Old Hall Marshes are part of the Blackwater Estuary RSPB reserve. The site is part of the Blackwater Flats and Marshes, a key site in this Nature Conservation area. It is proposed as part of a special Protection Area under the EEC Directive on the Conservation of wild Birds (Directive 79/409/EEC). It is also proposed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar convention.

Old Hall Marshes are composed of a large area of grazing marsh almost completely surrounded by intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh, together with more restricted habitats such as sea wall and brackish dykes. The central core of agriculturally unimproved neutral grassland represents the largest remnant of traditionally managed reclaimed grazing marsh in eastern England, whilst an associated area of reedbed is the largest in Essex. This large block of marsh, along with areas of improved grassland at the western end of the site, supports eleven species of birds in nationally important numbers, with two of these species also reaching levels of international significance. The diverse range of habitats also supports 284 species of vascular plants including 20 nationally scarce species. The invertebrate fauna is similarly rich, including at least 4 Red Data Book species and 37 notable species.

The site supports internationally important numbers of wintering Dark-bellied Brent Geese (typically around 2% of the total world population), and of migrating Ringed Plover. A further seven species of wildfowl and wader reach nationally important numbers in winter: Curlew, Dunlin, Goldeneye, Grey Plover, Shelduck, Teal and Wigeon. Great Cob Island is one of a number of well established roosting areas witnin the site. The central area of grazing marsh is a locally important wintering area for Hen Harrier.

Old Hall Marshes are situated west of West Melsey, north east of Tollesbury, on the B1023. Access to the site is by permit only although visual access can be obtained from the sea wall.

Old Hall Marshes Monthly Bird Reports and Highlights

March 2008 Highlights

Volunteers
Jon Rapley finished his time as a residential volunteer but is still helping out as a local volunteer once a week. Jenny Boatwright has left to take up a seasonal post from May with a tern colony on Anglesey.

Amanda Turburville, Jason Moule, Nicole Khan, and Adam Taylor make up the long term volunteer team for the spring and summer. Adam is a local lad from Tiptree, looking for a change of direction after studying sport science. Amanda Turburville and Nicole Khan are both recent graduates from Writtle College studying environmental conservation. Jason worked alongside Nicole at Hainault Forest Country Park, and he has a particular interest in owls. Robert also joins us as a local volunteer, having previously worked with the team at the Ouse Washes.

Management
Recent activities on the reserve have included the continued control of the invasive water weed, Crassula helmsii, using saltwater, and the reintroduction of freshwater to certain areas of the reserve.

The volunteers have recently moved the diesel pump to Salcott Field to allow the abstraction of water from the creek to create flooded areas to encourage lapwing to breed. They are now involved in monitoring the presence and behaviour of lapwings in this area.

Livestock
The ewes gave us a bit of a surprise by starting to give birth a week early. In Alec’s absence, we gained to assistance of Peter Russell to help with the early arrivals. One flock continue to graze the improved fields, whilst the others have been moved onto the south seawall.

Birds
A red-throated diver was seen of the Point and four shags at Salcott Channel (24/3).

Although brent numbers on the improved field have declined into the hundreds, a local birdwatcher reported that a black brant was amongst them (24/3). A maximum of 27 red-breasted mergansers have been seen using the two channels, whist a drake scaup has been seen regularly in Tollesbury Fleet (31/3). An immature drake eider has also been sighted off the point (24/3), and a female long-tailed duck has been seen in Salcott Channel (5/3).

Marsh harriers continue to be a regular site on the reserve, with at least ten seen in a day (31/3). In addition, a ring-tailed hen harrier was seen by the stockman and a volunteer whilst out checking the sheep on the grazing marsh (17/3). The pair of barn owls have been regularly sighted hunting across the reserve (31/3), and are believed to be using an old railway carriage in the reedbed (18/3). A tawny owl has been seen in the copse (29/3), and a short eared owl was recorded during this months WeBS count (11/3). On the 24th, a common buzzard was seen high over the reedbed, and then drifted north. Peregrine and merlin have been regular visitors.

A very good record of 195 avocet in Tollesbury Fleet. A green sandpiper landed briefly by a small ‘puddle’ on an improved field (19/3). The highlights of this month’s high tide counts have been, a sanderling on eastern quarter’s spit (11/3), and seven spotted redshank scattered across the reserve (27/3). A good number of 23 turnstone feeding together at Eastern Quarter Spit (25/3). 91 black-tailed godwit on Bale Field (30/3).

During the latest water rail survey in the reedbed, 6 water rails, 8 bearded tits and ten cetti’s warbler territories were also recorded (31/3). The following migrants have been seen on the reserve – 2 male blackcaps in the copse (27/3), a striking male wheatear (31/3), a chiffchaff, two house martins and a swallow (31/3).

Non-Avian Species
A grass snake was spotted in the reedbed by a volunteer during a water rail survey (19/3). At the end of one of the counterwall’s a stoat has been seen (1/3).

Jenny Boatwright

February 2008 Highlights

Volunteers
Elijah Webster has now left for the warmer climate of Greece but not before he assisted with the construction of a new picnic bench, now sited in the visitors car park.

Management:
The Small-flowered Buttercup, Ranunculus parviflorus, a rare and decreasing species in Essex, has, in previous years, been recorded between the Double Hedges. Successful germination is reliant on soil disturbance and in order to do this a large rotorvator with a mind of its own was brought in to rotorvate alternate strips between the hedges, which was achieved, once the machine was tamed.

Thanks to funding received from Essex Environment Trust and Biffaward, another machine, in the shape of a 360° excavator, has been at work on the reserve de-silting strategic ditches, building bridging points and constructing a new culvert. The new culvert now connects Joyces head sluice to the rest of the reserve, making it easier to move seawater into and around the ditch system. In turn the seawater is flooded on to areas of Crassula helmsii , being the most effective method of eradication. Part of the money is also being used for the construction of new fences.

2 fyke nets were set in the decoy pond in the Reedbed to assess the Rudd population following their introduction in January 2007. The Rudd are still present and growing well and it is hoped that the population will eventually persuade any Bitterns to remain in the reedbed and start breeding. Further netting will happen in August this year.

Of benefit to our visitors now, is the inclusion of a new six-seater picnic bench, sited in the visitors’ car park. Built by the volunteers, it looks resplendent, being one of the finest examples of its kind.

Although we have very few trees on the reserve we have a lot of fencing so the ability to use a chainsaw is a worthwhile skill. With this in mind, several members of staff recently received appropriate training and, despite the angst and stress amongst certain (female) staff members, I am pleased to report that everyone passed their assessment.

Livestock
The ewes were recently pregnacy scanned and were found to contain an average of 1.32 lambs per ewe, which should keep our stockman busy when lambing begins.

Birds
The Brent geese number on the reserve are now slowly decreasing, but wigeon are still numerous throughout with numbers in excess of 1000. On the 20th February Brian Churches observed an exceptional number of pintail with three locations providing a total of 167 birds. On the same day he also noted 20 red-breasted mergansers in and around Salcott Channel.

In addition to the marsh harriers, a ring tailed hen harrier was recorded during a roost count on the 17th. We are now confident that a pair of barn owls have taken up residence in the old railway carriage in the reedbed, both having been seen hunting in and around the area.

Golden plover have been showing well on the improved fields, 2330 observed on the 23rd. Other wader highlights for the month include 2 jack snipe on the 13th, a little stint on the scrape in Bale Field on the 15th , 3 greenshank on the 11th and 7 spotted redshank on the 24th.

On the 16th, a water pipit was seen on the north side of Pennyhole Bottom and on the 12th, a great white egret was seen on the grazing marsh on the south side of the reserve, having initially been seen across the water at the EWT site at Abbots Hall.

Jonathan Rapley

December 2007 to January 2008 Highlights

Volunteers and Reserve Work
The volunteers have been assisting the stockman with fencing on the grazing marsh. Elijah Webster is leaving us at the start of the coming month to spend some time at a monastery in Greece.

Livestock
The sheep have continued sea wall grazing at the eastern end of the reserve.

Birds
There are now up to 3300 dark-bellied brent geese (7/1) feeding on the improved grassland. A pale-bellied brent goose was seen amongst a flock at the start of December (6/12). A black brant and 13 ruff have also been seen in the company of the brent (16/1).

It has been a particularly good couple of months for raptor species on the reserve, the highlight being hen harrier sightings, with a ring-tailed spotted first during roost count (16/1) and further daylight sightings since. Seven marsh harriers were recorded during a reedbed roost count this month (20/1). A merlin was seen during a high water count (25/1), and a sparrowhawk sighted earlier in the week (23/1).

A male smew and a long-tailed duck have both been spotted amongst a group of goldeneye in Salcott Channel (23/1). A pair of scaup were seen in Joyces Head at high tide (25/1). 20 common scoter were flying off the point (20/1). A great Northern diver has been seen in Salcott Channel, whilst a red-throated diver was sighted in Tollesbury Channel (20/1).

Non Avian News
A grass snake was seen on the north seawall during December (18/12). During a high water bird count, three seals were seen in the water off the south seawall (22/1).

Elijah Webster & Jenny Boatwright 28/1/08

November 12th - December 4th 2007 Highlights

Volunteers and Reserve Work
The volunteers have spent much of the last month clearing the water control points in the reedbed. In addition, they have rearranged the workshop and mended the stiles on the seawall.

Stock
We saw the departure of the final herd of cows on 23rd November, and have now started sea wall grazing with the sheep. We have welcomed the arrival of Alec Cowan, taking on the role of Stockman. This means we have seen the departure of Andreas Bardi, who held a temporary contract as Stockman over the last few months.

Birds
The brent geese have increased in number over the last few weeks, with a maximum of 2950 seen on the improved fields (26/11). Amongst, these gaggles a black brant (17/11), and a barnacle goose (19/11) have been spotted.

Two peregrines were seen over the grazing marsh during a high tide count, while a minimum of twelve marsh harriers were seen coming into roost in the Reedbed during a roost watch (18/11). Also, during a damp day's walk two visitors saw a Merlin over Salcott Channel (2/12).

During a bird count, 2 little auks were seen in Salcott Channel (13/11). Twenty mergansers have also been seen in this channel (24/11), along with two long-tailed ducks (24/11) and a black-throated diver (2/12). A smew was seen amongst a group of twelve goldeneye in Salcott Channel (29/11). Meanwhile a common scoter, has been seen in Tollesbury Channel (24/11).

Non Birdy News
Whilst working in one of the fields on the grazing marsh, a weasel was seen swimming in one of the ditch, by the site manager and a volunteer (4/12).

