Sun 31st Dec 23

A walk to French Point with Richard this morning was very windy and quite wet on the way back, the White-fronted Geese had increased to 8 with 2 Greylags on the marsh to the right of the hide and the Purple Sands on the rocks to south of French Point had increased to 8 (12 by the afternoon), otherwise all much the same.

I don't think the new Year List will be very high in the morning.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

 11:13 Now 8 Whitefronts on the flood.

16:03 The Purple Sandpiper flock is up to 12 this afternoon.

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

 

Sat 30th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

11:36 7 Purps French pt.

 

Fri 29th Dec 23

A walk to French Point before the rain was a pleasure after being indoors for a few days and eating far too much.

The 4 White-fronted Geese were on the marsh to the right of the hide with a single Brent Goose and the c300 Brent were still at the back of the golf course even though quite a few golfers were on the reopened course. 6 Purple Sands were on the rocks south of French Point.

Around the scrape: 7 Greylag, c300 Teal, 28 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, c100 Lapwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Buzzard.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

08:58 4 White-front still on scrape

18:01 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back this morning included: 4 Russian white-fronted geese, 550+ brent (on golf course, none first thing, with flock building up through early morning, birds arriving from NW), 750+ black headed gulls (on golf course first thing), 18 shoveler, 1 rock pipit, 1 Cetti’s (singing), 1 goldcrest, 90+ lapwing, 1 peregrine, 1 buzzard, 4 stonechat (2 pairs), 220+ teal, 1 turnstone, 115+ wigeon, 2 reed bunting, 4 song thrush (2 singing),

 

Thurs 28th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:46 Much the same on a seawall dog jog - 250 Brent on g c, 5 Purples at French Point plus a Rock Pipit. Offshore 3 close Kitt south (>50 total so far).

 

Wed 27th Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 26th Dec 23

No reports received so far:

 

Mon 25th Dec 23

Hope you are all having a great day

 

Sun 24th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

11:50 Seawall dog jog from Frinton to French point and back.  Offshore couple of R T Divers and a close ad Kitt south.  Purples were 3 on French Point and two more just to south, plus Rock Pipit. Brent to and froing but 200+ peak on gc including Pale-bellied.

 

Sat 23rd Dec 23

I had a walk to Sandy Point (3rd pillbox) this morning but sadly no sign of the pale-bellied in with the c300 Brent on the golf course. A single R T Diver headed south, 5 Curlew were on the marsh and a Sparrowhawk flew through. 3 Stonechat were also along the front. MR + 1 Purple Sand (S&PC)

The 4 White-fronted Geese were still with the Greylags and 20+ Canada Geese were on the approach road marsh. 

 

A very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year to You All

 

Fri 22nd Dec 23

Very windy on the front this morning, still 4 White-fronted Geese with the Greylags behind the scrape and 20+ Canada Geese on the approach road marsh. A single Grey Heron had the scrape pretty much to himself, a Peregrine was up on the arable and a Marsh Harrier and a Kestrel flew over the marsh. DC/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

08:32 White-fronts still north of hide.

10:33 Pale-bellied Brent on golf course with 450+ Brents.

17:50 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back this morning: 1 Pale-bellied Brent (lovely bird but difficult to see in dense flock of Brents), 4 Russian White-fronted Geese, 5 Purple Sandpiper (mobile group on sea defences, single bird first thing Frinton end may be a sixth), 450+ Brent (mobile between fields and golf course), 1 Green Woodpecker, 550+ Black-headed Gulls (on golf course before sunrise), 14+ Shoveler, 1 Rock Pipit, 9 Blackbird, 4 Cetti’s (singing), 1 Goldcrest, 4 Curlew (south), 4 Mipit, 95+ Lapwing, 4 Fieldfare (group west over carpark), 1 Marsh Harrier, 250+ Starling (feeding on golf course).

Photo Brian Combes©

 

Thurs 21st Dec 23

All much the same again today, the 4 White-fronted Geese were with the Greylags first thing, most of the ducks (Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Shelduck) were on the marsh below the raised platform, several Diver sp. at distance offshore but little else. RJ/MR. Plus a Peregrine was on the arable from the chippings layby.

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

12:14 Circa 200 Brent on GC

12:44 Pair of. Stonechats on marsh by French Point

13:05 Revised count for Brent on GC circa 400

 

Wed 20th Dec 23

The four White-fronted Geese were on the marsh to the right of the hide with a few Greylags, 2 Shelduck and lots of Teal were on the scrape, plus lots more Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Greylags below the raised Platform.

