Sat 31st Dec 22

Matt had a Firecrest along the approach rd. this morning, lets hope it's still there in the morning.

from the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag, c200 Wigeon, c 100 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 2 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. PRD/ML/MR

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

09:46 Firecrest still with us on approach road.

At the end of December the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 183.

 

Fri 30th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

10:46 Pale bellied Brent with c800-1k Brents on arable between farm and Gc outbuilding. Viewing conditions tricky.

Mike O'Hanlon

13:21 Single Purple Sandpiper on beach left of the sluice.

13:33 Single Avocet on the scrape.

 

Thurs 29th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

14:32 Probably last visit before New Year’s Day. Male Stonechat chippings lay by with another by the boardwalk. Goldcrest car park bushes. On the Scrape, 11 Shoveler, 2 Avocet, 7 Curlew and plenty of Wigeon & Teal. Peregrine up on the arable, briefly joined by a second bird. Rock Pipit along the front. Purple Sandpiper and Oystercatcher by the Sluice. (PD,RJ,PL).

 

Wed 28th Dec 22

No reports received so far:

 

Tues 27th Dec 22

I had a short visit to the site this morning for a breath of air but it was very quiet all round, 2 Purple Sands and a Turnstone on the rocks south of French Point, a Stonechat and a few Mippits along the front. A juv Brent Goose was sitting on the sea north of French Point and 3 others headed south. On the scrape were 20 Greylags, several Teal, a few Wigeon and Shoveler, 2 Avocet and a few Gulls + a large Brent flock was on the arable toward the Tennis club, 2 Kestrel and a Buzzard were also seen. RJ/MR

 

Mon 26th Dec 22

No reports received so far:

 

Sun 25th Dec 22

No reports received today 🎄"It's Christmas"🎄

 

Sat 24th Dec 22

Quiet around the bushes this morning, just a lot of Blackbirds along the approach road. Offshore were 20+ R T Divers and at least 3 Gt. C Grebes sitting on the sea with just a few Cormorant on the move.

From the hide: Scrape, 6 Greylags, c200 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 4 Avocet, 4 Blk H Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret. The Brent were again on the arable toward the Tennis club and two Muntjac Deer were also noted. A walk to French Point added just 2 Stonechat, a few Meadow Pipits and a Wren. RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Liz Huxley

11:50 4 Avocet on Scrape; 1 Bearded Tit briefly reeds in front of hide.  Also 1 Stonechat; 1 Purple Sand.

A very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all 

 

Fri 23rd Dec 22

A very wet start to today, but I wasn't the only one to venture out for a few minutes.

Dave and Richard reported little change on the scrape but at least it was dry in the hide and I had a short look out to sea which did give three groups of Cormorant totalling 207 (80-120-7), 1 Com. Scoter heading north and a dozen or so R T Divers sitting on the sea before it was home time.

 

Thurs 22nd Dec 22

No reports received so far:

 

Weds 21st Dec 22

Very high water level on the marsh at the moment but not so many birds, probably lots of new places to feed, 4 Avocet were nice to see on the scrape.

From the hide: 64 Teal, 16 Wigeon (more below raised platform but difficult to see), 7 Shoveler, 4 Avocet, c80 Brent (between Tennis and Golf clubs), lots of Corvids (on arable), 2 Kestrel.

Offshore: 40+ Cormorants were heading north first thing, c12 Red-throated Divers sitting on the sea and a few more flying around and a single Turnstone was on the sluice. RJ/MR

 

Tues 20th Dec 22

Like a summers day today, crazy weather!

From the hide: 200+ Teal, Wigeon (below Raised Platform), 5 Shoveler, 1 Lt. Egret, c80 Lapwing (on the arable), 3 Curlew (over), 100+ Brent (between golf course & tennis club), 2 Kestrel.

A 5min stop at the Sluice showed a good movement of R T Divers with 20+ heading south and 6 sitting on the sea + 1 Oystercatcher on the rocks and a Turnstone on the beach.

1 Grey Heron and 100+ mixed Gulls were on the flooded marsh alongside the entrance road. MR.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

16:52 Late afternoon walk from Frinton to French Point and back via farm: 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 114 Brent, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 17 Curlew, 6 Blackbird, 1 Fox.

 

Mon 19th Dec 22

Not quite sure which is best, freezing cold or wet and windy but at least the scrape has thawed and the ducks were back.

