Early December 2019

December 7th. An adult Black Brant type was with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 696 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the New Saltmarsh in the morning. Birds around included 870 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Shelduck, 44 Shoveler, 27 Gadwall, 4 Pintail (Jacksons Marsh), 78 Teal, 2 Pochard (Tennyson's Sands), 20 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 17 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Egret, 2 Woodcock, 4 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (from the Visitors Centre Car Park at dusk), a Kingfisher, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 55 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 36 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), 9 Meadow Pipit, a Brambling (Plantation), a Bullfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting (Visitors Centre Car Park). On Croftmarsh were 214 Wigeon, 190 Lapwing, 60 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Redshank, 10 Stock Dove, a juvenile Peregrine and 45 Starling. Heading south over the sea were 81 Red-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.
 A morning ringinmg session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: 4 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, a Robin and a Great Tit.

December 6th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Long-tailed Duck came from the north and alighted on the sea out from Mill Hill in the morning. Heading south over the sea were 2 Shelduck, an Eider, 11 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, a Diver Sp, 5 Great Crested Grebe and an Auk Sp; and in from the sea came a Snipe. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, 21 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, a Water Rail and a Kingfisher; and on Croftmarsh 394 Wigeon, 49 Curlew, 47 Redshank, 26 Stock Dove and 30 Starling. Birds around included 425 Brent Goose, 1151 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 53 Shoveler, 50 Gadwall, 2 Pochard (Tennyson's Sands), an Eider, 51 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 165 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 9 Goldcrest, 41 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 25 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh) and 11 Greenfinch.

Blackbird, 6th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 5th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 A Woodlark was heard calling at dawn over the fields to the west of the River Steeping and a Lapland Bunting was out from Wash Viewpoint shortly afterwards. Birds around included 300 Brent Goose, 901 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 31 Shoveler, 72 Gadwall, 184 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Pochard, 39 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 44 Blackbird, 63 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 West Dunes), a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre Car Park). On Croftmarsh were a Buzzard, 90 Lapwing, 80 Golden Plover, 46 Curlew, a Ruff, a Snipe, 8 Redshank, 5 Stock Dove and 40 Starling.

Stonechat, 5th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 4th. Around were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Old Saltmarsh), 430 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Mute Swan, 8 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 20 Turnstone, 7 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 41 Blackbird, 132 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Stonechat (2 Freshwater Marsh and 2 Wash Viewpoint), a Water Pipit (over West Dunes), 3 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 28 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Whooper Swan; on Jackson's Marsh 7 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 84 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 59 Teal and 14 Tufted Duck; and on Croftmarsh 9 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Lapwing, 100 Golden Plover, 45 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Redshank, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove and 50 Starling. Flying south-west were 35 Skylark; and west 15 Redwing.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 3 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Blackbird.

Pintail, 4th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 3rd. 
 A Lapland Bunting was around Wash Viewpoint in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, 2 Water Rail and a Water Pipit. Birds around included 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint and briefly on Tennyson's Sands), 650 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 63 Gadwall, 66 Wigeon, 2 more Pintail, 69 Teal, 3 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), a Buzzard, 120 Lapwing, 80 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 10 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 38 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 4 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch and 20 Siskin. Heading south were 13 Whooper Swan, 4 Skylark, 76 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and 6 Siskin.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, juvenile, with Dark-bellied Brent, 3rd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Roe Deer and Merlin, 3rd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 2nd. Frozen start.
 Around were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint), 470 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1231 Pink-footed Goose, the 2 Tundra Bean Goose (Croftmarsh mid morning), 2 Mute Swan, 16 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 193 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 4 Estuary), 197 Teal, 53 Tufted Duck, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 120 Lapwing, 300 Golden Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 34 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (from Visitor Centre Car Park at dusk), a Kingfisher (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 55 Starling, 67 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 26 Robin, a Black Redstart (around Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 Stonechat (around Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Croftmarsh), 2 Bullfinch, 13 Greenfinch, 4 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and 5 Lapland Bunting (from Wash Viewpoint). A Whooper Swan came in from the sea.

