Late May 2012

May 31st: A rainy day. A Red Kite and a Hobby were the best birds.

May 30th: A Tree Pipit, 2 Little Gulls and a Short-eared Owl were around, and a Red Kite passed though in the afternoon. A Red-veined Darter was noted.

May 29th: A Common Rosefinch and a Golden Oriole were discovered in the morning. Other birds included a Short-eared Owl, 3 Cuckoos, 4 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a Wood Sandpiper.

May 28th: Present were a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, a Ruff, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Wood Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Hobby and a Tree Pipit. Heading south were 2 Yellow Wagtails.
The third CES session was done this morning, resulting in 7 new birds ringed and 8 retraps.

May 27th: A Common Crane flew across the Wash to Norfolk. Other notables were a Temminck's Stint, a Hobby, 3 Crossbills, a Yellow Wagtail south, 2 Cuckoos and 2 Turtle Doves.

May 26th: A Hobby, a Great Skua and a Temminck's Stint were the best birds. Also recorded were a Wheatear, a Turtle Dove and a Cuckoo.

May 25th: A Golden Oriole flew between several sites in the morning. Other birds included a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 2 Turtle Doves.

May 24th: Around were a Wheatear, 2 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo.
A Whinchat was ringed in East Dunes this morning.

                                      2CY female Whinchat (George Gregory)


May 23rd: Interesting birds included 3 Little Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Gull, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Wheatears.

May 22nd: A Glaucous Gull was offshore. Other new birds included a male Garganey, a Whinchat and 2 Mediterranean Gulls. The Temminck's Stint lingered, and a Common Buzzard passed through.

May 21st: The best bird was a Stone Curlew flushed north of Mill Hill. Somewhat unseasonal birds seen were a Black-throated Diver, a Twite and a Corn Bunting. Also present were a Wood Sandpiper, the Temminck's Stint, the Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Little Gulls.
Another Spotted Flycatcher was ringed in East Dunes.

Mid May 2012

May 20th: The Little Gull and Curlew Sandpiper were still present. A Temminck's Stint, a Hobby, a Wheatear and 2 Pink-footed Geese were the best new birds.

May 19th: A Golden Oriole was heard singing. Also around were a Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Short-eared Owls and a Cuckoo. Heading north were 3 Gannets. A Red-backed Shrike appeared late in East Dunes.
Ringing this morning on East Dunes produced the first very juvenile Goldfinch of the year, as well as an old female Reed Bunting resembling a male. The wing length and weight of this bird, as well as lack of a complete white collar and presence of a well-developed brood patch, confirmed that it was a female.

                                     Old female Reed Bunting (George Gregory)

May 18th: A Marsh Harrier appeared briefly early morning. Around were a Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
Two British-ringed birds, a male Chaffinch and a Whitethroat, were controlled in East Dunes this morning.

May 17th: A quiet day. After all the wind and rain a few more warblers and other land birds were apparent. The best birds were 26 Crossbills flying around.

May 16th: Westward went a Honey Buzzard. A Cuckoo, a Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harriers, a Corn Bunting, 2 Wheatears, 13 Swifts and 2 Turtle Doves were present.
The second CES session was done this morning, resulting in 7 new birds ringed and 6 retraps.

May 15th: The Golden Oriole was relocated in East Dunes. Around were a male Montagu's Harrier, 2 Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo, a Treecreeper and a Short-eared Owl. Heading east were 2 Common Cranes.
A Reed Warbler was trapped in East Dunes this morning.

May 14th: A female/immature Golden Oriole was seen mostly in East Dunes. A Red Kite, and many hirundines and Swifts flew south. A Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo were prominent.

May 13th: Around were 2 Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo and a Short-eared Owl.
Birds ringed in East Dunes this morning included a Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear and a Garden Warbler.

  

                                       2+CY Spotted Flycatcher (George Gregory)
                                           

                                       2CY female Wheatear (George Gregory)

                                        Two generations of feathers in wing of 2CY
                                           female Wheatear (George Gregory) 
                                         
May 12th: An unseasonal Pink-footed Goose and 3 Crossbills were of note. A Cuckoo was around and there was a small movement of hirundines and Swifts south.
A British-ringed Whitethroat was controlled in East Dunes this morning.

May 11th: A windy day. A Red-rumped Swallow, 403 Swifts, 187 Swallows, 61 House Martins, 3 Turtle Doves, 32 Yellow Wagtails, 139 Linnets, 104 Goldfinches, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard flew south. A Red Kite, 2 Cuckoos, a Whimbrel, 68 Little Terns, 4 Common Terns, an Arctic Tern and 3 more Turtle Doves were present.

Early May 2012

May 10th: Moving south were 679 Swifts, 659 Swallows, 76 House Martins and 9 Yellow Wagtails. Around were a Ruff, an Avocet and a Turtle Dove.
A Painted Lady was seen on the beach.

May 9th: A quiet day. Landed migrants included a Wheatear, 2 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo. Whitethroats increased significantly in numbers. There was a small passage of Swallows south.

