Early April 2013

10th April: A clear out of migrants was evident early morning. Around the reserve were a pair of Marsh Harriers. Good numbers of waders came up on the recent high tides, notably Bar-tailed Godwits and Grey Plovers.

9th April: About were 36 Corn Buntings and a male Hen Harrier. On Croftmarsh were 25 Golden Plovers in breeding plumage.

8th April: The only species of note were the first Black Redstart of the year on the Visitor Centre roof, and a Marsh Harrier hunting over the saltmarsh at dawn.



Black Redstart at the Visitor Centre (Richard Doan)

7th April: The south-westerly winds spurred on the first decent passage day of the spring, with the following flying south: 2 Red Kites, 9 Common Buzzards, a Marsh Harrier, 3157 Redwings, 339 Chaffinches, 48 Siskins, 62 Linnets, 23 Rooks, 7 Bramblings, 23 Stock Doves and 8 Alba Wagtails. Grounded migrants were a 67 Woodcocks, 63 Blackbirds and 200 Redwings. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year was on Fenland Lagoon.

6th April: A steady southerly passage of passerines was evident early morning, involving 5 Rooks, 3 Tree Sparrows, 13 Siskins, 4 Greenfinches, 5 Alba Wagtails, 60 Starlings and 2 Yellowhammers. Fenland Lagoon was productive, following successful management of the water levels, with 15 Avocets, 3 Redshanks and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits present. About on the reserve were a Short-eared Owl and 27 Corn Buntings.
The first butterflies of the year were out, 2 Commas in the Plantation and 2 Small Tortoiseshells in East Dunes.



Avocet on Fenland Lagoon (Richard Doan)

5th April: Very quiet on the reserve today, the highlights being a Common Buzzard over Jackson's Marsh and a Rook south.

4th April: The only notables today were a Hen Harrier hunting over the saltmarsh in the evening, and a Mediterranean Gull on Tennyson Sands.

3rd April: About were a male Hen Harrier, a female Merlin, a Barn Owl and 35 Corn Buntings, several of the latter singing near the main car park. Fenland Lagoon held an immature/female Common Scoter. Croftmarsh produced 50 Golden Plovers, the majority now acquiring breeding plumage.



Immature/female Common Scoter (Richard Doan)

2nd April: A Redwing was in song along the Cycle Track, and a Bittern was located on Jackson's Marsh in the evening.

1st April: Singles of Siskin, Brambling and Woodcock were about. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were discovered on the Wash.