Black Redstart, 2nd December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Tundra Bean Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 2nd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 1st. Frosty start.
 The 2 Tundra Bean Goose remained in the area, seen on fields west of the River Steeping and briefly on Tennyson's Sands in the morning. Birds around included 90 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 216 Wigeon, a Pintail, 291 Teal, 3 Pochard, 53 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, a Velvet Scoter (with the Common Scoter flock off Greenshanks Creek), 62 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 136 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, 73 Curlew, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe (off Freshwater Marsh), 7 Snipe, 7 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 59 Starling, 31 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 27 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Croftmarsh and 2 Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit (off Croftmarsh), 3 Brambling, 16 Greenfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 5 Siskin and 2 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park). Heading north were a Fulmar and 7 Auk Sp; and south 260 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye, a Ruff, an Auk Sp and 2 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with James Siddle, provided 15 new birds: a Robin, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 16 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch and a Wren.

Tundra Bean Geese, 1st December 2019

Video - Stuart Ainsworth

Common Scoter, 1st December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Sparrowhawk, 1st December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Late November 2019

November 30th. Frozen start.

 On the sea were a Pochard, 80 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 86 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Shag and 350 Cormorant. Heading south were 310 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan, 5 Red-throated Diver and 490 Herring Gull; and north 16 Wigeon, a Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp. Birds around included 110 Brent Goose, 1940 Pink-footed Goose, 61 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 79 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 611 Teal, 3 Pochard, 60 Tufted Duck, 10 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (North End), a Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 90 Lapwing, 25 Golden Plover, 2 Turnstone, a Purple Sandpiper (Greenshanks Creek), 3 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 22 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Goldcrest, 55 Starling, 38 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Stonechat (2 Croftmarsh and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 2 Water Pipit (1 Croftmarsh and 1 Freshwater Marsh), 2 Bullfinch, 2 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Frozen start, 30th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 29th. 2 Tundra Bean Goose were discovered on farmland adjacent to Croftmarsh mid afternoon, viewed from Tennyson's Sands. A Hooded Crow was at Greenshanks Creek in the afternoon and 5 Waxwing were briefly in the Beach Car Park late in the day prior to flying south. Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Brent Goose, 1350 Pink-footed Goose, a Mute Swan, 45 Shoveler, 33 Gadwall, 317 Wigeon, 86 Tufted Duck, 98 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye (on the sea), 7 Red-throated Diver, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Turnstone, 3 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 30 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, a Bullfinch, a Redpoll sp, 21 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin, a Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park), a Lapland Bunting (over the Hump early morning) and 7 Snow Bunting (north along the beach). On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail and a Water Pipit; on Tennyson's Sands 2 Pochard, 7 Water Rail and a Jack Snipe; and on Croftmarsh 130 Lapwing, 38 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Starling and 2 Stonechat. Flying north were a Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 14 new birds: 9 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Tundra Bean Geese, discovered amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock, 29th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Hooded Crow and Carrion Crow, 29th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Waxwing, 29th November 2019.

Stonechat, 29th November 2019.

Little Egret, 29th November 2019.

November 28th. Northerly wind and rain for most of day.

 Heading north were 41 Brent Goose, 13 Wigeon, an Eider, 16 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver and a Guillemot; and south 18 Whooper Swan, 11 Wigeon, 3 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 72 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake. Birds around included 39 Brent Goose, 820 Pink-footed Goose, 29 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 231 Wigeon, a Pintail (Croftmarsh), 202 Teal, 82 Tufted Duck, 40 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Egret, 5 Gannet, 437 Cormorant, 90 Lapwing, 1500 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 41 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Water Pipit (off Tennyson's Sands), a Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, a Siskin and 2 Lapland Bunting (north over the Old Saltmarsh).   

November 27th. Rain for most of day.

 Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shoveler, 46 Gadwall, 213 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 124 Teal, 81 Tufted Duck, 14 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), 230 Lapwing, 160 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 55 Starling, 40 Blackbird, 116 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, a Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), a Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.

