Wed 18th Mar 26

A much nicer day today, at last a light breeze and some sunshine.

Mike started off up at the farm where the Corn Bunting was showing well again today, but the only bird of note around the bushes was a Firecrest in the Feeding Stn.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, c150 Wigeon, c80 Teal, C30 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 29 Avocet, c20 Curlew, 14 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 B T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, c50 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Richard & Mike's walk to Sandy Pt. added 8 Purple Sands and a Barn Owl (NFY).

Reports from today:

Mike O'Hanlon

09:31 Corn Bunting at the end of the lane down to the manure heap at the farm.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

12:13 Barn Owl on the back hedge to the right of hide towards the golf course.

Richard Jeffree

12:25 4 Purple Sands, Sandy pt.

12:30 Now 8 Purps.

 

Tues 17th Mar 26

A walk around the Approach Rd and over the road produced very little, a few Canada and Greylag Geese with loads of Herring Gulls on the approach road marsh, 2 couple of Song Thrush in song plus the usual Tits and Robins.

From the hde: 6 Greylags, 4 Canada Geese (+1 hybrid), Wigeon & Teal (as of late), c30 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 2+ Curlew 19 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 50 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls,1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wags, RJ/MO'H/MR/LH at.al.

On the way out a Chiffchaff was calling from the brook hedge near the windpump.

 

Mon 16th Mar 26

A nicer morning but a walk around the site turned up very little, just a Goldcrest and a couple of singing Song Thrushes was about it for the small stuff, Greylag and Canada Geese, c150 Herring Gulls and 1 LBB were on the Approach Rd. marsh

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c50 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 16 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 21 Avocet, 20+ Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 2 Lt. Grebe, 95 Blk H Gulls 3 Med Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chinese Water Deer. RJ/MO'H/MR.

The 2 Lt. Grebes in front of the hide seemed to be thinking about nest building, probably not the best place but who knows.

Spring is nearly here?, Richard Jeffree© 

 

Sun 15th Mar 26

From the hide:  9 Canada Geese, 162 Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 22 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 20+ Curlew, 15 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lt Grebe, 80+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull,  1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR et.al.

A single Purple Sand was on the sluice on the way out.

 

Sat 14th Mar 26

Another three birds added to the year list today with a Firecrest and a Fieldfare first thing from Brian Combes and a S E Owl late afternoon by Matt Lonsdale.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (+1 hybrid), 2 Greylag, c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 14 Mallard, 11 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 31 Avocet, 30+ Curlew, 16 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 106 Bk H Guls, 4 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 4 Pied Wags, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk RJ/TR/MR.

Brian Combes

07:51 Haven: Firecrest by sewage works gate.

10:53 Haven: Firecrest by golf course workshop

18:11 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 firecrest, 1 Fieldfare (in the dell then north), 2 redwing (north), 1 stonechat (south of sluice), 1 corn bunting (singing by east paddock, first bird singing of the year), 1 grey wag (again by manure/straw pile on bridleway), 3 chiff (2 singing), 4 goldcrest, 2 purple sand (French Point), 10 pied wag, 28+ linnet (still a flock of 20+ on arable), 1 marsh harrier, 3 med gull, 2 mipit (north), 2 sparrowhawk, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 4 oystercatcher, 3 reed warbler, 7 hare, 33 avocet, 29 shoveler, 3 song thrush (singing), 37 curlew, 2 greenfinch, 5 buzzard (3 in a kettle). (18 species in song.).

Corn bunting this morning (one of my favourite songsters).
Photo Brian Combes©

Matt Lonsdale

16:36 S E Owl on gate across brook to north of hide.

 

Fri 13th Mar 26

A much nicer day today but still with a chilly wind. The high point of this morning was probably the arrival of a third Peregrine who was soon shown the exit by our resident pair, who had earlier given a woodpigeon the fright of it's life when it managed to escape in a cloud of feathers.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, c200 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 30+ Shoveler,  8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 5 Shelduck, 43 Curlew, 23 Avocet, 17 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 140 Blk H Gulls, c40 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Guls, 2 LBB Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 3 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/DC/MR 

Reports from today

Simon Cox

17:19 Afternoon visit: Canada G 10, Greylag 13, Shelduck 4, Mallard 5, Teal 35, Wigeon 60, Shoveler 25, Gadwall 3, Lapwing 18, Avocet 23, Oystercatcher 2, Curlew 17, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Med Gull 1, LBBG 2, Herring Gull 100, B-h Gull 100, Chaffinch 2 in Feeding Station.

