Mon 30th Nov 20

Another good day for geese. When I arrived 14 Whitefronts were on the marsh north of the approach road and shortly after they were joined by a further 29, (later in the morning the total reached 48).

Photo Trevor Clifford©

Loads of Blackbirds and a few Redwing were around the bushes and a very showy Kestrel. 6 Purple Sands were around the sluice and the mixed gull flock on the sluice included a Pitsea ringed GBB Gull (VC7T). JH/DC/MR

Photo Trevor Clifford©

From the hide: 13 Mute Swans, 3 Tundra Bean Geese ( up on the arable with the Swans but not easy to see), c200 Greylag (on marsh behind the sewage works), 104 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 13 Shelduck, 160+ Lapwing (60+ on scrape-100+ on arable),1 Snipe, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 8 Curlew (on marsh to right of hide), 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 2 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting. DW/DC/MR

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:29 C30 Whitefronts on arable from lay-by until farmer just came up and let a firework off. 

08:07 Geese have moved to second flood back from raised platform, lots of blackbirds and song thrush around. Seems like potentially another good day ahead.

15:35 6 Tundra Beans with 2 Whitefronts on winter wheat. 34 Whitefronts from raised platform so far. Beans and Whitefronts not there 5 mins ago.

16:19 Haven late afternoon. 

6 Tundra Beans and 45 Whitefronts on arable (3 more Whitefronts with Greylags poss. extras). Yellowhammer (calling chippings lay-by), Barn Owl and 6 Purp Sands on seawall other highlights.

At the end of November the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 187.

 

Sun 29th Nov 20

A bit of a Goose-fest this morning, Matt found 3 Tundra Bean Geese (NFY) in with the Greylags on the winter wheat field first thing and shortly after I joined him 9 Barnacle Geese and 2 White fronts came in off the sea and dropped into the marsh. With at least 5 White-fronts seen yesterday and several flying around throughout the morning, trying to work out how many were out there was not easy, see what tomorrow brings.

Photo Matt Lonsdale©

Photo Max Martin©

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:13 3 Tundra Bean Geese and 5 Whitefronts with Greylags from car park. 2 Firecrest in hand right now as well!

12:51 At least 12 Whitefront with Greylags. Impossible to know how many there have actually been today with birds flying round calling regularly.

17:42 Haven today- obvious highlights the Geese with 3 Tundra Bean, 12+ Whitefronts and 9 Barnacles (in/off with 2 Whitefronts). 2 Firecrest (ringed), 2 Goldcrest, Green Sand (heard only), Blackwit on scrape. Lots moving offshore late am inc. 2 Bonxie, a Gannet, a Gt. C Grebe and few Red T Divers. Lots of wildfowl with regular groups of Brent, Teal, Wigeon and Scoter passing, 2 Purp Sands on rocks and probably lots I’ve missed off it was all a bit hectic. 😅🤣!

 

Sat 28th Nov 20

A lovely day again today, just right for a walk along the front with PL & Matt. A few minutes spent at the pillbox looking over the marsh gave 7 Shelduck and a few Gulls on the scrape, c60 Teal on the pond, 6 Mute Swans on the arable and c180 Brent on the field behind the golf course, 1 Marsh Harrier and almost missed were 2+ White-fronted Geese (5 counted later by ML) in with the Greylags, for once the one with the white at the base of the bill wasn't the hybrid. PL and I continued on to the end of the boardwalk and added a couple of Stonechats, Mippits, Skylark and Linnets. On the return 8 Purple Sandpipers were around the sluice and a S E Owl came in off the sea. 

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:22 Firecrest, back side of the badger set. Lots of blackbirds.

08:26 2 Firecrest, gone across to dipping pond.

11:07 At least 2 Whitefronts with Greylags. Viewing angle difficult from pillbox.

14:20 Viewing still difficult but 5 Whitefronts from raised platform. Looks like probably a family group.

14:44 Prob. Lapland Bunting heard calling few times from hump in seawall just before ‘French point’ although not seen. Snow Bunting not 100% ruled out.

 

Fri 27th Nov 20

Had a late start today as the fog started to lift and when the sun broke through it was a cracking morning, it had to be really as there were very few birds about.

