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.
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| 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
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| Photo Richard Jeffree© |
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| Photo Richard Jeffree© |
Mike O'Hanlon
11:27 Male Wheatear on marsh opposite French Point.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Photo Paul Gildersleve© |
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).
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
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| 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.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
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| 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.
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| 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©
Sun 15th Mar 26
From the hide: 9 Canada Geese, 162 Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 22 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 20+ Curlew, 15 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lt Grebe, 80+ Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR et.al.
A single Purple Sand was on the sluice on the way out.
Sat 14th Mar 26
Another three birds added to the year list today with a Firecrest and a Fieldfare first thing from Brian Combes and a S E Owl late afternoon by Matt Lonsdale.
From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (+1 hybrid), 2 Greylag, c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 20+ Shoveler, 14 Mallard, 11 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 31 Avocet, 30+ Curlew, 16 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 106 Bk H Guls, 4 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 4 Pied Wags, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk RJ/TR/MR.
Brian Combes
07:51 Haven: Firecrest by sewage works gate.
10:53 Haven: Firecrest by golf course workshop
18:11 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 2 firecrest, 1 Fieldfare (in the dell then north), 2 redwing (north), 1 stonechat (south of sluice), 1 corn bunting (singing by east paddock, first bird singing of the year), 1 grey wag (again by manure/straw pile on bridleway), 3 chiff (2 singing), 4 goldcrest, 2 purple sand (French Point), 10 pied wag, 28+ linnet (still a flock of 20+ on arable), 1 marsh harrier, 3 med gull, 2 mipit (north), 2 sparrowhawk, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 4 oystercatcher, 3 reed warbler, 7 hare, 33 avocet, 29 shoveler, 3 song thrush (singing), 37 curlew, 2 greenfinch, 5 buzzard (3 in a kettle). (18 species in song.).
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| Corn bunting this morning (one of my favourite songsters). Photo Brian Combes© |
Matt Lonsdale
16:36 S E Owl on gate across brook to north of hide.
Fri 13th Mar 26
A much nicer day today but still with a chilly wind. The high point of this morning was probably the arrival of a third Peregrine who was soon shown the exit by our resident pair, who had earlier given a woodpigeon the fright of it's life when it managed to escape in a cloud of feathers.
From the hide: 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, c200 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 5 Shelduck, 43 Curlew, 23 Avocet, 17 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 140 Blk H Gulls, c40 Herring Gulls, 2 Med Guls, 2 LBB Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 3 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/DC/MR
Reports from today
Simon Cox
17:19 Afternoon visit: Canada G 10, Greylag 13, Shelduck 4, Mallard 5, Teal 35, Wigeon 60, Shoveler 25, Gadwall 3, Lapwing 18, Avocet 23, Oystercatcher 2, Curlew 17, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Med Gull 1, LBBG 2, Herring Gull 100, B-h Gull 100, Chaffinch 2 in Feeding Station.
Thurs 12th Mar 26
A very blustery morning with the wind forecast to increase throughout the day so we decided to find some shelter in the hide. A GBB Gull was noted along the front and a lone Brent Goose was making hard work of heading down the coast into the wind.
From the hide: 4 Canada Geese (1 hybrid), c300 Wigeon, c250 Teal, 30+ Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 24 Avocet, 16 Lapwings, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 72 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MR
Wed 11th Mar 26
Mike O'Hanlon added another bird to the Site Year List this morning with a Coal Tit in the carpark bottom hedge.
From the hide: 2 Canada Geese, c300 Wigeon, c250 Teal, 43 Shoveler, 19 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 21 Avocet, 20+ Curlew, 20 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 78 Blk H Gulls, 2 Med Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, PL/RJ/MO'H/MR/J&EF
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
10:18 Coal Tit on the hedge line below the picnic tables.
Tues 10th Mar 26
From the hide:c20 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese (+2 Hybrids), c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 37 Shoveler, 15 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 34 Curlew, 12 Lapwing, 11 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 60 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Buzzard,1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR.
