Wed 4th Nov 26

Sea-watching was the priority this morning and although I was not there for the start I still picked up a life tick and 2 year ticks, see Simon's comprehensive list below. 

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:32 Storm Petrel slowly north past shelter.

10:19 Pom North.

Graham Sutton

10:03 Puffin N Haven.

Simon Cox

13:05 Haven counts 0715 up to 1130 with GS, RJ, PL, MR, MO’H & latterly SE: Diver sp 1, Cormorant 140, Brent 260, Greylag 8, grey goose sp 3 (thought to be Tundra Bean or Pinkfeet), Wigeon 34+, Eider 2, Red-b Merganser 1, Common Scoter 83, Storm Petrel 1 N at 0925 (found by GS & seen by all present), another at 1110 ( found by SE, seen by several but sadly not me!), Arctic Skua singles N at 0845 & 0920, Pom Skua N at 1015, Kittiwake 12, Razorbill 1 N, Puffin 1 N at 1000, Auk sp 1, Purple Sand  2 (GS), Lapwing 8, Starling several small groups in/off.

15:26 Add Gannet 19 to earlier count list.

Mike O'Hanlon

13:09 A short visit to hide with RJ - 62 Widgeon, 5 Cormorants, 11 Shoveler, 4 Brent, 10 Teal, 1 Mute swan, 1 juv White-front, 1 Black-wit (on pond), kestrel + 37 Lapwings on arable.

Brian Combes

17:16 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 woodcock (flushed, 1 from seawall, 1 by sewage works), 6 goldcrest, 1 chiff, 7 redwing, 1 fieldfare, 3 stonechat, 2 goldfinch (south), 4 skylark (south), 5 gannet (north), 1 dunlin (north), 301+ starling (1 in-off, 300+ on arable), 12 blackbird, 5 song thrush, 4 chaffinch, 10 linnet, 1 rock pipit, 7 mipit, 1 white-fronted goose, 1 mute swan, 8 shoveler, 40+ wigeon, 17 teal, 1 grey heron, 4 reed bunting, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 green woodpecker, 3 Cetti’s (singing), 15 lapwing (south).

 

Tues 3rd Nov 26

Reports from today

Simon Cox

12:17 Haven Seawatch 0720-1030 with RJ, PL, MO’H: Red-t Diver 3, Diver sp 1, Gannet 3, Cormorant 25+, Brent 40+, Shelduck c10, Eider 3 N, Common Scoter 120+, Wigeon 30+, Duck sp 50+, Marsh Harrier 1 moving S over the sea, Sparrowhawk 1 in/off, Fieldfare 1 in/off, Starling 150+ in/off.

Mike O'Hanlon

13:18 Walk to Sandy point following the sea watch and a short visit to the hide with RJ, included 2 pairs of Stonechats, several Mipits plus 42 Lapwing, 6 Shoveler, 16 Teal, 1 Mute Swan, 5 Mallard, 1 juv White-fronted goose, 2 Cormorants, 20 Black headed gulls,  1 Black tailed godwit  on the scrape.

 

Mon 2nd Nov 26

On route to the hide 3 Lt. Grebe were on the brook behind the sluice and a Redwing on the track along the marsh.

From the hide: 13 Greylags (over), 1 W F Goose (juv), c30 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 G W Egret (over), 14 Blk H Gulls, c30 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stonechat, 6+ Pied Wags. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:37 Walk along the front to Sandy Point and back via the marsh with Richard and Mike, 1 Short-eared Owl settled on the marsh,  probably resting after a sea crossing, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Stonechat. Later from the hide with Mick, 1 Great-white Egret, picked up in flight heading north over the arable, but then seemed to turn and descend down onto the marsh over the road, 2 Snipe, 1 Black t. Godwit juv, White-front still present and a few Shoveler & Teal.

 

Sun 1st Nov 26

Still a few thrushes around later in the morning, mainly Blackbird and Song Thrush with the odd Redwing & Fieldfare.

A walk to Sandy Pt. and back was worthwhile with 9 Brent & 1 Red-throated Diver (heading south offshore), 2 Gt. W Egrets (flying North over the marsh), 2 Redshank, 2 Rock Pipits, Cetti's Warbler, Meadow Pipit and at least 3 pairs of Stonechat 

From the hide: 9 White-fronted Geese (8 fly over), 1 Juv. on the scrape), 1 Brent Goose, c30 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, c100 Lapwing (10 scrape - 90+ on arable), 4 Blk T Godwits, 10+ Blk H Gulls, 2+ Fieldfare, 2 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR 

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:06 3 Crossbill N over car park

07:06 Lots of thrushes about.

07:19 Sibe chiff memorials / raised platform.

 

Sat 31st Oct 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:38 Firecrest approach road.

Simon Cox

10:12 Firecrest in hand now, caught in badger sett ride. Based in car park. (see Ringing page).

At the end of October the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 177.

 

Fri 30th Oct 26

From the Hide: 1 White-fronted Goose, 16 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 5 Lapwing, 4 Blk T Godwit, 11 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chinese Water Deer. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/PB/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Chris Balchin

10:13 "sibeish" chiff in dell.

Pete Loud

12:56 Entrance road this morning, 1 Woodcock and 2 Goldcrest the highlights.

