Wed 31st May 23

The tundra Ringed Plover seems to have moved on from over the road but the Yellow Wagtail (thunbergi) was still on the scrape until lunch time at least.

From the hide: 5 Canada Geese/1 Greylag (the 3 pairs seem all in tact goslings getting large), 20 Shelduck (+ ducklings), 2 Teal (pair), 1 Gadwall, 2 Coot (no sign of chicks), 2 Lt. Grebe, 24 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Heron, 25+ Swallows, 1 Swift, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail (thunbergi). RJ/ML/DW/MOH/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:58 Thunbergi wag still present.

At the end of May the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 144

 

Tues 30th May 23

The tundra Ringed Plover was still on the winter flash over the road this morning but it won't be long before it dries out by the looks of it.

A strong wind and heavy cloud had me heading for the hide, things looked much the same as of late, we seemed to be missing 2 or 3 Canada Goose goslings and there was no sign of the Oystercatcher chick with the two adults hopefully all keeping out of the wind. I was counting the extra Avocet when a flash of yellow caught my eye at the back of the scrape which turned out to be a Yellow Wagtail (thunbergi).

From the hide: 5 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag (+ Goslings), 20 Shelducks (+ducklings), 18 Gadwall, 10+ Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 32 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, Moorhen (with chicks), 2 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cuckoos, 3 LBB Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 30+ Swallows, 1 House Martin, all the usual Warblers, 1 Kestrel and Grey-headed Wagtail.

 

Mon 29th May 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:25 Tundra Ringed Plover still over the road.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Sun 28th May 23

Thanks to Pete's message I managed to add another bird to my site year list, but otherwise not much change. The first Avocet chick of the year was seen today, lets hope it makes it as the wind was strong and chilly and mum was sitting tight on her clutch.

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:21 Interesting probably tundra race Ringed Plover on pool over the road.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Sat 27th May 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

13:43 Scrape this morning, 2 Greenshank, Oystercatchers still have 1 chick, 2 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 19 Shelduck +20 ducklings, 1 Cuckoo. 1 Hairy Dragonfly and a few butterflies noted, Small Copper, Small Heath, Large White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Comma. (RJ,PL,MR).

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 26th May 23

The strong wind was still with us this morning but after the sun broke through mid morning it was quite pleasant.

Richard and Dave had a Peregrine over the carpark first thing, and when I joined them at the sluice we headed to the hide.

From the hide:  The 5 Canada geese, 1 Greylag (3 families were still all there), 23 Shelduck (+20 ducklings), 16 Gadwall, 10+ Mallard (loads of ducklings), 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher (sadly no chick seen), 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 3 Cormorant, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1+ Coot, 10+ Swallows, 1 House Martin, all the normal passerines, 1 Kestrel. DC/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

09:17 Little Owl in tree on west edge of golf course 50m north of where footpath leaves the course.

13:50 Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Little Owl, 6 Cetti’s (singing), 18 Swallow, 9 Linnet, 8 Reed Warbler (singing), 3 Reed Bunting (singing), 3 Moorhen, 3 Sedge Warbler (singing), 3 Chiff (singing), 5 Blackcap (singing), 4 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Coot, 16 Avocet, 13 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 1 Cuckoo (singing north of the farm), 1 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Buzzard, 21 species in song.

 

Thurs 25th May 23

Back to winter today, with a strong northerly wind and heavy cloud, what is happening with our weather?

Quiet around the site and very few butterflies on the wing, in fact I don't think we saw one.

From the hide: All the goslings are still at the same numbers as are the Shelduck ducklings, the Oystercatchers only had the one chick again today so it looks like their move to the mainland two days ago was a bad move, back on the island now. Otherwise all the same apart from 2 Redshank and no sign of the Com. Sandpiper from yesterday. RJ/MR

 

Wed 24th May 23

A much nicer day with light winds and sunshine made for a very pleasant walk this morning, not much change otherwise.

