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Charlie J

@charliesj

Mostly birding in Essex

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24.08.2024
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Latest posts by Charlie J @charliesj

Peacock butterfly on Daffodils

Peacock butterfly on Daffodils

Ladybirds in the sun on a signpost

Ladybirds in the sun on a signpost

View across a field of Daffodils

View across a field of Daffodils

View of the Daffodil bank within the woods

View of the Daffodil bank within the woods

EWT Warley Place again today, highlights: my first singing Chiffchaff of the year, 2 Firecrest, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Stock Dove, Grn & GSW and Coal Tit.

#essexbirding

05.03.2026 16:13 ๐Ÿ‘ 13 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Looking along the entryway at Bentley church

Looking along the entryway at Bentley church

A walk to Bentley and around The Mores today, 41 bird sp. total, highlights: a flock of 50+ Chaffinch in The Mores, Bullfinch (heard with Chaffinch flock), Greenfinch, Siskin, Grey Wag, 30+ Redwing, Stock Dove, M. Thrush, Coal Tit, Red Kite, Grn & GSW and Treecreeper.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

27.02.2026 20:11 ๐Ÿ‘ 14 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Daffodils in the sun with trees and a blue sky

Daffodils in the sun with trees and a blue sky

EWT Warley Place today with the Daffodils looking good in the sun. At least 2 Firecrest, Brimstone and Peacock butterflies and lots of bees including mining bees emerging from some of the paths.

#essexbirding

25.02.2026 18:59 ๐Ÿ‘ 11 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Looking up at St Peter's church in South Weald with Snowdrops and Daffodils in the foreground.

Looking up at St Peter's church in South Weald with Snowdrops and Daffodils in the foreground.

T-shirt weather at Weald CP today. Added a leg across some farmland to the SW, not the most idyllic with the M25 so close and the hedges all a bit sad, but still produced Meadow Pipit, Fieldfare and Skylark.

Other highlights: Raven and my first Brimstone of the year.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

24.02.2026 17:41 ๐Ÿ‘ 10 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Ladybirds on a stone cross

Ladybirds on a stone cross

Ladybirds spending the winter on a gravestone, seen on a walk today.

#ukwildlife

22.02.2026 23:03 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
2 Drake and 1 Hen Mandarin Duck

2 Drake and 1 Hen Mandarin Duck

3 Mandarin at Weald CP today, other highlights: 2 f Goosander, Sparrowhawk, 2 GC Grebe and Coal Tit.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

18.02.2026 14:30 ๐Ÿ‘ 18 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Bonus points if you spot the rat in the landscape photo

17.02.2026 22:11 ๐Ÿ‘ 0 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
View along at the Lake at Weald Country Park.

View along at the Lake at Weald Country Park.

A Greylag Goose surrounded by Black-headed Gulls

A Greylag Goose surrounded by Black-headed Gulls

1 female Goosander back at Weald CP today and a Raven circling before landing in a tree to the North. Other highlights: Coal Tit, Treecreeper, Grn & GSW, Stock Dove and Greenfinch just outside of the park.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

17.02.2026 18:22 ๐Ÿ‘ 12 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A gloomy view along the lake at Weald Country Park. Swans and Coots in the foreground with some Black-headed Gull just visible in the distance.

A gloomy view along the lake at Weald Country Park. Swans and Coots in the foreground with some Black-headed Gull just visible in the distance.

No Goosander at Weald CP today, maybe they think winter's ending, it didnt feel like it was to me. Highlights: 4 Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Redwing, Buzzard 3 GSW, Grn Woodpecker, 2 Shoveler, GC Grebe, Coal Tit, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wag and Siskin.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

09.02.2026 20:13 ๐Ÿ‘ 14 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Starlings in the back garden

01.02.2026 12:59 ๐Ÿ‘ 2 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Kittiwake

Kittiwake

Med Gull

Med Gull

A Dunlin stopped by briefly

A Dunlin stopped by briefly

View East from the end of the pier, high tide, looking over the boat ramp and gull posts

View East from the end of the pier, high tide, looking over the boat ramp and gull posts

A predictably quiet visit to Southend Pier today with no divers, but a Kittiwake was on the posts with the Med Gulls and 5 BN Grebes were off to the east.

