Wed 31st Dec 25
On a walk along the front today we found 3 Purple Sands on the rocks south of Sandy Pt. Plus 3 Stonechat and 3 Wren around the marsh.
From the hide: 100+ Greylag, 16 Barnacle Geese, 300+ Wigeon, c100 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, c100 Lapwing, 26 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk RJ/MO'H/BH/MR et.al.
At the end of December the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 174.
Tues 30th Dec 25
A much quieter morning, most of the geese seem to have moved on leaving just the usual Greylags and Canada Geese
From the hide: 20+ Greylags (most of the geese were over the road), c300 Wigeon (more sitting on the sea), c80 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, c80 Lapwing, 25 Curlew, 1 Snipe, a few Blk H Gulls, 2 Peregrine, 1 Grey Heron. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR et.al.
On the return 2 Purple Sands were on the beach north of the sluice and a pair of Stonechat on the mounds.MR.
Mon 29th Dec 25
Lots of gulls on the sluice rocks and beach on the way to the hide, at least two of which were colour ringed. Unfortunately only one was noted before two clowns climbed over the railings and wandered out to the end of the sluice and set up their fishing gear, flushing all the birds. 2 Purple Sands remained on the beach north of the sluice and 3 Goosander flew south.
Sadly no sign of the White-fronted Geese this morning but plenty of other geese around.
From the hide: 130+ Greylag, 26 Canada Geese (+ a very interesting hybrid), 15 Barnacle Geese, several hundred Wigeon (many spending long periods sitting on the sea offshore), 150+ Teal, 18 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, c150 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/TR/MR
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| Hybrid Goose Photo Richard Jeffree© |
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| Hybrid Wigeon, Photo Richard Jeffree© |
Sun 28th Dec 25
From the hide: 200+ Greylag, c20 Barnacle Geese, 4 Brent Geese, 2 W F Geese, c500 Wigeon, c200 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 400+ Lapwing, 22 Curlew, 1 Snipe, Herring & Blk H Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, SC/RJ/TR/MR
On the way back to the cars, 2 large rafts of Wigeon were sitting on the sea offshore and 3 Purple Sands and a Sanderling were on the beach. RJ/MR
Reports from today:
Simon Cox
11:34 Single Purple S & Sanderling near sluice (latter flushed by dog), pair Stonechats nearby.
Sat 27th Dec 25
From the hide: 150+ Greylag, 26 Barnacle geese, 5 Brent Geese, 4 W F Geese (below the raised Platform, not all viewable), 2 Egyptian Geese, Wigeon (several hundred), 100+ Teal, 17 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 200+ Lapwing, c80 Golden Plover, 28 Curlew, 1 Redshank, Herring & Blk H Gulls, 1 Caspian Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/LHMR
Liz Huxley had 8 Purple Sands & 2 Sanderling on the walk in from Frinton.
A quick visit to the hide on Christmas Eve showed that the hoped for influx of geese on the cold front moving down from the north with easterly winds had actually happened, with Barnacle Geese and White-fronted in with a large flock of Greylags.
Wed 24th Dec 25
Richard Jeffree
10:06 2 Whitefronts + 12 Barnacles right of hide
10:10 Correction 15+ Whitefronts
11:02 Adult Caspian Gull scrape
11:20 Now 3 adult Caspo's
Pete Loud
15:23 Barnacles up to 23 this afternoon, just a quick visit, only picked out 4 White front, but they were at the back of the marsh and difficult with only bins, so probably more..
Fri 26th Dec 25
Brian Combes
09:04 Haven: 15+ Russian White-fronts still on marshes south of scrape, 2 adult Caspian Gull on beach.
16:48 Brief walk from Frinton to the scrape first thing this morning included: 15+ white-fronted goose, 2 Caspian gull (on beach north of French Point first thing then flew north), 7 red-throated diver (south), 7 purple sandpiper (feeding on beach north of French Point, first thing), 22 curlew, 1 turnstone, 1 sanderling, 24 barnacle goose, 250+ wigeon, 300+ brent goose (single flock south), 1 buzzard.