Jenny Boatwright 4/12/07

October 19th - 13th November 2007 Highlights

Volunteers
Our volunteer team continues to expand, with the arrival of Elijah Lee Webster. Elijah has recently completed a postgraduate degree in theology. We have also welcomed Mark Ellingford, a pupil at Thurstable School in Tiptree. He is spending two days a week working with us, as part of a non-academic initiative by the government.

Stock
We have seen the arrival of a further nine autumn calves on the reserve. The cows have begun to leave with the relaxation of the foot and mouth movement restrictions. Leaving, space for the arrival of a further 250 ewes to the grazing marsh. The rams have been introduced to the ewes, with the expectation of spring lambs.

Birds
The last month has seen the arrival of the dark-bellied brent geese for winter, with a maximum of 2580 sighted so far (11/11). A black brant (21/10) and a barnacle goose (12/11) have also been spotted amongst the brent on the improved fields.

Non Birdy News
During recent estate work in the reedbed, a wild boar's nest was discovered (07/11).

Jenny Boatwright 12/11/07

August 10th - October 19th 2007 Highlights

Volunteers and Events
The end of the summer here has seen the departure of Lisa Adams and Ian Grace. Lisa has found employment with Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust whilst Ian is now a volunteer at Strumpshaw Fen. In their place are Jenny Boatwright and Jonathan Rapley. Jenny is a recent graduate, having studied Environmental Sciences at University of East Anglia, whilst Jonathan is a camera assistant and has worked on the award winning hit show, Series 2 of Meerkat Manor and lately the Waterlands Film for the RSPB Film Unit. He has decided to take time out to extend his portfolio to reserve-based work. Jimmy's Farm Family Fun Day was yet another successful event that all the volunteers from here helped at. A range of activities engaged, entertained and educated both children and parents.

Stock
A new stockman has finally been appointed. Alex Cowan will be swapping the hills of West Wales for the flat Essex marshlands in mid November. The Foot and Mouth restrictions were compounded by the additional restrictions of The Blue Tongue outbreak. This meant much of the stock had to remain on the reserve for longer, and as a result the pasture has suffered somewhat. Thankfully, movement restrictions have been lifted and with some of the stock already gone the grassland can begin to recover.

Birds

August
A couple of yellow wagtail roost counts took place at the Reedbed. This resulted in a grand total of 474 yellow wagtails seen by Chris Tyas and Brian Churches. This is the best result in a couple of years. Also were a grand total of fourteen marsh harriers coming into roost. Migration saw (25th) a moulting curlew sandpiper, all the sandpipers including 1 wood, 11 green and 2 common on the grazing marsh. A guillemot was seen on a patch of mud on the Saltings on high tide. The bird was possibly exhausted, injured or oiled and did not attempt to move off. Great views of a couple of hobbies feeding on dragonflies and 18 turtle doves of which 14 on the wires at the entrance of the reserve.

September
The first brent geese were seen returning (28/09) to the reserve. On the same day, the first stonechat and redwing were seen on passage. An arctic tern was seen passing through (29/09) at Eastern Quarter Spit. A great month for raptors with three common buzzards gave superb views over the reserve, regular sightings of peregrine, sparrowhawk and kestrel. The occasional hobby and merlin have been seen as well. The first purple sandpiper in 17 years was seen by Brian Churches. It was an immature bird that was feeding on the recharge by the Point (29/09). A build up of snipe and up to 22 (08/09) have been seen as well as 2 Little Stint. During our high water count (28/09) a good number of 773 redshanks were seen as well as 17 greenshank. First rock pipit sighting (29/09), wheatears in single figures have been seen intermittently and up to four whinchats as well as 3 grey partridge were seen on the reserve (10/09).

October
Two eiders (12/10) were seen during the monthly bird count, one in Joyce's Head Saltings and the second in Tollesbury Channel. Also 2 gannets, a good record (10/10) were seen by Brian Churches on a sea watch, a juvenile and an adult at The Point. A red-throated diver in partial summer plumage was loafing on the water east of The Point in with the tide (29/09, 03/10). The first hen harrier (12/10) of the winter was seen. Post-breeding bearded tit counts have been taking place in the Reedbed. A max of 46 have been seen with 8 cetti's (08/10).

Non Birdy News
First marbled white for the reserve was seen (04/08) on the sea wall 800 yds from the car park. A grass snake was seen (10/10) and a slow worm (03/10) on the sea wall at the end of Pennyhole Bottom. It was an estimated 20 inches long!

Jon Rapley, Juliette Kerr & Jenny Boatwright 19/10/07

June 22nd - August 09th 2007 Highlights

Volunteers and Events
This month we are welcoming many new volunteers. Shafeek Ellis is joining us for the short term as a residential volunteer whilst he looks for work. Lisa Adams, also a residential volunteer, is staying for six months through the winter. Dave Bruce, a regular visitor to the reserve for many years, has also started volunteering whenever he has some spare time to give to the reserve.

On the 2nd and 3rd of August we participated in the World Scout Jamboree with 84 scouts on each day from all over the world visiting Old Hall. We laid on a variety of activities including bird watching, orienteering and dormouse box building. The scouts also helped us out with our conservation work by digging up thistles in Salcott field. The event was a success and we would like to thank everyone involved who gave up their time to help up us.

Stock
We said goodbye to our stockman Harvey Sherwood in July as he moved across Salcott channel to the Essex Wildlife Trust reserve at Abbotts Hall. After all his hard work he will be missed by all and we wish him well in his new job. With Harvey gone, Andrea Bardi, a long-term volunteer, has stepped up to the stockman's job until a permanent replacement can be found. Many of our lambs were moved on to a different site by the grazier to be weaned whilst the rest of the flock have been held up due to the restrictions from the foot and mouth scare. Unfortunately, many of the lambs are not up to the standard they should be due to the poor quality of the grass during April's drought hindering their development. The cows are faring better and this month has seen the introduction of the bulls Brian, Toby and Jensen to the reserve. We have also had some unexpected arrivals with two of the cows delivering their calves rather early.

Birds
Recently we have seen a large amount of movement over the reserve with all the passage birds beginning their movement. Large numbers of green and common sandpipers have been regularly recorded on the reserve. Highlights from the last high water count on the 31st July include a merlin, 44 golden plover, 4 dunlin, 200+ black-tailed godwit, 1000+ curlew, 16 spotted redshank, a greenshank and a kingfisher. Other highlights include sightings of hobby, peregrine, 49 grey plover (28/07), 8 knot (24/07), 9 ruff (21/07), 13 little-ringed plover (05/07), 9 whimbrel (24/07), 33 spotted redshank (22/07), wood sandpiper (26/06), corn bunting (29/06), 2 wheatear (11/07) and 2 whinchat (04/08).

Habitat Management
The bulk of our time has been spent topping the fields to remove the long seed heads and encourage regeneration of the grass. As ever, we are continuing to remove spear thistles from our fields.

Ian Grace 09/08/07

May 10th - June 22nd 2007 Highlights

Stock
Following a very dry April in which only 1.0 mm of rain was recorded our fields have finally seen some much needed rain. All the improved pasture fields were subsequently chain-harrowed after the first substantial shower to spread the surface manure and encourage re-growth of the sward.

With all the warm dry weather, the sheep have been suffering from the horrible problem of fly strike. Our stockman Harvey and his assistant Andrea worked hard treating the sheep and together with a team of workers sent from the grazier they dipped the whole flock to prevent infestations. At the same time the lambs were wormed and dosed with a mineral/vitamin supplement. The majority of the lambing finished at the end of April with only a few late births afterwards and very few problems. The cattle grazier has been busy transporting his spring-calving Aberdeen Angus cows onto the grazing marsh and the reserve currently holds 165 cows and almost as many calves.

Birds
The breeding season is now well under way and many of our ducks can now be seen with broods of youngsters. Many broods of mallard, shelduck, shoveler, greylag goose, canada goose, coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and mute swan have been recorded along with our first pochard brood of the year. Despite all this activity we are still awaiting broods from a number of other species of ducks. Throughout May and June a number of garganey were recorded with a pair often seen around the region of Bale field throughout early June. Other ducks of note include a pair of eider sometimes seen just off Eastern Quarters Spit and the return of the teal with the first flock of 16 seen on the 5th June.

The marsh harriers have also been busy with five suspected nest sites and two pairs of kestrels have regularly been seen hunting over the reserve. The reserve has seen regular visits throughout May and June from hobbys with the occasional peregrine and sparrowhawk passing over. A Montagu's harrier flew over Salcott Channel on 21/05 and a black kite was seen on 12/06.

The breeding season has been far less successful for our resident waders after such a wet May. However we have recorded a few almost fledged lapwings around Bale field and the grazing marsh. Unfortunately the avocets are doing less well and at present have only seven nests at Pennyhole Bottom. Recently we have seen an influx of waders on passage with 6 green sandpipers on 21/06, 16 spotted redshanks on 18/06, 61 curlew on 16/06 and a summer plumaged ruff on 21/06.

The gulls are faring much better with over 800 black-headed gull nests on Great Cob Island along with 2 Mediterranean gull nests, but many nests have just been lost to the high tides in June. Little terns also seem to be doing well with 58 seen around the shingle at Eastern Quarters Spit on 16/06 along with eight common terns. Also spotted were a pair of Sandwich terns flying over Salcott Channel.

Other birds seen around the reserve include cuckoo, turtle dove, kingfisher, mistle thrush, yellow wagtail, blackcap, chiffchaff, willow warbler, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and bearded tit.

Habitat Management
As ever our Crassula eradication project is on-going with salt water continuing to circulate through the affected borrowdykes. Of particular interest in this project is the survival of the fine-leaved water dropwort that is growing in Irongate. So far it has managed to survive the salt water conditions it has found itself in.

Most of our time has been taken up with the laborious task of thistle control in our improved fields. With many fields becoming plagued by both spear and creeping thistles much action has been needed. Teams of staff and volunteers have been out in the fields digging up the spear thistles to prevent them from seeding and re-growing from the roots.

Research, Survey & Monitoring
At the beginning of June a longhorn beetle Gracilia minuta, that bores into bramble and rose, was discovered on the reserve. This beetle is listed as category 2 in the Red Data Book and is the first seen in Essex since the 1960s. Another rare species recently found on the reserve is Lestes dryas, the scarce emerald damselfly which is also listed as category 2 in the Red Data Book. Also found this month are several species of grass: reflexed saltmarsh-grass, Borrer's saltmarsh-grass and stiff saltmarsh grass.

Ian Grace 22/06/07

April 12th - May 10th 2007 Highlights

Stock
The lambs are looking very healthy and 95% lambing has been achieved so far. 77 cows spring and autumn calves have arrived.

