ISSUE NO. 124 | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2014 | £5.00 ESSEXBIRDING

BIRTHDAY6 EDITION 5 th

• of Prey Conference & Wildlife Exhibition update • The Scillies • Future Birdwatching at Abberton • • Coloured rings on BH Gulls • Over at Vange Marsh • Belfairs EWT • Gujarat, India www.ebws.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1142734 EDITORIAL

LESLEY COLLINS

So, our first issue is out and we are still here! It was a more from Paul for a future edition. great moment seeing our efforts actually in print for We went on holiday early in May, staying with the first time, and our first feedback was a lovely relatives in North Cyprus for the first time, and of compliment; ‘the effort that you both have put into course we managed to book a couple of days with a the magazine certainly shows, keep up the good local guide to do some watching! We saw plenty work’. So we will endeavour to do just that. We will of birds, including 21 new ones for us, and my also ensure our contact details are actually listed in relatives enjoyed joining us and learning more about this issue, so that you can let us have any comments the birds they have been watching since they moved or thoughts! out there; maybe I will write our trip up for a future After reading my question asking about your edition of Birding and share it with you. I favourite Essex places to watch birds, I had a message always enjoy reading where others have travelled, so to contact a lovely lady now living in Norfolk. She sent I hope you too enjoy reading about Louise & John’s me a wonderful piece written about her favourite trip to India and John & Diana’s to the Scilly Isles. If place - Tollesbury Wick, I really enjoyed reading it, you have been on an interesting trip why not write and hope you do too, thank you Eileen. about it, email or post it to us, and let us share it. Did you attend the Birds of Prey Conference in We also attended the first Norfolk Bird Fair in May. March? If you did then you too will have enjoyed a very There were a variety of stands to view, plenty of good day with some excellent speakers, a tasty lunch optics to try out and some really good lectures. It was and some great raffle prizes. Were you the lucky one a great venue, held over 2 days and they were very to purchase Richard Allen’s superb watercolour from lucky with the weather. Unfortunately foot fall was our issue 123 cover, unfortunately we were outbid. We not as good as expected and they will be lucky to received some great feedback both on the day and, as break even. There was also a lack of volunteers you will see further in this issue, by email afterwards, which resulted in Rob spending a week in hospital to which made all the hard work worth it. There is an recover. They are planning next year’s event already update by Gerry inside and the article by Richard and I hope that it will fare better for them and that it Stanley, a Kestrel box at Wat Tyler, which will become an annual event for years to come. unfortunately we could not manage to fit into the last Our Society celebrates its 65th birthday at the time edition. I love to see Kestrel’s when we are out and this edition will be going out, and so we thought it about, and try to make sure I record these for the would be interesting to read through the first printed Hawk Conservancy Trust at www.kestrelcount.org. We journal and see what has changed. Our aims and have also included a short article from the Essex goals remain the same and we have selected a few County Ornithological Club Massachusetts (ECOC) of sections to be been reprinted in this issue, we hope their 1st American Kestrel nest success 2013, a you enjoy reading them. We are always looking for topical connection from across the water. ways to encourage new members, and this next year EBwS is not only Indoor meetings and Field trips; it we will be concentrating on a recruitment drive. If you is also Recording and Conservation. The Society has have any ideas of ways forward for the Society that recently donated some money to the North Thames would also encourage new members, then please let Gull Group towards their coloured ringing Black- us know. We get out when we can with our headed Gulls, and Paul Roper has sent through a very membership stand, but any ideas of events for us to interesting report on some of this work. I normally attend in the future would be welcome. leave the ‘facts and figures’ articles for Steve, but I found I really enjoyed reading this and hope we get Happy Birthday Essex Birdwatching Society

FACEBOOK As some you may know we have recently re-launched our Facebook page, it is now updated every day with news, photographs, and sightings. Please take a look on Facebook, type EBwS in the search and that should take you there. Please tick on ‘Like this Page’ and also share any interesting articles on your own timeline, this will help us reach a wider audience. We welcome all comments on the page, and in particular would like any photographs you have taken. If you have any queries of what the bird is, post it up and we will try and help.

WEBSITE We are also trying to keep the website updated with some administration access and the help of Paul Griggs. Please post photos and sightings on there and we will choose the photo of the month. There are regular updates on ‘The Society – Society News’ page and next season’s meetings are now listed.

2 SUMMER/AUTUMN 2014

Editorial Belfairs Woodland Centre Lesley Collins...... 2 Greg Borgartz...... 21 Chairman’s Watchpoint Pioneers in Ornithology Gerry Johnson ...... 4 John Sykes ...... 22 News & Information...... 5 Wildlife of Gujarat ‘Birds of Prey’ Conference Louise and John Sykes ...... 22-25 & Wildlife Exhibition Recent Indoor Meetings Gerry Johnson ...... 6-7 Gerry Johnson ...... 28 A Kestrel Box at Wat Tyler Recent Outdoor Meetings...... 30 Country Park Meetings Programme: Richard Stanley ...... 8 Summer/Autumn 2014 ...... 35 Compliments and Comments Recent Reports & Bird News ...... 36 following BOP Conference ...... 8 Birding in the Scilly Isles David Wimpress ...... 36 John & Diana Camp...... 9-11 Food for Though article Graham Smith ...... 40 follow up...... 11 Foulness Future Birdwatching at Dr. Chris Lewis ...... 42 Abberton Reservoir Gerry Johnson ...... 12 David Acfield ...... 43 The Osprey Langdon Hills & Thameside Tony Boniface ...... 12 Nature Park Analysis of Colour Ringed Andrew Cox ...... 44 Black-headed Gulls from Metropolitan Area Pitsea Landfill Site Essex Howard Vaughan...... 47 Paul Roper ...... 13 Mersea Island 1st American Kestrel Steve Entwistle ...... 48 Nest Success 2013 North-East Essex Essex County Ornithological Club...... 15 Dr. Simon Cox ...... 50 CONTENTS Tollesbury Wick Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve Eileen Mclernon ...... 16 Howard Vaughan...... 51 EBwS Archivist Southend Area Terry Jeffreys ...... 16 Paul Baker ...... 52 Over at Vange Marsh Wat Tyler Reserve and Terry Jeffreys ...... 17-20 Vange Marshes Steve Baines Updates Andrew Cox ...... 56 Steve Collins ...... 20

Please note that opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Society, Trustees, Officers or Executive Committee. Printer Healeys Print Group, Unit 10, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AP Tel: (01473) 461122 Fax: (01473) 464154 email: [email protected] www.healeys-printers.co.uk Publisher The Essex Birdwatching Society Front Cover illustration: Black-headed Gull by Sam Shippey Society logo: Barge and Brent skien by Richard Hull Editor details: Steve & Lesley Collins, 37 Springham Drive, , CO4 5FN Tel: 07733 003048 (after 7pm) Email: [email protected]

3 Leighs, the Chignall areas. If you think that you know of any sites that may be suitable HAIRMAN’ please let Secretary Louise and John Sykes WATCHPOINT know such that arrangements can be made C S to have them surveyed, permission obtained BY GERRY JOHNSON – CHAIRMAN from the landowner or farmer and then have nest boxes erected in time for next season. Following our success in 2013 the Society The ‘Birds of Prey’ Conference & Wildlife again nominated and has been short-listed for Exhibition held at the Writtle College’s the ‘Heart of Essex 2014’ awards to help further with Northumberland Lecture Theatre, on 22nd March this Kestrel conservation for even more nest boxes. was well supported by over 100 members and guests. Details of how to vote were on the website, on social The excellent speakers, covering many different media and displayed at many reserves, etc. around the subjects about Raptors, were very interesting and county and trust that you voted as many times as you well received in this modern and comfortable wish for the Society. Needless to say the greater theatre. I wish to express my thanks to Jo Hasnip number of votes you cast the better chance we have of from Writtle College for all the assistance received in winning! We will let you know the results in due course organising this Event; to the caters for the lunch and once disclosed by the organisers in early August. refreshments; the sponsors for their support; the Congratulations to Editor Graham Smith and his Committee members that worked tirelessly and the Team of dedicated sub-editors for recently producing members that helped on the day to make it the The ‘Essex Bird Report 2011’. This is never an easy fantastic success it was. task with so many records to be ‘checked’ by the In conjunction with Steve Baines, who has been Senior Recorder Les Steward, Recorders Terry making Kestrel nest boxes and erecting them around Jeffreys and Mick Tracy, plus others whose names Essex for many years, we can now produce even are unknown to me personally, but thank you. It is more and achieve a greater distribution along with another first class Report covering everything the subsequent expected increase in Kestrel broods. Ornithological in Essex from the verified data as A Kestrel nest box has already been installed in the received for 2011. This ‘Team’ has already made a Writtle College grounds, which has been monitored start on the 2012 Report. by some of the conservation management students Following the AGM in March I was approached by and lectures. I am pleased to report that this box Terry Jeffreys offering to become the Society’s along with other earlier installed nest boxes have had ‘Archivist’. This is a position previously considered by good clutches of eggs and subsequently fledged the Executive Committee, but never had the around 50 young Kestrels, so things are looking very opportunity to pursue through lack of a volunteer. We positive. But more sites are required especially therefore welcome Terry onto the Committee in this around the Chelmsford area, in Stock, Galleywood, role with a blank canvas to start the process of Broomfield, Great & Little Waltham, Great & Little logging the collection of Society hard copy documents going back to 1949. If you have anything appertaining to the early days of the Society (especially a hard copy of the very first Report in 1949) or even more recently and do not know what to do with them, please contact Terry on [email protected] Editors Lesley and Stephen Collins have produced their second excellent issue of our Journal, full of interesting articles, information, reports and quality art work. In every issue of ‘Essex Birding’ I make an appeal and challenge more members to help fill the continued vacant positions on the Executive Committee. This issue is no exception and I make no apology for this in order to enable the Society to thrive. Not wishing to labour the point, but the successes as reported can only be achieved with volunteers help. So why not take up the opportunity just as Lesley Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949 and Steve have?

4 NEWS & INFORMATION

Bird Report Feedback Heart of Essex Awards Dear All, We have again been I must congratulate the team shortlisted for the Heart involved with the current Essex Bird of Essex awards, this Report. It is great to see the latest time for our Kestrel one published and fine publication. Conservation. Unfortunately I have been credited Please remember to with the Alpine Swift at Rainham, vote as many times which I did not see or submit. I have as you can, and ask notified the editor. Happy hunting. everyone you know to do so too!! David Darrell-Lambert, Director, Bird Brain UK Limited North Wales Wildlife Trust Cumbria Cottage Offer North Wales Wildlife Dear Lesley and Stephen, Trust is starting a I wonder if you might be able to help programme of activities me. We are RSPB and Cumbria Bird with a company called Club members and we also own and Celticos. Kate and Geoff Gibbs did a We have a number of old Bird manage an award winning (for short guided walk for about 50 Reports, for most years from 1980 Conservation and Wildlife) dairy farm Celticos clients from southern onwards, available for £2.00 plus and holiday cottages in Cumbria. We England spending the BH weekend in postage and packing – please contact also strive to be as Green and Eco- North Wales. Celticos have a minibus [email protected] friendly as we possibly can and have for 8 clients, but could use another recently won a Gold Award from vehicle as well. We would also like to receive old Green Tourism. Would EBS members would be birding/wildlife books that we could We have had several people stay interested in a similar thing? sell on Amazon or EBay for the benefit in our holiday cottages on our farm, Birdwatching in May concentrating of the Society – please contact who have been members of Bird on seabirds (Anglesey) and woodland [email protected] watching and Naturalists Societies birds, Pied Flycatchers, Ring Ouzel, and have recommended us to their Dipper etc. It would be a Society Subscriptions groups as a great place to stay for NWWT/Celticos event, Celticos would Members are reminded that the those interested in bird and wildlife make the arrangements and Geoff annual subscriptions, just £16.00 for and how conservation can prosper would lead. Participants could go up individual members and £4.00 for on a working farm. by train (Virgin very quick to juniors, are due on 1st January. We would like to offer your Bangor) or drive up. Please remember to ‘Gift-Aid’. Thank members a 10% discount off the If there is enough interest then you for your support. cost of booking either The Old Bothy Geoff would ask Celticos to work up (sleeps 4), or The Old Grainstore a price for a group of between 7-12 Vacancies (sleeps 6) for either a short break (3 people with 2 full days in the field. It is very pleasing to see that there nights) or longer. Please check out There is a small hotel in are more new members volunteering our website – Llanfairfechan which could be used. to take positions on the Executive http://www.redhallcottages.co.uk Please let Gerry Johnson or John Committee to help with the running (please remember to mention The & Louise Sykes know if you are of Society business. However, there Essex Birdwatching Society if you interested. are still a number of important wish to take up this offer). positions vacant and we are looking Notices from the Editor for more members to assist. Age and Kind Regards Joanne and Martin Baird Wanted – Old Essex Bird Reports for experience is totally irrelevant! If you Red Hall Farm Holiday Cottages, Red the following years – 1949/50, 1954 can spare a little time and would like Hall, Red Dial, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 to 1962 inclusive, please contact to become involved please contact 8NX. Tel: 01697 342249 Steve Collins – the Secretary on 01245 355132 Email: [email protected] [email protected] (after 19:00).

5 ‘Birds of Prey’ Conference & Wildlife Exhibition – 22nd March 2014

GERRY JOHNSON

The Society organised their second conservation they cover, and reasons for their sudden fall in conference, in aid of Kestrel Conservation, at the numbers, mainly due to the cheap production and splendid Northumberland lecture theatre of Writtle vast use of chemicals, were comprehensively College. This is a very modern facility with explained. If you did not know much about South comfortable tiered seating and a superb sound Asian Vultures before the lecture you certainly did by system. Over 100 members and guests registered for the time Graham had finished. Subsequent questions the full days’ programme of lectures, covering many were raised in the additional allocated time, which different aspects about birds of prey from around the was provided to engage the delegates, and it was world by eminent speakers. clear that Graham’s enthusiastic lecture could have The lively opening lecture was by British continued, probably all morning if permitted, as he Naturalists’ Association Chairman Roger Tabor about enjoyed the interaction with the audience. “The Kestrel”, and depicted the Kestrels success Next it was Adam Rowlands, RSPB Senior Site through the 1950’s and 1960’s along with possible manager North Suffolk Coast Reserves, speaking reasons for their more recent decline. One important about the “Marsh Harrier Conservation in the UK”. point made was that all species are dependent on Many will have visited the Minsmere Reserve on each other, and when food is scarce top predators, many occasions and seen the Marsh Harriers like the Kestrel, suffer very badly. regularly quartering over the vast reed beds. Adam Society President Margaret Mitchell and Vice took us back to the early days, when Marsh Harriers President Dr Simon Cox took over from Gerry were extremely rare and only through the dedicated Johnson and chaired the morning and afternoon work, carried out by the RSPB staff and volunteers at sessions respectively, making sure that the very Minsmere and at other UK sites, is it possible for us to knowledgeable and passionate speakers did not over see the success of their labours today. It was clear run their allotted time. that there is still much to be done for the Hen Harrier. Graham Ekins, photographer naturalist and The extended lunch break, with light lunch ecologist, continued the trend for the day with a included as part of the event, provided the ideal stunning lecture entitled “Identification, Biology opportunity to ask further questions with the speakers and Conservation of South Asian Vultures”. A and view the stands of the Wildlife Exhibition in the selection of top quality photographs, along with foyer area of the theatre. This area was just ‘buzzing’ precise details of the Vultures plight, was explained to with the delegate’s enjoying the array of splendid the attentive audience. Photographs of the various photographs and interesting displays. To mention a Vultures found in Asia, the vast geographical range couple, the large photographic display by John Sykes was particularly striking with the ‘traffic-light’ indication depicting various aspects of our wildlife species; those which are a success and doing well, those which are stable and coping, and those which are declining and require urgent assistance. There was a ‘special’ Kestrel nest box and a collection of Steve Baines photographs, showing a Kestrel nest box installation then following its progress to a clutch of young Kestrels ready to fledge. The success of Richard Stanley’s Kestrel nest box at Wat Tyler also featured, please read more about this nest box in Richard’s article in this issue. The Wildlife Exhibition was ‘free’ for anyone to enter and were pleased to welcome exhibitors in alphabetical

6 order; British Naturalists’ Association displaying Green Woodpecker nest with photographs by David Wymark; British Trust for Ornithology displaying the considerable amount of data recording undertaken; Essex Birdwatching Society with a Steve Baines Kestrel nest box; Essex Field Club and their county flora and fauna data monitoring; from Abberton Reservoir; Raptor Foundation with examples of their treatment and rehabilitation of injured species and Swallow Birding with their excellent value day trips and longer holidays. There was something for everybody of all ages with an interest in wildlife. Simon Dudhill from the Raptor Foundation very kindly donated five purpose built Kestrel nest boxes for use with this conservation project. The Society is very grateful for this very generous contribution. The afternoon commenced with Colin Shawyer The Society would like to thank all the excellent from the Barn Owl Conservation Network Founder speakers, some who had travelled long distances, and Co-ordinator – UK and Ireland, delivered a and in one case at short notice, to be with us; the splendid presentation “Bringing Barn Owls back session Chair’s for maintaining the time table; our from the Brink”. During the latter part of twentieth hosts Writtle College and their caters for the Century, Barn Owl numbers declined to a level refreshments and lunch. Crouch Brothers (Metal approaching extinction in some areas. However, Fabrications) Ltd Harold Hill, RSPB Norwich and through dedicated conservation, this trend has been WEG Electric Motors Ltd Redditch, for their reversed. The erection of many large triangular Barn sponsorship. Also thanks to Scruffs K9 Dog Owl nesting boxes played a significant part in this Grooming Chelmsford and Perrywood Nursery & reversal. During the subsequent monitoring of these Garden Centre Tiptree, for their support. Thanks to nest boxes it was not uncommon to find Barn Owl all the local retailers and Publishing Houses for and Kestrel using the same nest box at the same time! donating many of the raffle prizes; to Richard Allen Next we welcomed back a good friend of the for donating the splendid original water colour Society, Simon Tonkin RSPB Senior Farmland artwork of a Kestrel for the silent auction, won by Conservation Officer, now working in partnership Paul Stammers (see cover of Essex Birding issue with Conservation Grade. Many will remember 123). Not forgetting the six other members of the sub- Simon from the Conference held at Stow Maries group of the Executive Committee for all their Aerodrome back in September 2012 in aid of Turtle dedication and hard work to organise the Conference Dove conservation. Simon provided a very and Wildlife Exhibition. It is very much appreciated. informative lecture covering “Pioneers of Migration From my personal point of view, I was very excited in the Straits of Gibraltar”. The 12km wide Straits of as the day approached, which in the end was a Gibraltar is where many raptor species cross from fantastic and total success. The Delegates had been Europe into Africa, on an annual basis, in the autumn delivered considerable amounts of valuable and returning in spring. Dedicated observers spend information, in very interesting ways by the eminent days monitoring and recording this progress. speakers, in the most pleasant of surroundings. The The day’s selection of first class and varied lectures Society’s objective, to raise important funds for concluded with Paul Stammers Senior Officer Kestrel Conservation, has been achieved. Rutland Water Reservoir Osprey Reintroduction By engaging with farmers and landowners, we will Scheme, telling us all about the “Reintroduction of install Kestrel nest boxes across Essex to replace the the Osprey to Rutland Water”. Until half way through lost mature trees traditionally used as nesting sites. the last Century Ospreys had not breed in the UK for These quality and well engineered boxes will last for many years. Following the success in Scotland a years and be used to raise many broods, some reintroduction programme was started at Rutland possibly with Barn Owls as close neighbours? The Water. Paul became surrogate ‘Mum’ to young ultimate success will be measured when we see the Ospreys being fed pieces of trout via a plastic drain broods fledge and see Kestrel numbers increasing pipe in readiness for their release. Following the again, from the recent 70% decline. If you know of a moderate success in the early days, more mature possible site that might be suitable to erect a Kestrel Ospreys are now returning to the Rutland Water area nest box please contact the Secretary John Sykes at and raising increasing numbers of young. With [email protected] or me at today’s modern technology, Osprey are constantly [email protected] with details, so they can monitored and tracked on migration to the west coast be followed up. of Africa, with some flying over the Straits of Gibraltar. For further information and updates about the Vital information is being collated to continue with Kestrel Conservation Project in Essex please go to the this important and rewarding conservation. Society’s website WWW.EBwS.ORG.UK

7 A Kestrel Box at Wat Tyler Country Park

RICHARD STANLEY

In 2006 I had the idea of putting up a Kestrel box on the and in that old tip, opposite Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea Essex. particular year the The Country Park is separated by Timberlands Creek ringers rung the and the old tip. Around the perimeter path of Wat Tyler young. In 2012 we there are two hides and I thought this area would be a had two young good place to locate the Kestrel box. Before I started and luckily again anything I sought permission from Steve Prewer, the in 2013 there were five young. So far, in the five years Parks Manager, and he gave me the go ahead. the box has been up, we have had 19 young raised. I put a lot of thought into how I was going to be put I regularly sat watching the birds of an evening this together. I asked around for people to help me feeding; it seemed that when food was plentiful the make nest boxes, and a few people did. Once the more young they had. At best it was eight feeds in two box was made I had to decide how to mount it. I hours. People reported to me what they saw being fed; purchased 2 x 4 metre 45ml scaffold poles and some frogs, field mice voles and even a small bird. It was 50ml gas pipe. I started by cutting the gas pipe into often said that the birds paid a lot of attention to the box metre lengths and flattening one end, these were and then disappeared. On listening to Springwatch this then placed well into the ground. The scaffold pole year I heard it said that the female lays low in the nest was then fitted in the gas pipe, making it sturdy for box whilst laying her eggs and goes through a moult. the Kestrel box to be fitted on the top. Once it was all Unfortunately, in the November 2013 gales, the nest put together, the nest box from the hide looked great. box blew down. It will be up again ready for the next In March 2007 the box was up and the inside filled spring, hopefully for more young. with wood chips. We then just watched and waited. It was good to hear and see so much interest In 2009 a Kestrel paid some interest in the box and shown in the Kestrels, and many good comments successfully raised three young and it went on from came from these. A big thank you to all those that there. In 2010 there were four young, 2011 five young helped with the project, you know who you are! Compliments and Comments following BOP Conference

Hi Gerry, such a great day, we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect Congratulations to you and to everyone who made of it. We think that you have set the bar very high for the conference such a success. Please pass on my any future events! congratulations and thanks to everyone involved. I think that all the speakers were excellent, as were Marilyn & Mark Bridges their power-point presentations, and the displays in the foyer attracted a lot of interest. I heard nothing Taken from Facebook – but favourable comments. What a good place that is Just back from the Essex Birdwatching Society’s to have events. Birds of Prey Conference, brilliant idea by Mr Vargas before he departed to Greece and excellently carried Margaret Mitchell though by the EBwS team, good to see so many there supporting, excellent speakers and great Hi Gerry, facilities at Writtle. Just a note to say how much I enjoyed today’s conference. Every aspect of it was excellent. Hi John and Louise, Congratulations to you and the team. Many thanks for inviting us along yesterday. Thoroughly Roy Ledgerton enjoyed the day, and had some good conversations with different people. Well worth our visit. I have Hi Gerry, spoken with my hawk and owl trust colleague. We Just a quick email to say thank you very much to you have 2 kestrel boxes already made, and he will make and the team for all your hard work in organising another 3 over the coming few weeks. Will be in

8 touch again soon to sort out delivery. We are happy attended along with other participants that I met for you to use them as and where you feel is best. there on that day. Simon Dudhill (Cambridgeshire Raptor Foundation) John Smart

Dear Gerry, Hi Gerry, It was a very well organised event and was exceedingly I really enjoyed the talks at Writtle College. An well received by all I spoke to. That is a great accolade excellent event. It was great value for money. to you and your team. You can now relax a little! Mike Logan-Wood Graham Ekins Hi Gerry, Hi Gerry, Yes, of course you can mention a quote from me. ‘I Many thanks to you and your EBS team for not only think that the work that the EBwS are doing with organizing a cracking set of lectures but also for Kestrel conservation is amazing. Long may that looking after us all so well. Some of the lectures had success continue!’ “cutting edge” stuff in them and could not be more David Lindo (www.theurbanbirder.com) up to date. The venue was perfection itself. I know I also express the sentiments of my colleagues who

Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949 Birding in the Scilly Isles

JOHN & DIANA CAMP (PHOTOS BY JOHN CAMP)

We will say from the start that we did not see many rare species. Those that were present were elusive and others had not arrived at the time of our visit 5th – 16th October 2013. We were part of a small group organised by Island Holidays and lead by Will Wagstaff, a local birder and naturalist. However, we did get a respectable list of 79 species of birds, plus a number of moths and butterflies and some interesting flora. We chose to arrive by the ferry “Scillonian” from Penzance, as the luggage allowance was more Curlew generous than the fixed wing Skybus aircraft operating from Newquay Airport. It was a smooth outward passage and we had a number of seabirds including opportunity to visit Juliet’s Garden Tea Room Gannet, Cormorant, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill, overlooking the bay and were mobbed by a flock of Kittiwake, and Meadow Pipit. We also had three House Sparrows. On the return we visited the remains Harbour Porpoise and Bottle Nose Dolphins alongside of “Harry’s Walls”, an unfinished artillery fort the boat, leaping clear out of the water. Our afternoon constructed in the reign of Henry VIII commanding a was free as we awaited the arrival of the rest of the view of the bay and harbour. After meeting the rest of group by Skybus. It was a warm afternoon and we our group, and enjoying an excellent evening meal, we decided to take a long walk around the beach from St joined Will Wagstaff for his regular Saturday night Marys to Porthloo. The shoreline yielded “Wildlife of Scilly Slideshow” which helped set the Oystercatcher, Starling, Herring Gull, Black-tailed scene for our week on the islands. Godwit, Grey Heron and Carrion Crow. Overhead we Our first full day was Sunday 6th October which had a pair of Kestrel and House Martins and in the turned out to be another warm and sunny day, ideal for coastal scrub White Wagtail, Song Thrush, Stonechat, a short boat trip to Tresco. On landing we sighted a Wren, and House Sparrow. There were also a number Wheatear by the quay before we made for the south of Speckled Wood, Clouded Yellow, Small Cooper, beaches where there were Teal, Pintail and Mallard. Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. We took the Moving inland to the Abbey Pool we spotted a mix of

9 boat trip around many of the uninhabited islands. This yielded an immature Common Gull, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Black- headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Shag, Rock Pipit, Sanderling and Mediterranean Gull. A Common Buzzard and a female Sparrowhawk were surprise finds over the uninhabited island of Tean and three female Scoters were nearby. Passing around the northern end of Tresco the sea was a bit choppy, but here we had a good number of Gannets and, passing through to the calm of the Tresco Channel, we spotted Golden Pheasant the expected groups of Little Egret and Grey Heron. The afternoon was free so we decided to head north along the coast, passing Porthloo Beach and rounding gulls including Lesser Black-backed and then moving Carn Morval Point, where a number of birdwatchers on to the nearby Great Pool we added Gadwall more were patiently waiting for a Ring Ouzel to appear - it Teal and heard a Water Rail in the reeds. We heard never did that day. We had a number of Great Black- Goldcrest as we walked along the Abbey Drive towards backed Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Oystercatcher, the far end of the Great Pool, where there were Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and Carrion Crow. We Redshank and Greenshank. In the distance a ended up at our target of the remains of Romano - Peregrine was being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk. Two British Halangy Village overlooked by Bant’s Carn Whinchats were on the fence at the far end of the Pool Bronze Age burial chamber. Rounding the headland and, as we adjourned for lunch, we had the surprising on our return walk we had a close up view of a sight of an Arctic Tern flying over New Grimsby. The Peregrine Falcon flying by. island also yielded many migrant Robins, Song Thrush, five Linnets, Great and Blue Tits, Wood Pigeon and a Buzzard. On the return boat trip we saw a number of Little Egrets, Grey Herons and two Arctic Terns. The next day was another warm and sunny one as we visited Bryher Island, and shortly after landing we saw our first Swallow plus a brief glimpse of the resident Hooded Crow. We were fortunate to see a male Grey Bush Cricket near Rushy Bay, as this is the only place in the Islands where they are found. We also spotted a Clouded Yellow butterfly. In Great Porth we had two Little Stint, Dunlin, and Ringed Plover. After lunch we headed for the North end of the island and spotted more Wheatear, Dunlin, Little Stint, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Blackbird. The warm Turnstone sunshine had brought out a number of Small Copper butterflies. We also enjoyed good views of more We spent Thursday walking St Marys and the day Wheatears and Meadow Pipits. Red-backed Shrike was much cooler. We started on the beaches at Hugh and Rose-coloured Starling had been reported but we Town where a group of Sandwich Terns were roosting did not, unfortunately, see either. On the return boat off shore and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew trip we had Little Egret and a few Sandwich Terns, over. Stopping at “Harry’s Walls” where it was more whilst a Whimbrel flew overhead calling. sheltered and warmer, we sighted a Redwing and lots Tuesday was a cooler overcast day which we spent of Speckled Wood and Red Admiral butterflies. At on St. Agnes. We spent the morning around the Porthloo Beach Oystercatchers were busy probing the beaches and pool on the western side of the island sand for sand flies with their long bills and on an off- where we saw Ringed Plover, Curlew, White shore islet there was a Whimbrel along with Curlews Wagtail, Oystercatchers, Rock Pipit, Common Snipe and Grey Heron. Before turning inland we had and a Peregrine. Wandering along the more sheltered Greenfinch and Rock Pipit. The top end of the Lower roads we had good views of Willow Warbler, Moors Trail found us listening to a calling Yellow- Chiffchaff and heard two Reed Warblers. During the browed Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and afternoon we went to the sheltered beach of Cove Chiffchaff. At the first screen we had a good view of Vean where we enjoyed good views of a Yellow Gadwall and Mallard but the Jack Snipe eluded us. Browed Warbler flitting about the sycamores as well After lunch in Old Town, which we shared with a flock as Cormorant, Shag and Gannet. Reaching the cafe of House Sparrows, we spotted two Greenshanks in we had a brief view of the immature Rose-coloured the bay. Walking up a road we spotted a Convolvulus Starling. Today’s butterflies included Red Admiral Hawk Moth flying over the fields of winter daffodils. A and Speckled Wood. The return trip back to the boat House Martin flitted over the pines where a Kestrel revealed an immature Mediterranean Gull. Back at perched for a while. A few more Swallows flew above St Marys there was a resident group of some 40 plus as we walked the Higher Moors Trail to Porth Hellick Turnstones and nearby Goldfinch, Starling, Song Pool, which was frequented by Clouded Yellow and Thrush and Sandwich Tern. That evening there was Peacock butterflies. The Pool yielded a small group of a brilliant sunset over the harbour. Teal and on the beach nearby were four Greenshank On Wednesday morning we had a “Seabird Special” and some Ringed Plover as well as Herring Gull,

