Wed 30th Apr 25

Just a quick visit to the hide today.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 8 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 19 Blk T Godwit, 11 Avocet, 10 Lapwing (+chicks), 3 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler. SC/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR et.al.

2 Green Hairstreaks were still in the hide bushes.

Mike O'Hanlon

09:03 2 Grey Wags on the track by Sewer works then flew over hedge into compound.

Pete Loud

11:11 Greenshank landed on edge of pond to right of hide.

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

 

Tues 29th Apr 25

A nice addition to the year list today with a Wood Sandpiper,  first on Leon's Marsh before being lost to view behind the island, the two Yellow Wagtails (form lutea) seen yesterday showed briefly so are still around the area. 

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard (+7+ chicks), 9 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall,  13 Avocet, 8 Lapwing (7+ Chicks) 5 Blk T Godwit, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Wood Sand, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 6+ Swallows. PL/MO'H/DW/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

17:05 Good morning at the haven today, 6 Sandwich Tern north in 3 groups of 2 and 3 Common Tern north. Wood Sandpiper initially very close on Leon’s marsh then flew to back of Scrape then seemed to disappear from view, failing to relocate it. Pair of Grey Wagtail were feeding on back of Scrape, and presumably are breeding in the sewage farm somewhere. Good to see the pair of Bearded Tits on the Island reed bed as they bred there a couple of years ago and surely must be a good chance of that being repeated this year. The yellowheaded (lutea) yellow Wag was a lovely bright bird and I think it has been around for a couple of weeks or so as I think I saw it a while back without realising what it was, unfortunately today it went missing after about 10 minutes on view. A Snipe seen briefly in flight, seemed small and showed no white in tail, could have been a Jack but it was distant and dropped into the ditch behind the dry flood.

Mike O'Hanlon

20:35 12 Whimbrels on the GC by Sandy Point.

 

Mon 28th Apr 25

A beautiful morning and everything much the same as yesterday. A new brood of four Lapwing chicks was good, but only one of the previous four was seen today, no sign of the Common Sand but a single Bar-tailed Godwit was new on the scrape, otherwise numbers as yesterday. BH/DW/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:55 2 Sandwich Terns off the seawall heading north, north of French Point

12:07 Now perched on floating wood 0.5 miles offshore.

13:31 Interesting male flava on dried flood, possibly yellow headed wagtail (form lutea)

13:36 plus another Yellow Wag on dried flood.

 

Sun 27th Apr 25

The first Cuckoo of the year was heard but not seen over the road this morning along with Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Cetti's, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Linnet, Blackcap, 2 Grey Heron & 6+ Swallows around the humpback bridge. The Song Thrush was still singing at the Dipping Pond. On the way to the hide the first Small Heath butterfly of the year was seen near the wind pump.

From the hide: 7 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, 12 Teal, 10 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, c10 Lapwing (2 chicks seen today), 9 Avocet, 7 Blk T Godwit, 4 Redshank, 1 Common Sand, 2 Grey Heron, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet. MO'H/MR.

The only highlight on a walk to French Pt. was 25+ Whimbrel on the point rocks that relocated to the golf course as the tide came in.

 

Sat 26th Apr 25

Around the bushes this morning was much the same as the last few days, at the Dell I bumped into Ed Bateman who had been having a 3hr seawatch (see report below). 

A walk to French Point showed we still have at least 2 Purple Sands on the rocks south of the point, now starting to show some signs of their summer plumage.

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 10+ Teal, 6 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, c10 Lapwing, 6 Avocet, 5 Blk T Godwits, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand, 18 Herring Gull, 15 Blk H Gull, 1 LBB, 5 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

On leaving, the first Green Hairstreak butterfly of the year was seen just outside the hide.

Reports from today

Ed Bateman

07:00 3hr seawatch: 4 Eider (2m 2f drifting south on sea), 9 Com Scoter, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Kittiwake (juv. flew N), 3 Little Tern (N), 4 Common Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar (S).