A walk along the front to the Frinton end gave just a single diver sp. heading north and a few Teal sitting on the sea, 2 flocks of Wigeon came in off the sea and c300 Brent were on the golf course. RJ/MR.

 

Tues 19th Dec 23

No reports received so far:

 

Mon 18th Dec 23

The 4 White-fronted Geese were again with Greylags and Canada Geese on the marsh below the main carpark, very quiet around the bushes and the approach road.

A few birds on the scrape, with c200 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 1 Buzzard plus a lot more on the flash below the raised platform DC/BH/MR et.al.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Sun 17th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

11:47 Haven this morning, 2 Peregrine, male and female, were up on the arable. Rock Pipit along the front, Stonechat by moth enclosure, plenty of Wigeon and Teal plus a few Shoveler on the marsh, and the 4 Whitefronts on the entrance marsh.

 

Sat 16th Dec 23

There was no sign of the Whitefronts this morning on a walk round with PL and Richard but they couldn't have been far away as they were back on the marsh after lunch.

Lots more birds on the scrape with 24 Canada Geese, c300 Teal, 30+ Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 2 Snipe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. 

80+ Greylags were over the road first thing before relocating to the marsh below the Raised Platform where there were a lot more ducks, a few Lapwing were up on the arable along with 2 Chinese Water Deer and a Muntjac. PL/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

15:18 4 Whitefronts still on grazing marsh from pillbox, 4 Stonechat GC.

 

Fri 15th Dec 23

No reports received so far:

 

Thus 14th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

4 Whitefronts on flood behind sewage-works main entrance at 1200 (with MR & RJ). Site totals (some v approx) Mute Swan 1, Canada G 8, Greylag 45, Brent 97, Mallard 3, Shoveler 26, Teal c150, Wigeon c75, Gadwall 2 (RJ), Cormorant 4, R-t Diver 2, Lapwing 75, Turnstone 1, Purple S 3,  B-h Gull 35, Common Gull 2, Herring Gull 65 including red ZTD.

 

Wed 13th Dec 23

A quick walk to French Point with Richard returned very little, just a single adult Med Gull over and a couple of Pied Wags, there was a steady movement of Red T Divers offshore and several sitting on the sea. Otherwise very quiet.

 

Tues 12th Dec 23

No reports received so far:

 

Mon 11th Dec 23

The marshes are again in full flood and the geese and ducks are spread over a large area. A walk to French Point added just a couple of Pied Wags along the seawall but little else. 

A good number of Greylag, Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler were on the marsh below the Raised Platform and the marsh along the approach road was covered with gulls.

 

Sun 10th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

11:21 A short visit to the haven today produced 5 Purple Sands from the sea wall single Oyk on the GC with lot's of gulls, mainly Blk Headed and Common, 2 Avo,s on the scrape with a few Shoveler and Teal +5 Shelduck overall very quiet and cold.

 

Sat 9th Dec 23

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

12:47 Seawall and gc from Frinton end v quiet (and damp!).  4 Brent on gc together with an apparent increase in large gulls over recent days - 22 GBB, 34 LBB, a couple of argentatus type Herring and a prob. 1cy Caspian (the latter quite distant and I only had bins). Two Purple Sand by raised tee flew south as did single R T Diver and Gannet offshore.

 

Fri 8th Dec 23

At least two people had a wander around the Haven this morning, but both found it very quiet, Dave Cummings walked to the Frinton end with just a Rock Pipit to show for it plus a Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest and a few Blackbirds around the bushes. John Sawyer had two more Goldcrests in the feeding station.

 

Thurs 7th Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Wed 6th Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 5th Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Mon 4th Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 3rd Dec 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

15:56 just a short visit this morning, cold, windy and just missed the rain. Nothing on the Scrape, just 25 Canada & 8 Grey lags on the marsh. Stonechat near sluice. Plenty of both Wigeon & Teal, 6 Shoveler and 1 Blackwit behind raised platform. 50+ Golden Plover and plenty of Lapwing on the fields over the road.

 

Sat 2nd Dec 23

No reports received so far.

 

Fri 1st Dec 23

Still ice over a lot of the marsh first thing so no sign of the mail goose flocks but Dave Cummings struck lucky with 4 Bewick's Swans over the golf course then heading out to the north.

