Tues 30th April 19


Max Martin visited the hide first thing and noted that the Spotted Redshank was still present. A  few minutes later on the walk back to Frinton  he had a Whimbrel In/off, a Yellow Wagtail south over the golf course, a further 3 Whimbrel flew from the rocks below the seawall and 2 Tern sp. flew north.

Pete Loud had a walk down from the farm this morning, at the church a Coal Tit was carrying food. On route were a brood of 4 Mistle Thrush,1 Marsh Harrier, 4 House Martin, 6+Corn Bunting and a flock of 34 Whimbrel in field behind Golf Course. These birds relocated to the golf course and were most likely joined by Max's birds as they now totaled 40 birds.
On his way to the hide along the seawall Pete added 6 Sandwich Tern, 1 Eider (fem), 7 Com. Scoter heading north and 12 Com. Scoter south, most of these birds were also picked up by Max at the Frinton end of the site.

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 7 BlkWit's, 6 Lapwing, 6 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Avocet, Blk-headed, Herring Gulls, 3 LBB, 2 GBB, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's, 2+ Sedge, 1+ Reed Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Peregrine. PL/CB/MR

A quick seawatch from the sluice added 26 Com. Scoter (south).

Lots of Whitethroat,Blackcaps between the sluice and the raised platform along with Chiffchaff, Less. Whitethroat, Stonechat (male).


At the end of April the total number of species recorded on the site so far this year stands at 150.

Mon 29th April 19

Pete Loud

08:50  Over the road this morning pair of Tufted Duck still,several of Lesser & Common Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcaps & Sand Martin.

09:30  Behind raised platform, 1 Barwit, 1 Curlew & 1 Redwing.
10:00  Spotted Redshank on Scrape.
10:20  Yellow Wagtail flying over heading south.
10:43  1 Bearded Tit at the boardwalk.
11:11   Peregrine in off & over Scrape, Whimbrel close Offshore.


From the hide mid morning :- 2 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 14 Shelduck, 7 Redshank, 3 BlkWit's, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Buzzard. PRD/BW/TS/MR.


Max Martin

12:21 13 Whimbrel flying around the golf course.

Sun 28th April 19

Still windy and quite chilly on site this morning so a late start was made by some of us.

Around 10:00  Pete Loud , Ian Minton & Matt Lonsdale had 2 Yellow Wagtails fly over calling followed shortly after by a Hobby* in off the sea, another one for the site year list.

From the hide things were very quiet with just :- 4 Canada Geese, c20 Shelduck, c15 Teal, 10 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 3 BlkWit's, 1 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron and a few mixed gulls.

A few raptors were noted with most likely the same Hobby as earlier seen again and 2 Marsh Harriers picked up at distance by PL to add to a Sparrowhawk he had earlier + a pair of Kestrels and a single Buzzard.

A short seawatch at the sluice added 1 Gannet & 1 Gt. C Grebe heading south + a total of 5 Whimbrel. 
Finally 2 Gadwall were on the brook, a few Whitethroats and the male Stonechat were on the mounds. PL/IM/ML/MR

Sat 27th April 19

Not much happening at the Haven this morning apart from the fact that it was blowing a Gale.

A short seawatch by Pete Loud and Ian Minton had a couple of groups of Brent Geese and a few Whimbrel on the move.

A visit to the hide wasn't much better with just 2 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 2 Gadwall (on the brook), 8 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 3 BlkWit's, 2 Oystercatcher + Blk-headed & Herring Gulls, 6 LBB, 2 Common Gulls. IM/ML/MR

c20 Swallows were around the site with small groups over the scrape, along the Brook & in the Sewage Works. A few Whitethroats were managing to find some shelter around the mounds as was the female Stonechat.

A 30 min. seawatch before lunch proved no better than first thing with just 1 Fulmar which flew south and then back north again. PL/IM/ML/MR.

Fri 26th April 19

I had a good look around the site today, hoping to find a winner for Ian's competition but no luck. Lots of Blackcap and Whitethroats with a few more Lesser Whitethroat today and a new Sedge Warbler singing in the moth sanctuary area.

From the hide :-   5 Canada geese, 32 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 9 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, Blk-headed & Herring Gulls (2 colour ringed, info on Colour Ring Obs. page), 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 LBB, 2,GBB, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Linnets, 1 Buzzard. MR.

