Late January 2020

A fine summary of 2019 written by warden Kev Wilson for the Bird Observatory Council's annual newsletter is available to read online here (pages 32-35) http://anyflip.com/lmyq/tzha

January 28th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
 3 Snow Bunting were on Millennium Ridge in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 39 Canada Goose, 86 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, a Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 31 Gadwall, 168 Wigeon, 56 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 11 Teal, 28 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander (to roost), 4 Moorhen, 4 Coot and 3 Little Grebe. Birds around included 311 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1600 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Mute Swan, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), an Eider, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Stock Dock, a Great Crested Grebe, 320 Lapwing, 22 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 157 Curlew, 2 Turnstone, 80 Sanderling, a Snipe, a Red-throated Diver, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 13 Skylark, 7 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 170 Starling, 21 Blackbird, 41 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 7 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and 8 Reed Bunting. Heading south were 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 55 Golden Plover and 2 Red-throated Diver; and north a Common Scoter, 200 Lapwing and 2 Red-throated Diver.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, male, 28th January 2020.

Corn Bunting, 28th January 2020.

January 27th. Our late afternoon roost watch event was well attended and gave up views of many wild geese, waders albeit distantly, a resplendent male Hen Harrier and the winter peak count of 15 Corn Bunting, thanks to all attending and being part.
 14 Snow Bunting were around Greenshanks Creek during the morning. Birds around included 320 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 61 Canada Goose, 88 Greylag Goose, 1252 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 36 Shelduck, 42 Shoveler, 67 Gadwall, 180 Wigeon, 92 Mallard, 6 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 50 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 906 Eider, 18 Stock Dove, 11 Little Grebe, 650 Lapwing, 70 Grey Plover, 110 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Snipe, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 14 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (from the Wash Viewpoint in the afternoon), a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 19 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 370 Starling, 45 Blackbird, 11 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 31 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Golf Course and 2 out from Mill Hill), 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 32 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 6 Linnet, 18 Goldfinch, 15 Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park) and 9 Reed Bunting.

Scene setting photos from late afternoon, assembled birders appreciating roost movements, 27th January 2020.

Photos - Fran Torgwen

Stonechat, 27th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 26th. Moderately strong southerly wind and rain from mid-afternoon.
 On Croftmarsh were 190 Wigeon, 12 Stock Dove, 650 Lapwing, 20 Golden Plover, 56 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Redshank and 95 Starling. Birds around included 90 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 75 Greylag Goose, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 12 Shelduck, 59 Shoveler, 55 Gadwall, 88 Mallard, 8 Pintail, 73 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Coot, 9 Little Grebe, 7 Snipe, 13 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Treecreeper, 22 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 3 Stonechat (1 Wash Viewpoint and 2 North End), a Water Pipit (over the Wash Viewpoint in the morning), 21 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch and 6 Reed Bunting.

Bullfinch, 26th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 25th. Heading south over the sea were 2 Shelduck, 231 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 49 Curlew and 41 Red-throated Diver; and north 76 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 359 Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Red-throated Diver; in from the sea came 150 Pink-footed Goose. A Great Egret was on the saltmarsh out from Lil's Hut in the afternoon. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and 9 snipe. Birds around included 475 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Canada Goose, 76 Greylag Goose, 115 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Mute Swan, 26 Shelduck, 82 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon, 76 Mallard, 128 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 12 Stock Dove, 10 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 440 Lapwing, 65 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 4 Red-throated Diver, 14 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh in the afternoon), 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, 21 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 380 Starling, 29 Blackbird, 21 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 19 Robin, 14 Alba' Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (off Jackson's Marsh), 8 Rock Pipit, 32 Chaffinch, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and 7 Reed Bunting.

Eider, a big day for movement, 25th January 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Brent Goose, reflective of a good breeding season for the Dark-bellied race, 25th January 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Meadow Pipit, 25th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 24th. On the sea out from Mill Hill in the morning were 6 Red-throated Diver and a Great Northern Diver. Birds around included 24 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping) and a Green Woodpecker.

January 23rd. Thick fog.