A walk along the front gave just 4 Purple Sandpipers, a pair of Stonechat, a few Mipits and 12 Curlew on the marsh to the right of the hide, 9 Brent and 13 Greylags were flyovers and a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush and several Blackbirds were around the bushes DC/MR.

Reports from today:

Dave Cummings

10:21 4 Bewick’s north over golf course.

 

Thurs 30th Nov 23

A frozen marsh and scrape meant very few birds around this morning. A walk to French Point returned 3 Purple Sands, 3 Turnstone, a pair of Stonechat, a Pied Wag and a Mipit. A short look out to sea added 11 Brent and a distant Diver sp south, 1 Common Scoter and a Cormorant north.

At the end of November the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 186.

 

Wed 29th Nov 23

All much the same today bright sunshine but very cold, c150 Greylags on the approach road marsh with 20+ Canada Geese and lots of gulls, a Goldcrest for BH by the 6 bar gate and one for me at the sewage works gate. Along the front were 3 Pairs of Stonechats, 2 Purple Sands, a Rock Pipit & a Pied Wag.

On and around the scrape: c200 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, Lots of Lapwing on the arable, 1 Avocet, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting and a few Blackbirds. Plus 2 Lt. Grebes on the brook behind the sluice.

 

Tues 28th Nov 23

Bright but very cold this morning, nice when you were in the sunshine.

150+ Greylag, 20+ Canada Geese were on the marsh below the carpark first thing with lots of gulls and 2 Curlew. Offshore was very quiet again with just 12 Brent sitting on the sea off French Point and a further 60+ off the raised tee. Purple Sandpiper numbers had increased to 6 south of French Point, being chased up the seawall by the swells from a big tide just before high water.

Around the scrape: c200 Teal, c30 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 2 Avocet, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 4 Snipe (over), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine (juv. on arable), 1 Kestrel. MR et.al. Plus 1 Chinese Water Deer. 

 

Mon 27th Nov 23

Very quiet offshore this morning, even the boat load of fishermen anchored off the front weren't catching anything. Three Purple Sands were on the rocks south of French Point as the tide dropped away.

Around the scrape: c200 Greylags, 100+ Teal, 18 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 3 Avocet, c300 Lapwing (on the arable), 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

 

Sun 26th Nov 23

A short visit for me today included lots of Greylag and Canada Geese on the approach road marsh, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler below the raised platform, 2 Buzzards, c350 Lapwing and lots of Starlings up on the arable. Very quiet offshore just a few Cormorant, 2 Med Gulls and 1 Oystercatcher (s). PL/MR

Around the bushes 14 Blackbirds, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing all feeding on sloes, and a single Chiffchaff. MR. 

Report from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:20 Woodcock south.

 

Sat 25th Nov 23

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale 

08:07 Barnacle Goose on marsh to right of hide.

08:10 At least 2 Waxwings heard pillbox.

Pete Loud

14:01 Haven this morning, 5 Purple Sand along the front, 1 Ringed Plover on the rocks. Redwing by the hide and imm. Peregrine up on the arable. Green Sandpiper on the Scrape.

 

Fri 24th Nov 23

No reports received so far:

 

Thurs 23rd Nov 23

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

18:16 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back this morning included: 3 Purple Sandpiper (south of French Point), 1 Siskin (over), 4 Goldfinch (south), 2 Chiff, 1 Goldcrest, 15 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Skylark (north), 3 Stonechat (pair and single), 130+ Black-headed Gull (golf course first thing), 4 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 3 Shelduck (2 north), 1 Great-crested Grebe (sitting on sea), 1 Buzzard, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting, 12 Mipit, 1 Water Rail (calling from reeds, Frinton end), 100+ Lapwing, 4 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 58 Wigeon, 1 Avocet, 224 Teal.

 

Wed 22nd Nov 23

A short seawatch this morning gave just 2 R T Divers, 1 Gt. C Grebe, 1 Com. Scoter & 1 Oystercatcher for Richard first thing.

2 Turnstone and 3 GBB Gulls were with the Herring Gulls on the sluice rocks, 2 Rock Pipits, 3 Pied Wags, 3 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting and several Meadow Pipits were noted on the walk to French Point and back to the hide.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c140 Brent (up on the arable), 340 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 350+ Lapwing (up on the arable), 10 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MR.

 

Tues 21st Nov 23

Sadly still no sign of the Snow Bunting this morning, but 2 Purple Sands were on the sluice rocks and 3 Turnstone on the outfall, also a continual stream of Starlings coming in off the sea in flocks from 10 birds to 100+.