Richard Jeffree
14:59 Who doesn't love a Purple Sand on their boxing day walk.
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| Photo Richard Jeffree© |
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| Photo Richard Jeffree© |
15:00 Other highlights were 27 Barnacles, 15 Whitefronts, Caspian Gull and Peregrine
Tues 23rd Dec 25
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
12:56 Haven today 200 Greylag, 35 Brent, 20 Shoveller, 3 Shelduck, Teal + Widgeon uncounted, 15 Curlew, 30+ Lapwing, 2 Buzzard, 1 each of Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel also 6 Purple Sands on rocks below French Pt.
No posts for the next few days, will catch up after Christmas.
Wishing you all a
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Mon 22nd Dec 25
6+ Purple Sands around French Pt. this morning and a few groups of Brent Geese heading south otherwise very quiet.
From the hide: c200 Greylags, 1 Brent Goose, 150+ Wigeon, 100 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, c50 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, c30 Skylark, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.
Sun 21st Dec 25
Three Purple Sands this morning, 2 on the Sluice & 1 at French Pt.
From the hide: Much the same numbers of ducks & Geese but more spread out so difficult to count, 1 Brent Goose (over), 60+ Lapwing (over), 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Grebe, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Stonechat. RJ/MR.
Sat 20th Dec 25
A total of 8 Purple Sands were on French Pt as the tide pushed in this morning, other than that just a pair of Stonechat and a Reed Bunting was all of note along the front.
Reports from today
Pete Loud
13:58 On the way to the hide this morning 2 Grey Wagtails again flying about between the Sewage farm and Sluice, they have been around for a few days now. From the hide, 2 Peregrines, 1 Avocet, 19 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck and usual numbers of Wigeon & Teal. 7 Purple Sands were on the rocks just south of Sandy point, with 1 Rock Pipit, Several Red T Divers we’re heading south just offshore, first I have seen in a while, 1 Purple Sand on French point and three on the Sluice on the way back, finally a Stonechat on bushes just south of the sluice.
Fri 19th Dec 25
A much nicer morning for a walk, 3 Purple Sandpipers were on the sluice, 9 Brent headed north and a Rock Pipit was on the rocks north of Sandy Pt. otherwise very quiet.
From the hide: 42 Greylag, lots of Wigeon & Teal, 20 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 1 Avocet, 3 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Goldfinch. RJ/MO'H/TR,MR.
Tues 16th Dec 25
The walk to Sandy Pt. this morning was quiet again with 1 Purple Sand on the sluice, 7 Brent heading south, a Rock Pipit on the rocks south of Sandy Pt. 3 Meadow Pipit and a Stonechat.
From the hide: 70+ Brent, 100++ Wigeon, 68 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 1 Avocet, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.
Mon 15th Dec 25
The walk to Sandy Pt. this morning included 10 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks south of French Pt., plus it was great to see 5 skeins of Brent Geese totalling 1000+ birds heading south along the coast otherwise a single Reed Bunting was about it.
From the hide: 53 Greylag, 110 Wigeon, 87 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 110 Lapwing, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine RJ/MO'H/MR.
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
10:05 9/10 Purps south of French Pt.
Sat 13th Dec 25
Two Turnstone were on the sluice rocks with several Herring Gulls and a LBB, and a Lt. Grebe on the brook behind the sluice plus Richard had 2 Purple Sands once again on the seawall between French and Sandy Points.
From the hide:98 Greylags, 100+ Wigeon, 32 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 110 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stoat, 6 Brown Hares. SC/RJ/TR/MR
RJ).jpg) |
| Photo Richard Jeffree© |
Fri 12th Dec 25
A raft of c150 Brent were sitting on the sea off the sluice this morning but nothing moving offshore.
From the hide: c80 Greylag, c100 Wigeon, 30+ Teal, 13 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, a large flock of Golden Plover lifted off the ploughed field toward Gt. Holland and flew out to the north, 20+ Lapwing, 1 Lt. Grebe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/TR/MR.
