Mid December 2018

December 11th. Around were 3 Tundra Bean Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, a Shag, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Merlin and 2 Yellowhammer. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Going north was a Pomarine Skua; and south were 2 Great Northern Diver.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 4 new birds: a Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Coal Tit and a Dunnock.

Shag seen on Cowbank Drain, 11th December 2018
Photo - Kev Wilson

Early December 2018

December 10th. Around were 500 Pink-footed Goose and a Redwing. Heading south was a Water Pipit.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 3 new birds: 2 Goldfinch and a Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: singles of Blue Tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch and Great Tit.

December 9th. Moderately strong north-westerly wind, with rain until early morning. A Great White Egret was seen briefly, first on Jackson's Marsh and then Tennyson Sands before flying off.
 Birds around included 30 Whooper Swan, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 3 Redwing and a Blackcap, Offshore were 9 Velvet Scoter and 2 Great Northern Diver; and on the Mere 62 Gadwall. Flying south were 400 Lapwing.

December 8th. Strong south-westerly wind, with some rain in afternoon.
 Around were 400 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Fieldfare and 300 Lapwing. 2 Chiffchaff were in the plantation. Highlights from Mill Hill were 2 Great Northern Diver on the sea.

December 7th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, with rain until early afternoon.
 Birds around included 37 Whooper Swan, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Wigeon, and Eider, 200 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, a Grey Heron, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 8 Snipe, a Hooded Crow, a Merlin, 47 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 8 Rock Pipit and 2 Corn Bunting.

Snipe, 7th December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

December 6th. Around were 35 Whooper Swan, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 24 Brent Goose, 11 Velvet Scoter, 300 Common Scoter, 2 Hooded Crow and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 3 Blue Tit, 7 Great Tit and a Coal Tit.

Coal Tit, retrapped 6th December 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Tiny Toadstools on a Corsican Pine Cone, 6th December 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

December 5th. Rain for most of day.
 Birds around included 36 Whooper Swan, 1600 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, 2 Hen Harrier (a male and a ringtail), a Water Rail, 8 Snipe, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, a Water Pipit and 16 Corn Bunting.

December 4th. Freezing start, slowly thawing out.
 Around were 40 Whooper Swan, 1600 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Brent Goose, 100 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 900 Lapwing, a Woodcock, 5 Snipe, a Merlin, 47 Fieldfare, a Stonechat, a Yellowhammer and a Corn Bunting. Heading north were 11 Velvet Scoter; and south 8 Siskin.

Corn Bunting, 4th December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Robin, 4th December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Reed Bunting, 4th December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

December 3rd. Rain from mid morning.
 Birds around included 32 Whooper Swan, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, a White-fronted Goose, 65 Brent Goose, a Great Northern Diver, a Red-necked Grebe and 200 Lapwing. Flying south were a Bullfinch and a Lapland Bunting.
 A brief, rain-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in a new Goldfinch; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

December 2nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, with some light early morning rain.
 Around were 38 Whooper Swan, 2800 Pink-footed Goose, 160 Brent Goose, a Pintail, 11 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 800 Lapwing, a Woodcock, 12 Snipe, a late Sandwich Tern, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine Falcon, 3 Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, a Blackcap, a Treecreeper, 38 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, a Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, a Brambling and 11 Corn Bunting. Going south were 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Northern Diver.

Little Egret, 2nd December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

December 1st. Birds around included 46 Whooper Swan, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, a Great Crested Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Chiffchaff, 18 Redwing, 2 Rock Pipit and 2 Brambling.

Grey Heron, 1st December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Teal, 1st December 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Late November 2018

Ringing Recovery.
Black-headed Gull ringed GPBO 29 August 2008, ring number read in field GPNNR 27 November 2018.

November 30th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 185 Brent Goose, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Black-throated Diver (reported), a Great Northern Diver, a Shag, a Grey Heron, a Slavonian Grebe, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 200 Lapwing, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Hooded Crow, 11 Redwing, 3 Rock Pipit and 30 Corn Bunting. Flying north were 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 3 Guillemot; and south 48 Pink-footed Goose, 84 Wigeon, 3 Eider, a Long-tailed Duck, a Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, a Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe, 7 Guillemot, 2 late Sandwich Tern and 14 Snow Bunting.

Male Hen Harrier, 30th November 2018.

