Tues 9th June 26

Our visit to the hide was very short today as some kind soul had decided to have a bonfire on the seating. Once again you ask the question "WHY"

 

Mon 8th June 26

We had a short visit to the hide this morning, with a few Swallows & House Martin around it was not a great surprise to see a Hobby over the arable, otherwise 9 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk H Gulls, 2 Buzzard, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet & Pied Wag was about it. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Sun 7th June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Sat 6th June 26

Reports from today

Laurence Drumond

O6.45 to 09.45 from the Shelter...17 Shelduck (3 juvs), 4 C. Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 1 Gannett (4yr), 3 Kittiwake, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 mystery...possibly a dark phase Arctic Skua.

 

Fri 5th June 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:09 No rain today so thought I would go out for a walk and some fresh air, still sadly no water on the scrape, so no birds, luckily there is water in the pond, so at least a few ducks were enjoying a rather scarce commodity at the Haven at present, a pair of Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 8 Shelduck & a single Mallard. A pair of Lapwing were still defending an almost fully grown chick out on the marsh which will probably be the only likely fledgling of an absolutely disastrous breeding year for ducks and waders at the Haven. Let’s hope we can get some water out there soon, much cooler today which was good for a walk but not so good for Butterflies although Common Blue and Painted Lady were noted.

 

Thurs 4th June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Wed 3rd June 26

A strong wind and showers again today but not yet enough to make a difference on the scrape, no sign of the Avocets this morning just a few Mallard, 2 Lapwing and a couple of Swallows over the arable, otherwise dire. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Tues 2nd June 26

We had a short visit to the hide this morning between the showers, the Avocet chick was still doing well with two very attentive adults close bye, otherwise much the same, 4+ Lapwings, 4 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall, 5 Blk H Gulls, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Mon 1st June 26

Another very nice morning for a walk, most of the usual Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs around and the Lesser Whitethroats seem to be back in song again, a few families of Blue Tit, Gt. Tit and L T Tit were around the bushes and the 2 Juv. Grey Wags were still in the Boating Club compound.

A walk to the hide for a sit down paid dividends, as the last small pool of water in the extension to Leon's Marsh held a pair of Avocet with a single chick, still a long way from fledging but fingers crossed

From the hide: 4 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 3 Swallows, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MR

 

Sun 31st May 26

No reports received so far.

At the end of May the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 142.

 

Sat 30th May 26

No reports received so far.

 

Fri 29th May 26

No reports received so far.

 

Thurs 28th May 26

Very sad to see the scrape completely dried out today and the island, that has been home to 40+ Blk H Gull and 8+ Avocet nests for the last 3 weeks devoid of birds without a chick being hatched.

Nothing of note around the site today bird wise but 11 species of butterfly noted. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR 

 

Wed 27th May 26

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

18:59 From the Haven (0545 - 0615): 1 Kittiwake, 7 Gannets & 1 Guillemot N; 1 GC Grebe S.

 

Tues 26th May 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

17:45 Short visit to the hide this morning with Richard Jeffree - The water has all but gone from the scrape and bird numbers are rapidly declining - 1 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 1st summer Mediterranean gulls + 2 adult flyovers, 3 Canada goose, 7 Shelducks, 6 Lapwings + 1 large chick, 5 Avocet, 60+ BHGs, 1 Little egret.

 

Mon 25th May 26

Unfortunately an untimely fault with the solar pump has left the scrape almost dry and wader and gull numbers have fallen, how this will effect the birds sitting on the island only time will tell. 

From the hide: 7 Canada Geese (+12 goslings), 4 Greylags (+ hybrids), 15 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 8 Avocet, 8 Lapwing (+1 chick), 2 Oystercatcher, c60 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.

 

Sun 24th May 26

All the usual stuff around the site on a beautiful morning, of note were a Cuckoo on the wires above the Raised platform and 3 Grey Wags (2 juvs. & an adult) in the Boating Club compound. Also nice to see a good number of butterflies on the wing.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (+12 goslings 8 & 4), 4 Greylags (+hybrids), 12 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Avocet, 6 Lapwing (+1 large chick), 2 Oystercatcher (on chicks seen), 67 Blk H Gulls, 10 Med Gulls (3 + 7 fly over),1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. MO'H/MR et.al.

