Late March 2020

March 31st. Birds around included a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 18 Little Egret, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit and a Siskin.

Roe Deer buck, 31st March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 30th. Birds around included a Woodcock, a Snipe, a male Hen Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing and 3 Siskin.  

Melanistic Rabbit, 30th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward 

March 29th. Birds around included 10 Avocet, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Redwing.


March 28th. Birds around included a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, a Black Redstart, a Crossbill, a Siskin and a Corn Bunting.   

Comma, 28th March 2020.

Photo - Rebecca Hardwick

March 27th. Birds around included 145 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Woodlark, a Cetti’s Warbler, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Black Redstart,     


March 26th. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew out to sea mid-day. Heading south were 2 Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Rook, 178 Starling, 2 Alba Wagtail, 28 Chaffinch, 4 Linnet, 8 Goldfinch and 6 Siskin. Birds around included 2 Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Bearded Tit, 6 Goldcrest, 100 Starling, a Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.  

Rough-legged Buzzard, 26th March 2020.

Photo - Rebecca Hardwick

Black Redstart, 26th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 25th. Heading south were 5 Stock Dove, a Common Crane, 3 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Kestrel, 37 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, a Coal Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, 3 Skylark, 104 Starling, 43 Redwing, 2 House Sparrow, 4 Alba Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 77 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 18 Linnet, a Redpoll, 19 Siskin and 16 Siskin. Birds around included a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Grey Heron, a Green Woodpecker, a Cetti’s Warbler, 8 Goldcrest, 4 Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, 4 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

Siskin, 25th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 24th. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 4 Red Kite, 4 Buzzard, a Kestrel , a Merlin, 4 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 382 Starling, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 236 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 8 Linnet, 17 Goldfinch and 42 Siskin; and out east 97 Wigeon. Birds around included 4 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, a Water Pipit, 12 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.  

Red Kite, 24th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 23rd. Heading south were a Red Kite, 10 Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Brambling and 9 Siskin. Birds around included 12 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 126 Wigeon, 86 Teal, 22 Tufted Duck, 4 Stock Dove, a Great Crested Grebe, 3 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, a Snipe, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 455 Starling, 11 Redwing, a Stonechat, 2 Pied Wagtail, 52 Water Pipit (to roost on the Old Saltmarsh), 4 Greenfinch, 10 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

Peacock, 23rd March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward 

March 22nd. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Avocet and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Shelduck, 39 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 84 Wigeon, 54 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, 9 Stock Dove, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 40 Starling, 12 Redwing, 3 Pied Wagtail, a Water Pipit, a Bullfinch, a Siskin and a Yellowhammer. Heading south were a Buzzard and 3 Siskin.

Red Fox, 22nd March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

March 21st. Strong easterly wind.
 Heading south were a Red Kite, a White Wagtail and 6 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pochard, 10 Stock Dove, a Great Crested Grebe, a Jack Snipe and 5 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe and 18 Avocet. Birds around included 50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 21 Shelduck, 21 Shoveler, 35 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 69 Teal, 45 Tufted Duck, a Snipe, 8 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler (at the North End), a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 255 Starling, 5 Redwing, 5 Pied Wagtail, a Water Pipit (over Tennyson's Sands), a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, a Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

Snipe, 21st March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Mid March 2020

March 20th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind.
 On Jackson's March were 2 Black-tailed and 7 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands 19 Avocet and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 108 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pink-footed Goose, 24 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 82 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 16 Stock Dove, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Avocet, 8 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2200 Starling, 24 Redwing, 3 Pied Wagtail, a Water Pipit, a Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, a Siskin, a Corn Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer.  
           
March 19th. A Great Egret flew south during the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 12 Avocet. Birds around included 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 20 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Mute Swan, 33 Shelduck, 23 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 95 Wigeon, 46 Teal, 36 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 14 Little Grebe, 5 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, 13 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 9 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 800 Starling, 39 Redwing, a Stonechat, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Pied Wagtail, 8 Water Pipit, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer.

Great Egret, pursued by Black-headed Gull, 19th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Nordic Jackdaw, 19th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 18th. Light rain for most of the day.
 A male Mandarin Duck flew north over the Bird Observatory in the morning and later was briefly on Princes Pond before flying north-west. Heading south were 3 Stock Dove, 244 Woodpigeon, 34 Jackdaw, 4 Carrion Crow, 912 Starling, 3 Alba Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 684 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Linnet, 17 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting. Birds around included 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 31 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Shelduck, 27 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 118 Wigeon, 34 Tufted Duck, 70 Eider, 10 Stock Dove, 2 Water Rail, 14 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Lapwing, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 13 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 9 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 900 Starling, 2 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin, a Corn Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer.  