November 26th. Around, including birds trapped, were 200 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Shelduck, 12 Shoverler, 45 Gadwall, 6 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 4 on the Estuary), 2 Pochard, 32 Tufted Duck, 67 Eider (on the Estuary), 19 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), a Buzzard, 1900 Oystercatcher, 160 Lapwing, 270 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 3 Woodcock, 17 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Coal Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 8 Goldcrest, 35 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 33 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 27 Robin, a Stonechat (around Visitor Centre), a Water Pipit (Freshwater Marsh), a Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, a Redpoll Sp, 2 Siskin, 3 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park early morning) and a Yellowhammer.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 2 new Goldfinch; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Treecreeper, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Treecreeper, retrapped 26th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint late afternoon), 280 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2893 Pink-footed Goose, 3 White-fronted Goose (from Wash Viewpoint late afternoon), 79 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 406 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (3 Jackson's Marsh and 2 Millennium Ridge), 115 Teal, 2 Pochard, 52 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (Wash Viewpoint in the morning and presumably the same south over East Dunes midday), a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 140 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull (into Wash roost), 26 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher (Jackson's Marsh), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 40 Starling, 45 Blackbird, 73 Fieldfare, 55 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 31 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Storm Ridge), 18 Tree Sparrow (to the north of the reserve), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch and 2 Siskin. Moving south were 7 Eider, 22 Common Scoter and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Wren, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Hen Harrier, 25th November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

November 24th. Soggy start.

 A late Pallas's Warbler was discovered by the Plantation feeding station in the morning, then frequented the east side of the Plantation throughout the rest of the day. Around, including birds trapped, were 274 Brent Goose, 2600 Pink-footed Goose, 5 White-fronted Goose (Croftmarsh), 62 Shelduck, 46 Shoveler, 54 Gadwall, 314 Wigeon, 3 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Pochard, 67 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 71 Common Scoter, 8 Little Egret, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 358 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 92 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe (at the north end), 8 Snipe, 20 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest (1 Plantation and 1 East Dunes), 16 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 80 Starling, 114 Blackbird, 26 Fieldfare, 147 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 47 Robin, a Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), 60 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 22 Greenfinch, a Redpoll sp, 8 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park). Heading south were 68 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, 113 Lapwing, 137 Golden Plover, 6 Skylark, 2 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 2 Alba Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 32 Goldfinch and 16 Siskin; and west 2 Fieldfare and 21 Redwing.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 8 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Reed Bunting and 2 Greenfinch; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit.

Pallas's Warbler, 24th November 2019
Stuart Ainsworth

Pallas's Warbler, 24th November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

November 23rd. Rain until early afternoon, then in late afternoon.

 The Hawfinch remained in the Plantation. On Croftmarsh were 110 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 5 Stock Dove and a Nordic Jackdaw. Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shoveler, 62 Gadwall, 318 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 1 Croftmarsh), 121 Teal, 2 Pochard (Mere), 53 Tufted Duck, 83 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 12 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 147 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 38 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 53 Robin, 3 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and Greenshanks Creek), 3 Water Pipit (2 Freshwater Marsh and 1 Jackson's Marsh), 2 Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, a Siskin and a Snow Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Fieldfare, 23rd November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 22nd. Soggy start.

 4 White-fronted Goose appeared on Croftmarsh in the afternoon, where there was also a Water Pipit. A Waxwing was at North Building in the morning and the Hawfinch was heard in the Plantation late afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were 344 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 62 Shelduck, 31 Shoveler, 59 Gadwall, 416 Wigeon, 3 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 339 Teal, 3 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 4 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 87 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 56 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 11 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre, 2 Croftmarsh, 2 Freshwater Marsh and 5 at the North End), 7 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, a Siskin and a Snow Bunting (Millennium Ridge). Flying south were 157 Lapwing, a Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 6 new birds: a Great Tit and 5 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Redwing, 22nd November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

November 21st. Moderately strong south-easterly wind.
 18 White-fronted Goose were on Croftmarsh in the morning where they were joined by a further 2 birds that arrived from the north with 76 Pink-footed Goose, later relocating to Jackson's Marsh Meadow prior to flying west late afternoon. The Hawfinch remained in the Plantation, seen at the Yacht Club in the morning and at the Feeding Station mid-day. Birds around, including those trapped, were 330 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Shelduck, 16 Shoveler, 94 Gadwall, 183 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (2 Estuary and 3 Jackson's Marsh), 162 Teal, a Pochard, 93 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 120 Lapwing, 29 Golden Plover, 7 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 11 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 55 Blackbird, 19 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 36 Robin, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 2 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch and 8 Siskin. Offshore were an Eider, 73 Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Mike Polling, provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Song Thrush; and 24 retraps: a Wren, 7 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 5 Great Tit, 3 Robin and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

Hawfinch, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Hawfinch, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019.