Red-throated Diver, 30th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 30th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Brambling, 30th November 2018.
Photo - Paul Johnson

November 29th. Strong southerly wind, with some early morning rain.
 Birds around included 18 Whooper Swan, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 250 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Woodcock, a Chiffchaff, 12 Redwing, a Rock Pipit and a Corn Bunting. Going south were a Pintail, 2 Stock Dove and 25 Chaffinch.

November 28th. Increasing southerly wind with rainy spells.
 Around were 18 Whooper Swan, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 250 Golden Plover, 800 Lapwing, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow and 2 Rock Pipit.

November 27th. Birds around included 18 Whooper Swan, a Shag, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, a Hen Harrier, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Woodcock, 6 Snipe, 2 Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Waxwing, a Treecreeper and 3 Rock Pipit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 10 new birds: 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 13 retraps: 9 Great Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Robin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, retrapped 27th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing Control: Blackbird ringed GPBO 24 May 2018, controlled Theddlethorpe St Helens, Lincolnshire 21 October 2018.

November 26th. Around were 18 Whooper Swan, 2700 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 29 Snipe, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Peregrine Falcon, a Hooded Crow, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 65 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit and a Brambling. Heading north were a Long-tailed Duck, 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Slavonian Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Great Skua, 13 Kittiwake and 8 Little Gull; and south 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Red-throated Diver and 4 Brambling.

Lapwing, 26th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Lapwing, 26th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Golden Plover and Lapwing, 26th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Roosting Snipe, 26th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

November 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 18 Whooper Swan, 275 Brent Goose, 2800 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 2000 Grey Plover, 600 Bar-tailed Godwit, 19000 Knot, 460 Sanderling, 1500 Dunlin, 2 Woodcock, a late Sandwich Tern, a Barn Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, a Blackcap, 12 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 6 Rock Pipit, a Brambling and a Snow Bunting. Flying north was a Little Auk; and south 60 Eider, 8 Velvet Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver, a Red Kite, 2 Brambling, 2 Redpoll and 25 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 10 new birds: 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 16 retraps: a Blackbird, 8 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, a Goldfinch, a Wren and a Long-tailed Tit.

High tide wader roost of mainly Grey Plover and Knot, 25th November 2018.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

argentatus Herring Gull - 25th November 2018.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

November 24th. Around were 19 Whooper Swan, 300 Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Pintail, 6 Velvet Scoter, 17 Little Egret, 2 Hen Harrier (a male and a ringtail), 2 Water Rail, 90 Lapwing, a Woodcock, 2 Sandwich Tern, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine Falcon, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 30 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 4 Rock Pipit and a Brambling. Going north were 2 Red-throated Diver; and south 3 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe and 40 Fieldfare.

Blackcap, 24th November 2018.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Fieldfare, 24th November 2018.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Redwing, 24th November 2018.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Sandwich Terns, 24th November 2018.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

November 23rd. A Waxwing was seen at the north end of Gibraltar Road. Birds around included 18 Whooper Swan, 60 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Heron, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 30 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 4 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 44 Redwing, 2 Water Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 15 Brambling and a Crossbill. Heading south were 21 Fieldfare and 34 Siskin.

November 22nd. Some early morning light rain.
 Around were 450 Pink-footed Goose,a Grey Heron, a Hooded Crow, a Cetti's Warbler, 8 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and 2 Corn Bunting. Going south were 53 Wigeon and 36 Eider.

November 21st. Moderately strong but decreasing south-easterly wind.
 Birds around included 21 Whooper Swan, 200 Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, 12000 Black-headed Gull, a Caspian Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Fieldfare, 17 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, 15 Rock Pipit, 4 Snow Bunting and 14 Corn Bunting.

Mid November 2018

November 20th. Strong easterly wind, with occasional showers.
Around were 19 Whooper Swan, 106 Brent Goose, 2200 Pink-footed Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 10 Grey Plover, 100 Golden Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Dunlin, 3 Woodcock, 100 Black-headed Gull, 30 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gull, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Fieldfare and 2 Rock Pipit. Flying north were 3 Red-throated Diver, a Diver Spp, 2 Auk Spp, 24 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake; and south 2 Wigeon and 15 Teal.