 

Sat 23rd May 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:21 Barwit on scrape.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:46 Short visit to the hide (1015 to 1045) - Pair of Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 2 Oystercatchers (no chicks), 2 Mediterranean Gulls,1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag + 1 Greylag/ Canada hybrid, 17 Shelducks, 4 Lapwings (no chicks) 13 Avocet, 85 BHGs, 1 Grey Heron.

 

Fri 22nd May 26

At last the first eggs have hatched on the island, with the pair of Oystercatchers having a brood of 3 chicks moved from the nest site to the better cover on the left of the island this morning.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese (+ 12 goslings, 8 & 4), 4 Greylags, 12 Shelducks, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 19 Avocet, 8 Lapwing (+ 1 large chick), 2 Oystercatcher (+ 3 chicks), 1 Bar T Godwit, c100 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, plus the usual warblers etc. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR. et.al.

 

Thurs 21st May 26

Very quiet around the site this morning, just the normal things in the normal places. 3 Oystercatcher were heading south close offshore on our way to the hide and 2 Grey Wagtail (juvs) were also noted.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 10 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 26 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, c100 Blk H Gulls, 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Grey Wags (adults), 2 Pied Wags, 2 Grey Heron, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

 

Wed 20th May 26

Much warmer today but still a brisk wind, just the normal stuff around the Dell and carpark bushes.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese (plus 4 goslings), 4 Greylags, 16 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 26 Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 4 Med Gulls, 6+ House Martin, 5+ Swallows, Skylark, Reed & Sedge Warbler, 2 Pied Wags. RJ/MO'H/MR

A nice Grey Wagtail was on the track on the way back. MR.

 

Tues 19th May 26

Another quick visit between the showers this morning, very little change but one good thing was two of the Lapwing chicks have reached a good size and look like they stand a reasonable chance of fledging.

From the hide: Canada & Greylag Geese, 10 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 26 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, c100 Blk H Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier. RJ/MR

 

Mon 18th May 26

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese (+broods of 4 & 8 goslings), 4+ Greylags, 6 Egyptian Geese, 15 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 2 Pochard (a pair), 21 Avocet, 7 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel,  c100 Blk H Gulls, 4+ Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, plus the usual warblers etc. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Dennis Pryor

09:55 Male Wheatear on first bend before manure heap.

Richard Jeffree

10:31 6 Egyptian Geese on scrape.

 

Sun 17th May 26

Another short visit today but the weather was much better with a lighter wind.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (those with families keeping a low profile), 4 Greylags, 9 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall (a pair), 20 + Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c120 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Moorhen (+4 chicks), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Pied Wag, 1 Red Fox, 2+ Brown Hare. RJ/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Eddie Forrest

14:30 This morning 9am over the road. Pair Mute Swans on brook just N of road bridge, with raft of a 10 tiny cygnets!  A solitary Greenfinch calling. A few gulls on scrape.  Usual warblers and Whitethroats singing, 4 Swallows and 3 Lapwing.

 

Sat 16th May 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

12:36 Not much change around the site today 2/3 Whimbrel lingering, a single Common Sand on the scrape and a pair of Gadwall on the pond, other than that it's as you were.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 15th May 26

A very short visit this morning, with the only bird of note a nice Whinchat just north of the TDC compound, otherwise all as yesterday. RJ/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

17:34 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 3 wheatear (2 first thing on seawall, 1 east of farm paddocks), 2 grey wag (pair by sewage works’ gates), 1 yellow wag (over), 6 sandwich tern (group north), 7 house martin (2 south, 5 over south end of Frinton greensward were hopefully returning local birds), 2 corn bunting (singing on the arable, one by footpath, one by bridleway), 19 swallow, 1 goldcrest (singing), 10 whimbrel (9 on the golf course first thing, later on the arable; 1 north), 14 reed warbler (singing), 5 sedge warbler (singing), 2 lesser whitethroat (singing), 4 chiff (singing), 9 Cetti’s (singing), 8 whitethroat (singing), 4 blackcap (singing), 4 reed bunting (singing), 1 song thrush (singing), 9 linnet, 1 marsh harrier, 1 green woodpecker, 2 greenfinch, 23 avocet, 4 buzzard, 1 common sandpiper (on the sea defences), 1 Chinese muntjac, 6 hare.

