Mid October 2017

The Visitor Centre, with cafe, is now open to visitors from 10 am to 3.45 pm.

For further information regarding the Reserve and its wildlife, please contact Kevin Wilson at:

kwilson@lincstrust.co.uk

October 18th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, 25 Redwing, 4 Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail. Going south were 30 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Swallow, 5 House Martin and many Tree Sparrow and finches.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 26 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 6 Reed Bunting, 11 Goldfinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Robin, a Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

October 17th. Gradually decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Around were 171 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Swallow and 4 House Martin. On Tennyson's Sands were 18 Avocet, a Greenshank and 7 Snipe; on Jackson's Marsh 2 Pintail; and on Croftmarsh 70 Pink-footed Goose.

October 16th. Increasing south-westerly wind in afternoon.
 On the sea were a Great Northern Diver and 30 Red-throated Diver. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 10 Gannet, a Mediterranean Gull, 12 Goldcrest, 18 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, a Blackcap and 4 Chiffchaff. Heading south were 9 Eider, a Woodlark, a Swallow, 400 Goldfinch and a Yellow Wagtail; north a Kittiwake; and north-west 180 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 250 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 41 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Long-tailed Tit, a Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 3 Redwing and 13 Blackbird; and 6 retraps; a Wren, a Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit and a Great Tit.

October 15th. Around, including birds trapped, were 12 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 154 Black-tailed Godwit, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 43 Swallow, 50 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 10 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Treecreeper, a Chiffchaff, 13 Stonechat, a Water Pipit and 20 Brambling. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail and 10 Wigeon; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Water Rail, 2 Spotted Redshank and a Cetti's Warbler. Going south were 12 Whooper Swan, 500 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Redwing, 8 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Lapland Bunting; and north 300 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 42 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff, 15 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Redpoll, a Robin, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 3 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush; and 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Wren.

Palpita vitrealis trapped overnight, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Lapwing, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Snipe, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Kingfisher, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Little Egret, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Firecrest, ringed 15th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 14th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Plantation. On Jackson's Marsh was a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Cetti's Warbler and a Water Pipit. Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Greenshank, a Treecreeper, 17 Redwing, a Pied Flycatcher, 17 Stonechat, 5 Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 90 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Swallow, 30 Tree Sparrow, 2 Hawfinch, 1014 Goldfinch, 14 Redpoll, 26 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; west a Bean Goose and 3 Pink-footed Goose; and north 280 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 19 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 6 Great Tit, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.
 A Clouded Yellow butterfly was seen in the afternoon.

Clouded Yellow, 14th October 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 13th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 7 Spotted Redshank, a Green Woodpecker, 6 Stonechat and 4 Redwing. On Jackson's Marsh was a Little Stint; and on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler. Going north were 100 Pink-footed Goose and a Velvet Scoter; and south a Great Northern Diver.

October 12th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in East Dunes. Birds around, including those trapped, were 50 Brent Goose, 2 Merlin, 9 Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Jay, 8 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Whinchat, 12 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 16 Redpoll and a Lapland Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher; on Tennyson's Sands 2 Ruff, 6 Spotted Redshank, 9 Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Wainfleet Marsh 2000 Golden Plover. Heading north were 28 Pink-footed Goose and a Peregrine; and south 2 Wigeon, a Common Buzzard, 2 House Martin, 2 Redpoll, 3 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 24 new birds: 4 Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 7 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: 3 Robin, 3 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 12th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Wheatear, 12th October 2017.
Photo - Ben Ward

October 11th. Moderately strong south-easterly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was near North Building. Around were 3 Merlin, a Whinchat and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Flying north-west were 120 Pink-footed Goose; and south a Velvet Scoter and a Hobby. On Jackson's Marsh was a Curlew Sandpiper.

Early October 2017.

October 10th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 26 Brent Goose, 3 Merlin, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Little Stint, a Coal Tit and 3 Goldcrest. Going south were 4 Swallow; and north 9 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Coal Tit, a Reed Bunting and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Blackcap, a Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Coal Tit, ringed 10th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 9th.  On the reserve were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 North Building Ridge, 1 Gibraltar Road side). Around, including birds trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 70000 Knot, a Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, 2 Merlin, a Ring Ouzel, 41 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, a Cetti's Warbler, 40 Goldcrest, 90 Robin, 5 Stonechat and 2 Brambling. On Jackson's Marsh were 16 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Greenshank and 2 Ruff. Heading south were 7 Whooper Swan, 4 Scaup, 18 Pintail, and many finches, pipits and other species; and west 80 Redwing.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 17 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, a Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; 2 retraps: a Song Thrush and a Blackcap; and a control Reed Bunting.