From the hide: c300 Brent Geese (on the arable), 17 Canada Geese (plus the 7 hybrid family), 100+ Greylag (below Raised Platform), 200+ Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, c150 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk. MR et.al.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:40 Adult Gannet south from French point, mid distance.

11:46 Now feeding.

12:19 Diver sp south from sluice.

 

Mon 20th Nov 23

No sign of the Snow Bunting this morning, has it moved on or will it be around tomorrow ?.

A single Purple Sand and Rock Pipit were on the rocks at French Point.

From the hide: 150+ Teal, 8 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 1 Snipe, c200 Lapwing and c90 Brent (on the arable), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. BH/MR.

The cracking Grey Wagtail that has been around for a while was on the roof of the cottages with two Pied Wags.

 

 

Sun 19th Nov 23

A Chiffchaff was in the sewage works hedge on he way to see the Snow Bunting at the sluice.

From the hide: 17 Canada Geese (plus the hybrid family), 150+ Teal, 18 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Scaup, 1 Shelduck, 100+ Lapwing (on the arable) 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:05 Snow Bunting still by sluice. 2 Chiffchaff, few Goldcrest and Thrushes in bushes.

 

Sat 18th Nov 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

11:19 Snow Bunting still braving the elements at the sluice.

Pete Loud

12:42 Seawatching from the Haven this morning. Up to 13 Little Gull were feeding constantly offshore near the outfall, plus ad Med Gull. 6 Gannet feeding offshore. Red-thr Diver 5, Gt Cr Grebe 1, Common Scoter 45+, Tufted Duck 2, Pintail 1, Wigeon 12, Brent 6. (RJ,PL)

 

Fri 17th Nov 23

The Snow Bunting was on show for the fifth day today, and still giving pleasure to lots of people.

A walk to the Raised Tee added, 4 Purple Sands, 4 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wags, 1 Curlew on the marsh and 10 Brent Geese on the golf course.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

08:27 Snow Bunting remains in situ.

 

Thurs 16th Nov 23

Just a two hour seawatch today with Richard & Graham, between 08:00-10:00, 215 Brent (all south apart from 17 sitting on the sea), 108 Cormorant (N), 104 Common Scoter (63S 41N), 10 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck (S), 5 R T Diver (N), 1  R B Merganser (S), 1 Curlew (S), 1 Little Gull, 1 Gt. C Grebe (sitting on the sea). 

Then a quick walk to the sluice to see Snowy, still showing well at 10-15.

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

08:04 Snow Bunting still by sluice.

18:23 Frinton to Haven and back this morning included: 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Water Rail (calling from reeds at Frinton end), 550+ Black-headed Gulls (350+ on golf course first thing, 200+ on flooded fields at Haven), 18 Goldfinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 10 Blackbird, 7 Starling (south), 2 Stonechat (pair), 4 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 3 Reed Bunting, 11 Mipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Shelduck (the only bird on the scrape!), 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Shoveler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Med Gull (with the b-h gulls on the fields) + a good trickle of Brent and Scoter over the sea which Richard and Mick were counting better than me.

 

Wed 15th Nov 23

Quiet around the bushes this morning with a Goldcrest with the L T Tit flock for Richard was about it. Quite a bit of time was spent with the Snow Bunting again, such super little bird that continues with his feeding as the dog walkers and cyclists pass, until the Peregrine passed overhead when it froze and looked to the sky. Just a few more pictures.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

A walk to the raised tee added 1 Redshank, 1 Turnstone (on sluice rocks), 4 Purple Sandpipers, 4 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Common Gull with Blk. Headed Gulls on the golf course RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

08:15 Snow Bunting still sluice.

 

Tues 14th Nov 23

The Snow Bunting was the star of the show again this morning, stand still around the sluice area for a few minutes and there it was a few metres from your feet.

From the hide: 150+ Greylag, 170+ Teal, 10+ Wigeon (lots more around the marsh), 2 Shoveler, 80+ Lapwing on the arable, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel. DW/BH/MR

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

11:45 Single Purple Sand at French point.

