Early March 2016

March 10th. Offshore this morning were 9 Pintail, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Eider and 67 Common Scoter. Around were 63 Shelduck, a Grey Heron, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 5000 Oystercatcher, 16 Ringed Plover, 15000 Knot, 3500 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Grey Wagtail, 60 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and 60 Corn Bunting.

The Freshwater Marsh following yesterday's prolonged rain
Photo - Richard Doan
The Freshwater Marsh following yesterday's prolonged rain
Photo - Richard Doan

Short-eared Owl
Photo - Richard Doan
March 9th. About were 8 Pink-footed Goose and a Merlin. The evening wader roost was quite spectacular with 7500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4150 Dunlin, 1000 Sanderling, 3110 Grey Plover, 7760 Knot and 5000 Oystercatcher. An adult summer Mediterranean Gull was on The Wash at dusk.

March 8th. Around were 60 Redwing, a Woodcock, 9 Pink-footed Goose and a Water Pipit.

March 7th. Croftmarsh held 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 82 Wigeon and a Water Pipit. About were 10 Corn Bunting, a Merlin and a Common Buzzard. A Grey Wagtail flew south. On The Wash this evening were 5500 Herring Gull, 4500 Black-headed Gull and 1000 Common Gull.

March 6th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 1200 Brent Goose including 2 Pale-bellied Brent. In the Plantation were 2 Siskin and 60 Redwing. A Hen Harrier flew south. At least 70 Corn Bunting were in the West Dunes at dusk. Offshore were 80 Common Scoter and a drake Red-breasted Merganser.

March 5th. Cloudy with heavy rain showers clearing by mid-afternoon.
 About were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Brent Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Pipit and 50 Redwing.

March 4th. Around were 5 Siskin, 3 Rook and a Goldcrest.

March 3rd. Clear sky with a cold south wind.
 Around the reserve were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard 2, a Yellowhammer, 2 Pintail, 60 Redwing, 4 Redpoll spp, 5 Corn Bunting and 4 Coal Tit. Scrutiny of the Brent Goose flock revealed 3 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

March 2nd. Heavy rain showers throughout the day.
 The highlight of the day was a Red Kite which flew south through the reserve. In the Plantation were 2 Siskin, 2 Tree Sparrow and 50 Redwing.

March 1st. Sunny with a cold southerly wind.
 Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Water Pipit and 50 Redwing.