Sat 4th May 24

No reports received so far.

 

Fri 3rd May 24

A very wet morning meant a short visit to the hide, sadly no sign of yesterdays Citrine Wagtail. The rain however did mean a few waders were dropping in with 2 Bar T Godwits and a Grey Plover early on and 4 Grey Plover, 6 Dunlin and a Whimbrel during the morning. A Kingfisher was also a nice addition. One brave soul who braved the rain was rewarded with 1 Purple Sand and a Turnstone along the front. Otherwise much the same numbers around the scrape. ML/RJ/DC/MR et.al.

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

08:08 2 Barwit, 1 Grey Plover landed briefly then chased off by lapwing

Matt Lonsdale

10:57 2 Sandwich Tern just circled flood from hide. 4 Grey Plover in/out + 6 Dunlin and brief Blue-headed type wagtail.

12:15 The G W Egret in ditch right of hide and additional 2 Sandwich Terns best from hide. Little around the bushes but rain still heavy.

 

Thurs 2nd May 24

Everything took a back seat after Richard and I found a Citrine Wagtail at the back of the flood this morning, a steady flow of admirers kept us busy and there was lots of chat with people not seen for a while. Pied Wag, White Wag and Yellow Wag were also noted, the Gt. White Egret had a few flights over the scrape, the Spotted Redshank also put in an appearance otherwise much the same. Will it still be there in the morning?

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:39 Citrine Wagtail flood HH

13:03 Whimbrel flock on French pt

Brian Combes

13:34 Common Sand on sea defences by northernmost pillbox.

18:15 Haven this afternoon: Citrine Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 1 Great White Egret (last seen heading north), 2 Purple Sand, 38 Whimbrel, 1 Chinese Water Deer, 1 Common Sand, 2 Turnstone

Matt Lonsdale

15:20 Citrine wag still present 15:15. Currently out of view

16:19 Calcarata Citrine Wagtail still on flood. + female channel wagtail, white wagtail and 2 coot.

 

Wed 1st May 24

From the hide: 7 Canada Geese (plus 5 goslings), 1 Greylag, 1 Hybrid, 10 Mallard (plus 3 broods of ducklings), 2 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 16 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew (over), 1 Coot, 8 Blk H Gulls, 5 LBB, 4 Herring Gulls, 4 Cormorant, 1 Gt W Egret, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 6+ Swallows, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, plus 2 Chinese Water Deer. RJ/MO'H/MR

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:12 GWE from hide

Mike O'Hanlon

13:12 Two Whimbrels on the rocks 100 yds. north of 3rd pillbox and 2 Purple Sands 30 yds. south of 3rd. Pillbox.

13:26 36 Whimbrel on end of French Point.

Liz Huxley

17:08 52 Whimbrel on the golf course, also 2 Corn Bunting, 4 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge, 1 Cetti's.

 

Tues 30th April 24

Much the same around the bushes today, plus 2 Mute Swans on the brook behind the sluice

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese (only 5 goslings with the island pair ), 10 Mallard, 6 Teal 6 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 10 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Coot, 6 Cormorant, Blk Headed & Herring gulls, 2 LBB, c10 Swallow, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Whitethroat.

Reports from today

Peter Newton

12:37 Great Egret from viewing platform now.

The first ringing session took place along the back hedge this morning (see Ringing page).

At the end of April the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 132.

 

Mon 29th April 24

A lovely morning for a walk around the site, a lot more Whitethroats in song this morning plus Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Chaffinch. Avocet number were up to 12 and the Canada Geese nesting on the island have 6 goslings.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, c20 Teal, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 12 Avocet, 7 Whimbrel, 6 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Coot, Blk H Gull, Herring Gull, LBB, 3 Med Gulls (over), 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Cetti's Warbler (displaying), Reed Bunting, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, 10+ Swallows, 1 Barn Owl.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

14:29 Got dropped off at Frinton end today and had a delightful walk down to the Haven in the sunshine.So good to get out on a decent weather day. 40 Whimbrel on the Golf Course, Plenty of Swallows. Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler seen. From the Pillbox 1 Common Sand on the Scrape,1 Spotted Redshank and 3 Dunlin on flood, plus Coot and Little Egret.Thanks to Mick for the lift home.

