01/12/99 - We have a report of a possible Ring Ouzel in Gunners Park, Shoebury. Can anyone please confirm.
05/12/99 - Mediterranean Gull on end of Pier. An afternoon
visit to Wakering Stairs produced a female Hen Harrier (a nice
compliment to last weekend's male) and a Barn Owl.
08/12/99 - Ten Fieldfare were (finally!) observed at Half Way
House Farm near Fleethead Creek feeding on rowan berries. A garden feast
prepared using chopped apples and pears, grated cheese, sultanas, peanuts,
sunflower hearts and general wild bird seed produced the following species: 3 Blackbirds,
15 Black Headed Gulls, 3 Blue Tits, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Collared Doves,
1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 9(!) Magpies, 1 Robin, 12 Sparrows
and 24 Starlings. The Magpies seemed to lose interest after the cheese
had gone as did the Dunnock, the Collared Doves mainly went for the peanuts, the Blackbirds
hunted out the pieces of pear and the Robin seemed to like the sunflower hearts. If anyone is contemplating providing their own garden feasts for the birds this winter please do not forget the importance
of fresh water
11/12/99 - Superb views were again had of what appears to be a resident Barn Owl at Wakering Stairs. The Owl was observed hunting (and catching) prey in rough grass just to the left and at the end of the public road by the sea wall. Also observed were 2000+ Grey Plover and Dunlin and at least 3000 Oystercatchers.
23/12/99 - (from feedback) Redwing and Fieldfare on
the playing fields and in roadside bushes at junction of Eastwoodbury Lane and
Nestuda Way(B1013)- opposite the Audi car dealership. Blackbirds and Song
Thrushes like the berry filled bushes and a flock of Long Tailed Tits
passed through while I was there. Observer: Dave Watson
29/12/99 - A morning walk around Fleet Head in Wakering produced the
following species: Black tailed Godwit, Pied wagtail, Blue Tit, Common
Gull, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Grey plover, Little Egret, Fieldfare, Green
Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Kestrel, Redshank and Hen Harrier
(female).