One of the wheatear this morning.
Photo Brian Combes©

 

Thurs 14th May 26

A little less wind but some hefty showers this morning. Just a short visit to the hide this morning between the showers, well almost.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 12 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 26 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, c100 Blk H Gulls, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

A single Turnstone was on the sluice on the way back and good to see we still have one Purple Sand hanging around from Richards afternoon visit.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

12:48 Brief early morning visit to The Haven included; 1 cuckoo (singing), 1 goldcrest, 17 avocet, 1 greenfinch, 8 swallow, 1 hare, 1 fox (leisurely trotting through the car park).

Richard Jeffree

15:06 One Purple Sand on rocks below French pt this afternoon.

 

Wed 13th May 26

Another Windy morning with a couple of heavy showers. Very quiet around the site but it looks like the Goldcrests have young as there was lots of activity around the nest today.

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese, (+broods of 8 & 4), 4 Greylags, 15 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard (+1 brood of 9), 2 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 24 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 3 Swifts, 4 House Martin, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

 

Tues 12th May 26

From the hide: 8 Canada Geese (1 pair with 8 goslings & 1 pair with 4), 2 Greylags, several assorted hybrids, 11 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Cuckoo, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Linnet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR

 

Mon 11th May 26

Another day with strong northerly winds. The Lesser Whitethroats were much more vocal this morning but otherwise it was quiet around the site.

Over the road, with only a small pool left now were 8 Herring Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 2 Lapwing and 1 Avocet, on the brook 6 Mallard, 2 Moorhen (with chicks), 1 Lt. Grebe.

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese (1 pair with 4 goslings), 4 Greylags, 15 Shelduck, 8+ Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 22 Avocet, 8+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel.

 

Sun 10th May 26

Mainly cloudy today with a brisk N/E wind.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 15 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 100+ Blk H Gulls, plus the usual Warblers and a few Swallows.

Reports from today

Steve Entwistle

16:36  2.30 to now Sea-watching off haven from under yacht club 

Just had another 3 Gannets half way out 2 ad, 1 3rd cy, had ad 2.45pm , ( total 4+).another 2 hours yet before high tide, wind strong

Matt Lonsdale

17:45 Look at the scrape late afternoon - Yellow wag on dried flood north of hide. Redshank and Curlew on scrape plus yellow CR + flagged avocet.

 

Sat 9th May 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:52 Haven this morning - Cuckoo behind raised platform, grey wag sewage works, 3 redshanks and 2 little egret scrape. 

Last night corn bunting calling by small bridge N of hide.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:03 Two Egyptian Geese in front of the hide. Unfortunately now flown north

12:29 This morning’s visit to the hide with TR (10.30 - 12) 2 Egyptian geese, 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelducks, 6 Canada geese (one pair with with 8 goslings), 19 Avocets (the 2 birds with 4 eggs on the left of island have all gone), 1 cuckoo, 7 Lapwing  + 1 chick, 5 Mallard (Drakes only), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 95 Black headed gulls, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel 

The herd of cattle with at least 7 calves is back on the marsh

Brian Combes

17:11 Brief early visit to The Haven this morning included: 2 siskin (north), 1 grey wag (sewage works gates), 2 goldcrest (singing), 7 swallow (3 north), 1 turnstone, 18 avocet, 1 whimbrel (north), 1 cuckoo (singing).

 

Fri 8th May 26

Very little water left over the road this morning but still holding 30+ Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 2 Shelduck, 2 Avocet and 2 Lapwing. An increase in the number of Swallows was evident and all the normal Warblers etc were still around

From the hide 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags,15 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 120+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Pied Wags, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk. PL/MR

 

Thurs 7th May 26

A late start for me today but all much the same, Pete Loud found the first Broad-bodied Chaser of the year (see "Haven Wildlife" page) in the corner of the carpark. At least it was a bit warmer.

