Non Passerines 08

Non Passerines of the Haven

Species	Status

Red Throated Diver	Regular passage migrant and winter visitor. Can be seen between October and May, although more regularly early December to end March, passing offshore and, where tide and weather conditions are favourable, in small or very occasionally, sizeable feeding flocks. Around 100 passing offshore over two hours plus a maximum of 50 on the sea on 28^th December 2002 is representative of the higher day counts recorded.
Black Throated Diver	Irregular passage migrant in spring and autumn. Possibly winters. Recently annual and probably previously overlooked amongst more numerous Red Throats passing distantly offshore in spring and autumn. Very occasionally seen at rest on the sea but rarely close inshore. 2 flying north east on 6^th February 1992 and 2 seen passing offshore on the 1^st December 2008 are the only known multiple occurrences recorded on any given day. A rather un-seasonal occurrence was of an individual in non breeding plumage close inshore on the 17th June 1994.
Great Northern Diver	Irregular passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Formerly rare and perhaps under recorded. In recent years recorded annually with three individuals noted in 2008. As with Black Throated Diver this species usually only seen passing offshore however one or two have been recorded on the sea in the last couple of years including a very obliging individual very close in on the early morning of the 28^th November 2007. Tide line corpse found on 5^th November 1978.
Little Grebe	Breeding resident. At least one pair breeds most years in heavily vegetated ponds adjacent to seawall (an adult with 4 young was noted on two dates at the end of July 2008). Up to 10 seen on Holland Brook on a single day prior to 1988 represents the highest count. Otherwise recorded singularly or occasionally 2 or (rarely) 3 can be seen on the scrape. Tends to be absent during mid winter particular in periods of hard weather. An adult with a chick on the late date of 15^th September 1996 was unusual.
Great Crested Grebe	Regular passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare in summer. Occurs offshore in winter months but rarely numerous with only a handful of records per year being the norm. Day count of 40+ on the sea on 6^th March 1996 was exceptional and coincided with a large movement of Red Throated Divers. Would appear to have been, on average, present in slightly larger numbers on the sea prior to 1988 when regular day count of 10 recorded. Very exceptionally odd birds have been seen on freshwater found within the recording area. An immature seen on the unusually early dates of 6^th and 7^th August 2003 is assumed to have been a locally dispersing post breeding bird.
Red Necked Grebe	Two records. The first record was a juvenile found by the late Tariq Watson on 11^th October 1991. Nearly 16 years later, on the afternoon of 8^th October 2007 Pete Davis and Gary Gardiner noted a single red necked grebe flying south west close inshore beyond the Holland Brook outfall. Perhaps surprisingly these are the only two records. It is possible that some of the various grebe ‘sp’ seen passing occasionally very distantly offshore may include this species.
Slavonian Grebe	Three records As with the former species despite the coastal location and availability of fresh water on site there has been but two records of this diminutive grebe which regularly winters in good numbers a stone’s throw away (relatively speaking) in the Blackwater estuary. One frequented flooded grazing marsh 21^stto 23rd January 1985. On the 16^th January 1996 one was present on the stretch of Holland Brook immediately east of the B1032 road bridge. One was offshore on the 23^rd November 2008.
Fulmar	Infrequent although annual passage migrant. Also seen in summer, rarely in winter. Recorded annually in small numbers usually from late spring through to September/October. Occasionally individuals can be encountered passing close inshore or even directly over the seawall. A total of 7 noted passing during a sea watch on 14^th September 1994 is the highest number recorded in a single day.
Sooty Shearwater	All records listed involving total of 21 individuals. 2 on 13^th September 1986 3^rd October 1992 5 on 14^thSeptember 1994 6 on 18^th September 1996 in ‘’strong easterlies’’ 31^st August 1997 8^th October 2001 (north) 2 on 1^st October 2007 2 on 24^th August 2008 1 on 29^th August 2008 (south) Unsurprisingly all records have occurred between the end of August and early October.
Manx Shearwater	All records listed involving in excess of 50 individuals of which 40+ recorded during a single sea watch on the 14^th September 1994. 31^st May 1984 2 on 30^th September 1987 28^th September 1991 40 to 50 on 14^th September 1994 2 on 30^th September 1997 14^th October 2005 9^th July 2006 20^th September 2006 2 on 10^th September 2007 2 on 15^th September 2007 17^th August 2008 The extraordinary movement witnessed by Pete Loud on 14^th September 1994 also involved 5 Sooty Shearwaters. With the exception of single spring and midsummer records all sightings have fallen in a 2 month period between 17^th August and 14^th October with a clear peak in the last two weeks of September.
Storm Petrel	Single Record On the evening of the 17^th August 2008 Karen Aldous found the first known record for the Haven. Passing steadily south west and relatively close inshore during a period of sea watching from the Clacton Sailing Club, the Stormie subsequently offered excellent views. Witnessed by Gary Gardiner this species came as real bonus to the only two patch workers to now have this species on their list.
Leach’s Petrel	Three records 29^th September 1962 21^st October 1990 21^st September 1997 The 1997 individual spend 2 to 3 hours appearing and reappearing in the area immediately around the Haven outfall buoy. Although it is possible that more than one bird was involved this was never confirmed.
Gannet	Passage migrant Recorded in all months although spring and predominantly late summer/early autumn see the majority passing offshore. Usually single birds encountered although not infrequently small groups travelling together line astern can be seen. 18 seen on both 3^rd May 1996 and 10^th November 1996 were surprisingly the rather modest highest day counts for this regularly recorded species until 40+ seen passing offshore on the 14^th July 2008 and 50+ 5 days later on the 19^th July 2008.
Cormorant	Winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded all months either offshore or loitering around the scrape where eels appear to be favoured prey. 27 is the largest day count noted before 1988 with 13+ together on both the 22^nd February 2004 and around the scrape on the 8^th November 2008 representing the largest gathering in recent times. Adults of the continental race sinensis are occasionally seen, predominantly in spring.
Shag	Infrequent, though annual visitor, predominantly in winter. Normally encountered singularly either on the sea or passing relatively close inshore. Strong bias towards immatures. 9 present on the 6^th February 1984 and 4 immatures on 4^th March 1990 are the highest day counts. An exhausted individual picked up on the 23^rd April 1988 and released later at Colne Point following a period in care had been rung as a pullus on the 11^th June 1973 on the Isle of May.
Night Heron	Single record. On 7^th May 1990 whilst engaged in a game of alcohol fuelled rounders Clive Atkins inadvertently flushed an adult Night Heron out of the willows in the dip by the toilet block. Unsurprisingly the no doubt petrified Night Heron immediately disappeared in the general direction of Frinton.
Cattle Egret	Single record. On the early morning of 2^nd April 2007 a report of a possible Cattle Egret on the scrape was later confirmed by Tony Critcher. Tony promptly put the news out to a wider audience and by mid morning the bird had moved to farmland immediately to the north west where it could be easily viewed for the rest of the day. The majority of Haven ‘’listers’’ were able to get this ‘’first’’ before later that afternoon it somewhat surprisingly flew off and was lost to view. It was not seen subsequently.
Little Egret	Regularly visitor to the scrape, drainage ditches and grazing marsh. First recorded 14^th May 2003 (2) in the company of a Spoonbill. Subsequently recorded in every month although most occur between early spring and late summer. A total of 5 on and around the scrape on the evening of the 6^th June 2008 is the maximum recorded on any one day. Records of up to three individuals moving north east on 1^st September 2007 and one low over the sea 29^th July 2006 plus the association with a Spoonbill referenced above, may suggest occasional continental origin as opposed to otherwise assumed wanderers from nearby established populations such as those frequenting the Howlands Marsh heronry.
Great White Egret	Single record of 3 birds. Around mid morning on the 11^th May 2002 Pete Davis and Clive Johnson looking out from the sluice were amazed to see a trio of this species appearing out of the mist close inshore before veering north east along the coast. These three birds were subsequently noted 30 minutes later passing over Stone Point, Walton-on-the –Naze. Perhaps surprisingly this occurrence constituted the first record of this species for Essex.
Grey Heron	Resident and passage migrant. Individuals or small numbers recorded daily up to a maximum of 6. The nearest breeding colony atHowlands Marsh, St Osyth, some 5 miles to the South West. Occasional immigration occurs with birds noted on several occasions arriving in off the sea.
Purple Heron	Two records of two or three birds. Although rejected by BBRC a 1^st summer bird seen by the late Tariq Watson on 27^th May 1981 is considered to be the first record of this species within the recording area. On the afternoon of 6^th September 2004 two birds were reported to have been flushed from one of the Holland Brook feeder ditches. At dawn the following day Simon Cox and John Sawyer noted a single juvenile appear out of the reed bed in front of the hide before flying off in the general direction of Holland-on-Sea. What was considered to be the same individual was subsequently seen at East Mersea intermittently between 15^th September and 3^rd October 2004.