A Gt S Woodpecker landed in the trees in the Dell on the way out.
Wed 10th Dec 25
From the hide: 113 Greylag, 15 Canada Geese, 180+ Wigeon, 84 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 12 Lapwing, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/BH/MR
A walk along the front showed 6 Purple Sands feeding on the seawall between French Pt & Sandy Pt. at low water not a place they are normally seen. MO'H/MR.
Sat 6th Dec 25
A walk along the front this morning on a rising tide meant there was just enough of the rocks showing south of French Pt. to support 7 Purple Sands, otherwise just a few Meadow Pipits a couple of Pied Wags and a flock of c90 Brent heading north along the seawall.
From the hide: 60+ Greylag, c200 Wigeon, 98 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 80+ Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 12 Blk H Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR.
Fri 5th Dec 25
A much nicer day today, after a late start I met up with Richard & Mike at French Pt., they were on their way back from Sandy Pt. and between us we had seen 8 Purple Sandpipers
From the hide: c20 Greylags, 80 Wigeon, 62 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 70+ Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.
On our way back to the carpark 5 Purple Sands were asleep on the seawall just north of the sluice and 3 more were on the wall south of French Pt. RJ/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
10:00 1 Purple Sand flying south from French point toward the sluice.
Thurs 4th Dec 25
A short seawatch showed that there wasn't a lot of movement offshore just a large group of Wigeon sitting on the sea.
The strong on-shore wind was whipping up some good size waves and with some breaking over the seawall down towards Frinton we headed to the hide.
From the hide: 20+ Greylag, 250 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 1 Mallard, c150 Lapwing, 12 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls 1 LBB, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.
Wed 3rd Dec 25
Around the Dell this morning were 2 Greenfinch, 1 Song Thrush, and a few Blackbirds, At the Feeding Stn. Blue Tits, Gt. Tits, L T Tits and a single Purple Sand on the sluice.
A walk to Sandy Pt. and back added 7 more Purple Sands (5 on French Pt rocks, 2 on the rocks between there and the sluice), 4 Stonechat and a few Meadow Pipits and Reed Bunting
From the hide: c30 Greylags, Wigeon and Teal, 9 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, c130 Lapwing (on the arable), 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/TR/MR et.al.
On the way back a Grey Wag was on the sluice rocks before flying toward the sewage works PL/TR/MR
Sun 30th Nov 25
Although the outside temperature was 5degs this morning (according to my car) the wind made it feel like -5 out of the sun.
On the way to the hide 2 pairs of Stonechat were on the front just north of the sluice and a Lt. Grebe was on the brook.
From the hide: 50+ Greylag, c100 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 150+ Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 20 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 GBB, 6 Skylark, 1 Pied Wag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR
At the end of November the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 173.
Fri 28th Nov 25
From the hide: c200 Brent (over), c110 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 150 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Avocet, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/DC/BH/MR
A walk to French Pt added 2 Purple Sands on the point rocks and a pair of Stonechat along the front. BH/MR
Thurs 27th Nov 25
Reports from today
Pete Loud
12:25 Noticeably milder out this morning and light winds that made for a pleasant walk, but not much to report on the bird front, been very quiet of late, 1 Purple Sand was on the Sluice and a few Mippits along the front. 40 Wigeon from the chippings lay by over the road flying about. From the hide, 80 Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 7 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 1 Snipe & 1 Curlew, 80 Lapwing.
Wed 26th Nov 25
On the way to the hide the 2 Purple Sands & 2 Turnstone were on the sluice where they stayed for most of the morning, and a Lt. Grebe way on the brook behind the sluice.
