Richard Chew
@ss15birder.bsky.social
SS15 (Basildon) Essex-based birder passionate about all wildlife, nature and the environment. Long-standing member and supporter of Essex Birdwatching Society, Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB, WWT, Badger Trust, Woodland Trust and World Land Trust.
Visit to St. Nicholas Church local patch site in Laindon yesterday. Stonechat (50th species for 2025 and 70th all time), Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, Goldcrest, Redwing, Green and G/S Woodpeckers, Reeves’ Muntjac
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October 28, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Visit to St. Nicholas Church local patch site in Laindon yesterday. Stonechat (50th species for 2025 and 70th all time), Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, Goldcrest, Redwing, Green and G/S Woodpeckers, Reeves’ Muntjac
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/10/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/10/visi...
St. Nicholas Church local patch site. Very quiet for birds this summer but exceptional for butterflies. But today, my first site record of Red Kite! Plus Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Green Woodpecker, Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/08/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/08/visi...
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August 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
St. Nicholas Church local patch site. Very quiet for birds this summer but exceptional for butterflies. But today, my first site record of Red Kite! Plus Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Green Woodpecker, Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/08/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/08/visi...
#essexbirding
RSPB Vange Marshes, RSPB Bowers Marsh and RSPB Wallasea Island featured in this video >>>
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6KG...
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6KG...
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Landscapes of the future - how we're helping wetlands withstand the climate crisis | RSPB
YouTube video by RSPB
www.youtube.com
July 24, 2025 at 7:13 PM
RSPB Vange Marshes, RSPB Bowers Marsh and RSPB Wallasea Island featured in this video >>>
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6KG...
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6KG...
#essexbirding
Today is International Dawn Chorus Day.
I set my alarm for stupid o’clock and left home at 4 a.m. for a walk around my St. Nicholas Church local patch site.
13 species recorded, most notably the usual male Lesser Whitethroat plus at least 8 singing males of both Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
I set my alarm for stupid o’clock and left home at 4 a.m. for a walk around my St. Nicholas Church local patch site.
13 species recorded, most notably the usual male Lesser Whitethroat plus at least 8 singing males of both Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
May 4, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Today is International Dawn Chorus Day.
I set my alarm for stupid o’clock and left home at 4 a.m. for a walk around my St. Nicholas Church local patch site.
13 species recorded, most notably the usual male Lesser Whitethroat plus at least 8 singing males of both Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
I set my alarm for stupid o’clock and left home at 4 a.m. for a walk around my St. Nicholas Church local patch site.
13 species recorded, most notably the usual male Lesser Whitethroat plus at least 8 singing males of both Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
My first 5 Swifts of the year "screaming" past Basildon railway station at 12:00 whilst waiting for my delayed train. I wouldn't have seen them if the train had been on time. Thank you c2c!
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
May 3, 2025 at 1:20 PM
My first 5 Swifts of the year "screaming" past Basildon railway station at 12:00 whilst waiting for my delayed train. I wouldn't have seen them if the train had been on time. Thank you c2c!
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch yesterday. Lesser Whitethroat, 5 each of Chiffchaff/Blackcap, Green and G/S Woodpecker plus first Wall, Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood of the year at the site.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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May 1, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch yesterday. Lesser Whitethroat, 5 each of Chiffchaff/Blackcap, Green and G/S Woodpecker plus first Wall, Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood of the year at the site.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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www.edp24.co.uk/news/2511306... …. 40+ year old Oystercatchers!
This further demonstrates the value of ringing (such as that undertaken regularly by x.com/SouthEssexRG) and projects such as Nightingale tracking supported and sponsored by @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
#essexbirding
This further demonstrates the value of ringing (such as that undertaken regularly by x.com/SouthEssexRG) and projects such as Nightingale tracking supported and sponsored by @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
#essexbirding
Record breaking bird found in Norfolk
One of the oldest Oystercatcher bird recorded in the UK was found in Norfolk earlier this year.
www.edp24.co.uk
April 29, 2025 at 1:22 PM
www.edp24.co.uk/news/2511306... …. 40+ year old Oystercatchers!