 

Thurs 12th Mar 26

A very blustery morning with the wind forecast to increase throughout the day so we decided to find some shelter in the hide. A  GBB Gull was noted along the front and a lone Brent Goose was making hard work of heading down the coast into the wind.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (1 hybrid), c300 Wigeon, c250 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 24 Avocet, 16 Lapwings, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 72 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

Wed 11th Mar 26

Mike O'Hanlon added another bird to the Site Year List this morning with a Coal Tit in the carpark bottom hedge.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c300 Wigeon, c250 Teal, 43 Shoveler, 19 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 21 Avocet, 20+ Curlew, 20 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 78 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, PL/RJ/MO'H/MR/J&EF   

Reports from today 

Mike O'Hanlon

10:18 Coal Tit on the hedge line below the picnic tables.

 

Tues 10th Mar 26

From the hide:c20 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese (+2 Hybrids), c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 37 Shoveler, 15 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 34 Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 11 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 60 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Buzzard,1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR.

On the way back at the sluice a group of 17 Oystercatchers headed north offshore followed shortly after by a further 6.

 

 

Mon 9th Mar 26

Another day of heavy mist meant a non-day birding wise, just about managed to see 3 Purple Sands on the end of the sluice.

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 8th Mar 26

Reports from today

Brian Combes

17:19 Misty walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Siskin (north), 1 grey wag (by straw/dung heap halfway along bridleway), 1 chiff (singing, approach road), 2 goldcrest (1 singing), 5 purple sand (on sea defences by northern pillbox), 2 goldfinch (north), 8 med gull (golf course first thing, all adults paired up), 7 pied wag, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 3 reed bunting, 2 oystercatcher, 1 grey heron, 13 linnet, 7 song thrush (5 singing, some probably passage birds), 2 greenfinch, 5 avocet, 38 shoveler, 2 hare, 6 sanderling (on beach near northern pillbox). (16 species in song.).

 

Sat 7th Mar 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, c30 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, c200 Wigeon, c200 Teal, 54 Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 24 Lapwing, 15+ Curlew, 14 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 7 Med Gulls, 3 Common Gulls. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR

 

Fri 6th Mar 26

I had my first Adder of the year today although Mike & Richard had one a few days ago, otherwise very quiet

From the hide: A few Greylags, 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 8  Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 34 Avocet, 26 Lapwing, 17 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, c50 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

.Mike O'Hanlon

4 Red-throated Divers on the sea just south of Sandy Point and 2 flying north

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Thurs 5th Mar 26

No reports received so far.

 

Wed 4th Mar 26

What a change in the weather today, the mist hung around all day and made any counts impossible. Around the bushes was very quiet and from the hide the calls and shadows out on the marsh made it feel like all was much the same.

 

Tues 3rd Mar 26

Another nice day for a walk around but quite quiet, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and a Woodcock flushed from near the raised platform was all of note around the bushes.

From the Hide: c30 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese, c300 Teal, c250 Wigeon, 100 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 9 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 45 Avocet, c30 Curlew, 20 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 5 Blk T Godwits, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, c200 Blk H Gulls, 3+ Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 5+ Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, RJ/MO'H/BH/TR/MR.

 

Mon 2nd Mar 26

What a lovely morning, it was a pleasure to be out and about with out getting Cold, Wet or Windswept.

From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, c50 Greylags, 8 Canada Geese, 1 White-fronted Goose, c400 Teal, c 300 Wigeon, 100 Shoveler, 12+ Gadwall, 11 Shelduck, 38 Avocet, c30 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Blk T Godwits, 1 Water Rail, 300 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 2 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, RJ/MO'H/MR/June & Eddie.

 

Sun 1st Mar 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:43 Highlights from this morning: 3 Dunlin on the flood, 27 Avocet, 5 Snipe, 4 Oystercatcher, usual duck species single Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, 8 Purple Sands below French Pt.

 

Sat 28th Feb 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:49 Haven this morning - Chiffchaff singing ringing compound, 4 Goldcrest in bushes. Female Marsh Harrier quartering fields, 34 Avocet on scrape, 6 Blackwit on marsh.

.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:17 Single Purple Sandpiper on end of French Point

11:32 + 3 more on rocks north of Sandy Point

Simon Cox

14:54 From hide late morning: Greylag 70+, Canada 15, Whitefront 1, M Swan 2, Shelduck 12, Mallard 4, Gadwall 3, Wigeon c400, Teal 170+, Shoveler 85, Avocet 46, Lapwing 22, Blackwit 8, Curlew 75, O/catcher 2, male Sparrowhawk, B-h Gull 110, H Gull 8, Common Gull 1

Brian Combes

19:11 Early morning walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the seawall included: 1 spotted redshank (calling from somewhere on scrape/marsh), 1 yellowhammer W over golf course), 5 purple sand (French Point), 2 stonechat (females by golf course dump), 3 goldcrest (2 near raised platform, 1 singing by sewage works), 5 med gull (golf course), 3 reed bunting (singing), 5 Cetti’s (singing), 7 linnet, 53 curlew (21 south, 32 on marsh), 4 bar-tailed godwit (south), 8 black-tailed godwit, 24 brent (north), 6 pied wag, 20+ mipit (15+ along seawall first thing probably birds on the move), 16 golden plover (flew off the marsh then headed inland), 40 avocet, 71 shoveler, 7 gadwall, 2 mute swan, 4 song thrush (singing), 4 hare, 3 greenfinch, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 buzzard, 1 Chinese muntjac, 1 little egret. (14 species in song).