From the hide: 35 Greylags (plus 1 hybrid),54 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 18 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 21+ Golden Plover (on the arable), 10 Lapwings, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Goldcrest (just inside the gate). MO'H/TR/MR
Tues 25th Nov 25
2 Purple Sands and a Turnstone were on the sluice at the start of our walk to Sandy Pt. this morning, unfortunately a few Meadow Pipit and a couple of Stonechat were all we added before returning to the hide
From the hide: 35 Greylag (plus 1 hybrid), 180 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 16 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, c30 Lapwing, 1 Blk T Godwit, 13 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel.
On the way out Richard picked up 2 Grey Wagtails at the back of the sluice, the 2 Purple Sands were still on the sluice and a Redshank flew through calling and landed on the rocks around French Pt. PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR.
Unfortunately I had just left site when Richard had a Raven fly over the carpark.
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
10:15 2 Purple Sandpipers on the sluice.
12:58 2 Grey Wagtail behind the Sluice this morning.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
12:21 Raven over carpark
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| Photo Richard Jeffree© Raven from this morning still a scarce bird over the Haven. |
Mon 24th Nov 25
Nice to have a morning with no wind, a short while of misty rain but mostly dry. A walk along the front gave 2 Turnstone and 2 Purple Sands on the sluice and by the time we reached Sandy Pt. Purps were up to 5+, also Rock Pipit & 6+ Meadow Pipit, on the return through the reedbed we added 6+ Stonechat, several Reed Bunting and a few more Mipits.
From the hide: 180+ Teal, 12 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, c20 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, a few Blk Headed & Herring Gulls. RJ/MO'H/MR.
Sun 23rd Nov 25
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
12:53 Short visit to the Haven once the rain stopped, wind dropped and sun came out didn't produce a lot from the hide, 16 Widgeon, 8 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, B H Gulls, 2 LBB, 12 Herring. Big walk to sandy point didn't offer much just a couple of Mipits and Pied Wags again no sign of Snow Buntings, nice walk finished by a Little Grebe in the brook.
Mike O'Hanlon
15:14 Afternoon visit to Haven. Very quiet with just 125 Teal, 26 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 8 Shovelers, 2 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 2 Mallard from the Hide. 3 Turnstones on the Sluice. 5 Purple sandpipers just south of French Point.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
15:40 Plus a 6th Purp north of Sandy point and a pair of Stonechats by Raised Tee on golf course.
Sat 22nd Nov 25
No sign of the Snow Buntings this morning, Pete & Richard had a short seawatch which produced just one Com. Scoter and a couple of Gannets and a on a walk along the front added 5 Purple Sands and a Stonechat.
From the hide: 26 Wigeon, 20+ Teal, 19 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 77+ Golden Plover (on the arable), 6 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 25 Blk H Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. MR.
Reports from today
Pete Loud
14:43 A short seawatch this morning proved very unproductive with just 2 Gannet north and a Common Scoter south. A walk up to the raised Tee showed that the 2 Snow Bunting had moved on, but 5 Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks just south of French point showing that they seem to have now settled in for the winter.1 Stonechat was up by the raised Tee. A look on the marsh on the other side of the road on the way home, revealed very little apart from a flock of 25 Canada Geese.(RJ, PL).
Fri 21st Nov 25
A walk along the front this morning found 2 Turnstone on the sluice, 4+ Purple Sands on the rocks south of French Pt. and the 2 Snow Buntings were on the track below Sandy Pt late morning, also noted Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Stonechat and Pied Wags. JS/MR et.al.
Reports from today
Brian Combs
07:36 Haven: 2 Snow Buntings still by golf course dump.
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| Photo Brian Combes© |
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| Photo Brian Combes© |
16:49 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back along seawall this morning included: 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Rock Pipit (sea defences), 1 Chiff, 3 Siskin (north), 7 Goldfinch (north), 210+ Starling (in-off; smallest group 5, largest 70+), 5 Song Thrush (1 in subsong), 24 Blackbird, 2 Mute Swan (south over the sea), 3 Reed Bunting, 7 Mipit, 3 Cetti’s (singing), 12 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Turnstone, 3 Stonechat.