10 Gannet and Carrion Crow. At the airport were Golden enjoy. Walking along the beach and around the town we Plover, Wheatear, Blackbird, Starling, and had House Sparrow, Starling, Great Black-backed Greenfinch. On the shore a Snipe flew over whilst Gull, Robin, Rock Pipit, Shag, Black-headed Gull, Gannets were offshore. As we headed back to our Gannet fishing, and Grey Seal offshore. We spent some hotel we had a look at the Bronze Age burial chamber time in the Islands museum, which was well worth a at Buzza Hill and admired the view over Hugh Town. visit with recent displays of the ancient shipwrecks Friday was our last full day on the Islands and we around the islands. Finally we had a good walk around headed back to Tresco where we enjoyed shelter from the Garrison, whose heights afforded good views of the the cooling wind. We first walked along the Pool Road islands and the harbour. All too soon it was time to where, from one of the hides, we saw a female embark for the return crossing to Penzance, waved off Garganey amongst Teal and Mallard. As we by our guide Will Wagstaff. The voyage was choppier wandered along the track to the east end of the Great than the outbound voyage but we did see Shag, a group Pool we heard Goldcrest and six House Martins flew of Gannets feeding, Herring Gull and Great Black- overhead. At the far end of the Pool was an adult backed Gull. The final bird was a Balearic Shearwater Common Gull along with our first Widgeon. Coot and flying parallel to the Cornish coast as dusk fell. Moorhen were also present. We had a good sighting of We really enjoyed our time in the Scilly Isles and its Merlin, possibly attracted by the Migrant Hawker delightful scenery and excellent birds and may return Dragonfly. The shelter encouraged more Clouded someday. We can thoroughly recommend Island Yellow and Red Admiral butterflies to become active. Holidays (www.islandholidays.co.uk) and our very Lunching in the Tresco Gardens we saw one of the knowledgeable guide Will Wagstaff newly introduced Red Squirrels, whilst they may thrive (www.islandwildlifetours.co.uk) here in the absence of the Grey Squirrels their introduction is questionable, as they will undoubtedly predate birds and their young already harassed by the rat population. The gardens were patrolled by Golden Pheasants. The sheltered environment yielded more Clouded Yellow butterflies along with our first Comma. Walking back to the landing stage we saw Great Black- backed Gull, Whimbrel, Stonechat, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Herring Gull and Grey Heron. Back on St Marys our final birds of the day were two Turnstones. We had said our farewells to the rest of the Group the previous evening as they had an early flight to catch and, as we had a late afternoon sailing, Saturday was ours to Bottle Nosed Dolphin Food for Thought article follow up

Hi Gerry. Interested to read in Essex Birding about your survey Just read your article in Essex Birding. I use tubs of 50 into fat bird food products. At the moment I am using fat balls so nice and cheap – £5. All I can say is that our fat balls from *** and I noticed that they have a list of House Sparrows love them! We don’t get many tits in ingredients on the container. It lists protein as 10%, the garden but if we do they often feed on the fat balls, crude fibre 8%, oils and fats 20%, crude ash 17% and also occasional Robin and Starling. I use a hanging moisture 9%. This adds up to 64%, no mention of feeder and can get usually get four inside it, after what the remaining 36% might be. In 2 of the balls removing the plastic netting. I would say I usually have used so far I have found pieces of plastic netting, of to replace them each week in the winter months. the type used to enclose some makes of fat balls, embedded in the ball. What is “crude ash”? doesn’t Regards, M O sound like a food product. If I melt one down, how can I distinguish between fat and tallow? Would I’m just responding to Gerry’s article about fat balls in appreciate any guidance you could give on this. Essex Birding. We’ve had virtually no success with our latest bag of fat balls so were interested to follow up Best regards, T L the article. We did melt a fat ball down and as you can see in the (poor quality!) attached photo they don’t contain very much. The fat didn’t seem to exist at all We tried to contact Ann Scott to try and get some and there is a lot of ‘filler’ (which may have absorbed response from her regarding this feedback; the fat). The majority is wheat seed with a small unfortunately we did not manage to contact her. amount of black sunflower seed and a few bits of peanut, the whole looks pretty poor quality. I hope that this is useful, it will be interesting to see what other people find, I don’t think that ours look very appetising! All the best, M B

11 Future Birdwatching at Abberton Reservoir

GERRY JOHNSON

Following a meeting attended by the Society (EBwS) have the permit revoked. There were also other with Essex & Suffolk Water Company (ESW) and other interested parties suggesting that they could interested parties, it was confirmed that WeBS counts administer future permits, all of which will be have been carried out during the period of major considered by ESW to establish who might be best construction at Abberton Reservoir. As access to the placed to undertake the permit administration. site by bird watchers becomes possible and increases A list of areas where observers would need access in the future, ESW would like these WeBS counts to be in the future will be provided to ESW by local and carried out by EBwS members, as on other ESW sites. regular users of the site. ESW advised that a permit It was confirmed that EBwS wish to continue to be system might not be in place for a few years, due to involved with future WeBS counts, but this can only be the water level now rising and it is not known how achieved with our member’s co-operation that the Special Protection Area (SPA) citation species, or volunteer to undertake these counts on the required indeed their food source, will respond to this. The regular basis. It is envisaged that 3 or 4 teams of site is now entering into a very delicate period, where counters would be needed to cover the main no one knows how the site will react and develop. reservoir, plus the western and central sections, which ESW is doing everything possible to maintain and would also need to be covered and counted. If you encourage plant growth, but an SPA has not been wish to be included for one of these teams of counters changed in this way before so there is no precedent to please contact the EBwS Secretary with your details. refer back to. Therefore ESW has agreed with NE that all Discussions regarding the old permit system and potentially disturbing activities such as fishing and bird whether or not permits would be required in future watching will not be re-introduced to the site until such were expressed. It was subsequently agreed that time as there is evidence that the water level raising has permits will be necessary because counters will want been done in a way that the SPA status is not affected. and need to have access to areas that are not public It is acknowledged and noted that there is currently rights of way. Without an agreed permit system in some trespass at the site from different interested place anyone accessing a non-public part of the site groups and individuals. This could jeopardise this would be trespassing! Permits will not be issued in important SPA status which cannot be tolerated by the same way as in the past, but will have to be ESW, therefore security patrols will be increased to agreed with both ESW and Natural England (NE). In minimise this. All EBwS members are requested to view of this permits may be administered directly by respect this decision and the robust measures that ESW and anyone not returning regular records would are now in place to enforce the security of the site.

Osprey by The Osprey George Brown

TONI BONIFACE

Now, firmly on my mind embossed When they profit from From all the images I have lost the tourists’ wish. I remember an osprey diving, Memory from the past surviving. Ospreys deserve our admiration Not targets for extermination. They overwinter in Senegal Their ability to navigate In spring they are able to recall Our own bodies cannot replicate. Their nest-site in a far location That terminates a long migration. I am sure this raptor understands The reason it flies to distant lands, It is possible that they’ve been shot, But human minds are too pretentious We can only hope that they were not, To recognise this bird is conscious. And so we wait for their arrival To celebrate our birds’ survival. We must decide on conservation Devote more time to education. Although ospreys face another threat The osprey kills for food not pleasure If entangled in a fishing net A bird we all should truly treasure. Wise fishermen learn to share their fish

12 Analysis of Colour Ringed Black-headed Gulls from Pitsea Landfill Site Essex

PAUL ROPER, NORTH THAMES GULL GROUP

Introduction The North Thames Gull Group (and previously the Basildon Ringing Group) has been catching gulls at Pitsea landfill site since 1984. The method of catching used is cannon netting which requires a team of ringers to deal with some potentially large catches of birds which can be made using this method. Catches of 300 to 400 birds are not unusual so a skilled team is required to process the catch. Birds are marked with a single unique metal ring and the information returned to the central database held by the British Trust for Ornithology. NTGG are currently in a position after 30 years of operating on the Pitsea Landfill Site where recent changes in legislation in the UK mean that landfill sites Photo Fred Visscher will very soon disappear from the UK. Whilst this is an environmentally good thing to do there may very well Results be implications for the gull populations using these Of the 60 June ringed birds there have been four re sites as winter feeding areas or migration staging sightings. Both 2CCD and 2CBR had a colour ring points. The NTGG are keen to understand what will added on retraping in June 2013. Two were sighted at actually happen to these populations of gulls when this Beddington in the winter period and almost certainly happens so have embarked on a programme of winter in the UK. The final bird was sighted in the marking birds with colour rings since 2008. Colour winter period in Portugal. Often first year birds will rings give a much better return on your effort and also wander and it is not unusual for birds to be found in allow identification of individual birds in the field Iberia. This adult shows that adults can also make this rather than waiting for a dead bird which is often the movement and winter much further south. It would final outcome of metal ringed birds. Colour rings also be interesting to know but we suspect from the June give multiple sightings and longer life histories unlike trapping date that this bird probably breeds in the UK. metal rings which are often only single recovery points. As well as building a life history on individual Information on the four sightings from June ringed birds. birds, colour ringing can also demonstrate timings of movements, winter site fidelity and breeding ranges of Colour Age Date Outcome Location individual birds. The NTGG started initially working on Ring Code 2CCD 3cy 21/03/09 Metal ringed Pitsea large gulls due to funding restrictions. However NTGG Adult 01/06/13 Colour ring started colour ringing Black-headed Gulls from added Pitsea October 2012 thanks to the generous support of the Adult 05/01/14 Dead Nottingham; Essex Bird Watching Society who funded the purchase 192km, NW; 4 yrs of colour rings for Black-headed Gulls. 290days

Ringing 2CAN Adult 01/06/13 Colour ringed Pitsea Since 1984 19,785 new Black-headed Gulls have been Adult 08/11/13 Sighted Beddington Adult 04/12/13 Sighted Beddington; 49km, ringed with metal rings and the recoveries and data WSW; 186 days returned from them are in line with published data in the BTO migration atlas. Between October 2012 and 2CBR Adult 19/03/11 Metal ringed Pitsea February 2014 a total of 470 Black-headed Gulls have Adult 01/06/13 Colour ring been ringed at Pitsea with an individual colour ring. added Pitsea Of these 470 birds 52 individuals have been re sighted Adult 04/12/13 Sighted Beddington; 49km, and a number have multiple sightings with a few in WSW; 2 yrs multiple countries. This paper looks at the initial 260days results of these sightings. Of the 470 birds ringed the 2CCN Adult 29/06/13 Colour ringed Pitsea majority were in the winter period. However two Adult 11/11/13 Sighted Eirol landfill Aveiro catches were taken in June 2013 and of the 470 birds Portugal; 1400km 60 were ringed in the summer period in the UK. SSW; 135 days

13 Map 2 – Locations of birds sighted outside of the UK of birds colour ringed between October 2012 and February 2014 at Pitsea Landfill Site Essex.

Grey dot – Pitsea Landfill Site Red dot – Birds ringed in the winter period Green dot – Birds ringed in June

Photo by Richard Bonser

Of the remaining 410 birds the following numbers were found in the following countries.

Country Found in winter Found in Summer Totals or Autumn (August (April to July) to March) UK 25 2 27 Latvia 0 1 1 Denmark 2 2 4 Netherlands 6 2 8 Poland 1 10 11 Birds of interest Finland 0 1 1 Some birds of note are detailed here. Germany 1 2 3 Spain 2 0 2 2AFV AND 2AAN The two birds found in Spain are of interest. 2AFV Birds wintering in the UK can also winter in the was sighted one year after ringing in central Spain. Netherlands and near continent. Results also correlate 2AAN was sighted in the same winter and may well with wintering birds in the UK coming from breeding have been on migration when ringed. It would be colonies in the Baltic, Poland and Germany. Two birds interesting to know if these birds, which was ringed ringed in October were found in Spain in the same on the same day were part of a group moving to winter, these birds were almost certainly on migration central Spain. when trapped. Understanding the migrants using the site is complex but it is clear that many migrants do Colour Age Date Outcome Location use the landfill sites as stop off feeding areas. Ring Code 2AFV Adult 13/10/12 Colour ringed Pitsea Map 1 – Locations of birds sighted in the UK of Adult 20/10/13 Sighted Colmenar Vejo birds colour ringed between October 2012 and Madrid Spain; February 2014 at Pitsea Landfill Site Essex. 1252km SSW; 1 yr 7days

Grey dot – Pitsea Landfill Site 2AAN Adult 13/10/12 Colour ringed Pitsea Red dot – Birds ringed in the winter period Adult 08/03/13 Sighted Pinto, Madrid Green dot – Birds ringed in June Spain; 1296km SSW; 146 days

2AAB 2AAB is almost certainly a bird that breeds in central Europe and the sighting in the Netherlands is consistent with a change in wintering area.

Colour Age Date Outcome Location Ring Code 2AAB Adult 12/01/13 Colour ringed Pitsea Adult 22/03/13 Sighted Wilhelmshaven Weser-Ems Germany; 560km ENE; 69 days Adult 24/11/13 Sighted Utrecht The Netherlands; 2961km S; 316 days

2ATV 2ATV is clearly a bird that breeds in Poland and

14 winters in the UK with a return to Suffolk in the Colour Age Date Outcome Location subsequent winter. Ring Code 2AFP Adult 13/10/12 Colour ringed Pitsea Colour Age Date Outcome Location Adult 11/02/13 Sighted Rotterdam Ring Code Coolhaven 2ATV Adult 12/01/13 Colour ringed Pitsea Netherlands; Adult 10/04/13 Sighted Stawy Dojlidzkie 276km E; 121 days Poland; 1552km Adult 05/09/13 Sighted Southend-on-Sea, E; 88 days Essex; 15km E; Adult 27/01/14 Sighted Barton Mills 327 days Suffolk; 89km N; 1 yr 15days Conclusions It is very early days in terms of the colour ringing of 2BJK Black-headed Gulls and it is hoped that longer term 2BJK shows a possible route to the breeding ground analysis of a larger dataset will answer a number of in Poland via the Netherlands. further questions specifically around over winter survival and potential changes in distribution driven Colour Age Date Outcome Location by reducing food availability on landfill sites. The Ring Code current data is consistent with our current knowledge 2ATV Adult 02/02/13 Colour ringed Pitsea that wintering birds consist of UK breeding birds and Adult 18/03/13 Sighted Harderwijk birds from central European colonies. UK breeding Netherlands; 342 km ENE 44 days birds can be found wintering in the UK and the near Adult 04/04/13 Sighted Zalew continent but also small numbers winter in Iberia. Zemborzycki Poland; 1507km References E; 61 days The Migration Atlas: movements of the birds of Britain and Ireland. Page 356-360. Wernham, C.V., 2AFP Toms. M.P., Marchant. J.H., Clark, J.A., Siriwardena, 2AFP may be a bird which spends the winter in the G.M., & Baillie, S.R. (EDS). 2002. T. & A.D. Poyser, UK and or the Netherlands London.

1st American Kestrel Nest Success 2013

ESSEX COUNTY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

The Essex County Ornithological Club’s Kestrel Nest Box monitoring the property with Beth O’Connor, Open Program started in the fall of 2007 with the placement of Space Stewardship Coordinator for the Town of a box in a promising field within the town of Newbury. Ipswich, they were counting Bobolink nests at the More boxes were placed around Essex County as the time. Having just checked the nest box the weekend years went by with a dozen or so now installed and before I knew this would be a new nest as I had just monitored each season. 7 years later we’ve finally had a evicted a pair of Starlings (for the 3rd time this successful nest at Strawberry Hill in Ipswich. season). A check of the box the next day found 2 5 young Kestrel, 3 male & 2 female, fledged in early eggs sitting atop the beginnings of another Starling August giving renewed hope for future nest success nest. The Kestrels had evicted the Starlings this time! within Essex County. Hopefully this pair of Kestrels will use the location again after this seasons stellar www.massbird.org/ecoc/Kestrel2013.htm to read performance of raising a full clutch of young to the full article. fledging. This was a late or second attempt at nesting by this pair as most nests are started a month or more earlier in the season. ECOC’s own Jim Berry alerted me to the pair using the box. He came across them while

15 Tollesbury Wick

EILEEN MCLERNON

You asked in your editorial for our favourite birding place Shingle Head Point and the bank of Tollesbury Fleet in Essex – I hope the following notes may be of interest. often gave us quite close views of the rosy-pink Although we have now been living in Norfolk for 16 rumps of Twite, while, nearing the marina as the light years, my partner Peter and I are still very much began to fade, the Corn Buntings came in to roost in Essex at heart, and when we reminisce somewhat a small tree on the marsh. Shingle Head Point and the nostalgically about birding in Essex, the place which Fleet were also good for winter ducks – Goldeneye, crops up most often is Tollesbury Wick. Eider, sometimes a few Longtail, while Red- We first started visiting the Wick about 30 years breasted Merganser and Slavonian Grebe could be ago, probably at least once a month found in the Blackwater. during the winter, and it not only Tollesbury was also brilliant for gave us a very good grounding in raptors. Hen Harriers and Short- identification of waders, wildfowl eared Owls were virtually and raptors, but also produced many guaranteed – one late winter exciting firsts. afternoon we were amazed to count Accessed by walking down the at least 13 short-eared owls over the track from Mell Farm, arrival at the marsh, and there was often a Barn sea wall would be heralded by the Owl too. It was always exciting to see companionable chuntering of Brent a Merlin or Peregrine. One August (a Geese down on the mud. As we birthday visit) a male Marsh Harrier walked down to the Blackwater with flew towards us across the marsh, Mell Creek on our right, we scanned while one late summer morning an the in the bushes lining Osprey flew across the Blackwater the old railway track to our left, towards Bradwell. saying “There really should be a Tollesbury wasn’t just about birds – shrike over there!” One early July day interesting plants could also be in 1997, sitting on the sea wall found there (and often identified!) enjoying a cup of coffee, a quick and the yellow-horned poppies on look along the old railway made me catch my breath. the shore above the tide line were always a great There, feasting on insects close to the borrowdyke pleasure. Once we encountered Jonathan at Shingle was a splendid male Woodchat Shrike! As by now Head Point, and he showed us a Garden Tiger Moth Tollesbury Wick was a ENT reserve, as soon as we he had found - we have never seen one since, reached home we rang Jonathan, the warden, who although we did find a “woolly bear” caterpillar. promptly dashed down and saw the bird, but sadly Although the rarities were the icing on the cake at other birders he contacted didn’t get there till the Tollesbury, it was just a beautiful place to be, with a following morning, when the bird had flown. very special ambience. We remember the Black- One of our earliest visits to Tollesbury provided a throated Diver that swam into Mell Creek at high ‘first’: watching a raft of Common Scoter across the tide, seemingly to have a look at us! and the haunting Blackwater, one bird ‘stood up’ in the water and sound of Red-throated Divers calling in the fog spread its wings, revealing the white secondaries of a somewhere downstream towards Mersea. Now, in Velvet Scoter. On another freezing winter’s day, a winter when we hear the Brent Geese chattering on small group of six to eight passerines feeding on the the saltings or grazing marsh, we look at each other ground by the borrowdyke lifted off briefly to give us and one of us will say “Sounds like Tollesbury!” our first Snow Buntings – a magical experience. Best wishes to all at EBwS.

EBwS Archivist

TERRY JEFFREYS

Since the Society’s conception in 1949, all I have now taken on the role of the Society documentation regarding the Society’s history, Archivist with probably the impossible task of publications and recorded data has been held by various bringing all the Society’s documentation “under one interested individuals. However we do not believe that roof.” This has come about because I wanted to there has been a complete set of documents retained research the records of birds reported in the South together by one person – the ‘Archivist’. Essex Marshes area in the past. I was unable to locate

16 the early records as nobody knew where they were, I move forward. thought that the Society needed an archive to bring I am appealing to the membership to provide me all the documentation together. As there wasn’t one, I with information on any documentation that should volunteered to build one! be held in the archive and any suggestions regarding My brief as the Society Archivist is to:– pamphlets and books that are relevant to the birds • locate and retrieve all the Society’s data held at and ornithology in Essex. present by various members and store it sensitively; I have already been successful in locating some • catalogue all the data, analyse it to see what might records but it is apparent that a lot of the early stuff is be missing, and to try and retrieve missing items, if unaccounted for. I would also be very keen to locate possible; and copies of issues 52 and 56 of Essex Bird Watching and • Build a database of known records/books regarding Preservation Society Bulletin, which we do not have. all aspects of Birds and Ornithology in Essex. So please let me know if you hold or know the In a nutshell, my task is to retrieve, store, catalogue whereabouts of any documentation that would be and then search for missing records. That is the basis useful to have in the Society archive. of the task, for until I know what we have, we cannot Over at Vange Marsh

TERRY JEFFREYS

What with limited time and the rising cost of petrol, I Common Gull are decided to make RSPB Vange Marsh my local patch for welcome additions 2013. It helps that I can get from home to on-site in ten to the list. Not a bad minutes and includes putting my boots on in the car couple of hours with park! There had been a problem with illegal grazing by 28 species located. up to 11 horses and foals for a good couple of years 17 February – and along with the heavy rain we had been having, it There are 21 Curlew was quite treacherous over there. I knew that the legal on the scrape but no side was being sorted out so I delayed my first visit Whimbrel. A look until the bailiffs had been in and the horses had been over the full creek was removed. So here is my diary for the year. rewarded with a 24 January – The horse situation seems to finally speeding flash of blue resolved, the levels of water have gone down on the as a Kingfisher flew paths so it’s time for my first visit. 41 species found in a past calling. On the couple of hours including Green Sandpiper, Snipe, numbers front, a better Kestrel and Redwing before the call came in that there day with 35 species seen. was a Caspian Gull at Wat Tyler. A lifer so off I rush. 21 February – A brief 27 January – Another quick visit found Sanderling, visit was rewarded by a Curlew, Little Grebe, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail and Mediterranean Gull in almost Green Woodpecker by Chaffinch to add to my list. full summer plumage on the Richard Allen 3 February – A couple of hours tramping through brackish lagoon. the site at low tide. I always have ideas that there is 3 March – A smart Cetti’s Warbler was displaying going to be an Owl lurking in the trees over the other by the abstraction ditch along with a number of side of Pitsea Creek. Strange that the creek in Wat finches and tits. A Marsh Harrier began quartering Tyler is Vange Creek but the creek in Vange Marsh is the reeds looking for elevenses whilst a Little Egret Pitsea Creek! So I make my way towards the empty watched the gulls take off. creek to have the wits scared out of me by a Jack 10 March – Finally, I saw a Green Woodpecker Snipe taking off under my feet! After the shock, the feeding on the public footpath part of the reserve. Ten euphoria as I hadn’t seen one before. No Owl though Avocet feeding on the brackish lagoon and 11 Snipe but at the other end of the reserve seven Lesser on the reed bed fringes were a welcome sight. Redpoll were an excellent site record. 17 March – An early start brought the surprise of two 10 February – I heard my first Cetti’s Warbler today Brent Geese on the brackish lagoon, which turned out over by the scrape screen. There were Snipe and to be only the second record for the site. A scan around Green Sandpipers on the scrape but not much else. added a pair of Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Scanning down by the creek I could see a shape next Snipe, Gadwall and Reed Bunting. The day list of 41 to a fence post about 100 yards away so time to get species also include Fieldfare and Redwing. out the scope. Blow me it’s a Bittern, just standing 21 March – A new one for the list was a cracking there. It must have been shy as it quickly flew off and Spotted Redshank on the scrape, along with a dozen hid in the reeds on the other side of the creek. Curlew, four Green Sandpiper. There was a 13 February – More Cetti’s heard but they still Buzzard circling overhead as I walked towards the remain elusive. I heard a Green Woodpecker too brackish lagoon. From the first mound, I saw a over on the old tip. Long-tailed Tit, Rock Pipit and couple of Ruff, which was a year tick for me.

17 Including all the usual suspects, a list of 40 species the abstraction ditch to scan over the brackish lagoon, a was a good tally. Sedge Warbler was spotted along with Common 24 March – With an easterly wind, snow flurries and Whitethroat, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. All the cries of “you must be mad” I set off for the marsh. The waders went up in alarm across the lagoon as a female birds aren’t bothered by the weather so why should I Marsh Harrier started quartering the western reed bed. be. 43 species made an appearance including a smart Thirty odd Teal and five Greenshank were spotted as a Mediterranean Gull and my first view of a Wren. result. Continuing the walk around the borrowdyke and 31 March – A better day this time, adding three the railway hedges, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin drake Pintail to my list. There were Ruff, Spotted and a calling Green Woodpecker were added to the Redshank, Avocet and another Jack Snipe on the day’s tally of 37 species. reserve. Along the abstraction ditch was a displaying 27 April – Yesterday evening Marc Outten saw a Wood Cetti’s Warbler plus a silent Chiffchaff type bird Sandpiper, which was flushed by a Sparrowhawk and which I was unsure of. It was later identified by others flew off calling with some Greenshank. as a Siberian Chiffchaff once it found its voice. 28 April –Ispent a pleasant couple of hours on site 11 April – On the brackish lagoon was a female this afternoon. A bit cool despite the sunshine and as Garganey and two drake Pintail. At the abstraction the creek approached high tide, there was plenty to ditch, the bird now identified as Siberian Chiffchaff see. On the scrape were Snipe, Avocet, Greenshank, was flitting about with another three Chiffchaff. Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper. Highlights 18 April – This was the day the migrants put in an on the lagoon were three Snipe, 11 Black-tailed appearance! Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, House Godwit, Shoveler, Gadwall and Great Crested Martin, Sand Martin and Swallow showed up to Grebe. Around the perimeter were Reed Warbler, swell the ranks of the regulars. Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Cetti’s 22 April – This is the first time that I haven’t worn Warbler, Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow. wellington boots on site this year! So far I have seen 1 May – The opportunity arose to pop down the 85 species on site this year. Not counting the Siberian marsh so I took it. It was just after high tide and the Chiffchaff which the BOU regard as a sub-species of scrape held Avocet, Greenshank, Shelduck and Common Chiffchaff. This morning I was on site early Common Sandpiper. On the brackish lagoon were and had my best visit so far. Highlights were Mute Swan, Little Egret and 14 Pied Wagtails, and Blackcap, Cuckoo (displaying on the other side of around the perimeter were Pheasant, Whitethroat, Pitsea Creek), Lesser Whitethroat, Bearded Tit, Bearded Tit, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Warbler and Sparrowhawk. Reed Bunting and, finally, Jay. 3 May – There was a surprise in store at the scrape. 25 April – Another early start this morning, with the I sent a text to check if anyone had reported a female unwelcome view of a pony on the eastern boundary of Garganey nesting on the island and got an immediate the reserve! Starting off at the scrape, there were good call back with a negative. I couldn’t get a great view of views of Avocet, Shelduck, Snipe and Common the bird as it was settled well down in the nest. I Sandpiper and over Pitsea Creek, a Cuckoo. Over the could see the eye-stripe but still wasn’t sure so I stood other side of the creek could be seen a number of on the fence post, leaning against the metal fence, Common Whitethroat. Also seen by the boundary with bins in one hand and a phone in the other fence near the creek were three decoy ducks which waiting for a better view of the head. Then came the were not there on Sunday. Making my way back to the view I was looking for, “I can see the spot behind the five-bar wooden gate, the Reed Warblers and Buntings bill” I called down the phone, “It’s a definite!” I would started displaying. Resting for a while, have normally have jumped up and down but that scanning the eastern reed bed, I had would have been dangerous! Other highlights on the my best views ever of Bearded visit were Common Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat, Tit, well worth the early start! Greenshank, Blackcap and Garden Warbler. Setting up a position by 5 May – I popped over the marsh in the afternoon for a quick visit, catching my first Swifts of the year and finally caught up with a Water Rail in the abstraction ditch. It was a bit blowy over there and the small birds were hunkered down in the reeds chattering to each other. I heard Cetti’s, Reed and Sedge Warblers and saw two brave male Reed Buntings. 11 May – Another early start today resulting two families of Canada Goose, one with six goslings and another with eight goslings on the lagoon. From the scrape screen, I saw 28 Black-tailed Godwits, Avocet, Common Sandpiper, a pair of Cuckoos, Swift, Green Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe and a Little Egret. A walk over to the brackish lagoon resulted in the first Common Tern of the year for me, three Swallow, Sparrowhawk, chattering warblers and a Cuckoo by Sam Shippey pair of Gadwall.

18 19 May – I dropped in at Vange Marsh hoping to catch up with Little Ringed Plover which had been reported the day before. At the scrape fence, I saw Avocet, Common Sandpiper and a Sparrowhawk but no LRP. For once there were visitors on site (seven whilst I was there) and I put three of them onto a male Cuckoo calling on the other side of Pitsea Creek. They said that they had never heard a Cuckoo before, let alone see one and these visitors weren’t kids so my day was made! On the brackish Glossy Ibis by Richard Allen lagoon, there were two Black-tailed Godwits constantly feeding, a couple of Avocets, Little Grebes what the bird was and it wasn’t a common bird. I but no LRP! A pair of Canada Goose waddled past checked my Collins and the features were right. I am with eight goslings in tow. On the way back, warblers almost 100% but now comes the decision, do I call it? I were calling everywhere but only Sedge and Reed must! I texted Marc Outten at 0800 with the news and he Warblers deigned to show themselves. I also saw a called me back almost at once. He asked if I was sure Peregrine high above the marsh. and I said “100%, it’s a Red-necked Phalarope.” He said 6 June – This morning’s visit was the first for a that he was on his way and would put the word out! The couple of weeks and how the place has come on! text comes in that “Terry J has Rn Phal on Vange.” Now I The meadows are getting back to their old self with start to worry, have I got it right? All these people might tall grasses and many wild flowers. A few fence turn up and I might be wrong! I don’t take my eyes off problems to report early on with a bit of impromptu the wader so I can put birders on to it when they arrive. repair work to keep the nags off! It was warm, a slight In my line of vision is a mud strip and a Little Ringed breeze so there were good views of the Reed and Plover wanders through the scope. There are other Sedge Warblers, some carrying food but the birds about and Common Tern, Gadwall, Swallow and Bearded Tits were keeping low but pinging away. House Martin fill the scope. After about ten minutes, There were Little Egrets and Grey Herons cruising Les Steward turns up from the other side of the A13 and past in the air along with Swifts and House Martins. I I await his verdict. Yes, a female, well done. I’m was hoping that a Hobby might appear for a bit of punching the air, glad I haven’t made a total wally of sparring but no such luck. The level is dropping on the myself. Other birders begin to show, delighted to see the brackish lagoon and there was still no sign of Little bird having missed the last one in the local area about Ringed Plover unfortunately. However, scanning three years ago. I also hear that Marc is en route by through the gulls brought a bonus when one of a bicycle and train and to tell the bird to stay! Feeling group of Herring Gull stood up to display yellow legs, pleased with myself I put the news on essexbirders my first Yellow-legged Gull on the reserve bringing @yahoo and birdguides as this is a special bird. More my total of bird species to 94 for the year. birders appear including Marc and the wader has 17 June – Its Father’s Day and the family have a lot become more distant but there were still good views. I planned but I pull rank and have a 0630 start over on the was rewarded by being put onto Little Gull and Yellow- marsh. As the tide was rising fast, I made my way over to legged Gull. It was now 10:00 and time to go back to the the scrape screen to see what had been pushed up from family for the further delights of the day. When I got the creek. I was pleased to see a fine summer plumaged home, I received a message that the bird had flown but Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Avocet and at least a few people got too see it. Lapwing. Screeching above my head were over 20 20 June – It was a later start today hoping that the Swift and after the news from Trimley Marsh in Suffolk, I rising tide would bring a surprise. I stepped on site, hoped for a flash of white but no such luck. I was alerted had a quick check for fence damage and checked in by a calling male Cuckoo on the wires as I crossed back with mission control. I was greeted with the news to the five bar gate and was treated to two juvenile that a Bluethroat had been spotted at Wat Tyler. The Bearded Tits posing on the reed stems. When I got to dilemma was, should I stay or should I go? I the abstraction ditch, I scanned the brackish lagoon. My remembered that I had stood for hours earlier in the attention was caught by a bird that I didn’t recognise. I month staring at a Norfolk bush waiting for a quickly made my way to the first viewing mound for a Bluethroat to pop up out of the grass with no luck so I better look. My view was good. I now had a good idea stayed. On the scrape, I saw a Green Sandpiper,

19 Avocet, Oystercatcher, and a Grey Heron but little time. Add five weeks island hopping around the else. Moving towards the five-barred gate, I saw a Greek Islands to the mix and there was little time for juvenile Bearded Tit with its beak full of insects birding. I only got out twice more down the marsh! resting whilst Sedge and Reed Warblers were 14 July – News of a Pectoral Sandpiper down at popping up all over the place. Over on the brackish the marsh got me out of the loft! There were a lagoon, there were Spotted Redshank, Little Egret, number of birders there and I was quickly put onto over a score each of Shoveler and Gadwall. the bird. Most of the talk was about the sad passing of Overhead were screaming Swift, House Martin and Don, so I don’t remember any other birds seen. Swallow. I saw another juvenile Bearded Tit and a 25 October – The news that my absolute bogey parachute training session for Sedge Warblers. And bird, the Glossy Ibis, was down at the marsh was too then the heavens opened and I got back to the car as important to let moving get in the way. Four dipping quick as I could arriving like a drowned rat! trips to , one to Baddow Meads and Later in the month, someone I knew knocked on others, had to be put to rest. It was almost dark when my door asking to buy my house, as they do! To cut a the Ibis flew into view but it was well worth the wait. long story short, we sold our house, but clearing a It was also the most fitting bird to clock up the 100th loft, three sheds and two greenhouses takes a bit on species that I saw on site during the year.