May 8th: A ringtail Pallid Harrier was seen by many observers south of Wash Viewpoint. Heading south were 6 Common Buzzards, an Arctic Tern, 21 Yellow Wagtails, many hirundines and 13 Swifts. A female Pied Flycatcher appeared in the Plantation. The best of the rest were a Short-eared Owl, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, 27 Avocets, 3 Turtle Doves, 2 Sedge Warblers, a Wheatear and 2 Cuckoos, one of which was trapped on Storm Ridge.

                                             2+CY male Cuckoo (George Gregory)


May 7th: A Common Buzzard, 3 Yellow Wagtails and many hirundines flew south. Also around were a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 4 Whimbrels, a Cuckoo, 3 Turtle Doves, a Swift, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart, 6 Crossbills and 3 Blackcaps.
A female Redstart was trapped and ringed on Storm Ridge.

May 6th: 4 Turtle Doves were the first of the year. Warblers included 5 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 8 Lesser Whitethroats and 25 Whitethroats. Offshore were 25 Eiders. A Common Buzzard went east. Other good birds were 45 Little Terns, a Wheatear, a Ruff, a Peregrine, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Swifts, a Treecreeper and 3 Short-eared Owls. A ringtail Harrier Spp, not specifically identified, was seen distantly from Wash Viewpoint.
The first session of the Constant Effort Site (CES) was done this morning, resulting in 10 new birds ringed and 18 retraps.

May 5th: A Ring Ouzel, 2 Marsh Harriers, a Ruff, 18 Eiders, 18 Corn Buntings, a Short-eared Owl, 20 Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and 2 Little Terns were notable. A Common Buzzard flew south.
A male Blackcap with a Min. Med. Amb. Icona Madrid ring was controlled on Storm Ridge. Newly ringed birds in East Dunes included a Woodpigeon and several Reed Buntings.

                                           3+CY Woodpigeon (George Gregory)

                                         2CY male Reed Bunting (George Gregory)


May 4th: Lots of variety today. South went 16 Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and 3 Siskins, and north 19 Arctic Terns. Around were 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Sandwich Terns, 10 Swifts, 2 Cuckoos, 22 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 159 Ringed Plovers, 8 House Martins, a Barnacle Goose, 4 Common Terns, 5 Little Terns, a Marsh Harrier, a Barnacle Goose and a Common Sandpiper. Warblers incuded 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 20 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers and a Blackcap. Other grounded birds included a Ring Ouzel, a Brambling, a Crossbill, 13 Wheatears and 4 Fieldfares.

May 3rd: The best birds were 13 Avocets, a Short-eared Owl and 2 House Martins.

May 2nd: 9 Yellow Wagtails flew south. Around were 10 Bramblings, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, a Short-eared Owl and a Wheatear.
Birds ringed in East Dunes included a Wheatear and a Sparrowhawk.

                                       2CY male Wheatear (George Gregory)

                                 3CY female Sparrowhawk (George Gregory)

May 1st: A male Pied Flycatcher and a Firecrest were the best birds. Other notables were 3 Bramblings, a Wheatear, 2 Siskins and a Yellow Wagtail.

Late April 2012

April 30th: An excellent day for variety. A Red-rumped Swallow, 5 Sand Martins, 230 Swallows, 18 House Martins and 2 Siskins went south, and an Osprey north. Waders were represented by 2 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrels, 2 Common Sandpipers and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The best raptors were a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine and 2 Short-eared Owls. Also present were 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Cuckoos, 12 Swifts, 19 Fieldfares, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Bramblings, the Black Swan, 11 Wheatears and a Tree Pipit.
Birds ringed included 2 Wheatears netted on Storm Ridge.

April 29th: A Hen Harrier, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Terns and a Brambling were the best birds.

April 28th: Representing the warblers were a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat. A Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocets, a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and a Black Swan were notable.

April 27th: Around were a Common Tern, a Cuckoo, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler and 4 Wheatears.

April 26th: Flying south were a Little Gull and 5 Swallows. Terns included 3 Sandwich, a Common and 4 Arctic. The best of the rest were 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails, a Brambling and 4 Crossbills.

April 25th: 11 Ring Ouzels remained. Also around were a Wheatear and the usual warblers.

April 24th: Notable was the arrival of 13 Ring Ouzels. Northward went 2 Red-throated Divers and 53 Arctic Terns. A Turtle Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Redstart, a Wheatear were present.

April 23rd: A Peregrine, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Whimbrels, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were the best birds.

April 22nd: A late Red-throated Diver headed south, and a Turtle Dove west. Around were a Peregrine, 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 16 Little Terns, 6 Sandwich Terns, a Cuckoo, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Wheatears and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

April 21st: A Marsh Harrier flew south and an Osprey and a Greenshank north. A Common Tern, 2 Treecreepers, 5 Fieldfares, a Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail were the best of the rest.

Mid April 2012

April 20th: Flying south were 2 Marsh Harriers and 4 Yellow Wagtails. Avocets increased to 35, Chiffchaffs to 12, Willow Warblers to 11, Fieldfares to 9 and Wheatears to 4. A Grasshopper Warbler was recorded.

