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.

 

Mon 13th Apr 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 15 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 6+ Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, c30 Blk H Gulls, c12 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Grey Wag.  RJ/MO'H/MR et.al. 

Reports from today

Dennis Pryor

10:08 10 Med Gulls to the right of hide.

Maureen

11:52 Wheatear just landed on sea wall Holland Haven after coming in from high up.

 

Sun 12th Apr 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:28 LRP still on flood.

Brian Combes

17:15 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning included: 1 Brambling (north), 1 Whimbrel (on golf course first thing then north, first of the year), 2 wheatear (1 on seawall, one by muck heap on bridleway - both stunning males and with leucorhoa type plumage), 2 siskin (over), 9 whitethroat (singing), 4 sedge warbler (singing), 7 chiff (singing), 5 blackcap (singing), 18 swallow (12 south, 4 paddocks, 2 muck heap), 57 med gull (12 on Frinton greensward and 41 on golf course, first thing; 4 on scrape),  1 goldcrest (singing), 1 purple sandpiper, 3 turnstone, 9 linnet, 6 Cetti’s (singing), 15 curlew, 4 oystercatcher, 5 greenfinch, 2 song thrush (singing), 3 goldfinch (north),  1 Chinese muntjac, 2 sparrowhawk, 8 avocet, 1 little egret, 2 shoveler, 1 corn bunting (none singing), 1 green woodpecker, 1 buzzard, 2 red-legged partridge, 2 hare. (21 species in song.)

 

Sat 11th Apr 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:25 Unsurprisingly fairly quiet early morning visit - LRP and Little Egret on scrape. 2 Whitethroat by raised platform, plenty of Blackcaps and Chiffs. 3 Swallow around sewage works and 4 Com Scoter N the highlights.

Richard Jeffree

13:00 Additions to Matt's sightings 1st summer male Wheatear on the log pile Sedge and Reed Warbler singing on marsh and 5 Turnstone French Pt otherwise very quiet.

This morning's Wheatear
Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 10th Apr 26

A quick visit for me today late morning, I managed to pick up the Yellow Wagtail and the Bar T Godwit and both LRP's were still on the flood otherwise all was much the same.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:04 Barwit still with Curlew on marsh behind carpark/dipping pond.

09:13. Flew towards hide.

09:47 Yellow Wag still on flood. 

 

Thurs 9th Apr 26

The Reed Warbler and the Willow Warbler were still over the road this morning along with 2 Cetti's Warblers, a Swallow, Linnets and a Whitethroat, several other Whitethroats, Chiffs and Blackcaps were around the bushes on the main site.

From the Hide: 2 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 12 Mallard (+at least 2 families of ducklings), 5 Shoveler, 37+ Curlew, 13 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 LRP's, 1 Blk T Godwit, 60+ Blk H Gulls, 20+ Med Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wag (late afternoon).

Another Swallow was on the wires at the sluice on the way back

Reports from today

Paul Gildersleve

16:05 Yellow Wagtail, Holland haven, back of right hand scrape?

Pete Loud

17:38 From the hide this evening, 2 LRP, 1 Barwit in with 20 Curlew feeding on the marsh to right of scrape. Several Swallow this afternoon, Whitethroat & Reed Warbler.

 

Wed 8th Apr 26

With another lovely day came a few new birds with Reed Warbler, Lt. Ringed Plover & Whitethroat added to the year list, along with several Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck,10 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 20+ Curlew, 16 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Lt. R Plover, 60+ Blk H Gulls, 10 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

08:49 Several Reed Warblers over road on brook usual first spot.

10:39 LRP on flood.

13:45 Whitethroat over road

 

Tues 7th Apr 26

A late start for me today, on the walk to the hide a Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were singing along the sewage works hedge and a Wheatear was on the Boating Club rocks, another Chiffchaff was seen near the windpump.

From the hide: Much the same, 4 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 20+ Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c70 Blk H Gulls, 10 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Lt. Grebe, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wags, 1 White Wag.

A walk the French Pt. added, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Corn Buntings, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Meadow Pipit PL/RJ/MR.

 

Mon 6th Apr 26

By the time I managed to get out this morning a lot of the Wheatears had moved on, Richard and I had 2 on the Boating Club rocks and another half a dozen were on the marsh to the right of the hide.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 8 Teal, 6 Mallard (incl. 10 ducklings), 5 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, c20 Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 5 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, c80 Blk H Gulls, 30+ Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, c6 Wheatear, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Skylark, 2 Swallows. RJ/DC/MR et.al. 