Birds:
A spoonbill 29/04, a pair of Black Swans, brent geese and wigeon; few of the walking wounded left, garganey - 3 on Bale Field on 27/04, eider - 2 at The Point - first time seen on the reserve.

Raptor activity was at an increase with up to 4 male marsh harriers frequently displaying above the Reed . A late merlin flew off east from Field 6 on 03/05, peregrine on 15/04 and hobby on 05/05. A pair of common crane stopped of on 9 Acres field on 10/05 which would suggest that they are wild birds.

The highlight on the wader front must be the long-billed dowitcher on Bale field. It showed well in the company of 5 black-tailed godwits on 12/04. 50 Avocets in total are showing interest in breeding on the islands on Pennyhole Bottom and on Bale Field on 05/05. Regular sightings of little ringed plover (04/05) and showing signs of breeding on Bale track of all places! On 05/05 the following were seen -: regular sightings of whimbrel with a max of 52, a snipe, 2 ruff, up to 4 little stints, max of 12 spotted redshank at various spots, 2 greenshank on Pennyhole Bottom, common sandpiper on Bale Field, wood sandpiper on Irongate.

Other birds to note include are 4 Mediterranean gulls and an immature little gull on the water at Joyce's Head in the company of black-headed gulls. Common and little terns have returned.

Regular sightings of wheatears over the past 4 weeks and a stead stream hirundines flying through the reserve including swallows, sand martins and the odd house martin on 17/04. Reed warblers have returned. 5 corn bunting in Crescent on 28/04, willow warbler on 21/04 in Crescent, 2 turtle doves in the copse on 09/05.

Habitiat Management
The programme to eradicate the invasive alien weed crassula helmsii has slowly got underway on other parts of the reserve. The northern borrow dyke and the borrowdyke running on the eastern borrowdyke of Bale has been drained of freshwater and repaced with saltwater.

Research, Survey & Monitoring
Karen Mann, our local volunteer is monitoring lapwing nests to find out what is predating them, be it foxes, corvids or birds of prey esp. marsh harriers. The first brood hatched 14/04 which was recorded on a nest camera with 4 chicks. A total of 16 broods so far with 3 nests predated.

Juliette Kerr 10/05/07.

February 26th - April 12th 2007 Highlights

Stock
Combined with a dry fortnight, lambing has gone underway with over 75% of the flock lambed including 10 triplets and 1 set of quadruplets. Mortality has been very low to date, with the larger singletons giving some dystochia (in layman's terms - they can't get the buggers out as they are too large!). Andrea, our Italian volunteer who is with us for a year has been instrumental in taking a leading hand in the lambing and feels like a midwife with helping with the delivery of the lambs!

Birds:
Sightings of great northern diver persisted through until 14/03 and red-throated diver until 17/03. A pair of eider was spotted off the point on 09/04. A maximum count of 15 red-breasted mergansers was had on the 28/03 on both channels.

Raptor activity was at an increase with up to 6 marsh harriers frequently displaying above the Reed Bed throughout march and a female hen harrier seen in the Crescent on 02/04. A buzzard was seen passing over the reserve on 28/03, 04/04 and 12/04. Regular sightings of peregrine, merlin and kestrel were had across the reserve as usual.

The high water count on 01/03 yielded a count of 2531 golden plover and 2291 dunlin whilst the WEBs count on 18/03 uncovered 1097 grey plover, 308 curlew and 183 avocet. The avocets are now beginning to move into the reserve itself with many sightings at both Pennyhole Bottom and Bale Field. The high water count on 05/04 contained far fewer numbers than previous counts since many of our wintering visitors have now left. Other highlights of waders included 25 ruff on 17/03, 2 little ringed plover in Bale Field on 28/03, 4 little stint regularly seen on Bale Field, up to 6 spotted redshanks regularly seen at various sights across the reserve, a whimbrel at Pennyhole Inlet on 11/04, a greenshank on 07/04 and a green sandpiper on 07/04.

With spring underway the skylarks have begun singing and the passerines are starting to arrive. An early chiffchaff appeared in the copse on 11/03 and others have been heard since. A pair of sand martins flew over the reserve on 29/03 and the first swallow was seen over the Reed Bed on 12/04. A willow warbler made an appearance on 09/04 and a yellow wagtail seen on 11/04 and 12/04.

Other birds to note include regular sightings of Mediterranean gulls from 22/03 onwards and a pair of barn owls seemingly making the new nest box in the Reed Bed their home (watch this space for further news).

Research, Survey & Monitoring
Early morning starts have earned us with the start of breeding bird surveys underway. The tape luring of water rails on a fine windless morning resulted in 13 territories being found. 30 lapwing nests have been found so far with a brood of chicks hatching on the second week of April. Two broods of mallard, greylag geese and Canada geese nests have been found.

Juliette Kerr/Ian Gray 12/04/07

January 21st to February 26th 2007 Highlights

Volunteers
I would like to give a warm welcome to Ian Grace and Sandra Sceats. Ian Grace is the first Essex boy to do a long-term volunteering placement here and will be here for a minimum of 6 months. He was a bird enthusiastic as a young boy and is keep to improve his estuarine bird identification. He has just completed a degree in Mathematics at Southampton University. Sandra is a local who has recently retired and wants a go at joining our small work party on a Wednesday.

Stock
A great deal of effort has been made by the volunteers and Harvey, the stockman to tidy up the sheep shed in preparation for the pregnant ewes to be scanned. It is above average conception rates for the site and the flock remain healthy in this critical late pregnant stage. Of note, one of the ewes scanned with quadruplets which is quite rare for Romney sheep.

Birds
Up to 3 red-throated diver on 03/02 and 3 great northern diver on 18/02 were seen at The Point. Displaying great-crested grebes and up to 16 in creeks of The Point on 16/02. 21 red-breasted mergansers on Salcott Channel and 14 little grebes on 16/02. 23 little egret by the mud at Irongate. A female long-tailed duck was seen off the Point on 16/02 flying up the estuary an hour after high tide. Regular sightings of peregrine and merlin throughout the month. During our Harrier Roost Count, we saw up to 8 marsh harriers in the reedbed. The number of wildfowl numbers have been low probably due to the warm weather. Brent geese figures are down with max nos of Brent Geese 2400 on 22/02. The juvenile numbers are low as the arctic foxes have been predating the brent instead of the lemmings. 10 years ago up to 300 goldeneye and 400 pochard were on the estuary. In February we saw 146 pochard mainly in Joyce's Head and only 20 goldeneye. 13 gadwall on Pennyhole Fleet, 54 pintail, 7 shoveler and 34 tufted duck on Joyce's Head on 03/02.

A good wader count during the WeBS on 18/02. 140 avocets on Joyce's Saltings with 635 dunlin and a swarm of 5416 golden plover with 1588 grey plover and 3399 lapwing flying off the Saltings approaching high tide. One group of 28 ringed plover flew past The Point. A max count of 24 ruff 18/02 and a reserve record of 1595 black-tailed godwits on Salcott Field 26/02. 3 little stint with dunlin on Bale Field around high tide on 07/02. A total of 9 common snipe - 6 around the wet area by the second wind pump and one in Field 5, one in 9 Acre and one in the paddock by Irongate rough Grazing 07/02. 5 bar-tailed godwits feeding on the mud west of Great Cobb 10/02 , 340 curlew in total and 164 on Field 5 18/02, 4 turnstone in the Pennyhole Inlet 07/02 as well as a group of 7 knot on the mud. 2 spotted redshank seen on 18/02 on Joyce's Saltings.

A barn owl was seen briefly on top of the rail car in the reedbed on 07/02. Single rock pipits have been seen regularly as well as 7 stonechat on 16/02 (4 at Bale Field and 3 singles along the edge of the reedbed). 22 redwing were seen on 16/02 beside the car park. 6 fieldfare were around the copse and 8 around Crescent area; 8+ bearded tits in the reeds at Salcott Corner on 16/02 & 17/02 and also 1+ in the reeds at Crescent Field / Irongate on both days. A bullfinch was by the car park as well as 2 corn bunting at the edge of Bale Field on 16/02.

Habitiat Management
Back in March 2006, a programme to eradicate the invasive alien weed crassula helmsii got underway with Irongate marsh being drained of fresh water using pumps. It is hoped that, in accordance with the findings of experiments carried out on the reserve, filling it with sea-water will kill the weed. Ten months has passed and it has been decided to drain the saltwater back into the estuary with the aid of a pump being borrowed by the Environment Agency. Now that the saltwater has been drained, this month a steady flow of freshwater has been pumped back in via the wind pump.

The wind pump has been moved about 20 meters north of the existing one on Bale Field. The reason for this is to pump more water from the higher ground to cover a larger area with water for feeding and roosting birds.

An A-shaped owl nest box erected on a telegraph pole 18 foot long has been put up in the reedbed to offer an alternative nesting site or standing post. Also a kestrel box has been put up on the path going from the Office to the track to Salcott Field.

Resurch, Survey & Monitoring
Initially water from Salcott brook has been brought onto the reserve and carried to the reedbed via the northern borrowdyke. This has been carried out to make the reedbed as fresh as possible for the introduction of rudd. A bittern has been seen on a few occasions in February with the last sighting on 17/02 in the reedbed. Rudd was introduced in the reedbed on 23/01. They were between 4 and 6ft in length and we expect them to attract bitterns to breed in the reedbed. They last bred at Old Hall in 1944.

Juliette Kerr
26/02/07

December 15th 2006 to January 21st 2007 Highlights

At the far end of the reserve which takes a long time to get to what's called 'The Point', one will be rewarded with regular visits at high tide by a great-northern diver, a red-throated diver and a shag. Black-throated diver was seen in the Tollesbury Channel almost opposite of the western end of Great Cobb. The water was dead calm and although the bird was actively diving, it was also pretty docile and stayed on top of the water for a few minutes to get good scope views (Brian Churches, 28/12). 16 great-crested grebe was seen at the Point.

One Pale-bellied brent was seen on Salcott Field (29/12) with the group of dark-bellied brents. Ruddy duck 49max (21/01), gadwall 75 Pennyhole Fleet (14/01), pintail 50 on Pennyhole Bottom on 30/12, 110+ pochard (14/01), Wigeon - c2500 incl 1500 on Bale Field (14/01). A drake scaup was seen in Mersea Quarters (30/12), 2 female eiders off the Point (14/01), 1 female common scoter of the Point (14/01). Also good numbers of goldeneye (26 max in Dec) and red-breasted merganser (22 max in Dec) have been seen in both channels.

During the Hen Harrier Roost count we saw no hen harriers but 8 marsh harriers in the reedbed. Outside of the count, an adult female hen harrier was sited (29/12) and regular peregrine (21/01) and the occasional merlin (21/01) have been hunting on the reserve.