Brambling, ringed 9th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. There were 4 Yellow-browed Warbler present (2 trapped and ringed at Observatory, 1 calling near Mill Hill, 1 Gibraltar Road side). Birds around, including those trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, a Snipe, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Jay, 8 Stonechat, a Ring Ouzel, 70 Redwing, 6 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Brambling. Flying south were 220 Pink-footed Goose, a Sandwich Tern and 3 Brambling. In off the sea came a Mandarin Duck, which then landed on the Mere.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 71 new birds: 7 Wren, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, a Brambling, 5 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Redpoll, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 21 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and 12 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest and a Great Tit.

Brambling, 8th October 2017.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Mandarin Duck on the Mere, 8th October 2017.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Yellow-browed Warbler, 8th October 2017.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Mandarin Duck, 8th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Mandarin Duck, 8th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 8th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 8th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Brambling, ringed 8th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 7th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was by Sykes Farm track. On Tennyson's Sands was a Little Stint. Around, including birds trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Greenshank, a Kingfisher, a Jay, a Whinchat and 3 Stonechat. Offshore were 3 Razorbill. Heading south were 12 Whooper Swan, 290 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Eider, a Woodlark, 20 House Martin and 17 Swallow; west 110 Pink-footed Goose; and north 130 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 33 Snipe.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 34 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Stonechat, a Lesser Redpoll, 2 Blackcap, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Jay; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Robin, 2 Goldcrest and a Goldfinch.

Stonechat, ringed 7th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Jay, ringed 7th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 6th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, a Sedge Warbler, 7 Redwing, 14 Stonechat and a Brambling. Flying south were 200 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Sandwich Tern, a Great Skua and 29 Redpoll; west 30 Pink-footed Goose; and north 50 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet and an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 64 new birds: 11 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 8 Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, a Tree Sparrow, 9 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 5 Song Thrush, a Redwing, a Blackbird and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 12 retraps: 2 Wren, 4 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blackcap, a Great Tit and a Chiffchaff.

October 5th. Strong north-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 There were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 in Plantation, 1 by Gibraltar Road side). On Jackson's Marsh was a Ruff. Around were 2 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 2 Merlin, 4 Jay, 18 Redwing and a Whinchat. Going north were a Brent Goose, a Manx Shearwater, 84 Gannet, a Great Skua, a Sandwich Tern and a Peregrine; and south 48 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Great Skua, a Sandwich Tern, 12 Gannet and 5 House Martin.

October 4th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Birds around included 149 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 9 Spotted Redshank, 10 Stonechat and a Grey Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank and 10 Snipe; and on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff and 130 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 85 Pink-footed Goose and numerous finches, pipits and other species; and north 168 Pink-footed Goose.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, provided 38 new birds: 9 Chiffchaff, 16 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest and a Robin.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 51 new birds: 18 Chiffchaff, 19 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Blackcap and 2 Great Tit; and 15 retraps: 3 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit and a Blackcap.

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 4th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 3rd. Increasing westerly wind; later decreasing.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was in West Dunes. On Jackson's Marsh were a Ruff and a Wood Sandpiper. Around, including birds trapped, were a Common Buzzard, 2 Merlin, a Kingfisher, 2 Redstart, 13 Stonechat, a Whinchat, a Cetti's Warbler and a Firecrest. Flying south were numerous finches, pipits and many other species, including 584 Pink-footed Goose (plus 5 more north-west), a Manx Shearwater, 18 Great Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Woodlark, a Tree Pipit, 3 Sand Martin, 41 Swallow, 141 House Martin, 102 Tree Sparrow and a Crossbill.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 59 new birds: 7 Wren, 6 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 6 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Blackcap, 7 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Stonechat, 3 Great Tit, a Lesser Redpoll and 9 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Goldcrest, a Wren, a Redstart and a Dunnock.