 

Mon 13th Nov 23

A seawatch this morning with Pete Loud turned out to be interesting with, 10 Gannet (4n 6s), 8 Brent, 127 Common Scoter, 7 Teal, 3 Pintail, 3 Pochard, 2 Velvet Scoter, 1 Wigeon, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, several Dunlin all south, 1 Red T Diver north, 1+ Little Gull and 1 Common Gull with gulls around the outfall buoy.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swan, 110 Greylag + (the hybrid family (canada/greylag still together), a few Wigeon & Teal around the marsh, 8+ Shoveler, 7 Gadwall (over), 6 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 5 Dunlin (over), 4 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier, lots of Lapwing, corvids and Starling on the arable,  5+ Blackbird, 3+ Fieldfare and a Reed Bunting along the back hedge. PL/MR.

High point of the morning had to be the Snow Bunting that flew up in front of us as we reached the sluice and landed on the seawall, we spent the next half an hour with this very confiding bird wandering around feeding within metres of our feet PL/MO'H/MR

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:59 3 drake Pochard close south.

12:10 Snow Bunting on ground near Sluice.

Mike O'Hanlon

13:17 Snow Bunting is hanging around if anyone wants a tick. Very keen on sticking to this spot.

13:31 2 Purps on rocks between sluice and French point.

13:37 Another 2 Purps on sands at French point.

 

Sun 12th Nov 23

Reports from today:

Pee Loud

12:37 Female Goldeneye south,4 Red B Merganser.

13:06 Pom Skua south.

13:20 Superb drake Velvet Scoter close south then back north.

13:36 Pom. Skua chasing gulls offshore plus 2 drake Eider south.

14:29 Good variety offshore from the shelter today.1-2 Pom Skua, 25+ Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 12 Little Gull, 15+ Red throated Diver, 2 Great crested Grebe, 4 Red breasted Merganser, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Eider, 1 Velvet Scoter, 60+ Common Scoter, 3 Pintail, 1 Grey Plover, 20 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 150 Brent.

Simon Cox

16:10 Water Rail calling near our reedbed ringing base early this morning. Almost certainly final visit there this year—ringed the grand total of 1 Mipit & water level in rides very high.

 

Sat 11th Nov 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

13:58 From the chippings lay by this morning, 2 Cattle Egret flew in and landed on the marsh behind the houses. Walk down from Gt Holland Church 1 Corn Bunting, 20+ Reed Bunting and a few Chaffinch, Linnet and Skylarks all in the pumpkin set-aside. Peregrine up on the arable. 2 Pair of Stonechat along the front & 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Purple Sandpiper. 1Avocet on Scrape plus Marsh Harrier over.

Pete Newson

15:21 Bearded Tit called briefly from the reed bed by the golf course.

 

Fri 10th Nov 23

On my way to site this morning a Cattle Egret was out on the marsh, to the west of the B1032 viewed from the chippings layby. 

A walk to the raised tee with Richard and Mike added 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Purple Sands, 1 Sandwich Tern, 8+ Brent Geese (on the arable), 4 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit. 

Nice to see the Purple Sandpipers back
Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

12:07 2 Cattle Egrets flew from flooded field just west of hump back bridge into reeds in front of housing estate.

Brian Combes

17:06 Frinton to The Haven and back this morning (passage mainly first thing and most finches high): 4 Purple Sandpiper (together on defences at high tide), 43 Siskin (south), 99 Goldfinch (south), 29 Chaffinch (south), 8 Redpoll (south), 22 Mipit (17 south), 6 Skylark (south), 109 Starling (64 south), 2 Goldcrest, 4 Cetti’s (singing), 3 Pied Wag, 4 Stonechat (2 pairs), 4 Song Thrush, 13 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 80+ Lapwing, 8 Shoveler, 253 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit.

Photo Brian Combes©

 

Thurs 9th Nov 23

The flooding is subsiding a bit, but still a lot of water around the site, hundreds of Teal and Wigeon around the marsh but around the scrape area were, 100+ Teal, 80+ Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 1 Cattle Egret, 2 Cormorant, c30 Lapwing, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Bunting, Lots of Starling, 6 Brent (over) most likely those on the golf course later. JR/MR

Richards walk to the Frinton end of the site added just 2 extra Stonechat.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

On my way home two Cattle Egrets were over the road just west of the humpback bridge, looking for the cows.

 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

13:53 Purple Sand on the rocks at the end of the sluice.

14:12 2 Purple Sands at end of French Point.

14:29 6 Brent on the fairway south of the raised tee.

 

Wed 8th Nov 23

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 7th Nov 23

No reports received so far.

 

 

Mon 6th Nov 23

I had a quick look out to sea this morning, just 4 Brent, 1 Gannet, small groups of passerines and a big movement of Woodpigeons all south. Along the approach road just one Goldcrest with a few Tits.