April 19th: A Great Skua headed north and 2 Crossbills south. Around were a Cuckoo, 31 Sandwich Terns, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 9 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwings and 2 Wheatears. The Black Swan reappeared.

April 18th: The best birds were a Hen Harrier, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Gull, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Treecreepers, a Wheatear and a Brambling.

April 17th: Raptors included an Osprey north, a Red Kite south, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Peregrines and 2 Short-eared Owls. A Whimbrel, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 4 Yellow Wagtails were also noted.

April 16th: Going south were a Yellow Wagtail, 6 Fieldfares and 2 Redwings. Waders included a Purple Sandpiper, 30 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The Black Swan reappeared. Other good birds were a Wheatear, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Willow Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Short-eared Owl.

April 15th: A Sandwich tern flew north. Also around were a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 5 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Wheatears and 2 Crossbills.

April 14th: A Purple Sandpiper was near Millenium Ridge. A Marsh Harrier, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Blackcap, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 7 Chiffchaffs and 4 Willow Warblers were also present.

April 13th: A Sedge Warbler was the first of the year. Avocets increased to 24. 5 Siskins went south. A Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest and a Little Ringed Plover provided variety.

April 12th: Heading east were 3 Common Cranes, northwest 80 Pink-footed Geese and south 2 House Martins (first of the year). A Rough-legged Buzzard was notable. Around were 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Avocets and 7 Corn Buntings.

April 11th: Firsts for the year were a Whimbrel and a Greenshank. Southward movement included 29 Fieldfares, a Redwing, 2 Swallows, a Brambling, 5 Rooks and a Common Buzzard. Avocet numbers went up to 43. a Short-eared Owl, 5 Corn Buntings, 4 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were the best of the rest.

Early April 2012

April 10th: A Willow Warbler was the first of the year. 4 Fieldfares flew south while 6 Redwings were around. Other good birds were 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.

April 9th: The best birds were a Crossbill, 5 Chiffchaffs, 24 Avocets, a Fieldfare, a Goldcrest and a Short-eared Owl.

April 8th: A Redstart, 2 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs and 10 Redwings were noted.

April 7th: Both Short-eared Owls were around, as were 6 Chiffchaffs, a Stonechat and 5 Corn Buntings.

April 6th: Heading south were 9 Fieldfares, 6 Redwings and a Siskin. Chiffchaffs increased to 11. A Little Ringed plover, a Goldcrest and 2 Corn Buntings added variety.

April 5th: Northward went 32 Fulmars. Other birds of note were a Short-eared Owl, 73 Redwings, 6 Wheatears, a White Wagtail and 4 Chiffchaffs.

April 4th: Few records, but 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on Tennyson Sands.

April 3rd: Thrushes going south were 1786 Redwings and 206 Fieldfares. Also moving were 21 Snipes east and a Sand Martin south. Avocets increased to 51. Around were a Peregrine, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a White Wagtail.

April 2nd: Flying south were 2 Grey Herons, a Swallow (first of the year), and 4 Siskins, and southwest 6 Fieldfares. A Chiffchaff was present.

April 1st: A Sand Martin went north and a Brambling south. Around were a Merlin, 39 Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Short-eared Owls, 6 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcaps.

Late March 2012

31st: A Jack Snipe was new. A Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaffs and 11 Corn Buntings were noted.

30th: Mute Swans increased to 11. Southward went 5 Rooks. A Siskin was around.

29th: A male Garganey was the first of the spring. Avocets increased to 55. A Brambling flew south. Other good birds were 7 Chiffchaffs, 9 Redwings, a Black Redstart, a Wheatear and 8 Corn Buntings.

28th: Heading south were a Common Buzzard, 3 Fieldfares and a Lapland Bunting. 4 Little Grebes, 52 Avocets and 10 Mute Swans represented significant increases. Also around were 4 Ruffs, 3 Short-eared Owls, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, a Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Wheatear, 4 White Wagtails and 10 Corn Buntings.

27th: Southward movers included 11 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares and 6 Crossbills. New birds were 2 Tree Sparrows, a Woodcock and a White Wagtail. The best of the rest were 2 Common Buzzards, 29 Avocets, 2 Short-eared Owls, 3 Chiffchaffs and a Black Redstart.

26th: Now 6 Mute Swans were present. Flying south were 3 Common Buzzards and 10 Crossbills.

25th: The best birds were a Goosander south, 2 Short-eared Owls and 4 Corn Buntings.

24th: First for the spring were 2 Wheatears and 2 White Wagtails. A Red Kite and 3 Siskins went south. A Merlin and a Short-eared Owl were around.

23rd: Notables were a Chiffchaff and a Tree Sparrow.

22nd: Avocet numbers went up to 39. Also present were a Marsh Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull and a Chiffchaff.

21st: A Grey Heron flew east.  Other good birds were a Mediterranean Gull, a Chiffchaff and a Crossbill.

Mid March 2012

March 20th: Flying south were 13 Rooks and a Crossbill. Chiffchaffs increased to 3, and a Common Buzzard and 20 Corn Buntings were present.

March 19th: The 2 Short-eared Owls were displaying again. A Hooded Crow appeared. 9 Crossbills headed south. Other good birds were 40 Avocets, a Common Buzzard, a Chiffchaff, 13 Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, a Tree Sparrow and 16 Siskins.

