Grey Wagtails, Prittlewell Brook

I saw a lovely, full-set of Grey Wagtails patrolling the Prittlewell Brook this morning. Mum, Dad and three juniors were all found between Prittlewell Chase and Westbourne Grove, Southend.

Wild flowers - Paglesham

I took some macro shots of wild flowers on Sunday.
I've only got a couple of books for reference so am not sure on the identification of a couple of these flowers.
The closest I could find to the purple flower (top left) is the Common Vetch.
I haven't got a clue with the pink flower (looks like one of the pea family in my book, but not a perfect match). The yellow flower is Birdsfoot-Tefoil or Bacon and Eggs (I just missed out on getting a photo of this with a common blue butterfly perched on it - would have been cracking!). The purple, yellow and green flower is Woody Nightshade (not Deadly Nightshade as it is normally mistaken for, apparently).
I'd be grateful for any enlightenment. Thanks Matt

Paglesham family outing

It was bound to happen sooner or later.
After hours of walking in the search of birds our interest in other wildlife has grown and grown. The problem with that is, you need eyes everywhere. Fortunately there were six sets of eyes tuned into our surroundings on our recent trip to Paglesham.
Spot of the day goes to Girish for discovering this cracking Cream Spot Tiger Moth.

Cilla Black Feeds Deformed Starling Shocker

Deformed Starling, Old Leigh, Essex

Avocet Chicks

After the persecution these Avocets encountered a few years ago at the hands of egg collectors and the heavy rain of last summer there was no better site today than umpteen avocet chicks feeding around the lagoon.

Little Egret, Two Tree Island

Osprey and Montagu's Harrier, Wallasea

Osprey


Distant Montagu's Harrier.

We went to Wallasea Island to see the Montagu's Harrier that's been hanging around for a couple of days. While we were waiting for it to show an Osprey flew in and fed in front of us for fifteen minutes! According to Jeff Delve and Glyn Evans (EBS) the Monty flew right by us while we were still rubbing our eyes.

Gunners Park, Shoeburyness

Common Tern, Swallow, Goldfinch


...and a Small Copper at Paglesham Lagoon

Wakering spring arrivals

Managed to have my first birding session since all the summer migrants arrived.
I only had half an hour but got my fix with a cuckoo, turtle dove and whitethroat.

Wheatear, Hyde Park

This male Wheatear was out on Hyde Park's Parade Ground this morning. It's not a great shot but you get the idea. A nice start to the working week.