The water over the marsh was as high as I've ever seen it, overtopping the island in the middle of the scrape, and the pond is just part of the flood field.

Around the scrape area, 2 Mute Swans (juvs), 120+ Greylag, 100+ Teal, 80+ Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 90+ Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 2 Grey Heron, loads of gulls and corvids, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

4 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks and the Grey Wagtail was still around the cottages with a couple of Pied's  

 

Sun 5th Nov 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:02 Hen Harrier north off shore

Pete Loud

13:10 Haven this morning, 3 Egyptian Geese flew from flooded marsh off towards Holland. Ringtail Harrier seen initially by Mick but only briefly looked very Orange below and could have been a Pallid, Richard and I saw it as a silhouette as it went out to sea, one that got away. Still a few Goldfinch passing through, 3 Siskin, Short-eared Owl over Golf course, 3 Stonechats, 1 Redwing, 4 Turnstone and Purple Sand at Sluice. Grey Wagtail on roof of cottage by Sewage Farm.

Matt Lonsdale

13:45 No sign of swift sp @ naze. Only 2 Swallows to add to PL’s report from haven earlier.

 

Sat 4th Nov 23

I joined Simon, Pete & Richard just in time to pick up a year tick with a dark phase Pomarine Skua.

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

12:51 Seawatch from Haven shelter this morning: 2 Adult Pomarine Skua, (1 light and 1 dark phase), 20+ Little Gull, 70+ Kittiwake, 45+ Gannet, 1 Guillemot, 1 Red br Merganser, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Wigeon & 3 Brent.

 

Fri 3rd Nov 23

Reports from today

Steve Entwhistle

10:30 Sailing club next to shelter, Little Gull just passed going south, had  2 Eider earlier, Richard had a Gannet.

20:07 Today Holland haven shelter 8.20am to 3.50pm. Last couple of hours with Mike O'Hanlon. 12+ Gannets, 1 adult Little Gull. 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 fm. Common Scoter, 1 Shag, 2 fm. type Eider, 12+ Mipit, 1 m Tufted Duck, all flying south.

 

Thurs 2nd Nov 23

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:16 2 Little Gull south.

08:43 9 more Little Gull north all very close inc first 1st winter.

10:59 Up till 10. 60+ Little Gull North + double figures offshore and 2 south. Single Kittiwake N, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Com Scoter and 15 Brent south. + few Gannets and lots of GBB Gull south.

Paul Brayshaw

13:31 Seawall walk Frinton to above scrape. Much quieter at sea with the wind more ssw and only two Little Gulls north (the earlier birds disappeared as soon as the wind switched slightly and rain eased). Family groups of Brent taking it easy on the gc (max 29). Scrape almost bird-less as farmer tending to cattle.

 

Wed 1st Nov 23

A nice mixture of birds during a short seawatch with Pete & Richard this morning, see below.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:39 Seawatch from the shelter for couple of hours this morning. 3 drake Velvet Scoter close in that landed for a while right in front of the shelter. 30+ Common Scoter, 1 Red B Merganser, 1 Red T Diver, 1 Razorbill, 20 Pintail, 60+ Knot, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew, 800+ Dunlin, 3 Gannet & a few groups of Brent. Scrape brief visit, 1 Cattle Egret, 1 Egyptian Goose.

 

Tues 31st Oct 23

No reports received so far

At the end of October the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 184.

 

Mon 30th Oct 23

Very quiet around the site this morning, a few Goldfinch moving south, 100+ Greylag on the marsh, 2 Brent on Leon's marsh, 2 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler and a Peregrine up on the arable was about it. DW/BH/DC/MR

Reports from today

Dennis Pryor

10:11 One Purple Sandpiper on rocks.

 

Sun 29th Oct 23

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:25  1 Cattle Egret with cattle west of scrape.

10:53 2 Purple Sand, sea defences south of the raised tee.

16:40 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning: 1 Cattle Egret, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper (flew north over scrape), 20 Mipit (6 south), 54 Goldfinch (south), 7 Chaffinch (south), 3 Siskin (south), 2 Redpoll (south), 11 Brent (south), 8 Linnet (south), 6 Skylark (south), 1 Swallow (south), 6 Shoveler, 4 Goldcrest, 50+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 4 Cetti’s (singing), 2 Grey Heron, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Stonechat (2 pairs), 1 Sparrowhawk.

