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.
Fri 15th May 26
A very short visit this morning, with the only bird of note a nice Whinchat just north of the TDC compound, otherwise all as yesterday. RJ/MR
Reports from today
Brian Combes
17:34 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 3 wheatear (2 first thing on seawall, 1 east of farm paddocks), 2 grey wag (pair by sewage works’ gates), 1 yellow wag (over), 6 sandwich tern (group north), 7 house martin (2 south, 5 over south end of Frinton greensward were hopefully returning local birds), 2 corn bunting (singing on the arable, one by footpath, one by bridleway), 19 swallow, 1 goldcrest (singing), 10 whimbrel (9 on the golf course first thing, later on the arable; 1 north), 14 reed warbler (singing), 5 sedge warbler (singing), 2 lesser whitethroat (singing), 4 chiff (singing), 9 Cetti’s (singing), 8 whitethroat (singing), 4 blackcap (singing), 4 reed bunting (singing), 1 song thrush (singing), 9 linnet, 1 marsh harrier, 1 green woodpecker, 2 greenfinch, 23 avocet, 4 buzzard, 1 common sandpiper (on the sea defences), 1 Chinese muntjac, 6 hare.
One of the wheatear this morning.
Photo Brian Combes©
Thurs 14th May 26
A little less wind but some hefty showers this morning. Just a short visit to the hide this morning between the showers, well almost.
From the hide: 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 12 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 26 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, c100 Blk H Gulls, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR
A single Turnstone was on the sluice on the way back and good to see we still have one Purple Sand hanging around from Richards afternoon visit.
Reports from today
Brian Combes
12:48 Brief early morning visit to The Haven included; 1 cuckoo (singing), 1 goldcrest, 17 avocet, 1 greenfinch, 8 swallow, 1 hare, 1 fox (leisurely trotting through the car park).
Richard Jeffree
15:06 One Purple Sand on rocks below French pt this afternoon.
Wed 13th May 26
Another Windy morning with a couple of heavy showers. Very quiet around the site but it looks like the Goldcrests have young as there was lots of activity around the nest today.
From the hide: 8 Canada Geese, (+broods of 8 & 4), 4 Greylags, 15 Shelduck, 10+ Mallard (+1 brood of 9), 2 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 24 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 LBB, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 3 Swifts, 4 House Martin, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR
Tues 12th May 26
From the hide: 8 Canada Geese (1 pair with 8 goslings & 1 pair with 4), 2 Greylags, several assorted hybrids, 11 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Lt. Egret, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Cuckoo, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Linnet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR
Mon 11th May 26
Another day with strong northerly winds. The Lesser Whitethroats were much more vocal this morning but otherwise it was quiet around the site.
Over the road, with only a small pool left now were 8 Herring Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 2 Lapwing and 1 Avocet, on the brook 6 Mallard, 2 Moorhen (with chicks), 1 Lt. Grebe.
From the hide: 6 Canada Geese (1 pair with 4 goslings), 4 Greylags, 15 Shelduck, 8+ Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 22 Avocet, 8+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 100+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel.
Sun 10th May 26
Mainly cloudy today with a brisk N/E wind.
From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 15 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 100+ Blk H Gulls, plus the usual Warblers and a few Swallows.
Reports from today
Steve Entwistle
16:36 2.30 to now Sea-watching off haven from under yacht club
Just had another 3 Gannets half way out 2 ad, 1 3rd cy, had ad 2.45pm , ( total 4+).another 2 hours yet before high tide, wind strong
Matt Lonsdale
17:45 Look at the scrape late afternoon - Yellow wag on dried flood north of hide. Redshank and Curlew on scrape plus yellow CR + flagged avocet.
Sat 9th May 26
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
08:52 Haven this morning - Cuckoo behind raised platform, grey wag sewage works, 3 redshanks and 2 little egret scrape.
Last night corn bunting calling by small bridge N of hide.
Mike O'Hanlon
11:03 Two Egyptian Geese in front of the hide. Unfortunately now flown north
12:29 This morning’s visit to the hide with TR (10.30 - 12) 2 Egyptian geese, 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelducks, 6 Canada geese (one pair with with 8 goslings), 19 Avocets (the 2 birds with 4 eggs on the left of island have all gone), 1 cuckoo, 7 Lapwing + 1 chick, 5 Mallard (Drakes only), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 95 Black headed gulls, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel
The herd of cattle with at least 7 calves is back on the marsh
Brian Combes
17:11 Brief early visit to The Haven this morning included: 2 siskin (north), 1 grey wag (sewage works gates), 2 goldcrest (singing), 7 swallow (3 north), 1 turnstone, 18 avocet, 1 whimbrel (north), 1 cuckoo (singing).
Fri 8th May 26
Very little water left over the road this morning but still holding 30+ Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's, 2 Shelduck, 2 Avocet and 2 Lapwing. An increase in the number of Swallows was evident and all the normal Warblers etc were still around
From the hide 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags,15 Shelducks, 10+ Mallard, 22 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 120+ Blk H Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Pied Wags, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk. PL/MR
Wed 6th May 26
Much the same over the road this morning just a lot more wind and chilly.
From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese, 1 Pair Greylags, 21 Shelduck, 8+ Mallard, 22+ Avocet, 12+ Lapwing (2 chicks seen), 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sands, c130 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret. 6+ Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Swift, 1 Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel. PL/MO'H/MR/LH et.al.
Reports from today
Liz Huxley
11:21 Wheatear on track by GC dump.
Pete Loud
13:02 Pretty quiet over the Haven this morning and chilly in a north wind. Paid the farm a visit first thing, nothing of interest except 3 Barnacle Geese flying over the paddocks heading south, presumably from the Hamford feral birds, but a new bird for the Haven year list nevertheless. From the Scrape hide, both Cuckoo and Swift seen at long last plus 2 House Martin, 2 Med Gull & 2 Common Sandpiper.
Brian Combes
17:24 Brief early morning visit to Haven: 4 fledged starling (two sets of two - first of the year and early, most first clutches fledge late May/early June), 1 cuckoo (singing), 1 goldcrest (singing), 2 swallow (south), 25 avocet, 1 marsh harrier, 2 common sandpiper, 1 turnstone, 1 greenfinch.
Tues 5th May 26
The small area of flood still hanging on over the road is still holding the same group of birds with 15 Herring Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 1 Avocet and a Lapwing, in the same area were Reed & Sedge Warbler, 3+ Cetti's Warbler, Linnets, L. T. Tits, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, 2 Red-legged Partridge, and 6+ Swallows around the humped-back bridge.
From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese (1 with 8 Goslings), 4 Greylag, 20+ Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 120+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 8+ Swallows, Reed & Sedge Warbler, 2 Pied Wags, 2 Yellow Wags. MO'H/MR
Mon 4th May 26
I started over the road this morning where there is still a little water in the flood, holding 36 Herring Gulls 2 Shelduck and an Avocet. Lots of Sedge and Reed Warblers, Cetti's Warblers, 4+ Swallows hawking the brook, plus Whitethroats, Linnets, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
Quite quiet around the bushes, a Fox was wandering around in the Dell and 2 Goldcrests by the sewage works gate.
From the hide: 3 Pairs of Canada Geese, 1 Pair Greylag, 1 Hybrid pair, 10 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall (over), 22+ Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sand, c130 Blk H Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cuckoo, 6+ Swallows, Reed & Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, linnets, 1 Stonechat, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Muntjac Deer. MO'H/TR/MR et.al.
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
19:57 Quiet around the scrape this evening- Stonechat singing at moth sanctuary the highlight. 1 common sand on scrape and a cuckoo calling. First cuckoo heard around Slade road garden today also
Sun 3rd May 26
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
08:22 No sign of B-W-Stilt on scrape- 2 Common Sand, Whimbrel, 2 Common Gulls. 5 Blackwit north otherwise very quiet..
Pete Loud
10:16 From the hide this morning, 2 Redshank, 20 Avocet, 2 Common Sand, large flock of 40+Whimbrel in flight over Golf Course, 1 Marsh Harrier. Red Admiral and Holly Blue added to my Butterfly year list.(MR,PL).
Brian Combes
17:25 Brief early morning visit to Haven: 1 goldcrest, 2 common sandpiper, 2 marsh harrier, 7 swallow (south), 1 cuckoo (singing), 2 swift.
Sat 2nd May 26
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
06:29 Tufted Duck flown over dell and out to sea. Drake.
07:00 Black-Winged Stilt on scrape.
07:29 Still present 07:30.
Mike O'Hanlon
07:49 Stilt still feeding on scrape.
08:00 A harrier put all the birds up but the stilt came back but has now moved into the reeds out of view from hide.
16:11 B W Stilt still on scrape, though light is very poor and the evaporation is causing steam to rise off the water, making photos impossible
Pete Loud
08:10 Best I could do through my scope..
Mick Rodwell
08:22 Still on scrape at 08-20
Simon Cox
15:07 Stilt still 1500 viewed from pillbox. Also 2 Whimbrel, 1 Teal.
Fri 1st May 26
Reports from today
Brian Combes
07:07 Haven: Firecrest in bushes north of sluice.
19:31 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 firecrest, 1 goldcrest (singing by sewage works gates), 2 pochard (pair), 1 wheatear (by muck heap on bridleway), 5 ruff (at least 5 on tiny pool north of hide first thing), 4 common sand (2 on sluice rocks, 2 on scrape), 1 sanderling (beach), 4 med gull, 1 yellow wag (over), 51 whimbrel (48 on golf course first thing, 3 north), 1 cuckoo (singing), 6 bar-tailed godwit (1 in beach, 1 on scrape, 4 on golf course), 23 swallow (7 south), 11 reed warbler (singing), 7 sedge warbler (singing), 10 whitethroat (singing), 3 lesser whitethroat (singing), 5 chiff (singing), 9 blackcap (singing), 8 Cetti’s (singing), 2 song thrush (singing), 1 sparrowhawk, 2 buzzard, 17 avocet, 4 oystercatcher, 9 linnet, 1 greenfinch, 2 red-legged partridge, 7 hare.
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| One of the pochard this morning. Photo Brian Combes© |
Matt Lonsdale
08:22 Pair of Pochards on pond right of hide.
08:46 Stunning make Black Redstart on radar tower fence/brambles in sub song!
Pete Loud
08:38 Beautiful morning to be out , we have lost that horrible wind at long last, sadly nothing much to report over the road, just 1 Avocet on the pool ,although it still looks good for waders with there being some decent water there, all the other pools on site have now dried out, which leaves the Scrape as the only significant water on site now, so remain hopeful of something good there soon.
14:09 From the hide this morning, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Bar- t-Godwit, 11 whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 1 Yellow Wagtail, at least 3 Lapwing Chicks. 3-4 Wall Butterflies were a first for me at the Haven, with easterly winds of late, makes me think they are migrants from the continent. 1 Sandwich Tern south past the cafe early afternoon.
Mike O'Hanlon
11:42 2 Wall butterflies by the sluice bushes.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© For more pictures see "Haven Wildlife" page |
13:37 White Wagtail in the Dell
17:30 White Wagtail in the Dell this afternoon
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