A new brood of Shelduck chicks on the scrape this morning and all the youngsters still accounted for.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese and 1 Greylag (with 18 goslings), 30 Shelduck (with 20 ducklings), 10+ Mallard (lots of new ducklings), 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher (only 1 chick seen today), 2 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cormorant, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 5 Blk H Gulls 1 LBB, 1 Med Gull (2nd sum), 3 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, plus all the usual warblers etc. RJ/DW/MR.

An evening visit to the farm turned out to be worthwhile with Tawny Owl added to the site year list.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

18:44 Little Stint briefly on beach north of sluice, imm. Marsh Harrier N/E

 

Tues 23rd May 23

No change around the bushes today bird wise, but much more greenery and insects about. The Blackcaps and Chiffs are still singing a few Whitethroats and 2 Less. Whitethroats and a very active Cuckoo.

With the water level dropping slightly over the last week it was nice to see a few new waders on the scrape this morning albeit common ones.  

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag (the three pairs with all the goslings), 30 Shelduck (+11 ducklings), 10+ Mallard (lots of ducklings), 7 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 8 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher (1 pair with 4 chicks), 2 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 2 Lt Grebe, 1+ Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Blk. H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers, Reed Bunting, Pied Wagtail. MR

  

 

Mon 22nd May 23

From the hide: Canada Geese and Greylag all the same, 28 Shelduck (+11 ducklings), 14+ Mallard (lots of ducklings), 5 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher (+4 chicks), 1 Redshank, 6 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Med Gull, 5 Cormorant, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1+ Coot, 2 Moorhen, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, 1 Cuckoo plus 1 Lt. Egret over the marsh early on. DW/DC/MR

 

 

Sun 21st May 23

Today was mostly a repeat of yesterday, all the resident breeders were busy, the Cuckoo was up and down the marsh, and offshore there was nothing.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag (3 pairs with 18 goslings), 18 Shelduck (+11 ducklings), 10+ Mallard (lots of ducklings), 3 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 20 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher (+4 chicks), 1 Redshank, 8 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Med Gull, 1+ Coot, 2 Lt Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 10+ Swallow, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warbler, reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel. PL/MR.

   

 

Sat 20th May 23

A brisk N/E wind made it a bit uncomfortable again this morning, but still managed to have a rewarding walk around the site with PL. All the residents were singing around the bushes, the Cuckoo was up and down the marsh and in the sheltered spots we managed nine spieces of butterfly.

From the hide: The two Canada Goose families still have all 13 of their goslings and the hybrid pair 5, new today were at least 12 Shelduck duckling with 24 adults, 10+ Mallard (lot of ducklings), 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 24 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher (with 3 chicks), 2 Lapwing, 1 Coot, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Sedge, Reed & Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet & Mippits. PL/MR.

  

Fri 19th May 23

All much the same today, the Cuckoo was moving around the marsh hedges most of the morning, all the goslings are still with the respective pairs, a new Moorhen family were out on the scrape for a few moments before mum & dad got them back in the reeds away from the LBB's, other numbers as yesterday. MR

Reports from today: 

Brian Combes

15:52 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 6 Cetti’s (singing), 14 Reed Warbler (singing), 44 Jackdaw (on golf course first thing), 4 Reed Bunting (singing), 4 Gadwall, 11 Linnet, 1 House Martin (north), 4 Sedge Warbler (singing), 6 Whitethroat (singing), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 18 Swallow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 6 Blackcap (singing), 2 Chiff (singing), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Swift (north), 4 Med Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Corn Bunting (singing), 1 Buzzard, 22 Avocet, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 4 Hare, 1 Yellow Wag (in newly ploughed field by paddocks) and a total of 25 species singing.

 

Thurs 18th May 23

We had a good walk around the main site this morning and things were much the same, still plenty of singing Blackcaps a few Chiffchaff and Whitethroat plus a couple of Lesser Whitethroats. Two Cuckoo's seem to be settled in, calling out on the marsh hedges early on.

