Tues 21st July 26

Just a short visit to the hide this morning.

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan (on the brook), 1 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 10+ Mallard (plus 18 ducklings), 7 Teal, 14+ Lapwing, 3 Common Sands, 2 Blk T Godwits, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 1 Redshank, 1 LRP, 2 Grey Heron, 73 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB Gull, 10+ Pied Wags, 1 Yellow Wag (juv), 1 Reed Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR.

Simon & Pat had a ringing session this morning (see Ringing page).

Reports from today

Brian Combes

10:10 Brief early morning visit to The Haven: 3 little ringed plover (juvs), 2 common sand, 3 black-tailed godwit, 6+ yellow wag (5+ juvs 1 adult, following the cattle at back of scrape and on the marsh), 10 pied wag, 2 avocet, 8 teal, 1 goldcrest (calling by sewage works gates), 7 linnet, 1 blackcap (singing).

 

Mon 20th July 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:08 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers this morning from the hide, also, 4 Avocet, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Black-wit, 5 Whimbrel, 22 Curlew, 1 juvenile Med Gull and several Sand Martin over. Juv. Med past Sluice on the way out.

Brian Combes

12:13 Brief early morning visit to The Haven: 2 little ringed plover (juvs), 2 common sand, 3 black-tailed godwit, 2 whimbrel, 10 curlew, 6 swallow, 1 gadwall, 4 avocet, 60+ starling, 1 Cetti’s (singing), 1 little grebe, 1 buzzard, 9 lapwing, 8 pied wag, 7 linnet, 1 green woodpecker (juv).

 

Sun 19th July 26

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan (on the brook), 9 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 10+ Mallard (+ 18 ducklings), 3 Teal, 29 Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 LRP's, 2 Common Sands, 1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Green Sand, 1 Avocet, 93 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Grey Heron, Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/EJ/MC et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

21:48 Pre footy check of scrape this afternoon - Singles of greenshank, common sand, avocet. Ad med gull and 2+ yellow wags. Grey wag in sewage works and juv med south.

 

Sat 18th July 26

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

06:51 Little Stint, Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshanks on the scrape

06:57 Now 2 Common Sands and a Green Sandpiper

07:39 Early visit to the hide this morning (with BC) - 1 Avocet, 80+ BHG, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 20 Lapwings, Little Stint, 12 Curlew, 3 Teal, 4 Mallard + 9 ducklings, 2 Redshanks, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Black-tailed Godwits

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Brian Combes

09:14 Little stint showed well in front of island. In addition: 1 goldcrest (calling by sewage works), 1 grey wag (by sewage works, 1 greenfinch).

Pete Loud

12:26 From the hide, mid to late am adult Little stint, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1,Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel & 24 Curlew, 1 juvenile Grey Wagtail.(DC,PD,PL)

 

Fri 17th July 26

A nice morning with a lot less wind, busy on the scrape, plus Southern Migrant Hawker on the wing (see Haven Wildlife page)

From the hide: 1 Greylag Goose, 6 Canada Geese, 15 Mallard (+ 21 juvs 9-9 & 3), 53 Blk H Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 46 Lapwing, 16 Curlew, 3 Blk T Godwit, 2 Golden Plover (sum Plumage), 2 Dunlin2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 3 Cormorant.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

18:30 Probable Little Stint with 10 Dunlin back of scrape difficult viewing.

Matt Lonsdale

20:48 Little Stint and 10 Dunlin still on scrape this evening

 

Thurs 16th July 26

From the hide: 10+ Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 7 Mallard (plus 18 ducklings), 26 Curlew, c20 Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 87 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, plus a few Sand Martins & Swifts. PL/MO'H/MR

 

Wed 15th July 26

Another day of new birds on the scrape, with a nice summer plumage Knot, adult LRP and a Yellow-legged Gull that was new for the year.

From the hide: c90 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 3 LBB Gulls, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Med Gull, 29 Curlew, 25 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Knot, 1 LRP, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Lt Grebe, 6 Mallard (plus 18 ducklings), plus a few Swallows, Sand Martins & Swift.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

09:24 Knot in breeding plumage on the Scrape, 27 Curlew and a Med Gull so far.

Richard Jeffree

09:47 Adult LRP back of scrape.

 

Tues 14th July 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:24 Haven this morning: The 2  Wood Sands seem to have departed, replaced by 2 Common Sands, 3 Avocets, 2 Black t Godwits, 1 Hobby north, 6 Sand Martin and a couple of Swift north, 25 Curlew, 2 Med Gulls flew over.2 Red Kite. (RJ,MR,MO’H,PL).

Brian Combes

17:04 Brief early morning visit to Haven included: 9 swallow (7 south), 2 black-tailed godwit, 3 avocet, 2 oystercatcher, 20 lapwing, 1 little grebe, 14 curlew, 120+ starlings (two flocks on the marsh), 5 linnet, 1 Cetti’s (singing), 1 sand martin, 8 pied wag, 1 blackcap (singing).