 Birds around included 16 Brent Goose, 4 Shoveler, 11 Shoveler, 60 Gadwall, 195 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 180 Lapwing, 19 Curlew, 3 Little Egret, a male Marsh Harrier, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Treecreeper, 23 Blackbird, 42 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 12 Chaffinch, 7 Greenfinch and 18 Goldfinch,  

January 22nd. Birds around included a 55 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Shoveler, 89 Gadwall, 135 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck, 90 Lapwing, 32 Curlew, a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 18 Blackbird, 40 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, 5 Rock Pipit, 8 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and 3 Reed Bunting.

January 21st. Birds around included 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1750 Pink-footed Goose, 77 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 7 Shelduck, 55 Shoveler, 54 Gadwall, 152 Wigeon, 60 Mallard, a Pintail, 49 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, 11 Little Grebe, 75 Lapwing, 34 Curlew, 10 Snipe, a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 40 Starling, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Stonechat and 4 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park).

Mid January 2020.

Winter Wash Roost Event, 1530-1700, 27th January 2020.

Join our expert guide on a late afternoon walk to take in the sights and sounds of roost movements at this time of year, this can be a magical spectacle to behold, hopefully the weather will be on our side! Eastern Brent Geese and northern Pink-footed Geese will be in evidence, a good selection of waders and an assortment of Pipits will be making their way to favoured areas on the marsh or shore to spend the night. With luck raptors will feature well, prime time for catching the last meal of the day, Hen Harrier and Merlin have been relatively frequent in recent days with the occasional appearance of a Short-eared Owl.

Meet at the Visitor Centre Car Park for 1530, we will then make our way down to position ourselves at the Wash Viewpoint. Wrap up well as temperatures will be dipping late in the day, keep an eye on the forecast as waterproofs may be required.

The walk is free to attend, donations to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust will be gratefully received. 

January 20th. 
 On Croftmarsh were 250 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Stock Dove, 500 Lapwing and 160 Golden Plover; and on Tennyson's Sands were 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe. Birds around included a Goosander, 2 Woodcock, Sparrowhawk, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 41 Blue Tit, 60 Great Tit, 2 Blackcap, 25 Blackbird, 38 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 21 Wren, 2 Treecreeper, 42 Robin, 16 Dunnock, and a Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park).

Blackcap, 20th January 2020.

Photo - Kev Wilson

January 19th. Frozen start.
 Birds around included 91 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 29 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (with Pink-footed Goose), 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 148 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 4 Stock Dove, 500 Lapwing, 35 Golden Plover, 6 Turnstone, a Snipe, 8 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 90 Starling, 18 Blackbird, 9 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, an Alba' Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet, 20 Goldfinch, 9 Corn Bunting and 12 Reed Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were 66 Greylag Goose, 20 Shoveler, 37 Gadwall, 70 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 11 Teal, 22 Tufted Duck, 5 Moorhen, 3 Coot and 4 Little Grebe.

January 18th. Frosty start.

 2 Tundra Bean Goose were discovered amongst Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh late morning; where there were also 2 Shelduck, 230 Wigeon, 33 Stock Dove, 530 Lapwing, 57 Golden Plover, 42 Curlew, 3 Redshank and 95 Starling. A vocal Lapland Bunting was around Greenshanks Creek mid-day. Flying south over the sea were a Greylag Goose, 13 Grey Goose Sp, a Shelduck, a Wigeon, 2 Eider, a Great Crested Grebe, 468 Black-headed Gull, 107 Common Gull, 8 Great Black-backed Gull, 74 Herring Gull, 2 Puffin, 2 Auk Sp, 12 Red-throated Diver and a Diver Sp; and north 17 Wigeon, 11 Teal, a Razorbill and 11 Red-throated Diver; on the sea were an Eider, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 9 Red-throated Diver; and arriving from the sea was a Red Kite, which continued west and inland. On Tennyson's Sands in the late afternoon were 4 Goosander; and on Jackson's Marsh were 41 Canada Goose, 74 Greylag Goose, 66 Gadwall, 24 Tufted Duck, a further Goosander and a Water Rail. Birds around included 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1150 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 51 Shoveler, 103 Mallard, 102 Teal, 11 Little Grebe, 20 Turnstone, 16 Sanderling, a Snipe, 66 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 19 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 26 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, a Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), an Alba' Wagtail, a Bullfinch, 19 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 18 Goldfinch and 9 Reed Bunting.