 

Sat 28th Oct 23

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:31 Glossy Ibis towards scrape.

Pete Loud

10:09 Glossy Ibis flown high then appeared to come down on the marsh near the humpback bridge at Gt Holland.

11:01 5 Cattle Egret & Egyptian Goose from the Scrape Hide.

13:32 Haven this morning. Highlight was the Glossy Ibis, also 6 Cattle Egret, Egyptian Goose in with 100+ Greylag, 19 Canada and couple of Brent, 5 Shoveler, 100+ Teal & 70+ Wigeon, 2 Snipe  all on the Scrape . 1 Golden Plover, 16 Turnstone, Marsh Harrier, 1 Med Gull, 4 Stonechat, 2 Swallow. Still groups of Goldfinch and couple of Redpoll and Chaffinch moving through early on.

Mike O'Hanlon

16:01 2 Cattle Egrets still to north of HH scrape with cattle.

16:09 4 C E's (incl original 2) flown west over Clacton Rd by hump back bridge.

 

Fri 27th Oct 23

Three Goldcrests and a Greenfinch with the House Sparrow was it around the Dell, a few L T Tits, a Jay and a Sparrowhawk along the approach road, plus a couple of Swallows (over), but otherwise very quiet, 12+ Turnstone were flushed off the beach by what was most likely the same Sparrowhawk.

With the water levels over the marshes dropping, lots more ducks were on the scrape c150 Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 5 Shoveler, 120+ Greylag, 5 Brent and c80 Lapwing (on arable), 2 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 2 Grey Heron, 14 Cattle Egret and 1 Lt. Egret were with the cattle to the right of the hide PL/RJ/DC/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:44 14 Cattle Egrets with cattle to the right of the hide.

Simon Cox

12:20 Light passage early this morning: 25+ Lesser Redpolls, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 1 Swallow.

 

Thurs 26th Oct 23

Reports from today

Pete Loud

15:07 Haven today,13 Cattle Egret on the marsh just north of the Scrape, 2 Purple Sands on rocks by raised Tee, 2 Stonechat. 4 Siskin over. 3 Chiffchaff & 3 Goldcrest in the bushes. Seawatching in the morning 700+ Brent, 250+ Dunlin, 1 Barwit, 3 Curlew, 5 Med Gull, 15+ Gannets, 2 Red thr Diver, 1 Guillemot, 23 Common Scoter, 40 Teal.

 

Wed 25th Oct 23

Another good morning at the Haven, with at least 14 Cattle Egrets from the chippings lay-by on the way to site, plus 1000's of gulls on the flooded marsh, 3 Grey Heron, 8 Pied Wags on the sett-aside and loads of corvids, a Buzzard and a Kestrel.

A Shag was sitting on the sea in front of the Boating Club rocks before flying off S/W down the coast, a single Cattle Egret dropped in to join the cows just north of the hide. Things on the scrape looked much the same with 100+ of Greylags and of Teal, lots of Wigeon and gulls around the flood and c90 Lapwing up on the arable.

After getting Pete's message I hurried to French Point to view our first Black Redstart of the year, showing well around the seawall at the second pillbox.

On our way back a few Brent were moving about offshore, a single juv. was drifting north on the tide and the Cattle Egrets north of the hide numbered five.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:07 Black Redstart by pillbox at French Point

Steve Grimwade

14:18 Holland Haven: 16 Cattle Egret North of hide.

 

Tues 24th Oct 23

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

17:35 At least 5 Cattle Egret still over the road at haven.

 

Mon 23rd Oct 23

I stopped off at the humpback bridge on the way to site this morning where at least 6 Cattle Egrets were on the marsh with the cows.

Very quiet offshore first thing with just a few Brent heading south and 3 Com. Scoter north, a couple of Chiffs and Goldcrests was about it and just 2 Turnstone were on the front around the sluice.

From the hide: 110 Greylags, 6 Brent (over), c120 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cattle Egret (with cows to right of hide), 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, c100 Lapwing (on the arable) plus hundreds of gulls, lots of wigeon & Mallard around the flooded marsh DW/BH/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

14:22 Counted 9 Cattle Egret but could have been more.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Laurence Drumond

14:22 Drake Velvet Scoter north, close, Haven shelter.