Photos - Jim Shaw

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Mid November 2019

November 20th. Presumably the same Hawfinch was again seen at the Platation feeding station in the morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 200 Brent Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, 37 Shoveler, 54 Gadwall, 193 Teal, a Pochard, 79 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (from Wash Viewpoint early morning), 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 140 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Spotted Redshank (over Jackson's Marsh), 22 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 34 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 33 Robin, 8 Stonechat (4 Mill Pond Road, 2 Croftmarsh and 2 Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Croftmarsh), 2 Bullfinch, 5 Greenfinch and 10 Siskin. Heading south were a Snipe, 94 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting. 

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 8 new birds: 6 Goldfinch, a Robin and a Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Dunnock, a Great Tit, 2 Robin, a Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

November 19th. Frozen start.

 Around were 180 Brent Goose, 2900 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 262 Wigeon, a Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 314 Teal, a Pochard, 65 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 9 Little Egret, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 190 Lapwing, 110 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Spotted Redshank (over Croftmarsh), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Waxwing (Seacroft Ridges then Seacroft Esplanade), 34 Skylark, a Cetti's Warbler (Mill Pond Road), 3 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, a Firecrest (Roadside Pond), 13 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 81 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 17 Song Thrush, 71 Robin, 6 Stonechat (2 Freshwater Marsh, 2 Reserve north boundary and 2 Golf Course edge), 3 House Sparrow, 7 Meadow Pipit, 2 Water Pipit (Croftmarsh), 16 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, a presumed Northern Bullfinch (Plantation), 11 Greenfinch, 36 Linnet, 3 Twite (Dune Ridges north), a Redpoll, 14 Siskin, 25 Corn Bunting (gathering pre-roost around Visitor Centre), 2 Lapland Bunting (Greenshanks Ridge) and 2 Snow Bunting (Dune Ridges north). Heading south were 15 Siskin and 2 more Lapland Bunting.

Stonechat pair, 19th November 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Stonechat, 19th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Frozen start, West Dunes, pre-sunrise, 19th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 18th. The Hawfinch was still in the Plantation until, sadly, it appeared to taken by a Sparrowhawk. Going north were a Brent Goose, 119 Wigeon, a Pintail, 4 Pochard, 2 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 144 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Diver sp, a Great Crested Grebe, 51 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, a Grey Phalarope, 6 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, a Great Skua and 17 Auk sp; and south a Brent Goose, 25 Whooper Swan, a Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 7 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 35 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 3 Gannet, a Mediterranean Gull, a Pomarine Skua, a Puffin, 5 Auk sp and a Bullfinch. In from the sea came a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin and 4 Siskin. On the Mere were a Pochard, 86 Tufted Duck and a Scaup. Birds around, including those trapped, were 400 Brent Goose, 2800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 50 Shelduck, 68 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 30 Teal, an Eider, 120 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (around the Wash View Point and then seen heading north up East Dunes), a Shag (Greenshanks Creek over high tide), 500 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 50 Lapwing, 150 Curlew, 19 Turnstone, 4 Woodcock, a Snipe, 7 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 4 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, a Waxwing (heard over Plantation), a Cetti's Warbler (Mill Pond Road), a Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, 38 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 14 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting (Greenshanks Creek and Millennium Ridge).

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 17 new birds: a Goldcrest, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Goldfinch and 4 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit and a Long-tailed Tit.

Hawfinch, 18th November 2019
Photo - Vaughn Seabridge

Hawfinch, 18th November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Hawfinch, 18th November 2019.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Great Skua, 18th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Great White Egret, 18th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 17th. The Hawfinch stayed faithful to the Plantation and a Waxwing remained along Gibraltar Road at the north end of the reserve whilst another flew south over the Plantation. Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Brent Goose, 2925 Pink-footed Goose, 41 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 145 Wigeon, 373 Teal, 93 Tufted Duck, a Scaup (on the Mere), 6 Little Egret, 3 Water Rail, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Spotted Redshank (Croftmarsh), a Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Cetti's Warbler (near Fenland Lagoon), a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 1200 Starling, 48 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Water Pipit (off Fenland Lagoon), 2 Brambling (Plantation feeders), 4 Bullfinch, 13 Greenfinch, 16 Siskin and 3 Corn Bunting (Visitors Centre car park). Heading south were 2 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 5 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Greenfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 3 Great Tit, a Wren, a Goldfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Scaup, first calendar year male, 17th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward 