 

Sun 28th April 24

Just a short visit to the hide this morning, sadly all the Avocet nests out on the flood were predated over Friday night and just 7 Avo's remained on site today, hopefully if the water level on the scrape drops in the near future they may try again around the island.

From the hide: 7 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Hybrid, 11 Teal, 10 Mallard, 7 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 6 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Coot, 14 Whimbrel, 7 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 26 Blk H Gulls, 9 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB, 15+ Swallows, 1 Swift, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnets, Yellow, Pied & White Wagtails. RJ/MR.

 

Sat 27th April 24

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:40 Interesting Wheatear along seawall Opp GC dump.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Pete Loud

15:34 3 Fulmar north in last half hour from Cafe, 1 Swallow , 2 Wheatear on beach, 1 Gannet north. PL,PD,PN,IM.

Paul Brayshaw

19:15 Seawall run Frinton to southern end gc and back.  52 Whimbrel, 2 Bar T Godwit (one a lovely sp male), 2 mer on gc, 3 Wheatear incl RJs bird, offshore/overhead Fulmar and 4 Sandwich Tern north.

 

Fri 26th April 24

A really pleasant walk around the site this morning, The first Reed Warbler for us was heard only over the road, Cetti's Warblers all over, a few more Whitethroats in although still more Lesser Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps (more females today), Willow Warbler, also more Swallows around. A flock of 21 Whimbrel were on French Point with two Oystercatcher and 4 Sedge Warblers were seen around the marsh along with Reed Bunting, Linnet, & Mippits.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, c30 Teal, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 30 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Coot, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 kestrel. RJ/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

18:15 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning included: 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Wheatear, 1 Fulmar (south), 2 Dunlin, 12 Swallow, 5 Chiff (singing), 11 Cetti’s (singing), 3 Oystercatcher (north), 9 Sedge Warbler (singing), 23+ Mediterranean Gull (16 on golf course first thing and later 23 south in small groups), 33 Linnet (still a flock of 25 by farm), 4 Reed Bunting (singing), 46 Whimbrel (44 on golf course first thing, 2 north), 2 Reed Warbler (singing, heard only), 5 Goldfinch (north), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 39 Avocet (2 north), 4 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 31 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret (1 north), 9 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Blackcap (singing), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Willow Warbler (singing), 1 Chinese Water Deer, 1 Buzzard, 6 Hare (between footpath and bridleway). 25 species in song.

 

Thurs 25th April 24

Cold and windy first thing but warmed up a bit later in the morning.

From the hide: 10 Canada Geese, 1 Hybrid Goose, 40 Teal, 14 Mallard (+ ducklings), 8 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 33  Avocet, 9 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Coot, 8 Cormorant, c20 Blk H Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 LBB, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swallows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Linnet.

A walk along the front added a few more Mippits, Reed Bunting and Linnet with Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff between the hide and the sluice and Cetti's Warbler, Whitethroat on the mounds RJ/MR

 

Wed 24th April 24

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 23rd April 24

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 1 Hybrid Goose, 50 Teal, 12 Mallard,  8 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 34 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 30 Herring Gull, 22 Blk H Gull, 2 LBB, 1 GBB, 1 Coot, 9 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler. MO'H/MR

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

  

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

07:39 Haven seawall Frinton to raised tee - 3 Wheatear, on gc - 14 Whimbrel, 12 Med Gull.

Graham Sutton

08:10 HH - Hobby in off

 

Mon 22nd April 24

Just a quick walk to the hide this morning showed a lot more butterflies on the wing mostly Orange Tip & Green-veined Whites. Several singing Blackcaps, Chiffs, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroats around and the Willow Warbler was still singing in the hide bushes, a Cuckoo was heard behind the golf course but not seen. 

From the hide:  4 Canada Geese, c50 Teal, 10 Mallard, 10 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 30 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 14 Blk. H Gulls, 7 Herring, 2 LBB, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, 2 Swallow. MR

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

14:57 Late lunch seawall run Frinton to French point.  Flock of 18 Linnet and a Wheatear on seawall, single Purple Sand on rocks just south of raised tee and a Swift (my first) north.  4 Whimbrel on gc. Nothing at all singing!

