Recent Sightings from previous months
29th September Trims Green - 45+ Meadow Pipit Grounded mostly around Blount's Farm, 26 Min Linnet Hayter, Spellbrook West - 4 (possibly as many as 6?) Blackcap, 1 Chiffcaff, 20 Swallows South (13, 7), 1 Mistle Thrush SW, 6 Goldcrest among growing tit flocks and Kestrels at their usual spot - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - 15 Teal, 1m Pochard, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 30 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtails, 20 Pied Wagtails, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Chiffchaffs Also, 100+ Linnets by Long Border Road - Stephen Patmore
27th September Coploe Hill (06:30-08:20) - 15 Swallow, 115 Meadow Pipits, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 16 alba Wagtails, 5 Song Thrush, 17 Greenfinch, 15 Linnets, 1 Redpoll sp, 6 Reed Buntings Strethall - 50 Golden Plovers Littlebury - 1 WOODLARK (SW @ 08:30am)
Newport SW - 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (high NE!), 4 Grey Wagtails, 5 Song Thrush (dropped in from height), 7 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests (peak count of autumn so far!) - Stephen Patmore
SAL (15:25-16:10) - 1 Teal, 1 Kestrel, 1 juv Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 House Martin, 5 Meadow Pipit, 5 Linnet 3 Clouded Yellow (MMF) on the Central causeway 6 Migrant Hawker (5M,1F) - Mike Harris Newport - 2+ very noisy Whimbrels heading SW at 22:15 this evening. - Stephen Patmore
26th September Stort Park Farm - Hobby family still west of bypass, juvs mostly sitting around West Field and about to start their 7th noisy week. Little Owls still seen regularly in their tree on the East side and tonight was no exception... now the Juvs are a little older it is near impossible to catch them ''hunting'' in daylight - Graeme J. Smith
SAL (07:10-08:30) - 7 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Mute Swan (all left southwards), 18 Mallard, 18 Teal, 9 Coot, 26 Moorhen, 1 juv Little Ringed Plover (getting a bit late now), 6 Common Snipe, 2 LBB Gull (N), 1 Common Gull (N 2nd cal yr), 12 BH Gull (N), 2 Kingfisher (min. poss 3 birds involved), 7 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Linnet, 11 Reed Bunting (mainly 'in' from height), 1 Yellowhammer Sawbridgeworth - 6 Cormorant (N @ 06:55)
Allens Green Airfield (08:45-09:10) - 2 Grey Heron (W), 129 Golden Plover, 4 Lapwing Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (16:50-19:05) - 10 Canada Goose (NE), 6 Mallard (NE), 1 Common Buzzard (heard only), 2 Sparrowhawk (1F 1 indeterminate), 1 Kestrel, 4 Pheasant (in), 2 Lapwing (SE), 1 Common Snipe (in), 99 BH Gull (S), 4 LBB Gull (S), 15 Larus spp. (S), 11 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Dove (NE), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 GS Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit (1 in, 4 E), 1 Mistle Thrush (N), 4 Song Thrush (in), 2 Reed Warbler, 5 Long tailed Tit, 6 Jay, 149 Jackdaw (S), 92 Starling (84NE, 8SW), 9 Chaffinch (SW), 16 Greenfinch (N), 27 Reed Bunting (in) 1 Migrant Hawker - Mike Harri
24th September Sawbridgeworth Marsh - Water Rail (1), Snipe (3), Buzzard (4) - Chris Swan
Coploe Hill - Redwing flew W over this morning, also 146 Meadow Pipits SW in 1.25hrs, plus a few White Wagtails and finches. - Stephen Patmore
Stort Park Farm (west) - 2 Corn Bunting stopping briefly before heading South... only my 2nd and 3rd here - Graeme J. Smith
23rd September Coploe Pit - juvenile Red Kite, 1 Hobby, 9 Golden Plover (S), 315 House Martins (W), 83 Meadow Pipits (S/SW), 2 Yellow Wagtails (S/SW), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 12 alba Wagtails (S/SW), 6 Song Thrush (S)m, 24 Chaffinch (W - first push of the autumn of these), 10 Greenfinch (S), 23 Goldfinch (S), 48 Linnet (S), 2 Reed Bunting (S) - Stephen Patmore
22nd September SAL - 10 Little Grebes, 45 Teal, 2 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Skylark, 340 House Martins(SW), 59 Meadow Pipits (SW), 8+ Grey Wagtails, 27 alba Wagtails (SW), 1 Blackbird (W), 3 Song Thrush (W), 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Coal Tit, 10+ Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
Sawbridgeworth Marsh - Water Rail Calling loudly at 9.00 a.m. - Chris Swan 20th September Cricketfield Lane - Tawny Owl at 2000hrs. Apparently calling started about two weeks ago. - Dave Arch
19th September SAL (06:45-08:05) - 7 Little Grebe, 38 Mallard, 35 Teal, 13 Coot, 43 Moorhen, 2 Common Snipe, 33 BH Gull (N), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker (N together), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 5 Long tailed Tit, 1M Blackcap, 1 Sylvia sp., 3 Chiffchaff (inclu 1 singing), 10 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 9 Reed Bunting (all dropped in from height) 1 Migrant Hawker (flying @ 07:20!)
Trims Green (08:25-08:50) - 2 Grey Heron (W), 19 Canada Geese, 25 Mallard (disturbed by Pigeon shooters), 1 Kestrel, 4 Common Gull, 5 BH Gull, 3 Swallow (N!), 20 Linnet, 5 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
18th September SAL - 35 Teal, 1m Shoveler, 1 Dunlin (with apparent damaged wing - probably explains why it hasn't moved for 3 days!), 7+ Snipe, 30 House Martin (E), Rock Pipit, 10 Meadow Pipit (W), 4 Reed Warbler, 7+ Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff - Stephen Patmore
17th September SAL - ROCK PIPIT still between the causeway and the southeast corner of the NE Pit up until 2pm this afternoon, and showing well. 10 Teal, 1juv LRP, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 2 Chiffchaff - Stephen Patmore
16th September SAL - 1 ROCK PIPIT beside pump pipes on lagoon that's getting drained, also DUNLIN, wigeon - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - 5 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 3 (1m) Wigeon, 2 (1m) Gadwall, 61 Teal, 1(m) Shoveler, 1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 1ad Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 472 Black-headed Gulls (N), 39 Common Gulls (N), 1 Kingfisher, 2 House Martin, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs Nearby, a WHINCHAT on the fenceline near Endeavour House - Stephen Patmore
15th September Spellbrook (west) - 1 Teal over west, male Sparrowhawk hunting West and usual Kestrel over North Field all before 0730 Hrs - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - 2 Grey Herons, 4(1m) Wigeon, 48 Teal, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, 3 Snipe, 1 Sand Martin, 8 Meadow Pipit (W), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S), 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Redpoll (S), 3 Reed Bunting - Stephen Patmore
14th September Stansted Airport Lagoons - Curlew Sandpiper (juv), Snipe 2+, Wigeon, Teal 9, Sand Martin c.12, Common Gull (ad), Grey Wagtail, Hobby at midday harrying Sand Martins - Colin Wills
13h September Coploe Hill - 1st-winter Caspian Gull with c.100 LBBGs in fields West of the Coploe Hill pit this morning, Also an adult Yellow-legged Gull. - Stephen Patmore
SAL (15:40-18:00) - 8 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 19 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 1M WIGEON (eclipse), 1F Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 21 Coot, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER (fresh juvenile), 4 Snipe, 10 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull (Ad), 350+ BH Gull, 3+ Swallow, 50+ House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 2+ Meadow Pipit, 12+ Linnet - Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest Lake - Great Crested Grebes with one very late new chick - Graeme J. Smith 12th September SAL (06:55-08:10) - 10 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 21 Mallard, 24 Teal, 3 Gadwall (MMF), 1 Shoveler (F), 20 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Snipe, 4 LBB Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 20 House Martin, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 5+ Reed Warbler (a pair continue to feed at least two recently fledged young), 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap (MF), 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Phyllosc sp., 25 Starling, 32 Linnet (8,16,1,6,1), 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
10th September SAL - 0745 - 2 Green Sandpiper (left towards Hatfield Forest - see below), 2 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Jays otherwise the local House Martins out and about and the Little Grebes present and correct and Mallards and Coot and Moorhen.
Hatfield Forest - left 0930 - 2 Green Sandpiper (more than a coincidence), Grey Heron, Stock Dove, Teal, Great-crested Grebe still glued to nest, about 30 Canadas to join the various ferals there already. Pair of Blackcap, Whitethroat and one Marsh Tit. Plenty of Goldfinch, quite a few Robin, one Dunnock and 2 Jays. Nuthatch calling. - David Arch
Trims Green - 14 Linnet S, 13 Meadow Pipit S, 40+ LBBGull N, 27 BHGull N, 1 Cmn Gull N, 1 Reed Bunting caling from around Lysander Park, 13 Sockdove (5 local, 7 W and 2 S, 2 Common Buzzard South, 50+ Starling SW, 1 Yellow Wagtail S and 2 Kestrel hunting NO LINNET.
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - 5 Red-legged Partridge on North-west field, 3 Meadow Pipit S, 3 Common Buzzard all day noisily in treeline just 100 yards North from Hayter is very odd indeed, occasionally grounding in North-west field. 4 seperate sightings of more than two birds! Stortford Park Farm (west) - nearly all fields on this patch have been ploughed since my last visit with the Southern Field (beside the Hobbys) being turned as I passed. 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Skylark S, 2 Kestrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail feeding on fields flying South at 1700 Hrs, 1 Meadow Pipit S, c.120 Jackdaw, 50+ Rook, 15+ LBBGull west. NO HOBBYS. Honeysuckle Close - 1 Meadow Pipit South over my house makes 19 for the day. Not loads but interesting to note that I saw them over at all sites visited - Graeme J. Smith
9th September Twyford Lock - Two Kingfishers (both seen at same time) flying about 300 yards south of Twyford lock. Tony Moverley Sawbridgeworth - 4 HOBBIES in a party - John Slee
8th September Patmore Heath - Hobby 18:35 - Mick East
7th September SAL - 1 Cormorant, 20 Teal, 1m Shoveler, 2 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 34 Lesser Black-backed Gull (N), 19 Sand Martin (S), 20 Meadow Pipit (S), 6+ Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 5+ Chiffchaffs - Stephen Patmore 6th September Patmore Heath - Swift single over - Mick East
Coploe Hill - 1juv Marsh Harrier (W), 1 Hobby, 3 Snipe (W), 5 Swift (S), 11 Yellow Wagtails (S) - Stephen Patmore
Stort Park Farm - 1 Herring Gull, 2 LBBG's, 9 Swallow South, 10 Starling West, Meadow Pipit 2 South, Yellowhammer 5 around hill on west side with the 4 Reed Bunting incl. Juvs. Robin and Blackbird seem vocal and nemerous. 2 (+) Chiffchaff with 2 east of bypass and a possible in the south trees on West side. 1 def Blackcap with another possible heard but not seen. Hobby family still noisy as ever but no sign of 3rd Juv again. Tawny Owl seen in flight SW of Stonchat corner. 7 (or 8) Bullfinches was in increase from my summer Max of 5 Allotments in Stortford - Slow Worm 6, Smooth Newt 2 both with 3 frogs under the same sheet of corrigated iron at my fav spot. 1 LONG-WINGED CONEHEAD - Graeme J. Smith
5th September Rowneybury (Beckham's Pad south of Swawbo) - Barn Owl quartering the fields - seen from train. Tony Moverley
Patmore Heath 03:10 Tawney Owl 3M and 1F calling - Mick East
Coploe Hill - 1 Hobby, 15 Sand Martins (S), 144 Swallows (S), 148 House Martins (S), 3 Tree Pipits S), 116 Meadow Pipits (S), 23 Yellow Wagtails (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S) - Stephen Patmore
SAL (06:40-08:20) - 11 Little Grebe, 8 Mute Swan (6 NE @ 06:40, + resident couple), 34 Mallard, 13 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 19 Coot, 45 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail (juv), 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 LBB Gull (2N, 1W), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Swallow, 34 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit (1,5,3,1), 1 WHINCHAT (juv), 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Phyllosc's spp., 2 Jay, 2 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Hatfield Forest (08:20-09:50) - 1Ad Hobby (carrying prey west over the lake), 1 Treecreeper, 2 Marsh Tit, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 22 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 15+ Bullfinch (mainly juvs) 1 Black Rabbit 5 Speckled Wood - Mike Harris
SAL - 1900 - 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Mute Swans, 9 Little Grebe on bandstand lagoon and three on builders lagoon, 2 Tufted, Yellowhammer, local House Martins out late and noisily.- David Arch
4th September SAL - 11 Little Grebe, 8 Teal, 1 Hobby, 3 (ad+2juv) Ringed Plovers, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1ad Herring Gull, 2 Kingfishers, 70 House Martins, 8+ Reed Warblers (inc birds feeding recently fledged young!), 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6+ Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatchers - Stephen Patmore
Stortford Park - Hobby x 2 - Mick East
3rd September SAL (07:15-08:45) - 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose (N @ 08:30), 10 Teal, 3 Ringed Plover (Ad + 2juvs), 1 Redshank (juv), 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 House Martin (S), 1 Sand Martin (S), 6 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Goldfinch Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen not counted. - Mike Harris
2nd September SAL - 14 Teal, 3(ad+2juv) Ringed Plovers, 1juv Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Terns (W), 1 White Wagtail, 8 Reed Warblers - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - quiet, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, various Tits and all of the expected Ducks and other water birds. - David Arch
SAL - 1900 - 3 Ringed Plover, Redshank, Kestrel, 2 Teal, 2 Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and late Martins. David Arch
1st September Thorley Park Road, B/S - One very vocal Tawny Owl in rear garden 22:20 - 22:30 - Tony Moverley
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 1930 - 3 Ringed Plovers, Redshank, 2 Teal, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Kestrel or one Kestrel twice, Little Grebe 9 as Colin earlier - David Arch
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Green Sandpiper, 3 Ringed Plovers, Redshank (juv), White Wagtail (found earlier by Stephen Patmore), Kingfisher, Teal fem., Little Grebe 9 - Colin Wills
Patmore Heath - Hobby and 1 Swift - Mick East
31st August Great Chesterford - 1juv Garganey - with Mallards on fishing pits by the railway line Grange Road - 1w White Wagtail (first of autumn)
Newport - 2 Swift, 2 Wheatears - Stephen Patmore
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 3 Ringed Plovers, Redshank (juv). - Colin Wills SAL (1635-17:45) - 10 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, c.30 Mallard, 2 Gadwall (both eclipse drakes), 20 Coot, 1 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plover (Ad + 2 juvs), 2 LBB Gull (juvs), 1 Ad Common Gull, 2 BH Gull (1stS + Ad), 21 Swallow (moving into SW headwind), 15 House Martin (ditto), 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Phyllosc's spp., c.65 Jackdaw (in field west of lagoons, no doubt 'borrowed' from HF), 8 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch 2 Large White, 1 Green veined White, 3 White spp., 4 Common Blue Butterflies (3M, 1F), 1 Red Admiral, 3 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Heath 2 Migrant Hawker - Mike & Anita Harris
30th August Stort Park Farm - Hobby 5 including 3 juvs still at same spot, Tawny Owl calling aggresivly as if disturbedin South treeline on West side of bypass, 1 Common Buzzard, Little Owl, 2 (+) Bullfinches calling, 1 Blackcap and what appeared to be a 1st winter male Goldfinch feeding a Juvenile bird - Graeme J. Smith
Coploe Hill - 1f Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 1 Turtle Dove (S), 2 Tree Pipits (S), 11 Yellow Wagtails (S), 3 Grey Wagtails (S) - Stephen Patmore SAL (08:10-09:00) - 7 Little Grebe , 2 Mute Swan, 36 Mallard, 5 Gadwall (left south), 2 Shelduck (juvs), 1 Tufted Duck, 22 Coot, 43 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail (juv), 1 Redshank (juv), 3 LBB Gull (3rdS, 2 juvs), 1 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 35 House Martin, 5 Sand Martin, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sylvia sp. (heard only), 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Phyllosc's spp., 2 Bullfinch A Common Blue Butterfly and Meadow Brown disturbed from roost along the path.
Trims Green (09:15-10:30) - With John Slee. - 1 Common Buzzard (lazily over South), 1 Sparrowhawk (terrorising the Linnets), c.80 LBB Gull, 3+ Herring Gull, 1 juv Common Gull, 100+ BH Gull, 2 Swallow, 2+ Yellow Wagtail, c.50 Linnet, c.10 Goldfinch 2 Brown Hare (1 Half grown Leveret), 4 Stoat (Family party tracking the Leveret - he escaped!) - Mike Harris
Allen's Green - 1900 - Little Owl calling opposite beer festival - David Arch 29th August Bishop's Stortford - Two Swifts flying south over garden in Thorley Park Road. Tony Moverley
Hatfield Forest Lake - 11 Gadwall, single KINGFISHER hanging around the North end was fairly vocal, 5 Marsh Tit, 3 Great Crested Grebes including a bird sitting on nest!, 2 Common Tern, 13 Greylag, 68 Canada Geese + 1 white domestic job. House Martins c.100 feeding over the water and some open bushes which also held 3+ Blackcaps, 10+ Willochiffs (including a few definite Chiffchaff and one bright Juvenile Willow Warbler), 5 Robins and 7 SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS - Graeme J. Smith
Coploe Hill - 14+ Common Buzzards, 1f Merlin, 2 Hobby, 1juv Peregrine, 1ad Yellow-legged Gull, 20 Yellow Wagtails (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S) - Stephen Patmore
Pishiobury Park - 2 Spotted Flycatchers (1 ad 1 juv) - John Slee Bishop’s Stortford - Swift - Tony Moverley 28th August Stansted Airport Lagoons - Whinchat, c.6 Sand Martins - Colin Wills
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
26th August Spellbrook (west) - No Yellow Wagtails present today after recent sightings - Graeme J. Smith Newport - male Redstart - Stephen Patmore
SAL (07:40-08:40) - 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan (departed south @ 07:57), 13 Grey Lag Goose (on stubble field west of the lagoons), 2 Teal, 1M Gadwall (eclipse), 1M Shoveler (eclipse), 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ad LBB Gull (N), 5 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3+ Phylloscs (spp.), 5 Jay, Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot & Moorhen. - Mike Harris 25th August SAL - 9 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 9 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 1F Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 LBB Gull (N), 1 BH Gull (N), 1 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Sylvia spp. (heard only), 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Phyllosc's spp. Jay - Mike Harris Spellbrook - 19 YELLOW WAGTAIL on factory roof - Graeme J.Smith
24th August Blounts Farm - 10 Linnet, 4 Pied Wagtails included 2 Juveniles, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls over North-east, 2 Stockdove and a single Brown Hare.
Trims Green (Lysander Park/Morris Farm) - Linnet 25+, Greenfinch c.10, Goldfinch 15+ and 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL. Hayter, Spellbrook (west)0710 Hrs - A minimum of 3 Goldcrest and 2 Coal Tit, 1 Stockdove over West, 5 Swallow and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull over NW. 1230Hrs. YELLOW WAGTAIL 37 … on Hayter’s roof! 7 Pied Wagtail, over 100 SWALLOW feeding on the masses of insects being blown in from the fields to the South. Goldfinches + Juvs coming down to a burst pipe to drink.
Blounts Farm (again at 1615 Hrs) - 137 Lesser Black-backed Gull , 262 Black-headed Gull and 9 COMMON GULL around the tractor working the field between Blounts and Mathams Wood - Graeme J. Smith
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 2 Black-tailed Godwits (adults) briefly at midday then flew off SE; 2 common sandpipers, shoveler. - Colin Wills 23rd August Coploe Pit - 1f Marsh Harrier, 1f Hen Harrier (on/off all morning but mobile), 1 Hobby, 18 Golden Plover (S), 1ad Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Turtle Dove (1S,1E,1W), 4 Swift (S), 72 Sand Martins (S), 229 Swallows (S), 60 House Martins (S), 7 Yellow Wagtails (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 1 Redstart - Stephen Patmore
22nd August SAL (07:05-08:27) - 8 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 58 Mallard, 7 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 22 Coot, 31 Moorhen, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 LBB Gull (all juvs, 2SW, 3N), 7 BH Gull (1W, 6NW), 3 Stock Dove, 1 SWIFT, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 4 Mistle Thrush (W), 6+ Reed Warbler (inclu adult carrying food into reedbed still), 2+ Sylvia (spp.), 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Phyllosc's (spp.), 2 Jay, 2 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 1M Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting 1 Lattice Heath Blounts - 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Linnet Trims Green - 15 Linnet - Mike Harris
Coploe (06:30-10:30) - 1f HEN HARRIER, 2 Hobby, 3 Golden Plovers, 5+ Yellow-legged Gulls (3+ad, 3rd-yr, 1+juvs), 2 Turtle Doves (S), 2 Swift (S), 1 TREE PIPIT (S), 13 Yellow Wagtails (S), 3 Grey Wagtails (S - first of autumn) - Stephen Patmore
21st August Stansted Road - one Swift over at 1600 hrs -
David Arch 18th August SAL - 6 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 1ad Greenshank, 1 Swift, 4 Sedge Warblers, 12 Reed Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs - Stephen Patmore
Deadmans Hill & Coombe Road - 2 Marsh Harriers f, 2 Red Kite, 5 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestral, Hobby, Sparrowhawk.
Stort River - Swift X 3 - Mick East
17th August Stortford Park Farm (west) - Hobby 4 min, 3 Grey Partridge, 1 Female Sparrowhawk, 4 (minimum) Brown Argus. Also 3 Common Blue, 1 battered Small Skipper, 3 very faded Meadow Brown, plenty White Sp, Gatekeeper, PPainted Lady but only a single Small Tortoiseshell- Graeme J. Smith
16th August Stort Park Farm (west of bypass) - Peregrine 1 North, last seen on ptlon North of A120 beside High Wood, 5 Hobby staying faithful to west end on line of trees at TL 464 206 incl 3 Juvs - Graeme J. Smith
SAL (07:50-09:15) - 8 Little Grebe (4Ad, 4juv), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Snipe (came in @ 08:22), 1 Ad LBB Gull (N), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Swift, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Swallow, 42 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 6+ Reed Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff (inclu singing M), 1 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting 18 Common Blue Damselfly, 4 Blue tailed Damselfly, 2 Emerald Damselfly (MM) 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Peacock, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Common Blue (all M's), 6 Meadow Brown 2 Small Heath
SLRS (09:30-10:00) - 2 Cormorant, 3 LBB Gull (locals, blogging), 4 Larus spp. (distant, possibly also LBBG), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 30+ Goldfinch 2 Gatekeeper - Mike Harris
Chrishall Grange and A505 - A ringtail HEN HARRIER over stubble fields between 09:25-09:35am this morning. Coploe/Chrishall area - 1 Red Kite, 5+ Sparrowhawks, 10+ Buzzards, 3 Hobby, 1juv Moorhen, 1 Golden Plover, 314 Lapwings, 2000+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 6+ad Yellow-legged Gulls, 9 Swifts (S), 17 Sand Martins (S), 29 Yellow Wags (S), 23 Mistle Thrushes (W) - Stephen Patmore
Trims/Allens Green; 4 Common Buzzard in a single group, and a distant speck was consistent in flight and shape with Peregrine, but was too far to ID positively.
Stort south of Sawbridgeworth - House Martin, and 9 Linnet - John Slee
15th August SAL(06:50-08:05) - 5 Little Grebe (3Ads, 2juvs), 1 Grey Heron (E), 130 Mallard, 7 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1M Sparrowhawk (E), 24 Coot, c.35 Moorhen, 1 juv LBB Gull (S), 2 juv Herring Gull (S), 3 BH Gull (S), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Swift, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 50+ Swallow (mainly juvs), 20 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 6+ Reed Warbler (inclu singing male still), 3 Chiffchaff (inclu 2 singing males), 10 Phyllosc's (spp.), 2 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting Allen's Green (08:20-08:35) juvenile Hobby sitting on a tussock right out in the middle! - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill - 1imm Hobby, 409 Lapwings, 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 7(1juv, 6ad/near ad) Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Turtle Doves, 15 Swifts, 5 Yellow Wags, 60 Corn Buntings - Stephen Patmore 14th August SAL - 4 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Snipe (first of autumn), 1 Common Sandpiper Coploe - 2ad Yellow-legged Gulls, 1juv Cuckoo Newport SW - Spotted Flycatcher - Stephen Patmore
13th August Stansted Airport Lagoons - Dunlin, 4 Grey Wagtails. - Colin Wills SAL - 1ad Dunlin (moulting from s/p), 1juv Greenshank (flushed by airport vehicle and left S), 1 Yellow Wagtail (over) - Stephen Patmore
Great Hormead - Turtle Dove - Mick East
11th August SAL - 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Swift, 20+ Swallows, 20+ House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Sedge Warblers, 6+ Reed Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 15+ Willow Warblers, 10+ Chiffchaff - Stephen Patmore
10th August SAL - 4 Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 1ad Hobby, 2 Swifts, 30+ Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6+ Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 15+ Chiffchaffs, 25+ Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
9th August Stansted Airport Lagoons - Juvenile LRP, 1 Little Grebe, Four and one (f) Tufted Duck. Grey Heron came in at dusk and stayed to walk on two surrounds and across the bandstand lagoon feeding - David Arch
7th August Trims Green - PEREGRINE FALCON male perched on 2nd pylon from Blount's Farm again, flying towards Tye Green at 1000 Hrs - Graeme J. Smith
6th August Stansted Airport Lagoons - Black-tailed Godwit (ad), Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, LRP (juv) - Colin Wills
5th August Stansted Airport Lagoons - LRP (juv), Common Sandpiper, Common Tern (juv)- Colin Wills Stansted Road - 6 Swifts over, looking like local birds - David Arch
3rd August Trims Green - Linnet 41, first decent count post breeding Milliners Way - Hobby hunting House Martin over colony at Milliners Way Nr. Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) at 1300 Hrs I've not noted Swift for 3 days - Graeme J. Smith
2nd August SAL - 6 Little Grebe (1Ad, 5juvs), 3 Cormorant (all juvs, came in from SE, circled and left SW @ 07:20), 1 Grey Heron, 103 Mallard, 4 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck (F + 3 juvs, IF- but no sign of the old injured F), 1 Kestrel, 18 Coot (includes the 'orphan' juv - no attention from any adults), 1 Little Ringed Plover (juv), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 4 Swift, 1 Skylark, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Swallow (ad & juv), 7 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 8+ Reed Warbler (includes 3 singing M's), 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler (singing M), 5 Phyllosc's (spp.), Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Yellowhammer (inclu 2 singing M's), 2 Reed Bunting 20+ Painted Lady - Mike Harris
Trims Green wih Rick at Blounts - PEREGRINE flew over Blouts around 0630 Hrs this morning (from South-east)and landed on the first pylon on the South side of the road. GOLDEN PLOVER of the season low over North, 5 Brown Hare, 3 min yellow wag, 1 (or 2) Little Owl, Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk - Graeme J. Smith
1st August Swifts now gone from Newtown Road - Mike Franklin Stansted Airport Lagoons - 1 Common Buzzard east, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Imm Grey Heron - Graeme J. Smith
Patmore Heath - 40+ Black-tailed Godwits N to S low over 18.45 - Mick East
29th July
Trims Green - Crossbill East over Morris Farm/Lysander Park at 0700 Hrs, 4 Juv Yellow Wagtail with a single at Morris Farm and 3 more at Blount's Farm in early evening with usual abundance of Brown Hare. The fields are now being cut around here bringing in the gulls with a seasonal high today for both Black-headed Gulls (130+ on 2 passes at 1615 hrs + 2000 Hrs) and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (20+)- Graeme J. Smith
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 2 Common Sandpipers. Poor during previous few days due to water levels - single Common Sandpipers being the only evidence of wader migration. 3 singing male Yellowhammers on site.- Colin Wills
26th July
Debden Park - 2 Tufted Ducks, Common Buzzard - pair with recently fledged young, 1 Common Sandpiper,
2 Common Terns (carrying food from lake to the E), 1juv Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - Stephen Patmore
SAL (08:15-09:30)- 8 Little Grebe (ad + 4 juvs on Large lagoon, 2 ads + 1 juv on Wader lagoon), 1F Sparrowhawk (accidentally flushed from corpse of juvenile Wood Pigeon, recently fledged, with wing feathers not fully grown), 3 Lapwing (NW @ 08:30), 2 Common Tern (both ads, S @ 09:10), 1 Stock Dove, 21 Swift (S), 2-3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (carrying food), 1 Swallow (S), 1 House Martin (S), Reed Warbler still singing, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet , (6 Bullfinch, yesterday 25/07/09)
2 Large White, Small White, 2 G V White, 1 White (sp.), 1 Peacock, 16 Painted Lady, 1F Common Blue,
3 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet,
3 Black tailed Skimmer (all M's), 29 Emerald Damselfly (at southern end of Wader lagoon, 26M's, 1F, 1 joined pair)
Hatfield Forest - CROSSBILL heard flying Sou'west over Hatfield Forest at about 10:20 today, with Graeme Smith - Mike Harris
25th July
Stortford Park Farm - Linnets have all left the west side after breeding, Reed Bunting now gone without proof of breeding, Little Owl Juvs still showing well for the last week around the stable but were back at the nest tree tonight, Green Woodpeckers unavoidable with demanding Juvs almost always down feeding on the lawn on the East side, Tawny Owl(s) Still dropping feathers at the large oak beside East-edge Pond tho still not seen and Moorhens down to a single bird from a max. of 10. - Graeme J. Smith
Audley End - Black Swan (the resident bird), 50 Canada Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese (the semi-resident flock now stands at ten birds), 1m Shoveler
Coploe Hill - 40+ Lapwings
Newport SW - Swift - strong SW movement all day, c.300 in c.1hr, Spotted Flycatcher - pair with young (the only pair in the village) - Stephen Patmore
SAL(07:35-08:50) - 4 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 88 Mallard (including juvs), 1F Tufted Duck (+ brood of 4), 17 Coot (but no sign of juv), 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 WHIMBREL (over calling @ 07:50),
1 LBB Gull (NW), 3 BH Gull (W, Ad, 1stS & juv), 1 Swift, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (singing M), 65 Sand Martin (many juvs), 2 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush (high E), 3+ Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 11+ Reed Warbler (inclu 5 singing M's still), 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Jay, 1 Rook, 6 Goldfinch, 11 Linnet, 3 Yellowhammer (inclu 2 singing M's), 1F Reed Bunting (carrying food - second brood surely?)
7 Large White, 1 White (sp.), 31 Painted Lady, 6 Meadow Brown, 4 Gatekeeper
5 Six Spot Burnet - Mike Harris
24th July
SAL - 6 Little Grebes, 1 Cormorant (fishing? on the wader lagoon - very unusual for SAL!), 1 Grey Heron, 2f+4juv Tufted, 1 Kestrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, 50+ Swifts, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Sand Martins, 40+ House Martins, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
22nd July
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 5 LRPs (adults). c.15 Sand Martins. - Colin Wills
21st July
SAL - 5 Little Grebes, 1imm Grey Heron, 179 Mallard, 4ad+4juv Tufted Ducks, 1 Common Buzzard 1ad+1juv, Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Gulls (W), 6 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Grey Wagtails, 10+ Pied Wagtails, 2 Sedge Warblers, 10+ Reed Warblers - Stephen Patmore
20th July
SAL - ICELANDIC BLACK-TAILED GODWIT feeding on the wader lagoon at SAL this evening, found earlier today by Colin Wills (also four Little Ringed Plovers)
a female CROSSBILL flew over Long Border Road early afternoon- Stephen Patmore
18th July
SAL - 3 Little Grebe (1Ad, 2juvs), 1 Grey Heron (S), 78 Mallard (incudes juveniles), 1F Tufted Duck (with brood of 4), 17 Coot (16 Ads + 1 juvenile!!! - not attended to by any of the adults - on nest at northern end of the large lagoon), 6 BH Gull (all Ads, 5W,1S), 1 Green Woodpecker, 17 Swift, 8 House Martin, 20 Sand Martin (several juveniles, first for me this Summer), 6 Reed Warbler (all singing males), 2 Willow Warbler (juvs), 1 Chiffchaff (singing male), 8 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer (juvs)
1 Black Rabbit (now grown into adult)
2 Large White, 1 Small White, 3 Painted Lady (2 fresh, 1 worn), 1 Peacock, 6 Meadow Brown, 5 Gatekeeper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Small/Essex Skipper
2 Six spot Burnet - Mike Harris
17th July
Newport - Two Whimbrels flew SW over my garden at 07:55am,WHIMBREL flying S over Newport at 09:35am - Stephen Patmore
16th July
SAL - 5 LRPs (inc one juvenile) - Colin Wills
Elsenham Hall - Common Buzzard - Stephen Patmore
12th July
Patricia Gardens - B/S - Adult Hobby over house 4.30 pm and again 5.00pm; Female Sparrrowhawk also observed soaring over house on several occasions this afternoon. Dave Sampson
SAL (09:50-11:15) - 2 Little Grebe (juvs), 1F Tufted duck + brood of 4 (no sign of injured F for a while now), 1 Ad Coot dying on the bank, Kestrel, 19 BH Gull (NW, some juvs seen), 3 Stock Dove, 20+ Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin, 2 Skylark, 5+ Grey Wagtail (Pr feeding at least three recently fledged young), 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Phyllosc's, 1 Whitethroat & 1 Lesser'throat, Several juvenile Reed Warblers in the Reed Beds, 8 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch
4 Large White, 4 G V White, 4 Small White, 13 White (spp.), 1 Painted Lady (very worn, almost see-through), 1 Small Tortoishell, 10 Meadow Brown, 8 Gatekeeper, 11 Ringlet, 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 9 Six spot Burnet, 1 Shaded Broadbar,
10 Common Blue Damselfly (inclu joined Pr), 3 Blue tailed Damselfly, 20+ Emerald Damselfly (inclu joined Pr), 1M Emperor Dragonfly, 3 Black tailed Skimmer (all males) – Mike Harris
11th July
Stansted - Yellowhammer with nesting material - Ellen Franklin
SAL (08:20-09:00) - 2 Little Grebe (both juvs), 1 Grey Heron, 1M Teal (eclipse), F Tufted Duck + 4Y (on largest lagoon), 1 Lapwing (juv), 1 LR Plover (juv), 3 BH Gull (all Ads in from the East), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Collared Dove, 3+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Jay,
SLRS area (09:20-11:30) - 1 Cormorant (W), 1 Grey Heron (W), 1 Lapwing + chick(s) in field east of Lay-by, at least one pair were successful!, 1 LBB Gull (marauding), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 GS Woodpecker, 1M Skylark, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldfinch, Pr Reed Bunting (both continually ferrying food across the River) – Mike Harris
9th July
Little Hallingbury Page 2 of today’s Herts and Essex Observer Tufted Duck breeding successfully (8 young in picture) in Wright’s Green - David Arch
8th July
Harps Farm – Yellowhammer, Skylark Beggar’s Hall – House Martin and Barn Swallow Hatfield Forest lake – the female mallard had lost her white chested young - David Arch
Bishops Stortford - Common Tern over High School - Mike Franklin
SAL - 2(1ad) Grey Heron, 3(2juv) Little Grebes, 1(m) Teal, 25ad Tufted Ducks (no sign of the brood of 9 since Monday), 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 20 House Martins , 5 Grey Wagtails – Stephen Patmore
7th July
Bush End – no sign of Turtle Dove Harcamlow Way Lake – only Moorhen on the water, Swallow and Swift above Hatfield Park Lake – only Tufted Duck (1) and Mallard (3) seen Hatfield Forest Lake – Common Tern young in flight with adults A dozen fallow deer including one fawn and one black hind - David Arch
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Common Sandpiper, adult LRP, 3 juv Yellow wagtails.- Colin Wills
SAL - 1imm Grey Heron, 1f Gadwall, 1m Teal, 20 Tufted Duck, 1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Tern, 30+ Swifts, 1juv Green Woodpecker, 20+ Sand Martins, 20+ House Martins, 30 Pied Wagtails, 6 Grey Wagtails, 4 Willow Warblers, 12 Linnets – Stephen Patmore
6th July
Spellbrook Lock Two Mute Swans sitting on bank apparently not trying to nest again. Young seen of Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Moorhen. Single Common Tern flew through. Banded Demoiselle on main river - David Arch
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Common Sandpiper, 4 LRPs (1 Juv), Common Tern (ad) - Colin Wills
SAL - SPOTTED REDSHANK that flew straight through heading NE at 06:55am, 2ad+2juv Little Grebe, 1imm Grey Heron, 1f Teal, 45ad+9juv Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 30 Moorhens, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwings, 2 Common Sandpipers, 15 Stock Doves, 3juv Green Woodpeckers, 20+ Swifts, 6 Sand Martins, 5+ Swallows, 20+ House Martins, 4 Grey Wagtails, 45+ Pied Wagtails, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Linnets – Stephen Patmore
5th July
St Michael’s Country Park, St James, Mathams Wood, Blounts, Morris, Bursteads, Green Lane and Fishing Lake Country Park – Four Common Terns and two Black-headed Gulls Before black barns – Jay, Whitethroat, Skylark, Yellowhammer, Swallow, Linnet, Greenfinch Mathams Wood – Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Chaffinch Blounts – Wood Pigeon only Morris – adult Lapwing calling from ground and then in flight Cattle but no Yellow Wagtail 160 Starling over Lysander to just south of Hayter direction followed by 40 more Bursteads Lake – Grey Heron and Moorhen Bursteads and rear lake – 60 Rooks Green Lane – young of Yellowhammer, Linnet, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Great Tit, chaffinch and probably Bullfinch Fishing Lake – Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck and Mallard but long distance denied me full details - David Arch
4th July
Beggar’s Hall lake Apparently two broods of Grey Lag with only two adults. Five and one. Smallest was either last or first and was constantly calling gently. On departure the seven did a fly round after a noisy start. Otherwise only Moorhen on the water. The banks held Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting and at least two pairs of Whitethroat. House Martins at the house and Barn Swallows at the barn - David Arch
Tilekiln Green Lake Grey Heron. Group of Canada Geese and probably one juvenile. Mallards had already retreated to the duck house - David Arch
SAL (08:00-09:00) - 1 Ad Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron (all left South), 1F Tufted Duck (+9 young), 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Lapwing, 2 L R Plover (ads), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Stock Dove, 1 juv Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 5 Skylark, 9 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff (all singing), 3 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Bunting (all singing), 1M Yellowhammer
8 Large White, 1 Green veined White, 3 White (spp.), 2 Small Tortoishell, 30 Meadow Brown, 23 Ringlet, 8 Small/Essex Skipper,
1M Black tailed Skimmer, 4 Common Blue Damselfly, 1M 'red eyed' D/F (sp.), 7 Emerald Damselfly (small lagoon reedbed)
SLRS (09:15-09:45) - 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 1M Yellow Wagtail, 1 Goldfinch, 1M Reed Bunting
15 Large White, 1 Green Veined White, 6 White (sp.), 6 SmallTortoishell, 1 Painted Lady, 29 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 7 Ringlet, 12 Small/Essex Skipper,
1M Common Blue Damselfly – Mike Harris
3rd July
Hatfield Forest Buzzard buzzing Jackdaw on arrival and Little Owls active on departure. On the Lake a pair of Great Crested Grebe and one young at Shell House end. And apparently one adult and one young at marsh end. Two Tern “chicks” on raft. No sign of Mute Swan or recent Coot or Moorhen young. Two single Mallard young with their mothers – one pair white chested Three Grey Lag young still Two Canada Geese young of the year with almost 30 guards - David Arch
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Green Sandpiper, 4 LRPs (1 juv). - Colin Wills
2nd July
Stansted Airport Lagoons Sedge warbler in brook at Pinckneys on arrival Grey Heron scared off by others Tufted Duck with 10 young and various adults at least 14 Two Little Grebe adults but no young seen Two adult Lapwing One juvenile LRP One Pied Wagtail Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting as normal - David Arch
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 6 Little Ringed Plovers (1 juv) - Colin Wills
1st July
Stocking Pelham – three separate records of Turtle Dove - David Arch.
30th June
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Evidence of early autumn passage in past week at SAL including Green and Common Sandpipers (singles) and 4 LRPs including 2 juvs. Hobby over on one morning and Buzzard regularly over wood to the west - Colin Wills
SAL - 1imm Grey Heron, 1ad Ringed Plover, 2juv Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Lapwings, 1juv Black-headed Gull, 1juv Green Woodpecker, 10 House Martins, 20 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4juv Reed Buntings – Stephen Patmore
29th June
Dane Park, Bishop's Stortford – Cuckoo, Calling for around 5 minutes at approx 5.15 a.m. - Chris Swan
SAL - 2ad Little Grebe, 1imm Grey Heron, 136 Mallard (inc 5 broods), 1m Shoveler, 12ad+10juv Tufted Duck (first brood of year), 1ad Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2ad+1juv Black-headed Gulls, 6 Stock Doves, 20+ Swifts, 2juv Green Woodpeckers, 30+ House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 22 Pied Wagtails, Lesser Whitethroat (pair with young), 8 Linnet, Bullfinch (family party) – Stephen Patmore
28th June
SAL (08:17-09:35) - 1 Little Grebe (juv - surely not bred here?), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Little Ringed Plover (2 ads, 2 juvs), 1 Common Sandpiper (1st of Autumn), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 BH Gull (juv), 10+ Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25+ Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush (first record for a while), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Bullfinch (juv)
100+ Emerald Damselfly (mainly Tenerals, only 5 ad M's seen), 30 Common Blue Damselfly, 15 Blue tailed Damselfly,
1 Large White, 2 Small Tortoishell, 2 Meadow Brown, 75 Ringlet (10 in reedbeds and 65 on the 200M walk back to the car through the Butterfly meadow), 1 Large Skipper, , 1 Cinnebar, 3 Shaded Broadbar
Bishop's Stortford - 2 Red Kites circling over Hazel End Road at 09:40 this morning, just north of Bishop's Stortford. One bird had the two central tail feathers missing.– Mike Harris
27th June
SAL (07:30-08:45) - 1 Little Grebe , 20 Mallard (7 broods recorded 16, 13, 9, 7, 6, 4, 4), 1M Teal (eclipse), 9 Tufted Duck (inclu inj F), 18 Coot (no young seen), 1 Lapwing (juv), 2 Little Ringed Plover (juvs), 1 Green Sandpiper (Ad), 1 Wader (sp. scared off by Bird-scarer - a bit too quick for me but sandpiper size, another Green?), 1 B H Gull (juv), 2 Stock Dove, 10 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2MM Skylark, 5 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 13 Pied Wagtail (mainly juvs), 2 Grey Wagtail, 2MM Whitethroat, 1M Lesser Whitethroat, 2MM Reed Warbler (others seen), 3MMM Willow Warbler, 1M Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet, 1M Reed Buntin.
3 Blue-tailed Damselfly (MMF), 3 Common Blue Damselfly (MMM), 5 Ringlet (all pristine), 1 Meadow Brown
SLRS (09:00-09:30) - 3 Moorhen, 17 Jackdaw, 5 Pied Wagtail (all juvs), 1 Starling (juv), 2 Lapwing (both Ads, one in field east of layby, one in field south of scrape), 5 LBB Gull (All adults looking for food, drifting up from the Harlow Ind Estate colony), 2 Stock Dove, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 Swift, 1M Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit (South - first of Autumn!), 2MM Whitethroat, 2MM Chiffchaff, 1M Goldfinch, 2MM Yellowhammer, 2MM Reed Bunting (one carrying food across the River)
1 Small Tortoishell, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet – Mike Harris
Sawbridgeworth – Red Kite 1 E over the football ground this morning – John Slee
26th June
SAL - 2ad+2juv Little Ringed Plovers (probably bred on the airport somewhere)
1 Green Sand - Colin Wills
25th June
Sawbridgeworth - A flock of c.25 Black headed gulls flew North over at 06:00 this morning. All were adults. – Mike Harris
22nd June
River Stort south of SLRS - Ring Necked Parrakeet Bird see flying between railway and river along path nr Cormorant tree location, seen by a workmate cycling in this morning - Kevin Hanrahan
20th June
Male Bullfinch at Rivers Hospital - Mike Franklin
19th June
Hatfield Forest - Common Tern (4), 2 Adults and 2 chicks on Tern Raft - Chris Swan
17th June
SAL - Turtle Dove, Also 1 LRP - Colin Wills
15th June
Red Kite over Bishop's Stortford Town Centre at 9.15 a.m. - observed soaring high over the town for about 5 minutes, then continued south (possibly following course of the Stort Navigation channel).
Dave Sampson
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Male yellow wagtail, male LRP, 15 Tufted Ducks. - Colin Wills
14th June
Little Hadham - 1 red kite, low over Nags Head, 1 f sparrowhawk, 3 gsw, 5 chiffchaff, 2 blackcaps, 5 linnets, 1 GBBG adult, 1Herring gull 2nd year - Jono Forgham
13th June
SAL (07:40-09:05) - 1 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 42 Mallard (+ 3x broods), 1M Gadwall (eclipse),
2 GARGANEY (a pair, settled and feeding well), 4 Tufted Duck (MMF + injured F), 1 HOBBY (came in and took a small passerine in a cloud of feathers on impact!), 16 Coot (two birds on nests), 1 Ad B H Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Collared Dove (unusual here), 10 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1M Swallow, 7 House Martin, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1M Grey Wagtail, 1M Garden Warbler, Reed Warblers singing, 1M Willow Warbler, 2 Jay, 1M Yellowhammer, 4 Reed Bunting (2MM, plus pair visiting nest site and removing faecal sac)
1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Heath
1 Common Blue Damselfly
SLRS (09:20-10:45) - 2 Cormorant (Corm tree), 8 Lapwing (including a juvenile - locally bred?), 1 B H Gull (1st S), 1 G S Woodpecker, 50 Swift (over Sawbridgeworth in distance), 2MM Skylark, 2MM Whitethroat (+F with food), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Pied - Mike Harris
8th June
Twyford Lock: 2 recently fledged Swallows being attended by both parents (presumably nested at nearby stables), 3 Bee Orchids in paddock between Roly Croke bridge and the lock, Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. Two Grey Wagtails very actively collecting food and looks like fresh nest on lock gates but failed to see any chicks or recently fledged birds.
Thorley Wash area: Common Tern carrying fish, Grasshopper Warbler (reeling 100 yds N of white bridge), Sparrowhawk, Hobby and Kestrel plus usual assortment of Common Whitethroat (5+), Sedge Warbler (3+), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler & Blackcap. Banded Demoiselle and Red-eyed Damselfly.
Spellbrook Lock: Grey Wagtail on nest
Tony Moverley
7th June
SLRS - LRP 2, Lapwing 6 in total, Yellow Wagtail 1 calling, Pied Wagtail 9 many juvs - John Slee
SAL (16:20-17:35) - 1 Little Grebe, , 1 Mute Swan, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Tern, 1 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Skylark (one carrying a faecal sac), 5 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet - Mike Harris
6th June
SAL (07:25-08:08) - 62 Mallard, 2 Gadwall (MF), 6 Tufted Duck (InjF,Pr,MMF), 12 Coot (but incomplete count), 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker, c.10 Swallow, c.10 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 6 Skylark (one carrying food), 1F Grey Wagtail (pumping station at north end - first record for a while), Family party of Long tailed Tits, 1 Jay, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Black Rabbit
SLRS (08:25-08:50) - 2 Cormorant (1E, 1 in corm tree), 1 Mallard!!!, 6 Lapwing (4Ads on Scrape, 2 in field East of layby), 2 Little Ringed Plover (being harrassed by the Lapwings), 1 Swallow, 1M Skylark, 7 Pied Wagtail (family party), 12 Starling (mainly juvs), 1 Goldfinch, 1M Yellowhammer, Mike Harris
Manuden - Buzzard x2; Little Owl x1; Sparrowhawk x1, Neighbour also reported Red Kite during week - Mark Pegrum
3rd June
Hockerill School, B/S - Two Spotted Flycatchers in courtship dispay just inside school grounds down Manor Road (corrected from original post which stated that one SP was feeding a recently fledged bird)- Tony Moverley
31st May
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X 4 also 1 Red Kite PM
Nino Wood 3X Common Buzzard - Mick East
Hollingson Meads / Pye Corner - Hobby. Two birds hunting and feeding together , headed east allong the river ,also 20+ banded demoiselle seemingly fighting over every piece of emergent growth on th river. - Laurence Drummond
Hockerill School, Galloway Road, Windhill - all had Swifts screaming low over, maybe as indication of nesting activity - David Arch
Furneux Pelham - no sign of reported Quail per Hugh Coe. Skylark and Yellowhammer present.
Stocking Pelham - Turtle Dove by church
Upwick to Farnham Road - Yellowhammer and Goldfinch
Farnham Road - Yellowhammer - David Arch
30th May
SAL (07:25-08:05)- 1 Mute Swan, 54 Mallard (+ 1 brood), 5 Tufted Duck (2pr + injured F), 16 Coot, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Swift, 5 House Martin (collecting mud from Small lagoon), 5 Reed Warbler (singing males), 2 Blackcap (ditto), 1 Whitethroat (ditto), 2 Willow Warbler (ditto), 1 Jay, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting (2pr + M), 3 Yellowhammer (pr + M)
3 Common Blue (MMF), 1 Small Heath, 6 Burnet Companion, 1M Common Blue Damselfly
SLRS (08:25-08:45) - 1 Cormorant (Corm tree), 4 Mallard (All F's with three broods), 8 Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Swift (drinking from pool), 8 House Martin (collecting mud from scrape), 1M Skylark, 1M Yellow Wagtail, 1M Whitethroat, 1M Chiffchaff, 3 Yellowhammer
2 Painted Ladies (and two seen near HF on the drive from SAL), 1 White (sp.) - Mike Harris
28th May
Sawbridgeworth - Turtle Dove inthicket north east of old orchard behind Rivers hospital. Pair on wires above thicket,one bird droped into bushes , Male (presumed) then spent the next 30 mins in gliding & spiraling display flight,always returning to the same perch to purr also heard lesser whitethroat and willow warbler - Laurence Drummond
24th May
Thorley Park Road. B/S - Tawny Owl heard calling at 2am. Tony Moverley
SAL (06:50-07:30) - 1 Grey Heron, 30 Mallard (+ 5x broods), 2 Tufted Duck (pr), 14 Coot (7 pr), 4 Lapwing (2 pr), 1 Little Ringed Plover (display seen), 2 Stock Dove (pr), 4 Swift, 7 Reed Warbler , (singing males), 1 Blackcap (ditto), 2 Garden Warbler (ditto), 3 Whitethroat (ditto), 2 Willow Warbler (ditto), 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
1 Black Rabbit
SLRS (07:45-08:15)- 1 Cormorant (Corm tree), 11 Mallard (+ 2x broods), 4 Prs Lapwing (lots of display and noise, but nothing to show for it yet!), 6 Stock Dove, 1 G S Woodpecker, (1 possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - one distant call but did not repeat), 4 Swift, 1 Swallow, 1 Skylark,
2 Yellow Wagtail (both males on wires east of scrape), 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Whitethroat (singing males), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 1 Goldfinch, Pr Linnet, 1M Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Therfield (BBS site) - Red Kite - Mark Pegrum
23rd May
West of Gilston Church - Spotted Flycatcher in garden - Mike Harris
Spellbrook Lock - Grey Wagtail, Nightingale - Mark Pegrum
21st May
Spellbrook - Spotted Flycatcher 4 (Pair at Wallbury, 1) Grasshopper Warbler 3 - the southern most bird has now moved North, singing from around (but not in) the large bramble patch... half way along the east-west path on Thorley Wash, Buzzard vs male Kestrel
Birchanger Wd - 2 male Yellowhammers collecting caterpillars in the North-east section of the cut-off Northern portion of the wood
Grange Paddocks - male Sparrowhawk over - Graeme J. Smith
20th May
Spellbrook Lock - Spotted Flycatcher, Hobby flew over, and another Hobby seen over Pig Lane later in the evening - Stephen Patmore
Spellbrook (west) - Reed Warbler 1 singing on Hayter land - Graeme J. Smith
19th May
Trims Green - Corn Bunting 1
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler 3 (2 north from the east-west path, 1 south)
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Spotted Flycatcher 1 - Graeme J. Smith
17th May
Birchanger Wood - NE corner - Wood Warbler, Heard about 6.00 in the evening. First of all a hesitant partial song, then bursting into the full shivering trill. Sang for about 2 mins, but could not be seen.- Dave Hill
16th May
SAL (05:55-06:25)- 24 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck (2pr), 11 Coot, 1 Swift, 1 Swallow, 7 Reed Warbler(singing males), 1 Blackcap (ditto), 2 Garden Warbler (ditto), 1 Whitethroat (ditto), 3 Willow Warbler (ditto), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 2 Reed Bunting (ditto)
Bush End Church - Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, a Cuckoo and a Green Woodpecker.