March 18th: Avocet numbers went up to 44. A Purple Sandpiper and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose were notable. A Woodcock, 2 Chiffchaffs, 9 Fieldfares, 28 Redwings and 19 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

March 17th: The 2 Short-eared Owls started displaying. Other raptors included a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard southwest and a Merlin. A Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were new. 14 Red-breasted Mergansers, 19 Avocets and 7 Goldcrests were recent high counts.

March 16th: Southward movers included 9 Redwings, 388 Chaffinches, 5 Siskins, 4 Crossbills and 5 Yellowhammers. Raptors included a Red Kite, a Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard and a Merlin. Avocets increased to 16. Also of note were 3 Grey Herons, 4 Woodcocks, 7 Goldcrests and 2 Chiffchaffs.

March 15th: The best birds were a Common Buzzard, 5 Redwings, a Fieldfare, 4 Siskins and 12 Avocets.

March 14th: The Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still present. A male Ruff was new. North went 4 Siskins. A Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Crossbills were notable.

March 13th: Goldcrest numbers increased to 13. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was discovered. Other good birds were a Peregrine, 3 Woodcocks, a Chiffchaff and 2 Redwings.

March 12th: 14 Avocets were now present. Around were 5 Goldcrests, 3 Redwings, a Bullfinch and 17 Corn Buntings.

March 11th: A Water Pipit, 5 Avocets, 2 Woodcocks, 2 Crossbills and 10 Corn Buntings were the best birds.

Early March 2012

March 10th: 2 Merlins, 2 Short-eared Owls and a Hen Harrier represented the raptors. Other good birds were 10 Crossbills and 24 Corn Buntings.

March 9th: Flying south were 37 Red-throated Divers. An adult Mediterranean Gull, a Firecrest, 2 Crossbills, a Hen Harrier and a Merlin provided variety. 3 Glossy Ibises appeared, not surprisingly, in view of the recent influx into the country.

March 8th: A Common Buzzard and 5 Siskins headed south. 2 Avocets were on Tennyson Sands. 5 Pochards, 8 Eiders, a Brambling, 2 Crossbills and 14 Corn Buntings added variety.

March 7th: Few records, with a Mute Swan on Jackson's Marsh being the most important.

March 6th: South went a Lapland Bunting and 2 Crossbills, and west a Common Buzzard. A Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and 14 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

March 5th: A Short-eared Owl and a Tree Sparrow were noted.

March 4th: 2 Rooks and 6 Siskins headed south. Present were a Marsh Harrier and 6 Redwings.

March 3rd: A small influx of ducks, including 4 Goldeneyes, 3 Pintails and 53 Shovelers.

March 2nd: A Short-eared Owl, 16 Fieldfares and 3 Redwings were of note. 3 Siskins flew south.

March 1st: A Tree Sparrow south was the best bird.

Late February 2012

February 29th: A Grey Heron flew south. Around were a Common Buzzard, 3 Woodcocks and 4 Corn Buntings.

February 28th: South headed 4 Crossbills. Other good birds were a Mediterranean Gull, 3 Woodcocks, 2 Water Pipits, a Hen Harrier and 22 Corn Buntings.

February 27th: The only birds of note were 2 Woodcocks.

February 26th: 300 Pink-footed Geese went north, and 5 Crossbills south. Around were 9 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Woodcocks and a Black Brant.

February 25th: Flying south were 4 Crossbills. Otherwise the best birds were 8 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Short-eared Owls, a Black Brant, 19 Corn Buntings and 7 Snow Buntings.

February 24th: A Woodlark was found in Aylmer Avenue clearing. 60 Pink-footed Geese, a Woodcock, a Crossbill and 23 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

February 23rd: A Woodlark headed south. Other birds of note were 230 Cormorants, 29 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Woodcocks, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Hen Harrier, 3 Crossbills south and a Black Brant.

February 22nd: The best birds were 4 Goldcrests, a Treecreeper and 5 Redwings.

February 21st: 2 Great Northern Divers went south. Wildfowl included 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Goosander and 3 Black Brants. Also around were 138 Red-throated Divers, 80 Great Crested Grebes, a Hen Harrier, a Little Gull, a Blackcap, 2 Twites, 7 Snow Buntings and 12 Corn Buntings.

Mid February 2012

February 20th: Wildfowl included 190 Pink-footed Geese north, 10 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Black Brants. A Woodcock, 175 Cormorants and 4 Crossbills south were the only other notable birds.

February 19th: A Hen Harrier, 11 Pale-bellied Brent geese, 3 Hen Harriers, a Common Buzzard, 3 Black Brants and 5 Corn Buntings were around.

February 18th: The best birds were 33 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Woodcocks, 2 Hen Harriers, 18 Corn Buntings and a Black Brant.

February 17th: A Black Brant was a new bird. Present were 3 Woodcocks.

February 16th: A Gannet flew south. Around were a Black Brant, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Goosander, a Hen Harrier, 2 Crossbills and 9 Snow Buntings.