Tundra Bean Goose, 18th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Red Kite, arriving from the sea, 18th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 17th. Increasing south and then west wind with occasional showers.

 Heading south over the sea were 2 Wigeon, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar and a Marsh Harrier.
The 2 White-fronted Goose came out of roost with 1260 Pink-footed Goose and were later on Croftmarsh at mid-day. Birds around included 29 Canada Goose, 8 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 7 Shelduck, 47 Shoveler, 80 Gadwall, 291 Wigeon, 112 Mallard, 78 Teal, 30 Tufted Duck, 7 Stock Dove, 14 Little Grebe, 48 Lapwing, 59 Curlew, 7 Snipe, 3 Red-throated Diver, 82 Cormorant, a Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 33 Starling, 21 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 8 Alba' Wagtail, 18 Chafffinch, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 6 Linnet, 16 Goldfinch, a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint) and 6 Reed Bunting. 

White-fronted Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 17th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

 Marsh Harrier, heading south over the sea, 17th January 2020.

Video - Ben Ward

January 16th. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 A roost movement of Pipit included 2 Water Pipit over Sykes Farm in the late afternoon. Flying south were 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 141 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 11 Teal, an Eider, a Goldeneye, 370 Lapwing, 32 Golden Plover, an Auk Sp and 4 Red-throated Diver. On Jackson's Marsh were 39 Canada Goose, 67 Greylag Goose, 12 Shoveler, 38 Gadwall, 22 Wigeon, 60 Mallard, 28 Teal, 3 Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 3 Little Grebe and 16 Little Egret. Birds around included 450 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the river Steeping), 2 Shelduck, 24 Stock Dove, a Snipe, a Woodcock, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 91 Cormorant, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 12 Starling, 27 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 7 Robin, a Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), 14 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch and 15 Goldfinch.   

Goldeneye, 16th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 15th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Slavonian Grebe flew south over the sea early morning, also flying south were a Shelduck, 8 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 800 Lapwing, a Guillemot, an Auk Sp, 61 Red-throated Diver and a Marsh Harrier; north 24 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Red-throated Diver; and on the sea were 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Crested Grebe. On Jackson's Marsh were 11 Mute Swan, 24 Shoveler, 116 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 36 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander (early morning), 12 Stock Dove, 5 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 6 Shelduck, 250 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 499 Lapwing, 43 Golden Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, 304 Cormorant, 15 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 100 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, a Bullfinch, 20 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.  

Greenfinch, 15th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 14th. Moderately strong southerly wind and rain mid-day.
 In the morning 4 Lapland Bunting arrived from the north and alighted on the saltmarsh out from Lil's Hut. The Barnacle Goose and the 2 White-fronted Goose were amongst 1824 mobile Pink-footed Goose which busily commuted between fields to the north and south-west of the reserve throughout the day, the flock latterly congregating prior to roost on Croftmarsh. Moving south over land were 3 further White-fronted Goose, 300 Lapwing, 240 Golden Plover and 24 Black-tailed Godwit; flying south over sea were 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Guillemot, a Razorbill and 54 Red-throated Diver; and north a Common Scoter, an Auk Sp and 7 Red-throated Diver. Birds around included 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 17 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 9 Shelduck, 270 Wigeon, a Pintail (Croftmarsh), 5 Eider, 37 Stock Dove, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1210 Oystercatcher, 276 Lapwing, 2670 Grey Plover, 160 Curlew, 300 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Turnstone, 5350 Knot, 370 Sanderling, 3620 Dunlin, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 3 Red-throated Diver, 241 Cormorant, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 6 Skylark, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 36 Starling, 16 Blackbird, 11 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 8 Robin, 6 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 24 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 25 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). On Jackson's Marsh were 44 Canada Goose, 49 Greylag Goose, 8 Mute Swan, 69 Gadwall, 67 Mallard, 66 Teal, 3 Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosander (to roost), a Water Rail, 5 Moorhen, 4 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron and 18 Little Egret.