SLRS (06:46-07:08) - 24 Mallard (+ 2 well grown broods), 2 Gadwall (pr), 6 Lapwing, 2 Skylark, 1M Pied Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet
Trims Green Area (08:00-08:50) -1 Yellow Wagtail (heard only), 1M Lesser Whitethroat (singing at TL467166), 1M Corn Bunting (singing at the entrance to Lysander Park TL469175), 1M Reed Bunting (singing at TL466168) - Mike Harris
14th May
Stansted Airport Lagoons - Common Sandpiper 4 (1 on large lag and 3 more on the long one), Sand and House Martins, swifts, swallows with 4 reed Warbler, Single Lapwing over North
Bush End - 2 singing Turtle Dove at the same time, Cuckoo 1, Buzzard in trees 300 yards ENE of Bush end junction
Hatfield Forest - Cuckoo - another 2 (one less than 100 yards NE of the lake) - Graeme J. Smith
SAL (3 visits)- 2(1m) Teal, 5 Common Sandpipers, 8 Reed Warblers, 1m Garden Warbler
Hatfield Forest - 2(1m) Teal, 3 Common Terns, 1 HAWFINCH (calling over entrance track at 06:55am)
Long Border Road - 1 PEREGRINE (last week's bird again), 1 Hobby, 1 BLACK TERN (flew SE at 08:30am)
1 Wheatear - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - Turtle Dove (1), Common Tern (2) on small Tern Raft., Mute Swan (1) on nest on large Tern Raft. Greylag Goose (2 + 3 goslings). Cuckoo (2), one in woodland to east of Bush End Church, one in Forest NE of lake.Chiffchaff (3). Willow Warbler (1). Whitethroat (4). - Chris Swan
13th May
SAL - 10 Avocets at 17:30 - Stephen Patmore
11th May
Stort Valley south of Spellbrook Lock - Nightingale - Steve Butler
10th May
Stortford Park Farm - Whinchat favouring patch of brambles on the North-West edge - Graeme J. Smith
9th May
SLRS - Wheatear 1f in Field just E of the layby, Yellow Wagtail 1 on the wires by the railway - John Slee
8th May
1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 (1m) Teal, Mallard (broods of 4, 4 & 6), 7 (4m) Tufted Duck, 2 (m/f) Kestrel, 1 PEREGRINE (flew over Long Border Road from directions of SAL @ 11:50am), 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Swifts, 4 Sand Martins, 10 House Martins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3m Reed Warblers, 3m Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
River Stort - 200m S of Spellbrook lock - Nightingale, heard singing at 0840 in thicket near small bridge. Also Common Sandpiper flushed at Rushy Mead and Grey Wagtail at Southmill Lock - Steve Butler
SAL - 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Warblers - Colin Wills:
7th May
Hare Street - Turtle Dove pair north of Village - Mick East
4th May
Thorley Park Road, B/S - The 'Park Lane' swifts have returned for their usual brief summer visit - two birds seen late afternoon - Tony Moverley
Hatfield Forest (09:10-10:32) - 4 Garden Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Cormorant (SW), Pr Gadwall, 1F Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, Pr Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 8 Swallow (N), 1 House Martin (N), 9 MistleThrush, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch , Pr Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
3rd May
Mathams Wood area - 2 Yellow Wagtails in rape field north of track joining Moor Hall to Mathams Wood. Lesser Whitethroat on the edge of the wood. Two more YWs in the rape field west of Blounts Farm, plus 4 Swifts - Tony Moverley
Trims Green - 1 Swift N, 1M Yellow wagtail (in cereal W of Blounts), 1M Corn Bunting (singing from wires in usual place - at last!)
Nimney Wood - 1 Red Kite soaring eastwards, Also Buzzard and Sparrowhawk - Mike Harris
2nd May
Thorley Wash - 2 Buzzards over the wash were joined by 2 others as they drifted north; also a pair of Cuckoos (at last!) observed in nuptials (some ropey photos);a definite purring Turtle Dove heard briefly (but could not be located; at least one reeling Grasshopper Warbler at usual site giving ropey views from a thicket; at least 9 Common Whitethroats singing and 6 Sedge - but no Garden Warbler as yet - Dave Sampson
SAL (08:15-09:25) - 1 LittleGrebe, 2 Grey-Lag goose (in from NW, circled and left SE), 17 Mallard (+ brood of 6), 2 Teal (pr), 1F Tufted Duck, 12 Coot, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swift, 1 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Reed Warbler (singing males), 1 Garden Warbler (ditto), 3 Blackcap (ditto), 4 Whitethroat (ditto), 2 Lesser Whitethroat (ditto), 1 Jay, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting (3M, 1F), 1M Yellowhammer
1 Peacock - but a bit early in the day for Butterflys.
SLRS (09:40-10:15) - 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan (both sub-ads), 1 Grey-Lag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 11 Mallard (+ 5x broods), 1M Gadwall, 5 Coot (min), 1Ad LBB Gull, 7 Lapwing (but from 5 pairs I believe), 1M Cuckoo, 1 Swallow, 1 Skylark, 5 Whitethroat (singing males), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 2 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer
1 Small White, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoishell, 1 Speckled Wood
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (16:20-17:00) - 3 Mallard (MM, F + 11 ducklings on stream), 1 Kestrel, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cuckoo (both males calling against each other), 1 Swallow, 3 Reed Wabler (singing males), 4 Sedge Warbler (ditto), 3 Whitethroat (ditto), 1F Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 2 Reed Bunting (ditto)
5 Orange Tip (2M,3F), 1 Small White, 2 White (spp.), 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoishell - Mike Harris
1st May
Lords Avenue, BS - 2 Hobby over this afternoon slowly heading south.- Andrew Palmer
28th April
St Michaels Mead lake - Two Common Tern fishing this morning, plus 1 male Bullfinch - Tony Moverley
Trims Green - male Yellow Wagtail still vocal around Blount's Farm Stone pile opposite entrance to paintballing at Mathams Wood, increase in Whitethroat along Sacombe ash Lane with six males noted compared to last weeks single - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - 1 Little Grebe, 2 broods Mallard (4 & 5), 5 (2m) Tufted Ducks, 2 Common Buzzards, 1f Kestrel,
1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwings (m&f - the local breeding pair), 2 BAR-TAILED GODWITS (m&f), 13 Sand Martins, 3 House Martins, 1 Meadow Pipit (probable nester), 2m Reed Warbler, 5m Lesser Whitethroats, 3m Whitethroats, 3m Blackcaps, 2m Willow Warblers, 3m Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
27th April
SAL - Mallard (3 broods 6, 7 & 9), 2 BAR-TAILED GODWITS, 1 Green Sandpiper, 25 Sand Martins, 40 Swallows, 20 House Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Willow Warblers, 12 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
26th April
SAL - Bar-tailed Godwit 2, Little Ringed Plover 2
Trims Green - male Wheatear at Blounts on stone pile. not seen or heard Corn Bunting in a while - Graeme Smith
Coploe Hill - 70 Corn Buntings, plus 30 Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore
25th April
SAL (0745-0835) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (N), 11 Mallard (with broods of 15 + 7 ducklings), 5 Tufted Duck (3M & 2F, includes injured bird, now on largest lagoon), 14 Coot, 2 w/p BAR-TAILED GODWIT (feeding on lagoon banks), 1 Lapwing, 2 B H Gull (both 1st Sum), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Skylark,
2 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2FF WHEATEAR (on centre causeway), 2 Blackcap (singing M's), 3 Whitethroat (ditto), 2 Willow Warbler (ditto), 2 Jay, 1 Goldfinch, Pr Bullfinch, 2MM Reed Bunting
SLRS (0850-0940) - Pr Canada Goose, 11 Mallard (+ 3 broods but no sign of Cayuga brood), 8 Coot (1 on nest), 6 Lapwinp, 1 Skylark, 3 Pied Watail (Pr + M), 2 WHEATEAR (M & F on field east of lay-by),
3 Whitethroat (singing males), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 1M Reed Bunting
Trims/Allens Green (1030-1100) - 2 Grey Partridge (Cow field at Shingle Hall), 3 LBB Gull (S), 5 Swallow (N), 2MM Yellow Wagtail (both Blounts)
1 Brown Hare Large hatch of St.Mark's Flys
Stortford Park Farm, West only (1105-1130) - 1 Green Woodpecker, 1M Whitethroat - Mike Harris
Stortford Park Farm(east side of bypass): - Lesser Whitethroat 1, Linnet 7, Blackcap 1 male, Starling 61, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Green Woodpecker 2 (3), Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 over South-West, Stockdove 1
Stortford Park Farm (west); - Common Whitethroat 2, Garden Warbler, Yellowhammer 3 (2 males), Linnet 4 (2 prs?), Skylark, Sparrowhawk - male over North - Graeme J. Smith
24th April
Trims Green - Yellow Wagtail 1 - singing from the trees at Blounts farm opposite the entrance path to Mathams Wood just after 0700 this morning. After song flew into the rape on the Mathams Wood side of the road.
Buzzard - now daily between Spellbrook, Thorley Church and Mathams Wood with one or two birds seen on five occasions this week but never seemed to be covering any ground. Only 4 kestrel sightings and one sparrowhawk over the same period could start pushing Buzzard to the top of my regular Spellbrook/Trims BoP count. It may not seem like many sightings but these are from my teabreaks and lunchtime only totalling a meagre 40 mins a day. - Graeme J. Smith
Newport - Hobby Newport garden this morning - Stephen Patmore
23rd April
Trims Green - A 2 hour survey for Corn Buntings produced just on singing bird about 200yards SW of Shingle Hall plus 2 Yellow Wagtails near Blounts Farm. Tony Moverley
Spellbrook (west) - Buzzard 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1 my first of the year - Graeme J. Smith
21st April
Patmore Heath - Redpoll on seed feeder, ringed on R leg - Mick East
Thorley Wash from 0520 hrs - Grasshopper Warbler 3 (4), Sedge W 6, Whitethroat 9, Cuckoo 1 in flight - Graeme J. Smith
20th April
Moor Hall - 3 Yellow Wagtails in the rape field north of the track joining Moor Hall with Mathams Wood at noon today. Tony Moverley
Hatfield Forest - Common Tern, Coot pair with 3 young on decoys, Common Whitethroat, Cuckoo, Buzzard, Mute Swans building nest, House Sparrows in many perimeter hedges as usual - David Arch
Trims Gree - R-l Part 2, Linnet 7+ lysander park building roof, Yellowhammer 5, Common Buzzard 1
Spellbrook west: - Swallow 2 resident, Chifchaff 2 mm, Blackcap 3 singing
Orange Tip 3, Large White 2, HOLLY BLUE 1, GVWhite 2, Sml white 1, (white sp. 6), Peacock 1 - Graeme J Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh - Reed Bunting (2), Sedge Warbler (5), Whitethroat (1), Lesser Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (1), Swallow (1). - Chris Swan
Tednambury Marsh (19:00-20:00) - 3 Cormorants, 1f Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 1 RED KITE 19:05, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Water Rail, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S), 1 Great Black-backed Gull (N), 4 Swallow, 2 Meadow Pipits (in?), 5m Sedge Warblers, 1m Lesser Whitethroat, 2m Whitethroat, 1m Blackcap, 2m Willow Warblers, 2m Chiffchaffs
Thorley Wash (20:00-20:45) - 3m GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS (2 at southern end, 1 in central section)
1m Sedge Warbler - Stephen Patmore
19th April
Patmore Heath 15:00 - Common Buzzard 1 Redkite 1 - Mick East
Stort Park Farm and woods/fields to NW - Green Woodpecker 1, Buzzard 2 - at least one there on most visits recently, Sparrowhawk 1 male, Blackcap 4, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 2, 1 Yellow Wagtai1 over NW, Skylark - lots, Yellowhammer - unbeleivably only a single noted - Graeme J Smith
Harps Farm - Skylark, Yellowhammer and Green Woodpecker - David Arch
Spellbrook Lock to Thorley Wash (1415-1540) - 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 RED KITE SE @ 1503, 1M Kestrel, 3 LBB Gull (2Ad, 1 3rdS), 7 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 6 Swallow (5N, 1 singing M), 3 Whitethroat (all singing M's), 3 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Goldfinch (N), 3 Reed Bunting (Pr + M)
4 Orange Tip, 7 GV White (inclu joined pr), 1 Small White, 6 White (spp.), 11 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoishell, 1 Comma
Spellbrook Lock to Tednambury Lock (1540-1650) - 2 Cormorant (using a mobile phone mast as a roost!), 7 Canada Goose, 1 Common Buzzard (high NE, migrant?), 10 LBB Gull (9Ads N, 1 1stS E), 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Swallow (N - all appeared to be males), 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler (singing M), 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay, 3 Reed Bunting (all M's)
2 Orange Tip, 1 Large White, 3 GV White, 1 Small White, 1 White (sp.), 4 Peacock
1 Grass Snake (about 2' long, swam across river) - Mike Harris
18th April
Hatfield Forest Lake - Tufted Duck 7, Teal 2, GCGrebe 6 min (2 on nests), Greylag 11 - A decent count, Mute, Swan 2, Common Tern 0, Swallow 1 - only a single today!, Tawny Owl - male at females usual spot, female has been heard to call against male but we think that she may be sitting somewhere as she's not been seen in usual roost spot for some time, Blackcap/Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff - plenty, Garden Warbler 0 yet, Common Whitethroat 1 - on edge of overflow carpark close to sheep, Marsh Tit 1 - heard while driving in through wood - GraemeJSmith
SAL (0715-0750) - 1 Mute Swan, 7 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck (the injured bird now on the smallest lagoon), 14 Coot, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Swallow (N), 2 Sand Martin (N), 3 Song Thrush (1E, 2 singing), 3 Willow Warbler (all singing males), 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Jay
3 Goldfinch (singing M + Pr N), 1 Linnet (N), 4 Bullfinch (2 prs), 2 Reed Bunting (pr)
SLRS (0805-0845) - 3 Cormorant (in corm tree), 3 Prs Canada Goose, 1 Pr Grey-lag Goose, 6 Mallard (the F at the South end is down to six ducklings), 1 Pr Shelduck, 2 Prs Lapwing, 3 Coot, 1 Skylark singing), 1 Swallow (N), 1 Willow Warbler (singing)
Rushy Mead (1440-1510) - 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, Pr Long tailed Tit, 2MM Blackcap singing, 1M Chiffchaff singing
1M Brimstone, 1M Orange Tip, 1 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (1515-1625) - 1 Common Buzzard, 2FF Sparrowhawk, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Sedge Warbler (4 singing), 1M Blackcap, 2MM Chiffchaff, 1M Goldfinch, 3 Pr Reed Bunting
1F Brimstone, 3 Small White, 5 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoishell, 1 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood - Mike Harris
Blounts Farm - Yellow Wagtail 1 over, Wheatear 1 m on the Pill box - John Slee
Bollington Hall area - large numbers of Rook and Jackdaw at rubbish dump, two Red-legged Partridge in fields and two Willow Tit.
Spellbrook Lock to Tednambury Lock - Two Grey Wagtail, two Grey Heron - David Arch
17th April
Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake - no Grebes but 2 pairs of Moorhen and also Coot. 6 drake Mallard. Two separate Great Spotted Woodpecker. House Martin back over the house. Reed Bunting, and then the usual Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldfinch and Robin going about their non forest business. Starling and House Sparrow at the old Post Office.
Bush End - Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch 8, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Collared Dove.
Fishing lake east of Bush End on Harcamlow Way - plenty of fish. 7 Grey Lag Geese and two Canada Geese. 2 pairs of Mallard and 2 drakes. Skylark, Swallow, Robin, Great Tit, Chiffchaff and Moorhen.
Water at Hatfield Park - Nesting Canada Goose, Moorhen and Coot. Two small Mallard young. Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker.
Hatfield Forest Lake - Mute Swan pair at chosen nest site facing bird hide. Grebes of course. Both Woodpeckers, 16 Swallow, 6 Sand Martin and a House Martin. Three Grey Lag and 8 Canada Geese including one with a head much like a Grey Lag. Tufted Duck but no Teal. All the usual corvids. No winter thrushes but at least 5 Mistle Thrushes and many calling/singing Song Thrush. Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Stansted Airport lagoons - Common Sandpiper moving between all three lagoons. Mallard with 8 young. Four pairs of Mallard. Drake Gadwall until it flew off. Eight Teal until they flew off. 1 Mute Swan, 17 Coot, few Moorhen. Stock Dove, Blackcap, Wren, Jay. Swallow 5 plus a few Sand Martin later. Skylark, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap. No Grebes. Tufted Duck not found. - David Arch
Sawbridgeworth Marsh - 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from the sedgebeds in the centre of the marsh - Andy Sapsford
16th April
A pair of Sparrowhawks calling over town centre. Blackcap singing in Newtown Road - Mike Franklin
Thorley Lane East - 1 Common Whitethroat - Tony Moverley
14th April -
River Stort at Town Centre - two Mute Swans
Bishop's Stortford - five Cormorants over this morning - David Arch
13th April
Parsonage Lane, - 5 Buzzards(five) rising on a thermal at 1.30 pm - Ellen Franklin
Hatfield Forest Lake - two Mute Swans, three Great Crested Grebes on the water, three Grey Lag Geese on the water, One Canada Goose pair with nest. Plenty of Coot and Moorhen at the moment.
- David Arch
River Stort at Spellbrook - two Cormorants paid a short visit - David Arch
12th April
Birchanger Wood - Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff + 1 deer! - Ellen Franklin
Lords Avenue BS - Female Brambling this morning 09.30am - Andrew Palmer
SAL (0850-0920) - 1 Mute Swan, 11 Mallard, 1F Teal, 16 Coot, 2 Skylark (singing M's - distant), 1 Pied Wagtail, 1M Blackcap, 2MM Willow Warbler, 1M Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting (pr + M)
SLRS (0935-1010) - 2 Cormorant (in Corm tree), 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Coot, 4 Lapwing, 1 Skylark (singing Male), 4 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2MM Willow Warbler, 1M Reed Bunting
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (1725-1740) - 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 2 Reed Bunting
SLRS(1820-1845) - 5 Canada Geese, F Mallard with eleven ducklings., Pr Shelduck (Scrape tick!)
11 Ad LBB Gull (came in from S, washed and returned - to McDonalds & Burger King?), 5 Lapwing (2prs + challenging M), 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Starling, 8 Goldfinch - Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest Lake - Swallow 15+, House Martin 6 minimum, Cuckoo 2 - Graeme J. Smith
Hatfield Forest Lake - Grey Heron as dusk fell - David Arch
11th April
SLRS - House Martin 30- 40, Swallow 10+, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, male, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, female, then a male, Shelduck, Snipe 3, Reed bunting 2, Gadwall 6, Greenfinch 3, Pied Wagtail 4, Green Woodpecker, Lapwing 5, Kestrel, Cormorant 2 flying 3 in dead tree - Steve and Cliff (SVW)
Hatfield Forest - Cuckoo and Common Tern - per Stort Valley Wild
between Albury End and Albury in field (4 miles NW of Bishop's Stortford) - WHITE STORK at 1540 Hrs - per RBA
Wallbury - single Sedge Warbler at North end
Thorley Wash - Common Whitethroat, one singing from around centre and sometimes crossing the river
Swallow 25 in total today with 19 heading North - Graeme J. Smith
Dane O Coys - Swallow, Green Woodpecker 2, Yellowhammer 3, Goldfinch 5, Pied Wagtail pr, Song Thrush - singing, Chiffchaff. - Mike Ashworth
10th April
Stansted Road - Sparrowhawk over - David Arch
9th April
Cricketfield Lane - Red Kite over woodland to north of cricket field, green woodpecker, pair of bullfinch on feeder. - Mike Ashworth
Much Hadham - Tawny Owl and Buzzard
Little Hadham - young Mallard of the year, nesting Canada Geese
Rookery at Bridgefoot with 10 nests - David Arch
8th April
Furneux Pelham - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker over Main Street near Whitebarns Lane
Stocking Pelham - Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, no Buzzard in two hours!
Rookery with 10 nests and another with 11 nests
East End - Nesting Canada Geese, Collared Dove
Maggots End - Buzzard, 2 Guinea Fowl in open field - David Arch
7th April
Manuden - Kestrel, 2 Buzzard, 6 Linnet, 12 Fieldfare, 13 Yellowhammer - David Arch
6th April
Thorley Street - Wheatear in arable field (Grid ref: TL481189) bounded by Thorley Street to the E, St James Way to the S and Obrey Way to the W - 4pm on top of footpath marker post. - Tony Moverley
SLRS - Gadwall 15, Teal 2 (pair), Lapwing 2, LBBG 4, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed tit, Blackcap
Trim's Green - Sparrowhawk 1f, Yellowhammer c15, Stock Dove 10 - John Slee
5th April
Hatfield Forest (0745-0905) - 6 G C Grebe (2 on nests), 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Grey Lag Goose (1 on nest), 6 Canada Goose, 35 Mallard, 2 Teal (pr), 6 Coot, 32 Golden Plover (N @ 0916 as I left the forest southwards), 2 Herring Gull (E, Ad + 2nd S), 1 Tawny Owl (usual spot), 5 Green Woodpecker, 7 G S Woodpecker, 3 Wren (singing - only?), 7 Song Thrush (5 singing males), 1 Redwing, 11 Mistle Thrush (5 singing + 3 other pairs), 2 Blackcap (singing males), 1 Willow Warbler (singing from top of Silver Birch, East side of Reedbed), 5 Chiffchaff (singing males), 4 Long tailed Tit (2prs), 2 Nuthatch (pr), 6 Goldfinch (pr + charm of 4), 2 Greenfinch (displaying males - only?), 4 Bullfinch (2prs), 2 Reed Bunting (pr), 1M Yellowhammer (south of carpark entrance)
Good numbers of the Common birds singing, Blackbird, Dunnock & Chaffinch. Notable 'no shows' (silent) included Marsh & Coal Tit, Treecreeper and Starling.
SLRS (0925-0950) - 1 Grey Lag Goose, 2 Canada Goose, 6 Mallard, 24 Gadwall, 7 Coot, 3 Snipe (encouraging?), 1M Lapwing, 1 Goldfinch (NE), 2MM Yellowhammers (singing either side of the Layby), 2 Reed Bunting (pr) - Mike Harris
Stansted Road - singing separately in various tree and bush tops at the same time. Siskin, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Robin and Chaffinch. Collared Dove just sitting. Jackdaw squabbling over chimney pots - David Arch
4th April
Trims & Allens Greens (1140-1200)- 2 Grey Partridge , 1 Golden Plover (coming into full Summer plumage), 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellowhammer
SAL (1215-1300) - 13 Mallard, 20 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 19 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaff (singing), 2 Jay, 1 Linnet
SLRS (1315-1345) - 10 Mallard, 33 Gadwall (still in big numbers here?), 6 Coot, 1F Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff (singing)
1M Brimstone, 1 Small White, 1 White (sp. - GV?), 1 Peacock
There were also 2MM Brimstone and 1 Green veined White at Hatfield Heath in a brief stop. - Mike Harris
3rd April
Trims Green + surrounding land from 0700 Hrs - Mist very thick this morning YELLOW WAGTAIL 3 - One flew up from close to the road at Lysander Park entrance and flew low over my head heading east. A pair grounded amongst Mipits left east along trims South field just off Sacombs Ash Lane but were close to the ground and didn't look to be going anywhere, Corn Bunting 1, Yellowhammer singing all around, three large flock of linnet plus a few straglers totalling around 130 birds, grounded mipit all around with numerous birds on fences, trees etc. REED BUNTING 9 two sang the whole time they were within ear-shot. This is easily my highest site count as i've only had a handfull on this ground in the last 5 years, Hares 7, Pied Wagtail 13 feeding on the flooded NE edge of trims North Field. Tufted Duck 11(12) on fishing lake closest to Thorley Church, Greylag 2 heading towards Michaels Mead Pond over Moor Hall Barn, Swallow 1 - resting for a moment on wires next to Moor Hall Barn - Graeme J. Smith
Little Hadham area - 2 drake Mandarin, Buzzard - David Arch
2nd April
Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Harlow at river - male Blackcap singing; also Treecreeper - David Arch
SAL - 20 Teal, 3 Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, no Little Grebe - David Arch
Twyford Lock - Swallow seen at Twyford Lock approx 12.40pm. David Sampson
Start Hill roundabout - Red Kite seen calling over at 1400 hrs - Ellen Franklin
1st April
Pig Lane - 3 Chiffchaff calling along the river approx 100 yards from road - Mike Franklin
Wallbury at 0610 Hrs - Chiffchaff 4, BLACKCAP 1, Treecreeper 2
Tednambury Marsh - Greylag 1, Chiffchaff 1
Trims Green - Buzzard 3 seen at lunch (all three again over wood at 1610 Hrs), Kestrel 2, SWALLOW 1 over North at 1615 Hrs, many single calling Meadow Pipit passing over on high ground mostly heading E or NE - Graeme J. Smith
31st March
Trims Green - RLP 2, Linnet 7, Meadow Pipit 2 high over E, Yellowhammer 9 (3 singers), Corn Bunting 1
Spellbrook - Peregrine (presumed male) interacting with male and Female Sparrowhawk over work between 1100 and 1130 Hrs. Last seen heading South-West and Female Sparrowhawk was seen again later at lunch
Wallbury - Chiffchaff 2 but still no Blackcap to be found.
Stort Park Farm (west) - 11 meadow Pipit over North in ones and twos during my half hour here
Stort Park Farm (east) - 4 Green Woodpeckers having a dispute over territory beside the style between the two lawns, Redwing 2 - Graeme J. Smith
30th March
Wallbury - Chiffchaff 3
Tednambury Marsh - Sparrowhawk 1 west, Chiffchaff 2
Trims Green - Corn Bunting 1 - Graeme J. Smith
Patmore Heath - Chiffchaff - Mick East
29th March
Farnham - Upwick road - Common Buzzard Herts side - Mick East
27th March
Trims Green - Corn Bunting 1 singing from poles on South Airfield
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Fieldfare 47 briefly in trees on entrance lawn at 1030, Mistle Thrush 2 on lawn, Green Woodpecker 1 suddenly moved into carpark wood from Spellbrook Farm, vocal all day - Graeme J. Smith
26th March
Trims Green - Corn Bunting singing from roadside. Still only a single to be heard despite checking daily (sometimes a few times)
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Jay 2, Kestrel 1 female and a single Redwing in trees beside main carpark - Graeme J. Smith
25th March
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Mistle Thrush and Magpie appear to have finished nests, albanistic Blackbird recently started with Coal Tits (2) still daily on feeders - Graeme J. Smith
23rd March
Cricket Field Lane - Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Pair of Bullfinch, 2 Siskin, Coal Tit. - Mike Ashworth
Trims Green - Corn Bunting 1 singing from South-west edge of Lysander 'new' farm building
Spellbrook (west) - Male Sparrowhawk hunting, departed west - Graeme J Smith
21st March
Amwell Watchpoint (0820-1100) - 4 Little Egret, 1M Shelduck, 32 Shoveler, 16 Teal, 1 Red Kite (W at 1050), 7 Common Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk (MFF), 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine (N at 0825), 1 Water Rail, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 10+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe, 10 BH Gull, 13 Common Gull, 3 LBB Gull (1 Ad, 2 3rd cal yr), 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 GS Woodpecker, 1-2 LS Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit (NE), 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warbler (MM), 3 Chiffchaff - Mike Harris
Nino Wood - Common Buzzard
Farnham - Common Buzzard - Mick East
20th March
SLRS (17:00-17:30) - 5 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, Pr Teal, Pr Shoveler, 6 Coot, 12 BH Gull (E), 1 Common Gull (E), 2 LBB Gull (1N, 1S), 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Long tailed Tit - Mike Harris
Bishops Stortford High School - Red Kite flying towards Harlow - Mike Franklin
19th March
Stansted Road - Red Kite over the house at 1120am drifting over north and towards Birchanger.
Town Centre - Mute Swan outside Lussmann's restaurant at the head of the river 1155am. Discussions continue at a suitable level about re-providing a swan nest platform in that area to replace the one lost to the development. David Arch
18th March
Cricket Field Lane - Green Woodpecker, GS Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff. Mike Ashworth
Manuden - 3 Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, Skylark, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Wren, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Rook, Crow, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Pheasant and Woodpigeons. Frogs and Frogspawn. Do not look up for Turtle Dove in March!
Stocking Pelham - 6 Buzzard, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Woodpigeons.
Clapgate - 60 Common and 12 Black-headed Gulls in field with Corvids. Skylark and Rook.
Road from Upwick to Farnham - 1 Buzzard
Blount's Farm - Little Grebe, Mallard
Trims Green - thousands of Woodpigeons and lesser numbers of Corvids
Gangies Hill - another field growing Woodpigeons; 2 Red-legged Partridge.
Harlow Central Sainsbury - TL41K - at petrol, 6 Siskins, Coal Tit
Harlow Town Park - TL41K - Goldcrest
Tednambury Lock - Barn Owl at 1730, David Arch
17th March
Hoggarts Wood - Common Buzzard. Mike Ashworth
Birchanger Wood - Sparrowhawk, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit otherwise standards e.g Jackdaw, Magpie, Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch. Collared Dove and Woodpigeon.
Beggars Hall Fishing Lake - House Sparrow colony as usual by Hop Poles. 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Moorhen, 3 Mallard, 6 Fieldfare and 30 Redwing. Green Woodpecker. Otherwise standards e.g. Magpie, Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch. No Grebes.
Tednambury - 1 Barn Owl, 6 Magpie, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer, 22 Canada Goose, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Grey Heron, few Woodpigeon, Crow, Robin, Blue Tit, Wren, Dunnock. Bat species. David Arch.
16th March
Blounts Farm - Meadow Pipit 18 at 0640 hrs (only 2 when I passed again later, Little Grebes finishing touches to nest
Trims Green - Common Buzzard 2 - North-East over Tye Green, CORN BUNTING 1 singing from double-telegraph pole on North Airfield (north side of the road)
Mathams Wood - CHIFFCHAFF 4 singing from the marshy centre of wood, Little Grebes whinneying from the old (long and thin) Mathams pit in the east edge of the wood , Treecreeper 1 singing, Bullfinch 2
Mathams Pit - Little Owl - flushed from largest tree due West of Pit , Greylag 2 , Mute Swan 3 (2 Imms) , Kestrel 1
the second largest fishing pit - Greylag 2 , Canada Goose 4 , Cormorant 3 , Woodpigeon c.2000 - while looking down on the 2nd pit, from close to Thorley Church, there was an immense flock of woodies over Trims Airfield
Southern Country Park (Michael's Mead Pond) - Canada Goose 4 , Tufted Duck 1 - usual drake , Reed Bunting 2 - feeding on reedmace, Water Rail 2 - very loud birds on opposite sides of reedbed, Kestrel - Female on Bypass roundabout - Graeme J. Smith
Moor Hall Barns - Buzzard over. No Wheatear.
Spellbrook Lock to Wallbury Bridge - Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Stock Dove and one calling, Great Black-backed Gull low over. Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshall and two Peacock. David Arch
Stacey's Gorse - Common Buzzard
Coles Park - Common Buzzard - Mick East
15th March
Allen's Green area (09:00-0930)
Blount's Farm - 3 Fieldfare, 20 Meadow Pipit
Gangies Hill - 2 Grey Partridge, 2 RL Partridge, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Linnet - Mike Harris
Moor Hall barn (TL467188 - Wheatear mid morning - Tony Moverley
Little Hadham - 3 calling chiffchaffs Jono Forgham
14th March
SAL (08:30-09:00) - 18 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck (2pr + injured F), 20 Coot, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 43 Fieldfare (7NW, 9W, 27S), 42 Redwing (W), 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Long tailed Tit, 1 Yellowhammer
SLRS (09:15-09:35) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler (5M,4F), 4 Coot, 5 Lapwing (4 displaying over fields to East, 1 on scrape), 11 BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting (singing)
Trims/Allen's Green (09-45-10:15) - 27 Golden Plover (W), 20 Skylark (several singing), 10 Meadow Pipit, 1M WHEATEAR (TL458176), 600 Fieldfare (N), 350 Starling (250 high N, 100 feeding), 20 Yellowhammer
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:45-18:10) - 3 Cormorant (2N, 1S), 2 Grey Heron (SW - pr?), 5 Mallard (3M + pr), 1 Common Buzzard (small dark M), 1F Sparrowhawk (a particularly large bird, spooked all the Wood Pigeons), 1 Kestrel, 2MM Pheasant (in), 13 Golden Plover (W), 1 Common Snipe, 1 BH Gull (S), 9 Common Gull (S), 3 Stock Dove , 80 Wood Pigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 G S Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush (singing), 40 Redwing (N), 6 Fieldfare (NW), 7 Thrush (spp. S), 1pr Long tailed Tit, 1 Jay (in), 138 Jackdaw (S), 3 Starling (1NE, 2SW), 2 Chaffinch (NE), 39 Greenfinch (min, 24NE, 15NW, 11SW), 27 Reed Bunting (in, although 2MM sang throughout)
12 Fallow Deer (left Spill Timbers Wood north at dusk including 5 'antlered' Stags) - Mike Harris
Farnham - ford below church, Willow Warbler heard briefly. Returned next day and heard again more distant.(apologies for the delayed report but I was unable to access website earlier).Mike Franklin
13th March 06:00
Furneaux Pelham NW - Barn Owl 1 - Mick East
11th March
7 Siskin on front garden feeder this morning - Tony Moverley
10th March
Bury Green/Millennium Wood 16.45 - 18.35pm - Barn owl. Observed quartering over the polo and cricket fields, tawny owl 1, green woodpecker 3, GSW 1, fieldfare roost 75+, tit roost 15+ , reat/L.T. and blue all in) - Jono Forgham
9th March
Barkway North - Buzzard 1, Barn Owl 1 - Mick East
8th March
Hatfield Forest - GC Grebe (8), Mute Swan (2), Greylag Goose (2), Gadwall (3M + 1F), Green Woodpecker (4+), GS Woodpecker (3), Redwing (2) - Chris Swan
7th March
SAL (08:06-08:42) - 11 Mallard (5pr + 1F), 6 Tufted Duck (2pr + 1M & injured F), 1 Kestrel, 1M Pheasant (mainly white with a green head), 31 Coot, 33 Moorhen (easier to count on open water!), 1 Lapwing, 70 BH Gull (mainly NW), 27 Common Gull (mainly NW), 1Ad LBB Gull, Stock Dove, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Redwing, 2 Long tailed Tit, 2 Reed Bunting (singing males), 1M Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Upwick - Merlin M flying down road at about 50cm, 3 metres in front of car for 50metres - Mick East
Trims & Allens Green (15:30-16:00)
Trims - 60 Fieldfare, 100 Rook, 20 Starling , 2 Goldfinch
Allens - 10 Stock Dove, 160 Fieldfare, 40 Starling
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (16:05-16:30) - 2 Cormorant, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 58 BH Gull (S), 59 Common Gull (S), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Reed Bunting
SLRS (16:40-17:00) - 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant (S), 12 Mallard, 26 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler (5M, 2F), 6 Coot, 1 Lapwing (Territorial? ), 20 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull (1stW), 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Redwing (N)
The Meads (17:15-18:30) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan (on River), 10+ Mallard, 1M Kestrel, 2 Coot, 2 Lapwing (Pr?), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit, 13 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Long tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting (S)
6th March
Tednambury - 17:25, Two Barn Owls, 34 Canada Geese, 30 Magpie, a dozen pigeons, 7 Meadow Pipits, 6 Muntjac, 6 Fieldfare stationary and then south, 1 Yellowhammer - David Arch
SAL - Pintail M on the very full wader lagoon early afternoon.
Hatfield Fores - 1 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owls, 3 Little Owls, 3m Marsh Tits (singing), 1 Nuthatch, 3 Siskins - Stephen Patmore
5th March
Cricketfield Lane - 17:00. Common Buzzard over town drifting SE., Siskin 2, Redwing 13. MikeA
Hatfield Forest Lake - one Tawny Owl, two Mute Swans, 30 Redwing - David Arch
Tednambury - 17:25, No Barn Owls, Woodcock or Little Grebe. 50 Magpie, 25 Canada Geese, 16 Fieldfare over north, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Grey Wagtail - David Arch
3rd March
Trims Green - 2 Grey Partridge as yesterday - Graeme J. Smith
2nd March
Trims Green - 2 Grey Partridge (in small triangular field on North-East edge of Tye Green), completely bottle-green Pheasant still doing the rounds with no Stonechat around usual spots during the last week
Spellbrook (west) - Coal Tit 2 one singing repeatedly from same tree as last year and making the most of feeders - Graeme J. Smith
Spellbrook (east) - Nuthatch tree has been cut down on towpath. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, No Little Grebe but very little cover, 3 pairs of Mallard, 7 Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Greenfinch
St Michael's Mead Lake - 1 male Reed Bunting, 5 Canada Geese with 2 standing in the centre where the now submerged island is/was, 40 Black-headed Gull, 10 Mallard, Feral Mallard, Coot and Moorhen, male Tufted. Rooks in both deciduous trees and pine trees makes nest counting less straightforward.
Hatfield Forest - 2 Little Owl. Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Grey Lag, Canada Goose 17 but most of them flew off. No young seen. Tern raft has been cleared of greenery and smaller raft repositioned nearer to hide. 4 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing. Black Rabbit by Shell House. Well over 200 Jackdaw. Again, part of the Bush End rookery is in pine trees. David Arch.
28th February
A120 Bishop's Stortford Bypass by River Stort bridge. - 1 Buzzard being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows - Chris Swan
A120 Thorley Roundabout - Buzzard
Upwick - Farnham road - 2M Stonechat 2M
Albury south - Buzzard feeding on worms - Mick East
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:55-17:45) - 2 Cormorant (1N, 2S), 6 Mallard (all N in pairs), 1M Sparrowhawk (appeared to roost in central Osiers), 1 Pheasant (in), 21 BH Gull (S, one flock), 18 Stock Dove (7E, 10 N/in, 1S), 430 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 2 Green Woodpecker, 7 GS Woodpecker (1pr in to Spill Timbers Wood, 1pr in Silver Birches, 1pr North end of Fox Earth Wood and a single East towards Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Meadow Pipit (in), 18 Fieldfare (NW), 2 Long tailed Tit, 67 Jackdaw (S), 9 Rook (W, towards Allens Green Rookery?), 2 Chaffinch (E), 23 Greenfinch (min, 23 NE with some birds roosting in the 'Thorn' at the North end of the Marsh,and 13 birds returning SW later), 45 Reed Bunting (all 'in' eventually, but two males sang and called against each other all evening!) - Mike Harris
27th February
Tednambury Marsh roost (16:00-18:00) - The two Barns Owls again hunting from 17:25 this evening, and the two Cetti's Warblers counter-calling in the usual spot with one male singing on a few occasions this evening. 21 Canada Geese, 2 (M&F) Kestrels, 4+ Water Rails (including one 'singing' male), 5 Pheasant (in), 33 Black-headed Gulls (S), 6 Stock Doves (in), 80 Woodpigeons (in), 2 Barn Owls, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1m Skylark (singing), 17 Meadow Pipits (9in, 8S), 3 Grey Wagtails (1m singing), 2 Pied Wagtails (E), 18 Fieldfares (in), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warbler (1m singing), 1 Goldcrest, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 5 Jays, 148 Magpies (in), 77 Jackdaws (S), 172 Rooks (S), 2 House Sparrows, 7 Greenfinch (NW), 8 Goldfinch (S), 30 Yellowhammers (inc 1 male singing by Tednambury Fm), 34 Reed Buntings (inc 2 males singing) - Stephen Patmore
26th February
Hatfield Forest - Buzzard flying high over fields adjacent to Hatfield Forest.Little Owls alarmed by a Sparrowhawk flying low over the stile near the church and a single Siskin.4 Pochard,two Great Crested Grebes in a courtship display and a jackdaw pinning another on its back on the grass.Several Song Thrushes calling very loudly - Ellen Franklin
22nd February
Hatfield Forest (09:30-11:45) - 1 Cormorant, 1 Imm Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 36 Mallard (big decrease), 6 Gadwall, 1M Wigeon, 8 Pochard (6 Drakes), 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot, 2 BH Gull (also Common and LBBG overhead), 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 GS Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush, 15 Redwing, 60 Fieldfare, 3 Marsh Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 4 Long tailed Tit, 1 Tree Creeper (singing beside Lower Lake), 6 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin
Also 20 Fallow Deer in field just north of entrance to Wall Wood. - Mike Harris
21st February
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:25-17:30) - 3 Cormorant (min, 3N, 3S), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallard, 2 Common Buzzard (Both Dph, but one showing white bases to the Primaries giving a Skua-like wingflash), 1 Kestrel, 4 Pheasant (in, 3F,1M), 47 BH Gull (2N, 45S), 10 Common Gull (S), 6 LBB Gull (5S, 1E), 15 Stock Dove (9 feeding N of Marsh, 5E, 1S), 450 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 GS Woodpecker, 15 Meadow Pipit (in), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 2 Redwing (SE), 2 Mistle Thrush (SE), 39 Fieldfare (SE), 3 Long Tailed Tit, 166 Jackdaw (S), 4 Starling (E), 1 Chaffinch (SE), 13 Greenfinch (min, 13NE, 7SW), 2 Siskin, 45 Reed Bunting (43 in, 1S and 1 singing Male), 1 Yellowhammer (S)
3 Fallow Deer (all well antlered Stags, left Spill Timbers Wood north at dusk) - Mike Harris
20th February
Tednambury Marsh roost(15:30-17:45) - 1 Cormorant (NW), 1 Grey Heron (N), 39 Canada Geese, 11 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard (E), 1m Kestrel, 4 Water Rails, 24 Golden Plovers (W), 319 Black-headed Gulls (S), 43 Common Gulls (S), 10 Stock Doves (in), 345 Woodpigeons (in), 2 Barn Owls 17:20 hunting the banks of the river and the overgrown paddock immediately south of Spellbrook Lock, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 24 Meadow Pipits (in), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 51 Fieldfares (35N, 16in), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Treecreeper, 156 Magpies (in), 1 Jay (in), c.120 Jackdaws (66S, c.60 NE), 30 Rooks, 2 Chaffinch (S), 6 Greenfinch (S), 3 Siskins, 3 Goldfinch (S), 1 Redpoll sp (S), 32 Yellowhammers (in), 13 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
19th February
Trims Green - Skylark singing and Yellowhammers back in their hedges.
Much Hadham - 34 Stock Dove in one flock at Bridgefoot 40 and 28 Fieldfare in two groups moving north. Yellowhammer back in hedge for breeding. Blue Tit in pirouette display fall. David Arch
Pye Corner - Common Buzzard over, Milly Arch
18th February
Nr. Trims Green [TL 469 163] - Stonechat 1 male still favouring north side of junction that is around 100 meters NWN of Tharbies - Graeme J. Smith
Hatfield Forest - 8 Cormorants, 2 Greylags, 10 Gadwall, 27 Teal, 1m Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Lapwing, 2 Tawny Owls (roost behind marsh), 1 Little Owl (by entrance road), 20 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Nuthatch, 285 Jackdaw (roost count), 2 Siskin (male singing), 1 Yellowhammer, 1m Reed Bunting (first singing male of the year for me) - Stephen Patmore
Grange Paddocks - about 200 Black-headed Gulls on water meadow football pitches - David Arch
17th February
Hatfield Forest Lake: Water birds. 4 Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron and Cormorant, Kingfisher, 58 Mallard, 30 Canada, 14 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 12 Moorhen, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot, 4 Pochard, 1 Black-headed Gull. Selected: 40+ Chaffinch, 10 Siskin south of decoy ponds. Common Buzzard outside of the forest.
SAL: 60 water birds today. More than expected but the birds were not the highlight. The three lagoons were so full that the water was spilling over naturally into the brook and the water birds had nowhere to hide. One Coot was defending the only island reed remaining. No Little Grebes. As well as the female Tufted there was only Mallard, Coot and Moorhen after the two others, a pair of Pochard, took flight. David Arch
16th February
Trims Green - Common Buzzard soaring over at 1325 - Graeme J. Smith
15th February
Hatfield Forest - Great Crested Grebe almost finished nest at North end of lake also 3 Marsh Tit near Takely, 20+ Siskin North-East of Doodle Oak, usual lake-side Tawny Owl - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - Teal 5, Tufted Duck 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Meadow Pipit 2
Mistle Thrush - singing at both sites - Graeme J. Smith
14th February
Hatfield Forest (10:00-12:00) - 2 G C Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Canada Goose, 104 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Coot, 6 Stock Dove, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 50+ Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (Pr nr entrance and two males singing in the North), 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 25 Chaffinch, 3 Bullfinch,
1 Black Rabbit (feeding with normal Rabbits 100 yards North of the Cafe) - Mike Harris
13th February
Hatfield Forest Lake - 2 (1m) WIGEON
Tednambury Marsh Roost (15:45-17:45) - 3 Cormorants (S), 2 Grey Herons, 5 (2ad+31w) Mute Swans, 13 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5+ Water Rails , 87 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 13 Common Gulls (SW), 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S), 3 Stock Doves (in), 176 Woodpigeons (in), 1 BARN OWL, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 85 Meadow Pipits (in), 27 Fieldfares, 2 Redwing, 1+ CETTI'S WARBLER, 151 Magpies (in), 86 Jackdaws (75SW, 11 in), 39 Greenfinches (26S, 13N), 9 Goldfinches (N), 2 Linnets (in), 39 Yellowhammers (35in, 4S), 43 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:20-17:30) - 5 Cormorant (min, 5S, 3N), 1 Grey Heron, 4 Mallard (blogging), 1 Common Buzzard (Dark morph M, into Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Sparrowhawk (into Spill Timbers Wood), 1F Kestrel, 2MM Pheasant (in), 1 Common Snipe, 132 BH Gull (S), 31 Common Gull (S), 9 Stock Dove (min. Lots of display this evening, 1 at Spill Timbers, 2 North End of Marsh, 1 Fox Earth Wood and 5 others into roost), 740 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 2 Green Woodpecker, G S Woodpecker, 55 Meadow Pipit (40 in, 15N towards Stephen at Tednambury!), 9 Fieldfare (2 in, 7NW), 1 Magpie, 2 Jay, 140 Jackdaw (S), 2 Starling (E), 1 Chaffinch (N), 31 Greenfinch (min.31, 4SW, and 25 seen in pre-roost tree at dusk), 77 Reed Bunting (in), 2 Yellowhammer (N) - Mike Harris
11th February
Trims Green - Grey Partridge 2 were 150 yards North-East of Blounts Farm early in the morning. 30 Stockdove and 23 Golden Plover later in the day - Graeme J.Smith
8th February
Trims Green - Stonechat 2 at pillbox just North-West of Blounts Farm - Graeme J. Smith
SAL (08:20-09:05) - 3 Mute Swan (2Ads + juv flying sou'west towards HF @ 08:37 - did anyone see them?), 22 Mallard (all in pairs now), 4 Teal, 1F Tufted Duck (still surviving!), 28 Coot, 17 Moorhen, 2 BH Gull (N), 9 Common Gull (N), 5 Herring Gull (N), 14 LBB Gull (N), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Pied Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipit, 15 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (16:00-17:15) - 3 Cormorant (2Ad S, 1J N), 1 Grey Goose (sp.) (S. Did not get on it until it had passed me, tail pattern suggested Pink foot or Grey lag and size Grey lag too. But too late to nail it!), 3 Mallard (1M N, Pr S), 1 Sparrowhawk (in to Spill Timbers Wood), 1M Kestrel, 2 MM Pheasant (in), 22 BH Gull (S), 15 Common Gull (S), 7 Stock Dove (in to Fox Earth Wood), 150 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 110 Meadow Pipit (in, 16,15, 24, 9, 12, 3, 12, 19), 1 Redwing (N), 30 Fieldfare (in), 1 Jay (E), 54 Jackdaw (S), 10 Greenfinch (min, 10NE, 6SW), 64 Reed Bunting (in, many parties including two of seven), 2 Yellowhammer (SE) - Mike Harris
7th February
River Stort - Two treecreepers in the Wallbury Estate just N of Spellbrook lock + Kingfisher. 1 Treecreeper together with 5+ Siskin at Rushy Mead. Tony Moverley
West Wood, Great Sampford - 1 Red Kite, 5 Marsh Tits (3 singing males), 1 Nuthatch (my first at this site), 11 Bullfnches
Coploe Hill - 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Coal Tit (first mid-winter record for hill), 2 Brambling (with winter finch/bunting flock), 60+ Chaffinch, 60+ Yellowhammer - Stephen Patmore
Stort Park Farm - Little Owl 1 - Graeme J. Smith
6th February
Trims Green - Male Stonechat at junction just north from Tharbies Farm at 1315 and 1615 Hrs - Graeme J. Smith
5th February
Around junction just North of Tharbies Farm beside Trims Green [TL 469 163] - Stonechat 1 male seen twice ( 1315 hrs and 1615 hrs ) - Graeme J. Smith
4th February
Cricketfield Lane area: midday, male Sparrowhawk on bird table, flock of 8 long tail tits departed rapidly. mikeA
Trims Green - Grey Partridge 2, 60 yards east of Rhino/Morris Farm entrance at 0710 Hrs - Graeme J. Smith
3rd February
Grange Paddocks 1630, river not frozen, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, one on river bank, Mallard and Moorhen in normal numbers, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, 8 LBBG over south.
All Saints Close, Grey Heron over this morning but this time with legs extended not dangling, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, Dunnock, 2 or 3 Blackbird - David Arch.
2nd Febuary
Barley Hills, Thorley - Waxwing in back garden - Toh Marshall via Keith Watts
31st January
Honeysuckle Close, B/S - Common Buzzard heading south over our house at 1030 Hrs - Graeme J. Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:00-17:00)- 6 Mallard (4N low, 2S very high), 1 Common Buzzard small dark M, W into Spill Timbers Wood), 1M Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 262 BH Gull (S), 42 Common Gull (S), 1 Ad LBB Gull (NW), 11 Stock Dove (1 in, 7S, 3E), 1065 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 Meadow Pipit (in), 21 Fieldfare (4 in, 5E, 9S, 3N),
1 Mistle Thrush, c.300 Jackdaw/Rook (feeding West of Fox Earth Wood, where most roosted), 3 Starling (NE), 7 Chaffinch (NE), 69 Greenfinch (65NE, 4in), 1 Bullfinch (H), 9 Reed Bunting (in @ 1550, 1623 (2), 1628 (2), 1630, 1635,1638, 1647)
8 Fallow Deer (including 4 Antlered Stags, left Spill Timbers Wood south to feed at dusk) - Mike Harris
30th January
Single male Siskin observed in full song along Tyfordbury Lane BS at approx 12.40 pm today. I've never heard the song previously and was completely taken aback by its sheer complexity and beauty as I watched the male at close quarters for about 5 minutes before it was disturbed and flew away. It will be intersting to see if the bird remains into Spring.
Dave Sampson
27th January
SAL - only 48 water birds seen - 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, 8 Moorhen, 12 Mallard, 24 Coot.
4 Crows, various Blue Tits. Takeley Street had Starlings and House Sparrows and Blue Tits. Long tailed Tits and Robin.
Hatfield Forest Lake - same result as yesterday evening with only a dozen Redwing but 20 Tufted Duck. No Water Rail voice. David Arch
26th January
Hatfield Forest Lake: up to dusk, Little Owl, 45 Redwing, Tawny Owl seen in flight - at least three calling, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Great crested Grebe, 2 Coot (good news as missing after breeding season) 4 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 9 Canada Goose, 30+ Gadwall, more Mallard, Moorhen, Water Rail (v). David Arch
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Greenfinch 200+, Goldfinch c.150 in seperate roost gathering from 1500hrs onwards,200 Fieldfare were 400 yards North of Hayter at lunchtime with 13 Pied Wags, 4 Mistle Thrush and a single Kestrel. - Graeme J Smith
25th January
Honeysuckle Close, Bishop's Stortford - Mute Swan 9 - All Immatures, very low South over my house at 1230 Hrs - Graeme J Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:50) - 6 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (N), c.50 Canada Goose (SE), 11 Mallard (10N, 1S), 1 Common Buzzard (small dark M, West into Spill Timbers Wood, mewing beautifully), 1F Sparrowhawk (in to Spill Timbers Wood), 2 Pheasant (in), 1 Jack Snipe, 397 BH Gull (S), 112 Common Gull (S), 2 Ad Herring Gull (S), 1 Ad LBB Gull (S), 26 Feral Dove (continually circling due to Railwaymen working on the bridge over the River where they normally roost), 7 Stock Dove (min count, 7 in to Fox Earth Wood, 4S), 485 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 GS Woodpecker, 29 Meadow Pipit (in), 1 Redwing (S), 3 Fieldfare (in), 92 Jackdaw (S), 2 Rook (S), 14 Greenfinch (min count, 14SW, 2NE), 30 Reed Bunting (in, all in the Reedbed, including one party of 9 in together - previous largest party was 5!) - Mike Harris
24th January
Thorley Wash - 18 Mallard; 2 Teal; 2 Little Grebe; Grey Heron; 2 Cormorant; 1 Woodcock
flew in from the NW(shooting somewhere in the distnce suggests that the bird may have been disturbed)but did not land (I managed to photograph it as it flew overhead).
Dave Sampson
Honeysuckle Close - Blackcap Male still, tho only one visit per hour over five hours - Graeme J. Smith
Wall Wood (10:00-11:15) - 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 G S Woodpecker (one drumming), 3 Nuthatch, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 20 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Fox, 1 Rabbit - Mike Harris
23rd January
Hatfield Forest - 3 Woodcock, 1 Little Owl
Thremhall Avenue (Stansted Airport) - 1 Little Owl - Stephen Patmore
22nd January
Hatfield Broad Oak - Marsh Tit and female Goldcrest in garden - Janice Hobbs
Trims Green - Fieldfare 112 (63, 12, 27), Redwing 7, Linnet 32, Lapwing 40-45, Mute Swan 2 (on Mathams Pit), Skylark 60+, Meadow Pipit 13, STONECHAT 2 (m+f) on far north end of topsoil ridge beside new farm buildings on North airfield + usual finches - Graeme J Smith
18th January
River Stort - A total of 22 separate Little Grebe seen; 12 north of Spellbrook lock, 4 in between Spellbrook & Tednambury locks and 6 just south of Tednambury lock. Also a Stonechat at Thorley Wash - in the field between the railway line and the main road (by the bypass roundabout). Tony Moverley
SLRS (river Stort behind Beckham's house) - Barn Owl, Bird seen on three occations now quartering large field at rear of Beckham's place also in 'Cormorant tree' field. - K Hanrahan
17th January
Newport SW this morning - 2 Chiffchaffs - including a classic 'abientus' - Stephen Patmore
St Michael's Mead Lake, Southern Country Park - Water Rail at water inlet and usual drake Tufted Duck on the water - Graeme J. Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (1510-1645) With John Slee. - 4 Cormorant (min count - 3N, 4S), 1 Grey Heron (S), 6 Mallard (min count - 4N, 6S), 1 Common Buzzard (possibly two birds, the small dark M flew E into Fox Earth Wood and later, what appeared to be a lighter, larger bird flew W into Spill Timbers Wood. But views inconclusive), 2 Sparrowhawk (AdM, 1F), 2 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant (in),
1 Jack Snipe, 92 BH Gull (S), 33 Common Gull (S), 1 Ad LBB Gull (S), 21 Stock Dove (min count, 10E, 21 into Fox Earth Wood), 325 Wood Pigeon (into Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 23 Redwing (11 in, 12 S), 72 Fieldfare (11S & a flock of 61 disturbed by the 'second' Buzzard, from the copse north of Spill Timbers Wood, which left SE), 1 Jay, 35 Jackdaw (S), 6 Rook (S), 3 Starling (2E, 1SW), 5 Chaffinch (S), 3 Greenfinch (H), 17 Reed Bunting (2S, 15 in - 4 in the carex, the remainder into the reedbed) - Mike Harris
16th January
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Fieldfare 45+, Redwing 6, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Green Wdpckr 1, BLACKCAP 1 singing beside my work feeders!
