Sun 13th Apr 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:46 Ring Ouzel, 2 Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap in the redstart hedge area at the farm c8am. Apologies earlier message didn’t send.

08:47 + At least 2 Corn Bunting singing.

Richard Jeffree

12:36 Much the same around site this morning with lots of Chiffchaff and Blackcap and a few Whitethroat from the hide 27 Avocet, 4 Blackwit, 4 Redshank 2 Oystercatcher+ 2 Little Egret

Simon Cox

13:16 Also 2 Med Gulls on scrape & 2 on sea, 4 Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk over ringing compound, male Y Wag on flood, Willow Warbler & Song Thrush both singing.

 

Sat 12th Apr 25

Lots of Blackcap, Chiffchaff & Cetti's Warblers singing this morning, my first Whitethroat of the year and a Wheatear on the front near the sailing club. plus 13 Curlew over the road. RJ/MR

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 24 Shelduck, 12 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 22 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 7 Blk T Godwits, 6 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail,1 Chiffchaff, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Red Kite RJ/SE/MR plus the first Orange Tip of the year along the approach road on the way off site.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:38 Eider N past French Point. 2 CR Med Gulls on golf course and increase in Sedge Warblers so far.

08:07 Willow Warbler singing 5 bar gate.

Richard Jeffree

09:04 Wheatear on fence behind dell

 

Fri 11th Apr 25

A Raven was a nice surprise for Richard, Mike and myself from the humpback bridge on the B1032 this morning, picked up by Matt shortly afterwards as a pair over the site and heading toward Gt. Holland.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, c20 Teal, 18 Shelduck, 7 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, c10 Lapwing, 9 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, Blk Headed & Herring Gulls, 12 Med Gulls, 1 GBB, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 8+ Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Water Rail PL/RJ/DC/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:30 1w Black Redstart between seawatching shelter and pillbox. So far on site 13 Blackcap, c30 Chiff, Whitethroat and Reed Warbler. Several Swallows overhead.

Mike O'Hanlon

09:18 House Martin over the Approach Rd heading north.

 

Thurs 10th Apr 25

A good start to the day with a year tick Gt. White Egret on the flood over the road plus the 30 strong Curlew flock were in the same area. A Reed Warbler was singing along the brook but not seen. Great views of Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff & Water Vole in front of the hide made for a good morning.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 32 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 8 Mallard, 7 Wigeon,  7 Shoveler, 14 Lapwing, 11 Avocet, 7 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Grey Wagtail & Pied Wag. RJ/MO'H/PL/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:14 Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler both singing north of southern pillbox.

10:41 White Wag on western edge of golf course

16:12 Walk from Frinton to Haven this morning and back via the farm included: 1 White Wag, 1 Whitethroat (singing and showing briefly), 2 Sedge Warbler (singing, 1 in front of hide, 1 site of wooden hide), 2 Little Owl (footpath exit from golf course), 8 Chiff (singing), 6 Blackcap (5 singing), 14 Swallow (6 south, 4 west, 4 farm), 46 Mediterranean Gull (first thing, 38 golf course and 8 on the scrape), 1 Barn Owl, 10 Cetti’s (singing), 7 Pied Wag, 16 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting (1 singing), 2 Sparrowhawk, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 3 Hare, 6 Moorhen, 2 Song Thrush (singing), 4 Greenfinch, 6 Shoveler, 1 Muntjac, 2 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Buzzard, 2 Corn Bunting (1 singing), 1 Turnstone, 3 Oystercatcher.

Photo Brian Combes©

Mike O'Hanlon

11:47 Water Vole on the Haven brook

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

12:01 Water Rail in the ditch.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

3

Pete Loud

14:00 From the Hide this morning, several Swallows,1 Little Egret, 1 1st yr Med Gull, 1 Red Kite, 1 Grey Wagtail and a very showy Water Rail. Up on the Golf Course, 5 Med Gulls and on the rocks between French Point and the Sluice there were 8 Purple Sandpipers.

Matt Lonsdale

20:22 Haven dog walk tonight - 8 Purp Sands, Barn Owl, 10+ Swallows. Reed Warbler singing over the road this morning.

 

Wed 9th Apr 25

All much the same as yesterday but very cold with no sun throughout the morning. 2 Chiffchaff & a Sedge Warbler showing at close range in front of the hide was about it. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Tues 8th Apr 25

A few more birds around during my walk first thing, a least 5 Blackcaps in song plus 2 Song Thrush. The Curlew flock of 30+ birds was on the flash over the road with 40+ Herring Gulls, 10 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's and 4 Wigeon and a Lt. Grebe was on the brook.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, c20 Teal, 12 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 15 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 8 Blk T Godwits, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lt. Egret, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 5 Swallow, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. MO'H/PL/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:58 2 Yellow Wags on the flood.