March 17th. Heading south were 23 Stock Dove, 1089 Woodpigeon, 2 Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Grey Heron, 2 Red Kite, 6 Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, 458 Jackdaw, 10 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Skylark, a Woodlark, 2 Sand Martin, 179 Starling, a Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, a Tree Sparrow, 9 Alba Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 553 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 56 Linnet, a Crossbill, 23 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting; and north 9 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 522 Golden Plover. Birds around included 2 Grey Partridge, 151 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 28 Pink-footed Goose, 41 Shelduck, 33 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 142 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 39 Tufted Duck, 6 Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Water Rail, 15 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 3 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Grey Heron, 12 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 49 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest (1 along the cycle track and 1 at the north end of the West Dunes), 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 3000 Starling, a Stonechat, 21 Water Pipit (to roost on the Old Saltmarsh), a Brambling and 12 Corn Bunting.

Firecrest, 17th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Brambling, 17th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Migrant Buzzard, 17th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 16th. A Hooded Crow flew south-west over the West Dunes in the morning. Heading south were 54 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 2495 Starling, 7 Alba Wagtail, 188 Chaffinch, 7 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch and 9 Siskin. Birds around included 2 Grey Partridge, 57 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 78 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shelduck, 27 Shoveler, 34 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 35 Tufted Duck, 11 Stock Dove, 1400 Woodpigeon, 16 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 24 Avocet, 10 Lapwing, 90 Golden Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 2 Sparowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 5000 Starling, a Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, a Stonechat (Visitor Centre car park), 4 Pied Wagtail, 7 Water Pipit, a Brambling, 15 Linnet, 26 Corn Bunting and a Yellowhammer.

Robin, 16th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Yellowhammer, 16th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

March 15th. Heading south were 24 Jackdaw, 37 Starling, an Alba Wagtail, 461 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Linnet and 11 Goldfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Great Crested Grebe and 13 Avocet. Birds around included 187 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 27 Canada Goose, 7 Greylag Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 56 Wigeon, 76 Mallard, 32 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 8 Stock Dove, 13 Little Grebe, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 3500 Starling, 31 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Pied Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 57 Water Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 12 Greenfinch, 20 Corn Bunting and 9 Reed Bunting.

Barn Owl, 15th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Short-eared Owl, 15th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Starling, murmurating at dusk, 15th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter 

Sunset, 15th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

March 14th. On Tennyson's Sands were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Avocet and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Birds around included 450 Pink-footed Goose, 22 Shelduck, 36 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 94 Wigeon, 53 Teal, 44 Tufted Duck, 8 Stock Dove, 14 Little Grebe, 6 Lapwing, 52 Curlew, a Snipe, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 550 Starling, 22 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 14 Robin, a Stonechat, a Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 22 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, a Yellowhammer and 6 Reed Bunting.

March 13th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Mediterranean Gull. Birds around included 220 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 450 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 35 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 95 Wigeon, 42 Teal, 49 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander, 14 Stock Dove, 14 Little Grebe, 3 Lapwing, a Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 14 Skylark, 6 long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 650 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, 18 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Old Saltmarsh), 2 Pied Wagtail, 13 Meadow Pipit, 64 Water Pipit (to roost on Old Saltmarsh), 6 Rock Pipit, 12 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 25 Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre car park) and 10 Reed Bunting. Heading south were 94 Starling, 19 Redwing and an Alba Wagtail.  

March 12th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 A Bearded Tit flew over the north end of the west side of the reserve in the afternoon. On Jackson's Marsh were a Great Crested Grebe, a Jack Snipe, 8 Snipe and 3 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Great Crested Grebe and 20 Avocet. Birds around included 280 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 550 Pink-footed Goose, 46 Shelduck, 24 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 72 Wigeon, 34 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 23 Stock Dove, 16 Lapwing, 64 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 23 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 7 Rook, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 950 Starling, 27 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat (West Dunes), 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 35 Chaffinch, 14 Greenfinch, 15 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 9 Corn Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 7 Reed Bunting. Heading south were a Grey Heron, 424 Starling, 2 Alba Wagtail, 52 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch and 2 Siskin.