Black Stork	Single Record On the 30^th September 1991 a Black Stork was reported (and subsequently accepted by BBRC) flying over Frinton Golf Course.
Spoonbill	Recently annual visitor to the scrape. 7 records involving 13 individuals all in spring/early summer with exception of a single passage record in September. Recorded 5 out of the last 6 years. 27^th May to 18th June 1996 with 2 from 29^th May (adults) 14^th and 18^th May 2003 12^th May 2005 (sub adult) 13^th to 17^th May 2006 (adult) 5 on 2^nd May 2007 (3 adults, 2 sub adults) 27^th June 2008 (sub adult departed high west at 1030) 23^rd September 2008 (2 passing north west offshore) The 2003 individual disappeared from the 15^th to the 17^th May but had returned to the Haven scrape on the 18^th having, like many Haven regulars, found the rather desolate and birdless surroundings of Colne Point not to its liking. The May 2007 record was a remarkable sight with 5 birds together feeding at close range from the hide during the early evening. Unfortunately they did not linger, disappearing within two hours of their arrival.
Mute Swan	Resident pair augmented by short staying/visiting individuals or family parties. Most years a pair breeds on the main island in front of the hide. In 2008 this pair had 7 small cygnets in attendance on 25^th May however from the 2^nd August 2008 only 2 remained. An unpaired pen was resident throughout 2008 at Great Holland Hall farm pond 15 (12 adults plus 3 cygnets) on the 28^th May 2005 is the largest day count
Bewick Swan	Less than annual passage migrant and winter visitor. Extreme dates range from a singleton on 1^st October 1966 to another singleton (immature) on 4^th March 1969. 44+ on 16^th January 1994 is the largest herd recorded. The only other double figure records include 10 on 19^th December 1980 (west of the B1032) and 17 on 9^th January 1995. November through January appears to be the peak time of occurrence.
Whooper Swan	Less than annual passage migrant and winter visitor. 8 records involving 33 individuals. 19^th April 1983 6 on 19^th November 1988 7 on 22^nd November 1990 (flew south west) 12^th December 1992 2 on 22^nd February 1996 5 or 6 on 24^th March 1996 5 on 18^th December 2006 (3 adults and 2 juveniles) 6 (2 adults and 4 juveniles) together on the sea 14^th November 2007 The April 1983 represents one of the latest records of this species in Essex.
Bean Goose	Less than annual winter visitor. 13 records involving 91 individuals. Both rosicus and fabilis forms have been recorded with the former constituting the majority of records. 28 together on 14^th December 1997 represent the largest flock seen. 10^th to 24^th February 1982 7 on 5^th December 1982 (4 adult and 3 immatures) 7 on 1^st February 1989 increasing to 8 on 5^th February 1989. (probably fabilis) 2 on 2^nd to 7^th January 1990 6 on 15^th to 23^rd December 1990 5 on 27^th December 1992 2 on 7^th to 21st December 1993 (rossicus) 25 on 14^th January 1996 14^th to 26^th December 1996 (fabalis) 2 on 25^th January 1997 28 on 14^th December 1997 (rossicus) 28^th November 2004 with 2 from 5^th December to 16^th March 2005 (rossicus) 3 on 4^th November 2008 (rossicus) Extreme dates are 4^th November (2008) to 16^th March (2005).
Pink Footed Goose	Annual passage migrant and winter visitor in recent years. 12 records involving maximum of 26 individuals 12^th December 1993 14^th November 1999 20^th January intermittently to 24^th March 2002 at least 29^th January intermittently to 8^th February 2004 at least 9 on 8^th October 2004 5 on 30^th October 2005 (flew south offshore) 2 on 23^rd– 30th December 2006 29^th-30^th September 2007 2 on 24^th December 2007 11^th April 2008 9^th October 2008 15^th November to 2009 Formerly a rarity with the origin of the single birds associating with Grey Lags questionable. In 2003 and 2005 small flocks of (presumed) family parties have been seen in autumn no doubt reflecting an ‘overspill’ from the increasing numbers of this species recently wintering in Norfolk.
White Fronted Goose	Annual winter visitor in varying numbers. No doubt attracted by the presence of the ‘resident’ Grey Lags this species (and other geese) often remain on the grazing marsh for extended periods. Has arrived as early as 4^th November (2008) with few appearing or lingering beyond early March. January is the most regular month of occurrence. Maximum single day count of 84 seen on 31^st December 1993 with 62 still present on the 1^st January 1994. Otherwise 51 seen on the 1^st February 1991, 41 on the 23rd December 2007 and 35 present 24^th to 26^th December 1996 are also noteworthy. Maximum flock recorded prior to 1988 was around 50.
Greylag Goose	Resident in variable numbers. These days present in all months but most numerous from late summer or early autumn with 200+ now being regularly recorded. Far fewer are present from mid April to early July. Has bred i.e. May 2002 when 4 goslings seen and 2003 when 5 goslings raised. Formerly scarce with 11 on 24^th February 1979 and a single bird on 26^th April 1987 being the only known records prior to 1988. Certainly recorded regularly from March 1996 when 6 were noted, thereafter increasing slowly over the next 4 years to 27 by September 2000. Numbers then increased rapidly from 50+ in September 2001, 150+ by September 2005 and 250+ by September 2006 whereupon peak numbers appeared to have stabilised as 220+ recorded September 2007. However, a new record count of 295 on the 9^th September 2008 confirms numbers are still increasing. The whereabouts of these birds when absent from the Haven is unknown although Hamford Water does seem a strong candidate with flocks noted arriving from inland i.e. from a generally north or north westerly direction.
Canada Goose	Regularly Visitor. Singles or small groups can be encountered at any time of year. Bred 2007 producing 6 goslings, 5 remaining by August. The somewhat modest all time maximum day count of 13 (including 5 juveniles) recorded on 4^th August 2007 was smashed just over a year later when 36 were counted on the 15^th November 2008 to be followed two days later by an astonishing 51 birds present on the scrape on the early morning of the 17^th November 2008.
Barnacle Goose	8 records involving maximum of 121 individuals As with records of Pink Footed Goose the origin of singletons of this species is highly questionable with the status of truly wild birds being at best rare. In addition to the February 1981 and 1996 flocks, the 10 birds frequenting the grazing marsh towards the golf course on 5^th March 2005 were almost certainly also wild birds. Extreme dates range from 26^th October (2002) to 26^th April (2008) c90 on 25^th February 1981 3 on 29^th January 1979 (grazing marsh) 11 to 15 on 15-18^th February 1996 2^nd and 3^rd February 2002 26^th October 2002 intermittently to 16^th November 2002 4^th December 2004 to 3^rd January 2005 10 on 5^th March 2005 (grazing marsh south of golf course) 3 on 26^th April 2008
Brent Goose	Passage migrant and winter visitor. Significant sized flocks can be found on the grazing marsh and nearby arable throughout the winter. 200+ present during winter 1985/86 was at the time thought to be a significant number however in more recent times 700+ on 15^th January 2000 and up to 1200+ on the 4^th January 2008 represent the largest gatherings. In addition large numbers can also be seen passing offshore predominantly in autumn including a massive c6000 south west over two protracted periods of sea watching on the 30^th October 2008. Odd birds, possibly sick or injured, have been noted up until early summer at least with return passage offshore, albeit in small numbers, often noted as early as mid July. Black Brant has been recorded as follows; 25^th February 1996 18^th January 1997 26^th October 2001 12^th January 2003 21^st December 2007 to 16^th January 2008 Pale Bellied Brent has been recorded as follows; 13^th February 1980 29^th December 1996 18^th January 1997 (with the Brant above and 500+ Brent) 12^th January 2003 (with Brant above and 60+ Brent) 31^st December 2007 (with Brant above and 500+ Brent)
Red Breasted Goose	Single record. On 21^st February 1996 Liz Huxley found an adult present with Brent Geese on the grazing marsh. This bird was thought to have been the wandering individual seen elsewhere in Essex at Old Hall and Steeple at various dates between 3 January and 11 March 1996.
Egyptian Goose	Four known records involving 16 to 21 birds. 23^rd August 1988 10^th August 1991 (8 flying north east) 16^th November 2008 (7 on the scrape) 29^th November 2008 (5 on the grazing marsh) There is a possibility that the same 5 were involved on both dates in November 2008.
Shelduck	Regular visitor and breeding bird. Can be encountered in all months, although less so in late summer when the entire adult population leave to moult along the north west European coast. Prior to this numbers steadily build up on the scrape during the early part of the year (reaching a maximum of 34 recorded on the 11^th May 2008) until falling back again once breeding begins. There is variable breeding success most summers i.e. 14 young were noted on 15^th July 2006 however the following year only 4 young were present on the corresponding date. In 2008 20 young were present on the 29^th June. ‘’Hundreds’’ seen passing offshore during a cold snap in January 1987 was exceptional. In more recent times 55+ noted on 11^th February 1995 represents highest day count.