Goosander, 14th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Marsh Harrier, 14th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 13th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

 The 2 White-fronted Goose were on fields west of the River Steeping in the morning, where there were also 17 Whooper Swan. Flying south over the sea were 8 Eider, 19 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Auk Sp and 89 Red-throated Diver; south over land 90 Lapwing and 400 Golden Plover; north over sea 9 Eider; and on the sea were 2 Eider and a Great Crested Grebe. Birds around included 350 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 916 Pink-footed Goose, 46 Shoveler, 108 Gadwall, 222 Wigeon, 248 Teal, 49 Tufted Duck, 21 Stock Dove, 5 Little Grebe, 6000 Oystercatcher, 160 Lapwing, 2450 Grey Plover, a Golden Plover, 15 Turnstone, 2500 Knot, 306 Cormorant, 16 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 7 Starling, 18 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Bullfinch, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch and 3 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye (then east), a Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron and 22 Little Egret.  

Little Egret, pre roost congregation, 13th January 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Control: 

Goldcrest, ringed GPBO 29 September 2019, controlled Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire 7 December 2019.

January 12th. Moderately strong westerly wind with rain in the morning.

 Flying south over the sea were a Wigeon, 4 Eider and 4 Red-throated Diver; south-east 83 Pink-footed Goose; north a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Auk Sp, 7 Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver; and on the sea were 2 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 16 Red-throated Diver. 2 White-fronted Goose remained in the area and were on Croftmarsh late morning. Birds around included 2 Grey Partridge, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 71 Shoveler, 91 Gadwall, 205 Wigeon, 125 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, a Stock Dove, a Water Rail, 15 Little Grebe, 160 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 13 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 9 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 24 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 13 Robin, a Pied Wagtail, 14 Meadow Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 26 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet and 32 Goldfinch.

Sunset, from Harvey's Hide, 12th January 2020

Photo - Ben Ward

January 11th. Strong southerly wind.

 Flying south over the sea were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 46 Eider, 14 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Lapwing, 2 Grey Plover, 94 Curlew, 9 Turnstone, 28 Sanderling, 420 Herring Gull, 23 Auk Sp and 87 Red-throated Diver; north 25 Eider and 4 Red-throated Diver; west inland went 12 Turnstone; and on the sea were 20 Teal, 8 Eider, 5 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Red-throated Diver. Birds around included 240 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 17 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 2 Stock Dove, 74 Cormorant, 20 Little Egret, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 18 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Robin, 2 Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch and 20 Goldfinch.  

Eider, 11th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward 

Early January 2020

January 10th. A Lapland Bunting flew over to the fields west of the River Steeping in the morning, where there were also 17 Whooper Swan, 17 Stock Dove, 4 Corn Bunting and a Yellowhammer. The 4 White-fronted Goose remained in the area and put in an appearance on Croftmarsh in the early afternoon, the Barnacle Goose was also amongst 1450 Pink-footed Goose. Birds around included 412 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Shoveler, 42 Gadwall, 172 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 27 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 6 Little Grebe, 78 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 55 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 15 Dunnock, an Alba Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm in the afternoon), 4 Rock Pipit, 22 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch and 10 Reed Bunting.

Red Fox, on Croftmarsh, 10th January 2020.

Photo - Chris Cullen

White-fronted Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 10th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Stunning scenes in the late afternoon, 10th January 2020.

Photos - Chris Cullen

Pink-footed Goose, descending onto Croftmarsh, 10th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 9th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 9 Whooper Swan flew south early morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 18 Shoveler, 86 Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 68 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 54 Teal, 26 Tufted Duck, 6 Moorhen, 3 Coot, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, a Snipe, a Grey Heron and a Water Pipit. The Barnacle Goose and 4 White-fronted Goose were with 1250 mobile Pink-footed Goose which were commuting between fields to the north and south-west of the reserve throughout the day. Birds around included 400 Brent Goose, 105 Canada Goose, 60 Greylag Goose, 11 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 31 Stock Dove, 12 Little Grebe, 65 Lapwing, 74 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 16 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (over the Old Saltmarsh early morning), a Buzzard, a Barn Owl (along the Golf Course edge in the evening), 4 Tawny Owl, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 18 Starlin, 28 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Wash Viewpoint), 6 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over the north end of the West Dunes), 4 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 30 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint).

