Thurs 31st Aug 23

The reports of a Spoonbill on the scrape this morning got me on the move but there was no need to rush as it stayed all day.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 55 Greylag, Mallard & Teal, 10 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 57 Lapwing, 9 Avocet, 3 Ruff, 3 Common Sands, 2 Blk. T Godwit, 1 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 1 Wood Sand, 49 Blk H Gulls, 1 GBB, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Lt. Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 1 Whinchat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler. PRD/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:33 Spoonbill on the scrape.

16:37 Spoonbill still late afternoon + Knot, Ruff and 8+ Common Sands

At the end of August the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 163.

 

Wed 30th Aug 23

No Reports received so far.

 

Tues 29th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:40 Drake Velvet Scoter just gone south past the Sluice.

13:24 Offshore this morning southbound, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Gt cr. Grebe, 9 Common Tern, 35 Teal. Northbound, 9 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar. Quiet around the bushes with a few common Warblers and 3 Chiffchaff which have now seem to have replaced the earlier moving Willow Warblers. Lots of Swallows about feeding and moving through, with quit a few House Martins (totals 300+), a few Sand Martin and 2 Swift. Scrape, 1 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Common sand, 9 Avocet, 2 Blackwit, 10 Shoveler, 60 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier. 4 Wheatear along the wall and 6 Turnstone.(RJ,PL).

 

Mon 28th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:35 Dell this morning,1 Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat & Lesser Whitethroat. Offshore, 1 Curlew, 3 Sandwich Terns & 2 Common Scoter. Raised Platform, Blackcap & Kingfisher down river. Scrape 1 Little Egret, 2 Med Gull, 1 Greenshank, 1 knot, 3 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 1 Blackwit, 9 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 40 Lapwing, 8 Shoveler, 45 Teal.

 

Sun 27th Aug 23

Matt Lonsdale had a great start to his morning with two Ravens heading over the site (a new bird for the Haven List). It looks likely that there were 4 birds present as 2 headed out at 08:55 and 2 more were found in with the cows and headed out around 09:48.

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:51 RAVEN cronking North!!!

08:58 2 Ravens went N and then turned at sewage works and headed inland and lost to view near Gt Holland pits area. Cronking as they went. 08:50-08:55. First site record I think. 

09:16 1 Still over greensward lingering.

09:21 Just dropped into field behind raised platform

09:32 2 still present under cattle feeder from raised platform.

09:48 Ravens lost to view towards Great Holland.

 

Sat 26th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:41 Garden Warbler in wood @ end of car park. Double figure Blackcap and 5 Lesser Whites also so far.

09:38 3 Knot, 3 Ruff, 3 Common Sand on scrape. No sign of prob. osprey. In bushes - male Redstart (5 bar gate), Garden Warbler (end of car park), 15 Blackcap, 6 Lesser White, 5 White, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. Sand Martin through.

Pete Loud

08:43 Male Redstart still in hedge bordering greensward opposite tower.

Paul Brayshaw

17:19 Gc seawall and bridlepath to haystack -14 Whimbrel, 6 Wheatear, Yellow Wag and juv hobby hunting hirundines (which included a few house and sand martins).

 

Fri 25th Aug 23

No Redstart in the Dell this morning just Common & Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Lots of Blue Tits & House Sparrows, but moving on to the greensward hedge near the PLA pylon there were not one but two Redstarts.

Simon & Pat had another ringing session in the reedbed today with a couple of superb Whinchats ringed (see Ringing page).

Reports from today;

Pete Loud

16:52 Haven this morning, 2 Redstart, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser & 4 common Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. Scrape, 1 Wood Sand, 1 Green Sand, 4 Common Sand, 3 Knot, 4 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 9 Avocet, 10 Blackwit. Walk to French Point and back, 4 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear & 1 Sandwich Tern.

 

Thurs 24th Aug 23

A quick look in the Dell first thing showed no sign of yesterdays Redstart, in fact it was very quiet.

Heading for the hide was a good idea with rain in the air, things were much the same until a juv. Little Gull dropped in, this cracking little bird stayed for about an hour giving some great views before flying out S/W

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide:  40+ Teal, Mallard, 12 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 40 Lapwing, 7 Avocet, 6 Ruff, 4 Blk T Godwits, 3 Common Sands, 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sand, 1 Wood Sand, 1 Snipe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Lt. Grebe, 7 Blk. H Gulls 2 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Little Gull (juv), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. PRD/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree 

11:02 4 Whinchat just passed the wooden hide.