March 11th.
 An impressive 83 Water Pipit were counted into roost on the Old Saltmarsh in the early evening. Heading south were 4 Stock Dove, a Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Red Kite, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 54 Jackdaw, 6 Carrion Crow, 223 Starling, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 243 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 8 Goldfinch and 3 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron and 19 Little Egret. Birds around included 198 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 650 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Shelduck, 39 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 88 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 33 Tufted Duck, 14 Eider, 16 Stock Dove, 13 Little Grebe, 802 Oystercatcher, 32 Lapwing, 270 Golden Plover, 5250 Grey Plover, 39 Ringed Plover, 99 Curlew, 650 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Turnstone, 24000 Knot, 452 Sanderling, 4200 Dunlin, 4 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe (East Dunes), 7 Snipe, 144 Redshank, a Sparrowhawk, 2 male Hen Harrier (over Old Saltmarsh), a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Woodlark (East Dunes), 24 Skylark, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 270 Starling, 44 Blackbird, 17 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 28 Robin, 2 Stonechat (West Dunes), 16 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 9 Corn Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 12 Reed Bunting.

Great Crested Grebe, 11th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Red Kite, 11th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Early March 2020

March 10th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 Heading south were 84 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 7 Carrion Crow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 113 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were a Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Avocet, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 20 Little Egret. Birds around included 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 25 Canada Goose, 21 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 38 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 99 Wigeon, 47 Mallard, 31 Teal, 28 Tufted Duck, 18 Stock Dove, a Collared Dove, 13 Little Grebe, 76 Curlew, 69 Redshank, a Snipe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 12 Skylark, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 200 Starling, 30 Blackbird, 43 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre car park), 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 36 Water Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 60 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 24 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 12 Corn Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 7 Reed Bunting.

Mistle Thrush, 10th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 9th. 
 Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 72 Starling, 4 Chaffinch and a Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 649 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye, a Water Rail, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit and 18 Little Egret; and on Jackson's Marsh 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Snipe. Birds around included 170 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 30 Canada Goose, 21 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 35 Shelduck, 24 Shoveler, 43 Gadwall, 171 Wigeon, 78 Mallard, 60 Teal, 45 Tufted Duck, 19 Stock Dove, 20 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 12 Lapwing, 16 Ringed Plover, 114 Curlew, 96 Redshank, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 4 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Coal Tit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 664 Starling, 32 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 22 Robin, 2 Stonechat (West Dunes), a Pied Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 13 Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 45 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 20 Goldfinch, 5 Corn Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 11 Reed Bunting.

Marsh Harrier, 9th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Redwing, 9th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 8th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
 Heading south were 8 Golden Plover, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 35 Starling, 3 Alba Wagtail, 13 Chaffinch and 7 Siskin. The 2 Tundra Bean Goose were with 700 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh; on Jackson's Marsh were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 411 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Avocet and 19 Little Egret. Birds around included 55 Canada Goose, 21 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 24 Shelduck, 32 Shoveler, 48 Gadwall, 158 Wigeon, 76 Mallard, 41 Teal, 39 Tufted Duck, 18 Stock Dove, 15 Little Grebe, 87 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Skylark, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 58 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 24 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 18 Robin, a Stonechat (from Visitor Centre car park), 2 Alba Wagtail, 13 Meadow Pipit, 62 Water Pipit (to roost on the Old Saltmarsh), 5 Rock Pipit, 42 Chaffinch, 14 Greenfinch, 19 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 38 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 9 Reed Bunting.

Corn Bunting, 8th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 7th.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 900 Pink-footed Goose, the 2 Tundra Bean Goose and a Great Crested Grebe; Jackson's Marsh were a Pintail, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 515 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 29 Canada Goose, 9 Greylag Goose, 3 Mute Swan, 22 Shelduck, 39 Shoveler, 48 Gadwall, 162 Wigeon, 90 Mallard, 101 Teal, 50 Tufted Duck, 15 Stock Dove, 18 Little Grebe, 80 Lapwing, 67 Curlew, a Snipe, 14 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 80 Starling, 27 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, a Stonechat (East Dunes), an Alba Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 18 Water Pipit (to roost), 2 Rock Pipit, 25 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 15 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 4 Corn Bunting and 7 Reed Bunting.

Mediterranean Gull, 7th March 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

March 6th.
 On Jackson's Marsh were a Pintail, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 543 Dark-bellied Brent Goose; and on Tennyson's Sands were 893 Pink-footed Goose, the 2 Tundra Bean Goose, a Water Rail, a Great Crested Grebe and a Cetti's Warbler. Birds around included 36 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 6 Shelduck, 27 Shoveler, 59 Gadwall, 232 Wigeon, 79 Mallard, 92 Teal, 35 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 9 Stock Dove, 18 Little Grebe, 80 Lapwing, 86 Curlew, a Snipe, 17 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 8 Skylark, 18 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 130 Starling, 34 Blackbird, 26 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, a Stonechat (West Dunes), 4 Meadow Pipit, 44 Water Pipit (to roost on Old Saltmarsh), 4 Rock Pipit, 33 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 14 Greenfinch, 3 Linnet, 18 Goldfinch, 32 Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre car park) and 15 Reed Bunting.