From the hide: 346 Teal, 100+ Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 4+ Shoveler, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Lt. Egrets, 1 Cetti's Warbler & 1 Water Rail (heard only). Lots of Lapwing up on the arable with a Golden Plover flock behind the golf course. PRD/DC/MR

A single R T Diver headed south on my way back to the car.

 

Sun 18th Dec 22

A short seawatch this morning with Pete Davis showed that there was some movement of Lapwing with 85 noted in about an hour mostly in off the sea, plus 4 Shelduck, 15 Golden Plover, (south) and 3 R T Diver (1 south, 2 north). PRD/MR

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

14:05 Walk to the Frinton Beach Huts and back.100+ Golden Plover on grazing marsh, 3 groups of Lapwing in off totalling about 150. 1 Stonechat, Water Rail flew from base of seawall into the reeds. 2 Sanderling, 5 Turnstone and Oystercatcher on the beach. Female Bearded Tit in reeds north end of wooden hide Reed bed. Woodcock again flushed from behind the raised Platform. A Few Red throated Divers moving offshore. (RJ,PL).

 

Sat 17th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

12:45 Long walk from carpark to farm and back along seawall. 80 Curlew up on the arable with 100+ Golden Plover, 300 Brent, 150+ Skylark. 1 Fieldfare back of Golf Course. Grey Wagtail flew over Sewage Farm and a rare view of a Woodcock on the ground as it walked across the track behind the raised platform.

Fri 16th Dec 22

 No reports received so far:

 

 

Thurs 15th Dec 22

Richard Jeffree

09:55 1 Sanderling, 1 Purple Sand, 3 Turnstone + a Rock Pipit at the sluice.

Brian Combes

17:25 Frinton to French Point along seawall and back via farm, late afternoon, included: 2 Woodcock (flushed from golf course), 2 Purple Sandpiper (seawall east of golf course dump), 1 Water Rail (squealing from reeds adjacent to golf course), 1 Little Owl (in trees where public footpath leaves the golf course), 1 Red-throated Diver (north), 2 Stonechat, 44 Golden Plover (fields south of golf course), 47 Lapwing (fields south of golf course), 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Curlew, 1 Redwing, 2 Hare, 1 Fox, 8 Snipe, 9 Blackbird, 2 Green Woodpecker.

 

Wed 14th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

13:40 Haven this morning Firecrest approach rd. 3 Turnstone sluice 200+ Golden Plover grazing marsh, Woodcock flushed. 

 

Tues 13th Dec 22

No reports received so far:

 

 

Mon 12th Dec 22

Cold and bright again this morning with a bit of an onshore breeze but very quiet offshore, 1 Cormorant and 1 Oystercatcher heading north for me, a R T Diver (N) and 2 Stonechat along the front for Dave Cummings on a walk to the raised tee a bit earlier.

20+ Golden Plover on the arable behind the golf course plus 10 Lapwing and 10 Curlew on the marsh to the north of the frozen scrape was about it.

A walk through the carpark bushes gave a few Tits, half a dozen Redwing and a Song Thrush, but bird of the day was a Woodcock flushed from the back of the boating club compound which although it didn't seem to go far couldn't be relocated. DC/MR

 

Sun 11th Dec 22

Pete Loud

12:23 Very cold this morning, -3C first thing everywhere white beautiful sight. Barn Owl was active behind the frozen Scrape, 8 Curlew and 2 Snipe were on the marsh. Quite a number of Lapwing and Golden Plover on the fields behind the Golf Course. Pair of Stonechat Golf Course. Seawall walk, 1 Purple Sand, 3 Turnstone, 2 Redshank and Oystercatcher. Entrance road 1 Redwing and 1 Snipe.

Paul Brayshaw

14:57 Brief foray onto gc - distant Barn Owl, 14 Lapwing and 17 Golden Plover (more of both on fields behind) plus at least 6 Snipe.

 

Sat 10th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:56 Sanderling on the beach near sluice.

11:19 180+ Golden Plover in field immediately behind GC workshop.

Simon Cox

14:04 Haven 1030-1315: Greylag 143, Wigeon 7 on sea, Lapwing 50, Golden Plover 30+ from hide, perhaps some of Richard’s flock, Snipe 1, O/catcher 1, Purple Sand 1, Sanderling 1 on beach N of sluice, Song Thrush 1, Firecrest 1 Approach Rd, Linnet 7.

 

Fri 9th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

13:57 Great Northern Diver close inshore from raised tee 13:10 drifted north as I walked and was off bottom of Connaught Ave. about 15 mins ago.