Trims Green - Fieldfare c.100 in a single tree 200 yards North-West of Spellbrook-trims junction at 1610 hrs - Graeme J. Smith
Birchanger Services - 1 RED KITE (flew E at 14:40)
Beldams Lane - 200+ Fieldfares
Tednambury Marsh roost (15:00-16:50) - 6 Little Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 2ad Mute Swans, 4 Mallard,
1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Pheasant (in), 1 Coot, 12 Moorhens, 4 Water Rails, 269 Black-headed Gulls (S/SW), 24 Common Gulls (S/SW), 1ad Lesser Black-backed Gull (S), 4 Stock Doves, 100+ Woodpigeons, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Meadow Pipits (in), 177 Fieldfares (170in, 7S), 1 Redwing (in), 2 CETTI'S WARBLERS (1 calling near marina, 1 in vegetation by river), 178 Magpies (in), 37 Jackdaws (in), 1 Chaffinch (N), 20 Greenfinch (S), 4 Goldfinch (S), 2 Siskins (S), 2 Bullfinch, 35 Yellowhammers (22 in, 13S), 8 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
15th January
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Siskin 2 minimum, Bullfinch 2
Trims Green - Golden Plover 37, Lapwing c.100, WOODCOCK 2 flushed from middle of north airfield, almost at highest/most open area, my first from such an open habitat Kingfisher at tiny pond at spellbrook-trims junction, Fieldfare c.300 Morris Farm cow lawn, Linnet c.45 gathered at around new farm buildings, Goldfinch c.10, Greenfinch 17, Yellowhammer 1, Skylark 7, Meadow Pipit 12+, Chaffinch c.15 (no brambling present)
Mathams Pit - Pochard 7, Tufted Duck 3
St Michael's Mead Lake, Southern Country Park - Bullfinch 2, Tufted Duck long staying drake still, Grey Wagtail 1 - Graeme J. Smith
Elsenham Playing Fields - Fieldfare (80+), Starling (60+) - Chris Swan
14th January
Hafield Forest Lake - Great Crested Grebe One of two wintering birds found dead, frozen in ice - PH via GJS
Hayter, Spellbrook (west)Siskin 1 First record on my work feeders despite birds present most winters in alders along driveway - Graeme J. Smith.
12th January
Trims Green - Canada Goose c.50 between Trims and Thorley Church, Fieldfare 50+, Linnet c.35
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - WOODCOCK 1 flew into small wood on west edge of town from a northerly direction at 1020 hrs, Kestrel 1 female, Goldfinch 35-40 birds roosting beside bikeshed, Greenfinch 40+ roosting beside canteen, LITTLE OWL - found a roost containing c.30 pellets in a secluded spot on the South edge of Hayter land, should be worth me keeping an eye out as it appears as if it's perch will be lit up at night by the factory lights - Graeme J. Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh roost (15:30-15:50) - 1 Cormorant , 1 Jack Snipe (at last !! - in regular spot at bottom of mown slope), 1 Common Snipe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (cruising S), 171 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Mistle Thrush, 32 Jackdaw (S), 5 Rook (S), 2 Greenfinch (S),
5 Reed Bunting (in, but incomplete count, due to lack of stamina. 3 in the Carex, 2 in the reedbed) - Chris Dee
11th January
SLRS 8:30 - 10:30 am - Cormorant 10 in a couple of trees in Pishiobury Park, Mute swan 2ad 1 juv by Sheering Lock, Mallard 5N, 2 on river, Kestrel 1, Moorhen 4, Lapwing 3SE over, BHG c30, Common Gull 1 juv, LBBG 1 ad, Stock Dove 1, Wood Pigeon c100 in total, Collared Dove 3, Green Wood 1h, GSW1h, Wren 2, Dunock 6, Robin 1, Blackbird 6, Fieldfare 7, Song thrush 4, Miste thrush 1, Goldcrest 3, LT Tit 7, Blue tit 8, Great tit 5, Magpie 8, Jackdaw 7, Crow 5, Starling 1, Chaffinch 6, Greenfinch 3, Goldfinch 4, Bullfinch 6, Yellowhammer 5 - John Slee
Sawbridgeworth Marsh roost (14:45-16:20) - 9 Cormorant (min count - 5N & 9S), 6 Mallard (4N, 2 in), 1 Common Buzzard (W at dusk - the small dark M), 1F Sparrowhawk (in to Spill Timbers Wood), 1F Kestrel, 40 BH Gull (S), 62 Common Gull (S), 28 Stock Dove (in to Fox Earth Wood - record count of Winter), 330 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Collared Dove (NE), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit (4S, 1 in), 2 Redwing (1S, 1W), 19 Fieldfare (18S, 1N), 2 Magpie (N), 14 Jackdaw (S), 6 Rook (S), 2 Starling (S), 27 Goldfinch (N, loosely associating with Greenfinches), 58 Greenfinch (minimum count, 23 NE to pre-roost tree early doors, then 49 SW late on leaving a flock of 9 that went into Brambles on the Eastern boundary of the Reserve), 28 Reed Bunting (Fragmented roost. 8S without stopping, 20 in, of which 2 in the Carex, 2 in the Peat bank reedbed, and the rest spread between the remaining Northern and Southern reedbeds!)
Field Opposite The Fishing Club Car-park at 14:40 - 2 Redwing, 16 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush - Mike Harris
9th January
All Saints Close - pair of Blackcaps moved through the garden at lunchtime - David Arch
8th January
Rushy Mead - Woodcock (1), Flushed from Willow woodland and later from Alder woodland. - Chris Swan
7th January
Stortford Hall Park - WAXWINGS 9 Hanging around in the trees opposite number 210, between and behind flats. occasionally coming down to feed on berries in the front garden of number 156 - Graeme J Smith [I think it was Jono F that put the news out]
6th January
Rushy Mead - 20+ Siskins in the Alders viewed from watchpoint. Plus fly-over Kingfisher & a passing Kestrel. Snipe sp. flushed near Roly Croke bridge. Tony Moverley
5th January
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:00-16:30), with Jono from about 15:30 - 1 Cormorant (S), 6 Mallard (all flushed from River), 1F Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 2 Common Snipe, 2 BH Gull (S), 1 Stock Dove, 490 Wood Pigeon (into Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Meadow Pipit (in), 2 Fieldfare (1N, 1W),
5 Long-tailed Tit, 54 Greenfinch (pre-roosting in trees to north of site), 8 Siskin (E), 7 Reed Bunting (in) - Chris Dee
4th January
Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard, also Lapwing, Fieldfare, Golden Plover 30, Common Gull - Mick East
Hatfield Forest - BEWICK SWAN 2 One was a ringed bird and all numbers were noted, they flew NORTH at 1045 towards SAL(?), Shoveler 9 still, Shelduck 1, Mallard 218, Teal 2, Great Crested Grebe 1(only?), Canada Goose 4 still, Tawny Owl still showing well at roost, Treecreeper 7, Nuthatch 4, Marsh Tit 3 (one along flitch way and two at Starthill), Bullfinch 13+, Water Rail 1 - Graeme J Smith
River Stort in town centre - a dozen or so Siskin in one of the remaining Alders on the Essex bank. With Blue Tits. David Arch
Around Whittington Way - Chaffinch, Goldfinch, 8 or 9 Greenfinch, 2 Bullfinch, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Wren. No sign of larger finch reported late morning. No further report to 9th January. David Arch
3rd January
SAL (10:00-10:40)- 1 Little Grebe (inlet stream), 2 Mute Swan, 11 Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 24 Coot, 1 Water Rail, 11 Lapwing (N), 2 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 1M Pied Wagtail, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Goldfinch
Hatfield Forest - 20 Redwing, 1 Marsh Tit SINGING! (I cannot remember my last singing Marsh Tit and it certainly wasn't in January), 15-20 Bullfinch (this IS allowing for duplication!) - Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest Lake - 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew off NW), 1m Shelduck, 25 Teal, 240 Mallard, 6 (3m) Shoveler, 1 Marsh Tit, 3 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Siskin, 6 Bullfinch - Stephen Patmore
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:15-16:40) - With Andrew and Mark Sapsford. - 8 Cormorant (1juv + ads N, 2x2 + 1Ad S), 10 Mallard (5N, 2S and 3 onto River), 4 Sparrowhawk (2F east into Spill Timbers Wood, 1AdM harrasing Long tailed Tits at the roost, 1 ImmM S), 1 Water Rail (calling at dusk), 1 Common Snipe, 3 BH Gull (S), 2 Common Gull (S), 1 Ad LBB Gull (S), 5 Stock Dove (in to Fox Earth Wood), 680 Wood Pigeon (in to Fox Earth Wood), 1M Tawny Owl (calling from Fox Earth Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 21 Meadow Pipit (in), 1 Song Thrush (in), 3 Mistle Thrush (field opp Valet homes), 10 Fieldfare (1N, 7W, 2 in), 22 Jackdaw (2N, 16S, 4 in to Fox Earth Wood), 1 Starling (N), 1 Chaffinch (N), 6 Goldfinch (N), 16 Greenfinch (NE), 1M Bullfinch (W), 33 Reed Bunting (in)
"Fox Earth Wood" is what I have been mistakenly calling "Kecksy's Bridge Wood" in my past reports. Mike Harris
Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard in normal field, also Lapwing, Filedfare - Mick East
2nd January
Trims Green - Golden Plover 162 near Tharbies, Wood Pigeon c1000, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch - mixed flock of 50 of these two, Stock Dove 2, Common Gull c20 throughout - John Slee
Hatfield Forest (0930-1130)- 2 GC Grebe, 4 Canada Goose, 194 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot (only?), c. 20 Moorhen, 17 BH Gull (many more overhead), 2 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 3 GS Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Marsh Tit, 2 Coal Tit, c.20 L T Tit (3 parties), 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper
10 Fallow Deer - Mike Harris
1st January 09
Birchanger wood - Long Tailed Tits,single Fieldfare, one Greater Spotted Woodpecker,two Nuthatches calling, Goldcrests, single Treecreeper,Chaffinch and Jay and a suprisingly large number of Blue Tits, all viewed except for the Fieldfare from the entrance next to the water tower. - Mike Franklin
31st December
Hatfield Forest - Tawny Owl in hawthorn woods on North-West edge of lake, today joined by second bird, giving close views/photos - Peter Herring
Gilston Park - 2 Common Buzzard
Baker's End/ Nimmey Wood - 3 Common Buzzard - Mike Harris
30th December
The Orchards, Sawbridgeworth. - 170 Fieldfare, 30 Blackbird, 15 Starling, 20 Magpie, 20 Chaffinch - Mike Harris
Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard in normal field - Mick East
St Michael's Mead Lake - Water Rail 9am in mud with blackbird, robin & greenfinch. Common gull with BH gulls on frozen lake - Keith Watts
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - Woodpigeon c250 - rough count,Redwing 3N, Greenfinch 5SW, 9 NE,
Cormorant 2 (1 ad with a missing primary on right wing, 1 juv N), Kestrel 1, Magpie 2N, Bullfinch 2 calling, Corvids 173S - mainly Jackdaws I think, Starling 5W, Snipe 3E high, Green Woodpecker 2,
Yellowhammer 5E, Mallard 4N, Reed Bunting 14 (first at 3:56), Meadow Pipit 12, Lapwing 35 NW, Water Rail 2 heard (first at 4pm), Blackbird - some in the roost calling, Fieldfare 6 in, Carrion Crow 5 in - John Slee
29th December
Albury north - Barn Owl on sign just before zig-zag - Mick East
28th December
Hatfield Forest highlights - Tufted Duck 15+, Gadwall 19, Teal 36, Canada Goose 29, GCGrebe 1, Bullfinch 9, Fieldfare 3, Marsh Tit 4 (2 at starthill and 2 at Takely end of forest), Redwing 35+, TAWNY OWL allowing close views on north-west side of lake plus photos, Jay 8, Green Woodpecker 4, Nuthatch 3, Coal Tit 9+, Song and Mistle Thrush both singing
Honeysuckle Close, Bishop's Stortford - Blackcap on tenth day in my garden tho no sign of female today - Graeme J Smith
27th December
Rushy Mead: Common Buzzard over; 7 Lapwing over; Woodcock (flushed from north bank of Stort into Rushy Mead); at least 52 Siskin; 1 male Kestrel; 1 Kingfisher (Scrape looking excellent - frozen, but could be good for attracting Snipe etc). Thorley Wash: 9 Little Grebe; Cormorant; Grey Heron; I Common Snipe; 1 Kingfisher; second male Kestrel. Sparrowhawk over Thorley Hill.
Dave Sampson
Storford Park Farm (east) - Bullfinch 14 minimum, a remarkable increase on the usual 2-4 birds I usually see here - Graeme J Smith
26th December
SAL (10:50-11-25) - 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck, 25 Coot, 1AdM Sparrowhawk (Beautiful specimen with slate grey mantle and orange chest), 14 BH Gull, 3 Imm Herring Gull (S), 31 Lapwing overhead, landed in nearby fields. 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Bullfinch (very vocal atm)
Birchanger Wood (11:35)
1 Common Buzzard soaring over the A120 at TL504225. - Mike Harris
Rushy Mead: Siskin 30+ in Alders, L.T.Tit 10.
River Stort south of Pig Lane: Little Grebe 5 at Thorley Wash. - Chris Swan
25th December
Honeysuckle Close, Bishops Stortford - Our resident male Blackcap seems to have attracted a female in the night - Graeme J Smith
24th December
Stortford Park Farm (main entrance and house grounds) - Little Owl giving decent daylight views 1515-1540 just inside main entrance to grounds from bypass
Honeysuckle Close (in my garden) - Song Thrush and male Blackcap still, tho no sign of Mistle Thrush for a few days - Graeme J Smith
Wall Wood, Hatfield forest - Long-tailed tit c10, Marsh tit 2, Goldcrest c3, Treecreeper 1, also 1 Great-Spotted Woodpecker, and Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blackbird calling the wood. - John Slee
SAL - 1 LITTLE EGRET - on the wader pool, then subsequently in the field by Pinkney's on the old A120, 1 Water Rail
Tednambury Marsh roost,(13:45-16:20) - 7 Little Grebes, 3 Cormorants (2N, 1S), 3 Grey Herons (2N, 1 in), 52 Canada Geese (NW), 4 Mallard, 1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 5+ Water Rails, 115 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 3 Common Gulls (SW), 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 10 Stock Doves, c.600 Woodpigeons (in), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 23 Meadow Pipits (16 in, 7S), 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtails (N), 98 Fieldfares (in), 1 Mistle Thrush (NE), 1 CETTI'S WARBLER (calling frequently), 3 Goldcrests, 1 Treecreeper, 133 Magpies (in), 4+ Jays, 61 Jackdaws (S/SW),
9 Rooks (S/SW), 1 Chaffinch (S), 4 Greenfinches (3S, 1W), 5 Goldfinches (S), 3 Siskins, 3 redpoll sp (E), 4 Bullfinches, 34 Yellowhammers (25in, 9S), 5 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (14:45-16:30) - 2 Cormorant (1 juv N, 1 S), 1 Grey Heron (N), 52 Canada Goose (N - same as Stephen's birds!), 5 Mallard (S), 1 Imm Sparrowhawk, 2 Pheasant (in), 3 Water Rail, 1 Common Snipe, 19 BH Gull (S), 1Ad LBB Gull (S), 22 Feral Dove (continually circling, from Kecksy's?), 3 Stock Dove, 1045 Wood Pigeon (in), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (N), 3 Thrush (spp. prob Redwings, but came in late, singly and did not call), 1 Fieldfare (W), 2 Magpie (in - absconders from Tednambury!), 2 Jay, 16 Jackdaw (S), 1 Rook (S), 2 Chaffinch,
1 Goldfinch (N), 13 Greenfinch (NE), 2 Siskin (N), 2 Bullfinch, 33 Reed Bunting (in) - Mike Harris
22nd December
Bishops Stortford -
Stortford Park/Grange Paddocks - 1 Kingfisher, 5+ Siskin in alders amongst goldfinch, Sparrowhawk 1 male, Jay 2, Goldcrest 6 thru trees beside paddling pool
River Stort (in the middle of new town development) - Canada Goose 4 on the water
Railway Station Carpark - Berries 0, Waxwing 0
Cemetery in Cemetery Rd: Coal Tit 4 (+), Goldcrest 10+, Chaffinch 22
The Green Belt - Chaffinch most numerous of finches today with over 40 along this stretch, Greenfinch 15, goldfinch 13, 2 Mistle and 3 Songthrush all singing with starlings and Tits unavoidable
Northern Country Park (stockman field) - Great Spotted Woodpecker (in the long line of trees running North-South on the east side of Stockman Field is a first for me here), grounded male Green Woodpecker, One singing Redwing!
Honeysuckle Close (my garden) - Blackcap male still present (3rd day), Dunnock, Robin, Songthrush, Wren, Blackbird 4(5) constantly bickering birds but no Sparrows yet, single Redwing down to grass on Oriole Way - Graeme J Smith
21st December
Honeysuckle Close - male Blackcap still - Graeme J Smith
SAL (0840-0910) - 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 9 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck, 25 Coot, 20 BH Gull (S), 3 Green Woodpecker, 1M Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Jay, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Chaffinch.
There was a Black Rabbit on the verge outside The Oaks, between Sawbridgeworth Station and the M11 bridge at 08:30. - Mike Harris
20th December
Honeysuckle Close - Blackcap male in my garden at 1235 - Graeme J Smith
19th December
River Stort - 3 Siskin feeding on alders with several Goldfinch at Roly Croke bridge. 1 Bullfinch by Southmill lock. Tony Moverley
Spellbrook - Common Buzzard sitting in a bush at the back of the field opposite the Suzuki dealers at 10:30 - Mike Harris
Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard in normal field pulling up worms - Mick East
18th December
Stortford Park Farm (east) - Black-headed Gull 7 South, Common Gull 33 South, Goldfinch 8, Starling 100+ (5, 53, 25+, 17), Greenfinch 7, Blackbird 16+, Blue Tit 5, Magpie 4, Carrion Crow 3, Rook 16, Green Woodpecker 3, Woodpigeon 115, Fieldfare 14, Bullfinch 2, Redwing 22, Song Thrush 2, Mistle Thrush 2, Jackdaw 2, Wren 2, Moorhen 2, Dunnock 3, Jay 2, Great Tit 2, Pied Wagtail 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Pheasant 1, Chaffinch 5, Robin 5(+) Five species of thrush on the lawns but very few finches
Stortford Park Farm (west) - Common Gull 8 south, Yellowhammer 3, Kestrel 1 hunting male, Common Buzzard 1 Vs. Crow over Stocking Wd later perching in tallest tree in East Wd, Jackdaw 3, plenty Rook and Woodpigeon but no Skylark, Meadow Pipit or Linnet - Graeme J Smith
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Southern End 13:45-14:45 and the Roost 14:45- 16:20 - 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 29 Canada Goose (S), 2 Mallard (S), 1 Common Buzzard (W - not the small dark morph), 2 Sparrowhawk (AdF, Imm M), 2 Kestrel (AdM,F), 5 Pheasant (in, 1M,4F), 652 BH Gull (SSW), 80 Common Gull (SSW), 4 Herring Gull (SSW), 62 LBB Gull (SSW), 2 GBB Gull (SSW, both full adults flying together, appeared to be a pair based on sexual dimorphism), 4 Stock Dove (single tight flock), 450 Wood Pigeon (in), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing (14 in, 1SW), 13 Fieldfare (in), 2 Goldcrest, Blue Tit entering nest box!, Long T Tit (H), 1 Jay, 58 Jackdaw (S), c.30 Rook feeding in field north of marsh, 1 Starling (SW), 5 Greenfinch (1W, 4H), 2 Siskin, 4 Bullfinch, 19 Reed Bunting (in) - Mike Harris
17th December
St Michael's Mead Lake, Southern CP - selected - Water Rail, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail
Furneux Pelham - selected - Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Fieldfare, Green Woodpecker, no sign of Great Grey Shrike TL42I
Albury - selected - Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail, House Sparrow, no sign of Tree Sparrow TL42H
Little Hadham - Barn Owl at Bridgefoot again - see 12.12 David Arch and Tony Moverley
16th December
Upwick - Farnham road - 2 x Common Buzzard in normal field - Mick East
15th December
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallard , 2 Pheasant, 1 Water Rail, 1 WOODCOCK (initially flushed from wet patch under trees at south end , of main marsh area, then twice in light at dusk), 614 Wood Pigeon (in), Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (over), 2 Fieldfare (in), 39 Jackdaw (S), 5 Reed Bunting (in), 1 Yellowhammer (over) - Chris Dee
14th December
SAL (08:50-09:45) - 2 Mute Swan, 18 Mallard, 21 Teal, 1F Pochard, 1F Tufted Duck, 25 Coot, 1 WOODCOCK (came out of plantation at top of hill as I arrived), 3 Common Snipe, c.20 Lapwing (flew W), c.50 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull (SW), 3 Stock Dove, 1 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare - Mike Harris
Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard in normal field - Mick East
St. Michael's Mead Lake - Tufted Duck (1 male) : on lake. Water Rail (1) : squealing from somewhere in the Typha bed. Grey Wagtail (1) : flew out from sluice. - Chris Swan
12th December
Dane Park, B/S - Goldcrest (2) Feeding in ornamental cherry tree, right next to pavement. - Chris Swan
Much Hadham - selected. Great spotted Woodpecker 3, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1, Jay, Barn Owl, Common Buzzard, David Arch
10th December
Stansted Airport Lagoons - selected. 2 Bullfinch, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Common Snipe, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Teal,1 Tufted Duck (fem), David Arch
Hatfield Forest - selected. Marsh Tit, Great spotted Woodpecker, 24 Gadwall, 38 Black-headed Gull, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Owl, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, David Arch
9th December -
Hatfield Forest - selected. Marsh Tit, Song Thrush in Tree Reserve, Nuthatch, Squeaking ice, 4 Fallow Deer, 1 Great Crested Grebe, David Arch
7th December
Farnham West - Juv Merlin from Essex into Herts - Mick East
Trims Green (10:00-11:00) - 270 Golden Plover, 1000+ Wood Pigeon, 40 Fieldfare, 10 Yellowhammer
1 Brown Hare - Mike Harris
Sawbridgeworth - Goldcrest - Kevin Hanrahan
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:40) - 4 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron, 40 Canada Geese (in field East of road near the Station, one bird with Red Darvic), 4 Mallard (S), 2 Kestrel, 2FF Pheasant (in), 2 Water Rail, , 1 WOODCOCK (in to feed), 129 BH Gull (S), 44 Common Gull (S),
1 Stock Dove, 145 Wood Pigeon (in, 105, 20, 20), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (flew into central Alders from Wood across river), 3 Meadow Pipit (in), 10 Redwing (3E, 2S, 5 in), 1 Mistle Thrush, 23 Fieldfare (7N, 4NE, 3S, 7W, 2 in), 114 Jackdaw (S),
61 Rook (S), 8 Chaffinch (3N, 4S,1E), 6 Bullfinch (4S, 1E, 1W), 43 Reed Bunting (in), 2 Yellowhammer (NE) - Mike Harris & John Slee.
6th December
St Michaels Mead pond aka the lake at Southern Country Park - From the North side railings: - Water Rail 2, Siskin at least 1 amongst Goldfinches, JACK SNIPE 3, Tufted Duck - Resident drake joined by second, Sparrowhawk - Fem hunting over - Graeme J Smith
5th December
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:20-16:10)- 1 juv Cormorant (S), 1 Common Buzzard (W at dusk, the small D/ph bird), 4 Pheasant (in), 1 WOODCOCK (flushed from the area of recently cut juncus in the old horse paddock, between the Reedbed and the road), 177 BH Gull (S), 12 Common Gull (S), 1Ad LBB Gull (S), 90 Wood Pigeon (roost in Kecksy's Bridge Wood - very poor count), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (heard only), 8 Redwing (1W, 7 in), 1 Fieldfare (W),
70 Jackdaw (S), 2 Starling (W), 1 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch (SW), 22 Reed Bunting (in). - Mike Harris
Tednambury Marsh roost,(14:45-16:10) - 5 Cormorant (SW), 2 Grey Herons (singles N), 2m Sparrowhawks, 1m Kestrel, 1 Pheasant (in), 3+ Water Rails, 322 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 71 Common Gulls (SW), 21 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 1 Herring Gull, 11 Stock Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Meadow Pipits (in), 7 Fieldfare (W), 1 Redwing (W), 44 Magpies (in), 2 Jays, 18 Jackdaws (SW), 12 Greenfinch (10S, 2 in), 1 Goldfinch (N), 1 Siskin, 17 Yellowhammers (in), 3 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
a couple of mornings this week (7:20 ish)about 20 Pied Wagtails roosting in the reeds at the bridge where the Stort goes under the Hatfield Heath road. - John Slee
1st December
Albury Lodge - Barn Owl, sitting on road sign to 'Upwick' - Mick East
29th November
St John's Pelham - 5M 4F Mandarin Duck in old moat - Mick East
28th November
Furneaux Pelham North - Barn Owl 06:30 - Mick East
27th November
Sawbridgeworth Station 7:25 - Grey Wagtail 1 high over, Siskin a couple calling over.- John Slee
25th November
Spellbrook - Woodcock. Flew into wood next to Hayter carpark from west at 0700 Hrs. Bird flushed from stream at lunchtime. My 100th species of the year in Trims Green and Spellbrook! Still no Barn Owl despite second sighting at Trims by another Hayter employee - Graeme J Smith
23rd November
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex) - BH Gull, Common Gull LBB Gull, Common Buzzard on ground, Grey Heron - Mick East
22nd November
SAL (08:35-09:15) - 3 Little Grebe, 1 Mallard (in), 1M Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 24 Coot, 4 BH Gull (N), 7 Common Gull (N), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Redwing, 9 L T Tit, 1 Starling, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex) - BH Gull, Common Gull LBB Gull, 40+ Lapwing - Mick East
19th November
Two Tawny Owl Records. TL42W by Red White and Blue on 5th November. One calling at 2015.
TL42V at All Saints Close one calling at 0430 on 19th November. da
Spellbrook - Sparrowhawk 1 female, Siskin 3(maybe 4) in Alder at bottom of Hayter drive, Goldfinch roost not exceeding 50 birds, Greenfinch roosting behind canteen easily numbering over 100 birds - Graeme J. Smith
14th November
SAL (08:15-08:55) - 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 17 Mallard, 1F Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 26 Coot, 1 Common Snipe, 28 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 9 Redwing, 23 Fieldfare, 6 Magpie, 2 Jay, 3 Starling, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch
SLRS (09:15-09:35) - 2 Mallard (over), 1F Sparrowhawk, 2 Ad LBB Gull, 1 BH Gull, c.40 Skylark (in field west of railway), 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Fieldfare, 65 Redwing (19,40,4,2 all drifting south locally), 5 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting
No Chaff was dumped this year, which has certainly kept the Finch numbers down. - Mike Harris
14th November
Tednambury Marsh roost - singing male CETTI'S WARBLER, though it is not very vocal - singing just twice at 16:05 & 16:15. 1 Grey Heron (in), 2m Sparrowhawks, 1m & 1f Kestrel, 5 Pheasants (in), 6 Water Rails, 162 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 26 Common Gulls (SW), 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 12 Stock Doves, 170 Woodpigeons (roosting in wood to S), 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 13 Meadow Pipits (in), 2 Grey Wagtails, 12 Pied Wagtails (E), 11 Fieldfares (7in, 4S), 8 Redwings (W), 5 Goldcrests, 3 Jays (in?), 84 Magpies (in), 127 Jackdaws (SW), 64 Rooks (SW), 3 Starlings (W), 7 Greenfinch (3N, 4S), 5 Goldfinch (10N, 5S), 3 Siskin (S), 2 Bullfinch, 39 Yellowhammers (in), 10 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore
13th November
Albury North - Barn Owl over road near Cut Throat Lane. - Mick East
12th November
Spellbrook (west) - Peregrine 1 Imm female SE overhead at 1020 hrs. this bird is a herts first for me - GJS
11th November
Albury NW - 300+ Fieldfare, 150+ Redwing, 200+ Chaffinch - Mick East
10th November
Bishops Stortford - Brambling 1 over my house SW at 0700hrs - GJS
9th November
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:30) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (N), 2 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard (worrying the Pigeon roost), 3 Kestrel (2M, 1F), 7 Pheasant (4M, 3F), 163 BH Gull (S), 13 Common Gull (S), 2 LBB Gull (S), 230+ Wood Pigeon (Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Collared Dove (E), 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Redwing (S including a tailess bird that had me head-scratching!), 5 L T Tit
447 Jackdaw (S. An excellent total, probably funnelled low into the valley due to the strong headwind), 16 Rook (S), 19 Starling (18S, 1NE), 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Siskin (S), 14 Reed Bunting (in - it will be interesting to see how long it will take for numbers to recover) - Mike Harris
SLRS 08:00-09:30 - f Gadwall and f Teal on the scrape, Lapwing 1 + 30 over, c50+BHG in the area, LBBG 1, Snipe 1, Skylark 1 flock of 20, Mipit 5, Yellowhammer c30, Chaffinch c30, Reed Bunting 2, Goldfinch, Goldcrest 1, Bullfinch heard, Redwing lots, Fieldfare 1, Cormorant 1, Jay, Kestrel 1 - John Slee
8th November
SAL (08:25-09:25) - 3 Little Grebe, 16 Mallard, 7 Teal, 1M Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck (injured F and 1M), 2 Kestrel (1M & distant hovering bird), 26 Coot, 30+ BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Stock Dove, 1 WOODLARK (flew south calling at 09:15 - towards HF), 2 Grey Wagtail (a pair, much courtship and some singing), 2 Meadow Pipit , 224 Redwing (W), 15 Fieldfare (W), 3 Jay, 3 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch (S), 2 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
7th November
Tednambury Marsh roost,(14:45-16:45) - GREAT WHITE EGRET flew SW to the west of the Railway line at 16:05.
Also of note, a male PEREGRINE flew SE at 15:36, and at least one male CETTI'S WARBLER was in the central marsh area - calling frequently and singing on at least three occasions during the afternoon. 4 Little Grebes, 16 Canada Goose (E), 1m Sparrowhawk, 1f Kestrel, 3+ Water Rails, 4 Snipe, 591 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 15 Common Gulls (SW), 1ad Lesser Black-backed Gull (SW), 22 Stock Dove (S), 150 Woodpigeons (roosting in wood to S), 1 Kingfisher, 10 Meadow Pipits (in), 10 Pied Wagtails (S), 6 Blackbirds (in), 4 Fieldfare (S), 31 Redwing (17E, 14W), 6 Goldcrests, 3 Jays, 45 Magpies (in), 118 Jackdaws (SW), 13 Rooks (SW), 220 Starling (W), 5 Chaffinches (S), 15 Greenfinches (8S, 3N, 4W), 19 Goldfinches, 4 Siskins (S), 1 Linnet (W), 1 Bullfinch (in?), 16 Yellowhammer (14in, 2S), 22 Reed Buntings (20in, 2S) - Stephen Patmore
4th November
Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail 2, Jack Snipe 1 up and down quickly while waiting for rail to appear, Canada goose 42, Tufted Duck 1 usual male - GJS
2nd November
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (14:50-16:45)- 1 Grey Heron , 2 Mute Swan (S), 8 Mallard (S), 1 Falcon (sp.) Bird was first seen flying directly away from me into the sunset. I could not get anything on it except that it had something long and thin trailing stiffly behind it. It was not hanging down so presumably not jesses. Possibly a radio transmitter ariel? If not maybe a twig or piece of straw? 1 Water Rail, 3 Pheasant (in), 127 BH Gull (115 S, 12 E), 2 Common Gull (E/SE), 500+ Golden Plover (4W then a huge flock circling over Trims Green at dusk), 1 Common Snipe (Still no Jack's), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Dove (1N, 1E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Skylark (N), 29 Redwing (6 in, 20N, 2S, 1E), 25 Fieldfare (6 in, 14W, 2S, 2N, 1E), 2 Mistle Thrush (N), 1M STONECHAT (Ringed on right leg, one of Chris's last years birds?), c.10 Long tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 10 Rook (S), 130 Jackdaw (S), 28 Starling (9N, 10E, 7W, 2SW), 7 Chaffinch (4N, 1W, 2S), 7 Greenfinch (5N, 2W), 1 Goldfinch (SE), 2 Bullfinch (E), 65 Reed Bunting (in)
1 Pipistrelle type. - Mike Harris
Just to perk up the Song Thrush numbers. We have had at least six for most of October and still today. Its the snail quality but mainly yew berries. The fruit does not stay in the body for long and the slabs are covered in squashed squits. We have had a few Redwing come through but they are in the minority. About ten Blackbirds and non possessive Mistle Thrush make up the thrushes. We do not remember these numbers before. One Greenfinch will change colour to Grosbeak pink if it carries on. And the constant flying from one cover to another! Robin and Wren and Dunnock are resident and 2 Blue Tit and some Great Tits are not flocking. Collared Dove and Crow are still here. Woodpigeon seem to have gone off somewhere. Jay and Magpie visit. da
1st November
SAL (08:10-09:30) - Most movement N/NW into headwind. 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron(E), 7 Mallard
(No sign of injured F Tufted), 23 Coot, 20 Golden Plover (N), 1 Lapwing (in from S), 99 BH Gull (N), 8 Common Gull (N), 3 LBB Gull (N), 5 Herring Gull (S unusual here lately), 2 Green Woodpecker, 38 Skylark (3S and a flock of 35 NW), 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 10 Long tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 31 Redwing (N/NW), 247 Fieldfare (N/NW), 5 Jay (W at low level)), 20 Starling, 15 Chaffinch (NW), 8 Greenfich, 9 Goldfinch, 3+ Siskin (1 in scrub and two unseen calls overhead)
Also 1 Common Buzzard at Hatfield Heath at 08:00.
Trims Green (09:45-10:00) - 1 Cormorant (circling fishing pools), 218 Golden Plover, 6 Lapwing, 164 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, , 5 Grey Partridge (in Field west of Tharbies, south of the road)
Generally there are small numbers of Redwing all around Sawbridgeworth in the bushes. I even had six birds flying down Bell Street at 07:30 Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest Lake - Siskin 30 by the side of the path next to lake leading to the shell house - Pete Duxon
Hadham Ford - wood pigeons 5000+, corvids 100's, skylarks 10 east and constantly calling, LBBG 3 north, BHG 1 north, finch/bunting flocks (green, chaff, gold + yellowhammer and reed), many small flocks, max number 30, sparrow hawk 1, kestrel 2, FEMALE BLACKCAP! 1 in hedgerow, fieldfare 150+, redwings 300+ (local and moving west), pied wagtail 2, common buzzard 1, linnet 10, mallard 2 - Jono Forgham
31st October
Trims Green - '''merlin''' seen today just before 7 around trims cottages and pond at spellbrook junction, a brief flypast of hayter at 1015 (ish) and was sat on the new farm building during my lunch break. finished work at 1500hrs but could not find bird anywhere
30th October
Trims Green - male '''Merlin''' hunting from arrival at 1610 until we left at 1640 as we kept losing it in the darkness. bird flew past us on numerous occasions a few times within 30 yards! Pulled up in a few trees between persuits allowing a few (probably rubbish) photos - GJS
29th October
Trims Green - Golden Plover 76, Stonechat 1 male on road side 100 yards west of rhino entrance, Redwing 20+ west, Fieldfare 7 west, Cormorant 1 north, finches... lots at farm buildings mostly yellowhammer and chaffinch but uncounted due to accident
Hayter, spellbrook (west) - Fieldfare '''189''' (60 locals, 24 south, 105 west), Redwing '''175''' (63 south-west, 42 west, 70 locals), Sparrowhawk 1 fem hunting over, Blackbird 17 on the lawn at once with fieldfare! - GJS
28th October
Trims Green - Golden Plover 86
Spellbrook (west) - Chaffinch 160 west, Redwing arriving everywhere with exactly 200 noted today, 1 Fieldfare (my 1st), 4 REDPOLL west - GJS
27th October
Trims Green - new farm building clear of mist, masses of black-headed gulls, goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, mipits and skylark this morning also 6 linnet, 10 house Sparrow, 20+ common gulls, 1 kestrel,1 REED BUNTING, 14 yellowhammer and 1 cormorant north
Spellbrook West - Redwing 25 (13W, 12 locals)
Honeysuckle Cl B/S - Sparrowhawk 1 male hunting over - GJS
26th October
Sawbridgeworth - Merlin. Parsonage Lane immediately flushed a male merlin which flew in front of the car, characteristically low, before heading into the first hedge running north south on the
northern side of the lane before the sharp righthand bend towards the second handcar dealership - Jono Forgham
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:30-17:15) - 1 Grey Heron (N), 12 Mallard (S), 1F Sparrowhawk (into Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Kestrel (E at dusk), 4 Pheasant (in), 48 BH Gull (S), 1 Common Gull (S), 6 LBB Gull (S), 24 Golden Plover (E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 150 Wood Pigeon roosting in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 3 Stock Dove, 7 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare (in), 4 Blackbird (all at height, 2S, 1E, 1W), 6 Meadow Pipit (in), 237 Jackdaw (S), 7 Rook (S), 5 Starling (SW), 2 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch (5S, 1N), 5 Siskin (in), 36 Reed Bunting (in)
Also 1 very large Bat (sp.) hunting over the Marsh, along with 2 Pipistrelle sized Bats.
It had about an 8" wingspan and had a very straight line of flight at good height, except when diving down on insects. - Mike Harris
25th October
SAL (08:35-09:50) - 1 Little Grebe, 15 Mallard, 1M Gadwall, 1F Tufted Duck, 28 Coot, 1 Water Rail (A proper poser!), 1 Green Sandpiper, 41 BH Gull, 1Ad LBB Gull, 3 Green Woodpecker, 19 Skylark (mainly W), 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit (S), 12 Redwing (7 in, 5W),
1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Jay, 17 Starling (W), 9 Chaffinch (W), 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Albury North - Commom Buzzard - Mick East
24th October
Much Hadham, over golf course, Westland Green - 1000's wood pigeons (lare influx over the last few days with the winter wheat coming through), 1000+ corvids, skylarks 5+, sparrow hawk 2, long tailed tits 50+, goldcrests 10+, marsh tit 2 (only 3rd record this year for my patch!), great tit 15+, blue tit 15+, jay 2, magpie 4, redwings 50+, fieldfares 5, song thrush 1, linnets 10+, yellowhammers 15+, goldfinches 10+, chaffinches 25+ increase, GBBG 2, LBBG 25, BHG 1, stock dove 2, mallard 2 high and heading north west, grey partridge 11, pheasant loads (pens just been opened for November shoot), blackbirds 20+ increase, bullfinch 2, dunnock 1, house sparrow 65+, moorhen 1, collared dove 20+, tawny owl 1, nuthatch 1, green woodpecker 5+, GSW 2, starlings 50+, wren 10+, robin 10+ - Jono Forgham
23rd October
Fair Lady Wood(FP) - Common Buzzard 2 over woods - Mick East
22nd October
Redericks Lane - Common Buzzard, Three together in thermal at 14:15. 1 left Southwards later. - Anita & Lisa Harris
Common Buzzard soaring over Twyford Fields lunchtime (1250pm).
Dave Sampson
Smaller garden tit flock this morning just with Blue Tits and Goldcrest
Other birds - Jay, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Greenfinch - da
21st October
All Saints Close, B/S. lunchtime - FIRECREST - David Arch
With flock including Coal, Long-tailed, Great and Blue
Also Sparrowhawk almost as per usual resting in tops of local trees
before next movement down the slope.
Also, Kingfisher at River at Grange Paddocks. da
Upwick - Farnham road - BH Gull 50, Common Gull 14, LBB Gull 7 - Mick East
Trims Green - probable merlin - DS, GJS
19th October
SLRS - Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Yellowhammer on meadow, Reedbunting (f) 2 Kestrel,1Redwing,2 Jay, corvids all over, Gn wood pecker(h), GSW, usual Magpies, Robins Wrens etc, 5 Moorhen on near dry scrape, 2 BHG, 1LBBG, River held c15 Long Tailed Tits in Willows also Great & Blue Tits, 1 Kingfisher flying close to far bank toward morings. - Kevin Hanrahan
18th October
Coploe Hill - immature Osprey flew SW between 10:25-10:35am. 07:05-11:05am were 4069 Redwing, 2345 Fieldfares and 1339 Chaffinches - all west. - Stephen Patmore
Much Hadham - 200+ redwings in fields between Little and Much Hadham. goldcrest 3 in the garden
bullfinch 2, 1 male leucistic jackdaw, now becoming darker in the primaries and still accepted by jackdaws and rooks, but not magpies. chiffchaff 2, pied wagtails (small movement west), tawny owl 4+ calling at dawn and dusk, LTT's everywhere in groups up to 16. - Jono Forgham
Biggins Farm (08:25-09:55) - Main movement (All West) 31 Skylark, 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Alba Wagtail, 290 Fieldfare, 569 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing/Song Thrush, 55 Starling, 40 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 32 Linnet
Also presumed feeding locally: - 9 Mallard (W), 53 Golden Plover (24,10,16,3), c.200 Lapwing (N)
2 BH Gull (W), 3 Common Gull (W), 1 LBB Gull (W), 2000+ Wood Pigeon (not migrants - just blogging around in vast flocks trying to avoid the myriad of Pigeon shooters!) 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest , 1 Reed Bunting (SW), 6 Yellowhammer (W)
Trims and noted a few Lapwing scattered around and about 60 Golden Plover on the airfield (S). A flock of seven Redwing landed in the Cow field tree and a tight party of 50 Fieldfare went through at 10:15 but after that it quietened down.
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (16:50-18:30) - 2 Grey Heron (S), 5 Mallard, 4 Canada Goose (N), 36 BH Gull (SSW), 7 Common Gull (SSW), 11 LBBB Gull (SSW), 2 Common Buzzard (W at dusk), 2 Sparrowhawk (Imm M & Ad F), 3 Pheasant (in), 2 Stock Dove (E), 1 Collared Dove (E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit (in), 3 Fieldfare (S), 1 Redwing (in), 37 Starling (20E, 1W, 16E), 115 Jackdaw (S), 14 Chaffinch (W), 4 Greenfinch, 36 Reed Bunting (in), Also a Muntjac calling from the middle of the Reedbed at dusk! - Mike Harris
17th october
Spellbrook (west) - 13 redwing SW (4, 2, 7) in the 30 mins before work, Little Owl calling
Trims Green - Golden Plover 40+ on South field - gjs
16th October
Spellbrook (west) - only 2 Redwing this morning
Stortford Park Farm (west) - Skylark 43 south, Meadow Pipit c.15 on site, Yellowhammer 12+, Linnet 3 - gjs
Golden Plover and Lapwing in brief flight estimated at 50 of each just north of Pole Hole Farm on road from High Wych to Pye Corner in TL41L - da - submitted to Bird Atlas for Green and Gold survey
14th October
Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail coming to water inlet, showing from railings - gjs
Trims Green - 82 Golden Plover counted on ground south of east west road and west of Shingle Hall
- too early for Green and Gold survey - da
13th October
Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail coming to water inlet, showing from railings - gjs
Coploe Hill - Hawfinch One flew SW over Coploe Hill at 07:40am today.
Yesterday, a dutch/belgian ringed adult Mediterranean Gull in fields near the viewpoint. - Stephen Patmore
12th October
Patmore Heath - Buzzard, 6 buzzards circling at height, drifting north. Then one alone, much lower staying local. - keith watts
Little Hadham - 2 wanders in the misty mornings this weekend. Highlight was 6 lesser redpolls high, heading west. 80th sp for my patch. Common buzzard showed well, low over Ash Valley G.C. clubhouse. A local bird, recognisable by the primary and secondary colouring. Also:- bullfinch 2, 1 m, Green woodpecker several, GSW 1, linnets, yellowhammers, greenfinches (plenty), BHG 7 south west noon, Tawny owl (4+ calling 6.00 - 6.30 am today), Little owl 1 calling 6.30am today, skylark 3 west, corvids (100's), jays 15+, goldcrests 3, blackcap (1 singing!), kestrel, plus usual fare.
Plus - migrant hawker 1, common darter females 3, comma 3, peacock 3, small white 2, BRIMSTONE 1 male in Chapel Lane, hornets 25+ on footpath off Chapel Lane - Jono Forgham
11th October
SAL (07:40-09:00) - 3 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron (W), 2 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag Goose (S at 08:44 with Canada's - did they show up at the Forest?), 7 Canada Goose (S at 08:44), 16 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk (W), 1M Kestrel, 16+ Moorhen, 26 Coot, 1 Snipe, 36 BH Gull (min), 4 Common Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 5 Stock Dove (N), 60 Wood Pigeon (NE), 9 Collared Dove (5W,4N at height), 1 Kingfisher (H), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 6 Skylark (S), 4 Meadow Pipit (S), 4 Alba Wagtail (S), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S), 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Redwing (SW), 5 Blackbird (All SW at extreme height, presumed continental birds), 51 Jackdaw (W, 16 + 35 at height - local birds from the Forest not counted), 45 Starling (W/NW 6,8,3,2,17,3,6), 19 Chaffinch (W), 9 Linnet (S), 4 Goldfinch (S), 6 Greenfinch (S), 1 Siskin (S), 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Trims/Allens Green (15:45-16:30)- 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 126 Golden Plover (70,43,6,7), c.150 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull (fuscus type, superb Adult seen on the deck down to 50M), c.500 Wood Pigeon, 10+ Stock Dove, 1 Little Owl (calling loudly throughout visit), 50+ Starling - Mike Harris
SLRS - Rock Pipit this mornin. It was with 2 Meadow Pipits, and was sturdier with a dark sturdier bill, legs had a pinkish tinge but were not bright pink; the back was a dark grey-brown, and the streaking on the breast was heavy like it had run in the wash, not the fine streaking of the Meadow Pipits. In some lights it appeared to be yellowish on the vent. otherwise:- Snipe 10, Lapwing 2, Moorhen 18, Sparrowhawk 2, Green Woodpecker 1, GSW 1, Bullfinch c5, a mixed flock of Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, and Chaffinch was at Feakes Lock - c30 in total
Meadow Pipits and Skylark - single moving overhead. - John Slee
10th October
Walk in from Thorley Church to spellbrook along farm paths in the dark 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 1
Spellbrook (west) - (0710-0730) Kestrel 1 - local, Cormorant 3 (2 juvs, 1 ad) - all over together North-East, Pied Wagtail 6 onto roof from North-West, Mistle Thrush 4 All East their usual first light appearance, Mallard 5 West, Greenfinch 6 West, Chaffinch 2 West (1405-1430) LESSER REDPOLL 1 - In the siskin alder at entrance to hayter. After a few minutes the bird had a quick look round the silver birch then flew east. Only my second of the species around Stortford in six and a half years, Chaffinch 25 an amazing increase, Greenfinch 54 between spellbrook farm and Trims Green in 3 groups (17, 8, 29), Great Spotted Woodpeckers still very vocal on north edge of hayter land
Trims Green - Skylark 20+ an increase, Yellowhammer 2, Meadow Pipits 5 (2, 3), Common Buzzard 1 local, Kestrel 1 female, Black-backed Gulls c100 in the field next to Thorley church with LBBGs, Lesser Black-backed Gulls c.20 see above, Woodpigeon - flock of c.350 birds was the largest noted today, Sparrowhawk 2 (1 imm low south... about a yard off the ground, 1 adult male spooking all but one brave/stupid chaffinch from around the new farm building.... stopped for sometime in closest tree giving plenty time to appreciate this awsome predator), Linnet 7 - Very low numbers present due to hunting Sparrowhawk, Pheasant - An all-green job was on the opposite side of the road to Blounts - GJS
9th October
Thorley Church to spellbrook 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 2 One from thorley church grounds and another from 'thorley?' wood, Redwing 1 South, Mistle Thrush 1 Singing from church grounds
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Bullfinch 2, Black-headed Gull 19 (1 N, 1S, 17N), Mistle Thrush 3 - over East. presumed loacal roosting bird as they've been passing over each morning, Redwing 1 east with mistle thrush again, Greenfinch 31 west in 2 groups, Goldfinch 12 west, Mallard 3 west, Sparrowhawk 1 Female. Still hanging around North perimeter of hayter land (8th day), Jay 3(4) locals, Great Spotted Woodpecker 3 (2 male, 1 female), Common Buzzard 2 locals (Ad and Juv), Chaffinch 13 (8, 5) all south-west, Skylark - several calling on fields to the north
Four adjoining fields, 500 yards north from hayter at 1530hrs - Woodpigeon c.650
Jackdaw c.270 eventually leaving east Rook 35-40, Black-headed Gull 25-30, Starling c.50, Meadow Pipit 1, Skylark 7 (6, 1) - more detail on my blog - Graeme J Smith
8th October
Thorley Church to spellbrook in the dark 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 2, Tawny Owl 1
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Grey Wagtail 1, Chiffchaff 1 Singing, Mallard 37 west in 25 mins, Goldfinch 45-50 west, Greenfinch c.70 west, Chaffinch 11 (8W, 3E), Jackdaw c.250 just north of Hayter at 0730hrs, 41 east at lunch, Mistle Thrush 4 over East, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 west, Coal Tit 2(3) Calling, Goldcrest 3 (2, 1), Pied Wagtail 7 (3 locals, 4 west), Yellow Wagtail 1 over west, Harlequin Ladybird Seemingly very active with 5 landing on/near me, Canada Goose 2 over low east with more calling from field to west but all gone by lunchtime, Bullfinch 1 female, Jay 5 (3 SW, 2 Local), Redwing 6 SW, Black-headed Gull 37 NE, Kestrel 2 M+F, Yellowhammer 1
Trims Green - Golden Plover 27 on south field, Linnet 33, Meadow Pipit 14, Lapwing 120+ restless at mathams pit, Skylark c.15, Common Buzzard 1 Local - GraemeJS
7th October
Sawbridgeworth Station (06:25-06:33) - The following overhead in the darkness, 1 Redwing , 1 Song Thrush, 2+ Jackdaws, Plenty of Robins singing both east and west of the platforms. - Mike Harris
River Stort, Riverside Building site - Kingfisher, up and down river several times. - Mick East
Trims Green - Golden Plover few callng in the dark, Blackbird 4 alarming birds on arrival was a surprise considering i've not really seen/heard many recently
Spellbrook (west) - Redwing 2 over E, Mistle Thrush 6 (2S, 4E), Little Owl 1 calling from hayter car park just before first light, Blackbird six birds heard calling/alarming beween car park and hayter entrance. a remarkable increase from the usual two, Green Woodpecker 1, Long-tailed tit 50+ (largest flock: 32), Kestrel female with kill, Great Spotted Woodpacker 1 female, Starling c.40 SW, Songthrush 3 - trying to settle in tall trees in wood adjoining main car park but were very nervous, carrying on South after a little while
Stortford Park Farm (west) - Blackbird four in 'stonechat corner' was another surprise, Meadow Ppit 20+ grounded, Yellowhammer 7, Linnet 8, Chaffinch 2 South - GraemeJSmith
6th October
Coploe Hill - 4 Pintail (S), 1f Hen Harrier, 1m Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey, 1f Merlin, 1f Peregrine
1adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Tree Sparrows, 68 Redpolls, 1 Crossbill - Stephen Patmore
Trims Green - Meadow Pipit 3, Black-headed Gull 30+, Lesser Black-backed Gull 5+, Common Gull 2 Red-legged Partridge 9
Spellbrook (west)- Mistle Thrush 2, Jay 4 locals, Black-headed Gull 20+ North, Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 North, Greenfinch 12, Goldfinch 22 South, Pied Wagtail 3 On roof still, Common Buzzard 2 South, Coal Tit 13 (8, 5) Amongst two Long-tailed flocks, Treecreeper 2 With Blue Tits, Goldcrest 3, Sparrowhawk 1 Female still hunting around the car park during first light, Kestrel 1 Female with a kill, grounded on North-West field, Herring Gull 1 Graeme J Smith
4th October
SAL (08:20-09:20) - 5 Little Grebe (decrease), 14 Mallard, 1F Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Coot, 18 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 LBB Gull (W), 1 Snipe, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker,
1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (W), 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit (S), 4 Mistle Thrush, 1 Phyllosc (sp.), 3 Goldcrest, 27 Starling (Locals? - 8W,4W,8N,5S,2S), 1 Greenfinch (S), 1 Goldfinch (S), 1 Chaffinch (S), 5 Reed Bunting
Trims Green (09:35-09:50) - The field east of the entrance to Lysander park was full of birds, but were continually being spooked. Very rough estimates as follows:- 25 Golden Plover , 70 Lapwing, 30 LBBG, 100 BHG, 200 Starling
West Road, Sawbridgeworth
A low, tight flock of 31 Redwing flew SW at 09:55. - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill,(07:00-09:00 & 11:15-12:00)
4 Cormorants (S), Grey Heron (W), Mute Swans (S), 8 WIGEON (S), 5 Mallard (S), 7 Golden Plover (SE), 8 Black-headed Gulls (W), 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (W),
35 Skylarks (S), 64 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 ROCK PIPIT (S at 08:20am), 7 alba Wagtails (S), 2 Blackbird (W), 12 Song Thrush (S), 21 Redwing (S), 2 Mistle Thrush (S), 2 Jays (N), 155 Starlings (S/W), 29 Chaffinches (W), 66 Greenfinches (S), 307 Goldfinches (S/W), 6 Siskins (S), 1 Redpoll sp (N), 137 Linnets (S/W), 9 Reed Buntings (S)
Also:
5 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels, 49 Red-legged Partridges, 146 Lapwings, 1ad MEDITERRANEAN GULL (in ploughed field c.11:15-12:00), 157 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls
1 Scandinavian Herring Gull (an absolute monster, presumed argentatus), 126 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 38 Collared Doves (record Coploe count!), 2 Chiffchaffs, 25+ Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore
16:30 ploughed field E of the Tharbies/Trim's Green field.
Golden Plover 330 - some still with remnants of black bellies. Lapwing c100, Starling c100,
BH Gull c50
Lysander Park - Red Legged Partridge 8
earlier, 1 Common Buzzard south over Sawbridgeworth - John Slee
Hatfield Forest - Buzzard (1) Present on and off all day whilst we were coppicing in Collins Coppice. Heard in a.m. and seen at 4.00 p.m. being mobbed by 2 crows. - Chris Swan
3rd October
SLRS - 3 Snipe, 250+ Jackdaw flying West to roost. c.25 mixed Finches feeding in freshly harvested fields East of lay-by. Only Green and Chaffinch identified. - Mike Harris
2nd October
Spellbrook (west) - Sparrowhawk 1 south, Jay 5, Meadow Pipit 2 south, Grey Wagtail 3 (one was south), Pied Wagtail 7 on roof, Yellow Wagtail 4 on roof leaving eventually west, Songthrush 1 south, Redwing 2 south, Skylark 4 North over Hayter, Herring Gull 1 North, Golden Plover 6 west, Kestrel 1 female
Trims Green - Lapwing c.120 above south airfield, Golden Plover 2 (+) calling from ground but not seen - Graeme J Smith
1st October
Stortford - Redwing 1 south over house at 0705hrs - GJS
30th September
Spellbrook - Chiffchaff 1 still singing, TEAL 1 west
Trims Green - Starling 150+ Graeme J Smith
29th September
Trims Green - Golden Plover 80. Two flock of 50 and 30 joining up and circling above site. I don't know if they took off or were looking to land
Spellbrook (west) - single siskin in silver birch at entrance to hayter
Southern Country Park (Michaels Mead Pond) - Canada Goose 21, Small Tortoiseshell, SMALL COPPER - Graeme J.Smith
B/S College Playing Fields - Green Woodpecker (3) - Chris Swan
28th September
Hatfield Forest Lake - Jackdaw c.200, Coal Tit 13 min on west side of lake with mixed tit flock, Nuthatch 1, Gadwall 8, Teal 5, Long-Tailed Tit 50+
Stortford Park Farm - Common Buzzard 2 Juv south, Swallow 1 south, Skylark c.30 on fields to west, Green Woodpecker 3, Linnet 4, Yellowhammer 3 calling, Chiffchaff 2 - GraemeJSmith
Coploe Hill, (09:00-10:45) - 2 Mallard (W), 2 Golden Plover (S), 13 Lapwing (S), 21 Black-headed Gulls (NW), 36 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 1 Herring Gull (W), 38 Skylark (S), 17 Swallows (S),
78 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S), 12 alba Wagtails (S), 6 Song Thrush (S), 2 Redwing (S), 1 Mistle Thrush (S), 14 Jays (S-W), 1 TREE SPARROW (S), 15 Chaffinch (S/W), 13 Greenfinch (S), 84 Goldfinch (S), 19 Siskin (S), 29 Redpoll sp (S), 33 Linnet (S), 10 Reed Bunting (S)
Also: , 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 1m Bullfinch, 6 Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore
Much Hadham - Common Buzzard X3 1 chased off by other 2, single bird then joined by Sparrowhawk. - Mick & Brenda East
Allens Green Airfield Layby (17:15-18:00) - 1 Cormorant (S), 26 Canada Geese (E), 5 Mallard (E), 4 Kestrel , 1F Sparrowhawk, 88 BH Gull (S), 7 LBB Gull (S), 110 Golden Plover (106, 1 in, 3 in), c.60 Lapwing, 6 Meadow Pipit, c.120 Starling, 10 Linnet - Mike Harris
27th September
Thorley Wash - very quiet - but 3 Sparrowhawks observed soaring together over South fields. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (indeterminate sex) seen in briefly flight near Twyford Lock end; also one Kingfisher. Whinchat(probable juv female) seen briefly at the back of St.James church by industrial buildings. - Dave Sampson
Thorley Wash - Honey Buzzard over S - Mick & Brenda East
SAL (08:45- 10:00)- 16 Teal, 1F Tufted Duck (the breeders and offspring have departed, leaving the old injured female in solitude), 2 Snipe, 1 juv LBB Gull (W), 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark (W), 30 Meadow Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 20 Robin (Immigrants?), 1F STONECHAT, 5+ Song Thrush (Immigrants?), 2 REDWING (in high from E, left S), 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Phylloscs (spp.), 2 SISKIN (W)
Start Hill (10:05) - 1 Swallow still entering breeding garage at roadworks,
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (10:15-10:45) - , 1 Cormorant (S), 8 Mallard, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow (S), 7 Meadow Pipit (S), 1 Chiffchaff, 15 Long tailed Tit, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer (S)
2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoishell, 1 Comma - Mike Harris
SLRS - 10 Snipe, 15 Moorhen, Grn Woodpecker, Robins clicking all over, c1500+ Corvids over on route to Pishobury roost. - K Hanrahan
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (17:35-19:05) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (E), 12 Mallard (S), 1 Common Buzzard (W at dusk, the small Dph M as usual), 1 Hobby (N @ 18:25), 2 Pheasant (in), 2 Water Rail (singing at dusk), 1 Snipe (SW), 1 BH Gull (E), 7 LBB Gull (S), 12 Stock Dove (7NW, 5 SE), 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 G S Woodpecker, 25 Swallow (15S and 10 in at dusk - a new species roosting in the reedbed for me), 5 Jay, 59 Jackdaw (S), 4 Starling (NE), 2 Greenfinch (S), 31 Reed Bunting (in)
Also two Pipistrelles flying along the road at the northern end of the marsh, as I left. - Mike Harris
26th September
Siskin 4 still in trees at hayter entrance in Spellbrook, Wheatear 1 fem/juv on fields between Spellbrook and Thorley church - Graeme J Smith
25th September
Spellbrook (West) - Jay 3 two over South-East, Siskin 4, Grey Wagtail 1 South-West, Chiffchaff 1 singing, Swallow 4 South
Trims Green - Common Buzzard 2 one over South, Golden Plover c.100 landing on North airfield (1315), Lapwing 130-150 taking a while to settle on South-East Trimms Green field (1305hrs)- Graeme J. Smith
SLRS (18:15-18:30) - 4 Mallard, 4 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 1 Meadow Pipit - Mike Harris
24th September
Patmore Heath area - Common Buzzard, Jay 6, Mistle Thrush 22, Red-legged Partridge 3 - Mick East
SAL - 2 Mute Swans, 10 Teal, 1f Kestrel, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtails, 1f Stonechat, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Jays, 6 Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
23rd September
Sawbridgeworth - Hobby 1 S high over,Swallow - 3 over, Grey Wagtail - 2 over the Stort - John Slee
Farnham Road (Essex) - 7 Swallow on wires, Merlin F chasing Yellowhammer flock near pylons - Mick East
22nd September
Vantorts Estate, Sawbridgeworth - Hobby One Hobby flew low over my garden, calling and scattering all the small stuff this morning at 9am. - Steve Butler
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker juv, Long-tailed tit x9 - Mick East
Rushy Mead and the R. Stort - Sparrowhawk 1 Female, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Both 1st year birds over East, Great Black-backed Gull 1 South, Green Woodpecker 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker 4, House Martin few calling over South, Swallow 2 firstyears over North, Pied Wagtail 1 - South, REDWING 6 Calling high over South. Chiffchaff 2 - A big drop in numbers since last week along the same path, Long-tailed Tit 50++, Treecreeper 1, Jay 10 minimum... far more than I'd ever expect to see along here, SISKIN 7 South - Graeme J Smith
Hatfield Forest - Siskin c20 - a vocal, mobile flock, Goldfinch c30, Marsh Tit 2, Goldcrest 1, GSW 1, Jay - a number flying around - are they establishing winter territories?, Nuthatch 1 calling, Kestrel - John Slee
SAL - 1 Whinchat, 1m Stonechat - Colin Wills:
22nd September (08:25) - 5 Jay (NW at height)
Trims Green Area. (09:00-09:40) - 1 Cormorant (N), 1 Grey Heron, 48 Golden Plover (Allens Green airfield), c.20 LBB Gull, c. 250 BH Gull, 5 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit (S), 2 Jay (W), 3 Brown Hare
Start Hill (10:00) - 4 Swallows at nesting garage by roadworks, 2 Jay
SAL (10:05-11:25) - 15 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 18 Mallard, 2 Tufted duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 28 Coot, 15 LBB Gull, 32 BH Gull (1 in, 31 NE), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Kingfisher (sat in bush overhanging the lagoon, but did not dive in ten minutes), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 House Martin
34 Meadow Pipit (min count - feeding on newly mown lagoon banks), 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail (inclu singing male), 1-2 WHINCHAT, 1M STONECHAT, 1 Song Thrush (flushed from Reed bed!), 1 Willow Warbler , 9 Chiffchaff (inclu 1 singing male), 3 Phyllosc (spp.), 18 Jay (mainly W, largest party 5), 5 Chaffinch, 17 Goldfinch, 13 Linnet, 6 Reed Bunting Also 1M Common Blue Butterfly,
Hatfield Forest - 1 Common Buzzard (South of main entrance)
SLRS (11:35-12:00) - 8 Mallard (N), 22 Moorhen, 3 BH Gull (W), 2 GS Woodpecker, 2 Meadow Pipit (S), 1M Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Jay, 1 Goldfinch
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (17:20-19:10) - 3 Cormorant (1N, 2S), 1 Ad Grey Heron (S), 27 Mallard + 1 Aylesbury type (18N, 2S, 8 in to river), 1 Common Buzzard (W into Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Sparrowhawk (into Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Hobby (SSW, but may have roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 2 Pheasant (MF in), 1 Water Rail (seen in flight calling and singing later at dusk), 7 BH Gull (SE), 9 LBB Gull (1Ad N, 1juv N, 7Ad S, 10juv S), 11 Stock Dove (5S, 1N, 5 in to Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 3 Green Woodpecker, 3 Meadow Pipit (NE), 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Jay, 3 Starling (NE), 3 Greenfinch (SW), 5 Bullfinch (4NE at height, 1 in), 25 Reed Bunting (in) - Mike Harris
21st September
Coploe Hill(09:00-12:00) - 2 Grey Herons (N), 45 Canada Geese (NE), 2 Barnacle Geese (NE), 11 Lapwing (S), 138 Swallows (S/SE), 12 House Martins (S), 156 Meadow Pipits (S), 2 Grey Wagtails (S), 16 alba Wagtails (S), 1 Dunnock (S), 6 Song Thrush (S), 46 Jays (NW-NE) - inc parties of 8,8,9 & 11 birds!, 7 Chaffinch (S), 8 Greenfinch (S), 5 Siskin (S), 116 Goldfinch (S), 22 Linnets (S), 1 Reed Bunting (S) Also: 1 RED KITE (untagged individual at 10:45am), 5 Sparrowhawks, 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Hobby, 5 Kestrels, 20 Black-headed Gulls, 183 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1ad Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Stock Doves, 29 Skylarks, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Bullfinch - Stephen Patmore
20th September
SAL (14:15-16:05) - 10 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 26 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby (juv SW @ 15:45), 27 Coot, 1 Ad LBB Gull (E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 26 House Martin (SW), 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 WHINCHAT, 6 Phyllosc (spp.), 5 Jay, 11 Linnet, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer
3 Large White, 8 Small White, 1M Common Blue (tatty), 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown (sp.), 1 Small Heath
36 Common Blue Damselfly (inclu 2 joined pairs ovipositing), 3 Small Red-eyed Damselfly (all males), 14 Migrant Hawker, 1 Southern Hawker, 8 Common Darter - Mike Harris
18th September - Trims Green: Left house at 0515 to be at trims green before sunrise
3+ miles later (following public footpaths across fields in the dark): 0615-0705 - Grey Partridge 5 (3, 2) - I arrived at Trims a little before light (perfect) and just sat against a fence to try and take a count of passing meadow pipit. Five mins had passed and a Grey Part was calling nearby. Red-legged Partridge 4 , Grey Heron 3 , Lapwing 'some' South in darkness, Golden Plover, Meadow Pipit (0615-0645) 140+ overhead, well-spaced and passing south. Goldfinch 37 - In trees around new farm buildings, Linnet 2 - in trees, new farm building,
Hayter, Spellbrook (west):0705-0730 Hrs - Grey Partridge 1, Chiffchaff 1 - Single bird still singing in main car park , Yellow Wagtail 4 - Flew east from Hayter factory roof at 0715 hrs, Black Headed Gull 180 (exactly) North, Lesser Black-Backed Gull 6 - North, Common Gull 4 - North.
1010 Hrs Lapwing 73 - Heading South-West
1335 Hrs Grey Wagtail - single bird flying up onto hayter roof from the brook
Spellbrook Lock, Wallbury and the Wash: 13;45Hrs - Grey Wagtail 1 - Adult , Chiffchaff 3, Phyllo' Sp 1, Jay 2, Kingfisher 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1 - In an oak between the two trees that were used by Nuthatch (2006-2007), Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Blackcap - Single male
Red Admiral 3 - all really fresh Whites... Mostly Large whites today with a few unidentified Green-veined/Smalls thrown in.
Big Field South-East from Thorley Church: - Black-headed Gull c.600, Rook c.150, Starling c.100, Jackdaw c.80 Common Gull 4 - 2 juv Meadow pipit 95 - Counts of 43 and 52 grounded birds. They all took flight when kestrels passed, taking a full five mins for them all to settle. there were probably lots more? Yellow Wagtail 38 (7 on roof of Hadham Engineering, 17 put up by kestrels and another 14 following on after kestrels were out of sight)Kestrel 2 - both birds flying into church grounds seemed almost in low-level formation causing much concern from the masses of birds present House Martin 18 - South
Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park): 0- Chiffchaff 3 Canada Goose 17, House Martin 8 birds still in air above colony on Milliners Way - Greame J Smith
Little Canfield Tip - 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Hobby, Little Owl.
Elsenham Hall - 6 Common Buzzards.
Coploe Hil - 2 Red Kites,1 juv Marsh Harrier, 11 Common Buzzards, buzzard sp, 3 Hobby, 246 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2ad Yellow-legged Gulls, 297 Swallows (S) - Stephen Patmore
19th September
Newport - 114 Meadow Pipits, 18 Yellow & 2 Grey Wagtails, 12 Reed Buntings (all S).
Stansted Airport Lagoons - 4 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whinchat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler.
Little Canfield Tip - 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 1 Spotted Flycatcher - Stephen Patmore
18th September
Newport - Hobby, 316 Meadow Pipits (SE), 5 Yellow & 11 Grey Wagtails, White Wag, 1f Redstart, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 20 Chiffchaffs, 2 Tree Sparrows (S), 15 Siskins (S) - Stephen Patmore
17th September
Peregrine Falcon observed over my house at approx 1810 hrs causing havoc amongst the local starling population. Only silhouette views were possible (I was arriving home from work so had no bins to hand) but impression is that from its size and build it was probably a female.
Dave Sampson
Trims Green and Spellbrook (4hrs10mins)- Yellow Wagtail 4 (3, 1) south, Black-headed Gull 960 (214 north, 213 west. Largest feeding flock c.150 birds, Mathams pit at one point had 237 birds IN the water with a minimum of 120 above! etc), Lesser Black-bacled Gull 67 - almost all north, Collared Dove 164 on the big dead tree on morris farm, Red-legged Partridge 10 - east across road from Morris Farm, Linnet 70-80 - favouring north side of new barn... despite attempting to clicker-count this flock on numerous occasions i couldn't get an accurate count,Sparrowhawk 1, Lapwing 59 - I was distracted by Buzzard so i've no idea if these birds left the site or not, WHINCHAT 1 - in the topsoil 'ridge' running north-east from barn along dirt track, Great Black-backed Gull 1 - adult on Mathams Pit, Grey Heron 2, Common Buzzard 1 - above Mathams wood, CROSSBILL 3 - LANDING IN TREES ABOVE THE PAINTBALLING ENTRANCE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MATHAMS WOOD. I'm not sure if these birds flew in from North OR flew in from a more northerly tree IN Mathams Wood, Meadow Pipit 60+ south with a few grounded here and there, House Martin 3 - over south, Jay 2 - making return trips with acorns, Mallard 16 - on the small pond on the left between Spellbrook and Trimms Green turning is my highest count in nearly 6 years. Mistle Thrush 1 south, Kestrel 1 usual female. - Graeme J. Smith
Sawbridgeworth - Hobby 1 hunting over central Sawbo at 3:20
Trim's Green - Common Buzzard - 1 over Matham's Wood, Sparrowhawk -1f, Grey Partridge - 1 being chased by the above, Lapwing - 3 distant in total, Red-Legged Partridge - group of 9, with a couple of young, Meadow Pipit - 4, Stock Dove - 2, Linnet - 5 - John Slee
River Stort - Common sandpiper & common buzzard, 13.30bst,Common Sandpiper flying low over the river by Thorley wash heading towards Spellbrook. About 5mins later a Common Buzzard was soaring over the wash being mobbed by two crows, it then headed off towards the Tednambury area. - John Mclaughlin
16th September
Trims Green - OSPREY - L Drummond
Braughing to Furneux Pelham road - Sparrowhawk (F) Hunting - Mick East
Trims Green - Golden Plover 34 landed in north field at 0720. Birds still on same spot at 1620 hrs. i could only find 24 but viewing difficult, Kestrels 3 (female hunting Rhino land, M+F sounding very concerned on South-East edge [1650] of Mathams Wood). Black-Headed Gulls 150+ (2 large feeding flocks), Meadow pipits c.25 (small groups throughout the day between South and West)
Hayter, Spellbrook (west)- Chiffchaff 5, Cormorant 3 Immature over N-E - Graeme J Smith
SLRS - 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 1 GS Woodpecker, 18 Jackdaw (West to roost), 2 Meadow Pipit (N), 2 Goldfinch (juvs) - Mike Harris
15th September
Stortford park Farm West (0620 - 0700hrs) Meadow Pipit 4 (3 South, 1 North), Linnet 5, Yellowhammer 5, Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 (2 AD South, 1 Juv North-East)
Coploe Hill,(06:30-07:50am) - 2 Cormorant (W), , 9 Teal (S), 136 Lapwing (E), 3 Common Gull (E), 196 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 1 Great Black-backed Gull (E), 86 Swallows (S), 298 Meadow Pipits (S-SE), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S), 2 Grey Wagtail (S), 7 alba Wagails (S), 2 Blackbird (S), 2 Song Thrush (S), 12 Mistle Thrush (S), 1 Jay (S), 5 Magpie (W at height in tight flock), 38 Chaffinch (S), 4 Greenfinch (S), 6 Goldfinch (S), 2 Siskin (S), 1 Redpoll sp (S), 29 Linnet (S), 1 Yellowhammer (S)
1 Common Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl , 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs, - Stephen Patmore
Trims Green - (a few quick looks between 0710-1630hrs) - Lesser Black-backed Gull 10 (7 Ad, 3J), Stockdove 26(20 on borage field at 1630), OSPREY seen briefly hovering over pit shortly after 10 am (same one?), tried to get higher ground to see if anything had been caught, by which time bird has vanished. Common Buzzard 2 south-west over Mathams Wood at 1320, Kestrel 2 (male blounts, female at morris/rhino entrance still a permenant fixture)- Graeme J Smith
Trims Green - Yellow Wagtail 1, Lapwing 3, Skylark 4, Kestrel 3, Peregrine over at 4:45pm, and one male Sparrowhawk - John Slee
SLRS - 1 Cormorant, 3 Teal, 19 Moorhen, 1 Dead BHG on scrape, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow (S), 75 Starling - Mike Harris
dark-phase HONEY BUZZARD flew SW over Long Border Road at 16:45. It was heading low SW and was dropping towards Hatfield Forest, so very possibly may have been looking for a roost site. - Stephen Patmore
14th September
Patmore Heath - 2 Common Buzzard 1 light phase with its Sparrowhawk friend, Large numbes of House Martin. - Mick East
Coploe Hill area (06:30-12:00 - with Mike Harris & 13:20-16:20) - Visible Movement - 17 Cormorant (E), 1 Grey Heron (W), 20 Canada Geese (E), 4 Sparrowhawk (3S, 1E), 1 Buzzard Sp (S), 19 Common Buzzards (S), 1 OSPREY (SW at 10:10), 1juv RED-FOOTED FALCON (NE at 10:15), 11 Hobby (S), 3 PEREGRINES (E @ 08:41 - MH only, S @ 13:35 & E @ 14:55), 8 Golden Plover (S), 1 wader sp (S), 1 Common Gull (E), 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (W), 4 Skylark (S), 523 Swallows (S), 77 House Martins (S), 350 Meadow Pipits (S), 17 Yellow Wagtails (S/SE), 6 Grey Wagtails (S/W), 8 alba Wagtails (S), 22 Mistle Thrush (E), 6 Jays (1S, 5W), 1 TREE SPARROW (S), 33 Chaffinch (S), 6 Greenfinch (S), 28 Goldfinch (S), 2 Siskin (S), 30 Linnet (S), 1 CROSSBILL (S)
7 (1m) WIGEON (flew into farm reservoir), c.4 Sparrowhawk (lingering), c.10 Common Buzzards (lingering), 6 Kestrel, 4 Grey Partridge, 185 Lapwings, c.1000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (single flock of 800 in one field early pm!), 2ad YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS (with LBBG flock), 1 Whitethroat,
3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaff, 200+ Starlings, 100+ Jackdaws, 200+ Rooks
Catmere End - 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs
Newport - 7 Common Buzzards (2S at 12pm, 5 roosted in wood S of village this pm), 1imm Sparrowhawk
5 Lapwing (N), 40 House Martins, 45 Meadow Pipits, 2 WHINCHATS, 5 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests
Audley End - 1 Hobby - Stephen Patmore
Audley End - 1 Osprey fishing at lake approx 15.00 - also 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestral - Mark Pegrum
13th September
Trims Green - 1 OSPREY @ 15:03.
SAL (15:30-16:30)- 12 Little Grebe, 20 Mallard, 1 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 COMMON BUZZARD (1Dph, 1 Lph), 31 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 LBB Gull, 7 BH Gull, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 1 AdM Yellow Watail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 24 Meadow Pipit (W), 1 Chiffchaff,
1 Phyllosc (sp.), 450+ Rooks/Jacks over fields distantly, 17 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting
1 Large White, 7 Small White, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoishell, 1F Common Blue
6+ Migrant Hawker, 2+ Common Darter
SLRS (16:50-17:10) - 1 Cormorant, 3 COMMON BUZZARD (1 flew N, and two sky-dancing in same scope view North of Sawbridgeworth), 1 Lapwing, 1 LBB Gull (juv), 2 BH Gull, 1M Pheasant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 TREE PIPIT (came in and landed on the large Oak, south of the layby. Great scope views, what a well behaved bird!), 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Jackdaw, 2 Jay, 3 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch - Mike & Anita Harris
12th September
Trims Green (0630-0700) - Meadow Pipit 20(3, 14, 3)all south
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Cormorant 1 Imm. over SW, Bullfinch 3, Swallow 3 south, Chiffchaff 4, Red-legged Partridge 3, MARSH HARRIER sub ad male - plumage as female except light primary window contrasting with dark wingtips, pale tail. Sat in field immediately north-west of hayter land. flew west at 1010hrs, House Martin 12 south
Trims Green (1340-1400) - MARSH HARRIER Relocated at 1340 over south-east trims green field TL 474 170. This bird was looking for a meal and headed north-west toward Rhino Fisheries land. We drove along to the next viewing point (morris farm/rhino fisheries entrance TL 469 174) and waited a few mins before we saw bird to the north-east.
Last seen putting down in field at 1355 hrs somewhere around TL 475 175
also: Yellow Wagtail 2 (morris frm), Red-legged Partridge 5 (Blounts Frm), Meadow pipit 6 grounded with yellow wags, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1 female over north-east - GJS
11th September
Stort Park Farm (west)0630-0700: Dunnock 6, Wren 3, Linnet 4, Yellowhammer 2, Swallow 3 south, woodpigeon 321(151 south, 56 south-west, 63 Local, Etc.), Stockdove 7 (5 south, 2 west), Rook 17, Meadow Pipit 3 south, Jay 1, Greenfinch 5, Goldfinch 6, Pied Wagtail 1 south, Great Spotted Woodpecker 2, Magpie 4, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 (1N, 1S), Blue Tit 4
Trims Green - stockdove 26 (20, 6), Collared Dove number up to 129 around cottages
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Swallow 3 south, Lapwing 28 south-east (1300hrs), Chiffchaff 3 (2 singing), Kestrel - female twice seen hunting in field to north, Stockdove 1 south - GraemeJSmith
Trim's Green past Tharbies - Wheatear 3 poss 4, Yellow Wagtail min 20 poss lots more, Meadow Pipit min 20, BHG c200, LBB Gull, Kestrel 1f.
Later c70 Collared Dove on wires to the N of the field, 5 Red-Legged Partridge near Morris Farm, 1 Wheatear on the metal fence by Blounts Farm, 1 Hobby over Mathams Wood - John Slee
SLRS - 1 Cormorant (Corm tree), 21 Moorhen, 14 BH Gull (S), 1 Stock Dove , 1 GS Woodpecker, 10 Swallow - Mike Harris
Newport AM - five Siskins south, Later, a group of c.15 Dunlin over Long Border Road at 11:30am - Stephen Patmore
10th September
Trims Green area - 2 juv/fem Wheatear (on fence south of road opposite entrance to Paintball/Mathams Wood); 2 Yellow Wag; 7 Red-legged Partridge; 10+ Grey Partridge; only a trickle of Swallow migration. Painted Lady Butterfly - Moor Hall Farm (only my second sighting this year - anywhere!!)
Dave Sampson
Sawbridgeworth Station - Ring-Necked Parakeet 07:30 - John Slee
Sawbridgeworth Marsh 18:20-19:45 - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Ad Grey Heron (S), 12 Mallard (1N, 6 into river, 2S, 3S), 1 Teal (S), 1 AdF Sparrowhawk (Finishing tail moult, flew into Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Kestrel, 2 Hobby (hunting insects at north end of Kecksy's Bridge Woods for about ten minutes, one appeared to roost there and the other, a fine adult, came low across the Marsh, and left to the SE), 1 Water Rail (Calling as dark fell, 1 BH Gull (SSW), 2 LBB Gulls (both Ads, WSW)
6 Stock Dove (around North end of Marsh), 50 Wood Pigeon, 3 Green Woodpecker, 7 Swallow (S), 5 Hirundine (spp.), 2 Phyllosc (spp.), 2 Long tailed Tit, 3 Magpie, 2 Jay (taking Acorns from the tree by the entrance), 62 Jackdaw (S), 7 Rook (S), 6 Carrion Crow (roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 2 Starling (NE), 2 Greenfinch, 27 Reed Bunting (4S, 23 in) - Mike Harris
9th September
Trims Green - Whinchat 1, Merlin 1 - following meadow pipits south, Meadow Pipits 45 south, Mistle Thrush 1 south, Yellowhammer 1, Linnet 7 - Graeme J Smith
SAL (1445 - 1545) Wheatear (ruddy pink) on posts on the grass triangle at the centre of the lagoons and also a juvenile Sedge Warbler into the sallow at same place from remaining long grass. Adult Little Grebe had caught a slim dirty brown thing dangling inertly and dived with it twice before consuming it. Juvenile LG and Coot intent on skittering flights across water. 25 Goldfinch feeding together. Some grass had been cut. Helicopter over. Fields being ploughed. Rain but warm 19. DA
8th September
Barley North - 40+ Lapwing over (SE) - Mick East
7th September
SAL (08:45-09:45) - 12 Little Grebe, 30 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 19 Tufted Duck, 36 Coot, 5 LBB Gull (3juvs + 2Ads), 1 Herring Gull (Ad), 10 Swallow (1Ad, 9 juvs), 21 House Martin, 20+ Sand Martin, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Phyllosc (sp.), 1 Jay, 70 Starling, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting
SLRS (10:00-11:25) - full of water and so much more attractive to birds!, 1 Cormorant (Corm tree), 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1M Pheasant, 14 Moorhen, 35 Lapwing, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT (Came in at 10:42, left 11:00) One had a trailing leg., 1 Snipe, 200+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull (2Ads, 2 juvs), 1 (juv) MEDITERRANEAN GULL (Came in at 10:52, left 11:00 when everything on Scrape flushed), 5 LBB Gull (1Ad, 5 juvs), 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 12 House Martin (S), 2 Meadow Pipit (S), 6 Pied Wagtail, 4 Starling, 1 Goldfinch - Mike Harris
HFL (0930 - 1300 for Woodfest) - Canada Goose, just the one non flier and then 76 arrived and 6 Grey Lags came in at some time. Plenty of juvenile and some adult swallows over rides and then water. Damaged black headed gull unable to walk, swim or feed awaiting the end. Gulls over. Two redshank over, one calling, to the west. Mallard with six middle size young. Probably about the 80 Mallards counted on 30th August. Some males almost out of eclipse into full new feathers. Moorhen with one young. No Coot adults or young seen. Five GC Grebes as usual: two young and spare adult. One Teal. One Grey Heron came in during morning and one Cormorant over. DA
Newport - 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 35 Swallow (S), 153 House Martins (S/W), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S)
2 Grey Wagtails (S), 15 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler
Debden Park - 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 5ad Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose, 209 Canada Geese, 9 Barnacle Geese, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Turtle Dove (N), 1 Tawny Owl, 90 House Martins (S), 9 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 2 Yellow Wagtails (S), 10+ Song Thrushes, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs
Coploe Hill (11:00-13:00) - 7 Cormorants (S), 1juv MARSH HARRIER (lingering over Chrishall Grange early afternoon), 5 Common Buzzards, 70 Lapwings, 1 Green Sandpiper (W), 45 Black-headed Gulls (S), 471 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 3 (ad+2juv) Yellow-legged Gulls (SW), 2(ad) Great Black-backed Gulls (S), 7 Swifts (S), 10 Sand Martins (S), 248 Swallows (S/SW), 585 House Martins (S/SW), 80 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 Grey Wagtail (S), 4 Yellow Wagtails (S), 2 Lesser Whitethroats - Stephen Patmore
Allens Green (15:30) - 1 Wheatear on railings south of Blounts Farm layby
SLRS (15:45-16:45) - With John Slee. - 4 Cormorant (3 in Corm tree and 1 S), 1 Hobby (S @ 16:02),
134 BH Gull (S), 1 Ad LBB Gull (W), 1 Green Woodpecker, 99 Swallow (S), 15 House Martin (S), 2 Sand Martin (S), c.20 Long tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff
Also a few Butterfly's enjoying the brief spell of sun. - 2 Green veined White 1 Red Admiral, 1 Meadow Brown - Mike & Anita Harris
6th September
Norfolk Way, Bishops Stortford - Hobby seen over at approx 4.30 this afternoon.- Dave Sampson
SLRS - Lapwing 17, BHG lots, LBBG 2 - John Slee
Audley End - 50+ Sand Martins, 400++ House Martins
Coploe Hill(06:50-08:10am) - 6 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan (W), 1 GREY PLOVER (E at 07:00am), 2 Golden Plovers (S), 70 Lapwing (S), 1 REDSHANK (S at 07:50am), 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 7 Swallows (S), 45 House Martins (S), 12 Meadow Pipits (SW), 3 Yellow Wagtails (SW), 11 Mistle Thrush (W), 16 Greenfinch (S), 4 Goldfinch (S), 7 Linnet (S)
3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 11 Stock Doves, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs
Catmere End - 1f Sparrowhawk, 5 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs
Newport - 50+ House Martins, 20+ Swallows, 1 White Wagtail (1W at the Sewage Works Lagoon), 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 50 Linnets -
Stephen Patmore
Trim's Green - 15 Golden Plover - John Slee
5th September
SLRS - 3 Lapwings, including one with a disabled right foot.- 4 Pied Wagtails juveniles - John Slee
Debden Park - 2 Grey Herons, 1m Mute Swan, 1 Greylag Goose, 130 Canada Geese, 9 (3+juv) Barnacle Geese, 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 Kingfisher, 65 House Martins , 1 Blackcap,
6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher - Stephen Patmore
3rd September
Trims Green - Grey Partridge 10 (9 juvs)
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 west, Sparrowhawk 2 (female and juv) hunting north lawn at 0700hrs, Chiffchaff 3, Bullfinch 5, Blackbird 3 albanistic male looking a bit tatty with moult, Grey Wagtail 1 on roof again, Swallow 8 (1 SW, 4 SW, 3 S), Canada Goose 22 West at 0725hrs, House Martin 6 south, kestrel 1 male hunting north lawn at lunch - Graeme J. Smith
Little Hormead - Merlin, 2 juv hunting over ploghed field - Mick East
SAL - 5 (m, 2f &2juv) Gadwall, 3 Teal, 43 Mallard, 13 Tufted Ducks, 1 Kestrel, 35 Coot, 1 Common Sandpiper, 25 Black-headed Gulls, 35 Sand Martins, 25 House Martins, 1m Grey Wagtail, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 6 Reed Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
2nd September
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Grey Wagtail 2 on roof, Chiffchaff 2, House martin 1 west, Grey Heron 2 looking to land in fields just north
Trims Green - Black Headed Gull 110-120, Rook c.100, Jackdaw 15+, Greenfinch c.30 still hanging around Borage field - Graeme J. Smith
Little Hadham - Merlin, female or 1st year bird, heavy brown with light barring and little
evidence of moustache - Jono Forgham
31st August
Newport - 25 Swallows (S), 7 Yellow Wagtails (S), 6 Whinchats, 8 Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, 4 Willow Warblers, 4 Spotted Flycatchers
Catmere End - 1 Snipe (E), 40 Swallows, 60 House Martins, 1 Meadow Pipit (S), 4 Yellow Wagtails (S), 5 Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher
Audley End - 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Barnacle Geese - Stephen Patmore
Trim's Green - Lapwing c40
Hatfield Forest Lake - Shoveler 5, Coal tit 1 - John Slee
30th August
Catmere End - 2 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats - Stephen Patmore
Coploe Hill - 1m Sparrowhawk, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1juv Yellow-legged Gull, 11 Swallows (E), 2 Yellow Wagtails (S), 8 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 100+ Linnets
Newport SW - 2 Canada Geese (SE), 3 Barnacle Geese (SE), 1juv Common Sandpiper, 2 Kingfishers, 12 Grey Wagtails, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests - Stephen Patmore
SLRS - 2 Mallard (N), 1 Kestrel, 27 Moorhen, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ad. LBB Gull (S), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (JS), 1 Chiffchaff - Mike Harris & John Slee
29th August
Newport - OYSTERCATCHER - 1 flew S calling @ 23:35
Stort River Spellbrook - 2 Grey wagtail, 6 Mute Swan 2A, 4juv, 4 Kingfisher by River Stort weir - Mick & Brenda East
28th August
Moor Hall Barn, Thorley - 1 Wheatear in recently harrowed field. Tony Moverley
Stortford Park Farm (east side pond)- Goldfinch 19 (mostly juvs), Spotted Flycatcher 3, Chiffchaff 2 (not incuding recent odd one), Jay 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Juv, Green Woodpecker 1 Juv - (west side) Grey Heron 1 over, Yellowhammer 1, Whitethroat 1 - GJS
27th August
River Stort (just south of Pig Lane but before metal footbridge as last year) - Spotted Flycatcher 5 (3 Juveniles)- GJS
26th August
Stortford Park Farm - Sparrowhawk 1 seen hunting on both sides of bypass, cormorant 4 S-E - GJSmith
25th August
Storford Park Farm - no Spotted Flycatchers, Phyllo's 2 calling but not seen, House Martin 4(5), Swallow c.15, Moorhen 3 juvs doing well
Trims Green - Greenfinch c.90 coming down to the north west edge of the borage field TL 450 188 - GJSmith
SAL (07:30-08:30) - 14 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant (S), 51 Mallard, 1 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 28 Tufted Duck, 20 Coot, 4 LBB Gull (W, all juvs), 28 BH Gull (W, all juvs), 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 GS Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6+ Reed Warbler (inclu one juv not fully fledged, being fed by adult), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff singing), 4 Phyllosc's (spp.), 4 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting,
2 Small White, 1 Brown Argus, 11 Meadow Brown, 1M Black tailed Skimmer, 10 Common Blue Damselfly
SLRS (08:50-09:15)- 5 Mallard (S), 1 Kestrel, 18 Moorhen, 2 Lapwing, 33 BH Gull (32 Ads, 1 juv. In complete contrast to the SAL birds), 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet -
Mike Harris
24th August
Trims Green (1000 - 1115 hrs) - Black-Headed Gull 37 (20 1st winters), Lesser Black-backed Gull 6 (1 1st win, 1 ad, 4 sub-ad), Canada Goose 16, Greylag 1, goldfinch c.15, House Sparrow 7, GREENFINCH 150-200 coming down to the north west edge of the borage field TL 450 188, Jackdaw c.20, Rook c.100
Stortford Park Farm - Spotted Flycatcher 3, Grey Partridge 3 calling on west side, LBBG 13 south - GJS
SLRS (18:00-18:20)- 1 Cormorant (In Corm tree), 1 Sparrowhawk, 24 Moorhen, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16 Swallow (7,2,1,2,2,2), 85 House Martin (5,14,13,3,9,9,11,5,16), 5 Jackdaw, 2 Chiffchaff - Mike Harris
Patmore Heath - Swift 1, 4 later at Cheshunt. - Mick East
23rd August
Hatfield Forest - Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap 1 still singing, Chiffchaff 2, Painted Lady, Canada Goose 44
Stortford Park Farm - Spotted Flycatcher 3, Chiffchaff 5, 2 Tawny Owl feathers at pond, Little Owl pellets at usual roundabout, Yellowhammer 5 on west side, Linnet 0 on west side! - GJS
SAL (07:50-08:50) - 2 Cormorant, 11 Little Grebe, 40 Mallard, 1 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 28 Coot, 1 Common Sandpiper (juv), 1 DUNLIN (Ad still with black breast patch, came in calling, circled but not seen to land), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 14 House Martin, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Phyllosc (spp.), 10 Long tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting
1 Muntjac, 11 Meadow Brown
SLRS (09:05-09:40) - 1 Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 20 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 9 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Lesser 'throat, 4 Chiffchaff (inclu 2 singing males), 1 Phyllosc (sp.), 7 Jackdaw (S), 2 Bullfinch, 2 Yellowhammer (juvs)
1 Meadow Brown
Several Robins in song at both sites, indicating establishing Winter territories? - Mike Harris
22nd August
Hatfield Forest - Goshawk 2 south, adult + Juv (prob both female)
Stortford Park Farm (east edge pond at dusk)- Spotted Flycatcher 7 prefering the only tree that overhangs both pond and fence GJS
Patmore Heath - Spotted flycatcher in garden - Mick East
Stortford Park Farm - Spotted Flycatcher (3) Showing well between 3.00 and 3.30 p.m. before being spooked by dog walkers and flying off towards B/S College pavilion.- Chris Swan
21st August
Stortford Park Farm - Spotted Flycatcher 3 - still favouring trees overhanging pond GJS
20th August
Stortford Park Farm - Spotted Flycatcher 3 around pond on east edge of grounds. i'm sure these birds are just passing through as last year... no sightings previously, Willow Warbler c.5, Moorhen has been hiding a 3rd chick! Tawny Owl feather from below big dead tree next to pond GJS
SAL - 6 Little Grebes, 1juv Shelduck, 3f/juv Teal, 36 Mallard, 34 Tufted Ducks, 1f Ruddy Duck, 32 Coot (inc 3 juvs), 1 Ringed Plover (through), 1juv Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Black-headed Gulls (N), 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S), 1ad Common Tern, 10 Sand Martins, 15 House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, 19 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Jays, 15 Goldfinches , 3 Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
SAL - Ruddy Duck, Shelduck and Greenshank - David Arch
19th August
SAL today (Per Colin Wills): - 1juv Shelduck, 1juv Greenshank, 3 Common Sands
Coploe Hill - 2juv, 2nd summer & adult) Yellow-legged Gulls. - Stephen Patmore
18th August
Hobby, very low over Town centre this morning at 8.25am. 10+ Swifts over Thorley Park area approx 11.00am. - Dave Sampson
trims green blounts farm - Linnet c.25, Greenfinch 18 (mostly juvs), swallow 15+ locals, lesser whitethroat 1 (carrying food) morris farm/rhino fisheries entrance - stockdove 5, black-headed gull 52, lesser black-backed gull 32 (28 on fields and 4 over south-west), YELLOW-LEGGED GULL 1 ADULT, kestrel 1, whitethroat 1, goldfinch 12+, linnet c.20, corn bunting 1 (hanging around Morris Farm entrance gate but no song today), yellow wagtail 2, WHEATEAR 1 (on the black pile for a few seconds), house sparrow c20 beside new farm buildings is a site record for me - cows went out at 1335 hrs so it might be better for yellow wags tomorrow - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - 1juv Shelduck, 1juv Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers - Colin Wills
17th August
Coploe Hill (08:00-10:40am & 16:45-18:45pm) - 4 Cormorants (W), 2 Grey Herons (W), 7 Mallard, 1 SHOVELER (with Mallards over distant farm reservoir), 2 anas sp (W), 1juv RED KITE (yesterday's bird present all morning), 3 (f +2juv) Sparrowhawks, 7+ Common Buzzards, 3 Hobby, 2 Golden Plover (W), 19 Lapwings, 173 (82,91) Black-headed Gulls (W), 286 (184, 102) Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S/SW), 4 (juv & 3x 3rd-summer) Yellow-legged Gulls (S), 5 Herring Gulls (S), 1 Turtle Dove (S), 9 (71, 28) Swifts (S/W), 9 (6,3) Sand Martins (W), 231 (164, 67) Swallows (S/W), 342 (295, 47)House Martins (S/W), 2 pipit sp (S) - both probably Tree Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails (W), 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 100+ Starlings, 2 Bullfinches
Strethall Road - 1juv Turtle Dove, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 40+ Linnets, 20+ Corn Buntings
Strethall - 1juv MARSH HARRIER (v. distantly viewed from Coploe @ 18:10)
Ugley Green - 1 Hobby
Newport - 4(2ad+2juv) Common Buzzards, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 81 Black-headed Gulls (W), 1 Common Gull (W), 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Marsh Tits, 160 Jackdaws, 12+ Bullfinches
Audley End - 1 Greylag Goose, 140 Canada Geese, 5 Barnacle Geese, 1f+8juv Tufted Ducks (-new brood), 10+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows - Stephen Patmore
Stortford Park Farm (west)- for an hour this evening. Hobby 2 over staking wood, Kestrel 1, lesser black backed gull 7 south east, Grey Heron 1 south, Stockdove 2 - west, little owl feather left below one favoured perch, linnet 1(only), yellowhammer 0 (first no-show in ages!) - Graeme J. Smith
In a spell of just over an hour this afternoon (3.30pm to 4.40 pm)watching the skies over the house from my garden in Bishops Stortford, I saw at least 14 Swifts, and numerous waves of Swallows (alternate waves of adults followed by juveniles) and House Martins (mostly juveniles). Also no raptors. - Dave Sampson
Trims Green (08:00-09:00) - 1 Grey Heron (S), 7 Mallard (2S, 5W), 1 Kestrel, 3 Lapwing (S), 1 Ad GBB Gull (W), 5 LBB Gull (4Ads, 1 juv), 1 Ad Common Gull, 157 BH Gull, 30 Jackdaw, 20 Carrion Crow, 3 Rook, 40 Starling, 14 Swallow (S), 1 Pied Wagtail (S), 2 Goldfinch, 20 House Sparrow
Sawbridgeworth - 2 Swift (W) over with 5 House Martins at 10:16 this morning. - Mike Harris
16th August
Trimm's Green area. - juvenile Marsh Harrier quartering the big field where the Allen's Green road meets the Hadham Road. When I left (7:45) it was sat in the field LBB Gull 50 (exactly) near Tharbies. Yellow Wagtail 25 at Blount's Farm, Hobby 2 over Allen's Green, Greylag Goose c20 flew in to near the fishing pond, Linnet - a few around the farm, Corvids - hundreds in the ploughed field near Tharbies - mixed. - John Slee
SAL (07:00-08:00)- 9 Little Grebe (min), 18 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 22 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 LBB Gull (Ad NW), 1 BH Gull, 29 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin, 2 Skylark, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 9 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Phylloscs (spp),
2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer,
SLRS (08:20-09:00) - 12 Canada Geese (S @ 0850), 16 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull, 8 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Swallow, 41 House Martin (S in 30 mins), 15 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail (Ad M), 3 Starling, 1 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Newport (06:00-07:20am)- 1 Golden Plover (SW), 1 Little Owl, 5 Swifts (S), 6 Sand Martins (S), 16 Swallows (S), 50 House Martins, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 40 Linnets.
Strethall Road - 1 Wheatear
Chrishall Grange - 400+ Jackdaws, 600+ Rooks, 100+ Starlings.
Coploe Hill (07:45-11:00am) - 5 Cormorants (W), 4 Grey Herons (1S, 3W), 1juv RED KITE (untagged - present all morning to SW of Viewpoint), 4 (ad f & 3juv) MARSH HARRIERS , 1f Sparrowhawk, 7+ Common Buzzards, 9+ Kestrels, 2 Hobby, 1 Lapwing, 6 Black-headed Gulls (S), 559 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S/SW), 5ad Herring Gulls (S), 3 (2juv+near ad) Yellow-legged Gulls (S/SW), 1 Turtle Dove, 98 Swifts (S), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (W), 2 Sand Martins (S), 67 Swallows (S), 80 House Martins, 1 TREE PIPIT (low S over pit at 09:50am), 1 REDSTART (in hedge S of pit early morning only), 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Willow Warblers, 50+ Greenfinches, 150+ Linnets, 2 Bullfinches, 2 CROSSBILLS (flew SW at 08:10am) - Stephen Patmore
Harlow Town - Hobby chasing lone Swift over Harlow Town centre this afternoon. - Mike Franklin
15th August
Little Hadham - Much Hadham - wood warbler viewed briefly in large ash tree half way
between the Hadhams - Jono Forgham
SAL - 4ad+9juv Little Grebes, 2 (1m) Gadwall, 25 Coot, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 10 House Martins, 3 Grey Wagtails, 17 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 11 Willow Warblers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (at S End), 1 Coal Tit, 3 Reed Buntings
Also, a male Red-veined Darter holding territory on the road east of the 'Big Pit'. - Stephen Patmore
Woodpigeon remains in garden this morning - all the signs of Sparrowhawk at work
Blackcap in gardens this morning - quite a few calling at the Forest yesterday but not mentioned
Lagoons this morning were (broadly) as yesterday plus Kestrel over. D & M A
14th August
Rushy Meads - tit flock crossing the stort included 22 blue tits and 57 long-tailed tits
Bullfinch 11 (12) today - noted in all locations i visited today! 1pr spellbrook, 2 times along the stort (totaling 5 birds), 1pr honeysuckle close, and 2 [or 3] birds on stort park farm
Stortford Park Farm - IMM male sparrowhawk present for last few days - GJSmith
Almost as soon as we said that (!) a female (Blackbird) turned up this morning sunning itself. And there was a male at the (SAL) lagoons this morning as well.
SAL 1130 to 1230
30 Tufted Duck. Older little Grebes had dispersed into the reeds now flooded by extra water into their left hand home only. Three small Little Grebe doing well. Kingfisher. Reed Bunting. At least a dozen Reed Warbler. Willow Warbler. Bullfinch, Goldfinch a plenty including juveniles. House Martins through in three groups or one going round? Sand Martin. Some Swallows. Two Common Sandpiper. Two Grey Wagtail. Two Pied Wagtail.
Hatfield Forest 1235 to 1330
Three young Green Woodpeckers, 3 young Whitethroats, 2 young Grebes, 3 youngish Moorhens, Mallard with 5 young. Plenty of Swallows and House Martins, Nuthatch. Grey Lags and Canadas separate. 4 adult Grebes. Kingfisher. No Tufted Duck. No Turtle Dove. DA
13th August
We have yet to have a Blackbird in the garden this month. D & M A
SLRS (18:15-18:30)- 1 Cormorant (S), 6 Mallard, 7 Lapwing, 40 BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail - Mike Harris
12th August
Albury - Swift 10+ passing through - Mick East
11th August
Manuden and Rickling Green - Red Kite at 13.15 this afternoon - Andy Goodey
Trims Green - Linnet 100+ , Yellow Wagtail 5, corn Bunting 2 (0655-0705)
Rushy Mead - Blue tits and Great Tits using feeding station, moorhen, long-tailed tit, Coal Tit 4+, Wren singing, jay 2, Treecreeper 1 (0627-0645)
Stortford Park Farm (West)- Yellowhammer 3, Linnet 4 (0605-0645)
Hayter, spellbrook (west) - Grey Wagtail 1 on factory roof for the last week, Coal Tit c.6, Bullfinch 3, Great-Spotted Woodpecker 1 juvenile, Goldfinch 20+, Chiffchaff 1 singing, Green Woodpecker 1 juvenile, NO local Swallows! - Graeme J Smith.
SAL - 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Teal, new brood of 3 Little Grebe - Chris Dee
10th August
Rushy Mead - Swift over - Mick East, Greame J Smith et al
Tednambury - 4 Swifts at 2030 hrs
Male Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker, 1 Magpie and 2 Crows. Moorhen and Wood Pigeons. D & M A
9th August
SAL (08:00-08:50) - 8 Little Grebe (4ads + 4 juvs), 41 Mallard, 3 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 19 Coot, 7 B H Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 5 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin (Ad), 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Phylloscs (sppp), 4 Bullfinch, 6 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
A few of the hardier insects along the path, braving the cool sou'westerly.
1 Large White, 1M Common Blue, 31 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 4 Six spot Burnet,
3 Black tailed Skimmer (2MM, 1TM), 3 Common Blue Damsel
SLRS (09:10-09:40) - 2 Mallard, 22 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 7 B H Gull, 9 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow, 13 House Martin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail (In crops), 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch
3 Meadow Brown, 2 Gatekeeper, Mike Harris
7th August
Carrion Crow and Blue Tit at Stansted Road.
Racing Pigeons over.
No swifts to 1030 - DA
Trims Green - no cattle (from the lay-by) but a couple of yellow wags in flight and calling.
6 Swallows passing through ahead of rain at about 1800 - DA
Trims Green - Yellow Wagtail 28. the cows were all moved. now all in field south-east of entrances.. wagtails following suit - GJSmith
6th August
Hayter, Spellbrook (west)- Swallow 85 (48 on wires and another 37 feeding over adjacent field)- GJSmith
Sunningdale Cl, BS - Hobby 1 hunting over north at 1745 hrs. this is only my second in BS this year - GJSmith
SLRS (17:45-18:15) - 8 Mallard, 34 Moorhen, 11 Lapwing, 1 Ad LBB Gull (S, wing moult commenced), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 2 House Martin - Mike Harris
5th August
Trims Green - Buzzard 3 locals - GJSmith
Trims Green - 15 Yellow Wagtail at feet of cattle at 0930 - DA
SAL - adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL present this afternoon (per Colin Wills), 1ad Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (flew through), 1juv Greenshank, 1juv Redshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 110 Black-headed Gulls (95% juvs), 1 Kingfisher, 30+ Sand Martins, 50+ Swallows, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat - Stephen Patmore
4th August
Trims Green - Yellow wagtail 9 (8 juveniles) around the cows feet - GJSmith
SAL - 1f Teal, 1f Kestrel, 1juv Redshank, 4 Green Sandpipers, 8 Common Sandpipers, 4 Black-headed Gulls (W), 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Grey Wagtails, 20 House Martins, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Coal Tit, 4juv Bullfinches, 5 Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore
SLRS (18:15-18:50)- 5 Mallard, 2 Teal (juvs), 31 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 12 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull (Ad and Juv), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Swift (S), 11 Swallow (S), 23 House Martin (S), 8 Magpie , 2 Goldfinch - Mike Harris
3rd August
SLRS (11:30-12:00) - 1 Mallard (!), 23 Moorhen, 10 Lapwing, 9 BH Gull, 1 Ad LBB Gull (NW), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1M Pied Wagtail, 3 Whitethroat - Mike Harris
Stansted Airport Lagoons (15:45-17:00)- 2ad+6juv Little Grebes, 18 Canada Geese, 1m Gadwall, 91 Mallard, 8f+32juv Tufted Ducks, 1 Hobby, 25 Coot, 2ad Dunlin (both still in summer-plumage), 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpipers, 23 Black-headed Gulls (W), 5ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 1 Stock Dove, 40 Swifts (W), 2 Kingfishers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 105 Swallows (W), 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Grey Wagtails, 17 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings
Coploe Hill (17:30-18:45)- 1 Hobby, 370 Lapwings, 233 Black-headed Gulls (W), 13 Common Gulls (W), 521 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W/ some loafing), 3 (ad+2 1s) Yellow-legged Gulls, 23 Herring Gulls, 4ad Great Black-backed Gulls, 160 Swifts (S), 30 Swallows (S), 130 House Martins, 550 Starlings (feeding on ploughed fields) - Stephen Patmore
1st August
SAL - 2ad+6juv Little Grebe, 2 Shoveler, 7ad+32juv Tufted Ducks, 1 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpipers, 5 Common Sandpipers, 34 Black-headed Gulls (W), 10 Common Gulls (W), 5 Herring Gulls (W), 2 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore, David Arch also present. Colin Wills visited early afternoon.
31st July
SAL- 1juv LITTLE EGRET (per CW), 2 (m&f) Shoveler, 1ad Little Ringed Plover (per CW), 9 Lapwing - W, 3 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, 1S MEDITERRANEAN GULL flew SW with Black-headed Gulls @ 18:10, 72 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 2ad Common Gulls (SW), 1juv Herring Gull, 1ad Lesser Black-backed Gull (SW), 2 Swifts, 15 Swallows, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1ad Sedge Warbler, 10+ Reed Warblers, 1ad Lesser Whitethroat, 15+ Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore & Colin Wills(CW)
30th July
Trims Green - Yellow Wagtail 4 (male feeding young), Red-Legged Partridge 1, Corn Bunting 3 singing, yellowhammer 4+, Mistle Thrush 1 west - Graeme J. Smith
SAL - juv Little Egret (presumably same bird as last week), Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper -Colin Wills
29th July
SAL - 75 Mallard, 2 (ad m & ad f) Shoveler, 22 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1juv Herring Gull (W), 1 Kingfisher, 3 Grey Wagtails - Stephen Patmore
Great Hadham Golf Club - Kingfisher using pond at entrance
Trims Green - Black-headed gull 7 over SW (5 were juvs), Grey Heron 1 SW, Yellowhammer 3 males still singing, Corn Bunting 1 singing, Lesser Black-Backed Gull 1 SW, Linnet 36+, Yellow Wagtail 2 (1 male) - Graeme J. Smith
Beggars Hall from 1800 - House Martins around the farm and over the water, Swallows still visiting their nest sites and over the water, Plenty of Magpies, 2 Moorhen and 2 young,
1 Grebe and 1 young, Grey Lags long gone - eg flock of 20 flew into HFL on Friday evening
Crow, Bullfinch 1 at the lake, Greenfinch 4 at the lake and farm, Chaffinch in the forest, Wren, House Sparrows, Song Thrush, - David Arch
28th July
SAL - 32 young Tufted Duck in five groups with six adults, 8 young Little Grebe with 2 adults, 49 Mallard on right hand pond with another and 5 young, 7 (Mallard) on wader pool but no waders, 13 Coot, Moorhen including two young behaving like rails on the beach, 3 Yellowhammer, one or two House Martin and 3 Swallow, 2 Common Snipe - one left and one right, 2 Common Sandpiper, both right, Reed Bunting 2, Reed Warbler 1, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Stock Dove, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Black-headed Gull, also 1, Wood Pigeons, Collared Dove on Takeley Street. - David Arch
27th July
Thorley Park Road, B/s - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard several times over the space of an hour or so this morning in neighbouring garden (but frustratingly not seen!). Tony Moverley
Bishops Stortford - Starlings roosting in a tree in the town centre just imitated a Little Owl.They also do a Green Woodpecker.Unless there really is an Owl and GWP in there with them!! - Mike Franklin
SAL - 3ad+6juv Little Grebes, 1f Gadwall, 3 Teal, 124 Mallard, 1juv Shoveler, 5 Common Sandpipers, 3juv Black-headed Gulls, 2ad Common Gulls (S), 1 Kingfisher, 6 Swifts, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 House Martins, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2juv Sedge Warblers (first passage birds of autumn), 35 Reed Warblers , 2 Whitethroats (feeding in reedbed!), 10 Willow Warblers, 3prs Bullfinches (all with young), 3 Reed Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
25th July
SLRS - 8:15-8:45 Green Sandpiper - 2 took off and flew W whilst I was there. Teal 3, Moorhen 19
BH Gull 20 - John Slee
SAL - 2ad+4juv Little Grebe (pair with 3 small chicks & 1 large juv), 1juv LITTLE EGRET (on dragonfly pool), 1f Shoveler, 11ad+32juv Tufted Ducks (broods of 5,5,6,8+8), 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe
1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpipers, 3 Herring Gulls (W), 20+ Swifts, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 20+ House Martins, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Willow Warblers, Also excellent numbers of insects this afternoon, including my first (10+) Small Red-eyed Damselflies of the year. - Stephen Patmore
24th July
Hobby seen hawking Swifts over my house in Patricia Gardens BS - at approx 1730hrs.
Dave Sampson
Little Hormead - Grey Partridge X 2 Young - Mick East
SAL - A female Shoveler & two Common Sandpipers this afternoon - Colin Wills
23th July
SLRS - 2 Spotted Flycatchers - an adult and a recently fledged juvenile - active and noisy in the Willows along the river. 76th species in this area for me this year. Also a Willow Chiff with a ring, on the scrape: a pair of teal, 6 Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove - John Slee
22nd July
SAL - 2ad+5juv Little Grebes (1 large juv & brood of 4 newly hatched chicks), 11ad+34juv Tufted Duck (broods of 4, 5, 7, 8 & 10 - the 10 recently hatched chick with two females so may have involved two 'combined' broods), 1f Kestrel, 2ad Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers, 135 Black-headed Gulls, 45 Swifts (NE in tight group), 20+ House Martins, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Reed Warblers, 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
Patmore Heath - Goshawk slowly past - Mick East
21st July
Spellbrook - Grey Wagtail on pub grounds, Spotted Flycatcher still c. 25 yards north-east of rail crossing, kingfisher from wallbury/wash footbridge also Buzzard over north with Hobby giving it a hard time. This is my first spellbrook Hobby of 2008 in complete contrast to the regular sightings during the last few summers. no sign of Grasshopper Warbler again today tho - Graeme J Smith
SAL - 1 Hobby, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers - Colin Wills:
20th July
SAL (05:10-05:50am) - 2 Little Grebes (pair at nest), 2 Teal, 182 Mallard (inc brood of 5 day-old young), 11ad+11juv Tufted Ducks (no sign of 3rd brood present last week), 1f Sparrowhawk, 1m Kestrel, 1ad Hobby, 3 Common Sandpipers, 10 Swifts, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Jays, 6 Linnets
SLRS (06:10-07:00am) - 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Teal, 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 6ad+2juv Lapwings, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 1ad Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2ad Common Terns, 3 Stock Doves, 2juv Green Woodpeckers, 3juv Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 30 Sand Martins (S), 6 House Martins, 2ad+3juv Yellow Wagtails, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroats, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs
Coploe Hill (07:45-09:30am) - 4 Cormorants (S), 1 Grey Heron (N), 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Common Buzzards, f Grey Partridge (with young chicks), 1 s/p Golden Plover (SW), 45 Lapwings (N), 1 Whimbrel (SW at 08:10am), 17 Black-headed Gulls (W), 2ad Herring Gulls (W), 84 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W/SW), 1ad Sandwich Tern (S calling at 07:53am), 65 Swifts (S), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Sand Martins (S), 1 Mistle Thrush (N), 3 Lesser Whitethroats - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - Crossbill in Beggarshall Coppice (TL531203) this morning. - Jan Hein van Steenis
19th July
Bush End Church - Turtle Dove still singing from grounds - Graeme J. Smith
18th July
Newton - Barn Owl - Mick East
17th July
Trims Green - Corn Bunting 2 still singing, Buzzard regular this year for first time, today seen again returning to the same area in Mathams Wood - Graeme J. Smith
Little Hormead - Tawny Owl - Mick East
Newport - five Whimbrel flew S low over my garden at 07:40 this morning. - Stephen Patmore
SLRS (17:00-17:30)- 1 Cormorant (S), 7 Lapwing, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 BH Gull (Ads), Yellow Wagtail heard, 1 juv Whitethroat, The partial albino juvenile Moorhen still present on the South end of the Scrape amongst the Juncus. Mike Harris
16th July
Michaels Mead Pond - single Common Tern still fishing regularly. On departure always heads in direction of Thorley Wash. still 3 singing Reed Warblers.
Hayter, Spellbrook (West) - Bullfinches on second brood, the single surviving Green Woodpecker Juv giving absurdly close views on the entrance lawn, Kestrels very vocal around suspected nest site again today, Harlequin ladybirds now unavoidable - Graeme J. Smith
14th July
Vantorts Recreation Park in Sawbridgeworth. - 8.20am one Spotted Flycatcher making sallies for
insects from Cherry Tree - Steve Butler
SLRS (17:30-18:00) - 3 Cormorant (S), 9 Canada Goose, 1 LBB Gull (2nd Sum), 3 BH Gull, 6 Lapwing (includes two of the brood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 GS Woodpecker, 10 House Martin, 1 Swallow (singing) - Mike Harris
13th July
SLRS (08:40-09:10) - 1 Cormorant, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ad BH Gull, 1 Common Tern
1 Partial albino juvenile Moorhen. Amazing looking creature with blotchy white flanks and an inverted 'V' on the mantle.
SAL (09:25-10:15) - 1 Common Sandpiper, Plus all the usual suspects.
In one brief sunny spell a few Insects became apparent. - 3 Large White, 30 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet, 1 Essex/Small Skipper, 1M B T Skimmer.
Allens Green - 60+ Swift drifting South at 10:30. - Mike Harris
12th July
SAL (07:05-07:50) - 4 Little Grebe, 4 Tufted Duck (+ broods of 4 & 6), 1 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swift, 5 Swallow, 1 House Martin , 50+ Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 10+ Pied Wagtail, 6+ Reed Warbler (3 singing males and 3 fledged juvs), 2 Chiffchaff still singing.
Hatfield Forest - 300 Jackdaw (2 roadside flocks in crops, 200 + 100)
Hatfield Heath - 60 Lapwing (N)
SLRS (08:05-08:30) - 4 Lapwing (FG), 1 LBB Gull (3rd Sum W), 4 BH Gull, 15 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail (pair 'alarming' in crops over the railway) - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill - single Whimbrel heading SW over at 15:35. Stephen Patmore
11th July
SAL - 3ad+11juv Tufted Duck, 1ad Hobby, 1f Kestrel, 2 Lapwings, 1 Common Sandpiper, 30 Swifts, 40 Sand Martins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtails, 10+ Reed Warblers, 4 Willow Warblers
Y'day, a single Common Sandpiper (per Colin Wills). - Stephen Patmore
Stortford Park Farm - 87 Swift over South at dusk, little owl - Graeme J. Smith
10th July
SLRS - Black-tailed Godwit 3, Yellow Wagtails vocal in the fields E of the railway line - John Slee also Mike Harris
Hayter Factory, spellbrook (west) - Little Owl 1, sitting in tree at main car park. My first work record since starting here in Oct. '02 - Graeme J. Smith
9th July
SAL - c.120 Sand Martins - Colin Wills
8th July
Thorley Wash - no sign of Grasshopper Warblers at 1130 hrs
Wallbury Weir - Adult Common Sandpiper, a first for my Spellbrook list at 11:15 hrs! - Graeme J. Smith
SLRS (17:00-18:00) - 2 Cormorant (S), New Mallard brood (4Y), 1M Teal, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk (prob F), 2 BH Gull (Ad + juv), 8 Lapwing (5FG + 3Y), 2 Swift (S), 0 (3) Swallow, 3 (40+) House Martin, 15+ (1) Sand Martin, 6+ Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail (pair both carrying food in crop field south of the access track), 5 Goldfinch.
Both Meadow Brown and Ringlet flying in small numbers. - Mike Harris
SAL (17:15-18:00) - 4ad Little Grebe, 4f Tufted Duck + two broods of 6 young, 1juv Little Ringed Plover, 1ad Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpipers, 45 Swifts (NW), 1 Kingfisher, 130+ Sand Martins (mostly juvs - no Swallows or House Martins present), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1juv Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtails (inc agitated pair at northern end, suggesting young may have fledged?), 13 Pied Wagtails, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Reed Buntings
Ugley Green - 1 Spotted Flycatcher (carrying food)
Newport SW - 1ad+1juv Kingfisher, 30+ Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtails
Audley End - 3 Cormorants, 3ad Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 14ad+10juv Tufted Ducks
Coploe Hill (18:50-20:40) - - No sign of yesterday's Quail. , 1 Grey Heron (N), 3 Common Buzzards,
7 Lapwings (S), 13 Black-headed Gulls (S), 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (S), 1 Great Black-backed Gull - 3rd Yr (S), 150+ Swifts, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 720 Jackdaws (N - roost movement), 245 Rooks (N - roost movement), 35 Starlings, 1m Reed Bunting - Stephen Patmore
7th July
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler still singing despite rain at 05:35
200 yards East of Thorley Church - male Yellow Wagtail again
Spellbrook lane (east) - Spotted Flycatcher 1, c. 25 yards north-east of rail crossing - Graeme J. Smith
SLRS - 1M Teal, 1 LRP, 5 FG Lapwing (chicks hopefully undercover?), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ad LBBG (Marauding), 1 Ad BHG - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill - Quail this evening - calling pretty persistently from the fields W of (and below) the hill from c.19:15 - 20:25. Nearby, a second singing Quail in fields just E of the minor road between Strethall and Chrishall, and just S of the Ickleton turn, at c.20:40. - Stephen Patmore
6th July
SAL (08:30-09:30)- 5 Little Grebe (4Ads, 1 juv), 3 Tufted Duck (All Females, one with brood of 6 ducklings), 1 LBB Gull (3rd Sum W), 2 BH Gulls (S), 2 Lapwing, 1 LR Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 GS Woodpecker, 40+ Swift, 30 Sand Martin, 20 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail (juv), 10+ Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit (S - first of Autumn!), 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat (inclu first juv), 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Bullfinch, 13 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet
20 Meadow Brown, 10 Ringlet
11 Emerald Damselfly (8M, 2F, 1T), 6 Common Blue Damselfly (5M, 1T), 4 Blue tailed Damselfly (5M, 1T), 2 Black tailed Skimmer (1M, 1T)
Quite a few Deer prints in the soft muddy edges
SLRS (09:45-10:15)- 1M Teal, 2 Gadwall (pair in eclipse), 1F Tufted Duck, 1 Ad LBB Gull(hasseling Flapper chicks), 1 Ad BH Gull, 2 LR Plover (per John Slee), 3 Lapwing (and brood), 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black tailed Godwit (Summer plumage islandica) - Mike harris
5th July
SAL (07:30-08:30) - 2 Little Grebe, 1 Hobby, 5 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 LBB Gull (3rdSum), 11 BH Gull (Ads drifting S in small groups), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swift, 1 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin, 10+ Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff (Family party), 1 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
SLRS (08:45-09-15)- 1 Cormorant (in Corm tree), 4 Canada Geese, Coot brood of three chicks, 20 Moorhen (juvs everywhere now), 1 Ad Water Rail, 3 Lapwing (+ 3 Chicks - growing well), 1 Ad LR Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper, 11 BH Gull (Ads drifting South, several dropping in to bathe and feed)
2 Swift, 2 House Martin, 1M Reed Bunting, 1M Yellowhammer, - Mike & Anita Harris
4th July
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler - Graeme J. Smith
3rd July
SAL - 6 Little Grebes, 3 (1m) Tufted Duck, 2ad Little Ringed Plovers, 12 Lapwings, 3 Green Sands
4 Common Sands, 5+ Sand Martins, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Lesser Whitethroat (pr feeding young at nest), 2juv Willow Warblers - Also 2 Grass Snakes. - Stephen Patmore
2nd July
Newport - 3 Crossbills flying SE over at c.08:00am this morning; also a single Crossbill heard calling at 05:50am on Sunday morning. - Stephen Patmore
SAL - Ruddy Duck, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, Common Tern - Colin Wills
SLRS - Yellow Wagtail, a Sand Martin - John Slee
1st July
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler, still singing 30-40 yards NNW of Thorley Wash/Wallbury footbridge at 0640-0700. no sign of second bird today - Graeme J. Smith
30th June
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler, still singing persistently 30-40 yards NNW of Thorley Wash/Wallbury footbridge (0850-0945 hrs) a second bird on the south side occasionally heard - Graeme J. Smith
29th June
SAL (17:30-18:30) - 1 Little Grebe on nest (thats the most exposed nest i think i've ever seen!),
80 Mallard (includes all broods), 7 Tufted Duck (3pr + injured F), 20 Coot, 2 LRP (juvs), 3 Lapwing (juvs), 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 10 Swift, 50+ Sand Martin (mainly juvs), 5+ L T Tit (brood), 1 Grey Wagtail, 10+ Pied Wagtail (mainly juvs), 3 Reed Warbler (singing males), 2 Whitethroat (ditto), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 11 Goldfinch, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
28th June
Latton Park (14:00-16:00) - 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 10 Skylark (on the Common), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (carrying food into a bramble bush), 3 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest (heard), 15 L T Tit, 2 Marsh Tit, 20 Coal Tit, 15 Blue Tit, 10 Great Tit, 3 Jay
The huge mixed Tit flock of 60+ birds, mainly juveniles, had a surprisingly high percentage of Coal Tits.
2 spikes of Bee Orchids (past their best) were growing by the entrance to the woods behind the (Ex) Little Chef.
2 Large White, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 35 Meadow Brown, 40 Speckled Wood, 10 Ringlet
6 Small/Essex Skipper
5 Large Red Damselfly, 3 Azure Damselfly, 1 TM Black Tailed Skimmer
If anyone wants to visit the Woods, you should be aware that the 'Forest Way' has been renamed the 'Stort Valley Way' on the Footpath signs.- Mike Harris
27th June
Bishops Stortford - Red Kite high over the High School going towards Motorway. - Mike Franklin
SLRS (17:00-18:00)- 4 Canada Geese (F + 3Y), Many Mallard broods, 2 Prs Coot (+ young), 6 Moorhen (inclu 2 well grown juvs), 10 Lapwing (7Ads + 3Y), 1 Ad LBBG, 10 Swift, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 25 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail (juv), 6 Pied Wagtail (Min), 3 Linnet, 1M Reed Bunting (Still singing away!) - Mike Harris
26th June
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler, still singing 30-40 yards NNW of Thorley Wash/Wallbury footbridge - Graeme J. Smith
25th June
Trimms Green - Lapwing 4 (flew west into the distance from Blounts farm), Yellow Wagtail 2 (male and juv) opposite entrance to Morris farm - Graeme J. Smith
24th June
Quinbury Farm - Quail singing north of Braughing at Hay Street from the footpath at Quinbury Farm TL398264 - Birdguides
Patient End - Little Owl
Patmore Heath - Goldcrest - Mick East
SAL - 2m Teal, 116 Mallard, 19 Tufted Ducks, 6 (2ad+4juv) Little Ringed Plovers, 15 Lapwings,
1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Stock Doves, 10+ Swift, 20+ Sand Martins, 10+ House Martins, 20+ Swallows, 3 Grey Wagtails, 20+ Pied Wagtails (mostly juvs) - Stephen Patmore
22nd June
Hatfield Heath (07:55) - 2MM Peacock
SAL (08:05-08:55) - 2 Little Grebe (Wader lagoon), 3 New Mallard broods (fantastic season for them - 11, 8 & 8), 3 Tufted Duck (Pr + 1S), Still no Coot or Moorhen broods, 4 L R Plover (all juveniles - bred nearby?), 1 Common Sandpiper, 10 Swift, 10 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin, 3 Skylark
10+ Pied Wagtail (mainly juveniles), 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler (singing males on the Wader lagoon - where have they come from? First records for SAL this year for me) All the usual suspects still in song, Willow W, Reed W, Whitethroat, Garden W, Chiffchaff etc.
SLRS (09:15-0945)- 1 Cormorant (making futile attempts to land on Corm tree!), 1F Shoveler, 1F Canada +3Y, Pr Lapwing + 2 fluffy young (Yes! They did breed!), 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 House Martin , 1 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler (singing in Juncus - where did he come from too? First for SLRS for me this year), Family of Whitethroats, 2 YellowWagtail (Males in territorial dispute over the track East of the Railway)
1 Grass Snake curled up on path. It must have been cold because it allowed me to touch it before it slithered off.
1 Stoat ran across Sheering Lower Road South of the Marsh. - Mike Harris
21st June
Stort Valley - Common Tern, Pair of Common Terns between Spellbrook & Tednambury excellent views all afternoon. (Tern also seen regularly near new footbridge at Rivermill Chinese early mornings c5am) Also Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings, 3 Curlews over flying north/nw c 1630 21/06. Garden Warbler between spellbrook & wallbury - keith watts
20th June
Thorley Wash, Bishops Stortford: - grasshopper warbler, still singing 30-40 yards NNW of thorley wash/wallbury footbridge. can be heard from bridge so no need to venture out into the nettles. - graeme j smith
Stort - Grasshopper Warbler, Singing 30 yds NW of bridge 44 (Wallbury) c 11.30am 20/06, but not heard on next visit c 5pm Saturday 21/06 - keith watts
19th June
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler singing 30 yards North-West of Wallbury/Wash footbridge 0630-0645 hrs
Trimms Green - grey partridge (this bird looked as if it was sitting on eggs, staying very still and refusing to move despite close proximity), common buzzard 1, kestrel 1, yellow wagtail - disappeared when grass was cut at the north-west gate at blounts farm - Graeme J. Smith
18th June
Norfolk Way, Bishop's Stortford - an adult Common Tern (with food) was observed flying over Norfolk Way approx 09.00 hrs - a somewhat unusual occurrence in Town; rather suggests there is a lake nearby with a breeding pair on it (surely too far way from the Hatfield Forest ternery).
Dave Sampson
16th June
Amwell NR - wood sandpiper (from new white hide until 1528hrs only), green sandpiper, cettis warbler, 2 spotted flycatcher - per RBA
15th June
Thorley Park - Red Kite Adult Red Kite seen over Thorley Park about 11.30am - flying in a westerly direction. Don't think it is the same bird as the 'unusually plumaged etc' bird seen at Sheering recently (see Stort Valley Wild site) as it didn't seem as 'tatty'as that individual and the plumage colours looked 'normal'. - Dave Sampson
Farnham Road Herts - Common Buzzard
Nino Wood area - Common Buzzard - Mick East
SAL (09:20-10:10) - 1 G C Grebe, 2 Little Grebe (Small lag), 65 Mallard (30 ads, 35 juvs), 3 Teal (MMF), 13 Tufted Duck, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 35 Swift, 10+ Sand Martin, 2 Skylark, 3 Reed Warbler (singing males), 2 Whitethroat (ditto), 3 Willow Warbler (ditto) , 1 Pr Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
6 Black tailed Skimmer (5M 1F), 2 Common Blue D/Fly, 5 Common Blue Butterfly (all males), 1 Meadow Brown - Mike Harris
SLRS (10:30-11:30) - 3 Cormorant (all in Corm tree), 1F Canada and her three hybrid young looking more like Canada's now!), 1 Kestrel, 3 Ad Lapwing, 1 Herring Gull (2nd Sum), 1 Green Woodpecker,1 G S Woodpecker , 2 Prs Whitethroat carrying food (one at South end and one at Railway crossing) 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler (JS), 1M Reed Bunting, - Mike Harris John Slee and Kevin Hanrahan
Debden Park - single Crossbill flew SW over am Also, two Common Terns, and at a site nearby, a day-hunting Barn Owl at a potential nest site. - Stephen Patmore
14th June
Patient End - Little Owl - Mick East
13th June
Furneax Pelham - Little Owl
Barley North - Barn Owl 06:00 - Mick East
11th June
Bishop's Stortford (Hockerill area) - 1020 am. Fleeting glimpse of 3 'Egret' type heading North (all white - legs well projected).- Ian Gray
8th June
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X3 - Mick East
7th June
SAL (16:30-17:30)
4 L Grebe (pr on small lagoon and calling birds on the other lagoons, so possible three pairs now)
21 Mallard (plus 5 broods - 11,7,4,4,4 - all well grown apart from one brood of 4 day olds), 1M Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 12 Swift, 4 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Reed Warbler singing)
2 Willow Warbler (ditto), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto)
SLRS (17:45-18:05) - 30 Mallard ( + several broods - impossible to count now), 1F Canada ( + dubious offspring), 6 Coot ( + 2 broods), 2 Lapwing (Both Adults and probably both Males) - Mike Harris
6th June
Stortford park farm - little owl at roundabout - Graeme J. Smith
4th June
between mathams pit and the black barn - grey partridge 2
trimms green - yellow wagtail male still singing from same spot
hayter, spellbrook - jay (young bird seen two days in a row at suspected nest site is my first ever confirmed breeding record!) - Graeme J Smith
1st June
Newport - 1f Marsh Harrier (over meadows NW of the village @ 06:20am), 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (all 1S, N), 30+ Sand Martins, 20+ House Martins (over Sewage Works in early showers), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1m Reed Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatchers (pair from last week at entrance to Sewage Works),Yesterday, a single tardy male Wheatear on Coploe Hill the only bird of note. - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest Lake - Great Crested Grebe 6 young at least 6 young on the lake, looked like two pairs had bred. Common Tern sitting on raft. presume on eggs? - Pete Duxon
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (16:15-16:45)
A few singing Warblers despite the overcast conditions.
3 Reed Warbler
3 Sedge Warbler
1 Garden Warbler
2 Whitethroat
1 Chiffchaff
Also two pairs of Reed Buntings, one pair feeding young.
SAL (17:15-18:00) - 3 Little Grebe (pair on small lagoon, plus one on Wader lagoon - they are beginning to arrive, albeit slowly), 22 Mallard (+ several broods), Pr Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck (8 pairs + odd male), 14 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 L R Plover, 15 Swift, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Garden/Blackcap (Singing male, uttering phrases from each species, could not get a view to confirm either way)
SLRS (18:15-18:45) - 1M Gadwall (going into eclipse), 1 Hobby (in from East, but in hunting mode)
20 Stock Dove (on Chaff dump), 1F Whitethroat (Collecting food) - Mike Harris
31st May
SAL (07:30-08:05)- 2 Little Grebe (Small lagoon), 1 Cormorant (S), 17 Mallard (+ 4 Broods), 1M Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck (3pr), 8 LBB Gull (N @ 07:49 various ages, but no adults), 6 House Martin (collecting wet mud from track), 2 GreyWagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush (S), 3 Reed Warbler (singing males), 1 Garden Warbler (ditto), 3 Willow Warbler (ditto), 1 Chiffchaff (ditto), 2 Reed Bunting (ditto), 2 Yellowhammer (ditto)
SLRS (08:20-09:00) - 1 Cormorant (Corm tree), 1M Gadwall, Mixed Goose pair and hybrid young, 1F Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 2 G S Woodpecker, 15 Swift, 3 Skylark, (No sign of last weeks M Yellow wagtail), 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1M Reed Bunting, Pr Yellowhammer (carrying food)
1 Small White (a bit early for Insects generally) - Mike Harris
29th May
Thorley Wash - GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Singing male heard at the southern end of the first fenced enclosure; though very low key song!! Also, a mating pair of Eyed Hawk Moths observed and photographed. - Dave Sampson
Hadham Ford - 2 red kites (circling over to the East of the village, 2 corn buntings (Ash Valley G.C.), treecreeper, bullfinch, common buzzard (with large prey), reed bunting, stock dove, house sparrow, corvids,tits (inc newly fledged LTT's) finches (4sp), hirundines, moorhen and mallard (with 1 week old brood) woodpeckers, (2sp)warblers (3sp) etc etc., - Jono Forgham
27th May
A120 - Common Buzzard X2
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
25th May
SLRS - 3 Gadwall, The Hybrid Goose pair have refound the third ugly Gosling!, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 30 Barn Swallow, 20 House Martin
SAL - 2 LR Plover, 15 Sand Martin, - Mike Harris
24th May
SAL (06:00-06:45) - 1 Grey Heron, 41 Mallard (+ broods of 11, 2 & 2), 8 Tufted Duck, 14 Coot, 3 Lapwing, 2 L R Plover, 1 Swift (NE), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark (singing males), 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Reed Warbler (singing males), 1 Garden Warbler (ditto), 4 Willow Warbler (ditto),
1 Reed Bunting (ditto) , 2 Yellowhammer (ditto), 3 Linnet
SLRS (07:00-07:30) - 3 Gadwall (MMF), 2 Canada Goose (S), 1F Canada + 1M Greylag and two hybrid Goslings. 3 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, M Cuckoo, M Whitethroat, M Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
Millennium Wood, Bury Green - bullfinch 2, willow warbler 3+, chiffcaff 3+, blackcap 1, common whitethroat 2, reed bunting 2, green woodpecker 2,
great spotted woodpecker 1, great black backed gull 2 north east, 2nd yr herring gull 1 south, linnets 2, swallows 8+, swifts 10+, usual corvids, finches and tits - Jono Forgham
23rd May
Hand Lane - Spotted Flycatcher catching insects at Hand Lane, opposite the entrance to Pishiobury Park carpark this evening at 17:00 - Mike Harris
20th May
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
Amwell - Great Reed Warbler, James Hide
18th May
Hatfield Forest - Kite sp over - John Slee
SLRS - Breeding: 4 Mallard broods 8 - about a week old, 4 - about 2 weeks old (including Whitey), 4 - day olds, 4 - day olds, 1 Canada brood 3 goslings (3 adult birds too), 1 Coot brood 2 young, Also: Pair Gadwall, 1 Grey Lag, 1 Herring Gull (1st Sum flew N), 2 LBBG (N), 40 Stock Dove (on chaff dump)
Trims Green - 1 Hobby
Blounts Farm - M Kestrel, M Yellow Wagtail, M Pied Wagtail - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill,(15:15-16:15) - 10+ Common Buzzards, 6 Hobby (1 lingering, 2 singles N and party of 3), 27 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (NE), 391 Swifts (N/NE in 1hr), 2m Lesser Whitethroats - Stephen Patmore
17th May
SAL (08:00-09:00) - Wader lagoon water level now high again. 21 Mallard (+ broods of 5 & 2), 3 Tufted Duck (MMF), 8 Coot (big decrease in breeding pairs - no Little Grebes either), 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Swift, 10 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 7 Reed Warbler (all singing males), 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler (all singing males), 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
SLRS (09:10-09:30) - 2 Cormorant (in Corm tree), 11 Mallard (+ broods of 6 & 3 - includes the white duckling), 1 Canada Goose, 1 Grey lag , 6 Coot, 1 Lapwing, 3 Stock Dove, 1M Cuckoo, 20 Swift
10 House Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 50 Starling (Flock made up mostly of 1st brood 'Brown Sqawkers'), 1 Linnet, - Mike Harris
16th May
Henley Herne spring - corn bunting 1 singing just south east of spring c. 0640 hrs - Graeme J Smith
A120 - Black Kite today at around 14:30 flying east along the A120 north of Bishop's Stortford town centre.- Anita Harris
Birchanger Green Services - Goshawk? only a possible seen poorly & fairly briefly from the car but a buzzard-sized stocky, powerful greyish raptor heading directly away over the services. Drove round but couldn't relocate it. - James. A. Hanlon
15th May
Mathams Pit - Common Sandpiper, 10.10am - 10.30am Common Sandpiper, Swallows, Kestrel, Skylarks, Willow Warbler. No sign of tern. -
Amwell - Hobbies, 7 Hobbies, Cettis heard, Reed Warblers, Cuckoo. - Keith Watts
14th May
Stansted Airport - Montagu's harrier (1st sum f) present for 3 days around the runways (per rarebirdalert.com)- James. A. Hanlon
Mathams Pit . A superb summer plumaged Black Tern was seen at Mathams Pit (near Trims Green) from about 11.50 this morning. I viewed it from the (so called) public access immediately before the display saying no public right of way next to the Paint Balling place in Mathams Wood; the lake is perfectly viewable from here, and good views of the bird were had as it whisked constantly back and forth occasionally diving - for about an hour before I left, fully sated! Stephen was already on his way and he was able to view it after me. Presumably it will stay around a while - but no other terns present. Also in the area: Common Buzzard being harried by crows over Mathams Wood (possible breeding suspected as this is the second recent sighting here); a pair of Turtle Doves at Trims Green; 3 Yellow Wags; 2 male Corn Buntings; 2 Grey Partridges. - Dave Sampson
Newport SW - 1 Hobby, 2 Spotted Flycatchers (by railway line)
Matham's Wood - 5m Garden Warblers
Trimm's Green - 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Turtle Doves (1 near Blount's Fm, pair opposite Morris's Fm)
2 Yellow Wagtail
SLRS - 1 Little Ringed Plover (flew through calling)
SAL - 3 Common Sandpipers Also several Four-spotted Chasers and a single male Broad-bodied Chaser on the wing. - Sephen Patmore
Patmore Heath - Cuckoo
Fowlmere Airfield - Barn Owl 00:30 - Mick East
13th May
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard, Red Kite,(11:03), Sparrowhawk, Mistle Thrush. - Mick East
SAL - 2 Common Sands, 10+ Swallows, 20+ House Martins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1+m Reed Warbler, 1m Lesser Whitethroat, 2m Garden Warblers - Stephen Patmore
Little Hadham - hobby, 2 bullfinches, 3 robins, 5 yellowhammers, 1 pheasant, 6 common whitethroat, 3 blackcap, 1 lesser whitethraot, 1 wren, 2 greenfinch, 2 chaffinch, 50+ wood pigeons, 20+ rooks, great tits, 2 blue tits, 1 blackbird, 1 song thrush, plus 6 orange tips, 4 small whites, 2 large whites, 3 speckled wood, 1 peacock, plenty of rabbits (hence 3 foot chicken wire fence around my patch), 1 hare, 1 fox cub - Jono Forgham
11th May
Patmore Heath - Hobby
Albury TTV - Common Buzzard X3, Cormorant - Mick East
10th May
Trimm's Green 4:40-5:30 - Yellow Wagtail - 3, Red-Legged Partridge - 3 pairs, Grey Partridge - 1 pair, Corn Bunting - 2 singing, Linnet - 10+, Swallow, Stock Dove 1, Yellowhammer 1,
Allen's Green - Whitethroat 1, Hare 1 - John Slee
Rye Meads - Hobby 7+, Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Turtle Dove 2, Cetti's Warbler,Grasshopper Warbler - Mick East
8th May
Patmore Heath - Pallid Swift heading south - Mick East
7th May
An early start at Thorley Wash failed to produce anything more exciting than a pair of Common Terns .......... and once again no Groppers!! Same at Tednambury. I was out in the field so to speak for 6 hours but had very little to show for it. And I'm STILL without a Yellow Wag so far this year!! - Dave Sampson
Little Hadham - lesser whitethroat, 2 green woodpeckers, 3 common whitethroat, 1 blackcap, 2 yellowhammers, assorted tits and finches, 2 dunnock, 2 robin, 2 blackbird., Also:7 orange tips, 2 peacocks, 5 speckled wood, 3 swifts over on 8th - Jono Forgham
5th May
Thorley Wash - A garden Warbler; a Blackcap; several C.Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers;several Chiffs and a couple of Wiilow Warblers; a Cuckoo; a Kestrel; a Water Rail screamed; a pair of Linnets (surprisingly uncommon here); several Reed Buntings. Butterflies represented by several Orange Tips; a few Green-veined Whites and Small White; a Holly Blue (my first for the year); and a Peacock or two. - Dave Sampson
Sawbridgeworth church tower - 8 swifts screaming around tower last night about 8.30pm - Jono Forgham
SLRS - Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, Blackcap, and over in the fields by Pishiobury Park/Bonks Hill a Lesser Whitethroat singing from the top of a hawthorn bush, a Garden Warbler in the next hedgerow, and Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff singing loudly. Otherwise a Greylag with 4 Canada Goose, 3 Gadwall, Swifts, and a Skylark.- John Slee
Debden Park Lake - 1 Little Egret (flew off W at 05:15am)
Coploe Hill - 1m Marsh Harrier (lingering mid-morning), 11+ Common Buzzards, 3+ Hobby, 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (N), 55 Swallows (N), 4 Yellow Wagtails
Chrishall Grange area - 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1m Reed Warbler
Howe Wood, Strethall - 2 Hobby
Newport - 1 Hobby (N) - Stephen Patmore
Thorley Wash, spellbrook (north): - • kestrel 2 (M+F both hunting seperately), Great black backed gull 3 - over north, cuckoo 1 - male on east side of river, swallow 4 - checking out the buildings west (across the road) from the wash, sedge warbler 9 (1 north edge of wallbury, 3 south wash, 3 north wash + 2 more just south of wallbury), whitethroat 12 - minimum. seemingly everwhere! garden warbler 2 (1 singing 50 yards south-east of the railway foot-crossing and another 30 yards south from wallbury footbridge on the herts side) blackcap 6 (5 males, 1 female), chiffchaff 4(5), willow warbler 4, treecreeper 2 - essex side of river, north of Wallbury, linnet 2 - flew out from the trees at the foot-crossing and put down on the grass c.60 yards south-west. - Graeme J Smith
4th May
Bishop's Stortford - Ring-necked Parakeet in my garden for about 30 seconds this evening (approx 6.30 pm; seemed fairly flighty. - Dave Sampson
Thorley - common buzzard 1 - soaring over - Graeme J Smith
Grass marsh opposite SLRS scrape - Whitethroats erupting all over - Kevin Hanrahan
3rd May
Bishop’s Stortford - Three Swifts seen over my house this morning - Tony Moverley
Patmore Heath - House Martins checking Nest sites, Swift 2, Cuckoo - Mick East
Hatfield Forest - Marsh Harrier 1 2nd year male flying north - Jan Hein van Steenis
Trimms green - Grey partridge 1, Yellow Wagtail 7 (6 at morris farm, 1 tharbies), meadow pipit 3, stockdove 7 - east, lesser whitethroat - singing at tharbies - Graeme J Smith
2nd May
north of Much Hadham - Sparrowhawk, Lesser Black-backs (5), 2 Mallard and 2 Canada Goose - all over Swallow, Whitethroat and Blackcaps galore, Cuckoo, GSW, Yellowhammer and a galore number of Dunnock and Skylark all round. 2 Muntjac, Rabbit, Hare - David Arch
Thorley Wash - Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Cuckoo, GSW, Green woodpecker, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Reed Bunting, Mallard, Long tailed Tit, Water Rail - Mick & Brenda East
1st May
Common Buzzard seen soaring over/near my house (Thorley) approx 10.30 a.m.
Dave Sampson
Hadham walk (5.00 - 7.30pm) - 2 tawny owls conversing across a field little owl (on wires opposite entrance to Ash Valley G.C.), swallow 1, common whitethroat 3, chiffchaff 4, blackcap 2,
RLP 2, grey heron 1 (south)- Jono Forgham
Trims Green area (tetrad TL41T) - Hobby flying south. Plus 5 Yellow Wagtails, good numbers of Yellowhammer, Linnet & Skylark noted & a pair of Little Grebe seen on Tharbies pond.- Tony Moverley
Chrishall/Coploe - 1ad f Marsh Harrier, 1imm m Hen Harrier (same 1CY bird as Tuesday), 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Meadow Pipits (late passage birds), 9 Yellow Wagtails, 1m Nightingale (singing), 2m & 4f Greenland Wheatears - Stephen Patmore
30th April
Sawbridgeworth Station - Sedge Warbler and a Reed Warbler singing from near the N end of the
platform. With regular Blackcap and Chiffchaff - John Slee
Chrishall/Coploe - 8prs Grey Partridge, 1m Corn Buntings - Stephen Patmore
29th April
Stocking Pelham - Purring Turtle Dove; plus two Swallows prospecting around newly constructed stables. - Tony Moverley
Chrishall/Coploe - 1imm m Hen Harrier (1CY), 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1m Grasshopper Warbler (singing from a a tiny stunted hedge adjacent to a bean field!), 4m Lesser Whitethroats - Stephen Patmore
28th April
Spellbrook - 2 swift north over today (1555hrs) 10 mins before small thunderstorm. after the rain stopped (1610 hrs) c.15 swallows + c.40 house martins passed slowly over (also north)
1817 hrs at Honeysuckle close... one more swift circling directly over house. - Graeme J Smith
27th April
Coploe Hill - 1 ringtail MONTAGU'S HARRIER, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 3 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 4m Lesser Whitethroats
Chrishall Grange - 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1f Wheatear, 4m Lesser Whitethroats, 1m Garden Warbler - Stephen Patmore
26th April
Newport - 1 RED KITE (untagged individual lingering over SW side of village c.13:40), 1f MARSH HARRIER (flew NW at 11:35am), 7 Common Buzzards, 4 Hobby (single S at 11:30am, group of 3 SW at c.12:30), 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Turtle Dove (flew N at 07:00am), 10 Yellow Wagtails, 2m Wheatears (both apparent Greenland birds), 2m Sedge Warblers, 18m Whitethroats, 21m Blackcaps, 7m Willow Warblers
Coploe Hill - 8 Greylag Geese (N), 7+ Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby (S), 15 Swallows (N), 5 House Martins, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 7 (2m+5f) Wheatears (sev. apparent Greenland birds), 2m Lesser Whitethroats, 3m Whitethroats, 4m Blackcaps
Catmere End - 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1m Lesser Whitethroat, 4m Whitethroats
Rook End SW - 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Grey Wagtail
Debden area - 4 Common Buzzards, 3 House Martins, 2m Lesser Whitethroats, 1m Whitethroat, 7m Blackcaps, 3m Willow Warblers
Debden Park Lake - 2 Shelduck
Audley End - 1 Barnacle Goose - Stephen Patmore
Patmore Heath BBS - Mallard, Goshawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Moorhen 3, Cuckoo,Green Woodpecker 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Skylark 4, Swallow 4 , Pied/White Wagtail 1, Song Thrush 3, Mistle Thrush 3, Lesser Whitethroat 4, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 3, House Sparrow 11 - Mick East
Widford Ridge - 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallow,
F Brimstone, 3 Small White, 1 Peacock
SLRS - 1 Grey Heron, 8 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 2 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
M Brimstone, M Orange Tip, 1 Peacock - Mike Harris
25th April
Spellbrook Marsh(the Wash) - GRASSHOPPER WARBLER 1 - SINGING, whitethroat 5, sedge warbler 4
Trimms Green - Corn bunting 1 - singing - Graeme J Smith
Moor Hall, B/S - 2 Grey Patridge just west of Thorley Church, together with Yellowhammer (2), Linnet (2), Reed Bunting (1) and Common Whitethroat (1). - Tony Moverley
24th April
Trimms Green - yellow wagtail 1 at 0715 hrs - Graeme J Smith
Little Hadham - Cuckoo, willow warbler called from the hawthorn - chiffchaff 2 , common whitethroat 1, green woodpecker 2, blackcap 3, peacock butterfly 1, - Jono Forgham
Mathams Wood - Common Buzzard One seen over Mathams Wood, near Moor Farm - Dave Sampson
Coploe Hill - 3 Greylag Geese (S), 1 BRENT GOOSE (flew SE at 06:25am), 1 Common Buzzard, 1m Peregrine (flew S at 06:40am), 1 Turtle Dove (S), 6 Swallows (N), 3 House Martins (N), 3 Yellow Wagtails (N), 4 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat
Hatfield Forest Lake - 8ad+2juv Great Crested Grebes, 2 Greylag Geese, 1m Cuckoo, 10+ Sand Martins
30+ Swallows, 5 House Martins - Stephen Patmore
23rd April
Great Hadam golf club - Lesser whitethroat 1 singing at at 0715 - Graeme J Smith
SLRS - Male Shoveler, another brood of baby ducks, a Coot seemingly on a nest, Sedge Warbler. 2 male Blackcaps, Willow Warbler singing. - John Slee
River Stort at back of Beckingham Palace - 2 Common Terns quartering river at 10 feet and flew off toward SLRS on my approach, - Kevin Hanrahan
SAL - 2 Little Grebe, 13 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck (only 4 females), 16 Coot, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin (N), 2 L T Tit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting (singing males)
1 Peacock Butterfly
SLRS - 17 Mallard (one female with brood of 5 day olds, 8 Gadwall, 1M Shoveler, 1 Canada Goose, 6 Coot, 3 Lapwing, 1 Swallow, 2 House Sparrow!, Mike Harris
22nd April
Little Hadham - Ring Ouzel, herring gull 1 north, yellowhammer 25+, linnet 7, chiffchaff 7, blackcap 9 singing males, plus 3 females, marsh tit 1, swallow 4, nuthatch 1, fieldfares 7!(late?), common whitethroat 1 (1st of the year)
Plus peacock 12+, orange tip 3, brimstone males 3, small white 2
SLRS - wigeon 2, gadwall 7, mallard ducklings now down to 3, a terrapin sitting on a tree stump just before the lock gates where the river flows to the right by the house. Red and yellow stripes on its neck. - Jono Forgham
Thorley Wash - Common Whitethroat 3;
Tednambury - Sedge Warbler 2; Common Whitethroat 1; Lesser Whitethroat 1; Little Owl (in an oak in field near Sawbridgeworth Reserve. Alas, no Cuckoos.
Little Canfield - 4 Wheatear (incl 1 m) in fields near Little Canfield Church.
Dave Sampson
21st April
Bury Lodge - RED KITE flying SE towards airport at 17:10
Newport SW - 1ad Hobby, 15+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, 4 House Martins, 1m BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL (feeding on filter tanks), 3m Yellow Wagtail, 2m Blackcap - Stephen Patmore
SAL - 12 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 1M Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Canada's, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 L B B Gull (E), 2 Skylark (singing), 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler,. 1 Chiffchaff
3 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
SLRS/River Stort/Pishiobury - Whitethroat (1st of season), Sedge Warbler (" " "), Blackcap (3 singing but none sighted), Chiffchaff (several singing), Grey Heron, Kestrel (F), Wigeon (Pair have returned to SLRS) - Steve Butler
20th April
SAL (07:50-08:40) - 1 Little Grebe, 12 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 18 Coot, 2 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1Skylark, 2 GreyWagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing), 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
1 Little Owl on Telegraph pole just south of entrance to the Forest.
SLRS (09:00-09:30) - 9 Mallard (+ brood of three ducklings - loss of ten so far), 5 Gadwall, 10 Coot, 1M Cuckoo (pristine), 2 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Magpie (chaff dump), 3 Yellowhammer
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (09:35-10:00) - 1 Water Rail, 3 Sedge Warbler (singing), Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Reed Bunting (5 pairs)
Nazeing GP from Meadgate Lane - Sandwich Tern with the flock of Common Tern's (12) this morning. And although this site is in Essex, the circuit the Sandwich is taking around the two pits, it enters Herts as it crosses the River Lea. It did this twice in half an hour.
Also Cuckoo calling here.- Mike Harris
SLRS & surround 10.15 - 11.30 - Chiffchaff 6 singing 1 silent but good obs, Wren, Robins, Great Peckers 3, Reed Bunting, Blackcap (m) good obs, Treecreeper (called by Dave), Willow Warbler (h), Grn Pecker 2, several Coot, Moorhen & Mallard on scrape also Widgeon & Gadwall, Swallows (c 10), Blue tits & Great tits all over, One of each seen at nest holes, Blackbirds all over, Woodpigeon all over, Collard doves, Jay, LINNIT (f) with nest material, good obs, Bullfinch pair over (s), LBBG 7 over, Pied wagtail, Songthrush 2, House Sparrow, Lone Cormorant in cormorant tree, Chaffinch, Green finch 2 - Kevin Hanrahan - John Slee
Whinchat at Little Canfield Tip this afternoon - in the field by the church, also three Wheatears there
Coploe Hill - 2 Common Buzzards, 16 Swallows (N), 1m Wheatear, 2m Whitethroat, 1m Lesser Whitethroat, 1m Willow Warbler, 35 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
St Michaels Mead pond - sedge warbler 1, jack snipe 1 - only giving a brief view as it flew over the 'dividers' in the middle, water rail - only heard, tufted duck - usual resident male, willow warbler 2, blackcap 1, chiffchaff 1
Oriole way - sparrowhawk. male over - Greaeme J. Smith
Westland Green 2.00 - 3.15pm - bullfinch 4 (2 pairs), skylarks 8+, yellowhammer 5, long tailed tit 4, swallow 1, mistle thrush 2 - - Jono Forgham
19th April
Little Hadham - chiffchaff 4+, blackcap 1 male, linnets 20+, yellowhammers 15+, Little owl 1
reed buntings 3+ - Jono Forgham
18th April
Moor Hall/Mathams Wood - 1 Swallow (flying East), 2 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Linnet & 2 Yellowhammer - Tony Moverley
17th April
Coploe Hill,(06:00-07:45am) - 1 Cormorant (E),1 Grey Heron (NE), 1 Greylag Goose (N), 1 Golden Plover, 2 Green Sandpipers (grounded, then flew E), 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (NE/E), 4 Herring Gulls (NE/E), 1 Swallow (N), 15 Meadow Pipits (N/NW), 1 alba Wagtail (N), 1m TREE PIPIT (singing on ridge early morning), 1f RING OUZEL (in hedge S of viewpoint), 94 Fieldfares, 7 Redwings (N), 1m Whitethroat, 3m Blackcaps, 1m Willow Warbler, 20 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
Hollingson's Mead - 4 G C Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Mute Swan (on nest), 2 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 1M Kestrel, 2 Lapwing (1 on nest), 1 L R Plover (heard), 9 L B B Gull (all adults bathing, retired to Harlow's northern Industrial estates), 1 B H Gull (1st Sum), 10 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 1M Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap (all males), 1 Willow Warbler (singing), 3 Chiffchaff (all singing) - Mike Harris
Spellbrook - Wallbury - Thorley church - Michaels Mead pond - Swallow 1 - just south of thorley church. feeding over fields, Yellow wagtail 3 - 100 yards north of Thorley church, treecreeper 3 - Wllbury, chiffchaff - everywhere, Willow warblers - still not as many as chiff's, Blackcap - there were 4 singing males on the wallbury edge of the river (only got 2 last week), Michaels mead pond: over an hour in wait for JS with no sightings - Greaeme J. Smith
Stort Valley - Buzzard, Buzzard flying between Kecksy's & Tednambury. GS Woodpecker, N of Spellbrook Lock. Kingfisher, S of Pig Lane. - Keith Watts
St Michaels Mead Lake - Little Grebe, Little Grebe in the reeds (0830) - no signs of snipe nor rail. Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Swallows, GS Woodpeckers - Keith Watts
16th April
Patmore Heath - Goldcrest
Patmore Heath north - Common Buzzard
Little Hormead 06:45 - Tawny Owl - Mick East
Mathams Pit - 1 Little Grebe, 4 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck (5M, 2F), 2 Coot, 4 Ad LB B Gulls, 1 Swallow
Mathams Wood - 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff
Trims Green - 20 Stock Dove, 5 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer
Tharbies Farm - 1M Kestrel, 2 Swallow, - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill - 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 17 Golden Plovers, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (NE), 2ad Great Black-backed Gulls (NE), 5 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail (N), 1 Grey Wagtail, 75 Fieldfares, 1m Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warblers, 25 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
SLRS - Garganey 1m asleep at the top (N) end best viewed from the S end.Wigeon pair on the far bank. Shoveler 1m, Gadwall, Mallard, , Swallow c5, Lapwing 1
Muntjac 2 on the far side of ths scrape, then later screaming from near the allotments. - John Slee
15th April
Trimms Green 07:20 - Yellow Wagtail 1 male - Greaeme J. Smith
SLRS - 1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant (S), 12 Mallard (+ brood, now down to 6) Also drake Aylesbury type and drake Cayuga type, both paired with female Mallards. Who left the farmyard gate open? 9 Gadwall, 1 GARGANEY (M), 1 Kestrel, 10 Coot, 2 Lapwing, 1 WHIMBREL (N calling at 18:00),1 Ad Herring Gull (SSW), 1 Ad L B B Gull (NE), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 3 Sand Martin
15 Swallow (minimum count, birds continually passing through, could probably double this figure), 1 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff - Mike Harris & Stephen Patmore
SAL - 1ad Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shelduck, 3 (2m) Tufted Ducks, 1ad Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits (flew NE @ 17:25pm), 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Bullfinch - Stephen Patmore
Little Hormead 19:20 - Tawny Owl
Pheasant Hall - Barn Owl 22:50 - Mick East
14th April
Little Hormead 06:40 - Tawny Owl
Furneux Pelham W 06:30 - Barn Owl
Flint Cross South 22:20 - Barn Owl
Barley North 22:33 - Barn Owl
Barkway North 22:38 - Barn Owl
Barkway South 22:42 - Barn Owl
Hare Street North 22:52 - Barn Owl - Mick East
GT.Plantings Wood and Little Plantings Wood - Common Buzzard A Buzzard was seen soaring over Gt.Planting Wood (along the A120 towards Little Hadham); a few hours later another sighting (presumably the same individual)at adjoining Little Planting Wood. - Dave Sampson
13th April
SAL (08:15-09:15) - 2 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Mallard, 4 Tufted (1F,3M), 18 Coot, 1 Common Snipe, 4 B H Gull, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Willow Warbler (all singing males), 4 Chiffchaff (ditto), 3 Jay ,6 Reed Bunting (3 pairs), 1 Yellowhammer
SLRS (09:25-10:00) - 6 Mallard (+ brood of ducklings), 9 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon (pair), 1 GARGANEY (M), 8 Coot, 1 Lapwing, 4 Ad L B B Gulls (N), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 G S Woodpecker, 1 Willow Warbler (singing), - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill,(09:20-11:30am) - 1 Red Kite (circling N of Hill at c.10:30am before gaining height and moving NE), c.17 Common Buzzards, 5 Black-headed Gulls (W), 1ad Herring Gull (S), 3ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls (NE), 2 Sand Martins (N), 74 Meadow Pipits (N/NE), 1 Yellow Wagtail (N), 3 alba Wagtails (N), 42 Fieldfares (flock on fields), 1 Redwing (E), 1m Blackcap, 16 Goldfinches (N), 1 Reed Bunting, - Stephen Patmore
12th April
Hudshill Wood - Common Buzzard
Patmore Heath North - Common Buzzard X2 - Mick East
Hatfield Forest Lake - Great Crested Grebe 8 on lake, one had stripey headed baby hitching a ride. Naff picture on thequacksoflife.blogspot.com. Swallows over lake. Willow Warblers singing - Pete Duxon
St Michaels Mead pond - Jack Snipe - Greaeme J. Smith
SLRS - Sparrowhawk 1f, 2m Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Lapwing, 2 Jay, 1 Meadow Pipit N, 2 Swallow
through, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammers, 8 Gadwall on the pond. - John Slee
11th April
Little Hormead 06:45 - Tawny Owl - Mick East
10th April
St Michaels Mead Pond 16:10-16:30 - Jack Snipe 3 (2 left south)- Greaeme J. Smith
St Michaels Mead Pond - Water Rail at 09:10am but no sign of Jack Snipe. Tony Moverley
Church Lane (off Obrey Way) B/S - 5 Bullfinch feeding on blossom (3 females & 2 males). Tony Moverley
St Michaels Mead Pond 06:10 - Jack Snipe - Graeme J. Smith
Little Hormead 06:40 - Tawny Owl - Mick East
Sawbridgeworth - 2 Blackcaps in bushes in front of my house. - Kevin Hanrahan
SAL - 2 Little Grebe, 9 Mallard, 9 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 14 Coot, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Snipe, 1 L B B Gull (Distant!), 1 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 1 Alba wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Long tailed Tit, 2 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting , 2 Yellowhammer - Stephen Patmore & Mike Harris
Mathams Wood and Thorley Wash - Willow Warblers with a Corn Bunting on farm buildings at Trims Green - Dave Sampson
9th April
Amwell (AM) - 1M Shelduck (S), Pr Teal, 4 Common Buzzard, 3 L R Plover, 6 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 3 B H Gull, 1 Swallow (N), 35 Sand Martin (N) (4, 3, 2, 2, 15, 9), 2 Blackcap (MM), 1 Cetti's (M), 1 Willow Warbler (M), 3+ Chiffchaff - Mike Harris
8th April
SLRS 17:10 - 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 12+ Mallard (+ a brood of 13 ducklings), 14 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1M GARGANEY, 6 Coot, 3 Lapwing, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1M Willow Warbler, 2+ Chiffchaff (2 singers and a silent bird after the singing had ceased) - Mike Harris
Patmore Heath 16:20 - Red Kite in from north and then out to the east, Goshawk in & out E, Common Buzzard, Cormarant X2.
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Wheatear, Meadow Pipit on pile.
Upwick Common - Marsh Tit X2 - Mick East
7th April
Patmore Heath - Reed Bunting M, Mistle Thrush X2 - Mick East
6th April
Coploe Hill - juvenile/1w Iceland Gull flew North amongst a light passage of Lesser Black-backed Gulls at 12:55pm - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest Lake - 1 House Martin with 1 Swallow and 1 Sand Martin. Also 50 Fieldfares.
Sawbridgeworth - 1 House Martin over my house l . Whilst watching this, a male Sparrowhawk went over and plunged claws first towards the Queen's Head. - John Slee
Moorfield Spring (Herts) - Common Buzzard X2 mating.
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X2, Siskin 1F - Mick East
5th April
Amwell NR - common buzzard 1 (over east), water rail 1, redshank 4, sand martin c.200 - in 3 huge 'swarms' (c.90, c.60, c.50), swallow 4(+), house martin 10(+), sedge warbler 1, cetti's warbler 3, blackcap 1, chiffchaff 6, willow warbler 3 - Graeme J. Smith
Cut Throat Lane south - Common Buzzard
Patient End - Barn Swallow
Hole Spring Wood - Common Buzzard
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Siskin 1M 1F - Mick East
SLRS - Gadwall c6, Lapwing 3 - 2 on the scrape and one on the field E of Feakes Lock, LBB 3 N over allotments. Green Woodpecker 1, GSW 1, Stock Dove 3, Chiffchaff 4 singing birds at least
Blackcap 1 singing male by the allotments, Sand Martin 7 over scrape on return journey, Swallow. total of 8 through, Wheatear 1m in same field as Lapwing, Reed Bunting 1m, Bullfinch pair near Feakes Lock, Wren total of 6 seen - John Slee and Kevin Hanrahan
At the Feeders were a very obliging female Siskin and a pair of Nuthatch along with the more usual fayre. 2 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff singing, Great/Blue/Coal & Long tailed Tits, 3 Treecreeper (including 2 singing birds.A pair of Blue Tits were taking nesting material in to one of the 'Bat boxes' near the Centre - that's going to be one interesting maiden flight for the Offspring! - Mike Harris
4th April
Moorfield Spring (Herts) - Common Buzzard
Stacey's Gorse (Albury South) - Common Buzzard
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
Trimms green - 1 corn bunting
Spellbrook (west) - lapwing 1 north, chiffchaff 2, blackcap 1, goldcrest with nesting material
Wallbury - chiffchaff 5 (3 east side, 2 west), blackcap 2, kestrel 1, willow warbler 1, also butterflies: 1 peacock, 1 female brimstone - Graeme J. Smith
3rd April
Upwick Road (Essex end) - 5 Meadow Pipits
Foxearth Wood (A10 vets) - Common Buzzard
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X2 - Mick East
12 Male Chiffchaffs between Southmill Lock and Spellbrook (incl 3 at Walbury); 1 male Blackcap (Walbury); 1 Singing Skylark over the Wash; 2 Sparrowhawks (Rushy Mead and Thorley Wash). Also 3 species of butterfly - Brimstone; Small Tort; Comma. - Dave Sampson
Bishop's Stortford. Hockerill area garden. - Blackcap (M) (present since 20th March) now joined by female. Siskin (M). Peacock butterfly (1). - Ian Gray
Harlow Mill Station - Swallow, a male flying East - Mike Harris
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (17:30-19:30) - 1 Cormorant (up & down River), 1 Grey Heron, 3-5 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, c.50 Golden Plover (Over Trims Green area), 1 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 1 L S Woodpecker (poor view, flew into Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff (singing, - Mike Harris, Chris Dee and Stephen Patmore.
2nd April
Upwick Road (Essex end) - 4 Meadow Pipits, 5 Jay, Bullfinch 1m also Common Buzzard over Moorfield Spring (Herts)- Mick East
SLRS - 6 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 12 Coot, 3 Lapwing (with a fourth bird displaying south of the Chaff dump field), 8 Stock Dove, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 1 Brambling (under bushes near Chaff dump)
Pishiobury Park - Grey Heron, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrush, 6 Chiffchaff (5 singing and 1 silent), 2 Jay, 2 Goldfinch , 20+ Greenfinch, 1 Brambling (north end of Osiers)
Rivers/Orchards - 1 Ad Common Gull (N), 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff (2 singing and 1 silent), 14 Linnet - Mike Harris
1st April
River Stort Spellbrook north - Kingfisher, Chiffchaffs 7+ singing, Willow Warbler, Great-spotted woodpecker, Wren, Mallard, Moorhen. Large number of the old Poplars cut down and re-planted on Essex bank, may be interesting later in the year. - Mick East
31st March
Thorley Park garden - 2 Siskin - Chris Dee
Sawbo Marsh - 2 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, a mere 4 Meadow Pipits roosted - Chris Dee
Patmore Heath - Siskin 1m 1f, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff singing - Mick East
30th March
Obrey Way, B/S - Chiffchaff heard singing - Tony Moverley
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X 4 2m 2f one pair displaying - Mick East
SAL(11:15-12:15) - 6 Little Grebe, 11 Mallard (5 pair + 1M), 5 Teal (2 pair + 1M), 2 Gadwall pair), 3 Tufted Duck (pair + 1M) The female was the resident injured bird. Buzzard (sp.) Probably Common, 1 Pheasant, 16 Coot (8 pairs), 2 Common Snipe, 5 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark (singing),
8 Meadow Pipit (N), 2-3 Redwing, 28 Fieldfare, 2 Long tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 1-2 Greenfinch,
2-3 Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting (singing), 2 Yellowhammer
Allens Green (12:30-13:00) - 1M Kestrel, 5+ Fieldfare, 2+ Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, Several Skylark singing 1M Brimstone - Mike Harris
Coploe Hill,(09:00-12:00) - female Goshawk with a couple of Buzzards at 11:25am and slowly headed W towards Chrishall Grange and out of view. 3 Cormorants (NW), 2 Greylag Geese (E), 5 Sparrowhawks
15+ Common Buzzards (min count of birds in air at once), 6 Kestrels (inc the resident tail-less female), 2prs Grey Partridge, 600+ Golden Plovers, 6prs Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper (W calling), 6 Black-headed Gulls (W), 2 Common Gulls (NW), 68 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (NW), 6 Herring Gulls (NW), 4 Great Black-backed Gulls (NW), 125 Meadow Pipits (NW), 1 Sand Martin (S), 1m White Wagtail (W), 3 alba Wagtails (NW), 1m Wheatear, 495 Fieldfares (parties of 45, 220 & 230 - all leisurely NW), 2 Redwing (N), 1 Goldcrest, 33 Goldfinches (N), 24 Greenfinches (N), 6 Linnets (N)
13 Corn Buntings, Buzzards all over the place today - including those from Coploe, my daily total is of well over 30 birds! - Stephen Patmore
29th March
Thorley Park Road, B/S - One Siskin visiting niger seed feeder in rear garden - Tony Moverley
Allen's Green - Starlings 350+ 'doing the swarm' also 20c Fieldfare - Mick East
28th March
Mathams Wood - chiffchaff 3, buzzard 1, reed bunt 1
Micheals Mead Pond - jack snipe 2, water rail 1 (all out in the open) - Graeme J Smith
Patmore Heath - Reed Bunting male - Mick East
27th March
Patmore Heath - Siskin 1 M 1 F, Common Buzzard X 2, Sparrowhawk
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat 1 M 1 F.- Mick East
Extended walk Hadham east and north - magpie 3, jackdaw 200+, chaffinch, blue tit, great tit, blackbirds, starlings, greenfinch,long tailed tit, robin, wren (all many), LBBG 1, common buzzard 1 (over East Wood), redwing 75+ (Hoecroft Lane), Fieldfare 50+ scattered near Green Street, cormorant 1, chiffchaff 1, herring gull 1, pheasant 5+, sparrow hawk 1, grey partridge 2, house sparrow 25+ (Hadham Ford), linnet 56 on wires (between East Wod and Tescos), yellowhammer 15+, corvids (plenty), wood pigeon (numerous), dunnock 4, marsh tit 1 (calling near Green Street), skylark 11+, green wodpecker 4, GSW 1 (drumming in East Wood), LTT 12, pied wagtail 2 (Hadham Ford horse field) - Jono Forgham
25th March
Patmore Heath - Siskin 1 M
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat 3 M 1 F, Reed Bunting 2 M
Clapgate just north of Nino Wood - Common Buzzard X 2 - Mick East
Plashes Wood (A10)- Common Buzzard on post by road - Brenda East
Spellbrook (west)- treecreeper 1, coal tit 2, marsh tit 1 - Graeme J Smith
24th March
Sawbridgeworth Marsh - 1 Imm MERLIN Flew East at 17:10, 1 Cormorant (S), 2 Grey Heron (N), 1 Mute Swan (N), 12 Mallard (max 6 in air together), 1F Sparrowhawk (W), 1M Kestrel (E), 5 Pheasant (in)
2 Water Rail, 2 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 7 B H Gull (4E, 3S), 6 Common Gull (4S, 2E), 3 Herring Gull (E), 3 L B B Gull (W), 1Ad G B B Gull (E), 2 Stock Dove, 660 Wood Pigeon (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 2 Green Woodpecker, 96 Meadow Pipit (in - a sharp increase - Spring passage), 24 Redwing (1N, 23S), 43 Fieldfare (13E, 30 in), 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Long tailed Tit (2 pairs), 1 Jay, 237 Jackdaw (S), 1 Starling (NE), 3 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch (W), 79 Greenfinch (NNE to roost - a sharp increase - Spring passage), 42 Reed Bunting (in), 1M Yellowhammer (singing at North end of Marsh). - Mike Harris
Folly Gorse - Common Buzzard mobbed by 2 Carrion Crow
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat 1 Male 2 Female
Patmore Heath - Siskin 2 Male 1 Female
23rd March
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat 3 Male 2 Female
Albury (South) - Fieldfare 300+ in field south of village hall - Mick East
SLRS - BHG (c 10) coots (c 8) Mallard pairs, GSW drumming, Starlings sitting it out (c 75) 5 Yellowhammer on chaffdump, Chaffinchs, Dunnocks, Robins, Magpies, Pheasant (h) many Wood pigeon in trees all over, LTT (h) Great Tit 3, Moorhen 2, Redwing 2, Corvids about but no calls.- Kevin Hanrahan
22nd March
Hatfield Forest Lake - great crested grebe 12, tufted duck 11, gadwall 13, teal 7, canada goose c.15, bullfinch 2, great spotted woodpecker 1, green woodpecker 2, mistle thrush 2, coal tit 1, nuthatch 1, redwing c.15 - Graeme J Smith
21st March
Ash Valley to Much Hadham and then back along the river to Hadham Ford.- 300+ golden plover in
bean field. LBBG 2 north,Herring gull 2 north, Black headed gull 1 north, kestrel 2 (1 female with very pale head), skylarks 4, yellowhammers 3, Green woodpecker 2, stock dove 1, pied wagtail 1. - Jono Forgham
SLRS - Gadwall 22 today plus a White-Cheeked Pintail. Treecreeper, 4 Lapwing, c30 Stock Dove over the chaff-dump field, singing Chiffchaff and still a few Fieldfares and Redwings - John Slee
18th March
Spellbrook West - Marsh Tit 1 - Graeme J Smith
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat 3 male 1 Female - Mick East
17th March
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat male - Mick East
16th March
Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex end) - Stonechat male - Mick East
15th March
SLRS - Cormorant 3 in the Cormorant tree, Mute Swan 6 juveniles/immature I various stages of greyness NE, Greylag Goose 1 over, Gadwall 9!, Teal 5, Mallard 4, Kestrel 1, Moorhen 6, Coot 4, Lapwing 4 – 2 pairs calling over the scrape, BHG 3, Common Gull 1, Stock Dove 5, Wood Pigeon c50+, Collared Dove 3, GSW 2, Pied Wagtail 1, Wren 2, Dunnock 5, Robin 4, Blackbird 7, Fieldfare 1, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 5, Stonechat 1 in the scrape field, Chiffchaff 1 singing – just a few snatches of song, Blue tit 1, Great tit 2, Jay 1, Magpie 7, Jackdaw 4, Crow c5, Starling 15, House Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 4, Greenfinch 2, Goldfinch 7, Bullfinch 3, Reed Bunting 2m. - John Slee
Rush Green (nr. Baker's End) - 7 Common Buzzards at 13:40 today. Three obvious pairs at height and a single bird lower down. - Mike Harris
Birchanger Wood - Brambling 1 in birches with Goldfinches
South of Farnham Green - Buzzard (2), Stonechat (f) Along the road from Stortford to Upwick
Lower Sheering - Sparrowhawk 1 over the village - Jan Hein van Steenis
Patmore Heath - Siskin Male on Niger - Mick East
14th March
Thorley Park Road, B/S - 2 Siskin on niger seed feeder. - Tony Moverley
10th March
Trimms Green - golden plover c.70, fieldfare 80+ - Graeme j Smith
9th March
Little Hadham south east walk (9.30 - 11.00) - common buzzard 2, linnet 2 (new sp for 2008), green woodpecker 3, GSW drumming, skylarks several
yellowhammer lots, mallards 3 pairs on River Ash, moorhens 2
south west walk (2.00 - 3.30pm) - bullfinches 3, jays 2, magpies 7, wood pigeons 500+, yellowhammers 6, green woodpeckers 4, goldfinch party of 9 - Jono Forgham
Hatfielf Forest Lake - great crested grebe 7, bullfinch 7, jay 6(7), gadwall 15+, tufted duck 10, green woodpecker 3, tawny owl 1 - in exactly the same place i've seen him before. roosting on the north-west marshy side (photo on blog later), redwing c.200 into trees from east side of forest - Graeme j Smith
Sawbridgeworth 15:30. - c50 Golden Plover circling south of West Road - Mike Harris
SLRS 9:30-10:30 - : 5 Snipe, 3 Lapwing, 4 Coot (the first for me here this year), 15 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, a GSW drumming loudly next to the river at the boat yard. - John Slee
8th March
Thorley Park Road, B/S - 1 male Reed Bunting in rear garden. Mary Moverley
Little Hadham Round of golf at Ash Valley Club:(8.30 - 1.00) - kestrel 1, skylarks 15+, green woodpecker 2, fieldfare 7, yellowhammers 5, rooks and jackdaws frequently joined me in the rough and out of bounds areas! - Jono Forgham
7th March
Little Hormead - Grey Partridge X3
Wyddial - Grey Partridge X2 - Mick East
6th March
Thorley Wash - 4 Little Grebe and 1 Stonechat - still good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing around. Tony Moverley
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost(16:08-17:50) - 3 Cormorant (2S, 1N), 1 Grey Heron (S), 3 Mallard (MMF),
3 Pheasant (in), 48 Golden Plover (20W, 28 circling in East), 1 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 20 B H Gull (SSW), 12 Common Gull (SSW),1 2ndW G B B Gull (SSW),15 Stock Dove (2 prs displaying, 9 and two singletons to roost), 1860 Wood Pigeon (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood),2 Green Woodpecker,
1 G S Woodpecker, 1 L S Woodpecker (Flew from Spill Timbers to Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 4 Meadow Pipit, 63 Redwing (61S, 2 in), 25 Fieldfare (in), 1 Magpie, 162 Jackdaw (S), 1 Starling (S), 1M Chaffinch, 1M Goldfinch (singing), 43 Greenfinch (22NE, 21SW!!! The NE birds were double the height of the birds moving in the opposite direction.. Confusing or what?), 34 Reed Bunting, Absolute minmum figure. Two recalcitrant male birds, one singing and the other answering with "siu" all evening, did not help in counting the in-coming birds!) - Mike Harris
5th March
Thorley Park Road, B/S - 2 Siskin (male & female) on niger seed feeder - Tony Moverley
4th March
Patmore Heath - Siskin M+F - Mick East
3rd March
Great Hyde Hall - Two Common Buzzards soaring and 70 Rooks in a ploughed field up West road - John Slee
1st March
Little Hadham - Grove Wood - grey wagtail 1 at the Ford by the Nags Head, kestrel 1, corvids 100's, sparrow hawk 1, meadow pipits 15, redwing 7, coal tit 1, yellwhammer 9, skylark 2 - Jono Forgham
29th February
Trimms Green - Corn Bunting using tree nearest the entrance to the fishing pits at 0715 hrs - Graeme Smith
Vantorts Park, Sawbridgeworth - 1 Ring Necked Parakeet flew south of Vantorts Park playing field at 8.15am this morning. - Steve Butler
Albury End - Red Kite - Brenda East
Central Harlow TL40P Tetrad of breeding bird survey - 1 Grey wagtail, 10 Siskins, 8 Redwings, 25 Mallards, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Moorhen, 2 Coots, 150 Woodpigeon, 30 Collared Dove, 6 Wren, 6Dunnock, 15 Robin, 24 Blackbirds, 5Long Tailed Tits, 39 Blue Tits, 21 great Tits, 23 Magpies, 57 Starlings, 58 House Sparrows, -- Craig Messenger
26th February
Standon - Barn Owl - Brenda East
25th February
tetrad count Manor of Groves at High Wych - Woodcock, Kestrel 4, Pheasant 7, Moorhen 4, Woodcock, Common Gull 2, Stock Dove 6, Woodpigeon c40, Collared Dove 3, Green Woodpecker 1, GSW 1, Skylark 5, Pied Wagtail 1, Wren 4, Dunnock 6, Robin 4, Blackbird 12, Fieldfare 4, Song Thrush 1, Mistle Thrush 1, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 7, Great Tit7, Magpie 3, Rook 25, Carrion Crow c40, House Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 7, Greenfinch 5, Goldfinch 2, Bullfinch 3, Yellowhammer 5 - John Slee
SLRS - 11 Bullfinches in a single bush by the allotments, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 2, Canada Goose 2, Lapwing 5, Common Gull 1, BH Gull c30, Moorhen c5, Stock Dove – 3 in a field and a few in the roost., Green Woodpecker 1, Starling 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Jackdaw hundreds, Rook 2, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 12, Dunnock 2, Meadow Pipit 5 flying round late then into trees/rushes for the roost., Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch c5, Yellowhammer c10 - John Slee & Steve Butler
24th February
Hadham Ford south - stonechat 1, common buzzard 1, yellowhammers 40+, reed buntings 5, green woodpeckers 6, GSW 1, LBBG 1, skylarks 12+ all singing., goldcrest several heard in conifers., kestrel 1, mistle thrush 1 - Jono Forgham
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 2 Cormorant (1N, 1S), 1 Grey Heron (in), 6 Mallard (2E, 2S, 2 in), 1 Common Buzzard (W, with extremley full crop!), 9 Pheasant (in - highest count of winter), 9 Golden Plover (W), 1 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 17 B H Gull (SSW), 26 Common Gull (25SSW, 1N), 4 L B B Gull (1SSW, 1N, 2 SE), 3 Stock Dove, ca.500 Wood Pigeon (only 290 in, but flock in Kecksy's Bridge Wood lifted at one point and a minimum of 500 birds showed. It would appear their feeding grounds have shifted to the West of the Marsh at present, so counting them in, with any accuracy, is an impossibility), 4 Collared Dove (S), 2 Green Woodpecker, 20 Meadow Pipit (in), 1 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Redwing (in), 15 Fieldfare (in), 2 Long tailed Tit, 211 Jackdaw (S), 18 Carrion Crow (9S, 5N, 2W, 2E) , 3 Starling (1W, 2NE), 2 Chaffinch (pair - male singing), 2 Goldfinch (pair - male singing), 23 Greenfinch (NNE), 43 Reed Bunting (42 in, 1 singing) - Mike Harris
23rd February
Little Hadham South - yellowhammer 1, wood pigeons 37, corvid flocks, 400+, green woodpecker 1, tawny owls 4, little owl 1, probably 2 maybe 3! surprisingly mobile, pheasants, plenty calling, kestrel 2 at nest site, usual tits, finches, turdus and robins. - Jono Forgham
Elsenham ,Down Farm South - TL52 H , Buzzard 3 sightings, 2 + Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Nuthatch,Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, flock circa 350+ Fieldfare/Redwing and starlings. Plus Mistle Thrush/Blue, Great,Marsh and LT Tits. - Michael Rimmell
22nd February
Newport SW - Water Pipit feeding with Pied Wagtails on the northernmost filter bed. Also a single Chiffchaff in the usual area. - Stephen Patmore
18th February
Sawbridgeworth Marsh(15:45-17:50) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (S), 16 Mallard (6N, 6S, 4E) Some duplication unavoidable!, 3 Pheasant, 3 Water Rail, 165 Golden Plover (E), 1 Snipe (S), 99 B H Gull (SSW), 3 Common Gull (SSW), 1 L B B Gull (N), 6 Larus spp. (SSW), 1 Stock Dove, 1130 Wood Pigeon (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 12 Meadow Pipit (in), 1 Song Thrush singing, 27 Fieldfare (in), 1 Chiffchaff, 4+ Long tailed Tit, 4 Magpie, 2 Jay, 267 Jackdaw (S), 101 Rook (S), 5 Chaffinch (4N, 1 singing), 21 Greenfinch (17N, 2E, 1W, 1S), 58 Reed Bunting (in, although 1 bird singing throughout) - Mike Harris
Stort Park Farm650 - 1715 - Pair of Stonechats present along with several calling Yellowhammers and a flock of c70 Golden Plover flying high South of SPF. - Steve Butler
17th February
Elsenham - Golden Plover 110 flying around in between Elsenham and Henham
Sawbridgeworth - Common Buzzard 1 along Stort west of Sawbridgeworth marsh
Manuden - Grey Partridge 2, near Bentfield Bower
Uppend - Common Buzzard 1 (in the direction of Pelham) - Jan Hein van Steenis
SAL & Hatfield Forest - SAL - Large Flock of Fieldfare on Ploughed field next to Pinkneys. Also 1 or 2 Redwing and a Mistle Thrush,Reed Bunting (1), Jay (2), Jackdaw (over), LT Tit, Green & GS Woodpecker, Snipe 1 Flushed from main Lagoon and another 2 from Furthest Lagoon. Lapwing flock flying west. Teal took off from Far Lagoon
Hatfield Forest(Woodside Green side) - Redwing (Large flock), Song Thrush, Green & GS Woodpecker, Bullfinch (pair), Lots of Jackdaw as usual, Jay, Nuthatch plus a selection of common Tits and Finches. 2 Muntjac Deer
16th February
Stortford Park Farm 14:45-15:15- Merlin - female on field around 150 yards north west of stonechats, standing on small mound Still present 15:45-16:15- Graeme J Smith
15th February
Chapel Lane towards Westland - treecreeper (2), nuthatch, stock dove, 400+ mixed corvids, 300+ wood pigeons, 25 fieldfare, 15 redwing, green woodpecker, GSW, kestrel, mistle thrush (3), moorhen 3, usual tits and finches a plenty - Jono Forgham
14th February
Little Hadham - golden plover 11 (circling low before departing westerly and gaining height)Presume on migration, grey heron 1, green woodpecker 3, GSW 1, song thrush 1, kestrel 3 separate males, goldfinch 20+, moorhen 3, wood pigeon flock (800+), Plus 1 muntjac, 2 hares, - Jono Forgham
13th February
St. Michael's Mead lake - Water Rail heard - Tony Moverley
12th February
SLRS - c.200 Lapwing circling and descending at 5.15pm - Mike Harris
Spellbrook West - Common Buzzard - over south at 1515 -
Wallbury - Nuthatch looking like their third year on the patch... using same hole as last year- Graeme J Smith
TTV Albury Hall - Siskin 9, Brambling 11, Yellowhammer 39 -Mick East
10th February
Stortford Park Farm - Common Buzzard 1 - west, sparrowhawk 1 - female hunting the farm, linnet 60-70 on south west edge (west of bypass), no stonechats noted today - Graeme J Smith
TTV Patmore Heath - Linnet 5, Yellowhammer 53, Reed Bunting 7 - Mick East
9th February
Rye Meads - Common Buzzard X 4 then X2 - Mick East
8th February
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 11 Mallard (4N, 3S, 2E, 2 in), 1 Common Buzzard (sitting in tall Willows at North end of Marsh, sloped off unseen, late evening), 1F Sparrowhawk (W),2 Common Snipe, 2 LBBG (S), 6 Stock Dove (incuding local pair, in prolonged display flights, at North end of marsh), 1360 Wood Pigeon (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Collared Dove (N), 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 G S Woodpecker (3S, 1W), 7 Meadow Pipit (in), 3 Redwing (S), 20 Fieldfare (in), 2 Song Thrush (singing), 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Magpie, 2 Jay, 406 Jackdaw (236S, 20N and 150 roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 8 Rook (S), 1 Goldfinch (S), 2 Chaffinch (S), 13 Greenfinch (3N, 1S, 3W, 2SW, 4in), 41 Reed Bunting (in)- Mike Harris
Tednambury Marsh Roost, - 1 Little Grebe,
1 Cormorant (S),
2ad Mute Swans,
14 Mallard,
1f Kestrel,
6 Water Rails (5 on marsh, 1 South of Tednambury Lock),
511 Black-headed Gulls (SW),
45 Common Gulls (SW),
4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW),
2 Herring Gulls (W),
6 Stock Doves,
515 Woodpigeons,
1 Collared Dove (S),
2 Green Woodpeckers,
59 Meadow Pipits (in) - very high count inc. flock of 32 in from the N,
2 Stonechat (m & f - South of Tednambury Lock),
42 Fieldfares (14W, 10S, 16in),
17 Redwings (16W, 1 in),
1 Marsh Tit (singing),
2 Jays,
151 Magpies (in),
323 Jackdaws (303SW, 20in!),
31 Rooks (SW),
1 Chaffinch (S),
6 Greenfinch (S),
3 Goldfinch (S),
5 Siskins (S),
33 Yellowhammers (in),
7 Reed Buntings (in), - Stephen Patmore
Furneux Pelham W - Barn Owl 06:30 - Mick East
6th February
Furneux Pelham NW - Barn Owl 17:30 - Mick East
4th February
SLRS - Little Grebe 1 on river – my first for this stretch, Cormorant 1, Moorhen 7, Mallard 3, BHG – several around, and 13 over S at 4pm, Green Woodpecker 1, GSW 1, Kestrel 1m, Wren 2, Mistle Thrush 1, Song Thrush 2 singing, Blackbird 5, Fieldfare c10, Redwing 3, Stonechat - pair at top end, Crow c10, Jackdaw c10, Rook 7 S at 4:20 heading for roost. , Wood Pigeon total of 100?, Starling c10, Magpie 12, Chaffinch c10, Greenfinch 13, Dunnock 5, Robin 1, Blue tit 1 - John Slee
3rd February
Little Hadham south east - 1 common buzzard, 1 adult lbbg, 14 BHG, 1 2nd cy herring gull, 1 reed bunting, 1 green woodpecker, usual tits and finches - Jono Forgham
Stort Park Farm and fields/woods west of Bishops Way - Goldfinch, Fieldfare , Redwing (2) (then mixed flock with Fieldfare), Siskin (1) (feeding in Alders alongside Bishops Way), Common Buzzard (loped over heading east), Large party of Long Tailed Tit, Stock Dove (1) - Steve Butler Kevin Hanrahan
2nd February
Hudshill - Common Buzzard
Albury Lodge - Fieldfare 250+ - Mick East
Stort park farm - Merlin chasing linnets. Stonechat 2. Golden plover 33. - Graeme J Smith
SLRS/Pishiobury Park - Great Tit,
Starling,
House Sparrow,
Dunnock,
Blue Tit,
Song Thrush,
Mistle Thrush,
Blackbird,
Fieldfare,
Redwing (mixed flock with above),
Crow,
Jackdaw,
Magpie,
Wood Pigeon,
Stock Dove (4),
Collared Dove,
Bullfinch (pair),
Greenfinch,
Chaffinch,
Moorhen,
Mallard,
Black Headed Gull (C85),
Common Gull (15),
Long Tailed Tit,
Pied Wagtail,
Wren,
Grey Heron,
Robin,
Jay,
Green Woodpecker,
Great Spotted Woodpecker,
Highlight was a Stoat attempting and eventually succeeding in
dragging, a fully grown Rabbit, in to cover alongside a small path
alongside the railway track. - Steve Butler
SAL - coot, moorhen, tufted duck, blue tit, greenfinch, robin, green woodpecker, corvids, teal, and not a lot else. Cut our loses and headed for Hatfield Forest lake. Added gadwall and had a superb fly past by c40 teal which eventually landed on the lake. No sign of the mandarin, but BHG, common gull, female bullfinch. Flock of redwing near carpark showed well. Total species count in the region of 35 - Summercroft Bird Club
Hatfield Forest Lake - Mandarin Duck one male. also sheduck and usual suspects. - Pete Duxon
Allen’s Green on sat lunchtime. - Fieldfare – one flock of 84 south of Allen’s Green, one flock of 100 + 25 Redwing at Trimm’s Green – road from Allen’s Green Golden Plover – one flock by road N from Allen’s Green, one flock of 130 just S of Matham’s Wood - John Slee
St. Michael's Mead lake NW end - Water Rail heard at the inlet sluice, flushed a Snipe (sp.) as I approached the metal barrier. Flew off into the sun - Tony Moverley
1st February
SLRS and surround 13.45-14.30 - 2 pairs of Stonechat at far North end of scrape,53 BHG,5 Moorhen,5 Jackdaw,2 Green woodpeckers,Great tits all over,4 Carrion Crow,Jay over (s),many Mallard pairs, Through woods had Bullfinch(m),Chaffinch all over,Blue tits,(c 15) Redwing,7 Wood pigeon, 2 Wrens, LTT through, and finally stood under a Great Spotted Woodpecker boring a fresh hole. - Kevin Hanrahan
Trims Greem - Male stonechat in layby at 1605 - Graeme J Smith
31st January
Trimms Green layby - Golden plover 16, hares 3 @ 1320 hrs- Graeme J Smith
30th January
Hatfield forest lake - Mandarin 1, shellduck 2, kingfisher 1, stock dove 1 singing - Graeme J Smith
Little Hadham - Woodcock Flushed from garden last night (10.00pm) - Jono Forgham
29th January
Farnham - Upwick Road Essex End - Fieldfare 200+, Starling 150+
Albury Lodge - Starling 300+ sitting on wires - Mick East
SLRS - Stonechat 1 - male at pheasant hopper, meadow pipit 21, teal 2 south - Graeme J Smith
Hazel End Woods - Common Buzzard 1 pair soaring over woods, but relatively low in clear sunny conditions, later joined by a third, all three drifting towards Manuden/Bentfield Green. - Alan Rutland
Manuden School & Butt Lane - Brambling; Siskin Male Brambling on feeders in school wildlife area (seen on RSPB visit) - Siskin on garden feeders in Butt Lane, Manuden - Mark Pegrum
28th January
SLRS - Shoveler 2 male - a first for me here. Stock Dove - a flock of 34 flew over. Snipe - 1 on the boggy field where the trees have just been cut. Bullfinch m, Reed Bunting 1f in the rough field by Springhall Lane. Blue tit - flock of 8 + many more throughout. - John Slee
River Stort (near railway car park) - 2 Siskin in the riverside alder trees. - Tony Moverley
Obrey way, BS - Little owl @ 1815 hrs on usual telegraph pole. first i've seen one here in months - Graeme J Smith
27th January
Sheering Lower Road Scrape - 1st winter Little Gull - John Slee
Stort Park Farm - Stonechats still in area - Graeme J Smith
Little Hadham - Common Buzzard viewed over Chapel Lane being mobbed by jackdaws. Also: green woodpecker 4, GSW 1, goldcrest 2, marsh tit 2, skylark 2, lapwing 6 - Jono Forgham
26th January
SLRS - 1st winter Little Gull this morning. With c30 BH Gulls. On the scrape and on the field E of the railway line, then around lunchtime drifted off north with the BH Gulls. - John Slee
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:00-17:00) - 8 Mallard (6N, 2S),
1 Common Buzzard (W),
3 Pheasant (MFF in),
1 Water Rail,
140 Golden Plover (10, 100, 30) All circling in distance over Trims Green area.
2 Common Snipe (including strange black breasted bird, seen twice in flight),
3 Jack Snipe All feeding within 20' of each other),
163 B H Gull (SSW),
36 Common Gull (SSW),
2 Herring Gull (SSW),
3 L B B Gull (2SSW, 1 NW),
17 Stock Dove Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood),
1500 Wood Pigeon (ditto),
1 Collared Dove (N)
1 Green Woodpecker,
2 G S Woodpecker,
18 Meadow Pipit (in),
5 Redwing (S),
84 Fieldfare (19S, 65 in),
1 Chiffchaff,
1 Goldcrest,
6 Long tailed Tit,
6 Magpie,
2 Jay,
325 Jackdaw (68N, 257S),
11 Rook (S),
15 Starling (8W, 7S),
1 Chaffinch (SW),
13 Goldfinch (4E, 3S, 6W),
6 Greenfinch (N),
33 Reed Bunting (in),
2 Yellowhammer (in)- Mike Harris
25th January
Spellbrook - Goldfinch birds gathering to roost now exceeding 180 birds (usually at hayter entrance from 1600 onwards) - Graeme J Smith
Tednambury Marsh, (15:00-17:00) - 2 Little Grebes,
1 Grey Heron (S),
3 Mute Swans (2ad, 1imm),
8 Mallard,
2 Water Rails,
113 Golden Plover (SW),
352 Black-headed Gulls (SW),
206 Common Gulls (SW),
22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW),
4 Herring Gulls (SW),
26 Stock Doves (S),
1 Little Owl,
1 Green Woodpecker,
14 Meadow Pipits (in),
1f Stonechat,
122 Fieldfares (in),
4 Redwings (S),
1 Treecreeper,
2 Jays,
106 Magpies (in - minimum count of birds in from the W/SW - highest count this winter),
312 Jackdaws (SW),
117 Rooks (SW),
11 Starlings (W),
1 Brambling (N),
8 Greenfinches (S),
4 Goldfinches (S),
4 Siskins,
29 Yellowhammers (in) - Stephen Patmore
21st January
Sawbridgeworth surgary lawn - Sparrowhawk (m) He came very fast 2feet off the ground over the lawn and through the tall hedge to put up half a dozen Wood pigeon on the car park. Strike was unsuccessful. - Kevin Hanrahan
20th January
Sawbridgeworth - 26 Golden Plover SW over 09:05 - Mike Harris
Audley End Mansion - Barnacle Geese x 4 of them by river. Also two Little Grebes and a Black swan with Mallards and Canada Geese - Pete Duxon
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (14:50-16:50) - 9 Mallard (N), 1M Sparrowhawk (Roosted in Spill Timbers Wood), 2 Kestrel (M&F), 3 Pheasant (MMF - in), 2 Water Rail, 170 B H Gull (SSW), 13 Common Gull (SSW), 12 Herring Gull (SSW), 5 L B B Gull (SSW), 3 G B B Gull (SSW), 7 Stock Dove (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1695 Wood Pigeon (ditto), 2 Green Woodpecker, 16 Meadow Pipit (in), 7 Redwing, 188 Fieldfare (87S, 6E, 95 in), 4 Magpie, 582 Jackdaw (S), 222 Rook (S), 6 Carrion Crow (W), 6 Starling (2NE, 4W), 10 Chaffinch (6S, 4W), 20 Greenfinch (18N, 2S), 27 Reed Bunting in) 3 Yellowhammer (N), Significant increases in Wood Pigeon, Jackdaw and Rook, suggest excellent feeding opportunities nearby.
A very small dead Fawn (sp.) in the North-east corner. Presumably a recent Fox kill. - Mike Harris
Area covered included River Stort towpath, Three Forests Way towards M11 and around Quickbury Farm then on to Sawbridgeworth Marsh ENT Reserve although it was way too wet to venture very far in. Then return along towpath to Vantorts Estate - Mute Swan 3, Mallard 21, Pheasant 1, Cormorant 4,Sparrowhawk 1 (Hunting high over Stort), Moorhen 3, BH Gull 3, Herring Gull 5, Stock Dove 7 (Quickbury Farm), Wood Pigeon 154, Collared Dove 8, Gt Spotted Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 1 (Sheering Mill Lock), Pied Wagtail 1, Wren 5, Dunnock 1, Robin 15, Blackbird 18, Fieldfare 28, Redwing (c200), Blue Tit 15, Great Tit 11, Treecreeper (pair in Hyde Hall wood), Jay 1, Magpie 5, Jackdaw 3, Carrion Crow 18, Starling 49, House Sparrow 8, Chaffinch 11, Greenfinch 3, Goldfinch 17, Bullfinch 5 (flock near allotments at Southbrook), Yellowhammer 7 (Party on barn roof at Quickbury Farm) - Steve Butler
Plashes Wood - Common Buzzard X2 - Mick East
15th January
Hadham Ford - Tawny Owl Flew across road by war memorial 10.20pm - Jono Forgham
14th January
Manuden road - Red, White & Blue pub - Barn Owl, Seen at 5.00am quartering alongside road between Red,White & Blue pub and fork in road to Hazel End/Manuden (100m from Essex border) - Mark Pegrum
13th January
SLRS 0900-1100 - Cormorant 1 in the Cormorant tree, Mallard 6, Kestrel 1m, Pheasant 2m, Moorhen 3, BHG c20, Stock Dove 2, Woodpigeon c100 in total, Collared Dove 3, Meadow Pipit 3, Pied Wagtail 6, Wren 2, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 2, Redwing c10, Mistle Thrush 2, Blue tit 3, Great tit 3, Magpie 6, Jackdaw 10, Carrion Crow 9, Starling c10, Chaffinch 12, Goldfinch 7, Bullfinch 1m, Yellowhammer 11 - John Slee
St Michaels Mead Lake - Water Rail in the inflow sluice this afternoon. - Chris Dee
12th January
SAL (08:30-09:30) - 1M Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 28 Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 26 Coot, 1 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 5 Herring Gull (S), 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Skylark (N), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 7 Fieldfare, 10 L T Tit, 1M Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting
Also in field south of the old A120 opposite SAL - 160 Fieldfare, 9 Pied Wagtail
Allens/Trims Green (09:45-10:00) - 1 Kestrel, 140 Fieldfare , 6 Brown Hare (north of Airfield layby)
Jobbers Wood (B1004) - 1 Little Owl (in broad daylight sitting in knarled tree beside road, outside hole)
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost -(14:40-16:30) - 1 Cormorant (S),
18 Mallard (6S, 4N, 2E, 8 in) Allow for duplication?,
4 Sparrowhawk (2 AdF, ImmF, 1M),
2 Kestrel,
1 Pheasant (in),
2 Water Rail,
1 Jack Snipe,
82 B H Gull (SSW),
1 Common Gull (SSW),
1 Herring Gull (E),
2Ad L B B Gull (SSW),
4Ad G B B Gull (3SSW, 1E),
13 Stock Dove (roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood),
1130 Wood Pigeon (ditto),
2 Collared Dove (1N, 1S!),
1 Green Woodpecker,
2 G S Woodpecker,
21 Meadow Pipit (in),
1 Mistle Thrush,
3 Redwing (in),
177 Fieldfare (154 in, 23E),
1 Chiffchaff,
205 Jackdaw (SSW),
5 Rook (SSW),
7 Starling (3E, 3S, 1W),
5 Chaffinch (S),
20 Greenfinch (18N, 2S),
19 Reed Bunting (in) - Mike Harris
11th January
Butt Lane, Manuden - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit Feeding on nuts/seeds in garden - Mark Pegrum
Spellbrook (west) - Goldfinch c.120 flying between london planes at entrance to hayter and tall trees on edge of spellbrook farm. - Graeme.J.Smith
9th January
Bishops Stortford - 100 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush on Grange Paddocks and Little Grebe on River Stort close to Lakeside Bowl in town centre. - Steve Butler
8th January
Whiteditch Lane, Newport - 1 Goldcrest & 2 male Bullfinches - Ellen Franklin
6th January
SAL (09:50-11:00) - 1 Little Grebe,
1M Shelduck,
9 Mallard,
13 Teal,
1F Tufted Duck,
1F Sparrowhawk,
1 Kestrel,
c.20 Moorhen,
24 Coot,
71 Lapwing (N, 60,11),
1 Redshank,
1 Common Snipe,
1 Green Woodpecker,
1 G S Woodpecker,
1 Skylark,
2 Redwing,
1 Fieldfare,
1 Goldcrest,
12 L T Tit,
2 Jay
4 Greenfinch (S),
2 Bullfinch,
1 Reed Bunting
Hatfield Forest - Kingfisher x 2, Two Kingfishers flying over lake, flock of siskin, 20 or so Pochard, Tufties, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe. Lots of Bullfinches, Coal Tit and the usuals. Great Spot chased of a Sparrowhawk - Pete Duxon
Allens/Trims Green (11:30-12:00) - 35 Lapwing, 137 Fieldfare, 1 Linnet (S), Also 7 Brown Hare (6 north of Lay-by, 1 south) - Mike Harris
Newport Fishing Pit - 2m Sparrowhawks, 1 Jack Snipe (giving crippling views feeding in the open early am), 1 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Bullfinches
Newport SW - 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtails, 55+ Pied Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff
Coploe Hill - 1f Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 1f Kestrel (tail-less individual, been present 2+ weeks), 24 Golden Plovers, 306 Lapwings, 80 Stock Doves (max. site count), 1000+ Woodpigeons, 120+ Fieldfares, 300+ Rooks,
Strethall Church - Passerine flock in maize strip adjacent to access road. , 400+ Woodpigeons, 60+ Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 30+ Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Corn Buntings
Audley End - 4 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 91 Canada Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 15 Moorhens, 50 Black-headed Gulls, 40 Jackdaws - Stephen Patmore
5th January
Stort Park frm - Stonechat 2 in their usual spot - Graeme.J.Smith
SLRS - Teal 5, Moorhen 2, Lapwing 20, Snipe 3, BH Gull 32, Common Gull 2 (1ad 1 imm), WoodPigeon 10 + , Collared Dove 2, Meadow Pipit 1, Dunnock 6, Robin 5, Stonechat 1 pair, Blackbird 5, Fieldfare 1, Song Thrush 1, Redwing c10, Goldcrest 1, Great Tit 8, Blue Tit 8, Jay 1, Magpie 16 incl 13 in 1 tree, Carrion Crow c10, Starling 12, Chaffinch 10, Greenfinch 2, Goldfinch 19, Bullfinch 2, House Sparrow 2, Reed Bunting 3, Yellowhammer 3, John Slee
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - (14:25-16:35)Disrupted by rain 15:46-16:03. - 1 Grey Heron, 6 Mallard (4 on stream, 2 blogging), 1 Sparrowhawk Imm M), 3 Pheasant (All F's), 2 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe, 205 B H Gull (SSW), 57 Common Gull (SSW), 3 L B B Gull (SSW), 1 G B B Gull (SSW), 19 Stock Dove (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood - new record count), 1740 Wood Pigeon (ditto), 2 Green Woodpecker, 10 Meadow Pipit (in), 164 Fieldfare (in), 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Goldcrest (in LTT flock), 8 Long tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 218 Jackdaw (SSW), 27 Rook (SSW), 5 Starling (2E, 3W), 2 Chaffinch (S), 22 Greenfinch (13N, 9W - different roosts?), 14 Reed Bunting (in), - Mike Harris
Debden Park - 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Brambling, 7 Siskins
Newport SW - 1m Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs - Stephen Patmore
3rd January
Walbury Estate - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker A male was seen this morning - giving excellent views for about 5 minutes. Also 2 bullfinches and one nuthatch seen in same area, which are not very common at this location. - Dave Sampson
2nd January
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost 14:55-16:30 - 1 Cormorant,
2 Mallard (blogging),
1 Common Buzzard (soaring over north end of Kecksy's BridgeWood)
6 Sparrowhawk (2AdF, 2ImmF, 2M - one with tail moult),
1 Kestrel,
1M Pheasant,
2 Water Rail,
1 Jack Snipe,
256 B H Gull (SSW),
11 Stock Dove (roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood),
1300 Wood Pigeon (ditto),
1 Collared Dove (NE),
1 Green Woodpecker,
16 Meadow Pipit (in),
1 Redwing (in),
1 Mistle Thrush (came in with flock of Fieldfare),
100 Fieldfare (in),
387 Jackdaw (SSW),
13 Rook (SSW),
1 Chaffinch (N),
42 Greenfinch (34N, 8S),
12 Reed Bunting (in),
3 Yellowhammer (N), The Greenfinch roost north of the marsh is obviously expanding rapidly. The 8 birds that returned south were put off by the almost constant presence of Sparrowhawks over the marsh.
In a similar situation the Jackdaws & Rooks were disrupted by the soaring Buzzard. Which was strange considering the Wood Pigeons totally ignored it! - Mike Harris
1st January 2008
Bishop's Stortford - Blackcap 1 Female in gardens in NW corner of town - a nice start to 2008! - Chris Swan
31st December
Gilston Church - Collared Dove flock between St Mary's Church and Overhall Farm now contains 166 birds, including the superb pale cream leucistic bird.Also 250 Lapwing, 800 Wood Pigeon, 83 Fieldfare and 50 Jackdaw. - Mike Harris
30th December
Gilston Church, 65 Collared Dove sheltering from pigeon shoot at OverHall Farm including superb pale cream leucistic bird.- Mike Harris
Tednambury Marsh, (14:45-17:15) - 1 Cormorant (NW), 2 Grey Herons (N), 8 Mallards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3+ Water Rails, c.220 Golden Plovers (c.140 NE, c.80 W), 1 Snipe (S at dusk), 1 Woodcock (S at dusk), 377 Black-headed Gulls (SSW), 27 Common Gulls (SSW), 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (S) 1 Little Owl (in first paddock S of Spellbrook Lock, then calling at dusk), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 29 Meadow Pipits (in), c.314 Fieldfares (in), 1 Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Jays, 52 Magpies (in- minimum count), 180 Jackdaws (SW), 130 Rooks (SW), 3 Chaffinches (1N, 2S), 9 Greenfinches (S), 7 Siskins, 22 Yellowhammers (17-in, 5S), 7 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore & Mike Harris
Audley End - 77 Canada Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 1 Nuthatch
Coploe Hill - 3 White-fronted Geese - flew W over Chrishall Grange at 09:05am, 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 24+ Grey Partridges, 27 Stock Doves, 1500+ Woodpigeons, 120+ Fieldfares, 414 Rooks, 74 Carrion Crows, 20+ Chaffinches, 10+ Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Corn Buntings
Strethall - 50+ Fieldfares, 100+ Chaffinches, 20+ Yellowhammers, 6+ Reed Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - Little Owl, also Marsh Tit , Bullfinch (8), Marsh Tit, Great Spotted woodpecker and Green woodpecker. Great Crested x 2, Pochard 5, Tufted, Gadwall, Teal, - Pete Duxon
Little Hadham NW - house sparrow 10, jackdaws 100+, carrion crow 100+, rooks 100+, kestrel 1, redwing 54, blue tit 28, great tit 24, green woodpecker 2, GSW 1, jay 6, magpie 4, blackbird 24+, stock dove 2, collared dove 8, wood pigeon 94, pheasant 3, robin 5, nuthatch 1, starling 26, wren 2, dunnock 5, fieldfare 58, chaffinch 30, BHG 1, red legged partirdge 2, LTT 2, siskin 1
Trims Green/Allens Green - barn owl showing well on posts opposite pill box - Jono Forgham
27th December
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (14:15-16:30) - 1 Cormorant (SW), 6 Mallard (N), 1 Common Buzzard (W), 2-3 Sparrowhawk (1 AdF & 2 ImmsFF, but possibly only two birds involved), 4 Pheasant (MMFF), 1 Water Rail, 110 Lapwing (Came in from S, circled, then left S), 2 Common Snipe, 99 B H Gull (SSW), 28 Common Gull (SSW), 3 Herring Gull (SSW), 1Ad G B B Gull (SSW), 12 Stock Dove (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood - record count for me here), 760 Wood Pigeon (Ditto), 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 G S Woodpecker (4 flew S, plus one bird each calling in N & S of reserve), 1 Meadow Pipit (in), 54 Redwing (23 left S, 24 left E, 5 left S, 2 in), 123 Fieldfare (57 left S, 62 left N, 4 in), 224 Jackdaw (S), 14 Rook (S), 10 Starling (1NE, 1W, 8S), 13 Chaffinch (S), 5 Goldfinch (S), 8 Greenfinch (N), 1M Bullfinch (High W), 12 Reed Bunting (in), 1 Yellowhammer (in!) - Mike Harris
26th December
Upwick - Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk m - Mick East
Debden Park - 1m Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Siskins
Audley End - 167 Canada Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese
Coploe Hill - 1 Little Egret (NE at 09:35am), 10 Grey Partridges, 43 Red-legged Partridges, 2nd-wtr Yellow-legged Gull, 200+ Fieldfares, 2m Brambling (with finch flock still), 10+ Corn Buntings (likewise) - Stephen Patmore
SLRS-Meadow & surround. - Great tits, Blue tits, Dunnocks, Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, Starlings, Crows, Magpies all over the place, 1 Meadow pipit, Mallard pairs on Stort, LBBG over, BHG (c30) on scrape, 3 Jay, 3 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Moorhen, 4 Jackdaw flew through at 'Chaff dump', 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Sparrowhawk, LTT flocks through, & Chaffinch all over too. - Kevin Hanrahan
Allens Green - Common Gull 15
TrimsGreen - 40+ Starling 30+ Fieldfare - Mick East
Tednambury Marsh - Common Gull 7, BHG 150+, Herring Gull 2, Greenfinch 1 S, Mallard 9, Reed Bunting 2, Fieldfare 500+, Meadow Pipit 21, Magpie 30+ Little Grebe 2, - Mick East + Dave Sampson
25th December
Bishop's Stortford - Siskin on the niger seed feeder
River Stort - 8 Little Grebes (7 north of Spellbrook lock and one just south). - Tony Moverley
Patmore Heath - Tawny Owl f - Mick East
24th December
Hatfield Forest - Mandarin Duck one male on lake, also shelduck, 3 common gulls, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall etc. 11 Bullinches 1 pair own, one party of 3 males 2 females and them 2 males on their own. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, flock of Goldcrests and 3 Green Woodpeckers. - Pete Duxon
23rd December
Little Canfield Tip - 10+ Meadow Pipits, 3 Song Thrushes, 50+ Chaffinches, 1m Brambling, 20+ Linnets, 4 Bullfinches, 35+ Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings
SAL - 25 Teal, 1 Woodcock (kicked up from S side), 100+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Reed Buntings
Newport SW - 1 Common Buzzard, 35 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Wagtails, 30+ Pied Wagtails (roost), 1 Chiffchaff (as predicted!), 6 Goldcrests, 18 Greenfinches, 2 Bullfinches
Newport (Bromley Lane roost) - 1m Sparrowhawk, 1m Kestrel, 3 Meadow Pipits (in), 3 Yellowhammers (in), 6 Reed Buntings (in), - Stephen Patmore
River Stort towpath - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker & Stonechat Thick Fog muffled my approach and hid me form the birds and I was rewarded with good and prolonged views of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and a Stonechat both from River towpath close to small mooring marina just where footpath from Vantorts Estate joins River towpath. - Steve Butler
22nd December
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 1 Cormorant (flying along the River),
1 Grey Heron (ditto),
6 Mallard (2, 4, ditto),
1F Sparrowhawk (headed for Spill Timbers Wood, where unfortunately there was a Pigeon shoot in progress, hope it got away with it),
1 Kestrel
3 Pheasant (All F's),
2 Water Rail,
1 Common Snipe,
1 Jack Snipe,
267 B H Gull (SSW),
16 Common Gull (SSW),
7 Stock Dove (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood),
870 Wood Pigeon (ditto),
2 Collared Dove (S),
2 Little Owl (both calling birds),
1 Green Woodpecker,
3 G S Woodpecker,
11 Meadow Pipit (in),
10 Redwing (in),
1 Mistle Thrush,
256 Fieldfare (in),
4 Blackbird (in),
1 Chiffchaff (heard in reedbed),
207 Jackdaw (SSW),
159 Rook (2, 157, SSW),
7 Starling (blogging),
4 Chaffinch (3S, 1N),
2 Goldfinch,
25 Greenfinch (24N, 1S),
24 Reed Bunting (in)
2 Yellowhammer (N), An interesting roost with a sharp increase in Fieldfare (similar to the Tednambury roost last night) and with all but one of the Greenfinches heading North, their Roost must surely be somewhere between here and Tednambury, where their birds were heading South last night. Additionally, Andrew Sapsford who was working on the Reserve and joined us briefly, reported c20 Long tailed Tits and 2 Bullfinches. - Mike Harris & John Slee
Newport - 1f Sparrowhawk, 25 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 20 Pied Wagtails, 8 Song Thrushes, 1 Siskin, 14 Bullfinches, 1 Roe Deer (in meadows on W side of village - only about the 4th-5th I have seen here)., 3 Brown Hares
Catmere End - 1m Sparrowhawk, 40+ Fieldfares, 30+ Linnets
Coploe Hill - 1 Common Buzzard, 58 Lapwings, 35 Stock Doves, c.100 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings, c.200 Starlings, 2 Bullfinches, Also, a decent winter finch/bunting flock in the game strips beneath the Hill, which held the following: 30+ Chaffinches, 2 Brambling, 60+ Linnets, 2+ Lesser Redpolls, , 20+ Yellowhammers, 10+ Reed Buntings, 10+ Corn Buntings, Also, a freshly dead Badger on the roadside near Howe Wood, Strethall (third in the same spot within the last month!) - Stephen Patmore
21st December
Sawbridgeworth Marsh(13.30 - 15.00) - Dunnock, Great spotted woodpecker, 2 Green woodpeckers and a 3rd (H), 4 Jackdaws over (s) , Robins ticking all over, Blackbirds all over, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 6 Long tailed Tit with a Goldcrest in flock, Wrens herd - Kevin Hanrahan
Tednambury Marsh,(15:05-16:30) - Cetti's Warbler calling in the depths of the marsh, 1 Little Grebe, 4 (2ad+2imm) Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 1m Sparrowhawk, 6+ Water Rails, 1 Woodcock, 361 Black-headed Gulls (SSW), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Meadow Pipits (in), 470 Fieldfares (in), 1 Song Thrush (in), 1 Cetti's Warbler, 90 Magpies (in), 3 Jays, 3 Chaffinches (S), 9 Greenfinches (S), 3 Goldfinches (S), 2 Siskins, 2 Bullfinches, 36 Yellowhammers (in), 6 Reed Buntings (in), - Stephen Patmore & Dave Sampson
19th December
Stortford Park farm - Stonechat 2 - m + f both still showing well - Graeme J Smith
18th December
Thorley Wash area - Flushed a Teal off the River Stort in the mid morning.