 

Mon 7th Apr 25

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 21 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 30+ Avocet, 10 Blk T Godwits, 5 Redshank, 3 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 2 Sand Martin, 4+ Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails, Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, plus lots of gulls incl. 4 Meds. MO'H/DW/MR 

Pete Loud

14:42 Sedge Warbler, singing and showed briefly in Moth Enclosure. From Hide , 2 Swallows, Grey Wagtail and Red Kite 2.

 

Sun 6th Apr 25

Another quiet morning around the site, yesterday's Sedge Warbler was heard briefly between the hide and the windpump and the pair of Grey Wagtails made regular trips between the Sewage works and the scrape.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, c20 Teal, 18 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 9 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 29 Avocet, 15 Lapwing, 6 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Swallows, 2 Grey Wags, 3 Pied Wags, Reed Bunting & Linnet. MO'H/TR/MR.

 

 

Sat 5th Apr 25

A few hints of spring today with Matt having the first Sedge Warbler of the year and a trickle of Swallows heading through the site this morning. 4+ Purple Sands were on the Boating Club rocks on my way to the hide

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Brent Geese, 25 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 8 Wigeon, 15 Lapwing, 14+ Avocet, 10 Blk T Godwit, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Med Gulls, 3+ Swallows, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail (male), 3 Pied Wags (incl. 1 White Wag). plus 1 Muntjac. PL/MO'H/TR/MR

Matt Lonsdale

09:34 Sedge Warbler by windpump just before hide.

 

Fri 4th Apr 25

Much quieter around the site this morning, Mike and I covered the south end with very little reward just a few Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warblers singing. No sign of the Yellow Wags from the hide but a brief view of a Water Pipit was a bonus before it disappeared behind the island, Avocet numbers were up, otherwise much the same

From the hide: 6 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 22 Teal, 17 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron,  34 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 9 Blk T Godwit, 4 Redshank, 1 Water Pipit, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4+ Pied Wagtails (incl. at least 1 White Wag). DC/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

08:41 First Speckled Wood of the year on Approach Rd

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

12:12 Swallow north past French Point.

12:18 4 Purple Sandpipers on rocks north of sluice.

Pete Loud

12:59 Gt. Holland Farm paddocks this morning, several Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow and Red Kite.

Simon Cox

17:36 Hide pm: L Egret, Gadwall 2, Shoveler 8, Redshank 4, Avocet 30, Lapwing 10+ (3 obviously on nests), Blackwit 2, LBBG 2, Y Wag male, Alba Wag 4 (probably 3 Pied, 1 White)+ other regulars. Still 4 Purple Sands on rocks. Couldn’t find Water Pipit.

 

Thurs 3rd Apr 25

Reports from today.

Pete Loud

13:58 Haven this morning, lots of Chiffchaff singing all around the site and a pair of Blackcap in the car park bushes behind the orchard. From the hide on the flood, the Blue-headed Wagtail is still with us with a cracking male Yellow Wag and a White Wagtail, 2 Med Gull and an imm. female Marsh Harrier.(MR,SC& PL).

 

Wed 2nd April 25

Reports from today

Brian Combes

08:55 Blue-headed Wag still to north of hide though elusive in tall grass + 2 Grey Wag, 1 White Wag.

17:23 

Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 blue-headed wagtail (lovely though furtive), 1 white wag (also on flood to north of hide), 2 grey wag  (Leon’s marsh), 9 pied wag, 39 Mediterranean gull (36 adults on golf course first thing, mainly paired up), 5 chiff (singing), 2 blackcap (singing), 28 linnet (15 north first thing in three groups may have been passage birds), 3 corn bunting (1 singing), 1 peregrine, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 5 reed bunting, 1 purple sandpiper, 26 curlew (on golf course first thing), 5 oystercatcher, 20 avocet, 9 black-tailed godwit, 2 green woodpecker, 1 greenfinch, 1 grey heron, 3 buzzard, 3 hare.

Mike O'Hanlon

12:43 3 Purple Sandpipers on rocks south of French Point.