This further demonstrates the value of ringing (such as that undertaken regularly by x.com/SouthEssexRG) and projects such as Nightingale tracking supported and sponsored by @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
#essexbirding
This further demonstrates the value of ringing (such as that undertaken regularly by x.com/SouthEssexRG) and projects such as Nightingale tracking supported and sponsored by @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
#essexbirding
…. 5 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Egret, 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Green Woodpecker plus loads of common residents 2/2
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/trip...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/trip...
April 23, 2025 at 6:55 PM
…. 5 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Egret, 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Green Woodpecker plus loads of common residents 2/2
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/trip...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/trip...
Superb spring/summer migrant festival at RSPB Canvey Wick yesterday: 1 Cuckoo, 11 Nightingale, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Common Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Swallow plus >>> 1/2
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#essexbirding
April 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Superb spring/summer migrant festival at RSPB Canvey Wick yesterday: 1 Cuckoo, 11 Nightingale, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Common Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Swallow plus >>> 1/2
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
Very quiet visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning but singing male Lesser Whitethroat again seen after first record on BCBW Sunday plus 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Green and “drumming” G/S Woodpecker.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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April 20, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Very quiet visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning but singing male Lesser Whitethroat again seen after first record on BCBW Sunday plus 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Green and “drumming” G/S Woodpecker.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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Butterfly season has also arrived at Noak Bridge NR …. 2 each of Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White
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April 19, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Butterfly season has also arrived at Noak Bridge NR …. 2 each of Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch yesterday. 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 1 each G/S and Green Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove, Moorhen pair plus 4 juveniles
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
#essexbirding 1/2
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April 19, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch yesterday. 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 1 each G/S and Green Woodpecker, 1 Stock Dove, Moorhen pair plus 4 juveniles
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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Even a short walk to Asda has its birding opportunities 😊
My first Garden Warbler of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it but the much more rapid and continuous song compared to Blackcap was diagnostic …. and Merlin agreed 😊
#essexbirding
My first Garden Warbler of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it but the much more rapid and continuous song compared to Blackcap was diagnostic …. and Merlin agreed 😊
#essexbirding
April 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Even a short walk to Asda has its birding opportunities 😊
My first Garden Warbler of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it but the much more rapid and continuous song compared to Blackcap was diagnostic …. and Merlin agreed 😊
#essexbirding
My first Garden Warbler of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it but the much more rapid and continuous song compared to Blackcap was diagnostic …. and Merlin agreed 😊
#essexbirding
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/...
At least in Essex we have a lot of knowledgeable and experienced birders 😊 …. unless someone wants to quietly share that they have “penguin” on their Essex list 🤣🤣
#essexbirding
At least in Essex we have a lot of knowledgeable and experienced birders 😊 …. unless someone wants to quietly share that they have “penguin” on their Essex list 🤣🤣
#essexbirding
Coastguard called after ‘penguin’ spotted on Yorkshire beach
A coastguard team leapt in to action after reports from concerned members of the public that a 'penguin' had turned up on a beach in Yorkshire.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
April 19, 2025 at 10:27 AM
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/...
At least in Essex we have a lot of knowledgeable and experienced birders 😊 …. unless someone wants to quietly share that they have “penguin” on their Essex list 🤣🤣
#essexbirding
At least in Essex we have a lot of knowledgeable and experienced birders 😊 …. unless someone wants to quietly share that they have “penguin” on their Essex list 🤣🤣
#essexbirding
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning. 4 singing male Blackcaps, 11 singing male Chiffchaffs, 2 G/S and 3 Green Woodpeckers, unidentified silent pipit species flying high over and 1 Reeves’ Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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April 3, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning. 4 singing male Blackcaps, 11 singing male Chiffchaffs, 2 G/S and 3 Green Woodpeckers, unidentified silent pipit species flying high over and 1 Reeves’ Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/04/visi...
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Just when we thought that Turtle Doves were beginning to recover, including in Essex, we have this >>>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
😠🤬😠🤬 .... FFS!!! .... GIVE NATURE A CHANCE!
#essexbirding
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
😠🤬😠🤬 .... FFS!!! .... GIVE NATURE A CHANCE!