At the end of February the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 101.

 

Fri 27th Feb 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swan, 80+ Greylags, 28 Canada Geese, c350 Teal, c300 Wigeon, 77 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 32 Curlew, 28 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing,  6 Blk T Godwit, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 2 Lt. Egret, 82 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/DC/MR.

 

Thurs 26th Feb 26

The weather wasn't quite as nice today but there were definite signs of spring in the air, several of the 31 Avocet were on the island shuffling around, sitting and pulling in grasses, showing signs of nesting, some of the godwits were moving into summer plumage and even the two Peregrines were mating up on the arable.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, c30 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese, c350 Teal, c200 Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 31 Avocet, c20 Curlew, 6 Blk T Godwits, 4+ Snipe, 3 Oystercatcher, 77 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull 1 Common Gull, 2 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR  

Reports from today.

Pete Loud

10:19 5 Purple Sandpipers on Sluice rocks.

 

Wed 25th Feb 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:48  Brimstone along entrance road, maybe Spring is just round the corner.

12:10  Whitefront in with 6 Greylags just landed behind raised platform.

 

Tues 24th Feb 26

At last this morning it felt a bit like spring, and just to make the point we had our first butterfly of the year a Peacock in the feeding station.

The water levels across the mashes were very much lower today as was the number of birds, 2 Mute Swans, 15+ Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, c50 Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, lots of corvids was about it over the road.

Around the site a lot more birds were singing including Song Thrush and Blackbird, plus 4 Greenfinch around the Badger Sett.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 50+ Greylags, 1 W F Goose, 6 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, 80 Shoveler, c30 Wigeon, 15 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, c40 Lapwing, 34 Curlew, 17 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 81 Blk H Gulls, 2 Com. Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Muntjac Deer.  RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.

 

Mon 23rd Feb 26

The sighting of the day was not a bird this morning but an Otter, a brief viewing in front of the hide, firstly it's back was seen in the open water, then it popped it's head out to investigate the apple on the raft put out for the Water Vole before dropping back under the water not to be seen again. Brilliant !!!

From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 40+ Greylag, c600 Teal, c250 Wigeon, 108 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, c150 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.

 

Sun 22nd Feb 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

14:01 It's as you were today at the haven with 30+ Pintail and 6 Gadwall over the road, from the hide there was the usual 300+ each of Teal and Widgeon, + 50 Shoveller, 8 Shelduck and a Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 23 Curlew. On the raptor front there was 1 each of Peregrine, Buzzard, Red kite, Kestrel and a new young male Marsh Harrier.

 

Sat 21st Feb 26

Still lots of ducks & geese over the road that included 30+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylags, hundreds of Teal & Wigeon, 60+ Pintail, 40+ Shoveler, and a few Mallard & Gadwall.

From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 70+ Greylag, 1 W F Goose, c500 Teal, c200 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, c200 Lapwing, 13 Curlew, 4+ Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

14:07 2 Egyptian Geese in Greylags behind scrape. 4 Purp Sands on boating club rocks. 2 Peregrine and 2 Mute Swan on arable. R T Diver offshore.

 

Fri 20th Feb 26

One White-f-Goose was with c100 Greylags on the marsh below the raised platform.

From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 30+ Greylags, 10+ Canada Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose, c500 Teal, c250 Wigeon, c60 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, c30 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR

Both the Peregrine and the Red Kite managed to find a meal this morning

 

Thurs 19th Feb 26

The site year list hit 100 today with Goosander and Bar T Godwit during Graham's second seawatch of the week.

6 Purple Sands and a Rock Pipit were along the front first thing (RJ et.al.)

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 140+ Greylag, 10+ Canada Geese, 1 W F Goose, (all up on the arable), c500 Teal, c150 Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 1 Gadwall, c80 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe. RJ/MR  

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:56 11 Pintail on site today- Pair on flood right of hide and 9 over the road. 2 Black-wits also over the road. Ad Med Gull raised platform. 

Graham Sutton

10:05 Haven Shelter (0715 - 0915): C Scoter 1 N, Goosander 11N, Cormorant 223N 1S, RT Diver 8N, Bar-tailed Godwit 1N, Oystercatcher 1N, Med Gull 1N (ad).

 

 

Wed 18th Feb 26

Another bird added to the site year list this morning with a Fulmar on Graham's seawatch.

Very rough seas and a strong wind meant we headed to the hide where things were much the same apart from the Peregrine putting on a display and getting everything very agitated a couple of times.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 80+ Greylag, c500 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 21 Golden Plover (over), 13 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 1 LBB &1 GBB Gull, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

11:22 Haven Shelter (0720-1010): Wigeon 5S, Teal 1S, C. Scoter 4S, Fulmar 1N, Gannet 3N, Cormorant 114N, GC Grebe 6N, RT Diver 14N 23S, BT Diver 1N.