From the hide: The 2 Canada Goose pairs and the mixed pair still have all their 18 goslings, and lots of Mallard chick about, 1 Mute Swan, 28 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 2+ Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1+ Coot, 2 Lt. Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Cuckoo, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers, Reed Bunting, Linnet, 8+ Swallows.

Birds of the day were reserved for Richards afternoon visit with some stunning Sanderling and Dunlin on the beach.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Wed 17th May 23

Another nice morning to be out and about, Lots of Blackbirds carrying food again plus all the resident songsters, a Greenfinch was around the Dell and a single Less. Whitethroat singing below the top of the carpark.

From the hide: All the goslings are still with us, getting quite big now, no sign of the Oystercatchers hopefully in the long grass on the island, 32 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1+ Coot, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 1 Cuckoo, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers, Reed Bunting, Linnet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

A walk to the third pillbox added 1 Purple Sandpiper (showing signs of sum plumage), 1 Wheatear, and lots of Skylark & a few Mippits RJ/MR

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 16th May 23

I started at the farm this morning and what a lovely morning it was, It was quiet on the set-side but after a lot of searching I did manage 1 Corn Bunting and 2 Yellow Wags, Lots of Linnets, Goldfinch and Skylark around the fields, Blackbirds and Chaffinch carrying food and singing Whitethroats and Blackcaps plus Song Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo and Kestrel.

I unfortunately couldn't find a Spotted Flycatcher but Plenty of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroats around the site

From the Hide:  5 Canada Geese and 1 Greylag still have all their goslings (18), 34 Shelduck, 10 Mallard (more ducklings every day), 6 Shoveler (3 pairs), 5 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 1 Teal, 28 Avocet (GB/GY sitting on nest), 2 Oystercatcher (+ chicks), 2 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, 2 Cuckoo's, 1 Lt. Egret (DW), 2 Kestrel. MR

    

 

Mon 15th May 23

A Red Kite drifted over the carpark as I arrived this morning, after a few minutes it headed off down the coast harassed by a corvid and some gulls. Still plenty of Whitethroat and Blackcaps singing around the bushes.

From he hide: 2 Canada Geese with 8 goslings, 2 with 5 goslings and the mixed pair with 5 goslings, 36 Shelduck, 8 Mallard (lots of ducklings), 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 26 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher (1 pair with chicks), 2 Redshank, 1+ Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cuckoo, 10+ Swallow, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet & Chiffchaff. DW/MR

 

Sun 14th May 23

A much better day weather wise with light winds and warmer temperatures, a site year tick was good to get when Pete Loud alerted us to 2 Little Terns and a Common feeding close offshore, all the ducklings and goslings are doing well on the scrape and all seemed much the same. A cuckoo was showing at the side of the scrape and later calling from the carpark bushes and a Willow Warbler singing in the scrub between the kissing gate and the wind pump. 

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

11:14 Little Tern and Common Tern off the sluice

13:45 Farm this morning, still 5 Wheatear on the ploughed maize field plus 3 Yellow Wagtail, 6+ Corn Bunting, Cuckoo, 2 Swift and Coal Tit. Common Tern and 2 Little Tern were fishing off the sluice area for 15 minutes. Marsh over the road a Short eared Owl was flying about plus, Little Egret, Cuckoo and 2 Avocet.

Matt Lonsdale

11:37 2 Wheatear (including a stunning Greenland) and 4 Yellow Wags + Corn Buntings on set aside next to farm paddocks.

 

Sat 13th May 23

Back to winter again today with a strong Northerly wind making it feel quite chilly.

Nothing of note new on the scrape, all the hatchling seemed to be getting on well and all numbers much the same.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

08:15 Scrape all quiet. 2 Gannet and a Fulmar north offshore

08:41 Omitted 5 Whimbrel and Mistle Thrush on gc earlier too.

18:21 Two singing Corn Buntings still around paddocks and footpath to Frinton

Pete Loud

19:53 Late afternoon walk down to Scrape hide from Gt Holland church.5 Wheatear and 1 Yellow Wagtail on the partially ploughed set aside by paddocks, 1 Swift, 1 Corn Bunting. Along Seawall 2 + 2 Sandwich Tern close in north & 1 Whimbrel north. 1 Whimbrel golf course. 4 Oystercatcher chicks on the island and a sizeable Lapwing chick on the second pool behind the raised platform. Cuckoo calling at back of marsh.