Today during our monthly blustery WeBS count, a disappointing array of waders were seen. However on Joyce's saltings 236 avocets were huddled on an island approaching high tide as well as 350 grey plover, 2659 golden glover, 1 spotted redshank and 5 on Irongate, 250 dunlin, 6 oystercatcher and 50 redshank. 2 stints and 40 ruff were seen on Bale Field (19/01). A group of 105 bar-tailed godwit were seen at the western end of Great Cobb (16/12), 570+ black-tailed godwit were feeding on Bale Field (14/01) and 12 turnstone were seen at the Point (14/01).

Little Auk was seen at Eastern Quarter Spit (20/12) but remained on the water, inside the shingle bank for some time and then, after a few dives, was not seen again. A guillemot flew in from the east and came past the point very close in before veering south and was last seen, in harsh light, around Shinglehead Point area (04/01).

A Barn Owl was seen in Field 1/8 (17/01) and during our regular monthly bearded tit count (16/01), 12 were spotted or heard.

Back in March 2006, a programme to eradicate the invasive alien weed crassula helmsii got underway with Irongate marsh being drained of fresh water using pumps. It is hoped that, in accordance with the findings of experiments carried out on the reserve, filling it with sea-water will kill the weed. Ten months has passed and it has been decided to drain the saltwater back into the estuary with the aid of a pump being borrowed by the Environment Agency.

Winter grazing coming along nicely and with the warm weather the grass is looking flush. 13 rams have been in with the ewes and doing what rams do best for the past 2 months. Harvey, the senior stockman has been diligent in keeping abreast of foot trimming, treating antibiotics for foot rot and vaccinating for foot rot to prevent it reoccurring. Due to the warm weather, the ewes have been infested with mites therefore they have been dipped for seep scab. They have also received copper injection stop them having a deficiency of copper.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

Summary Report August to December 2006

Stock
Our new Senior Stockman, Harvey Sherwood arrived Nov 13th. 220 cows and calves returned indoors at the end of Nov after having a good summer with a particulary good grass growth. The 500 + Romney sheep have been with the rams for the past 5 weeks and are due to lamb at the end of March.

Management
A conscientious effort by all to top the improved fields. Local contractors did groundworks on Salcott creating low profile bunds in Sep. As I look across to Salcott Field, from the cosy confines of the office, the bunds appear to be successful as the field is now full of water!

Birds
We have had an influx of little auks along the Essex coast and few seen on the Blackwater as well as slav grebes and great and red-throated divers this autumn. A late sandwich tern was seen flying over Tollesbury 07/11. A regular shag has been seen in the channel this autumn.

The great white egret recorded locally in Essex, called in on the 01/09, with a brief visit to Salcott Channel. This was probably the bird seen regularly at Chigborough Lakes in Aug.

Five whooper swans were on Pennyhole Bottom amongst the other wildfowl on 30/11 on a cold crisp Nov's day. Brent numbers have risen steadily since the end of Sep and max figures of 2,340 were recorded during our daily brent goose count on 05/12. Numbers of juveniles was again disastrously low. Good numbers of wigeon have been feeding amongst the brent in the improved fields and up to 2249 counted in our Nov high water count. 29 pintails on 09/10, 26 goldeneye and 22 red-breasted mergansers on both channels seen as well as a solitary scaup 09/12. A common scoter on Tollesbury Channel on the 04/12.

Raptors were well represented with the highlights being goshawk 04/09 and osprey 06/09and a fly over honey buzzard 29/07. Hobbies were regular over the grazing marshes feeding on the abundant migrant hawkers, with five together, 12/09. Peregrine and merlin have been seen regularly this autumn along with sparrowhawk and kestrel. Up to five marsh harriers have been seen during our monthly roost count this autumn and one hen harrier on 24/10 quarting in the reedbed.

Waders included Pectoral Sandpiper present for a week from 04/09. Curlew Sandpiper were occasional with five together 21/09, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint were recorded in small numbers during the month. Up to 164 avocets 09/12 and winter wader flocks have steadily increased during the autumn with good numbers of flocks of 4495 golden plover on 07/12 and 4199 lapwings during our WeBS on 06/12. 28 Ruff were feeding on the improved fields 14/12. A late greenshank was seen by Brian Churches 09/12 in Salcott Channel.

Our max count of bearded tits on 27/10 is 53 in the reedbed and 2 in Joyce's Head. Numbers have been very poor since in the reedbed but they are definitely spreading to other reed fringe on the reserve which is positive. During the bearded tit count, two cetti's warblers have been heard and four bullfinches were seen in the copse 14/12.

Beasties
There was an increase in red admirals towards the end of Sep and single clouded yellows were noted on a couple of dates. The moth trap attracted three species of note, scarce bordered straw, l-album wainscot and delicate. A hummingbird hawkmoth was seen during the day 17/09. The mild weather encouraged good numbers of migrant hawkers throughout Sep, also southern hawker and ruddy darter. A wasp spider found by Karen Mann 05/09 was a first for the reserve. Two toads found in different locations on the 28/09 were only the second and third records for the reserve and a slow worm earlier in Sep was of interest.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

September 2006

The Great White Egret recorded at other sites in Essex called in on the 01/09, with a brief visit to Salcott Channel. This was probably the bird seen regularly at Chigborough Lakes.

Wildfowl numbers increased during the early part of the month with an influx of Wigeon and Teal. The first Brent Goose was noted 25/09 with 19 Pintail on Pennyhole Fleet 29/09 and an Eider on Tollesbury Channel the same day.

Raptors were well represented with the highlights being Goshawk 04/09 and Osprey 06/09. Hobbies were regular over the grazing marshes during the month, feeding on the abundant Migrant Hawkers, with five together, 12/09. Peregrine were seen throughout the month with Merlin seen 18/09 along with regular Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.

Waders included Pectoral Sandpiper present for a week from 04/09. Curlew Sandpiper were occasional with five together 21/09, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint were recorded in small numbers during the month.

Wheatears were seen in ones and twos throughout September with two Whinchat 02/09. Yellow Wagtails remained in good numbers on the grazing marshes along with a late Cuckoo 15/09.

There was an increase in Red Admirals towards the end of the month and single Clouded Yellows were noted on a couple of dates. The moth trap attracted three species of note, Scarce Bordered Straw, L-album Wainscot and Delicate. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen during the day 17/09. Along with the good numbers of Migrant Hawkers, Southern Hawker and Ruddy Darter were recorded in September. A Wasp Spider found by Karen Mann 05/09 was a first for the reserve. Two Toads found in different locations on the 28/09 were only the second and third records for the reserve and a Slow Worm earlier in the month was of interest.

Steve Wiltshire.

August 2006

The overall impression of August was a damp one with rainfall producing 89.5 mm compared with 9 mm in July. This resulted in the fields becoming greener and the pond filling up but a slow start to the migration period.

Brian Churches saw a hobby and a merlin giving a nice summer/winter mix. During the high water count this month, a sparrowhawk was seen with a starling at Crescent (30/08).

Still good numbers of common and green sandpipers and the odd wood sandpiper titillating our somewhat quiet migration spell. Good numbers of ringed plover with max nos of 76 (23/08) and 98 black-tailed godwits (21/08) both on Bale. 1 little stint and up to 70 avocets on Joyce's Saltings (21/08).

A good day on McClure's Marsh (26/08) has been a good spot with mud showing for waders to search out for insects. Notable species that day were 4 curlew sandpiper, 3 ruff, 11 dunlin, 4 common sandpiper, 4 green sandpiper, 3 wood sandpiper, 30 black-tailed godwit, 11 spotted redshank, 1 greenshank and 1 turnstone - a real wader spectacle!

Good numbers during high tide of passage curlews 696 on Joyce's Saltings (23/08), 19 greenshank on Salcott Channel and ever increasing numbers of the winter species returning to spend the winter here. For example, 354 grey plover and 70 golden plover on Joyce's Saltings and ever increasing numbers of teal.

We used to get very large numbers of yellow wagtails roosting in the reedbed. In recent years, this has not been the case with up to 9 seen (23/08). This seems odd as we see regular good numbers of yellow wagtails during the day. Maybe the day where we see up to 800 yellow wags on one specific night in late August has long gone. However, wheatears (13/08) and whinchats (21/08) back, and seen regularly throughout the month.

Increased numbers of Painted Ladies were noted during the second half of July that spread into the first half of August. Single Clouded Yellow were seen on two dates (07/08, 08/08) and an unusual record of a Banded Demoiselle was spotted (09/08). Many migration hawkers have been seen and the vols, Suzanne and Steve are devouring the delicious delicacies on the reseve ie berries galore!

Juliette Kerr
05/09/06

July 2006

As with much of the country the weather at Old Hall Marshes during July was exceptional. Temperatures over 30 degrees were recorded on numerous dates throughout the month with a maximum of 33 degrees on the 20/7. Rainfall was low with nine mm the total for the month.

Breeding birds on the reserve continued to fledge young, while passage wader numbers built up as the month progressed. Twenty Avocet chicks were counted on Pennyhole Bottom Saline Lagoon early in the month and five on Bale Field, along with good numbers of juvenile Bearded Tit in the reed bed.

There were double figure counts of both Common and Green Sandpiper, with presumably many more going unseen in the low-ways and ditches. Other waders of interest included four of both Curlew Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper on the 26/7 and 29/7 respectively. Other evidence of migration and the approach of autumn has been the increase in Sand Martins and other hirundines over the reserve, with an estimated 1,000 Sand Martins over the reed bed on the 18/7. The Great White Egret recorded at other sites in Essex called in on the 24/7, with a Honey Buzzard passing over on the 29/7.

Increased numbers of Painted Ladies were noted during the second half of the month with good numbers seen along the sea wall and on the grazing marshes. Eight White-Letter Hairstreaks were observed in the copse on the 1/7 with two-three frequently seen, sometimes low down on bramble. A single Purple Hairstreak, the first recorded at Old Hall, was found on the 11/7 on the copse's only oak tree. While single Clouded Yellow were seen on two dates.

Moth trapping continues to be a popular activity resulting in a 152 species recorded for 2006. Pine Hawkmoth, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and Starwort all been interesting records for the site.

A Great Silver Diving Beetle was attracted to the light of the moth trap over night 7-8, this is believed to be the third or fourth record for NE Essex. A Harlequin Ladybird is an unwelcome reserve first. The weevil Rhynchites auratus was discovered by Nigel Cuming on the reserve and described as the rarest beetle in Britain.