 

Tues 17th Feb 26

Amazingly two Site Year Ticks this morning, as we drove along Manor Way at the top of the carpark a male Yellowhammer dropped onto the road ahead and then worked it's way up the grass bank before flying off toward the orchard (RJ/MR), then after spending an hour in the hide a Spoonbill appeared from nowhere on the marsh below the raised platform.

A single Purple Sand was on the seawall south of French Point.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 130 Greylag, 8 Canada Geese, 1 White-fronted Goose, 500+ Teal, c100 Wigeon, 123 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, c 20 Curlew, 18 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 1 Spoonbill,  2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier. SC/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:20 Male Yellowhammer carpark approach

11:29 Spoonbill back of raised platform

 

Mon 16th Feb 26

One Purple Sand south of French Pt., a pair of Stonechat and a few Wigeon offshore was the best of a walk to French Pt. and back to the hide.

From the hide: Wigeon & Teal numbers down a bit today, Shovelers up to 120+, 8 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 3 Pintail (over), 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzards, 1 Red Kite, PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:29 Haven this morning- 122 Shoveler on scrape with an Avocet and an Oyk. 2 Peregrine on arable, Rock Pipit on seawall. Med Gull and Linnet flew south.

Pete Loud

13:20 Haven late morning,1 White-fronted Goose in with Greylags on entrance marsh, Red Kite over arable behind Scrape.

 

Sun 15th Feb 26

Lovely weather for ducks, not so good for duck watchers !!

No reports received so far.

 

Sat 14th Feb 26

One White-fronted Goose was with 80+ Greylags and 10+ Canada Geese over the road this morning plus 3 Mute Swans, c200 Lapwing, 18 Blk T Godwits & 2 Curlew, still lots of Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler, 30+ Pintail, 16 Gadwall, 7 Grey Heron & 1 Lt Grebe.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

16:22 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via sea wall first thing this morning included: 2 Med Gull (golf course first thing), 3 Reed Bunting (1 singing which is rather early), 1 Cetti’s (singing, 1 of 10 species in song), 80+ Starling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Pied Wag, 2 Snipe, 150+ Wigeon (100+ sitting on the sea), 19 Linnet, 3 Mute Swan, 200+ Teal, 120+ Lapwing, 90+ Shoveler, 1 Peregrine, 4 Hare (2 boxing), 1 Buzzard, 1 Avocet, 2 Song Thrush (singing), 5 Purple Sand, 3 Stonechat.

Photo Brian Combes©

 

Fri 13th Feb 26

A Gannet was added to the site year list during this mornings seawatch otherwise just the usual Red-t-Divers, Cormorants, a G C Grebe and gulls PL/RJ/MO'H/DC

Just 84 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese (+ the hybrid) and 2 Mute Swans on the arable from the lay-by plus the 2 Peregrines in their usual place on the track.

Over the road was much the same still lots of Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler but just a few Pintail Gadwall & Mallard and 6+ Curlew.

From the hide: 5 Greylag, several hundred Wigeon & Teal, 80+ Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 150+ Lapwing, 4 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 2 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine (still up on the track), 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

16:29 Joined Dave & Richard  for a seawatch this morning, for about 1 hour, still a few Red throated Divers offshore mainly heading north, although less than of late,1 adult Gannet north was new for the year list ,good numbers of Cormorant offshore,1 Gt C Grebe north and 4 Brent.

 

Thurs 12th Feb 26

A much nicer day for birding if a bit chilly first thing, from the lay-by 2 Mute Swans, 135 Greylags and 4 Canada Geese were on the arable in front of the hide but no sign of any White-fronts

Far fewer ducks on the flood on the other side of the road but still mainly Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler with a few Pintail, Shelduck, Mallard & Gadwall a few hundred Lapwing, 13 Blk T Godwits, 5+ Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard and lots of gulls.

A short seawatch noted c40 Red-throated Divers, c15 Cormorant, 1 Gt C Grebe, 4 Brent, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew RJ/MO'H/SE/MR

From the hide: Same as of late but numbers down, Teal, Wigeon, & Shoveler, 8+ Pintail, 8+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, a Few Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

 

Wed 11th Feb 26

From the lay-by 1 Mute Swan, 150 Greylag and 5 Canada Geese were on the arable east of the B1032

All much the same over the road viewed from the Chippings lay-by, lots and lots of Wigeon, Teal & Shoveler 70+ Pintail, 38 Blk t Godwits, 5 Grey Heron and lots of gulls.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, c30 Greylags, 10 Canada Geese, c400 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 93 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, c20 Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Med Gull, 3 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:58 Jack Snipe again this morning over the road  flushed from the same place that Richard saw it yesterday, also 30 Black t Godwits, 20 Pintail, Marsh Harrier and still plenty of Wigeon, Shoveler & Teal.