A walk to the boardwalk added the singing Sedge (in the moth sanctuary), 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylark, 2 Turnstone (sluice rocks), 2 Stonechat (pair on the mounds).

Thurs 25th April 19

No reports so far today.

Wed 24th April 19


Messages from WhatsApp as not about today

John Hall

Assume from earlier today posted at 18:44

From hide 18 Shelduck, C25 Teal, 6 Avocets, 10 Blackwits, 2 Oystercatchers, 8 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank,  1 Grey Heron, 1 Greylag Goose, C 30 mixed Gulls, 3 LBB,  no sign of Barwits. Cetti’s showing well on blackthorn by corner of brook. JH


Paul Braishaw

Seawall from Frinton end - 2 Yellow Wags, one Wheatear and 7 Whimbrel on golf course. Ringed Plover* on sluice. Several Whimbrel north overhead   19:24

Wow!  More notable evening dog run/cycle then!  S E Owl now on grazing marsh too 19:31

Tues 23rd April 19

A quick walk to the hide with my grandson this morning showed that there were now at least 5 Whitethroat around the mounds area along with a couple of Lesser Whitethroats.

Pete Davis had earlier had a Common Sandpiper on the outfall between the sluice and the boating club rocks.

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, 20+ Shelduck, c20 Teal, 10 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 4 Avocet,  2 Snipe, 2 Cuckoo + 3 Bar T Godwits (flew over but didn't land). PRD/CB/DW/MR
Later in the morning 14 Bar T Godwits did drop into the scrape PRD.

Mon 22nd April 19

I joined Pete Loud shortly after he had reported a pair of Tufted Ducks on the brook by the hump backed bridge, the hedges in this area were alive with the sound of Common and Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcaps etc. and a walk along the brook to the 5 bar gate added Linnets and a Reed Warbler in the brook side reeds, a pair of Sparrowhawks were interacting together towards the bungalows.

Over the road was much the same as earlier in the week with 4+ Blackcaps, 2 Chiff's, 1 Cetti's Warbler + 1 Reed Warbler and of note a recently fledged Song Thrush.
Plenty of Blackcaps through the rest of the site to the mounds area where more Com. Whitethroat were seen along with the pair of Stonechat  PL/MR

From the hide :- 4 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 24 Shelduck, c30 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 9 BlkWit's, 6 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel,1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cuckoo that flew silently passed just 10m from the hide. IM/DW/JH/PL/MR

Sun 21st April 19

Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler, Whitethroat and Less. Whitethroat seem to be reasonably well established on the site and today was the turn of the Reed Warblers* with 1 at the Dipping Pond for Ian Minton and at least 4 during a ringing session along the back hedge (see Ringing Page) for Pete Newton also reported at this time was a Cuckoo* another first for the year. Along with the above a single Willow Warbler was in the car park bushes.

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, c30 Teal, 21 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 5 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 4 Avocet, 1 Dunlin, 4 Med Gulls (over), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler IM/MR

Sat 20th April 19

Unfortunately there was no sign of yesterdays Ring Ouzel on the golf course this morning and nothing new was found around the site. On my way through the site I noted 7+ Blackcaps, 5+ Chiff's, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Less. Whitethroat, 1 Stonechat.

From the hide :- 6 Canada Geese, 24 Shelduck, c30 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 15 BlkWit's, 10 Avocet, 6 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler. IM/PL/TS/JH/MR
Also noted from the hide was a Brimstone butterfly and on the way back to the car park the first Orange Tip of the year.

Photo Ted Sewel©

Fri 19th April 19

A general look around the bushes this morning gave that there were 12+ Blackcaps, 8+ Chiffchaffs, 4+ Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redwing, and a Willow Warbler, several Whitethroats and at least 1 Less. Whitethroat + a pair of Stonechats on route to the hide.
First to the hide was Pete Loud and he had soon found a Common Sandpiper* (site year tick) feeding on the scrape along with the Spotted Redshank.