On the way back at the sluice a group of 17 Oystercatchers headed north offshore followed shortly after by a further 6.
Sun 8th Mar 26
Reports from today
Brian Combes
17:19 Misty walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the farm this morning included: 1 Siskin (north), 1 grey wag (by straw/dung heap halfway along bridleway), 1 chiff (singing, approach road), 2 goldcrest (1 singing), 5 purple sand (on sea defences by northern pillbox), 2 goldfinch (north), 8 med gull (golf course first thing, all adults paired up), 7 pied wag, 5 Cetti’s (singing), 3 reed bunting, 2 oystercatcher, 1 grey heron, 13 linnet, 7 song thrush (5 singing, some probably passage birds), 2 greenfinch, 5 avocet, 38 shoveler, 2 hare, 6 sanderling (on beach near northern pillbox). (16 species in song.).
Fri 6th Mar 26
I had my first Adder of the year today although Mike & Richard had one a few days ago, otherwise very quiet
From the hide: A few Greylags, 4 Canada Geese, c150 Wigeon, c150 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 8 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 34 Avocet, 26 Lapwing, 17 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, c50 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wags, 1 Cetti's Warbler. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
.Mike O'Hanlon
4 Red-throated Divers on the sea just south of Sandy Point and 2 flying north
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
Tues 3rd Mar 26
Another nice day for a walk around but quite quiet, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and a Woodcock flushed from near the raised platform was all of note around the bushes.
From the Hide: c30 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese, c300 Teal, c250 Wigeon, 100 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 9 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 45 Avocet, c30 Curlew, 20 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 5 Blk T Godwits, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, c200 Blk H Gulls, 3+ Med Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 5+ Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, RJ/MO'H/BH/TR/MR.
Mon 2nd Mar 26
What a lovely morning, it was a pleasure to be out and about with out getting Cold, Wet or Windswept.
From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, c50 Greylags, 8 Canada Geese, 1 White-fronted Goose, c400 Teal, c 300 Wigeon, 100 Shoveler, 12+ Gadwall, 11 Shelduck, 38 Avocet, c30 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Blk T Godwits, 1 Water Rail, 300 Blk H Gulls, 3 Med Gulls, 2 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, RJ/MO'H/MR/June & Eddie.
Sat 28th Feb 26
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
08:49 Haven this morning - Chiffchaff singing ringing compound, 4 Goldcrest in bushes. Female Marsh Harrier quartering fields, 34 Avocet on scrape, 6 Blackwit on marsh.
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Mike O'Hanlon
11:17 Single Purple Sandpiper on end of French Point
11:32 + 3 more on rocks north of Sandy Point
Simon Cox
14:54 From hide late morning: Greylag 70+, Canada 15, Whitefront 1, M Swan 2, Shelduck 12, Mallard 4, Gadwall 3, Wigeon c400, Teal 170+, Shoveler 85, Avocet 46, Lapwing 22, Blackwit 8, Curlew 75, O/catcher 2, male Sparrowhawk, B-h Gull 110, H Gull 8, Common Gull 1
Brian Combes
19:11 Early morning walk from Frinton to Haven and back via the seawall included: 1 spotted redshank (calling from somewhere on scrape/marsh), 1 yellowhammer W over golf course), 5 purple sand (French Point), 2 stonechat (females by golf course dump), 3 goldcrest (2 near raised platform, 1 singing by sewage works), 5 med gull (golf course), 3 reed bunting (singing), 5 Cetti’s (singing), 7 linnet, 53 curlew (21 south, 32 on marsh), 4 bar-tailed godwit (south), 8 black-tailed godwit, 24 brent (north), 6 pied wag, 20+ mipit (15+ along seawall first thing probably birds on the move), 16 golden plover (flew off the marsh then headed inland), 40 avocet, 71 shoveler, 7 gadwall, 2 mute swan, 4 song thrush (singing), 4 hare, 3 greenfinch, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 buzzard, 1 Chinese muntjac, 1 little egret. (14 species in song).