Mandarin Duck	5 records involving 6 individuals. The origin of these individuals is unknown however in addition to rumours of captive/known semi feral breeding as close as Weeley Woods and Elmstead Market a small free flying flock has recently been located in what appears to be suitable breeding habitat a few miles from the Haven at Thorpe-le-Soken. 14^th September 1996 (eclipse drake) 8^th March 1997 (pair) 6^th June 2003 (drake) 13^th September 2005 (female) 1^st to 5^th September 2006 (female/eclipse)
Wigeon	Winter visitor. Presumed sick or injured individuals have summered. Grazing flock of between 500-1500 individuals present most winters with an exceptional 6500+ recorded in a cold snap during December 1981. Some visible passage offshore mainly in autumn. Other than the odd summering birds a few most years linger until early June with first returning individuals noted from around early/mid August. Occasional suspected Widgeon x Teal hybrids noted most winters. A Wigeon x Falcated Duck hybrid was present during early part of the 2007/2008 winter.
Gadwall	Regular visitor. Singles or small groups recorded in most months (1-10 birds) although relatively scarce from late summer to late autumn. Rarely seen on passage offshore. 25+ on 11^th February 1995 represents the largest single gathering recorded with 24 noted on the 29^th January 2008 and 15+ on 4^th July 2007 the next highest day counts.
Teal	Present throughout the year. Can be seen in all months although very few present mid- summer. No breeding has yet been confirmed despite the presence of a pair or pairs most summers. Winter flocks whilst fluctuating from year to year can number from c200 to 500 with c550 reported on the 19^th January 2008 and a maximum of c660 reported on 6^th February 1988. Apparent Teal x Wigeon hybrids are noted most years.
Mallard	Present throughout the year. Several pairs breed. Large congregations of moulting birds numbering up to 200 can be seen in autumn reducing to peaks of around 100+ when marshes flood in winter with an exceptional 190+ on 2^nd January 1982.
Pintail	Regular visitor. Singletons or small groups can be encountered on the scrape predominantly during winter months. Also seen occasionally passing offshore. Prior to 1988 maximum of c35 when grazing marsh became flooded since when highest count of 13 recorded on 25^th September 2006. Although generally absent in summer months 6 fully grown juveniles reported on the 2^nd and 3^rd June 1994 may be suggestive of relatively local breeding. Also a female was present continuously from 4^th May 2008 to 18^th June however no drake was seen during this time and breeding was not suspected.
Garganey	Less than annual passage migrant with strong bias towards spring. Extreme dates 6^th March 1993 (pair) and 4th October 2008 (eclipse/immature) with no records for July. 4 (two pair) on the 23^rd March is the maximum recorded in a day. Spring records extend over a protracted period with a drake on 17^th June 1995 being the latest recorded. Earliest returning autumn individual noted 20^th August 2005. An extraordinary series of records involving a drake seen on the 2^nd, 9^th, 11^th, 15^th and 16^th June 2008 (on which date in company with a female) may be suggestive of attempted breeding. Conversely more than one drake may have been involved, i.e. separate birds passing through.
Shoveler	Present throughout year. Has bred. Numbers generally peak at between 20-40 in mid winter reducing through the spring with only the odd pair or individuals intermittently present in summer before increasing again from mid to late autumn. Maximum of 70+ present on 17^th February 2001. In more recent times a maximum of 47 were present on the scrape on the 29^th January 2008. Very rarely seen passing offshore.
Red Crested Pochard	All records quoted. 2 to 4 individuals involved. 5^th August 2000 (eclipse drake) 22^nd – 24^th August 2006 (female/eclipse). Same or another female, 23^rd October, 25^th November and 9^th December 2006.
Pochard	Nowadays an infrequent visitor in any month, recorded just about annually. Prior to 1988 up to 10 occasionally recorded on flooded grazing marsh. More recently encountered singularly, in pairs or trios with 4 on 12^th March 2004 and 28^th May 2005 respectively and 6 together on 11^th January 2003 representing the highest day count. 3 passing offshore on the 30^th October 2008 was a rare record away from the scrape.
Tufted Duck	Regular visitor. Can be seen in any month Usually encountered singularly, in pairs or small groups to maximum of 12 on both the 18^th February 1995 and 23^rd April 1998. Normally seen on the scrape or more rarely passing offshore.
Scaup	All recent records quoted. 11^th January 1991 (14 passing offshore) 10^th February 1996 (7, 3 female and 4 drake on the scrape with at least 1 drake remaining until the 17^th) 27^th October 1996 1^st January 1997. (2 drakes passing offshore) Prior to 1988 seen regularly passing offshore during movements of other wildfowl, either singularly or in small groups to a max of 10.
Common Eider	Passage migrant, winter visitor and very occasionally seen in summer. Recorded annually as either singletons or in small groups passing offshore. Maximum of 80 on the sea on 29^th October 1978 more representative of a time when Eider could be found in larger numbers nearby at both Colne Point and Hamford Water. More recently 30+ on 20th March 1986 is the last occasion when double digit numbers recorded. Nine reports in 2008, five of which were between 1^st November and 1^st December, (of which 7 birds were seen passing on the 30^th November alone) totalling 24 birds represents a significant upsurge in records no doubt reflecting the marked recent increase in time spent sea watching by some site regulars.
Long Tailed Duck	6 records involving 7 birds. 4^th April 1979 (on flooded meadows.) 28^th November 1981 16^th November 1985. (Two birds landed close inshore from the golf course for a few minutes before continuing north.) 29^th October 1995. (adult male past offshore) 28^th December 1995. (adult male past offshore) 30^th November 2008 (distant female/immature south west at 1215) Unsurprisingly late autumn appears the best bet in securing this valuable site tick! With 6 records in 30 years you will need to be prepared to put some time in sea watching!
Common Scoter	Regularly seen passing offshore. Recorded in all months normally as singles or in small flocks up to 20 with largest numbers seen from July to November. A massive 520 passed south west between 0735-1025 hours on the 17^th August 2008 which accounted for over half of the total of 921 birds reported over the whole year! Bucking the national trend this species may now occur as or more frequently than prior to 1988 when 1 to 20 seen regularly offshore. Of around 175 seen passing south on 4^th November 2007 a single flock was made up off c150 birds, the largest number seen in one ‘’string’’. Prior to this and the remarkable passage witnessed in August 2008, a total of approx 200 flying south on 16^th November 1990 is also noteworthy.
Velvet Scoter	All records quoted 25^th November 1984 12^th November 1988 10^th December 2006 2^nd September 2008 (4 south west) 17^th November 2008 (total of 7, a 4 and a 3, with Common Scoter) 30^th November 2008 (3, comprising 2 drakes and a female south at 0935) All refer to birds passing offshore. The series of records for 2008 suggests they are passing annually offshore. Just needs someone looking out to sea at the time!
Goldeneye	Infrequent passage migrant and winter visitor. No more than single figure totals pass offshore in any year. Generally seen in late autumn or early winter with 4 singles on the 11^th November 2007 exceptional in recent times. Prior to 1988 odd birds seen regularly passing offshore and on occasion, even on Holland Brook. More recently a female was present on the scrape from 1^st to 5^th January 1997.
Smew	Two records. On the 20^th December 1981 Pete Loud and Clive Atkins located a fine drake on the stretch of Holland Brook immediately behind the sewage farm 16^th January 1985 (reported flying south west offshore).
Red Breasted Merganser	Infrequent passage migrant and winter visitor. Prior to 1988 this species may have been more frequently encountered with between 1 to 10 birds seen regularly passing offshore. Since then the maximum single group recorded was 6 seen passing offshore on 25^th March 1989 and 5 together moving south west on the 9^th November 2008. These days a handful of singles or pairs passing offshore per year are about the norm. A recent peak of records in late October/early November representative of increased levels of sea watching at this time of year. (Total of 14 birds seen on 4 dates between 22^nd October and 9^th November 2008). A pair seen flying over the car park on the 22^nd October 2008 was an unusual record.
Goosander	Five records involving 37 individuals including a single flock of 30. 20^th November 1991 (female north offshore.) 28^th December 1996 (30 south offshore.) 2^nd December 2007 (3 north west inland comprising a drake and 2 females). 7^th October 2008 (pair south west early evening). 17^th November 2008 (‘south’) We still await the first record of this sawbill that offers anything other than either distant or brief off shore fly past views.
Ruddy Duck	Two records The first record was a female found on the scrape on the 27^th September 2004 and was still present the following day. The second record, also a female on the scrape was found on 28^th October 2006 and was still present the following day. Due to recent widespread and possibly ill-judged culling it may be some time before this species becomes available to Haven year listers.
