Mon 31st May 21
With the temperature rising a bit today it was another good morning for butterflies with Brown Argus new for the year list (see Haven Wildlife page). Bird-wise the Stonechats were still feeding at least three young in the moth sanctuary and two Avocet chicks were at the back of the scrape, otherwise all much the same. PL/ML/MR.
Sun 30th May 21
A special day today with the first positive breeding record of Stonechat at the Haven for many a long year, Pete Loud and I watched the pair feeding at least three fledglings in the moth sanctuary this morning.
Otherwise very quiet around the site, another single newly hatched Avocet on the scrape and half a dozen Redshank the only changes. A single Sandwich Tern heading north was a nice end to the morning. PL/MR
Sat 29th May 21
Reports from today:
John Hall
11:19 Scrape very quiet at first glance. Water even higher than yesterday and looking dodgy for a couple of Avo nests. Nice! 2 pairs of Gadwall. No sight of Swans. Pond deserted. Grey Heron in ditch, Redshank, 2 Lapwings, 12 Shelduck, 1 Oystercatcher, 23 Avocets, no chicks seen. A few Swallows. 2 Canada Geese gosling not showing. Gadwall disappeared behind island. Leaving hide 11:20.
Pete Loud
13:27 Long walk around today but very quiet on the bird front. Male Marsh Harrier and Cuckoo over the road. Scrape as per John. Fulmar close along the seawall, 2 adult Med Gull over and Stonechats still feeding young, must be ready to fledge soon. Insect front a lot better with 2 Hairy Dragonflies and 3 new Butterflies for the site year list. Large White, Green Hairstreak and small Heath. (See Haven Wildlife page).
Fri 28th May 21
Reports from today:
John Hall
14:38 First visit to hide for some time gave sparse reward. C 30 Avocets +2 chicks, pair of Canada Geese and single gosling 13 Shelduck 1 Oystercatcher (suspect another around somewhere), 2 Mute Swans, 1 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, Reed Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warblers, 1 Cormorant, 5 Mallard, no obvious Swallow activity over scrape but a few over mounds, a few BH and Herring Gulls DB JH.
Thurs 27th May 21
A short visit again today, two nice Wheatear were on the grass between the first pillbox and the moth sanctuary and the pair of Stonechat still in the moth sanctuary it's self. On the scrape all was much the same, just one Avocet chick along the back edge (I would think another new one as very small).
Wed 26th May 21
After seeing Max's messages first thing I headed to the farm and joined him to get some good views of what was by then 2 Spotted Flycatchers he had located in the hedge off the footpath half way between the farm and the golf course, a Yellowhammer returned several times to the same area as did Corn Buntings & Chaffinch, Swallow were hawking along the lane, 2 Mistle Thrush were in the paddocks on the return to the car.
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| Photo Max Martin© |
08:47 Pretty quiet on sight this morning except for a lovely juv. Stonechat. My visit has just been made a lot better by finding a Spot Fly and Yellowhammer in the same hedge!
09:38 Now 2 Spot Fly's along Redstart Hedge.
Tues 25th May 21
A very quick visit dodging the showers showed the pair of Stonechat were still working hard around the moth sanctuary, on the scrape were 36 Avocet but unfortunately no sign of any chicks, 9 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 8+ Swallows.
Reports from today:
Paul Brayshaw
20:01 Three Sandwich Tern and two Kittiwake south from within haven area golf course seawall this evening.
Mon 24th May 21
Much nicer weather this morning and all the residents were about but much quieter with nesting underway. Probably why this Cuckoo was not bothered about Dave & I on the raised platform as it kept a close eye on a pair of Reed Warblers along the brook.
Things were much the same on the scrape, just one Avocet chick today but not one of the two from the last couple of days, todays bird was tiny and freshly hatched on the small island on the R/H side of the scrape. DW/MR.
Sun 23rd May 21
Reports from today:
Pete Loud
09:14 6 Ringed Plover, looking like the tundra race on the flash behind the raised platform.