 

Thurs 29th Oct 26

At last a pleasant morning, nice light wind and sunshine, hopefully it will last for a few days.

We stared with a bit of a tidy up to the hedge in front of the shelter, in anticipation of future sea-watches, and after a coffee on the prom we headed to the hide.

From the hide: The return of the Greylags 100+, 1 White-fronted Goose,  35 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Lapwing, 3 Blk T Godwit, 1 Snipe, 1 Water Rail (heard only), 18 Blk H Gulls, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, plus Cetti's Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Wren & Pied Wags. RJ/MR.

 

Wed 28th Oct 26

From the hide: 1 White-fronted Goose, 4 Greylags, 54 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 61 Lapwing (on the arable), 4 Blk T Godwits, 33 Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8+ Stonechat, 4 Swallows, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Robin & Wren. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Brian Combes

17:29 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included (some nice passsge south, tailing off after about 9:30):

2870++ wood pigeon (south, over a broad front, some over the sea others well inland), 2 swallow (south), 488 goldfinch (south), 86 mipit (south), 91 linnet (75 south, 16 on arable), 68 stock dove (south), 146 starling (98 south, 8 in-off, 40 on arable), 57 chaffinch (south), 15 siskin (south), 3 redpoll (south), 3 brambling (south), 39 skylark (south), 2 rock pipit (south), 7 reed bunting (2 south), 32 pied wag (2 south), 6 stonechat, 1 grey wag, 1 chiff, 5 goldcrest, 2 greenfinch, 3 song thrush, 7 Cetti’s (singing), 1 white-fronted goose, 6 shoveler, 50+ lapwing, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 1 green woodpecker.

 

Tues 27th Oct 26

From the hide: 5 Greylags, 1 White-fronted Goose, 25 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 142 Lapwing (on the arable), 3 Blk T Godwits, 10+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechat. RJ/MO'H/MR

On the way out I had a Chiffchaff & 2 Goldfinch in the bushes just before the sluice.

 

Mon 26th Oct 26

Another blustery morning at the Haven, so we headed to the hide to get out of the wind, all much the same again but being kept on their toes buy a Sparrowhawk sitting in the reeds at the back of the scrape.

From the hide: 5 Greylag, 1 White-fronted Goose (juv), 20+ Teal, 8 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 6 Cormorant, 138 Lapwing (up on the arable with loads of Starling), 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe (over), 14 Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk. RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Sun 25th Oct 26

A very short visit this morning to a very windy site, the Approach Rd. was blocked first thing by a fallen tree but was soon cleared. I headed for the shelter of the hide, 2 Lt. Grebe were on the brook behind the sluice and the wave were braking over the pormanade.

From the hide: All looked much like yesterday, the juv. Whitefront was still around 2+ Blk T Godwits, Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler, Lapwing up on the arable and 3 Stonechat to the right of the hide. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

Mike O'Hanlon

09:39 Firecrest on approach rd, sounds like more than one.

 

Sat 24th Oct 26

A very late start for me today, with a brisk wind blowing I headed to the hide.

From the hide: 1 White-fronted Goose (juv), 20+ Teal, 6+ Shoveler, 4+ Wigeon, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 100+ Lapwing with 2 Golden Plover & lots of Starling (on the arable), 3 Blk T Godwits, 1 Avocet, 20 Blk H Gulls, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chinese Water Deer. PL/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:45 Water Pipit came off from behind raised platform, flown towards greensward/ south.

10:04 Good hour at haven this morning topped off with the water pipit. 

Good Vismig- 2 Redpoll, 2 brambling, 2 siskin, 3 swallow, 2 rock pipit, c250 goldfinch, c40 chaffinch, 40+ linnet, 6 greenfinch. Small numbers of mipits and skylars in/off and a SEO in/off. 

Juv Whitefront, 1 avocet, 4 blackwit on scrape (no sign of lesser legs + yesterday Pm). Kingfisher on brook. 

Purple sand, 2 ringo and turnstone on sluice.

 

Fri 23rd Oct 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

07:45 Yellowlegs still present.

09:23 Sooty shearwater north.

12:52 2 Purple Sands, 1 Turnstone sluice.

Matt Lonsdale

08:37 Yellowlegs still showing 08:15-30

Dave Cummings

09:16 Yellowlegs still showing 09.15

Simon Cox

15:11 Seawatch from shelter 07:15-11:15: Sooty Shearwater N at 0923  then it or another S at 0930, Gannet 8 N (all adults), Red-t Diver 3 N, 1 S, C  Scoter 3, Brent 10, Shelduck 4, Wigeon 4+, Tern sp 1 (SC, PL, RJ, MR & latterly MO’H, DC).

 

Thurs 22nd Oct 26

A break from seawatching today meant time for a walk round the site, I started at the chippings lay-by, no sign of any whitefronts but 100+ Lapwing on the field and a Redwing on the bottom hedge was a good start, along the approach road a Goldcrest was in exactly the same place as yesterday and another a bit further along, a large tit flock moved through too quickly for me to pick anything different out of it. The rest of the bushes and the dell were windy and uneventful.

On a walk along the front a single juvenile goose was seen on the front of the scrape which looked a bit interesting so I went to the hide for a closer look, as I set up on the goose a wader walked through the back of my view and re-focusing on what I initially thought was a Greenshank turned out to be a Lesser Yellowlegs. The bird spent a lot of time behind the island out of view but during the next hour of searching a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail were located.

Photo Mick Rodwell©

 Reports from today

Pete Loud

14:44 Merlin south past sluice, still no sign of Yellowlegs, going for a walk and will have a look later.

15:44 Yellowlegs is now showing to the left on the Island.

16:29 Lesser Yellowlegs is being very elusive, went missing behind the island for over 2 hours, then showed for a couple of minutes and then disappeared behind the island again, so anybody looking for it will have to be patient.

Brian Combes

16:33 Yellowlegs again showing to right of island.

16:39 Has just walked back behind island.

17:53 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back along seawall this morning,  plus hide from 13:00-14:30 (unsuccessfully waiting for the yellowlegs) and 16:30-16:45 (successfully), included:

1 lesser yellowlegs (a dainty delight worth waiting for), 1 jack snipe, 2+ firecrest (2 approach road, 1 east end of carpark), 1 white-fronted goose (juv), 7 goldcrest, 2 brambling, 84 goldfinch (south in small groups through the morning), 24 skylark (south), 19 mipit (south), 3 stonechat, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 3 turnstone, 2 greenfinch, 14 chaffinch, 1 sparrowhawk, 7 Cetti’s (singing), 4 reed bunting, 1 rock pipit, 2 green woodpecker, 4 song thrush, 9 blackbird.

 

Wed 21st Oct 26

Pete and I had another quite productive seawatch this morning (see below) followed by a short walk and visit to the hide, apart from the Firecrest & Goldcrest that gave us some superb views it was very quiet.

From the hide: 24 Teal, 6 Wigeon, 4 Cormorant, 1 Blk T Godwit, 15 Blk H Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 3 Stonechat.

Reports from today

John Sawyer

13:37 2 Firecrest approach road.

Pete Loud

13:52 Seawatch from the shelter (8-11Am) 6 Little Gull, 1 kittiwake, 25+ Gannet, 1 Gt cr. Grebe, 2 Red thr Diver, 20+ Common Scoter and a few Wigeon, Brent & Teal, walk along the approach road late morning revealed, 1 Firecrest & 1 Goldcrest, no sign of Whitefronts, they appear to have moved on.

 

Tues 20th Oct 26

Reports from today

Laurence Drumond

07:23 Eared Owl sp. Haven shelter but blown away!

Matt Lonsdale

07:27 35/40 whitefronts sw over slade road. Holland on sea @ 07:18.

09:10 Shag on sea off sluice. Firecrest sewage farm gate. 5 whitefronts in/off. 3 behind raised platform then other road. 30 grey geese on arable flushed by farmer and landed over the road.

09:22 At least 10 whitefronts from chippings lay-by but obscured + male Merlin.

09:42 Another 15 whitefronts SW Slade road + mistle thrush on deck then flew N towards haven.

20:13 Haven this afternoon- The shelter redstart inspired a brief bush bash at haven late afternoon (only car park and approach road covered) 

A flock of 35 fieldfares in the car park the highlight. 15 goldcrest, 1 chiff, 1 blackcap, 20 cont blackbird, 2 redwing, 5 song thrush, robins all over the place. 6 whitefronts from chippings lay-by

Simon Cox

13:21 Haven Seawatch 0710-1140 Brent 700+, Barnacle Goose 2, Shelduck 21, Pintail 1, Tufted Duck 1, Wigeon 43+, Teal 12+, R-b Merganser 7, Red-t Diver 7, Little Gull 1, Grey Heron 1, eared Owl 1 (distant at sea), Guillemot 1 (close offshore, attacked by GBBG ? Killed), Auk sp 1, Skylark 16, C Scoter 50+, Kittiwake  2 (ad & juv at 1130)  SC, LD, PL,MR.

20:12 Omitted Gannet 10 from earlier report.

Pete Loud

15:39 Leach’s Petrel just passed the shelter half way out north.

15:50 2 1st winter Kittiwake north.

16:10 Redstart on the grass behind the seawatching shelter

16:30 3 more Kittiwake close north.

 

Mon 19th Oct 26

Pete and I started the morning with a sea-watch 08:00 - 10:30 (see below).

4 Cormorant, 20+ Herring Gulls and a Turnstone  were on the sluice rocks and a Med Gull was sitting on the sea just offshore. 

From the hide: 37 Greylags, 8 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 20+ Lapwing, 2 Blk T Godwit, 7 Blk H Gulls, 5+ Stonechat, 2 Song Thrush, Meadow Pipits and lots of Starling. PL/MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:04 Seawatch from the shelter this morning for couple of hours,1 Goldeneye south, 1 Guillemot &1 Red throated Diver north, otherwise fairly quiet, just a few wigeon, teal and Brent. Yesterday’s seawatch before the heavy rain, highlights, 7 Eider, 6 Merganser and Short-eared Owl. See what tomorrow brings, nothing of note, on the scrape or around the bushes.(MR,PL).

Simon Cox

13:08 Minimal passage evident in reedbed area this morning. Water Rail & Bearded Tit still in the area, 3 Swallows N!

Just 5 ringed: Goldcrest, Cetti’s Warbler, Wren, Great Tit & Blue Tit.

 

Sun 18th Oct 26

I joined PL for a seawatch this morning and ended up with a nice selection of birds, 97 Brent Geese (70s 27n), 7 Shelduck (n), 7 Eider (n), 1 Common Scoter (n), 1 R B Merganser (n), 5 Pintail (s), 12 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 7 Gannet, 5 Cormorant plus several groups of duck and a couple of waders too distant for positive id.

Then a quick visit to the hide before a good soaking on the way back, was it really worth it

From the hide: 13 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 3 Blk T Godwit, 1 Lapwing, 20 Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB Gull. PL/MR

 

Sat 17th Oct 26

A bit cooler out today with a brisk northerly wind.

From the Hide: 29 Greylag, 8 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 3 Blk T Godwits, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 23 Blk H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Swallows, 2 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Pied Wags, Meadow Pipit & Goldfinch. PL/MR et.al. 

Things picked up a bit on the way back with a Water Rail on the brook behind the sluice, 7 Teal sitting on the sea and 2 R B Mergansers heading north offshore PL/MR.

Reports from today

Pete Loud

17:59 Short seawatch from the shelter at 16:45 for 1/2 hour,1 drake Eider north, 2 Arctic skua south & 2 other Skuas south too far out to safely identify.

 

Fri 16th Oct 26

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:58 Haven: Bearded Tit still present.

18:03 A wet walk from Frinton to The Haven and back via the seawall, this morning, included: 1 bearded tit (showing well), 1 water rail (calling, Frinton end), 1 chiff (approach road), 6 stonechat, 5 redwing, 14 song thrush, 8 blackbird, 25 mipit (17 south), 27 goldfinch (south), 15 pied wag (2 south), 1 rock pipit, 6 reed bunting, 7 chaff, 5 linnet, 8 Cetti’s (singing), 1 oystercatcher, 1 turnstone, 1 Chinese muntjac.

 

Thurs 15th Oct 26

Quiet offshore and around the bushes this morning just a few Greenfinch & Goldfinch around the Dell, 4 Mallard on the brook and a Turnstone on the rocks with the gulls again.

From the hide: 27 Greylag, 12 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 24 Lapwing (on the arable), 2 Curlew, 1 Water Rail, 21 Blk H Gulls, 2 Buzzard, 1 G S Woodpecker (over), 6+ Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallows, Meadow Pipit Linnet & Reed Bunting, 1 Chinese Water Deer. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

A walk to French Pt. showed that the Bearded Tit from yesterday was still around.

Reports from today

Mike O'Hanlon

11:28 Bearded Tit (f) in Simon’s ringing area just now.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Wed 14th Oct 26

From the hide: 35 Greylag, 17 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, a few Lapwing (on the arable), 6 Curlew, 3 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe, 1 Water Rail (heard only), 36 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls (over), 3 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10+ Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Skylark & Reed Buntings.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

On a walk to French Pt. it was great to see a Beardie & Cetti's warbler in the hand, (see below & Ringing page).

4 Mallard were on the brook and a Turnstone on the sluice with the gulls on the way back.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:51 Bearded Tit behind council compound, original on mounds/sluice area.

10:04 Just a short dog walk this morning but lots of bits and pieces around. Highlight the bearded tit + small arrival of thrushes. 8 redwing and handful of each song thrush and blackbird. Single sandwich tern south offshore. Decent passage overhead inc 2 brambling and 2 swallow.

Richard Jeffree

08:52 Male Brambling dell

15:02  A couple of shots from this morning

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Pete Loud

14:45 Haven this morning, the 2 Star birds were the cracking male Brambling in the Dell bushes and the female Bearded Tit found later by Simons ringing site, luckily it found one of his mist nets so managed to see it  in the hand, presumably the bird Matt had found earlier in the day, obviously relocated to more typical habitat, plus a nice Cetti’s warbler, always nice to see these birds in the hand to really appreciate them up close. Couple of late Swallows heading south and still a trickle of Brent offshore south from the cafe.

Brian Combes

17:24 Haven first thing this morning included:10 redwing (thrushes quickly moving inland), 9 song thrush, 4 blackbird, 1 brambling (south), 1 grey wag (south), 124 goldfinch (south), 75 mipit (south + many others grounded), 53 linnet (south), 30 skylark (south), 9 chaffinch (3 south), 5 starling (west), 3 siskin (south), 3 rock pipit (2 south, 1 on French Point), 15 reed bunting (4 south), 120+ wood pigeon (moving north in two flocks first thing), 2 chiff (approach road, 1 singing), 5 stonechat, 2 goldcrest, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 4 jay, 4 black-tailed godwit, 2 shoveler, 1 Chinese muntjac.

 

Tues 13th Oct 26

Very quiet on the scrape this morning.

From the hide: 32 Greylags, 1 Brent Goose, 10 Cormorants, 12 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 3 Blk T Godwits, 2 Curlew, 22 Blk H Gulls, 3+ Stonechat, 3 Reed Bunting, Blue, Great & L T Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Song Thrush. SC/RJ/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

10:20 Shelter- 07:50-10:00 1 velvet scoter (Drk, N), 2 gannet (N). All else south 228 wigeon, 103 Brent, 30 common scoter, 23 teal, 28 dunlin, 4 cormorant, 3 common gull. 

Limited vis-mig- 2 grey wag SW, 10 skylark, trifle of mipits and odd finch.

Steve Entwistle

12:52 Red breasted Merganser female South, 50/60 dunlin South, 1500  brent South , 2 pintail South

Peter & l

 

Mon 12th Oct 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

13:09 Seawatch from the shelter this morning 0800-1200, strong sun made viewing difficult at times, nearly all movement to the south, strong passage of Brent with at least 2000+, 100+ Wigeon, and a few Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 1 drake Velvet Scoter, 1 Razorbill, 1 juv . Arctic Tern, 7 Arctic Skua, 30+ Gannet, 1 Sooty & 1 Manx Shearwater.

Graham Sutton

17:36 HH shelter 1440-1645 (all South): Brent 3,420, Wigeon 510, Teal 1, Pintail 1, Tufted Duck 1, C Scoter 16, Little Egret 1, Gannet 2, Curlew 1, Dunlin 8.

A few small groups of Chaffinches & Meadow Pipits S/in-off.

 

Sun 11th Oct 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

Very quiet as of late at the Haven this morning, although a few raptors were seen from the hide, but distant over the arable, Peregrine pair, 1 Red Kite, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow, 2 Stonechat on a walk to Sandy point.(PL & RJ).

 

Sat 10th Oct 26

Once again 5 minutes late to see the Glossy Ibis, but other than that very poor again today.

From the Hide: 93 Greylags, 7 Teal, 33 Blk H Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Glossy Ibis, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, a flock of small passerines were up on the arable most likely Linnets

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

10:05 Glossy Ibis tried to land briefly on Leon's harassed by greylags continued on SW.

 

Fri 9th Oct 26

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:45 Seawatch from the shelter, (8:45-10:30) 1Arctic Skua, 2 Gannet (1 north, 1 southbound), 100+Brent, 5 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, a few groups of Wigeon & Teal, 80+ Dunlin, 2 Shelduck.

 

Thurs 8th Oct 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

17:13 Nfy female Scaup sitting on the sea off the sailing club/ shelter.

 

Wed 7th Oct 26

The only things of note today were a group of 8 Great Black-backed Gulls on the sluice ranging through from juv. to adult, and a cracking Merlin first sitting on the back hedge then having a fly around before sitting up on the arable for a while, otherwise dire.

From the hide: 104 Greylag, 8 Teal, 120 Lapwing (on the arable), 20 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Med Gull (over), 1 Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 4 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chinese Water Deer. PL/RJ/MR.

Reports from today

Steve Grimwade

17:57 Afternoon at Holland Haven: 70 Song Thrush in off, 1 Redwing in off, 100 Chaffinch in off, 2 Blackbird, 40 Meadow Pipit in off.

 

Tues 6th Oct 26

From the hide: 84 Greylags, 4 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 154 Lapwing, 22 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 54 Blk H Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 1 Med Gull (Over), 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 5+ Buzzard, 4 Meadow Pipit, 3+ Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chinese Water Deer, 1 Muntjac. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

Mon 5th Oct 26

No sign of yesterday's Jack Snipe but the Cattle Egret was still around, otherwise very quiet all round apart from the Greylag's

From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 115 Greylags, 5 Teal, 5 Cormorant, 1 Cattle Egret, c40 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 7 Swallows, 6 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR

 

Sun 4th Oct 26

Much the same on the scrape today with the exception of Matt's Cattle Egret first thing (still around late morning) and a Jack Snipe in the favourite spot on the back edge of the scrape to the left of the island.

 

The Cattle Egret upsetting the cows Sunday morning snooze

From the hide: 142 Greylags, 10+ Teal, 6 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 4 Cormorant, 1 Cattle Egret, 80+ Lapwing, 12 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

07:29 Cattle Egret over sewage works now landed with cows north of hide.

Richard Jeffree

10:42 Jack Snipe back of scrape found by MR.

 

Sat 3rd Oct 26

From the hide: 130+ Greylag, c20 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 50+ Lapwing, 52 Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, large number of Swallows & House Martins, 10+ Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Chinese Water Deer. MR

Reports from today

Pete Loud

12:26 Haven this morning, round the Dell, 3 Chiffchaff and a number of Chaffinch and Goldfinch, little in the bushes but surprisingly considering we are now into October a heavy passage of Swallows and House Martins, several hundred and 3 Sand Martin seen, a few Skylarks were on the move and a few Meadow Pipits.

 

Fri 2nd Oct 26

From the hide: 130+ Greylags, 60+ Teal, 17 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 80+ Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover (Fly over), 9 Avocet, 2 Ruff (PL), 82 Blk H Gulls, 3 Swallows, 1 Sand Martin, 6+ Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/PB/MR.

 

 

Thurs 1st Oct 26

From the Hide: 130+ Greylag, 60+ Teal, 54 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 100+ Lapwing (mostly on the arable), 16 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 1 Water Rail, c50 Blk H Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 2 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Swallow, 7+ Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/PNt./MR

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:02 Brambling dell.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Simon Cox

09:21 SEO in/off c08:00, landed on path then flew back out over seawall

12:06 Light passage of Mipits (c50), few Swallows, only saw one small flock of finches south, probably Linnets. One Clouded Yellow.

Pete Loud

13:20 Lots of finches in the Dell this morning, mainly Greenfinch & Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Siskin & Reed Bunting, 10+ Jays seen & 4 or 5 Great spot Woodpeckers, 2 more Brambling in the bushes behind the Sluice, from  the hide,1 Water Rail, 1 Hobby, 1 Red Kite, 2 Sparrowhawk & 10 + Buzzard, walk around to French point , 3 Stonechat & 3 Med Gulls over. Still several Clouded Yellows about today.

Brian Combes

17:29 Haven this morning included: 

149+ linnet (99 south, first significant finch passage of the autumn; 50+ on arable), 74 mipit (south), 11 swallow (south), 9 skylark (south), 2 pied wag (south), 1 grey wag (south), 1 brambling, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 wheatear, 5 stonechat, 4 goldcrest, 3 great spotted woodpecker (1 south along seawall), 1 lesser whitethroat, 5 chiff (1 singing), 4 blackcap, 5 song thrush, 9 greenfinch (including group of 7 on the golf course), 20+ goldfinch, 4 chaffinch, 9 reed bunting, 6 Cetti’s (singing), 65 lapwing, 15 avocet, 2 snipe, 8 buzzard (6 drifting south).

 

Wed 30th Sept 26

I joined the seawatch a bit earlier this morning but still two minutes to late to pick up the Sooty Shearwater, never mind Gannet & Merlin were site year ticks for me so not at all bad. 

A quick visit to the hide after the seawatch added, 1 Mute Swan, 130+ Greylag, 134 Lapwing, c100 Teal, 36+ Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 134 Lapwing (up on the arable), 14 Avocet, 3 Blk T Godwit, 4 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk (that took a Teal from the front of the island). PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today

Graham Sutton

07:33 Sooty N HH

11:01 Haven Shelter 0650-0915, Brent 48S, Wigeon 187S, Teal 32S, Pintail 1S, C Scoter 1N 8S, Gannet 1 juv offshore, Sooty Shearwater 1N, Sandwich Tern 3S

At the end of September the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 167

 

Tues 29th Sept 26

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

09:30  At least 1 poss 3 Long-tailed Skua south then north, shelter.

Simon Cox

11:20 Seawatch Haven shelter, coverage 0700-1000, with GS, RJ, PL & latterly MO’H: Manx Shearwater 3 N, Arctic Skua 5, Long-tailed Skua juv well seen by all observers, initially distant in group of 3 skuas probably all Long-tailed but this one obliged by coming closer & remaining in view for several minutes, Gannet 3, C Scoter 9, Shelduck 4, Wigeon c 30 (very approx), few Brent, Sandwich Tern 6, Commic Tern 2, Curlew 1, wader sp 2.

 

Mon 28th Sept 26

Quite a lot of birds around the Dell again today with Mike's Spotted Flycatcher the pick of the bunch, also noted 4+ Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Blue & Great Tits

From the hide: 152 Greylags, c80 Teal, 45 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 40+ Lapwing, 14 Avocet, 6 Blk T Godwit, 1 Snipe, 93 Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 2 Med Gulls (over), 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 3 Pied Wags, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.

 

Sun 27th Sept 26

Reports from today

Laurence Drumond

10:24 Arctic Skua north , shelter.

10:46 Pom Skua north.

Simon Cox

Seawatch Haven shelter this morning 0730-1020, partly with LD, RJ, PL & MO’H: Brent 484, Wigeon 230, Teal 27, Shelduck 4 (all wildfowl S), Gannet 7 N, Arctic Skua 1 N, Red-t Diver 2+, Sandwich Tern 3, Commic Tern 6+.

 

Sat 26th Sept 26

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

09:07 Slow morning at haven- Walk to French point and back - Light mipit passage, couple of skylark and few swallows south. Stonechat and gsw in car park. Several chiffs hedgehopping south.

Mike O'Hanlon

10:38 From the hide - 9.30 - 10.30am (with RJ) 7 Stonechat, 29 Shovelers, 18 Avocet, 4 Blackwits, 3 Widgeon, 144 Greylags, 5 Herring gulls, 1 LBB gull, 50 Lapwing, 5 Buzzards, 20 + Teal, 1 Raven, 1 Green woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 2 Shelducks, 10 BH gulls, 3 Curlews, 3 Cormorants.

 

Fri 25th Sept 26

Very quiet around the bushes today but a Guillemot was an unexpected surprise drifting passed the sluice on the tide. On the sluice 1 Turnstone & 1 Gt B B Gull were with the Herring Gulls.

From the hide: 137 Greylags,150+ Teal, 16 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 5 Cormorant, 110 Lapwing, 15 Avocet, 13 Curlew, 1 Blk T Godwits,1 Snipe, 43 Blk H Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 6+ Pied Wags, 6+ Stonechat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/BH/MR.

 

Thurs 24th Sept 26

A Seawatch this morning was quiet but I was lucky enough to pick up my first Arctic Skua of the year just after I arrived, also noted were 2 Red T Divers, 5 Common Scoter a few Sandwich Terns and small groups of ducks at distance.

A walk round the bushes showed double figures of Chiffchaff but not much else of note

From the hide: 150+ Greylag, 150+ Teal, 16 Shoveler, 5 Cormorant, 114 Lapwing, 12 Avocet, 5 Curlew, 14 Blk H Gulls, 4 LBB's, 10+ Pied Wags. PL/RJ/TR/MR.

 

Wed 23rd Sept 26

From the hide: 150 Greylag, 150+ Teal, 15 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 5 Cormorant, 60+ Lapwing, 17+ Curlew, 13 Avocet, 2 Blk T Godwits, 22 Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Caspian Gull, 10+ Pied Wags, several Meadow Pipits. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Matt Lonsdale

08:20 Short dog walk over haven this am - 5 grey wag south, light mipit passage + few swallows. Several flocks of teal south offshore + 4 wigeon. Lt egret on scrape, 2 turnstone sluice.

Richard Jeffree

08:25 2 Arctic Skua north

Graham Sutton

11:02 HH shelter 0650-0945, Brent 2S, Mallard 2S , Pintail 8S, Wigeon 484S, Teal 185S, Shoveler 9S, Common Scoter 1S, Grey Heron 6S, Gannet 10N 5S, R T Diver 8N 4S, Whimbrel 1S, Sandwich Tern 58N 32S & distant feeding groups, Common/Arctic Tern ++ & distant feeding groups, Arctic Skua 3 loitering/chasing terns

Mike O'Hanlon

11:48 This Caspian Gull was on the scrape 10 minutes ago.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

 

Tues 22nd Sept 26

Lots more of the every day birds reported around the site today with the calm conditions but nothing out of the ordinary, 6 Sandwich Terns were feeding off the sluice on my way to the hide.

From the hide: 150+ Greylag, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 150+ Teal, 17 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 50 Lapwing, 7 Curlew, 3 Avocet, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe, 24 Blk H Gulls, 2 LBB's, 5+ Pied Wags, 1 Raven, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

 

 

Mon 21st Sept 26

From the hide: 138 Greylag, c150 Teal, 10+ Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, c60 Lapwing, 13 Avocet, 3 Blk T Godwits, 3 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 60+ Blk H Gulls2 LBB's, 2 Herring Gulls, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1000+ Swallows, 100+ House Martins, 1 Swift, 1 Kingfisher, 10+ Pied Wags, 1 Wheatear. RJ/TR/MR et.al.

Sun 20th Sept 26

From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 134 Greylag, c150 Teal, 16+ Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 51 Lapwing, 19 Curlew, 13 Avocet, 4 Blk T Godwits (incl. the colour ringed bird), 3 Snipe, 1 Raven, 1 S E Owl, 1 Hobby, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 10+ Pied Wags, 6+ Yellow Wags, 2 Wheatear. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR.

Reports from today 

Matt Lonsdale

08:27 SEO offshore from sluice going south.

08:35 Came in/off- was behind sewage works.

Pete Loud

13:35 From the hide this morning,1 Raven, Hobby & Short-eared Owl, 13 Avocet, 6 Yellow Wagtail. Walk back to car park, 4 Clouded Yellow and a Wall Butterfly.(RJ,MR,M O ‘H,PL).

 

Sat 19th Sept 26

Reports from today

Steve Grimwade

07:33 Hobby in off at Frinton and south over golf course at 7.30am

Matt Lonsdale

07:35 No sign of Osprey HH but Arctic skua south.

Pete Loud

10:22 Another rather disappointing seawatch from the shelter this morning 8-10 am, 1 Gannet north, Hobby south, 7 Sandwich Tern & a group of 6 Terns feeding far offshore for a while before moving off south, identified as Little Terns after much debate.(RJ,MO’H,PL).

 

Fri 18th Sept 26

From the hide: 116 Greylags, 150+ Teal, 11 Shoveler, 6+ Shelduck, 5 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, c30 Curlew, 14 Lapwing, 12 Avocet, 5 Blk T Godwit, 1 Snipe, Lots of Gulls & Lapwings on the arable behind the plough, 5 Wheatear, Pied Wags, Swallows (less than of late). 5 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR et.al. 

Reports from today

Brian Combes

07:14 Haven: G W Egret north.

08:44 Haven: 2 cattle egret with cows SW of scrape.

11:08 Haven: redstart still in hedge by manure heap tho very elusive.

17:49 Haven this morning included: 1 great white egret (north), 2 cattle egret, 1 redstart, 1400++ house martin (south; spectacular movement starting at 07:00, significantly easing after 09:00 - some very high, some skimming the ground, with a few very large groups; at times birds gathering in swirling flocks before moving on), 120+ swallow (south), 3 sand martin (south), 135+ mipit (75 south, 60+ feeding on arable), 2 grey wag (south), 1 yellow wag (over), 2 little egret (north), 1 grey heron (north), 1 whinchat (south of boardwalk), 2 wheatear, 2 stonechat (1 golf course, 1 farm paddocks), 13 chiff (1 singing), 2 willow warbler, 2 blackcap, 2 lesser whitethroat, 2 greenfinch, 21 linnet (south), 2 great spotted woodpecker, 6 Cetti’s (singing), 1 buzzard, 14 curlew, 11 avocet, 3 black-tailed godwit, 2 Chinese muntjac.

Graham Sutton

16:50 Just for the record, seawatching from the shelter 0730-0900 was quiet (3 Wigeon, 6 Dunlin S; 3 Sandwich Terns N) but bird of the day was  House Martin with approx 2000 S (along the seafront & also low over sea).

 

Thurs 17th Sept 26

After giving up on another very quiet seawatch Richard picked up a Caspian Gull just inside the carpark, unfortunately it flew off shortly after it was found PL/RJ/MO'H. 

From the hide: c80 Greylags, c150 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 7 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 4 Cormorant, c30 Lapwing, 12 Avocet, 11 Curlew, 3 Blk T Godwit (incl YN/YW (E)), Blk H Gulls, 2 Wheatear (on marsh to right of hide), Pied Wags and a few Swallows

No sign of the Shrike this morning just 2 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat and 1 Wheatear on the walk to French Pt. RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.

Reports from today

Richard Jeffree

13:34 Some Caspo's can be quite tricky not this individual classic 1st w.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

 

Wed 16th Sept 26

Reports from today

Brian Combes

08:07 Haven: Red-backed Shrike 100m south of board walk.

19:17 The Red-backed Shrike this morning. First for me at The Haven.

Photo Brian Combes©

12:45 Haven: Redstart in hedge going north from farm heap on bridleway, typically furtive.

13:03 Now Two.

19:12 Haven this morning: 

1 red-backed shrike (1st autumn bird - lovely surprise and very glad it stuck around for people), 2 redstart (1 very nice adult male and 1 female type - together in hedge by farm manure heap though very elusive), 4 whinchat, 2 stonechat, 5 wheatear, 1 goldcrest, 1 sedge warbler, 205+ swallow (south), 62+ house martin (south), 266+ mipit (216+ south, 50+ feeding on arable), 1 grey wag (south), 2 skylark (south), 2 chaffinch (south), 6 reed bunting, 12 pied wag, 7 chiff (2 singing), 2 willow warbler, 1 whitethroat, 2 blackcap, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 1 green woodpecker, 79+ linnet (60+ on arable), 2 sparrowhawk, 5 buzzard (4 drifting very high SW), 2 great spotted woodpecker. 

Scrape/marsh:12 avocet, 2 black-tailed godwit, 1 snipe, 34 curlew, 1 ruff, 1 grey heron, 4 shelduck.

Pete Loud

08:34 Juv Shrike still showing on brambles just north of Simons net rides, viewable from seawall.

09:31 Red-backed Shrike still showing well from seawall.

Richard Jeffree

09:43 3 male Stonechat, blue throat trail.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

19:01 Went back for seconds this afternoon had it all to myself for a while.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Steve Entwistle

12:16 Shrike still showing, flighty & mobile, 1 Whinchat.

Mike O'Hanlon

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

13:27 Guillemot swimming close past Haven cafe now.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Matt Lonsdale

19:12 R B Shrike still present 18:55-19:10 in reedbed brambles opp. French point.

 

Tues 15th Sept 26

As I arrived Pete, Mike & Richard were just giving up on a very poor seawatch, and the carpark bushes were not much better, the only thing of note was the continual passage of Swallows heading south.

On the way to the hide a Wheatear was on the boating club rocks and a single Bar T Godwit passed close offshore plus a large flock of Meadow Pipits were along the front. The small wooded area just inside the kissing gate and to the right of the path held a nice Spotted Flycatcher and a large tit flock that included, 2 Willow Warblers & a Chiffchaff.

From the hide: 92 Greylag, 140+ Teal, 10 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, c90 Lapwing, 4 Curlew, 3 Blk T Godwits, 2 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 70 Blk H Gulls, 2 Spotted Flycatchers (back hedge), 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR et.al.

 

 

Mon 14th Sept 26

Another Quick visit for me today, I spent a few minutes with Pete, Rich & Mike seawatching before heading to the hide, on route 2 Wheatear were on the boating club rocks as were 6 Turnstones.

From the hide: 64 Greylag, 100+ Teal, 11 Shoveler, 7 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 1 Pintail,  20+ Lapwing, 11 Avocet, 4 Snipe, 3 Blk T Godwits, 40+ Blk H Gulls, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron. 

Pete Loud

08:25 Quite lively around the dell this morning with a male Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and all the common Warblers with several Blackcaps.

15:46 Offshore from Haven this morning was the first real Duck movement of the Autumn with over 100 Wigeon & 50+ Teal, 12 Sanderling, 4 Avocet, 2 Common Scoter, 14 Shelduck, 1 juv Kittiwake, 1 Hobby & hundreds of Swallows & House Martins, all movement to the south, walk up to Sandy point and back, 6+ Wheatear, 1 Whinchat and 4 or 5 Sandwich Terns, around the bushes, Spot Fly, Redstart, a few Willow Warblers & Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, several Blackcap & Lesser Whitethroat, evidence of a bit of movement after yesterday’s rain.

 

Sun 13th Sept 26

Reports from today

Simon Cox

17:23 Scrape early pm: G Heron 1, Cormorant 3, Greylag 76, Shelduck 7, Mallard 2, Teal 70, Shoveler 8, Moorhen 5, Lapwing 33, Avocet 9, Curlew 3, Blackwit 2 (cr bird still present, probably a Wash bird, photo sent to Jenny Gill), Buzzard 2, B-h Gull 350 (big flock dropped on to scrape), H Gull 39, LBBG 3, Cetti’s W 1 singing.

Sat 12th Sept 26

Just a short visit for me this morning, all much the same on the scrape, Snipe up to 6 and a Pintail was about it. PL/RJ/MO'H/BH/MR 

Reports from today 

09:53 Yellow Wagtail on the Haven car park.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

John Sawyer

10:20 Hobby over car park.