November 16th.  The Hawfinch was relocated around the Sykes Farm Track entrance and Plantation. 2 Waxwing were discovered along Gibraltar Road at the very north of the reserve. Birds around, including those trapped, were 400 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Shelduck, 104 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 191 Teal, 83 Tufted Duck, a Velvet Scoter, 5 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 170 Lapwing, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 18000 Knot, 2 Woodcock, a Snipe, a Spotted Redshank (over Sykes Farm), 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 71 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 46 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat (around the Visitor Centre), a Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, a Redpoll, 32 Siskin and a Snow Bunting (Millennium Ridge). Flying south were 51 Whooper Swan, 300 Lapwing, a Waxwing and 16 Siskin; and north 3 Goosander and 13 Gannet.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 18 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 16 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, a Blackbird, 2 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Long-tailed Tit.

Hawfinch, 16th November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Waxwing, 16th November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Hawfinch, 16th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Waxwing, 16th November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

Goldfinch with orange or gold, instead of red, on head, ringed 16th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing Control:
Blackcap ringed GPBO 22 September 2019, controlled Hanstholm, Denmark 4 October 2019.

November 15th. Increasing north-easterly wind.
 Going north were 5 Brent Goose, 157 Wigeon, a Mallard, 54 Teal, 51 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 98 Common Scoter, 3 Long-tailed Duck, a Great Northern Diver, 20 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 58 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull, a Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 4 Little Auk, 6 Guillemot, 33 Auk sp and a Lapland Bunting; and south 11 Brent Goose, 380 Pink-footed Goose, 131 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 91 Teal, 31 Eider, 24 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, a Goosander, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 15 Gannet, a Buzzard, 30 Kittiwake, 5 Pomarine Skua, an Arctic Skua, 2 Skua sp, a Little Auk, 6 Auk sp. Around, including birds trapped, were 222 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 167 Shelduck, 5 Mute Swan, 48 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 343 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 406 Teal, 68 Tufted Duck, 30 Common Scoter, 16 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Little Egret, 432 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 2440 Oystercatcher, 180 Lapwing, 1960 Grey Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 1270 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Turnstone, a Purple Sandpiper (Greenshanks Creek), 19800 Knot, 540 Sanderling, 4340 Dunlin, 3 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 51 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank (in high tide roost at the south end), 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler (Mill Pond Road), 2 Blackcap, a Firecrest, 12 Goldcrest, 63 Blackbird, 13 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, a Bullfinch, a Hawfinch (briefly by Beach Car Park), 6 Siskin and 13 Snow Bunting (12 Greenshanks Creek and 1 by the Shorebird Warden's Hut).
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Blue Tit and 6 Long-tailed Tit.

November 14th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind with rain from mid morning morning until late afternoon and restricted observer coverage.
 Heading north were 4 Wigeon, 21 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, a Kittiwake, 2 Little Auk, a Guillemot and 9 Auk sp; and south a Great Crested Grebe and a Great Skua. An interesting Yellow Wagtail type was heard but not seen after the rain cleared. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Mute Swan, 29 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 183 Wigeon, a Pintail, 152 Teal, 69 Tufted Duck, 21 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Little Egret, 489 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, 2 male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), 2 Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 2 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 5000 Black-headed Gull, 800 Common Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler (Jackson's Marsh hedge), a Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 67 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Water Pipit (over to Croftmarsh), a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin, a Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and a Yellowhammer. On Croftmarsh were 130 Lapwing, 36 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Redshank.

Bullfinch, 14th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 13th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was south of the Wash Viewpoint mid morning before drifting west inland. An Egyptian Goose flew north-west off the Wash at dawn and was later on Croftmarsh. Around, including birds trapped, were 500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Black Brant or hybrid (from Wash Viewpoint), 1900 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Mute Swan, 31 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 294 Wigeon, 146 Teal, a Pochard, 87 Tufted Duck, 30 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 208 Cormorant, 18 Little Egret, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 200 Lapwing, 2 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 4 Snipe, 3 Stock Dove, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warbler (Jackson's Marsh hedge and the Mere), 2 Blackcap, 20 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 30000 Starling, 95 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 69 Robin, 4 Stonechat (two around Wash Viewpoint and two around Square Pond), 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Water Pipit (Freshwater Marsh and Jackson's Marsh), 3 Brambling, 3 Bullfinch, 24 Siskin, 8 Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park), a Yellowhammer and a Lapland Bunting (over Old Spit). On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, 22 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Bearded Tit. Heading south were 17 Whooper Swan, 3 Collared Dove, 34 Skylark, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 17 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 4 Linnet, a Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch and 66 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 2 Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Robin, 3 Goldcrest and a Wren.