Matt Lonsdale

20:04 Haven from early morning - A Little Egret on scrape and Cuckoo in front of hide. 4 Gannet offshore (2n, 2s), 3 Swift. 10+ of both Blackcap and Whitethroat in bushes, Lesser White, 2 Whimbrel on Gc.

 

Fri 12th May 23

Windy and wet out today but Richard and Dave had another site year tick from the hide this morning with not one but two Wood Sandpipers, sadly gone before I arrived, otherwise much the same on the scrape.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:46 Fem Yellow Wag Leon's marsh

09:50 Wood Sandpiper Leon's marsh.

09:59 2 Wood Sands + Yellow Wag.

 

Thurs 11th May 23

I had a quick visit to the hide to pick up the Common Sandpiper for the year list (still on Leon's at 15:00) and found that the Oystercatcher has finally got some chicks, three seen but she was still hiding others. Also of note Green Hairstreaks were on the Hawthorn outside the hide.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:42 Common Sand on Leon's marsh.

 

Wed 10th May 23

Plenty of Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Cetti's around today but a lack of Lesser Whitethroats. On the scrape the first pair of Canada Geese still have 8 goslings, the second pair have 5 and the mixed pair Canada/Greylag have 5 so it's going to be a bit crowded

From the hide: 42 Shelduck, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Shoveler (drakes), 1 Wigeon, 26 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Cormorant, 2 Coot, 2 Lt. Grebe, 2 Stock Dove, Cetti's, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

Mixed Geese Family Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 9th May 23

From the hide: 2 pairs of Canada Geese (one with 8 goslings), 1 Mixed Pair Canada/Greylag, 30 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 23 Avocet, 6 Whimbrel, 3 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Coot, 1 Lt. Grebe, 10+ Swallow, Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting MR.

 

Mon 8th May 23

No reports received so far:

 

 

Sun 7th May 23

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, still two pairs of Canada Geese (one pair with 8 goslings-one pair still sitting), 1 mixed pair Greylag/Canada with 5 goslings, 36 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 26 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Coot, 1 Lt. Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 8 LBB Gulls, 15+ Swallows, reed Bunting, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR   

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

09:43 Hobby high over gc from raised tee. 20+ Whimbrel on gc but getting moved around a lot.  Light southbound Swallow passage but a few House Martin and Swift

Pete Loud

Farm paddocks early morning, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Blackcap and lots of Whitethroats. Cuckoo over the road was calling and very mobile. Scrape,1 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 6Gadwall (all drakes), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sand Martin, 25 Avocet.

 

Sat 6th May 23

Still plenty of song around the site today, mostly Whitethroat and Blackcaps with a few Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warblers. A single Purple Sand was on the sluice rocks.

On the scrape things were much the same, the Canada Goose family still comprises 8 goslings but a new pair of 1 Greylag/1 Canada Goose have appeared with  five goslings, the second pair of Canada's are still sitting. No sign of the Garganey.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (+8 Goslings), 2 Canada/Greylag (+5 goslings), 20+ Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 24 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt Grebe 1 Yellow Wagtail. PRD/PNt/RJ/MR.

Reports from today:

Laurence Drumond

11:19 Really poor from the shelter this morning 2hrs, 1 adult Gannet, a 2nd summer Med Gull and a probable Common Scoter (RJ).

 

Fri 5th May 23

From the hide this morning: 1 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese +8 Goslings, 44 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 1 Wigeon, 27 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Coot, 1 Lt Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Linnets RJ/DW/MR.

A Whinchat was seen along the front by JonW during the EBWS Big County Birdwatch this afternoon.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:19 Stonking male Greenland type Wheatear on bar field to north of footpath from Frinton first ave. to farm. Not quite sure if in the haven boundary or not..!

07:48 Nightingale singing distantly from back of Great Holland church. Target species Coal Tit showing well.

08:34 Pale phase Arctic Skua close north gc/haven seawall.

09:03 Gc extras - female Wheatear, 16 Whimbrel. 2 Purple Sands on rock opposite wooden hide. Scrape - usual's including single Mute Swan, Coot and Wigeon. 7 Ruff and 2 Dunlin flew to pools behind raised platform.

09:05 Male Garganey back of scrape.

09:38 Garganey now tucked in under the near bank just to the left of sluice to Leon’s marsh. Greenshank on flashes to right of scrape, 2 Cuckoo, Bearded Tit (female - could tell if ringed) and a Willow Warbler in scrub outside hide.

10:05 At least 9 Ruff and a Common Sand on furthest pool behind raised platform.

12:01 Red kite over Great Holland drifting towards haven (down the valley).

Matt Lonsdale

22:03 Cuckoo and Corn Bunting @ farm this evening. 17 Ruff on pools behind raised platform from lay-by.

 

Thurs 4th May 23

This Kestrel was making the most of the strong onshore wind hunting over the grassy cliff just north of the sluice otherwise it was mainly Whitethroats singing everywhere plus Cetti's Warblers and a single Lesser Whitethroat this morning.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (+ 8 goslings), 30 Shelduck, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 24 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Coot, 4 Cormorant, 1 Lt. Egret, Blk H Gull, Herring Gull and 2 LBB's. RJ/MR

 

Wed 3rd May 23

From the hide: 12 Canada Geese (4+8), 2 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 34 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 25 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 2 Coot, Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers, Reed Bunting, Cuckoo (heard only), 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/DW/MR et.al.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

12:05 1 Purple Sandpiper on rocks 3rd pillbox Whimbrel GC.

12:22 Stunning male Wheatear nr old wooden hide.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Paul Brayshaw

18:51 A breezy walk Frinton to French point and back along seawall.  2 Purples on French point, SEO on the deck at the southern end of gc, 30 Whimbrel on gc, Turnstone north offshores.

 

Tues 2nd May 23

A very nice morning but still that slight chill in the onshore breeze, I had a wander to the hide this morning where it is definitely spring with the first brood of Canada Geese goslings on the scrape (8 little yellow balls of fluff) joining the Mallard family that have been around for a couple of days now, the Avocet are also looking very broody so hopefully they will get underway soon.

Liz Huxley had a Bearded Tit call as she arrived at the hide and then fly right along the reedbed.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (plus 8 goslings), 2 Greylag, 35 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 27 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Coot, 5 Cormorant, Cetti's, Sedge & Reed Warblers, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Linnet, 20+ Swallows, Sand Martin, 1 Cuckoo. PNt/LH/MR et.al.

 

Mon 1st May 23

Reports from today:

Matthew Gough

08:59 Cracking 5.30am walk from Gt.Holland to scrape and back. Highlights for me: Swallow, Blackcaps on trees at farm pond, Whitethroats, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, around 10 Whimbrel (golf course), Reed Buntings (loads), Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers on scrape: Water Rail (quite brown-juvenile I think- anyone else seen it?), Lapwing, Avocets (around 15), Shoveler, Shelducks, Wigeons, Gadwall, Lesser-black backed, Teal, Cettis (popped up right in front of me!), on way back Cuckoo (heard), Pied Wagtail and Corn Bunting. Sky filled with song. All glorious with the world. Note to self: Don't sleep more often.

Paul Brayshaw

09:19 Echo all of that although it’s a bit cooler now! Frinton to sluice and back additions - 25 (briefly 32) Whimbrel on gc, steady Swallow arrivals, small numbers of Linnet and Goldfinch south plus 3 Yellow Wag and a Siskin.  2 Purples on French point and two Med south. Greenshank flew over scrape and Red Kite currently in distance up the valley. Forgot to say two Coot still on scrape.

Matt Lonsdale

19:03 Drake Pochard flown around scrape calling, now gone south.