Firecrest, 3rd October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Stonechat, ringed 3rd October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Redstart, retrapped 3rd October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 2nd. Strong south-westerly winds, but slowly decreasing.
 Birds around included 2 Spoonbill, 6 Marsh Harrier and 2 Green Sandpiper. On Jackson's Marsh were 125 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands 4 Spotted Redshank. Going south were an Osprey, and numerous finches, pipits, buntings and other species.

October 1st. Quite strong southerly winds.
 By Gibraltar Road side was a Yellow-browed Warbler. Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier and 4 Marsh Harrier. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill, 3 Ruff and 4 Spotted Redshank; on Tennyson's Sands 3 Water Rail, 6 Greenshank, 150 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Croftmarsh a Curlew Sandpiper. 

Late September 2017

September 30th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was near Mill Hill. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spoonbill (briefly) and a Little Stint. Birds around, including those trapped, were 80 Brent Goose, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Jay, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Coal Tit, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Redstart, a Stonechat, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Willow Warbler. There was a very heavy southward passage of finches, buntings, larks, hirundines and other species, including 2 Great Skua, a Black Tern, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Kestrel and a Woodlark. Heading north-west were 160 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, provided 62 new birds: 22 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting, a Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, a Stonechat, a Great Tit and 4 Song Thrush; and 8 retraps: 3 Robin, a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Dunnock and a Redstart.

Grey Wagtail, 30th September 2017.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Spotted Redshank, 30th September 2017.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Spoonbill and Avocet, 30th September 2017.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Grey Wagtail, 30th September 2017.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 30th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Spotted Flycatcher, ringed 30th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Stonechat, ringed 30th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

September 29th. Some rain until early morning.
 In East Dunes was a Yellow-browed Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill and 9 Spotted Redshank. Around were 2 Greenshank, a Ruff, a Redstart, a Pied Flycatcher, 200 Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 2 Kestrel and 25 Redpoll.

Pied Flycatcher, 29th September 2017
Photo - Ben Ward

September 28th. Rain until mid morning, then soggy.

 There were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 by Gibraltar Road side, and 1 in Plantation). On Tennyson's Sands were a Scaup, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler and a Reed Warbler. Other birds around, including those trapped. were a Common Buzzard, a Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 15 Snipe, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Redstart, a Wheatear, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, a Treecreeper, 2 Grey Wagtail, 9 Siskin, 40 Lesser Redpoll and 4 Brambling. Going south were a Marsh Harrier, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Swallow and a Tree Sparrow; and south-east 105 Pink-footed Goose.
 A rain-delayed long ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, produced 32 new birds: a Wren, 3 Blackcap, a Goldfinch, a Linnet, a Robin, a Redstart, 19 Lesser Redpoll, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Linnet and 2 Robin.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Keith Collett, produced 23 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Redstart, 3 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Great Tit and 2 Dunnock; and 10 retraps: 2 Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Blackcap, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit, a Chiffchaff and a Robin.

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 28th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

September 27th. A Little Bunting was discovered near Wash Viewpoint. There were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler present (2 in East Dunes of which 1 was trapped and ringed, 1 in Plantation). Around, including birds trapped, were a Hobby, a Greenshank, a Redstart, a Whinchat, a Reed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Brambling. Heading south were 2 Common Buzzard,  2 Tree Pipit and a Lapland Bunting.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint, Carole Lunn and Jenni Godber, yielded 49 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Redstart, 14 Robin, a Brambling, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet, a Whinchat, 3 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, 2 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock and 4 Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Wren.

Redstart, ringed 27th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Brambling, ringed 27th September.
Photo - George Gregory

Whinchat, ringed 27th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 27th September 2017.
Photo - Carole Lunn

September 26th. There were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler present (1 by Hump/Plantation, 1 by Gibraltar Road side). On Tennyson's Sands was a Little Stint. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a Spoonbill, 2 Grey Heron, a Common Buzzard, a juvenile Marsh Harrier, 500 Golden Plover, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Kingfisher, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Jay, a Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Treecreeper. Flying south were 25 Wigeon, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Siskin and a Brambling.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, produced 42 new birds: 9 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Goldfinch, 4 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 4 Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Jay; and 13 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren, 7 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Ring Ouzel, 26th September 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Jay, ringed 26th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Redwing, ringed 26th September 2017.
Photo - Carole Lunn

September 25th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Near Shovelers Pool was a Common Rosefinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Spoonbill and a Ruff; on the Mere a Water Rail; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pink-footed Goose and a Curlew Sandpiper. Around were 5 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, 9 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 10 Snipe, a Merlin, a Kingfisher, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Treecreeper, a Fieldfare and 2 Ring Ouzel. Offshore was a Manx Shearwater. Heading south were 2 Grey Wagtail and a Redpoll.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, resulted in 21 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, 4 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Wren, a Robin and 2 Great Tit.