November 19th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, with intermittent rain.
A Black Redstart was around Sykes Farm in the afternoon. Birds around included 18 Whooper Swan, 335 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Woodcock, a Merlin, 5 Goldcrest and 2 Rock Pipit. Going north were 3 Common Scoter and 76 Gannet ;and south 148 Brent Goose, 155 Wigeon, 78 Teal, 4 Pintail, 42 Eider, a Goldeneye, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 29 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great Skua, a Guillemot, 3 Auk Spp, 14 Kittiwake and a Waxwing (in the morning).

Tawny Owl, 19th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Black Redstart, 19th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

November 18th. A Great Grey Shrike arrived off the sea in the morning, alighting briefly out from Mill Hill before quickly disappearing. Around, including birds trapped, were 17 Whooper Swan, 150 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, 3 Woodcock, a Sandwich Tern, a Little Gull, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 10 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. In off the sea came a Woodcock and 4 Snipe. Going north were 75 Eider, 7 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and a Guillemot; and south 4 Brent Goose, a Shelduck, 11 Wigeon, 2 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 5 Goldeneye, 14 Lapwing, 3 Auk Spp, 9 Kittiwake and 3 Rock Pipit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Robin, 7 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and a retrap Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 6 new birds: 3 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Blackbird, 2 Great Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and a Greenfinch.

Great Grey Shrike, 18th November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

Woodcock, ringed 18th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 17th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 16 Whooper Swan, 300 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Wigeon, 40 Common Scoter, a Grey Partridge, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Black-tailed Goldwit, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, a Sandwich Tern, a Little Gull, 16 Stock Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Hooded Crow, 11 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, a Yellowhammer and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading north were 11 Common Scoter, 45 Eider and 2 Guillemot; and south 5 Eider, 121 Kittiwake and 20 Little Gull.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Robin.

The Wash at Sunset, 17th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 16th. Prolonged fog then mist.
 The Siberian Chiffchaff was located in the Tennyson's Sands hedgerow in the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 40 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow, 26 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 150 Starling, 61 Blackbird, 37 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, 347 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 9 Greenfinch, 4 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 3 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 4 Snipe, 222 Fieldfare, 152 Redwing and 2 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 16 new birds: a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 5 Blackbird and 2 Fieldfare; and 3 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Wren and a Robin.

Fieldfare, ringed 16th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Teal, 16th November 2018.
Photo - Liam Andrews

November 15th. A Swift Spp (Common/Pallid) came from north before heading west inland out over Croft Marsh in the late afternoon. The Parrot Crossbill was seen again early morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 18 Whooper Swan, 95 Brent Goose, 1950 Pink-footed Goose, 84 Shelduck, 220 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 78 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 13 Gannet, a Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 151 Lapwing, 152 Curlew, 92 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, a Guillemot, 9 Stock Dove, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 51 Skylark, 30 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, 900 Starling, 131 Blackbird, 13 Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 162 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 206 Robin, 5 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 70 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 5 Crossbill, 5 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. In off the sea came 4 Snipe and 69 Redwing. Going south were 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Snipe, 65 Starling, 148 Fieldfare, 298 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 166 Chaffinch, 83 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin and 2 Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 29 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, 17 Redwing and 7 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Song Thrush and a Blue Tit.

November 14th. Moderately strong southerly wind, with some light early morning rain.
A Parrot Crossbill was discovered amongst the mobile Crossbill flock, ranging along the reserve's western side throughout the day. Around were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Whooper Swan, 29 Tufted Duck, 12 Pintail, a Grey Heron, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow, 18 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 32 Blackbird, 38 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 6 Crossbill. Heading south were 5 Brambling, 46 Redpoll and 8 Siskin.

Parrot Crossbill, 14th November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

November 13th. Around, including birds trapped, were 20 Whooper Swan, 20 Brent Goose, 942 Pink-footed Goose, an Egyptian Goose, 2 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 50 Golden Plover, a Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 50 Golden Plover, 12 Stock Dove, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 19 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Water Pipit, 6 Crossbill and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 4 Whooper Swan, 53 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Red Kite, a Buzzard, 19 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 259 Stock Dove, 5922 Woodpigeon, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 289 Skylark, 70 Starling, 24 Fieldfare, 3 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipit, 39 Rock Pipit, 115 Brambling, 1309 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 186 Linnet, a Twite, 10 Redpoll, 558 Goldfinch, 190 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Snow Bunting and 36 Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Goldcrest.

