Sands and Little Stints could be discerned by the eagle eyed and a Pec Sand arrived on 27th. An Osprey lingered all month and Peregrines and Marsh Harriers were usually around. Pintail peaked at an impressive 107 (15th) and a Black-necked Grebe was found on 19th.

Hanningfield Reservoir: An improved month with a better selection of waders including an Avocet (2nd). Three Garganey were seen (1st) when Red-crested Pochard numbered 13. A Black-necked Grebe arrived on 3rd and at least four Marsh Harriers moved through. A Nightingale (4th) with a tit flock may have been a local breeder.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze was busy on and off all month with another Wryneck (11th), Tree Sparrows (3rd & 13th), three Tree Pipits (11th), several Redstarts and Pied Flys and a huge passage of Siskins with peaks of 500 on 11th and 400 on 17th. Elsewhere, Holland Haven held Temminck's Stint still 1st and 400 Siskin through on 12th while a Red-necked Grebe gave stunning views at Dovercourt from 4th. A Black-necked Grebe was at Heybridge (7th) with a Tree Sparrow there on 10th. The Abberton Osprey visited various sites on the Blackwater during the month.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: A juvenile Black Kite took up elusive residence on the Dengie from 11th and was seen in the company of up to seven Buzzards on 24th. Siskins were on the move here too, with 100 north on 11th.

Metropolitan Essex : Wader passage was actually quite slow with only a few Green and Common Sands moving through inland and a couple of Oystercatchers through Walthamstow Reservoirs. Terns were similarly scarce with the only non-Commons being 10 Black and five Arctic at Barking Bay (22nd) and a Sandwich through Walthamstow (18th). A juvenile Garganey in Valentine's Park, Ilford (27th-28th) was a site first and two Black-necked Grebes were seen at Walthamstow and in the Ingrebourne Valley . Spot Flys started moving from 9th with regular flocks at Bedfords and Weald Parks and the Ingrebourne. Five Pied Flys were also reported along with four Redstarts and a single Wood Warbler ( Weald Park 13-14th).

Rainham Marshes: A good month with increased wader passage that included up to 34 Blackwit, 5 Avocet, a Whimbrel, four Ruff and good numbers of Snipe. Calidrids were very thin on the ground. Med Gulls became a regular sight during the first couple of weeks with at least two juveniles and an adult involved. Passerine passage was slow with a sprinkling of Yellow Wagtails and a few warblers by only two Spot Fly sightings. The first Whinchat was back on 20th with Wheatear from 5th. Big BOPs stole the show with an early juvenile Hen Harrier (11-13th), Red Kite (12th) and Marsh Harrier (14th).

South East Essex: A good scattering of passage waders at places such as Wakering Stairs, Tilbury, Vange, Two-Tree Island and Fobbing keep birders checking but nothing out of the ordinary was found bar a few 50 Golden Plover at benfleet Creek (7th), Curlew Sandpipers and the odd Wood Sandpiper. Med Gulls continued to push up the Thames with several juveniles reaching Tilbury. River passage was quiet with only a couple of Arctic Skuas seen along with the usual terns which included a few Blacks and a flock of 15 Arctic (19th). Yellow-legged Gulls peaked at 154 at Tilbury (7th). Rossi the Ring-billed gull reappeared for his seventh winter (22nd) and the only passerines of note were two Pied Flys in Gunners Park (26th).

Old Hall: At least 24 wader species were recorded with highlights of 5 Sanderling (16th, 96 Golden Plover (16th) and three Little Stint (4th). The 23rd saw a good raptor day with Osprey and three Buzzards overhead.

Abberton Reservoir: With water levels dropping it got better as the month went on with excellent wader numbers present including 56 Common Sands (3rd) and double figure counts of Spot Shank and Greenshank. Garganey reached seven (28th) and up to five Red-crested Pochard were seen. The first Black Terns appeared on 16th and by the 21st had dragged a White-winged Black tern in with them. It stayed till 28th but was only seen on three days. Black Terns peaked at 15 on 23rd when six Arctic Terns were also seen. Marsh Harriers were regular and a juvenile Osprey arrived on 29th.