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 6th March 2020.

Photos - Ben Ward

Pale-bellied and Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 5th.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Nordic Jackdaw; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Goldeneye and a Water Rail. Birds around included 380 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 34 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 54 Teal, 25 Tufted Duck, 4 Eider, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Stock Dove, 9 Little Grebe, 120 Lapwing, 75 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, a Snipe, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker,, a Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 21 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 24 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 26 Corn Bunting and 5 Reed Bunting.

March 4th. Spring like conditions.
 91 Water Pipit were noted during evening roost activities. Heading south were 82 Woodpigeon, 32 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 10 Great Tit, 51 Starling, an Alba Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch and 3 Siskin. The Barnacle Goose and the 2 Tundra Bean Goose were amongst 1100 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh mid-day. Birds around included 370 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Egyptian Goose, 4 Mute Swan 26 Shelduck, 9 Gadwall, 3 Stock Dove, 200 Lapwing, 220 Golden Plover, 102 Curlew, a Green Sandpiper, a Woodcock, 5 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 22 Skylark, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 29 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 21 Robin, 3 Stonechat (2 out from Mill Hill and 1 West Dunes), a Pied Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 36 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 10 Greenfinch, 3 Linnet, 16 Goldfinch, 35 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 9 Reed Bunting.

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 4th March 2020.

Photos - Nige Lound

Great Tit, moving high south, 4th March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 3rd. 68 Water Pipit were counted into roost during showers in the late afternoon. Heading south were 2 Grey Heron, a Buzzard, 80 Starling and a Siskin. Birds around included 280 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Canada Goose, 1170 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Mute Swan, 56 Shelduck, 24 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 290 Wigeon, 97 Mallard, 120 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, an Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Stock Dove, 11 Little Grebe, 18 Avocet, 80 Lapwing, 87 Curlew, 78 Redshank, 3 Snipe, a Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (over Old Saltmarsh), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 60 Starling, 30 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, a Stonechat (West Dunes), a Pied Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 27 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 36 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 6 Reed Bunting.

Stonechat, 3rd March 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Hen Harrier, 3rd March 2020. 

March 2nd. Frosty start.
 Heading south were 8 Avocet, a Lapwing, a Marsh Harrier, 48 Jackdaw, a Rook, 70 Starling, a Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, a Siskin and 5 Goldfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 10 Pintail, 3 Pochard and 8 Snipe; on Croftmarsh were 100 Lapwing and 75 Starling; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Goldeneye, 18 Avocet, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and a Kingfisher. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 504 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 36 Canada Goose, 7 Greylag Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 40 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 42 Gadwall, 292 Wigeon, 78 Mallard, 96 Teal, 30 Tufted Duck, 20 Stock Dove, 13 Little Grebe, 77 Curlew, a Snipe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Woodpecker,  2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 25 Blackbird, 27 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 19 Robin, a Stonechat (around the Visitor Center), 4 Meadow Pipit, 13 Water Pipit (out of roost), 5 Rock Pipit, 34 Chaffinch, 15 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 16 Corn Bunting and 10 Reed Bunting.

Short-eared Owl, 2nd March 2020.

Photos - Sarah Hunter 

Short-eared Owl, 2nd March 2020.

Video - Ben Ward

Avocet, 2nd March 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound 

Mistle Thrush, 2nd March 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

March 1st. Decreasing south-westerly wind with brief hail showers in the afternoon.

 A coordinated effort by 5 local observers produced an incredible count of 97 Water Pipit in to roost in the early evening. On Jackson's Marsh were 274 Wigeon, 10 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 15 Snipe; on Croftmarsh a further Pintail; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Avocet and a Water Rail. Birds around included 193 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 57 Canada Goose, 15 Greylag Goose, 850 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 23 Shelduck, 43 Shoveler, 34 Gadwall, 126 Mallard, 176 Teal, 39 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 5 Stock Dove, 13 Little Grebe, 196 Lapwing, 77 Curlew, 7 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh), 2 Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 25 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 8 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 27 Chaffinch, 18 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch, 37 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 6 Reed Bunting.

Water Pipit, 1st March 2020.

Photos - James Siddle 

Barn Owl, 1st March 2020.

Video - Ben Ward