#essexbirding
Turtle doves to be shot for sport again across Europe as EU lifts hunting ban
Ban in place since 2021 has increased numbers of globally vulnerable pigeon species that is close to extinction in UK
www.theguardian.com
April 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Just when we thought that Turtle Doves were beginning to recover, including in Essex, we have this >>>
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
😠🤬😠🤬 .... FFS!!! .... GIVE NATURE A CHANCE!
#essexbirding
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
😠🤬😠🤬 .... FFS!!! .... GIVE NATURE A CHANCE!
#essexbirding
Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch this morning. First Stock and Collared Doves at the site for the year plus 8 singing male Chiffchaffs, 4 singing male Blackcaps and a female, 1 Moorhen, 2 Mallards.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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March 31, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch this morning. First Stock and Collared Doves at the site for the year plus 8 singing male Chiffchaffs, 4 singing male Blackcaps and a female, 1 Moorhen, 2 Mallards.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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After returning home from my St. Nicholas Church local patch visit yesterday, I then had 3 Common Buzzards soaring and "mewing" in the sunshine but sadly no photos from my window this time.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/reco...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/reco...
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Record from my flat - Common Buzzards
A blog to provide records of wildlife sightings and photographs from sites in the SS15 postcode area of Basildon in Essex.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com
March 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
After returning home from my St. Nicholas Church local patch visit yesterday, I then had 3 Common Buzzards soaring and "mewing" in the sunshine but sadly no photos from my window this time.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/reco...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/reco...
#essexbirding
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch yesterday morning. First Blackcaps (2) at the site for the year, 9 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 2 G/S and 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Red Fox, 1 Reeves’ Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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March 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch yesterday morning. First Blackcaps (2) at the site for the year, 9 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 2 G/S and 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Red Fox, 1 Reeves’ Muntjac
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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Back to Benfleet/Hadleigh Downs today for Adders. Success this time 😃 Spring warblers 😃…. Blackcap (5 singing males) and Chiffchaff (at least 15 singing males). Also Sparrowhawk and at least 3 each of Brimstone, Comma and Peacock.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
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March 27, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Back to Benfleet/Hadleigh Downs today for Adders. Success this time 😃 Spring warblers 😃…. Blackcap (5 singing males) and Chiffchaff (at least 15 singing males). Also Sparrowhawk and at least 3 each of Brimstone, Comma and Peacock.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
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I think it is actually spring despite the c.40 Redwings seen today! (2/2)
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March 26, 2025 at 5:44 PM
I think it is actually spring despite the c.40 Redwings seen today! (2/2)
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning. Spring is here (9 singing male Chiffchaffs) but winter hangs on (c.40 Redwings)! Also 1 Mallard, 3 Green and 3 G/S Woodpeckers, loads of bird song and 1 Muntjac.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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March 26, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Visit to my St. Nicholas Church local patch this morning. Spring is here (9 singing male Chiffchaffs) but winter hangs on (c.40 Redwings)! Also 1 Mallard, 3 Green and 3 G/S Woodpeckers, loads of bird song and 1 Muntjac.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch this morning. First Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Starling for the site in 2025 plus 2 singing Chiffchaffs, 3 Moorhens and 2 Mallards.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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March 21, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Visit to my Noak Bridge NR local patch this morning. First Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Starling for the site in 2025 plus 2 singing Chiffchaffs, 3 Moorhens and 2 Mallards.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/visi...
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Visit to Benfleet/Hadleigh Downs yesterday for Adder photography. No Adders 😞but 3 Common Buzzards soaring on thermals, 10 singing Chiffchaffs, 3 G/S Woodpecker plus 5 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 2 Red Admiral and 1 Bee-fly.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
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ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
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March 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Visit to Benfleet/Hadleigh Downs yesterday for Adder photography. No Adders 😞but 3 Common Buzzards soaring on thermals, 10 singing Chiffchaffs, 3 G/S Woodpecker plus 5 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 2 Red Admiral and 1 Bee-fly.
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
#essexbirding
ss15wildlifewatching.blogspot.com/2025/03/trip...
#essexbirding