 

Tues 1st April 25

A bit quieter around the site today, a few more Linnets but not much else.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags (+2 Hybrids), c50 Teal, c40 Wigeon,16 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 10 Avocet, 7 Blk T Godwits, 5 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Med Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Red Kites, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wags (2 alba), 1 Yellow Wag (flava), 1 Cetti's Warbler, plus 1 Water Vole, 1 Muntjac. PL/MR/MO’H/TR.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:16 From the Hide this morning,1 Blue-headed Wagtail, 2 White Wagtails and a pair of Grey Wagtails, plus 2 Red Kites over. MR/MO’H/PL

 

Mon 31st Mar 25

There were a few more birds around first thing over the road incl. Linnet, Chaffinch, Meadow Pipit, Cetti's warbler, Chiffchaff along the brook and c30 Blk H Gulls, 20 Herring Gulls, 6 Med Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon on the flood.

On the main site 6+ Chiffchaff, 2 more Cetti's Warblers a Blackcap and a Song Thrush were singing in the orchard area.

From the Hide: 4 Egyptian Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Brent Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 12 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 38 Curlew, 20+ Lapwing, 17 Avocet, 6 Blk T Godwit, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Pied Wags, 2 Yellow Wagtails (DW), 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk. DW/MO'H/MR

4 Purple Sands were on the rocks north of the sluice on a walk to French Point MO'H/MR

A Common Seal was hauled out on the same rocks late afternoon.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:29 2 Yellow Wags on the flood, one of which possible grey headed.

12:07 4 Purple Sands on rocks north of the sluice.

Pete Loud

14:32 Pair of Grey Wagtails on path by Sewage Farm and male Yellow wagtail on flood from hide.

At the end of March the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 112.

 

Sun 30th Mar 25

Richard and I picked up our first Blackcap of the year this morning in the approach road wood and a Little Ringed Plover on the flood to the right of the hide was a site year tick.

From the Hide: 4 Egyptian Geese, 4 Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 16 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 12 Mallard, 23 Avocet, c20 Lapwing, 6 Blk T Godwit, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lt R Plover, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, c50 Herring Gulls, c20 Blk H Gulls, 3 GBB's, 2 Pied Wags, 2 White Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Linnet & Reed Bunting. PL/RJ/MR.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:36 4 Egyptian Geese from layby or hide.

10:57 LRP on flood now with the Egyptian Geese.

 

Sat 29th Mar 25

Much the same around the site this morning, all the same stuff on the scrape but numbers down a bit, the Grey Wagtails were nice and the Water Vole put in a brief appearance. RJ/MR/TR/ML et.al. 

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:35 Blackcap singing dipping pond.

09:24 Haven this morning- 3 Blackcap singing (dipping pond, memorials, ringing compound). Pair of Grey Wags by sewage work gates, 4 Chiff and 4 Blackwit on scrape.

 

Fri 28th Mar 25

Today's highlight was the return of the Water Vole, not quite in the same league as yesterdays Eagle but something we have been working for all year.

From the hide: 7 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, c20 Shoveler, 16 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 29 Avocet, c20 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 7 Blk T Godwits, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, Blk H Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, 4 Med Gulls, 2 Lt. Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. RJ/DC/MO'H/MR et. al.

Richard Jeffree

08:49 7 Purps on rocks haven bay.

Matt Lonsdale

08:55 2 White Wags on flood right of hide

Simon Cox

11:37 10 Med Gulls on Frinton golf-c earlier this morning. 2 metal ringed, no darvic's seen.

 

Thurs 27th Mar 25

Another amazing day at the Haven, sadly no sign of the Ring Ouzel this morning but one of the Black Redstarts was still in that area, a walk around the bushes gave lots of singing Chiffchaffs but not much else.

From the hide all was much the same Wigeon & Teal, 18 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 27 Avocet (incl NB/YO), c20 Lapwing, 3 Blk T Godwit, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Snipe, 7 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MO'H/DG/TR/PL et.al.

A walk to Sandy Point was uneventful but for another Blk Redstart at the point, but shortly after we started our walk back it all changed, Richard glanced behind and the huge frame of a White-tailed Eagle came over the seawall and drifted over the golf course toward Gt Holland, turning to the west it still looked massive as it headed over the B1032, not a bird we were expecting to say the least. RJ/MO'H/MR

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Reports from today

Pete Loud

09:30 Willow Warbler in the little copse opposite the Dell.

12:04 3 Red Kites circling over arable behind Scrape

Richard Jeffree

10:53 1st summer Black Red Sandy PT 3rd pillbox.

11:06 White-tailed Sea Eagle (1st year) in off towards Great Holland.

Dick Groves

One of the two seen today at HH.
Photo Dick Groves©

 

Wed 26th Mar 25

Reports from today

Brian Combes

06:14 Black Redstart just south of Frinton beach huts on path.

07:03 Black Redstart council compound (different bird).

07:24 Ring Ouzel still in Dell though elusive.

08:31 Blackcap singing by raised platform.

10:01 Black Redstart on seawall south of raised tee.

10:15 Little Owl. Back of golf course by footpath.

17:23 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 ring ouzel, 2 black redstart (1 first summer male mobile between Frinton beach huts and northern pillbox, 1 female type council enclosure), 1 wheatear, 1 blackcap (in subsong, first bird of the year), 1 redwing (north), 2 goldcrest, 2 purple sandpiper, 12 starling (north), 7 Cetti’s (singing), 8 med gull (3 pairs golf course, 1 pair scrape; 1 bird colour ringed - lower right yellow), 7 linnet, 9 reed bunting (1 singing), 12 mipit (2 singing), 5 oystercatcher, 4 chiff (singing), 28 avocet, 3 hare, 3 redshank, 4 black-tailed godwit, 2 goldfinch (north), 1 greenfinch, 12 buzzard (including 2 north and 8 kettling, drifting high to the west over arable), 4 red-throated diver (2 north, 2 on the sea), 1 snipe, 2 gadwall, 2 Chinese muntjac, 2 song thrush (1 singing), 2 corn bunting (1 singing, halfway along bridleway), 1 little owl, 2 sparrowhawk (2 drifting very high north). 19 species in song.

Mike O'Hanlon

08:01 Ring Ouzel still present at Dell.

08:19 Male Wheatear on Boating club rocks.

11:34 Male Wheatear on bramble by moth enclosure

Richard Jeffree

09:43 Merlin flew over hide.

12:22 1st summer male Black Redstart below raised tee.

16:10 Out on my bike now there's no one here Ring Ouzel showing well usual corner.

Also of note some Bearded Tits were heard today between the Moth Sanctuary and the Boardwalk (Kattie) and a Red Kite drifted through the site mid-morning

 

Tues 25th Mar 25

Another good day at the Haven, the Ring Ouzel was still around and showed well on and off for most of the morning, a Cetti's Warbler was very vocal around the Dell, and 3 Purple Sands and 7 Turnstone were on the rocks below the shelter.

From the Hide: 4 Canada Geese, c100 Wigeon, c 60 Teal, c20 Shoveler, 16 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 20+ Lapwing, 18 Avocet, 8 Curlew, 7 Blk T Godwit, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 30+ Blk H Gulls, 6 Common Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting BH/MR

A walk to Sandy Point added a Black Redstart (probably the bird Richard had a bit later at the beach huts) and on the way back a cracking male Wheatear.

 Back at the Dell the Ring Ouzel was still about and 2 Red Kites drifted over heading S/E.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon 

10:38 Ring Ouzel still here.

11:25 2 Purps on rocks just north of sluice.

Richard Jeffree

13:30 Sand Martin in off.

14:00 1st summer male Black Redstart beach huts.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Pete Loud

13:25 Female Black Redstart on fence just north of seawatching shelter near dell.

 

Mon 24th Mar 25

An earlier start than usual paid dividends with a nice male Ring Ouzel in the Dell.

Reports from today

08:47 Ring Ouzel in the Dell

09:22 No further sign of Ouzel so far

Pete Loud

10:15 Male Ring Ouzel on show now in Dell.

10:52 Ring Ouzel now showing ,Swallow just flown over Dell.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:52 After hiding in the trees for a few mins, RO now out in Dell

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

12:49 Ring Ouzel still in the Dell

Dennis Pryor

11:27 RO still showing well. Pair med gulls on golf course, Frinton end.

Steve Entwistle

13:55 Ring Ousel back out again Dell.

Liz Huxley

15:40 Wheatear on the beach by the pillbox

Mick Rodwell

17:45 Ring Ouzel still in the Dell

Sunset at the Haven

 

Sun 23rd Mar 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:31 Water Pipit on scrape

17:44 Fem Black Red still around Gc outbuildings but flighty. 2 White Wags in paddocks and Little Owl calling

Richard Jeffree

09:18 2 Egyptian Geese on scrape+2 Med Gulls.

10:30 2 Purple Sands roosting on rocks behind raised tee.

10:56 Female Black Redstart in hedgerow /field nr GC workshop.

13:07 Water Pipit still back of scrape nr mink trap but difficult and elusive.

Pete Loud

14:18 Female Black Redstart still in the same place that Richard saw it earlier, where bridle path meets Golf course White Wagtail in paddocks with Horses.

Mike O'Hanlon

16:48 Single Purple Sand at end of boating club rocks.

 

Sat 22nd Mar 25

Three new birds for the site year list today with a Coot for Richard on the brook over the road first thing, a Swallow heading north over the hide as we left and a Wheatear for Liz in the afternoon.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c60 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, c20 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, c30 Lapwing, c20 Curlew, 12 Avocet, 8 Blk T Godwit, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, Blk H Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Swallow. RJ/MO'H/MR

A Chiffchaff was in the sewage works hedge on the way back to the cars.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:02 Coot on the brook over rd.

15:57 Wheatear still muck heap +2 White Wagtails

Matt Lonsdale

10:25 Walk in from Frinton whailings beach huts to pillbox. 6 Med Gulls on the Gc, 2 Redshank and 8 Blackwit on scrape.

17:52 Fem Wheatear and white wagtail still @ muck heap 17:25

Liz Huxley

14:59 Wheatear on muck heap half way along bridleway.

 

Fri 21st Mar 25

Over the road first thing were 80+ Wigeon, 10 Teal 6 Shoveler, 4 LBB Gulls, Herring and Blk Headed Gulls, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lt Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, a few Linnets and Chaffinch. A Lt Egret was on the approach road marsh.

Quiet around the bushes, 8 Turnstone on the beach north of the sluice on the way to the hide.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 130+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 32 Shoveler, 18 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, c20 Lapwing, 13 Avocet, 9 Blk T Godwits, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lt. Egrets, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR.

 

Thurs 20th Mar 25

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:09 HH Hide 10.30-11.10 Gadwall x 2, Canada Goose x 4, 27 Teal, Widgeon x 100, Blackwit x 8, Heron,  Avocet x 9, Shoveler x 26 +, Oystercatcher x2, Lapwing x 17+, Chiffchaff, Common Gull.

11:57 Red-throat Diver off French point, close in.

 

Wed 19th Mar 25

A couple of Chiffchaff along the approach road this morning, a Lt. Egret on the marsh and a pair of Greenfinch in the Badger Set was it for the bushes. plus 2 Sanderling on the beach north of the sluice.

Just 1 Dunlin on the flood and an increase of Blk T Godwits from 10 to 34 over lunch time was good otherwise same as usual.

From the Hide: 4 Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 28 Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 35 Lapwing, 34 Blk T Godwits, 22 Avocet, 6 Snipe, 2 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 2 Lt Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:55 2 Sanderling on beach north sluice

Mike O'Hanlon

13:51 5 Purple Sandpipers on rocks at Haven Bay, north of the sluice.

14:58 34 Blackwits on scrape at 2.30pm.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Matt Lonsdale

18:25  5 Purp Sand and 5 Turnstone this evening. 2 Blackwit on scrape.

 

Tues 18th Mar 25

Just a hint of spring with 8 Dunlin on the flood to the right of the hide for a few minutes before flying out N/E late morning.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 12 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, c30 Lapwing, 12 Blk T Godwits, 8 Dunlin, 6 Curlew, 6+ Snipe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler. Plus 1 Lt. Egret and 2 Red-legged Partridge on the approach road marsh. MO'H/MR.

 

Mon 17th Mar 25

Just a short visit this morning showed things much the same.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, c120 Wigeon, c 80 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 35 Lapwing, 18 Curlew, 15 Blk T Godwits, 10 Avocet (incl. NB/YO), 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warbler.

 

Sun 16th Mar 25

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:57 Very quiet over the Haven this morning, started with a Red-legged Partridge and 6 adult Lesser black backed Gulls over the road the bushes very quite same as from the hide, only highlights being a Redshank on Leon's marsh and 3 Snipe on the flood plus all the usual, roll on spring.

 

Sat 15th Mar 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

10:49 Not much at Haven this morning 8:15-9:15. Several Siskin and Rock Pipit over. 

33 Avocet and 8 Blackwit on scrape. 4+ Goldcrest and Chiff bushes.

 

Fri 14th Mar 25

Quiet around the approach road and dell area but a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff near the sewage works entrance were nice, a single Purple Sand was on the boating club rocks but nothing seen offshore

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, c50 Lapwing, 36 Avocet, 30 Curlew, 7 Blk T Godwits, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 46 Blk H Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 2 LBB's, 4 Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Muntjac. SC/PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/TR/MR et.al.

  

 

Thurs 13th Mar 25

Much the same again today with a very chilly northerly wind and wintery showers

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 16 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 34 Avocet, 27 Lapwing, 17 Curlew, 10 Blk T Godwits, 7 Snipe, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Pied Wagtails. plus 3 Muntjac Deer. PL/RJ/MO'H/DW/MR.

 

Wed 12th Mar 25

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 38 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, c80 Lapwing, 46 Curlew,  38 Avocet, 11 Blk T Godwits, 8 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Water Rail, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 64 Blk H Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Cetti's Warbler. plus 2 Muntjac Deer. RJ/MO'H/MR.

The first Sand Martin of the year was seen over the pond this afternoon PMG.

 

Tues 11th Mar 25

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall (drakes), 2 Shelduck, c60 Lapwing, 40 Avocet, c30 Curlew, 12 Blk T Godwits, 8 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin (flushed then flew north), 40+ Blk H Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

08:21 Chiff singing approach road.

10:00 Red Kite north over golf course.

10:02 Now drifting back south.

18:29 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 chiff (singing), 7 Siskin (2 groups north), 11 chaffinch (north), 3 med gull (2 golf course first thing, 1 over arable), 1 red kite, 4 gadwall, 2 sparrowhawk (1 unsuccessfully attacking starling flock on arable), 8 reed bunting (3 singing), 7 mipit (1 singing), 9 linnet, 28 curlew, 6 Cetti’s warbler (singing), 1 corn bunting (singing halfway along bridleway, first of the year), 150+ starling (moving between golf course and arable), 38 avocet, 1 Chinese muntjac, 12 black-tailed godwit, 1 snipe, 3 oystercatcher, 2 Canada goose (north well offshore), 2 grey heron, 8 pied wagtail. 14 species in song.

 

Mon 10th Mar 25

A quick visit this morning with my grandson paid dividends with a late year tick for me of Red-legged Partridge, otherwise much the same, no sign of yesterdays Ruff but Avocet were up to 28 and Gadwall 5+.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 150+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 5+ Gadwall, c60 Lapwing, c40 Curlew, 28 Avocet, 12 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 30+ Blk H Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 R L Partridge. Plus 1 Lt. Egret on the approach road marsh.

 

Sun 9th Mar 25

Reports from today

Pete Loud

14:47 Quick visit to Haven this afternoon. Ruff on the flood to the north of Scrape, 10 Blackwits, 40 Curlew, 2 Snipe & drake Gadwall, Great crested Grebe on the sea just off the Sluice. Little Egret entrance road marsh.

 

Sat 8th Mar 25

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c60 Teal, 22 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 40+ Lapwing, 31 Avocet, 11 Blk T Godwits, 7 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 50+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard. RJ/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

16:49 Redshank on the flood.

 

Fri 7th Mar 25

No reports received so far

 

Thurs 6th Mar 25

A beautiful morning meant that most of the southern end of the site was covered but still very quiet, a Lt. Egret on the approach road marsh, a singing Song Thrush, 2 Greenfinch and a Cetti's Warbler in the Dell was about it. A bonus in the Dell was our first Brimstone butterfly of the year.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Very nice to have a full hide this morning, great to see some new faces.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c100 Wigeon, c60 Teal, 33 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, c50 Lapwing, 30+ Curlew, 21 Avocet, 10 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 30+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull. PL/RJ/MR et.al.

5 Purple Sands and 7 Turnstone were on the sluice as we left. 

 

Wed 5th Mar 25

Over the road first thing, 3 Mute Swans, 50+ Greylag, Canada Geese, 50+ Wigeon, 4 Shelduck, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Blk Headed, Herring & LBB Gulls.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, 100+ Wigeon, c60 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, c30 Lapwing, 30+ Curlew, 22 Avocet, 10 Blk T Godwits, 3+ Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier. RJ/MO'H/MR. Plus another Adder was seen enjoying the sunshine.

Richard Jeffree

16:53 Little Owl back of GC in tree by the FP entrance.

 

Tues 4th Mar 25

Reports from today

Brian Combes

17:06 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Grey Wag, 14 Red-throated Diver (2 north first thing, 12 on the sea at the end of the morning, most distant), 5 Fieldfare (flock north over farm), 2 Sparrowhawk (displaying over sewage works), 8 Shelduck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Reed Bunting (singing), 9 Mipit (1 singing - first song of the year), 5 Linnet, 33 Curlew (south), 6 Cetti’s Warbler (singing), 1 Corn Bunting (none singing, single bird still near manure heap by bridleway), 50+ Starling, 1 Marsh Harrier, 18 Avocet, 40+ Shoveler, 2 Hare, 1 Chinese Muntjac, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Buzzard (all drifting high to the north, a single and groups of two and three). 16 species in song.

 

Mon 3rd Mar 25

I started with a look over the road today, from the humpback bridge a Cetti's Warbler was singing along the brook, a large mixed gull flock inc. 2 LBB Gulls were on the flash, 2 Grey Heron, a few Greylag and Canada Geese, 2 Buzzard and some singing Skylarks were noted.

From the hide: Only the normal stuff this morning, 6 Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 30+ Curlew, c20 Lapwing, 3 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk T Godwit, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. MR et.al.

3 Purple Sands were on the rocks south of French Point and a Gt. C Grebe was sitting on the sea.

 

Sun 2nd Mar 25

All much the same on the scrape again this morning, but there is always something that turns a day into a special day and today it was a male Bearded Tit. Seen and heard 3 or 4 times during the morning it landed 10ft. in front of the hide and put on a great display.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Video Richard Jeffree©

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:20 Lovely morning out in the sunshine, made all the better with some cracking birds, a Male Bearded Tit, this one un-ringed, sat on top of the reeds right in front of the hide, down to 10 feet, probably three birds present. Red Kite soared low directly overhead on a walk to French Point, on the rocks there were 3 Purple Sandpipers Still plenty of Wigeon and Shoveler about from the hide & still 40+ Curlew 5 Snipe.(RJ,MR&PL).

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Sat 1st Mar 25

A nice surprise this morning when we arrived at the hide and two big white birds were seen through the bushes at the back of the flood, once in the hide we were treated to viewing 2 cracking breeding plumage Spoonbills for most of the morning.

Interestingly the Spoonbills suddenly lifted off around midday and circled the hide gaining hight for a short while before heading off along the coast towards Frinton and being joined by a third bird.

From the hide: 3 Spoonbill, Wigeon & Teal, 3+ Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall (drake), 80+ Lapwing, 36 Curlew, 4 Blk T Godwit, 3 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Water Rail, 4 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting. RJ/ML/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:24 2 Spoonbills on flood right of hide

Matt Lonsdale

11:43 Headed off high north and picked up a 3rd bird over Frinton now

Mike O'Hanlon

11:45 3 Purple Sands on end of sluice.

 

Fri 28th Feb 25

What a lovely morning for a walk to French Point in the sun with Skylarks singing overhead lets hope it lasts, a pair of Stonechat were in the moth sanctuary but not much else.

From the hide: Wigeon & Teal, 29 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, c80 Lapwing, 34 Curlew, 10 Blk T Godwits, 4 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 1 Dunlin, 51 Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull plus 1 Muntjac, 6 Hares.

At the end of February the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 94.

Thurs 27th Feb 25

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

16:49 2 Red-legged Partridge on arable adj footpath back of GC also 6 Med Gulls on GC.

 

Wed 26th Feb 25

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:52 3 Purple Sandpipers on the sluice.

 

Tues 25th Feb 25

I had just a short visit this morning, 3 Med Gulls were in a large gull flock on the approach road marsh plus 8 Mallard and 2 Oystercatcher.

Nice to hear a bit more birdsong around the Dell, quite a few Blackbird, Dunnock Chaffinch & Robins around plus a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Greenfinch. 

BH spent a bit of time in the hide and from his report numbers sounded much the same as yesterday.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

17:59 Walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 6 med gull (with b-h gulls on golf course), 1 water rail (calling, Frinton end), 13 red-throated diver (8 on the sea mid-morning, 5 north), 5 purple sandpiper (together between middle and northern pillbox), 1 fieldfare (north over carpark), 3 redwing (north edge of paddocks), 7 stonechat (one pair - and five females, probably birds on the move, 2 together south of boardwalk and 3 together on seawall near northern pillbox), 2 goldcrest, 175 brent (north first thing in four groups, probably some of the birds passing Laurence), 220+ black-headed gull (golf course first thing), 8 reed bunting (5 singing), 9 linnet, 1 curlew (south), 100+ starling (golf course), 4 Cetti’s warbler (singing, including one in the dell), 19 mipit, 19 Canada goose, 27 shoveler, 1 avocet, 2 blackbird (in subsong), 3 hare (1 south of scrape and the 2 Mike photographed), 3 song thrush (singing), 2 green woodpecker, 15 black-tailed godwit (feeding on flood behind carpark), 2 oystercatcher, 2 shelduck (north), 14 pied wagtail (golf course/arable), 3 great spotted woodpecker (pair western edge of golf course, 1 drumming by farm), 1 buzzard (drifting north), 1 corn bunting (none singing, single bird near manure heap by bridleway), 2 red-legged partridge (arable north of bridleway), 5 chaffinch (1 singing). 15 species in song.

 

Mon 24th Feb 25

Over the road this morning, 2 Mute Swans, c350 Brent Geese (later on the sea off the sluice), Greylag & Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Barn Owl.

A walk to French Point and back through the reedbeds gave 4 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Cetti's Warblers and a few Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting.