Hanningfield Reservoir: The downward trend at the site continues with good mud but very few birds. A couple of Avocet dropped in (2nd) and a Black-necked Grebe appeared on 21st.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze and Holland Haven were fairly productive with totals of ten Pied Flys, several Redstarts and Whinchats amongst the commoner migrants. The Naze also held Wryneck (28th-29th) when another was also seen at Canewden. On Mersea, a Red-backed Shrike at Reeveshall (28th) and a Nightingale at Cudmore Grove (6th) were the only other notable passerine. Holland Haven held the best waders with Stone Curlew (17th) and Temminck's Stint (31st) while Kites were over Little Baddow (7th) and Cudmore Grove (8th). A Honey Buzzard was also seen over west Mersea (23rd). A Brent goose with a dependant youngster was seen at Tollesbury on the early date of 31st.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: A quiet month with little in the way of passerine migration. An Osprey (3rd) and Montagu's Harrier (28th) being the only other records of note.

Metropolitan Essex: A trickle of waders began to appear with Blackwits, a Wood Sand and many Green Sands through the Ingrebourne Valley and a couple of Blackwits and a Dunlin in the Lee Valley . Common Scoters were seen at Fairlop (22nd-23rd) and on the Royal Docks (10th) while, three juvenile Garganey (13th) and a Wheatear (21st) in the Ingrebourne were early. Tufted Duck peaked at 2,003 at Walthamstow Reservoir. Highlight of the month was an adult male Hen Harrier that moved through Upshire (23rd) while an Osprey went over the Royal Docks (31st). A couple of Little Gulls were seen and at least 64 Crossbills were reported from the 3rd.

Rainham Marshes: It started with a bang with Paul Hawkins finding a Collared Pratincole on 2nd. This was the first Essex record since 1958 and drew in a good crowd during its four day stay. This was one of 18 species of wader during the month that also involved nine Avocets (including the pair and their two young that bred on the Cleanaway refuse tip!), 31 LRP, six Ruff, Spot Red, several Wood Sands, many Greenshank and up to 34 Blackwit. Little Egrets peaked at a site record of 40. Other highlights included the first Crossbills (4th & 6th) and Nightingale for the reserve (3rd and 13th), four Scoter (27th) several Med Gulls and a Marsh Harrier (18th).

South East Essex: Waders made an early return with good counts of Sanderling, Dunlin and Godwits. Three early Arctic Skuas headed past Southend Pier (20th) while a new county record of 104 Med Gulls was counted along the Seafront on 25th. Tern passage was light with only one Black Tern (17th). A drake Garganey was at Fobbing (17th) and local Long-eared Owls were visible.

Old Hall: A good selection of at least 22 wader species included 45 summer plumaged Spot Reds (2nd), 20 Knot (19th) and a Wood Sand (31st). The usual raptors were around and single Garganey (25th) and Brents (20th) were seen.

Abberton Reservoir: A fairly quiet month with quite a few bird being seen on 12th including Pintail, Little Gull, 26 Common Sand and 24 Greenshank. An early Merlin and Osprey headed through on 22nd while a juvenile Black-necked Grebe appeared on 24th.

Hanningfield Reservoir: Red-crested Pochard broods reached three and by the end of the month 21 birds were present. It was otherwise very quiet with just a few Common and Green Sands and nine Dunlin (15th) to show for any effort.

East and North-East Essex: The Naze was as quiet as you would expect in July but a seawatch just before a big storm on 24th produced 22 Gannet, 60 Scoter, seven Arctic and a single adult Pomarine Skua. Nearby 650 Swift moved through Colne Point on 31st and the local Egret roost reached 70. A Marsh Sandpiper spent the evening on 28 th at Holland Haven. Three Hawfinches were encouragingly seen near Braxted while a Short-eared Owl at Tollesbury (11th) perhaps hinted on local breeding. Across the county a few single Crossbills were reported. Eleven in Rayne (25th) was the only notable count.