#essexbirding #birds

18.01.2026 20:34 ๐Ÿ‘ 20 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Blue tit visiting a feeder

Blue tit visiting a feeder

Fieldfare perched in a bush

Fieldfare perched in a bush

Fieldfare mid-meal

Fieldfare mid-meal

Robin

Robin

A few photos from RHS Hyde Hall today. Other highlights: c10 Redpoll passing over a few times, Siskin, Mistle Thrush, Meadow Pipit, Tawny Owl & Cetti's Warbler heard and 2 Pochard on the reservoir.

#essexbirding

17.01.2026 21:40 ๐Ÿ‘ 17 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Buzzard perched on greenhouse

Buzzard perched on greenhouse

Drake Goosander

Drake Goosander

9 of the 20+ Goosander on the main lake

9 of the 20+ Goosander on the main lake

View of the London skyline at dusk as the clouds came in

View of the London skyline at dusk as the clouds came in

50 species at Weald CP today, highlights: At least 20 Goosander, 50+ Siskin, Redpoll, 2 Little Egret, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Grn & GSW, Tawny Owl (Heard), Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Grey Wagtail, Coal Tit, Red Kite, Buzzard and Kestrel.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

16.01.2026 19:44 ๐Ÿ‘ 19 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I had the same with a Blackcap on Merlin yesterday.

15.01.2026 16:08 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Tawny owl

Tawny owl

4 Goosander (3 Drake) on a small unfrozen part of a mostly frozen lake. Also pictured Mallard and Black-headed Gull.

4 Goosander (3 Drake) on a small unfrozen part of a mostly frozen lake. Also pictured Mallard and Black-headed Gull.

A horse with a Lapwing to the left and a Canada Goose peaking over on the right.

A horse with a Lapwing to the left and a Canada Goose peaking over on the right.

A sometimes snowy local walk around Crow Grn today. At least 19 Lapwing hanging around, other highlights: Redwing, Fieldfare, Buzzard, Red kite, Tawny Owl, Rook, Grn & GSW and 5 Goosander still holding out on the tiny part of unfrozen lake.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

06.01.2026 17:47 ๐Ÿ‘ 17 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
View along the frozen main lake at Weald Country Park

View along the frozen main lake at Weald Country Park

Robin

Robin

Robin produced this berry from its crop before re-eating it

Robin produced this berry from its crop before re-eating it

3 of 7 Lapwing near Crow Green

3 of 7 Lapwing near Crow Green

Both lakes frozen at Weald CP and the birds that don't like thrown food have moved on, highlights: Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskin, Goldcrest, Grn & GSW and Coal Tit.

At least 7 Goosander near Crow Green where the lake was only half frozen with 7 Lapwing also dropping in.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

05.01.2026 18:14 ๐Ÿ‘ 14 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Crossbill

Crossbill

Marsh Tit

Marsh Tit

Robin

Robin

A freezing cold day at Lynford Arboretum. M+F Hawfinch early on then Siskins, Marsh Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and great views of Crossbill.

#ukbirds #birds #birding

04.01.2026 21:17 ๐Ÿ‘ 19 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Thanks, these are the best I have unfortunately. I may have seen the same bird in flight today so I'll have another look tomorrow in better light and see if it's not still around.

02.01.2026 16:46 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Post image Post image

Sorry about the poor photos but does anyone have an opinion on this gull from yesterday? I assumed Herring Gull but the beady eye is throwing me. Size was comparable to LBBG also present.