After four years of hard work, Stock Manager David Cousins is leaving Old Hall for pastures new in his home county of Cumbria. While the difficult task of replacing David is undertaken, it gives the residential volunteers the opportunity of a short contract to look after the stock before the position is filled.

An RSPB information and children's activity stand at the Tollesbury Restoration event on Saturday 27th provided a further opportunity this summer to get involved with the local community and encourage interest in wildlife and conservation. Guided walks and a barbecue on the 8/7 was an enjoyable day and provided as a thank you for RSPB volunteers from across the region.

Steve Wiltshire
03/08/06

June 2006

The breeding wader and wildfowl bird surveys were finished this month and extensive ad hoc recording of broods and breeding activity continues. Analysis of the numbers of breeding birds is yet to be completed. Several broods of shelducks have been seen, often to our amusement, as the remarkably buoyant ducklings attempt to become diving ducks, disappearing below the surface to hide and springing up looking surprised only seconds later. Other wildfowl highlights include 30 plus male teal seen on 20/06, and a Garganey was spotted again on Bale on 24/06, but we are still yet to discover if they may have bred here or not. Eider ducks have been seen again in the channel (18/06, 20/06).

Raptor Action
Marsh harriers have been consistently active around the reserve. A common buzzard was seen over the grazing marsh on 16/06 and a couple of hobbies were seen munching on the wealth of dragonflies on 18/06 and 26/06. Avid birder Brian Churches gave a most exciting report of peregrine activity on 06/06: 11.28 - bird seen circling over 3E/Salcott Channel area for around four minutes. The bird came west and as it flew past me I could tell that it was an adult (probable female). Over Field Seven the bird put the afterburners on and made a spectacular dive towards Iron Gate Rough Grazing where I lost sight of it. 12.06 - the sub-adult bird was seen over Fields Five and Six and that also did some maniacal dive-bombing before flying off over Bale Field. 12.11, the bird reappeared from the NW carrying prey and as it flew SE over the new counter wall it ran the gauntlet of several irate Marsh Harriers. (Brian Churches Bird Report for 06/06/06)

On 26/06 a quail 26/06 was spotted and the field it was in was cut selectively to ensure it had plenty of vegetation to hide in.

Waders
The avocets still appear to be doing well. On 30/06 on Pennyhole Bottom there were 70 adults, eight fledged chicks, six small chicks, one tiny chick, and four nests still in use.

Lapwings have started forming small flocks again and 265 birds were seen on 27/06. Surveys found 80 breeding pairs of lapwings. 54 nests were found predominantly on the improved fields such as Bale and Salcott, but also on the grazing marsh. There was a similar number of breeding pairs for redshanks, and 84 pairs of oystercatchers which is almost double the number found last year.

As in May there was a little stint feeding on Bale field on 06/06, along with 12 ringed plovers and on 24/06 there were three little ringed plovers including a juvenile. On 11/06 165 grey plovers were seen. On 26/06 14 knot were seen in Salcott Channel. There have been several sightings of green sandpipers with seven being the best total on 27/06 and a common sandpiper was seen on 22/06. Spotted redshanks reappeared with 19 seen on 27/06, and a greenshank was on Bale on 25/06. Black-tailed godwits have often been seen throughout the month ranging from 20 to 40 in number. Four ruff were seen on 27/06 and the odd whimbrel has been seen.

As in April and May, little and common terns have been feeding in the borrow dykes and great views can be had from the sea wall. There were two little gulls on 24/06.

Cuckoos were heard throughout the month and turtle doves continued to fill the farmyard with their endearing purr. A green woodpecker nest was found near the pond by the copse on 16/06: four hungry little scruffy green heads could be seen!

Reed and sedge warblers have not stinted in their rapid cascades of trills and whistles" and at least two juvenile reed warblers have been seen (24/06). There were16 juvenile bearded in the reed beds around the reserve and it looks like another successful breeding season.

Butterflies and Moths
Quite a few butterflies were recorded in June including: painted lady 03/06, common blue 03/06, small heath 03/06, speckled wood 16/06, meadow brown 30/06, large white 30/06, large skipper 30/06, Essex and small skippers 30/06. Moth trapping was done seven times in June in the farmyard, the copse and the reedbed. So far this year 78 different species have been found. One highlight was finding reed dagger which is classified as Nationally Scarce B and is largely confined to East Anglia.

Dragon & Damselflies
In June the following species were spotted: emperor 16/06, 4 spot chaser 16/06, ruddy darter 16/06, black-tailed skimmer 30/06, and brown hawker 30/06 dragonflies; azure 30/06, common blue 30/06, blue tailed 30/06 damselflies. On 25/06 a scarce emerald damselfly was found. One of our new local volunteers, John Rapley is doing the survey this year, and so far he has found several more potentially good sites.

Suzanne Grimwood

April - May 2006

For many people the cuckoo is always the first sign of spring and were well evident throughout April since their arrival on (10/04). The reserve was in full bloom with an exceptional abundance of blackthorn, which really seemed to stand out from other years. April is also such an exciting time at Old Hall with good numbers of migrant birds passing through, with up to 100 whimbrel, (25/04) and lesser numbers of little ringed plovers feeding mainly on Bale Field along with larger ringed plovers and dunlins.

May was a good month in the eastern counties for a fall of spoonbills and Old Hall was no exception with two turning up, one having being ringed as a juvenile in Holland (07/05), but a maximum of three were seen on the reserve (26/05). Up to three male garganey have been seen regularly on Bale Field and there is a distinct possibility of a pair breeding on the reserve. Green-winged Teal (07/04) was last seen on Irongate and two red-breasted mergansers in Salcott Channel were a bit of a surprise as was an eider duck (19/05) on Eastern Quarters Spit.

Raptor passage was good with a common buzzard (22/04) flying over the reedbed and an osprey (01/05) over Salcott Channel. Hobbys were early (19/04) and up to 7 in the air together on 10th; a peregrine seen on the fence posts in Field 4/5 was later taking food away from the reserve, which suggests a possible nest not too far away. Also perhaps the same bird was seen over Bale Field taking a large wader chick (late May). Other raptors included a sparrowhawk on the (22/04), merlin (03/05) over the grazing marsh and a hen harrier (05/04) over Irongate. Montagu's harrier was seen regularly throughout May at Colne Point but was only seen making one brief visit to Old Hall (17/05). Marsh harriers have been extremely active and once again breeding is strongly suspected in the area.

On 31/03, the long-billed dowitcher reappeared but sightings have only been intermittent but was last seen on 29/04 in partial summer plumage. Good passage waders such as green sandpiper (06/04) and common sandpiper (29/04) were located in Field 3 East; a Temminck's stint (06/05) on Bale compared well with two little stints and a brace of curlew sandpipers (06/05) on Joyce's Saltings was a good spring record. Small numbers of little ringed plovers have been sighted on the improved fields, as have four greenshanks (19/04) and eight spotted redshanks (26/04). Up to 70 avocets have been seen on Pennyhole Bottom with a max of 16 nests and 10 chicks so far. They are now attempting to nest on Bale Field. Bar-tailed godwits reached 37 (17/05) and up to 40 black-tailed godwits have been seen regularly on Pennyhole Bottom (30/05).

An immature little gull (24/4) was seen amongst the black-headed gulls and a Mediterranean gull heard overhead (30/05). Both common and little terns were regularly feeding in the borrow-dykes throughout April and May and two black terns put in a brief appeatrance near the wind pump on 21st.

The beginning of April brought in a few smaller migrants with a firecrest found in the Copse (02/04) which stayed only until the following day with a nightingale (16/04) passing through and black redstart on the cattle grid (17/04). Yellow wagtails arrived at the beginning of the month and a territorial dispute between two males was seen on the grazing marsh (07/05); a possible breeding attempt may occur.

Many regulars have returned to their breeding grounds from afar; swallows at the beginning of April and are now nest-building in the workshed, the first time in recent years. Sand martins passed through a little later (10/04) and house martins were first seen (16/04).Turtle doves (24/04) took advantage of newly sown grass seeds around the bird feeder. In the copse willow warbler first heard (07/04),blackcap arriving 19/04 and lesser whitethroat (10/05). A late wheatear (24/05) was recorded on the corral at Bale Field.

A male corn bunting was heard singing in Salcott field (31/05). Unfortunatley this species is in a major decline on the reserve and was once a common sight at Old Hall. Two Cetti's warblers has been heard calling regularly in the reedbed (31/05) as have bearded tits, which have A also been heard calling at Joyce's Head, so spreading to the other reed fringes of the reserve.

A dead grass snake was found during the first dragonfly transect (10/05). A part of its body having been eating leaving the vertebrate exposed. A raptor had probably been disturbed whilst eating it. A good number of hairy dragonflies have so far emerged.

The programme to eradicate the invasive alien weed Crassula helmsii has got underway with Irongate marsh being drained of fresh water and replaced with sea-water. It is hoped that, in accordance with the findings of experiments carried out on the reserve, filling it with sea water will kill the weed, where all other attempts have so far failed.

Also we are creating a wildlife garden outside the office, to enhance the window list for Paul and Chris. Maybe Chris could add another list to his many, the pond list. So we would be grateful if anyone could give us some cuttings of native plants for and around the pond.

The wonder of wildlife in YOUR garden!!
Saves you money, looks great, helps the planet!

Also we are creating a wildlife garden outside the office, to enhance the window list for Paul and Chris. Maybe Chris could add another list to his many, the pond list. So we would be grateful if anyone could give us some cuttings of native plants for and around the pond.

Juliette Kerr 15/06/2006

March 2006

The month started with continued good diver and grebe sightings. There were three red-throated and two great-northern divers on 01/03 and three slavonian grebes on 16/03, however such sightings waned as the month progressed.

The bittern was last seen on 04/03 and we are still awaiting the delivery of rudd to the reed bed. This has been delayed due to problems with a supplier.

Two whooper swans were seen on Bale field on 01/03. The numbers of greylag geese went up from 300 in February to 522 in the WeBS of 12/03. The barnacle geese remained at 13 and they were still there on 29/03. The highest number of brent geese was 2735 on 07/03, though by the end of the month they were only in the hundreds.

A selection of ducks found on the WeBS of 12/03 are as follows: 171 shelduck, 44 gadwall, 17 pintails, 40 shovelers, 3438 wigeon, 360 teal, 86 pochard, three goldeneye, five red-breasted mergansers and 20 ruddy ducks. On 29/03 a green-winged teal was found on Irongate, and on 16/03 there was a common scoter in the estuary.

Once again the hen harrier roost survey found no roosting hen harriers, but five marsh harriers were seen again (19/03). Other raptors sightings: a hen harrier 04/03, a buzzard 24/03, two peregrines 04/03, and a merlin 04/03 & 12/03.