 

Thurs 8th Dec 22

Another bright and chilly morning, a walk to the 3rd pillbox with Richard turned up just 2 Stonechat and 2 Rock Pipits plus a few Cormorants offshore.

From a frozen scrape: 130 Greylag, c30 Wigeon, c20 Teal, 6+ Shoveler, 80+ Lapwing (on arable), 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel.

The carpark bushes were busy with 1 Firecrest, 3+ Goldcrest, lots of Gt. Blue & L T Tits + Robin, Wren, 6 Goldfinch, 6 Redwing. RJ/MR

 

Wed 7th Dec 22

Bright but very chilly out this morning. Very quiet offshore apart from two groups of Golden Plover coming straight in off the sea and heading inland, 40+ for Pete and Richard before I arrived and a further 30 shortly after.

From the hide: c160 Greylag, 60+ Wigeon, 56 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 53 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrel.

 

Tues 6th Dec 22

Brian had covered most of the site before I got out this morning so I wandered to the hide in the mid morning sunshine.

From the hide: c120 Greylag, 60+ Wigeon, 50+ Teal, 15 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 76 Lapwing & 12 Curlew (on marsh to the north of hide), 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard.

In the carpark bushes on the way back were 2 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Wren and lots of Blackbirds.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

08:25 4 Egyptian Geese on scrape

08:27 Just flew off west

09:28 1 Firecrest western end of approach road though elusive + 3 Fieldfare

09:33 1 Chiff eastern end of approach road

10:45 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting on rocks east of golf course dump

17:38 Frinton to Haven along seawall and back via farm, this morning included: 4 Egyptian Geese, 1 Firecrest, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe (in Holland Brook, sluice end), 1 Common Sandpiper (flushed near wooden hide, flew low calling, quickly dropping out of sight), 9 Curlew (3 south, 6 on golf course), 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Pied Wagtail, 110+ Cormorant (north first thing, mainly in one single loose group), 3 Cetti’s Warbler (singing, 2 Haven, 1 golf course), 82 Lapwing, 54 Wigeon, 51 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 21 Blackbird (mainly approach road), 3 Fieldfare (approach road, then flew inland), 5 Goldcrest (2 approach road, 3 by carpark), 3 Song Thrush (approach road), 8 Goldfinch, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5+ Stonechat (probably 7, two pairs northern end of golf course, 1 where footpath leaves the golf course; a pair southern end of golf course were likely to be additional), 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Buzzard, 23 Linnet (fields adjacent to paddocks), 5 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff (approach road), 1 Redwing (approach road).

Photo Brian Combes©

 

Mon 5th Dec 22

A late start for me after the dentists but quiet all round, a short look out to sea gave just 1 Com. Scoter, 1 Shelduck (s) and a Cormorant (n), Pete and Dave had a couple of Gannets earlier.

c80 Greylag were on the marsh north of the hide as were 60+ Lapwing, but duck number were well down. Pete and Dave had some Curlew and a Rock Pipit on a walk to the Frinton end.

Sadly Matt Lonsdale found a dead Peregrine on the beach, hopefully not a sign of things to come.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

12:23 Unfortunately a dead peregrine on the beach at haven just now. Potentially an AI victim, will ring defra hotline when back. Worth keeping an eye out for any other dead birds in area!

 

Sun 4th Dec 22

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:39 Puffin headed north close.

09:58 Skua heading north distant for us but looks like Arctic to me. (later confirmed as Pom. Skua)

12:50 Seawatching again slow at times, but stuck with it. Puffin was a Haven tick for Richard and I, and a long awaited Essex tick for me. 1 Pom Skua, 6 Gannet, 5 Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot, 12 Common Scoter, 7 Red T Diver, 6-700 Cormorant, Peregrine & 3 Mute Swan. As yesterday all heading north, plus 2 Red B Merganser south.

 

Sat 3rd Dec 22

Pete Loud

10:22 Black t Diver close north.

10:59  4 White Fronts, 4 ad,2 juvenile just come in off and over marsh.

11:01 Obviously 6 in total landed on marsh Gt Holland end.

13:26 Not a bad seawatch slow but good variety. 3 Guillemot, 1 Red B Merganser, 7 Common Scoter, 1 Gannet, 1 Black T Diver, 4 Red Throated, 4 Eider, 2 Great C Grebe and the 6 White Fronted Geese. Walk to Raised Tee only added Rock Pipit , 2 Turnstone a decent flock of Brent and 100+Lapwing on the marsh.(RJ,PD,ML,PL).

 

Thurs 1st Dec 22

The two Firecrests showed well along the approach road this morning with a large flock of Blue, Great & L T Tits + a Goldcrest and lots of Blackbirds.

A Purple Sandpiper and 2 Turnstone were around the sluice and 1000-1200 Brent were sitting on the sea off French Point before splitting into feeding flock and moving to the arable.

From the hide: 130 Teal, 46 Wigeon, 14 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, a few Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/BH/MR

On the way back to the car 2 Song Thrush were around the TDC compound.

Reports from today:

Matt Turner

08:46 Approaching 1000 Brent on the water off French point.

08:59 Barnacle Goose north, mid distance.

 

Wed 30th Nov 22

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:39 Drake Goosander on scrape again.

10:40 Sorry pair.

10:43 Just flown towards Holland-on-sea.

At the end of November the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 182.

 

Tues 29th Nov 22

Pete Davis had a Black T. Diver heading north just before I arrived, otherwise it was bird less offshore for the next 40 minutes. On the walk to the hide 4 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks with the gull flock, on reaching the windpump we were amazed to see a Goosander drifting across the scrape, as we always say you just never know what's next, we certainly didn't expect that. 

From the hide: 412 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 1 Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 35 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard. 

On the way back 2 Purple Sands were on the sluice. PRD/MR

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

08:38 Approach Road: 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap.

09:00 Another Firecrest NW of carpark by the little raised platform.

09:59 2 Purple Sand on rocks by northern most pillbox.

17:09 Frinton to Haven along seawall and back via farm, this morning included: 2 Firecrest (1 approach road with tit flock, 1 between carpark and sewage works by wooden platform), 2 Purple Sand, 3 Stonechat, 6 Cetti’s singing (3 golf course, 3 Haven), 3 Curlew (golf course first thing), 5 Pied Wag, 19 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Redpoll (over, west), 13+ Mipit (10+ feeding on farm fields), 15+ Skylark (12+ feeding on farm fields), 1 Blackcap (female, approach road with tit flock), 5 Goldcrest, 8 Shoveler, 292 Teal, 54 Wigeon, 1 Snipe, 1 Buzzard, 44 Lapwing, 300+ Brent (feeding on fields west of tennis club).

Photo Brian Combes©

Mike O'Hanlon

12:01 2 Purps on the sluice.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

13:49 Still unable to get video footage of the Firecrests on the approach rd, HH but two there this morning.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Mon 28th Nov 22

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 27th Nov 22

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

09:43 Seawall alongside g c from Frinton end to northern pill box.  2 Purple Sand, 2 Stonechat.

 

Sat 26th Nov 22

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

16:27 This morning Richard had a Blackcap along the entrance road, we both walked the front adding 1 Purple Sand and Rock Pipit. 1 Stonechat was at the Raised Tee with a pair in the moth enclosure on the way back.18 Shoveler were on the Scrape with the usual Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing, 1 Shelduck and plenty of Greylags.

 

Fri 25th Nov 22

A very quiet day today, a single Firecrest showed first thing but was then elusive, lots of Blackbirds along the approach road though plus a couple of Jays.

The scrape looked much the same as yesterday, Wigeon numbers looked a bit lower, but with an extra Shelduck and a Mute Swan, a Rock Pipit was the only addition on a short walk to French Point. Raptors fared a little better with a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. RJ/MR et al.

 

Thurs 24th Nov 22

The two Firecrests were along the approach road again this morning with L Tailed, Blue & Gt. Tits.

From the hide: 80+ Greylags, 5 Brent (2 Ad 3 Juvs), 330+ Teal, 130+ Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 28 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. PRD/RJ/MR et al.

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

12:51 3 Purple Sands with Turnstones on beach 100m south of Gunfleet Boating Club.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Wed 23rd Nov 22

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

14:27 Purple Sand north of French Point now.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

15:22 Firecrest on HH approach rd, though elusive.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Tues 22nd Nov 22

Quiet offshore today with just 5 Brent north and 2 R T Divers (1n 1s) plus a few gulls in a 30 min seawatch so I had a wander to the hide.

From the hide: 90+ Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, c300 Teal, 120+ Wigeon, 22 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 30+ Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 2 Cormorants PRD/MR.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

 08:02 3 Purple Sands just south of French Point.

08:48 2 Firecrest + 2 Chiff, approach road.

09:12 3 Purps now by sluice.