12:10 Haven this morning a Dunlin was with the six Ringed Plover on the pool behind the raised platform, with another single on the pool over the road. The Avocet family is sadly down to one chick now, but still another 11 pairs still sitting. 2 drake Shoveler and a drake Gadwall were on the Scrape, females hopefully on nests somewhere. Cuckoo was calling from back hedge and Little Egret on the marsh. Stonechats were busy collecting food. Offshore very quiet, just 5 Brent, 6 Oystercatchers and a pair of Shoveler.
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| Photo Pete Loud© |
12:20 Couple of butterflies on the wing before the wind got up. Orange Tip was new for me and Small Copper was a new site year tick.
Sat 22nd May 21
Reports from today:
Laurance Drumond
07:32 Kittiwake south past shelter.
07:32 Fulmar sth, Gannet north.
11:42 Ended up 9.45, 9 Common Scoter, 30 + Gannet, 5 Fulmar , 5 Kittiwake, 1 Auk sp, 1 falcon sp.
Pete Loud
10:14 Spotted Flycatcher, bottom hedge of car park.
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| Photo Matt Lonsdale© |
12:47 Started up at the farm with Cuckoo, Mistle Thrush & Corn Bunting. Over the road were a pair of Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Cuckoo, Cetti’s and a fine Male Yellow Wagtail. Spot Fly (NFY) in the car park. Only 1 Avocet chick could be seen on the Scrape, 1 Dunlin, a few swift’s moving through and a House Martin. Pair of Stonechat in the moth Enclosure.
Fri 21st May 21
I was glad I popped over to have a look at the scrape this morning, the first Avocet chicks had hatched on the main island, just two so far but hopefully many more in the next few days.
Everything else much the same as of late, had a short seawatch but found it just too windy.
Reports from today:
Paul Brayshaw
09:02 Early run 6-6.30 along the seawall produced two Fulmar close north with another six since I’ve been home plus a few Gannet and Kitts.
Pete Loud
15:27 2 Common Terns south from the Shelter, but not much else so far.
16:55 90 min seawatch apart from the 2 Common Terns that were a Haven new for year, I managed just 1 Fulmar north and 1 Gannet south.
Thurs 20th May 21
Another cold and windy morning, I had a walk along the front and spent a while watching the Stonechat pair hard at work.
On the scrape: 2 Mute Swans, 9 Canada Geese (4 pairs 1 gosling), 10 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 32 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, etc.
Reports from today:
Steve Piotrowski
07:48 On the Scrape this morning: Blk t Godwit , 36 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 2 Gadwall & Shoveler. A few Swallows passing through, pr Stonechats feeding young & a Corn Bunting on territory by 2nd pillbox. Two Turnstone on breakwater rocks.
09:04 Yellow Wag in paddocks at the farm + 2 Corn Bunting territories.
Wed 19th May 21
Just a couple of changes this morning, Pete Davis had a Willow Warbler singing along the car park hedge, on the scrape 2 drake Shoveler were the first for a while and Gadwall were up to 4 (three drakes & a duck), a rain shower pushed a few Swifts, Swallows, House Martin and a single Sand Martin down over the scrape for a few minutes, otherwise the same as usual. PRD/MR
Tues 18th May 21
Lots of bird song around the bushes this morning, with Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff all in good voice, a Cetti's Warbler was joining in below the raised platform.
On the scrape were 44 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk. T Godwit (limosa ?), 9 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese (with 1 gosling), 1 Sparrowhawk.
Mon 17th May 21
Not much change around the site today with Chiffchaff, Blackcap & Whitethroats singing well between the showers and a few Swallows and Swifts overhead. On the scrape the prob. Limosa Blk. T. Godwit was still there with 26 Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 9 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 5+ Common Gulls, 1 Med Gull (1st. sum), 1 Cuckoo, Reed & Sedge Warblers, Linnets, 2 Mute Swans
A walk to the second pillbox added a Stonechat (fem) in the moth sanctuary, a Wheatear on the seawall, a Turnstone on French Point rocks and another on the Sluice Rocks DC/MR
Reports from today:
Paul Brayshaw
20:34 Little Tern feeding offshore golf course. Not sure if that is nfy?
Matt Lonsdale
21:14 At haven today - Small arrival of Whitethroat early doors with 4 birds in just the tree next to steps in dell, lots of Swallows around and the monster Blackwit on the scrape the only birds of note. Not much different this evening - Blackwit still present.
Sun 16th May 21
Reports from today:
Pete Loud
14:17 Much the same around site today. Mistle Thrush and 4 Corn Bunting were up at the farm, Female Marsh Harrier flew round the Scrape marsh. 1st Summer Med Gull on the Scrape and a Lamosa type Black tailed Godwit showing no sign of any breeding plumage. 5 Turnstone were on the breakwater by the sluice, including 2 in stunning breeding plumage. All the migrants seem to have settled into their breeding now, with lots of Avocet nests, and the Oystercatchers seemed to have hatched as an adult was bringing in food. A few Swifts passed through, also 2 of both Sand & House Martin. Cuckoo was seen on the back hedge.
14:24 In addition an adult Little Egret on the entrance marsh with 2 Juveniles.
Sat 15th May 21
I was late joining the lads sea-watching this morning but was lucky enough to pick up two year ticks one of which was a Razorbill also a site year tick. Also seen were 30+ Common Scoter, a few Gannets & 1 Red-throated Diver of note. Another bird for the site year list was Yellow-legged Gull found by Pete Loud this afternoon over the road.
Reports from today:
Max Martin
09:44 Group of 30+ Common Scoter North.
Matt Lonsdale
10:39 Razorbill close North.
Pete Loud
14:57 Adult Yellow-legged Gull on the flash over the road.
19:08 Nice walk in the sunshine this afternoon. Was a joy to watch the Stonechat pair collecting food, they obviously have young mouths to feed. 20+ Swift were feeding over the rape field, 1st & 2nd summer Med Gulls flew over the Scrape and an adult went along the beach. Painted Lady was the only Butterfly noted.
Fri 14th May 21
Very quiet again today, the one good thing was that the Hobby was still around and after a few minutes chasing Swallows & House Martins over the rape field it spent the next hour sitting in the small dead tree beside the field. The scrape was much the same with 30+ Avocet, Redshank, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Gadwall, Reed & Sedge Warblers, Cetti's Warbler etc. PRD/MR
Reports from today:
Peter Newton
16:16 Short-eared Owl being mobbed by Corvid , Over the Marsh behind Slade Road, viewed from the viewing platform.
Paul Brayshaw
17:19 S E Owl just gone over marshes road between lay-bys towards sladburys. Second good drive by to/from the vets the week!
Thurs 13 May 21
Summers over, Chilly breeze and showers this morning.
On the Scrape: 2 Canada Geese (1 Adult + single Gosling), 9 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 44 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, 10+ Swallows, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel plus a Corn Bunting was on a bush in the moth sanctuary (PNt/MR) a Male Stonechat was also in that area (PNt).
Reports from today:
Paul Brayshaw
19:13 Run to pillbox above scrape and back only produced one Whimbrel on golf course, one Redshank on scrape (plus avos) - leaving ML and my hopes dashed that the rain would have downed lots of waders! Then got soaked running home...
Matt Lonsdale
19:15 I faired a little better just after I left you Paul. Hobby on fence near boating club and 3 Lt Egret S brightened up the visit. This morning was particularly quiet.
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| Photo Matt Lonsdale© |
Tues 11th May 21
Nothing special around the bushes this morning, all the normal stuff over the road again, the Terrapin was back in the Dipping Pond for another year, a few more Butterflies with Peacock, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Green-veined White and the first Orange Tip of the year. Very quiet over the 5 bar gate then I realised I was being watched by a Sparrowhawk in the back bushes.
Much the same on the scrape and 2 Wheatear were between the hide and the moth sanctuary.
Reports from today:
Matt Lonsdale
07:13 1+ Garden Warbler at dipping pond, briefly sang and showed. Very little else of note at all but gotta be a spot fly out there somewhere. No sign of Whinchat @ moth enclosure but Wheatear.
20:22 Haven this evening - Over the road - pr. Tufted Duck, pr. of Red-L-Partridge, Lt. Grebe and Whimbrel on scrape.
Paul Brayshaw
07:35 Two Whinchat moth enclosure.
08:14 Other bits from this morning. Golf course - 2 Oyks, 2 Whimbrel (down from 15 last night). 1 Curlew. Scrape - 45 Avocet, 4 Redshank, Greenshank fly through, Yellow Wag, pair Gadwall plus male Stonechat in moth enclosure. Generally everything singing away with an increase in Whitethroats across golf course in particular (18+), also two Willow Warbler and 3 Lesser Whitethroats - 40 Swallow and 4 House Martin south. 3 Curlew north offshore.
Mon 10th May 21
A walk along the brook on the other side of the road this morning was very pleasant. Lots of Linnet and Whitethroats in the scrub beside the set aside, 3 Reed Warblers singing along the brook as was a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Lt. Grebe were on the brook. On the way back to the car a Painted Lady butterfly (NFY) was along the track.
With the wind picking up the walk to the Frinton end was disappointing with just a couple of Linnet and Meadow Pipits along the front and 15 Whimbrel on the golf course.
Reports from today:
Matt Lonsdale
07:04 Haven this morning - 25 Swallow, 7 House Martin and Swift southbound. Whitethroats in seemingly every bush and few fem. Blackcaps inc. some in dell show at least some arrival of birds, 6 Lesser Whitethroat.
Sun 9th May 21
Reports from today:
Pete Loud
13:27 The Coot put in an appearance over the road this morning, a Haven rarity nowadays. Several Wheatear were about, 2 Farm, 2 over the road, 2 Golf Course and 4 in wooden hide area. Several Swift were noted and 6 House Martin around site. Plenty of all the usual migrants showing well today in the better conditions. 1 Sandwich Tern offshore. Butterfly front 1 think Red Admiral was a new for year.
Sat 8th May 21
Reports from today:
Pete Loud
11:37 Not a lot to say about this morning apart from that it was cold and pretty wet. The hide was the only option. A fine summer plumaged Barwit had a quick fly round then flew off, 3 Dunlin did the same. A Wheatear flew onto the marsh and disappeared into the grass and a few Swifts were passing through, not much else to report. (ML,PL).
Matt Lonsdale
13:30 Hobby just gone inland through farm paddocks.
14:07 Superb Firecrest in trees next to small sewage works at end of ‘dusky track’ Frinton end of site.
Peter Newton
17:41 Hobby from the viewing platform.
Fri 7th May 21
Very quiet around the site this morning, the only excitement was finding that the pair of Canada Geese on the island had just a single gosling and the aggravation that followed when first 3 more adult landed on the pond and a few minutes later two more on the scrape.
The scrape was much the same as of late with 14 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 32 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher and 14 Whimbrel were on the approach road marsh. DW/DC/MR.
Reports from today:
Dennis Pryor
06:38 Little Owl. Farm 5.45 just past pond.
Thurs 6th May 21
A good start for me this morning as I managed to pick up the Garden Warbler along the approach road first seen by Matt first thing, with a lot less wind and a bit of sunshine the bushes were busy with all the returned migrants.
On the scrape were 1 Canada Goose, 10+ Shelduck, 4 Teal, 34 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 1 Com. Sandpiper, 1 Lt. Egret, 4 Common Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, Herring & Blk H Gulls, 10+ Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Marsh Harrier (PRD), Sedge & Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler.
Reports from today:
Matt Lonsdale
06:25 Garden Warbler singing approach road.
07:37 Garden Warbler still singing from hawthorn Holland side of gap in hedge on approach that looks into sailing club compound @7:10. Loads of Blackcaps in, few Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Chiffchaffs etc.
Paul Brayshaw
14:17 Osprey in off over tower now over scrape
14:22 Still on view northern edge of rape field behind scrape
14:24 And away over Great Holland
15:00 Other bits from a very fortuitously timed late lunchtime run - 30+ whimbrel on golf course (quite a lot of golfers so very spread out and likely more), 165 Starling, 2 Oyk. 4 Yellow Wags on seawall and near wooden hide. Quick look over scrape for 39 Avocet and 3 Redshank.
Pete Loud
19:22 Late afternoon visit today. The Garden Warbler was showing extremely well in the willows at the top of the entrance road and a Willow Warbler was in the hedge by the dipping pond. 2 Curlew were behind the raised platform and 34 Whimbrel were on the Golf Course. Male Stonechat was in the Moth enclosure.
Wed 5th May 21
Reports from today:
Steve Piotrowski
10:05 Small fall of Greenland Wheatears this morning: 5 along sea wall & 5 in paddocks by farm. Also three Yellow Wags along sea wall plus 2 at the farm. Corn Bunting singing from second pillbox & another at the farm. Scrape: 39 Avocet, 3 Redshanks & 2 Teal. Several Swallows, Cuckoo, 3 Lesser Whites, 13 Whitethroats, 11 Sedge & a Reed Warbler.
Tues 4th May 21
Reports from today:
Paul Brayshaw
08:47 Seawall run with the dogs to the sluice and back was breezy and surprisingly productive. Stonking Male Greenland Wheatear north of raised tee, at least 63 Whimbrel on golf course (up from 33 last night) with a sum plum Golden Plover, 3 Common Sands along the seawall along with 3 Purple Sands. Scrape held 39 Avocet, 4 Redshank. Totals of 18 Linnet, 4 Swallow and six Swift heading south.
Mon 3rd May 21
Late start this morning and quite windy, so hard work around the bushes but good numbers of spring migrants on site.
On the scrape: 2 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag (over), 10+ Shelduck, 6+ Teal, 51 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, Reed & Sedge Warblers, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, 6 Swallows, 1 Med Gull, 1 Buzzard. PRD/DC/MR
Sun 2nd May 21
A nice walk round this morning, it almost felt like summer for a while. Lots more Whitethroats over the road to join the Blackcaps, Linnets and Sedge Warblers, the summer plumage Lt. Grebes looked great on the brook and a Cuckoo was calling in the distance. From the raised platform, 3 Avocet, 2 Teal, 3 Lapwing and a few Gulls were around the fast drying flash on the marsh and the bushes were busy with Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Less. Whitethroat and a Reed Warbler along the brook.
On the scrape: 34 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Teal, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, Linnets, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.
On the way back 3 Purple Sands were on the Sluice and a Common Sand was on the sluice rocks.
Two new Butterflies this morning with Small White & Speckled Wood.
Reports from today:
Matt Lonsdale
07:19 Over the road - Cuckoo singing, House Martin over brook, 2prs of Red-L-Partridge, pr of Little Grebe and loads of Sedgies.
Pete Loud
10:23 The farm at Gt Holland this morning a Firecrest was in the conifer hedge by the church and a lovely northern Willow Warbler in the same location. In the paddocks were a single Wheatear and Corn Bunting, Cuckoo calling from the wood.
13:49 Swift over the sewage farm late morning.1 Curlew and 6 Whimbrel on Scrape, also 2nd Sum Med Gull flew in. 26 Whimbrel still on Golf Course. 3 Purple Sands were on French Point on the way back. Pair of Stonechat still by Moth Enclosure.
Sat 1st May 21
Reports from today:
Pete Loud
14:50 Most of the common migrants seem to be in now, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Lesser & common Whitethroat, Blackcap & Chiffchaff all in decent numbers. Pair of Tufted, Shoveler and Little Grebe on the brook over the road also 4 Whimbrel. Pair of Wheatear in the Dell looked to be the Greenland subspecies. Scrape, a Peregrine flew over, a Swift headed north over the arable (NFY), 2 Sand Martins flew through and 27 Whimbrel were on the Golf course.
