Sun 31st Aug 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:53 Haven this morning - On scrape 2 Curlew Sand, 2 Wood Sand, singles of Green and Common Sand, Ringo, 2 Snipe, 4 Blackwit. 2 Whimbrel briefly then south + Greenshank. Yellow Wags with cows, juv Marsh Harrier over fields and continued movement of hirundines south. 

Large tit flock by sluice cottages held lots of Sylvia’s particularly Lesser Throats.

Pete Loud

13:23 From the Scrape Hide this morning, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Green & 4 Common Sands, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 17 Avocet, 6 Blackwit, 1 Snipe, 67 Lapwing, 1 juv Common Gull, Peregrine had a good fly around, 3 Yellow Wag and a Willow Warbler. (MR,PL).

At the end of August the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 152.

 

Sat 30th Aug 25

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:10 On the Scrape this morning, we still have the 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Wood, 1 Green & 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Ringed Plover, 8 Snipe, 15 Avocet, 7 Blackwit, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 1 Whinchat & 1 Stonechat.

Liz Huxley

13:16 Similar to Pete on Scrape late morning. Also 4 Wasp Spider, 1 Clouded Yellow & 1 Firebug around site.

 

Fri 29th Aug 25

Lots of waders on or around the scrape again this morning including the 5 Curlew Sands and 2 Wood Sands.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, c15 Teal, 4 Mallard, 41 Lapwing, 13 Avocet, 5+ Snipe, 5 Curlew Sands, 4 Blk T Godwits, 3 Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 2 Curlew, 11 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 1 Coot, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, a few Swallows, Reed Warbler, Pied Wags & Linnets, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear. RJ/MO'H/DC/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:50 5 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Wood Sandpiper still present on scrape.

Pete Loud

11:42 Hour seawatch from 0940, mod - fresh southerly but still not much happening offshore, 1 Gannet and 2 Sandwich Terns north and 1 Fulmar south.

Matt Lonsdale

18:59 On scrape - 2 Wood Sand, singles of Green and Common Sand. 4 Snipe and 4 Blackwit. At least 3 Whinchat on brambles right of hide near the bend in the brook. No sign of the Curlew Sands although limited time…

 

Thurs 28th Aug 25

There were a lot more birds around the bushes this morning with Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Robins and Blackbirds on one of the burnt areas above the Dell plus Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs, more Whitethroats and a mixed Tit flock in the small wooded area south of the dell but a message a message from Richard reporting 5 Curlew Sands on the scrape had us hot footing it to the hide MO'H/TR/MR.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 15 Teal, c50 Lapwing, 10 Curlew, 9 Avocet, 7 Blk T Godwits, 6 Snipe, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Common Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 1 Green Sand, c30 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Coot, 2 Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Swallow Sand & House Martin, PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/S&PC/MR. et.al.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:33 5 Curlew Sandpiper on scrape

 

Wed 27th Aug 25

Reports from today

Brian Combes

10:29 HH: 2 Whinchat, east paddock at farm.

17:27 .Walk to the Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 201 Swallow (181 south), 2 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wag, 4 Yellow Wag (2 south), 2 Swift (south), 14 Sand Martin (south), 17 House Martin (south), 3 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Curlew (golf course first thing), 2 Whimbrel (golf course first thing), 22 Pied Wag, 2 Cetti’s (singing), 4 Snipe, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 12 Avocet, 1 Redshank, 45 Teal, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Buzzard, 12 Linnet.

Pete Loud

12:27 Still very quiet around the bushes this morning. Scrape still good for Waders, 2 Wood, 3 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, several Snipe, 1 Dunlin & Redshank, 8 Blackwit & 13 Avocet. Several large Gulls were coming off the arable and landing on the Scrape for a wash and brush up, highlights being a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull and a 1st winter Caspian Gull. still a few Sand Martins passing through and Yellow Wagtails still in with the Cows..

Richard Jeffree

14:59  Yellow L Gull (1st winter)

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Caspian Gull (1st Winter)

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Tues 26th Aug 25

Very quiet around the bushes today.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 35+ Teal, 3 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 13 Avocet, 6+ Snipe, 6 Lapwing, 5 Blk T Godwits, 4+ Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Coot, 2 Lt. Egrets, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 10+ Yellow Wags, Pied Wags, Reed Warbler, 1 Stonechat. PL/RJ/MO'H/CH/TR/MR.

Reports from today

Liz Huxley

15:42 1 Purple Sandpiper French Point.

 

Mon 25th Aug 25

Much quieter around the bushes today, just the residents around.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 35 Teal, 8 Cormorants, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 15 Lapwing, 6 Avocet, 6 Blk T Godwits, 3 Common Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 1 Green Sand, 3+ Snipe, 2 Curlew, 1 Coot, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, several Swallows, 10+ House Martins, 3 Yellow Wags. RJ/MO'H/DC/TR/MR et.al.