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:56 Willow Warbler and couple of Blackcap singing wood @ end of car park.

08:01 2 Wheatear greensward

08:30 11 Wheatear up to wooden hide. 2 moth sanctuary, 2 on marsh right of hide and 5 around pill box and woodpiles. 2 Sedge Warbler singing, Little Grebe on pond. Corn Bunting on brambles on marsh. 15+ Chiffchaff and 4 Blackcap across site also.

08:36 Wheatear everywhere. additional 5 (4 boating club rocks and one at sluice) + Swallow.

09:02 G S Woodpecker in car park, and that was the lot.

 

Sun 5th Apr 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 11 Shelduck, 10 Mallard (+ a female with 11 ducklings), 5 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 30+ Curlew, 20 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 170+ Blk H Gulls, 15 Med Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Lt. Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Sat 4th Apr 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans 4 Canada Geese (2 pairs),  10 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 20+ Curlew, 16 Avocet, 11 Lapwing, 128 Bk H Gulls, 20+ Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Swallow, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:05 Still quiet over haven this morning - Egyptian goose came from south and landed on pools behind raised platform. 2 blackcap singing (memorials, ringing compound), 6+ chiffchaff, 2 goldcrest. Search of ditches for sedgies proved unsuccessful. 14 med gull, 14 avocet and grey heron on scrape. Single Siskin, linnets and several small groups of woodpigeon over + Rt diver offshore.

Steve Entwistle

09:41 1 Red-throated Diver on sea from shelter  close.

12:44 4 Purple Sand  75yds south French point.

12:46 9 Flying towards sunny point direction.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:52 Blackcap along the sewer works road.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Richard Jeffree

12:16 Sedge Warbler, Marsh behind French Pt.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Fri 3rd Apr 26

Another day of strong and chilly winds, doesn't feel much like an Easter weekend to me.

3 Chiffchaffs were singing and 5 Purple Sands were on the sluice rocks on the way to the hide.

From the hide:  2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 9 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 20+ Curlew, 11 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 128 Blk H Gulls, 11 Med Gulls, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Cetti's Warblers 

Reports from today

Brian Combes

16:56 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via farm this morning included: 1 yellowhammer (west over farm), 2 goldcrest, 1 blackcap (singing), 45 med gull (39 on Greensward/golf course first thing; 6 on scrape), 4 chiff (singing), 6 Cetti’s (singing), 3 reed bunting, 2 Canada goose (south), 39+ linnet (30+ still on arable), 33 curlew, 4 oystercatcher, 2 mute swan, 2 shelduck (south), 3 avocet, 1 hare, 1 greenfinch, 1 Chinese muntjac, 3 song thrush (singing), 4 shoveler, 1 buzzard.

 

Thurs 2nd Apr 26

A very chilly wind today and much quieter around the site, a few Chiffchaffs singing along with Cetti's Warblers plus the usual tits and finches

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 3+ Canada Geese, 10 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 8 Teal, 2 Wigeon, c30 Curlew, 11 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 119 B H Gulls, 7 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Wags, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR 

 

Wed 1st Apr 26

Some very sad news this morning of the passing of Pam Roker, who with her late husband Les was a stalwart of the local birding community for many years and a main part of Holland Haven birding.  RIP Pam.

5+ Chiffchaffs and several Cetti's Warblers were seen around the site today plus a Marsh Harrier over the road first thing and a new for year Kingfisher late morning for PL thankfully the Kingfisher put in an appearance at the hide a few minutes later.

8 Red-throated Divers were sitting on the sea off the sluice.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 6 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 20+ Curlew, 15 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, c60 Blk H Gulls, 15 Med Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret. PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:36 Kingfisher along the brook over the road.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:07 Kingfisher from the hide.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Tues 31st Mar 26

Reports from today

Ken Smith

09:10 Wheatear on sea wall north end of Frinton golf course.

Richard Jeffree

10:11 Golden Plover sluice

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

.

Mike O'Hanlon

11:27 Male Wheatear on marsh opposite French Point.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

At the end of March the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 113.

 

Mon 30th Mar 26

Very windy this morning so it was hard work around the bushes, 4+ Chiffchaffs and a Grey Wagtail, that was about it.

From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 22 Teal, 19 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 4 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall (pair), 24 Avocet, 20+ Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk T Godwit, 84 Blk H Gulls, 12 Med Gulls, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR 

On the way back 4 Purple Sands were on French Pt. rocks and 4+ Red T Divers were sitting on the sea off the sluice.

 

Sun 29th Mar 26

No sign of the Firecrest or Blackcap this morning but 3 Turnstone were on the sluice and the first Sand Martin of the year passed overhead as we headed to the hide.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans,  6 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 6 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 20 Curlew, 17 Lapwing, 16 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 48 Blk H Gulls, 12 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls 1 Buzzard, 1 Lt. Egret, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Pied Wags. RJ/MO'H/MR 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:20 3 Turnstones on the sluice.

 

Sat 28th Mar 26

A good start to the morning with a cracking male Firecrest and a Blackcap along the Approach Rd.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans,  4 Canada Geese, 23 Shelduck, 14 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 23 Avocet, 20+ Curlew, 11 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 142 Blk H Gulls, 15 Med Gulls, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Skylark, 2 Linnet, 1 Grey Wag, 1 Lt. Grebe, 1 Kestrel. PD/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:23 Firecrest and Blackcap at the start of the approach road.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Matt Lonsdale

10:34 Early visit - Several Chiff, 2 Goldcrest around raised platform bushes. Little Egret on scrape + 3 pairs of Med Gull. Marsh Harrier in/off, 2 Siskin north and 5 Snipe flushed off marsh.

 

Fri 27th Mar 26

From the Hide: 6 Canada Geese (3 pairs), 2 Greylags, 18 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, 10 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 15+ Curlew , 11 Lapwing,  8  Avocet, 3 Snipe, 100+ Bk H Gulls, 22 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Spoonbill, 1 Lt. Egret. MO'H/DC/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:11 Haven: Spoonbill still present.

Photo Brian Combes©

16:54 Haven this morning: 1 spoonbill, 1 spotted redshank (calling from somewhere on scrape/ marshes), 2 Egyptian goose (flew south over scrape), 1 grey wag (scrape), 36 Mediterranean gull (first thing: 12 on Frinton greensward, 20 on golf course; later 4 on scrape - all paired adults), 5 purple sand, 1 Blackcap (singing, approach road), 2 siskin (over), 6 chiff (4 singing), 1 goldcrest, 3 red-throated diver (1 south, 2 north), 2 corn bunting (1 singing - west of footpath on arable), 3 song thrush (singing), 1 sparrowhawk, 2 greenfinch, 10 linnet, 7 pied wag, 4 Cetti’s (singing), 11 curlew, 4 reed bunting, 4 oystercatcher, 12 avocet, 13 shoveler, 2 red-legged partridge, 1 green woodpecker, 1 hare. (20 species in song.)

Mick Rodwell

09:09 Spoonbill still on the scrape.

09:59 Spoonbill just flown to marsh below raised platform

Mike O'Hanlon

10:03 Now back on the scrape feeding.

Simon Cox

17:11 This one still from Haven hide this pm. Only 2 Avocets on view, otherwise similar to recent days though Wigeon & Teal numbers reduced. Cetti’s & Chiff singing.

Photo Simon Cox©

 

Thurs 26th Mar 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

09:59 2 Sanderlings on the sluice.

10:52 This morning so far: Over the Clacton Road: 40 Herring gulls, 25 BHG, 38 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Shelducks, 3 Linnets, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Mallard

Dell: Song Thrush, Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, Red Kite (over)

From the hide: 2 Kestrels (displaying), 2 Grey Herons, 19 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatchers (mating), 1 Little Egret, 2 Avocets, 9 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 13 Shelducks, 7 Shovelers, 2 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 4 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 9 Lapwing, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Lt. Grebe. + 134 Black headed Gulls around and on the scrape.

Paul Gildersleve

16:06 Spoonbill on left hand scrape.

Photo Paul Gildersleve©

Matt Lonsdale

17:48 Spoonbill still on scrape + 3 Grey Heron, Med Gull and 14 Avocets. Peregrine up on the arable.

Pete Loud

18:18 Barn Owl, hunting  over marsh east of hide and Spoonbill still on Scrape.

Wed 25th Mar 26

 Another one for the list today with the first Swallow of the year for Liz Huxley over the golf course, otherwise much the same and very windy.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:18 HH Scrape (0950 -1020) - 14 Shelduck, 1 Snipe, 6 Med Gulls, 7 Lapwing, 26 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 26 Teal, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Canada geese, 1 Greylag, 25 Avocet,  11 Wigeon, 131 Black headed Gulls

Liz Huxley

10:43 1 Swallow over golf course.

 

Tues 24th Mar 26

Very quiet this morning, over the road were 15 Herring Gulls, 5 Blk H Gulls, 4 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, c30 Curlew, 3 Lapwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler. Around the Dell area 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush and a couple of Greenfinch.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese (2 Pairs), c35 Wigeon, c25 Teal, 26 Shoveler, 13 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 1 Lt. Grebe, 25 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 77 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls. PL/TR/MR.

 

Mon 23rd Mar 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

12:45 13 Divers on sea between Sandy and French Point. Several of which, at least, identified as Red Throats

Pete Loud

14:03 Short walk over the road first thing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti’s, 25 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 6 Shoveler. 

From the Hide,1 Raven landed a couple of times on the marsh behind the raised platform, was flushed by other Corvids it then flew off High to the north east. 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, Ruff briefly in flight, flushed by raptors.1 Blackwit, 1 Snipe, 18 Avocet, Mallard brood of 12 ducklings, 2 Gadwall, still 60+ Wigeon and 60+ Teal, 7 Med Gulls, 20 Curlew (1 showing a Yellow flag on the left leg No J7 with a yellow and metal ring on the other leg).

A walk to the beach huts and back along the front,15+ Red throats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, c5 Purple Sandpipers. (MO’H, PL).

 

Sun 22nd Mar 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:39 Quiet morning at haven - Marsh Harrier over marsh. Pair of Med Gulls on the scrape. Woodpigeons moving north in small groups, a smattering of Chaffinches and 7 Siskin N. 2 Brent N over sea. Very little in bushes other than increase in robins.

 

Sat 21st Mar 26

Another addition to the site year list today with Richards Coot on the brook over the road, a cracking Yellowhammer for Matt first thing, 2 Red Kites & a S E Owl above the cottages for Richard and Simon and 2 Grey Wags along the track for myself and Tom, another good morning.

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese (2 Pairs), 3 Greylag,  c150 Wigeon, c100 Teal, c20 Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, c40 Curlew, 20 Lapwing, 16 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 148 Blk H Gulls, 6 Med Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Lt. Egret, 3 Buzzard, 2+ Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:13 Yellowhammer on bramble at end of sewage works track where comes out seawards

Photo Matt Lonsdale©

Richard Jeffree

08:45 Coot on brook over road

09:41 SEO +2 Red Kites over sewage works.

 

Fri 20th Mar 26

Around the site this morning, 3 Sparrowhawks high over the Approach Rd. a nice group of Greenfinch in the Dell, several singing Song Thrush and 3+ Goldcrests. On the way to the hide c30 Siskins headed north (2 flocks 10 & 20ish).

From the hide:  4 Canada Geese (2 pairs), 2 Greylags, c150 Wigeon, c80 Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 10 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant (summer plumage), 12 Avocet, 11 Lapwing, 7 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 77 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Pied Wags, 2 Grey Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR. 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

12:38 7 Purple Sandpipers on rocks south of Sandy Pt.

Brian Combes

16:54 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 siskin (over), 1 red kite (drifted west over farm), 4 chiff (singing), 6 goldcrest, 14 med gull (Frinton Greensward/golf course first thing), 10 Cetti’s (singing), 4 reed bunting, 11 mipit (4 singing), 5 linnet, 3 song thrush (singing), 1 black-tailed godwit, 4 curlew, 1 greenfinch, 27 shoveler, 4 gadwall, 14 avocet, 1 brent (north), 4 oystercatcher, 1 corn bunting (singing), 3 buzzard (1 high to the north, 2 sparrowhawk (drifting extremely high to the north). (19 species in song.).

 

Thurs 19th Mar 26

A good day today, great to see butterflies on the wing searching out the new blossom, double figures of Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell this morning. On the bird front Raven was new for the year and Kittiwake are not often seen on the scrape, Firecrest and Goldcrest at the sewage works gate and 5+ Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel overhead can't be bad. Other numbers from the hide much the same as of late. PL/RJ/MO'H/SE/MR et.al.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:23 Adult Kittiwake scrape

10:57 2 Raven flew east over scrape Kittiwake still asleep.

Mike O'Hanlon

12:00 Kittiwake has now flown off eastwards over the sewer works

12:51 4 Purple Sandpipers on rocks north of French Pt.

Pete Loud

13:55 Firecrest and Goldcrest, in bushes to the right of sewage works gate.

Steve Entwistle

14:10 4 Purple Sandpipers still on rocks

 

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©