‘There was another sighting of a large-billed male Crossbill Spp today (first seen 25th Oct). This bird has a bill that appears too deep for standard Common Crossbill but structurally not classic Parrot Crossbill’

Crossbill Spp, 13th November 2018.

Photos - Kev Wilson

November 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 198 Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Whooper Swan, 524 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 327 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 12 Pintail, 2 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 250 Golden Plover, 60 Lapwing, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 23 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 12 Stock Dove, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 29 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 49 Blackbird, 27 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 3 Siskin and 18 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 152 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 106 Woodpigeon, 2 Rock Pipit, 79 Brambling, 370 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 16 Redpoll, 75 Goldfinch and 206 Siskin; and west 16 Fieldfare.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: 8 Goldcrest and 3 Blackbird; and 14 retraps: a Robin, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, a Blackbird, a Wren and a Song Thrush.

Merlin, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Hooded Crow, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumonnt

Blackbird, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

November 11th. Some rain mid morning.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 81 Brent Goose, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Whooper Swan, 56 Wigeon, 278 Teal, 24 Pintail, 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Grey Heron, a Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 270 Golden Plover, 145 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 24 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 80 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, a Stonechat, 11 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 6 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. Going east were 4 Brent Goose and 13 Pink-footed Goose; and south 10 Pintail and 6 Siskin.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Linnet and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Robin.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 6 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 2 Blackbird, a Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.

Early November 2018

November 10th. Birds around, including those trapped were 110 Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Whooper Swan, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Jack Snipe, 3 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Hooded Crow, 25 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 65 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 6 Siskin and 10 Corn Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 3 Robin and 2 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 2 Robin, 7 Goldcrest and a Firecrest. The retrapped Firecrest was ringed on November 9th; it remained the same weight at 4.9g.

Hooded Crow, 10th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, retrapped, 10th November 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

November 9th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 350 Pink-footed Goose, 76 Shelduck, 442 Wigeon, 170 Teal, 48 Pintail, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2080 Oystercatcher, a Purple Sandpiper, 24 Turnstone, 62500 Knot, 3 Snipe, 9 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 54 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Fieldfare, 69 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 13 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, a Siskin, a Snow Bunting and 22 Corn Bunting. Heading north were a 6 Brent Goose, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver; and south 3 Brent Goose, 230 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 156 Woodpigeon, 91 Starling, 2 Grey Wagtail, 13 Brambling and 4 Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 17 new birds: 10 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch and 3 Blackbird; and a retrap Song Thrush.

Purple Sandpiper, resting with Turnstone, a 'record shot', 9th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Waders, re-settling to roost over the morning high tide, 9th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, ringed 9th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 8th. Around were 180 Brent Goose, 1681 Pink-footed Goose, a Velvet Scoter, a Grey Heron, 2 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 1570 Grey Plover, 500 Golden Plover, 50 Lapwing, 42900 Knot, 420 Sanderling, 3000 Dunlin, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 9 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 110 Blackbird, 9 Rock Pipit, a Bullfinch and a Brambling. Flying south were 26 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 5 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Lapwing, 5 Stock Dove, 2203 Woodpigeon, a Kestrel, 88 Starling, 13 Brambling, 36 Chaffinch, 32 Linnet, 4 Redpoll, 28 Goldfinch and 32 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided a new Robin; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird, a Redwing and a Goldcrest.

Rising Sun, 8th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 7th. Strong south-easterly wind, with rain in morning.
 A Pallid Swift was discovered hawking over Sykes Farm at lunchtime, first seen from the upstairs office window, initially showing at incredibly close range. The bird then drifted out over Jackson's Marsh before relocating to the corral area on Croft Marsh where it lingered briefly before going slowly south. Birds around included 140 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 90 Golden Plover, 94 Lapwing, 14 Snipe, 12 Stock Dove, a Hooded Crow, 16 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 240 Starling, 63 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 73 Redwing, 10 Rock Pipit, 5 Brambling and 2 Siskin. A Black-throated Diver came from the north before doubling back. Also moving offshore were 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Pintail, 3 Eider and 13 Common Scoter.

Pallid Swift, 7th November 2018.