 

Sun 24th Aug 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:38 Haven this morning- Bushes quiet, 8 Blackcaps, 4 Lesser White, 3 G S Wood and a Chiff. 

On scrape- Wood Sand, 2 Green Sand, Common Sand, 4 Blackwit and Little Egret. Group of 7 Yellow Wag north @ 08:35.

Pete Loud

14:33 Dell area was busy this morning with several Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap. Scrape water levels looking good now for waders, with a nice muddy edge, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Blackwits, 2 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 40 Teal, 5 Shoveler & 6+ Yellow Wagtail in with the Cows. (RJ,MR,PL).

 

Sat 23rd Aug 25

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:12 Haven this morning usual Common warblers around dell from the hide 2 Wood, 2 Common Sands, 3 Blackwit, 1 Redshank, 1 juv. Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 9 Avocet, 18 Lapwing, 30+ Teal 1 Little Egret

14:45 1 Cattle Egret feeding with cows from pillbox also Little Egret.

15:23 2 Wheatear GC raised tee end.

 

Fri 22nd Aug 25

A stop at the chippings lay-by on the way to site this morning showed that at least 4 Cattle Egrets were with the distant cows out on the marsh. Quiet for me around the bushes with just Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Lesser & Common Whitethroat of note.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 50+ Teal, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 4 Cormorant, 20+ Blk T Godwits, 6+ Lapwing, 3 Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew (over), 1 Coot, 1 Cuckoo, Swallows, 2 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MR

Reports from today

James Davidson

07:06 Haven: single Cattle Egret in flight viewed from car park.

Richard Jeffree

08:53 Redstart briefly back hedge carpark.

09:43 Wood Sand scrape

Matt Lonsdale

20:22 Haven this evening- 2 Cattle Egrets on marsh from chippings lay-by.. 

On scrape- 1 Wood Sand, 3 Green Sand, Common Sand, 4 Blackwits and a Redshank. Stonechat on brambles right of hide. Very little in bushes other than couple of Willow Warblers and Lesser Whitethroats.

 

Thurs 21st Aug 25

A great start to the day for Richard when he found a Booted Warbler in the area between the Dell and the Badger Sett.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:30 Probably Booted Warbler, badger set.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

12:21 Pied Fly front edge bushes greensward.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:45 Redstart just seen emerging from Badger Set and flew towards Dell

Matt Lonsdale

17:56 Pied Fly with tit flock car park hedge.

18:15 2 Pied Fly's now. Sticking around the large tree between the first 2 benches in car park.

 

Wed 20th Aug 25

Reports from today:

Pete Loud

Still very little being seen offshore, wind moved to due north. 1 hour seawatch in the morning: 1 Grey Plover, 5 Teal, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern. Scrape: adult Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 10 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Avocet, 20 Teal & Coot still on the pond.

 

Tues 19th Aug 25

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:56 1 Hour seawatch this morning, looked quite promising with a fresh NE but still little happening offshore, 2 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern and 3 Golden Plover in nice summer plumage in off. Scrape, 1 Green Sand, 2Common Sand, 9Avocet, 4 BlackWits, 1 Swift, 4 House Martins and 2 Sand Martins, 20 Teal, 2 Little Egrets.(RJ,PL).

 

Mon 18th Aug 25

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

07:09 Common Scoter north mid distance past the Haven shelter.

Matt Lonsdale

12:16 Haven this morning- highlights of the bushes a Sedge Warbler in dell and few Lesser Whitethroat. 

In the scrape no sign of Garganey, 35+ Teal, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 3 Common Sand and 3 Greenshank, lots of Sand Martins + 2 Yellow Wag to right of hide. Wheatear on seawall opp. Gc dump.

 

Sun 17th Aug 25

A bit of a clear out evident this morning with just two Common Sands left of the small waders, Greylags on the other hand had increased to 60+ and by the afternoon to 104, Teal had also increased to 43 and the bird of the day an eclipse Garganey was found amongst them.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 60+ Greylag, 43 Teal, 1 Garganey, 1 Shoveler, c20 Lapwing, 9 Avocet, 8 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sands, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Coot. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:50 Eclipse Garganey on the Scrape in with a group of 30+Teal.

Simon Cox

15:58 Garganey still present but difficult in afternoon light & currently out of view. Also 1 Snipe, 104 Greylags, 2 Common Sands, 9 Avocets.

 

Sat 16th Aug 25

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:15 2 close in Arctic Skuas north past shelter.

17:33 Juv Caspian Gull on greensward adj. shelter

Matt Lonsdale

09:44 21 Cattle Egret with cows down great Holland marshes from chippings lay-by. On scrape- 1 Wood Sand, 1 Green Sand, 2 Blackwit, few Teal and the Coot. Overhead - 5 Yellow Wag, 2 Ringo's, Common Sand, Whimbrel and 2 Sandwich Tern. Quieter in bushes with no sign of either flycatcher.

Pete Loud

12:45 Seawatch this morning 7am -9:30.Slow to start off, unfortunately a North wind not the N/E. promised, adult pale phase Arctic Skua at 8am north then settled on sea, another 2 closer in north just after 9am again adult pale phase birds. Total of 9 Common Scoter all south.10+ Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Tern, 1 Grey Plover, 1 immature Gannet north, 11 Dunlin south, several groups of Oystercatcher south. Scrape hide, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 9 Avocet, 2 Blackwits, 25 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 3 Sand Martin, 1 imm. Male Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby.(RJ,PL)

 

Fri 15th Aug 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:40 2 Wood, 2 Common, Green Sand on scrape + Blackwit. Single Cattle Egret with cows right of the hide

Mike O'Hanlon

09:41 Pied Flycatcher in the feeding station compound.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Simon Cox

10:07 Recently 4 Common, 2 Green & 2 Wood Sands, 2 Blackwits, 12 Avocets, 3 Curlew, 27 Lapwing, 27 Teal, 1 Coot, 1 M Swan, juv Marsh Harrier, 1+ Sand Martin all from hide.

10:18 14 Cattle Egrets just flown in.

10:20 + 1 to right of hide = 15.

Pete Loud

13:36 Very good morning at the Haven today, both Pied & Spotted Flycatcher in the bushes by entrance to sewage works, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and a few Willow Warblers still around the bushes, Scrape, 2 Wood, 2 Green & 4 Common Sandpipers plus 15 Cattle Egret. Walk to Sandy point and back there were 4 or 5 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat seen, a Red Kite flew over the Scrape.

 

Thurs 14th Aug 25

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 31, Teal, 1 Mallard, 16 Lapwing, 14 Curlew, 4 Avocet, 4 Blk T Godwits, 3 Common Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 2 Green Sands, c30 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Med Gull, 1 Coot, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Red Kite, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, a few Swallows, 1 Sand Martin. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:26 2 Wood Sands still present along with 2 Common, 1 Green Sand + 4 Blackwit so far.

Mike O'Hanlon

12:17 3 Whimbrel on the GC

Nigel Pepper

12:42 Herd of cows in meadow adjacent to Pickers Ditch containing flock of 8 Cattle Egrets. I am watching from my back garden but will be visible from Sladbury's Lane.

12:59 Cattle now moved towards Holland Haven/Frinton Road - Cattle Egret number at least 12 in the herd.

 

Wed 13th Aug 25

From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, 15 Teal, 2 Mallard, c30 Lapwing, 5 Avocet, 3 Common Sands, 2 Green Sands, 2 Wood Sands, 1 Curlew, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB, 1 Common Gull (juv), 1 Lt. Egret, a few Swallows, 1 Sand Martin. RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

09:04 2 Spoonbills just flown high north through the Haven. At least one juv.

09:41 2 Wood Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper to left of island and a Common Sand on Leon’s.

One of the Wood sands on Leon’s

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

12:01 2 Whinchats along ditch near Simon’s ringing nets.

Whinchat just south of the site of the old wooden hide

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Tues 12th Aug 25

Reports from today 

Graham Sutton

07:48 Little change on scrape: 1 LRP juv, 1 Green & 2 Common Sand.

08:13 2 Whinchats NE of hide.

Richard Jeffree

10:33 2 moulting Golden Plover landed briefly on GC

Mike O'Hanlon

14:31 This morning’s visit to Haven with RJ - 1 LRP, 1 Green Sand, 4 Avocet, 2 LBB gulls,  7 Teal, 13 Lapwings, 6 BHG, 2 Common Sand, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Buzzard, 2 Golden Plover (GC), Juv Stonechat, (marsh),  5 Sandwich Tern, 14 Curlew (marsh).

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Mon 11th Aug 25

A walk over the road and around the approach wood this mirrored what Pete, Richard & Mike had seen earlier with Lesser & Common Whitethroats, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler & Blackcap about it. They also had a Kingfisher on the sluice rocks

From the Hide: 40 Greylag, 13 Teal, 5 Mallard, 13 Curlew, 5 Avocet, 2 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 1 LRP (juv.)1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Juv. Coot, and a large flock of Lapwing. PL/RJ/MO'H/DP/TR/MR.

 

Sun 10th Aug 25

Reports from today

Simon Cox

08:21 Tree Pipit in hand now (reed bed site). Pls WhatsApp back if wish to see before release.(see Ringing Page).

Richard Jeffree

09:48 At least 3 Whinchat  just south of Simon's ringing station.

Pete Loud

12:39  Thanks to Simon & Pat from Mick, Richard and myself for wonderful closeup views, in the hand of the Tree Pipit. From the hide, 1 Juv LRP, 2 Common & 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Avocets & 42 Lapwing. Between the hide and the old wooden hide site, 4 Whinchat & 1 Wheatear. Also thanks must go out to Matt for trimming the bushes in front of the seawatching shelter, look forward to some good seawatching weather in the near future..

 

Sat 9th Aug 25

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

12:56 Much the same around the site this morning with  Lesser Whitethroat being the commonest of the usual warblers, on the scrape 2 Common, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 juv. LRP, 2 Redshanks, 3 Avocet,  2 Curlew, 100 BHG, 1 Mute Swan and the continuing Coot on the pond.

 

Fri 8th Aug 25

All very much the same today Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff with the Blue, Great & Long T Tits around the Dell area, a nice Clouded Yellow butterfly between the Boating Club & the sluice plus a nice flock of Goldfinch on the mounds.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 5 Mallard, 3 Teal, 6+ Lapwing, 3 Avocet, 2 Curlew, 2 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 1 LRP, 65 Blk H Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Coot (Juv), Reed Warbler, Linnets & Goldfinch.

 

Thurs 7th Aug 25

A good number of Lesser & Common Whitethroats again this morning plus Willow Warblers, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Greenfinch & Goldfinch.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 10+ Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 1 Green Sand, 1 Common Sand, 1 Coot, 75 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, Swallows & Sand Martin.

A walk to Sandy point added 2+ Wheatear, 12+ Linnets, 3 Pied Wags, 12+ House Martins, and a few Swallows & Sand Martin heading south. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Wed 6th Aug 25

A good number of Lesser & Common Whitethroats around this morning, plus a few Willow Warblers, Greenfinch, Goldfinch & Blackcap.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 19 Greylag, 3 Teal, 2 Mallard, 15+ Lapwing, 3 Avocet, 3 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 40+ Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Coot (Juv), 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

A walk to the end of the boardwalk added 14 Curlew (up off the marsh), a few Meadow Pipits, & Pied Wag.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

18:02 Wheatear by the raised tee.

 

Tues 5th Aug 25

Another very windy day with more rain overnight, a large flock of Goldfinch were feeding on the thistles around the mounds on the way to the hide.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan (on the pond), 6 Greylag, 3 Teal, 2 Mallard, 18 Lapwing, 2 Common Sands, 47 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Juv. Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, a few Swallows.

 

Mon 4th Aug 25

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:30 Haven this morning - 35 Whitethroat, 25 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Reed Warbler in the bushes. 2 Wheatear (dell, 2nd pillbox). 2 Common Sand and a Teal from hide. 2 Yellow Wag, 2 Sandwich Tern, 4 Sand Martin and small passage of Swallows south.

Pete Loud

09:37 Water level has unfortunately risen a little on the scrape, only 1 Common Sand, 3 Avocets and 1 Teal, Juvenile Coot on the pond to right of hide is a Haven year tick for me.1 Wheatear on greensward by Dell.

12:38 In the end 1 Green and up to 3 Common Sand on the Scrape, plus 3 Curlew and a juvenile Marsh Harrier. A few Swifts were moving through about 20 or so. A walk to the boardwalk didn’t add any interesting bird species, but did produce a Clouded Yellow Butterfly,1st of the year for me.(MR,PL).

 

Sun 3rd Aug 25

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:11 Still a few juvenile Willow Warblers around this morning (8+), several Chiffchaff and good numbers of Whitethroats,1 Great sp. Woodpecker, still a few Sand Martins passing through. Scrape, 2 Green and 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Curlew, 2 Teal , 3 Avocet, 1 Juvenile Stonechat.

 

Sat 2nd Aug 25

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:17 Bit quieter than of late, 4 Willow Warblers around the bushes with a few local Chiffchaffs and a couple of Whitethroat. From the Hide, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Sandpiper, 25 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Curlew, 2 Teal. Water level is still a little high for any interesting waders, but should drop in time.3 Common Tern passed the Sluice close offshore on my way back.

 

Fri 1st Aug 25

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

14:12 This morning at the Haven with Dave Cummings - From Hide - 20 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Avocets, 1 LBBG, 1 Juv Marsh Harrier, 1 Red kite, 2 Greylag, 1 Teal, 18 BHGs, 1 juv Shelduck,  + 1 Hobby, (over GC ditch) 1 Kestrel, (by pillbox above scrape), 1 Sparrowhawk (by raised wooden platform).