Walk to the farm this afternoon added: 4 Goldcrest, 1 Chiff, 30+ Skylark, 20+ Mipit, 30+ Linnet.
Richard Jeffree
09:36 4 Purps on rocks south of French Pt.
Thurs 20th Nov 25
Another very chilly morning but nice in the sun, Richard relocated the Snow Buntings this morning and also had a Woodcock In off, Pete Loud added a couple of Stonechat along the front and I had 5 Purple Sands on the rocks south of French Point. 2 Turnstone were on the sluice and not a lot on the scrape
From the hide: 2 Teal, 1 Wigeon, c130 Golden Plover & 30 Lapwing (up on the arable), 20 Blk H Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 Water Rail. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
10:00 1 Snow Bunting still on track below seawall halfway between French Pt. and Sandy Pt., make that 2.
Mike O'Hanlon
11:33 2 Purple Sandpiper on the sluice.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
Water Rail from the hide this morning
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
Wed 19th Nov 25
Reports from today
Pete Loud
13:17 2 hour seawatch up to 12pm,pretty slow going, but wasn’t much else to do out of the rain. 1 Woodcock in off, 1 Shag south, 1 Red t Diver, lots of groups of Common Scoter, over 100 in total, 1 Little Egret.
Laurence Drumond
13:51 Plus 2 R B Merganser before 9.00.
Richard Jeffree
15:41 2 Snow Buntings, bluethroat trail both look like females.
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Tues 18th Nov 25
The temperature was only around 3 deg. this morning but it felt even colder with a steady breeze, no sign of the Snow Bunting this morning, or anything else of note along the front.
From the hide: 30 Greylags, 40+ Teal, 10+ Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 2 Goosander (fly-over late morning), 100+ Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 32 Blk H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/TR/MR.
Mon 17th Nov 25
Just after arriving at the hide the report from Richard of a Snow Bunting along the front had me on the move, I joined Richard & Mike and the stunning little bird was showing down to 6 feet at times, feeding on the inside face of the seawall it was only flushed when cyclist's passed at speed, returning very quickly to feed between the grasses.
Mike and Richard had already had 2 Razorbills offshore on their way down to French Pt. and as we walked back the Short-eared Owl that had come in off the Sea passed over our heads, not a bad morning.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
From the hide: 160+ Teal, 20+ Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 80+ Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 1 Avocet, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
10:24 Snow Bunting seawall north French Pt.
Laurence Drumond
11:05 Merlin in-off shelter.
11:24 SEO in-off shelter..
12:49 Little Auk south past shelter.
Sun16th Nov 25
Reports from today
Graham Sutton
08:03 From shelter - 1 Little Gull & 2 Little Auks N in last 10 minutes.
08:36 Prob BTD now on sea distantly off shelter
10:57 Haven 0730-0945: Brent 220 S 130N, Wigeon 12N, Teal 25S 8N, C Scoter 15N, RB Merganser 1N, RT Diver 1N, Little Gull 1N ad, Med Gull 1N ad, Little Auk 2N, Dunlin 34N, Purple Sand 1N, Turnstone 8N, Grey Plover 3N, Ringed Plover 28N, Swallow 1.
Richard Jeffree
09:55 S E Owl tracking north close in
Pete Loud
13:08 Hour seawatch ending at 11am,1 SEO in off, later over carpark just south of Sewage works,1 Great cr. Grebe, 2 or 3 groups of Starlings in off. 1 Swallow feeding along the prom in front of shelter, later 2 Swallows feeding by the Sluice .Walk to Raised Tee 5 or 6 Purple Sandpipers, 5 Turnstone, 1 Rock Pipit & 1 Curlew north.(RJ,PL).
Matt Lonsdale
13:15 In addition In/ around bushes- Single Chiffchaff approach road, double figure of Goldcrest, scattering of Blackbirds and a Redwing. + 2 Pintail N and 4 Scoter S.
Fri 14th Nov 25
Not a very nice morning, very wet !, when I arrived Rich, Mike & Dave were just giving up on a fruitless seawatch and as the rain had eased we had a walk along the approach road. Just 3 Goldcrest with a a few tits was all there and a couple more at the entrance to the sewage works was all of note.