A typically quiet month with much breeding activity and little movement. By mid-month the first passage waders were recorded including Grey Plovers, Knot and Whimbrel. An early Wood Sandpiper was at Rainham Marshes (24th-26th) and an impressive 26 Spotted Redshanks were at Old Hall (26th) where there was a Garganey on 5th and two Little Gulls (22nd). Abberton and Hanningfield were quiet and the only Quail reported despite many nationwide were at Rainham and Fobbing Marshes. Yellow-legged Gulls started to enter the thames and an early Black Tern was at Wakering Stairs (11th) while the first of the summers Crossbills were seen on 22nd…….a taste of things to come.

Metropolitan Essex: A quiet month with migrant numbers still feeling low but a few good birds were still found. Fairlop had a good spell with Wood Warbler and Red Kite (2nd) and Sanderling and Whinchat (10th). Another Red Kite was over Harold Hill the day before while going to the polls on 5th produced a high White Stork for one lucky observer. The only passerines of real note were a Pied Fly at Berwick Pond (9th), a fluting Golden Oriole at Holyfield Weir (1st) and the last two remaining Waxwings in Chafford Hundred till 10th.

Rainham Marshes: May is typically a wader month and it did not disappoint with a sprinkling of Whimbrel and Greenshank but only one Bar-tailed Godwit (13th-14th) and two Grey Plover (14th). Two Turnstone and a Knot (14th) and two Sanderling (17th-18th) were noteworthy. Two Sandwich Terns headed upriver (10th) and Marsh Harriers moved through on 8th and 10th. An adult Shag (22nd) was unusually late while Wheatears continued to move through with British as well as Greenland race involved. A Spot Fly (18th) was a good spring record.

South East Essex: Very little of note bar an immature Purple Heron photographed at Fobbing (2nd), White Stork over Benfleet Creek (15th) and a Fulmar off Gunners Park (2nd). The sad loss to egg collectors of all 18 Avocet nests at Two Tree Island hugged the headlines.

Old Hall: Wader passage included al the usual suspects including 2 Wood Sands (14th) and 3 Curlew Sands (7th) but no one expected four Black-winged Stilts to turn up on 11th. They lingered all afternoon before heading off north with two returning on 31st! A White Stork drifted over on 15th (see above) and a Red Kite (5th) added to the spring's total.

Abberton Reservoir: Nothing really to shout about with lingering Whimbrel flocks from April and a smattering of passage Arctic and Black Terns. A Channel Wagtail was seen on17th.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A Kittiwake on 29th was the sole highlight for the month although two broods of Red-crested Pochard were seen.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze pulled in a few brief treats including Golden Oriole, Osprey and two Tree Pipits (1st) and Whinchat, Fieldfare and four Tree Sparrows (15th) but nothing to compare with Languard, visible just across the water! A second Golden O was singing near Wivenhoe while a Dartford Warbler did likewise from Colne Point. The roving White Stork was over Boreham on 7th and at least four more Kites were seen. Holland Haven did quite well with a spring Pectoral Sandpiper (1st), Spoonbill (12th-13th) and Temminck's Stint (21st).

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Three Montagu's Harriers along with a host of Marsh Harriers moved north during the month but no Dotterel were seen on the Dengie. A Spot Fly on 1st was the only noteworthy passerine.

Metropolitan Essex : Spring took a long time getting going but most of the usual migrants had put in an appearance by mid month. Highlights were Garganey, drakes at Sewardstone (20th) and Fairlop (14th); Redstarts at Sewardstone (10th & 11th) and Berwick Pond (17th); Black Redstart, Dagenham (1st); Tree Pipit (5th) and Wood Warbler (30th) both at Weald Park; Grasshopper Warbler, Ingrebourne Valley, (10th); Ring Ouzel, Dagenham Chase (28th) and Whinchat there (29th) and at Fairlop (four on 30th). Unseasonal birds included a Kittiwake at Fairlop (10th); Woodlark, Purfleet (29th) and singing Brambling at Dagenham Chase (15th). As for Waxwings! The Chafford Hundred/Grays/Thurrock flock peaked at 260 (12th) with 100 to 26th and 30 still on 29th. Small flocks were seen elsewhere. Red Kites were seen at Fishers Green (6th), Walthamstow Reservoirs (12th) and Bedfords Park (27th).

Rainham Marshes: Migration was slow but some noteworthy species were seen by the end of the month including two female Marsh Harriers (1st & 24th to 26th); up to four Little Gulls (2nd-6th); drake Garganey (3rd); Arctic Tern (6th) and two very early Little Terns (7th). A sprinkling of Wheatears late on included some Greenlands but there were only two White Wagtails and only a brief Grasshopper Warbler. Wader passage improved from 19th with a few Whimbrel and Greenshank going through while the Blackwit flock dwindled to 14 by 21st. Late winter birds included a Goosander (10th) and a female Merlin (3rd).

South East Essex: A quiet start to the spring with only a dribble of migrants including both redstarts, Nightingale, Ring Ouzel (20th), Tree Pipit (27th) and a very early Spot Fly (11th) in Gunners Park; two Grasshopper Warblers on Two-tree Island; Hobby at Chalkwell (9th); Garganey on Wallasea (from 9th) and at Fobbing (2nd-3rd). A ringtail Montagu's Harrier on Wallasea (26th) and Ospreys over Fobbing (3rd) and Basildon (21st) were the only big BOPs of note. Late Merlins were on Two-tree Island on 4th and Wallasea (18th).

Old Hall: No great surprises although a Green-winged Teal (from 4th-18th) proved elusive along with a pair of Garganey. A late Merlin was seen on 18th.

Abberton Reservoir: Many wintering wildfowl lingered well into April, mixing with summer visitors and between the 16th and 18th it was possible to see all three sawbills, two Slavonian Grebes, two Velvet Scoter and a pair of Garganey! Other highlights included up to 31 Whimbrel from mid-month, Arctic Tern (two on 26th) and Little Gull (24th).

Hanningfield Reservoir: The male Long-tailed Duck was remained till 1st but it was generally quiet with relatively small hirundine passage and no terns bar Commons. A pair of Garganey appeared on 25th and the Water Pipits were last seen on 2nd. Twenty Waxwings were still roosting on 25th.

East and North-East Essex : The Naze was fairly uneventful with a Rough-legged Buzzard (4th) and a couple of Firecrests and Black Redstarts early on followed by a Ring Ouzel (24th) and a Black Kite (30th). Others were seen at Olivers Orchard (2nd), Little Braxted (19th) and Holland Marsh (26th). A Red Kite over Holland-on-Sea (29th) increased the impressive spring total and several late Merlins were seen. Common migrants were quite simply, not! The only birds of real note were a back-garden Hoopoe in Halstead (20th) and nearby Lemarsh (24th)l; a White Stork drifting south from Colne Point (29th) and a Wood Warbler at Cudmore Grove (30 th ).

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Essex's second Short-toed Treecreeper (after the Epping Forest bird of 1975) was located and initially identified on call on 6th and showed well until the 10th. It was a much appreciated early spring highlight in an otherwise quiet month. Other visitors to the site during the STT stay produced Tree Pipit (10th), Nightingale (11th), Nuthatch (15th) and Spot Fly (29th).