Mon 13th July 26

A good start to the morning with 2 Wood Sandpipers on the scrape, now looking very good waterwise. Around midday the calling of Sandwich Terns alerted us to three birds overhead, two Sandwich Terns dropped straight in and the third an Arctic Tern had a couple of circuits before it also joined the large group of roosting gulls, another FFY for July.

From the hide: 70+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 7 Mallard (+18 ducklings), 25 Curlew, 22 Lapwing, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk T Godwit, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Grebe, 8+ Pied Wags. RJ/MO'H/DP/GS/TR/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

09:37 From the Scrape hide this morning, now 2 Wood Sandpipers, 1 Blackwit, 39 Curlew and 1 unseasonal Brent Goose.

Richard Jeffree

11:45 Adult Arctic Tern scrape.

Sun 12th July 26

A much nicer temperature out today with a nice cooling breeze coming in off the sea.

From the hide: 54+ Blk H Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 3 LBB Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Med Gull, 25 Curlew, 14 Lapwing, 5 Blk T Godwits, 2 Redshank, 2 Avocet, 1 Wood Sand, 4 Cormorants, 6+ Mallard (+2 x 9 ducklings), 1 Lt. Grebe, 3+ Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Sat 11th July 26

Reports from today

Brian Combes

06:53 Haven: wood sand still on scrape.

09:47 Brief visit to Haven this morning included: 1 wood sand (lovely), 1 greenshank, 1 whimbrel, 1 hobby (low north over marshes), 8 black-tailed godwit, 1 shoveler (male in eclipse), 1 great spotted woodpecker (over hide, will be a dispersing juv), 1 avocet, 16 curlew, 2 oystercatcher, 8 lapwing, 1 little grebe, 3 swift (north), 7 swallow (4 south), 1 chiff (singing), 2 grey heron, 16 pied wag, 50+ starling, 4 linnet, 1 hare.

Pete Loud

18:08 From the hide this morning, Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, 1 Avocet, 4 Teal, 4 Med Gulls over. 24 Curlew, 30 Lapwing, 1 Swift. (RJ,M O’H,PL).

 

Fri 10th July 26

From the hide: 46 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 25 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Mallard (+9 ducklings), 1 Teal, 2 Grey Heron, 8+ Pied Wags, and a few Swallows. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR 

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:03 Wood Sandpiper scrape.

 

Thurs 9th July 26

From the hide: 26+ Blk H Gulls, 29 Lapwings, 18 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 2 Mallard (with 9 ducklings), 11 Pied Wags, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler & Linnet, 1 Muntjac Deer. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR. 

Frist Brown Argus of the year and a Humming-bird Hawk-moth, (see Haven Wildlife page).

Reports from today

Brian Combes

16:41 Brief early visit to Haven, followed by a walk from Frinton to French Point and back. Haven included: 9 swallow (4 south), 1 common sandpiper, 1 whimbrel (heard), 1 redshank, 1 reed warbler (singing), 33 lapwing, 2 oystercatcher, 7 linnet, 1 shelduck, 19 curlew, 50+ starling, 1 little egret, 1 Cetti’s (singing), 2 moorhen, 1 chiff (singing), 2 fox (adult and cub on the scrape). Seawall included: 24 pied wag, 4 reed warbler (singing),  1 sedge warbler (singing), 2 reed bunting (singing), 9 swallow (1 south), 7 swift (1 flew east out to sea), 5 linnet, 1 redshank, 20+ house martin (greensward and Esplanade, including several nests on one building - very late arriving or I missed them earlier, either way very good news).

Photo Brian Combes©

 

Wed 8th July 26

On the walk down to the hide there were lots of butterflies around, a pair of Swans with 6 signets were on the brook behind the sluice and several Wasp Spider were found between the sluice & the hide (see Haven Wildlife page).

From the hide: 100+ Blk H Gulls, c15 Med Gulls, 1 LBB Gull, 31 Lapwing, 13 Curlew (over), 2 Oystercatcher (no sign of the chicks), 1 Lt Grebe, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank. 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:37 Greenshank just landed on the scrape.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Tues 7th July 26

Another very warm day, and a late start for me. Lots of butterflies on the way to the hide but I didn't see the Marbled White seen by Richard a bit earlier.

From the hide: 39 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 23 Lapwing (incl a large chick), 2 Oystercatcher (+2 Chicks), a few Sand Martin & Swallows.

Reports from today

Peter Newton

10:53 It’s amazing how few reports of Barn Owl have been recorded over the last couple of months from the Haven, yet there are five well developed youngsters in the owl box in line from the Hide. 

Photo Peter Newton©

Photo Peter Newton©

Pete Loud

12:02 Haven this morning, one of the juvenile Grey Wagtails was on the path by the Raised Platform. From the hide, 40 Black headed & 25 Med Gulls, 20 Lapwing & the return of 1 Avocet. On the pond a Female Gadwall had 3 ducklings, also 1 Little Grebe present 18 Curlew on the marsh, several Swift still passing through throughout the morning.

 

Mon 6th July 26

More water means more birds again today, 148 Blk Headed Gulls (incl several juvs.), 33 Med Gulls (incl. 1 Juv), 3 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 27 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher (plus 2 chicks), 6 Mallard, 2 Grey Heron, c30 Sand Martin (over heading south), 6+ Swallows, 6 Pied Wags, lots of juv. Starlings, 4 Stock Doves, several Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk. RJ/MO'H/MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:10 27 Med Gulls on the scrape various ages inc first juv of the year.

 

Sun 5th July 26

Great to see the water returning to the scrape this morning, Leon's marsh is now full and steady progress is being made across the scrape. Sadly I didn't see the Green Sand.

From the hide: 24 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher (+2 Chicks), 40 Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB Gull, 6 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Pied Wags, Linnets,  and loads of Juv. Starlings.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:34 Quick visit over the road up to the cattle pen this morning, but not much doing just 2 Red Kites drifting slowly west. Another Red kite viewed from the Sewage farm cottages later could have been one of the earlier birds. From the hide, the water has filled Leon’s marsh and was now flowing onto the Scrape, it certainly didn’t take long for the water to turn up a decent wader in the Green Sandpiper found by Richard earlier it showed very well enjoying the newly created habitat. The pair of Oystercatcher on the marsh were looking after 2 newly hatched chicks.18 Curlew were the Golf Course end of the marsh. Male Southern migrant Hawker seen by the track opposite the Sewage Farm on the way back.

 

Sat 4th July 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

11:37 SP Cattle Egret with cows right of hide.

11:44 Flew north towards Frinton.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Fri 3rd July 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:07 Very quiet over the Haven this morning, good news is Leon, has managed to get the solar pump up and running and the new channel and small pond in front of the hide has already filled with water and should flow onto the marsh and then eventually onto the scrape. 23 Lapwing including a couple of fully grown juveniles, 2 Oystercatchers. several Swift and a Sand Martin feeding high over the sewage farm, a few Painted Lady’s about and a Marbled White on the grassy slope behind the Sluice.

 

Thurs 2nd July 26

No reports received so far.

 

Wed 1st July 26

Another warm morning and all much the same, the Curlew flock using the marsh each side of the scrape seems to be building in numbers, a few Lapwing and gulls and a Lesser whitethroat was singing from behind the ringing compound. 

4+ Marbled Whites were seen today along with Meadow Brown, Small & Essex Skippers, 6+ Painted Ladies, Small Heath, Small & Green-veined White plus 5 spot Burnet, Cinnabar, Latticed Heath & Shaded Broad-bar moths. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Tues 30th June 26

Another nice morning with some cloud cover but at least 3 possibly 5 Marbled White butterflies were seen over the meadow this morning also noted were Gatekeeper, Meadow Browns, Small & Essex Skippers, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Painted Lady.

From the hide: 31 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Mallard (with 6 ducklings). 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler. RJ/MR

Reports from today

Brian Combes

16:15 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 house martin (feeding over Frinton Greensward with swallows; no birds at the colony on Esplanade, which was still being used last year - as with the colony on Old Hall Lane at The Naze (sadly this reflects the state of the UK population which has halved since the turn of the millennium, with even more severe declines in the S and SE), 9 swift (1 south, 8 over farm drifting south), 1 corn bunting (singing, bridleway), 1 cuckoo (singing), 40 swallow, 21 pied wag (mainly juvs), 70+ starling, 10 linnet, 3 oystercatcher (south), 5 reed warbler (singing), 2 reed bunting (singing), 2 sedge warbler (singing), 9 whitethroat (singing), 5 chiff (singing), 3 blackcap (singing), 1 Cetti’s (singing), 1 song thrush (singing), 2 med gull (1 south, 1 north), 1 curlew, 1 buzzard.

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

 

Mon 29th June 26

No water on the scrape again today, and just the few birds in Pete's report below. 

Most of the morning was spent trying to re-find Mike's Marbled White (without success for me) but as the well known law dictates Mike & Richard had a second on the way back from the Frinton end later in the morning. 

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

10:02 Marbled White on path to the hide from sluice

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Pete Loud

11:20 From the hide this morning 1 Curlew, 17 Lapwing plus large chick, lots of of Butterflies about, my first Gatekeeper couple of Painted Lady’s and all the other common species.

Photo Pete Loud©

 

Sun 28th June 26

Not much water today with the lack of wind over the last couple of days but still a few birds around

From the hide: 30+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 LBB, 15 Curlew, 14 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 6+ Pied Wags, 2 Mallard (+ 6 ducklings on the pond), a few Swallows and a steady movement of Swifts south. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR

 

Sat 27th June 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

10:49 Very pleasant out this morning nice and cool, but by 10 o’clock the sun was coming out and with the heat and humidity rising it was time to go home. From the hide,18 Black-headed Gull, including 2 juveniles, unfortunately not fledged from the Haven, but wouldn’t have come from far away, possibly the backwaters or the Colne.10 Lapwing on the marsh including 1 large chick, 1 Oystercatcher also, 16 Curlew flew in to join one other on the marsh behind the pond disturbed from behind the raised platform by the Stockman checking on his Cows, the Mallard on the pond  has 7 ducklings, down from 10 a week or so ago. The light Swift passage continues this morning with about 25 passing through, on the brook behind the sluice was a Canada Goose family with about 8 fully grown juveniles, presumably the ones fledged earlier in the spring, having sought out sanctuary in the brook after the scrape dried up. just a tiny amount of water on the scrape, but with no wind today the wind pump is not turning although that should soon change, you don’t get many days at the Haven with no wind. On the Butterfly front, lots of Small Whites,and quite a lot of Meadow Brown, but a real abundance of Small Skippers, one each of Red  Admiral, Holly Blue & Small Heath.

 

Fri 26th June 26

Very, very warm out this morning, amazingly even more water on the scrape than yesterday but as there was not enough wind to turn the pump this morning that could change.

From the hide: 21 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Gulls (1 colour ringed), 1 Grey Heron, 5 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Shelduck, 1 Mallard, 9+ Pied Wags.

 

Thurs 25th June 26

Great news this morning, there was water on the scrape, not a lot but it's a start, work has been carried out on the windpump and it is now up and running and managing to make a difference even in the current weather conditions, fingers crossed for a steady improvement.

From the hide: 11 Blk H Gulls, 9 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 6 Med Gulls (over), 7 Pied Wags, 1 Buzzard, 5+ Swallows, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Reed Warbler.

 

Wed 24th June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Tues 23rd June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Mon 22nd June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Sun 21st June 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:16 Late morning at the haven, from the hide, a recently fledged brood of Cetti’s Warblers in front of the hide being very vocal, on the pond delightful views of a Kingfisher hovering a couple of metres above the water to then plunge in to the surface, a Mallard had brood of 10 small ducklings, still 10 Lapwing and a single Oystercatcher on the marsh. Sadly still no water on the scrape, but I gather wheels are in motion to get that rectified. On walk back to car, couple of Painted Lady Butterflies and a few Holly Blues, Meadow Browns and Small Heath. A few Emperor dragonflies on the wing now.

 

Sat 20th June 26

No reports received so far

 

Fri 19th June 26

A first for the site and for me today with a Bright Wave moth (a Red Data Book species). found at TM221175 around midday

Reports from today

Pete Loud

14:02 Quick visit to the Haven mid morning. 2 Curlew flew south along the hedge line at the back of the scrape, 15 Lapwing on the marsh including 2 fully grown juveniles, good to know at least a couple of Lapwings have survived to adulthood. A few Swifts were trickling through, heading south, probably a few non breeders leaving already. A few Meadow Browns and still lots of Small Heaths and many five spot Burnet moths in the grass north of the Pillbox.

Photo Mick Rodwell©

 

Thurs 18th June 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

15:50 Pyramidal Orchid at the Haven this afternoon, pretty close to where one was dug up a couple of years ago, let’s hope this one doesn’t suffer the same fate, although not holding my breath it is very close to the coast path.

Photo Pete Loud©

 

Wed 17th June 26

No reports received so far

 

Tues 16th June 26

Just the normal bits and pieces around the bushes today, the first Wasp Spider of the year was a bonus along with a few butterflies.

 

Mon 15th June 26

Reports from today.

Richard Jeffree

15:30 10 Med Gulls on sea south of Frinton beach huts, (1 adult, 3 2nd summers, and 6 1st summers).

 

Sun 14th June 26

Still lots of young birds around this morning, including a Gt. Spotted Woodpecker feeding a youngster. The first Small Skipper butterfly and 5 spot Burnet Moth were also seen with the increased sunshine. RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Sat 13th June 26

No reports received so far.

 

Fri 12th June 26

A little better weather today and lots of young birds around the bushes, a Green Hairstreak butterfly was still hanging on over the road along with a few Holly Blues & Speckled Woods.

From the hide: 8 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk H Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Linnets, 1 Reed Warbler 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel.

 

Thurs 11th June 26

All nice and tidy in the hide this morning (thanks Tom), but still no water and very few birds, 4 Lapwing, 3 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 2 Oystercatcher, a few Swallows over the arable a Buzzard and a Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Wed 10th June 26

No reports received so far.

 

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).