Barn Owl, 13th November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

Egyptian Goose, 13th November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

Stonechat, 13th November 2019.

Photo - Rob Watson

Spotted Redshank and Redshank, 13th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 12th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with late morning rain.

 Going south were 12 Brent Goose, 34 Whooper Swan, 64 Wigeon, 57 Teal, a male Scaup, 12 Common Scoter, 3 Goosander, a Red-throated Diver, a Shag, 6 Gannet, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Puffin, an Alba Wagtail and 39 Siskin; and north 27 Gannet. In off the sea came a Woodcock. Birds around included 350 Brent Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 256 Wigeon, 323 Teal, 87 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 71 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 23 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 140 Lapwing, 80 Curlew, 9 Turnstone, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Chiffchaff, 23 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 8500 Starling, 72 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, a Tree Sparrow, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 44 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting (calling out from Mill Hill in the afternoon). On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere were 2 Pochard and a Water Pipit.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 17 new birds: a Robin, 2 Song Thrush and 14 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Wren.

Marsh Harrier, south over the sea with prey, 13th November 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Meadow Pipit, 12th November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound 

Woodcock, arriving from over the sea, 12th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 11th. Rain until late morning.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Black Brant or hybrid (from Wash Viewpoint), 900 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Whooper Swan, 44 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 376 Wigeon, 168 Teal, 77 Tufted Duck, 10 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (from Wash Viewpoint), a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Chiffchaff, 25 Goldcrest, 38 Blackbird, a Brambling, 4 Greenfinch, a Redpoll and 8 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Bearded Tit; on Croftmarsh 170 Lapwing, a Golden Plover, 37 Curlew, 7 Snipe and 20 Stock Dove; on Jackson's Marsh a Water Pipit; and on the Mere a Cetti's Warbler.
 A rain-delayed ringing session in East Dunes yielded 7 retraps: 2 Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Great Tit.

Magpie, 11th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Early November 2019

November 10th. Early morning brief light rain.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 180 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Black Brant or hybrid, 1900 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Shelduck, 189 Wigeon, a male Scaup (on the sea), an Eider, 68 Common Scoter, 8 Grey Partridge, 22 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 90 Lapwing, 7 Turnstone, 5 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Coal Tit, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 36 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 3000 Starling, 90 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 53 Robin, a Black Redstart (around the Visitor Centre), 3 Stonechat, 3 Brambling, 7 Bullfinch, a Twite, 51 Siskin, 11 Corn Bunting (gathering pre-roost in Visitor Centre Car Park) and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Bearded Tit. Going north were 41 Little Gull and a Little Auk; and south were 160 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Whooper Swan, 27 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting and 3 Snow Bunting.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 20 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Bullfinch, a Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and 13 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 5 Blackbird, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Robin.

Bullfinch, ringed 10th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 9th. Frosty start.
 A Pallas's Warbler was in the Plantation near Sykes Farm during the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 180 Brent Goose, 1800 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Whooper Swan, 4 Mute Swan, 37 Shoveler, 208 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 94 Teal, a Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck, 22 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (from Wash Viewpoint), 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 140 Lapwing, 320 Golden Plover, 132 Curlew, 3 Woodcock, 6 Snipe, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Long-eared Owl (near North Building), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest (East Dunes), 21 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 9000 Starling, 131 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 18 Song Thrush, 64 Robin, 4 Stonechat, 7 Tree Sparrow, 7 Brambling, 3 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 75 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail, a Kingfisher and a Nordic Jackdaw; and on Tennyson's Sands a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were a Sparrowhawk, 3 Brambling and 32 Siskin; and southwest 160 Skylark.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 16 new birds: a Blackcap, a Robin, a Redwing, 10 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: a Wren, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin and 2 Goldcrest.

Pallas's Warbler, 9th November 2019.

Photo - James Siddle

Sparrowhawk, ringed 9th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing Controls:
5 Long-tailed Tits ringed GPBO 29 May 2019 (4) and 8 August 2019 (1), all controlled Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire 12 October 2019.