#essexbirding

02.01.2026 15:53 ๐Ÿ‘ 8 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 3 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Tawny Owl

Tawny Owl

Just a short local walk around Crow Green to start the year, highlights: Tawny Owl, 3 Goosander, Red Kite, Redwing and a flock of Siskin.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

01.01.2026 21:31 ๐Ÿ‘ 21 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Kingfisher

Kingfisher

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Spent a nice day in St Albans with some good birds about. Showy Kingfisher in Verulamium Park, 2 Peregrine on the Cathedral and plenty of Siskin at Watercress NR. Other highlights: GSW, 2 Red Kite, Little Egret, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Greenfinch and Grey Wagtail.

#ukbirding #birds

30.12.2025 19:18 ๐Ÿ‘ 10 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
A proper record shot of a Lapwing

A proper record shot of a Lapwing

A Fox enjoying the apricity

A Fox enjoying the apricity

Not brave enough to go birding over Weald CP on Christmas day but a late walk on local lanes delivered a patch tick Lapwing near Crow Green. Always worth heading out.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

25.12.2025 16:41 ๐Ÿ‘ 14 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A Robin perched on a hedge

A Robin perched on a hedge

A Great Tit visiting a bird feeder made of natural materials

A Great Tit visiting a bird feeder made of natural materials

A Robin perched on a garden obelisk, looking at camera

A Robin perched on a garden obelisk, looking at camera

A Robin perched on a hedge, singing loudly

A Robin perched on a hedge, singing loudly

Afternoon at RHS Hyde Hall today, 2 Snipe and a Pochard on the reservoir were the most notable birds, with plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing about. Lots of noisy Robin posing in the sun got the most attention.

#essexbirding #birds

22.12.2025 18:55 ๐Ÿ‘ 22 ๐Ÿ” 2 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Immature Mute Swan, not the one with fishing tackle

Immature Mute Swan, not the one with fishing tackle

View of the London skyline at sunset

View of the London skyline at sunset

Siskin

Siskin

Drake Goosander

Drake Goosander

Highlights from Weald CP today: 14 Goosander, GC Grebe, L. Egret, Kingfisher, Siskin, Redpoll, Red Kite, Buzzard and Kestrel. 47 species total.

Unfortunately also had to report to the rangers that one of the juvenile Swans had fishing tackle caught up in its wing.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

19.12.2025 17:25 ๐Ÿ‘ 15 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Shenfield High Street. 2 Trees and flat roofed buildings containing hundreds of Pied Wagtails.

Shenfield High Street. 2 Trees and flat roofed buildings containing hundreds of Pied Wagtails.

Hundreds of Pied Wagtails coming in to roost in two trees on Shenfield High St. A good show if you sit at the Costa coffee.

#essexbirding

14.12.2025 16:21 ๐Ÿ‘ 11 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting today at the Naze, just at the entrance to Stone Point.

#essexbirding

12.12.2025 16:20 ๐Ÿ‘ 21 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I read the whole of Sirens of Titan pronouncing the name Malachi as Ma-la-chee.

09.12.2025 16:30 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Couple more fossil fuel sponsorships and they won't need members at all

09.12.2025 12:40 ๐Ÿ‘ 1 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A juvenile Whooper Swan

A juvenile Whooper Swan

Chelmsford today to have a look at the Whooper Swan in Central Park, also had a very close Chiffchaff by the river at Bond St and a Grey Wagtail over the river in town.

#essexbirding

06.12.2025 20:47 ๐Ÿ‘ 14 ๐Ÿ” 0 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull

Little Egret perched in a tree

Little Egret perched in a tree

Green Woodpecker

Green Woodpecker

Distant view of London across fields with the sun setting

Distant view of London across fields with the sun setting

3 Little Egret at Weald CP today after 2 yesterday. Other highlights: 17 Shoveler, 8 Goosander, Kingfisher, Kestrel, GC & Little Grebe, GS & Grn Woodpecker, Heron, Coal Tit, 50+ Siskin flocking around the lake and a Redpoll over Fox Wood.

#essexbirding #patchbirding

03.12.2025 18:12 ๐Ÿ‘ 19 ๐Ÿ” 1 ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0 ๐Ÿ“Œ 0