From the hide:- 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, c20 Teal, 11 Shelduck, 15 BlkWit's,10 Avocet, 6 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 3+ Sand Martins, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard. PL/PRD/MR

A walk to the Frinton end of site added a few Reed Bunting, Skylark and Meadow Pipits but a stop on the way back to look for Whimbrel on the golf course payed dividends when a Wheatear was found on the fairway, then it was noticed that the bush behind the Wheatear held a Fieldfare and a foot or two behind was a Ring Ouzel*. As if that wasn't lucky enough while we watched these birds a Red Kite drifted over the back of the course heading N/E. A total of 3 Wheatear were on the golf course + 2 Oystercatcher and a Turnstone were on the rocks near the second turret and 4 Med Gulls and 5 Snipe were flyovers. PL/PRD/MR

The Ring Ouzel, Fieldfare and Wheatear were all on the golf course until at least 17:30

A lot more Butterflies about today (See Haven Wildlife page)

Thurs 18th April 19

The day started normal enough, over the road in the early sunshine were 4+ Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Redwings, then at 08:15 came the message that Ian Minton had a Hoopoe* in the Dell, I arrived after the 300m dash to find that the bird had flown out onto the front and was lost to view heading N/E. The next 2 hours was spent by several observers scouring the site but the bird couldn't be relocated.

A quick visit to the hide Added :- 4 Canada Geese, 31 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 21 BlkWit's, 10 Avocet, 7 Redshank, 7 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Med Gulls (over), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet. MM/CB/PRD/MR

Then it was off to the Naze where thankfully the Iberian Chiffchaff did sing and show itself well on a few occasions. 

Wed 17th April 19

The morning started with a message from Max Martin saying that a Common Whitethroat* (first of the year) was showing well around the mounds area and a second was in bushes along the brook below the mounds with a Lesser Whitethroat. I joined him soon after and both species were still showing along with Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff and a pair of Stonechats.

Photo Max Martin©

Photo Max Martin©

At the hide a Greenshank* (first of the year) was found along the back edge of the scrape and the Spotted Redshank was still on site, sadly the Greenshank flew out after 20 mins just before a flock of 11 Dunlin dropped in (a further 5 Dunlin dropped in later in the morning).

From the hide :- .2 Canada Geese, c24 Shelduck, c30 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 20 BlkWit's, 16 Avocet, 16 Dunlin, 6 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,  1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank,  MM/TS/JH/IM/MR


Ian Minton 

The best of a morning walk around the farm were 2 Coal Tit, 2 Corn Bunting, pair of Mistle Thrush feeding young and a single Whimbrel.


A Single Adder and a Water Vole were the high points on the wildlife front (see Haven Wildlife Page)

Tues 16th April 19


Around 08:15 Max Martin had a singing Willow Warbler in the bushes behind the raised platform, a good start to the day, always good to hear at any time.

Just before 09:00 Ian Minton found a Spotted Redshank* on the scrape (another First of Year) in summer plumage so that was my first port of call, thankfully the bird was still showing well when I arrived as it was for the whole day.

From the Hide :- 10 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, c30 Teal, 23 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, + first brood of Mallard ducklings, 16 Avocet, 14 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard 1 Cetti's & 1 Sedge Warbler (both heard only), 2 Lt. Egrets (over). MM/IM/CB/DW/PNt/MR

Late morning the car park bushes held 4+ Blackcaps, 2 Chiff's, 1 Willow Warbler and while trying to relocate the Willow Warbler for Dave, Ian picked up a Spoonbill*, (the second site year tick of the day) circling over the marsh and gaining height for several minutes before drifting off towards Gt. Clacton. Another superb mornings birding at the Haven

Photo Max Martin©

Mon 15th Apr 19

Very quiet all round today, although the morning started well for Max Martin who had a Common Tern* flying along the brook from the raised platform first thing.

For me the bushes held 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warbler (3 seen) and a year tick of a Sedge Warbler from the hide.

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, c40 Teal, 24 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 8 BlkWit's, 8 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Gull with Blk-Headed & Herring Gulls, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kestrel.  

Ringed Chiffchaff

A walk down to the boardwalk added just a few Skylark, Meadow Pipits & Reed Buntings

2 Adders, 5+Common Lizard, & Buff-tailed Bumblebees also noted (see Haven Wildlife).

Sun 14th April 19

The Lesser Whitethroat was still around this morning although very mobile, ranging from the sluice to the back of the sewage works and at one time in the hedge around the hide. 5 Blackcaps, 4 Chiff's and 3 Cetti's Warblers also noted around the bushes.

A new bird for the site year list was a Sedge Warbler* seen briefly from the hide first thing. PL/IM

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, c40 Teal, 22 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 8 Avocet, 7 BlkWit's, 5 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Cormorant, 6 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallows.  PL/IM/TS/ML/MR.

An afternoon visit to the hide by Emyr Jones showed a few changes from the morning, adding 3 Dunlin and 5 Curlew and an increase in numbers of Shelduck to 34, Blkwit's 12, + 3 Sand Martin & 40+ Swallows with more coming in off the sea.


 An evening sea watch from 17.15 to 18.45 produced 11 Common Gulls along with 100 Curlew (25 + 75) IM/ML/PL.

Sat 13th April 19

When I arrived on site this morning Pete Loud, Ian & Max were sea-watching from the shelter and within a few minutes a Whimbrel headed north close offshore (a year tick for most of us). Prior to my arrival things had been a bit slow with 1 R B Merganser (N) and 11 Sand Martins in off.
On route to the hide a Lesser Whitethroat was singing in the bushes behind the sluice.

From the hide :- 2 Canada Geese, 31 Shelduck, c50 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall,  12 BlkWit's, 8 Avocet, 5 Redshank, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk,  1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnets, 5 Swallows.
On the return the Lesser Whitethroat was located on the brambles between the wind-pump and the sluice. Not sure if this was the same bird heard by PL/IM/MM  earlier in the sewage works hedge or a second bird. MR.


Ian Minton

 At 12:18. - 2 LRP's at the back of the scrape.


Pete Loud

Around 15:00 - 3 Bar T Godwits (2 Summer, 1 Winter plumage) .


Matt Lonsdale

18:27 - Lesser Whitethroat still in sewage works hedge.

18:46 - 2 LRP's, 1+ Bar T Godwit, 1 Ruff, 2 Pairs of Avocet & Wigeon on scrape, 10+ Swallows.

Fri 12th April 19

It felt that there may be a few more birds around this morning, a quick look over the road and along the approach road gave 6 Blackcaps (singing), and 5 Chiffchaffs and a lot of birdsong.

At the hide the Ruff was still showing well along the back edge and the Jack Snipe showed a couple of times in the back left hand corner.

From the hide :- 4 Canada Geese, 35 Shelduck, c30 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 9 BlkWits, 6 Redshank, 6 Avocet, 1 Ruff, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe and a few Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 1 Bearded Tit (heard Briefly), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. MM/DW/MR

 This Adder had found itself a sunny spot out of the chilly wind.

Liz Huxley

Red Kite* at 13:25 as I drove across marshes. Drifting towards Gt Holland.

Thurs 11th April 19

Reports from today


Max Martin

A Sand Martin was around the raised platform at 08:15.

On the scrape this AM:
9 Shelduck, 2 Swallow, 3 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatchers, 21 Teal, 2 Avocet, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Lapwing, 6 Redshank, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Wigeon, 2 Moorhen , 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 25 Black Headed Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Reed Bunting, 5 Starling, 8 Black Tailed Godwits, 2 Jackdaw.


Pete Davis

A Lesser Whitethroat* (NFY) was on the sewage works hedge around 12:30 and a Ruff was an addition on the scrape.


Ian Minton

A trip to the farm 11.45 - 13.15 provided good views of 3 Wheatear and single Mistle Thrush and Corn Bunting in the paddocks behind the pond.


Pete Loud

Afternoon visit, (16:00-17:30) 1 Jack Snipe, (in reedy peninsular to right of Scrape, opposite bank from before), 1 Snipe, 9 Blackwits, 42 Curlew on marsh, 5 Swallow,1 Ruff + Male & Female Wheatear near wooden Hide.

Wed 10th April 19

The easterly wind turned to N/E during the morning but it was still chilly, thankfully a lot more sunshine made it quite pleasant.
Things were much the same on the scrape first thing, 2 Water Pipits were showing on and off and the Ruff was on the closest flood, until I went to have a seawatch (3 Gannets N), then Matt Turner & Max Martin had the drake Garganey drop into the pond to the right of the hide with a small group of Teal. I rejoined them and we all enjoyed some great views of this cracking bird.

Photo Max Martin©

Photo Matt Turner©

From the hide :- 2 Canada Geese,  2 Greylag, c40 Teal, 1 Garganey, 16 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 4 Avocet, 1 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 10 Blk. T Godwits, 6+ Redshank, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Swallows, 2 Water Pipits, 193 Blk-headed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull. MM/MT/IM/MR.

    

An evening seawatch added just 6 Gannet, 1 G C Grebe, 1 Sandwich Tern (N), 1 Com. Scoter (S), and 1 R T Diver sitting on the sea MR & Peter Newton. The Ruff & the Garganey were still on the scrape until at least 18:30. MR.

Tues 09 April 19

Very chilly out today, with a cold easterly blowing in off the sea.

The day started well for Max Martin when he had 2 House Martin* over the raised platform at 08:00, at least 3 birds were around the sewage works and hide area for most of the morning along with c6 Swallows.

From the hide :- 6 Canada Geese, c20 Shelduck, c40 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 8 Avocet, 8 Redshank, 8 BlkWit's, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel, MM/CB/PRD & Millie/MR.

On the walk back to the car 8+ Linnets (over) at the sluice and 20+ Goldfinch (over) at the ringing compound + 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps MM/MR.

Ian Minton

A trip to the hide from 13.00 to 14.00 produced 12 Avocet, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Wigeon along with single Knot, Ruff and a Peregrine in the field beyond the scrape.


Pete Newton

17:00 - 17:30

1 Ruff, currently on back scrape to right of hide + Water Pipit still here.


Pete Newton & Pete Loud were both on site at 18:00 seeing the same 7 Sandwich Terns* (very close in), 7 Gannet and 25 Brent. + Pete Loud added 5 more Sandwich Tern and 3 Dunlin before 18:20.

Mon 8th April 19

A wander through the site this morning on route to the hide gave 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps (singing), 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Stonechat, 2 Linnets.

I joined Dave, John & Brian in the hide to be shown a cracking male Pochard* on the pond to the right of the hide, another new bird for the site year list, otherwise on the scrape things were much the same.

From the hide :- 6 Canada Geese, c40 Teal, 23 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 6 Redshank, 5 BlkWit's, 3 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard + in with the Herring & Blk-headed Gulls were 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB + 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1st. summer). PRD/MR.

At lunch time Max Martin had a adult Med Gull heading north and a Fulmar close in heading south and shortly afterwards a further 4 Med Gulls on the golf course (one colour ringed).
A later visit around 18:30 had a male and female Wheatear seen at different times in the area of the wooden hide.

An after work "twitch" by Pete Loud had the drake Pochard sleeping on the edge of the pond and another first for year in the form of a single Whimbrel* feeding on the marsh, this bird later joined the Curlew flock and when last seen was on the marsh behind the golf course. 1 Snipe and 3 Swallows were extra's to the morning list.

Sun 7th April 19

Quite a few Blackcaps around the site today and a new Willow Warbler was found by Ian and Pete along the brook between the sluice and the wind pump on their way to the hide. Once there they got a brief view of the very elusive Green Sandpiper, on the flood to the right of the hide, (this bird has only been seen 3-4 times since first seen on Friday) and a view of the almost as elusive Water Rail that has been around for ages (if the same birds ?). also seen at this time were 1 Sand Martin and 7 Swallows 
Joined by Matt and myself it was back to the normal stuff, although we did get a visit form the ringed pair of Bearded Tits that spent a short time feeding in front of the hide.

From the hide :- 5 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, c30 Teal, c6 Wigeon, 33 Shelduck, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 25 Curlew, 9 BlkWits, 7 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, & along with the Blk. Headed & Herring Gulls were 5 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels.

A Male Stonechat was in the area between the TDC compound and the mounds on the way back, the Willow Warbler had relocated to the ringing compound  and a couple of Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest were noted before rain stopped play.


  

Sat 6th April 19


Matt Lonsdale

Brief visit 07:30 - 08:15 
Scrape  2 Avocet, 5 Redshank, 11 BlkWits. - Memorials  2+ Blackcap, 2+ Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.

Pete Davis

 08:50 Green Sandpiper on scrape still, several Swallow, close Water Pipit.

Paul Braishaw

10:51  Male Yellow Wagtail* back of golf course by out buildings.

11:23, Male Black Redstart Great Holland farm. Footpath towards Frinton (pond on right) around hay and soil piles. No sign of any ouzels!

Pete Loud

12:00 Lunch at the beach cafe, 2 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet north,1 Fulmar south.

15:15 - 16:00 Jack Snipe feeding in the open, 4 Med Gulls, 1 Water Rail showing really well in near right hand corner of the scrape.

