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.