At the end of February the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 101.
Fri 27th Feb 26
From the hide: 2 Mute Swan, 80+ Greylags, 28 Canada Geese, c350 Teal, c300 Wigeon, 77 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 32 Curlew, 28 Avocet, 10+ Lapwing, 6 Blk T Godwit, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 2 Lt. Egret, 82 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. RJ/MO'H/DC/MR.
Thurs 26th Feb 26
The weather wasn't quite as nice today but there were definite signs of spring in the air, several of the 31 Avocet were on the island shuffling around, sitting and pulling in grasses, showing signs of nesting, some of the godwits were moving into summer plumage and even the two Peregrines were mating up on the arable.
From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, c30 Greylags, 6 Canada Geese, c350 Teal, c200 Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 9 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 31 Avocet, c20 Curlew, 6 Blk T Godwits, 4+ Snipe, 3 Oystercatcher, 77 Blk H Gulls, 1 Med Gull 1 Common Gull, 2 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR
Reports from today.
Pete Loud
10:19 5 Purple Sandpipers on Sluice rocks.
Tues 24th Feb 26
At last this morning it felt a bit like spring, and just to make the point we had our first butterfly of the year a Peacock in the feeding station.
The water levels across the mashes were very much lower today as was the number of birds, 2 Mute Swans, 15+ Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, c50 Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, lots of corvids was about it over the road.
Around the site a lot more birds were singing including Song Thrush and Blackbird, plus 4 Greenfinch around the Badger Sett.
From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, 50+ Greylags, 1 W F Goose, 6 Canada Geese, c100 Teal, 80 Shoveler, c30 Wigeon, 15 Shelduck, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, c40 Lapwing, 34 Curlew, 17 Avocet, 3 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Blk. T Godwit, 81 Blk H Gulls, 2 Com. Gulls, 1 Med Gull, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Muntjac Deer. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.
Mon 23rd Feb 26
The sighting of the day was not a bird this morning but an Otter, a brief viewing in front of the hide, firstly it's back was seen in the open water, then it popped it's head out to investigate the apple on the raft put out for the Water Vole before dropping back under the water not to be seen again. Brilliant !!!
From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 40+ Greylag, c600 Teal, c250 Wigeon, 108 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, c150 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.
Sun 22nd Feb 26
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
14:01 It's as you were today at the haven with 30+ Pintail and 6 Gadwall over the road, from the hide there was the usual 300+ each of Teal and Widgeon, + 50 Shoveller, 8 Shelduck and a Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 23 Curlew. On the raptor front there was 1 each of Peregrine, Buzzard, Red kite, Kestrel and a new young male Marsh Harrier.
Sat 21st Feb 26
Still lots of ducks & geese over the road that included 30+ Canada Geese, 30+ Greylags, hundreds of Teal & Wigeon, 60+ Pintail, 40+ Shoveler, and a few Mallard & Gadwall.
From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 70+ Greylag, 1 W F Goose, c500 Teal, c200 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, c200 Lapwing, 13 Curlew, 4+ Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MR et.al.
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
14:07 2 Egyptian Geese in Greylags behind scrape. 4 Purp Sands on boating club rocks. 2 Peregrine and 2 Mute Swan on arable. R T Diver offshore.
Fri 20th Feb 26
One White-f-Goose was with c100 Greylags on the marsh below the raised platform.
From the hide: 3 Mute Swans, 30+ Greylags, 10+ Canada Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose, c500 Teal, c250 Wigeon, c60 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, c30 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/MR
Thurs 19th Feb 26
The site year list hit 100 today with Goosander and Bar T Godwit during Graham's second seawatch of the week.
6 Purple Sands and a Rock Pipit were along the front first thing (RJ et.al.)
From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 140+ Greylag, 10+ Canada Geese, 1 W F Goose, (all up on the arable), c500 Teal, c150 Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 1 Gadwall, c80 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe. RJ/MR
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
09:56 11 Pintail on site today- Pair on flood right of hide and 9 over the road. 2 Black-wits also over the road. Ad Med Gull raised platform.