Metropolitan Essex: Bitterns continued to be seen in the Lee and Ingrebourne Valleys till mid month but most wintering wildfowl departed in the first week. Twenty Brent Geese near Berwick Pond (20th) were unusual and a Scoter on KGV Res. was the only other winter duck of note. Garganey appeared on 22nd with two pair at Dagenham Chase on 24th. Big BOPs centered around the warm spell mid-month with two Red Kites, several Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier and a Rough-legged Buzzard (Chingford on 19th) all moving through. Waxwings actually became a spring migrant locally with several flocks being reported from the Grays / Ockenden area peaking at 142 on 29th. Most true migrants were later than usual with Wheatear (16th), Black Redstart (8th), Willow Warbler (22nd), Sand Martin 26th, Swallow (18th) and LRP (21st). Several Firecrests were seen and the Dartford Warbler was at West Thurrock Marshes again on (7th).

Rainham Marshes: The cold snap at the start of the month resulted in a year high of 43 Pintail whilst two Mergansers and 36 Brent Geese (20th) and the Glaucous Gull (23rd) reminded us of winter. Waders were impressive over the high tide with two Oystercatcher, 28 Curlew, 150 Blackwit, three Grey Plover and a Turnstone (13th). Two Bearded Tits, two Short-eared Owls and good numbers of Rock and Water Pipits (31 and six) were about all month while summer migrants were scarce with Firecrest (13th), Wheatear 17th and Sand Martin and Swallow (30th). Four Scoter (30th) were another spring indicator while 12 Waxwing through on 13th were a hoped for reserve first.

South East Essex : The area hosted three Ring-billed Gulls during the month with Rossi in attendance as usual till 23rd with a friend on 13th and 27th and another different adult at Barling Tip on 18th. Up to 11 White-fronts remained at Wat Tyler with two till 29th and two Pale-bellied Brents at Fleet Head were joined by a Black Brant on (6th). A Bittern was also seen at Wat Tyler (19-20th) with a Goshawk there on 21st. The Pier was fairly quiet with a Great Northern Diver (8-13th) and two Sandwich terns (17th) being the highlights. The first Wheatear was at Gunners Park on 16th and up to 110 Waxwings periodically appeared in Basildon . A Green Winged Teal was found at Tilbury (12th) with a Glaucous Gull there next day with 704 Avocet and two Little Stints.

Old Hall: The White-front flock lingered till 9th and seven Tundra Beans went through that day. Merlins and Hen and Marsh Harriers continued to be seen with the latter settling down on territory while others migrated through including seven on 18th alone. Avocet peaked at 133 and a Slavonian Grebe visited (9th).

Abberton Reservoir: the Ferruginous Duck lingered till at least 23rd with Smew and Scaup making it through to April. A pair Garganey were found on 24th and the first trickle of hirundines came through from 18th along with a Yellow Wagtail (28th). Short-eared Owl (26th) and Hen Harrier (6th) were good for the site and the Shorelark amazingly stayed all month.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A better month with the continued presence of the Water Pipits and Slavonian Grebe (two on 11th). A Black-necked Grebe was found (11th) and singles of Smew (male on 18th), Scaup (27th) and Garganey (29th) were located. A male Long-tailed Duck was elusive from 18th. Wader passage was slow but there were six avocet (13th) and LRP (19th). The roosting Waxwing flock peaked at 40 on 23rd.

East and North-East Essex: The Tundra Bean Geese and a single White-front remained at Holland Haven till 9th and a Dartford Warbler was seen there again (9th). Twenty-five more White-fronts went over Chelmsford (8th). Elsewhere Hawfinches continued to show in the Braxted Park area and the first migrants were in my mid-month with Wheatears at Holland Haven (17th), Sandwich Tern at Brightlingsea (17th), Sand Martin (16th) and House Martin (26th) both at Ardleigh Reservoir and Black Redstarts and Firecrests at The Naze (21st). The Maldon Black Brant was around till 20th. Buzzards became very obvious when the days warmed up and at least seven Red Kites were reported.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: March highlights included Great Northern Diver, three Merlins and 40 Scoter on 13th, Little Gull (16th) and migrants in the shape of Long-eared Owl and Black Redstart, Firecrest, White Wagtail and Brambling all on19th.

Metropolitan Essex: Bitterns were still being seen in the Lee and Ingrebourne Valleys and a peak of 15 Goosander at Weald Park was notable. The only Smew outside the Lee Valley were at Mollands Lane , Belhus Woods and Connaught Water while the Grange Waters Long-tailed Duck reappeared on 26th. The only Little Egret was at Dagenham Chase (8th) and four Black-necked Grebes could be seen on the Girling. Woodland watching produced several Firecrests and Lesser Spots but only 17 Siskin ( Weald Park , 22nd) and a single Hawfinch on private land at South Weald. The Dartford Warbler at West Thurrock was refound (26th) albeit minus a tail and the same site held up to 31 Avocet and a Jack Snipe. The only Waxwings were two in Hornchurch on 25th.

Rainham Marshes: A good month with some real winter touches. Waders included 26 Avocet (1st), Knot (7th), Ruff (two from 8th), Woodcock (9th), Jack Snipe (18th) and up to 120 Blackwits. An increase in gulls on 9th saw two Med Gulls appear with Iceland on 19th and a Glaucous from 13th to 16th. Both the white-wingers were also seen at nearby Aveley Tip. At least two Caspian Gulls were also found along with a Kittiwake (13th). By month end the Rock and Water Pipits were looking smart and a pair of Bearded Tits were still around. Five Short-eared Owls were on site and a Buzzard flew over (21st).

South East Essex: February was basically a repeat of January with Southend Seafront still hosting Ring-billed Gull, Med Gulls, Purple Sandpiper, up to 12 Snow Buntings and a couple of Shags. Southend Pier held all three divers and many auks including Puffin on 1st. The White-fronted Goose flock at Wat Tyler CP peaked at 26 (11th) and also hosted both Glaucous and Iceland from 1st-3rd with another Glaucous being seen at Barling (17th). A Black Brant was seen at South Fambridge with a Whimbrel nearby (17th). At least 84 Waxwings lingered at Pitsea (till 17th). Hockley Woods proved the place to go to see Hawfinch, Lesser Spot and even Firecrest during the month.

Old Hall: As with many sites it was a fairly static month with nothing of great note bar the continued presence of the White-front flock and overwintering Merlins, Marsh Harriers and Spotted Redshanks.

Abberton Reservoir: Smew peaked at a low five, Goosander eight and Scaup, four. The Shorelark was still around (14th) and a Slavonian Grebe appeared on 15th. Highlight was the adult male Ferruginous Duck (from 23rd). It was not the immature bird seen in January at Chigborough.

Hanningfield Reservoir: A slightly better month with two Little Egret, Water Pipit, Long-eared Owl and Slavonian Grebe around all month and other notables of six Woodcock (21st), Jack Snipe (27th), two Chiffchaff (21st) and 17 brief Waxwings (23rd)..

East and North-East Essex : The Tundra Bean Geese remained at Holland Haven till 9th and a Dartford Warbler was seen there (5th). Salvs at Tollesbury peaked at 16 (13th) and Great Northern Divers were seen here (27th) and off Mersea (21st) when three Little Auks were also seen. Seven Shag were seen at Mistley Quay and others were seen in most estuaries. Snow Buntings continued to commute across the Colne and the Twite flock was still on Mersea. Pintail peaked at 122 at Osea (18th) and 66 Little Egrets came into roost at Lofts Farm (19th). Hawfinches performed well at Braxted Park and up to ten Tree Sparrows at Great Horkesley were a pleasant find.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: Whitefronts seemed to be around all month with various groups of up to 75 being seen while out to sea many Great crested Grebe (up to 150), a Red-necked Grebe (13th) and up to 27 Red-throated Divers were counted. The Snow Buntings were still around the power station and the Dartford Warbler was relocated on 15th.

Metropolitan Essex : It was a quiet start to the year with winter wildfowl being thin on the ground. Up to a dozen Smew inhabited the Lee Valley with others at Belhus and Mollands lane. The trio of Scaup remained at Fairlop till 12th and the male Long-tailed Duck remained at Stubbers OPC. There were no wild geese and single Bewick's (8th) and 10 Whoopers (24th) flew through Walthamstow Reservoirs. The regular Caspian (Royal Docks) and Med Gull (Ilford) persisted through the month. Bitterns became very difficult at the Watchpoint and there was probably more chance of seeing the bird wintering at Berwick ponds. Firecrests and Bramblings were thin on the ground and even the late December influx of thrushes petered out by the 7th while the Northern Bullies and Redpoll flocks lingered. At West Thurrock Marshes 14 Avocet appeared (30th) and 110 Blackwit patrolled the Inner Thames. The only Waxwings were reported briefly in Waltham Abbey and Harold Hill.

Rainham Marshes: The Pink-footed Goose reappeared (2nd) and wildfowl numbers increased slowly to a peak of 800 Wigeon and 39 Pintail (23rd). Merlin and Peregrine were seen but the male Marsh Harrier stole the show from 15th-22nd. Up to three Short-eared Owls could be seen late in the day while Water and Rock Pipit numbers increased to six and 25 respectively. Up to four Beardies were seen occasionally and a Blackcap was found in the Cordite. On the foreshore five Grey Plover returned and small parties of Blackwits were seen. A Jack Snipe was flushed on 26th and up to seven Little Egrets are wintering.

South East Essex: Southend Seafront remained almost the same as December with Rossi the Ring-billed Gull, many Med Gulls, Purple Sandpiper, four Snow Buntings and a couple of Shags. Off the Pier all three divers were seen along with good numbers of auks, Kittiwakes and Great Crested Grebes while at Gunners Park both Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes were reported (28th). The White-fronted Goose flock at Wat Tyler CP was present all month and peaked at 20 (9th). They were joined by a Bewick's Swan on 16th. A Curlew Sand was seen at east Tilbury (16th). Waxwings at Pitsea were popular all month starting with four on 11th and reaching 117 on 20th. This was the only flock in the whole of Essex !

Old Hall: The White-front flock of 41 birds commuted regularly to Bradwell but there were no new arrivals. Spot Reds and Avocet were among the regular waders and a pair of Merlin, Peregrines, four Marsh Harriers and at least two Hen Harriers terrorized the local avifauna. A Velvet Scoter was seen on 22nd and four Scaup appeared on 30th. The Water pipit lingered all month and eight Twite (19th) was the only report for January.

Abberton Reservoir: The Lesser Scaup stayed till 14th and by months end there were eight Greater Scaup on site along with up to nine Smew, 20 Goosander and three Red-crested Pochard. The Bittern showed well in the evenings and the Shorelark was seen again on 28th-31st. Two Shag (23rd) were part of an East Anglian influx and 32 Turnstone on the causeway were regularly coming to bread!

Hanningfield Reservoir: Still strangely quiet with reports of just two Smew, nine Goosander, Black-necked Grebe (30th) and a Little Egret (13th) to tempt visitors.

East and North-East Essex : The only geese left over from the December influx were two Tundra Beans at Holland Haven all month. Snow Buntings reached 31 at Mersea Stone with some 27 Twite and two Lap Bunts (3rd). A Great Northern Diver patrolled the Blackwater and several Shags were reported while Slavs at Rolls Farm peaked at 11 (10th). The Scaup flock at Loft's Farm increased to eight and the Ferruginous Duck reappeared on 15th-16th. Water Pipit and Merlin were wintering at Colne Point and a Turtle Dove was reported from St Osyth.

Bradwell Bird Observatory: The Whitefronts increased to 41 with a further 65 being seen on 5th. Snow Buntings peaked at 31 and the Shorelark popped back (9th only). The usual raptors were seen and the male Dartford Warbler made it to mid-month.

Monthly Essex Roundup