 

 

Wed 6th May 26

Much the same over the road this morning just a lot more wind and chilly.

From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese, 1 Pair Greylags, 21 Shelduck, 8+ Mallard, 22+ Avocet, 12+ Lapwing (2 chicks seen), 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sands, c130 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret. 6+ Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel. PL/MO'H/MR/LH et.al.

Reports from today

Liz Huxley

11:21 Wheatear on track by GC dump.

Pete Loud

13:02 Pretty quiet over the Haven this morning and chilly in a north wind. Paid the farm a visit first thing, nothing of interest except 3 Barnacle Geese flying over the paddocks heading south, presumably from the Hamford feral birds, but a new bird for the Haven year list nevertheless. From the Scrape hide, both Cuckoo and Swift seen at long last plus 2 House Martin, 2 Med Gull & 2 Common Sandpiper.

Brian Combes

17:24 Brief early morning visit to Haven: 4 fledged starling (two sets of two - first of the year and early, most first clutches fledge late May/early June), 1 cuckoo (singing), 1 goldcrest (singing), 2 swallow (south), 25 avocet, 1 marsh harrier, 2 common sandpiper, 1 turnstone, 1 greenfinch.

 

Tues 5th May 26

The small area of flood still hanging on over the road is still holding the same group of birds with 15 Herring Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 1 Avocet and a Lapwing, in the same area were Reed & Sedge Warbler, 3+ Cetti's Warbler, Linnets, L. T. Tits, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, 2 Red-legged Partridge, and 6+ Swallows around the humped-back bridge.

From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese (1 with 8 Goslings), 4 Greylag, 20+ Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 120+ Blk H Gulls,  2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 8+ Swallows, Reed & Sedge Warbler, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Yellow Wags. MO'H/MR

 

Mon 4th May 26

I started over the road this morning where there is still a little water in the flood, holding 36 Herring Gulls 2 Shelduck and an Avocet. Lots of Sedge and Reed Warblers, Cetti's Warblers, 4+ Swallows hawking the brook, plus Whitethroats, Linnets, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.

Quite quiet around the bushes, a Fox was wandering around in the Dell and 2 Goldcrests by the sewage works gate.

From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese, 1 Pair Greylag, 1 Hybrid pair, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall (over), 22+ Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sand, c130 Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, 6+ Swallows, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, linnets, 1 Stonechat, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Muntjac Deer. MO'H/TR/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

19:57 Quiet around the scrape this evening- Stonechat singing at moth sanctuary the highlight. 1 common sand on scrape and a cuckoo calling. First cuckoo heard around Slade road garden today also

  

 

Sun 3rd May 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:22 No sign of B-W-Stilt on scrape- 2 Common Sand, Whimbrel, 2 Common Gulls.  5 Blackwit north otherwise very quiet..

Pete Loud

10:16 From the hide this morning, 2 Redshank, 20 Avocet, 2 Common Sand, large flock of 40+Whimbrel in flight over Golf Course, 1 Marsh Harrier. Red Admiral and Holly Blue added to my Butterfly year list.(MR,PL).

Brian Combes

17:25 Brief early morning visit to Haven: 1 goldcrest, 2 common sandpiper, 2 marsh harrier, 7 swallow (south), 1 cuckoo (singing), 2 swift.

 

Sat 2nd May 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

06:29 Tufted Duck flown over dell and out to sea. Drake.

07:00 Black-Winged Stilt on scrape.

07:29 Still present 07:30.

Mike O'Hanlon

07:49 Stilt still feeding on scrape.

08:00 A harrier put all the birds up but the stilt came back but has now moved into the reeds out of view from hide.

16:11 B W Stilt still on scrape, though light is very poor and the evaporation is causing steam to rise off the water, making photos impossible

Pete Loud

08:10 Best I could do through my scope..

Mick Rodwell

08:22 Still on scrape at 08-20

Simon Cox

15:07 Stilt still 1500 viewed from pillbox. Also 2 Whimbrel, 1 Teal.

 

Fri 1st May 26

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:07 Haven: Firecrest in bushes north of sluice.

19:31 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 firecrest, 1 goldcrest (singing by sewage works gates), 2 pochard (pair), 1 wheatear (by muck heap on bridleway), 5 ruff (at least 5 on tiny pool north of hide first thing), 4 common sand (2 on sluice rocks, 2 on scrape), 1 sanderling (beach), 4 med gull, 1 yellow wag (over), 51 whimbrel (48 on golf course first thing, 3 north), 1 cuckoo (singing), 6 bar-tailed godwit (1 in beach, 1 on scrape, 4 on golf course), 23 swallow (7 south), 11 reed warbler (singing), 7 sedge warbler (singing), 10 whitethroat (singing), 3 lesser whitethroat (singing), 5 chiff (singing), 9 blackcap (singing), 8 Cetti’s (singing), 2 song thrush (singing), 1 sparrowhawk, 2 buzzard, 17 avocet, 4 oystercatcher, 9 linnet, 1 greenfinch, 2 red-legged partridge, 7 hare.

One of the pochard this morning.
Photo Brian Combes©

Matt Lonsdale

08:22 Pair of Pochards on pond right of hide.

08:46 Stunning make Black Redstart on radar tower fence/brambles in sub song!

Pete Loud

08:38 Beautiful morning to be out , we have lost that horrible wind at long last, sadly nothing much to report over the road, just 1 Avocet on the pool ,although it still looks good for waders with there being some decent water there, all the other pools on site have now dried out, which leaves the Scrape as the only significant water on site now, so remain hopeful of something good there soon.

14:09 From the hide this morning, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Bar- t-Godwit, 11 whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 1 Yellow Wagtail, at least 3 Lapwing Chicks. 3-4 Wall Butterflies were a first for me at the Haven, with easterly winds of late, makes me think they are migrants from the continent. 1 Sandwich Tern south past the cafe early afternoon.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:42 2 Wall butterflies by the sluice bushes.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©
For more pictures see "Haven Wildlife" page

13:37 White Wagtail in the Dell

17:30 White Wagtail in the Dell this afternoon

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Thurs 30th Apr 26

Just a short visit to the hide this morning showed that 4 Ruff were still out on the marsh to the right of the hide as were a nice pair of Wheatears otherwise things were much the same as yesterday.

A walk around the bushes added a cracking Black Redstart (male) briefly on the roof of the cottages before being lost to view towards the front PNt/MR

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese (one pair with 8 ducklings), 4 Greylag, (+ the hybrid pair), 12+ Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 11 Avocet, 4 Ruff, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Etc. RJ/MO'H/MR

At the end of April the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 138.

 

Wed 29th Apr 26

A very strong wind again today meant we were getting sand blasted walking passed the sluice so we headed to the hide, things looked much the same before 19 Bar-t-Godwits dropped into the scrape, mostly in summer plumage, followed a short while later by 4 Ruff.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Video Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 6 Canada Geese (3 pairs, one with 8 goslings), 2 Greylag, (+1 Hybrid Pair), 14 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 19 Bar-t-Godwit, 14 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 4 Ruff, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, c180 Blk H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 4 Med Gulls, 4 LBB's,  2 GBB's, 1 Common Gull, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Linnet's, Pied Wag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MR.

 

Tues 28th Apr 26

A strong chilly wind along the coast again today meant just a short visit to the hide.

From the hide: 3+ Canada Geese (plus the hybrid pair), 12 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 12 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing (+3 Chicks), 2 Oystercatcher, c150 Blk H Gulls, 18 herring Gulls, 3+ GBB's, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 4 Sandwich Terns (flew in with lots of noise, flew around then flew out), Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Linnets, 2 Swallows, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Mon 27th Apr 26

Nothing new over the road this morning but one of the Cetti's Warblers put on a good display, on the flood were c30 Herring Gulls, 12 Blk H Gulls, 8 LBB's, 2 Shelduck & a Lt. Egret, Plus lots of Linnets, 1 Lt Grebe on the brook, and the usual warblers all in song.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 6 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 10 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, c100 Blk H Gulls6 herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 8+ Swallows, Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Skylark, Reed Bunting and some nice close Corn Bunting. RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Sun 26th Apr 26

Another good start to the morning with Richard finding 2 Spotted Redshanks & a Wood Sand on the flood over the road first thing. All areas of the site seem to have migrants settling in now and with a light wind and lots of birdsong it was very pleasant. Plus more waders on the scrape with a Common Sand and a LRP.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese (2 pairs), 2 Greylag (pair), and the hybrid Can/Greylag are still together, 10+ Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 10 Avocet, 10 Lapwing (plus 4 chicks FFY), 9 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sand, 1 LRP, 1 Grey Heron, c60 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, Sedge Warbler, Corn Bunting, Linnets, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and 2 Green Hairstreaks. RJ/MO'H/MR

A walk to French Point added lots more Sedge Warblers and for me on the way back, 9 Whimbrel, 2 Purple Sands, 2 Oystercatcher and a winter plumage Bar-T-Godwit on French Pt. rocks.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

08:33 2 Spotted Redshank and a Wood Sand on pool over rd.

17:42 15 Whimbrel and 1 w p Bar-tailed Godwit on GC from bridle path.

17:45 +another 25 behind me 40 in total.

Steve Entwistle

11:46 2 Spotted Redshank still here (1 full summer), only 14 gulls here now .

2 Avocets just dropped in.

 

Sat 25th Apr 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

06:22 Swift south over dell

07:28 Common Sand on scrape, 6 Sandwich Terns circled and headed north. + another 2 S T and a Gannet north. Rest of reserve fairly quiet with many breeding birds now in-situ

16:12 Whinchat still present

Brian Combes

09:33 Haven: White Wag golf course.

10:24 Haven: Whinchat farm, easternmost paddock.

17:37 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 whinchat, 1 white wag (back of golf course), 27 whimbrel (on golf course first thing), 1 common sandpiper (scrape), 8 sandwich tern, 1 gannet (north), 8 Med gull, 1 swift (over sewage works, first of year for me), 2 house martin (over arable, first of year for me), 1 cuckoo (singing), 3 sand martin, 29 swallow, 3 goldcrest (1 singing), 2 corn bunting (singing on farm arable), 6 blackcap (singing), 7 lesser whitethroat (singing), 8 chiff (singing), 12 whitethroat (singing), 2 song thrush (singing), 12 Cetti’s (singing), 6 reed warbler (singing), 7 sedge warbler (singing), 2 greenfinch, 2 turnstone, 2 buzzard, 2 sparrowhawk, 11 linnet, 4 oystercatcher, 13 avocet, 1 brent goose, 4 hare.

Pete Loud

10:57 Wood Sandpiper on pool from the hide, pair of Pochard briefly landed on scrape.

12:36 2 Hobby over southern end of Golf Course

 

Fri 24th Apr 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:01 Greenshank on pond.

10:08 2nd bird both flew north

11:01 2 Green Hairstreaks behind hide.

11:20 Fulmar high towards Frinton.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:11 1 bird back on front edge of scrape.

12:31 This morning from the hide (10 - 11am with RJ)  2 Greenshanks, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6+ Med gulls, 16 Avocets, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Cormorants, 4 Canada geese, 7 Shelducks, 4 Greylag, 5 Mallard, 8 Lapwing, 55 B H Gulls,  + 2 Green Hairstreaks on compound bushes

Walk across the marsh to Frinton beach huts) 8 Corn buntings. 1 Fulmar, usual Reed and Sedge Warblers, as well as several Reed Buntings, 11 Whimbrel (4 on golf course), 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Purple sandpipers (French Point)

Paul Gildersleve

16:49 4, Whimbrel to the right of the hide.

Thurs 23rd Apr 26

 Richard started the day with a Green Sandpiper (NFY) over the road, plus 1 Greylag , 2 Shelduck, Herring & Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's 1 GBB, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Lt. Grebe, 2+ Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, 2 Swallows and some Linnets, but otherwise not much new happening around the site MO'H/MR.

From the hide:  3+ Canada Geese, 15 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 12 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, c60 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

08:40 Green Sandpiper on pool over road

Mike O'Hanlon

09:31 Green Sandpiper still on right of pool over the road + 1 Whimbrel.

Matt Turner

14:14 Male Wheatear in pillbox meadow, 3 adult Med Gulls on scrape and Whimbrel on rocks at French point with a single Purple Sand. nearby.

14:30 c20 mixed Whimbrel/Curlew just came in over golf course heading towards back marsh.

 

Wed 22nd Apr 26

An interesting if annoying start for Pete Loud this morning, see below.

Much the same again today with lots of bird song from the carpark bushes with all the usual culprit's, Chiffs, Blackcaps, Common & Lesser Whitethroats, Cetti's Warbler, etc.

From the hide: 3+ Canada Geese, 9 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 2 Teal, 12 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c40 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. PL/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:04 9:30,this morning on the shallow pool over the road at the Haven was what i am almost certain was an American Lesser Golden Plover, with no scope with me and no other birders about I decided to walk back to the car and get my telescope, but unfortunately upon my return the bird had obviously flown off and couldn’t be relocated.

 

Tues 21st Apr 26

A short visit for me today, didn't like the chilly wind but nice in the sun. most of the early migrants seem to be settling in with Chiffs, Blackcaps, Whitethroat all over and a nice group of Greenfinch in the Dell.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, 14 Shelduck, 8+ Mallard, 14 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Bar T Godwit (earlier SC), c60 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Simon Cox

17:12 From the hide this morning: Lt Egret 1, Cormorant 1, Canada G 2, Shelduck 14, Mallard 10, Avocet 15, Lapwing 6, Bar-tail 1 (circled scrape but not seen to land), Oystercatcher pair mating, Med Gull 2, B-h Gull 80, LBBG 2, H Gull 12, Song Thrush 2 in dell, Y Wagtail 1, Linnet 8, Swallow 2, Reed Bunting 1 male, Buzzard 1, usual warblers.

 

Mon 20th Apr 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

This morning at the farm - nothing of note other than a Red Kite over and a distant Cuckoo calling, west of the farm woods

From the hide (with RJ) - 8 Avocets, 1 Sedge warbler, 1 Little egret, 3 Black-tailed godwits, 4 Greylag, 2 Canada geese, 1 Yellow wagtail, 46 Black headed gulls, 2 Mediterranean gulls, 1 Grey heron, 10 Shelducks, 10 Lapwings, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers

Walk across marsh up to Sandy Point and back (with RJ) 2 Corn buntings, numerous Sedge, Reed warblers and buntings, 2 Oystercatchers on the rocks (north of French Point), 2 Wheatears along sea wall.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Sun 19th Apr 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

09:50 Lesser Whitethroat to the south of raised platform in brambles.

Richard Jeffree

11:07 Cuckoo seen well back of scrape along hedge.

11:26 Whinchat still present nr concrete bridge.

 

Sat 18th Apr 26

Bird of the day for me was a cracking male Whinchat seen on the brambles to the right of the hide, but it was only one of a number of good birds today, Cuckoo, House Martin and Whinchat were new for the year, plus a good number of Wheatear, Willow Warblers, Chiffs, Whitethroats and Blackcaps. Also 3 Purple Sands and 2 Turnstone on the sluice rocks.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 24 Shelduck, 10 + Mallard (+lots of ducklings), 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 14 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c100 Blk H Gulls, 4 Med Gulls (over), 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Swallow. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/J&EF/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

06:22 Haven: Cuckoo calling from back of golf course.

09:46 Haven: Red Kite over farm drifting north.

10:29 Haven : Whinchat, at farm in eastern most paddock in hedge bordering ploughed field.

Photo Brian Combes©

10:44 And 11+ wheatear.