Lots of gulls on the sluice rocks and 2 Purple Sands on the sluice at the start of my walk to the end of the boardwalk, a Cormorant was fishing close into the rocks near the second pillbox, Brent geese could be heard in the distance and a large flock were located in the murk on the arable behind the golf course. 2 Stonechat and a Wren were around the moth sanctuary.

From the hide: Just 6 Shelduck and a single Snipe on the scrape, on the arable 7 Mute Swans, 94 Lapwing, 1 Peregrine + lots of Corvids and Pheasants, along the back hedge near the set-aside were 30+ Linnets.

2 Stonechat were on the mounds, 6 Purple Sands were on the seawall just north of the sluice with 3+ Turnstone on the rocks on the way back to the car.

 

Thurs 26th Nov 20

I joined Simon at the shelter just as Matt was heading off to work (don't you just love this retirement) but it was very quiet, just 15 Com. Scoter (s), 4 Cormorant (n), 4 Brent (s), 3 Red T Diver (2n 1s) & 2 Gt. C Grebe (sitting on the sea). While checking out the gull flock on the sluice rocks 2 Purple Sandpipers were on the sluice and a line of 96 Cormorants headed north offshore. SC/MR.

A walk to the second pillbox added 3 Purple Sands on the rocks before French point, 1 Rock Pipit (Ringed but not read), 3 Stonechat, a few Mippits, 4 Curlew (out on the marsh), 9 Brent heading north and a further 20 flying around the marsh looking to land but for some reason didn't.

From the hide: 7 Mute Swans, 7 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel SP/JH/MR

Reports from today:

Peter Newton

10:29 Merlin chasing small passerine over feeding station.

Wed 25th Nov 20

All very much the same again this morning, a small amount of Cormorants moving south offshore and 40+ Wigeon sitting on the sea, also a bit of Brent movement along the marsh with a group of 40+ heading first south and then back north plus several small groups throughout the morning. The Greylag flock (with all it's hybrids) was on the marsh north of the approach road along with a Lt. Egret. 

3 Purple Sandpipers were on the sluice (7 on rocks between the sluice & Chevaux de frise Point later in the morning TC) and 5 Turnstone in with the gulls on the sluice rocks.

Photo Trevor Clifford©

Photo Trevor Clifford©

 

2 Stonechats were around the 1st pillbox (1 ringed by PN see Ringing page) and a 3rd out on the marsh.

From the hide: 14 Mute Swans (on arable), 7 Shelduck, 8 Curlew, 1 Water Rail & 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 14 GBB, 13 Herring Gulls, 5 Blk. H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Kestrel.

 

Tues 24th Nov 20

Matt started the day early and it paid off with a drake Eider (NFY) heading south.

On my way to the hide this morning c150 Greylag, c75 Lapwing were on the marsh below the raised platform and c30 Teal were on the brook. 3 Purple Sandpipers and 3 Turnstone were around the sluice with a large gull flock and 2 Stonechat were on the mounds.

From the hide: 7 Mute Swans (on the arable), 8 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 28 Teal (on the pond), 1 Lt. Egret, 14 GBB Gulls, 14 Herring Gulls, 4 Blk. H Gulls, 1 Kestrel.

A short seawatch 11:30 - 12:00 added 1 Gt. Skua and 5 Cormorant south. MR

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:17 Drake Eider south, finally on the year list!

08:06 Pre work watch 07:00-07:55. Eider S, Blk. T Diver N (cheers PB), 30+ Red T Diver (mainly N), Guillemot (close N), 6 Wigeon (S then back N), Brent S, decent numbers of Cormorants. 

Chiffchaff in dell on way back to car.

 

Mon 23rd Nov 20

Simon & Pat had a good morning ringing 6 Bearded Tits & 5 Less. Redpoll during their time in the reed bed (see Ringing page). Unfortunately we couldn't find them on a walk to the end of the boardwalk. 2 Purple Sandpipers & 3 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks with a large gull flock inc. 20+ GBB's & 5+ Stonechat were noted on our wander. 

From the hide:   

7 Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 26 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Peregrine (on the arable), 1 Kestrel.

On the return to the carpark 2 Goldcrests were near the 5 bar gate. DC/MR

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

13:09 Sightings: Gadwall 2, Marsh Harrier 1, Redpoll 25, flock of 120+ finches distantly over arable (? Linnets). Pat saw 2 owls in over seawall at dawn ? SEO’s.

 

Sun 22nd Nov 20

I joined Matt at the shelter this morning to view the 2 Swallows feeding along the beach and resting on the wires near the sailing club. With yesterday's birds equalling the latest sighting date for Swallow so far recorded at the Haven today's are now the record holders, what will tomorrow bring?

6 Bearded Tits were in the reedbed near the 2nd pillbox.

From the hide:

 7 Mute Swans, c150 Greylag (+ 1 Hybrid), 1 Canada Goose (+7 hybrids), 7 Shelduck, 83 Lapwing, + a few Gulls.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:51 Decent first 15/20 mins from shelter. 13 Scoter 9s 4n, 2 Bonxie and a Skua sp S, auk N. few Cormorants and brilliant visibility.

08:39 In the hour- 28 Scoter (4n), 5  Red T Diver (1N), 11 Shelduck, 2 Bonxie, 1 Skua, auk N, 2 Red B Mergs N, c20 Brents and few Cormorants.

09:13 3 Swallows around sailing club.

13:33 Haven this morning - seawatch - 100 Scoter (11N, 89s), 4 Bonxie (1N, 3s), 2 auk N, 17 Shelduck (11 s, 6 on), 3 Gt. C Grebe (2s, 1 on), 20+ Red T Diver (s) many small groups of Brent (mainly S). At least 3 poss up to 5 Swallows of which 2 stuck around (meaning many bits probably missed, also latest haven record) Purple Sand and 7 Turnstone sluice rocks, 6/8 Stonechat and 3 Bearded Tits (around boardwalk, poss. different to MR). 

Few Redpoll, Siskins and Mipits south and only a single Goldcrest of note in quick look @ bushes.

Paul Brayshaw

13:36 Seawall alongside golf course.  2 Purple Sands on rocks, offshore 35 Scoter and 50 Cormorant south, also 22 Siskin in small groups.

Simon Cox

13:36 8 Goldfinches & 2 Wrens ringed badger sett this am.

 

Sat 21st Nov 20

On a wander to the hide 4 Purple Sandpipers dropped onto the outfall breakwater & 2 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks, 2 Stonechat on the bushes behind the sluice.

From the hide: 

6 Mute Swans (on the arable), 7 Shelduck, 3 Teal, 1 Grey heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Swallow. JH/ML/MR

c150 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose (+6 hybrids), 1 Grey Heron were on the marsh north of the approach rd.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:58 2 Firecrest, approach road second hump.

11:50 Haven this morning - Highlight a Swallow from hide at c11:15 heading south also an increase in crests 2 Firecrest and 15 Goldcrest. Still few continental Blackbirds and 2 Song Thrush. 7 Stonechats, Kingfisher, Gannet N, few groups of Brents.

15:27 Swallow lingering around sluice/ mounds between 14:37 and 14:51. Late news as on run and no phone.

Simon Cox

13:58 Short sea watch 1045 -1130: 7 ad Gannets, 21 Com Scoter, 50+ Brent all S. Plenty of large gulls distantly with Cormorants & a few divers.

Fri 20th Nov 20

A search for the Snow Bunting at the Frinton end of the site proved fruitless between 09:00-10:00. On the golf course were 2 Stonechat, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Fieldfare + 2 Brent (over). ML/DC/LH/MR.

From the hide:

6 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 18 Blk. H Gulls, 10 Herring Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and a Peregrine on the arable. DC/MR 

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw 

07:29 Snow Bunting between Frinton beach huts and raised tee. Was on lower path but disturbed by golf course vehicles and moved onto beach.

Matt Lonsdale

08:24 The Snow Bunting just flown N along tideline calling until lost to view just south of beach huts.

16:05 Haven additions from earlier- increase in thrushes mainly continental Blackbirds, few Redwing, Song Thrushes and a Fieldfare in bushes + 2 Goldcrest. Peregrine on arable, 5 Curlew (grazing marsh), a Rock Pipit and 3 Turnstone.

 

Thurs 19th Nov 20

When I first arrived I spent a few minutes with Matt looking out to sea, but it was very slow so I went to check the scrape and fill the feeders and missed a L.T. Duck (NFY). You've got to have lots of patience to get the good ones.

1 Rock Pipit & 1 Turnstone were in the sluice area.

From the Hide:

Mute Swans (on arable), c150 Greylag +1 Brent and c150 Teal (All over when flushed from marsh along approach road), 8 Shelduck, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Blk.T. Godwit, 3 Snipe, 25 Blk H Gull, 15 Herring Gull, 1 LBB, 1 GBB, 1 Water Rail (heard only).

I rejoined Matt at the shelter and added a Gt. Crested Grebe drifting south on the tide and a pair of Stonechat in the Dell

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:37 Swallow south. Just heading over golf course now.

08:15 Haven area seawall alongside golf course. Trickle of small flocks of finches - 50+ Siskin, Goldfinch and few Redpoll. Offshore 2 Brent and 3 Curlew south. c50 Golden Plover in flight over arable before settling on the fields and two Cetti's still blasting out their tunes.

Matt Lonsdale

11:33 Drake Long-tailed Duck south!! Get in!!!

12:35 Maybe a bit overexcited but after 5 hours looking out to sea seeing 2 Gannet S, Bonxie N, Red T Diver N and c10 Brent the LT Duck was a bit of a surprise. Otherwise vismig - 60+ Redpoll, c20 Siskin, 50+ Goldfinch, Rock Pipit, few Chaffinches, Linnets, Mipits, 6 Skylarks S and a Grey Wag N. 5 Stonechat (inc. 2 in dell) and nice Rock Pipit the other highlights.

 

Wed 18th Nov 20

Very quiet again today, c150 Greylag were on the marsh north of the Approach Rd. with 1 Grey Heron and a lot of Gulls and a Stonechat was along the hedge between the pillbox and the Moth Sanctuary (ringed by PN see Ringing page).

From the Pillbox:

7 Mute Swans (on arable), 8 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 4 Snipe, 7 Curlew (on marsh opp. 2nd pillbox), 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Pied Wag, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. JH/PN/MR.

Tues 17th Nov 20

Had a quick walk at the Haven this afternoon after a delayed WeBS count, a Purple Sandpiper was showing well on the seawall and 5 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks, scanning the scrape from the pillbox gave just 6 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon and a Lt. Egret, all that could put up with the constant bangs from the gas gun in the winter wheat field. A Stonechat was along the hedge between the pillbox and the moth sanctuary.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

08:14 Haven area golf course and seawall   Two of each of Med Gulls, Stonechat and singing Cetti’s, 16 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 3 Redpoll south - very light vismig so far today.  Offshore Brent south and c200 Teal north from scrape in response to a bird scarer.

Matt Lonsdale

08:41 Common Chiffchaff in wood at end of car park, extremely active.

11:22 Little Owl car park bushes just N of dipping pond.

11:33 Haven this morning 8:30 -11:30. 

Little Owl flew along back of car park hedge about 15m of dipping pond, Common Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest the only of interest in bushes. 

Extensive search for the Dartford Warbler proved fruitless but 7 Stonechat noted across the site. Overhead 6 Redpoll, 6 Siskin and few Mipits. Lovely day for a walk.

 

Mon 16th Nov 20

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:24 Crossbill south with two Goldfinch (seawall just in haven area).

08:01 Additional for Haven area. Seawall by golf course.  Light movement of Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll plus one Rock Pipit south.

 

Sun 15th Nov 20

Matt Lonsdale had a Pom. Skua before the rain set in, and a Little Gull and a few bits later on, I joined Matt and PL mid morning, Pete and I picked up a group of 4 Common Scoter, a Red B. Merganser and a few Gannets but that was about it.

Reports from Today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:44 Pom. Skua through N @ 07:37 later seen by Paul. Weather closing in

09:23 Ad Little Gull with gulls off outflow buoy.

16:55 Haven seawatch 7:20 -10:20: 1 Pom. Skua N, 2+ Bonxie (1+N, 1s), Guillemot N, 3 Com Scoter N, Red B Merg S, Shoveler S, 6 Wigeon S, 3 Dunlin S, 3 Grey Plover S, 10 Gannet (8n, 2s). Offshore on outflow - Little Gull (ad, slowly S), 1+ Kittiwake, 2 ad Med Gull and a soaking. 

Hamford roost- 15 Marsh Harrier (and another soaking) 

Also of interest an Osprey off Mistley quay c3pm.

 

Sat 14th Nov 20

A good start for me this morning, I joined PL and Matt sea-watching as they were awaiting the arrival of a Velvet Scoter reported heading south past Landgaurd and within a few minutes it came into view not too far out, perfect timing. Quite a bit of movement offshore today (see Matt's reports below).

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans, 37 Teal, 31 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 24 Lapwing, 11 Herring Gulls, 10 Blk. H Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only).

Reports from today:

Max Martin

09:18 2 Purple Sands below seawall near point with French name.

Matt Lonsdale

07:50 Brambling south with 2 Chaffinch.

09:32 Velvet Scoter drake south!

11:21 2 Bonxie (together then 1N, 1s), 10+ Gannet and an auk sp. N in last 10 mins.

11:50 GND just gone South.

12:39 Gave up @ 12:30 lunch calling. 

11:10 -12:30 150 Gannet (almost all N), 4 Little Gull N, Kittiwake N, Guillemot N, 3 auk sp N, GND south, 2 Red T Diver N, Com Scoter N, 2+ Bonxie and drk Velvet Scoter @ 9:30. 

Early vis-mig before wind 1 Brambling, 6 Redpoll, few of each Siskin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch. 

Bushes quiet except few Goldcrest and Blackbirds, 2 Stonechats but no sign of the Dartford Warbler. 2 Purple Sands on rocks, Lt Egret and a Corn Bunting in flight to right of hide.

Fri 13th Nov 20

If the last few days have been quiet, today was silent, next to nothing around the bushes one Stonechat around the mounds.

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans (on the arable), c20 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 4 Shelduck, 70 Lapwing, 26 Blk. H Gulls, 24 Herring Gulls, 3 GBB, 2 LBB, 1 Common Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat (to right of the hide) JH/DC/MR

A walk to the end of the boardwalk added 1 Green Woodpecker + a few Mippits & Goldfinch DC/MR.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

09:22 Very brief venture into the north of the boundary - 4 Brent on fields behind golf course and distant S E Owl over golf course to the south. A few high flying Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll over.  Seawatching mainly counting GBB gulls but two juv kittiwake close south along the seawall.

 

 

Thurs 12th Nov 20

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans (4+3 on the arable), 140 Greylag (+1 hybrid), 75 Teal, 22 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, c60 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 45 Blk H Gulls, 22 Herring Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine (on arable). SC/MR

A walk to the 2nd pillbox added just 3 Curlew (on the marsh), 5 Stonechat between 2nd Pillbox and the mounds, 1 Turnstone on the sluice and 2 Purple Sands on the Boating Club rocks SC/MR.

 

Wed 11th Nov 20

Quiet around the site this morning 1 Firecrest and 2 Goldcrests along the approach road, 3 Turnstone on the sluice rocks with a large mixed gull flock, 1 Stonechat on the mounds.

A few Birders were on site looking for the Dartford Warbler, but no sign of it or the Stonechats it had been associating with by mid-day 

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans (4+3), c120 Greylag, c100 Teal, 15 Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 75 Lapwing, Bearded Tit & Water Rail both heard only.

Reports from today:

Dennis Pryor

09:48 Kingfisher flew past hide.

Steve Piotrowski

09:50 Swallow south over outfall area.

12:31 Ad. Med Gull in large gull flock on flash west of Holland Bridge.

 

Tues 10th Nov 20

Of note on the sluice rocks this morning were 22+ Gt. Blk-backed Gulls with the Herring and Blk Headed and 6+ Turnstone.

Heading to the hide first today worked out well as all the birds I wanted to check out came to me.

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans, c100 Greylag, 85 Teal, 13 Wigeon, 10 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, c80 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 5 Curlew, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Dartford Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Stonechat, 1 Water Rail (heard only), Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch & Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 S.E. Owl.

Photo Jeff Biddle©

Quick visit late afternoon to get more views of the Short-eared Owl added 3 Purple Sands with the Turnstone on the sluice rocks and 22+ Snipe on the scrape (yes twenty two).

 

Mon 9th Nov 20

I started with an hour sea-watch from the Sailing club shelter and a steady movement of Brent heading south added up to a total of 296. Also noted were 1 Gannet, 1 R T Diver, 3 Cormorant north, 1 Common Scoter south and 1 Woodcock in off that seemed to drop into the approach road wood.

A walk to the 2nd pillbox found that the Dartford Warbler was still with 2 Stonechat along the hedge between the main hide and the moth sanctuary as were a flock of 15 Linnet, while watching a Wren in the reedbed north of the wooden hide a cracking male Bearded Tit appeared just behind it and a Cetti's Warbler was calling near by. A few meadow Pipits and 2 more Stonechat were near the concrete bridge. MR

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans, c180 Greylag (+ the hybrid), 5 Brent Geese, 52 Teal, 7 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, c80 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, Blk. Headed & Herring Gulls and another Cetti's Warbler was heard in front of the hide.

On the return to the car 1 Purple Sandpiper and 7 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks NG/MR

 

Sun 8th Nov 20

Quite a lot of people spread around the site today, making the most of the fantastic weather. 

No great numbers but a few good birds noted over the course of the day. 

The Dell and the Approach Road held 1 Firecrest, 5+ Goldcrest, lots of blackbirds + Song Thrush, Redwing, Sparrowhawk. PL/DC/TM/MR, a Gt. W Egret (reported from Slade Road) was seen flying along the marsh west of the B1032 then out over Gt. Holland (DC/MR)

3+ Purple Sandpipers and 5+ Turnstone were on the sluice rocks.

A lot of time was put in to looking for the Dartford Warbler and it was finally relocated along Kirby Brook by Matt Lonsdale & Dave Cummings shortly after midday.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:27 Seemingly wildfowl on the move- c200 Brent through south so far also Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon etc + Red T Diver and Gannet. Lots of gulls as well.

12:26 Dartford Warbler showing now between moth sanctuary and bridge.

Pete Loud

09:42 Great White Egret flying towards Haven from marsh behind Slade Road .Re Nigel Pepper

Ian Minton

14:06 Dartford Warbler in bushes  in front of 1st pill box up from the hide with pair of Stonechats.

14:54 Dartford Warbler plus the pair of Stonechat have not been seen for the last 30 minutes when they were working their way along the previously mentioned bushes towards the wooden hide.

On the social side Pete Davis presented Max Martin with a picture of the Dusky Warbler he found on the 16th Oct 20, a memento of finding his first Haven Rare. 

Well done Max!!

 

Sat 7th Nov 20

Another lovely day today. Pete Loud had a Firecrest and 4 Goldcrest along the approach road but the car park bushes were quiet with just a couple of Fieldfare and a Coal Tit atop the large willow near the raised platform. 4 Purple Sandpipers were on the sluice rocks PL/MR

The scrape looked much the same as of late with the addition of a pair of Shoveler and a Lt. Egret.

A walk to the boardwalk and back gave no sign of the Dartford Warbler and added just 2+ Stonechat, 6 Linnet and a few Wren, Mippits & Robins and 1 Sparrowhawk PRD/PL/MR.

Simon & Pat had nets in the reedbed (see Ringing page).

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:49 Firecrest and 4 Goldcrest in the tit flock along entrance road.

10:03 Coal Tit in willow by raised platform.

Paul Brayshaw

17:00 Little Owl calling near the raised tee.

 

Fri 6th Nov 20

No sign of the Dartford Warbler this morning but 4 Purple Sandpipers were on the sluice rocks on the way through, a walk to the 3rd pillbox added 5+ Stonechat, a few Skylark and Mippits and Bearded Tits were heard in the reedbed north of the wooden hide PRD/DC/MR + a Rock Pipit (PRD).

Reports from today:

Photo Simon Cox©

Simon Cox

11:07 Early visit: GND 1, R-t D 1, Brent 49, Cormorant 46, Shelduck 10, Com Scoter 3, Buzzard, Goldcrest, Siskin 5.

John Hall

11:14 Scrape AM C100 Greylag, 54 Lapwings, 6 Shelduck, 5 Mute Swans showing on arable, 20+ Teal, Small flock mixed gulls Inc. 3 GBB, 3 Moorhen, 1 Swallow, Cetti’s and Water Rail (heard only).

 

Thurs 5th Nov 20

It was another beautiful morning and I started with a walk around the carpark bushes, not a lot going on but 12+ Magpies were making a lot of noise, noted were c20 Blackbirds, 6 Redwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Goldcrest (from the 5 bar gate), 2 Stonechat were on the mounds, 6 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper on the Boating club rocks.

At the Moth Sanctuary the Dartford Warbler was still showing just after 11:00 with 2 Stonechat, 3 Wren, 6 Linnet, Mippits & Reed Bunting. MR

Between 12:00 - 13:00 efforts to relocate the Dartford Warbler were unsuccessful but I'm sure it's still in there somewhere. Plus 7 Mute Swans (2 + 5) flew along the front and landed on the sea near the sluice & 10 Fieldfare came in off the sea and landed out on the marsh. PRD/IM/MR

From the Hide:

The other 7 Mute Swans (4+3 on the arable), c200 Greylag, 2 Brent Geese, 13 Teal, 7 Shelduck, c70 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, Herring & Blk. H Gulls.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

08:08 Wheatear southern end of golf course - just a standard one unfortunately.

08:26 Other bits from golf course seawall. Vis-mig of small numbers of Mipit, Skylark, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Siskin plus 3 Rock Pipit, Swallow, Gt.S Woodpecker (high flying over the sea with Goldfinches!). A few Brent offshore plus two distant ?grey? geese on the sea too far off to id.

 

Wed 4th Nov 20

I set out for the Haven shortly after receiving Simon's message saying he had a Dartford Warbler from the reedbed net rides. I managed to arrive in time to see the bird in the hand before release, what a great start to the day. 

I spent most of the morning with Simon & Pat in beautiful sunshine and managed to see Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting & Mippits in the hand. (for full list see Ringing page). 

The Dartford Warbler was relocated in the Moth Sanctuary and was seen until at least 11:30, also around the wooden hide were 10+ Bearded Tits & 2 Stonechat and on the seawall north of the sluice were a Purple Sandpiper and a Turnstone. PRD/MR

Reports from today:

John Hall

11:16 Scrape much as yesterday c200 Greylag, 92 Lapwings, 7 Shelduck, 7 Mute Swans on arable, mixed flock BH & Herring gulls +. 2 GBB, 10 Teal, 1 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk. Green Sand not relocated. Cetti’s (heard only).

11:56 On leaving hide 4 Swallow, 1 House Martin. On Sluice breakwater 3 Purple Sands, 2 Turnstones, 1 Grey Wag.

 

Tues 3rd Nov 20

From the hide:

7 Mute Swans, c200 Greylag (on marsh to left of hide), 10 Teal, 6 Shelduck, c60 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, Herring & Blk. H Gulls, 3 GBB, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. JH/MR.

On the way to the car a single Turnstone was on the front and 2 Stonechat were on the mounds.

Mon 2nd Nov 20

No let up in the strength of the wind overnight or throughout the morning meant just a few Blackbirds and Redwings were noted between the carpark and the hide plus a few Goldfinch and 5 Swallows over.

From the hide:

6 Mute Swans (on the arable), c200 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 7 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 4 Shelduck,  c180 Lapwing (on arable), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, + large mixed gull flock. PRD/DC/MR.

Reports from today:

John Hall

15.00 Visit to scrape. On way to hide my 1st Autumn/Winter Purple Sand on sluice breakwater with 2 Turnstones.  Sun very low visibility not great. 51 Lapwings, 90+ Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 24 Herring Gulls,. 8.BH Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, Canada/Hybrid family scattered through Greylags no count attempted, 1 Kestrel, 1 Shoveler on pond, unable to re-locate yesterday’s Green Sand leaving hide at 16.06.

 

Sun 1st Nov 20

The wind was very strong from quite early this morning, Matt Lonsdale managed a few bits moving through first thing, (see below) + a Lt. Grebe was on the brook near the windpump.

From the hide:

14 Mute Swans (both groups still present), c200 Greylag (+1 hybrid), 6 Shelduck, 80+ Lapwing (on arable), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 2 Golden Plover (over), 34 Herring Gulls, 32 Blk. H Gulls, 3 GBB, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat, 3 Swallows, 1 Cetti's & 1 Water Rail (heard only). ML/MR

Watch out for the Hybrid

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:53 So far this morning- hours vismig. 15 Brent, 15 Barwit, 2 Wigeon, a Teal, couple of groups of Goldfinch, and a few Siskins and Linnets + the odd Mipit. 

Scrape- Green Sand on Leon’s marsh, 2 Swallows.