 

 

Fri 25th Apr 25

An interesting seawatch this morning with 2 new birds for the site year list Garganey seen by Mike and Steve first thing and Red B Merganser seen around 09:00 and also several additions to individual lists with Brent Goose, Shelduck, Gt. C Grebe, Cormorant, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Bar T Godwit, Common Scoter, Fulmar, Med Gulls, Swallow also noted. 

From the hide: & Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 11 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 8 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 11 Avocet, 8+ Lapwing (+4 chicks), 5 Blk T Godwit, 3 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sand, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Lt Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler. MO'H/DC/MR/ et.al. 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

07:24 Sea watch summary so far at Haven since 0630 - pair of Garganey, 3 Sandwich Terns, 5 Whimbrel, adult Gannet.

07:57 Further update since 0724 - Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit. 3 Common Scoter (all north).

08:32 Further update - another Whimbrel and a Fulmar north.

 

Thurs 24th Apr 25

A much nicer day today but little change bird wise, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler singing all over, and the Song Thrush still at the Dipping Pond.

From the hide: 7 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 28 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 8 Mallard (+2 ducklings), 5 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, c10 Lapwing (still 4 chicks), 4 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Lt Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 50+ Herring Gulls, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, 1 LBB, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Linnet, c10 Swallows, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. LP/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

08:49 13 Whimbrel sitting on rocks at French Point.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

10:43 Probable 3 Common Scoter north through the Haven

 

Wed 23rd Apr 25

I was a bit late joining PL on his seawatch and only managed 5 Gannets and a R T Diver. The brisk easterly wind made it hard work around the bushes so we headed to the hide. Great to see the first brood of the year today with 4 new Lapwing chicks to the right of the hide.

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 12 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 14 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing (+4 chicks), 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, c40 Herring Gulls, 12 Common Gulls, 4 Med Gulls, 1 LBB, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting & Linnets, 20+ Swallows, 2 Sand Martin. PL/MR

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

10:23 HH shelter (0545-0900), all N:, 1 Shelduck, 10 Common Scoter, 1 Little Egret (out to sea), 2 Fulmars (circulating offshore together), 2 Whimbrel, 6 Barwit, 1 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern.

Pete Loud

13:10 Seawatch this morning approx 3 hours, Sandwich Tern 1, Common Tern 1, Gannet 5,  Common Scoter 3, Bar-t Godwit 4, Red-t Diver 1.

Mike O'Hanlon

15:37 Common Sandpiper still on back of scrape.

16:01 2 Yellow Wags on the flood.

16:06 Bar-tailed Godwit on front edge of scrape.

16:38 11 Whimbrels on golf course south of GC dump.

 

Tues 22nd Apr 25

A pleasant morning for a walk around the site. Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler and Reed Warbler all singing over the road and the Swallows back under the bridge, more of the same along the approach road, plus a Song Thrush singing at the Dipping Pond.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 34 Shelduck, 12 Teal, 8 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, c10 Lapwing, 8 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, plus lots of gulls.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

07:55 Male Wheatear on sea wall opposite GC dump.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Pete Loud

12:17 Common Sand back of Scrape, Egyptian Goose on marsh.

 

Mon 21st Apr 25

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

08:27 From HH shelter 0645-0815 (all N): 4 Shelduck, 1 Goldeneye, 11 Gannet (all adult), 2 RT Diver, 12 Whimbrel, 284 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Kittiwake, 7 Med Gull (all 1w), 9 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Tern, 2 Little Tern, dead after 0800…

Richard Jeffree

10:23 Greenshank on scrape.

14:57 Female northern Wheatear manure heap on bridle path + Corn Bunting.

Matt Lonsdale

10:48 Haven this morning - Over road + up to French point. 3 Lesser White, 15+ Whitethroat, 10+ Sedge, 1 Reed, 2 Blackcap. 4 Sand Martin over scrape, 5 Barwit N (3sp), 6 Whimbrel (Gc). 7 Brent and 45 strong flock of distant large waders N from occasional glances to sea. Little Grebe behind wooden hide.

 

Sun 20th Apr 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:11 Farm loop this morning - Peregrine with redshank kill just past paddocks. 3 Yellow Wags, few Whitethroat and 2 Corn Bunting singing. C20 Med Gull on GC with 4 2cy birds.