 

Sun 21st April 24

Another very windy and chilly morning with things much the same around the site.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Hybrid Goose, 50+ Teal, 12 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 30+ Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sand, 7 Cormorant, 1 Coot, 3 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard. Plus 1 Water Vole, 1 Muntjac, 1 Chinese Water Deer. RJ/MR.

 

Sat 20th April 24

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

11:03 13 Whimbrel on golf course, 3/4 Corn Buntings singing at the farm + Yellow Wag over. Coot still on scrape, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 10+ Sedgies across the site and few Swallows

Mike O'Hanlon

12:59 5 Whimbrel in off, just managed to land at Haven end of Golf Course.

 

Fri 19th April 24

A late start for me again today, so I wandered to the hide and joined Richard & Mike, the Dunlin & Sanderling had moved on but thankfully the Coot (a Haven year tick for me) was still around.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Hybrid Goose, 40+ Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 23 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin (dropped in during one of the showers) 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Coot, 5 Cormorant (incl. the ringed bird), 15 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB, 4 Swallows, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting. On the way back Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Blackcap were all singing between the hide and the cars and a Swallow was on the wires behind the sluice. RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:24 Coot on the scrape. 

Richard Jeffree

10:28 16+ Dunlin +1 Sanderling on flood right of hide.

 

Thurs 18th April 24

A lovely morning for a walk around the bushes, Cetti's Warblers seem to be everywhere, lots of Lesser Whitethroats around, 2 Willow Warbler at the top of the carpark and several Whitethroat on the mounds. A Swallow was on the wires at the back of the sluice and 6 Turnstone on the sluice it's self.

Richard had earlier had the 2 Egyptian Geese over the road and a close encounter with one of the Lesser Whitethroats in the Dell

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 1 Hybrid Goose, 34 Teal,  c20 Shoveler, 10 Mallard (+ducklings), 8 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 23 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Water Pipit (briefly), 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

14:36 Lovely male White Wagtail at the manure heap.

 

Wed 17th April 24

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:29 Red Kite from the hide 2 Egyptian Geese over road.

10:30 2 Kites.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:58 Lesser Whitethroat in the bushes from the sluice to HH hide.

11:34 Lesser Whitethroat by Hide and House Martin over scrape.

14:31 Quite a few Yellow Wags around HH this morning. A group of 7 flew across marshes. Also had 3 Sedges on way to raised tee with RJ.

 

Tues 16th April 24

A late start and a very windy morning had me heading to the hide, it turned out to be a good move as on arrival an Egyptian Goose (NFY) was on the end of the island. It just gave me time to get my phone set up before everything was flushed and it flew dropping onto the marsh below the Raised Platform and was lost to view.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Hybrid Goose, 50 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 13 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 16 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Blk T Godwit, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB, 5 Cormorant (inc the colour ringed bird), Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Chiffchaff.

A Lesser Whitethroat was singing opposite the wind pump, 4 Cormorant and 2 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks, a Whitethroat and a Cetti's Warbler were singing on the mounds.

 

Mon 15th April 24

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 14th April 24

Lots of birdsong around the site this morning, Blackcap, Chiffchaff & Cetti's Warbler around the approach road and Dell, more of the same plus 2 Willow Warbler and the first Lesser Whitethroat of the year in the carpark bushes, Whitethroats on the mounds and another Lesser Whitethroat singing behind the sewage works, with a third Willow Warbler singing in the hide bushes.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 54 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 12 Mallard, 10 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 30 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Swallow, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet. Plus 1 Chinese Water Deer.

 

Sat 13th April 24

Another lovely morning, with lots of song around the site but nothing new for me.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (2 nesting pairs), 1 Greylag, c50 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 26 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 12 Herring Gulls, 4 LBB, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Meadow Pipit, 4 reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wag, 1 White Wag. PNt/MR.

4 Turnstone and 3 Purple Sands were around the sluice and a couple of Whitethroats on the mounds.

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

10:07 Seawall dog jog Frinton end to French point and back. Female Wheatear, 4 Swallow and 18 Linnet south, single Reed and Sedge Warbler singing between gc dump and southern end gc.

 

Fri 12th April 24

Reports from today:

Dave Cummings

12:43 Cracking male Wheatear on sea wall by French point.