Best news of the day was that the new cage around the peanut feeder in the feeding station seems to have got the better of the squirrel, for now anyway.
From the hide:12 Teal, 9 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, c60 Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 8 Blk H Gulls. RJ/MO'H/DC/MR we must all be mad.
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
16:28 Later afternoon walk- Highlight a flock of c80 Dunlin and ringos briefly on seawall just N of French point then flew south. 2 Avocet still on scrape, Rock Pipit. Few Goldcrest, Redwings and a Chiff in bushes.
Wed 12th Nov 25
Another breezy day and very quiet around the bushes, on route to the hide a Kingfisher flew down the brook from the back of the sluice.
From the hide: 36 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 36 Teal, 4 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, c100 Lapwing (split between the scrape and the arable), 1 Avocet, 1 Water Rail, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Goldfinch, Skylark & Meadow Pipits. RJ/BH/MR.
Tues 11th Nov 25
Just 3 Goldcrests of note around the bushes and 3 Brent heading south offshore on another windy morning.
From the hide: 41 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 11 Teal, 6 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 110 Lapwings, 1 Avocet, 15 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Stonechat, Skylark & Meadow Pipits, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. SC/PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.
Fri 7th Nov 25
A bit of a fall of thrushes today with lots of Redwing and a few Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Blackbird noted, Several Goldcrest around as well plus Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and the normal Tit flocks. I didn't get to the hide myself today but apparently all was much the same. A walk to Sandy Point added 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat, a single Purple Sand and 13 Brent (4 on the sea & 9 heading south). PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/TR/MR
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
12:02 Purple Sandpiper at Sandy Point below the sea wall.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
Thurs 6th Nov 25
From the hide: 46 Greylag Geese, 1 Brent Goose, 86 Wigeon, 56 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, c150 Lapwing, 80+ Golden Plover (on the arable), 2 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/BH/MR et.al.
On the way home 3 Goldcrest were around the sewage works gate.
Wed 5th Nov 25
Quiet around the bushes this morning, just a few Goldcrest, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Great, Blue & L. T. Tits was about it.
From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 77 Greylag, c60 Wigeon, c50 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, c150 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 20 Blk H Gulls, 3 Stonechat, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk,. RJ/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Pete Loud
14:52 Walk to Frinton and back along seawall this morning,1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Stonechat, 1 Med Gull, 1 Gannet close offshore north. From the hide early afternoon, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 3 Shoveler, 3 Brent, 3 Stonechat, 2 Swallows & Plenty of Wigeon &Teal.
Tues 4th Nov 25
From the hide: 80+ Greylag, c50 Teal, c50 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Blk T Godwit, 2 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 25 Blk H Gulls, 2 Cormorant, 1 Swallow, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. RJ/MO'H/BH/PB/MR
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
12:00 2 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks just south of Sandy point.
Mon 3rd Nov 25
No sign of the Jack Snipe this morning but 3 late House Martins were nice to see in November. Otherwise much the same.
From the hide: 90+ Greylag, c70 Teal, c50 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 150 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Blk T Godwit, 23 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 8+ Pied Wags, 3 House Martin, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.
Sun 2nd Nov 25
A new bird for the Site Year List today with a Jack Snipe found by Richard mid morning.
From the hide: c100 Greylag, Teal & Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 50+ Lapwing, 3 Blk T Godwit, 1 Avocet, 1 Jack Snipe, c30 Blk H Gulls, 2 Pied Wags, Meadow Pipit, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. PL/RJ/MO'H/SE/MR
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
1127 Jack Snipe back of scrape (Bobbit corner).
Fri 31st Oct 25
The early starters had a Firecrest along the Approach Rd and a single Blk T Godwit on the marsh.
From the hide: 100+ Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 1 Hybrid, 50+ Teal, 33 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, c150 Lapwing (on the arable), 1 Avocet, 20 Blk H Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, Lots of Starling and Skylark, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR.