November 8th. Rain until early morning.
 An Olive-backed Pipit flew south from the Plantation in the morning and the Rough-legged Buzzard was out from the Wash Viewpoint. A vocal Raven flew north-west and was heard later in the morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 90 Brent Goose, 3307 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 18 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (from Wash Viewpoint), 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 6 Woodcock, 8 Snipe, an adult Pomarine Skua (out from Wash Viewpoint in the morning), 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Coal Tit, a Swallow, 11 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (West Dunes Sycamores), 3 Blackcap, a Firecrest (East Dunes), 18 Goldcrest, 183 Blackbird, 56 Fieldfare, 130 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart (Visitors Centre Car Park), 3 Bullfinch, a Twite, 9 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. On Croftmarsh were 26 Shoveler, 215 Wigeon and a Water Pipit; and on the Mere 57 Tufted Duck. Flying south were 13 Whooper Swan; and north 2 Little Auk.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 44 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush and 23 Blackbird; and 13 retraps: 4 Great Tit, a Wren, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Coal Tit and a Greenfinch.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 8th November 2019

Video - Stuart Ainsworth

Black Redstart, 8th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 7th. Rain until early afternoon, then at dusk.
 The third Pallas's Warbler of the autumn was discovered along the Cycle Track moving south with Goldcrest mid-afternoon. A Crossbill appeared to arrive from the sea and continued north-west, and a juvenile Iceland Gull came from inland and flew south-east towards the beach. A Rough-legged Buzzard was then discovered hunting out over the New Saltmarsh late in the day. Around, including birds trapped, were 90 Brent Goose, 1400 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 90 Lapwing, a Spotted Redshank (over Tennyson's Sands), 4 Woodcock, 9 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Sykes Farm Track), 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff (Sykes Farm Track and near Harvey's Hide), 2 Firecrest (East Dunes), 58 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 7000 Starling, 246 Blackbird, 52 Fieldfare, 214 Redwing, 47 Song Thrush, 94 Robin, 2 Stonechat, a Water Pipit (over Tennyson's Sands), 8 Brambling, 5 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch and 12 Siskin.
 An afternoon ringing session in East Dunes provided 22 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Redwing and 14 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird and a Robin.

Pallas's Warbler, 7th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Pallas's Warbler, 7th November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Firecrest, 7th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, 7th November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

November 6th. In off the sea came a Short-eared Owl, a Long-eared Owl and 2 Woodcock. Heading south were 49 Whooper Swan, a Buzzard, 2 Pomarine Skua, 2 Great Skua, 1820 Woodpigeon, 7 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 4 Meadow Pipit, 26 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 3 Twite, 22 Goldfinch, 4 Redpoll, 57 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting. Birds around, including those trapped, were 400 Brent Goose, 2860 Pink-footed Goose, 29 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 205 Teal, 54 Tufted Duck, 20 Common Scoter, an Eider, a Goldeneye, 15 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (New Saltmarsh), a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 139 Lapwing, a Purple Sandpiper (Greenshanks Creek), a Spotted Redshank (Tennyson's Sands), 6 Woodcock, 4 Snipe, a juvenile Pomarine Skua (blogging offshore mid-morning), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Rook, 4 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Plantation), 2 Blackcap, 23 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 18000 Starling, 135 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 32 Song Thrush, 7 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit (off Freshwater Marsh), 6 Tree Sparrow, 3 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 49 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 25 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Bullfinch, 2 Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare, 6 Blackbird and 3 Woodcock; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackbird, 2 Wren, a Robin and a Goldcrest.

Starling, excellent numbers on the reserve of late, 6th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Pomarine Skua, adult south offshore, 6th November 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Tree Sparrow, 6th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Woodcock, ringed 6th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Bullfinch, ringed 6th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 5th. Some early morning brief light rain.
 Heading south were 13 Brent Goose, 31 Shelduck, 147 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 45 Teal, 7 Eider, 2 Velvet Scoter, 214 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 9 Goldeneye, 6 Goosander, 21 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 121 Gannet, 474 Kittiwake, 4 Great Skua, 19 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 10 Auk sp, 2 Swallow and a Lapland Bunting; and north 26 Brent Goose, 2 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 3 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 9 Little Gull, 3 Arctic Skua, a Guillemot and 4 Auk sp. Around, including birds trapped, were 400 Brent Goose, 630 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Shoveler, a Gadwall, 84 Wigeon, 274 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 63 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck (drifting north offshore), 3 Red-throated Diver, 9 Little Egret, 2 Great White Egret (from the Wash Viewpoint), a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 160 Lapwing, 116 Curlew, 5 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation and Beach Car Park), 6 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sykes Farm track), 2 Blackcap, 16 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 24 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 52 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 6 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 19 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 9 Redwing, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Goldcrest.