 

Sun 22nd Oct 23

A great morning walk with Pete L, Richard, & Matt, with an egret fest and a super Hen Harrier plus good supporting cast, see report below.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

14:46 Lovely morning out in the Autumn sunshine, what a difference a day makes. Highlights were the 2 Cattle Egret in with their namesakes on the marsh, 2 Great White Egrets, 1st out on the marsh and then off inland, the second south just offshore, and then the female Hen Harrier that flew right past us, landing behind the scrape for a couple of minutes before heading off south. Supporting cast as follows:-1 Purple Sandpiper in with 18 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 12 Shoveler, 1 Med Gull, 100+ Lapwing,  9 Snipe, 1 Curlew, several small groups of Goldfinch south, 6 Siskin, 7 Swallow, 2 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff & 6 Goldcrest.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Simon Cox

11:56 2 Cattle Egrets with Haven cows now.

Paul Brayshaw

16:07 Both Cattle Egret still present with cattle over the road viewed from pull in by bridge over Brook.

16:13 At least three present.

 

Sat 21st Oct 23

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

10:04 Firecrest- wood end of car park.

Pete Loud

13:20 Seawatching this morning was fairly slow going but did manage a few bits. 2 Adult Little Gull, 1 Female Red B Merganser, 3 Common Scoter, 20+ Gannet, 2 Red T Diver, 1 Curlew, 9 Pintail and a few small groups of Brent.

 

Fri 20th Oct 23

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

 16:16 Woodcock in off 3rd pillbox also female Merlin also Green Sand on lake/scrape.

 

Thurs 19th Oct 23

I started the day with a late seawatch 09:45-10:45 noting 22 Wigeon, 13 Pintail, 114 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, all heading south.

3+ Goldcrest were with a large tit flock along the approach road and 2 Purple Sandpipers on the sluice rocks with the gulls.

From the hide: 87 Teal, 47 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 104 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 28 Blk H Gulls, 7 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 8+ Swallows, plus lots more lapwing and gulls on the arable. JR/MR.

 

 

Wed 18th Oct 23

Once again I joined Graham and Richard for an hour seawatch from 09:45 which included just 25 Brent, 8 Teal, 2 R T Divers, heading south and 8 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 2 Common Scoter, 1 G C Grebe heading north.

From the hide: 62 Greylag, 2 Brent, 46 Teal, 39 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Blk H Gulls RJ/MR

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

10:05 Bonxie N HH - dropped on sea straight out from shelter after successfully chasing gull.

 

Tues 17th Oct 23

I joined Simon & LD for an hour seawatch from 09-00  nothing spectacular for me but 223 Brent (s), 15 Gannet (n), 1 Com. Scoter (n), 1 Red T Diver (n) & 6 Kittiwake (3n 3s) was about it.

From the hide: 36 Greylag, 30+ Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Curlew, 1 Lapwing (lots up on the arable), 5 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron,14 Blk H Gulls, 14 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB's. 

Reports from today:

Laurence Drumond

07:32 Haven, 3 Gannet north, 2 Scoter and at least 4 Kitts south.

11:37 Morning seawatch at the shelter, Pom. Skua, G N Diver (thanks Paul), lots of Gannets and Brent, 20 or so Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Skua (PBr).

 

Mon 16th Oct 23

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

09:40 Male Beardie in hand now, Reed bed. (see Ringing page)

Dennis Pryor

11:19 Two Fieldfare on farm to Frinton track.

Pete Loud

13:15 Still a few Goldfinch and Redpoll going through this morning. 2 Bearded Tit, 4 Stonechat, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing. 1 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest in the bushes. Offshore, 1 med Gull, 1 Gannet and a few Brent. (Brambling in bushes by raised platform 1 pm, per PD).

17:03 Seawatch 2:45 -3:45. Kittiwake 40+ including some nice and close in, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Gannet, 3 Shelduck, a few decent groups of Brent, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 7 Wigeon.

Brian Combes

17:22 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back this morning included: 2 male Bearded Tit (stunning in the hand - thanks Pat and Simon), 7 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 9 Pied Wags (3 south), 10 Reed Bunting (3 south), 1 Rock Pipit, 26 Mipit (south + many on site), 105 Goldfinch (south), 11 Skylark (south), 5 Stonechat (2 pairs, 1 single), 12 Linnet (south), 29 Siskin (27 south, 2 north), 21 Wigeon, 1 Turnstone, 10 Chaffinch (south), 4 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Peregrine (north over approach road), 47 Redpoll (34 south, 13 north), 2 Chiff, 2 Greenfinch, 44 Greylag, 43 Teal, 1 Snipe