16:26 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning included: 1 whinchat (first of the spring, lovely), 1 cuckoo  (singing, first of the spring), 6 whimbrel (golf course first thing), 1 red kite, 16 wheatear (1 seawall, at least 15 on farm arable east and south of eastern paddock), 3 willow warbler (singing), 34 swallow (including 19 south, 5 north), 3 sand martin (south), 1 siskin (over), 10 med gull (6 golf course, 2 scrape, 2 over), 2 lesser whitethroat  (singing), 16 whitethroat (singing), 6 chiff  (singing), 3 corn bunting (2 just north of hide, one of them singing and 1 south over golf course), 8 blackcap  (singing), 13 Cetti’s  (singing), 7 sedge warbler  (singing), 4 reed warbler  (singing), 15 linnet, 2 reed bunting  (singing), 2 turnstone, 2 purple sand, 6 avocet, 1 snipe, 2 greenfinch, 1 green woodpecker, 2 song thrush  (singing), 1 Chinese muntjac, 2 gadwall, 1 mute swan, 2 buzzard, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 great spotted woodpecker (drumming from wood by farm), 1 red-legged partridge, 6 hare. (26 species in song.)

Richard Jeffree

09:52 2 House Martin over

Mike O'Hanlon

10:37 Whinchat to right of hide on the brambles.

12:39 Whinchat and single Wheatear still in the easternmost paddock at the farm.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

13:36 Total of 6 Wheatears seen on walk across marshes and to farm and back.

15:02 2 more Wheatears in the Dell.

 

Fri 17th Apr 26

Dave, Richard & Mike had a Lesser Whitethroat (NFY) in the Dell this morning, otherwise much the same as of late with Chiffchaffs, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Sedge & Reed Warblers all in song. Hobby was a nice if distant surprise and Whimbrel was a year tick for all of us in the hide.

From the hide: 3 Canada Geese, 10 Mallard, 9 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 12 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, c50 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls (over), 2+ Wheatear, 2 Swallows, 2 Corn Buntings, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Linnets, Pied Wag, Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel, Hobby. PL/RJ/ /MO'H/DC/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:05 2 Whimbrel on field to the right of hide.

Pete Loud

13:16 From the hide this morning, 1 Hobby distant in flight heading north east, 2 Wheatear, 1 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 11 Avocet. Walk to Sandy Point and back along seawall, 1 Yellow Wagtail flying over south, 3 Whimbrel flying north just offshore, 3 Purple Sand & 2 Turnstone together on  seawall. Lots of Sedge and Reed Warblers in now.(MR,RJ,DC,MO’H,PL).

 

Thurs 16th Apr 26

Quiet around the bushes again this morning, Richard had a nice Wheatear on the greensward fist thing plus a couple more late morning and a "new for year" Common Tern was on the scrape.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 22 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Teal, 18 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 62 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Pied Wags, Sedge Warbler, Linnets, Meadow Pipit, Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:45 Common Tern on island on scrape.

14:15 Wheatear on greensward one of 3 seen today and Whitethroat holding territory by the dell.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Paul Gildersleve

16:38 Yellow Wag on flood.

 

Wed 15th Apr 26

Very quiet around the site this morning and on the scrape where the Med Gulls seem to have moved out as have the bulk of the Blk Headed Gulls, see what tomorrow brings.

From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, 14 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 10+ Lapwing, 3 Avocet, 2+ Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 24 Blk H Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3+ Swallows, 4 Corn Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grey Wag. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

13:05 Wheatear on marsh between sluice and French Point.

13:12 Make that 2.

13:17 Both males, now fighting by the seaward log pile behind the hide.

 

Tues 14th Apr 26

A late start for me again today but it was a lovely morning for a walk around the bushes, a lot of the migrants are now back with Chiffs, Blackcaps and Whitethroats all over and the first Lesser Whitethroat heard but not seen, plus several Swallows, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Song Thrush Tits, and a Green Woodpecker around the site.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 18 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 14 Avocet, 12 Lapwing, 6+ Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 20+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Pied Wags. TR/MR et.al.