 

Thurs 11th April 24

At last a warmish morning with a gentle breeze, heaven at the Haven. 

Not much change though still lots of Chiffs and Blackcaps, 20+ very noisy Med Gulls over the carpark, the Whitethroat on the mounds is wasting no time, diving into the bramble with nesting material and a new in Willow Warbler was very vocal between the hide and the windpump but couldn't be located. Also this morning a Speckled Wood butterfly, first of the year.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 52 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 8 Mallard (+ ducklings), 6 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 18 Avocet, 7 Curlew, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 21 Herring Gulls, 20 Blk H Gulls, 4 Med Gulls, 2 LBB, 3 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler (Heard only).  RJ/MR

 

 

Wed 10th April 24

Reports from today:

A few Blackcap and Chiffs were singing along the approach road as was a Cetti's Warbler, 6+ Blackbirds were around the Dell along with a Green Woodpecker and a Whitethroat (NFY) was on the mounds.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (2 pairs nesting), 1 Greylag (+1 Hybrid), 28 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 8 Mallard + ducklings, 8 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 1 Hybrid Duck (Mallard/Pintail?), 5 Cormorant,  16 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 7 Curlew, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 80 Blk H Gulls, 58 Herring Gulls, 8 Common Gulls, 5+ Med Gulls, 2 LBB, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Swallow. RJ/BH/MR

A walk to Frinton in hope of seeing the Ring Ouzel was unsuccessful but 5 Swallows were hanging around French Point and 8 Turnstone and 3 Purple Sands were on the rocks south of the point. RJ/MR 

Paul Brayshaw

07:28 Male Ring Ouzel g c viewed from seawall just in haven area.  Feeding on ground occasionally and returning to the area highlighted. Also 104+ Med, 2 Yellow Wag, 1 Sedge, 2 Whimbrel and R N Parakeet north.

 

Tues 9th April 24

No reports received so far.

 

Mon 8th April 24

A new bird for the site year list for Liz Huxley this morning with a Sedge Warbler along the front..

20+ Med Gulls were on the arable from the chippings lay-by first thing, several Blackcap and Chiffchaff along the approach road.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 52 Teal, 20 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 10 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 46 Blk. H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 3 Cormorant (1 colour ringed), 1 Swallow, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler. LH/DC/MR.

Reports from today

Liz Huxley

09:51 My first Sedge Warbler of the year singing by the golf course.

11:42 2 Wheatear near moth enclosure.

Dennis Pryor

11:27 Swallow farm paddocks

 

Sun 7th April 24

Two year ticks for me and one for the site this morning with a Wheatear alongside the TDC compound and a pair of Sand Martins over the pond to the right of the hide.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 42 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 7 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 1 Mallard ( with the first family of ducklings on the scrape), 6 Cormorant (1 colour ringed), 11 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, Curlew, 24 Blk H Gulls, 24 Hering Gulls, 6 Med Gulls 6 GBB, 1 LBB, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Linnet, Reed Bunting, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MR

 

 

Sat 6th April 24

It was very nice at the Haven this morning when you kept out of the wind, so good to hear so much bird song around the bushes, male and female Blackcaps and several Chiffs along the approach road and more of the same around the carpark bushes plus the nice surprise of a Siskin on the feeders. RJ/MR

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 5th April 24

Reports from today

Paul Brayshaw

15:36 Late lunch seawall run Frinton to mast and back. Several med to-Ing and fro-ing, Sedge Warbler singing just south of Frinton beach huts and a cracking male Yellow Wag on the gc on the way back.  Lovely to year tick PRD who had had a White Wag on the flood to the right of the hide.

 

Thurs 4th April 24

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

11:35 Red Kite behind scrape.

14:36 Haven this am: Canada G 3, Shelduck 21, Mallard 11, Wigeon 4, Gadwall pair, Teal 65, single Buzzard, Red Kite, Peregrine & Kestrel, Avocet 22, Lapwing 4, Redshank 2, Snipe 1 (flushed from pool inside seawall), Oystercatcher 3 (1 scrape, pair golf-c), Med Gull 3 (subadult scrape, ad pair g-c), B-h Gull 250+ (of which c200 g-c), Common Gull 1, H Gull 90+, LBBG 2, Cetti’s W at least 4 singing, Blackcap 1 (approach road), 3 Mipits but no Water Pipit seen, Curlew 15.

 

Wed 3rd April 24

Reports from today

Brian Combes

06:47 Black Redstart by manure heap on bridleway in eastern face of hedge, though elusive and distant

17:48 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning: 1 Black Redstart, 9 Chiff (6 singing), 4 Blackcap (singing), 3 Corn Bunting (singing, 1 east and 1 south of paddocks, 1 east of manure heap on bridleway), 2 Greenfinch (1 singing), 10 Mediterranean Gull (all adults, golf course first thing), 250+ Black headed Gull (golf course first thing), 7 Cetti’s (singing), 25 Linnet (10 along seawall, 15 farm), 3 Oystercatcher, 14 Curlew, 2 Reed Bunting (1 singing), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 9 Avocet, 22 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 55 Teal, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chinese Muntjac, 19 species in song despite the weather.

Richard Jeffree

09:08 No sign of Black Red 11.15 - 12.30 Water Pipit still present.

Photo (record shot) Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 2nd April 24

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

14:37 Water Pipit still at manure heap on bridle path between farm and GC.

 

Mon 1st April 24

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:41 Swallow north past the hide.

18:56 Male Ring Ouzel below seawall opp..bluethroat trail

Matt Lonsdale

12:25 Single Willow Warbler around hide bushes, 6 Blackcap and 10+ Chiff around rest of bushes this morning.

 

Sun 31st March 24

Reports from today:

Matt Lonsdale

08:46 Flying visit this morning - 2 Blackcap (1 app road, 1 car park bushes). Few Chiffs. Grey Wag sewage works, few Siskin over and nothing of note on scrape.

At the end of March the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 111.

 

Sat 30th March 24

Reports from today:

Paul Brayshaw

13:23 Distant Red Kite towards Sladburys from pillbox above scrape.  Also 16+ Buzzard and Peregrine.

13:40 Scrape and flood - 4 Oyk, 2 Redshank, 18 Avo, 39 Curlew, 22 Shoveler, 4 Kestrel, Little Egret plus the usuals, 6 Hare and a Muntjac.

13:42 Plus 2 Med Gulls.

 

Fri 29th March 24

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

16:19 Water Pipit briefly nr. manure heap bridle path.

 

Thurs 28th March 24

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

12:05 Quite over the Haven this morning, just 10 Avocet, 24 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 60 Teal,  Cetti's Warbler 2 Chinese Water Deer, Wigeon practically gone now with just a few remaining behind raised platform only migrants noted were Chiffchaff along approach rd.

 

Wed 27th March 24

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 26th March 24

No reports received so far.

 

Mon 25th March 24

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 24th March 24

Richard Jeffree

09:06 Red Kite again over carpark.

10:13 Female Wheatear still NR GC dump.

Matt Lonsdale

14:56 2 male Wheatear around dung heap on farm track.

Mike O'Hanlon

16:24 Female Wheatear still at GC dump.

Max Martin

17:14 Little Owl flushed from tree as you enter golf course from path that runs down from Farm

 

Sat 23rd March 24

Reports from today

Paul Brayshaw

10:34 Seawall run Frinton - mast and back.  Two Purps on French point, female Wheatear on sea wall rocks opposite gc dump.

 

Fri 22nd March 24

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:34 Coot over road on brook

13:11 6 Purps on rocks opposite GC dump drake Common Scoter and 8 Okys south all the usuals on scrape and a few chiffs around site.

17:41 S E Owl hunting southern edge of GC

17:42 Barn Owl also NR pillbox.

 

Thurs 21st March 24

A good morning walk for Brian with two site year ticks on his way through the site today.

Just a couple of R T Divers left offshore by the time we got over this morning, but 9+ Golden Plover heading south was nice.RJ/MR

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, c 80 Wigeon, 30 Shoveler, 18 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 33 Curlew, 28 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sand, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 60+ Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 3 Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Water Vole. RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

08:15 Firecrest in trees south of 5 bar gate.

09:47 2 Red Kites drifting north towards Frinton.

09:52 3 Now circling above fields south of Frinton still drifting north.

10:40 Another Red Kite over Haven drifting north.

11:43 Snow Bunting on arable with Skylarks SW of 90 degree bend half way down bridleway.

17:23 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Snow Bunting (bit unexpected - lovely), 1 Firecrest (male), 4 Red Kite (3 together and single, all coming in low over The Haven and climbing to drift off high to the north), 158 Red-throated Diver (121 on a dead flat sea early morning, counted from French Point, and 37 north), 3 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Siskin (over), 9 Chiff (6 singing), 2 Corn Bunting (1 heard from seawall singing from arable west of footpath), 80+ Black-headed Gull (golf course first thing), 6 Mediterranean Gull (all adults), 11 Cetti’s (singing), 12 Starling (north), 8 Reed Bunting (3 singing), 22 Linnet, 8 Mipit (3 singing), 124 Teal, 47 Wigeon, 25 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 6 Buzzard (3 drifting north), 8 Goldfinch, 17 Avocet, 11 Turnstone, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Canada Goose (north), 2 Goldcrest, 4 Hare, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chinese Muntjac. (14 species in song).

 

Wed 20th March 24

A late start for me today but what a lovely morning it was, 12 Turnstone were on the sluice and adjacent seawall and 2 R T Divers headed south as I made my way to the hide.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, c80 Wigeon, 41 Shoveler, 28 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 34 Curlew, 21 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 green Sandpiper, 106 Blk H Gulls, 5 Med Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, 4 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, plus 1 Water Vole & 1 Chinese Water Deer. RJ/ML/MR

Reports from today

Paul Brayshaw

07:24 Frinton beach huts to southern end of gc along seawall in the drizzle.  Gc -140 bhg, 4 med, 2 oyk, 60 starling, 8 linnet.  Seawall rocks- 2 purple sand and a turnstone. Offshore c25 rtd, single gannet and fulmar south.

Richard Jeffree

10:49 Jack.Snipe again usual spot Little Egret on flood.

 

Tues 19th March 24

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, c100 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 45 Shoveler, 27 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 40 Curlew, 18 Avocet, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 106 Blk. H Gulls, 20+ Herring Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Red Kite, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Pied Wags, plus 1 Water Vole.

 

Mon 18th March 24

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

13:05 Chiffchaff on the approach road.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

13:40 5 Purps still around French Point.

 

Sun 17th March 24

A very wet morning as it turned out and things were much the same again today.

From the hide: 21 Greylags (on the arable), c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 60 + Shoveler, 22 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 30+ Curlew, 23 Avocet, 8 Snipe, 1 Blkwit, 1 Green Sand, 1 Grey Heron, 40+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 GBB, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Plus 1 Water Vole and 1 Chinese Water Deer. RJ/MR

 

Sat 16th March 24

Matt had a walk down from the farm this morning and picked up two site year ticks whilst there with a Brambling and a Yellowhammer.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 34 Shoveler, 19 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 29 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 4 Blkwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Water Vole, PNt/RJ/ML/MR.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 15th March 24

Highlight of the morning was a Red Kite that came in from the west and gave a nice close pass over the carpark first thing, 3 Purple Sand were on the sluice rocks and a Turnstone on the sluice, on the return from the hide Purps were up to six.

From the hide: c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 37 Shoveler, 18 Shelduck, 6 Mallard,8 Lapwing, 7 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Green Sandpiper, c80 Blk H Gulls, 1 GBB, 1 Com Gull, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR.

 

Thurs 14th March 24

A Chiffchaff and a Song Thrush were singing along the Approach Rd. but otherwise quiet, Richard had 3 Siskin over the sluice on the way to the hide.

From the hide: c200 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 36 Shoveler, 11 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 28 Curlew, 15 Lapwing, 6 Blk T Godwit, 4 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sand, 1 Redshank, 165 Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Common Gull, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, plus 1 Muntjac Deer and 2 Water Voles. PL/RJ/MR 

Reports from today:

Brian Combes

17:06 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm (across a very damp golf course) this morning included: 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Chiff (singing, 1 by hide, 1 approach road), 1 Corn Bunting (1 heard singing distantly from arable west of bridleway) 100+ Black-headed Gull (golf course first thing), 1 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult with black-headed gulls on golf course), 162 Brent (north first thing), 8 Cetti’s (singing), 2 Stonechat (2 singles), 24 Curlew, 100+ Starling (a few restless flocks), 11 Reed Bunting (3 singing and 4 with chaffinch flock), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 16 Linnet (10+ with chaffinch flock), 30+ Chaffinch (pumpkin field/paddocks), 12 Mipit (3 singing), 98 Teal, 177 wigeon, 45 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard (drifting north over golf course first thing), 9 Goldfinch, 4 Avocet, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Hare (3 in arable beyond scrape, 1 in arable by footpath), 2 Grey Heron (1 north), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chinese muntjac. (15 species in song)

 

Wed 13th March 24

The site year list hit the hundred mark this morning with a Ruff spending a few moments on the flood to the right of the hide and three Knot that had a fly around as we were leaving the hide and ended up landed on the French point rocks.

From the hide: 2 Greylag Geese, c100 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 44 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 6 Mallard,  31 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 9 Blk T Godwit, 8 Lapwing, 3 Knot, 2 Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, several Meadow Pipits and 1 Water Vole. RJ/MR  

 

Tues 12th March 24

From the hide: 37 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, c120 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 37 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, c30 Curlew, 18 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 40+ Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring, 1 LBB, 1 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, lots of corvids & Starling, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 L T Tit, 1 Chinese Water Deer, 1 Muntjac.

 

Mon 11th March 24

Reports from today

Simon Cox

17:10 This morning’s count (ducks scattered and mobile, hence totals approx) L Egret 2, Grey Heron 1, Canada Goose 18, Greylag 46, Shelduck 11, Wigeon 90, Teal 135, Mallard 10, Shoveler 32, Marsh Harrier 1, Kestrel 1, Moorhen 1, Lapwing 7, Avocet 14, Oystercatcher 4, Curlew 8, Brent 8 south, B-h Gull 100+, LBBG 1, H Gull 10.

 

Sun 10th March 24

No reports received so far.

 

Sat 9th March 24

No reports received so far.

 

Fri 8th March 24

Another day of sunshine with a cold easterly wind, the water level was still high on the scrape but the over wintering Jack Snipe showed for a short while to the delight of RJ. 

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, a few less Wigeon & Teal, 25+ Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 30+ Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 8 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Snipe, 1 Blkwit. (6 more dropped in after we left), 100+ Blk. H Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 1 Com Gull,  1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler. 

7 Purple Sands were dodging the waves south of French Point. RJ/MR et.al.

 

Thurs 7th March 24

Not quite spring out there today with a very chilly breeze coming in off the sea.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c100 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 2 Pintail (ducks), 15 Curlew, 10 Lapwing, 8 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 80+ Blk. H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrine (on arable), 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting. RJ/MR.

 

Wed 6th Mar 24

No reports received so far:

 

Tues 5th Mar 24

Just one R T Diver headed north offshore as I walked to French point this morning, no sign of the Purple sands but it was low water. Two Cetti's Warblers were interacting in the reedbed below the point, lots of wing and tail flicking and calling by one bird, not sure if this was courtship or just "get off my patch" but something I had not seen before.

From the hide: 12 Canada Geese, c100 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 50+ Shoveler, 16 Pintail, 9 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 30+ Curlew, 18 Lapwing, 6 Avocet, 5 Blkwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Jack Snipe, 70+ Blk. H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 2 more Cetti's Warblers.

On the walk back 7 Turnstone were on the beach north of the sluice.

 

 

Mon 4th Mar 24

A little bit of sun brought out my first Adder of the year on the mounds, a Cetti's Warbler was singing in the same area and a single Purple Sand was on the Boating Club rocks.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese (checking out the island), 100+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 70 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 35 Curlew, 18 Lapwing, 4 Blk. T Godwit, 1 Green Sand, 1 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 64 Blk H Gulls, 2 Com Gulls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Skylarks, 3 Linnet, 1 Kestrel. plus 1 Chinese Water deer.

 

Sun 3rd Mar 24

A much nicer day today and the walk to French point showed 12 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatcher and a single Purple Sandpiper on the point just after low water, Purple sand numbers were higher as the tide pushed in. plus 2 R T Divers offshore first thing (RJ).

From the hide: 3 Canada Geese, c200 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 86 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 35+ Curlew, 25 Lapwing, 10 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Green Sandpiper, 37 Blk. H Gulls, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, lots of corvids & Starling. RJ/MR et.al.

Reports from today:

Gloria

15:19 5 Purple Sandpiper, 13 Turnstone, 27 Curlew GC and Marsh Harrier. Thanks to the nice 2 gentleman who helped us find Purple Sands. 

"Your Welcome"

Richard Jeffree  

18:03 Finally Barn Owl this evening (site year tick for me).

 

Sat 2nd Mar 24

A Kittiwake on the scrape made the wet and windy walk to the hide worthwhile this morning, otherwise much the same as of late. Offshore was no better with just two R T Divers for Richard before I arrived.

From the hide: 13 Canada Geese, c100 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 40+ Shoveler, 10+ Pintail, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, 10 Lapwing, 6 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blkwits, c60 Blk. H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

10:19 Kittiwake on island on scrape.

16:54 9 each of Purple Sands + Turnstone south of French Pt and 20+ Curlew GC

 

Fri 1st Mar 24

Reports from today:

Richard Jeffree

14:41 Short visit this lunchtime after the rain to the hide: 1 drake Pintail, 8 Avocet, 3 Blackwit plus the usuals, also Peregrine up on the arable.

 

Thurs 29th Feb 24

Another Green Sandpiper was new this morning and a Water Vole put in a brief appearance when he realised a Moorhen was eating all his apple,  otherwise much the same.

From the hide: c150 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler, 12 Pintail, 10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, 19 Lapwing, 8 Blkwits, 7 Avocet, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher, 81 Blk H Gulls, 2 Com. Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Stonechat (pair), 6+ Brown Hare, 1 Water Vole. RJ/MR

Reports From today:

Brian Combes

Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning included: 6 Purple Sandpiper (French Point), 2 Corn Bunting (1 on arable, 1 singing NW of where footpath leaves the golf course), 150+ Black-headed Gull (golf course first thing), 6 Mediterranean Gull (4 adults with black-headed gulls on golf course and two with gulls over arable - one first-winter, one second-winter), 5 Cetti’s (singing), 4 Stonechat (pair and two females together by golf course dump), 75 Curlew (51 south first thing, 24 on fields), 1 Sparrowhawk (flew through passerine flock in pumpkin field, singled out a skylark and eventually caught it), 80+ Starling (golf course), 30+ Skylark (arable), 13 Reed Bunting (including 3 singing and 8 with skylarks north of golf course workshop), 2 Song Thrush (singing), 15+ Linnet (pumpkin field), 20+ Chaffinch (pumpkin field), 100+ Teal, 200+ Wigeon, 36 Shoveler, 5 Pintail, 4 Gadwall, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 4 Goldfinch, 8 Turnstone, 5 Avocet, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Chinese Muntjac, 2 Chinese water deer. (12 species in song).

At the end of February the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 98

 

Wed 28th Feb 24

Just a few slight adjustments today but otherwise much the same.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, 85 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 7+ Gadwall, 6 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 50+ Curlew, 25 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 82 Blk. H Gulls, 2 Com. Gulls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, lots of corvids and Starling.

6 Purple Sands were on French Point with a second pair of Oystercatchers and 2 Turnstone were on the beach north of the sluice RJ/MR

 

Tues 27th Feb 24

A short visit after lunch today found things a little different with 6 Blk. T Godwits, 5 Avocet and a Green Sandpiper on the scrape. 

From the hide: c200 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 80 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 35 Curlew, 34 Lapwing, 6 Blkwits, 5 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sandpiper, 91 Blk. H Gulls, 3 Com. Gulls, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard Only). plus 2 Chinese Water Deer. MR et.al.

6 Purple Sands and 2 Turnstone were around French Point.

 

Mon 26th Feb 24

From the hide: Wigeon, Teal, 63 Shoveler, 19 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shelduck, 32 Lapwing, c20 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 77 Blk. H Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, lots of Corvids and Starling. DC/MR

 

Sun 25th Feb 24

Very little change from yesterday.

From the hide: Lots of Wigeon and Teal, 40+ Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shelduck, 45 Lapwing, 11 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 85 Blk. H Gull, 2 Com. Gull, 2 Med Gull, 2 Buzzard, loads of corvid on the arable, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler (heard). RJ/MR/et.al.