Honey Buzzard	Recorded on 7 dates involving total of 11+ individuals, including 8+ birds seen during the 8 days between the 13^th and the 21^st September 2008. 27^th May 1996 (Nigel Pepper/Pete Newson) 21^st July 2002 (Pete Davis/Clive Johnson) 2^nd July 2006 (Pete Davis/Paul Bettis. 9.15 and 9.45 adult female type presumably that later seen at Wix) 13^th September 2008 (total of 5+ passing over at intervals during the day including 3+ together in company off 1+ Common Buzzard. Multiple observers.) 14^th September 2008 (Gary Gardiner witnessed a single bird passing low out to sea towards Kent) 17^th September 2008 (Gary Gardiner witnessed a single bird arriving low in off of the sea subsequently pursued inland by Carrion Crows.) 21^st September 2008 (John Sawyer) The 2006 bird having headed off low towards Frinton clearly found the town not to its liking as 30 minutes later it reappeared over the grazing marsh and headed off in a general north/north westerly direction pursued by the Haven’s entire population of Corvids! The remarkable series of records from September 2008 formed part of the massive influx of this species in to East Anglia during that time.
Red Kite	All records quoted 5^th May 1980 (found dead) 22^nd November 1981 (‘flew overhead’) In addition to the above a wing tagged bird presumably originating from one the many UK reintroduction programmes, was seen on the 21^st July 2006.
Marsh Harrier	Regularly visitor, can be seen in any month although most frequent between mid April to mid September. Less than annual prior to 1988, however these days frequently seen, particularly on passage with maximum of 3 different immature birds noted on the 20^th August 1995 and 8^th August 2008. Diurnal immigration has been noted most years in late summer and early autumn where birds have been seen arriving low in from the sea. In recent years the odd female has been seen apparently prospecting the reed bed directly away from the hide although no known breeding has occurred to date.
Hen Harrier	Infrequent though annual. One or two birds are seen most years generally between November and April with a single record of a ring tail on the relatively late date of 13^th May 1997 and a particularly ‘orange’ juvenile which arrived on the relatively early date of the 30^th August 2008 being exceptions outside of this core period. In total contrast to the above species Hen Harriers appear to have been seen more frequently prior to 1988 when individuals were recorded regularly throughout the winter months. These, and more recent mid winter records probably relate to birds wandering from the nearby Walton backwaters and Colne Point both of which are regular wintering sites for this species.
Montague’s Harrier	All records quoted. 31^st August 1980 (juvenile) 26^th August 1990 (juvenile) 23^rd May 1992 (female) 20 to 23rd July 1993 (male) 23^rd August 1994 3^rd June 2002 9^th June 2002 (female) 1^st August 2006 (2^nd year male) In addition the following ‘’ringtails’’ were considered to refer to this species. 10^th July 1991, 10^th July 1992
Sparrowhawk	Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor formerly far less common. Single pair has bred in recent years. Immigration in autumn noted most years with maximum of 4 different individuals recorded in any one day (i.e. 3 dates in September/October 2008). Prior to 1988 regarded as an infrequent visitor
Common Buzzard	Until relatively recently infrequent though now annual with majority of records in autumn. Now reported regularly since 1998 probably partly due to the recent establishment of local breeding pairs elsewhere in NE Essex as well as those believed to be on passage from Scandinavia in autumn. Sole record prior to 1988 concerned a single bird seen on 29^th September 1986. 2 seen on 24^th October 1993, 2 together passing low south west over the arable on 1^st June 2002 and 2+ in company of 2+ Honeys on the 13^th September 2008 are the only multiple occurrences.
Rough Legged Buzzard	All records quoted 22^nd October 1974 (‘’south’’ Tony Marshall) 8^th October 1998 (Simon & Pat Cox) 24^th October 1994 (Daryl Rhymes) 20^th November 2002 (Pete Loud) None of the above lingered long enough to be enjoyed by anyone else other than the fortunate finders. Frustratingly, what was possibly the bird seen by Pete Loud on 20^th November 2002 and subsequently ‘reported’ over the grazing marsh on 13^th January 2003 was thereafter found no more than two miles away to the north west in the area of Great Holland Pits where it stayed for several weeks just out of view from the boundary of the Haven recording area!
Osprey	All records quoted 6^th May 1992 (in off the sea) 3^rd October 1992 1st July 1993 25^th September 1993 2^nd November 2008 (low south west over the scrape) In addition, one on 14th May 1989 was seen fishing in an upstream stretch of Holland Brook that is viewable distantly from within the recording boundary. As with other rare large birds of prey we can only surmise that the paucity of records is due to the Hamford Water to Colne Point ‘’flyway’’, a more direct inland route across north east Essex and beyond the view of the Haven.
Common Kestrel	Resident, possibly some passage. Several pairs breed in or nearby the site with some additional passage noted, particularly in autumn were 5+ birds have been noted particularly in September. One pair nest annually in the box provided high up on the south west facing aspect of the coastguard radar tower. This pair fledged 3 young in 2008.
Red Footed Falcon	Two records On 5^th September 1987 Pete Loud found an immature male at the sewage farm. The bird was available for 2 hours only before it disappeared. On 30^th July 2006 Pete Davis and Clive Johnson were alerted by Swallow alarm calls to the presence of a female type passing low south west over the sewage farm/main car park area.
Merlin	Annual passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Only odd birds seen in any given year with a bias towards autumn passage. A female on 9^th August 1992 was particularly early for an autumn migrant. Individuals, including birds on 2 separate dates in September 2008, are occasional seen arriving in from the sea during autumn.
Hobby	Passage migrant and summer visitor Regularly seen between early May and mid/late September. Recently suspected of breeding nearby as birds seen regularly in mid-summer. Pairs and trios seen occasionally on passage in autumn with maximum day total of 6 seen on the 7^th September 2008. Much scarcer prior to 1988 when considered a real local rarity.
Peregrine Falcon	Passage migrant and winter visitor Recently recorded annually with irregular sightings throughout winter months possibly referring to wintering individuals wandering from Colne Point or the Naze. Two in off of the sea 11^th September 2005 and a female and juvenile male seen on 31^st October 2007 are the sole multiple occurrences. Overall position may be distorted by irregular appearance of large falcons, presumable falconers escapes, which when seen poorly bear an obvious resemblance to Peregrine.
Red Legged Partridge	Breeding resident. Probably less than 10-15 pairs resident or nearby with numbers swollen by juveniles in late summer. Coveys of between 15to20 are regularly seen. A count of 25 on the 30^th October 2008 and 24 on the 13^th December 2007 are noteworthy.
Grey Partridge	Possibly now extinct. Formerly bred but never abundant. Since a single pair recorded during 2006 the only subsequent record involved two which flew across the B1032 in to the far north west part of the recording area on the 25^th April 2008. Probably now be lost as a breeding bird although rumoured to still persist just outside the recording area in the general direction of Great Holland Pits. In 1989 was (with hind sight) ironically reported as ‘’recovering slightly after a decline’’. In more recent years never present in any more than small numbers. With nearby populations at Colne Point and Kirby/Walton apparently still stable it is hoped that this species, if it is currently absent, can eventually re-colonise although the weekly decimation of any games birds present on the arable set aside strips during winter can hardly encourage an early return.
Common Pheasant	Breeding resident. An abundant resident which can be found anywhere on site although favours the arable where up to 20 can be seen at any one time from the hide overlooking the scrape.
Water Rail	Passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded from late October to early April. More often heard than seen although in times of hard frost can be found feeding in the open. One or two present at some time during most winters with up to a maximum of four scattered around the site regularly recorded on passage. The ditch in front of the hide, (2 together on the 10^th December 2008), the pond by the car park pay machine and the right angle of the feeder ditches opposite the entrance road are three of the favoured sites for this species.
Spotted Crake	Single record On 24^th September 1987 Pete Loud and Pete Newton found a Spotted Crake feeding on the edge of one of the small reedy pools between the sea wall and Frinton Golf Course. The bird was last seen on the 1^st October.
Moorhen	Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Small breeding population is augmented by larger numbers of passage and wintering birds. Up to 30 birds are commonly encountered during winter with the largest single gathering recorded being 80+ on 25^th January 2003.
Coot	Breeding resident. One or two pairs breed although generally absent in winter where they tend to prefer the stretch of Holland Brook immediately upstream from the site. 3 adults with 5 young noted on 20^th May 2007 plus a pair with young on Great Holland Hall pond in 2007 and 2008. 40 together on flooded grazing marsh immediately north west of the B1032 on 31^st December 1987 was unusual. These days encountered in relatively small numbers from early spring to early autumn with 8 on 27^th April 2003 being typical.
Common Crane	Two records 27^th February 2002 (Tony Critcher noted 4 birds circling overhead before moving out to sea). 4^th April 2002 (2 birds).
Oystercatcher	Regular visitor has bred. Regularly seen throughout year although generally absent during mid winter. Single pair has bred in recent years raising 1 or 2 young. Otherwise seen intermittently with up to a maximum of 8 on the scrape and much larger numbers occasionally seen passing offshore generally in autumn with maximum of 100 moving south west on 23^rd August 1996 and 50 again south west seen passing on the 8^th August 2008.
Avocet	Regular visitor from early April to early August. First successful breeding 2008. Occurring with increasing regularity. Strong bias towards spring. Formerly rare with 8 flying south west on 13^th September 1985, a single bird on 30^th March 1984 and one flying north on 30^th March 1987 the only records known prior to 1988. Pair displaying on the scrape between 5^th and 9^th May 2001 represented the first behaviour associated with potential breeding. Two pairs were present in May 2003. Subsequently singles, pairs and groups (up to a maximum of 14 on 1^st June 2005 and site record of 23 on the 26^th June 2008) present in spring where displaying, nest building and even suspected egg laying has occurred. Successful breeding finally took place in 2008 with one pair raising two young which were assumed to have subsequently fledged. The majority of summering birds are thought to be 1^st summers.
Stone Curlew	Three records 9^th May 1980 (on the golf course) 17^th August 2005 (briefly on the scrape) 13^th July 2006 (flew from scrape out to sea)
Little Ringed Plover	Passage migrant, predominantly early autumn, occasional summer visitor Has occurred regularly since 1996 and can now be found on the scrape intermittently from late March to early September with a maximum of 7 (4 adults and 3 juveniles) on 29^th July 2007. Formerly rare with one on 13^th April 1979 being the sole record prior to 1988.
Ringed Plover	Summer visitor, passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Single pair breeds most summers with one or two young occasionally fledging despite massive disturbance. Otherwise single figures often found on scrape, roosting inside sea wall or passing offshore with 26 on the 29^th September 2007 being exceptional. Tends to become scarcer from late autumn to mid winter.
Dotterel	Single record On 28^th September 1989 Pete Loud found a juvenile with a damaged foot on what was then the grassy area immediately in front of Sluice Cottages. This individual remained faithful to this general area until last seen on the 1^st October.
Pacific Golden Plover	Single record. On the afternoon of 1^st October 2000 Pete Davis heard a wader call reminiscent of a Spotted Redshank. The wader duly landed on the scrape and was seen to be an adult American or Pacific Golden Plover in advanced moult. Of the locals notified only Pete Newton arrived in time to jointly confirm identification as Pacific Golden Plover. After no more than 45 minutes from when first noted the Plover took off calling and flew strongly towards Frinton. It was not seen again.
Golden Plover	Primarily a winter visitor but recorded in all months Odd birds can appear on the scrape and nearby pasture in mid-summer and on passage however the largest numbers are recorded in winter. Largest gathering being 1000+ present during February 1988. Wintering flock numbers have varied in recent years ranging between from c50 to 300 with 535+ recorded on 9^th February 2001 the highest number recorded in recent times.
Grey Plover	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Small numbers passing offshore on passage from late July to mid September and rarely during winter. Individuals occasional found on the scrape or rarely on beach and golf course when undisturbed. The highest day count of 200+ passing south west on the 23^rd August 1996 was exceptional when compared to the total of c160 birds seen passing during the entire autumn of 2008 where relatively intensive sea watching was undertaken.
Lapwing	Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Double figure breeding pairs in recent years (30+ in 2008) compared with around 5+ in the late 80’s. Far larger numbers on passage and in winter many hundreds can be found on the arable with up to a maximum 1000+ present on occasions.
Knot	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor Small numbers pass south west offshore most autumns and early winter with 30 on 23^rd August 1996, 47 between 0645 and 1000 on the 30^th October 2008 and an exceptional 180+ seen on the 25^th November 2006. Otherwise odd birds and occasionally two’s or trios annually visit the scrape with a bias towards spring, including an early summer record of 3 on 7^th June 1993, and in autumn from mid July through to end of September.
Sanderling	Passage migrant and winter visitor Small wintering population persists. Can be regularly found on beach along tide edge, on or by rough ground immediately inside the sea wall and occasionally on scrape itself. Very rare in mid-summer (June). Formerly larger numbers wintered with around 30 to 70+ recorded annually in the late 80’s and an exceptional 100+ recorded on 11^th December 1990. Recently much reduced with wintering numbers averaging around 15 since 2000 in part almost certainly due to increased disturbance caused by dog walkers. Modest numbers recorded passing offshore most years from late July through to end of November with 30+ moving south west on the 25^th November 2006 notable.
Little Stint	Passage migrant with single mid winter record. Seen most years on the scrape either singularly or in small numbers with a recent bias towards autumn juveniles including maximum of 8 together on 8^th October 2007. In autumn recorded from late July with September the favoured month of occurrence with 3 juveniles together on 14^th September 1996 noteworthy. In spring has been recorded from late April with maximum of 3 together on 12^th June 1995. A single bird present from the 13^th to the 20^th January 2008 represents the sole winter record. Historically far less frequent with singles recorded in the autumns of 1986 and 1987 being the sole records prior to 1988.
Temminck’s Stint	Eight records involving 11 individuals including exceptional 3 together on 7^th May 2006. 2 on 9^th to 11thMay 2001 17^thto 18^th May 2002 7^th/8^th September 2002 7^th/8^th May 2004 19^th May 2005 4^th September 2005 3 on 7^th May 2006 17^th to 22^nd August 2008 Since first recorded on 9^th May 2001 has subsequently been seen annually with the exception of 2003 and 2007. Anyone looking to see this species at the Haven should concentrate their search of the scrape on the 15 days 7^th to 19^th May and 4^th to 7^th September which collectively accounts for all but one of the records of this diminutive wader.
Pectoral Sandpiper	All records quoted. 1^st and 2^nd May 2005 29^th July and 1^st August 2006 (adult) 23^rd September 2006 (juvenile) 1^st and 3^rd October 2006 (juvenile) 21^st July 2007 18^th July to 1^st August 2008 (adult) The first, found by Pete Newton, remains the sole spring record. No clear pattern of occurrence exists however if there is a ‘peak time’ to look for this species, it is probably the last two weeks of July. All have been found on the scrape.
Curlew Sandpiper	Irregular Passage migrant In recent years recorded annually with 14 adults together on the scrape briefly on the 19^th August 2007 being the maximum flock size recorded. Otherwise between 1 and 2 birds the norm with 4 juveniles on 4^th September 2005, 5 juveniles on the 20^th September 2008 and between 7 and 11 very briefly on 7^th May 2006 being noteworthy. Recorded in every month between early May and late September with a bias towards autumn. Very few recorded prior to the maturing of the current scrape with an adult on 5^th June 1994 being one of very few records known prior to 2001.
Purple Sandpiper	Winter visitor and passage migrant. Along with Firecrest probably the species most synonymous with Holland Haven. Around an average of 12 recorded in the winters of the 1980’s reducing to around 7 in the 1990’s and more recently 3 or 4 from 2000 suggests that a long term decline in wintering numbers continues (although up to 5 November/December 2008 may suggest that the wintering population is stabilising). Maximum counts of 17 on both 15^th April 1979 and again on 29^th March 1986 suggests wintering numbers are swollen slightly by passage birds returning north in spring. Present from late October to late April with odd birds rarely recorded outside this core period. Weedy groynes, outfall and seawall are favoured areas but can, albeit rarely, also be seen on the scrape. Individuals or small flocks are also seen occasionally passing offshore including 8 north east on the 1^st November 2008.
Dunlin	Passage migrant, winter and occasional summer visitor. Recorded in all months on the scrape in varying numbers occasionally up to groups of 30 to 40 in autumn and winter with 140 noted on flooded marsh on an unspecified date sometime prior to 1988 being exceptional. Significant numbers also pass offshore on passage in autumn including 350+ noted on 28^th October 1989.
Ruff	Present intermittently throughout year. Generally scarce in late spring and summer however can otherwise be found on the scrape or adjacent pasture in varying numbers throughout year. Late autumn/winter produces largest flocks with up to 20 recorded regularly with a maximum of 100 recorded on 3^rd May 1994. More recently 45 recorded on 10^th March 2005 was notable although subsequent years have seen only modest numbers present by comparison .
Jack Snipe	Barely annual. Formerly regular passage and winter visitor After the first ‘blank year’ in 2007, the following year produced a single record only of a bird that emerged from a tuft of grass for a few seconds only, viewable by one lucky observer from the hide on the 11^th March 2008. The decline in records from when up to three wintered and autumn passage birds could be flushed regularly from various flooded areas of pasture has been marked over the last 10-15 years. Jacks may still occupy extensive areas of flooded pasture and nearby feeder ditches that are now no longer accessible however the paucity of records in recent years from both the scrape and other favoured areas where public access persists suggest that the decline is both real and severe.
Common Snipe	Primarily winter visitor and passage migrant although recorded all months. Can be found on the scrape and nearby floods throughout the year in varying numbers with maxima of 775 seen on 20^th January 1988 (300+ still present 11^th February 1988). Around 500 present in November 1965 is also noteworthy. In more recent times double figure counts are regular in spring and autumn/winter with, compared to a generation ago, a somewhat more modest maximum 35+ were recorded on the 19^th March 2005.
Long Billed Dowitcher	Single record plus 2 ‘’Dowitcher sp’’ On 1^stAugust 1996 an adult was found on the scrape, subsequently staying until the 3^rd. In addition to the above on the 7^th September 1987 Pete Loud noted 2 Dowitcher sp. pass close overhead towards the grazing marsh and adjacent arable immediately south west of the B1032. Despite searching suitable habitat nearby they could not be relocated.
Woodcock	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Annual on passage, mainly late autumn. Can be found anywhere where there is cover, occasionally seen flying in off the sea or even rarely out in the open where clearly having just arrived in an exhausted condition. Occasionally seen in winter during periods of cold weather. Small numbers recorded annually with 10 on 20^th December 1981 being the maximum single day count. In contract only one confirmed record was received during 2008, a single bird flushed from the car park access road on the 28^th December.
Black Tailed Godwit	Predominantly winter visitor and passage migrant but occurs in all months. Frequents scrape and associated grazing marsh in varying numbers with late winter/early spring producing the highest day counts which, from January 2001 has regularly included a number of birds colour rung. Maximum of 260 on 4^th March 1969 with 160+ on 28^th January 2001 being the highest day count in recent times. Rarely seen passing offshore with 9 south west on the 20^th July 2008 being noteworthy.
Bar Tailed Godwit	Predominantly passage migrant although recorded in all months Can be seen irregularly offshore on autumn passage in small groups of up to 10 with a maximum of 110+ passing south west on 30^th August 1992. Occasionally single birds or pairs (rarely more) can appear on the scrape or adjacent grazing marsh (rarely in winter) with maximum of 12 fine summer plumaged adults recorded on 7^th May 2002 reducing to 6 on 11^th May 2002.
Whimbrel	Passage migrant and occasional summer visitor. Recorded from early April to mid September. In spring day counts regularly reach double figures in late April and early May with a maximum of 48 recorded on 8^th May 1987. Autumn passage less concentrated with single figure day counts the norm however a massive 70 recorded on 23^rd August 1996 was exceptional. Singles and/or small groups are seen regularly passing offshore in early autumn often in mixed flocks with Curlew.
Curlew	Passage migrant, winter and occasional summer visitor. Recorded in all months with highest numbers in winter when around 100 regularly recorded. Very few seen in late spring. Highest day count 170+ on 20^th November 2005. 150+ on both 9^th December 1995 and 6^th March 2005 also noteworthy. Seen passing offshore from mid June in small numbers often in association with Whimbrel. Maximum day count of 30+ noted passing south west on the 19^th July 2008.
Spotted Redshank	Annual passage migrant. Odd birds recorded most years. Can occur in any month between early April and the end of September in ones and twos but very rarely more (3 on 1^st July 2008). No distinct peaks with records split roughly evenly between spring and autumn with July appearing to be least favoured month of occurrence. During 2008 a minimum of 15 different birds recorded between the 3^rd May (2) and 20^th September (1) including an unusual long staying moulting adult which could be seen on the scrape daily between at least the 28^th June and the 31^st July.
Common Redshank	Can be seen year round with small numbers breeding. Can be found on scrape either singularly or in small numbers throughout year with historically highest midwinter count being 43. These days this species is strangely absent or infrequently recorded between November and February. The small breeding population of 6 or more appears to be stable and perhaps even showing recent signs of increasing.
Marsh Sandpiper	Single record At around 5pm on the 28^th July 2005 Gary Gardiner found a juvenile Marsh Sandpiper on the scrape. Despite only lingering for a couple of hours many of the Haven regulars were able to add this elegant wader to their patch list. This individual was considered to be the same as that present at Minsmere and North Warren in Suffolk from the 16^th to the 25^th of July.
Common Greenshank	Passage migrant, summer and very occasionally winter visitor. Recorded regularly from late April to mid September although rarer in June with a distinct peak from early July to mid August. One to four birds the norm with a maximum recorded in a single day being 9+ on 6^th July 1994.
Lesser Yellowlegs	Single record On the late morning of the 11^th October 2005 Gary Gardiner found a 1^st winter Lesser Yellowlegs on the scrape. This individual obligingly remained until the 13^th October allowing Haven regulars and other visitors alike to enjoy excellent views of this transatlantic visitor. This was considered to be the same bird which had previously been seen at Minsmere in Suffolk last reported at 7.30am that very morning.
Green Sandpiper	Passage migrant, predominantly in autumn. Occasionally seen in summer and very rarely, in winter. In recent years a distinct peak has been noted in the last two weeks of July to first week of August. Multiple occurrences are common place at this time with a maximum day count of 10+ on 24^th July 2007. Otherwise annual in spring with odd birds seen in early/mid May. Autumn birds are noted as early as the last two weeks of June.
Wood Sandpiper	Annual passage migrant in small numbers, possibly increasing. Recorded from end April to end May and from early July to mid September with a single individual recorded in 2000 up until the very late date of 28^th October. Majority recorded in autumn between mid July and end August. Other than an extraordinary 17 birds present on the 4^th August 2004 (not 17^th August as quoted by Wood in ‘The Birds of Essex’) no double figure count has been recorded with 9 on the 21^st August 2004 representing the next highest day count.
Common Sandpiper	Regular passage migrant and occasional summer visitor. Recorded from early May to mid September with highest numbers in autumn. Main passage extends from mid July to mid September where on occasions 10+ can be seen on and around the scrape.
Turnstone	Primarily winter visitor and passage migrant but can appear in any month. Up to 15 regularly recorded during winter and early spring months with additional groups noted passing offshore in autumn. 17 were seen together on the 6^th February 2008 is the largest flock seen in recent years. Can be found on and around weed covered breakwaters, on beaches as well on the scrape and adjacent grazing marsh.
Red Necked Phalarope	Single record On the early morning of the 2^nd September 2003 the late Tariq Watson found a juvenile ‘’spinning’ in front of the hide overlooking the scrape. It remained for the most of the day allowing some Haven regulars to add this species to their patch list however it disappeared by late afternoon and was not seen subsequently.
Grey Phalarope	Two records On the afternoon of 30^th October 2005 during a period of good wildfowl and wader passage offshore Pete Davis and Gary Gardiner were surprised to see a Grey Phalarope heading directly towards them in off the sea. Subsequently passing close by over the sluice area it disappearing out of view in the general direction of the scrape. Frustratingly, an immediate search of the scrape area from the hide failed to relocate the bird. On the early afternoon of the 28^th October 2007 Pete Davis located a Grey Phalarope feeding on the scrape directly opposite the hide. Unlike the first record this individual obligingly lingered until the 29^th and was enjoyed by many Haven regulars during its 2 day stay. Rather ‘un Phalarope like’ this individual persisted in patrolling exposed muddy fringes as opposed to more characteristically ‘’spinning’’ as normally associated with this and the above species.
Pomarine Skua	Rare passage migrant. Less than annual with virtually all records involving single birds passing offshore in autumn spanning a protracted period between 22nd August to 23rd November. Those passing close enough to age have predominantly been juveniles. 2 birds seen from the sewage farm passing overhead on the 26^th October 1992 and 2 passing south west on the 23rd November 2007 represents rare examples of multiple occurrences. Extremely rare in spring restricted to first few days in May. One was found dead on the golf course on 31^st October 1952 and one was found exhausted and taken in to care on 20^th October 1992.
Arctic Skua	Passage migrant and very occasional winter visitor Occurs annually and has been recorded in most months with a distinct bias between mid July and the end of September with a total of 34 individuals noted in 2008 during this period. All records involve birds either passing offshore or lingering relatively briefly to harass passing gulls and terns. Maximum day count of 5 on the 9^th September 2008 with 4 recorded on the 31^st August 1988 and 30^th August 1992.
Long Tailed Skua	8 records involving 9 individuals. 26^th September 1988 2 on 6^th September 1992 (adults) 31^st August 1996 31^st August 2002 4^th August 2006 (juvenile) 29^th September 2007 24^th August 2008 (juvenile) 14^th September 2008 (adult) All records involve birds passing south west offshore although the August 2008 was seen to linger for a while chasing terms off shore before briefly landing on the sea!
Great Skua	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Barely annual with rarely more than two or three recorded in any given year. A total of 5 seen on the 14^th September 1994 was exceptional. Unlike other Skuas can appear almost in any month. Also unlike other Skuas the odd individual has been recorded briefly either grounded inside the sea wall or loitering on the scrape.
Mediterranean Gull	Intermittent visitor to the scrape and passage migrant. Recorded in all months with a noted preponderance of adults frequenting the scrape to bath and roost suggesting perhaps local movements of the small nearby breeding population. Less frequent and irregular records of sub adults in both spring and autumn suggests birds stopping over on passage. First recorded 29^th January 1983 (adult) since when frequency of records gradually increased to recent times when up to three different individuals can be recorded on a single day with a maximum of 5 (4 adults and a 2^nd winter) passing south west on the 30^th November 2008 during a massive movement of Common Gulls.
Little Gull	Passage migrant and winter visitor Recorded annually in varying numbers. Small numbers 1-4 usually seen either passing offshore or on the scrape including a long staying 1^st summer present between the 4^th and 13^th May 2008. Can occur in any month with a bias towards autumn. 15+ immatures recorded on the 23^rd October 1982 represents the highest count for a single day.
Sabine’s Gull	Two Records 7^th to 8^th August 1996 (juvenile) On the 15^th October 2005 whilst sea watching from the sluice in the teeth of a strong easterly Simon Cox noted a single adult passing north east reasonably close inshore.
Black Headed Gull	Abundant Present all year but does not breed. Roosting or moulting flocks have numbered 1000+ although numbers probably slightly reduced in recent years with 200-400 seen regularly to a maximum of 450+ recorded on the 14^th August 2008.
Common Gull	Present throughout year in small numbers Can be seen year round infrequently reaching double figures although an extraordinary c1000 noted passing south west during 3.5 hours on the 30^th November 2008. In earlier years may have occurred more frequently in larger numbers when c200 regularly seen on grazing marsh or offshore.
Lesser Black Backed Gull	Present throughout year in varying numbers. Gatherings of 25 to a 100+ on or around the scrape and nearby sewage farm are regular occurrence with highest numbers normally in early autumn. Otherwise numbers are significantly reduced at other times although can vary widely dependant on tide and weather
Herring Gull	Present all year in varying numbers. Gatherings of 200+ on or around the scrape and nearby sewage farm are a regular occurrence. A possible adult Herring x Lesser Black Back Gull hybrid was on the scrape during the afternoon of the 18^th November 2007.
Yellow Legged Gull	Infrequent visitor since first recorded in 1996. First noted on 1^st January 1996 (adult). All ages recorded subsequently with an unsurprising bias towards adults. Usually encountered singularly although two birds together recorded on several occasions. Recorded on the scrape in virtually any month with a slight peak of records during spring and autumn.
Caspian Gull	Five records 9^th October 2007 (2^nd winter) 18^th November 2007 (3^rd winter) 1^st February 2008 (1^st winter) 8^th November 2008 (1^st winter, photographed) 6^th December 2008 (adult) Probably under recorded although the three records in 2008 suggests Haven regulars are ‘getting their eye in’ with regard to this species. All the above seen on the scrape loafing with large numbers of other large gulls. None have lingered more than a few hours.
Iceland Gull	Five records. 10th April 1983. (3^rd summer) 15th January 1984. (1^st winter) 22^nd March 1997. (adult) 22^nd November 2008 (sub adult) 23^rd November 2008 (1^st winter) After an absence of over 10 years November 2008 produced 2 birds in 2 days! Observers who witnessed both birds could clearly see plumage variances confirming the same individual was not involved on both days. Hopefully we won’t have to wait a decade before the next record.
Glaucous Gull	10 records involving minimum of 12 individuals 1^st January 1979. 1^st winter 25^th March 1979. 3 on 13^th April 1979, one or more of which recorded intermittently 1^st to 14^th favouring the flooded grazing marsh to the north west of the B1032. 5^th February 1988 9^th October 1988 10^th and 16^th December 1990 are thought to refer to a single individual. 3^rd March 1992 (1^st winter) 26^th December 1992 (adult) 22^nd March 1997 (sub adult) 15^th January 2008 (1^st winter) As with the previous species it is hoped that a further ten years does not pass before the next record. To the delight and surprise of a handful of observers at the sluice watching the adult Iceland Gull on the 22^nd March 1997 a sub adult Glaucous flew by north east close inshore! We still await a Glaucous lingering on the scrape proper as the January 2008 appeared to just two observers, flying in off the sea and out of view over the sewage farm never to be seen again!
Great Black Backed Gull	Present throughout year in varying numbers Present on the scrape or offshore in all months although numbers never approach those associated with other larger gulls. Only odd individuals remaining throughout the summer. Maximum of c50 on a single day.
Kittiwake	Irregular and nowadays infrequent visitor Still recorded annually however these days occurs only intermittently offshore either (other than 56 noted offshore on the 30^th November 2008) singularly or in small numbers and occasionally, sometimes oiled, on the scrape. Formerly far more regular including sizeable movements following inclement weather with 65+ passing offshore on 29^th January 1995 being the largest movement noted in recent years.
Gull Billed Tern	Two records On 16^th May 1997 Nigel Pepper and Mark Hawkes noted a single bird passing north east close offshore. On 2^nd May 2007 in circumstances reminiscent of the above, Gary Gardiner, during an otherwise routine sea watch was astounded to see an adult passing north east close inshore.
Sandwich Tern	Passage migrant and summer visitor. Seen regularly from mid April to end September and occasionally early October with previously expected March records being a thing of the past. Regularly passes offshore in small numbers up to a maximum of 200+ recorded on 23^rd August 1996 or at rest on the scrape where groups of up to 20 recorded in recent years and an unprecedented 100+ on the 10^th August 2008.
Roseate Tern	One record The sole record concerns a single adult on the 16^th July 2006 seen briefly by John Sawyer alighting from the scrape and disappearing from view towards Frinton-on-Sea pursued by a Kestrel.
Common Tern	Passage migrant and summer visitor. Seen regularly from late April to October with largest numbers on passage offshore including 152 moving north between 0705-0720 on the 16^th May 2008 and up to 120+ in August 1987 on the 26^th July 2008 and 250+ on the 23^rd August 1996. Occasionally appears on the scrape although less frequently than Sandwich Tern. An apparent adult dark billed individual seen at rest on the sluice on the 28th May 2007 may possibly have been an example of the eastern form longipennis or intergrade.
Arctic Tern	Passage migrant Recorded on passage offshore but always as singletons or in small numbers only. Odd birds seen almost annually in spring. Majority of records from August to end September with a maximum of 18 noted passing north east on the 12^th September 2007. Only very rarely seen on or over the scrape. Latest record being a juvenile, or two separate juveniles, lingering close inshore on 10^th and 11^th November 2007.
Little Tern	Passage migrant and summer visitor Seen regularly offshore and occasionally at rest on the scrape from late April to mid September and rarely through October with the latest record being a single bird seen on the 28^th October 1989. These days never more than single figures recorded on any day suggesting numbers seen during spring and summer may have declined in recent years as up to 10 together were frequently recorded prior to 1988.
Black Tern	Irregular passage migrant Barely annual with individuals or, more rarely small numbers, seen passing offshore. Extremely rare in spring with virtually all records coming in the autumn with a maximum of 11+ feeding offshore on the evening of the 13^th September 2008 and 6 passing offshore on 4^th September 1996. A moulting adult that spent two hours on the scrape on the 5^th September 2006 offered a rare opportunity for Haven regulars to catch this species both on the ground and at relatively close quarters. An adult passing close inshore south west on the 2^nd July 2007 could equally be considered as a late spring migrant as it could be viewed as an early returning autumn bird.
White Winged Black Tern	Single record. On the afternoon of the 10^th August 2003, Pete and Julie Newton were astonished to see a full summer plumage adult fly in off the sea and over the sluice before landing on the scrape. Good views were obtained by most Haven regulars until dusk, however one notable absentee decided to take a nap that afternoon and was naturally disappointed to find this ‘blocker’ had disappeared by first light the following day. The garbled recording of Pete Newton’s call to RBA is still used today for training purposes by GCHQ for deciphering an incoherent series of random words spoken at great speed.
Guillemot	Winter visitor and passage migrant Annual in small numbers and recorded in every month except June with most recorded mid winter. Often close inshore and sadly, on occasion oiled and in poor condition. Tide line corpses are not unusual although 6 found along what is a relatively short stretch of coast on the 20^th February 1983 was exceptional. Many of the ‘’Guillebills’’ seen passing distantly offshore during spring and more often autumn are undoubtedly this species
Razorbill	Irregular winter visitor and passage migrant. Undoubtedly under recorded especially as ‘’Guillebills’’ passing distantly offshore cannot be ascribed to species. Despite this there is evidence of a decline as this species was considered annual prior to 1988 however recently recorded far more infrequently and very rarely seen on the sea. However an individual which flew north east close inshore on the 11^th November 2007 and another that spent 3 days between the 7^th and 9^th of August 2008 relatively close inshore were welcome additions to one or two regulars Haven list. In addition to the exceptional Guillemot mortality noted above, 2 tide line corpse Razorbills were also recorded on 20^th February 1983. An unseasonal individual was noted offshore on 24^th May 1992.