Ring Ouzel, 25th September 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 25th September 2017.
Photo - Carole Lunn

September 24th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill and a Water Rail. In the Plantation was a Yellow-browed Warbler. In the north of the reserve was a Red-backed Shrike. Birds around included 15 Pink-footed Goose, a Common Buzzard, a male Marsh Harrier, 6 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Snipe, a Hobby, a Green Woodpecker, a Reed Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear, a Whinchat, 5 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Treecreeper. Flying south were 9 more Spoonbill, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Swallow and 2 Redpoll.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 17 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Coal Tit and a Blue Tit; and 9 retraps: 5 Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and a Wren.

September 23rd. A Yellow-browed Warbler was by Gibraltar Road side, and a Red-backed Shrike was near Beach Car Park. Around were 5 (possibly 6) Spoonbill, a Grey Heron, 3 Pintail, an Egyptian Goose, a Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 103000 Knot, 5 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 15 Snipe, a Ruff, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Treecreeper, a Wheatear, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling. Going south were a Pomarine Skua, a Black Tern and 16 Swallow; and north 23 Pink-footed Goose.
 A fairly long ringing session in East Dunes with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 19 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Wren.
 A Harvest Mouse was found dead on South Marsh Road.

Harvest Mouse found dead on South Marsh Road, 23rd September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Turnstone, 23rd September 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

September 22nd. Birds around included 3 Spoonbill, 3 Pintail, a Grey Heron, 6 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a juvenile Hobby, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, a Ruff, 5 Snipe, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Treecreeper, 10 Chiffchaff and a Lesser Whitethroat. Heading south were 2 Common Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Swallow, 6 Redpoll and 2 Siskin; and north a Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 19 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 4 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock, a Woodpigeon and a Magpie; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Goldcrest.

Goldcrest, 22nd September 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

September 21st. Around were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 near Aylmer Avenue, 1 in Plantation), a Red-backed Shrike (in the north of the reserve), 4 Spoonbill, a Great Skua, a juvenile Pomarine Skua, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Pintail, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler and a Brambling. Flying south were a Swift, 200 Swallow and 15 House Martin. In off the sea came 62 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 12 new birds: 2 Wren, 5 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Robin, a Blackcap and a Reed Bunting; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Mid September 2017

September 20th. A Red-backed Shrike was discovered in the north of the reserve, and a Yellow-browed Warbler was near Aylmer Avenue. Birds around, including those trapped, were 5 Spoonbill, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Pintail, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, a Hobby, 6 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Ruff, an Arctic Skua, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Stonechat, 25 Goldcrest and 5 Chiffchaff. Going south were 100 Starling, 2 Grey Wagtail, 350 Swallow and 100 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Stonechat and 3 Dunnock; and 10 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blue Tit, 3 Goldcrest, a Goldfinch and 3 Dunnnock.

Red-backed Shrike, 20th September 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

Red-backed Shrike, 20th September 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

Red-backed Shrike, 20th September 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

Stonechat, ringed 20th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

September 19th. There were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler present (2 roadside near Aylmer Avenue, 1 West Dunes opposite Sykes Farm). Also around, including birds trapped, were 4 Brent Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier (briefly),4 Common Buzzard,  a Merlin, 2 Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 6 Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Snipe, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 15 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, a Treecreeper, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling and 12 Lesser Redpoll. Heading south were 2 Grey Wagtail and 4 House Martin; and south-east 2 Marsh Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 17 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Robin and 2 Dunnock.