At the end of October the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 168.
Thurs 30th Oct 25
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
10:01 Firecrest on the approach road.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
11:40 Goosander Now flown towards Little Clacton high
Pete Loud
11:37 3 female Goosander just landed on the Scrape.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
12:40 Coal Tit on the feeders.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
14:57 Haven this Morning, a walk to Sandy Point along the seawall, revealed a lot of Cormorant offshore heading south (300+),not much else, couple of groups of Goldfinch and a few Meadow Pipit still moving south, 2 late Swallows south, 1 Marsh Harrier & 1 Stonechat, biggest surprise was the 3 Goosander that flew in to the Scrape, needless to say they didn’t stay long after they realised it was only a few inches deep. Good to see the Coal Tit on the feeders, after Micks hard work to keep them topped up, this bird was un-ringed so not the bird Simon caught the other week.
Sun 26th Oct 25
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
10:12 6 Fieldfares in trees along the approach road.
Sat 25th Oct 25
Reports from today
Brian Combes
08:25 Haven: Firecrest by sewage work gates.
17:51 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Firecrest, 7 Swallow (over paddocks), 20+ Goldcrest, 11 Redpoll (south), 93 Goldfinch (south), 10 Siskin (south), 56+ Skylark (6 south, 50+ on arable), 25 Linnet (5 south), 14 Chaffinch (4 south), 38+ Mipit (8 south), 4 Chiff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Stonechat (2 north of hide, 2 paddocks), 9 Blackbird, 2 Curlew, 2 Buzzard, 2 Cetti’s (singing), 100+ Starling (pumpkin field).
Fri 24th Oct 25
From the hide: 68 Greylag, c100 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 25 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warbler (Displaying), 2 Pied Wags, 2 Buzzard. PL/DC/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Emyr Jones
09:16 Nine Whooper Swans just landed on scrape - then took off again!
Dave Cummings
10:27 Firecrest, approach road.
Thurs 23rd Oct 25
I had a quick visit to the Haven today, after the rain but in a very brisk wind. A short seawatch gave just 2 Gannet south & 2 Cormorant north so I headed to the hide.
From the hide: 47 Greylag, 80+ Teal, 9 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 23 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler and on the marsh to the right of the hide 12 Pheasants were sheltering from the wind behind one bramble bush.
Wed 22nd Oct 25
It was nice to see a flock of 8+ Greenfinch around the Dell this morning plus a few Chaffinch around the site, birds only seen in small numbers of late, also quite a few new Blackbirds were making a lot of noise.
From the hide 29 Greylag, 150+ Lapwing (up on the arable), 2+ Blk Headed Gulls, 1 Fieldfare (back hedge), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Pied Wags.
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
12:44 Wheatear on golf course.
Pete Loud
14:49 Haven this morning, several Chiffchaff & 1 Blackcap around the Dell, walk to Sandy Point and back along the seawall, 6+ Stonechat,1 Whinchat &1 Wheatear. Simon was ringing in the reedbed (see Ringing page) and it was good to see a flock of 25 Redpoll flying around the nets, the largest group I have ever seen at the Haven. 1 Adult Med Gull offshore.(MO’H,MR,PL).
Sun 19th Oct 25
A Catch up of the last weeks reports
Sat 11th Oct 25
See Ringing page
Mon 13th Oct 25
Matt Lonsdale
09:29 Grounded Redwing on deck in sailing club compound.
12:12 Additions In/around bushes, Overhead- 6 Redpoll (2s,4n), Swallow, 2 Grey Wag (s), 10+ Skylark (s), 9 Redwing (in/off). Several groups of Siskin. Bushes- 1 Redwing, 5+ cont Blackbirds, 15 Goldcrest, G S Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff.
15:21 Around the farm early pm- 3 Fieldfare and a Redwing in/off. Couple of Chiffs and a Blackcap present as well as lots of Skylarks in northern fields.
Graham Sutton
From Haven shelter (0720-1030): Brent 245 S, Greylag 12S, Mallard 12N, Wigeon 222S, Teal 185S, Eider 1N, C Scoter 21S 19N, Shelduck 3N, R T Diver 3N, Gannet 5N, Sandwich Tern 5N 2S, Common/Arctic Tern 2N 2S, Peregrine 1 in off, Swallow 2 S, Light passage of Pipits, 1 Starling & 1 lark S/ in-off.
Tues 14th Oct 25
See Ringing page
Wed 15th Oct 25
Pete Loud
12:47 From the hide this morning, good but brief views of a nice Water Rail in the recently cleared channel. Peregrine up on the arable,14 Wigeon & 7 Teal on the pond.(SC&PL).Simon did a short ringing session in the old ringing compound behind the sewage works and ringed a fine Coal Tit which was new for the Haven Year list and several Goldcrest. Around the bushes still lots of Blackbirds, 3 Chiffchaff and a couple of Goldcrest.
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| Photo S&P Cox© |
16:35 Black Redstart on sea wall just in front of Haven sea-watching hide just now.
Thurs 16th Oct 25
Emyr Jones
07:54 Guillemot on the sea by the raised tee.
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Liz Huxley
10:38 Has now reached French Pt very close in.
Fri 17th Oct 25
Brian Combes
08:44 Haven: Yellow-browed Warbler by sewage works entrance, calling and showing briefly in sycamores + Firecrest.
16:25 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via seawall this morning included: 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (initially called once, faintly, from deep inside the sewage works, eventually called again by gate and showed well briefly), 1 Firecrest (east end of approach road), 1 Whinchat (latish bird), 4 Stonechat, 61 Redpoll (north, as were most birds on the move today - lovely to see some in the hand too), 214 Goldfinch (north), 9 Siskin (north), 18 Skylark (north), 8 Swallow (north), 3 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 18 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 47+ Mipit (16 north, 6 south, 25+ grounded), 7 Goldcrest, 3 Chiff, 6 Cetti’s (singing), 6 Curlew (5 golf course, 1 south), 10 Pied Wag (6 south), 8 Reed Bunting, 15 Linnet, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Brent (north).
Pete Loud
13:12 Yellow-browed just showed briefly in tit flock in poplars in front of feeding station by sewage works.
14:41 Unfortunately no further sightings of Yellow browed,Brambling calling other side of hedge opposed sewage farm, Peregrine overhead and several cracking male Redpoll in the hand ,Simon & Pat had a good ringing morning in the reedbed.5 Swallows north.
Matt Lonsdale
16:46 Firecrest memorials.
17:18 Ybw north of 5 bar gate near sewage works.
18:07 Haven late afternoon/early evening- Ybw ranging between feeding station and ringing comping Showed well on/off calling infrequently. Firecrest around memorials/orchard. Brambling in car park, 2 Chiffchaff, 15+ Goldcrest. 10 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, sev. Blackbirds and Song Thrush. Rock Pipit flew over sluice area, 3+ Stonechat on brambles N of hide and 11 Swallow N.+ Coal Tit feeding station
See Ringing page
Sat 18th Oct 25
Pete Loud
09:25 Yellow-browed in small sycamore opposite entrance to car park along with 4 Goldcrest.
See Ringing page
Sun 19th Oct 25
Pete Loud
10:58 Firecrest in sycamore by car park entrance.
Graham Sutton
11:42 Haven shelter, 0715-1015:, Brent 54S, Wigeon 40S, Teal 19S, Pintail 3S, C Scoter 5N 11S, Tufted Duck 1S, GC Grebe 1N , Gannet 2N , R T Diver 4N, 10 on sea, R B Merganser 1S, Merlin 1S & back N, Med Gull 1S , Small numbers of Skylarks, Pipits S, Starlings in off. Porpoise & 2-3 Common Seals offshore.
Simon Cox
11:44 Further 3 RB Mergansers N c1040.
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