Fri 5th April 19

Matt Lonsdale

07:30-09:00  this morning (memorials, back hedge, approach road and dell) 1 Willow Warbler* (dipping pond), 7+ Chiffchaff, 6+ Blackcap, influx of Dunnock also 1 Swallow around memorials.ML.


A visit to the hide by myself and John Hall showed things were very much the same as of late, 1 Water Pipit was still showing on the back edge along with a few Pied Wags and Reed Buntings, a Cetti's Warbler was making a lot of noise just in front of the hide. 
Around 10:20 a single Green Sandpiper* was seen on the flood between the scrape and the back hedge for a few minutes before being lost to view in the longer grass, also noted at this time were 6 Golden Plover on the harrowed arable above the first and second Owl boxes. JH/MR

Thurs 4th April 19

Not about today but it doesn't seem as though I missed a great deal.


Matt Lonsdale

17:00-19:30 this evening - nothing in bushes bar a chiffchaff and 2 Swallows by memorials. Hours seawatch produced 2+ Gannet south, 1 R T Diver S, 3 Brent N, 2 Oystercatcher S. then up at the farm - Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Green Woodpecker in paddocks. 6+ Red-legged Partridge and 1+ Corn Bunting in surrounding area.
Max had earlier had 2 Water Pipits on scrape. Overall a pretty dismal and cold evening considering the SE winds !

Wed 3rd April 19

A quick visit to the hide this morning, before the new stairs were fitted gave me a pleasant surprise as when opening the shutter the first thing I heard was the pinging of Bearded Tits, the pair were moving around in the reeds for several minutes before moving off.
A scan along the back edge picked up at least 1 of the Water Pipits but no sign of the Jack Snipe but as we have found this can be an afternoon bird. No Avocet were present at this time but otherwise things were much the same.

The new stairs were completed by lunch time so all is now up and running again.


John Hall

Visit to hide 14.30 -  16.00 :- 1 Water Pipit + 1 other that was more likely to be Meadow, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Reed Bunting, 6 Canada Geese, C 30 Teal a few Wigeon, 5 Blackwits, 12 Lapwings, 20 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers,  1 Cormorant,  7 Jackdaws, no sign of Jack Snipe or Beardies a few Black-headed and Herring gulls.



Max Martin

Male Blackcap in bushes by memorials as well as 3+ Goldcrest and a single chiffchaff.
4 Swallows present over scrape and pond to right of hide but no house / sand martins yet, Jack Snipe seen briefly behind a tuft of grass behind marsh to right of hide.

Photo Max Martin©

Matt Lonsdale

Blackcap and firecrest at start of path On approach road, 2nd firecrest in similar area, couple of chiffs and a goldcrest best on approach road.

Tues 2nd April 19

Winters back, cold wind and heavy showers this morning. The Jack Snipe was showing well on and off this morning as were 2+ Water Pipits, also our first Sand Martins* of the year with 10+ around the hide at one time mid morning and a couple of Swallows for good measure.

From the hide :- 2 Mute Swans, 6 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, c50 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler,11 Redshank, 10 Avocet, 7 BlkWit's, 3 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Jack Snipe, 2+ Water Pipits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 10+ Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk.

On the way back this cracking Gannet was feeding close offshore and plunge diving, also during this short seawatch a single R T Diver headed north. PNt/DW/TS/MR

Mon 1st April 19

A look over the road and along the approach road showed just 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler to be in the area along with the normal Blue Tits, Gt. Tits, L T Tits, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Magpies and Jays.
At the hide things were much the same as the last few days, 4+ Water Pipits were still feeding along the back edge and the scrape was looking good in the spring sunshine.

From the hide :- 2 Canada Geese, 42 Shelduck, 50+ Teal, 14 Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 14 Lapwing, 11 Avocet, 8 Redshank, 7 BlkWit's, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 4+ Water Pipits, 6+ Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 

A quick look around the car park bushes added 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff's of note and on the brook below the raised platform were 3 Water Voles (see Haven Wildlife page)
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Pete Loud

At last perseverance paid off,the Jack Snipe bounced into view at 5.45 along the reedy edge, eventually disappearing into the reedy bay on the far left hand side of Scrape. 2 summer plumaged Water pipit in same area & 1 Swallow upon arrival at 5PM.