 

Wed 23rd Aug 23

The Redstart was still showing well in the Dell this morning along with Lesser & Common Whitethroats, Willow Warbler, Juv. Robins, House Sparrows and a Greenfinch.

2 Wheatear were on the front around the sluice and quite a few Swallows were on the move.

From the hide: 87 Teal, 15 Shoveler, Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 34 Lapwing, 8 Blk T Godwits, 6 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 3 Common Sand, 2 Wood Sands, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sand, 1 Curlew, c30 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull (first thing), 1 LBB, 3 Lt. Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. PRD/RJ/DW/BH/MR.

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

07:34 Redstart in the Dell.

11:53 Wheatear to the north of the wood pile.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Richard Jeffree

13:08 Additions to today's hide totals 6+Yellow Wags 5+Wheatear, 1 Whinchat.

 

Tues 22nd Aug 23

Reports from today:

Graham Sutton

09:47 Dell - 1 Whitethroat, 6 Lesser, 2 Blackcap. Scrape - 6 Ruff, 1 Wood Sand, 2 Snipe. Wooden hide - 1 Whinchat. Sea Wall/rocks - 1 Wheatear.

Matt Turner

17:11 1w Razorbill on the sea from shelter.

18:29 Lights atrocious but managed to pick out singles of Wood, Green & Common Sand a Greenshank and 4 Ruff on the scrape.

 

Mon 21st Aug 23

The Redstart was still in the Dell this morning along with one Spotted Flycatcher plus Several Willow Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroats, Blackcap, young Blue Tits, House Sparrow, Greenfinch & Chaffinch.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

From the hide: 50+ Teal, 26 Shoveler, Mallard, 42 Lapwing, 5 Avocet, 5 Ruff, 2 Wood Sand, 2 Common Sand, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sand, 15 Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Lt. Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, a steady stream of Swallows and House Martins (heavy mid morning) and a few Sand Martin. RJ/DC/DW/MO'H/LH/MR et.al.

 

Sun 20th Aug 23

A great start to the day with 2 Spotted Flycatchers a Pied Fly and a Redstart in the Dell first thing, then a breeding plumage Cattle Egret on the sluice rocks with the gulls on the way to the hide, can't be bad.

From the hide: 70 Teal, Mallard, 17 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, c20 Lapwing, 10 Blk T Godwits, 5+ Ruff, 5 Avocet, 4 Common Sand, 2 Green Sand, 1 Wood Sand, 1 Dunlin, Blk H Gulls, Herring Gulls, LBB gull, Swallows, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Buzzard & Kestrel.PL/SE/MR et.al.

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

09:10 Summer plumaged Cattle Egret on the rocks off the Sluice.

Steve Entwhistle

12:41 5 mins ago seen briefly, fm/juv Redstart in dell front of bid clump left of rubbish bin.

2 Spotted Flycatchers showing well.

14:33 Just leaving haven dell now Redstart & 2 Spot fly's still feeding and showing well on ground where picnic tables used to be.

Matt Lonsdale

 20:22 Scrape - 7 Ruff, 3 Wood Sands, 3 Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, Greenshank, Dunlin, 12 Blackwit, 4 Avocet. Spot fly still in dell, Pied Fly in orchard.

 

Sat 19th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

07:04 Pied fly, approach road before 1st hump.

07:47 Garden Warbler top end of car park.

09:48 Haven totals 06:20-08:40 this morning.

Paul Brayshaw

11:34 Redstart (fem type) behind gc buildings on bridlepath to farm. Intermittently calling and showing along field side of hedge.  At least two Wheatear on fields coming down from farm.

Pete Loud

18:11 Haven this morning. Scrape, Wood Sandpiper 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 4, Ruff 3, Blackwit 1, Dunlin 1, Avocet 3, Gadwall 2, Shoveler 10, Teal 55. Marsh, 8 Curlew & 4 Wheatear.

 

Fri 18th Aug 23

Lots of anticipation again today with a lot of east in the wind but very quiet offshore. The Spotted Flycatcher was still in the Dell sallows and a Pied Fly was noted around the sewage works entrance late morning. Four Wheatear were on the seawall around the sluice.