Ruff, 9th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Pintail, 9th January 2020

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Little Egret, 9th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 8th. Little observer coverage.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 18 Shoveler, 56 Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 55 Mallard, a Pintail, 3 Pochard, 33 Tufted Duck, 5 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, a Snipe and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 740 Brent Goose, 110 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (with the Pink-footed Goose flock), 65 Greylag Goose, 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 28 Shelduck, 6 Stock Dove, 77 Curlew, 17 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 24 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 5 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 14 Chaffinch, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 16 Greenfinch, 35 Goldfinch and a Siskin. Heading south-west were 571 Lapwing.

Pochard, 8th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Barnacle Goose, with Pink-footed Goose, 8th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 7th. Little observer coverage.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 83 Canada Goose, 72 Greylag Goose, 21 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 182 Wigeon, 59 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 44 Teal, 28 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 6 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, a Snipe, a Little Egret and a Water Pipit; and on Jackson's Marsh Meadow 19 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush. Birds around included 420 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Stock Dove, 65 Lapwing, 77 Golden Plover, 64 Curlew, a Snipe, 3 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 18 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush, 9 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 15 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch and a Siskin.

Wildfowl, take-off, 7th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw 

Snowdrop, 7th January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Ringing Control:
Great Tit, ringed GPBO 7 July 2018, controlled Holme Bird Observatory, Norfolk 24 April and 30 April 2019.

January 6th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Flying south over the sea were 28 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Golden Plover, 3 Guillemot, 17 Auk Sp, 33 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and a Diver Sp; and north 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver. On the sea were 2 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 12 Red-throated Diver. In from the sea came 42 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Heading south and then west over land was a Marsh Harrier. A Barnacle Goose and a White-fronted Goose were with 1200 mobile Pink-footed Goose, commuting to various locations throughout the day. Other birds around included 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 172 Canada Goose, 81 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 43 Shoveler, 114 Gadwall, 268 Wigeon, 112 Teal, a Water Rail, 22 Stock Dove, 12 Little Grebe, 121 Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 4 Snipe, 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 25 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch and 25 Goldfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 6 Pintail, 31 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail and 13 Little Egret (pre-roost congregation).

Marsh Harrier, 6th January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

January 5th. A Snow Bunting flew over Mill Hill in the afternoon. On the sea were 3 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 14 Red-throated Diver. Flying south over the sea were 9 Grey Goose Sp, 27 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 2 Guillemot, 2 Auk Sp and 12 Red-throated Diver; and north 72 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Shelduck, a Great Crested Grebe, a Razorbill, an Auk Sp and 2 Red-throated Diver. Bird around included 800 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 80 Canada Goose, 45 Greylag Goose, 1100 Pink-footed Goose, a White-fronted Goose (fields west of the River Steeping), 2 Mute Swan, 6 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 39 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 220 Wigeon, 4 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 52 Teal, 49 Tufted Duck, a Goosander, 8 Little Grebe, 131 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Turnstone, 3 Snipe, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 male Hen Harrier, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 48 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 22 Robin, a Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 37 Goldfinch, a Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre Car Park) and 13 Reed Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 2 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 12 retraps: 5 Blue Tit, a Long-tailed Tit, 5 Goldfinch and a Great Tit.

January 4h. A Slavonian Grebe flew north and then south, briefly alighting, out from Mill Hill in the morning. A Lapland Bunting flew over the northern end of the reserve mid-day. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock), 880 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 5 White-fronted Goose (briefly on fields west of Croftmarsh), 2 Mute Swan, 4 Whooper Swan (on fields west of the River Steeping), 24 Shoveler, 77 Gadwall, 3 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 30 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 20 Common Scoter, 37 Stock Dove, 4 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 80 Curlew, 4 Snipe, 2 Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), a Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (from Wash Viewpoint), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 34 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, 5 Stonechat (1 Visitor Centre Car Park, 2 Mere Meadow and 2 North End), 3 Bullfinch, 22 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 30 Golfinch, a Siskin and 10 Reed Bunting. Flying south were 2 Fieldfare and a Red-throated Diver; and north an Auk Sp.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, resulted in a new Goldfinch; and 6 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch and a Great Tit.
   