From the hide: c300 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 36 Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, c200 Lapwing, 30+ Curlew, 17 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

On the way back 10 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling and 2 Purple Sands were on the sluice rocks and 2 R T Divers were sitting offshore.

 

Sun 23rd Feb 25

From the hide: c350 Brent Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 24 Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, c250 Lapwing, 10 Blk T Godwit, 4 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk. SC/RJ/TR/MR. On leaving 4 Purple Sands and a fifth Oystercatcher were on the sluice rocks.

 

Sat 22nd Feb 25

Much quieter on the marsh over the road this morning, just a few Greylag & Canada's, still lots of Wigeon & Teal.

The flat sand of the last week has been replaced by shingle along the front so not so inviting to the small waders.

From the hide: 14 Brent, 7 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, 23 Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, c 300 Lapwing, 22 Curlew, 15 Blk T Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 2 Buzzard. RJ/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

16:32 5 Med Gulls on the GC

 

 

Fri 21st Feb 25

Another addition to the year list today with a Water Rail making its first appearance of the year.

From the hide: 6 Brent Geese, 150+ Wigeon, c80 Teal, 26 Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, c 150 Lapwing, c20 Curlew, 14 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Water Rail, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Thurs 20th Feb 25

Over the road first thing were 2 Mute Swans, c500 Brent Geese, Greylag & Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal, 3 Grey Heron, Lots of gulls on the flash behind the bungalows inc. 2 LBB's 4+ Common Gulls, Herring & Blk Headed. RJ/MR

On the walk to French Point 5 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling were on the beach north of the sluice, otherwise a couple of Mipits and a pair of Stonechat was about it.

From the hide: Lots of  Wigeon & Teal, 22 Shoveler, 7 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 150+ Lapwing, 30+ Curlew, 13 Blk T Godwits, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MR/TOM

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:38 2 Purple Sands on the beach just north of French Point,1 Purple, 1 Sanderling , 5 Turnstone and adult Med Gull on beach to the south, 1 Oystercatcher flew south and landed on marsh north of Scrape.

 

Wed 19th Feb 25

A Red Kite over the marsh on the other side of the road was a good start for me this morning, otherwise the same as of late, Greylags, Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing, 2 Mute Swans plus a nice Barn Owl towards Fan Bridge.

There was a nice selection of waders on the beach north of the sluice with what turned out to be 14 Sanderling, 7 Turnstone and 7 Purple Sands. A walk down to the Frinton end added little more than 1 Mipit a Rock Pipit a couple of Skylarks and 2 Brent flocks heading south offshore. RJ/MR

From the hide: 40+ Greylags (below raised platform), 2 Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal, 18 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Blk T Godwits, 2 Peregrine (on the arable), 2 Buzzard, 6+ Brown Hares and 2 Muntjac. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:19 Beach north of sluice 12 Sanderling 7 each of Purple Sands and Turnstone.

 

Tues 18th Feb 25

All much the same again today 2 Mute Swans, c80 Greylag, 20 Canada Geese, lots of Wigeon & Teal, 2 Buzzards from the chippings lay-by

From the hide, c150 Brent (over toward the arable), 94 Teal, 84 Wigeon, 36 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 134 Lapwing, 1 Lt. Grebe, 1 Buzzard.

Brian Combes

Lunchtime walk from Frinton to The Ship via footpath and back along bridleway included: pair of Stonechat, 1 Purple Sand, 2 Red-legged Partridge (on arable), 6 Mipit (golf course).

 

Mon 17th Feb 25

Only a short visit for me this morning, a stop at the chippings lay-by on the way in showed just the normal stuff, Greylag, Canada Geese, c 70 Brent, lots of Wigeon & Teal etc.

2 Turnstone were on the sluice rocks and 2 Sanderling on the beach north of the sluice.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans (over),  lots more Wigeon & Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, c100 Lapwing, 22 Curlew, 1 Buzzard. MR et.al.

Surprise of the morning was my first Adder of the year.

 

Sun 16th Feb 25

No reports received so far.

 

Sat 15th Feb 25

Reports from today:

Simon Cox

10:16 Pair of Pintail on scrape.

12:39 Haven totals this am: M Swan 1 juv, Brent 110 flew over, Canada G 2, Shelduck 2, Mallard 4, Wigeon 120, Teal 30, Shoveler 32, Pintail 3 (2 drakes), Lapwing 295, Oystercatcher 1, Turnstone 1. Chippings lay-by:   M Swan 1 ad, G Heron 1,  Greylag 28, Canada 22.

Matt Lonsdale

11:44 Walk from from Frinton end up to farm and back. 

2 Peregrines up on arable, Corn Bunting by manure heap and a pair of Stonechat on the golf course.