November 4th. A Barred Warbler was discovered in the Plantation near the Yacht Club. Birds around, including those trapped, were 493 Brent Goose, 3530 Pink-footed Goose, 44 Shelduck, 25 Shoveler, 60 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 200 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup (offshore), 30 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Slavonian Grebe (drifting south offshore) a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 180 Lapwing, 15 Turnstone, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Orchard), 7 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sykes Farm track), a Blackcap, 32 Goldcrest, 23150 Starling, 18 Blackbird, 13 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat, 2 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 5 Redpoll, 31 Siskin and 2 Corn Bunting. Flying south were a Little Gull, a Great Skua, a Grey Wagtail, 15 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting; north 7 Eider and a Collared Dove; and north-west 82 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and 2 Fieldfare; and 3 retraps: a Wren, a Great Tit and a Goldcrest.

Barred Warbler, 4th November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Barred Warbler, 4th November 2019.

Barred Warbler, 4th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Fieldfare, ringed 4th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 3rd. Soggy start.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 1624 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Brent Goose, 3 Pintail, 10 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 90 Lapwing, a Spotted Redshank, a Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 4 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 137 Goldcrest, 6 Swallow, 2 Coal Tit, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation), 8 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sykes Farm track), 2 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 24000 Starling, 70 Blackbird, a Ring Ouzel, 6 Fieldfare, 26 Song Thrush, 29 Redwing, 62 Robin, a Stonechat, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Redpoll and 41 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh was a Marsh Harrier. Going south were 6 Whooper Swan, a Sparrowhawk, 28 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 869 Wood Pigeon, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 42 Skylark, 424 Starling, 28 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 18 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 54 Meadow Pipit, 17 Rock Pipit, 7 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 18 Redpoll, 26 Linnet, 137 Goldfinch, 216 Siskin, a Snow Bunting, 9 Lapland Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 18 Reed Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 50 new birds: 24 Goldcrest, 19 Long-tailed Tit, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Reed Bunting and 3 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, a Wren and a Goldcrest.

November 2nd. Increasing southerly wind, with rain from late morning.
 Birds around included 60 Brent Goose, 9 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 294 Teal, 57 Shoveler, 22 Tufted Duck, 5 Red-throated Diver, 12 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Spotted Redshank, 9 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Firecrest (beside the Sleeper Track), 36 Goldcrest, 2 Swallow, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (East Dunes), 4 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Plantation), a Treecreeper, 20 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, a Brambling, 3 Bullfinch, a Lesser Redpoll, 9 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. On Croftmarsh were 2 Avocet, 80 Lapwing, 38 Curlew, a Jack Snipe and 3 Stock Dove. A Waxwing was along Sykes Farm track then heading south. Also heading south were 103 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, a Goldeneye, 3 Great White Egret, a Buzzard, 54 Lapwing, 35 Golden Plover, 16 Skylark, 16 Auk sp,  a Swallow, 8 Fieldfare, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Brambling, 27 Chaffinch, 28 Goldfinch and 29 Siskin.

Great White Egret, 2nd November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Marsh Harrier, 2nd November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 1st. Rain until late morning.
 Presumably the same Pallas's Warbler was relocated in East Dunes. Around, including birds trapped, were 17 Gadwall, 652 Teal, 54 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 120 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kestrel, 2 Swallow, 31 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (around Sykes Farm in the morning), 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (East Dunes and Plantation), a Treecreeper, 15000 Starling, 12 Redwing and 2 Brambling. Flying south were 4 Swallow.
 A rain-delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 40 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Blackcap, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 11 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 7 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; 14 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Robin, 8 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit and a Goldfinch; and a control Goldfinch.

Pallas's Warbler, 1st November 2019.

Brambling, ringed 1st November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory