Thurs 2nd May 19

Max Martin walked down from the farm this morning and noted 2 Yellow Wagtails (1 at the farm flying inland - 1 north over the G C), and on the golf course 25+ Whimbrel, 2 Canada Geese and a single Cuckoo + 4 Sandwich Tern heading north offshore.

Shortly after Paul Braishaw had 2 Gt. White Egrets* (NFY) heading south past the sluice. at this time the scrape held of note 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Dunlin and 2 Med Gulls flew over calling. also offshore were 6 Fulmar and 3 Close Gannets. On his return to Frinton the Golf Course held 28 Whimbrel, a male Wheatear and 8 Yellow Wagtails.

Just before 09:00 Pete Loud had a male Common Redstart* (NFY) on the hedge near the metal gate over the road and a male Wheatear and a Fieldfare on the set-aside also 2 pairs of Tufted Duck were on the brook.

I joined Pete Loud at the sluice and a 30 min. seawatch gave 1 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, and 3 Sandwich Tern heading south, 20+ Gannet heading north and a steady stream of Swallows coming in off the sea.

Around 10:30 Colin Brett had a Bar-T-Godwit on the scrape.

A walk down to the raised platform by Pete and myself added a Willow Warbler in the sewage works hedge several Whitethroat and Less. Whitethroat a couple of chiff's and on the scrape below the raised platform 2 Ruff and 2 Redshank. Next was an unsuccessful attempt to relocate the Redstart but there were now 3 Wheatear on the set-aside and a Reed Warbler was singing along the brook.
Returning to the hide gave :- 18 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 6 BlkWit's, 4 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Com. Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard.

Early evening Peter Newton had 32 Whimbrel and 3 Wheatear on the golf course from the raised tee and a smaller group of 7 Whimbrel at the south end of the course + 4 House Martin.