Photo Brian Combes©

17:55 Frinton to Haven along seawall and back this morning included: 3 Stonechat, 4 Cetti’s singing (2 golf course, 2 Haven), 3 Curlew (south), 2 Pied Wag, 1 Med Gull (south), 3 Common Scoter (south), 12 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chiff (at least, approach road with tit flock), 2 Firecrest (approach road, elusive), 4 Goldcrest, 3 Purple Sand, 2 Rock Pipit, 10 Shoveler, 184 Teal, 78 Wigeon, 1 Goldfinch (south), 2 Mipit (south).

 

Mon 21st Nov 22

A quieter seawatch again today but still interesting with lots of Gannets and 8 Eider including 5 cracking males.

Totals from 09:15-11:00, 2 Brent (s), 2 Shelduck (s), 12 Teal (s), 1 Mallard (n), 8 Eider (n), 6 Com. Scoter (s), 6 R T Diver (4s 2n), 41 Gannet (37n 4s), 12 Dunlin (s), plus several Little Gulls and Cormorants. PRD/ML/DC/GS/MR.

A walk to the hide added 224 Teal, 110 Wigeon, 18 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 111 Lapwing, 11 Blk H Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 1 Kestrel. DC/MR and 2 Purple Sandpipers on the sluice MR.

 

 

Sun 20th Nov 22

Richard & I started a seawatch around 10:00, things were much quieter than of late but soon picked up with a quality bird in Little Auk,  picked up by Paul Brayshaw from the raised tee and passing us close offshore shortly afterwards. We were joined by Pete Loud for a while before another message from Paul had us pacing it out to French Point where he had a Razorbill sitting on the rocks. A good morning considering the poor start weather wise.

Totals for the morning offshore: 13 Brent (8s 5n), c50 (sitting on the sea), 4 Com. Scoter (n), 5 Gannet (n), 1 R T Diver (s), 15 Cormorant (13n 2s), 1 Grey Heron (s), 3 Gt C Grebe (2s 1n), 1 Curlew (s), 1 Little Auk (s).

Plus 1 Razorbill and 1 Purple Sandpiper on French Point rocks. PL/RJ/MR/PBr/PRD.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

10:37 Close Little Auk south past raised tee.

11:01 Razorbill close in on sea off middle pill box.

11:18 Razor currently on rocks, five Purple Sands north from the rock groyne to Frinton end.

 

Sat 19th Nov 22

A late start for me again today, Richard and I joined Simon, Laurence et al around 09:30 and Pete Davis added to our numbers shortly after that. Variable visibility meant that a lot of stuff was missed moving through at distance.

Totals for today: 354 Brent (320s 34n), 93 Com. Scoter, 42 Wigeon, 12 Shelduck, 1 Goldeneye, 6 R B Merganser (4s 2n), 2 Red T Diver, 1 Gt. C Grebe, 5+ Gannet (n), 13 Cormorant, (5s 8n), 1 Curlew (n), 4+ Lt. Gulls all south unless noted

Laurence Drumond

07:21 B T Diver south, haven shelter.

7:26 6 Scoter plus one unidentified duck sp north.

08:28 2 Goldeneye south with a Teal.

08:38 2 R B Merg south.

09:07 Goldeneye south.

 

Fri 18th Nov 22

Yet another good seawatch this morning with Pete, Richard and Dave, the high point being a ring tailed Hen Harrier coasting along close offshore.

10:00 - 11:30 Totals:  102 Brent, 42 Com. Scoter, 12 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 41 Lapwing, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine (in off), plus a few Cormorants, and waders at distance. PRD/DC/RJ/MR

 

Thurs 17th Nov 22

Another good seawatch this morning with Pete and Richard gave totals of: 166 Brent (156s 10n), 87 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 26 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 10 Pintail, 49 Com Scoter (46s 3n), 3 Pochard, 1 Eider, 48 Lapwing, 33 Dunlin, 7 Golden Plover, 5 Grey Plover, 1 Oystercatcher all south unless noted. Plus 5 Grey Geese sp. and 15 unidentified waders. PRD/RJ/MR

 

Wed 16th Nov 22

I joined Graham sea-watching this morning but it soon became apparent that not much of the shelter was actually out of the rain so I headed home to dry out.

Returning after lunch I was soon joined by Richard and Pete

Afternoon totals: 128 Brent, 9 Com. Scoter, 5 Teal, 1 Scaup, 1 R T Diver all south, 5 Cormorants (3s 2n), several Common Gulls and 2 Med Gulls were in the large flock of gulls around the outfall buoy RD/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Graham Sutton

10:47 HH 08:30-10:45: Brent 19S 1 N, Eider 4S, Teal 3S 2N, Shelduck 1S, C Scoter 53S, RTD 1S, Turnstone 3S, Stock Dove 1S.