Harbour Porpoise, breaching, 4th January 2020.

Photo - Liam Andrews

January 3rd. A White-fronted Goose arrived from the north onto Croftmarsh late morning. Heading north were 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 11 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Gannet, a Guillemot, 8 Auk Sp; and south a Shelduck, 31 Common Scoter, 46 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Buzzard and 4 Auk Sp. Birds around included 672 Brent Goose, 451 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), an Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Grebe, 37 Stock Dove, a Water Rail, 60 Lapwing, a Snipe, 14 Little Egret (roost count), a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a juvenile Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 16 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), a Bullfinch, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Goldfinch and a Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 190 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 5 Teal, a Pochard and 28 Tufted Duck.

Bullfinch, 3rd January 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Peregrine, 3rd January 2020. 

Video - Ben Ward

January 2nd. A Slavonian Grebe flew in from the north and alighted on the sea off Greenshanks Creek, out from Mill Hill, where there were also 20 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Red-throated Diver and 4 Great Crested Grebe. Flying south-west over land were 19 White-fronted Goose; south over the sea a Brent Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Shelduck, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 87 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 10 Teal, 3 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Golden Plover, a Purple Sandpiper, 7 Curlew, a Guillemot and 3 Auk Sp; and north an Eider. Arriving from the Sea was an Egyptian Goose, then relocating to Jackson's Marsh; where there were also 101 Canada Goose, 17 Greylag Goose, 280 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, a Pochard, 27 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail and 2 Water Pipit. Birds around included a Grey Partridge, 66 Brent Goose, 1078 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 55 Shoveler, 83 Gadwall 22 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, a Water Rail, 40 Lapwing, 92 Curlew, 12 Turnstone, 2 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 25 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 21 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet and 12 Goldfinch.

Egyptian Goose, 2nd January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Redwing, 2nd January 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw 

January 1st. The Black Brant and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose were with the Dark-bellied Brent flock on fields west of the River Steeping in the afternoon, where there were also a Barnacle Goose with the Pink-footed Goose flock, 2 White-fronted Goose and 5 Whooper Swan. Birds around included 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 100 Canada Goose, 40 Greylag Goose, 950 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler, 67 Gadwall, 232 Wigeon, 119 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 2 Goosander, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (ranging widely), a Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 70 Lapwing, 200 Curlew, 30 Golden Plover, 90 Grey Plover, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Turnstone, 130 Knot, 18 Sanderling, 150 Dunlin, 6 Woodcock, 9 Snipe, 37 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 13 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 8 Starling, 42 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 22 Robin, 6 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park, 2 Mere Meadow and 2 out from Mill Hill), 3 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit, 3 Bullfinch, 35 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet, 35 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 6 Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park) and 13 Reed Bunting. Going southwest over Croftmarsh late morning were 15 White-fronted Goose; and south a Barnacle Goose, 11 Whooper Swan, 59 Wigeon, 19 Shoveler, an Aythya Sp, a Common Scoter, a Grey Heron, 23 Lapwing, 76 Golden Plover; and north-west 60 Pink-footed Goose.

Stonechat, 1st January 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Late December 2019

December 31st. Misty start, gradually clearing during the morning.
 On the sea were an Eider, 76 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with the Dark-bellied Brent flock on New Saltmarsh), 640 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (with Pink-footed Goose on fields west of Croftmarsh), 66 Greylag Goose, 840 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 46 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 203 Wigeon, 67 Gadwall, 139 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander (from roost and out to sea), 9 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh), a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 311 Lapwing, 70 Grey Plover, 180 Curlew, a Turnstone, 200 Knot, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 13 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Starling, 40 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 21 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Meads Meadow), 2 House Sparrow, 16 Dunnock, 10 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 30 Greenfinch, 21 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park in the morning), 35 Reed Bunting and a Snow Bunting (Greenshanks Creek area mid-afternoon). Heading south were 5 Wild Swan Sp, 170 Lapwing and a Redpoll Sp; south-east 43 Pink-footed Goose; and north-west 482 Pink-footed Goose.