From the hide: Mallard, c30 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 8 Curlew, 7 Blk T Godwits, 3 Lapwing, 4 Ruff, 3 Green Sands, 2 Common Sands, 2 Avocet, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 85 Blk. H Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB. SC/PRD/PL/RJ/DC/MO'H/MR. 

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

08:40 Scrape: Avocet 2, Common Sand 2, Green Sand 3, Wood Sand 1, Ruff 1, Redshank 3, Greenshank 1, Blackwit 7, Snipe 1, Curlew 1, Shoveler 6.

Pete Davis

09:33 Spot Fly Dell willows.

11:24 Wood Sand showing well! (Also 4 Green Sand, 2 Common Sand, 2+ Ruff, Greenshank, 9+ Blackwit, 2 Dunlin and a Turnstone!

Mike O'Hanlon

10:31 Spot fly still nailed on to its perch in the Dell.

11:37 Pied fly by sewer gates in pine to the north.

12:33 2 Whinchats and a Wheatear on pathway sea side, north of wooden hide.

12:46 2 Wheatears at southern end of boardwalk.

 

Thurs 17th Aug 23

Another early start but still nothing much offshore, Graham Sutton had a few Terns, Common Scoter and an Oystercatcher after an even earlier start.

A first look around the main site showed things much the same as of late, the scrape still held a good number of ducks and waders. On the way back to the cars a Pied Flycatcher was located along the sewage works hedge. PRD/RJ/MR.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

An early evening visit from Pete Loud added a Spotted Flycatcher in the Dell and a bit later after relocating the Pied Fly a Common Redstart (fem) was found in the same area. PL/RJ/MR 

From the hide: Mallard, 28 Teal, 10 Blk T Godwits, 32 Lapwing, 4 Avocet, 3 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 LRP, 1 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sand, 95 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring, 1 LBB, 3 Lt. Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant. PL/RJ/MR 

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

07:24 1 Wood Sand on scrape tho elusive + 3 Green Sand, 1 Common Sand, 3 Ruff, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 0 padlock.

17:33 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back this morning: 110+ Swallow (60+ around beach huts first thing, 32 trickling north against the wind and later 18 south), 18 Pied Wag (14 together on the golf course), 3 Yellow Wag (1 south, 2 with the pied group), 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Linnet, 2 Common Sand (1 French Point, 1 scrape), 6 Whimbrel (south), 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Greenshank, 2 Curlew, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 1 Blackcap, 1 Hare (ears just visible above vegetation on the golf course!).

Pete Loud

15:58 Spot Fly in sallows in the corner of Dell.

19:14 Pied Fly was showing late on along the track bordering the sewage farm, as was the Redstart briefly in the same area. Probably 3 Wood Sands on the Scrape, but light was difficult.(RJ,PL,MR)

Mike O'Hanlon

19:34 Spotted fly still in the Sallow in the NW corner of the Dell

 

Wed 16th Aug 23

An early start for me this morning but unfortunately there was nothing much moving offshore, all the usual warblers were around the bushes but we couldn't dig out a flycatcher. Simon and Pat were ringing in the reedbed and had a Whinchat near the wooden hide.

We had a visit to the hide before heading home to watch the football, but it was back to the hide soon after lunch when Richard found a Cattle Egret sitting on the tern raft.

Record shot hopefully better to follow

To Follow Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide (totals from two visits)  Mallard, Teal, 9 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 42 Lapwing, 25 Curlew, 15 Blk T Godwits, 6 Ruff, 4 Avocet, 3 Green Sands, 2 Common Sands, 2 Greenshank, 1 LRP, 15 Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cattle Egret, 3 Lt. Grebe (2 chicks), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, Reed & Sedge Warbler, lots of  Swallows  with a few Sand & House Martin, RJ/IM/JS/DW/JL/MR

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

07:02 1 Whinchat near wooden hide.

Richard Jeffree

14:09 Cattle Egret on the tern raft.

 

Tues 15th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

17:52 Scrape this afternoon, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common & 1 Green, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 16 Black-t Godwits, 4 Avocet, 5 Shoveler. 2 Whinchat by the wooden hide, 3 Whimbrel on the Golf Course and Marsh Harrier on the way back.

 

Mon 14th Aug 23

At first glance the Dell was very quiet this morning but when PL returned to his car he noted some movement in one of the elders which turned out to be a cracking Garden Warbler. While watching this bird we also noted Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Robin, House Sparrow and Blackbird all in the same elder.

From the hide: Mallard, 28+ Teal, 9 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 25 Lapwing, 9 Blk T Godwit, 4 Common Sands, 4 Avocet, 3 Green Sands, 3 Ruff, 1 LRP, 1 Bar T Godwit, 86 Blk H Gulls, 13 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 GBB, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Lt. Grebe, Swallows & a couple of Sand Martin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv). PRD/PL/MR 

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:57 Frinton to French point along seawall.  Gc - Hobby, Whimbrel, juv Cuckoo, 2 Whinchat (just south of beach huts), 4 Curlew on cut field on marsh, Wheatear sea wall, southbound 52 Oyk, 4 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Swift, 8 Sand Martin, c49 Swallow plus a few Sandwich and Common Terns offshore.

 

Sun 13th Aug 23

Quieter around the site this morning, just a few Whitethroats young Robins and Blue Tits for me before heading to the hide for a year tick Wood Sandpiper.

From the hide: Mallard, c20 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 41 Lapwing, 12 Blk T Godwits, 4 Avocet, 4 Ruff, 3 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 1 Wood Sand, 1 LRP, c30 Blk H Gulls, 4 LBB's, 3 Lt. Grebe (2 chicks), 1 Marsh Harrier (juv), 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sand Martin, plus a few Swifts and Swallows. PL/RJ/MR  

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

08:23 Wood Sand scrape elusive.

Steve Grimwade

16:09 Wood Sand still on scrape plus 4 Ruff, LRP, Common Sand, 3 Marsh Harrier (2 juv and ad female) and Wheatear on Greensward.

17:39 2 Greenshank on scrape plus 25+ Med Gulls dropped in after following plough. Now 2 LRP and 2 Common Sand, Whimbrel and total of 5 Marsh Harrier.

 

Sat 12th Aug 23

Reports from today;

Pete Loud

13:29 Sea-watch for an hour from 6:45 AM. just a few Common and Sandwich Terns offshore, no real movement. Singles of Grey Plover, Whimbrel & Blackwit, plus a Gt C. Grebe. Bushes less than yesterday, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Lesser & 4 Whitethroat. Scrape very busy with 5 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 1 LRP, 14 Blackwits including 3 Juveniles, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 4 Avocet, 30 Teal & 4 Shoveler. 1 Marsh Harrier. Still a few Sand Martin passing through.

 

Fri 11th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Graham Sutton

07:57 0550-0750 HH shelter (all south unless stated):

Shoveler 6, Teal 1, Pochard 2, C Scoter 4N, RT Diver 2S, Marsh Harrier 1 f type low out to sea continued SE until lost to view, Grey plover 14, Blackwit 3, Oystercatcher 9,12 Barwits S, Common Tern 85 (4N), Sandwich Tern 170 , Terns streaming S when I got there, so probably missed a few…Swallow 40. Hedge cutting also in full swing at 0550 so view much improved.

Pete Loud

10:35: Wood Warbler showing in hedge bordering sewage farm just to right of the gate.

14:29 Seawatch from 7:45 - 8:30. 4 Gannet, 25 Common Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Redshank, 11 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Common Scoter. Still a few warblers round the bushes, but less than of late. 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler. Wood Warbler showed really well to RJ,DC & myself for 2-3 minutes but then lost and couldn’t relocate. Scrape, 3 Ruff, 3 Common Sand, 1 LRP, 7 Blackwit, 5 Avocet, 5 Shoveler, few Swift going through plus 4 Sand Martin & 2 House Martin.

Mike O'Hanlon

15:36 Common Sandpiper drifted southwards and on to the shore at French Point

16:29 Large numbers of swallows (2-300) gathering on wires and willows to the south of wooden platform. Steady flow of Swifts moving south from GC across HH.

 

Thurs 10th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

15:32 Haven today, much the same as in recent days lots of common warblers at the dell. Scrape quite with just 12 Blackwit, 4 Avo, 40 Lapwing, 1 each of LRP + Common Sand and a brief fly through of 2 Dunlin. 2 juv Sparrowhawks also flew around the site, no sign today of any Whinchat or Wheatear.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Wed 9th Aug 23

Lots of birds around today, the Dell was very busy with all the expected warblers in good numbers, Willow Warblers in the approach road wood for PL and the Dipping Pond area, more calling from the Feeding Stn. A Turnstone was on the Boating Club rocks.

From the hide: Mallard, 14 Teal, 41 Lapwing, 5 Avocet, 4 Blk T Godwits, 2 Common Sands, 1 LRP, c50 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Lt. Grebe (2 chicks), Swallows & Swifts. PL/RJ/DW/MR.

While chatting to Simon & Pat who were ringing in the reedbed a Hobby gave a great display over the marsh, and on my way back a Whinchat was in the Moth Sanctuary.

 

Tues 8th Aug 23

Still quite a few Willow Warblers around today along with Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat & Blackcaps plus 2+ juv Reed Warblers at the Dipping Pond.

From the hide: Mallard, 28 Teal, 25 Lapwing, 6 Blk T Godwits, 2 Common Sands, 1 LRP (juv), 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Cormorant, 3 Lt Grebe (2 chicks), c60 Blk H Gulls, 7 Med Gulls, 1 LBB, 2 Buzzard (1 juv), 2 Kestrel. PRD/PNt/BH/MR.

 

 

Mon 7th Aug 23

Lots of Willow Warblers and Lesser Whitethroats around the Dell and Dipping Pond this morning plus family groups of Blue and Great Tits, Whitethroat and Blackcaps. 4 Buzzards were over the approach road marsh and a Sparrowhawk flew along the back hedge with what looked like a frog or toad in its talons. DC/MR

From the hide: lots of Mallard, 17 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 36 Lapwing, 9 Blk T Godwits, 4 Avocet, 2 Common Sands, 1 Dunlin, c70 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 LBB, 2 Cormorant, 3 Lt. Grebe (ad + 2 chicks), 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel. PRD/DC/MR

 

 

Sun 6th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

09:25 Juv. LRP at back of scrape.

Pete Loud

16:12 Seawatch from the shelter early morning still plenty of Terns, 40+ Common, 30+ Sandwich, 1 Gannet, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 20 Dunlin. Scrape hide, 1 LRP juv., 1 Green, 4 Common Sand, 2 Avocet, 3 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 4 Blackwit, 1 Med Gull, Marsh Harrier and Hobby. Early PM from the cafe, Wheatear on the beach Ringed Plover south and still a few Common & Sandwich Terns offshore.

Matt Lonsdale

18:33 Additions from me. 15 Willow Warbler in bushes, Golden Plover S, 7 Swift S, Greenshank S and Turnstone N.

20:09 S E Owl next to wooden hide.

20:58 In addition to the Short Eared Owl, female Marsh Harrier over marsh, also Wheatear by seawatching hide, 4 Willow Warbler by main hide, 2 Swift and 2 Sand Martin. 

On scrape- at least 4 Common Sand, 2 Green Sand, 2 Dunlin.

 

Sat 5th Aug 23

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

07:40 Pied Flycatcher along hedge by brook on way to hide.

12:36 Difficult dodging between heavy showers, but before the rain kicked in a large mixed flock along the brook was very productive. Plenty of Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits with 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 12 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, Blackcap and Pied Flycatcher. 1 Turnstone in with 5 Ringed Plover past the Sluice. Scrape, 5 Common Sand, 2 Dunlin, 14 Blackwit, 2 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 30 Lapwing, 5 Shoveler, 12 Teal and juvenile Med Gull.

19:17 Seawatch from shelter 4PM- 5.30. Nortbound 60+Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern, 1 Probable Juvenile Arctic Tern, 7 Common Scoter. Southbound, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Fulmar and 3 Grey Plover. Lots of Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warblers in the bushes this evening.(ML,RJ,PL)

Paul Brayshaw

15:18 Black Tern v close north off northern pillbox.

15:38 Terns now steaming through incl on landward side of sea wall.  All 2 fulmar, 12 kitts and Arctic skua since the rain eased - no bins required! (But really am very soaked!).

16:26 Haven area totals 58 sandwich, 216 common, 2 little and black tern, 3 fulmar, 19 kittiwake, 6 gannet, Arctic skua and sanderling north plus a wheatear trying to stay dry near the raised tee.

Fri 4th Aug 23

A lot more birds around the Dell this morning with 5+ Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler & Blackcap all noted. A Cuckoo was seen over the mounds.

From the hide: Lots of Mallard, 3 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 28 Lapwing, 10 Blk T Godwit, 5 Common Sands, 1 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 60+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 LBB, 4 Lt Grebe (2 ad 2 chicks), 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron. PRD/RJ/DC/MR et.al.

A walk to the golf course dump added 3 Whinchat, Skylark and Linnets plus a few Hirundines DC/RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

17:32 Lots of warblers in the Dell this evening including 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 6 Lesser, 4 Common Whitethroat and 7 Blackcaps so far.

 

Thurs 3rd Aug 23

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

09:19 2 juv whinchat, boardwalk

09:28 Juv stonechat and wheatear between raised tee and pillbox

19:03 Frinton to Haven and back this morning: 2 whinchat, 1 stonechat, 1 wheatear, 1 grey wag (south), 6 whitethroat, 5 willow warbler, 4 lesser whitethroat, 1 chiff, 2 blackcap, 5 swift (south), 5 common sand (3 French Point, 2 scrape), 7 black-tailed godwit, 1 dunlin, 1 green sandpiper, 1 avocet, 1 snipe, 3 little grebe (pair + juv), 3 Cetti’s singing, 45+ swallow, 8 sand martin, 12 curlew, 5 whimbrel, 2 green woodpecker, 8 house martin, 11 linnet, 1 little egret (south), 7 pied wag

Photo Brian Combes©

Richard Jeffree

12:45 Haven this morning 9 -12.30 from the hide 2 dunlin, 1 green sand, 4 common, 10 blackwit, 1 avo, 1 curlew, 1 snipe, 1 med gull, 4 little grebe ( 2 chicks), along track between marsh and seawall, 2 wheatear, 2 stonechat, and a minimum of 3 whinchat.

Paul Brayshaw

19:01 Frinton to French point and back along seawall. 2 whinchat and stonechat present, 4 common sand and a whimbrel on beach. Steady southbound swallow passage with a couple of swifts

 

Wed 2nd Aug 23

Another windy day with intermittent rain showers.

From the hide: Lots of Mallard, 11 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 22 Lapwing, 12 Blk T Godwits, 4 Common Sands, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 1 Green Sand, 1 Curlew, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Cormorants, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Lt. Grebe ( 2 adults & 2 Chicks on the pond, they have finally succeeded), 30+ Blk. H gulls, 4 LBB's, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Common Tern ( 1ad, 1 Juv.). RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

18:41 Sea-watch from sailing club, 3:30 - 5:15 went very quiet after 5pm. 80 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, (all adults), 12 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 drake Common Scoter. Scrape, 3 Common Sand, 4 Blackwit , 6 Sand Martin.(RJ,PL).

   

 

Tues 1st Aug 23

From the hide this morning, 1 Canada Goose, lots of Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 15 Lapwing, 10 Blk. T godwits, 2+ Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, 1 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Lt Grebe, large mixed gull flock. PRD/MR

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

15:01 Early pm visit today. The pair of Little Grebe have managed to raise 1 chick at the second attempt, on and off the parents back every time the other brings a morsel of food. Great fun to watch from the comfort of the hide. Scrape, 1 juv Little Ringed Plover, 1 juv Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 11 Black-t Godwit, 10 Lapwing, few Swift moving and 4 Mediterranean Gull. A juv Stonechat was along the edge of the Golf Course, not bred here as no adults have been present all summer. 1 Wheatear along seawall.

Paul Brayshaw

18:51 Frinton to gc dump along seawall. 2 whinchat south of raised tee, 25 linnet. beach - whimbrel, common sand and wheatear. 60+ swallow, 35+ house martin, 20+ sand martin, 50+ swift feeding on major insect hatch  hobby over gc. Lots of Odonata sp.  Offshore southbound 12 common tern and 4 whimbrel

Matt Lonsdale

22:11 Holland haven tonight- 91 oystercatcher south(36+9+1+16+7+19+3) and c200 swallow roosted. 5 med gull and adult YL gull offshore in huge movement of gulls. 4 common sands on french point. 

On scrape- Snipe, green sand, 3 common sand and 10 blackwit.