Richard Jeffree

12:14 Firecrest still approach rd.

13:32 4 Purple Sands sluice rocks.

 

Tues 15th Nov 22

A 10:00 - 11:45 seawatch this morning gave totals of 4 Brent, 101 Com. Scoter, 3 Scaup, 6 Dunlin, 1 Cormorant heading south and 13 Com. Scoter, 2 Cormorants heading north. 

  

 

Mon 14th Nov 22

I joined Simon and Dave Cummings at the shelter for a seawatch, but shortly after Simon left the mist rolled in with just a few Brent, 18 Com. Scoter and 2 R T Divers seen heading south. We headed to the hide and had 7 Turnstone & 2 Sanderling on the beach north of the sluice.

From the hide: 109 Greylag, 65 Teal, 60 Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 137 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 9 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Water Rail (heard).

A walk to the Frinton end added just 3 Stonechat and 1 Reed Bunting but on the return 5 Purple Sandpipers & 2 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks with a mixed gull flock. DC/MR

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

17:19  0710-0910 this am: Brent 467S 16N, Eider 1, C Scoter 60, Pintail 8, only a few Teal & Wigeon, Cormorant 80+ mostly N

Graham Sutton

10:43 Light passage restarted/emerging from fog… 27 Scoter 17 Teal 10 Wigeon 25 Brent’s

12:03 Totals 1000-1200 from HH shelter: Brent 450 + 22N, Wigeon 190, Teal 24, C Scoter 70, Eider 9, Duck sp 300 in murk, RTD 4, Cormorant 58.

 

Sun 13th Nov 22

I had a two hour seawatch this morning 09:30-11:30 and was joined by Pete Loud mid-way through, very busy but not good visibility at distance.

Totals: 2149 Brent, 33 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon, 73 Common Scoter, 2 R B Merganser, 1 Blk. T Diver, 1 Red T Diver, 1 Oystercatcher (S), 1 Gt. C Grebe, 2 Brent, 1 Red T Diver (sitting on the sea), 17 Cormorant, 12 Brent (N), plus 2 Wader flocks and lots of ducks at range with no definite ID's PL/MR

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:43 Just reached 1000 Brent from shelter. 1 Goldeneye the highlight unfortunately light too poor here when L t Duck came through.

08:49 3 Little Gulls have just gone through.

09:07 Wow, 52 Pintail for me

15:17 Bonxie going N then landed infront of tower. Somehow the 185 pintail not come through!

19:46 I could only cover 8-9 this morning  and 14:45 to 16:15. 

8-9 1.5k Brent, 58 Pintail, 3 Little Gulls, Goldeneye, few groups of Dunlin, Scoter and Shelduck, Grey Plover etc. 

14:45-16:15  Another 1.4K Brent, 1283 Pintail, Bonxie, Red T Diver, few Scoter and Wigeon, 10 Shelduck.

Pete Loud

12:29 Spent an hour or so in the shelter with Mick this morning. No scope with me, couldn’t see most of what Paul was seeing , probably just too far out , did see the 2 Mergansers, and Great Cr Grebe on the sea, hundreds of Brent passing. Walked to the pill box, not much from there but 3 Goosander flew low over my head, seemingly coming from inland and flew south close offshore.

 

Sat 12th Nov 22

A very short visit for me before a Webs count showed that the Firecrests were still showing well, even I managed to get some photo's.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

09:11 Brief foray into haven recording area along the seawall. Generally v quiet today   Southbound (haven totals) 4 Siskin, 6 Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Mipit plus a few Goldfinch and Chaffinch.  Offshore 7 Brent and a Gannet south.   At least six Stonechat between beach huts and northern pill box.

09:19 Forgot to add the best bird!  Imm kitt close north.

Simon Cox

 10:27 SEO flying now towards hide.

 

Fri 11th Nov 22

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

13:52 This am: Greylag c60, Shelduck 2, Shoveler 12, Wigeon c75, Teal c50, Lapwing 16, O/c 1, Purple Sand 1, Buzzard 2, Swallow 3, Firecrest 2, Goldcrest 1.

 

Thurs 10th Nov 22

A cracking start to the morning, with the two Firecrests showing down to six feet along the approach road for Richard and I, most of the time just a couple of feet apart and calling, brilliant!!. The Blackcap and a large number of Tits were also seen.