11 water rail territories were found in the water rail surveys on 27-30/03.

In the WeBS count of 12/03 there were 66 oystercatchers, 126 avocets, 16 ringed plover, 184 grey plover and 207 golden plover (compared to 574 and 1292 last month). 440 lapwings, 120 knot, and 1322 dunlin. Two little ringed plovers were also seen on 29/03. A green sandpiper was seen on 23/03. Up to 12 spotted redshanks (17/03) were seen and also a greenshank on 23/03. 579 black-tailed godwits were found in the WeBS all in one field. There have also been a couple of black-tailed godwit leg ring sightings. 23 Bar-tailed godwits were seen on 01/03. 16 ruff were seen on 24/03, and there have been several jack snipe sightings, the most being three birds on 08/03. On 31/03 a long-billed dowitcher reappeared but sightings have only been intermittent.

A wheatear was seen on 28/03. A rock pipit was around again on 16/03 and 24/03, and a water pipit was spotted on 26/03. Two Cetti's warblers were heard singing in the reed bed. A chiffchaff was spotted on 01/03 and 24/03. A bearded tit survey on 30/03 found 8 pairs. 18 linnets were seen on 30/03.

There have been many sightings of mad March hares bounding about the fields, full of the joys of spring once the warmer weather finally arrived. Other mammals include weasels, stoats, rabbits and the long awaited arrival of a new residential volunteer, Steve Wiltshire. On 23/03 a red-tailed bumblebee was spotted over the sea wall.

The sheep have looked rather large and close to lambing. Meanwhile, work has been carried out on the improved fields: fertiliser was put on, the aerator was used to lessen the compaction of the topsoil, and the chain and spike harrows lessened the build up of dead grass. The sea walls and folding were grazed, as was the far end of Salcott field to improve the grass where it is rank. The sheep were fenced off at the western end, leaving plenty of space in the eastern end for lapwing nests.

The programme to eradicate the invasive alien weed crassula helmsii has got underway with Irongate marsh being drained of fresh water using pumps. It is hoped that, in accordance with the findings of experiments carried out on the reserve, filling it with sea water will kill the weed.

Suzanne Grimwood
(Long-term Volunteer)

January 2006

There were two red-throated divers and a black-throated diver in the high water count on 30/01, along with seven slavonian grebes and a red-necked grebe. The best number of great-crested grebes was nine (04/01) and 20 little grebes (08/01). On 07/01 there were two shags in Salcott channel.

A bittern was seen on 30/01 in Salcott Channel at about 7.30am, heading for Abbot's Hall. It was looked for the following dusk and dawn, but with no joy. Hopefully fish in the reed bed (coming soon!) will attract them to stay.

Fifteen Bewick's swans were seen flying west over the farm yard (one more than last month). There were 129 greylag geese (15/01), and seven Barnacle geese were spotted on the grazing marsh on 30/01. The best numbers of brent geese in January were seen early in the month, with 3226 on 02/02, and 2319 on the reserve and approx. 1400 on the neighbouring turf (=3719) on 04/01. However, in the second half of the month numbers have rarely been over 2000. There were also six pale-bellied brent geese on 10/01 (one distinct adult, and five juveniles, which could possibly be interbreeds with a dark bellied).

Best duck numbers are as follows: 91 gadwall (11/01), 32 pintails (05/01), 5228 wigeon (30/01), 476 teal (30/01), 90 pochard (30/01), singles of eider (07/01), a velvet scoter (17/01), a female long-tailed duck (04/01), 45 goldeneye (07/01), 24 red-breasted mergansers (17/01) and 43 ruddy ducks (14/01).

Up to four marsh harriers (25/01) have been seen, three hen harriers (one male, two females 08/01), a peregrine (30/01) and a merlin.

Nine common partridges have been seen and a water rail was spotted on 10/01. Coot numbers were up to 41 on 30/01.

There were 83 avocets on 30/01, 40 ringed plover (02/01), 309 grey plover (15/01), and large flocks of lapwings and golden plovers have been seen: 3107 of the former and 7410 of the latter in the WeBS count on 15/01. Up to 282 knot (04/01), one sanderling (04/01), 1137 dunlin (15/01), 223 redshank (05/01), six spotted redshanks (07/01), 323 black-tailed godwits (15/01), 58 bar-tailed godwits (30/01), one woodcock was found in the copse (30/01), and 21 ruff (23/01).

A yellow-legged gull was seen on Abbott's Hall Saltings on 02/01, and a guillemot was spotted in the channel on 01/01.

A water pipit was seen on 02/01, and a rock pipit on 12/01. Fieldfares (up to 40) and redwings were down on the previous month than last, and also fewer linnets: only two compared to eight last month. However, the seasonal run of bullfinches continues; up to four seen on (27/01) and a pair of yellowhammers (04/01). Two Cetti's warblers were seen and heard in the reed bed (03/01) and there have been two sightings of chiffchaff on 24th and 30th. The bearded tit count (10/01) found 17 in the reedbed.

A dead common shrew was found on 10/01, a brace of foxes (11/01) and up to three hares (06/01) have been seen. The boar has been seen quite a lot in the reed bed and walking along the counter wall.

Approximately 300m of water vole fencing has been put up to exclude grazing from water vole habitat. This stops the unwelcome disturbance caused by cattle walking over water vole burrows, and it provides undisturbed grazing areas for the water voles. It has the added benefit of creating undisturbed reed fringed ditches for grebes, sedge warblers and dragonflies.

The lowest maximum temperature was on the 23rd when it never got warmer than 1.5C, and on the 24th it got down to Low winter rainfall has made it difficult to raise winter water levels as high as we would have liked, though there is a surprising amount of surface water on the fields despite this.

Suzanne Grimwood
(Long-term Volunteer)

Bird Reports and Highlights for 2005

December 2005

There has been a red-throated diver (19/12), 2 black-throated divers (17/12), and up to 2 great northern divers (6/12): on the 12th Brian Churches had: great views of an immature bird quite active in the middle of Salcott Channel - The bird did not seem to be put off by the two oyster boats close by and may have taken advantage of the channel bed being disturbed.

There was a Slavonian grebe (6/12), up to 33 little grebes (22/12), and 16 great-crested grebes (6/12). There was also a shag on (6/12), and always a couple of little egrets and herons about the reserve.

14 Bewick's swans were seen flying NW over the farm yard and a family group of 2 adults and 4 immature mute swans on the reserve (19/12). 217 greylag geese were seen on 4/12. The highest number of brent geese was 3257 at 4pm on 15/12 and the mean percentage of juveniles was 30%. On 19 and 21/12 the long-term volunteers spotted a black brant with the brents on North Seamans (which was quite exciting!).

There were quite a few ducks about: 2 gadwall (2/12), 31 pintails (22/12),) 44 shovelers (16/12), 3851 wigeon (18/12), 98 pochard (16/12), 19 tufted ducks (2/12), 7 eider (2/12), 2 common scoter (19/12), a pair of long-tailed ducks (22/12), 61 goldeneye (28/12), and 29 red-breasted merganser (28/12).

This month's raptor action includes up to 5 marsh harriers (12/12), 2 hen harriers (18/12), a sparrowhawk carrying prey into the copse (2/12), up to 2 kestrels (19/12), 2 peregrine falcons interacting (2/12), and a merlin (18/12). The hen harrier roost survey (18/12) found one flying over the reedbed which did not roost, however 2 marsh harriers were seen to roost.

A water rail was spotted on 2/12. In the waders there have been up to 79 avocets (2/12), 30 ringed plover (19/12), 12 grey plover (16/12), 1500 golden plover (22/12) and over 1000 lapwings on Bale (5/12), 386 knot (22/12), 255 turnstones (7/12), 53 dunlin (16/12), 100 redshanks, 3 spotted redshanks (6/12), 70 black-tailed godwits (19/12), 58 bar-tailed godwits (2/12), 2 common snipe (28/12), 2 jack snipes (2/12) and 16 ruff (5/12). Also in waders were the Stockman David Cousins and long-term volunteer William Hayward, up to their eyes in mud, scraping out silt which had accumulated round the outlet flap into the channel from Joyce's Head.

Oddments: On 6/12 Brian Churches spotted a guillemot feeding close in to the southern edge of East Quarter Spit. 2 barn owls (19/12) have been seen around, as have 2 green woodpeckers (19/12).

30 skylarks in 3 parties of 10 were seen on 28/12. There have been 6 rock pipits (28/12). Up to 175 fieldfares have been spotted, along with 33 redwings. A goldcrest (16/12) and parties of up to 11 long-tailed tits (6/12). On 6/12 over 500 starlings were seen, flying in to roost in the SE corner of the reedbed. 8 linnets at Eastern Quarter Spit (28/12), an unknown number of twite on the sea wall near field 6 (18/12), a bullfinch (22/12), a snow bunting (6/12), and a yellowhammer (6/12) The bearded tit count on 13/12 found only 11 compared with 37 last month. On 28/12 Brian Churches confirmed Will's sighting of a white-headed bearded tit: One male had a distinct white head (similar to northern Long-tailed Tit) with slightly smaller black moustachial stripes than normal.

Mammal moments: Brian Churches thrice saw a common seal close to the Point, seemed more interested in me than me of it, and once munching on a fish. There was also a weasel (16/12), a stoat (18/12), 3 hares, a fox (27/12), the boar was seen on the far counter wall at the western end of the Reedbed, and Brian noted signs of human activity on 16/12 when Distress flares fired from West Mersea at 12.32.

The Christmas party, held at The Bull at Brantham, was successful. All the Old Hall team were there, including Howard the local volunteer, though we were rather out numbered by the 90 volunteers from the Stour. Chris and Paul both provided suitably taxing quizzes to baffle and entertain us. The food was provided by the pub, and it was decorated with strange creatures made of fruit.

Suzanne Grimwood
Long-term Volunteer

November 2005

Up to 16 little grebes and 25 great-crested grebes (30/11), two shags seen (22/11) on a buoy and later feeding in the Salcott Channel. Max of seven little egrets (30/11) around the reserve and a couple of herons.

Up to 8 eider duck of which four were eclipse males; 26 goldeneye (22/11), 25 red-breasted mergansers (30/11) all on Tollesbury Channel. A noticeable increase in numbers of wigeon with max of 5,200 and 850 Teal on Bale Field (03/11). This has become a wildfowl spectacle with the sheer mix and numbers of ducks and brent geese by the wind-pump. Also 4 gadwall, 25 pintail, 29 shoveler and 82 pochard all on Joyce's Head (26/11).

Min of 7 bewick swans over Field 1/8 including one juvenile (23/11). The volunteers have diligently counted the brent geese on the improved fields three times a day. They tell me it's to check where the brent feed. Anyway, approx 30% of the flock counted is represented by juveniles which is a remarkable increase from last year and up to 3,000 brent have been seen in total.

The usual birds of prey have descended on to the reserve; a female merlin and a peregrine have been seen throughout the month as well as up to 3 hen harriers and 4 marsh harriers over the reedbed. At the beginning of the month, a buzzard (04/11) at the entrance track. The national hen harrier winter roost survey for the 23rd season commenced at the end of October and runs until March 2006. So far, only marsh harriers have been spotted roosting. Hen harriers are generally seen later on in the winter.

A total of 70 avocets in Tollesbury Channel (06/11), 41 ringed plover in Pennyhole Inlet (22/11), 23 knot on the mouth of the bay (22/11), 40 ruff on Bale (02/11), jack snipe in 6 N, 207 black-tailed godwits on Bale during our WeBS count (06/11), 44 bar-tailed godwits at Joyce's Saltings, 17 spotted redshank at Abbot's Hall Saltings and 17 turnstones at East Quarter Spit(22/11). The long-billed dowitcher was last seen on Irongate (04/11).

Our monthly Bearded Tits count was done (22/11) in the reedbed. A total of 37 were seen or heard pinging as well as a high number of thrushes especially blackbirds and 2 Cetti's in different localities which is good. David Cousins heard a blackcap and William Hayward our long-term volunteer has seen, on many occasions now, a bearded tit with a white head, maybe a partial-albino bird. Also 6 grey partridges (11/11) and 5 stonechats (11/11).

The 10 Romney Marsh rams have arrived and are ready for action! These white-faced rams are a different breed to the black-faced Suffolk rams, which were used last season, as the grazier wants to keep any female lambs as replacements for the older ones. All cattle have now left the marsh including one unexpected late calf, which were taken away by the grazier to be kept indoors for the winter.

A big thank you goes to the long-term volunteers William and Suzanne and our local volunteer Howard who have put in endless hours trying to tidy up the reserve. The place is looking much better now.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

October 2005

Brent geese have returned to Old Hall Marshes, a sign that winter is approaching. We count the geese three times a day to see what fields they are grazing on. They like to graze on nice healthy green fields that have been prepared by David, the stockman. He put fertilizer on the improved fields to improve the quality of grass for grazing brents. We then pulled out ragwort and thistles and the cattle and sheep respectively grazed the fields to get a short sward that the brent prefer. We started counting on the 16th with 141 present and numbers have slowly risen to 1,500 on the 30th. Peak numbers last year were up to 3,500. A juvenile count was undertaken on the 26th with 265 juveniles seen out of a flock of 1061 resulting in 25% productivity. Last year was a poor productivity with only an average of 6.15% of young seen.

Information from Bart Ebbinge and his team from the Alterra-intitute of Wageningen to the Russina-arctic showed good results. Predation has decreased as lemmings numbers have risen so instead of eating the brent geese goslings, the arctic foxes have enough of them to eat instead. The total population went down from 300.000 to 180.000 birds in 20 years due to the low reproduction the last decades. This year has finally produced good breeding results with up to 40% young seen.

David has been getting the sheep ready for tupping. This is when he makes sure their bums are clean for the rams to be brought in. The cows have finished calving with 31 cows having 31 calves. The cows that didn't calve have been removed from the reserve for the winter and taken back to the farm to spend the winter indoors.

Wildfowl numbers are slowly rising with 500 wigeon (13th) on Bale; 250 teal on Irongate (13th); 9 Pintail (13th) on Pennyhole Fleet; 3 Gadwall (19th) on Pennyhole Fleet; 2 Eider off point (26th); a red-breasted merganser on Tollesbury Channel (26th); 36 pochard on Joyce's Head; 20 tuffted duck flew to Decoy Pond (26th) and 13 shoveler on Joyce's Head (26th.)

The long-billed dowitcher is still present and has been seen either on Irongate Flash as they like to call it on bird pagers, McClure's or the Saltings. Up to 120 Avocets on the 26th and 16 knot (21st) on the mud at the mouth of the bay; A jack snipe has returned to winter on our pastures (13th) on Field 1/8; max count of 28 spotted redshank (19th); 64 common snipe around the reserve (12th); 126 ringed plover (15th) at Pennyhole Inlet Saltings and a green sandpiper (18th) on Bale.

A merlin was seen (26th), marsh harrier, up to three (26th), short-eared owl (26th) Field 1/8, Hen Harrier (21st) Field 1/8; hobby went straight through the reserve and was feeding all the while (12th).

A good find for David, a ring ouzel on the 28th, the first sighting since 1970 so watching it for 20 minutes in Field 3 East was a real treat! Due to the phenomenally mild weather, butterflies such as red admirals and commas and common darters are still being seen on the reserve. Also 2 stonechat on Field 3West (20th); Wheatear (21st); 2 kingfisher (26th) entrance to gate; rock pipits are back and 9 grey partridges in Field 1/8 (20th).

We resumed the Bearded Tits surveys in the reedbed. We have been avoiding entering the reedbed due to marsh harriers breeding so it has been good to be able to do a bearded tit count. We saw 47 which is the highest population in Essex.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

August and September 2005

So much has been happening on the reserve over the past two months It's difficult to know where to start. Well lets start with the birds as its been quite heated on the reserve with people without permits wanting to see this delightful North American Long-billed Dowitcher that arrived on the 25th September and the sixth for the reserve. It was last seen yesterday (6/10) so by looking at the previous records it may be here in January when the year tickers will start flooding in! It has been seen mainly on Irongate and at low tide on the Saltings. I saw it feeding with a snipe which was interesting to see the comparison of the bill and body size. Numbers of greenshank (25 on 04/10), and spotted redshank 22 (04/10) increasing as passing through. Also flocks of ringed plover including juveniles seen with a peak of 30+ on Bale. A juvenile red-necked phalarope was found by Steve Hunting at dusk feeding frantically on Bale. Others amongst it were 4 little-ringed plover, 25 snipe, 3 whimbrel and 2 green sandpipers (14/09).

Its interesting to see that numbers of wildfowl are picking up in numbers such as 490 teal (21/08) to return to their wintering ground on one hand and others heading south to warmer waters. 5 bar-tailed godwits, 1 common tern and 5 green sandpipers (16/09). In August little stint, knot, curlew sandpiper, wood sandpiper and common sandpiper were feeding before heading south. Numbers of knot increased to 19 found at the edge of the bay with 4 ruff, 2 green sandpipers and 2 common sandpipers (8/9). 86 avocets at Joyce's Saltings were seen as the tide dropped (04/10).

Brent geese numbers have slowly risen from one seen (30/09), 10 (03/10) to 41 seen on the reserve and 32 on the channel (04/10). 3 eider (04/10) by the point and a male red-breasted merganser flew past the point.

An array of raptors have been at Old Hall; 2 adult hobbys hawking migrant hawkers around the counter-wall (03/09), the first hen harrier fro the winter was seen early on (08/09) and a max of 5 marsh harrier juveniles with an adult male. A few merlins have been spotted especially an adult male being mobbed by 2 kestrels in Field 6. A Peregrine at Joyce's Head (16/09), a few sparrowhawks (27/08) as well as a buzzard flying over the office (31/08). An osprey flew over Salcott Channel(19/09), this probably being the one seen regularly at Layer Breton.

We got all excited on the reserve (04/10) when a possible aquatic warbler in the scirpus in the borrowdyke (would have been 1st for the reserve) was reported. The staff spent an hour looking for this elusive creature but considering we have around 10km of borrowdyke, it could have been anywhere.

Flocks of bearded tits of up to 23 birds including juveniles have been seen in various reed stands as well as the wild boar (03/10). A flock of corn bunting in Salcott Reedbed was seen by David, our Stockman (06/10). Partridges have been seen regularly, the max count of 10 (30/09). Many yellow wagtails passing through in September, max count of 50+ in Bale. A recent view of a reed warbler singing which seems quite late amongst a flock of bearded tits; as well as a willow warbler in Crescent (05/09). A cetti's warbler singing at the viewing screen of Pennyhole Bottom (30/08) indicates that it may have bred on the reserve. A kingfisher whizzing in Irongate (27/08) and a cuckoo eating a lizard in Field 3W. A few stonechats and whinchats have been hanging off stems of grass.

30 cows have calved as well as pasture topping and fertiliser being put onto the improved fields to improve the quality of the grass for the arrival of the brent geese. Our autumn water vole survey was done which suggests plentiful evidence of them on our reserve.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

July 2005

There have been maximum of 6 marsh harriers including juveniles (15/07), 2 kestrels, a female sparrowhawk flying over Seamans (24/07), two merlins darting over Irongate (24/07 and 28/07) and a hobby in Irongate (29/07).

Wader numbers have significantly improved seeing up to 20 species in a day! A juvenile wood sandpiper has descended our ponds and in the same scope you could also see green and common sandpipers which was a real treat as good for comparison. Also noted; 4 little ringed plover in Bale and Irongate (29/07), 42 grey plover on Joyce's Saltings, up to 376 curlew's on Tolllesbury Channel on a good high tide roosting, max of 8 bar-tailed godwits in Irongate (22/07), 4 spotted redshank (22/07), 3 turnstone (22/07), 7 whimbrel (22/07), 2 greenshank (22/07), 15 dunlin (22/07).

One garganey on McClure's (25/07), 5 juvenile bearded tits in the reedbed (25/07), and 2 juvenile yellow wagtails in Irongate(25/07). Hirundine numbers have been good with 60+ sand martins, 200+ swifts, 10+ swallows all over the reserve.

Four bulls have been put in with 79 cows in four groups to do what bulls do best. Sheep have been dipped again to prevent fly infestation in their rear end. A dog called D'arcy who is being trained as a Search and Rescu dog has been familarising himself with the livestock on the reserve. There isn't much livestock in Essex so luckily D'arcy's owner a local fireman from Tolleshunt D'arcy was told about Old Hall Marshes and for somewhere for the dog to train.

Topping of the improved fields have continued into this month as has thistle and ragwort control. Fencing on Bale field has been put up to keep he stock out of the bunded area so as not to damage it.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

June 2005

Life has flown by here at Old Hall and we are very shocked that we are approaching the middle of July. The weather has been amazing and the grass has grown to our horror so brushcutting went underway to get rid off the thistles and ragwort pulled so topping of the grass could be undertaken to allow the cattle and sheep to graze the improved fields. The livestock can now go into the improved fields as the lapwings, redshank and avocet chicks have now fledged so normal business can now resume.

