Sorry for the delay... it had completely slipped my mind....
Wader passage picked up with a good selection of expected species dropping in through the month including the first Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits, Wood Sandpipers from the 8th, Turnstone, 8 Ruff, Avocet and Whimbrel. Common Sandpipers peaked at 13 (21st). The river was quiet but a Little Tern was a surprise (18th) and Sandwich Terns were seen on the 12th and 18th with Common Scoters on 11th and 26th. The first Garganey was seen on the 13th and the species became more reliable from the 19th.
Marsh Harriers were still daily and Red Kites were seen on the 17th and 20th. The bird on the latter date even landed in the middle of Aveley for a short while! The first Whinchat and Wheatear snuck in before the end of the month along with a few Yellow Wagtails and a surprising Short-toed Lark that refused to be pinned down on the 20th. One of the local wandering Ravens was seen the following day.
Wheatear on the 30th July (Russ Sherriff)
19-8-14