A single Turnstone flew along the front near the sluice and a couple of Cormorants were offshore. A walk to the raised tee added just 2 Stonechat and 2 Reed Buntings.

From the hide: Not much change from yesterday Greylag, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Shelduck, 24 Lapwing, Buzzard and Kestrel plus another two Swallows over the scrape. RJ/MR

 

Wed 9th Nov 22

A much nicer day today, a Muntjac Deer was in the Dell, but nothing offshore. A walk along the approach road with Richard was much more rewarding with 1+ Firecrest, 1 male Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, and 5+ Goldcrest with a lot of Blue, Great and Long T Tits.

From the hide: 5 Greylag, 160+ Teal, 56 Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 2 Cormorant, 24 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 5 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, plus 5 Swallows south over the scrape. RJ/MR.

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

13:13 2 Firecrest on approach road. Showing well. Just listen for the call.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Brian Combes

15:50 Haven: Short-eared Owl flying west between footpath and bridleway to farm.

16:15 Now high over Frinton.

17:38 Frinton/seawall/farm circuit late afternoon included: 1 Short-eared Owl (probably in off, flew west towards the farm, low over fields between the footpath and bridleway. A bit later flushed from the edge of a field and then quartered fields south of the church before flying back west and drifting high to the north), 5 Stonechat (pair by golf course dump, a pair north of dump, 1 bird between the pairs), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Mipit, 5 Linnet, 1 Chiff (by farm), 6 Pied Wag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl (hunting over golf course at dusk), 1 Cetti’s Warbler (singing).

 

Tues 8th Nov 22

Another very windy morning at the Haven.

From the hide: 1 Greylag, 100+ Teal, 52 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 1 Cormorant, 14 Lapwing, 14 Blk H Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler. MR

A single Oystercatcher headed south along the front.

 

Mon 7th Nov 22

Nothing much to report today, not a very nice morning so I just had a few moments in the hide.

From the hide: 2 Greylag, c70 Teal, c30 Wigeon, 17 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, a few Lapwing and Blk H Gulls, 2 Kestrel. PRD/DC/MR.

 

 

Sun 6th Nov 22

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

09:44 For the blog..  seawall walk Frinton to middle pill box. Very wet, rather windy and lots of spray.  One Meadow Pipit…

Pete Loud

10:31 Not much to add from the shelter, 7 Gannet and 1 Dunlin.

 

Sat 5th Nov 22

No reports received so far:

 

Fri 4th Nov 22

The two Firecrests were showing well along the Approach Rd. again this morning for Richard and Dave plus a large tit flock and a male Blackcap. JR/DC/S&PC.

A walk down to the raised tee added 1 Turnstone on the sluice, 6+ Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wag and Robin along the front. Offshore 3 Brent and a Mallard headed north.

From the hide: 11 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, c50 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 12 Shoveler, 14 Lapwing, 50 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only) plus 1 Peregrine up on the arable. DC/RJ/MR.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

17:47 Haven, seawall (Frinton to middle pillbox and back) late afternoon included: 10 Pied Wagtail, 4 Rock Pipit, 13 Mipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 2 Stonechat, 10 Redpoll west (presumably in off), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl (hunting over southern end of golf course).

 

Thurs 3rd Nov 22

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

14:43 2x male Firecrest approach rd (neither ringed).

Brian Combes

18:47 Frinton/seawall/farm circuit late afternoon included: 4 Stonechat (1 by golf course dump, a pair north of dump, 1 by footpath to farm), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Mipit (south), 1 Chinese Water Deer (west of golf course).

 

Wed 2nd Nov 22

Not much change today, Richard had 1+ Firecrest in with the tit flock along the approach road otherwise very quiet.

From the hide: c130 Greylag, 9 Brent Geese and 30+ Lapwing on the arable, 44 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 12 Shoveler, 30 Blk H Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. PRD/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

08:07 Brief foray into the haven recording area observing some pigeon and finch passage - including at least 40 of each Redpoll and Siskin as part of wider totals.  Also 2 Swallow   Offshore 2 Pintail, 6 Scoter and 6 Gannet south of note.  Female Bearded Tit immediately south of the last beach huts.

 

Tues 1st Nov 22

I joined Simon sea-watching from the shelter this morning but quite quiet: 25 Brent, 13 Lapwing, 2 Grey Plover, 1 R B Merganser (s), 7 Brent (n) plus 2 Cormorants (north, then sitting on the sea, then south).