 

Sat 18th Apr 25

Matt Lonsdale

09:29 Haven this morning up to French point - Over the road 1 Lesser + 4 Common Whitethroat. 2 Reed and 1 Sedge Warbler. Rest of site - 8 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 1 Reed + 6 Sedge Warbler. 2 Blackwit, 3 Redshank on scrape. 

Probably should have had a seawatch, got to be a chance of some terns with wind today.

Richard Jeffree

10:01 2 Whimbrel landed on beach briefly in front of sea watching shelter.

 

Fri 18th Apr 25

A good start to the morning with the first Lesser Whitethroat of the year over the road, nice to have them back with their distinctive calls. Otherwise much the same Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap & Cetti's Warbler singing all over.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 26 Shelduck, c20 Teal, 8 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 14 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Blk T Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Blk Headed & Herring Gulls, 4 LBB's, 4 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting & Skylark. 

A walk to Sandy Point added more Sedge and Reed Warblers lots of Med Gulls on the golf course and 4 Purple Sands on the rocks south of French Point. RJ/DC/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:26 Reed Warbler in front of hide.

10:36 Lesser Whitethroat from earlier over the road.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Matt Lonsdale

10:33 Haven this morning up to hide -12 Whitethroat, Reed Warbler to left of hide, 2 Sedge Warbler, several Blackcap and Chiff. 2 Yellow Wags over south.

Pete Loud

13:00 2 Lesser Whitethroat singing over the road, but unable to see either, 2 Whitethroat and a Sand Martin flyover. Reed Warbler was singing in front of Scrape hide but unable to view it , a nice surprise was a Grass Snake swimming in the brook in front of the hide.

 

Thus 17th Apr 25

A  walk around the site this morning was very pleasant with warm temperatures and a gentle breeze, several more Whitethroats singing along with Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Cetti's Warblers, Song Thrush etc. also more butterflies on the wing with seven species seen.

From the hide: Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, 20 Teal, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 15 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 6+ Swallows, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler. PL/MR.

 Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

18:38 Male Ring Ouzel, again from the pin currently on east side of hedge.

 

Wed 16th Apr 25

Reports from today

Brian Combes

10:04 Ringtail Hen Harrier south over arable from footpath.

10:20 Ring Ouzel in first paddock at farm on west of footpath though elusive.

17:13 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Hen Harrier (having not seen one locally this Autumn/Winter, good to get a Spring bird; glad Richard and Mike picked it up too), 1 White Wag (farm), 1 Red Kite, 1 Yellow Wag (over golf course), 7 Swallow, 1 Little Egret (north), 9 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting (singing), 47 Med Gull (golf course), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 5 Hare, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Whitethroat (singing), 4 Chiff (singing), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Greenfinch, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Sedge Warbler (singing), 1 Blackcap (singing), 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Gadwall, 3 Corn Bunting (2 singing), 2 Buzzard. 19 species in song.

Ring Ouzel this morning, typically shy.
Photo Brian Combes©

Mike O'Hanlon

10:21 Female Hen Harrier in the arable below the Farm at the haven, ID by RJ

11:03 From the hide (with RJ) 16 Avocets, 15 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 5 Blackwits, Hen Harrier (f), 3 Redshank, Heron, Grey Wagtail, 2 Shovelers, 2 Oystercatchers, Sedge Warbler,  5 Canada Geese.

Richard Jeffree

Lot's of these stunners on the GC this am.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 15th Apr 25

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

08:45 HH scrape - 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey & 2 Yellow Wag. Flood to right - 4 Yellow Wags, 1 Snipe. 30+ Mediterranean Gulls floating around. Nothing to note on earlier seawatch.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:32 Circa 30 Med Gulls on golf course.

 

Mon14th Apr 25

Matt Lonsdale

06:52 2 male Wheatear in dell best of brief visit this morning.

Mike O'Hanlon

12:02 Up to 50 Med Gulls on sea/GC.

13:25 Yellow Wag on the flood.

 

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