Treecreeper, 31st December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 350 Brent Goose, 1283 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 68 Shoveler, 82 Gadwall, 239 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, 24 Red-throated Diver, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 60 Lapwing, 226 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 4125 Black-headed Gull, 875 Common Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Coal Tit, 17 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 36 Blackbird, 32 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 21 Robin, 2 Bullfinch, 21 Greenfinch, 26 Goldfinch and 5 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were 103 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 28 Tufted Duck and 2 Water Rail. Going south over the sea were a Greylag Goose, 16 Wigeon, 10 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier and 19 Curlew; and north 7 Wigeon and 8 Red-throated Diver.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 10 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 6 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 3 Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Redshank, with mild leucism, a regular wintering bird, 30th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward 

December 29th. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 Heading south during the morning were 147 Pink-footed Goose, 576 Lapwing and 3482 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 48 Shoveler, 36 Gadwall, 170 Wigeon, 104 Teal and 16 Tufted Duck; and on Tennyson's Sands were 3 Snipe and a Water Pipit. Birds around included 2 Mute Swan, 12 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 18 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 7 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (ranging widely), 90 Lapwing, 102 Curlew, 25 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 36 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), an Alba Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 40 Greenfinch, 59 Goldfinch, a Siskin and 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint).

Sunset, from Tennyson's Sands, 29th December 2019. 

Photo - Ben Ward

December 28th.
 On the sea were 2 Velvet Scoter, 28 Common Scoter and 3 Red-throated Diver. Heading south over the sea were 44 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 201 Wigeon, 14 Pintail, 27 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Eider, a Red-throated Diver, a Fieldfare and a Redwing; and north a Common Scoter and 5 Red-throated Diver. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint), 575 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 89 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 1269 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shelduck, 49 Shoveler, 72 Gadwall, 84 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hen Harrier (a male and a ringtail from Wash Viewpoint), a Water Rail, 77 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 4 Starling, 37 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint), 6 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting (audible from Mill Hill).

Hen Harrier, 28th December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

       

December 27th. 
 A Black Brant type was with 360 Dark-bellied Brent Goose out from Wash Viewpoint in the morning. On the sea were 8 Pintail, the 2 Velvet Scoter, 49 Common Scoter, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 62 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Guillemot. Flying south over the sea were 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 41 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 13 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 77 Common Scoter, 11 Goldeneye, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 107 Red-throated Diver, 2 Diver Sp, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe and a Guillemot; and north 19 Brent Goose, 12 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet. Birds around included 176 Canada Goose, 14 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 36 Shoveler, 77 Gadwall, 164 Wigeon, 255 Mallard, 92 Teal, a Pochard (Jackson's Marsh), 32 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Grebe, 7 Little Egret, 316 Cormorant, 3 Water Rail, 4450 Oystercatcher, 90 Lapwing, 250 Grey Plover, 92 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, 500 Knot, 2 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 29 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), a Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 24 Greenfinch, 10 Linnet, 28 Goldfinch and a Snow Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Roe Deer, doe, 27th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Dececember 26th. Moderately strong east-south-east wind and occasional showers.
 On the sea midday were the 2 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe and a Red-necked Grebe. On Jackson's Marsh were a drake Pochard, 24 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander (into roost) and a Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 37 Brent Goose, 23 Pink-footed Goose, 161 Canada Goose, 37 Greylag Goose, 3 Mute Swan, a Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 61 Shoveler, 99 Gadwall, 156 Wigeon, 117 Mallard, 86 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 109 Lapwing, 326 Golden Plover, 111 Curlew, a Snipe, 33 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 13 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Mere Meadow and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 11 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 8 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 41 Greenfinch, 45 Goldfinch, a Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting (Greenshanks area).

Stonechat, 26th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 25th. A festive Lapland Bunting flew south-west over the Wash Viewpoint at sunrise. The pair of Velvet Scoter remained on the sea out from Mill Hill, where there were also 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Great Crested Grebe. On Jackson's Marsh were 31 Shoveler, 42 Gadwall, a Pintail, 15 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, a Pochard and 3 Little Grebe. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock on New Saltmarsh), 263 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 27 Shelduck, a further 30 Gadwall, 108 Wigeon, 5 Little Egret, 180 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint in the morning), 110 Lapwing, 62 Curlew, 21 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl (vocal pair in Plantation early morning), a Short-eared Owl (Old Saltmarsh at dusk), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 15 Starling, 32 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 17 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Old Coastguard Station garden and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 6 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over West Dunes), 8 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 26 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint) and 14 Reed Bunting.    