12:53 Seawatch from the shelter for 1 Hour, 14 Great crested Grebes, all south apart from 1 feeding just offshore, at least 40 Red throated Divers, mainly south, some north and a few sitting offshore, 25 Brent, 1 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Pintail, a few Cormorant and a flock of 100 Wigeon sitting on the sea just offshore.

 

Tues 10th Feb 26

Very murky from the chippings lay-by this morning, just about able to ID 20+ Blk T Godwits and the usual Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Pintail when the visibility improved for a few minutes, then a walk around the site added nothing of note.

From the hide: 5 Mute Swans, 18 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese (+ the Can/Greylag hybrid), c250 Teal, c80 Wigeon (+ c100 sitting offshore), 50+ Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 14 Curlew, 10+ Lapwing, 1 Avocet PL/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

13:25 Jack Snipe flushed from across rd., where the woodcock were.

 

Mon 9th Feb 26

No reports received so far

 

Sun 8th Feb 26

There was a lot more water on the marsh over the road this morning and still lots of ducks, loads of Wigeon, Teal & Shoveler good numbers of Pintail, 5+ Grey Heron, lots of Blk-headed & Herring Gulls plus Common Gulls & a Med Gull. The geese were all a long way off towards Fan Bridge and among the Canada's & Greylags were 20+ White-fronted Geese.

From the hide: 5 Mute Swans, Greylags, Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail, Mallard, 7 Curlew, 4 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

On the way back 2 Red-throated Divers were sitting on the sea off the sluice MR/TR

 

Sat 7th Feb 26

We started at the Chippings lay-by this morning, just a few geese down towards Fan Bridge, c10 Canada Geese and a couple of Greylags but loads of ducks again today, mostly Teal & Wigeon but 100+ Pintail and Shoveler and a few Gadwall.

Much quieter from the hide, again lots of Wigeon & Teal, 60+ Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 6 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, c40 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Water Rail, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, late morning a couple of groups of Greylag dropped onto the arable followed a few minutes later by 36 White-fronted Geese. RJ/MR.

 

Fri 6th Feb 26

I had a quick stop in the lay-by on my way back from Clacton early afternoon and there were still 80+ White-fronts with Canada & Greylag Geese on the field east of the B1032

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:05 C75 grey geese (presumably GWFG) from lay-by on b1032. Bins only.

Richard Jeffree

09:40 At least 66 White-fronts from layby.

09:51 Re-count min 85.

 

Thurs 5th Feb 26

No reports received so far

 

Wed 4th Feb 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

13:18 6 Purple Sandpipers roosting just south of French Point.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

16:50 The leading White-fronts circling the scrape in front of the raised platform earlier.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Pete Loud

14:27  For a change as it was calm and sunny today I thought I would start up at the Farm at Gt Holland, added 2 species to the site total, believe it or not House Sparrow and Red legged Partridge both have proved to be very elusive so far this year, sadly a sign of the times, also seen up there both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, lots of Skylark, a few Linnets and a Cetti’s Warbler. Later from the Hide, the 2 Peregrine were in their favoured spot on the arable track, still lots of Teal ,Wigeon & Shoveler on the flood and a Dunlin was a year tick for me. A walk to Sandy Point and back with Richard and Mike we noted 2 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Sanderling & 6 Purple Sands, walking back to the car 37 Whitefronts put on a good show flying about over the entrance marsh & raised platform area loosely associated with a large Grey lag flock before heading off towards the marsh over the road.

 .

 

Tues 3rd Feb 26

It was a first Site Year Tick for February when a Knot dropped into the the marsh to the right of the hide, otherwise it was much the same but no sign of the White-fronts.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, c30 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, c600 Teal, c250 Wigeon, c80 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 50+ Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Golden Plover, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Avocet, 1 Knot, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR/PL

6 R T Divers and a Gt C Grebe were noted offshore on the way back.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:20 Knot on the flood at the Haven.

 

Mon 2nd Feb 26

A quick stop at the Chippings lay-by showed that there were still loads of ducks all over the flooded marsh but the murky conditions made it hard work to pick out anything special.

From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, Greylag & Canada Geese, 26+ White-fronted Geese, c1000 Teal, c350 Wigeon, 88 Shoveler, 9 Pintail (6f 3m), 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, c130 Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 2 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Water Rail (seen briefly first thing DP/RJ), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/DP/MR

 

Sun 1st Feb 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, lots of Greylag and Canada Geese (plus the Canada/Barnacle hybrid), 25 W F Geese, hundreds of Teal, c350 Wigeon (on the marsh & sitting offshore), c70 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 3 Pintail, 1 Gadwall, c20 Lapwing, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Avocet, 3 Pied Wags, 2 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.

 

Sat 31st Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:48 At least 4 W Fronts distantly from chippings layby pr Pintail on flood right of hide.

Matt Lonsdale

11:03 25 W F Geese on flash behind scrape (not viewable from hide) + 1 from raised platform. 4 Pintail 2m+f from pillbox, 1 female from raised platform. LBB Gull and Canada/Barnacle hybrid from chippings lay-by.

At the end of January the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 90.

 

Fri 30th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:14 14 Whitefronts back of scrape.

Max Martin

14:37 25+ Whitefronts behind raised platform, had a group of around 20 fly in with 6 already being seen on the deck

Matt Lonsdale

15:54 Still 15+ Whitefronts from raised platform although some of groups obscured

 

Thurs 29th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

12:36. Very quiet around the site today practically nothing over the road except water, on the main site only birds of note were 4/5 Red-throats sitting on the sea, 2 adult Med Gulls on GC, all the common duck numbers down on recent days, 3/4 Snipe remain on there disappearing island, overall very uninspiring.

 

Wed 28th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:20  Adult Caspian over the road on the flood. 3rd field down at the back.

12:20 This morning’s sighting - From hide - 4 Snipe, 2 Shelducks, 1 Peregrine, 1 Mute Swan, 21 Greylags, 53 Shovelers, 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 3 Mallard, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 100+ Teal, 100+ Wigeon and 1 Chinese Water Deer, 

Over the road - 1 Woodcock, 1 Caspian Gull,  1 Buzzard

Mike O'Hanlon

11:50 At least 3 W F Geese on flood in front of wooden platform (seen from hide).

Pete Loud

15:15 From the hide this morning,1 drake Pintail on the winter flood, with plenty of Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler, 12 Curlew. Walk to French Point, 1 adult Med Gull over, heading to Golf Course & 1 immature male Marsh Harrier. 6 Purple Sandpipers were on the beach just north of French Point. 2 Adult and 1 imm. Whitefronts were in with Greylags seen from the raised Platform.(PD,PL).

 

Tues 27th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

15:01 Adult Little Gull north past shelter.

 

Mon 26th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:50 6 Purps and a Sanderling on beach by sluice.

Mike O'Hanlon

13:25 This morning from the hide with RJ - (1100 to 1230) 17 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 1 Canada/Greylag and 1 Canada/ Barnacle goose hybrids, 71+ Shovelers, circa 200 Teal and Wigeon each, 1 Avocet, 2 Shelducks, 2 Buzzard, 1 Mute swan, 2 pairs of Mallard, pair of Gadwall, 30 Lapwings + Med Gull on Golf Course.

 

Sun 25th Jan 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:48 6 White-fronts just landed behind raised platform.

Pete Loud

15:16 Good to catch up with the 6 Whitefronts at long last, viewed from the raised platform with plenty of wigeon and Teal still in that area with a nice flock of Lapwing, from the hide, the female Peregrine was in her usual spot on the track down through the fields, still lots of wildfowl on the winter flood, mainly Teal but good Shoveler numbers 47 counted, 17 Curlew, Little Grebe in the ditch in front of hide. The hybrid Canada/ Barnacle was on the marsh with a few Canada Geese, first time I have seen it. nice, flock of 80 Brent flying along the front as I walked back to the car ,unbelievably a year tick for me.(MO’H, RJ,PL)

 

Sat 24th Jan 26

Reports from today

Matt Turner

14:09 6 Purps still at French Pt. 

Simon Cox

14:21 Still at least 2 Whitefronts on Holland Marshes, more geese largely obscured by hedge.

 

Fri 23rd Jan 26

The early risers this morning found that the Geese had moved to the distant fields but Marsh Harrier, Woodcock, Curlew and Common Gull were all noted. RJ/DC/SE

From the Hide: 4 Mute Swans, 19 Canada Geese, c500 Teal, 50+ Wigeon, 47 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shelduck, a few Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 1 Dunlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/DC/MR

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:31 The 6 Whitefronts are in the arable field at the junction of Sladbury's Lane and Great Holland Common road. With Greylags and Canada’s.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:32 6 Purple Sands north of French point on beach.

 

Thurs 22nd Jan 26

On a 90min seawatch we managed to pick up 1 Blk T Diver and 3 Common Scoter otherwise it was just a steady movement of Red-throats and 6 Brent plus c100 Wigeon sitting on the sea.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans (another 2 were in the field on the other side of the main Rd.), 18 Canada Geese (+ the hybrid Can/Greylag), c500 Teal, 29 Shoveler, a few Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 12 Lapwing, 3+ Snipe, 1 Avocet. RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Wed 21st Jan 26

I joined this mornings seawatch late, but in time to see a steady stream of R T Divers, pick up a year tick with Common Scoter and totally miss the Razorbill. PL/RJ/MOH/GS/MR

From the hide: Greylag & Canada Geese, c600 Teal, 41 Shoveler, a few Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 2 Snipe, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard.

On the way back c100 Wigeon were sitting on the sea and 6 Purple Sands were sitting on the seawall just south of French Pt.

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

11:40 Haven shelter 0830-1100: Wigeon 300+ on sea, Common Scoter 3N, RT Diver/diver sp 118N, Razorbill 1N.

 

Tues 20th Jan 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

10:08 6 Whitefronts from chippings lay-by + 9 Mute Swans. Corn Bunting flew over + landed towards new track.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:59 From the Haven hide (11am till noon) - 38 Shoveler, circa 500 Widgeon, 1 Avocet, 2 Wigeon, Buzzard

Richard Jeffree

16:01 Afternoon visit to the site for me today produced 2 Woodcock over the road no sign of any WF's, 2 Purple Sands on the sluice, ringed adult Med Gull on the GC in amongst 500/600 Black heads, 1 Rock Pipit, 21 Pied Wags and a male Stonechat and finally 4 Brent's north.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Mon 19th Jan 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:18 1 Woodcock and 1 Ruff over the road and lots of Teal. Nothing else of note. Short seawatch produced very little, just 1 Red-throated Diver and a couple of hundred Cormorant north.

 

Sun 18th Jan 26

Another morning spent scanning the marsh over the road, still covered with birds incl. 30+ Canada Geese (plus the Canada/Barnacle hybrid), Greylag, 4 White-fronted Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Lapwing, Curlew, 4 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 1 Blk T Godwit, a large number of Blk Headed & Herring Gulls plus Common, LBB & Caspian Gulls. A bonus for me was a Woodcock flushed as we walked back to the road.

From the hide: Lots of Teal & Wigeon, 16 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 1 Avocet, a few Lapwing, 4 Snipe, Skylarks, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wag, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

At the sluice on the way back 1 Purple Sand was on the seawall to the north and in the 15mins we were watching c800 Cormorant passed offshore heading north in 5 or 6 long lines just amazing, plus the bonus of 1 Gt. C Grebe and a pair of Common Scoter. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:02 Spot Red heard but not seen over the hide this morning, Peregrine and Oyk only other birds of note on main site. 4 Whitefronts and 6+ Pintail over the road.

Richard Jeffree

09:29 Woodcock again in scrub adj. new path over road.

10:24 1st w Caspian Gull.

 

Sat 17th Jan 26

Another addition to the year list today with 4 White-fronted Geese (two Adults + 2 Juvs) found by Richard over the road, the flooded marsh was again loaded with birds and amongst the Greylags, Canada Geese, Wigeon & Teal we found 9 Pintail, 3 Gadwall, 2 Ruff, 1 Redshank & 1 Caspian Gull of note.

From the hide: Hundreds of Teal, Wigeon, 16 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, 20+ Skylark, 2 Pied Wags. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:15 4 Whitefronts over road, first pool.

09:21 6 Pintail, 2 Ruff so far.

09:44 Adult Caspian Gull furthest pool.

 

Fri 16th Jan 26

Two new birds for the year list this morning with Redshank and Pintail plus the 4 very smart Ruff were added to a few personal lists as well.

Still lots of water all around the marsh, over the road were loads of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Greylag, Canada Geese, lots of gulls incl. 2 Common Gulls & 1 LBB, Lapwing & Curlew.

2 Purple Sands were on the sluice on the way to the hide.

From the hide: Hundreds of Teal plus Wigeon, Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, several Meadow Pipit, Pied Wag. SC/PL/RJ /MO'H/TR/MR

A pair of Pintail, 4 Ruff, 1 Blk T Godwit and lots more ducks were on the flood below the raised platform.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:20 2 Redshank over road on flood.

Simon Cox

11:48 Pair Pintail from raised platform

11:54 Also 4 Ruff.

 

Thurs 15th Jan 26

Had a seawatch with PL this morning, not a bad morning considering, Blk T Diver & Kittiwake were year ticks and it was 121+ Red-throats, +3 sitting on the sea in total. 

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:36 2 hours seawatching this morning, not the best conditions with rain and limited visibility, but lots of Red-throated Divers again more than 100 all south,1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Adult  Kittiwake, 1 Adult Med Gull, 90+ Cormorant, 50+Wigeon.

 

Wed 14th Jan 26

A late start for me as usual today, I met Matt as he was leaving the Chippings Lay-by, he had found that there had been a large increase in the number of Teal overnight.

I walked from the humpback bridge to the cattle pen and Teal were everywhere along with Wigeon, Shoveler, c300 Lapwing15+ Curlew, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe, Grey Heron, 2 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, lots of gulls & corvids, 1 Chinese Water Deer, 1 Muntjac, 2 Brown Hares.

Chinese Water Deer

After Pete's message a short seawatch on the way to & from the hide gave a total of 46+ Red-throated Divers all heading south, 2 large rafts of Wigeon, a small group of Greylag & Canada Geese and lots of gulls.

From the hide: Again lots of Teal, c150 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 2 Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier

Reports from today

Pete Loud

11:55 Still very quiet around site this morning, although very pleasant out in the sunshine, 2 Red-throated Diver south from the Sluice were year ticks, it’s been very poor offshore so far this year another year tick with an Avocet on the Scrape. High numbers of Teal from the hide,12 Shoveler, no Wigeon I could see a good raft sitting on the sea from the sluice, probably the scrape was frozen this morning, when that happens they prefer to be out offshore..

 

Tues 13th Jan 26

No sign of yesterdays Bittern this morning but still lots of Wigeon & Teal, a few Shoveler plus loads of gulls spread over the flooded marsh over the road.

Around the rest of the site was very quiet, Mike & Richards very wet walk along the front added nothing of note and from the hide was not much better but dry, c50 Teal, a few Lapwing, 2 Pied Wags on the marsh to the right and 2 Buzzards was all. Looks like a nicer day tomorrow. RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

 

Mon 12th Jan 26

The flooding on the marshes was much more widespread this morning but everything looked much as yesterday, with lots of ducks & geese, lapwing, curlew and corvids etc. over the marsh.

A walk down the approach road with Mike added nothing of note, then the phone rang, Pete Loud who was along the track from the humpback bridge to the cattle pen had located a Bittern (the first recorded on the site since Sept 2017) in long grass west of the B1032, after a while the bird made a short flight to the edge of the reedbed and spent the next 40 mins making it's way along the edge before moving into the reeds and being lost to view. PL/RJ/MO'H/DP/S&PC/MR et.al.

I'm sure some better photos will follow

A quick visit to the hide showed the 2 Peregrines were up on the arable, 100+ Lapwing were on the ploughed field, a few Greylag and ducks were below the raised platform and 3 Purple Sands were on the beach by the sluice. 

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:44 Bittern sitting out on the flooded field over the road viewable from the recently laid path

15:08 The Bittern was an unexpected surprise this morning couldn’t believe it when it stayed out in the open for over an hour giving a few people the opportunity to see it, although Simon and Pat were very unlucky, it disappeared into the reedy ditch a couple of minutes before their arrival. Later a walk along the front revealed 5 Purple Sandpipers on the seawall just north of French Point and a Reed Bunting which was surprisingly a new bird for the Haven year list, they are very scarce on site during the winter months.

 

Sun 11th Jan 26

The half frozen, half flooded marsh over the road held a large number of birds again today with Greylags, Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard & Shoveler plus c200 Lapwing, 20 Curlew, 3 Grey Heron all noted. 

A Med Gull & a GBB Gull were in with the Blk Headed & Herring Gulls along the beach and c150 Wigeon were sitting on the sea.

From the hide: c50 Teal, 6 Mallard, 120 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, Song Thrush, Meadow Pipit, Stock Dove & Robin.

 

Sat 10th Jan 26

What a transformation, from low water levels and everything frozen solid to full brooks and ditches and flooded marshes and the return of the ducks.

The partially flooded marsh over the road held Graylag & Canada Geese, several hundred each of Wigeon, Teal & Lapwing, 3 Grey Heron & lots of corvids.

6 Purple Sandpipers were on the beach just north of French Pt. and a large raft of Wigeon were sitting offshore.

From the hide: c400 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 40+ Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Buzzard. MO'H/TR/MR.

 

Fri 9th Jan 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

10:54 Wet morning over the haven- 2 mute swan on the sea. 7 purple sand and a sanderling on beach. Large numbers of wigeon and teal on the marsh again + small group of Canada’s and greylags inc the barnacle/ Canada hybrid.

 

Thurs 8th Jan 25

No reports received so far.

 

Wed 7th Jan 26

A walk around the approach road and adjacent wood was very quiet, Gt. Tit, Blue Tit, L T Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Redwing plus a Buzzard overhead and a couple of Mallard on the marsh was about it. Nothing of note along the front just a small number of Wigeon offshore and the mixed gull flock on the sluice.

From the hide: Just a few Lapwing on the marsh to the right of the hide, 5 Teal flew over, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel, a few Starlings and a Pied Wagtail. Thank goodness for the Water Rail, he put on a good display again this morning with his mate the Robin, polishing off all the mealworms we put out in no time and returning just minutes after we put out some more. RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Tues 6th Jan 26

The 2 Mute Swans were still in the field west of the B1032 on the way to site this morning and a the usual flock of Greylag & Canada Geese were on the marsh near to Fan Bridge.

2 Sanderling were on the beach south of the Boating Club, 3 Purple Sands on the rocks in front of the club, a further 2 Purp's were on the beach north of the sluice, just a small raft of Wigeon sat on the sea offshore.

From the hide: c300 Golden Plover, c100 Lapwing, 66 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 Water Rail, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, 4 Brown Hare, 1 Red Fox. MO'H/TR/MR