Steve Baines Updates

STEVE COLLINS

For those who didn’t go to the Birds of Prey box, but lots of screeching and noise from the wood, Conference in March, Steve Baines has, for over ten so maybe not far away. years, been making Kestrel box nests, putting them 26th May – I managed to visit two boxes at the up at suitable locations, and monitoring including weekend, on Sunday I went to a box, birds were reporting his finding back to BTO. The Essex Bird about, and there were five chicks, which appear to be Watching Society has agreed to help support the under one week old. The next box has got four chicks, fantastic effort of Steve. Below are Steve’s reports to but these are over two weeks old, lots of noise and us that we have posted on our Facebook page, activity. After I came down from the box, we watched complete with many photographs. both birds fly in with food at the same time, and then The Kestrel news is getting better and better. I the chick and an adult bird were looking out. visited three boxes and all have eggs. One box was Friday 30th May – climbed up to box, looking at put up 3 years ago, the first year Stock Doves, second four, one looks like it is almost ready to venture out of year squirrels and last year I never checked it. The the box, but the other one is a week behind, I have next box checked was a box which was used last noticed that a few of the Kestrel nests have the ‘barn year for the first time; this is very close to the box I owl thing’ where they are at different stages, after all checked today. Five eggs what a shock and I still had the years of watching baby kestrels this is not the to check the other one. The next box had six eggs norm. The birds at this box are very early nesters, in and another box has five eggs. So far this is how it my diary it looks like the bird was in the box laying stands; nine boxes checked, seven have Kestrels and eggs 11th April. one has a Tawny Owl. 12 left to carry out a check on. Saturday 31st May – took a visit to the first box, adult This year looks like being a very good year. birds flying around, got the ladder to the box, adult flew 13th April – After reports of the Kestrels mating out, this is an old long box, the chicks were bunched around eight days ago, the female was at the box last up at the back, this means I could not count how many week, today there are good signs that egg laying is there were, at least four, but this box had six eggs. I going on. Looks like early Kestrel year. went to the second box, now this could be bad news, 26th April – New Box with five eggs, also the Barn this box had six eggs 3rd May, today the adult bird flew Owl box had a Stock Dove nest with three eggs. So out of the box, still six eggs, last year this bird at this box far with around ten to check, nine out of ten in use, did lay late, so fingers crossed. I then go to the brand looks like I could be around 100% up on last year. new box; this box had five eggs 21st April. 10th May – Another Tawny Owl box, another three If you wish to follow the progress of the Kestrels chicks, looks like they are at the same stage as the and Tawny Owls in Steve’s nest boxes, then why not others. Good to know, two nature reserves, each has visit our recently updated Facebook for more news a Kestrel and a Tawny Owl nesting. At the moment, it and stunning photos. looks like some of the Kestrel nests will have We are looking for suitable areas to put boxes hatching eggs, so I will not be disturbing any until a ready for next year; you must be able to monitor couple of weeks’ time. regularly any progress. Would you be able to sponsor 21st May – This Friday I went back to the Tawny a nest box? If you are able to help with either of these Owl box, I did think they may have fledged, but no, requests then please contact the editors at all three were in the box, parent bird was not in the [email protected]

20 Belfairs Woodland Centre

GREG BORGARTZ

Belfairs Woodland Centre is set at the gateway to the Belfairs Nature Reserve was designated a Site of Belfairs & Daws Heath Living Landscape, where Essex Special Scientific Interest in recognition that it is an Wildlife Trust and Southend Borough Council are important example of coppiced woodland. working with a number of partners and local people Our most recent coppice coop has already been on education and conservation projects. Our stunning occupied by a pair of Woodcock which are seen quite new visitors centre has been open since September regularly. The coppice also promotes the proliferation 2013 and is attracting a lot of local interest. The of small invertebrates which are such a key food landscape in which it is set comprises some 1160 source for many birds. Great-spotted Woodpeckers acres, of which a third is woodland, and is home to are seen frequently as are Green Woodpeckers. The some nationally threatened species. We have a open clearings have enabled some great views of thriving population of the dormouse which is Sparrowhawk as well as Nuthatch, Treecreeper, closely monitored by the Southend Dormouse Group. Blackcap and Chiffchaff. There have also been The wild service tree grows well here and is a key sightings of Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, indicator of ancient woodland. The heath fritillary Greenfinch and Long-tailed Tit. butterfly is active here and the woods are actively Belfairs Park was also mentioned in the dissolution coppiced and managed to promote the growth of the of the monasteries when it was part of Prittlewell common cow wheat which is its main food source. Priory. Ownership passed through a number of hands The Song Thrush is also regularly spotted here, as it until in 1800 the woods were listed as the property of becomes scarce nationally and our ranger Ashley Lady Olivia Sparrow, Lady of the Manor of Leigh-On- conducts regular surveys to monitor the population. Sea. Between 1804 and 1842 a large section of the The woodland around the centre and especially in park was turned to arable farming – Belfairs Farm. In the Hadleigh Great Wood Nature Reserve is actively 1927, when Southend Borough Council acquired the coppiced in rotation to promote the undergrowth and land, this farm was converted to a sports ground and encourage the populations of small mammals, birds 9 hole golf course. In 1938 the golf course was and insects. This area was mentioned in the twelfth extended to 18 holes and nine of the holes were century ‘Doomsday of St. Paul’s’ and was referred to as driven through the remaining woods, making the being partly owned by the Sutton (Knights Templar) course here at Belfairs very unusual in being half in and partly by Prittlewell Priory. Following the open country and half through woods! The golf dissolution of the monasteries much of the land was course came in very useful over the last winter when owned by the Sean and Chapter of St.Paul’s. During this the extreme flooding meant that several fairways period much of the woodland was leased with rent were underwater. These made ideal habitats for Little paid at the Great West Door of the cathedral. St.Paul’s Egrets which came up from to use it had first refusal on any timber crop and indeed could as an evening roost! The drier areas of the course order the felling of specific trees. Some of the timber played host to a large flock of Redwings and we even from Belfairs mat still be in the cathedral today! had one or two Brent Geese. Hadleigh Great Wood was sold in 1872 and by 1934 Now the flooding has receded, and the access road had passed into the hands of a local developer. A long has dried out, visitors are flocking to the centre to take campaign locally led to a petition of over 20,000 advantage of its lovely location. Many are using it as a signatures being handed to Southend Council and as base for walks around the reserve and, for those not a result in 1938 40.5 acres was purchased as a confident to find their own way, a number of regular reserve. In 1947 a further 52 acres was added guided walks are being run from the centre. These including Dodd’s Grove. When Southend acquired the include bird watching and photographic walks as well land it became one of the first councils in the country as wildflower ID and children’s activities. Whatever to establish its own public reserve; indeed there is a your interest, please come down and have a look commemoration to one of the leaders of this around this beautiful Living Landscape – you will be movement, Dr GHT Stovin, in the park today. In 1985 made most welcome.

21 Pioneers in Ornithology William Henry Sykes

JOHN SYKES (no relation)

Colonel William Henry Sykes, FRS, (25 January 1790 well as from natural history specimens. His – 16 June 1872) was an Indian Army Officer, collections of resulted in the publications of Politician, Indologist and Ornithologist. Sykes was catalogues of birds and mammals from the Deccan born near Bradford, Yorkshire. He joined military region, many of which were published in the service as a cadet in 1803 and obtained a Proceedings of the Zoological Society. commission on 1 May 1804 with the Honourable East His discoveries included 56 birds new to science, India Company. He progressed including the Indian Pond Heron through the ranks and retired from (Ardeola grayii). Sykes also studied fish active service with the rank of of the area and wrote papers on the Colonel on 18 June 1833. quails and hemipodes of India. His list Sykes travelled across Europe and of birds of the Deccan contained returned to India in October 1824. He almost 236 species. He was an was appointed as a statistical authority on the natural history of the reporter to the Bombay government, Deccan region and he corresponded collecting statistical and natural with many other naturalists, including history researches, and completed a Charles Darwin. Sykes’s (Galerida census of the population of the deva) of southern India is named after Deccan (an area of Southern India) him, as is Sykes’s Nightjar producing two statistical reports, and (Caprimulgus mahrattensis) and a complete natural history report Sykes’s Warbler (Hippolais rama). illustrated with drawings. In addition, a race of Blue-headed As a “Statistical Reporter” he Wagtail (Motacilla flava beema) was travelled across the Deccan region, given the common name Sykes’s collecting data on populations as Wagtail in British Birds (1907). Wildlife of Gujarat

LOUISE AND JOHN SYKES

We arrived at Heathrow Terminal Four to meet our were staying at Rann Raiders, Dasada for two nights. tour leader, Julian Sykes, and the other three The next day would comprise of morning and members of our group. A night flight of 8hrs took us evening safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch, for birds to Mumbai International Airport. It was a quick and to see the rare Asiatic Wild Ass. The Little Rann transfer to the domestic airport for a 50mins flight to of Kutch is a featureless expanse of flat land. Ahmedabad. We were met by Ghany Singh, our Comprised mostly of low-lying salt marsh known as Indian guide for the trip. the sea bed, this saline wilderness is dotted with Birdwatching began as soon as we stepped outside islands known as beyts where coarse grasses, acacia the terminal building. Black Kites were circling and scrub spring up in the monsoon season. This day overhead. Perched in the structure were Common actually gave us 134 species of birds so I will not Mynah, Indian House Crow, Rosy Starlings and Plain mention the more common ones. It wasn’t long Martins. A Red-naped Ibis was wandering in the before a Greater Spotted Eagle was seen on a wire, gardens and Rose-ringed Parakeets greeted us noisily. A and we soon logged the first of many Nilgai (Blue Collared Dove and an Indian Roller were seen on Bull). A Bay-backed Shrike, a Chestnut-shouldered wires. Our journey to Dasada also produced a Kestrel Petronia and a Blyth’s Reed Warbler were also perched on a wire, and a flock of Black-winged Stilts at logged, our second bird of prey was a White-eyed a water hole. A Black Drongo and an Indian Pond Buzzard sitting in a tree. Nearby we saw a Pied Heron were also on wires. Three Hunuman Langur Bushchat and a Rufous-tailed Lark. A small pond were bounding across waste land. The other birds seen gave us Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Red- on route were Intermediate Egret, Black-winged Kite, wattled Lapwing, Citrine Wagtail and a Knob-billed Black-headed Ibis, Indian Peafowl, Eastern Marsh Duck. There soon followed a Southern Coucal, Harrier, Pied Kingfisher, and a Purple Swamphen. We Brahminy Starlings and a Baya Weaver. An Indian

22 Hare ran across the salt marsh. A small lake gave us and reflect on the day’s numerous sightings. our first Painted Stork, lots of Greater Flamingo and We left Dasada at 8am for a 4hr drive to the a Variable Wheatear. A Red-necked Falcon was Blackbuck Lodge at Velavadar, noting the birds seen perched nearby, while Eurasian Spoonbill and en route. Common Mynah were seen on the wire, and Common Crane were feeding at the water’s edge. our first Egyptian Vulture. We had to stop by the Several Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse were flushed roadside at Viram Gam tip as there were over 200 from the scrub as we saw our first group of the Black Kite circling above. A short walk around the beautiful Asiatic Wild Ass. Crested were easily edge of the tip gave us Grey and Yellow Wagtail and photographed along with a Desert Wheatear. An many common species feeding on the debris. We Indian Fox made a brief appearance before we saw a continued our drive and soon spotted a flock of Knob- pair of Montagu’s Harriers, the female eating a billed Ducks, waves of Common Cranes, easily a lizard. This was followed by sightings of a Long- 1000 in total, a Great Spotted Eagle, a Steppe Eagle billed Pipit, a Pallid Harrier and an Isabelline and a Long-legged Buzzard. Two Sarus Crane flew Shrike. The first of many Wild Boar appeared, over as well. Some of the group saw our first Shikra. followed by a good view of a Booted Eagle. We were Every time we passed an area of water, however still looking for one of the target birds of the day small, we saw lots of species of birds. Glossy and when we saw two of them flying away in front of us, Black Ibis, Western Reef Egret, River Tern, Gulled- MacQueen’s Bustard. On our way back to the lodge, billed Tern and Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans. we passed through a small village and had great Near the end of our drive we picked up a White-eyed views of two Spotted Owlets sitting in a tree by the Buzzard and a Laggar Falcon. A short drive along a road. A small expanse of water gave us another rush side road to our lodge gave us our first Blackbuck, of sightings, a White-breasted Nilgai and several more bird species. Waterhen, Black-tailed Godwit, We were staying at the Blackbuck Temminck’s Stint and an Asian Lodge which is set in a grassland Openbill. A Common Grey area, through which mammals Mongoose shot into cover. A good wander and a variety of birds visit. selection of waders were seen After lunch we were on our first safari including Marsh Sandpiper, into Velavadar N.P.While camera Common Sandpiper, Little Stint, permits were being bought, we had Spotted Redshank, and Yellow and Oriental Magpie-Robin, Clamorous Grey Wagtail. We also had good Reed Warbler and Indian Pond views of Ashy-crowned Sparrow- Heron. The park provides one of the Lark, Pied Bushchat, Long-tailed world’s best roosting sites to Shrike and a White Wagtail. A thousands of Harriers that arrive here White-breasted Kingfisher greeted from Central Europe for wintering. our return to the lodge. After lunch We estimated that there were over we had the opportunity to take a 2000 Blackbuck to be seen, along short walk to a local lake. In bushes with Nilgai and Wild Boar. Rufous by the roadside we saw Orphean Treepie and Grey Francolin were Warbler and very briefly our first among other species seen. As dusk Sykes Warbler, along with a Black fell, over 30 Montagu’s and Pallid Redstart. At the lake we saw Glossy Harriers circled over the trees. Ibis, White-tailed Lapwing and The next day we left the lodge at Garganey. Flapshell Turtles were in the water. A 7am for a short drive to the entrance of the national park. Bluethroat hopped about on the ground. Camera permits purchased we were off on our first safari The afternoon safari got off to a good start with of the day. A new species for the trip and one of our three Sarus Cranes flying alongside the road. Four target birds, Sykes’s Lark, was seen on the ground. Yellow-footed Green Pigeons sat on a wire while we Throughout the day we saw 12 species of birds of prey, watched yet another Montagu’s Harrier gliding and lots of other species either by the water or in the above us. Purple Gallinule, Red-collared Dove and bushes. A new species seen in the morning was Tree Dusky Crag Martin seen on the way to the Vanod Pipit and a Monitor Lizard. Back at our lodge, we sat by area. We had good views of Indian Courser and a the lake watching various species fly in and out. Four Steppe Eagle. When we reached the Vanod area we Flapshell Turtles were resting on a mini sandbank, and were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of lots of butterflies and dragonflies could be seen. A walk wildfowl. A flock of over 1,000 Great White Pelicans in the lodge grounds produced Zitting Cisticola and 12 were huddled together by the lake. Dalmatian Indian Thick-knee and species already seen. On our Pelicans were also seen, along with Woolly-necked afternoon safari we flushed a female Jungle Bush Quail. Storks, Painted Storks, Common Snipe, Black- This was a new species for the trip, as was our good tailed Godwits, Ruddy Shelducks, Ruff, Spoonbills sighting of a Jungle Cat. It was not easy trying to spot and many species of waders. In the shrub area we some of the more elusive mammals in the long grass. spotted Bluethroat, Siberian Stonechat, Tawny Another early start for our last safari in Blackbuck Pipits and Oriental Skylark. We sat in the minibus N.P.and today’s route took to a large wetlands area for 15mins waiting for darkness to descend. Then which was very productive. New species for the day with the headlights we watched for eye shine and was a flock of Indian Silverbills, Pied Avocet, within seconds we had one of our target birds Sykes Common Redshank, Oriental Darter and a White- Nightjar. In the space of a few yards we had three of winged Tern. There was great excitement when a these amazing birds. It was time to go back for dinner pair of Golden Jackal appeared out of the grass and

23 while we were watching them a Wolf was seen in the we were directed to a spot where a lion was resting. distance. Around 11am we set off for a 5hr drive to Gir It was a female, lying in a dry riverbed but actually off N.P.Many local people were picking cotton on the our designated route and we were out of time. But as farms. We stopped for lunch on the edge of one such Ghany had told us “all things impossible are possible field and Julian spotted a Shikra in the tree. As we in India.” With a nod and a wink we drove 300 yds. to travelled the landscape began to change, rolling hills get the most amazing views of a female Asiatic Lion and rough dirt roads. New species for the journey walking towards us. It cut through some bushes to a were Oriental Honey Buzzard and White-browed water hole and we were able to get good views of Fantail. We arrived at the Gir Birding Lodge about an her drinking. Before lunch Ghany took us on a dry hour before dusk. After welcoming drinks we were up riverbed walk that floods during the monsoon. on the roof terrace looking over the mango groves. However there was another river flowing nearby and We had amazing views of some birds, including we got good views of a White-browed Wagtail. It Spotted Dove, Oriental White-eye, Tailorbird, was a photo opportunity for species already seen, Common Iora, Coppersmith Barbet, Magpie Robin and Crag Martins were nesting within the bridge and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. To end the day we saw supports. After lunch saw our last safari in Gir N.P., a Golden Jackal walking in the garden. route 3. A Brown-capped Woodpecker was a new We left our lodge at 6am the next day to get our species and we had great views of a Marsh Crocodile permits for the morning safari in Gir N.P.We were swimming in the reservoir. No more lions but our allocated a route and a local guide. The park consists time in the N.P.had given us some wonderful of open forests and dry scrub, with rocky hills and sightings of mammals and birds. flowing streams. It is the only place in the world to Today we had a long drive to the region known as see the Asiatic Lions. Route 2 soon gave us an Indian Great Rann of Kutch. Located in the Thar Desert, this Hare and Indian Porcupine, picked out in the massive expanse of land, once part of the Arabian headlights. It was very cold at this time and we had Sea, now stands as one of the largest salt deserts in wrapped up well. One of the highlights of the the world. The area has many different eco systems, morning was good views of a Crested Serpent from marsh lands to copious amounts of grassland Eagle. Spotted Deer (Chital) were everywhere. We and shrubbery. Enroute we did a slight detour to saw lots of birds but the new trip species were Red- Bhachau City Lake. As usual, a stretch of water gave breasted Flycatcher, Plum-headed Parakeet, us so many species of waders, ducks and herons. We Yellow-eyed Babbler and Grey-breasted Prinia. drove alongside the water’s edge at the Gulf of Rann There were lots of Hanuman Langur in the trees and which gave us another amazing selection of the occasional Sambar Deer. Before lunch Ghany waterbirds. Also there were lots of birds on the wires. took us to a local reservoir site that was edged with On nearing our next resort, Infinity Nakhatrana, we dry scrub and acacia bushes. Several Marsh spotted a Little Swift and a Slender-billed Gull. Crocodiles could be seen on sandbanks, and lots of Another early start, at 6.45 to a desert area with little birds were there. Our new trip species here were vegetation, at Fulay. An Asian Koel was heard. Lots of Small Minivet, Black Stork, Griffon Vulture, Tawny- smaller birds were seen but the highlight of the bellied Babbler, and Common Woodshrike. After morning was two Grey Hypocolius. Ghany linked up lunch we were allocated route 7. Crested Treeswift, with a local village elder who knew where the birds Yellow-crowned Woodpecker and a Large could be found. Two more new species were Desert Cuckooshrike were new sightings. However the Warbler and Red-tailed Wheatear. Fossils dating lions were proving a little difficult to find. We had back 200 million years were seen. A female virtually given up on seeing them when we came Mongoose was seen playing with her cub. On the across 3 female Asiatic Lions lazing near the journey back we drove by Chhari Dhand Wetlands roadside. They are lighter in colour than the African Conservation Reserve, located on the edge of arid lion, more creamy coloured. grasslands at Banni. An afternoon drive to a different Another early start, this time we were allocated area produced good views of Indian Bushlark, Route 6. We saw lots of birds and deer, the first new Orphean Warbler, Marshall’s Iora and Grey-necked species being an Ashy Drongo and an Asian Bunting. However the rare White-naped Tit proved Paradise Flycatcher. Two Wild Boar appeared then elusive. We could hear it on many occasions but it was hidden deep in the spiny bushes. Today we drove to our last resort situated on the Modwa coast. Enroute we stopped at an arid scrub area for one last chance for the White-naped Tit. It was heard again but we could not get a visual. But a new species was recorded Painted Sandgrouse. Lots of other birds were seen. Our accommodation at Mandvi Beach Resort consisted of ten deluxe tents and was originally the summer palace of the Maharao of Kutch. After lunch overlooking the Indian Ocean, we were off for a beach walk. Within minutes we had logged 10 new species, Caspian Tern, Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, European Sparrowhawk, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Lesser Sand Plover, Lesser Crested Tern and Brown- headed Gull. Mid afternoon we set off for a half hour drive to another part of the Modwa coast. We had to

24 cross a river that was mainly dry but with some popped up out of a dip. The one and a half mile walk lagoons. Although the area was strewn with rubbish along the beach gave us lots of birds, including a there were so many species of water birds to be seen. Wimbrel. But the target bird of this walk was the As we approached the coast we saw several Yellow- Crab Plover, of which there were ten in a small bay. wattled Lapwing, then a large flock They proved to be very photogenic. of 120 Demoiselle Crane flew over To finish the day we had a new bird the road. A Common Kingfisher for the trip, Eurasian was added to the list. At the coast Oystercatcher. we were soon logging Terek This morning we were to drive to Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Bhuj, to the airport for an internal Pallas’s Gull, Heuglin’s Gull, Bar- flight to Mumbai. A few birds were tailed Godwit and Dunlin. After seen from the breakfast area, dinner some of the group saw an including a Bluethroat. Our group Indian Nightjar flying overhead. sightings, at this stage, were at 229 The next day was a very early bird species so we were quite keen start, leaving at 6am. Our ordered to get another one to make it 230. As “bed tea” did not arrive as the young we drove away from our resort, man took it to the wrong tent but 200yds along the road, Ghany never mind. We were off to the Lala spotted a female Asian Koel in a Bustard Sanctuary, an area of bush. Enroute we stopped for 15mins savannah grasslands. However the to search an arid acacia area for a Great Indian Bustard is becoming last chance at the White-naped Tit, increasing rare in Gujarat and there which still proved elusive but we got was no sign of it. But there was species 231 in the form of a White- plenty of other birds to be seen. The rumped Vulture. What an amazing birding highlight was good views of way to finish an amazing holiday. Stoliczka Bushchat, which posed for photos. We We also recorded 17 species of butterfly and 4 also saw five Indian gazelle and a Spiny-tailed Lizard. species of bat. A selection of photos from the trip can The afternoon saw us back at the Modwa coast. The be seen on Julian Sykes Wildlife Facebook. bridge crossing gave us a good selection of water birds again. Our driver took the minibus as far as he www.juliansykeswildlife.com could along the sands. Then 2 Great Stone-curlew www.indiantryst.in

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25 ABBERTON RESERVOIR NATURE RESERVE & VISITOR CENTRE

Open daily 9am-5pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day working in partnership

Come and experience one of the best birdwatching sites in Essex—stunning birds and stunning views

x Excellent birdwatching—good track record for attracting rarities x Nature trails & two new bird hides x Well stocked shop—optics, books, DVDs, bird food, nest boxes, gifts x Extended catering at weekends & bank holidays Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre x Regular Optics Days Church Road x Varied events programme Layer de la Haye x Children’s activity days Colchester Essex x Birthday parties CO2 0EU x Check out the website at www.essexwt.org.uk for latest sightings and up-to-date news or follow us Tel: (01206) 738172 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EWTAbberton Reg Charity No. 210065 Protecting Wildlife for the Future and for the People of Essex

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26

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27 RECENT INDOOR MEETINGS

GERRY JOHNSON

‘Whales, Dolphins & Seals of the south-west of England to malt following breeding in the Mediterranean This surveying was extended on UK’ – 3rd January 2014 the ferry routes operating between the UK to For the start of 2014 we deviated a little from the Belgium, Holland, Norway and Sweden. usual emphasis of birds for our evening talk and Bottlenose dolphins, weigh up to 1000 Kg, are four invited Emma Webb from ‘MARINE Life’ to provide us Metres long and are very aggressive. Not quite the with information on what can be found around the impression you might have of dolphins when you see Essex coast and beyond. ‘flipper’ on the TV. Orca, or killer whales, are Emma started surveys in the Bay of Biscay back in intelligent predators, and would not think twice about 1995 logging many wales, dolphins and proposes attaching great white sharks when hunting in a from the bridge of the ‘Pride of Bilbao’ ferry as it group. Orca can be seen off the north-west coast of sailed between the UK and northern Spain. It was Scotland and are actually another type of dolphin! soon established that the Bay of Biscay was a globally Minky whales can be seen off the north-east coast, important hot-stop for some whales. Lyme Bay and are up to 10 Metres in length and weight up to 10,000 parts of the English Channel are excellent for White- Kg (10 tons). Increasing in size are Humpback beaked and Bottlenose dolphin. It was further whales which approach 19 Metres and have been established that Balearic Shearwater migrate to the seen off the Suffolk/Norfolk coast. But probably the

Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949

28 best place to watch whales is off the south-west breeding Dunlin, Golden Plover, Puffin, Gannet, King coast of Ireland, where Fin whales, weighing 80,000 Eider, Storm Petrel, Great Northern Diver and White- Kg (80 tons), 25 Metre long, can be seen. billed Diver, plus occasional visits from Snowy Owl. If you visit the back waters of Walton-on-the-Naze Through tracking devices it is now known that some you have the opportunity of seeing Atlantic Grey seals Red-necked Phalarope, a bird the size of a Starling with and Common (Harbour) seals. a long bill and long legs, migrate 25,750 Kms (16,000 Seals should not be approached as they can miles) to the Arabian Gulf to winter, while others head give a nasty bit which carries a virus which cannot west over Newfoundland, down the east coast of North be treated with antibiotics. America, across the Gulf of Mexico, through the All porpoises, dolphins and whales are land Panama Cannel to winter off the coast of Peru. mammals returned to the sea and breathe air just like The audience of the well attended meeting were humans. Should they get injured by a ships propeller, treated to a very interesting and information lecture or entangled in fishing nests, they often drown or on the Shetlands and some of the rare and not so rare contract diseases, become malnourished which can species that can be found there, but there is still much then make them disorientated and get stranded on a research to be undertaken to understand more about beach somewhere. the Red-necked Phalarope breeding and migration. Many species are responding to climate change and the corresponding increasing water temperature around our coast such that greater numbers of ‘Return of the Osprey’ cetaceans can be expected to be seen around Essex. – 7th March 2014 It was an excellent enthusiastic talk enjoyed by the Tim Mackrill Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife members and guests alike. Trust, Senior Reserve Officer Rutland Water Osprey Project provided a superb talk on this ‘A Journey to the Shetlands’ specialist raptor species on the run up to the ‘Birds of Prey’ conference. Tim had a selection of excellent – 7th February 2014 photographs including an action clip of an Osprey Adam Rowlands, RSPB Senior Site Manager North catching a fish from both above and below the water. Suffolk Coast Reserves advised that every seven It was quite astonishing. At this point Tim advised that years the RSPB permit a sabbatical to extend Osprey have four toes, one of which can be rotated in knowledge in a particular wildlife interest. Adam had order to hold the fish that much better. travelled to distant parts of the world on previous Following the Osprey’s return to Loch Garten in sabbaticals, but due to family commitments, decided 1954 and subsequent breeding in 1967 a team to remain in the UK for this one – but only just! dedicated to attracting Osprey to Rutland Water was As many who have visited the Shetlands know, formed. However, in spite of extensive work carried they are an iconic place and due to their location in out at Rutland the early results were not encouraging, the north Atlantic they are a haven for rare species. as young birds released did not always return to Adams wish was to carry out a study on Red-necked Rutland Water after wintering in Senegal or the Phalarope and following a lengthy journey arrived to Gambia. It was soon established that young Osprey be met by the RSPB Warden and friendly locals in the would need to become very well acquainted with the spring of 2012. Rutland site at the time of release so perches were One of the first things that strikes you are the erected outside the rearing aviaries adjacent to prime brightly painted dwellings, all very Nordic in fishing areas. It was hoped that these ideal conditions appearance, plus being that close to the Arctic Circle would be imprinted on the Ospreys and encourage the extended amount of day-light hours. Once out them to return when arriving back from Africa. It is and about the lack of trees and cover was quite not until Ospreys have reached between three and evident and what few bushes were found were all five years of age are they mature and ready to breed. very stunted. From modest beginnings much has been achieved Red-necked Phalarope are a schedule one species since and up to five pairs of Osprey are now nesting for which a licence was required to undertake this and breeding successfully in the Rutland area with 76 survey work. Red-necked phalarope have reversed birds fledged since the project first started. sexual roles! The brighter females lay the eggs, the Transmitters are attached to the Osprey to provide duller males then look after them while the females exact information on an hourly basis. This includes go off looking for another prospective male to breed location, direction, height and speed which is all with again. During this survey Adam located 32 plotted so that all the birds can be closely monitored. nesting pairs with chicks plus additional non- One bird located in the Atlas Mountains did not move breeding birds which were show with superb for three days so the group knew something was photographs and excellent information about the wrong. A call went out for help and someone from species and the various areas visited. Mogadishu drove as far as possible into the We were additionally treated to photographs of mountains and then continued on foot for three male Snow Bunting in full breeding plumage, Great hours to the exact spot only to find, as suspected, that Skua that attack should you get too close to their the Osprey had been predated, possibly by an Eagle nest, Fulmar nestling on old stone buildings. It is Owl as it rested or while it was feeding. known that Red-throated Diver, Whimbrel, Common Education appears to be the key to success for the Gull, Arctic Skua and Red-throated Diver numbers are future and a pilot education project has been set up all declining, possible due to Climate Change with in the Gambia linked with schools in Rutland such less food to be found in the warmer waters around that information and data can be exchanged the Shetlands. This group of islands are also home to between the schools in the two countries at various

29 times of the year. disease like Trichomonosis, as found in Greenfinch. Tim had provided us with a considerable amount House Sparrows are a cavity nesting specialist, but and interesting information about this long term can use bushes on occasions and can have up to project to reintroduce the Osprey to Rutland Water. three broods a year. The lack of suitable nest sites Where might they turn up next? today as found in houses built pre- and post war (1920’s – 1940’s) with pronounced ridge shape tiles is considered an issue. Houses with flatter profile tiles ‘Tale of the Humble Urban House and flat slates of building since this period dramatically restrict nesting possibilities. Sparrow’ – 4th April 2014 Predation is another problem. Seventeen cities Dr Lorna Shaw undertook a PhD at Exeter University were studied over twelve years resulting in a 90% to covering the Urban House Sparrow, so we knew that 20% decline in ten years. Cats are known to be an we were in for a talk full of information. issue in Bristol while Sparrowhawks One of the early photographs from 1920 showed a and Magpies also have an adverse effect in many very large flock of House Sparrows being fed in areas. House Sparrows were tagged for up to a three London’s Hyde Park, they were once considered so week period to establish where they moved around. common they were not worth bothering about! How This showed a strong preference for specific house things have changed today. House sparrows were types with suitable habitat in deprived areas. Older considered to be a pest and as recent as 1967 The properties with less well maintained/manicured Rose P.H. at Peldon served ‘Sparrow Pie’. gardens, without block paved areas, without plastic In 1980 there were 26 million House Sparrows, facia and guttering. It was established that they did which reduced to less than 6 million pairs in the 1990’s. not stray too far basically staying within a 100 Metre This decline was not just in the UK but mirrored right diameter core area, foraging close to nest sites. If across Western Europe. It was not until 2007 that the necessary occasionally venturing up to 1 Km. first study group started to investigate possible reasons maximum. and causes why House Sparrows have declined? How can we help? Firstly keep an ‘untidy’ area Amongst other things it was established that young within gardens or better still keep an ‘untidy’ garden; House Sparrows need more than just seed as was put up communal nest boxes; erect feeding stations spilt during the gathering of the harvest in the fields in areas less suitable for ambush by predators and and farm yards. They also need high protein include protein rich mealworms. caterpillars as part of their diet. With today’s modern It was a very interesting evening by Lorna Shaw machinery and farming methods there is very little about what was once a very common garden species seed dropped and storage barns are sealed up to in all our towns and cities. The talk high-lighted and prevent wildlife from getting in and contaminating emphasised the need for us all to record and submit the grain for human consumption. It was also data for all the common bird spies to the Recorders suggested that pollution from ‘lead free petrol’ was a to prevent other species suffering the same fate of culprit that contributed to their decline. Fortunately, the Humble Urban House Sparrow. unlike other seed eating birds, there is no evidence of RECENT OUTDOOR MEETINGS

Lowestoft and Stubbs Mill, NWT front of our position. Some of the group took advantage of the good Reserve – 5th January 2014 conditions to sea watch, while others ventured along By Gerry Johnson the promenade past the Birds Eye factory and Following the wettest December for 100 years it was a beyond, some also took the opportunity of a late pleasant change to be able to get out on a dry, clear breakfast in the ‘Lighthouse Diner’. This walk morning. It is surprising how times flies, as when produced a Sparrowhawk flying low along the sea checking it was five years, January 2009 when we last wall and into the scrub bushes by the factory. The sea had a trip to these venues. After a short comfort stop watchers were rewarded with Cormorant, Kittiwake, on the A12, we continued on towards Lowestoft, Common and Lesser Black-backed Gull and four arriving at the Hamilton Dock before 10:00 in excellent fine Velvet Scoter, with their white panel clearly seen bright sunshine conditions. The recent succession of in the bright sunshine. Sally and Derek Howes fierce storms rolling in from the Atlantic, due to the located a lone Purple Sandpiper on rocks just a ‘Polar Vortex/Jet Stream’ had abated, albeit only for couple of Metres below where they stood on the sea the day, leaving the sea a little calmer. Simon Banks wall, also seen by others but it soon moved on to soon picked up a Little Gull on the water amongst the explore the exposed rocks where the sea watching commoner Black-headed and Herring Gulls. Once was taking place below the stationary wind turbine. reaching Ness Point, the most easterly position in These were great views with the yellow parts of the England, we could look back along the large granite bill very prominent. block sea defences, where three Purple Sandpiper Prior to departing Ness Point at Lowestoft one of our could be made out just above the water edge. Easier group discovered a collection of fishing equipment seen were four Turnstone flying just over the sea in tucked behind the sea wall, which was mentioned to

30 another fisherman close by! Unknown to us this Back on board the warm coach, the main target fisherman reported the find to the police. Next a species had been seen amongst the 67 birds Norfolk Constabulary squad car with ‘flashing lights’ recorded during the day. It had been an excellent turned up, and the three officers starting to search the winter day out plus the bonus of no rain! rocks. Soon after this the Lowestoft Life Boat put in an appearance close off shore trawling up and down the area. This was followed by the Police helicopter Dungeness RSPB Reserve circling overhead and then finally the Coast Guard Diving Section arrived to search under the water. This – 16th February 2014 incident was reported on the local TV News that By Gerry Johnson evening, which I am pleased to advise ended happily If anyone knew how to switch the tap off it would when the owner of the fishing tackle eventually be appreciated if this could be undertaken sooner returned from home after collecting some medication! rather than later! Following the wettest winter for I bet they had a red face with all the attention? hundreds of years and extensive flooding for weeks As we travelled through the urban area of Gt across west Wales, the West Country, Kent, Sussex, Yarmouth we crossed the bridge leading to expanse of Surrey, Berkshire and parts of Essex we knew that we Breydon Water, where many wildfowl and waders could were in for a wet trip under foot. However, the be seen on this lagoon. These included Wigeon, Teal, forecast was for fine weather and it was a clear blue Mallard, Lapwing and Golden Plover to name a few. sky as we boarded the coach in Chelmsford, which Moving on into Norfolk and the NWT Stubbs Mill remained with us throughout the complete day. We Centre car park at Hickling (the Centre is closed welcomed Alan and his daughter Melanie on their during winter months), conditions were wet first Society Field Trip Meeting. underfoot, but still no rain! The walk down the After the short stop at the Maidstone services on narrow track to the ‘Raptor Watch Point’ produced the M20, with the sunshine ‘pouring’ into the coach our first Marsh Harrier, a flock of 80+ Fieldfare with as we headed south, it was not long before we two Redwing feeding in the short winter wheat, plus arrived at the vast shingle expanse of Dungeness. Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant and other regular The coach stopped at the redundant lighthouse in farmland species. We also noted small groups of order for the group to explore the ‘Patch’ in front of noisy Greylag and Canada Geese fly over. The the Magnox Power Station and the undulating shingle viewing facility at the ‘Watch Point’ have improved by the fishing boats. Off shore many Gulls, mainly considerably over the years from a very precarious Black-headed Gulls, competed for food amongst the narrow earth bank, very slippery when wet, to a hard boiling water from the discharge of the Power surface standing area some 30 Metres long with a Station’s cooling system. Off shore Great Crested wooden rail to lean on and a short bench to take Grebe, Cormorant, Guillemot and Red-throated three people. It was not long before more Marsh Divers were seen plus a lone Little Gull. Sally and Harriers were seen arriving to the roost area. Closer Andrew Allen, who had walked to the fishing boats, to where we stood a bright male Yellowhammer located a Glaucous Gull on the sea. stood out in what were now dull overcast conditions. With time to cover the scrub between the Carefully scanning the area three Common Crane lighthouse and the Observatory/old coast guard were found away to the right. These were put to flight cottages, Stonechat was added, but the reported when the Farmer ventured in there direct on a quad- Hume’s Warbler remained elusive to the group. For a bike to feed the grazing sheep, but they did return February day it was very pleasant walking around. again before we departed. Common Crane are very Moving on, the coach stopped just inside the elegant in flight for such a large bird as they guided in entrance gate to the Reserve by Boulderwall Farm to formation, ‘bugling’ there presence. In the far allow those wishing to get off and investigate the ARC distance we could see skeins of Pink-foot Geese in pits. Before doing this we looked towards the feeders sky, while a Kingfisher called as it flew fast along the at the Farm for Tree Sparrow, but nothing much narrow drainage ditch behind the ‘Watch Point’. about, possible due to the feeders being empty! All the time more and more Marsh Harrier arrived Some paths around the ARC pits were flooded, but with over forty in the sky at one time, a fantastic sight, access to the hide and viewing area were possible but not quite reaching the highest number recorded and provided good views of Wild Fowl; Tufted Duck, together of 150. To these we also had a splendid Wigeon, Pochard, Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall, plus female Hen Harrier fly low across the complete area Goldeneye and female Smew, which are not as in front of the area. The white ‘ring tail’ standing out showy as the stunning males. well in the fading light. Unfortunately there were no Returning to the Farm we eventually found Tree sightings of Barn Owls as on previous visits. Sparrow as they moved around the bare twigs of According to the Warden present this was due to a bushes with Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tit. One of reduction in numbers following the bad weather the keen-eyed in our group found a Great White conditions last winter and it would take a couple of Egret moving around in the far distanced. For those years for them to recover. that wished to travel to the Centre the coach returned There was a large mixed flock of tits and finches at the agreed time, while others walked to Hookers moving around the adjacent bushes and building to our Pits to search for reported Penduline Tit. With the right, mainly Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch, group spread around the Reserve, people’s paths plus Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits. Always being crossed with confirmed sighting of Bittern, optimistic, as we should be, we carefully checked the Penduline Tit and Raven. It was easy to see where flock for something different or unusual? We were the Penduline Tit had been seen by the gathering of eventually rewarded with a fine male Brambling. 20-25 visitors massed on the Viewing Point

31 away from the Centre they were not seen again until it was time to move on. Conspicuous by their absence were the Tree Sparrows that were usually seen at the feeding station just in front of the Birdwatching Centre. On the path leading north towards Lagoons 2, 3 and 4 we enjoyed the bird song on a beautiful spring morning. Blackcap and Whitethroat along with the more common species of Dunnock, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin and Great Tit could be made out. Over Lagoon 1 a pair of noisy Common Tern quartered the Smew water and a Greylag Goose occupied the Osprey nesting platform on Brown’s Island! Further Geese seen during the day included Canada, overlooking the reeds. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard Barnacle and Egyptian. In one of the damp and briefly seen along with male Marsh Harrier and meadows a dozen or so small wired enclosures male Bearded Tit from this Viewing Point. Some protected Snake’s Head Fritillary (fritillaria meleagris), remained for over an hour in the hope of seeing the an exquisite jewel of British wild flowers. Some Penduline Tit. Some did, but unfortunately not displayed the chequered pattern blooms in their dark everyone was fortunate to obtain sightings. purple colour with a few in pure white. It was while In the main the reserve was ‘dry’ due to the free enjoying this rare species that Elizabeth Harbott found draining shingle, but the short-cut path to the Centre a male Bullfinch at the top of a Hawthorn hedge. was under water. Completing the circuit with stops at Moving on to Redshank hide the artificial Sand the Scott, Makepeace and Firth hides, female Smew Martin bank was in view, which was already in use and Black-necked Grebe were seen. Again Andrew and attracted many Sand Martin and Swallow circling and Sally had decided to walk along the road by the over head, while duck nesting boxes, down at the New Diggings to see if they could locate the two water level, appeared to be occupied by Stock Dove? Black-throated Divers. Not a short or easy walk, but Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and their superb efforts were rewarded with sighting, Blackcap amongst other species moved around in the right at the far end of the lagoon. sheltered undergrowth adjacent to the hide. As we boarded the luxury Lodge’s coach a second Shoveler hide was another rewarding stop with Black Great White Egret could be seen along the edge of Tern showing well along with Pochard, Shelduck, Burrowes Pit and along the access track yet another Wigeon, Teal and Marsh Harrier all seen. But the to make five different Great White Egrets seen highlight was two fine drake Garganey. The breeding during the day. It was a splendid day enjoyed by all plumage markings of the Garganey were immaculate with many species seen by the members on the trip. as they moved from the sedge into open water. On previous trips to this part of Kent we had also All too soon it as time to make a slow return to the incorporated the National Pinetum at Bedgebury for a coach for the short journey on to the Lyndon Reserve, couple of hours. However, due to recent changes in the but not before investigating Lagoon 4 from the Sandpiper activities at Bedgebury (i.e. mountain biking, cross- hide where Whimbrel, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed county running, orienteering, etc.) the target species are Plover were all seen. A pair of Bullfinch were seen along no longer seen on a regular basis because of increased the path between Osprey and Grebe hides. noise and disturbance. Coupled with the high cost of During the short distance to the Lyndon Visitor £50 for parking the coach for just two hours, it was Centre located on the south side of the Reservoir, decided to spend all our valuable time at Dungeness. sightings of Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Bar-tailed From the excellent species seen throughout the day this Godwit and Cuckoo were all reported from the proved to be a very good decision. morning excursions around the vast Reserve. At the Lyndon Centre we were pleased to hand over to Tim Mackrill the fine Kestrel watercolour (cover of Rutland Water, Egleton & Lyndon ‘Essex Birding’, issue 123) as kindly donated by Richard Allen, for Paul Stammers as the winner of the Reserves – 27th April 2014 ‘silent auction’ at the ‘Birds of Prey Conference’ held in By Gerry Johnson March. (You can see more of Richard’s excellent We welcomed ten members and guests on their first artwork in the Art Marque of ‘The British Bird Watching Society Field Trip Meeting to Rutland Water. On route Fair’*, being held on the 15th-17th August). at least four Common Buzzard, Yellowhammer but Following a short address covering the current only a single Kestrel were seen. return of the Ospreys to some sixteen nesting sites we Many will know Rutland Water as the home of the had the opportunity to visit seven more hides dotted ‘British Bird Watching Fair’ every August, where along the southern shore. Most headed west ending thousands arrive during the three day event. But, even up at Shallow Water hide overlooking Marston Bay though there were two other coach parties, it was much where a female Osprey was sitting on a nest, the only quieter today for our visit to the Anglian Water nest on the Reserve, calling and patiently waiting for a Birdwatching Centre at Egleton Reserve and the Lyndon male Osprey resting on a perch, to go fishing and Centre Reserve, both at the western end of the Reservoir. provide food, but this did not happen up to the time It was not surprising with a Reserve the size of we departed. Peter Dwyer located a Garden Warbler Egleton with its 30 hides that once people moved amongst the bushes leading back to the main track.

32 From Deep Water hide, looking across South Arm II a the Bittern hide, resulted a quicker exit, it was just splendid Great Northern Diver, in breeding plumage, too busy to see much out of. Carrying along towards was seen on the far side. From the window of the Lyndon the Island Hide we heard our first Bitterns booming Centre Tree Sparrow, Marsh Tit and Linnet could be more and closer views of Hobbys were obtained seen moving between close bushes and the feeders. and, as we arrived at the hide, good views of a male The coach returned along the A606 and when going Marsh Harrier were obtained as he quartered up through the pretty little village of Empingham a Red and down the reeds. Thankfully this hide was quieter, Kite was seen circling over the houses constructed in although we did have to share it with a Springwatch local natural stone. It had been an excellent day with engineer setting his equipment up ready for the 96 species identified by the group, which was nearly broadcast commencing the next day, and we also 20% up on when we last visited back in March 2010. saw Mute Swan & Great Crested Grebe both with *Why not join us on a luxury air conditioned young. Walking through the wet woodland along the coach to ‘The British Bird Watching Fair’ at bottom of Whin Hill warblers and other passerines Rutland Water on Sunday 17th August. Contact were both heard and seen. Carrying on past Scotts Gerry Johnson on 07775 663166 for further details Hall to the Canopy Hide, we were disappointed that and to book your place. the surrounding woodland was very quiet, and only a Green Woodpecker and a female Pheasant on her nest, along with a sulking male, were seen. Making Minsmere RSPB – 25 May 2014. our way back we stopped to admire the new By Steve Collins Springwatch cabin that had been constructed at the Another excellent coach trip to Minsmere RSPB, the top of Whin Hill, we were impressed by the weather was warm and sunny but with a stiff breeze. programmes low profile throughout the reserve, and The majority boarded the coach in Chelmsford with a only black cable laid adjacent to most of the paths few getting on at Colchester – allowing Lesley and and the odd camera well camouflaged, were the only extra half-hour lay-in! The coach dropped us all off in signs that there were there. One last hide to visit and the car park, and a quick trip to the café for a coffee that was the North Hide, where we found eventually and decide which way we would go. Straight out a very elusive male Garganey moving in and out of from the Visitors Centre we passed the sand cliffs, the reeds, and whilst we were contemplating which the Sand Martin’s were taken full advantage returning to the Bittern Hide, a Bittern obligingly flew of. Moving on the North Bushes and Wall where over from the North Marsh and clear views were Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Common obtained that save a trip!. Finally as we were making Whitethroats could be both seen and heard, onto the our way to the Coach, we managed to see our first beach where we just missed the Sanderlings Moorhen with young of the day. scurrying along the shoreline, although some of the Even without Gerry a total 91 species were recorded group were luckier. Some of the group headed by the group. Highlights include Dartford Warbler, towards Dunwich Heath to try and see, mostly male Garganey, at least 3 Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, successfully, the Dartford Warbler. By now the sky Kittiwake, and Wood Lark, as well as the usual was full of terns and gulls, and the noise level warblers and terns. And we managed to bring out of increased as we heading towards the East Hide, as Minsmere one more person than we came with! usual (well at least for me), a Cetti’s Warbler greeted Thanks to Gerry, Pete, Lesley & John for keeping us as we walked up the path. Once inside we found everything on an even keel. We even saw Chris that all the islands on the scrape were full of nesting Packham & Michaela Strachan from Springwatch 2014. Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns with a few Avocets and, as usual with these situations, the larger gulls Great & Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve – the Magpies were looking for the stray eggs and chicks. Continuing towards the sluice, the activity 15th June 2014 continued adding Lapwings, Greylag & Canada By Gerry Johnson Geese to the nesting species. Swallows and House The previous few days had been very hot and humid, Martins were flying overhead hawking quite low for but today it was overcast and cooler making it much the insects. A quick look around the scrub just more comfortable for our final Field Trip meeting of beyond the sluice we managed to spot Willow the season, commencing at the earlier time of 07:00 Warbler & Chiffchaff, before returning via the South in order to make it a full day at the venue. Looking Hide where there was a Common Ringed Plover back it was September 2011 when we previously had along with a few Redshank and a couple of Little a trip to the splendid Reserve at Titchwell. Amongst Egret. Looking over the North Levels a family of the group of 45 that attended we welcomed Maurice Canada Goose with seven chicks was seen ‘Mod’ Hayhow, with grandson George, Helen Ritchie, swimming, and we spotted our first Hobby, a couple Matt Connelly and Billy Smith all on their first Field of Sedge Warblers were heard singing their scratchy Trip Meeting with the Society. song, and after a bit of looking they were both seen. After the short comfort and refreshment stop at the Walking back to towards the visitor’s centre a small Barton Mills services we headed into Norfolk for the party of Long-tailed Tits flitted though the trees. A second half of the journey. Pheasant, Jay, Common well eared break for lunch at the visitor’s centre, Buzzard and up to five Kestrel were seen. sitting outside the feeders were quiet, but the Sand Just prior to the reserve a Barn Owl was seen Martins kept us entertained. Fully replenished we quartering in a field adjacent to the road. There was a started out towards the Bittern Hide, however the ‘buzz’ of excitement around the coach and an reserve was now becoming busy and a quick visit to excellent sighting for the day.

33 On arrival at the Titchwell entrance Bill and Rosie Sedge Warbler and good views of Bearded Tit were Perkins, George and Linda Jenkins jumped off the all enjoyed. Cetti’s Warblers sang but remained coach to catch the local bus for the five-six miles to hidden in the dense cover. At the old Island Hide Burnham Overy, to try and see the Spectacled Avocet with young were present all over the lagoon, a Warbler (a species usually found in southern Europe few Black-headed Gulls, Common Tern, Shelduck, at this time of the year) that had been in the Coot, Moorhen, Black-tailed Godwit in fine summer Burnham Overy dunes for the last ten days. If plumage, Curlew, a first summer Little Gull, and on accepted it will only be the eighth record for Britain! the far side of the lagoon a Green Sandpiper and Were they successful? – read on. two Spotted Redshank again in their ‘black’ summer When the coach entered the allotted parking area the plumage, plus Greenshank and Whimbrel. From Barn Owl could again be seen flying across the field for outside the hide Andrew Allen located a lone all to get superb views. Walking through the woods to Common Gull, a species not expected to be seen in the Centre Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat Norfolk at this time of the year. were amongst the species identified, plus Robin, From the relatively new and very modern Parrinder Blackbird, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Great and Blue Tit. Hide, located half way along the beefed-up Parrinder As part of the important protection measurers Wall between the Freshwater Lagoon and Volunteer undertaken against the elements, considerable Marsh, better views were obtained of the Green changes had been made to the reserve over the last Sandpiper and the two Spotted Redshanks. On an couple of years, which will allow access to a new island only a few Metres in front of the hide, Pied autumn trail between August and October. However, Wagtail along with two Ringed Plovers and a single during the remainder of the year access is restricted Little Ringed Plover moved around together giving to the East trail by Patsy’s reed bed. From behind a the ideal opportunity to see the charismatic screen overlooking a small scrape was an interesting differences in the same ‘scope view. sighting of a sleeping male Red-crested Pochard On reaching the beach the extensive destruction of with a selection of the more familiar wildfowl and the December 2013 winter storms became quite waders in the form of Tufted Duck, Teal, Gadwall evident. Much of the dunes previously protecting the and Lapwing with young. A pair of Grey Heron and Reserve behind them had been washed away and low flying Marsh Harrier soaring over made the the old board walk to protect the dunes to the Lapwing quite vocal and protective. Many Swifts and observation platform were both missing. We were House Martin hawked the sky throughout the day pleased to learn that there are plans to renew these along with lesser numbers of Swallows. at some time in the not too distant future. Returning via the Centre to take the raised West There was a stiff chilly northerly wind blowing off the Bank path towards the sea, stops were made at sea as a flock of ca. 100 Common Scoter bobbed various points where a further three male Red- around as the waves constantly exposed and hid them crested Pochard plus one female with young were from view. With the high tide early in the morning, the seen, Little Egret, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Reed and large area of exposed beach was scanned where Bar- tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Turnstone and Sanderling were all noted feeding, with Eider and Little Tern off shore, all added to the day’s growing list. Even though the Reserve is basically a 1,000 Metre long ‘straight’ foot path from the Centre to the sea with trails, paths and board walks leading to hides and viewing points, it was surprising that people in the group did not meet each other from the time they arrived to the time getting back on the coach. But when their paths crossed reports of Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, Cuckoo, Meadow Pipit, Sand Martin, Sandwich Tern and Linnet were exchanged together where to locate them. Now as for the four of the group that ventured off to Burnham Overy Dunes in search for the Spectacled Warbler, when we met up later during the day in the Island Hide they confirmed that they had fortunately been successful and obtained very good close views of the confiding male Spectacled Warbler. Being a summer visit the splendid total recorded by the group of 91 was not unsurprisingly a few down on the previous visit when made during the autumn. But this visit to the north Norfolk coast was an excellent day and a fitting conclusion to the current programme of Field Trip Meetings. I must apologise for not being able to Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949 attend the May trip to Minsmere, but I

34 know that you were well looked after by Lesley Correction to a 2013 Report & Steve Collins, Louise & John Sykes and Pete Following the Field Trip Meeting to the ‘Isle-of- Dwyer in my absence, for which I thank them. Sheppey’ on 10th November 2013, where a Cattle I would also like to take this opportunity to Egret was reported to have been seen briefly by thank all the members and guests that have some of the group as it flew over the fore shore at supported our Friendly Field Trip Meetings Harty Ferry. This was included as such within the trip from the 2013-2014 Programme. I hope that Report, in Issue 123 of ‘Essex Birding’. However, it has you have enjoyed them as much as I have and subsequently been discovered that this bird was in I look forward to seeing you again on some of fact a hybrid/cross between a Little Egret and a Cattle our trips on the new Programme starting in Egret. Apologies for this error and any inconvenience August to the grand ‘British Bird Watching Fair’ caused. For further details, photographs and at Rutland Water. Please see the full list of information about this hybrid bird please go to Meetings for 2014-2015 in ‘Essex Birding’, on http://birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=4162 the website (WWW.EBwS.ORG.UK) and on and http://martinsbirdingblog.blogspot.co.uk/ social media. 2013/10/cattle-egret.html EVENING INDOOR MEETINGS At the Quaker Meeting House, 82 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2QL. Members £3.00 each, Non-members £4.00 each on the door. Refreshments served during the interval. Meetings start at 20:00 unless stated otherwise (i.e. AGM in March – 19:30). ‘Free’ car parking on site or less than one minute away next to the County Hotel. FIELD TRIP MEETINGS For more details and to book coach seats, phone Gerry Johnson on 07775 663166 (after 19:00). Large ’free‘ car park next to County Hotel in Chelmsford. All Coach Trips commence from Trinity Church (opposite the County Hotel) 07:15 for 07:30 departure, unless stated otherwise, with pick-ups at Shenfield High School at 07:45 and Oak P.H. Grays at 08:00 or Swan P.H. Stanway at 08:00, depending on the direction of travel on the day. £20.00- £22.00 each, subject to destination and attendance. Accompanied juniors are ‘free’. An entrance charge also applies to some venues and reserves for non-members of RSPB, WWT, Wildlife Trusts, etc. To avoid disappointing anyone on a waiting list non-attended coach bookings, without cancellation, will incur the trip cost. For non-coach trips, meet at the venue car park at 09:00. Requested donation Members £2.00 each, Non-members £3.00 each. Accompanied juniors ‘free’.

Sunday – 17th August 2014 (07:00 Start) Friday – 6th February 2015 BRITISH BIRD WATCHING FAIR 75 YEARS of NESTING Carl Barimore Friday – 5th September 2014 Sunday – 15th February 2015 RINGING for CONSERVATION Jacquie Clark OUSE WASHES WELCHES DAM RSPB RESERVE & WELNEY WWT Sunday – 21st September 2014 (No Coach) TWO-TREE ISLAND EWT RESERVE & WALLASEA Friday – 6th March 2015 (AGM at 19:30) ISLAND RSPB RESERVE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT MIGRATION Dr Jennifer Gill SUMMER/AUTUMN 2014 Friday – 3rd October 2014 Sunday – 15th March 2015 WHITE-EARED NIGHT HERON in VIETNAM PULBOROUGH BROOKS RSPB RESERVE David Walsh Friday – 27th March 2015 Sunday – 19th October 2014 (No Coach) The ‘GEOFF PYMAN MEMORIAL LECTURE’ WALTON-on-the-NAZE & HOLLAND HAVEN Maldon Town Hall, CM9 4PZ Nicholas Watts of Vine House Farm explains and shows how ‘Farming and Friday – 7th November 2014 Wildlife’ can go together in the 21st Century. SEARCHING for SOCIABLE PLOVERS in INDIA (Held in conjunction with the Essex Wildlife Trust, Rick Vonk Maldon & Group) Tickets Sunday – 16th November 2014 £5.00 from Peter Dwyer or on the night at the door OARE MARSHES KWT RESERVE Friday – 10th April 2015 Friday – 5th December 2014 OWLS Mike Toms SPRING in JAPAN Graham Ekins Sunday – 19th April 2015 Sunday – 7th December 2014 (No Coach) PAXTON PITS OLD HALL MARSHES RSPB RESERVE Sunday – 17th May 2015 Friday – 9th January 2015 BRECKLANDS – LYNFORD ARBORETUM AFRICA Derek Howes & SANTON DOWNHAM Sunday – 18th January 2015 (No Coach) Sunday – 14th June 2015 (07:00 Start) CLEY MARSHES NWT RESERVE

MEETINGS PROGRAMME MEETINGS LEE VALLEY, FISHERS GREEN

35 RECENT REPORTS & BIRD NEWS

November 2013 to April 2014

The Society wishes to thank all the members that contribute to these Reports and the members that collate them together to give a ‘feel’ for the species that are seen throughout the different areas and habitats around the County. Most notes published in this section of ‘Essex Birding’ are gathered by individuals or groups of other local birders. Some records come from logs, kept at wildlife trust and other centres. Casual birders, as well as experienced and proficient field observers and some professional naturalists, have access to these, so logs have been carefully checked and in some obvious cases ‘unlikely’ sightings will have been expunged at that stage. Records of some commoner species added to logs by members of the public visiting a site may be happily accepted, but there is still potential for errors and mistakes. Therefore, as always, the advice is read, enjoy but recognise that while almost all news is accurate, authenticated records will appear only in the Essex Bird Report. Many thanks are expressed to all those who make the effort and report their sightings, to the diligent log scrutinisers and not forgetting the dedicated reporters and to those birdwatchers who share their records with them. If not done so already can you please send all your relevant records for 2014 into the Senior County Recorder, Les Steward ([email protected]) or the County Recorders, Terry Jeffreys ([email protected]) or Mick Tracey ([email protected]), not forgetting to use the six-column ‘Excel’ format to make things easier to process the thousands of records received. For the Langdon Hills & Thameside and Wat Tyler reports, Andrew Cox has used a few records from the Southend RSPB website, Graham Mee has given permission for this. When submitting records, please look at the Society website or the most recent Essex Bird Report to see whether any full descriptions are required in the case of species which are currently considered rare or vagrant in the County. Thank you.

take place before it was raised further. attracting wetland species. Abberton Water levels will be held at the current Next winter, all being well, and if level until about late May or June, when there’s enough water around, the water Reservoir it will start to fall again as is normal in level will be raised, bringing it up to what the summer. will be the new maximum level. At that BY DAVID WIMPRESS The major works to deepen and level the water will be lapping just in front increase the surface area of the main of the new hides at the Visitor Centre! From the middle of December water reservoir was almost completed by the was pumped into the reservoir at the end of the period of this report. The With thanks to Dennis Dellow of fastest rate yet. This was partly because Layer de la Haye causeway and much of Essex and Suffolk Water for project there was so much water in the rivers the provision of perimeter access track information. and partly because of the use of the as well as the new pumping machinery new pumping station at Wormingford was in place and by March the November On January 22nd the water level contractors had cleared all but a fraction After early mist on the 2nd, a sunny day reached the previous normal maximum of their work sites and much of their produced sightings of a Black-necked level and by March was just over one equipment. The reservoir presented a Grebe, a Bewick’s Swan, 79 Pintail, 201 metre above the previous maximum. much tidier aspect; with the newly- Great Crested Grebes, a Glossy Ibis The water company has been created wildlife areas were looking very west of Layer Breton causeway, and a monitoring the instrumentation in the much more natural and therefore Spoonbill was on ‘Atlantis’, the raised dam to ensure that it is attractive. Large new hides had erstwhile island off Hide Bay. Also performing as expected. Whether any appeared, replacing the temporary present at the western end were two more water is pumped in will depend structures in the Essex Wildlife Trust Marsh Harriers, This pair was on whether the Dam Inspecting centre area and new access points were frequently reported from there and up to Engineer gives approval. More planting in process of provision. Water levels three others frequented the south side of appropriate plant species around were high throughout the period and east of the causeways at times. Other margins above the present level would newly-flooded areas were already raptors that day were two Common Buzzards, five Kestrels, and a Peregrine: Peregrines were present throughout the period, usually a falcon and a tiercel, often together, with notable additional birds mentioned hereafter. The apparent pair was usually to be seen on pylons to the west of the site or on ‘Atlantis’ ,at the pumping station and from time to time on the south side of the main reservoir. Waders included 50 Ringed Plovers, a Grey Plover, 270 Golden Plovers, three Green Sandpipers and 20 Dunlins. A Yellow-legged Gull was also reported. A Stonechat pair was near the reserve Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949 centre buildings and these two were

36 present there throughout the period of seen flying due south high up and at Layer Breton causeway and 26 Corn this report, often favouring the pond to least three Reedlings were in reeds at Buntings were near Abberton Church. the south of the car park. One, possibly south end of Layer Breton causeway. On On the 28th 35 Fieldfares were in two, Cetti’s Warblers were at the the 17th a duck Scaup was in Peldon treetops overlooking Layer Breton western end and a Siskin was calling Bay, a female Red-breasted Merganser causeway. The 29th produced lots of over School Lane and a Redpoll sp. was seen from Abberton Church and Goldeneye and17 Goosander, a Smew, called on passage over Layer Breton five Goosander and a Red-throated a Merlin, and a Short-Eared Owl. causeway. Next day, as well as the adult Diver were off the main dam. 300 Great Bewick’s Swan, there were now two Crested Grebes were counted, and a December Black-necked Grebes, one by the island Ruff, two Green Sandpipers, 40 On the 7th eight Shelduck were on and one in Peldon Bay, four Marsh Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail, a Cetti’s ‘Atlantis’, precursors of regular and Harriers, five Common Buzzards, a Warbler and 115 Corn Buntings were increasing groups of this species, usually male Merlin, 13 Ringed Plovers, five reported. On the morning of the 19th on the Wigborough Bay floods and with Green Sandpipers and another passage one watcher recorded six Kestrels at a maximum of 32 on March 27th. Seven Redpoll sp. A female/immature various locations round the reservoir as Goosander and a Bittern were at Layer Goosander was west of Layer Breton well as large flocks of Starling, Linnet Breton causeway, Raptors included causeway on the 4th. The Glossy Ibis and Corn Bunting. On the 24th the first three Marsh Harriers, a Hen Harrier, a was still on a field west of Layer Breton Smew of the winter, a ‘redhead’, was Sparrowhawk, a Common Buzzard and Causeway on the 7th. Next morning, a seen from Layer Breton causeway. A six Kestrels, as well as a tiercel Merlin drake Red-crested Pochard was east of drake and a duck Red-breasted in Wigborough Bay where there were Layer Breton causeway. Highlights of Merganser were in The Dam/Peldon also around a 1,000 Golden Plovers and the 9th included a Red-throated Diver, Bay area, though not together and three Dunlins. Three Black-tailed 350 Great Crested Grebes, a Slavonian Goosander now numbered 22 and a Godwits flew south and six Green Grebe, 18 Little Egrets, two Bitterns, Merlin flew through. Sandpipers were on the pool at the seen scrapping, and the Glossy Ibis. On the 26th a Bittern was seen and northern end of Hide Bay. 60 Skylarks Waterfowl included five Bewick’s the Red-breasted Merganser drake and c100 Linnets were also present. On Swans, briefly in Wigborough Bay, 300 remained. Also present was a ‘redhead’ the 11th a Little Egret was at Layer Shoveler, 50 Pintail, a Scaup, 50 Smew, 17 Goosander, a female Merlin, Breton causeway with a ‘ringtail’ Hen Goldeneye, two Red-breasted a Green Sandpiper and a Barn Owl. Harrier hunting nearby and 50 plus Mergansers and a Goosander Raptors Next day five Bewick’s Swan flew west Goldeneye and c300 Lapwings were recorded were three Marsh Harriers, over Layer Breton causeway mid- present with a single Ruff, seen from two Common Buzzards, a morning. The immature Red-throated School Lane. Two Dunlins were in Hide Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, a male and a Diver was seen for the last time off the Bay with a second Green Sandpiper. female Merlin. Also seen were 300 Dam where both Red-breasted Highlights of the 14th included a Barn Golden Plovers, three Green Merganser remained. Two Black- Owl, four Marsh Harriers two Egyptian Sandpipers, two Barn Owls, a Short- necked Grebes were seen from the Geese, a Common Buzzard two eared Owl and 100 Corn Buntings! visitor centre. Raptors included a Kestrels, two Hen Harriers, one of Next day most species of the 9th’ Sparrowhawk and six Common them an adult male, a Merlin, a remained and the Bewick’s Swans, a Buzzards. Seven Common Snipe were Goosander, close to 1,000 Lapwing and family party, were back in Wigborough seen and a Water Rail was heard at numerous Golden Plovers, plus a single Bay and, unusually, there were also two Layer Breton causeway where 200 Fieldfare, Next day there were sightings Dark-bellied Brent Geese there. Six Golden Plovers were seen to the north of a drake. Red-crested Pochard, seven Goosander were now present and and six Ruff flew south-west with Goosander, another visiting Red- additional waders were single Dunlin Lapwings mid-morning. A Green throated Diver, three Marsh Harriers, and Ruff. A Cetti’s Warbler was vocal Woodpecker was near the visitor a Common Buzzard, seven Common near Layer Breton causeway. centre. 50 Fieldfares were also seen; Snipe, a Redshank, a Green A sunny 13th produced three distant two Cetti’s Warbler were singing by Sandpiper, two Turnstones, a singing Bewick’s Swans, two Egyptian Geese, c25 Pintail, a female Red-crested Pochard, a duck Scaup and a Water Rail and a Bittern, the latter seen twice in flight from Layer Breton causeway. 25 Goldeneye, six Goosander and three, possibly four, Peregrine Falcons and an immature male Merlin were present and waders included a Green Sandpiper and five Ruff. Notable passerines included one, possibly two Reedlings, heard calling west of Layer Breton causeway and two Bullfinches. By the14th Bewick’s Swan had increased to seven, four of them juveniles and at Layer Breton causeway a distant Bittern made two long flights across the western lagoon. A Water Rail was in the edge of reeds, next to the overflow there and six Common Snipe were on the large ‘scrape’ island and nearby, a Kingfisher took a long flight over water, leaving over the tree tops. On the 15th 400+ Golden Plovers were Ring-necked Duck by George Brown

37 Cetti’s Warbler and a Bullfinch. two Mediterranean Gulls were to the Egret, a male Hen Harrier in On an overcast 17th 14 Shelduck were east and a Smew and two Goosander Wigborough Bay, plus three Common seen from School Lane, 124 Shoveler, a were to the west A Green Woodpecker Buzzards, a female Merlin in Peldon female Red-crested Pochard, 460 near the reserve centre. Next day up to Bay with less usual waders being and a Pochard and 70 Goldeneye were nine Bewick’s Swan, five adults and four Ruff, two Curlews, three Green counted, seven Goosander were off juveniles, were west of Layer Breton Sandpipers in Hide Bay. 30 Corn Abberton Church and four Kestrels causeway and two adult White-fronted Buntings were seen in Peldon Bay. The present. Four Curlews were seen from Goose, which remained in the area until usual Bittern and a Grey Wagtail were School Lane and a Cetti’s Warbler male mid-February with another joining then seen at the western end. A Rock Pipit was in song by Layer Breton causeway. on January 23rd, often with Greylags was at Layer de le Haye causeway. On the19th a drake Smew was just west nearby. There were five Smew, three of On the 18th a rarity for the reservoir of Layer Breton causeway and the Red- them drakes and nine Goosander there. was a Little Auk which sadly died throated Diver was viewable from the In addition, there was a Water Rail and shortly after being found. Also seen visitor centre where a Barn Owl was two Bitterns with a possible third were a female Merlin, a female Hen seen. The drake Smew remained at Layer reported. Also seen were 94 Shoveler Harrier and a Mediterranean Gull. Breton causeway on the 20th when a and two drake Red-crested Pochard There were also unconfirmed reports of drake Red-breasted Merganser was were east of Layer Breton causeway a Long Tailed Duck and a Red necked seen from Abberton Church as were two and 340 Pochard were mainly west of Grebe. Next day nine Bewick’s Swans Common Buzzards. Three Green there with a few in Hide Bay. 84 were present early in the day and there Sandpipers were in Hide Bay. A third Goldeneye were counted, the majority were gain two drake Red-crested Smew was reported next day. On the 22nd off Abberton Church and School Lane. A Pochard and two Red-breasted one observer recorded12 Pintail, three ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier was hunting near Merganser: a male near Layer Breton Smew: two drakes and a’ redhead’, two Abberton Church and seen later with a causeway and a female in Peldon Bay Goosander, three Marsh Harriers, a male in Wigborough Bay. A female and at least five Goosander. One Little ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier, a Common Merlin was also there. There were 300 Egret was seen. Two Hen Harriers, one Buzzard and five Green Sandpipers, He Lapwings around the site and other of each sex, and a female Merlin were saw two wintering Chiffchaffs and a waders included a Common Snipe, a reported and a Little Gull was viewable Firecrest in a hedge by visitor centre Curlew, a Redshank and three Green from School Lane. Also present were entrance with a female Bullfinch and a Sandpipers. A Chiffchaff was in a two Green Woodpeckers and two dozen 12 Corn Buntings nearby. A Great hedge near Abberton Church. A Grey Lesser Redpoll flew north over the Spotted Woodpecker and a flock of ten Wagtail was seen at Layer-de-le-Haye reserve centre car park. A Barn Owl Long-tailed Tit were at Layer Breton causeway and 75 Redwings were by was hunting along the roadside near the causeway on the morning of the 25th. Abberton Church. A Cetti’s Warbler was old reserve entrance towards dusk This Nine Red-legged Partridges and a Fox singing at the western end and a bird was seen again on the 25th when were seen close by. In the afternoon a Firecrest and a Treecreeper were in there were two Chiffchaffs and eight drake Red-crested Pochard and the the woodland by the visitor centre Long-tailed Tits near the reserve drake Smew were close in to Layer entrance. The Firecrest was seen from entrance gates. Breton Causeway and an adult female time to time in the woodland along the Peregrine was preening in an oak beyond old road to the north of here until the at February the part-flooded field with owl boxes least March 8th. Linnet and Bullfinch Early morning and evening visits on the south-east of Layer de la Haye causeway pairs were by Abberton Church and the 2nd produced six Goosander, a Bittern, and 500 Lapwings were counted. visitor centre respectively. On the 6th a a Common Snipe and a Woodcock. Chiffchaff was seen in woodland near One watcher recorded six Kestrels at January entrance to reserve. various locations round the reservoir New Year’s Day saw in increase in Three Scaup, a male, an immature next day as well as two Smew numbers to five, three males and male and an adult female were first Yellowhammers. The Marsh Harrier two females, all at Layer Breton seen from the visitor centre on the 9th pair displayed west of Layer Breton causeway. Two Goosander and a and another female joined them by causeway on the 7th. The now-regular Bittern were west of there. Raptors February 12th: they remained between adult female Merlin was hunting over included three Marsh Harriers, a the causeways and occasionally on the reservoir margins from School Lane Sparrowhawk, three Common main reservoir, reducing to two duck by where a Ruff was with a Lapwing flock Buzzards, three Peregrines, including the end of February but there were two and four Curlews. Around 1,000 an immature bird and the two Hen duck, possibly different individuals, in Lapwing were counted on the 9th. A Harriers, an adult male and female, Hide Bay until March 12th Two Red- Common Snipe was on the flooded were hunting round Wigborough Bay at crested Pochard were again south-east field south-west of Layer de La Haye dusk. Waders seen were a Common of Layer Breton but then flew to the causeway on the 10th with a male Snipe and a Curlew and there were 20 western side. Only four Goosander Stonechat was in the roadside hedge Linnets, and just three Corn Buntings were seen, two in Wigborough Bay and nearby. at Abberton Church. A male Hen two west of Layer Breton causeway On the 15th, only a ‘redhead’ Smew Harrier was hunting along the far bank, where a Bittern was in the reeds. was recorded but 46 Cormorant nests opposite the visitor centre car park on Besides five Marsh Harriers, there was were occupied. Three Marsh Harriers, a the 2nd and a ‘ring-tailed bird was over an adult male Hen Harrier east of male, a female and a first-winter bird a field next to Abberton Church the Wigborough Bay and a Common were present and a ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier following day. A Sparrowhawk was at Buzzard, north of Layer Breton was seen distantly from the reserve the western end, possibly attracted by causeway and a Green Woodpecker centre and eight Common Buzzards 30 Pied Wagtails gathered on the Layer there. Nine Bewick’s Swan flew in were soaring in groups across the site Breton causeway banks and paths at towards dusk on the 12th, two Egyptian .The harrier was reported regularly until dusk. 40 Fieldfares and a Redwing Goose were present and there were five March 14th. A Common Snipe was on were also in that vicinity. On the 4th Smew including three drakes, a female the flood opposite the entrance to looking from Layer Breton causeway, Red-breasted Merganser in Peldon Billett’s Farm and the Woodcock was two drake Red-crested Pochard and Bay, a total of 17 Goosander, a Little resting under a blackthorn bush north-

38 east of Layer Breton causeway. A Green Numerous Skylarks were in song around Common Terns, two Black Terns, three Woodpecker was drumming near the the site and a Common Buzzard soared Swallows, and three Yellow Wagtails reserve centre as were two Great to the north. Just two drake Goosander were seen from the reserve centre. Next Spotted Woodpeckers, one at Layer remained that day and, as in other mild day a Little Ringed Plover pair, four Breton causeway and the other at the winters, Goosander numbers were always Sand Martins, two male Yellow Wagtails reserve centre. A dozen Meadow Pipit fewer than 30 with the last sighting of this and a singing Corn Bunting were near were in the grassland north of there and species for the period of three on the 27th, the visitor centre and a Willow Warbler a Rock Pipit east of Layer de la Haye these possibly on passage. was in song near Layer Breton causeway. causeway. A Stonechat pair was seen On the 14th an Aythya hybrid, likely a In the early evening at least eight Sand from Layer Churchyard and ten drake Scaup x Tufted Duck was in Hide Martins, two Swallows and a House Fieldfares were also reported. There Bay. Three Red-legged Partridges and six Martin were hawking off Layer Breton was a vocal Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch Common Buzzards were seen, a causeway. On the fine, sunny 10th pair at the reserve centre. Around 1,000 Common Snipe and a Green Sandpiper raptors consisted of two Marsh Harriers, Teal were present on the 20th and there were also in Hide Bay and a Green two Sparrowhawks, six Common were also 600 or so Lapwings and about Woodpecker, 25 Fieldfares and a Buzzards and two Kestrels. A Little half that number of Starlings. In mild, Chiffchaff were around the reserve area. Ringed Plover was seen from School windy conditions on the 23rd, the On the 18th the first Wheatear was Lane. Two Mediterranean Gulls were Woodcock remained under its seen by Wigborough Bay. Next day a reported. Sand Martins numbered at blackthorn bush by the duck ringing hut Sand Martin, also the first of the year, least 15 but only two Swallows were at Layer Breton causeway where a was over the site and four Marsh seen. Perhaps the rarest bird of the Bittern was again seen to the west. Also Harriers, three Common Buzzards, period was the drake Ring-necked Duck nearby were two Oystercatchers, 235 and two Oystercatchers were at the which, on the 12th, accompanied a small Fieldfares and 42 Redwings. 68 western end. In the morning of the 27th raft of Pochard spending the early Cormorant nests were occupied with there was a Egyptian Goose pair near morning in the pool behind the concrete three females incubating with the Abberton Church and 32 Shelduck, 42 wall, north-west of Layer Breton majority occupied. Two Common Snipe Gadwall, 80 Shoveler and 82 causeway and was seen later out on the and 23 Pied Wagtails were on the Goldeneye were counted, the majority western lagoon but had gone after the drained field south of Layer de la Haye in Hide Bay and off Abberton Church. A 13th. Hirundines present on the 12th causeway. A Stonechat pair were south drake Red-crested Pochard was east of included two Sand Martins, five of Layer Church and a mobile flock of 42 Layer de la Haye causeway and there Swallows and a House Martin. Linnets were around the Billett’s Farm were 60 Pochard, mostly west of the On the 20th Layer Breton causeway area. By the 25th diving duck numbers road there. 16 Great Crested Grebe and produced four Common Terns, 12+ appeared to have decreased as had the two Oystercatcher pairs were present. Yellow Wagtails; c50 Swallows; a House proportion of Black-headed Gulls in A Stock Dove pair was by Abberton Martin and two Linnets. Four Smooth near-breeding plumage. There had been Church. 32 Skylark males were on Newts were in a pond at the reserve an increase of three occupied territory, 20 of them round the reserve centre, near which a Nightingale, a Cormorant nests. The last Bittern of the centre and there were 16 Meadow Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were in song. winter was recorded. Two Common Pipits, some with ten Linnets by There was plenty to watch on the dry, Snipe remained opposite Billett’s Farm Abberton Church. Five Yellowhammer warm 24th with six Common Buzzards, and two Green Sandpipers and a winter pairs were recorded and at least one a Kestrel, three Greenshanks, two adult Little Gull were seen from School Corn Bunting was south of Layer de la Common Terns, a Cuckoo was calling Lane. A drake Red-breasted Merganser Haye. On the 31st the Hide Bay area west of the reserve entrance woodland and eight Goosander were at Layer produced sightings of two Slavonian where there was a Nightingale, four Breton causeway. Grebes and a Green Sandpiper. Blackcaps and at least one Long-tailed Tit, seven Sand Martins, four Swallows, March April three Yellow Wagtails, two On the 3rd three Green Woodpeckers On the 4th there at least seven Swallows Nightingales, seven were about the reserve centre plantations. and four Sand Martins through as well Wheatears, a Lesser As well as a drake Goosander, drake as three Yellow Wagtails and the first Whitethroat, and a Goldeneye were displaying on the 5th Common Tern of the year, plus three Willow Warbler and raptors included a Hen Harrier, a Chiffchaffs two Blackcaps and two present. On the 25th a Red Kite and a Kestrel, as well as five male Reed Buntings on territories. The Hobby was briefly soaring Common Buzzards. Two pond by the centre produced two at western end, Oystercatchers were seen as was a Smooth Newts. Two early Black Terns and an Arctic singing Goldcrest, There were plenty of were seen on the 5th which also Tern, Skylarks singing around the reserve produced two Common centre where the beautiful morning Terns, four Swallows, a brought out a Brimstone and two Small Yellow Wagtail and a Tortoiseshell butterflies. A Red Kite and Chiffchaff. On the 6th a four Common Buzzards were seen on Mallard female with 12 the 6th. Two Black-necked Grebes were tiny ducklings was east in Hide Bay on the 10th and remained on of Layer de la Haye the main reservoir until the 31st when causeway, Grey Herons there was an increase to six individuals were occupying seven before all moved on. There were at least of at least 11 nests in two singing Chiffchaffs along the old road the heronry at the west of the reserve area on the 12th when north-western end of at least two Lapwing pairs were Layer Breton displaying in front of the visitor centre An causeway where there Egyptian Goose pair were on the tern raft was also a first- as were several Black-headed Gull pairs. summer Little Gull. Three Meadow Pipit by Simon Patient

39 between the causeways. A first- to put you down as inactive”. . . tunnel and around the ditch culverts I summer.Common Gull remained at the To which list of tasks for the EWT I edged across them gingerly like a lemon. western end where several Yellow could add digging up young birch trees Also, although I have learned a good Wagtails were present. On the 26th or gorse bushes, which are very many things during sixty-six years on this there were two Egyptian Geese, ten stubborn at times and sure to get your planet one thing that refuses to sink in is Gadwall, a Teal pair and a drake heart pumping. I have my limits though. that if you slip or trip while sauntering Garganey plus four Shoveler. Waders There was a recent site meeting at the along with your hands in your pockets the seen were two Little Ringed Plovers farm to discuss the HLS, to which I had first thing to hit the ground is likely to be and three Greenshanks. There were been invited. It involved a walk round your nose! Thank goodness for a wet also around 60 Common Tern, four the reserve. The others – Nick, Tim, winter and soft ground. Anyway, I have Black Tern, two Swifts, 20 plus Sand Dave and Jonathan – were soon striding never walked round the reserve so Martins, at least ten Swallows, four out ahead like a party of ramblers. quickly in all the time I’ve been retired. It Yellow Wagtails at least two singing Blimey, I thought, they are a right was, I felt, akin to sacrilege and I was glad Nightingales, three Wheatears, a Sedge modern lot – always having to be to retire to the New Hide and recover! Warbler, six Blackcaps, a Garden somewhere other than where they are Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, two at present! Why is it ramblers always January/February Common Whitethroats, two Chiffchaff give the impression that they are It is a little known fact that sheep do not s and a Willow Warbler. Buntings in the desperate to get out of the countryside like to get their feet wet. They can swim reserve centre trail area included a male as quickly as possible. Or is it simply perfectly well but when stranded on Yellowhammer, two Reed Buntings and that they are desperate to get to the small islands of higher ground amid two Corn Buntings. The 28th was nearest pub. I went out with the local floodwater they prefer to wait patiently marked by wader and tern passage, group once and found that each time I for the water to subside rather than including 15 Whimbrels, a Spotted stopped to look at something they attempt to brave the flood. This is an Redshank and three Greenshanks and would be a field and a half away by the admirable trait compared with the three Arctic Terns whilst the 29th saw time I resumed my walk. Never did behaviour of many motorists. A much movement through of 14 Black Terns catch up with the main group but spent maligned is the sheep. The and a Wheatear with two Yellow a pleasant day with a few fellow contempt we have for them springs Wagtails and two Nightingale near the stragglers who were equally fed up with from their flocking behaviour and reserve centre. Next day a duck puffing and panting in their wake. instinctive desire of the more Goldeneye remained near Layer Breton Trouble is, today there were no other submissive animals to follow the causeway where there was a stragglers – only me. It was hard work dominant members of the group. In Greenshank. Also on passage were walking on the soft ground. Every footfall Turkey recently the leader of a flock eight Black Terns and there were eight sank through the surface crust into the attempted to leap a fifteen foot wide male Yellow Wagtails around the site as liquid mud below and every slight ravine – and all 399 of his followers well as four singing Nightingales and a depression squirted muddy slush all over followed suit, with unfortunate results. singing male Lesser Whitethroat. trousers that were clean on today. Clean Following a Great Leader to perdition is on today!!! What has become of me – unknown in human beings of course, worrying about sartorial elegance while hence the contempt. . . tramping across a grazing marsh? Could I If you want to exploit an animal Blue House be reverting to the days of my youth, without worrying too much about it, it when such things mattered? The best probably helps if you look on it as being days of your life they say. Yeah. Yeah. stupid but recent research has shown Farm Yeah. All that wasted energy – trying them to be anything but. In Yorkshire, BY GRAHAM SMITH desperately to be different from your sheep have been observed lying on their father by trying desperately to be the sides and rolling over and over in order same as your peers. And you end up like to cross three metre wide ‘hoof-proof’ November/December him anyway. There’s a mercy. My brief cattle grids. The lure in this instance was One of my fellow Blue House volunteers flirtation with being a ‘fashionista’ was the cabbages and lettuce in village recently went to the Doctor’s to pick up doomed to failure from the start due to gardens as sheep, given the choice, some pills and was asked to fill in a my extreme reluctance to throw anything prefer a varied diet rather than boring questionnaire about his activity levels. away. I can still recall flapping around the old grass. Research in Australia has The nurse asked him whether he got mudflats in bell-bottomed cords in the revealed that sick sheep may actually be much exercise. “Well”, he replied, “I do middle of the night at Bradwell, setting able to detect what nutrients they are a lot of walking – in the mountains as nets to catch waders, while my mohair deficient in and actively seek out plants often as I can – but mostly along the waistcoat was completely bald by the that make them feel better, having Essex coast. “Anything else”? “Lots of time it mysteriously disappeared when developed a knowledge of which gardening and also conservation work put out for the wash one day. A walk species are beneficial and which toxic. for the EWT”. “What does that involve”? between Burnham and Bradwell in a pair Perhaps that is what those Yorkshire “In winter, when we are we of winkle-pickers – a fashion that had sheep were up to! Researchers have have to cart a lot of heavy logs around; long been consigned to history – was also also found that a sheep can recognize at other times it involves scrub memorable, but for all the wrong the faces of over fifty other sheep and clearance, brush cutting & raking, reasons. My feet still wince at the thought. familiar human faces as well; indeed, it fencing, repairing culverts, digging Clean on today indeed! Truth is, I had is thought that they may be as good at holes, hedge laying, ragwort pulling, once before travelled home from Blue picking out faces in a crowd as we are. Water Vole surveys, bird surveys – things House smeared from head to foot in cow They also form family and social like that”. She studied the boxes on her pats, rotting vegetation, sheep dung and friendships within a flock and ewes form and said “Do you cycle”? “Only various other slimy combinations and I have definite opinions about what when I visit Belgium”. “Go jogging”? did not wish to repeat the experience. I makes a ram’s face attractive! “No”. “Visit the gym”? “No”. She still have some self-respect/insecurities. As for Icelandic sheep, they are a class pondered over her boxes some more Thus, while the others strode through the apart, as I can vouch for myself. I was then concluded, “I think we shall have patches of deep mud in the railway once savagely assaulted by an Icelandic

40 ewe when I got between her and her time last year. Despite the rain it has But the most iconic bird of all for me lamb. The incident happened close to been a sunnier winter than most and was and is the Peewit and it has been Lake Myvatn, in the north of the country. I often a joy to be out and about. Even on accorded this accolade since 1954, or had stopped on the road to watch a Gyr the dullest January day though birds can thereabouts, the year that my dear old Falcon and was standing astride my bike provide the life, light, colour and Granddad showed me a nest near his when the ewe in question came charging movement that the mind craves at this house at Sible (no local ever added up the gravel embankment and head time of year (or at least this one does) ‘Hedingham’ to that when speaking butted me with such force that I was and there are plenty of those on the about the village); the same year, catapulted down the other side, landing in farm at the moment – noisy flocks of incidentally, that West Brom beat a grazed and bloodied heap at the ground stabbing Rooks and Starlings Preston in the FA Cup final and I bottom. The humiliation of it – done over seeking out leatherjackets, the progeny became a fan. by a sheep! But now what do I find? There of last autumn’s bumper crop of Daddy I digress. ‘Lapwing’: as the male is a strain of sheep in Iceland known as Longlegs; thousands of Peewits, powers skywards at the onset of his Leadership. Leadership sheep are highly flickering black and white against the display with strong slow flaps of his intelligent and have an exceptional ability blue sky, their crops full of worms broad rounded wings. ‘Green Plover’: to sense danger. Apparently there are forced close to the surface by the rain; as he tumbles towards the ground, numerous stories in Iceland of Leadership Curlews plodding methodically across twisting, turning, the sun glinting sheep saving many lives during the the pasture, probing deep for the larger emerald on his back and wings. autumn roundups when blizzards lobworms; Brent Geese – their ranks “Peeeee”, a long falsetto descent; “wit”, endangered shepherds and sheep alike. swelled with youngsters after a a short ecstatic upsurge, ringing out There you are. I don’t feel so bad about it successful breeding season last year on across the spring barley as he plummets now. In fact it almost feels like an honour the Tamyr Peninsular – sweeping across and soars and flings himself across the – to have been beaten up by a Leadership the grass, cropping it as short as a flymo; sky. That was one of the great iconic sheep. Mind you, having read Rider and ducks, plenty of ducks. It’s been sounds of my youth, or at least the most Haggard’s adaptation of the Icelandic great weather for ducks! formative part of it in the 1950s and early sagas as a youth it should not surprise me It has been a quiet winter for scarcer 1960s. But for nigh on sixty years I have that Eric Blood Axe and his compatriots’ visitors among our wintering wildfowl had to watch as many of my iconic sheep are chips off the same block! and waders though. When the weather is farmland birds have gone to the wall, or (Thank you www.followyourdreamfarm.net so mild there is little need for them to nearly so, among them the Peewit. It /sheepbehaviour). move far from their regular wintering has long since disappeared from the Anyway, something to think about grounds in northern and western Britain. fields at Sible and Ingatestone, and is when sitting down to your next lamb Good for them but not so good for even rare in winter. A sad experience. chop. I’m a vegetarian by the way. birdwatchers. But now spring is in the air. Then along came early retirement and a Thought I’d mention it! The Longhorns There has been a couple of sightings of chance to volunteer at Blue House, an were eventually led to safety by the Red Kites in recent weeks and the first area I had known since the late 1960s reserve warden Nick Robson. Wheatears are moving north. The early but for much of that time, until the EWT Fortunately, although the reserve may spring butterflies are enjoying the spring took over in 1998, was an intensive look flat that is not strictly the case. Even sunshine – such a contrast to the sheep farm with no Lapwings. The joy the so called ‘Flat Fields’, which were prolonged Arctic blast that prevailed last of Blue House for me was that it was not the first to be reclaimed from the March – and we caught an Essex Red just a nature reserve but a farm as well – saltings (probably around 1700), don’t Data Book species – a Dotted Chestnut – my habitat of choice. True, like the rest seem that way when you are bouncing in the moth trap early in the month. My of British agriculture, it was dependent up and down in the Land Rover as it activity levels will soon be rising and there on CAP subsidies to some extent to crosses the old ridge and furrow plough will be no need to even consider boring survive, but a farm nonetheless. It was lines. Most of the other fields, which myself witless in the gym each week. also blessed with a warden, Nick, and were reclaimed later, were never so an assistant, Tim, who allowed me to intensively cultivated and still retain March/April wander where I would recording the traces of the old creek system and are Conservationists are always going on farm’s wildlife or simply lay in the grass full of bumps and dips and redundant about ‘iconic’ species but what makes listening to larks ascending, pipits grassed over anthills. Thus there is them so? Is it merely personal choice? descending and, once again after so always somewhere for the sheep to With many birdwatchers it appears to many years, sky dancing Peewits. Bliss! retreat to at times like this. Not that be raptors, probably because they were For the past eight years I have helped to there has been any previous times quite once persecuted to the point of monitor the Lapwings’ fortunes on like this one since the Trust took over in extinction and most have now made a Round Marsh, the main wader breeding 1998. As the Met Men keep telling us, remarkable comeback. They can do no area on the farm. They have done well this winter has been exceptional. At wrong. For me, a country boy, it is during that time. 0.8 chicks per pair – that Blue House though, unlike the Somerset farmland birds, the likes of Kestrel, is the Holy Grail among Lapwing flood plain, the water soon subsides English Partridge, Barn Owl, Skylark, conservationists; the number of young again : the bridge leading to the New Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Linnet and per pair that is thought necessary to Hide may be two feet underwater one those that say they would like “a little bit maintain a population. We only just day but is often usable the next. Even of bread and no cheese”. Toddler-hood achieved that figure in 2011 due to severe so, there has been no need to turn on to old age is full of memories of sitting fox and crow predation and sank below it the wind pump this winter to flood under trees in the shade, chewing the in 2012, when most of the chicks Round Marsh, which the hide overlooks; cud and listening sleepily to the sound succumbed to the cold and wet. But in all the rain has managed that all on its own. of Cuckoos “cuckoo-ing” distantly other years it has been well above, in the If your fields or your sitting-room are across the meadows and Turtle Doves region of 1.4 to 1.8. In 2012 I was among knee deep in water you may not (remember them) crooning from the the team of volunteers who erected a appreciate it but this winter has blackthorn thickets while Swallows 2km fox-proof fence around the marsh, a probably been better for most wildlife skimmed low across the wheat fields herculean effort, and that worked well than the three months of unrelenting and Swifts feasted on flies sucked high last year. Now a new threat looms on the Russian winds that bedevilled us this into the sky by the billowing cumulus. horizon. It comes in the form of a bird

41 that glides on upturned wings. Wheatears, a single Whinchat, and a Sacrilegious talk!! The received wisdom westbound passage of 4500 Swifts one is that predators always achieve a day in early May. The weather has balance with their prey. So they do, probably been too good – if it can ever including foxes, crows and magpies, but be that – with prolonged bouts of warm not always the one you would desire. The sunshine and little overnight rain during theory works well with specialist hunters the critical period for migration in such as the Sparrowhawk, which is late April/early May, as a result of almost totally dependent on small birds which few migrants were forced and, indeed, I noticed a decline locally in to stop off on the Essex coast. 2012, when most common passerines At the present time tension is failed to rear many young and rising on Round Marsh. The Sparrowhawk chicks probably died as a breeding waders are back and consequence. The trouble with generalist nervousness prevails predators such as Marsh Harriers, which everywhere. Eyes wander take anything from earthworms to fair anxiously skywards to where a sized leverets, is that the balance they Marsh Harrier is circling; peer Corn Bunting achieve with their prey may be skewed in wary scrutiny at a couple of potentially against some vulnerable species within nest robbing Joes; panic at the approach that prey range, especially little fluffy ones of a tierce Peregrine zipping low across area of Foulness on 16th and was then on long legs that have to run about in the the marsh, and widen in alarm as seen fairly regularly in the same area open all day in order to feed. They are something brown stalks, half-hidden until its last sighting on 12th January easy targets. through the grass – a fox surely? No - a 2014. Other notable observations from At the recent EBWS conference on Grey Lag, neck lowered, threatening a the WeBS count on 17th November Birds of Prey one of the speakers was rival. The apprehension eases but it will were four Gannet, 4749 Wigeon, 26101 describing the welcome return of the soon be back. And that’s just me – Knot, 1992 Black-tailed Godwit and Marsh Harrier to these shores and its goodness knows what the Lapwings three Short-eared Owls. steady increase in numbers. At the end, feel about it. . . someone asked whether there was a December problem with harriers and some of its Two Light-bellied Brent Geese were prey species. The speaker neatly found in flocks totalling 11,077 Dark- sidestepped the question by stating that Foulness bellied Brent Geese on 15th. Two Black once we returned the landscape to a BY CHRIS LEWIS Brant were found on the Foulness coast healthy state the problem would road on 1st, and one of these birds was disappear. Quite so. I cannot wait for the seen again on 29th. Other highlights time when Essex is “re-wilded” and For anyone interested in records from from the WeBS count on 15th were five crows, foxes, lapwings, harriers and Foulness, or in helping with bird surveys in Red-breasted Merganser, nine Marsh simple country folk like me are all living the Foulness area, please visit our website: Harrier, seven Hen Harrier, 5,346 in blissful harmony. But in the interim I http://sites.google.com/site/foulnessarea Golden Plover, 9,922 Lapwing, 31,858 would prefer it if breeding harriers kept birdsurveygroup/ Knot, 8946 Bar-tailed Godwit, two their eyes off our reedbeds. Just down Green Sandpiper, one Common the road they have seven pairs. November Sandpiper, 31 Kittiwake following a Goodness knows what that lot feed on. A Great White Egret was seen on barge up the , two Barn Well, actually, ‘Goodness’ may not know Potton Island on 13th. This bird was not Owls, four Short-eared Owls, three but I have a fair idea and I would prefer it seen again until 14th December when I Kingfisher, a Chiffchaff, at least 20 if they did not feed on them at Blue found it in the Fleet area of Foulness. Snow Bunting and 101 Corn Bunting. House. They are welcome to eat young From 12th Jan to 17th Feb 2014 it was Coots. I don’t like Coots. What kind of seen regularly in the Paglesham/Wallasea January sad person would have the Coot as his area with further appearances on Potton Little to report apart from seven iconic bird! But not Lapwings. Blue Island from 19th to 25th Jan. A Rough- Common Scoter and 23 Kittiwake at House is probably one of the relatively legged Buzzard was found in the Fleet Wakering Stairs on 19th. few wetland reserves in southern England that is not acting as a Lapwing ‘sink’ at the moment; that is, encouraging birds to nest by habitat creation but then failing to ensure that they raise enough young to sustain the population by appropriate management, including predator control or, preferably – as with case of foxes at Blue House – deterrence. Anyway, Blue House is doing its best to conserve this wonderfully iconic species. Long may that success continue, both here and on other reserves. I would hate to see the Peewit go the same way as the Turtle Dove. We won’t be able to blame the French for that! The feeling of déjá vu that prevailed for much of the winter continued into the spring and there was very little passage of note apart from a scatter of Black-tailed Godwit by Gary Wright

42 February Hanningfield Bay rose to 26, Great- Gull landed there equally briefly on the One Black Brant and two Light-bellied crested Grebe numbers topped 200 and 18th. Small numbers of Pintail and four Brent Geese were found at Little Shell three Red-crested Pochard were still Egyptian Geese were regularly present Corner on 16th amongst flocks of Dark- frequenting the causeway. A Kingfisher around the island and the WeBS bellied Brent Geese totalling 13,679 was seen at the north end on the 28th counters found 29 Goosander on the birds. Other birds seen the same day and occasionally over the next few 19th (20 of which left at first light as included 15 Pintail, 12,148 Lapwing, an weeks and a sinensis Cormorant usual ) as well as a Green Sandpiper unusually high count these days of 2,821 recorded on the same day proved to and three Common Snipe but only 29 Starling and 100 Corn Bunting. A Black have been ringed in Denmark in June Pochard, reflecting this species’ long Redstart was reported on 25th. After 2011. A Water Rail was seen on the 29th term decline in its western wintering several requests I finally got around to and they were occasionally heard and areas as highlighted in the recent WeBS doing a Hen Harrier roost count on seen thereafter. An adult male Peregrine report. A Grey Wagtail was flycatching 23rd and found one male and five ring- flew past the Oak hide on the 30th, the at the North end on the 22nd and a tailed birds. This proved to be the third different bird to be recorded over Kingfisher was off the causeway on the highest single-site count for any time the past couple of months. In the final 26th. during the 2013-14 winter for Suffolk, week, the herd of Red Deer, now Essex, Kent and E. Sussex. I plan to apparently reduced to five, returned to February organise more structured monthly the area around the lagoons but they The arrival of Barnacle Geese in winter counts during the winter of 2014/15. were not seen again until late March. is now to be expected and five duly arrived on the 1st, albeit more than a March December month later than the previous two years. A Red Kite reported on 15th is the only The Little Egret continued to reside in This coincided with the appearance of notable avian observation as the wader Fishing Lodge Bay and the male Marsh other geese such as White-fronted on numbers dwindled and the few early Harrier was seen occasionally coming the east coast and colder weather on spring migrants didn’t include anything in to roost on the North Lagoon where a the continent; they stayed until the else of great interest. Muntjak tracks few Bearded Tits were still in evidence. middle of March. A female Marsh found in the Bennett’s Butt area on 30th In mid-month more large gulls began to Harrier and the resident male indulged are worthy of note. frequent Fishing Lodge Bay in the late in soaring and sky diving on the 3rd, a afternoon than there had been seen for second female joined in the following April some time and an adult Caspian Gull morning and up to four Common A Ring Ouzel was seen along the coast was amongst them on the 13th and Buzzards were being regularly reported road on 10th and Little Owl featured for again on the 30th. The WeBS counters in the same area. Strong winds on the the first time this year in the count on 20th. discovered a Black-throated Diver 8th produced an adult Kittiwake and the All the usual common migrants have lurking near the dam on the 15th; this is next day a redhead Smew was reported arrived with good numbers of Whitethroat traditionally the rarest diver at the from the centre. By the end of the and more Blackcap than I can remember reservoir but all three have become second week the pair of Marsh seeing/hearing on Foulness. Two decidedly scarce in recent years. It was Harriers was indulging in full display. Grasshopper Warblers were heard on reported again a week later. A Red- Up to nine Goosander and four 20th – one at Foulness Point and the other necked Grebe, another species that has Egyptian Geese were regularly near the at Wakering Stairs. Our two regularly become rarer, was in West Hanningfield Rawl hide at this time and over 200 sighted Common Buzzards do not seem Bay on the 20th and the male Marsh Cormorants, displaced by forestry to be displaying any breeding intentions. Harrier was re-establishing its territory work, were roosting in trees there. Two over the North Lagoon on the 22nd drake Red-crested Pochard were although there was no sign of a female. reported on the 12th and both Green Sandpiper and Grey Wagtail were at Hanningfield January the North end on the 16th. An The Little Egret was still virtually Oystercatcher, presumably one of last Reservoir resident in Fishing Lodge Bay until the year’s breeding pair, was on the island water levels rose and a on the 22nd when Woodcock and BY DAVID ACFIELD Peregrine flew over Chiffchaff, both very scarce this winter, there on the 2nd. The were found on the West Bank. November male Marsh Harrier This was a very quiet time at the continued to patrol and reservoir. The only birds of note during different birds were the first two weeks were up to five Ruff reported on the 4th and and four Yellow-legged Gulls, a couple 17th but there was no each of Bearded Tits and Green evidence of a Sandpipers and single Dunlin, Ringed permanent partner Plover, Little Egret and Grey Wagtail. yet. A Hawfinch The male Marsh Harrier came to roost was seen at on the North Lagoon some evenings and Crowsheath on was joined by another male on the 8th. A the 5th, a juvenile or female was also seen, as was Slavonian Grebe the juvenile female Peregrine. Three was between the Whooper Swans were reported on the lagoons on the 15th, the first Goosander arrived on the 11th, three Red- 17th and a juvenile Spoonbill was found crested Pochard late on the 25th and was still present the briefly returned to next morning. In the last week, the causeway the Goosander numbers in the late following day and an afternoon gathering in West adult Mediterranean Barn Owl by Richard Allen

43 March The Harriers continued their courtship over the next two months (with two additional birds on the 24th) as did up to six Common Buzzards on the West Bank and other pairs on the reserve and at the North end. The Bearded Tits had become increasingly silent and elusive during the winter as they retreated further into the reeds but they gradually became more obliging as the month progressed. Fieldfares, virtually absent throughout the winter, were on the move early in the month with 65 on the causeway field on the 9th. Small numbers of Siskins and Redpolls were being seen or heard on both sides of the reservoir, up to four Red-crested Pochard were regularly reported from the hides and a second Oystercatcher arrived on the island on the 9th when two Blackcaps were heard near the Centre. New arrivals or overwintering birds? A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was between the lagoons on the 12th and Egyptian Goose numbers had Iceland Gull by Richard Allen increased to five on the 14th, two pairs and an interloper. A third Oystercatcher Osprey and a pair of Common Scoter all materialise this April. A Dunlin flew arrived on the 14th and the first singing recorded on the 1st. They seemed to have straight out east that evening as did a Chiffchaff was heard the next day. Red- moved on overnight but the first Swallows Greenshank and the second Osprey of crested Pochard numbers had risen to flew through in drizzle the next evening the spring the next morning. The presence twelve by the 16th when flock of at least and the first House Martin arrived three of up to six juvenile Bearded Tits with eight Redpolls was found on the reserve days later. Presumably another Black- adults during the last week suggested that, and a pair of Goosander still lingered necked Grebe was off the causeway on despite the early date, breeding had been near the Rawl hide. The Redpolls were the 6th and stayed until the next day and a successful again. Three Hobbies put on a to stay for some days and all appeared to Little Egret landed very briefly on the display of hawking insects outside the be Lesser. The first Sand Martins island. The Black-necked Grebe passage Rawl hide when the mist cleared on the arrived on the 17th, 35 Siskins were in continued with a pair on the 10th which 25th, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits circled the the pines bordering the South Lagoon on showed well if spasmodically off the island on the 26th, at least four Arctic the 19th, two Green Sandpipers were causeway for a few days and three Green Terns flew through the following morning between the lagoons on the 21st and for Sandpipers were near the lagoons. The with ten Common Terns and a Barn Owl a few days subsequently with three on first Reed Warbler was singing on the was reported from the oaks bordering the the 31st and an adult Kittiwake was North Lagoon on the 12th and a Grazing Meadow. On the 29th a Cuckoo outside the Point Hide the next morning. Redshank was on the West Bank. Two was calling near the hides and a The first (and only) White Wagtail was pairs of Egyptian Geese plus the constant Whimbrel did a circuit of the reservoir. By on the West Bank on the 25th and a interloper were regularly squabbling over now the Marsh Harriers appeared to Yellow Wagtail was reported from the mates and territory, five Lapwings were have settled on their nest site and the causeway the following morning. Since displaying over the North Lagoon and woods bordering both lagoons each held reappearing in November the Red Deer larger groups of hirundines were now a pair of Common Buzzards. And, finally, had vanished but seven were back on dropping in briefly. The first two Common on the last day of the month, a butterfly the North Lagoon on the 27th and a Terns arrived on the 17th and five transect on North Dam Meadows found couple were seen on the North Lagoon Common Swifts on the 19th. The that, with a count of four, the Green and at the North end in late April. A Oystercatchers appeared to be nesting Hairstreak colony was still surviving there. Cetti’s Warbler, still a rare bird at the again on the island and Red-crested reservoir, was heard from the North Pochards were paired up both there and Lagoon on the 29th and remained on the North Lagoon. A passage of Arctic throughout April whilst on the 30th a Terns through the London reservoirs Langdon Hills Curlew flew over, a Black-tailed Godwit occurred on the 19th and two duly arrived was on the grazing meadow and eight the following day when the first Garden Pintail landed briefly. Black-necked Warbler was heard and three Common & Thameside Grebes were moving through the county Snipe were on the lagoon. WeBS counters at this time and five duly arrived on the on the 21st found three Green Nature Park final evening of the month. Sandpipers, the first Common BY ANDREW COX Sandpiper, 12 Reed Warblers, two Sedge April Warblers and a Common Whitethroat on A new month and a veritable influx with a the West Bank and North Lagoon, an November different Black-tailed Godwit, the only unusually high count of 24 Shelduck, 21 Three Goosanders flying over the Dunton Brambling of the winter or spring, an Red-crested Pochard and only the area of Langdon Hills on the 2nd were of adult Little Gull, probably another Black- second Yellow Wagtail of the spring, the interest, with a Kingfisher seen around necked Grebe (the close knit flock of the usual evening mixed Wagtail flock on the the pond. Also in the Dunton-Westley previous evening having departed), an Fishing Lodge field having failed to Heights area generally were three Green

44 Woodpeckers, two Nuthatches, at least Song Thrush, two Goldcrests & a 22nd, 637 Avocets, 100 Common four Goldcrests, three Bullfinches & Treecreeper. A few days later, on the Redshanks, 1,025 Teal & two many Jays & Long-tailed Tits. 4th, reports from the EWT centre Kittiwakes on the 29th & a Red- On the same date Thameside held included a Tawny Owl & a Bullfinch throated Diver on the 31st. 200 Shelduck, 100+ Teal, a Long-tailed along with the following counts of duck, Wigeon, mallard, 60 Black-tailed common species: 14 Song Thrush, 14 January Godwits & 500 Dunlin. Other waders Wrens, 21 Long-tailed Tits, 34 Blue Tits, New Years Day at the Dunton pond saw a included Avocet, Curlew, Common 33 Great Tits, 26 Robins, 40 Blackbirds, Little Grebe, nine Tufted Ducks, Redshank, Grey Plover, Turnstone, 11 Dunnocks, ten Chaffinches & 25 Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk & 30+ Lapwing & Green Sandpiper. Goldfinches. A female Peregrine was Redwings present; at Thameside 1110 Kingfisher & Little Owl were of note; reported on the 5th. On the 8th eight Dunlin were counted & two female other sightings included a Blackcap, Song Thrushes & at least 12 Pintails were noted. Next day there were male Stonechat & nine Corn Buntings. Goldfinches were in addition to three 300 Dunlin, 40 Curlew & 70 Shelduck. On the 10th the Dunton lake area Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Kingfisher was again seen at again boasted Kingfisher, two this time, Treecreeper & Sparrowhawk. Two Langdon Hills on the 3rd & 5th as were with 12 Greenfinches & 10 Tawny Owls were reported on the 12th. at least three Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Goldfinches, while 600 Avocet, a Merlin Meanwhile down at Thameside two Coal Tits, two Goldcrests, 16+ & two Kestrels were reported from Nature Park, 700 Teal & 190 Black-tailed Goldfinch, 12+ Long-tailed Tits, a Thameside. From the last named site on Godwits were reported on the 1st, with male Bullfinch & two Sparrowhawks. the 13th came records of a female Sanderling & Ringed Plover recorded At least 75 Redwings were also counted Goldeneye, Peregrine, two Kestrels, next day. Singles of Peregrine, Kestrel & on the 5th while Thameside held 477 700 Avocets, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, Sparrowhawk were noted on the 7th; Avocet & 1000+ Teal on this date. 100+ a Kingfisher & three Stonechats. the former was perched upon one of the Common Redshank were seen from Sightings at the Dunton Plotlands on three riverside cranes close to the visitor here on the 12th. the 14th included 106 Redwings, 14 centre. Also of note were a Kingfisher, At least one Kingfisher remained at Fieldfares & a Lesser Redpoll. Next day Green Woodpecker, two male Dunton all month while on the 18th/19th Langdon Hills generally held two - three Stonechats & a Corn Bunting. At least Langdon Hills held Peregrine, seven+ Green Woodpeckers, two Great- one Golden Plover was reported Green Woodpecker, four Great-spotted spotted Woodpeckers, at least one among the more usual collection of Woodpecker, a male Lesser-Spotted Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 12+ Long- roosting waders. Woodpecker, four Goldcrests, two Coal tailed Tits, ten Goldfinches, six Peregrine & Stonechat were again Tits, 19 Long-tailed Tits, five Greenfinches & two Siskins; 19 Mallard reported on the following day, as were Nuthatches, two Treecreepers, seven & seven Tufted Ducks were counted on 484 Avocets, 363 Black-tailed Godwits, Song Thrushes, 18+ Chaffinches, 13+ the Dunton pond. Next day four Great- 630 Dunlin, 3240 Black-headed Gulls & Goldfinches & eight Greenfinches. spotted Woodpeckers were noted, with a Spoonbill. The Spoonbill featured On this date at Thameside 25 a Tawny Owl calling in Lincewood. again on the 12th as did two Water Rails, Kittiwakes & an Iceland Gull were Down at Thameside there was a a Woodcock & a Short-eared Owl, with reported along with Peregrine, Caspian Gull on the 15th, with 300 Teal Peregrine, two Stonechats & a Kestrel Common Sandpiper, 170 Avocets & & three Stonechats on the 16th when next day. Counts on the 16th included two Stonechats (pair); four Cettis five Cettis Warblers & three Water Rails 1650 Dunlin & 16 Grey Plovers. Warblers & a Water Rail featured at were present at . A Terrible weather on the 21st saw little Stanford Warren. Staying at Thameside, Yellowhammer was notable at from Langdon Hills, although an the 23rd saw 500+ Avocets, 100 Black- Thameside on the 19th. immature Mute Swan appeared at the tailed Godwits, 44 Curlews, 50 Grey Back on Langdon Hills on the 24th there Dunton pond; Grey Heron, Cormorant, Plover, 70 Dunlin, three Kittiwakes & a were nine Tufted Ducks & a Kingfisher Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck & Mallard Kestrel noted; next day a male Merlin on the Dunton pond with Sparrowhawk, were other species noted. On the 23rd was reported as were 600 Avocets, 100 four Green Woodpeckers, two Peregrine & Kingfisher were seen from Grey Plover, 600 Knot, 3000 Dunlin & Nuthatches, two Treecreepers, 20 here while two each of Nuthatch & 200 Black-tailed Godwits. Goldfinches, three Siskins & a Goldcrest Treecreeper were present in Hall Back on Langdon Hills on the 26th from here to Lincewood. Twite & Wood. Peregrine & Kingfisher sightings there were 30+ Redwings, three Stonechat were reported from Thameside continued until the years end with two Fieldfares (few so far this winter), a on the 26th, with Stonechat again on the of the latter on Boxing Day. Bullfinch & a Woodcock. 29th; a Marsh Harrier was also seen on Nuthatch & Treecreeper continued this date. to be seen from Hall Wood & Coombe February A Tawny Owl was heard from Langdon Wood until the end of the year too; On the 1st a singing male Mistle Thrush Hills on the 28th while on the 30th there probably two of each, at least, were was the first of the year; three Green & were a Sparrowhawk, three Nuthatches, present in each area. Other sightings three Great -spotted Woodpeckers at least two Treecreepers, many Long- included two Bullfinches at Dunton on were also noted as was a Sparrowhawk. tailed Tits, four+ Goldcrests, many the 25th & again next day. Boxing Day A Red Kite was an interesting report Redwings & at least three Mistle also brought four Green Woodpeckers, from the Lower Dunton Road/Horndon Thrushes. Two pairs of Bullfinches were seven Great-spotted Woodpeckers area on the 2nd while a female Lesser- also reported. Twenty plus Goldfinches (including two drumming), two Coal spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper & at frequented Laindon West on this date, tits, at least three Goldcrests along with least three Nuthatch were on Langdon while an afternoon visit to the Dunton many scattered groups of Redwing, Hills. On the 8th there were four Green pond saw a Common Gull join the throng smaller numbers of Goldfinch & a few Woodpeckers, nine Song Thrush, two of Black-headed Gulls; 12+ Goldfinches Greenfinches. At least 17 Goldfinches Mistle Thrush & at least three Coal tits. & 17 Greenfinches were also seen here. were counted on the 29th, with five A Barn Owl was reported from Dunton Great-spotted Woodpeckers, eight Village. December Long-tailed Tits & a Lesser Redpoll. A windy day on the 15th didn’t deter the A visit to Langdon Hills on the 1st Reports from Thameside to the year’s Wrens & Dunnocks, many of which were brought four Green Woodpeckers, five end included 15 Turnstones on the in song. A Kingfisher & 12 Goldfinch

45 were also noted, while a Kestrel flew over Thameside rose to three on the 3rd with counted increased to nine. Grass Snake Laindon Station on the 16th. another noted on the 12th; a Short- & Slow Worm were reported from The 23rd saw 46 Black-headed Gulls eared Owl was also seen on this date. Dunton on the 30th when butterflies feeding on the recreation ground On the 15th there were four Brent noted included several Peacocks, a adjacent to Lincewood, joined by two Geese, 2,000+ Teal, two Pintails, 60 Small Tortoiseshell (tussling with the Common Gulls, two Mistle Thrushes & Curlew & 100 Redshank. former) & another Red Admiral; a two Green Woodpeckers. Two more Back on Langdon Hills there were Brimstone was seen at Laindon West. Green Woodpeckers were around the three Lesser Redpolls at the Dunton Dunton Plotlands/Lake area with a Plotlands on the 12th where butterflies April Kingfisher, Treecreeper & six included Peacock & Brimstone on the The 1st saw much non-avian interest on Fieldfares also seen here. 13th, with Peacock & Comma on the Langdon Hills with Slow Worm, The 24th proved to be a lovely spring- 14th. Two Common Buzzards drifted Common Lizard & Great Crested Newt like morning on Langdon Hills, with over Laindon West on the 15th while reported from Dunton, as were many primroses coming into flower. three were recorded from Langdon Hills Brimstone, Orange tip & Peacock Buzzard & Sparrowhawk were seen; next day; these were in addition to four butterflies. Common Toad & Bank Vole also noted were at least seven Green Nuthatch, five+ Greenfinch, 16 Linnets featured on the 6th along with Woodpeckers, six Great-spotted & a Kestrel. At least three Peacock & Sparrowhawk, five Green Woodpeckers, four Goldcrests, two four Small Tortoiseshells were seen as Woodpecker, two Nuthatch & four Coal Tits, five Nuthatch & two was another Comma; a Small White Bullfinch. A juvenile Tawny Owl was Treecreepers. The first Brimstone was at Laindon West. reported from Coombe Wood. butterfly of the year was seen from the On the 17th there were at least eight Two Common Buzzards & a car a little later, flying along Mandeville Green Woodpeckers, six+ Great- Sparrowhawk were over Laindon West Way. Another Brimstone plus a Comma spotted Woodpeckers, five – six on the 9th when a Speckled Wood along with four Adders were reported Nuthatch (three territories appear to be appeared in my garden. More butterflies from Willow Park. occupied) & 25+ Redwings, all from the graced a warm afternoon in Lincewood The regular Peregrine proved elusive Westley Heights/Lincewood area. Next & Dunton on the following day: a male since the New Year but was perched on day a pair of Sparrowhawks displayed Brimstone, several Orange Tips, Green its favourite pylon on the 25th, when over Laindon West while my back Veined White, Speckled Wood, at least 50+ Redwings were also noted. Next garden hosted at least 12 Greenfinch & three Peacocks & a pristine Red Admiral. day there were two Buzzards, two two Goldfinches. A Water Vole was A Common Buzzard was reported on Sparrowhawks, three Siskin & two reported from Dunton on the 19th, with the 11th as were the first Large Red Bullfinch seen from Willow Park, while a Bullfinch & five Adders noted in Damselflies of the season. Other two Nuthatches showed well in Hall Willow Park. interesting sightings included Slow Wood. A Stoat was of interest along the Records for Thameside continued on Worm & Water Vole. top path in Coombe Wood. the 21st, with 200 Brent Geese out on the On the 12th there were seven+ Green At Thameside on the 1st were two river; also 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Woodpeckers, five Great-spotted Stonechat (pair), a Kestrel, 41 Curlew Curlews & 25 Redshanks. A Snowy Owl Woodpeckers, four – five Nuthatch, two & many 100’s of Wigeon & Teal. A count (unconfirmed) was reported on the 24th, Treecreepers, two+ Coal Tits & two of Black-tailed Godwits on the 25th flying between the Coalhouse Fort & the Goldcrests. Returning summer visitors revealed 1,000+. EWT area. Kingfisher & Yellowhammer included Swallow, Blackcap, & featured on the 25th, with Peregrine & Chiffchaff while a pair of Shelduck March Sparrowhawk on the 28th. Peregrine & circling over Coombe Wood were On the 1st two Mistle Thrush & a Kingfisher were seen again on the 29th unusual for these parts. Sparrowhawk were noted from & a Kestrel on the 30th. A male Stonechat was reported from Langdon Hills with a Kingfisher on the On the 22nd Langdon Hills held a Thameside on the 2nd while at least 4th, a Woodcock on the 5th & a Buzzard, a Peregrine circling SE over 2,000 Black-tailed Godwits were Brimstone butterfly on the 7th. Marks Hill (where the Common Frog present on the 6th. A visit on the 13th A visit to Westley Heights Country spawn had become a mass of tiny saw Kestrel plus typical open country Park on the 8th recorded six Green tadpoles), two Sparrowhawks, ten+ passerines: Whitethroat, Skylark, Woodpeckers, at least eight Great- Chiffchaffs & 12+ Goldfinches. Two Meadow Pipit, Linnet. spotted Woodpeckers, a Red Admirals occupied a sunny clearing An evening walk in beautiful weather on Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, three in Lincewood; these had obviously over- the 14th was accompanied by an Mistle Thrushes, two Coal Tits, five wintered judging by their rather faded Nuthatch & at least three Treecreepers. appearance. Even so they Next day the EWT Langdon Reserve remained quite beautiful. held seven Green Woodpeckers, 12 Next day 20+ Fieldfares Great-spotted Woodpeckers, seven+ (incredibly the highest Greenfinch, 17 Goldfinch & four number seen here this Bullfinch. Two Peacock butterflies winter) flew across from enjoyed the sunny clearing around the Willow Park to Marks Hill, pond in Marks Hill, where a big mass of while other sightings Common Frog spawn had been laid. included Buzzard, Three Peacocks were noted at Laindon Sparrowhawk, West as were singles of Small Treecreeper, ten+ Tortoiseshell & Brimstone. Down at Linnets & ten Tufted Thameside on the 1st there were 30 Ducks on the Dunton Avocet & 400 Teal while the adjacent Pond (five males & five Stanford Warren held two Kingfishers, female). Four Bullfinches a Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Water were reported from Rail, one Green & two Great-spotted Willow Park where the Woodpeckers. Kingfisher numbers at number of Adders Great White Egret by Sam Shippey

46 orchestra of bird songs & calls: Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch & Bullfinch. Green & Great- spotted Woodpeckers added their own sounds to the mix. Later that same evening, as I was topping up the birdfeeders, a couple of Whimbrels called from somewhere in the moonlit night sky. Bullfinch featured again on the evening of the 15th at Dunton, with three Green Woodpeckers & at least five Swallows. Jack Snipe by Gary Wright A Willow Warbler was heard from Lincewood & the 18th with a Tawny Owl reservoirs were quite productive with a Valentino continued his stay in heard calling here on the 20th when smart juvenile Black-throated Diver Valentines Park and another unringed Westley Heights held five Green from the 19th and 18 Black-necked adult Med Gull was in South Park, Ilford Woodpeckers, five Great-spotted Grebes. Goosander and Smew were from the 22nd with a third on Wanstead Woodpeckers, three Nuthatch & two reported and Marsh Harrier and Red Flats on the 15th. The gull formally singing Mistle Thrushes. On the evening Kite through the KGV were both notable known as Casper returned to the Royal of the 22nd a flock of 100+ waders for November. Another Red Kite was Docks for his 17th winter making him heading NW high over Dunton were over on the 10th. A Brent over 20 years old. There is at the very almost certainly the Black-tailed Godwits Goose was a good find in the Roding least some Caspian blood in his veins reported over Vange Marsh earlier. Valley Meadows NR from the 22nd – and he is still an imposing bird. A Great The 26th saw four Common Terns 25th and two Smew were on Friday White Egret flew over Orsett on the 4th fishing the Dunton Lake, with two Mute Lake from the 24th. Goosander and and 16 Avocet, a Kittiwake and ten Swans there too; also noted were Goldeneye were both seen at Turnstones were at West Lesser Whitethroat, at least five male Mayesbrook Park the same day and the Marshes on the 28th. Mealy Redpolls Greenfinch & two Bullfinch. Hobby & Smew was still at Connaught Water. The were seen in sizeable Lesser flocks on Nightingale were reported from Lee Valley hosted the best bird of the Leyton Flats, Belhus Woods CP and in elsewhere on Langdon Hills with two month with a Glossy Ibis on Fishers the while the Ring- Hobbies reported on the 28th. Green Goosefield on the 5th before necked Parakeet roost near Leyton Three Nightingales were recorded at moving to RSPB Rye Meads for a few reached 650 and the one near Thameside on the 21st, as were days. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers Dagenham Chase 120. Cuckoo, four Lesser Whitethroats, were seen at Belhus Woods, Wanstead Corn Bunting & Yellow Wagtail. Corn Flats and in the Mardyke while Leyton January Bunting was reported again on the 30th Flats hosted a couple of Firecrests, At least three Bitterns are wintering in with male & female Wheatears, three Hawfinch (15th), Brambling, Short- the Seventy Acres part of the Lee Valley Cuckoos, Kestrel; a Kingfisher was eared Owl (10th) and a good flock of with others at Warren Gorge, Belhus seen at Stanford Warren. The typical Lesser Redpolls. Two Mealy Redpolls Woods CP and two in the Ingrebourne. passerines mentioned earlier were were with a Lesser flock on nearby The female Smew remained at joined by Reed & Sedge Warblers Wanstead Flats where there were also Connaught Water and up to five were in while butterflies included Speckled up to three Med Gulls. Winter thrushes the Lee Valley complex along with a Wood, Red Admiral, Peacock, Orange were scarce so 238 Fieldfares at Orsett few Goosander and a male Scaup Tip, small Tortoiseshell, Green Veined (11th) were notable. Down on the (4th). The Great Northern Diver was White & Wall Brown. Other notable Thames there were seven Turnstones on the KGV on the 25th with six Black- insects were Five Spot Burnet moths at West Thurrock Marshes and a late necked Grebes the same day on the and a Glow-Worm. Common Tern and Great Northern Girling. Four Goosander spent a few Diver at Beckton on the 3rd. days at NR. Common Sandpipers were seen at December Walthamstow and on Bow Creek and Metropolitan Another quiet month with a good Jack Snipe was at Fairlop. The smattering of Goosanders including Rainham White-fronted Geese were at Essex & two in Leyton (1st), seven on the KGV Belhus Wood CP on the 8th and 16th (1st) and a single at Fairlop Waters CP and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 98th). A Great Northern Diver was was also seen there. There were a Lea Valley found on Walthamstow Reservoirs on couple of Lesser Spots in BY HOWARD VAUGHAN the 22nd before moving onto the KGV along with a smattering of Brambling from the 24th into 2014. Up to three and a few Lesser and the odd Mealy Bitterns were seen in the Seventy Acres Redpoll. Firecrests were seen in November Lake area with another at Warren Gorge Bedfords Park (two), Leyton Flats, The major highlight of the month (9th). The Mid Valley also hosted up to Chingford, (three) and involved the humble Woodpigeon with three Smew from the 4th with the Wanstead Park (two) but winter a pronounced movement south through female still at Connaught throughout. thrushes were still scarce. A Red Kite the area across a narrow band between Duck counting in Wanstead Park gave a was seen over Cornmill Meadows on the Ingrebourne Valley and Grays with new record of 363 Gadwall (14th) along the 11th and a Kittiwake was inland on most focused on crossing the Thames in with two Firecrests (8th). Other Wanstead Flats on the 7th with others line with the Twin Sisters Pylons. It lasts Firecrests were seen at Waterworks NR unsurprisingly on the Thames at from the 3rd to the 15th and an amazing (two on 6th), Leyton Flats (two on 20th) Barking Bay and West Thurrock 160,517 were recorded. The Lee Valley and with two also in Bedfords Park. Marshes on several dates.

47 February seen again although one was seen Thames 24 Pink-footed Goose headed Ravens resurfaced and were seen a earlier in the month over Newbury Park east on the 23rd past Chafford Hundred couple of times around the Holyfield (12th). Three Red-crested Pochards and eight Med Gulls were off Wet Hall Farm area of the Lee Valley while were in the Ingrebourne Valley (9th) Thurrock Mashes on the 20th. Gallions two were also seen over Romford GC with six there on the 22nd. Five Scoter Reach produced Arctic Terns on the on the 13th. Buzzards were incredibly were seen on the KGV reservoir (31st) 11th and 20th, Little Gull (18th), active with some areas hosting up to and a female Ferruginous Duck was Sandwich Tern (20th) and two Scoter. five pairs now while Red Kites were found at Dagenham Chase on the 30th seen loafing over Holyfield Hall Farm although it may have been around for (1st), Upshire and the Mardyke Valley some time. A pair of Smew lingered in (2nd) and North Weald Bassett (24th). the mid-Lee Valley till the 14th with the Bitterns continue to winter in the Lee other female still at Connaught Water Mersea Island Valley with up to five around Seventy were there were also seven Goosander BY STEVE ENTWISTLE Acres Lake and another in Warren on the 16th. Wintering Mealy Redpolls Gorge still (where the Little Egrets were were still to be found in Wanstead Park already prospecting). Mandarins do not and the Firecrests were still in Leyton November seem to get counted much these days along with a Black Redstart on the 1st. The month started with four so 34 on Strawberry Hill Pond on the 1st Migrants were thinly spread and Sparrowhawk at Cudmore Grove and 15 at Pyrgo Park (6th) were included first dates as follows: Sand Country Park on the 1st, the next day a appreciated. The Lee Valley also hosted Martins in the Mardyke and at Snow Bunting on the point at East up to four Smew and nine Goosander Dagenham Chase (3rd); Wheatear on Mersea (Stonepoint), it stayed all the while the redhead and three the KGV (13th with many more from the month with a peak of ten on the 26th. Goosanders remained on Connaught 20th including 22 at Barking Bay on the On the 3rd a late Swallow, 700 Golden Water throughout. Other Goosanders 23rd); Whitethroat in Upminster (a very Plover and 1000 Black-tailed Godwit at were seen at Kennington Park, Aveley early 22nd); Tree Pipit at Gallions Reach the park. A Red Squirrel was seen at the (from the 13th) and in Weald Park (30th); Swallow on the KGV (31st) and park on the 5th (one of our reintroduced where 11 on the 25th was the peak. The Little Ringed Plover, Spoonbill Mersea squirrels) the last sighting in the adult Caspian Gull was seen again at (Cornmill Meadows) and Ring Ouzel all spring when one was found dead. The Gallions Reach (23rd) while several in the Lee Valley on the 31st. There were good news, after being tested, found different Med Gulls graced Wanstead a few Redwings and Fieldfares around that she had just finished weaning, so Flats and the infamous SH1T red ringed and a Crossbill over the Ingrebourne let’s hope there is a family about. leucistic Herring Gull was seen over (30th) was unusual. A Blackcap on the 6th, five Redwing Romford on the 19th. Nice to know he is on the 7th, four Lesser Redpoll on the still around! Firecrests continue to be April 9th, all at East Mersea. On the 10th along seen around Snarebrook Crown Court Red Kites again dominated with 11 the Strood a Stonechat, the 15th had and in Bedfords Park while a flock of reports of 12 birds throughout the month Black-throated Diver, Guillemot and Lesser Redpolls in Upminster while Ospreys put on a good show with Arctic Tern seen on the sea off Kingsland contained one fine Mealy. Other winter two tracked through Rainham and up Road West Mersea, the next day a Great finches and thrushes have been scarce. the Ingrebourne (8th & 10th) and others Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver Common Sandpipers were seen on over Wanstead (8th), Netherhall (9th) and three Common Scoter were seen. A Walthamstow Reservoirs and in Bow and Barking (15th). Both Honey Twite on the seawall off Shop Lane on Creek further down the Lee and a Jack Buzzard and Goshawk were seen over the 18th and again on 20th, and nearby Snipe was at Fairlop Waters CP (24th). Romford (19th) and Hobbies were in on Reeves Hall pool a Spotted With a spring flush at the end of the their regular haunts with congregations Redshank some days. month Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers of ten or so in the mid-Lee Valley. The On 20th 14 Slavonian Grebes seen of put on a good show in Cely Woods and KGV Reservoir had a good run with West Mersea, two White-fronted at nearby Belhus Woods CP. Black-necked Grebe, Little Gull and Geese, Little Owl and Merlin at the Ouzel from the 8th and the female park. Over on Langenhoe ranges 25 March Smew with the former on the 11th. Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine came Red Kites were a prominent feature and Arctic Terns were seen on several dates into roost on 22nd. A Long-tailed Duck there were 22 reports in the area from the 15th with 12 (18th) and eight seen around West Mersea between the (including the two above at Rainham) (20th) being the highs. Four Black Terns 23rd and 26th. The month ended with a with the peak between the 14th and 17th were seen there on the 21st. similar female Goosander and Scaup in the when most were seen. All were singles terns movement was noted through Pye Fleet on the 26th. bar two over Hornchurch (9th) and Walthamstow with 33 Arctics on the Dagenham Chase (14th) and three over 27th and other birds of note during April December Orsett (17th). A Marsh Harrier over being two Scoter (3rd-4th), pair On the 2nd six Slavonian Grebes and Gidea Park (19th) and a Goshawk over Garganey (3rd) and Sandwich Tern three Red-throated Divers seen off the Roding Valley Meadows NR (30th) may (12th). A pair of Garganey spent three park, the next day a Velvet Scoter flew link in with reports from Epping Forest. It days in the Ingrebourne Valley and the up the Blackwater, nine Salvonian is very difficult to tell migrant from local female Ferruginous Duck was seen Grebes off Cooper Beach, the Long- Buzzards now and it is great to see just again at Dagenham Chase (2nd) and a tailed Duck was seen on and off until how common they have become. An Raven flew over there (30th). A Black- the 15th mainly off West Mersea, the 4th Osprey over Debden (18th) was the only necked Grebe was seen at Seventy a Jack Snipe on the flooded fields at the record. Walthamstow hosted an Eagle Acres Lake (23rd) and an early Turtle park with a Ruff nearby. A Common Owl (9th) and a Raven was seen in Lion Dove was in the Roding Valley Meadows Buzzard and 20 Sanderling at Rewsalls Gorge in Grays (18th). Bitterns were NR on the 9th. A Redstart was seen at Farm on the 6th. reported from Seventy Acres and the Fairlop Waters CP (13th) and a female Again off Kingsland Road on the 8th Ingrebourne and Rainham’s Great White Ouzel was there from 17th-19th. Two the Long-tailed Duck, two Great Egret left its roost in Warren Gorge with more Ouzels were in Thorndon CP Northern Divers, Black-necked Grebe 45 Little Egrets on the 27th but was not South on the 22nd. Down on the and a Black-throated Diver, also along

48 the Strood channel a Great Northern flooded fields, nearby over on A female Hen Harrier flew over the Diver and 26 Little Grebes counted, Langenhoe a ringtail Hen Harrier and Strood on the 29th, over on Fingringhoe plus a Ruff on the nearby fields. The Common Buzzard seen. The next day a ranges on the 30th:- a Ruff, two Spotted next day there was a pair of Stonechat Kingfisher on the park pond, on the 5th Redshank, Peregrine, two Chiffchaff, along the Strood channel seawall. On 24 Tufted Duck on the park pond (a Common Buzzard, two Bearded Tits, four 11th a Shag on the buoy off Coast Road, park record) in with three Pochard. A Mediterranean Gulls, 550 Black-tailed the 12th a Peregrine and a Water Rail at Spotted Redshank there on the 10th. Godwits and 150 Bar-tailed Godwits. the park. The Langenhoe roost seen from the A Swallow Birding boat trip along the seawall near Shop Lane had three Hen April Blackwater from Mersea on 14th had:- a Harriers, 18 Marsh Harriers, Barn Owl On the 1st a Red-legged Partridge at Long-tailed Duck, three Great and Peregrine, and a Merlin off the park (a very hard to find species for Northern Divers, Shag, seven Common Maydays Marsh. Mersea) a Little Owl along Bromands Scoter, Smew, Black-throated Diver, 12 The 17th a Black Brant and the pair of Lane, a Swallow at the park and one at Marsh Harrier, three Hen Harrier, two Stonechat seen from the Strood channel oyster fisheries on the 3rd, a Lesser Common Buzzards, Peregrine and 12 seawall three Long-tailed Duck and Whitethroat (park on the 4th), a Sand Ruff. Down the road at the Strood our Red-throated Diver in the Colne. Martin (non-breeding species to Mersea Yellow-legged Gull showed. Two Black-throated Divers and a these days) at the park on the 5th also On the 15th at Langenhoe roost two Slavonian Grebe seen from Kingsland four pairs of Mediterranean Gulls seen. pairs Hen Harriers, Peregrine and 20 Road on the 19th, the first adder at the A Whitethroat at the sewerage works plus Marsh Harriers counted. park on the 22nd also a Snow Bunting at West Mersea on the 6th, a Yellow A Goldeneye on Christmas day off the Stonepoint. A Merlin at the park on the Wagtail, Red-legged Partridge at Stonepoint, the year ended with five 25th, and a Water Rail there the next day. Rewsalls Farm, the first House Martin at Woodcock flushed on an East Mersea the park on 12th. A couple of Willow shoot on the 25th. March Warblers, one sewerage works and one A Snow Bunting on Stonepoint from 5th at youth camp on 13th. January to 19th, up to 16 Marsh Harriers and two A Cuckoo at Maydays on the 16th, the The month/year started with a male Hen Harriers came into the first of only two sightings of Sedge Warbler Kingfisher at the oyster fisheries, East Langenhoe roost each night throughout at the park on 17th and again there on the Mersea, three Green Sandpipers on the the month. A Great Northern Diver at 21st (no more sightings this year). 1st and again on 13th at Mayday Farm, the park on the 5th and a Black-throated The only Nightingale in a dense two adult Mediterranean Gulls in road Diver off West Mersea the same day. wood along Shop Lane - a species side fields at Bocking Hall. The park had 25 Red-breasted which has bred at the park the last few A pale Common Buzzard, 14 plus Mergansers and two Slavonian Grebes years, now the only one left. Skylarks, ten plus Yellow Hammers, 15 and a Barn Owl on the 7th. A Whimbrel at West Mersea on the Grey Partridge at Maydays on the 5th, The first one back a Chiffchaff at the 21st, a Common Tern at East Mersea on also that day a Great Northern Diver, park on the 12th, a Green Sandpiper on the 22nd, a Wheatear along the Strood on 40 plus Great-crested Grebes and two the 14th off Shop Lane, two Brimstones the 25th also ten Little Gulls seem from more adult Mediterranean Gulls seen at East Mersea on the 16th, a Merlin at Old Hall flying to West Mersea esplanade. off Kingsland Road, West Mersea. Maydays on the 17th, also there 80 Corn On the 29th three Eider, ten Common Another Great Northern Diver and 500 Buntings and a Greenshank. A full Tern, nine Little Tern, two plus Avocets along the Colne. summer Slavonian Grebe off West Mediterranean Gull and a Whimbrel The next day two Peregrine seen Mersea on the 18th, the Peregrine could along the Colne. from Maydays Farm, and a pair of be seen over on the Geedons from East The month ended with a Grey Wagtail Stonechat showed all month along the Mersea on the 19th. along East Mersea road on the 30th. Strood channel. On the 8th a drake Goosander with 25-30 Red-breasted Mergansers along the Colne. A Water Rail at the park pond on the 12th, the 15th at East Mersea nine Pintail, 20 Marsh Harriers and an Australian Shelduck, at West Mersea a Guillemot on the sea that day. On the 15th off Kingsland Road eight plus Red-throated Divers and a Black- throated Diver, the next day seven Red-throated Divers, a Guillemot and one Common Scoter. The 15th from there two Common Scoter, 800 Red- throated Divers (27 and 36 flocks), two Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, four Slavonian Grebes, two Guillemots and a Shag recorded. On the 22nd at the Stonepoint two Snow Bunting, also four Lesser Redpolls at the park. Two Eiders off Kingsland Road on the 25th and 13 Pintail on the park grazing fields on the 30th. February On the 2nd a pair of Pintail on the park Velvet Scoter by Sam Shippey

49 on inland waters, six Velvet Scoters noted at Mistley, a Shag was seen at North-east were seen from The Naze on the 24th Harwich and a Purple Sandpiper at and 103 Shovelers were on the lagoons Dovercourt whilst at Holland Haven Essex at Stone Point on the 30th. Another single Shags were seen twice, and one Long-tailed Duck passed Frinton and Great Northern and three Black- BY SIMON COX seven Bewick’s Swans chose Wigboro throated Divers, two fly-by Scaup, a Wick to spend the winter, first seen Bittern (18th), four Purple Sandpipers, there on the 27th. A Black Brant at three Ruffs, one Mediterranean and November and a Black-throated Diver five Little Gulls and two Firecrests all On the 1st, a Tree Sparrow at Holland in the River Colne by Fingringhoe Wick aroused interest. At Stanway, 570 Great Haven and a Firecrest at Colne Point were present at the month’s end and a Black-backed and c.1,500 Herring were of interest and several Stonechats Nordic-type Jackdaw was on the Gulls formed a pre-roost gathering and were reported along the coast with some University of Essex campus. a Common Redpoll visited feeders in a evidence of passage throughout the garden nearby. month, notably a count of eight at December The seven Bewick’s Swans at Holland Haven on the 26th. A Bittern at A Black Redstart was discovered at St Wigboro Wick and the Snow Bunting Fingringhoe Wick and Ring Ouzel at The Osyth beach on the 1st and remained flock at Jaywick continued to be Naze were both recorded on the 3rd, into the New Year and another passed popular, the same or another Bittern with the former seen again on through Holland Haven on the 12th. showed occasionally at Fingringhoe subsequent dates. Reports of seabirds Single Firecrests were seen at the latter Wick and both Long-tailed Duck and passing Frinton were received regularly location on two dates and a Water Rail Black-throated Diver were seen in the all month starting with 142 Gannets, was also present whilst at Colne Point river from there and Brightlingsea. Six three Great Skuas, 19 Mediterranean and Wigboro Wick two Ruffs, two Waxwings at Colchester on the 2nd, a and seven Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern Green Sandpipers and 17 Grey Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Lexden and three Guillemots on the 4th and Partridges were on view early in the on the 11th and a Whimbrel at Colne 3,925 Dark-bellied and five Pale-bellied month and there were two Purple Point on the 18th were of interest while Brents, 12 Eiders, 122 Common Scoters, Sandpipers at The Naze. A Blackcap four Goosanders frequented Ardleigh a Sooty Shearwater and two more visited a garden near Colchester, 23 Reservoir, two Snow Buntings Great Skuas on the 5th. A single Purple Goosanders were a surprise on a small appeared for a few days on St Osyth Sandpiper at Holland Haven on the 6th lake in on the 19th and Stone and a Lapland Bunting was on had increased to four by the 12th and c1,000 Jackdaws were an impressive farmland at Wigboro Wick on the 22nd. two Glossy Ibises flew over that site on sight at Thorrington. A generally obliging Two Shore Larks on Little Oakley beach the 8th. A heavy passage of Wood flock of Snow Buntings settled in at on the 28th were identified from a photo Pigeons and a large arrival of Starlings Jaywick with a maximum count of 60. and several Chiffchaffs and an odd were also noted on the coast during the An influx of Kittiwakes offshore was Blackcap were reported. second week of the month; a few Snow evident towards the end of the month Buntings were reported; a Hooded with counts of over 300 from Frinton February Crow at Frinton and two Bearded Tits at where other sightings included a A flock of 100 Fieldfares at Moverons, Langham were seen on the 9th; five maximum of 308 Red-throated Divers Brightlingsea, on the 1st was the largest Lapland Buntings were on Stone Point (24th), single Black-throated Diver, count of thrushes for the winter so far (The Naze) on the 10th, and the next day Long-tailed Duck and Razorbill, up to and on the same day a Water Rail and saw another big seabird movement off 26 Guillemots (30th), one Arctic and two Firecrests were reported at Holland Frinton, notably 738 Common and six two Great Skuas (one of these seen Haven. A Jack Snipe was seen on the Velvet Scoters, and single Long-tailed also from Holland Haven). A Bittern 2nd at The Hythe, a former stronghold Duck and Pomarine Skua as well as an was seen again at Fingringhoe Wick, for this species, and six Goosanders arrival of over 800 Redwings. A Manx two Scaup were present on a gravel-pit were on Ardleigh Reservoir on the 3rd Shearwater, 30 Gannets and 1,023 at Alresford , the Colne Avocet flock with 11 present on Wivenhoe GP on the Common Scoters passed there on the reached 825, and reports from The Naze 12th. Two Black-throated Divers and a 12th and on the 14th a Red Kite moved included a Red-necked Grebe, 61 Slavonian Grebe were identified in the between Frinton and St Osyth and a Gadwall (both 21st) and 254 Bar-tailed and some 2,000 Golden Great Northern Diver passed the former Godwits. An odd Brambling and ten Plovers were viewable from the access site whilst 16 Grey Partridges were at Lesser Redpolls frequented road to Colne Point where a Grey the latter, at Wigboro Wick Farm. Sunnymead Farm, Wivenhoe. Phalarope was briefly present on the Over 500 Avocets and two Spotted 8th. The WeBS count there on the 16th Redshanks were in the Alresford Creek January recorded a high site count of 4,300 area mid-month and several Hen Looks out to sea continued to be Dunlins. Several Peregrines were Harriers and Merlins were roaming rewarding at Frinton where counts of up wintering in the region and up to four coastal habitats but Short-eared Owls to 551 Red-throated, nine Black- Purple Sandpipers were regularly were conspicuous by their absence. Ten throated and two Great Northern reported from Holland Haven where Bearded Tits paused in the Holland Divers, a Red-necked Grebe, 517 other visitors included Shag, 12 Haven reed-beds on the 15th and 16th Kittiwakes, 237 Common and 13 Little Barnacle Geese and a Yellow-legged and the tail-end of the autumn finch Gulls, plus a few Guillemots and single Gull. passage was noted with small parties of Fulmar and Pomarine Skua were the Nearby at Frinton, seawatching was Lesser Redpolls amongst the highlights. Further north, single Great rewarded with several sightings of 1-2 Goldfinches but very few Siskins were Northern and Black-throated Diver, 86 Great Skuas, odd Little Gulls and picked out. Seven Bramblings and 150 Great Crested and two Slavonian Guillemots and, at the month’s end, 114 Chaffinches were seen at Great Grebes plus three Shags were seen on Red-throated Divers, also Gannet Horkesley and the latest Swallow the River Stour – also eight Bullfinches passage on several days, maximum 37 reported was at Clacton on the 19th. at Wrabness on the 1st – 2,000 Black- on the 25th. Single Red Kites were seen Goosanders started to arrive with small tailed Godwits, two Spotted at Markshall and Stanway and a pair of numbers passing coastal sites and a few Redshanks and a Greenshank were Red-breasted Geese frequented

50 . The Black Redstart at 26th, a Firecrest at Sunnymead Farm St Osyth beach remained until at least and a Swallow at Brightlingsea on the Rainham the 20th; there were still 30 Snow 28th, two Velvet Scoters and seven Buntings at Jaywick at this time, and Ruffs at The Naze and a Slavonian Marshes the seven Bewick’s Swans at Wigboro Grebe off Frinton on the 29th, and a Wick lingered until at least the 26th. Black Redstart in St Osyth on the 30th. BY HOWARD VAUGHAN March April The River Colne, between Brightlingsea Two Sandwich Terns passed Frinton November and Fingringhoe, proved attractive to and a Yellow Wagtail arrived at Holland A relatively quiet month but no real grebes with a Slavonian on 1st and 4th, Haven on the 1st and next day a Red- winter movement in mild westerly a Black-necked on the 8th and a Red- crested Pochard was on Bourne Pond, conditions but a Merlin that arrived on necked, first reported on the 4th, Colchester, Bearded Tits were calling the 6th was seen well on several dates remaining until the 29th. The 11th from a Wivenhoe reed-bed and a Ring while the Arctic Skua reappeared on produced good numbers of divers off Ouzel was seen at Brightlingsea. the 1st. The 6th also saw a Barnacle Frinton with 187 Red-throated and five Holland Haven did well for Ring Ouzels Goose arrive and spend a couple of Great Northern counted as well as a with five during the month and another weeks with the Canadas. Wader Fulmar, 51 Gannets and two was at The Naze. Probably different numbers stayed static with about 180 Guillemots. The first Wheatear of spring Water Pipits visited the Holland Haven Black-tailed Godwits, two Avocet, was also seen at Frinton on the 10th but scrape on the 3rd and 12th and both Spotted Redshank and a single Ruff the next were not recorded until the Red Kite and Goshawk were identified among the Lapwing, Golden Plover 22nd when three passed through there on the 5th. Pairs of Little Ringed and Dunlin. A Bittern made welcome Holland Haven. This regularly watched Plovers were located at four sites with appearance on the 15th-18th and the site had earlier had three Shags (19th), an additional migrant at Holland Haven. mild conditions kept up to six Little several Firecrests, two Grey Partridges, At Frinton, there were impressive totals Egrets on the marsh while a Great a male Hen Harrier, single Water Rail, of 17 Mediterranean Gulls on the 6th White Egret flew through on the 17th. A Yellow-legged Gull and Cetti’s Warbler and 14 Shags on the 9th when an touch of east on the 21st brought in two with three Purple Sandpipers still Osprey was also seen there and a Bewick’s Swans, three Mergansers and present on the 30th. Red Kites were Hoopoe was present briefly at The Naze two dapper Goldeneye and a couple of recorded at Langham, Gt Horkesley, and a Short-eared Owl at Holland Med Gulls and a Caspian were seen on Wivenhoe, St Osyth and Lexden but Haven. A Great Northern Diver passed the river. Bearded Tits were seen on perhaps only one or two individuals Frinton on the 10th when there was also quieter days and a late Wheatear was were involved. Chiffchaffs became a small fall of warblers including eight seen on the 4th. Up to four Marsh increasingly widespread from the 10th Willow Warblers and eight Blackcaps Harriers and eight Peregrines are onwards. at Holland Haven. At Fingringhoe Wick, currently using the site. A late Swallow Miscellaneous records included four a Grasshopper Warbler was present on was seen on the 8th. Green Sandpipers at Brightlingsea on the 13th – others frequented the 4th, a Bittern again at Fingringhoe Brightlingsea, The Hythe (two) and December Wick on the 5th, 24 Snow Buntings still Holland Haven for several days later in Two White-fronted Geese arrived on at Jaywick on the 9th, Brambling at the month – and a count of eight the 5th and stayed into the New Year Colne Pt on the 11th, a pair of Lesser Bullfinches on the 15th was notable while a flock of 11 that flew west on the Spotted Woodpeckers and a Nuthatch with Cuckoo also recorded that day at 24th did not stop despite the perfect in Friday Wood on the 12th, Sand Brightlingsea. marsh conditions. Mild, wet weather Martin in St Osyth on the 14th, 160 Nightingale numbers built up steadily precluded any other interesting arrivals Redwings over Wivenhoe on the 19th, through the month with good numbers and numbers of duck and waders only an Osprey over Moverons, returning to traditional strongholds and slowly increased with Teal and Wigeon Brightlingsea, on the 21st, 12 there was a steady passage of reaching about 1,200 and 700 Goosanders in the Colchester Castle Whimbrels and Greenshanks including respectively and Lapwing to about 1,400 Park on the 23rd, three Spotted 19 of the latter at Cattawade. A Little by year end. Golden Plover numbers Redshanks in Alresford Creek on the Gull dropped in at Holland Haven on the fluctuated up to about 300 and Black- 15th and 19 Barnacle Geese passed tailed Godwits briefly peaked at 520 on there on the 19th. A Whinchat was at the Barges. The wintering Ruff and Wigboro Wick, St Osyth, on the 22nd Spotted Redshank from Crayford and nearby at Daltes Farm, a male Blue- occasionally visited and Jack Snipe headed Wagtail was present for several were seen on the 3rd and 22nd. days. A Ring-tailed Harrier at Holland Woodcock, Avocet and Turnstone were Haven on the 26th and briefly on the all also seen. Gulling was poor with 27th caused much debate several daily Yellow-legs, a single adult remaining frustratingly Med and three Caspians. A Merlin was distant most of the seen on the 18th and Marsh Harriers time it was visible and Peregrines continued to put on a but eventually show although our returning pylon features noted were female did kill and eat one of the local considered to be juvenile males. Bizarrely the rarest bird conclusive of an adult female of the month was a Red-legged Pallid Harrier, the third Essex Partridge seen on the 10th. record if accepted. Short-eared Owls were seen at Colne Point and Hollybush January Hill, near St Osyth, late in the month, and The two White-fronted Geese lingered Marsh Tit by a Wryneck was briefly present in the till the 6th along with a Barnacle Goose George Brown John Weston Reserve on the 30th. but the generally mild weather

51 precluded much immigration. A Brent wintering Spotted Redshank, Grey and a Honey Buzzard overhead. Kites Goose was seen on the 17th and the Plover, Avocet, nearly 40 Curlew, three were seen on the 1st, 5th (two) and Bittern reappeared on the 24th. Ruff and a Jack Snipe. The first Little 18th) with the same number of Ospreys Kittiwakes were a feature on the Ringed Plovers arrived on the 21st and logged on the 8th, 10th and 18th. Our Thames with the first three days of 2014 Green and Common Sandpipers were Marsh Harriers were still around and a producing 77 birds with singles on new in on the 29th. The Thames was few migrants were chased off. We could several other dates. An adult Little Gull very quiet with a young Caspian Gull not find Garganey but the Thames (30th) and several Yellow-legs and regularly on the south side and the odd provided us with Scoter on five days Meds livened things up and a juvenile Med Gull being the highlights. A single with a high of eight on the 10th and a Iceland Gull was seen on the 27th. At Brent Goose was seen on the 8th. Little Merganser on the 17th when an least eight different Caspian Gulls were Egrets peaked at 28 and a Great White immature Spoonbill drifted high and seen including a well travelled Polish Egret in full breeding plumage stayed all east. Med Gulls were regularly seen and youngster. A Great White Egret flew day on the 26th. The Bittern was seen Little Gulls were logged on the 1st and through on the 12th and five Little again briefly on the 11th. One of our 17th while a Cackling Goose on the Egrets were on site. Wader numbers local Ravens dropped in on several 22nd raised a few eyebrows. were stable with a few extras including dates from the 15th and a Short-eared the wintering Spotted Redshank, two Owl was seen on the 29th and 30th. A male Ruff, two Turnstone, an early Marsh Tit was reported on the 23rd and Oystercatcher, Avocet, Woodcock and two pair of Bearded Tits seem to be on Southend Area Jack Snipe. Up to five Marsh Harriers site. Two male and two female Marsh are lingering and Buzzard and Harriers are still lingering, so fingers BY PAUL BAKER Peregrine activity was up. A ringtail Hen crossed but we have also had quite a Harrier flew through on the 20th and few passage birds including four the female Merlin was seen a couple of together on the 5th. Buzzards have November times. A Short-eared Owl was seen on been daily and Red Kites were seen on Four Bramblings were reported from a the 4th and 19th. Small birds were few the 16th and 30th. The first Wheatear garden in Hockley on the 1st and the 8th and far between with two Lapland arrived on the 20th with a White Wagtail and were the only records all month. Buntings and Yellowhammer in the first (9th), Sand Martin (23rd), Sedge The Cattle Egret on Wallasea was seen week, an elusive Black Redstart, a Warbler (28th) and Willow Warbler for the last time on the 3rd as was the Brambling (22nd) and the odd sightings (31st) bringing up the other migrants. party of four Spoonbills on Bowers of the Bearded Tits. Marsh. The wandering Glossy Ibis April settled down on Bowers Marsh from the February A fairly typical April for incoming and 2nd to the 13th before disappearing until Another unwintery month with little outgoing migrants with nothing too January 2014. The last Swallow of the change. Lapwing topped the 2,000 extraordinary bar a Redstart (6th) and year was noted past Gunners Park on mark and Wigeon just over the 1,000 Ouzels on the 9th and 19th. At least four the 2nd when the first Hen Harrier of which was good news while Pintail Grasshopper Warblers were on site the winter arrived on Wallasea where it population reached a respectable 40. but most of the hirundines were scarce was joined by a second bird from the The single Ruff, Spotted Redshank and and even though 20 species of wader 9th onwards. A Red Kite was reported Grey Plover continued to be seen were recorded, the numbers were over Southend on the 3rd and the last amongst the fluctuating flock of up to actually quite low. Bar-tailed Godwits reptile of the year was an Adder seen on 400 Golden Plover and an Avocet, Jack and Whimbrels started moving from Benfleet Downs on the 4th. A late Snipe and the first returning about the 18th with terns increasing at Curlew Sandpiper frequented the Oystercatchers were reported. The four the same time with several groups of mudflats off Wallasea from the 5th to the Marsh Harriers and several Peregrines Arctics (including 32 on the 27th) and 7th where the only Short-eared Owl of were seen regularly while the female four Blacks (21st). The 27th also saw the month flew high over the saltmarsh Merlin was seen again on the 2nd, 9th Glaucous Gull and Arctic Skua up river on the 5th. Seawatching off Canvey on and 24th. A few Buzzard drifted through but it is difficult to tell if they are all local or not and the first Red Kite of the year came over the QEII Bridge on the 26th when a flock of 17 Little Egrets dropped in. Caspian Gulls were seen on numerous dates and at least five different birds were recorded along with about ten Yellow-legged Gulls, three Meds and possibly two immature Iceland Gulls (from the 19th). The Bittern was seen again briefly on the 10th and a colour-ringed Cormorant (PBX) had been marked a chick near Aberdeen in 2010. Chiffchaffs, Rock and Water Pipits continue to winter and the Bearded Tits were seen again on the 2nd while a Tree Sparrow the following day was probably of the month. March A fair selection of waders were seen during the month including the Little-ringed Plover by Simon Patient

52 on the 6th. The last butterfly of the year was a Small Tortoiseshell reported from a Southend garden on the 7th. The number of Hen Harriers on Wallasea nudged up to three ringtails from the 8th onwards with a male seen infrequently from the 10th. Two Stonechats were noted on Two Tree Island on the 8th, these being the first records from their former stronghold since a one-day male in March. An Iceland Gull flying upriver past Canvey on the 13th was a good record and what was probably the same first-winter bird was reported again off Canvey several times at month’s end. The over-wintering Scaup on West Black Winged Stilt by Sam Shippey Canvey Marsh was reported daily from the 14th through into 2014. Also on Canvey, a female Black Brant was the 6th produced little of note but did Crouch at Wallasea on the 23rd before noted on the flooded fields on the 14th, provide the only Goosander record of continuing west but more unexpected 18th, and 24th. Only two Blackcaps the year when a drake flew west. A was the covey of nine Grey Partridges were seen this month, both on the 14th Barnacle Goose was on Wallasea from among the new diggings there which with males at Wat Tyler C.P. and the 7th through to the 9th but did its were twitched by several locals and Benfleet. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose credentials no favours by mingling with constituted the highest local count for at was singled out at Wakering Stairs on the Greylag and Canada Geese; it was least fifteen years. In addition to the the 15th. A juvenile Spoonbill on Vange the only one seen in the recording area three Green Sandpipers still present on Marsh from the 16th to the 19th was an since 1st January. A flock of eight Snow West Canvey Marsh, a further three unusual mid-winter record. Short-eared Buntings on Wallasea Ness on the 8th were counted on Bowers Marsh on the Owls continued to remain scarce with were on a day trip from Foulness with a 24th where a family party of four singles on Wallasea on the 17th and single bird being seen on the 10th. The Stonechats were equally noteworthy. A South Fambridge on the 20th the only number of Caspian Gulls on the private Hen Harrier on Two Tree Island on the records. A Red-necked Grebe on the Pitsea Tip peaked at five on the 9th 26th was an excellent site record. An sea off Gunners Park on the 19th and outnumbering Yellow-legged Gulls immature Scaup paid a brief visit to the 20th was a good record although which could only muster four. The only Wat Tyler C.P. scrape on the 28th and interestingly all three birds this year Chiffchaff of the month was on the 10th may have been the over-wintering bird have been seen from here. A Snow in Friars Park which has a good record from West Canvey Marsh. As darkness Bunting and a Water Pipit were both of attracting this over-wintering warbler. fell on the 30th and the month edged to found at South Fambridge on the 20th Bowers Marsh turned up a Jack Snipe a close, 95 Little Egrets and a probable where the Snow Bunting remained into and a Caspian Gull on the 13th. Mild Great White Egret roosted at early 2014. The only Chiffchaff this conditions and sunshine saw both Small Paglesham Lagoon. month was discovered at Gunners Park Tortoiseshell and Comma on the wing at on the 20th. A count of three Black Paglesham Lagoon on the 16th. A pulse December Brants at Paglesham East End on the of passage was noted on the 17th on was worryingly quiet 22nd was quite exceptional. On the land and at sea. Off Canvey, an eye- this month although one of the Coal Tits 22nd a Woodcock on Hadleigh Downs watering 3,172 Gannets flew west put in a brief appearance on the 1st. The was only the second and last record of smashing the previous Essex record. highlight of the month however was the the month and a Red Kite was reported Surprisingly, not much else was caught Rough-legged Buzzard seen from the over Ashingdon. Marsh Harriers up with the seabird passage with just a east end of Wallasea also on the 1st. The roosting at Wat Tyler C.P. peaked at Black-throated Diver, two Guillemots, bird had first been reported from seven on the 24th whilst there was a and two Great Skuas the only other Foulness in mid-November and for further six around the Wallasea area. birds of note. Nearby on West Canvey those willing to make the long walk, the Remaining with raptors and Wallasea, Marsh, an immature Scaup arrived bird could be seen on the Foulness side ideal conditions there on the 29th where it remained into 2014; also of the Roach from Wallasea through into revealed good views of the Rough- present was a reasonable count of three 2014. Also present on Wallasea at this legged Buzzard along with five Hen over-wintering Green Sandpipers. To time was last month’s Barnacle Goose Harriers, three Marsh Harriers, five round off the day, two Crossbills flew on the 1st, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose Common Buzzards, a Merlin, a north over Friars Park. A Muntjac ran from the 1st to the 6th, three Stonechats Peregrine, and eight Kestrels. An across Ashingdon Road on the 20th, it from the 2nd which over-wintered and a immature Spoonbill on Two Tree Island seems they have reached all parts of the flock of eighteen Snow Buntings on the from the 29th into early January was region now albeit in very low numbers. Foulness side of the Roach on the 2nd. presumably the Vange Marsh bird Seawatching off Canvey was productive Of even more dubious origins than the relocating. A Lesser Redpoll reported at on the 21st with seven Eider, 74 Barnacle Goose was the long staying Wat Tyler C.P. on the 29th was notable Common Scoter, nine Red-breasted Snow Goose on Vange Wick which for being the only record of this species Merganser, a Pomarine Skua, five showed from the Wat Tyler C.P. marina from the entire area this month. The Great Skuas, four Little Gulls, and 26 between the 2nd and the 19th. Last year was seen out with a reasonable Kittiwakes all recorded. Almost as month’s Hen Harrier on Two Tree seawatch off Canvey on the 31st when notable on the 21st was the complete Island was reported again on the 4th but the Iceland Gull was recorded again, lack of auk sightings in what is not subsequently. Woodcock were in along with 14 Red-throated Divers, a traditionally a good month for them. A short supply this month with the first of Great Skua, and 100 Kittiwakes. In Bewick’s Swan alighted briefly on the just two birds seen on Benfleet Downs summary, a respectable 219 species

53 were reliably recorded in 2013 including peaked at three on Wallasea the same at Paglesham on the 25th was the first of six Leach’s Petrels, Glossy Ibis, Cattle day, all of which were ringtails. The the year whilst nearby the Barnacle Egret, Great White Egret, Rough- wintering female Merlin also performed Goose had relocated to Potton Island on legged Buzzard, Spotted Crake, regularly through to early February as the 26th. Indications of a build-up of Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, did up to three Short-eared Owls. seabirds in the Thames commenced on Red-necked Phalarope, Red-rumped Nearby on the 5th, Paglesham hosted up the 29th with forty Red-throated Divers, Swallow, two Wrynecks, two to four Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a a Slavonian Grebe, and a Razorbill off Bluethroats, Siberian Chiffchaff, Black Brant among the 5,230 Dark- the Pier. The following day there was an Yellow-browed Warbler, and two Red- bellied Brent Geese there. Two obvious influx of divers and auks when backed Shrikes. Top billing goes to the Long-tailed Ducks were off Canvey on 72 Red-throated Divers, two Black- four Parrot Crossbills in Gunners Park the 5th and were most likely the birds throated Divers, two Great Northern in October, the vanguards of a reported from the Thames at Mucking Divers, and 175 Guillemots were nationwide influx and a new bird for the over the winter. Hockley Woods hosted counted from the Pier. Also present SOG recording area. two Woodcock on the 5th with one seen were two Little Gulls and four Porpoise. there again on the 8th. All three Most had gone by the next day although January wintering Stonechats were still present the Slavonian Grebe was still lingering As expected, with many birders eager to on Wallasea on the 8th whilst there off the Pier and a Little Gull and a Great start their year lists, New Years’ Day were two on West Canvey Marsh and Northern Diver flew by. The month produced several interesting records the one at Paglesham. Contender for bird of drew to a close with two Woodcock in most unexpected of which was the the month was the Glossy Ibis found in on the 31st. juvenile Sabine’s Gull which flew past the creek at Wat Tyler C.P. marina from Shoebury East Beach. In addition, the the 8th to the 11th. Also present in the February first-winter Iceland Gull present along creek were up to seven Ruff, four Seawatching from the Pier on the 1st the Thames since mid-December was Spotted Redshanks, and a proved fruitful again with forty Red- also logged off Canvey along with 250 Greenshank. Two ringtail Hen Harriers throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, Kittiwakes, 15 Guillemots, an Arctic reported from Two Tree Island on the a Shag, two Little Gulls, 50 Guillemots, Skua, and two Great Skuas. The Scaup 11th followed hot on the heels of a and two Razorbills all recorded. Also on at West Canvey Marsh present since single there in late November/early the 1st, the first-winter Iceland Gull was mid-November was duly ‘ticked off’, December. Two adult White-fronted seen again, this time heading downriver although there was no need to rush as it Geese dropped in for one day on the past Canvey. The Great White Egret was remained through to early April. On dry 11th at Wallasea where the Barnacle reported again on the 1st flying over land, three Firecrests were found Goose of dubious origin was also noted. Wallasea when three Bullfinches were wintering in Hockley Woods, a regular Buzzards continue to increase across seen on Benfleet Downs, with a pair feature now of recent winters, and five the region, as demonstrated by four noted in a few days later. Marsh Harriers roosted at Wat Tyler C.P. wintering around Wallasea on the 11th. The first of four Blackcaps this month A Snow Bunting at South Fambridge on The only Chiffchaff of the winter was visited a garden in Leigh; other singles the 2nd was the only record of the first- noted at Wat Tyler C.P. on the 12th, the were in gardens in Rayleigh, Benfleet, and winter period. A first-winter same day that a pair of Bullfinches in Hockley Woods. Wat Tyler C.P. hosted a White-fronted Goose on Vange Wick, were seen at Great Wakering. A Merlin local mega on the 1st in the form of a and which was viewable from Wat Tyler took favour to the saltmarsh around Two redhead Goosander although it soon C.P. marina, was found among the more Tree Island and Canvey Point from the departed before the day was out. Also at usual anser fare on the 2nd; it remained 16th to the 18th. The first Black- Wat Tyler C.P. on the following day, the five in the general area until the end of throated Diver of the year was feeding Spotted Redshanks, and Greenshank March. The long-staying Snow Goose off the Pier on the 16th and was then off remained by the marina. The Pier was was also resident on Vange Wick from Canvey the following day where an unexpectedly quiet on the 2nd with a the 2nd through to early March. Last Arctic Skua, a Great Skua, and two Porpoise the only record of note. Other month’s Spoonbill was seen again on Razorbills were all recorded on the mammalian highlights on the 2nd were a the 3rd, this time around Two Tree 18th. Wallasea played host to two Barn Weasel and a Water Vole which were Island but had gone the following day, Owls and two Short-eared Owls on the both on Two Tree Island. The 2nd also possibly across to Cliffe. Also present on 18th and 19th. The pair of Coal Tits in produced a Great Skua off Wakering Two Tree Island were five Greenshanks. Hockley Woods were more active from Stairs whilst Paglesham hosted the only A flock of fifteen Yellowhammers was the 18th through to early March. A Shag Purple Sandpiper of the first-winter an unexpected find in Ashingdon on the arrived at the Pier on the 19th where it period. The wide ranging and highly 3rd and is one of the largest flocks in the remained intermittently for two weeks. mobile Spoonbill flew over Wat Tyler C.P. last three years. A male Blackcap in a A Great White Egret was another good towards Vange Marsh on the 8th. Leigh garden on the 4th was this find around the Paglesham area from Paglesham Lagoon hosted twelve month’s only record. A Razorbill and the 19th to the 28th. The mobile Goldeneye on the 9th which was the lingering Iceland Gull were both Spoonbill from earlier this month surprisingly the last sighting of the winter, reported from the Pier on the 4th, with visited Vange Marsh on the 20th before and down from a peak of 23 last month. the Iceland Gull seen there again the promptly disappearing, only to return The Coal Tit pair in Hockley Woods were following day. Further ‘white-winger’ again on the 28th and 31st whilst visiting again present on the 9th. Wallasea played excitement came on the 4th and 5th Bowers Marsh in the interim on the 25th. host to a trio of overwintering trios on the when a second-winter Glaucous Gull A flock of nine Yellowhammers was a 11th, with three Short-eared Owls, three was discovered on Vange Wick. pleasing find near Benfleet on the 21st. Barn Owls, and three Stonechats all Mirroring the Wat Tyler C.P. roost A Merlin at Bowers Marsh on the 24th recorded. The two Stonechats on Two numbers, a matching count of five was a good site record as was a Tree Island remained until mid-month. Marsh Harriers was made on Wallasea Firecrest in Glen the same The wintering Great White Egret flew on the 5th where last month’s Rough- day. Records of Green Sandpipers this over Wallasea on the 15th and 17th. A legged Buzzard continued to show, month came from four sites numbering Weasel was noted by Hadleigh Castle on albeit distantly from the eastern seawall ten birds, with a peak count of four at the 15th, a Muntjac was disturbed from until the 12th. Wintering Hen Harrier Vange Marsh on the 25th. A Water Pipit Hockley Woods on the 16th, and also on

54 the 16th a Water Vole was espied again on the year as there were no wintering the 27th by performing in the cut reeds in Two Tree Island when the Merlin was flocks in the area. A single Long-eared front of the hide. A brief seawatch off seen there for the final time. The following Owl was seen in the south on the 7th and Gunners Park on the 25th was slow going day, on the 17th, the Merlin on Wallasea 13th only. The Spoonbill flitted between but did reveal a respectable spring count also put in its last appearance. There was the creek at Wat Tyler C.P. and Bowers of thirty Gannets along with a late an unconfirmed report of four Redpolls in Marsh from the 7th to the 11th and often Guillemot. A Water Pipit at Vange Marsh Hadleigh on the 18th; surprisingly there visited both sites on the same day. Also at on the 25th was the third record of the were no other reports of this species at all Bowers Marsh on the 8th, a ringtail Hen month. One of the Lesser Spotted during the first-winter period. The Harrier was a notable record for the site. Woodpeckers was seen again briefly in Spoonbill settled down for a few days on The first of four Red Kites seen this Hockley Woods on the 28th. Short-eared Vange Marsh from the 19th to the 23rd. month passed over Ashingdon on the 8th Owl was recorded for the last time at Chiffchaffs began moving at the end of with another overhead there on the 15th, Wallasea on the relatively early date of the month with one visiting a Southchurch the same day that one was at Bowers the 28th and the Barnacle Goose was garden briefly on the 20th and another in Marsh. The fourth and final Red Kite of seen again at Lower Raypits on the 28th. Hockley Woods on the 26th. An immature the month was at Rawreth on the 27th. The 29th was obviously a day of Glaucous Gull passing over West Canvey Similarly there was an upsurge in departures for several of our birds, with Marsh on the 21st was a good find, whilst Buzzard records this month with forty the White-fronted Goose, the the first-winter Iceland Gull finally gave birds noted including seven south over Spoonbill, and the Iceland Gull all being itself up by visiting the foreshore at Hadleigh Downs on the 9th in twenty seen for the final time when all were at Holehaven daily from the 23rd to the 26th. minutes. Two Hen Harriers at Wallasea Bowers Marsh or the adjacent tip. With A Stoat ran across the road at Paglesham on the 12th was the only multiple sighting departures come arrivals, and so the first on the 23rd whilst on the 24th the first there this month but a single continued Common Terns were noted off Gunners truly sunny and mild day of the year to show intermittently throughout the Park the same day and a spring passage produced a daytime flying Common month. The first-winter Iceland Gull was adult Little Gull dropped in to Vange Pipistrelle and three Small Tortoiseshells still wandering around the Thames, it Marsh for the evening of the 30th. A Coal at Rayleigh Mount, and a Comma at dropped in to roost on the mudflats at Tit calling near Hadleigh Downs on the Pitsea. The following day saw the first on the 12th. A 30th was a good local record and lends Adders of the spring on Hadleigh Downs Crossbill flying over Southchurch on the hope to there being a few more and a male Bullfinch at Hullbridge. A 14th was particularly unexpected. The undiscovered pairs now in the area. Woodcock on Hadleigh Downs on the arrival of two Sand Martins late on the 26th was only the second of the month 15th at Vange Marsh heralded the April following one at Vange Marsh on the 16th. changing of the seasons and the start of There was a hint of raptor passage on the the spring migration. The very next day 1st when eight Buzzards passed east March there was a widespread arrival of at least over Wat Tyler C.P. in the space of just Records of Woodcock increased notably twenty Chiffchaffs across the area. A twenty minutes and a Red Kite drifted this month starting with two on Canvey Whimbrel on Wallasea on the 17th, with west over South Fambridge. The Wick on the 1st which were shortly three there on the 19th, continued the wintering Scaup, present on West followed by a further seven birds at five spring theme. The Iceland Gull took a Canvey Marsh since mid-November was additional sites. The diminutive Jack liking to Bowers Marsh on the 17th logged for the final time on the 1st whilst Snipe also put in an appearance on the where it was seen again on the 26th. an escaped Ringed Teal resided on 1st when a bird was found at South After many attempts, Lesser Spotted nearby from the 2nd to the Fambridge where a Water Pipit was also Woodpeckers were finally proved to still 9th. A pair of Bullfinches seen in Hockley present. A second Water Pipit be present in Hockley Woods when a Woods on the 2nd was surprisingly the frequented Bowers Marsh on the 1st and pair was found on the 18th. Quite first pair seen here for eight years. The 2nd. Nearby on the adjacent Pitsea Tip, unbelievably there were no sightings at Barnacle Goose present on Wallasea the first-winter Iceland Gull put in all of Nuthatch this spring in Hockley since November before moving to Lower appearances on the 1st, 8th and 29th. A Woods. The last few years have seen a Raypits in March did the decent thing and Bittern was reported in flight over Wat rapid decline from four birds in 2011, two disappeared after being seen for the last Tyler C.P. on the 1st but was not seen in 2012, one in 2013, to no sightings in time on the 4th. A quartet of Black- subsequently. The first female Blackcap 2014. There was however a glimmer of necked Grebes at Vange Marsh on the of the year visited a Hockley garden also hope of recolonisation when one was 4th were a lovely find and were swiftly on the 1st, when the wandering seen well out of range along the railway followed by a pair on Bowers Marsh on Spoonbill was noted in Holehaven line at Pitsea on the 19th. Spring passage the 5th and 6th but none lingered. Up to Creek. On the 2nd, three Red-throated continued to gain momentum from the two Water Voles were seen regularly on Divers and a Great Northern Diver off 20th to the 22nd evidenced by three Two Tree Island from the 6th onwards as Canvey, and a pair of Red-breasted White Wagtails on Wallasea and a small were a family party of five on Bowers Mergansers at Paglesham, were all arrival of Wheatears with the first one on Marsh. A Common Sandpiper reported surprisingly the last records of the winter. Wallasea, followed by a male in Gunners on Vange Marsh on the 6th, and a Turtle A Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Lower Park, then a female there the next day, Dove reported from Wat Tyler C.P. on the Raypits on the 3rd and 8th was similarly and a male at Vange Marsh. The 10th were both firsts for the year. There the last of the winter. A ringtail Hen Spoonbill continued its perambulations were two more Common Sandpiper Harrier was reported again on Two Tree taking up residence on Vange Marsh records this month but sadly no further Island on the 5th whilst the following day from the 20th to the 24th before moving Turtle Dove sightings this month. There two ringtail Hen Harriers were reported again to Bowers Marsh from the 26th to was a small wave of passage Willow from near Fleet Head. A Coal Tit was the 29th. Despite the recent decline of Warblers from the 10th to the 18th with seen for the final time this spring in most woodland species in Hockley eight singing males noted, two of which Hockley Woods on the 7th where all Woods, Treecreepers still managed to were on Two Tree Island on the 10th woodland species appeared to be turn in a respectable five on 21st along along with a fine male Redstart. The struggling this year. Up to two Siskins with the only Siskin record from there 11th was an excellent day at Bowers were present at Canewdon on the 7th this year to date. A Jack Snipe thrilled Marsh when a pair each of Black-winged and 10th and were surprisingly the first of many at Wat Tyler C.P. from the 23rd to Stilts and Garganey was found. The

55 Black-winged Stilts were found early Geese, 50+ Canada Geese, 30 Mute enough in the day to allow many people Wat Tyler Swans & 80 Cormorants. A Spoonbill to twitch these elegant birds before they was reported from Wat Tyler Marina on departed overnight to Old Hall Marshes Reserve and the 14th, walking along Vange Creek. via Dorset! The Garganey pair remained Also on this date were Peregrine, typically elusive but could be seen with Vange Marshes Kestrel, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 15 luck and patience until the 16th. The first Goldfinch & a male Blackcap. Nightingale of the year was reported at BY ANDREW COX The Spoonbill, a juvenile, appeared Wakering Stairs on the 11th. The again this time at Vange Marsh on the following day, the first of this month’s 16th; 600 Lapwings, 37 Common four reeling Grasshopper Warblers was November Redshank, 14 Dunlin & nine Ruff were on . The 12th also saw a Four Marsh Harriers on the 3rd present in addition. On the 22nd Vange pair of Little Ringed Plovers drop in included an adult male, with an adult Marsh held at least 500 Lapwings, 16 onto Vange Marsh. The sole remaining female & two juveniles. Water Rail, Curlews, five Black-tailed Godwits, a wintering Hen Harrier on Wallasea was Bearded Tit & Cetti’s Warbler were Green Sandpiper, two Bearded Tits & recorded for the final time on the 12th. also noted along with a Green seven Reed Buntings. Common One of the increasingly elusive Lesser Woodpecker & at least 12 Snipe. Next Buzzard & Greenshank were notable at Spotted Woodpeckers in Hockley day 30 Snipe were counted, as were Wat Tyler. Woods was also seen for the last time on 2000 plus Starlings; the Glossy Ibis Christmas Eve at Wat Tyler brought, in the 12th with a Muntjac there an added present in the area from mid-October addition to the seven Marsh Harriers bonus. Green Sandpiper numbers at also put in an appearance. previously mentioned, a Peregrine, 19 Vange Marsh spiked at ten on the 16th, The Glossy Ibis was seen again on the Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Common the same day that a Grasshopper 10th this time at Vange Marsh, where it Redshank, four Ruff, singles of Warbler returned to Two Tree Island. was joined by 10 Curlews, five Black- Greenshank & Green Sandpiper & a Wheatear continued to trickle through tailed Godwits, four Green smattering of the usual ducks (Mallard, this month with seven birds at five sites Sandpipers, two Spotted Redshanks, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, including three at Lower Raypits on the seven Snipe & six Little Grebes. Pochard, Tufted Duck). There was 18th. Two Muntjac, a doe and a buck, Large numbers of Starlings much interchange of these between the were watched in Hockley Woods on the continued to frequent Wat Tyler, Scrape, Bowers Marsh & . 18th. A calling Quail at Lower Raypits on including on the 17th when three Water The Peregrine was seen again on the 20th was early and intriguing Rails, two Grey Wagtails & a the 29th, in flight over the scrape. Five following an unconfirmed rumour of 83 Sparrowhawk were noted. Two Marsh Fieldfare & a Grey Wagtail were released birds in the area. Canvey Harriers seen on this date included the also seen. produced an Arctic Skua and seven adult male; he was seen again on the Arctic Terns on the 20th but little else of 25th when he numbered among a total January note. A passage Grasshopper Warbler of eight, the others being Five Marsh Harriers on the 1st was the briefly held territory in Gunners Park on female/juvenile birds. A Green highest number reported; this species the 20th and 21st. A Little Tern off Sandpiper was seen on the 21st with was present all month, including an Canvey on the 21st was the sole record 107 Pochards; a duck Scaup was of adult male at Bowers Marsh on the 18th. this month. Vange Marsh enjoyed a good note on the 28th. Greenshank, Green Sandpiper & three spell from the 21st to the 26th starting Spotted Redshanks were noted on the with a record spring count of 18 Green December 2nd & 100 Pochard counted on the 4th. Sandpipers on the 21st. On the 25th a On the 1st 170 Pochards were counted The Greenshank featured again on the Wood Sandpiper was found late in the at Wat Tyler; at least 40 Teal were also 14th this time with four Spotted day as was a Little Ringed Plover. The on the scrape, with ten Snipe, at least Redshanks. Wood Sandpiper was still present the four Water Rails & four Marsh Harriers A Buzzard was seen on the 16th while 2 next day whereas the Little Ringed also recorded. Five Black-tailed days later there were 50 Shoveler, 50 Plover remained into early May. A fine Godwits & a male Peregrine were Pochard & 500 Black-headed Gulls on adult Little Gull dropped in to feed notable at the Marina. the scrape; 30 Goldfinch were also briefly over Vange Marsh on the 26th Marsh Harriers continued to be counted. 20 Tufted Duck on the 22nd when a Nightingale was first heard recorded regularly throughout the were a good total for Wat Tyler. singing from the adjacent ‘old’ tip where month, with a maximum of seven on A Spoonbill was reported from Vange it continued to sing though to the 30th. Christmas Eve. However, it is likely that Marsh on the 20th; in addition there There was a smattering of Hobby more were present in the area: these were 150 Teal, 100 Wigeon, 30 records all on the 26th and 27th with five were all female/juvenile types while an Shoveler, Green Sandpiper, Marsh birds at four locations. Another adult male was reported on the 8th & Harrier & Sparrowhawk. The 24th at Nightingale was singing on Two Tree 12th. Water Rails too featured to the Bowers Marsh saw a report of a Merlin Island on the 27th but worryingly was not year’s end, with at least five calling from being chased by a Kestrel. The seen or heard again after 4th May despite various parts of the reed bed on the 29th. Spoonbill featured again on the 25th, this being a favoured, traditional site. An 20 Snipe & a duck Scaup were reported this time from Wat Tyler; a White- early Wall butterfly was on Benfleet on the 2nd while the 8th saw a Common fronted Goose was reported from Downs on the 27th. An Osprey was Buzzard mobbed by Marsh Harriers; a Vange Marsh where the Spoonbill reported over Ashingdon on the 28th male Hen Harrier was also seen on this appeared again on the 31st, in addition when a Little Ringed Plover was seen at date & was reported again four days to two Pintails, a Green Sandpiper & Bowers Marsh but not subsequently. On later, this time from Bowers Marsh. eight Reed Buntings. the 29th the Ringed Teal from Canvey Peregrine & Bearded Tit were seen Lake relocated to Bowers Marsh. The on the 12th while counts on the February month closed in style with a cracking previous day at Vange Marsh included A female Goosander reported at Wat male Ring Ouzel in Gunners Park on the 150 Tufted Duck, 50 Pochard, 200 Tyler on the 1st was in addition to 125 30th through to the 1st May and a singing Mallard, 24 Gadwall, 50+ Coot, 5 Shoveler & 127 Pochard, Mallard, Teal, Garden Warbler also present there. Great-crested Grebe, 100+ Greylag Wigeon, Gadwall & Tufted Duck were

56 present in smaller numbers. High water the western end. A pleasing 14th included 150 Canada Geese, 70+ levels didn’t suit waders but two Snipe juxtaposition saw males of the last two Greylag Geese, 250+ Black-headed dozed on the area of cut reeds in front species clinging to the same reed stem, Gulls, 200+ Herring Gulls & 150 of the hide. 90-100 Pied Wagtails flew lit beautifully by the early morning sun. carrion crows. past in the late afternoon, presumably Another pleasing pairing were a singing Peregrine & 2 Marsh Harriers were heading to a roost site. Marsh Harrier & Dunnock & Cetti’s Warbler sitting at Wat Tyler on the 17th with a Peregrine were noted; both continued within a few inches of each other. Other Mediterranean Gull & three Spotted to be reported all month. songbirds included Goldfinch, Redshanks; the four Snipe still graced Vange Marsh on the 1st held 250 Greenfinch & Long-tailed Tits while the cut area & a Water Rail called Wigeon & four Green Sandpipers; next Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk & nearby. The long staying Spoonbill day there was a Kingfisher, six Cetti’s Kestrel were all noted. popped up again at Vange Marsh, where Warblers & three Bearded Tits. Next day 16 Avocets, five Spotted there were 100+ Wigeon, two Green Sighting from Bowers Marsh included Redshanks & two Greenshanks were Sandpipers & two Avocets. 20 Pintail & 40 Black-tailed Godwits on reported from Wat Tyler. A Mediterranean Gull was seen the 4th & a Short-eared Owl on the 10th. again at Wat Tyler on the 19th as was a Back at Vange Marsh on the 16th there March Kestrel; six Avocets were reported. Two were 200+ Wigeon, 35 Curlew, four Three Marsh Harriers on the 1st days later two pairs of Bearded Tit were Common Redshank, 16 Snipe, five included an adult male & female; reported as were the usual four Snipe Green Sandpipers & a Black-tailed Peregrine & Sparrowhawk were other while on the 23rd a Jack Snipe was a Godwit. Also noted were a Kingfisher & birds of prey seen. A Bittern was welcome discovery (also on the cut two Mediterranean Gulls, one in reported & at least one Water Rail area) & was present until at least the summer plumage. A Woodcock was called from among the reeds. Two 27th. A Sand Martin was also reported reported from the abstraction ditch. Two Great-crested Grebes were out on the on this date as was the Spoonbill again. Water Rails & a Green Woodpecker scrape, a sign of the high water levels. Male & female Marsh Harriers were seen & heard at Wat Tyler. Waders seen from here were limited to appeared again on the 25th, when the On the 19th a Spoonbill was reported four Snipe on the cut area of reeds; White-fronted Goose was located out from Vange, along with 26 Curlew, three other species were noted from the on the scrape. At Vange Marsh on this Green Sandpipers & 100+ Shovelers. creek & marina including 6 Avocet, a date were a pair of Bearded Tits & a The Spoonbill, presumably the same Spotted Redshank & 30 Black-tailed Water Pipit. At least eight Greenfinches long staying individual, was reported Godwits. These last were seen in flight were active & vocal around the scrubby from Wat Tyler on the 22nd & again on over the saltmarsh between the marina area. Avocets numbered 14 at Wat Tyler the 24th, when a Peacock Butterfly was & the Fobbing Horse. A male Bearded on the 28th while the Spoonbill was also noted, & was back at Vange on the Tit was seen from the hide. seen again on the 30th, as were five 26th, feeding in the creek on an A White-fronted Goose was reported Snipe, three Bearded Tits & two Marsh incoming tide. Also present on this date on the 3rd & the Bittern again on the Harriers; a female Gargeney & a Little were ten Curlew, three Black-tailed 4th. Male & female Marsh Harriers Gull were reported at Vange. Godwit, a Snipe, three Avocet, three were seen again on the 5th with Oystercatchers, two Green Sandpipers Common Buzzard & Goldeneye April & two Common Redshanks. Passerines reported on the 7th; next day seven Eight Common Buzzards passed over included six+ Meadow Pipit, ten Reed Bearded Tits & a ringtail Hen Harrier Wat Tyler on the 1st; four Snipe Buntings, including five singing males & were reported from Bowers Marsh. frequented the cut area on the 2nd, four Bearded Tits – a pair at the eastern A Brimstone Butterfly was seen at Wat increasing to five on the 3rd when there end & two others pinging unseen from Tyler on the 9th, where counts on the were four Great-crested Grebes & a Brimstone butterfly. Four Black-necked Grebes were a welcome surprise at Vange Marsh on the 4th in addition to two Great-crested Grebes, 60 Shovelers, Snipe, Curlew, four Sand Martins & two Bearded Tits. The five Snipe were still visible at Wat Tyler on the 5th when two Swallows were noted. Next day at Vange a Common Sandpiper & at least eight Cetti’s Warblers were reported. On the 7th there were male & female Marsh Harriers at Wat Tyler with a Common Whitethroat also noted; 20 Sand Martins & five Green Sandpipers were at Vange. A Brimstone was reported at Wat Tyler again on the 9th while a Large Red Damselfly on the 11th was the first of the Odonata this year. Teal, Gadwall & Shoveler were still at Vange Marsh on this date in addition to three Great- crested Grebes, at least two each of Snipe & Green Sandpiper, three Swallows, three+ Bearded Tits & at least two Sedge Warblers. Six Snipe were now reported from Wat Tyler while Canada Goose by Richard Allen two Black-winged Stilts dropped into

57 Bowers Marsh. the 25th, an adult male & female & an with a Blue-tailed Damselfly & a Hairy A Turtle Dove was reported from Wat immature. In addition there were four Dragonfly. Two Little-ringed Plovers & Tyler on the 10th, with at least six Little Egrets, two Common Terns & a two Yellow Wagtails were reported Swallows on the 14th; the 17th saw Swift while a Wood Sandpiper was from Vange Marsh as were five Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk & found at Vange Marsh. This was still Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, two Kestrel noted along with a calling Water present all next day, when a Little Gull Snipe, two Marsh Harriers, two Rail, three Snipe, three Oystercatcher, was also reported; two Hobbys were Common Terns & eight males Reed an adult Mediterranean Gull & four seen at Wat Tyler. Buntings. A ringed Teal appeared at Bearded Tits. Greenfinch, Goldfinch & A Nightingale was singing from the Bowers Marsh on this date, with 110 Reed Bunting could all be heard in old tip at Vange on the 27th, where three Black-tailed Godwits, a Spotted song from the hide. Marsh Harriers (all female/immature Redshank & a Ruff also present. Next A Water Rail was heard next day with types), a Water Rail, four Greenshanks, evening at Vange there was a Marsh six Little Grebes, five Snipe, Black- a Little-ringed Plover, Cuckoo, at least Harrier, eight Greenshank & two tailed Godwit & Cuckoo also noted. A eight Swallows, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Terns. Marsh Harrier was at Vange on the Teal, Snipe & no fewer than nine Insects featured at Wat Tyler on the 21st, as were four Bearded Tits & at Bearded Tits were also recorded; a 30th, a warm day. Brimstone, Orange least five Cetti’s Warblers while some Hobby was reported. Male & female Tip & Green-veined White butterflies 140 Black-tailed Godwits were reported Marsh Harriers were seen at Wat Tyler were joined by no less than five species flying over on the 22nd, heading NW. as were a pair of Kestrels, a Buzzard, of Odonata: 20+ Large Red Damsels, The Cuckoo featured at Wat Tyler next 20 House Martins & a Green five+ Blue Tailed & two Azure day & was heard & seen regularly to the Woodpecker. Damselflies, three Hairy Dragonflies & end of the month, as were Bearded Tits. At least five Large Red Damselflies two Four Spotted chasers. A remarkable Three Marsh Harriers were here on were noted from Wat Tyler on the 28th number for April.

Re-printed from the 1st Issue of 1949

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59 Kestrel Chicks and eggs by Steve Baines

Published by: The Essex Birdwatching Society. Printed by: Healeys Printers Ltd.