February 15th: A Woodcock and 24 Corn Buntings were noted.

February 14th: Good birds were a Woodcock and 4 Pink-footed Geese.

February 13th: Flying south were 350 Cormorants, a Goosander and 3 Twites. A White-fronted Goose, 24 Redwings and 2 Woodcocks were around.

February 12th: A Long-tailed Duck and 20 Red-breasted Mergansers headed south. Other notable birds were 19 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Goosanders, 16 Woodcocks, a Kingfisher, 22 Corn Buntings, a White-fronted Goose and a Little Owl.

February 11th: 7 Woodcocks and a Corn Bunting were present.

Early February 2012

February 10th: A Great Skua went south. Around were a Black Brant, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Hen Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull and 68 Redwings.

February 9th: Offshore were 363 Red-throated Divers, 179 Cormorants, 35 Great Crested Grebes, 174 Auk Spp south and 7 Scaups. Woodcocks numbered 23 and Corn Buntings 11.

February 8th: South flew a Velvet Scoter and 192 Auk Spp. A Goosander, 24 Woodcocks, a Little Gull and 1600 Brent Geese added variety.

February 7th: Heading south were 195 Red-throated Divers and 40 Fieldfares. Around were 3 Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff.

February 6th: A Goosander, 20 Woodcocks, 52 Redwings, 2 Bramblings and 2 Black-throated Divers south were the best birds.

February 5th: Wildfowl included 600 Pink-footed Geese northwest, 1260 Brent Geese and 6 Scaups south. 30 Woodcocks and 61 Redwings were present.

February 4th: 14 Woodcocks, a Mediterranean Gull, 5 Goldcrests and 29 Redwings were noted. 700 Pink-footed Geese headed northwest, and 3 Snow Buntings south.

February 3rd: A fair variety of birds, including 339 Red-throated Divers, a Hen Harrier, 4 Woodcocks, a Kingfisher, 4 Water Pipits, 4 Goldcrests, a Crossbill and 22 Corn Buntings.

February 2nd: A Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 7 Woodcocks, 6 Crossbills and 18 Corn Buntings were the best birds.

February 1st: A Pink-footed Goose and a Hen Harrier were the only birds of note.

Late January 2012

January 31st: A Goosander flew south. A Water Pipit, 4 Woodcocks and 4 Snow Buntings were present.

January 30th: Red-throated Divers numbered 206 and Great Crested Grebes 14.  The best other birds were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Snow Buntings.

January 29th: A Lapland Bunting went south and a Black-throated Diver north. Around were 4 Pink-footed Geese, a Hooded Crow and a Red-necked Grebe.

January 28th: A Firecrest and a White-fronted Goose were the best birds.

January 27th: Notables were a Hen Harrier, 3000 Golden Plovers, 2 Woodcocks and 11 Bean Geese.

January 26th: A Woodcock was the only bird of note.

January 25th: 400 Pink-footed Geese headed south and 3 Woodcocks were present.

January 24th: 2 Whooper Swans flew west.

January 23rd: Wildfowl included 9 White-fronted Geese northwest, a Pink-footed Goose and a Black Brant. A Hen Harrier and a Water Pipit were noted.

January 22nd: The best birds were 6 Whooper Swans, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Hen Harriers, a Woodcock, a Water Pipit, 40 Corn Buntings and a Black Brant.

January 21st: The only notables were a Whooper Swan and a Black Swan.

Mid January 2012

January 20th: Very few records. A Bullfinch and a Pochard were the best birds.

January 19th: Wildfowl were represented by a Black Brant, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Scaup. A Water Pipit and 2 Woodcocks were the best of the rest.

January 18th: A Goosander and a Black-throated Diver flew south.

January 17th: A Hen Harrier and 4 Woodcocks were around, while 78 Pink-footed Geese headed northwest.

January 16th: South went 3 Crossbills and a Great Northern Diver and northwest 80 Pink-footed Geese. Offshore were 26 Great Crested Grebes and 180 Cormorants. Also noted were 43 Corn Buntings and a White-fronted Goose.

January 15th: The best wildfowl were 575 Pink-footed Geese northwest, a White-fronted Goose, a Scaup and 213 Eiders. Southward movers were 113 Red-throated Divers, a Mediterranean Gull and a Great Northern Diver.

January 14th: The best birds were a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Lapland Bunting, a Hooded Crow, 180 Cormorants and 2920 Pink-footed Geese.

January 13th: A Hooded Crow, a Shorelark, a Woodcock, 75 Corn Buntings and 9 Pink-footed Geese were notables.

January 12th: Good wildfowl were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black Brants, hybrid and 23 Pink-footed Geese. Corn Buntings numbered 67. A Lapland Bunting flew south. Corn Buntings numbered 67 and Water Pipits 4.

January 11th: Movers were 5 Whooper Swans and 204 Red-throated Divers south and 300 Pink-footed Geese northwest. Other notable wildfowl were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Scaup, 2 Black Brants and a White-fronted Goose. A Hen Harrier, 165 Cormorants, a Blackcap, a Lapland Bunting and 54 Corn Buntings added variety.

Early January 2012

January 10th: Wildfowl included 35 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Scaup, 170 Eiders and a White-fronted Goose. A Lapland Bunting, a Great Northern Diver and a Puffin flew south. A Hen Harrier was still present.

January 9th: A Snow Bunting and a Puffin went south. Geese were represented by 25 White-fronted and 136 Pink-footed. A Hooded Crow and 63 Corn Buntings were of note.

January 8th: Pink-footed Geese numbered 517 and White-fronted Geese 25, while a single Pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen.  A Woodcock, a Hen Harrier and a Hooded Crow were good winter birds.

January 7th: South at sea headed 125 Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver. Geese included 321 Pink-footed, a Pale-bellied Brent, a Black Brant or hybrid, and 21 White-fronted. A Lapland Bunting and a Hooded Crow were the best of the rest.

January 6th: Golden Plovers totalled 6000 and Lapwings 600. A Hooded Crow, 2 Woodcocks, 495 Pink-footed Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 16 White-fronted Geese were also notable.

January 5th: A Great Northern Diver and a Shag flew south at sea. A Bean Goose was with 300 Pink-footed Geese. Other good birds were 2000 Golden Plovers, 50 Corn Buntings and a Hooded Crow.

January 4th: A Shag found dead had a green darvic ring and metal ring 1452953. A Waxwing and a Lapland Bunting headed south and 57 Pink-footed Geese southwest. On Croftmarsh were 3500 Golden Plovers and 500 Lapwings. A Hooded Crow and 77 Fieldfares added variety.

January 3rd: A Scaup and a Red-necked Grebe were the best birds.

January 2nd: Notables were a Hen Harrier, 1800 Golden Plovers, a Shorelark and a Bean Goose.

January 1st: Cormorants numbered 200, Pink-footed Geese 414, Golden Plovers 12000 and Lapwings 3013. Also noted were a Lapland Bunting and 2 Bean Geese.

Late December 2011

December 31st: The Hooded Crow was still present. A Great Skua and a Pink-footed Goose flew south. 2 Hen Harriers were present.

December 30th: Golden Plovers totalled 2000 and Lapwings 880. A late Arctic Skua and a Lapland Bunting headed south. Other good birds were 5 Waxwings, the Spoonbill and a Hooded Crow.

December 29th: 300 Pink-footed Geese and the Spoonbill were the only notable birds.

December 28th: The only new bird of interest was a Glaucous Gull.

December 27th: A Waxwing went south. Geese included 2 Bean and 480 Pink-footed. High totals were 4000 Golden Plovers, 678 Lapwings and 260 Fieldfares. A Blackcap, a Hen Harrier and the Spoonbill were of note.

December 26th: Golden Plovers numbered 2500, Lapwings 410 and Pink-footed Geese 46. A Water Pipit, a Lapland Bunting west, 2 Woodcocks, a Blackcap, a Corn Bunting and the Spoonbill added variety.

December 25th: Southward movers were 5 Whooper Swans and a Waxwing. A Firecrest was new. 700 Pink-footed Geese, a Scaup, a Woodcock and the Spoonbill were the best of the rest.

December 24th: Wildfowl included a Scaup, 47 White-fronted Geese and 651 Pink-footed Geese. 135 Cormorants, the Spoonbill and 27 Corn Buntings were notable.

December 23rd: 16 Great Crested Grebes flew south. 37 White-fronted Geese and a Pink-footed Goose remained. A Scaup and the Spoonbill were other good birds.

December 22nd: On Croftmarsh were 4000 Golden Plovers and 590 Lapwings. 13 Great Crested Grebes headed south. Other high numbers included 6 Woodcocks, 25 Snow Buntings, 9 Lapland Buntings, 45 Corn Buntings and 100 White-fronted Geese. Other notables were a Waxwing, a Hooded Crow, the Spoonbill, 2 Snow Buntings and the rediscovered Richard's Pipit.

December 21st: On Croftmarsh were 800 Golden Plovers. Flying south to roost were 400 Pink-footed Geese and 50 White-fronted Geese.

Mid December 2011

December 20th: A Great Northern Diver flew south. A Woodcock and a Shorelark were the best of the rest.

December 19th: 2 Woodcocks and 15 Corn Buntings were notable.

December 18th: Wildfowl included a Whooper Swan, 451 Pink-footed Geese and 56 White-fronted Geese. 2 Little Auks were offshore. A Woodcock, a Shorelark and a Snow Bunting were around.

December 17th: A Long-eared Owl and a Water Pipit were new, while a Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting were noted. 2 Bean Geese went south. Other geese included 450 Pink-footed and 54 White-fronted.

December 16th: A Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl in off the sea were the only notable birds.

December 15th: Golden Plovers numbered 2200, Lapwings 350, Whooper Swans 5 and Pink-footed Geese 800. The Spoonbill remained. A Great Northen Diver flew north.

December 14th: Geese included 500 Pink-footed and 30 White-fronted. Golden Plovers peaked at 3500 and Lapwings at 450. A Lapland Bunting headed south. The Spoonbill was still present.

December 13th: The only notables were 4 Waxwings.

December 12th: A good variety of birds. A Hen Harrier, 2 Ruffs, a Woodcock, a Great Skua, a Shag, a Snow Bunting and the Spoonbill were around. The Richard's Pipit was refound. Southward movers included a Little Gull and a Lapland Bunting. Geese were represented by 662 Pink-footed, 37 Bean, 39 White-fronted and a Barnacle.

December 11th: The Richard's Pipit was in the Sanctuary. 4 Little Gulls and a Pomarine Skua flew south, while 3 Little Auks were offshore. Other good birds were 500 Pink-footed Geese, 24 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Hen Harrier, 1950 Golden Plovers, 20 Corn Buntings, the Spoonbill and 5 Barnacle Geese.

Early December 2011

December 10th: Wildfowl included 522 Pink-footed Geese, 74 White-fronted Geese, 27 Bean Geese and a Black Swan. The Richard's Pipit was relocated on New Saltmarsh. Also around were a Hen Harrier, 2 Lapland Buntings, 4 Corn Buntings and the Spoonbill.

December 9th: Offshore were a Great Northern Diver and a Red-necked Grebe. 2 Ruffs and 2 Woodcocks represented the waders, and 3 Whooper Swans, 51 Pink-footed Geese and 103 White-fronted Geese the wildfowl. A Richard's Pipit was discovered near the outer ridges. The Spoonbill lingered.

December 8th: The best birds were 3 Velvet Scoters south, 2 Ruffs, a Great Northern Diver, a Red-necked Grebe south and the Spoonbill.

December 7th: South went a Little Gull and 98 Auk Spp. Pink-footed Geese numbered 285 and Bean Geese 6. Variety was provided by 78 Kittiwakes, a Water Pipit, a Snow Bunting and 22 Corn Buntings.

December 6th: Golden Plovers built up to 1000. Geese included 300 Pink-footed, 5 White-fronted and 34 Bean. The Spoonbill remained.

December 5th: The most interesting birds were 4 Whooper Swans, 14 White-fronted Geese and the Spoonbill.

December 4th: Croftmarsh held 900 Golden Plovers and 300 Lapwings. A Firecrest was new. Wildfowl included 20 Whooper Swans and 12 Bewick's Swans south, 809 Brent Geese and a Goosander.

December 3rd: A late Swallow, 340 Pink-footed Geese northwest, 900 Golden Plovers, 3 Woodcocks, a Corn Bunting and the Spoonbill were the best birds.

December 2nd: Southward went a Snow Bunting and 21 Whooper Swans. Around were 700 Pink-footed Geese, a Woodcock, 3 Corn Buntings, 55 White-fronted Geese and a Barnacle Goose.

December 1st: A Black Redstart, the Spoonbill, 8 Whooper Swans south and 131 Pink-footed Geese were the most notable birds.

Late November 2011

November 30th: New birds included a Red-necked Grebe, 47 White-fronted Geese, 4 Crossbills, a Snow Bunting, a Woodcock and a Black Redstart. A Whooper Swan flew south, and a Great Northern Diver north, while the Spoonbill lingered.

November 29th: Southward movement included 6 Whooper Swans, 5 Pink-footed Geese and a Great Northern Diver. 2 Velvet Scoters were on the sea.

November 28th: Heading south were 152 Whooper Swans, 2 Great Skuas, 360 Woodpigeons and 2 Snow Buntings. Around were a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, a Black Redstart, a Spoonbill, a Barnacle Goose and 16 White-fronted Geese.

November 27th: Wildfowl included 5 Bewick's Swans south, 2 Whooper Swans, 224 Pink-footed Geese, a Goosander south and a Barnacle Goose. 2 Hen Harriers, 623 Lapwings, a Great Skua, 640 Woodpigeons south, a Black Redstart and a Spoonbill provided variety.

November 26th: New birds included 2 Whooper Swans, 971 Pink-footed Geese, 2 White-fronted Geese, 3 Hen Harriers and a Lapland Bunting south.

November 25th: 839 Lapwings and 1450 Woodpigeons south were prominent. Wildfowl were represented by 1003 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Bean Geese south and a Barnacle Goose. The best of the rest were 2 Woodcocks, 30 Snow Buntings south, a Lapland Bunting and the Spoonbill.

November 24th: 800 Pink-footed Geese and 23 White-fronted Geese were the only notables.

November 23rd: Movements included 7 Whooper Swans, a Little Gull, 1030 Woodpigeons, 76 Skylarks, a Crossbill and a Lapland Bunting south, and 30 Pink-footed Geese southeast. Other good birds were 10 Great Crested Grebes, 26 Gannets, 30 Snow Buntings and a Corn Bunting.

November 22nd: 12 Barnacle Geese flew south. 2 Woodcocks, 9 Snow Buntings, 36 Corn Buntings, a Pomarine Skua and the Spoonbill provided variety.

November 21st: A Long-eared Owl, a Black Redstart, 18 Snow Buntings, a White-fronted Goose, a Spoonbill and 5 Woodcock were of note. 1350 Pink-footed Geese and 1970 Woodpigeons were prominent.

Mid November 2011

November 20th: The best birds were 500 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Woodcocks, 4 Chiffchaffs including 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, a Black Redstart and a Spoonbill.

November 19th: 5040 Woodpigeons were on the move, while a Grey Phalarope headed south offshore. Pink-footed Geese numbered 1090. 5 Little Gulls were around offshore. A Slavonian Grebe, 3 Blackcaps, a Black Redstart, 23 Snow Buntings and a Lapland Bunting added interest.

November 18th: South went 5 Whooper Swans and 9 Bewick's Swans. Little Gulls increased to 125. Other good birds were a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, a Swallow, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Snow Buntings, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Corn Buntings, a Slavonian Grebe and 9 White-fronted Geese.

November 17th: 15 Little Gulls flew south. Wildfowl included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 703 Pink-footed Geese, 24 White-fronted Geese and a Velvet Scoter. Golden Plovers numbered 1385. A Hawfinch, 15 Snow Buntings, 2 Lapland Buntings and a Great Skua added variety.

November 16th: Good wildfowl were 975 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 4 Bean Geese, 21 White-fronted Geese, and 7 Whooper Swans and 5 Bewick's Swans south. The best of the rest were 132 Kittiwakes, a Spoonbill and a Purple Sandpiper.

November 15th: A influx of wildfowl included 392 Pink-footed Geese, 34 White-fronted Geese, 20 Bean Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese and 2 Egyptian Geese. Offshore were a Great Skua, 50 Kittiwakes, a Commic Tern and 3 Little Auks. 5 Waxwings headed south. 2500 Woodpigeons, 3 Woodcocks, a Black Redstart and 5 Snow Buntings were notable.

November 14th: 1930 Woodpigeons and 35 Pink-footed Geese flew south. Around were a Hen Harrier, 46 Goldcrests, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 62 Robins, a Spoonbill and 3 White-fronted Geese.

November 13th: Good wilfowl included 387 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Whooper Swans south, and 43 White-fronted Geese around. Also of interest were a Snow Bunting, 7 Corn Buntings, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Purple Sandpiper.

November 12th: 6 Goosanders south, 8 Whooper Swans, 484 Pink-footed Geese and 4 White-fronted Geese were the best wildfowl. A Long-eared Owl was trapped. 2 Waxwings and a Green Woodpecker were of interest.

November 11th: Cormorants peaked at 149. 384 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Chiffchaffs were the only other notable birds.

Early November 2011

November 10th: Notable new birds were 9 Waxwings, a Woodcock and a Purple Sandpiper. Goldcrests numbered 48, while 4 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps lingered. Also around were 9 Whooper Swans, a Hen Harrier and a Woodcock. 640 Pink-footed Geese went northwest.

November 9th: Southward flew 30 Pink-footed Geese and a Crossbill. Good new birds included 2 Slavonian Grebes, while a Hen Harrier, a Firecrest, a Spoonbill and a Snow Bunting provided variety.

November 8th: Thrushes remained prominent, with 2400 Blackbirds, 466 Fieldfares and 525 Redwings still around. 115 Robins, 3 Snow Buntings, a Woodcock, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps and 26 Pink-footed Geese west were of note.

November 7th: A big arrival of thrushes, including 5000 Blackbirds, 310 Fieldfares and 563 Redwings. Other good birds were a Kingfisher, a Shorelark, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, a Black Redstart and a Snow Bunting.

November 6th: An excellent day. Wildfowl included 5 Whooper Swans south, 3 Bewick's Swans south, a Black Swan, 641 Pink-footed Geese, 410 Brent Geese, 3 Scaup north and a Velvet Scoter. Seabirds were represented by 26 Red-throated Divers, 145 Gannets, 33 Little Gulls north, 106 Kittiwakes north, a Little Auk north, a Black-throated Diver south and 2 Pomarine Skuas north. The best of the rest were a Hen Harrier, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Black Redstart, a Twite south, 8 Crossbills, 8 Snow Buntings, 2 Corn Buntings, a Jay and a Purple Sandpiper.

November 5th: On the move were 34 Whooper Swans and 2290 Pink-footed Geese south, and 3 Great Skuas north. A Great Grey Shrike, 2 Woodcocks, 14 Little Gulls, 43 Goldcrests, 2 Twites, 2 Snow Buntings and a Spoonbill were around.

November 4th: South flew 12 Brent Geese, 10 Gannets, 2 Great Skuas, 27 Little Gulls and a Pomarine Skua, and east 142 Pink-footed Geese, while 65 Lapwings came in off the sea. A Shorelark and a Spoonbill were of note.

November 3rd: A Crossbill, a Snow Bunting and 435 Brent Geese were around. 57 Pink-footed Geese flew west, and 890 Woodpigeons and 3 Swallows south.

November 2nd: The best birds were 26 Pink-footed Geese south and the lingering Spoonbill.

November 1st: Moving birds included 13 Whooper Swans, 8 Pink-footed Geese, a Little Gull, a Great Skua, 135 Kittiwakes, 248 Skylarks, a Shorelark, a Swallow and a Lapland Bunting south. A Common Crane, a Hen Harrier, a Blackcap and a Spoonbill were around.