St. Micheal's Mead lake - Bullfinch. Had good views of a male around (and the resident Water Rail has been quite vocal of late - but not today) - Tony
River Stort - 36 Moorhens on the river in the short stretch between the town centre (the Causeway) and London Road (by the Tanners Arms pub) - Mary Moverly
Rushy Mead - Siskins 40c around - Colin Wills
16th December
SLRS - Moorhen 1, Mute Swan 1, Snipe 5, Herring Gull 8 N over, LBB Gull 2 incl 1 on SLRS, Common gull 4, BH gull 23, Kestrel 2, GSW 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Jackdaw c20 in plughed field, Crow 5, Magpie 8, Collared Dove 5, Wood Pigeon c50+ over towards the Gibberd Garden, Song thrush 2, Blackbird 5, Redwing 2, Robin 2, Wren 2, Dunnock 4, Great Tit 6, Blue tit 4, Goldfinch 8, Chaffinch 4, Bullfinch 2, Greenfinch 5 - John Slee
Rushy Mead - female Lesser Spotted woodpecker - (per RBA).
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:09-16:30) - 3 Canada Geese (S), 4 Mallard, 6 Anas spp. (S), 1 Common Buzzard (W), 2FF Sparrowhawk (Roosted in Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Kestrel (S), 3 Pheasant, 2 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock (Flew N along River at Sawbridgeworth Station), 1 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 669 B H Gull (SSW), 1 Common Gull (SSW), 2 L B B Gull (SSW), 4 Stock Dove (Inclu display flight!), 550 Wood Pigeon (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Collared Dove (S), 1 Little Owl (Calling from North end of Marsh), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 1 L S Woodpecker, 3 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 129 Fieldfare, 7 Magpie, 69 Jackdaw (SSW), 6 Starling (1E, 4W,1S!), 2 Goldfinch (N), 27 Greenfinch (12N, then 15 'in' late on. Same birds?), 28 Reed Bunting. - Mike Harris
15th December
Colliers End - Hen Harrier ringtail NW over village at 10:20 - Murray Orchard
14th December
Hatfield Forest - Siskin flock of 30+ birds by path to shell house. all the usuals about. incl Great Spot(4) and Green Woody (2), Bullfinch, Treecreeper (3), Nuthatch (2). Redwing numbers increasing. Great Crested Grebe on lake, Gadwall, Teal and Tufted Duck - Pete Duxon
Debden Church - 5 Goldcrests (no sign of the Firecrest from a couple of weeks back in a quick search)
Debden Park Lake (07:45-08:30am) - 1 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 400+ Woodpigeons, 2 Kingfishers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 15 Redwings, 2 Marsh Tits, 15 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 8 Bullfinches,
Newport SW (08:40-09:00am) - 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 15 Common Gulls, 3 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 20 Pied Wagtails, 2 Goldcrests, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Bullfinches,
Coploe Hill (09:10-11:45am) -
1f Hen Harrier (ringtail at c.11:05am being mobbed by corvids),
2f Sparrowhawks,
7+ Common Buzzards,
3 Kestrels,
1f Merlin (bombing around towards Chrishall Grange for much of the morning)
1imm Peregrine (present all morning 'playing' with the gull & pigeon flocks!),
9 Grey Partridges,
c.450 Golden Plovers,
35 Lapwings,
605 Black-headed Gulls,
55 Common Gulls,
25 Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
69 Stock Doves,
2500+ Woodpigeons,
1 Little Owl,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,
2 Skylarks,
4 Meadow Pipits,
200++ Fieldfares,
1 Song Thrush,
25+ Redwings,
150+ Jackdaws,
250+ Rooks,
70+ Starlings,
30+ Chaffinches,
3 Siskins (all singletons S)
8 Linnets,
1 Bullfinch,
30+ Yellowhammers,
1 Reed Bunting,
5 Corn Buntings Also, 18 Fallow Deer (inc. 2 white individuals) & a dead Badger on the road near Strethall. - Stephen Patmore
13th December
St Micheals Mead lake - 1 Water Rail (heard)in the reedbed.
Thorley Wash - 1 (female) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker gave great views in the trees just east of the river and just north of the power lines. Simultaneously 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker in adjacent trees. Also 1 Bullfinch and 1 Treecreeper. Plus a Kingfisher fly-by.
Spellbrook Lock - 3 Little Grebe in section north of the lock and south of the footbridge.- Tony Moverley
Barkway South - Barn Owl - Mick East
12th December
Twyford Lock - Kingfisher (1) by Twyford Lock; Little Grebe (1) (about 250 yards along river walking towards B/S from the lock) and Bullfinch (2) in Rushy Mead NR.- Tony Moverley
11th December
Thorley Park Road, B/S - Tawny Owl heard calling at 3:30am - Tony Moverley
Allens Green (09:20-09:30) - 91 Golden Plover, 24 Common Gull,
SAL (09:45-10:45) - 1 Little Grebe, 1 Tufted Duck , 1 Common Buzzard (W), 28 Coot, 1+ Golden Plover (H), 65 Lapwing (23N, 42N), 1 Common Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6+ Redwing, 60 Fieldfare, 2 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer
Hatfield Forest (10:50-12:30) - 2 G C Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Canada Geese, 29 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 2 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, c.40 Golden Plover (in field South of Main Entrance), c.200 Lapwing (ditto), c.200 B H Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 20+ Song Thrush, 60+ Redwing, 5 Mistle Thrush, 20 Blackbird (Inclu 1, possibly 2, Stockamsel birds), 2 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 20+ L T Tit, 1 Nuthatch (H), 2 Treecreeper, 15+ Jay, 10 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 12 Goldfinch, 25 Greenfinch, 1+ Siskin (H), 3 Bullfinch.
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:15-16:30) - 2 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1F Pheasant, 2 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe, 53 B H Gull (SSW), 1 L B B Gull SSW), 7 Stock Dove (Roosted in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), c.600 Wood Pigeon (Ditto), 1 G S Woodpecker, 9 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redwing (Decrease), 134 Fieldfare (Increase), 309 Jackdaw (SSW), 17 Rook (SSW), 2 Starling (S), 2 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 34 Reed Bunting. - Mike Harris
10th December
Bishop's Stortford - 2 Little Grebe on the River Stort by the back of the cinema complex - Tony Moverley
9th December
Hatfield Forest - 6 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 118 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 3m Tufted Duck, 1f Sparrowhawk, 16 Moorhens, 1 Little Owl, 40+ Redwings, 3 Nuthatches, 120 Jackdaws, 50+ Greenfinches, 20+ Goldfinches, 12 Siskins, 14 Bullfinches, 1 Hawfinch,first spinney on your right as you walk towards Table Wood from the car-park, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings
SAL - 1 Little Grebe, 11 Teal, 21 Coots, 3 Herring Gulls, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 7 Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, 140 Jackdaws, , 30 Siskins
Little Canfield Tip - 1 Grey Heron, 2ad Mute Swan (over), 1m Kestrel, 15 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 5ad Herring Gulls, 1ad Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Skylarks, 6 Meadow Pipits, 25 Fieldfares, 3 Redwings, 70+ Chaffinches, 3m Brambling, 10+ Greenfinches, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Siskins, 30+ Linnets, 10+ Yellowhammers, 4 Reed Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - GC Grebe 2,
Teal 3,
Pochard,
Tufted Duck,
Nuthatch 2,
GSW 2,
Green Woodpeckers 2,
Marsh tit 3,
Long-tailed tit c10,
Yellowhammer 4,
Jay 11,
Bullfinch 2,
Goldfinch 2,
Greenfinch 3,
Redwing – everywhere – c100,
Jackdaw c100,
Wood Pigeon - John Slee
8th December
Newport SW- Mealy Redpoll at this morning - with a small flock of goldfinches in willows by the entrance track at c.08:30am.Also a Water Rail - Stephen Patmore
1st December
SAL - 2 Little Grebes,
1 Little Egret (on wader pool, then flew W at 09:00am),
1 Mute Swan,
1f Tufted Duck,
1f Sparrowhawk,
22 Coots,
3ad Herring Gulls,
2 Kingfishers,
13 Skylarks,
3 Grey Wagtails,
18 Meadow Pipits,
130 Fieldfares,
10 Song Thrushes,
11 Bullfinches,
3 Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
SLRS - Snipe 7, incl 4 put up from S end by dog walkers. Teal 3 (2f, 1m), Common Gull 8, BH Gull c30, Lapwing 8 over, 1 of which settled., Moorhen, Mallard 8, Redwing, Fieldfare 1, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Jay 2, GSW 1, Long-tailed tit c5, Blue tit c5, Wood Pigeon, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch - John Slee
Stort Park Farm: - Stonechats 2 - in their usual spot, grey wagtail 1 - west along stream, green woodpecker 4, skylark 22, redwing 4, yellowhammer 1, chaffinch c,30, moorhen 2 - not sure where the rest have gone, fieldfare 2 - Graeme J Smith
30th November
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:10) - 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk (roosted in Spill Timbers Wood), 3 Pheasant, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 66 BH Gull (SSW), 3 Common Gull (SSW), 1 LBB Gull (SSW), 350+ Wood Pigeon, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 10 Fieldfare, 5 Magpie, 154 Jackdaw (SSW), 6 Rook (SSW), 11 Starling (WSW), 2 Chaffinch, 14 Reed Bunting An interesting observation noted when a large party of Jackdaws (80) struggled through into the headwind. They suddenly returned Northwards in a much tighter group and circled over the marsh gaining height rapidly. By the time they continued SSW they resembled a "baitfish ball!" I can only assume that last week's Peregrine must still be in the area, and was waiting in ambush over the Stort Valley. But if it was, it remained unobserved by me.- Mike Harris
SAL - two Ruddy Shelducks (m & f) still present this afternoon on the Big Pit.1 Little Grebe, 1 (sub-ad) Mute Swan, 1f Tufted Duck, 16 Lapwings, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Meadow Pipit, 28 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, 1 Chiffchaff, 35 Jackdaws , 1 Yellowhammer, Nearby, a flock of 25 Siskins on Long Border Rd early morning. - Stephen Patmore
28th November
Hatfield Forest Lake - two Ruddy Shelducks on Lake this afternoon (per RBA).
27th November
near Thorley - Little Egret - TL478188 - Mark Hows
26th November
Hatfield Forest - A couple of flocks of Siskins calling (one or two seen), Goldfinches, Lots of Redwing, 2 Green & 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Bullfinches including one party of at least 4 birds, Jays and Jackdaws aplenty. On the Lake several Teal and Tufted Duck, 2 (TWO) Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Little & Great Crested Grebe but no Goosanders present. - Steve Butler
25th November
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (14:30-16:30) - 1 Grey Heron,
2 Mallard (N),
2 Sparrowhawk (Roosted in Spill Timbers Wood),
1 Kestrel (Roosted in wood north of Kecksy's bridge),
1 AdM Peregrine (Superb blue-backed bird, stooped on daylight roosting Woodies causing utter panic, but didn't appear to take one),
2 Water Rail,
50+ Lapwing (N, after dark),
2 Jack Snipe,
50 BHG (SSW),
1 Common Gull (SSW),
27 Herring Gull (SSW),
17 LBBG (SSW),
1000+ Wood Pigeon,
2 Green Woodpecker,
2 GS Woodpecker,
1 LS Woodpecker,
12 Meadow Pipit,
2 Song Thrush,
20 Redwing,
1 Mistle Thrush,
21 Fieldfare,
7 Blackbird,
134 Jackdaw (SSW),
12 Rook (SSW),
11 Starling (Blogging),
11 Chaffinch (Blogging),
11 Goldfinch (S),
2 Greenfinch (N)
30 Reed Bunting -
Mike Harris
24th November
Stort Park Farm - Stonechats, see map http://www.flickr.com/photos/gjs1/1845876020/ - Graeme J Smith
Coploe Hill -
1 Grey Heron,
6 Kestrels,
55 Red-legged Partridges,
20 Collared Doves,
4 Skylarks,
2 Meadow Pipits,
400++ Fieldfares,
1 Song Thrush (S),
11 Redwings (W),
390 Rooks,
70 Jackdaws,
275 Starlings,
15 Chaffinches,
2 Siskins (S),
12 Yellowhammers,
1 Reed Bunt
Strethall - 2000+ Woodpigeons, 5 Corn Buntings
Newport SW - 16 Moorhens, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Grey Wagtailss, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Siskins, 6 Bullfinches,
Newport Trig Fields - 65 Golden Plover (W) - 500+ present on Tuesday. - Stephen Patmore
Shawbridge Harlow - Male Brambling. Feeding in Garden at 07.45 with Chaffinches - Craig Messenger
Much Hadham - Long-eared Owl across B1004 - Mick East
23rd November
Audley End House- Pink Foot Geese, One with Canada Geese - Pete Duxon
22nd November
Spellbrook (west) - fieldfare 90 (28, 18, 42,2), red legged partridge 15, pheasant 23, sparrowhawk 1 - Graeme J Smith
Barkway South - Barn Owl - Mick East
19th November
Debden - Firecrest. One this morning - in ivy covered trees between the church and Brocton's Plantation. Also a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the same area. - Stephen Patmore
Little Hadham - Jackdaws 100's roosting in and around the old chapel, rooks plenty, carrion crow plenty, pied wagtails, fieldfares 45+ over, redwings 20+ over, golden plover 40+ north 8.00a.m. Sunday, green woodpecker 1 calling locally, GSW 1 in garden, tits/finches as expected, starlings plenty, house sparrows 10's, usual gull selection. north a.m. south pm (Amwell roost?), pheasants calling, tawny owl calling from Brick kiln hill (opposite Nags Head pub), Little owl calling west from house - Jono Forgham
18th November
Beggar Hall fishing lake (due west from hatfield forest) @ 0845 hrs:- Golden plover 8 - coming in to land on fields on west side - Graeme J Smith
Hatfield Forest (including lake) 0900-1130: -
teal 8 ,
siskin 32 (min),
tufted duck 3,
gadwall 2,
great crested grebe 2,
jay c.20+ unavoidable,
canadian goose 30+,
coot 2,
[ruddy shellduck]1m,
bullfinch 10 (2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2),
nuthatch 2,
great spotted woodpecker 4,
green woodpecker 9,
Harlow - Little Egret Church Langley: 1 flying over to the south - Jan Hein van Steenis;
SLRS/Pishiobury Park - 4 Redwing, 13 Wood Pigeon, 11 BH Gull, 3 Gt Tit, 2 Bl Tit, 9 Blackbird, 1 Green Woodpecker, 35 Jackdaw, 12 Moorhen, 13 Magpie, 5 Pied Wagtail, 7 Snipe, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Carrion Crow, 37 Stock Dove, 1 Fem. Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 26 Chaffinch, 1 LBB Gull, 21 Starling, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Wren, 1 Male Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Collared Dove.- Steve Butler
Start Hill (09:10) - 23 Fieldfare (S)
SAL (09:15-09:55) - Wind swinging from SW to SE.1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck, 25 Coot, 70 Golden Plover, 2 Jack Snipe, 11 B H Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull (2ndW), 1 Skylark, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 23 Fieldfare (8,6,9), 3 Blackbird, 1 Jay, c.50 Jackdaw (blogging), 1 Starling, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting
Field South of Entrance to Takeley Church (10:00)- 150+ Wood Pigeon, 70 Fieldfare, 120 Starling,
Allens Green Airfield (10:15-10:30) - c.600 Golden Plover (Impossible to be accurate with all the comings and goings!), c.120 Lapwing - Mike Harris
17th November
SLRS - Cormorant 1 over, Moorhen 6, Lapwing 2, Snipe 5 flushed from the field south of the scrape., Black-Headed Gull 4, Wood Pigeon c30, Stock Dove 14 with the Wood Pigeons, Collared Dove 2, Carrion Crow 3, Jackdaw 3, Magpie 3, Jay 2, GSW 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Meadow Pipit 5 in the field s of the scrape, Yellowhammer 2, Chaffinch c100, Goldfinch c30, Blackbird 10, Song Thrush 3, Mistle Thrush 1, Redwing c20, Fieldfare 1, Dunnock 5, Robin 2, Wren 1, Starling c20, Stonechat pair, Long-tailed tit 6, Blue tit 6, Great tit 2 , Pied Wagtail 2 - John Slee
Hatfield Forest - Ruddy Shelduck Bird still on the lake, bad pics on http://thequacksoflife.blogspot.com/2007/11/forest-walks.html - Pete Duxon
16th November
Hatfield Forest - Goosander Three drakes and two females on the lake this morning. Photos on www.stortvalleywild.co.uk - Peter Herring
Thorley Wash - Little Owl Adult Little Owl in tree (technically in Essex). Also 12-15 Siskin near Twyford Lock; 1 Water Rail (heard). In addition a further (?) 9 or so Siskin at Tednambury.- Dave Sampson
Furneux Pelham NW - Tawny Owl - Mick East
SAL (14:45-15:15) - 2 Mute Swans , 1m Ruddy Shelduck, 35 Teal, 180 Golden Plovers, 40 Lapwings, 150 Black-headed Gull, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Siskins
Hatfield Forest (15:20-16:30) - 2 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Teal, 60 Mallard, 1m Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 100+ Black-headed Gulls, 2 Little Owls, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (marsh), 11 Pied Wags (N at dusk), 30+ Blackbirds, 140+ Redwings, 2 Nuthatch, 8 Brambling, 8 Bullfinches, 9 Reed Bunts (roost in marsh), 3 Yellowhammers (roost in marsh)
Ugley (16:55) - 1 Tawny Owl - Stephen Patmore
Stortford Park Farm - stonechat 2, grey partridge 4, skylark, c.180 - Graeme J Smith
Spellbrook & Tednambury area - 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female) just north of Spellbrook lock, 1 Common Buzzard circling over Tednambury lock, 6 Little Grebes (on the stretch between Spellbrook and Tednambury locks) - Tony Moverley
15th November
Newport: 445 Fieldfare W (07:00-07:30am)
Long Border Rd:- 6 Siskins in car-park. - Stephen Patmore
14th November
Trims Green (tetrad TL41T) - large flock of Yellowhammer and Chaffinch - I estimated 50 and 30 respectively (seen around TL473163). Another separate but smaller mixed flock contained 25 Yellowhammer and 15 Chaffinch.121 Golden Plover and 2 Bullfinch - Tony Moverley
13th November
Hatfield Forest lake @ 1530 hrs - tufted duck 3 males, gadwal 2 (m+f), teal 21, canadian geese 29, greylag 1, great crested grebe 2 + fox down to drink at lake - Graeme J Smith
Allen's Green - 450 Golden Plover, 60 Lapwing - Chris Dee
12th November
Hatfield Forest Lake - Goosander this afternoon + Ruddy Shelduck still - Stephen Patmore (per David Arch)
NW Bishop's Stortford - Tawny Owl Very vocal for 2 nights now in Maple Avenue area. - Chris Swan
10th November
SAL (15:00-16:00) - 2 Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 1M Ruddy Shelduck, 8 Mallard , 1 Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 23 Coot, 1 Ad LBBGull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Meadow Pipit, 12 Pied Wagtail (N to roost), 3 Grey Wagtail, 7 Redwing, 13 Fieldfare, 20 Long tailed Tit, 3 Jay, 40 Jackdaw, 84 Linnet (35, 11, 38) N to roost, 4 Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest - Ruddy Shelduck,- one this morning. also 2 Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, teal and one pochard. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker very showy. Big flock of Longtails and goldcrests with a Marsh tit along. Great views of a Stoat - Pete Duxon
9th November
SAL, (07:20-08:00am) - 3 Little Grebes, 1 (1st-yr) Cormorant, 1 Ruddy Shelduck, 40 Teal, 10 Mallard, 1f Tufted (the crippled female for her 13th month at least!), 1f Kestrel, 22 Coot, 3 Golden Plover, 155 Lapwing, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Snipe., 60 Black-headed Gulls, 20 Common Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Grey Wagtails, 8 Meadow Pipits, 30 Fieldfare, 5 Song Thrushes, 45 Redwing, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Jays, 200+ Jackdaws, 8 Greenfinches, 4 Goldfinches, 8 Siskins, 6 Bullfinches, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings
Newport Sewage Works, (15:10-15:40) - 60 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Marsh Tits, 30 Long-tailed Tits - Stephen Patmore
Twyford Lock - female in dead tree at 15:25 (per RBA).
8th November
A10 - Common Buzzard being mobbed near Plushes - Brenda East
7th November
Little Hadham - Jackdaw An albino seen on several ocasions around buildings by traffic lights in past few weeks at least - Andrew Goodey
6th November
(15:35-17:00) - Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 3 Mallard, 3 Sparrowhawk (MFF) all came in from the West individually, and roosted in the Copse (Spill Timbers Wood) directly East of the Marsh. A communal Raptor roost? 1 Kestrel, 5 Pheasant (3m 2f), 3 Water Rail, 1 Common Snipe, 73 B H Gull (SSW), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER! a big surprise. It flew up from South and landed in the tall Willows at the North end. It stayed silent. 33 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail (N), 3 Song Thrush, 60 Redwing, 18 Fieldfare, 6 Blackbird, 69 Jackdaw (SSW), 116 Starling (5NE, 111SSW), 3 Chaffinch (S), 1 Greenfinch (S), 53 Reed Bunting (Best count of Autumn), 1 Pipistrelle braving the near freezing conditions. - Mike Harris
5th November
(Over) Bishop's Stortford Cemetery - 3 Sparrowhawks in the air together over the cemetery being mobbed by crows - 0905 hrs today. Possibly a family party - but due to harsh light I wasn't able to establish whether or not the group comprised adults, juvs or a mixture of each.- Dave Sampson
Hatfield Forest - 1+ Hawfinch around the marsh end of the lake this afternoon, plus drake Mandarin again on the lake - Colin Wills
Newport, (07:00-07:30am) - 1097 Woodpigeons (SW), 92 Fieldfares (W), 16 Redwings (W), 81 Starlings (W), 10 Chaffinches (W) - Stephen Patmore
Hayter, Spellbrook(West) -Blackcap 1 m. - Graeme J Smith
4th November
Newport - 1 Water Rail, 10 Golden Plover, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Wagtails, 40 Blackbirds, 28 Fieldfares, 37 Redwing, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Treecreepers, 3 Brambling, 27 Siskins, 13 Bullfinches, 1 Corn Bunting - Stephen Patmore
Stortford Park Farm 11:09 Hen Harrier (ring tail) circling NE,1 Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk (ImmF & AdM), 3 Common Gull (N), 2 Stock Dove, 1 G S Woodpecker, c.85 Skylark, 35 Starling (N), 5 Meadowpipit, 5 Goldfinch, 10+ Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Stort Park Farm 1210 - 1245 - 2 Stonechats still in residence - Graeme J Smith
Patmore Heath 10:40 - Merlin F briefly in garden, Common Buzzard x2 PM - Mick East
Hatfield Forest -n 1 Firecrest at the Shell House corner of the dam with a couple of Goldcrests. Otherwise, Kingfisher, Nuthatch, Bullfinch, Gren Wood, lots of Redwings, and Siskins flying around but not settling,
SLRS - Lapwing 70, Snipe 16, BH Gull 14, Common Gull 2, Pied wagtail 1, Long-tailed tit 6, Stock Dove 1 - John Slee
Sawbridgeworth Marsh roost - 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, 2 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 15 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail (N), 2 Stonechat (male, female), 26 Redwing, 11 Long tailed Tit, 10 Jackdaw (SSW), 18 Starling (SSW), 6 Greenfinch (NE), 34 Reed Bunting - Chris Dee
3rd November
SAL (07:20-09:00) - 3 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant (N), 20 Canada Goose (9 flushed from lags, 11 S later), 5 Mallard, 5 Teal (The Teal pool not checked), 1F Tufted Duck, 2 Sparrowhawk (AdM & 1stWM), 26 Coot, 14 Lapwing (S), 5 Stock Dove (SW), 88 Wood Pigeon (SW), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 32 Skylark (NW), 12 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 36 Redwing (W), 39 Fieldfare (W), 8 Blackbird (W), 10 Long tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 500 (exactly!) Jackdaw (SW), 910 Starling (NW), 20 Chaffinch (W), 3 Linnet, 7 Goldfinch, 12 Greenfinch (W), 2 Bullfinch, 11 Reed Bunting (all overhead but no particular direction, so probably roost dispersal) - Mike Harris
Strethall Field - * Hen Harrier - ringtail (flew over my car at 06:35am, and then over fields to the E of the road before flying off N), 8 Grey Partridges, 12 Corn Buntings
Howe Wood, Strethall - ** Raven - low over the wood c.07:35-07:40am being constantly mobbed by c.15 Jackdaws, a number of Carrion Crows and finally two Buzzards, before seemingly dropping back into the wood (but not seen again prior to 08:40). 1f Sparrowhawk, 4 Common Buzzards
Coploe Hill - Visible movement (06:40-08:40am), everything W unless stated: , 1 Greylag Goose (NE), 1 Lapwing, 27 Golden Plover , 1 Black-headed Gull , 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 13 Skylarks, 2 alba Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 3 Blackbirds, 557 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 50 Redwings, 110 Starlings, 1 Tree Sparrow (NW), 262 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, 45 Golfinches (S), 3 Linnets (S), 1 Bullfinch (high W calling!), 4 Reed Bunts (S), Also:-70 Mallard, 1f Sparrowhawk, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 1000+ Woodpigeons (all seemingly local birds), 2 Little Owls
Newport Sewage Works - 27 Golden Plover (over N), 2 Kingfishers, 6 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtail, 75 Redwing, 3 Goldcrests, 7 Coal Tits, 2 Brambling 4 Bullfinches,
Hatfield Forest Lake 14:30-15:00 - 2 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Teal, 50+ Redwings, 1 Marsh Tit, 3 Nuthatches, 60+ Siskins (in alders by the dam),
Tednambury Marsh (15:30-16:50) - In the roost - 43 Meadow Pipits (most didn't roost, circled and flew S), 2 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, 10 Redwings, 45 Magpies, 8 Greenfinches, 28 Yellowhammers, 11 Reed Buntings, Also: -15 Mallard, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1m Kestrel, 6+ Water Rails, 1 Woodcock (over at dusk), 89 Black-headed Gulls (over S), 3 Common Gulls (over S), 2 Kingfishers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Sand Martins! (flew N at 4pm), 3 Grey Wagtails (N), 2 Pied Wagtails (E), 1f Stonechat, 2 Goldcrests, 20+ Long-tailed Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 330 Starlings (3 flocks totalling 80, 100 & 150 all S), 8 Goldfinches, 8 Siskins, 2 Redpoll sp. (S), 6 Bullfinches, - Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forest - Ruddy Shelduck One on lake this morning along with teal, Great Crested Grebe, the usuals and 500+ Black Headed Gulls. Redwings about in increasing numbers, Marsh Tit, Bullfinch, Great Spot and Green Woodpecker - Pete Duxon
SLRS & meadow8.00-9.15 -16 Snipe, 31 Lapwing (which later flew over & back) 5 BHG, 6 Moorhen. On meadow had a few Feildfare, Blue tit, Great tit, 3 Meadow pipits, Pheasant (m & f), Chaffinch,Goldfinch,Dunnock flitted all over 'Chaf-dump', 5 Robin,& a Wren, a lone Cormorant flew over - Kevin Hanrahan.
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:50 - 17:00) - 4 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 3 Water Rail, 10 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 16 B H Gull (SW), 2 Green Woodpecker, 36 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail (N), 6 Song Thrush, 64 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, 9 Long tailed Tit, 89 Jackdaw (SSW), 111 Starling (SSW), 1 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch (N),. 31 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer (N), Also 1 dead Shrew on the path., - Mike Harris
Bishops Stortford c.450m from stort park farm buildings (see blog for photo and map) - Stonechat 2 ( M and F ) south-south-west - Graeme J Smith
2nd November
SAL - 1 Teal, 2 Jack Snipe, 9 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 15 Fieldfare, 20 Redwings, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
Trimms Green airfield layby @ 1610 hrs - Golden Plover 22
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - redwing 31 (17 local, 8 west, 4 local, 3 local), fieldfare 10 (2 south, 1 local, 7 local), red legged partridge 14 - just north of main car park at 1015 hrs + photos. my highest ever hayter day-count, canadian goose 5 - over east at 0715 hrs, mistle thrush 1 - taken up residence in trees behind smoking shelter, goldfinch 20+, greenfinch 17, chaffinch 10+, kestrel 1 - male chased from perch by fieldfare at 1330 hrs. my first spellbrook record in weeks - Graeme J Smith
31st October -
usk, 7 LBBG south west ( Amwell?), good numbers of wrens, robins, goldcrests and blackbirds all calling , from roost, 5 pied wagtails over Twyford locks. - Jono Forgham
Newport (07:15-07:35am) - 977 Woodpigeons (SW), 45 Starlings (W), 3 Brambling (W),
Long Border Rd - 50+ Golden Plover (over W at dusk) - Stephen Patmore
30th October
Newport, (06:40-07:30am) - 3280 Woodpigeons (S/SW), 4 Skylarks (S), 240 Fieldfares (SW), 24 Redwings (SW), 19 Starlings (W), 25 Chaffinches (S), 8 Siskins (S). - Stephen Patmore
Trimms Green airfield layby - Golden Plover 546 - highest clicker-count this year easily- Graeme J Smith
29th October
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:20-17:10) - 1 Common Buzzard (a deceptively small Male, only slightly larger than the attendant Crows!), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, 4 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 59 B H Gull (SSW), 1 Common Gull (SSW), 8 L B B Gull (SSW), 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 25 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail (N), 1 Stonechat (Found by CD), 5 Song Thrush, 62 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush (NW), 11 Fieldfare, 34 Jackdaw (SSW), 30 Starling (S), 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch (N), 44 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer (N), 1 Pipistrelle (late flying, on such a cool evening), - Chris Dee/ Mike Harris
Trimms Green airfield layby - Golden Plover 84, Lapwing 62 - Graeme J Smith
28th October
(0815-0930) - SAL - 6 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese (In from E, left S), 10 Mallard, 50 Teal (All on Fourth Pool, 300M Nor'West of Wader lagoon), 1F Tufted Duck (must be injured, hasn't left the Wader lagoon all year), 25 Coot, 16 Golden Plover (S), 1 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe (Sorry Stephen - had to check!), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Song Thrush, 33 Redwing, 3 Blackbird, 125 Starling, 2 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
27th October
Patmore Heath - Goldcrest - Mick East
Debden Park, (07:50-08:50am) - 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 2f Tufted Duck, 1f Sparrowhawk, 800+ Woodpigeons, 2 Kingfishers, 10+ Skylarks (SW), 9 Meadow Pipits (S), 2 Grey Wagtails (S), 6 Fieldfares (S), 155 Redwing (S), 8+ Goldcrests, 2 Marsh Tits, 3 Trecreepers, 17 Starlings (S), 3 Brambling (W), 25 Greenfinches, 2 Siskins (W), 3 Lesser Redpolls (W), 7 Bullfinches, 3 Yellowhammers (W) Also at Newport, bird of the day was a female Goosander that flew S at 09:05am; also 71 Redwings (S), 115 Starlings (W) and eight Siskins (S). - Stephen Patmore
Fields S of Allen's Green. Down a hedgerow lined path W.- Fieldfare c100, Yellowhammer c10, Skylark c5, Pheasant inc some Black ones, Mistle Thrush 1, Cormorant 2, GSW 2,
Trimm's Green from Layby -
BH Gull c80,
Common Gull c20,
Golden Plover 35,
Stock Dove 6,
Skylark c10,
LBB Gull 1
Blount's Farm -
1 large finch flock round the new barn N of the road,
Chaffinch c100,
Linnet - a few,
Yellowhammer - a few,
Goldfinch 10,
Meadow Pipit 4 - John Slee
Trimm's Green 15:00 - 40+ Lapwing & Various Gulls (driving by) - Mick East
26th October
River Stort - (7.00a.m. - 9.45a.m.) - 4 little grebe in their usual wintering quarters between Spellbrook locks and the footbridge. Also, a wheezing water rail in the sedge adjacent to the bridge, whilst on my return walk a lesser spotted woodpecker flew over, heading into the trees just south of Twyford Locks. A treecreeper was observed. Although resident an unusual spot for this patch. A good morning. Other highlights; redwing 40, canada geese 2 over south, kingfisher 3 sightings, siskin 2 over west, fieldfare 9+, LBBG 4 north, BHG 10 north east, blackbirds 25+ - Jono Forgham
Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (1615-1750) - 3 Pheasant, 96 Redwing, 29 Fieldfare, 30 Meadow Pipit, 39 Reed Bunting, Overhead;- 60 Golden Plover (N), 147 BH Gull (SSW), 3 C Gull (SSW), 215 Jackdaw (SSW), On and around Marsh :- 2 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 3 Green Woodpecker, 5 G S Woodpecker (2 birds came in high with a flock of Redwings and circled Marsh!), 20 Chaffinch, - Mike Harris
25th October 09.30am - SLRS - lapwing 57, snipe 8, BHG 35, GSW 1, pied wagtail 1, moorhen 7+, sparrow hawk 1, Also; Trim's Green 256 golden plover, 6 lapwing - Jono Forgham
Sawbridgeworth Station am - Fieldfare 1 calling, Siskin 2 over, Bullfinch a few calling, Long-tailed tit, Goldfinch - John Slee
23rd October
09.15 - 10.45am - SAL - kingfisher 1, BHG 481 grounded, BHG 70+ loafing on the breeze, snipe 2, little grebe 4, tufted duck 1, mute swan 3, lapwing 5, coot 24, linnets 15+, plenty of winter thrushes. A search through the gull flock gave up 1 LBBG juv and 1 common gull! - Jono Forgham
Wickham Hall - Common Buzzard - Mick East
22nd October
6.45 - 8.45am - River Stort - mallard 29 (still increasing), wren 27+, carrion crow 14, wood pigeon 119, BHG 35, green woodpecker 4, lapwing 11, LTT 11, stock dove 1, mistle thrush 2 (first for a few months), redwing 7, fieldfare 5, pied wagtail 2, LBBG 2 north east, siskin 3, kingfisher 1
Thorley Church. Highlight was 2 screeching tawny owls at 9.30am in small oaks near the stubble field 100 yards south of the wooden bridge and gate that takes yo up to the ridge and the concrete path to the church. Both visible and didn't fly off as I walked past at about 20meters distance New sp for the day; Sparrow hawk (F) over Hayters house sparrow, jackdaw, kestrel on the footpath, skylarks, tawny owl. A check on the fishing lake gave up cormorant grey heron, herring gull, coot, Further on a flock of linnets was adjacent to the path. Thorley churchyard all the expected thrushes inc, song thrush, goldcrest., coal tit. Then on to theaerodromwe and round to Matham's Pit. Not too much: grey lag geese 35, GBBG on field between wood and Trim's Green road. However; 1 adult YELLOW LEGGED GULL Good plumage, mingling with the mixed flock of gulls. - Jono Forgham
21st October
Coploe Hill (07:05-08:05am) - 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 19 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 484 Woodpigeons, 6 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 5 alba Wagtails, 3 Blackbirds, 80 Fieldfares, 1 Song Thrush, 73 Redwings, 152 Starlings, 62 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 22 Goldfinches, 4 Greenfinches, 6 Linnets, 3 Redpoll sp, 7 Reed Buntings Also: 1 Common Buzzard, 200+ Golden Plover, 350+ Lapwings, 20+ Blackbirds, 100+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing, 2 Goldcrests
Strethall (08:15-08:30am) - 20+ Skylarks , 65+ Corn Buntings (in stubble)
Newport SW (08:45-09:15am) - 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Goldcrests, 30+ Long-tailed Tits, 3+ Bramblings (feeding on footpath on N side with Chaffinches), 4 Bullfinches - Stephen Patmore
SLRS and area 09.00 - 10.45 - 10 Snipe on scrape, 14 Lapwing, 34 BHG also on scrape, usual Coot, Morhen & Mallard. 1 Grey Heron flew over (s) Robins, Wren & LTT in abundance along river, 4 Cormorant high in far tree again, field produced single (m) Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Collared Doves, Blackbirds, Magpies, flocks of Chaffinch, Fieldfare & Dunnock. 2 Yellowhammer, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Great tit, 2 Blue tit, 1 Green finch, 3 Green wood peckers heard & a distant wood pecker drumming nr Pishobury. Oh! & 2 large Brown Rats.- Kevin Hanrahan
Allens Green (1530-1545) - 1 Kestrel, 8 Lapwing.
SLRS (1600-1645) - 12 Lapwing,
7 Snipe,
42 BHG,
1 Little Owl,
1 Treecreeper,
22 Skylark,
2 Pied Wagtail,
4 Meadow Pipit,
7 Blackbird,
29 Redwing
4 Song Thrush,
23 Chaffinch (on the Chaff Dump!),
3 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
River Stort 5.15 and 6.35pm - BHG 35 (S), C. Dove, 2, blue tit 8, goldfinch 10, blackbird 20+, wood pigeon 20, mallard 23 (increasing), chaffinch 2, wren 23, pheasant 6, green woodpecker 4, magpie 4, carrion crow 4, robin 10, starling 16, goldcrest 2, dunnock 1, moorhen 6, Gt tit 1, GSW 2, redwing 140+ south west, little owl 1, snipe 1 (high NE), Sparrow hawk 1, kingfisher 1, grey heron 1 - Jono Forgham
20th October
Coploe Hill (07:05-09:35am) - 3 Grey Herons, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Wigeon (S), 11 Mallard (S), 5 Common Gulls, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4492 Woodpigeons (S), 9 Collared Doves (W), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 36 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 alba Wagtails (S), 8 Blackbirds, 1372 Fieldfares, 5 Song Thrushes, 426 Redwings, 286 Starlings, 121 Jackdaws, 216 Chaffinches, 3 Brambling, 14 Greenfinches (S), 31 Goldfinches (S), 5 Siskins (S), 2 Redpoll sp (S), 3 Red Buntings (S)
Also: 2 Sparrowhawks,
600+ Golden Plovers,
200+ Lapwings,
1 Goldcrest,
20 Long-tailed Tits,
20 Magpies (roost),
550 Rooks (post-roost movement),
20+ Corn Buntings - Stephen Patmore
Thorley Wash - Probable FWinter Male Stonechat seen at northern end of marsh approx 11.0am; then a female middle/southern end 10 mins later. Female Sparrowhawk too. - Dave Sampson
River Stort 5.00 - 6.20pm from Spellbrook Bridge, Numbers of redwing at the roost continue to increase, with 46 entering the woods adjacent to the bridge. Another highlight being 200+ golden plover over, heading west (Trim's Green?) otherwise, usual numbers of regular suspects. - Jono Forgham
19th October
Coploe Hill (07:05-09:35am) - 1 Grey Heron (S), 1 Peregrine (S), 38 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 14 Stock Doves with Woodies, probably more), 4032 Woodpigeons (S), 12 Collared Doves (S), 11 Skylarks, 1 Swallow (S), 11 Blackbirds, 316 Fieldfares, 6 Song Thrushes, 358 Redwings, 4 Mistle Thrushes, 108 Jackdaws (all W), 250 Starlings, 1 Tree Sparrow (S), 1 House Sparrow (S), 237 Chaffinches, 5 Brambling, 6 Greenfinches (S), 20 Goldfinches (S), 8 Linnets (S), 1 Redpoll sp (S), 8 Reed Buntings (S)
Also: 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Grey Partridges, 300+ Golden Plovers, 200+ Lapwings, 30 Corn Buntings - Stephen Patmore
Furneux elham SW - Merlin - Mick East
18th October
Coploe Hill (07:05-10:45am) - 2 Greater Canada Geese, 99 Lapwings, 115 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 58 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Stock Dove, 1265 Woodpigeons, 3 Collared Doves (high W), 79 Skylarks, 12 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 15 alba Wagtails, 9 Blackbirds, 1089 Fieldfares, 5 Song Thrushes, 336 Redwings, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Jays, 203 Jackdaws (195W, 8S), 437 Starlings, 12 Tree Sparrows, 963 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings, 29 Greenfinches, 43 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins, 16 Linnets, 2 Redpoll sp, 2 Bullfinches, 3 Yellowhammers, 9 Reed Buntings
Also: 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 31 Red-legged Partridges, 600+ Golden Plover, 300+ Lapwings, 8 Corn Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
Spellbrook to Stortford - 47 redwing, 170 fieldfare, 1 buzzard (first local Buzz in ages), 1sparrowhawk, details of thrush groups + fieldfare photos on blog - Graeme J Smith
17th October
Coploe Hill (07:15-09:00am) - 7 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 36 Skylarks , 5 Meadow Pipits, 9 alba Wagtails, 1 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrushes, 23 Redwings, 326 Starlings , 31 Chaffinches, 16 Greenfinches, 26 Goldfinches, 27 Linnets, 2 Redpoll sp. , 1 Reed Bunting,
Also: 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 463 Golden Plovers, 468 Lapwings, - Stephen Patmore
River Stort 4.30 and 6.35pm - wood pigeon 57+,
LTT 18+,
blue tit 6,
chaffinch 6,
blackbird 16+,
robin 6,
great tit 7,
wren 16+ but probably in excess of 25
siskin 1,
magpie 3,
BHG 57+,
green woodpecker 6+,
jay 3,
mallard 8,
greenfinch 9,
moorhen 7,
carrion crow 11,
GSW 2,
LBBG 3 (1 SOUTH, 1 EAST, 1 WEST),
pheasant 6,
chiffchaff 1,
kingfisher 4 sightings (def 2),
stock dove 2,
jackdaw 33,
GBBG 1W,
rooks 3,
redwing 21 (roost by Spellbrook bridge),
sparrow hawk 1 -
Jono Forgham
15th October
Coploe Hill,(12:00-13:30) - 1m Sparrowhawk, , 7 Common Buzzards, 6 Grey Partridges, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 256 Golden Plovers, 260 Lapwings, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 22 Herring Gulls, 30+ Skylarks, 1 Wheatear, 5 Fieldfares, 5 Mistle Thrushes, 1460 Starlings (min. count), 1 Corn Bunting, - Stephen Patmore
Sawbridgeworth Marsh (17:00-18:00) - 1M Mallard (S), 1 Kestrel, 1F Sparrowhawk (and a M by Sawbo Station), 1 Water Rail, 10 Golden Plover (E), 1 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 10 LBBG (S), 1 HG (S), 10 BHG (S), 2 Green Woodpecker, ,1 G S Woodpecker, 277 Jackdaw (S), 5 Rook (S), 1 Pied Wagtail (S), 6 Meadow Pipit (in), 50 Redwing (16,3,12,9,5,3,2), 2 Greenfinch (S), 2 Goldfinch (S), 2 Chaffinch , 22 Reed Bunting (in), - Mike Harris
14th October
(07:00-10:00) - Coploe Hill - 1 Greylag Goose, 38 Canada Geese, 41 Lapwings, 25 Black-headed Gulls, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 7 Collared Doves (4S, 3W), 27 Skylarks (all W - many more blogging), 44 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 27 alba Wagtails, 1 Dunnock, 15 Blackbirds (inc. a party of six that left the bushes at dawn and flew high W), 226 Fieldfares, 21 Song Thrushes, 445 Redwings, 5 Magpies (party high W - movement?), 62 Jackdaws (three parties - 4, 19 & 39 all very high S in tight groups). 736 Starlings, 2 Tree Sparrows, 242 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings, 24 Greenfinches, 24 Goldfinches, 31 Linnet\, 3 Redpoll sp. 11 Yellowhammers, 17 Reed Buntings, Also: 1f Tufted Duck , 6 Grey Partridges, 29 Red-legged Partridges , 400+ Golden Plovers, 1 Woodcock (on roadside at dawn), 2 Little Owls, 10+ Blackbirds (scrub), 1 Goldcrest, 2 Corn Buntings, - Stephen Patmore
SLRS (0900-0925) - 1 Teal, 10 Lapwing, 15 Snipe, 32 BHG, 1 Common Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing (S), 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff
Allens Green, Airfield Lay-by (0930-1030) - 1 Grey Heron, 2 RL Partridge, 6 Common Gull (amongst the BHG's), 82 (Min) Golden Plover (Flock size on ground when i left), 26 (Min) Lapwing (as for Golden P), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 35+ Skylark (20+ on field, 15 S-SW), 10+ Meadow Pipit (Blogging), 3 Chaffinch (SW), 1 Goldfinch (S), The GP's were much spooked by all the pigeon shooting in the surrounding woods. My log reads : 9E, 45S, 15N, 4SE, 3NE, 80W, 29SE, 45SE, 24 in, 30 in, 26 in, 2 in. So only the "in" birds counted. - One GP had white wing coverts (in symmetry) which made it look dazzling in flight, but once landed, you could not pick it out. - Mike Harris
River Stort(14:45 - 16:30) - Green woodpecker 6, kingfisher 2 together, heading north, blue tits 13 , great tits 17, LTT 1, robin 8, blackbird 16, wren 12, jackdaw 2, Also of note an a warm and sunny afternoon:, common darter 2, migrant hawker 2, small tortoiseshell 1, - Jono Forgham
Spellbrook, Hayter 0700am - Barn owl east over, cormorant 1 - 1st yr west. chaffinch
Spellbrook to Michaels Mead, across fields: - cormorant 3 - all west singly. great black backed gull 1 - slowly, north. black headed gull 83 - heading west from thorley. goldfinch 61 (34 around fishing pit west of church, 27 @ michael mead pond) - Graeme J Smith
13th October
(07:00-10:30) - Coploe Hill - Everything moving S/W, except where stated:
63 Lapwings, 70 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Common Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (N), 47 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail (N), 23 Alba Wagtails, 46 Fieldfares, 10 Song Thrushes, 196 Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Jay, 96 Starlings, 6 Tree Sparrows , 116 Chaffinches, 17 Greenfinches, 56 Goldfinches, 32 Linnets, 7 Reed Buntings Also: 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 51 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Little Owls, 1 Green & 1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits.
Coploe Field (10:30-10:45am) - 300+ Golden Plovers, 158 Lapwings, 18 Black-headed Gulls, 90+ Skylarks (very mobile), 1150+ Starlings, 40+ Linnets, 7 Corn Buntings
Newport Sewage Works (11:00-11:15am) - 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Song Thrushes, - Stephen Patmore
Stort south of Sawbridgeworth - SLRS was full after recent rains,
Grey Heron at the top of a tall tree.
Cormorant 3 imm in the Cormorant Tree, appropriately
Mute Swan 3 adults flew over.
Mallard 10 in total inc 2 at the flash
Snipe 8. 4 at the S end, and 4 on the grass at the N end.
Lapwing 25 over, 2 on the flash
BH Gull c30 on the scrape.
LBB Gull 1 S.
Pheasant 1 f.
GSW at least 3.
Skylark a few singles over calling.
Meadow Pipit 3 by the flash then later flying round.
Pied Wagtail 2, 1 by the flash.
Chaffinch c20.
Goldfinch 15.
Greenfinch c10.
Siskin 1 over calling.
Bullfinch 2.
Grey Wagtail 1.
Redwing a few flying around but unsatisfactory views. Mistle Thrush 2.
Carrion Crow a few.
Jay 1.
Magpie.
Wren.
Dunnock.
Blue tit a few.
Yellowhammer 1 over -
John Slee
12th October
SAL (0830-1000) - 11 Little Grebe,
1 Grey Heron (E),
2 Mute Swan (left of their own volition at 0930),
2 Tufted Duck,
30 Moorhen (20 , on Wader lagoon alone),
26 Coot,
1 Snipe (S),
1 Stock Dove,
2 Green Woodpecker,
28 Skylark (Southerly bias, but birds E & W too),
13 Meadow Pipit (Mainly South),
2 Alba Wagtail,
1 Grey Wagtail,
20+ Robin,
9 Song Thrush (SW),
29 Redwing (SW),
12 Fieldfare (W),
13 Jay (all directions!),
23 Starling
15 Chaffinch (S-SW),
3 Linnet,
4 Goldfinch,
5 Yellowhammer
1M Common Darter (a bit optimistic eh?)
A quick visit to Allens Green proved the bird bonanza is over. The Airfield had an Imm M Sparrowhawk, 5 Lapwing and a handful of Skylarks. - Mike Harris
SLRS+adjoining fields 16.15 - 17.30 in drizzle - 18 Snipe on scrape, 2 Lapwing, 37 B H gull, 2 Pied Wagtails, usual Coots Morehen & Mallard, A walk to the field revealed the main Thistle area has been cut down leaving no cover for birds, this was noticable. Did get a Jay, 3 Green Woodpeckers, tens of Chaffinch, Magpies, Wrens Robins 35+ Crows Blue Tits & a Great Spotted Woody. - Kevin Hanrahan
11th October
A10 Standon - Ware - Common Buzzard 1, 2, 1. - Brenda East
10th October
5.15 - 6.45pm - River Stort - woodpigeons 46, goldfinch 24, robin 13 (increasing), collared dove 1, wren 10, blue tit 11, kestrel 1, BHG 52, moorhen 9, great tit 18 (increase), blackbird 15 (increase), c. crow 6, greenfinch 4 (decreasing), pied wagtail 1, LTT 10, pheasant 6, magpie 5, fieldfares 22, starling 3, GSW 2, mallard 11, LBBG 8, grey heron 1, jay 5, chaffinch 5, green woodpecker 4, jackdaw 10, redwing 11, rooks 7 - Jono Forgham
9th October
Patmore Heath - Nuthatch, Tawny Owl, Little Owl - Mick East
8th October
Patmore Heath - Mistle Thrush, Tawny Owl, Little Owl
NNW BS - Goshawk in Oak - Mick East
7th October
Coploe Hill (06:50-08:50) - 30 Golden Plover, 35 Lapwing, 36 Black-headed Gulls, 61 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Great Black-backed , ull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 39 Meadow Pipits, 11 alba Wagtails, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrushes, 29 Redwings, 35 Starlings, 51 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 58 Linnets, 9 Reed Buntings, In adjacent fields: 400+ Golden Plovers, 85 Lapwings, 80+ Skylarks
Newport SW (09:00-09:30am) - 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 1f Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Siskins, - Stephen Patmore
Trims Green (1600-1610) - 6 R L Partridge, 54 Collared Dove,
Allens Green (1615-1635) - 7 R L Partridge (2, 5), 207 Golden Plover (189, 18), 53 Lapwing (15, 38), 100+ B H Gull, 7 Skylark (+ others heard)
SAL (1650-1800) - 11 Mallard, 3 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Canada Geese (E), 1 Common Buzzard, 1 AdM Sparrowhawk, 25 Coot, 3 Common Gull, 1 Jack Snipe (Probably present since 5th Oct 07), 2 Green Woodpecker, 14 Long tailed Tit, 25 Skylark (9 E, 16 N), 3 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail (N to roost), 6 Meadow Pipit (W), 56 Linnet (Roosting in Hawthorns East of small Lagoon), - Mike Harris
6th October
Trim's Green and SLRS. -
175 Golden plover on the south aerodrome field just west of the new barn
usual corvids,
50+ BHG's,
4 lapwings ,
1 hare
SLRS 5.50 - 7.00pm -
2 teal ,
4 snipe,
2 pied wagtail,
several calling blackbirds, wrens etc
2 goldcrest near boat moorings.Tawny owl appeared from the ivy clad tree near the
subsidence sign, weasel on the path just before the locks.
2 pipestrelles -
Jono Forgham
5th October
SAL (1515-1700) - 10 Little Grebe, 6 Mute Swan (3 Ads & 3 juvs), 5 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 29 Coot, 4 Snipe, 107 BH Gull (many more on surrounding fields), 2 Common Gull (1 Ad, 1 juv), 1 LBB Gull (juv), 1 Stock Dove, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 13 Skylark (E-SE), 9 Meadow Pipit, 8 Alba Wagtail (N to roost), 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff, 4+ Jay, 12 Jackdaw (but 50+ over Hatfield Forest in distance), 6+ Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1M Migrant Hawker, - Mike Harris
Newport - 94 Black-headed Gulls, 16 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Redwings, 3 Blackcaps , 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Siskins 80 Linnets, 1 Reed Bunting - Stephen Patmore
200m west of Thorley Church - Stonechat 2 - Graeme J Smith
SLRS/Stort/lower Sawbridgeworth 09.30 - 11.30 - Rook, Hobby circling over reedbed, Robins in abundance, Long taled Tits in abundance, Great spotted woodpecker, 3 Snipe on back of scrape, single Lapwing, 3 Pied wags, 7 B H Gull, 5 Moorhen, Blue & Great Tits everywhere, single Lesser Blk Back Gull , many Wrens calling, Chiffchaff, 4 Cormorant high in far tree, (field area) Song thrush, 17 Chaffinch, 2 Yellowhammer, Jay, 3 Dunnock, 4 (f) Pheasant, Treecreeper (a new tick for me) showed very well too, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrel on rail track bank, and a large brown raptor that flew fron top of railtrack post away from, I would like to think Buzzard. - Kevin Hanrahan
4th October
Sawbridgeworth - 18 Canada Geese flew North 0715 this morning. - Mike Harris
Spellbrook and Trims Green - Hayter (spellbrook) @ 0725 hrs: redwing 23 (10, 10, 3) over south west the airfield @ lunch: lapwing c.200+ (took-off mid count!)could have easily been 300+ - Graeme J Smith
SLRS - 1 Teal, 12 Moorhen, 8 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 10+ Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Greenfinch, 25 Goldfinch, 10+ Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
Also a pair of mating Common Darter. I'm glad they managed to find each other! - Mike Harris
River Stort: Twyford to Spellbrook locks - 13 redwing over, 59 BHG, 28 wood pigeons, 4 green woodpeckers, 2 GSW, 2 chiffchaff, 2 jay, 1 kingfisher, 1 goldcrest, 8 LBBG south west. Also, 5 mute swans over heading north. 3 of the 4 cygnets that hatched c. 10th June still with parents and looking strong and just about fully grown. - Jono Forgham
3rd October
SAL - 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Shoveler, 2f Tufted Ducks, 245 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Grey Wagtails (roost), 3 Chiffchaffs, 15 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Buntings - Stephen Patmore
30th September - Sawbridgeworth Area - Trims Green (15:50-16:00) - 38 Collared Dove (on wires - roost?)
Allens Green (16:00-17:15) - 1 Cormorant (E), 3 Grey Heron (1 S, 2 on fields), 1 Kestrel, 402 Lapwing, 54 Golden Plover, c.400 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 200+ Starling
SLRS (17:25-18:00) - Very little water now - hence high Snipe coun. 1 Kestrel , 10 Moorhen , 17 Snipe , 3 LBB Gull (S) , 4 Alba Wagtail, 8 Chaffinch (S) - Mike Harris
River walk 1.00 - 3.00pm - pair of stonechats, on the fence by the gate to the north of the Wash, as in the winter of 2005/06. Fine male and female showing well. First record for 2007. Also on offer a huge movement of BHG's all heading west. I suspect off to Trimm's Green as a brief look over the aerodrome at 5.00pm showed many BHG'S. My count, all airbourne was 363. 1 chiffchaff was calling happily by Spellbrook bridge. Also: green woodpecker 2, GSW 5, robin 8, wren 12, cormorant 4, chiffchaff 3, kestrel 1, kingfisher 1, plus usual finches and tits - Jono Forgham
29th September - Patmore Heath - Brambling F pm, Nuthatch - Mick East
Sawbridgeworth - Redwing x 3 from the East over the Maltings at 08:15. Appeared to land in Vantorts.
Allens Green - 280 Lapwing, 45 Golden Plover, 600+ BH Gull, 100+ Starling, Also a few Skylark and Mipits calling overhead., 1 Small White butterfly.
A walk along the ridge footpath from Perry Green to HMF Lake produced remarkably little.9 LBB Gull (all Ads), 2 Common Gull (Both Ads), 6 Meadow Pipit - Mike Harris
28th September - Patmore Heath - Brambling M in garden, Tawny Owl Calling.
A10 Common Buzzard, 1 by Plashes Wood(N) 1 (S) - Mick East
Coploe Hill, (06:40-07:40) & Newport (16:00-17:00) - Full totals, everything moving between S-W. 2ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
1ad Great Black-backed Gull,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,
60 Meadow Pipits,
1 Grey Wagtail,
1 alba Wagtail,
3 Song Thrushes,
9 Redwings,
21 Starlings,
1 Tree Sparrow
40 Chaffinches,
10 Goldfinches,
10 Greenfinches,
5 Reed Buntings, Also: 1f Sparrowhawk, 20+ Blackbirds, 1 Ring Ouzel, 10+ Song Thrushes.
Along Chalk Pit Lane, Newport between (and during) showers this evening: - 5 Grey Partridges, 40 Lapwings, 15 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Blackbird, 15+ Song Thrushes, 55+ Redwings, 1 Chiffchaff, 50+ Linnets - Stephen Patmore
SAL(1630-1745) - 26 Mallard, 3 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrel (SW), 28 BH Gull (N), 1 Snipe, 5 Swallow (W), 11 Alba Wagtail (N) Roost on the Airport?, 2 Grey Wagtail (The Male singing in flight to the female), 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush (W), 10+ Long tailed Tit, 34 Starling - all directions! 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Myxie Rabbit amongst all the healthy ones......- Mike Harris
27th September - Newport - 1 Cormorant (S), 160 Black-headed Gulls (SE), 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SE), 1 House Martin, 21 Meadow Pipits (E), 3 Redwings (W), 20 Goldfinches (W), 2 Brambling (W), Also a Chiffchaff in the garden. Stephen Patmore
Hatfield Forrest - 2 Redwings, 3 Nuthatches - Peter Steward
26th September - Patmore Heath - Nuthatch - Mick East
25th September - Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
Trims Green to Mathams wood - lapwing c.190-210, meadow pipit 5 (W), starling c.350, skylark 35 (SW), linnet c.150-180 - Graeme J Smith
24th September - SAL - 1 Green Sandpiper, 70 Black-headed Gulls, 70 House Martins, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 alba Wagtail (probable White), 2 Mistle Thrushes, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Jays, 15 Goldfinches - Stephen Patmore
Stort Park Farm to East Wood - pheasant c.50+ - filled (hoppers?) always attract good numbers. moorhen 4 - usual spot at SPF, stockdove 2, woodpigeon c.400 - feeding, collared dove 12, feral pigeon 5 - on top of SPF buildings, green woodpecker - 4, skylark c.150 - feeding on recently prep'd field (west of SPF) slowly leap-frogging, against the wind, southish. house martin c.85 - in two seperate groups above stocking wood and great plantings wood. They were feeding and present for the hour or so they were in view. yellow wagtail 2 - amongst skylarks! dunnock, wren, robin, wheatear 1 - slowly south over fields with skylarks, blackbird, mistle thrush 2 - alarming, in tree, at magpie. long tailed tit c.12-15, blue tit, great tit 2 - only 2 !!! starling, magpie, jackdaw c.120(++), carrion crow 53 - far more than usually noted, rook c.150...ish, not sure. too busy sorting c.crows chaffinch 2, greenfinch 10, bullfinch 3, yellowhammer 3 - Graeme J Smith
23rd September (06:40-10:40) - Coploe Hill - All S unless stated: 5 Grey Herons (1S, party of 4W) , 3 Hobby , 14 Lapwings (W), 9 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, 179 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 (1s) Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Sand Martins, 480 Swallows, 365 House Martins, 379 Meadow Pipits, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 alba Wagtails, 2 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle Thrushes (W), 63 Starlings, 4 Chaffinches, 38 Greenfinches, 18 Linnets, 2 Reed Buntings Also: 3 Sparrowhawks, 6 Common Buzzards, 65+ Red-legged Partridges, 3 Little Owls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5+ Song Thrushes, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs & 1 Goldcrest (first of autumn). Nearby, in setaside fields near Chrishall Grange: 20+ Skylarks, 200+ Meadowpipits & 50+ Linnets. - Stephen Patmore
SAL (0815-0945) - 21 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv F), 1 Water Rail (juv), 30 Moorhen, 27 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 9 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 GS Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (SW), 12 Swallow (SW), 7 House Martin (SW), 21 Meadow Pipit (SW), 7 Alba Wagtail (SW), 3 Grey Wagtail, 25+ Robin, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Jay, 82 Starling, 11 Chaffinch (SW), 24 Goldfinch (SW), 5 Greenfinch (SW), 1 Bullfinch, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer,
1 Stoat, 1 Muntjac, The only insects braving that cool breeze were singles of Red Admiral, Migrant Hawker and Common Darter.
Allens Green (1005-1025) - 170 Lapwing, 330 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 530 Starling, Also a couple of Meadowpipits and Swallows South. - Mike Harris
22nd September - Coploe Hill, (07:00-10:00) - 3 Cormorants, 48 Lapwings (W), 219 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed gulls, 16 Skylarks, 38 Swallows, 516 House Martins, 790 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 alba Wagtails, 10 Song Thrushes, 9 Mistle Thrushes (W), 116 Starlings (W), 36 Greenfinches, 39 Linnets, 2 Redpolls, 3 Reed Buntings 80+ Red-legged Partridges, 1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 50+ Chaffinches & 25+ Corn Buntings. - Stephen Patmore
Allen's Green - 200c Lapwing, 450c BHG, 21 LBBG, 120 Starling, 2 Kestral, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow.
Patient End - 30 Linnet - Mick East
SLRS/Pishiobury/Stort - SLRS almost dry now,4 Snipe still present at pool at southern end. Elsewhere 2 Yellowhammer (1ad + 1juv), Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Song Thrush, Robins in abundance, 1 GSW flying over and 2 Jays were also present. - Steve Butler
21st September - SAL - 2m Shoveler, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Meadowpipit, 2 Song Thrush - Stephen Patmore
20th September - Spellbrook bridge - Largest "swarm" of sand martins was 85+, whilst largest single swallow party totalled 42, sand martin 591+ all heading between west and south, house martin 7 (S), swallow 125+ (19W,106 S), LBBG 38 ( 19E, 8S, 11SW), BHG 8 (SE), chiffchaff 3, green woodpecker 6+, GSW 1, Kestrel 1 - Jono Forgham
19th September - SAL, - 49 Moorhens, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpipers, 350 House Martins, 3 Chiffchaffs, - Stephen Patmore
18th September - Patmore Heath - Nuthatch X2 first for 4yrs, numerous Chiffchaff/Willow Warblers passing through garden - Mick East
SAL (17:10-17:50) - 23 Little Grebes, 2 Mute Swans, 1f Tufted , 1juv Water Rail, 35 Moorhens, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Herring Gulls, 13 Meadow Pipits, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Bunting, - Stephen Patmore
Spellbrook bridge - swallows, with 54 north between 6.30 - 7.15pm, chiffchaff 3 , sand martin 1, pheasant 4, herring gull 1 south west, BHG 15 south west, LBBG 25 south west, kestrel 1, kingfisher 2 north 7.15pm, yellowhammer 1 west, canada goose 2 south west - Jono Forgham
17th September - SLRS (1730-1745) - 1 Teal, 2 Snipe, 1 Lapwing, 5 BH Gull, - Mike Harris
SAL,(17:10-18:00) - 2 Mute Swans, 2 Canada Geese (flew off over runway), 1f Kestrel, 2 Hobby, 1 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Meadowpipits, 6 Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Bunting - Stephen Patmore
River Stort - 125+ sand martins heading north, blackcap female 1, kingfisher 3 sightings, swallow 3 north, sedge warbler 1, LBBG 1 SW, BHG 1 SW, moorhen 8, wren 7, GSW 1, green woodpecker 3 all juvs, - Jono Forgham
16th September - SAL(0730-0900) - 18 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 20 Mallard, 1 Shoveler (eclipse), 17 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Rail (juv), 37 Moorhen, 37 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Snipe, 5 LBB Gull, 9 Stock Dove, 3 Kingfisher, 4 Green Woodpecker, 5 House Martin, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, Several Robins singing from Reedbeds, a sure sign of immigration, 1M Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Jay, 8 Goldfinch, 2 Yellowhammer, 4 Reed Bunting
Allen's Green - 1 Cormorant (E), 1 Kestrel, 154 Lapwing, 48 LBB Gull, 1 Ad Herring Gull, 51 BH Gull, 3 Swallow (S), 15 Linnet - Mike Harris
Allens Green (16:15) - 1 Black-Tailed Godwit. It didn’t settle properly, being chased off by Lapwings on the couple of occasions it landed. Finally it flew off north behind Matham’s wood. Lapwing, Wood Pigeon, Starling; some BH Gulls and a couple of Common Gulls. - John Slee
Coploe Hill (06:45-10:45am) - Fulmar flew SE at 09:05am, Caspian Gull present in the ploughed field immediately W of the Hill from c.10:00-10:15am with a number of lingering Lesser Black-backed Gulls, before flying off S. Viz-mig: (all S/SW unless stated) 1 Cormorant, 1imm Sparrowhawk , 3 (2ad+1juv) Hobby, 1 Golden Plover , 25 Lapwings, 4ad Black-headed Gulls, 1,094 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 (all 1s) Yellow-legged Gulls, 20 Herring Gulls 1ad Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (all N), 13 Swallows (W), 270 House Martins (W), 7 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 49 Meadow Pipits, 2 Mistle Thrushes (N)
5 Common Buzzards, 40 Red-legged Partridges, 4 Grey Partridges, 300+ Woodpigeons, 65 Meadow Pipits (in stubble field), 3 Song Thrushes, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Common Chiffchaffs, 20 Greenfinches, 20 Linnets, 20 Goldfinches, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Corn Buntings - 1 - Stoat - Stephen Patmore
Twyford Lock - Hobby an adult hawking dragonflies along the river slightly north of Twyford Lock this morning. Wasp Spider still on show near Rushy Mead! - Dave Sampson
15th September - SAL (0815-0945) - 23 Little Grebe (12 Big lag, 11 on Wader lag), 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 10 Mallard , 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 28 Moorhen, 38 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 75 BH Gull, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Kingfsher, 3 Green Woodpecker , 2 GS Woodpecker, 1 Swallow, 10+ Meadow pipit, 1 Alba Wagtail (H), 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 10+ Jay, 23 Starling (SW), 2 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer
SLRS (1000-1045) - 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 3 Lapwing , 1 Snipe, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mipit (S),
Allens Green -1 Common Buzzard (Allens Green Wood), 110 Lapwing (flock increased from 97 in AM), 25+ BH Gull, 20+ Stock Dove, 200+ Wood Pigeon, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear (juv), 60+ Jackdaw, 80+ Rook, 200+ Carrion Crow (so much for 'you never see Crow's in flocks!'), 200 Starling - Mike Harris
14th September - SAL - 2 Mute Swans, 48 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6 Grey Wagtails, 1ad White Wagtail, 10+ Chiffchaffs,
Debden Park Lake - 3 Common Buzzards , 1 Hobby, 100+ House Martins
Coploe Hill - 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 1 Wheatear , 4 Lesser Whitethroats
Great Chesterford -
* Caspian Gull - a probable adult briefly in amongst large LBBG flock, then flew to much more distant ploughed fields on far side of A11.
550+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls (mostly adults),
2ad + 2 1s Yellow-legged Gulls , - Stephen Patmore
13th September - SAL (17:10-18:20) - 17 Little Grebes, 1f Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2f Tufted, 1m Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Kingfishers, 30+ Swallows, 200+ House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1ad Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 15 Chiffchaffs, 30 Long-tailed Tits, 20 Goldfinches, 6 Reed Bunting, - Stephen Patmore
River Stort, 6.30 - 8.00pm - goldfinch 26, sparrow hawk 1, chiffchaff 2, LTT 19, blued tit 7, great tit 6, coal tit 1, kingfisher 1, green woodpecker 5 (mostly juvs), LBBG 10 south, stock dove 1, - Jono Forgham
12th September - SLRS - 5pm 2 Kestrel m+f calling a lot - I think the m was a juvenile. c10 Chaffinch in the willows by the lake. 5 Snipe + 3 Lapwing on the scrape. a few House Martins high over - John Slee
11th September - Bishops Stortford - Hobby 6 pm - flew in a circle over railway station carpark with small flock of starlings mobbing it.. - Steve Channell
10th September - Patmore Heath - Tawny Owl calling early am - Mick East
Spellbrook locks to the footbridge between 7.00 -
8.00pm - Tawny Owl, LTT 9,
Great tit 2,
green woodpecker 3,
blue tit 2,
robin 3,
grey wagtail 1,
GSW 1
wood pigeon 2,
chiffchaff 2,
moorhen 3,
kingfisher 1,
mallard 2,
sedge warbler 1,
blackbird 1 - Jono Forgham
9th September - Coploe Hill, (0645-09:45) - 1 Common Buzzard, 118 Red-legged Partridges, c.105 Lapwings, 369 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 (all 1s) Yellow-legged Gulls, 10 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 16 Meadowpipits (S), 6 Yellow Wagtails (S), 25 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Jay, 40 Linnets, 1 Bullfinch, - Stephen Patmore
SAL (1500-1630) - 9 Little Grebe, 1 Shoveler (eclipse), 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Sandpiper (Juv), 5 LBBG (S), 1 Stock Dove, 3 Green Woodpecker (2 Ads, 1 Juv), 7 House Martin (S), 2 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Phyllosc's (spp), 5 Long tailed Tit, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
Twyford Gardens - Tawny Owl 1 male calling 10.15pm - Jono Forgham
8th September - Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard X 2
Allen's Green - Lapwing c130 on left hand coming out of village towards Matham's Wood
Rye Meads - Yellow-legged Gull - Mick East
SLRS - Little Stint - 1 juv sat in the middle of the flash with 5 snipe. - John Slee
SLRS - Little Stint was still showing nicely in the middle of the pool until 5:45pm at least. Also a Ring-necked Parakeet flew N whilst I was there + 2 Lesser Whitethroats & 3 Willow Warblers in the adjacent scrub.
Newport (06:15-09:00am) - 1f Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 1 Tawny Owl, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtails (inc. 1 SW), 3 Mistle Thrushes (high SW), 12 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldfinches, c.350 Linnets
Coploe Hill (10:00-12:00) -
1imm Marsh Harrier (lingering 11:05-11:55 at least over fields W of the hill),
1m Sparrowhawk,
6+ Common Buzzards,
10 Kestrels,
1f Merlin (sat in ploughed field at base of hill c.10:15-10:30am),
350+ Lapwings,
300+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
2 (ad+1s) Yellow-legged Gulls
135 Swallows (N),
3 House Martins (N),
4 Meadowpipits (SE),
1 Yellow Wagtail (SE),
5 Lesser Whitethroats,
2 Whitethroats,
1 Blackcap,
10+ Long-tailed Tits,
30+ Linnets,
2 Corn Buntings, -
Stephen Patmore
7th September - Norfolk Way - Hobby Adult seen low over the houses at 0840 this morning, giving excellent views.- Dave Sampson
Long Border Rd (Stansted Airport) - 3 Meadowpipits, 1 Whinchat (on airfield perimeter fence), 1 Spotted Flycatcher
Coploe Hill - 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Common Buzzards, 8+ Kestrels, 3 Hobby, 9 Lapwings, 3ad Yellow-legged Gulls, c.540 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, c.10 Long-tailed Tits (rare here!), c.25 Linnets
Newport - 1 Common Buzzard, c.150 Linnets, - Stephen Patmore
6th September - Patmore Heath - Tawny Owl X2 calling - Mick East
River Stort 6.00pm/8.00pm - good swallow passage
with 206 birds counted between 7.00pm and 7.45pm. Majority in 1
party counting 125+ that appeared to be mainly 1st year birds, another party of 40, green woodpecker 3,
GSW 3,
herring gull 1 south west,
chaffinch 6 (all males),
goldfinch 30+,
mallard 14
kestrel 2,
kingfisher 1,
chiffchaff 3,
wren 11 - Jono forgham
5th September - Hunsdon Nature Reserve/ Essex - 3 Common Buzzards; 2 Hobbies; I Kestrel - Dave Sampson
Newport: 1f Sparrowhawk, Grey Partridge, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warblers, 40 Linnets. - Stephen Patmore
4th September - Sawbridgeworth - 2 Hobbies going like bats out of hell W over central Sawbo at 6:50 this morning. - John Slee
River Stort 5.30 - 7.30 pm - gr wood, GSW, robin, wren, blackbird, tits, jay, magpie, l 200+ rooks, spotted flycatcher in Wallbury, sparrow hawk 1, kestrel 1, goldfinch 37, grey heron 2, chiffchaff 4, jay 6, sedge warbler 2, yellowhammer 1, grey wagtail 1, song thrush 3 1st year birds, kingfisher 2 sightings - Jono Forgham
Debden Park Lake: 2ad GCG, imm Grey Heron, 3 Teal, 3 Tufted, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs - Stephen Patmore
2nd September - Coploe Hill, (06:30-08:45am) - Red Kite lingering over Howe Wood, viewed from the south end of Coploe on & off all morning. 1 Cormorant, 2m Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 7+ Kestrels, 4 Hobby, 41 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Grey Partridges (1juv), 5 Golden Plovers (SE), 2 Lapwings, 3 Snipe (SW), 102 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (all W), 5 Herring Gulls, 4 Swifts (S), 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 35 Swallows, 140 House Martins (W), 1 Meadow Pipit (S), 5 Yellow Wagtails (S/SE), 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Corn Bunting
Newport: 354 Black-headed Gulls (SW); 60 House Martins (W). - Stephen Patmore
Bloodhound Wood - Common Buzzard
Patmore Heath -Sparrowhawk mobbed by 1 Rook and a few House Martins, Hobby p.m. also being annoyed by House Martins.- Mick & Brenda East
SAL (1745-1830) - 7 Little Grebe, 33 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Green Woodpecker, 120+ Barn Swallow, 200+ House Martin, 10 Sand Martin, 3 Phyllosc's (sppp.) Heard only, 1 Linnet, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer, 1M Common Blue Damsel
SLRS (1845-1900) - 4 Teal, 31 BH Gull, 11 LBB Gull, 50 House Martin , 50 Rook , 50 Jackdaw ,1 Migrant Hawker - Mike Harris
1st September - Newport, (06:00-09:40am) -Merlin that was buzzing the Linnet flocks feeding in the stubble fields, 2 Hobby, 1 Common Sandpiper, 107 House Martins (NW in 3 flocks), 5 Swallows, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroats, 10+ Whitethroats, 25+ Blackcaps, 16 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, c.100 Goldfinches, c.200 Linnets, - Stephen Patmore
Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
Sawbridgeworth South - 5 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, plus a few Willow Warblers and a calling Chiffchaff. Also around were plenty of Goldfinches and Greenfinches, with a few Chaffinches and Bullfinches scattered around. Also Green WoodPecker, Jay, and Song Thrush. The flash had 3 Snipe, 12 Teal, 1 Common Sandpiper, a few Pied Wagtails, Moorhen, Mallard, BH Gull, Wood Pigeon, and a Stock Dove. Finally a Common Buzzard drifted over - John Slee
30th August - 6.00pm - 8.00pm - River Stort - swallow 435+ in 45 minutes from Spellbrook footbridge, wood pigeon 38, chiffchaff 3, starling 44, kingfisher 3 sightings inc male south carrying food. (still feeding young?), GBBG 3 south, yellowhammer 2 (unusual record for river walk, only my 4th ever), herring gull 1 west, LBBG 87 south west in two groups ( 52 and 32 plus 3 stragglers), On both occasions usual tits and finches viewed but maximum of 1 mallard - Jono Forgham
29th August - 5.00 - 7.30pm - carrion crow 5 , dunnock 1 (juv), moorhen 2, wood pigeon 78+, magpie 4, green woodpecker 3, swallow 222+, (huge majority counted from Spellbrook bridge heading , south and north east), chiffchaff 1, bullfinch 1, jay 2, wren 5, golden plover 25+heading south east, high over Wallbury., pheasant 1, GSW 2, kestrel 1, hobby 1 feeding over towards Hallingbury., rooks 3, mistle thrush 1, mallard 1, sand martin 13 (late?), chaffinch 3 jackdaw 1, canada goose 45 headed east , grey wagtail 2 (ad female and 1st year bird), - Jono Forgham
Fureux Pelham - Hormead road - Little Owl - Mick East
Stort River - 6.00PM - 7.30PM -
swallow 222+ over Spellbrook bridge,
bullfinch 1,
chiffchaff 1,
golden plover 25+ west,
kestrel 1,
hobby 1,
dunnock 1 (juv)
mistle thrush 1,
sand martin 13 ,
canada geese 45 west - Jono Forgham
28th August - SAL 10.00 - 11.30AM - 2 common sandpiper, 12 tufted duck, 4 little grebe plus 5 juv, 1 gadwall, 1 chiffchaff, 2 reed bunting , 1 yellowhammer, Plus usual aboreal suspects, coots, moorhens and mallards - Jono Forgham
SAL - 7 Canada Geese (worryingly...), , 1m Gadwall, 3 Common Sandpipers, c.150 House Martins, 30 Swallows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1ad Sedge Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Willow Warblers, 15 Linnet, - Stephen Patmore
27th August - Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard, Tawny Owl calling - Mick East
Clavering, Essex - Whinchat, 1 near Clavering Hall Farm - Jan Hein van Steenis
SLRS - Teal 2, Lapwing 3, Common Sandpiper 1, BH Gull c270, LBB Gull 5 incl 1 juv, Common Gull 2, Stock Dove 1, Pied Wagtail 1, Grey Heron 1, Carrion Crow 17, Jackdaw 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Whitethroat 3, Willow Chiff 3, Blackcap 2, Green Woodpecker 2, GSW 1, Yellowhammer 3, Goldfinch c20, Chaffinch 3, Greenfinch 2, Great Tit 1 - John Slee
River walk 11.00am - 2.30pm - 45 swallows, 1 spotted flycatcher, 4 chiffchaff, 2 GSW, 25+ goldfinch charm, 1 hobby over the Wash, 1 kingfisher, 20 house martins, 2 reed bunting, - Jono Forgham
26th August - Newport - 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 50 House Martin, 2 Lesser whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 8 Willow Warblers , 30 Linnets - Stephen Patmore
Braughing - Common Buzzard over village - Mick & Brenda East
Patmore Heath - Sparrowhawk, being escorted off the site by 50c House Martins, Chiffchaff - Mick East
Stortford Park farm - Spotted flycatcher 2 (pic and location on blog)- Graeme J Smith
25th August - SLRS - Whinchat in hedgerows S of the site and 3 Willow Chiffs including plus a singing Chiffchaff.
Also, over near Old Harlow a kettle of c150 gulls, with c100 BH and c50 LBB
Manor of Groves- Spotted Flycatcher, 2 possibly 3 in the copper beeches out the back of the Manor of Groves today, Plus Bullfinch, GSW, Whitethroat- John Slee
Thorley Tescos - Barn Swallow c80-100 south over tescos (west stortford) at 2000 hrs - Graeme J Smith
Elsenham Hall & Elsenham Golf Club/Essex - Spotted Flycatcher (5) I used to get Spotted Flycatcher regularly in this area, but they have been missing for the last 3-4 years. A welcome return! - David Hill
24th August - Central Sawbridgeworth -> rough fields S of Sawbridgeworth -> SLRS -> churchyard -> home - Cormorant 3S down the river,
Teal 6 at SLRS,
Mallard 4 SLRS,
Moorhen 5-10 SLRS,
Green Sandpiper 1 SLRS,
Common Sandpiper 1 SLRS,
BH Gull 11 SLRS,
LBB Gull 14 W or N, including min 4 juveniles,
Stock Dove 4,
Wood Pigeon a lot but not lots,
Collared Dove 1,
GSW 2,
Green Woodpecker 1,
Sand Martin 1,
Swallow c20 through,
House Martin 11/c20,
Wren 2,
Dunnock 2,
Robin 2,
Blackbird 3,
Song Thrush 1,
Lesser Whitethroat 2,
Whitethroat 4,
Blackcap 1m,
Willow Chiff 1 churchyard,
Goldcrest 1 churchyard,
Coal tit 1 churchyard,
Blue tit,
Great tit,
Long-tailed tit c20 churchyard,
Jay 3,
Magpie 2,
Carrion Crow 6,
Starling 2,
Chaffinch 7,
Greenfinch c10,
Golfinch c30,
Linnet 1,
Bullfinch 2,
Reed Bunting 2,
Yellowhammer 1 - John Slee
Newport - Wood Warbler in Bromley Lane Plantation. Feeding up in the canopy from c.16:00-16:30 with a tit flock and typically mobile.1 Common Sandpiper,
c.160 Swallows,
6 Sand Martins,
c.170 House Martins,
8 Yellow Wagtail,
6 Lesser Whitethroats,
1 Whitethroat,
5 Blackcaps,
5+ Chiffchaff,
30 Willow Warblers,
100+ Linnets - Stephen Patmore
River walk to Spellbrook and back 12.30 - 3.00pm - 59 BHG's in newly ploughed fields east of towpath, 3 chiffchaff, 16 LTT, 1 kestrel , 22 sand martins, 125+ swallows including one party of >75, 2 sparrow hawk sightings, 1 dunnock - Jono Forgham
21st August - SLRS 9.00am - One single Green Sandpipersand along with 17 BHG, 15+ Pied Wagtails, 1 Teal and 2 Lapwings.- Jono Forgham
20th August - SLRS - Wood Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Lapwings, Goldfinches, BH Gulls, Pied Wagtails and a few Teal - Steve Butler + Jono Forgham
17th August - Wellpond Green - Ash Valley golf course - Wheatear female was sitting on the wall where golfers cross over the lane - Jono Forgham
SAL, (14:15-15:30) - 1juv Sparrowhawk, 4juv Greenshanks, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Reed Warblers, 10+ Willlow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
16th August -Trimms Green -1 Hobby near to Wood, 1 Male Linnet and one Hare at Lunchtime then in the evening 1 Imm. male Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellowhammer and 5 Hares but couldnt find Golden Plovers.
SAL - Lunchtime visit produced Little Grebes, Sandmartins a solitary Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, 1 Kingfisher,2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank, Tufted Duck and the of the non feathered one beautiful young fox - Steve Butler
SAL, (17:10-18:00) - 3f + 7juv Tufted,
1juv Sparrowhawk,
1ad Hobby,
2juv Little Ringed Plovers,
5juv Greenshanks,
5 Common Sandpiper,
1 Kingfisher
15+ Sand Martins,
15+ House Martins,
10+ Swallows,
2 Grey Wagtails,
2 Reed Warblers,
2 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
15th August - SAL(17:10-18:10) - 2 (ad+juv) Little Ringed Plovers, 7 Greenshanks, 6 Common Sandpipers, 6 Sand Martins, 20 House Martins, 1 Tree Pipit (W at 17:20), 1 Grey Wagtail --Y'day - 5 Greenshanks (per Colin Wills). Stephen Patmore
13th August - SLRS/Pishiobury AM - SLRS - 37 BH Gull, 1 medium wader (prob Greenshank), 2 Lapwing, 6+ Pied Wagtails, 1 Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron. Pishiobury - Bullfinch (Pair), Linnets, Goldfinches, I female Sparrowhawk, I female Blackcap taking elderberries. - Steve Butler
Hatfield Forest - Hobby flew west over Hatfield Forest Car Park (Bush End) at 7.30pm last night. Steve Butler
SAL, (17:15-18:00) - 1juv LRP, 2juv Greenshanks, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 13 Meadowpipits, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
Trims Green field (6.30pm)west of where new barn has been erected: 200+ corvids, 100+ lapwings, 100+ wood pigeons, 1 juv kestrel being harassed by 4 magpie, 5 golden plover, 1 still in good summer plumage. , 150+ starlings massing on the wires east of Trims Green cottages. Last year my highest recorded number for this roost was in excess of 700. Worth keeping an eye on this autumn - Jono Forgham
12th August - Patmore Heath - Sparrowhawk, Albury area, House Martins from local colonies must be in the 200-300 range. Common Buzzard PM - Mick East
SLRS 10:00 - 1 Common Sand, 25 Pied Wagtail, 2 Kestrel - John Slee
SAL 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Kingfishers, 4 Meadowpipits, 5 Reed Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Lesserwhitethroat, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 30+ Linnets - Stephen Patmore
Allens Green - 2 corn bunting on the wires before entering Allens Green (1.45pm) - Jono Forgham
11th August - Allens Green - possible Montagu's Harrier Seen without the aid of bins. Bird flew across my path whilst cycling between fields which were being harvested. Bird was a ringtail and had was very graceful flight. - Angela Dobson
- Patmore Heath - Common Buzzard AM, Swift over (single) 1820 - Mick East
SAL (0750-0900) - 1 Grey Heron,
11 Tufted Duck (4Ad, 7 Juv),
4 Common Sandpiper,
2 Greenshank,
2 Stock Dove,
2 Swift,
1 Kingfisher,
2 Green Woodpecker,
4 G S Woodpecker,
10+ Swallow,
15+ House Martin,
1 Meadow Pipit,
4 Pied Wagtail,
2 Grey Wagtail,
1 Sedge Warbler,
10+ Reed Warbler
15 Willow Warbler,
2 Jay,
4+ Bullfinch,
6 Yellowhammer,
2 Reed Bunting - Mike Harris
Rushy Mead - Sparrowhawk At least two juvenile Sparrowhawks present (observed in glimpses)in the Alders.
Thorley Wash - two juvenile Spotted Flycatchers still present - but slightly further south of previous sightings. - Dave Sampson
Harlow.- Peregrine in a thermal with two LBBG's at 12:30 today over the Pinnacles Industrial Estate, - Mike Harris
10th August - SAL,(06:55-08:00am) - 1 Grey Heron, 2juv Greenshanks, 3 Common Sands, 1imm Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kingfishers, 12 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, Also Colin Wills had an LRP and the 2juv Greenshanks still early afternoon. - Stephen Patmore
9th August - SAL,(07:10-08:00am) - 10ad+15juv Little Grebes, 1m Gadwall, 2f+7juv Tufted Ducks, 1m Sparrowhawk, 2 Hobby, 1 Snipe , 2juv Greenshanks, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Swifts, 3 Kingfishers, 10+ Swallows, 20+ House Martin, 4 Meadowpipts, 4 Grey Wagtail, 10+ Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 20+ Greenfinches, 100+ Linnets - Stephen Patmore
Twyford lock, but before 'thin bridge' - Spotted flycatcher 1 - Graeme J Smith
SLRS (1845-1900) - 1F Teal, 25+ Mallard, 27 BH Gull (c.100 later in evening - Steve Butler), 1 LBB Gull, 1 Black tailed Godwit (The same bird with the bad leg), 2 Green Woodpecker, 8 Pied Wagtail, - Mike Harris
Thorley Wash - Hobby 1 adult hawking over the Wash between 6.30 - 7.00pm before heading off in a westerly direction - Jono Forgham
8th August - SAL, (17:15-18:15) - 10ad+13juv Little Grebes,
1m Gadwall,
3f+7juv Tufted,
1ad Redshank,
2juv Greenshanks,
1ad Green Sandpiper,
1 Common Sandpiper,
2 Stock Doves,
2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail,
6 Pied Wagtail,
1 Lesser Whitethroat,
10+ Willow Warblers,
30+ Long-tailed Tits
40+ Greenfinches,
20+ Linnets, Midday shift - Colin Wills had all the above waders plus 2 LRPs & a second Common Sandpiper - Stephen Patmore
Thorley Wash - Spotted Flycatcher - 2 Juv Spot Fly's (possibly 3)this morning (approx 11.00 am) at the site previously mentioned by Tony and Jono; couple of Sedge Warblers with food on the Wash itself. Small movement of Blackcaps; whitethroats and blue tit flocks; one Kingfisher. - Dave Sampson
SLRS - 1F Teal (Ist of Autumn?), 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, 130 BH Gull, 1 Ad Common Tern, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, - Mike Harris
Thorley Park Road, B/S - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female) seen briefly on feeder mid morning.- Tony Moverley
7th August - SAL, (17:10-18:10) - 6ad+11juv Little Grebes, 3f + 7juv Tufted, 2ad Little Ringed Plovers, 4juv Greenshanks (flew SW at 17:25pm), 1ad Green Sand, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodspecker, 30+ Swallows (including an aberrant bird with white wings!), 20+ House Martin, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs, 20+ Greenfinches, 10+ Linnets, - Stephen Patmore
Thorley - Hobby this time after house martins above large colony next to Michaels Mead pond. - Graeme J Smith
River Stort, Pig Lane - Thorley Wash: Spotted Flycatcher, Lsr Whitethroat, 2 Kingfisher - J Forgham
Thorley Spinney, B.S. - Tawny Owl - hooting at 2.30am (apparently from or nearby)from my garden - whilst I was watching the meteorite shower (10 seen in 20 min spell). - Dave Sampson
6th August - Hayter Spellbrook west - Hobby 1 - hunting over east (0725 Hrs). - Graeme J Smith
SAL, (17:10-18:10) - 1f Pochard, 3f & 7juv Tufted, 1juv Sparrowhawk, 1juv Little Ringed Plover, 1juv Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 20+ House Martin, 3 Meadowpipits, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Reed Bunting - Stephen Patmore
Sheering Lower Road Scrape (SLRS) - Black Tailed Godwit Went out to see if Green Sandpiper was still present at SLRS and spotted a solitary BLACK TAILED GODWIT(non breeding plumage) with a damaged right leg. Green Sand, Common Tern and Black Headed Gulls (in moult). - Steve Butler
SLRS (1850- 1930) - 20+ Mallard, 15 Moorhen, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT (one leg appeared dislocated at knee joint) found by Steve Butler, 1 Lapwing, 19 LBB Gull Flew South (Ads+juvs), 11 BH Gull, 1 Common Tern, 13 Swift, 43 House Martin (1 flock West), 5 Swallow, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Albury south - Little Owl on farm gate - Mick East
Hatfield Forest lake, Herts - Greylag geese 15 no. seen in the evening in a small armada on the lake with a great crested grebe in the same area - Jim Hook
5th Aug 07 (0930-1100) - Perry Green - 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Coot, 35 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull (Both Ads), 15 Herring Gull, 1 Ad Yellow legged Gull, 30 LBB Gull, 3 Stock Dove, * No Swifts*, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 150 Jackdaw, 60 Rook, 3 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
SAL - 1f Pochard, 2 Green Sandpiper (+ a third unidentified tringa probably of this species), 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 20+ House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 8 Meadowpipits, 2 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
River Stort thin bridge(south of Twyford lock)- Lesser Spotted woodpecker calling from large oaks to the east!
Stockmanfield (Thorley)- Hobby 1ad - Graeme J Smith
4th August - Newport Trig Field (06:50-07:05am) - 5 LBBG, 30+ House Sparrows, 30+ Greenfinches, 100+ Linnets, 8 Yellowhammers
Debden Park (07:10-08:00am) - 3ad Great Crested Grebes, 3 Grey Herons, 3+ Common Buzzards (1juv), 19 Black-headed Gulls S, 6 LBBG SE, 2 Kingfishers, 2juv Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers (with tit flock), 50+ House Martins, 11 Mistle Thrushes, 25+ Long-tailed Tits, 1 Marsh Tit
Coploe Hill (08:15-09:15am) - 3 Common Buzzards, 7 Lapwings W, 9 Black-headed Gulls W, 41 Lesser Black-backed Gulls S/SW, 1ad Herring Gull S, 1ad. Great Black-backed Gull S, 30+ Swifts, - Stephen Patmore
SAL (1115-1235) - 1 Pochard,
8 Tufted duck (F+7juvs),
1 Green Sandpiper,
1 Ad LR Plover,
1F Kestrel,
1 Falcon (sp.),
1 Swift ,
20+ Swallow,
20+ House Martin ,
1 Sand Martin,
1 Green Woodpecker,
1 Meadow pipit, ,
3 Grey Wagtail,
2 Pied Wagtail,
3 Reed Warbler (not so vocal now),
1 Whitethroat
1 Willow Warbler,
2 Linnet,
3 Bullfinch,
3 Yellowhammer Plus 4, possibly 5 Grass snakes sunny themselves around the small lagoon
SLRS (1700-1815) - 2 LBB Gull flew S (3rd S), 25 BH Gull, 2 Lapwing (Is this the failed pair from Sawbo Marsh?), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Pied Wagtail, 15 Goldfinch- Mike Harris
Stortford Park farm - Little owl 1 - on usual fence pole at roundabout - Graeme J Smith
3rd August - SAL - 2f + 7juv Tufted, 1m Pochard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove (bashed straight through heading S), 30+ Swallows, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warblers, 2ad+3juv Bullfinch, 3 Grass Snakes - Stephen Patmore
Stort park farm 0600-0700 hrs - Little owl 1 - in usual tree, Green Woodpecker 3, Great Spotted woodpecker 2, Stock dove 1, Bullfinch 4
Spellbrook - Common Buzzard - my first spellbrook record this year - Graeme J Smith
2nd August - Hayter buildings, Spellbrook - Yellow wagtail 5 - on roof for less that 30 seconds and then flew east - Graeme J Smith
1st August 2007 - River Stort - One juvenile Spotted Flycatcher by the thin footbridge (Roly Croke?) just S of Twyford Lock at 4:30pm - Tony Moverley
Spellbrook - Hobby 1 - Graeme J Smith
SAL - 3prs Little Grebe + 2 broods of 4,
1ad Great Crested Grebe,
1m Gadwall,
3f + 7juv Tufted,
1ad Lapwing,
2 BHG,
1 Kingfisher,
2 Green Woodpecker
20+ Swallows,
2 Grey Wagtail,
1 Lesser Whitethroat,
20+ Greenfinches,
20+ Goldfinches,
30+ Linnets - Stephen Patmore
30th July - Barkway south - Red Kite, juv just before golf course. - Mick East
SLRS (1815-1845) - 10 Canada Geese, 115 B H Gull, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Lapwing, 2 Whitethroat, 25 Goldfinch, - Mike Harris
29th July - Patmore heath - Common Buzzard - Mick East
SLRS 11:00am-11:30am - Hobby at Sheering Mill Road, C50 BH Gulls, Common Tern 1, Lapwing 1, Pied Wagtails 2, Swallows, House Martin, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap M, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler These last 4 in a bushy area visible form the boardwalk - John Slee
Stansted Airport - 2 Hobbies flying high over the airport short term car parks at about 5pm. - Tony Moverley
28th July - Debden Park (06:40 - 07:30) - 3ad Great Crested Grebes, 1m Mute Swan, 20 Mallard, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Black-headed Gulls (S), 35+ Swifts, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1juv Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 40+ House Martins, 1m Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warblers 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Marsh Tits, 1 Linnet, 3prs Bullfinch
Coploe Hill (07:45-10:00am) -
1imm Marsh Harrier (NW at 08:45am),
6 Common Buzzards,
5 Kestrels,
1ad f Peregrine (E at 08:25am),
3 Lapwings,
1 Green Sand (S at 09:05am),
4 Black-headed Gulls,
106 Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
1 3rd-summer Yellow-legged Gull,
25+ Stock Doves,
350+ Swifts
1 Sand Martin (S),
4 Yellow Wags (2S, 2N),
100+ Jackdaws,
200+ Rooks,
35+ Starlings,
6 Linnets
Best of the insects: 1 Brown Argus, 3 Common Carpets & 2 Pyrausta aurata.
Newport Sewage Works (10:15-10:30) - 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Marsh Tit - Stephen Patmore
SAL (0615-0730) - Little Grebe 3x newish broods, 1 on each pool, M Gadwall (eclipse), 9 Tufted (2FF + Brood of 7), 3 Common Sandpiper (min), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove, 8 Swift, 20 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 10 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1M Willow Warbler, 5+ Sylvia (spp.) Heard, 3 Phyllosc (spp.) Heard, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 9 Goldfinch , 2 Linnet
SLRS - 10 Canada Goose, 20 Mallard (inclu 2+ broods), 2 Lapwing, 2 Green Sandpiper, c.100 Black headed Gull, 1 Ad Common Tern, 1 Stock Dove, 10 Swift, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, 20 Goldfinch
Sawbridgeworth Marsh - juvenile Reed & Sedge Warblers, and Reed Buntings seen. - Mike Harris
SAL - Little grebe 13 (8juvs), tufted duck 8 (f+7juvs), common sandpiper 3, cuckoo 1, green woodpecker 2, sand martin 2, house martin 15+, meadow pipit 3, swallow 2, grey wagtail 2 juvs, reed warb +juvs, yellowhammer 1 (m)
Hatfield forest:- great crested grebe 2 (Ad+Juv), canadian goose 16, mandarin duck (m) - hiding under overhanging trees infront of shell house (still)... take bread, she's very aggresive towards larger mallard, common tern 3 (2Ad+juv), green woodpecker 4, great spotted woodpecker 2, willow warbler 3, whitethroat 5+, garden warbler 1, nuthatch 1, jay 1, bullfinch 6 (2, 4) - Graeme J Smith
27th July - SAL - 4prs Little Grebe + 1juv & 3 broods of young, 74 Mallard, 32 Coot, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers, 5 Stock Doves, 180+ Woodpigeons, 30+ Swifts, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Sand Marttin, 4 Meadowpipits, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Willow Warblers - Stephen Patmore
25th July - Trims Green (field with new barn) - muck-spreading etc. 0710: Yellow legged gull 2 (ad + 1st yr): 1310-1340: B.H.gull 45+, LBBGull 17 (no 1st yrs), Kestrel 1, Skylark 3, Common gull 5, Yellowhammer 1, Grey heron 1 - Graeme J Smith
23rd July - Hayter, Spellbrook (west):- Coal tit 2 - continuing summer sightings west of main road...probable breeding? grey wagtail 1 (JUV) - on hayter roof!? - Graeme J Smith
22nd July - Debden Church yard - 3 juv Kestrel, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Nuthatch,
Debden Park - 3 ad Great Crested Grebes, 1m Mute Swan, 1f Gadwall , 55 Mallard , 2 (1m) Tufted duck, 1f Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns , 11 Stock Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 20+ Swifts, 4juv Green Woodpecker, 2 Gt Spotted Woodpecker, 1m Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Marsh Tits, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatch, 30+ Jackdaws, 15+ Goldfinches, 6 Bullfinch,
Coploe Hill - 1 Cormorant, 4 Buzzards, 4 Hobby (all feeding together over one field and group of trees), 2ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls 250+ Swifts, 35 Swallows, 2 Yellow Wagtail (both S), 10 Goldfinch, 1m Reed Bunt - Stephen Patmore
SAL (0830-1030) - 10 Little Grebe (8Ads, 1 juv, 1 pullus), 9 Tufted (2F, 7 ducklings), 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 B H Gull, 15 Swift, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 G S Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 25 House Martin, 10 Swallow, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail , 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler (juv), 10+ Reed Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler, 1M Chiffchaff, 20 Linnet, 5 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 6 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
Hatfield Forest lake - Mandarin M, Common Tern juv + Great Crested Grebe juv - Graeme J Smith
St.Michaels Mead Lake: - 1 Cormorant (juvenile!), 1M Tufted Duck, 1 Ad Common Tern, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler singing,
St.James Church: - 120 Swift S (in one flock), No Spotted Flycatchers (did they breed this year?) 3 Red Admiral, 1 Southern Hawker
Sawbridgeworth: - 80 Swift S (one flock) - Mike Harris
21st July 07 (1600-1715) - SAL - 2 Little Grebe, 52 Mallard, 10 Tufted (3F & 7 ducklings), 1 Stock Dove, 22 Swift (flew SW in one flock), 20+ Sand Martin, 15+ House Martin, 5 Swallow, 20 Reed Warbler (inclu very recently fledged juveniles), 5 Willow warbler, 6 Long tailed Tit, 1F Grey Wagtail , 10 Goldfinch, 2 Rook - Mike Harris
Obrey way to St James church, round a field and finishing at Michaels' Mead pond.(bishops stortford) - Tufted duck 1 male, Black headed gull 84 (81 [incl 2-1st yrs] on field east of church+3 fly over), Swift 62 (42 passed over south, tighter grouping than assosciated with feeding, quite high with a steady course + 20-30 feeding overhead - full list on blog - Graeme J Smith
20th July - SAL - 1f Pochard, 17ad + 7juv Tufted, 10+ Swifts, 25+ Sand Martin, 50+ Swallows, 20+ House Martin, 1juv Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 Bullfinches - Stephen Patmore
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Goldfinch 31 mixed ads + juvs - Graeme J Smith
19th July - SAL - 4f + 7juv Tufted, 20+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Turtle Dove, 40+ Swifts, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 30+ Swallows, 20+ House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipits, 4 Song Thrushes, 20+ Greenfinches, 30+ Goldfinches, 20+ Linnets, 6m & 1f Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore
18th July - SAL - 4f Tufted + brood of 7, 2ad Little Ringed Plover, 1ad Redshank (roosting on spit), 20+ Swift, 20+ House Martin, 3ad +2juv Grey Wagtail - Stephen Patmore
River Stort 5.20 - 8.00pm - reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Spellbrook footbridge. Other notables: 14 BHG's circling overhead, 17 LTT, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Kingfisher, 4 GSW, 2 Gr woodpecker, 8 Chiffchaff, 10+ Swifts, 1 Linnet, - Jono Forgham
16th July - SW Golf Club 0850am - 4 Buzzards very high over the Monument. This is the second time in 2 months that 4 have been up together.
Bentfield Green area 9.30pm onwards - 2 Barn Owls and at least 1 Little Owl - Rodney Craig
15th July - SAL(09:00-10:00) - 2 G C Grebe (Ads), 3 BH Gull S, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, Plus all usual suspects.-Mike Harris
14th July - Chalks Farm, Sawbridgeworth - Sparrowhawk adult female back hunting the Feral pigeons. Most recent pass at 08:25.
SAL(16:00-17:30) - 3 Little Grebe, 35 Mallar, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Tern (1Ad 1 Juv.), 25 Swift, 10 H Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 2 Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 7-10 Meadow Pipit (Airport broods?), 5 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer,1 Grass Snake. Quite large Deer footprints around the small lagoon suggests small numbers of Fallow coming to drink. - Mike Harris
Graveyard on Havers lane Stortford: - Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk 1, greenbelt (across Stortford): Grey Wagtail 3 (F,2J): never seen them here before.- Graeme J Smith
SAL - adult Little Gull through late evening + 5 Little Ringed Plovers - David Arch
Farnham cricket ground -Commom Buzzard afternoon before the electric storm
Allens Green and West road Sawbridgeworth, just after Trims Green turning. - Little Owl on wires between - Jono Forgham
13th July - A120/Birchanger - Hobby - Mick East
SAL - 2ad Little Ringed Plovers, 20+ House Martins, 4 Meadow Pipits - Stephen Patmore
12th July - Obrey way - Little owl on Tele poll- Mick East
SAL - 53 Mallard,
8 Tufted Duck,
1m Sparrowhawk,
3 Little Ringed Plovers,
2 Common Gulls ,
210+ Swifts,
20+ House Martin,
1 Grey Wagtail,
1m Garden Warbler - Stephen Patmore
Stort walk 5.45 - 8.30pm - blackbird 11,
crow 3,
swallow 19,
swift 48,
house martin 2,
greenfinch 11,
wren 8,
sand martins 8 ,
wood pigeon 37,
blackcap 1
moorhen 5,
green woodpecker 4,
jay 1,
whitethroat 4,
chiffchaff 8,
starling 4 plus fly over party of 35+,
magpie 1,
GSW 2,
chaffinch 5,
great tit 3,
reed bunting 4,
pheasant 1,
sparrow hawk 1,
collared dove 2,
mute swan 2 adults still with 4 cygnets,
bullfinch 1 male,
rook `17,
mallard 4,
stock dove 3,
jackdaw 2,
reed warbler 2,
song thrush 2,
house sparrow 2 - Jono Forgham
11th July - SAL - AM 1 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Gulls W, 20+ Swifts, 1 Kingfisher (carrying food), 30+ Sand Martin, 15+ Swallows, 2 Grey Wagstail - Stephen Patmore
PM - 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 50+ Sand Martins - Colin Wills
Obrey way - Little owl on Tele poll- Mick East
Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Coal tit 1, Spellbrook to Thorley, across fields past fishing pit., gatekeeper 40+!!! Canada Goose 8, Common tern 1, Red-legged partridge 2 (on island in centre of pit!), Mallard + 10 juvs, Stort park farm @ 1900-2000, Mistle thrush 10 (8juvs-second brood fledged 4+4), Green woodpecker 3 (2juvs) oak eggar (moth) - Graeme J Smith
10th July - Farnham Road - Little Owl X2 juv in Oak before Bridle way - Mick East
SAL - 2 Little Ringed Plovers,
1ad Greenshank,
2 Common Sands,
1ad Great Black-backed Gull,
15 Swifts,
3 Sand Martin,
20+ House Martin,
1 Yellow Wagtail,
2 Grey Wagtail, - Stephen Patmore
9th July - Spellbrook west:- Common gull 2 - Trims green @0715, Hobby.
Stort Park farm @1615 - Green woodpecker juv 1, Moorhens - 1pair deceased, chicks presumed dead. 2nd pair still 3(4) surviving chicks from 2 broods - Graeme J Smith
8th July - SAL - 1 Little Egret - flew S at c.13:30,
1 Hobby,
1 ad Greenshank (on & off),
8ad Black-headed Gulls (SW),
1 Stock Dove,
20+ Swifts,
1 Green Wood,
15+ Swallows,
10+ House Martin,
2 Grey Wagtais (still taking food constantly to the pumping station),
4 Pied Wagtail,
1 Lesser Whitethroat
3 Willow Warblers
Debden Park Lake - 1 ad Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 1m Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 45 Jackdaws, 2prs Bullfinch (both with young)
Debden Churchyard - 1 Spotted Flycatcher
Coploe Hill - 1m Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1m Grey Partridge, 4 Lapwings (S) , 1 Common Gull (S) - first of the autumn, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 100+ Swifts, 1 Mistle Thrush (N) , 1m Garden Warbler (presumed migrant), 70+ Rooks, 60+ Starlings, - Stephen Patmore
7th July (15:00-17:00) - SAL - 5 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 1 L R Plover, 10 Sand Martin, 7 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris
SAL -(18:15 - 20:00): 3prs Little Grebe,
11 Tufted Duck,
2 LRP,
1 Ringed Plover (adult),
1 Greenshank (adult),
1 3rd-summer Yellow-legged Gull,
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,
10+ Sand Martin,
20+ Swallows,
20+ House Martin,
3 Grey Wagtails (1pr carrying food to N - second brood?),
15+ Pied Wagtail
250+ Starlings (almost all juvs),
15+ Goldfinches. - Stephen Patmore
Mole Hill Green cricket club - 2 Blackcaps singing from hedgerow, 1 Common Whitethroat, 3 GBBB loafing overhead, 20+ Swifts south, 4 swallows feeding locally, 1 Green woodpecker over the pitch, 2 reed buntings calling, 1 sparrow hawk east - Jono Forgham
5th July - Stortford to Spellbrook - Kestrel 5 sightings today! 2(M+F) at golfclub @0715, 1(?)hayter spellbrook @1015,1(M)hayter spellbrook,1(M) bishops stort bypass. I suppose could be same two birds, unusual number of sightings considering only 1 hr observation time!
Stortford Park farm - Little Owl, 21:47hrs trees, west of roundabout - Graeme J Smith
2nd July (2