Ruff, 19th September 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Goldcrest, 19th September 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

September 18th. Some brief mid morning rain.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Spoonbill, 9 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Merlin, a Ruff, 5 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Wood Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 trapped East Dunes, 1 Beach Car Park), 2 Pied Flycatcher (1 trapped East Dunes, 1 Beach Car Park), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Treecreeper and 6 Tree Sparrow. Offshore were 300 Common Scoter, a Black-throated Diver, a Long-tailed Skua and 100 Gannet. Flying south were a Sand Martin, 8 House Martin, 25 Swallow and 40 Meadow Pipit; north a Long-tailed Skua, 5 Great Skua, 2 Black Tern and 7 Puffin; and south-east 40 Pink-footed Goose. A Sooty Shearwater flew south then north.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 10 new birds: a Wren, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Linnet, a Pied Flycatcher, a Meadow Pipit, a Reed Bunting and 2 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Robin, 2 Goldcrest, a Wren and a Blue Tit.

Pied Flycatcher, ringed 18th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 18th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

September 17th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Kingfisher, 6 Goldcrest and  2 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 9 Pink-footed Goose; and on Jackson's Marsh a Greenshank. Going south were 104 Pink-footed Goose, 9 House Martin and 9 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, a Coal Tit and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit, a Robin and a Wren.

Coal Tit, ringed 17th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Parasol Mushrooms, 17th September 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

September 16th. Birds around included an Osprey, a Grey Heron, 8 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank, 5 Snipe, a Hobby, a Merlin, 2 Swift, 2 Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing, a Treecreeper, 8 Sand Martin, 50 House Martin and a House Sparrow. On Jackson's Marsh was a Little Stint; and on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 300 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Rook; and north a Goldeneye.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 14 new birds: a Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 2 Blackcap and 6 Dunnock; and 9 retraps: a Robin, 2 Blackcap, 5 Dunnock and a Wren.

September 15th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Spotted Redshank, 2 Garden Warbler and 2 Goldcrest. Flying north waere a Sabine's Gull, a Long-tailed Skua, a Sooty Shearwater and a Black Tern.; and south 80 House Martin, 30 Swallow and 32 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 33 new birds: 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 7 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, 4 Chaffinch, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 4 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and a Blackcap.

September 14th. Rain until early morning.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 150 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included a Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest. Going south were 6 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 3 Pomarine Skua, a Long-tailed Skua, 26 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Yellow Wagtail and 2500 Meadow Pipit. In off the sea came 16 Common Buzzard.

Arctic Skua, 14th September 2017.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Kestrel, 14th September 2017.
Photo - Jim Shaw

September 13th. Strong westerly wind, gradually decreasing.
 Offshore were 30 Gannet, a Great Skua, a Manx Shearwater, 4 Arctic Skua, a Pintail, 18 Common Scoter, 500 Sandwich Tern, a Roseate Tern, a Great Northern Diver and 4 Red-throated Diver. On Tennyson's Sands were 180 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank; and on Fenland Lagoon a Black-tailed Godwit. Around were a Hobby, 2 Whimbrel, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Chiffchaff. Heading south were 350 Meadow Pipit, 2100 House Martin, 500 Swallow, 300 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 18 Pink-footed Goose and a Marsh Harrier.

September 12th. Increasing westerly wind.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Spotted Redshank and a Ruff; and on Fenland Lagoon 10 Greenshank. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Hobby, 2 Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Stonechat, a Whinchat, a Wheatear, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler and 12 Willow Warbler. Flying south were 39 Pink-footed Goose, a Swift, 400 House Martin, 52 Sand Martin, 200 Swallow, 3000 Meadow Pipit, 3 Tree Pipit, 5 Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Siskin, 4 Redpoll Spp and 24 Tree Sparrow. Offshore were 10 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 5 Gannet, a Great Skua, 26 Arctic Skua and 600 Sandwich Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 26 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 6 Blackcap, a Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, a Whitethroat, a Stonechat, a Garden Warbler and a Dunnock; 2 retraps: a Blackcap and a Robin; and a control Chiffchaff.

Merlin, 12th September 2017.

Merlin, 12th September 2017.

Merlin, 12th September 2017

Hobby, 12th September 2017.

Whitethroat moulting outer wing feathers while suspending some inner ones, ringed 12th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Stonechat, ringed 12th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

September 11th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill, 250 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank; and on Fenland Lagoon 3 Greenshank. Around were a Merlin, 2200 Sanderling, a Ruff, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Whitethroat. Going south were a Great Northern Diver, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, a Long-tailed Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Kestrel, a Whimbrel, 3 Black Tern, 2 Great Skua, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 45 House Martin and 150 Swallow.

Shaggy Ink-cap at Sykes Farm, 11th September 2017.
Photo - George Gregory