The usual raptor suspects have been lurking with three juvenile marsh harriers seen over the reedbed (28/06), two young kestrels from the nestbox that we can see from our new extension have fledged. A few hobbies have been circling the skies during the month and a sparrowhawk (25/06). Two barn owls have been seen hunting during the day and around Abbot's Hall Saltings (08/06).

Wader numbers have been quite quiet with the following in either Bale or Irongate:- two little ringed plovers (25/06), four turnstone in the Tollesbury Channel (25/06), 9 green sandpipers in (24/06), four spotted redshank (26/06), two greenshank (26/06), two whimbrel (25/06), 19 black-tailed godwits in Seamans (25/06) and a knot in Pennyhole Fleet (08/06). A little gull was seen on Bale as well (26/06).

Our first breeding yellow wagtails on Bale were spotted during our monthly WeBS count by an old long-term volunteer Andrew Seth. This was very exciting and brushcutting of thistles had to be curtailed as it seemed like feeding was taken place which we did not want to disturb. We seem to have an uprise of thistles in Bale and Nine Acre due to foot drains been put in last year to increase mud surface for feeding waders. We have tried to cut back on them before they seed in late June/early July.

Other notable species seen were a nice male blue-headed wagtail on Bale(26/06), four lesser whitethroats in Double Hedges (26/06), three bearded tits in Irongate (21/06),a wheatear in Field 6 (08/06), a blackcap (04/06) and two turtle doves in the Copse which is always pleasant to see.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

May 2005

Raptor action has been good with a red kite (05/05) over the reedbed, up to five marsh harriers, a pair of kestrels have definitely nested in a box that we can see from our new extension. Looking forward to when the chicks perch at the entrance hole. A few hobbies have been circling the skies during the month and a sparrowhawk.

Wader figures have been fair with a few migrants passing through; four black-winged stilts, a pair and two females were the highlight (11/05) on Bale and Irongate. We saw the pair copulating on Bale and with baited breath thought that there may be a possibility of the first breeding pair on an RSPB reserve. We waved them goodbye by 6pm as they headed northbound. Two little-ringed plover (11/05), one knot (12/05), three curlew sandpipers (08/05), little stint (21/05), all on Bale. 115 dunlin and five turnstone on the Salcott Channel (11/05), one greenshank on Filed Four (17/05). Up to 73 black-tailed godwits on Pennyhole Bottom (23/05) and three birds have been found with coloured rings on their legs. All of them were ringed on the Wash as part of a study on their migration.

A Mediterranean gull as well as four common terns and two little terns have been seen feeding on Irongate this month. A pair of turtle doves have been seen regularly cooing on the telephone wires by the car park, as well as regular sightings of two cuckoos especially around the copse area throughout the month. Other notable interest : one little owl on Seamans (31/05), three yellow wagtails on Bale (27/05) amongst them some striking males; a wheatear on Nine Acre (13/05); eight corn buntings at Double Hedges (13/05) and 10 sand martins on Bale (24/05).

Breeding bird surveys are well underway with five wader and four wildfowl transects with good numbers of redshank on average over 100 pairs and 40 pairs of lapwings. Alex Sansom, our lapwing volunteer extraordinaire has found so far, 49 nests with 23 of them being predated whilst 15 has hatched and 9 are still incubating. Good avocets numbers have been seen on the reserve with up to 81 adults being seen on the reserve with approx 14 chicks seen on Pennyhole Bottom. They are some still nesting on Bale and Pennyhole Bottom. As well as mallard 41 pairs, gadwall 3 pairs, pochard 8 pairs, tufted duck - 19 pairs.

We have 251 Aberdeen Angus cattle with calves at different stages in age on the reserve. Whilst David has been on holiday, we have had lots of fun trying to find cattle that got out from an open gate.

The office extension has now been completed and interviews for an administrator are taking place today. Hopefully this means that our admin side of things will improve immensely with an extra pair of hands on deck.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes

April 2005

The usual suspects have arrived back on the reserve with a sigh of relief! Swallows on the 3rd, sedge warbler on the 10th, whitethroat on the 13th, a gorgeous male garganey has been seen a few times since early April. In 1990 ducklings were last seen but in theory attempts to breed most years. Yellow wagtail on the 13th, 2 cuckoos on the 16th, chiffchaff on the 13th, greenshank on the 16th, reed warbler on the 29th and lesser whitethroat on the 22nd.

Passage birds little-ringed plover 2 on the 3rd on Bale, wheatears up to 9 on the 10th, whimbrels arrived on the 10th as well as a green-winged teal that stayed for a couple of weeks on Irongate. Good passage of marsh harriers up to 7 kicking about and a few have lingered. A little tern was seen in Field 3 borrowdyke on the 26th.

Breeding bird surveys are well underway with many 6am starts by all staff and volunteers. The assistant warden has been made full-time which has seen a marked difference in productive survey work being completed. We have done so far two wader and two wildfowl transects with good numbers of redshank 135 pairs on 18/04 and 40 pairs of lapwings 18/04. As well as mallard 57 pairs, gadwall 9 pairs, pochard 8 pairs, tufted duck - 11 pairs.

Good avocet numbers have been seen on the reserve with 28 and 2 definite nesting on Penny hole bottom; 4 definite nesting on Point Pond at Field Four, we call them flamingo nests as vols last year built up the mud so high and wide that even a flamingo could nest on them! This time last year most of the avocets were predated so the avocets have attempted breeding quite late this year or are either slow to establish themselves. Paul the site manager to attract the attention of the avocets has lowered the water levels on Penny hole bottom to show the mud islands. Unfortunately, most of the islands have disintegrated. He used a diesel pump to take out the water. Some eels, over 1m were stuck in the pump. The vols thought it a good idea to try it out. They marinated it in hoi son sauce recommended by our previous Japanese vol and they highly recommend it better than jellied eels they tell me!

Alex Sansom, our volunteer and assistant warden from last year has returned to do her Masters ecology project on monitoring lapwings by placing cameras on four nests to see if predation takes place and if so by what. So far 16 out of 29 nests have been predated and camera footage of a fox predating a nest was recorded. Five lapwing chicks have hatched which is good so far.

David, our stockman has had a busy time lambing with over 400 this season.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes
1 Old Hall Lane
Tolleshunt D'arcy
Maldon
Essex
CM9 8TP

March 2005

Spring is definitely in the air with migrants passing through especially more pronounced at the end of the month with the weather improving. Swallows now seen, two over the copse (02/04) and a sand martin (03/04) north of the reserve. A common redstart flew over the farmyard (01/04) and a few wheatears have been seen bobbing on their merry way heading north to their breeding grounds. A chiffchaff was singing in the reedbed (23/03) during our bearded tit count. Unfortunately, we only saw five bearded tits but we think the decline in numbers maybe due to the explosion seen at Heybridge at the same time. A yellow wagtail was seen on Bale (31/03).

Our breeding bird surveys have started firstly with a water rail survey. We only heard one water rail squealing like a pig but the luring tape attracted the attention of a lovely male hen harrier and a short-eared owl gliding over the saltmarsh.

A great northern diver and a slavonian grebe were seen on Tollesbury Channel (31/03 - 01/04). Brent geese numbers are definitely decreasing from peak numbers of 3510 (16/12) to around 200 (05/04). The geese appear to be pairing up with good numbers of wigeon on the 13/03 2257 and numbers have dropped to 349 on 31/03. Teal have gone from 376 to 218 in two weeks but 39 shoveler, 85 pochard and 142 mallard seen on the 31/03. A surprising green-winged teal was spotted (03/04) in Irongate. This is the third record the first seen in 1991 and the last about 7 years ago by the site manager. Also two garganey seen on Bale (03/04). The swans and moorhens have started breeding as well. A pair of red-breasted mergansers were in Salcott Channel (18/03).

Good raptor action taking place regularly over March with up to seven marsh harriers mostly on passage with good views of peregrine (25/03) and a female merlin over the reedbed (13/03). This morning the volunteers saw a pair of kestrels copulating which was very exciting! A buzzard flew over Joyce's Head (31/03). The regular barn owl has been seen hunting over the reserve.

On the wader front, the usual array of birds have been seen such as 92 avocets on Great Cobb with 48 knot amongst the avocets (25/03) on the mud at Tollesbury Fleet. However the first breeding avocets have been seen, four on Bale (22/03). 1123 Dunlin (31/03) swarming on a high tide over Tollesbury Channel with eight ruff on Bale and eight spotted redshank in total, two turnstone , two Little Ringed Plover on Bale (03/04) and one greenshank on (04/04). The lapwings are starting to sit and redshanks taking up territories.

The hedgerow planting has been completed with a grand total of 700 mixed hawthorn and blackthorn whips planted. Green shoots can be seen growing which is a very good sign as a great deal of effort went into the preparation of the beds and planting. The entrance to the reserve driveway has been tarmaced so no more dips on the way in which is good but still be aware of the bumps!

The first lambs were born today (05/04), a set of twins outside in the improved fields. Last week the ewes were dosed against liver flu and injected for clostridial diseases (such as tetanus, braxy, pulpy kidney, black leg and lamb dysentery).

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes
1 Old Hall Lane
Tolleshunt D'arcy
Maldon
Essex
CM9 8TP

 February 2005

A quiet month on the bird front with the usual spectacle of raptors such as up to three marsh harriers and a male hen harrier. Still good numbers of brent geese present on the improved fields and a barnacle goose for a couple of days at the end of the month.

A good mix of waders present on the reserve; still high numbers of black-tailed godwits between 300 - 400 and 30 ruff and a couple of greenshank were seen which seems early but a good sign that migration is in the air and they will soon be returning to their breeding grounds. A water rail was seen as was a few stonechat and a barn owl.

I would like to welcome our two new long-term volunteers, Joshua Ross from Hastings and Megan Beckett from Durban South Africa. They have both just finished a national diploma in countryside management and have done volunteering with BTCV and the National Trust. They hope to be here on the reserve for at least six months so should learn lots about Old Hall. They with the help of our local volunteer Howard Knott as well as four other volunteers from the Stour Estuary have continued to endeavour in finishing the last of the tree planting to fill up the hedgerow gaps. 450 whips have been planted so far. Only 150 left to go!

David, our senior stockman has scanned the ewes with ultrasound diagnosis. He is very pleased with the following results - 143% success rate with six with triplets, 214 / 500 ewes with twins and 22 ewes with none. The gestation period of the ewes takes five months so lambing will take place in April that will be a very busy time for David.

The path maintenance work on the reserve has now been completed by Paul, our friendly digger contractor.

Juliette Kerr
Assistant Warden
RSPB Old Hall Marshes
1 Old Hall Lane
Tolleshunt D'arcy
Maldon
Essex
CM9 8TP