Corn Bunting, 25th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Goldcrest, preening early morning, 25th December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

December 24th. On the sea were 2 Velvet Scoter, 23 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 7 Great Crested Grebe, a Great Skua and a Guillemot. In from the sea came 6 Brent Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 300 Wigeon, a Pintail, 27 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander and a Water Pipit; and on Fenland Lagoon 3 Whooper Swan (later south). Birds around included, 124 Brent Goose, 144 Canada Goose, 22 Greylag Goose, 2 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 11 Shelduck, 48 Shoveler, 93 Gadwall, 123 Mallard, 112 Teal, 11 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (over Old Saltmarsh late morning), a Water Rail, 420 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (Old Saltmarsh at dusk), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 18 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 40 Starling, 47 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 21 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 25 Greenfinch, 29 Goldfinch and a Siskin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 15 new birds: 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit and 9 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Robin, 24th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Greenfinch, 24th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Goosander, 24th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 23rd. A Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting were on the east side of the reserve in the morning. The 2 Velvet Scoter were again off Greenshanks Creek throughout the day, where there were also 31 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 6 Great Crested Grebe. Heading south over the sea in the afternoon were 5 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, a Great Crested Grebe and a Pomarine Skua; and north 2 Wigeon, 12 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, a Guillemot and an Auk Sp. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pochard, 32 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit; and on the Mere were 2 Goldeneye. Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 67 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 71 Shoveler, 145 Gadwall, 222 Wigeon, 84 Mallard, 182 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 160 Lapwing, 93 Curlew, 8 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, a Snipe, 33 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 40 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 31 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitors Centre Car Park and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 2 more Water Pipit, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 47 Greenfinch, 39 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and 3 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). Heading south over land in the morning were 2 Brambling and 11 Siskin.

Hen Harrier, 23rd December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

December 22nd. The Winter Solstice - the shortest day. Rain until early morning.

 A Lapland Bunting flew south over the Old Spit in the afternoon. A pair of Velvet Scoter,  35 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, and 10 Great Crested Grebe were on the sea. On Greenshanks Creek were 21 Turnstone; on Jackson's Marsh a female Pintail, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit; and on Croftmarsh 2 Mute Swan, 180 Lapwing, 60 Curlew, 26 Redshank, 17 Stock Dove and 110 Starling. Birds around included 181 Brent Goose, 273 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Shoveler, 88 Gadwall, 164 Wigeon, 196 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Grebe, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Snipe, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 35 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Mill Pond Road), 2 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 16 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. Flying north over the sea were 4 Red-throated Diver; and south over land 21 Fieldfare.

Velvet Scoter, out from Mill Hill, 22nd December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Blackcap, feeding up on Sea Buckthorn berries late afternoon, 22nd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 21st.
 What is thought to be the same Black-throated Diver of recent weeks flew north and then close south soon after, out from Mill Hill in the afternoon. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Water Rail, a Sparrowhawk and a Water Pipit; on Jackson's Marsh 2 Pintail and 25 Tufted Duck; and on Croftmarsh 183 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 23 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard, 90 Lapwing, 29 Curlew, 31 Redshank, 5 Stock Dove, a Kestrel, a juvenile Peregrine and 60 Starling. Birds around included 308 Brent Goose, 248 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Shoveler, 132 Gadwall, 155 Wigeon, 74 Mallard, 196 Teal, 41 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 2 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 37 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Mere Meadow), a Bullfinch and 32 Greenfinch. Flying south over the sea were 32 Pink-footed Goose, a Shelduck, 32 Wigeon, a Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver and an Auk Sp; and north 4 Brent Goose, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp.
 A late morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 2 new birds: a Goldfinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 retraps: 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Peregrine, feeding on worms at dusk, 21st December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Mistletoe, 21st December 2019.
Photo - Jenni Godber