From the hide: c150 Greylag, 9 Brent, c30 Teal, 27 Wigeon, 10 Shoveler, 13 Lapwing, 25 Blk H Gulls SC/MR

 

Mon 31st Oct 22

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

10:16 Lesser Redpoll, I think, at Holland Haven Marshes? Opposite where Simon and Pat are ringing.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Simon Cox

14:09 Water Rail heard as yesterday, 1 Swallow S, 15+ Mipits, total number of Redpolls probably 40+.

 At the end of October the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 175.

 

Sun 30th Oct 22

A very wet start to the day, a stop at the layby showed just 5 Brent in with 154 Greylag on the arable, but as it was still raining Richard and I had an hour seawatch from the shelter, later joined by a very wet PL.

Not a lot on the move, 11 Brent, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Knot, 1 Gannet, 8 Lapwing all south, plus quite a lot of waders a bit further out with no positive ID's PL/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:27 Fem/imm Black Redstart on seawall between raised tee and whalings beach huts (in haven boundary).

08:07 Dartford Warbler with 2 Stonechat (and a very annoyed wren) from northern pill box (footpath across gc meets seawall). Calling occasionally but challenging to see in the wind.

Matt Lonsdale

Late afternoon wander along seawall produced 2 Purp Sands, 3 Rock Pipit, Med Gull, a Common Scoter S along with steady passage of Brents and a group of Chaffinch in/off. No sign of Dartford but very windy.

 

Sat 29th Oct 22

Simon had a nice Firecrest during a ringing session in the Badger Sett this morning (see Ringing page) + 8 Goldcrests.

I managed 2 Goldcrests with the tit flock in the greensward hedge near the pylon, otherwise quiet.

From the pillbox: 7 Brent Geese with 148 Greylag on the arable, 5 Mute Swans, 38 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron on the scrape and 3 Buzzards and 1 Kestrel over the marsh. 

 

 

Fri 28th Oct 22

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

08:26 At least one Bearded Tit (female) in seawall reeds between gc footpath and raised tee.

09:11 Other haven area totals of note from light vismig - 27 Redpoll, 4 Siskin plus a good movement of Rock Pipit with 17 including a group of 12 briefly on the rocks by the raised tee before continuing south.  Six Stonechats along the seawall north of the raised tee included a superb male in surprisingly bright plumage.

 

Thurs 27th Oct 22

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

18:58 Frinton-farm-gc-seawall loop sunset to dark. 65 Skylark in fields north of farm, Little Owl back hedge by gc workshop. Brian may have more as his walk (in reverse) will have been in more daylight!

Brian Combes

19:44 I also finished in the dark! In addition to Paul’s records: 2 Cetti’s (singing), 2 Stonechat (pair on golf course), 7 Starling (in off), 2 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest (farm)

 

Wed 26th Oct 22

Richard and I spent an hour along the approach road this morning, the high point was definitely two Firecrests that showed well for a short while at close range. They were loosely attached to a tit flock that also held 4+ Goldcrest, otherwise a Cetti's Warbler at the Dipping Pond was about it.

From the hide: c130 Greylag, 38 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 41 Lapwing, 20 Blk. H Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, + 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Water Rail heard only. RJ/MR.

  Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

14:04 Two Firecrest still Haven approach rd. Stunning!

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 25th Oct 22

Another late start for me today and nothing of note around the bushes, thankfully Simon had the nets open in the reedbed (see Ringing page) and I was able to see a couple of Lesser Redpolls in the hand, always a pleasure, such super little birds.

From the hide: 135 Greylags, 26 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 45 Lapwing, 20 Blk. H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel + Cetti's & Water Rail heard only PRD/MR

 

Mon 24th Oct 22

Very quiet on the site this morning, nothing of note around the bushes or offshore.

From the hide: 140 Greylag, c70 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 40 Lapwing, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. PRD/DC/MR et al.

 

Sun 23rd Oct 22

Reports from today:

Laurence Drumond

07:32 2 R B Merg south, haven shelter.

07:39 Red T Diver north.

Richard Jeffree

10:26 2 Firecrest approach road. 

Pete Loud

13:26 Vis mig was just about non existent today with the wind moving to SE. Around the bushes all the Chiffs have gone but 8+ Goldcrest and the 2 Firecrest remained. 2 Swallow. Seawatching produced 16 Gannet, 4 Red T Diver and 15 Brent. Kingfisher and Stonechat from the wooden hide, where Richard and I had to shelter for half hour from the storm.