Graham Sutton
10:05 Haven Shelter (0715 - 0915): C Scoter 1 N, Goosander 11N, Cormorant 223N 1S, RT Diver 8N, Bar-tailed Godwit 1N, Oystercatcher 1N, Med Gull 1N (ad).
Wed 18th Feb 26
Another bird added to the site year list this morning with a Fulmar on Graham's seawatch.
Very rough seas and a strong wind meant we headed to the hide where things were much the same apart from the Peregrine putting on a display and getting everything very agitated a couple of times.
From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 80+ Greylag, c500 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 60+ Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 21 Golden Plover (over), 13 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 1 LBB &1 GBB Gull, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Graham Sutton
11:22 Haven Shelter (0720-1010): Wigeon 5S, Teal 1S, C. Scoter 4S, Fulmar 1N, Gannet 3N, Cormorant 114N, GC Grebe 6N, RT Diver 14N 23S, BT Diver 1N.
Tues 17th Feb 26
Amazingly two Site Year Ticks this morning, as we drove along Manor Way at the top of the carpark a male Yellowhammer dropped onto the road ahead and then worked it's way up the grass bank before flying off toward the orchard (RJ/MR), then after spending an hour in the hide a Spoonbill appeared from nowhere on the marsh below the raised platform.
A single Purple Sand was on the seawall south of French Point.
From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, 130 Greylag, 8 Canada Geese, 1 White-fronted Goose, 500+ Teal, c100 Wigeon, 123 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, c 20 Curlew, 18 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 1 Snipe, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier. SC/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
10:20 Male Yellowhammer carpark approach
11:29 Spoonbill back of raised platform
Mon 16th Feb 26
One Purple Sand south of French Pt., a pair of Stonechat and a few Wigeon offshore was the best of a walk to French Pt. and back to the hide.
From the hide: Wigeon & Teal numbers down a bit today, Shovelers up to 120+, 8 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 3 Pintail (over), 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzards, 1 Red Kite, PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR.
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
09:29 Haven this morning- 122 Shoveler on scrape with an Avocet and an Oyk. 2 Peregrine on arable, Rock Pipit on seawall. Med Gull and Linnet flew south.
Pete Loud
13:20 Haven late morning,1 White-fronted Goose in with Greylags on entrance marsh, Red Kite over arable behind Scrape.
Sat 14th Feb 26
One White-fronted Goose was with 80+ Greylags and 10+ Canada Geese over the road this morning plus 3 Mute Swans, c200 Lapwing, 18 Blk T Godwits & 2 Curlew, still lots of Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler, 30+ Pintail, 16 Gadwall, 7 Grey Heron & 1 Lt Grebe.
Reports from today
Brian Combes
16:22 Walk from Frinton to Haven and back via sea wall first thing this morning included: 2 Med Gull (golf course first thing), 3 Reed Bunting (1 singing which is rather early), 1 Cetti’s (singing, 1 of 10 species in song), 80+ Starling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Pied Wag, 2 Snipe, 150+ Wigeon (100+ sitting on the sea), 19 Linnet, 3 Mute Swan, 200+ Teal, 120+ Lapwing, 90+ Shoveler, 1 Peregrine, 4 Hare (2 boxing), 1 Buzzard, 1 Avocet, 2 Song Thrush (singing), 5 Purple Sand, 3 Stonechat.
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| Photo Brian Combes© |
Fri 13th Feb 26
A Gannet was added to the site year list during this mornings seawatch otherwise just the usual Red-t-Divers, Cormorants, a G C Grebe and gulls PL/RJ/MO'H/DC
Just 84 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese (+ the hybrid) and 2 Mute Swans on the arable from the lay-by plus the 2 Peregrines in their usual place on the track.
Over the road was much the same still lots of Teal, Wigeon & Shoveler but just a few Pintail Gadwall & Mallard and 6+ Curlew.
From the hide: 5 Greylag, several hundred Wigeon & Teal, 80+ Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 150+ Lapwing, 4 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 2 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine (still up on the track), 1 Kestrel. PL/RJ/MO'H/DC/MR
Reports from today
Pete Loud
16:29 Joined Dave & Richard for a seawatch this morning, for about 1 hour, still a few Red throated Divers offshore mainly heading north, although less than of late,1 adult Gannet north was new for the year list ,good numbers of Cormorant offshore,1 Gt C Grebe north and 4 Brent.
Thurs 12th Feb 26
A much nicer day for birding if a bit chilly first thing, from the lay-by 2 Mute Swans, 135 Greylags and 4 Canada Geese were on the arable in front of the hide but no sign of any White-fronts
Far fewer ducks on the flood on the other side of the road but still mainly Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler with a few Pintail, Shelduck, Mallard & Gadwall a few hundred Lapwing, 13 Blk T Godwits, 5+ Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard and lots of gulls.
A short seawatch noted c40 Red-throated Divers, c15 Cormorant, 1 Gt C Grebe, 4 Brent, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew RJ/MO'H/SE/MR
From the hide: Same as of late but numbers down, Teal, Wigeon, & Shoveler, 8+ Pintail, 8+ Mallard, 4 Shelduck, a Few Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine. RJ/MO'H/MR.
Wed 11th Feb 26
From the lay-by 1 Mute Swan, 150 Greylag and 5 Canada Geese were on the arable east of the B1032
All much the same over the road viewed from the Chippings lay-by, lots and lots of Wigeon, Teal & Shoveler 70+ Pintail, 38 Blk t Godwits, 5 Grey Heron and lots of gulls.
From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, c30 Greylags, 10 Canada Geese, c400 Teal, c100 Wigeon, 93 Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, c20 Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, Blk H Gulls, 1 LBB, 1 Med Gull, 3 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, RJ/MO'H/MR.
Reports from today
Pete Loud
10:58 Jack Snipe again this morning over the road flushed from the same place that Richard saw it yesterday, also 30 Black t Godwits, 20 Pintail, Marsh Harrier and still plenty of Wigeon, Shoveler & Teal.
12:53 Seawatch from the shelter for 1 Hour, 14 Great crested Grebes, all south apart from 1 feeding just offshore, at least 40 Red throated Divers, mainly south, some north and a few sitting offshore, 25 Brent, 1 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Pintail, a few Cormorant and a flock of 100 Wigeon sitting on the sea just offshore.
Tues 10th Feb 26
Very murky from the chippings lay-by this morning, just about able to ID 20+ Blk T Godwits and the usual Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Pintail when the visibility improved for a few minutes, then a walk around the site added nothing of note.
From the hide: 5 Mute Swans, 18 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese (+ the Can/Greylag hybrid), c250 Teal, c80 Wigeon (+ c100 sitting offshore), 50+ Shoveler, 10+ Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 14 Curlew, 10+ Lapwing, 1 Avocet PL/MO'H/MR
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
13:25 Jack Snipe flushed from across rd., where the woodcock were.
Sun 8th Feb 26
There was a lot more water on the marsh over the road this morning and still lots of ducks, loads of Wigeon, Teal & Shoveler good numbers of Pintail, 5+ Grey Heron, lots of Blk-headed & Herring Gulls plus Common Gulls & a Med Gull. The geese were all a long way off towards Fan Bridge and among the Canada's & Greylags were 20+ White-fronted Geese.
From the hide: 5 Mute Swans, Greylags, Canada Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail, Mallard, 7 Curlew, 4 Snipe, 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, RJ/MO'H/MR et.al.
On the way back 2 Red-throated Divers were sitting on the sea off the sluice MR/TR
Sat 7th Feb 26
We started at the Chippings lay-by this morning, just a few geese down towards Fan Bridge, c10 Canada Geese and a couple of Greylags but loads of ducks again today, mostly Teal & Wigeon but 100+ Pintail and Shoveler and a few Gadwall.
Much quieter from the hide, again lots of Wigeon & Teal, 60+ Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 6 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, c40 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Water Rail, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, late morning a couple of groups of Greylag dropped onto the arable followed a few minutes later by 36 White-fronted Geese. RJ/MR.
Fri 6th Feb 26
I had a quick stop in the lay-by on my way back from Clacton early afternoon and there were still 80+ White-fronts with Canada & Greylag Geese on the field east of the B1032
Reports from today
Matt Lonsdale
08:05 C75 grey geese (presumably GWFG) from lay-by on b1032. Bins only.
Richard Jeffree
09:40 At least 66 White-fronts from layby.
09:51 Re-count min 85.
Wed 4th Feb 26
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
13:18 6 Purple Sandpipers roosting just south of French Point.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
16:50 The leading White-fronts circling the scrape in front of the raised platform earlier.
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| Photo Mike O'Hanlon© |
Pete Loud
14:27 For a change as it was calm and sunny today I thought I would start up at the Farm at Gt Holland, added 2 species to the site total, believe it or not House Sparrow and Red legged Partridge both have proved to be very elusive so far this year, sadly a sign of the times, also seen up there both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, lots of Skylark, a few Linnets and a Cetti’s Warbler. Later from the Hide, the 2 Peregrine were in their favoured spot on the arable track, still lots of Teal ,Wigeon & Shoveler on the flood and a Dunlin was a year tick for me. A walk to Sandy Point and back with Richard and Mike we noted 2 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Sanderling & 6 Purple Sands, walking back to the car 37 Whitefronts put on a good show flying about over the entrance marsh & raised platform area loosely associated with a large Grey lag flock before heading off towards the marsh over the road.
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Tues 3rd Feb 26
It was a first Site Year Tick for February when a Knot dropped into the the marsh to the right of the hide, otherwise it was much the same but no sign of the White-fronts.
From the hide: 1 Mute Swan, c30 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, c600 Teal, c250 Wigeon, c80 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 50+ Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Golden Plover, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Avocet, 1 Knot, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Kestrel. RJ/MO'H/TR/MR/PL
6 R T Divers and a Gt C Grebe were noted offshore on the way back.
Reports from today
Mike O'Hanlon
11:20 Knot on the flood at the Haven.
Mon 2nd Feb 26
A quick stop at the Chippings lay-by showed that there were still loads of ducks all over the flooded marsh but the murky conditions made it hard work to pick out anything special.
From the Hide: 1 Mute Swan, Greylag & Canada Geese, 26+ White-fronted Geese, c1000 Teal, c350 Wigeon, 88 Shoveler, 9 Pintail (6f 3m), 8 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, c130 Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 2 Avocet, 2 Snipe, 1 Blk T Godwit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Water Rail (seen briefly first thing DP/RJ), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. RJ/DP/MR
Sun 1st Feb 26
From the hide: 2 Mute Swans, lots of Greylag and Canada Geese (plus the Canada/Barnacle hybrid), 25 W F Geese, hundreds of Teal, c350 Wigeon (on the marsh & sitting offshore), c70 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 3 Pintail, 1 Gadwall, c20 Lapwing, 2 Blk T Godwits, 1 Avocet, 3 Pied Wags, 2 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard. PL/RJ/MO'H/TR/MR et.al.
Sat 31st Jan 26
Reports from today
Richard Jeffree
10:48 At least 4 W Fronts distantly from chippings layby pr Pintail on flood right of hide.
Matt Lonsdale
11:03 25 W F Geese on flash behind scrape (not viewable from hide) + 1 from raised platform. 4 Pintail 2m+f from pillbox, 1 female from raised platform. LBB Gull and Canada/Barnacle hybrid from chippings lay-by.
At the end of January the number of species recorded at the Haven this year stands at 90.