Little Auk	Erratic passage migrant and occasional early winter visitor. Seen in most, but not every, year in varying numbers predominantly from late October to mid/late November. Usually seen as singles or in small numbers passing offshore, regularly at rest on the sea, often at close quarters and very occasionally passing overhead inland in the company of Starlings arriving from the near continent. Improved coverage over the last couple of late autumn periods combined with ‘’good Little Auk years’’ and some fairly dedicated sea watching has produced some remarkable day counts when considered with the rather modest single figure totals realised prior to 2004. In addition to the highest day count of 55 on 2^nd November 2006, a total of 29 on the 10^th November 2007 is also noteworthy. By contracts only a single bird, passing offshore on the 30^th October , was noted in 2008.
Puffin	Two records The first record was of a single bird seen by Nigel Pepper and Mark Hawkes passing offshore on the 16^th May 1997. The observers could hardly believe their luck bearing in mind that just earlier they had witnessed the Haven’s first Gull Billed Tern close offshore! Just over 10 years later Gary Gardiner and Pete Davis witnessed the second record, again of a singleton passing offshore, on the 30^th September 2007. Sadly there was no repeat of the Gull Billed Tern from 1997 as Gary had already scored with the Haven’s second record of that species earlier in the year!
Stock Dove	Breeding resident Resident breeder that on occasion utilises the nest boxes erected principally for Barn Owls. Current population probably in the region of no more than 10 to 15 pairs. Some autumn passage previously suspected and confirmed in 2008 when a massive 324 birds noted passing south west overhead on the 12^th November.
Wood Pigeon	Abundant resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Already numerous breeding bird with numbers accentuated by the many ‘000’seen in autumn either on passage or on grazing marsh and adjacent arable. (i.e. 4000 arriving on the morning of 7^th November 1996). The activities of the regular winter weekend shoot over the arable (which deters other birds from using the adjacent scrape and grazing marsh) has seemingly done nothing to reduce population levels of this species.
Collared Dove	Breeding resident Large gatherings previously recorded most winter evenings along the access road immediately prior to roost appear to be a thing of the past with these days only modest numbers noted. As fewer birds were thought to be present during the 1990’s than the 1980’s (with 200+ on the 26^th March 1983 being the maximum recorded) this perceived decline may have extended in to the new millennium.
Turtle Dove	Passage migrant, formerly bred. Previously present from spring throughout the summer months with up to 30 recorded on a single day up until the mid 1990’s after which a dramatic decline has been noted through to the modern era where only the odd individuals or pairs are nowadays infrequently noted from May to early September. Only 6 birds seen on four days between 20^th May and 19^th July were the only records received during 2008.
Ring Necked Parakeet	All records listed 1^st September 1985 18^th August 1996 10th October 2005 6^th September 2007 Possibly under recorded and escape likelihood high, however reported by residents to be present regularly in small numbers along Church Lane up until around 2006 and with immigration from their nearest stronghold in nearby Kent seeming improbable, the autumn bias to the above records could be used as an argument that not all sightings may refer to escapes.
Cuckoo	Summer visitor and passage migrant Seen from mid to late May with up to three or four individuals present in early summer where clearly the local Reed Warbler and Meadow Pipit population bear the brunt of their unwanted attention. Rarely seen after end August.
Barn Owl	Breeding resident At least one pair utilises the nest boxes each summer with another pair suspected of breeding close by, probably towards Great Holland Pits. Breeding success variable. One or more adults remain throughout the winter and can been seen regularly quartering the grazing marsh or perched on nearby fence posts. Formerly a great rarity with sole record prior to 1986 being a singleton on 1^st January 1982.
Little Owl	Breeding resident At least two pairs suspected as breeding residents favouring the hedge at the northern border of the grazing marsh and the tree line stretching from the main road to the north west corner of the car park respectively. A third pair is thought to hold territory at Great Holland Hall where individuals have been seen from time to time. This species may well have recovered from an earlier decline as in 1988 was reported as ‘’not seen recently’’.
Tawny Owl	Formerly irregular visitor Other than a somewhat isolated record of a single bird noted in the entrance road bushes at 2000 hours on the 13^th May 2001 the last record from the Haven ‘proper’ concerns an immature found roosting in the same area on the 25^th September 1988. Prior to 1980 Tawny Owl was recorded ‘’regularly’’ probably at a time when this species bred nearby, possibly even within the modern recording area. These days rumours persist of birds heard occasionally at dusk from Great Holland Hall however no such claims have to date been validated despite reasonably frequent checks of the immediate area. Great Holland Pits is the closest site to the recording area where this species is known to occur.
Long Eared Owl	Infrequent passage migrant and occasional winter visitor Less than annual with all records referring to single individuals or rarely small groups at roost in, or inadvertently flushed from, bushes ranging between main road and car park. Autumn from mid September to mid November and occasionally early spring are the favoured times of year although roosts have persisted throughout the winter months most notably 2/3 from January to March 1985. The highest day count is of 9 together on the 15^th November 1986 reducing to 3 on the next day. In addition on the 12^th November 1995 Simon Cox was astonished to find an individual lying in the lower panel of a mist net erected in the old sewage farm ringing site! An example of visible migration concerns an individual watched flying in from the sea on the 5^th November 1990.
Short Eared Owl	Winter visitor and passage migrant Formerly arrived from as early as late August remaining to May with up to 3 birds wintering and a maximum of 4 birds recorded on 7^th November 1994. Did not winter 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 with 2008/2009 looking similarly depressing. In autumn regularly recorded arriving directly in from the sea.
Swift	Summer visitor and passage migrant Although recorded from late April to late September most are present from late May to the end August in varying numbers with hundreds appearing over the scrape and grazing marsh regularly from early June to mid July. ‘Thousands’ reported moving south during the 12^th July 2008 otherwise 600+ on 17^th June 1995 is the highest day count recorded.
Kingfisher	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor Erratic though regular visitor normally seen along main brook and feeder ditches. Absent in summer although could conceivably breed close by along up stream Holland Brook. Most records occur in autumn during an extended period between mid July and mid November.
Bee Eater	Two records of two birds On the 15^th May 1992 Pete Loud heard and saw a single bird flying overhead above the grazing marsh. On the 6^th September 1997 Tony Marshall had a single bird for 10 minutes catching bees from a perch on the hedge bordering the sewage farm.
Roller	Single Record On the 30^th October 1948 the late Tariq Watson found a Roller on and around old telegraph poles along the base of what were then low cliffs opposite the modern day car park. 60 years on the current band of regulars await the second coming. (The Roller that is, not Tariq although either would be somewhat of a surprise)
Hoopoe	Two records, both from the golf course. 3^rd April 1966 (‘’and several days thereafter’’) 23^rd to 25^th May 1967 This species is now long overdue bearing in mind the recent regularity with which it throws itself in front of Clive Atkins at Wigborough Wick Farm, Colne Point.
Wryneck	Five records. 19^th to 20^th September 1989 23^rd to 29^th August 1992 30^th August 1997 30^th August to 4^th September 2008 30^th August 2008 At least 3 of the above have favoured the sandy, ant rich areas between the boat compound and the toilet block. After an absence of 11 years to the day 2 birds appeared on the 30^th August 2008 albeit half a mile apart! The last week of August is clearly a good time to look for this species at The Haven!
Green Woodpecker	Resident If not within the site, certainly breeds very nearby as the regular occurrence of very young birds of this relatively sedentary species in late summer testifies. 3 separate individuals noted regularly across the site suggest more than a single pair is present. Formerly less common reported as ‘’occasional’’ prior to 1988.
Great Spotted Woodpecker	Passage migrant and occasional winter visitor At least 2 pairs are resident in the Church Lane/Great Holland Hall area. Singles reported most months outside of this area except in early/mid-summer. Origin of these birds, particularly in autumn, unknown however local dispersal from Church Lane/Great Holland Hall and/or Great Holland Pits highly likely although continental origin cannot be completely ruled out. 2 birds have been recorded along the coastal part of the site on at least two occasions, i.e. on 23^rd July 2005 and the 8^th October 2007.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker	Recorded regularly in autumn prior to 1986. Last recorded 5^th October 1986. Although it is tempting to consider this and previous occurrences as relating to true migrants the likelihood is that the individuals encountered up until this time almost certainly originated from a relict breeding population at nearby Great Holland Pits. As that population is considered to be long extinct the likelihood of future occurrences of this relatively sedentary species is low in the extreme.

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