Field sketch - Ben Ward

November 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 80 Golden Plover, a Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 5 Fieldfare, 3 Tree Sparrow, a Bullfinch and 2 Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Rail. Going south were 82 Lapwing and a Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Goldcrest and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Wren and a Robin.

November 5th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Brent Goose, 2870 Pink-footed Goose, 109 Whooper Swan, 91 Wigeon, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 450 Golden Plover, 3 Avocet, 7 Turnstone, 13 Snipe, 15 Stock Dove, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 19 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 300 Starling, 118 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 79 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Crossbill, 9 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 16 Corn Bunting. Heading north was a Spoonbill; and south a Pintail, 9 Common Scoter, a Crossbill and a Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 27 new birds: 16 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 4 Blackbird; 7 retraps: 3 Blackbird, a Redwing, a Dunnock and 2 Long-tailed Tit; and a control Blackcap with an ARNHEM-VT HOLLAND ring.

River Steeping, at dusk high tide, 5th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Netherlands-ringed Blackcap, controlled 5th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 4th. Slowly decreasing southerly wind, with light rain early morning.
 Around were 55 Whooper Swan, 300 Brent Goose, 2200 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Pintail, a Scaup, an Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, a Great White Egret, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, 453 Golden Plover, 70 Lapwing, a Spotted Redshank, 34 Snipe, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Hooded Crow, 18 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 300 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 76 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 108 Redwing, a Stonechat, 4 Brambling, a Crossbill and 20 Siskin. Heading south were 28 Teal, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Northern Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 5 Red-throated Diver, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Fieldfare and 4 Siskin.
 A delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 3 Robin and 7 Long-tailed Tit.

Velvet Scoter and Scaup, offshore, 4th November 2018.
Video - Ben Ward

November 3rd. Increasing southerly wind.
 The previous day's Raven was seen again, far to the south of Wash Viewpoint. Birds around, including those trapped, were 140 Whooper Swan, 60 Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, 2 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 270 Golden Plover, 8 Turnstone, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe, a Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Hooded Crow, a Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, 70 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 45 Redwing, 6 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, a Redpoll, 15 Siskin and a Crossbill. Offshore were 4 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Puffin and a juvenile Pomarine Skua. Flying south were 75 Lapwing.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Goldfinch, 2 Song Thrush and a Snipe; and 4 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Robin and a Great Tit.

Snipe, ringed 3rd November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Snipe, ringed 3rd November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 2nd. Frozen start, gradually thawing out.
 A surprising 7 species of corvid were recorded for the first time in a single day on the reserve, the highlights of which being a Raven that flew south, then south-west mid-morning, with the 2 lingering Hooded Crow still around the beach. A Shore Lark was seen in flight over the saltings out from East Dunes. Around were 6 Brent Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Whooper Swan, 160 Wigeon, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 100 Golden Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Woodcock, 17 Snipe, a Merlin, a Jay, 64 Skylark, a Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 23 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, 451 Starling, 242 Blackbird, 24 Fieldfare, 17 Song Thrush, 119 Redwing, 54 Robin, 4 Stonechat, 19 Rock Pipit, 15 Brambling, 134 Linnet, a Lesser Redpoll, a Crossbill, 3 Siskin and 4 Yellowhammer. Going south were a Sparrowhawk, 4 Lapwing, 82 Woodpigeon, a Rook, a Woodlark, 21 Skylark, 107 Starling, 4 Rock Pipit, 6 Brambling, 66 Chaffinch, 32 Goldfinch and 22 Siskin; and west 229 Woodpigeon, 12 Skylark and 4 Stock Dove.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 9 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 4 Robin, a Blackbird, a Redwing, a Dunnock and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 27 new birds: 9 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Coal Tit, 2 Greenfinch, a Redwing and 12 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 5 Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Robin, a Blue Tit and a Greenfinch.

Raven, 2nd November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

Hooded Crow, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Stonechat, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Yellowhammer, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 1st. Rainy spells until mid afternoon.
 Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Goose, 102 Brent Goose, 168 Whooper Swan, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 6 Black-tailed Godwit,  a Green Sandpiper, a Woodcock, 23 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, a Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 14 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 120 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 93 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling and 6 Siskin. Heading south and then west was a Red Kite. In off the sea came a Buzzard.

Green Woodpecker, 1st November 2018

Photo - Nige Lound

Sunset, 1st November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward