Late June 2020

June 30th. 2 Great White Egret were on New Saltmarsh where a Short-eared Owl quartered. An adult male Black Redstart was seen near Harvey’s Hide and a Marsh Harrier was over Croftmarsh.

Grey Seal, 30th June 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

June 29th. Following yesterday’s movement, there was little expectation that there would be any Swifts left in the system to pass through, but what followed was nothing short of astonishing. Fortunately, the shorebird team were out at dawn to deter crows from predating Little Tern clutches and were well placed to witness what is thought to have been the largest ever swift movement in the UK. Again, moving south on a broad front, birds were passing at low level in the strong headwind. A feeding flock accumulated over the Plantation with birds coming in from the north and departing to the south – this flock amassing over 3000 birds at one stage. The total was 46026. Also heading south were 2 Mediterranean Gull. 3 Spoonbill arrived off the sea and continued south as did a Grey Heron.

Swifts, 29th June 2020.

Video - Ben Ward 

Swifts, 29th June 2020.
Photo - Kev Wilson

June 28th. A very impressive day for Swift passage, particularly in the first few hours of the morning when sizeable groups were moving low south over the beach and giving an excellent opportunity to check for any white rumps from Mill Hill. Regular fifteen-minute samples of 650–750 birds were made. This reduced down to c300 per fifteen minutes by midday with nearer 70–80 per 15 minutes by late afternoon. A total of 19418 passed south. Other species were prominent in the movement were 43 Siskin, 27 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 57 Curlew, 20 House Martin, 13 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, a Hobby and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull.

June 27th. A switch to southerly winds saw an expected movement of Swifts totalling 2878 south in the morning. Five Crossbill and 10 Siskin also went south. On the lagoons, Spoonbill had increased to 9 with 7 Grey Heron, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Common Sandpipers. Flocks of Black-tailed Godwits were grounded by rain temporarily and then moved off south totalling 66. Offshore at low tide late afternoon a feeding flock of 220 Sandwich Terns were joined by 10 Gannets.

June 26th. A Coal Tit was in song at Aylmer Avenue and two Yellowhammer were on territory on the west side. An hour’s visible migration up to 0850hrs included 140 Starling, 17 Siskin, 25 Curlew, a Grey Wagtail all south and 17 Sandwich Terns north. Another 35 Sandwich Terns were at roost on the beach, and unusually, 19 flew inland and assembled with gulls on Tennyson’s Sands. A Green Sandpiper and two fully black Spotted Redshank were also present there. 6 Crossbill were around and a late Jay flew from East Dunes to West Dunes.

 The sixth session of CES was done this morning. The 27 new birds were 5 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, a Great Tit, 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock. The 15 retraps were 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and a Blue Tit.

June 25th. Highlights of visible migration from 0730–0900hrs were 182 Starling, 20 Curlew, 32 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Crossbill and a Siskin south. A male and juvenile Stonechat together on the Old Saltmarsh are presumably from the successful breeding further north on the reserve. 45 Shelduck moved from the Haven onto Tennyson’s Sands on the rising tide and a single Marsh Harrier and Spoonbill were around.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 16 new birds: 3 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 2  Lesser Whitethroat,2 Robin, a Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Dunnock.

June 24th. A Great White Egret flew west at 0500hrs and a 'home-grown' Little Egret juvenile was out on Jackson’s Marsh – one of two youngsters from the first ever nesting pair on the reserve (and apparently the first on any LWT reserve). A flock of 11 Crossbill frequented the pines, a flock of 10 Sand Martins flew south late afternoon and a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling down Mill Pond Road. A juvenile Tawny Owl was heard food-begging in the evening.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 10 new birds: a Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Blackbird, 3 Great Tit and 3 Whitethroat.

June 23rd. A Wood Sandpiper was a new arrival on Croftmarsh, whilst small numbers of Curlew (15 south) and Lapwing continue to arrive or pass through (16 south today).It remained quiet offshore except for 200 Common Scoter north, 11 Sandwich Tern south and a Great Crested Grebe on the sea. Visible migration highlights included 590 Swift, 18 Sand Martin, a Yellow Wagtail and a Jay. A Crossbill and 2 Siskin were around the Plantation. Red-banded Sand Wasps are now regularly encountered along the East Dunes frontage and a teneral Ruddy Darter was the first of the year.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 12 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, 2 Robin, a Great Tit and a Blackbird.

June 22nd. Light visible migration included 92 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin and 2 Siskin all south. Returning waders on the estuary included 14 Curlew and a Greenshank. A Barn Owl and a Short-eared Owl quartered the Old Saltmarsh throughout the day. 6 Spoonbill were on Tennyson’s Sands.

June 21st. Visible migration involved 787 Swift, a Juvenile Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, 14 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 8 House Martin and 2 Siskin all south. 3 Crossbill flew over the Bird Observatory heading towards the Plantation and a Spotted Redshank toured the lagoons.

Mid June 2020

June 20th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 14 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Reed Warbler, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

June 19th. The fifth session of CES was done this morning. The 39 new birds were 4 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Robin, 3 Great Tit, a Linnet, 6 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 9 Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Kestrel. The 21 retraps were a Wren, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, a Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Long-tailed Tit and a Blue Tit.

June 18th.

June 17th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Great Tit and 2 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Chiffchaff and a Dunnock.

June 16th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Linnet, a Meadow Pipit, a Whitethroat and a Starling; and 7 retraps: 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber produced 13 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat and 4 Blackcap; and 14 retraps: 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Chiffchaff and a Wren. 

June 15th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Meadow Pipit, a Great Tit, a Linnet, 4 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, a Blackbird and 2 Starling; and 7 retraps: a Robin, a Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, a Wren and a Blue Tit.

June 14th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: a Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat and a Linnet; and 6 retraps: a Sedge Warbler, a Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and 2 Whitethroat.

June 13th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 10 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Great Tit and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat.

June 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Red-backed Shrike and a Cetti's Warbler.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: a Sedge Warbler, a Chaffinch, 3 Great Tit, 3 Linnet, 4 Meadow Pipit, 4 Whitethroat, a Cetti's Warbler and a Red-backed Shrike;and 10 retraps: 4 Great Tit, 5 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Red-backed Shrike, ringed 12 June 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Red-backed Shrike, ringed 12 June 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 12 June 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

June 11th.

Early June 2020

June 10th.

June 9th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, 2 Whitethroat and 4 Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackbird, a Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Wren.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber produced 17 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 13 retraps: 3 Sedge Warbler, a Robin, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and 2 Dunnock.

June 8th. A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 20 new birds: a Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldfinch, 6 Linnet, 2 Great Tit, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldfinch, a Blackbird and a Linnet.

June 7th. The fourth session of CES was done this morning. The 17 new birds were 3 Chiffchaff, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Robin, a House Martin, a Yellowhammer, a Blackbird and a Tawny Owl. The 13 retraps were a Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and a Robin.

June 6th.

June 5th.

June 4th.

June 3rd. A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 3 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, a Sedge Warbler and a Meadow Pipit; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Linnet, a Goldfinch and 2 Whitethroat.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber yielded 11 new birds: 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 18 retraps: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Blackbird, a Chiffchaff, a Chaffinch and 3 Long-tailed Tit.

June 2nd. An Icterine Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes, as was a Garden Warbler.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, an Icterine Warbler, a Meadow Pipit and a Garden Warbler; and a retrap Goldfinch.

Icterine Warbler, ringed 2 June 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Icterine Warbler, ringed 2 June 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

June 1st. A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Sedge Warbler, 3 Great Tit, a Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Chaffinch and 3 Whitethroat.

Late May 2020

May 31st. Small groups of Starling were on the move, including the first juvenile of the year. 6 Cuckoo again included the group of 3 at North End. Birds around included a pair of Shoveler, the summering immature male Eider, 31 Curlew on Croftmarsh, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Jay and a Crossbill. In the evening 2 Hobby were hunting moths up and down Outer Ridges.

 A Black-tailed Skimmer was newly emerged on Freshwater Marsh.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Meadow Pipit, 2 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Linnet.

May 30th. There are potentially 5 territories of Grasshopper Warbler and 3 of Cetti’s Warbler on the reserve currently, A day total of 6 Cuckoo included  a group of 3 together at North End.  A group of 19 Little Egret had assembled at the river haven. Other birds around included 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff and 3 Whimbrel.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 2 Linner, a Whitethroat and 3 Great Tit; and a retrap Lesser Whitethroat.

May 29th. 4 female Ruff were newly arrived on Croftmarsh, with a  Common Sandpiper and a male Shoveler. Another male Shoveler was on the Mere.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Goldfinch and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Robin.

May 28th. Two Yellowhammer territories were ongoing over the west side of the reserve and a pair of Little Ringed Plover are nesting. A Redwing remained in East Dunes and a flock of 25 Curlew was on the Haven. Other birds around included an Eider, 220 Oystercatcher, 20 Grey Plover, 2 Turnstone, 900 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 2 Sandwich Tern, 21 Little Tern, a Marsh Harrier and a Short-eared Owl. Heading south were 26 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Jay, a Siskin and 12 Starling.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, including the third session of CES, was done this morning. The 11 new birds were 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Robin, a Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler and a Blackbird. The 21 retraps were a Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Wren, a Whitethroat, a Robin, a Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, a Long-tailed Tit and a Lesser Whitethroat. 

May 27th. A male Common Rosefinch was briefly in song in East Dunes in the morning. Heading south were a Buzzard, 26 Swallow and 3 House Martin; and north an Arctic Tern. Birds around included a Dark-bellied Bent Goose, a Black Swan, a Pochard, an Eider, 2 Cuckoo, 350 Knot, 2320 Sanderling, 450 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Jay and a Marsh Harrier. 

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler; 9 retraps: a Blue Tit, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit, a Wren and a Dunnock; and a control Sedge Warbler with a MUSEUM PARIS ring.

Philodromus fallax, the nationally rare 'Crab Spider', 27th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

May 26th. Nothing moved in any great numbers this morning but there was a good variety of species. Heading south were a Red Kite, 2 Buzzard, a Heron, 44 Swallow, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, an Alba Wagtail and 2 Siskin. 2 Whimbrel went north. Birds around included a Wigeon, an Eider, a Peregrine, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Cuckoo, 17 Common Gull, 10 Little Egret, 2 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 2 Jay, 2 Crossbill and a late Redwing.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Linnet, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Starling; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 3 Whitethroat and a Great Tit.

May 25th. A southbound Turtle Dove was the highlight of the migration watch, which involved a light passage of Linnet, Goldfinch, Swallow and House Martin. A skulking female Golden Oriole was discovered in East Dunes in the morning. Birds around included 6 Cuckoo, 220 Oystercatcher, 3 Turnstone, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Sandwich Tern a Jay and 3 Crossbill. 

 Broad-bodied Chaser and Four-spotted Chaser were recorded on the ponds down Mill Pond Road.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 12 new birds: 7 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and a Mistle Thrush; and 9 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, a Goldfinch and 2 Whitethroat.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber yielded 6 new birds: 2 Robin, 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler; and 8 retraps: 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Long-tailed Tit and a Whitethroat.

May 24th. A light seabird movement involved 5 Kittiwake, 12 Auk sp, 23 Little Tern. 6 Gannet, a Guillemot, 2 Eider and a Common Scoter all south. Birds around included 2 Sand Martin and 20 Swallow 3 Eider, 3 Cuckoo, 4 Grey Plover, 37 Ringed Plover, 13 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 45 Knot, 190 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 2 Jay and the Cetti’s Warbler on territory.

 

May 23rd. Another strong passage of Swallows, House Martin and Swift with lower numbers of Linnet and Goldfinch. Also heading south were a Red Kite, a Buzzard, a Collared Dove, 2 Lapwing, a Heron and singles of  Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and  Alba Wagtail. A Fulmar passed south close inshore and small numbers of Knot and Sanderling passed into the Wash. Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Greenshank and a Treecreeper.

May 22nd. There was a good variety of birds around and on the move today, with a strong passage of Swallow, House Martin and Swift. A Bee-eater briefly hawked with 6 Swallow north of Mill Hill in the morning before becoming lost to view on the east side of the dune and presumably flew south. Offshore, gulls were moving south including several Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Mediterranean Gull. Two male Velvet Scoter heded south with 7 Common Scoter, and later a female Velvet Scoter followed with 9 Tufted Duck. 14 Brent Geese headed out north-east. Wader counts included 280 Oystercatcher at roost with 970 Sanderling (750 roost). Other birds around included a Peregrine, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Cuckoo, 7 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Treecreeper, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 retraps: a Whitethroat and a Great Tit.

Velvet Scoter, 22nd May 2020.
Photo - Kev Wilson

May 21st. There was a light passage of Swallow, with a few House Martin and a Sand Martin early morning. Birds around included a Spoonbill, which flew across to Norfolk, a Jay and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, 4 Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

Mid May 3020

May 20th. A Wood Sandpiper flew south over Sykes Farm in the evening. Birds around included an Eider, 2 Grey Plover, 88 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel,29 Curlew, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 220 Sanderling, 180 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 33 Little Tern, a Spoonbill, a Peregrine, a Jay and a Redwing.  A Grey Wagtail flew south. 

 Migrant insects included a male Red-veined Darter.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, including the second session of CES, was done today. The 24 new birds were 3 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Robin, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, a Dunnock, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird. The 19 retraps were 4 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Wren, a Blue tit, a Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat.

May 19th. A Quail was heard singing from Sykes Farm yard late evening. Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 9 Jay, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail. Heading south were a Turtle Dove, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 118 Swallow and 5 Corn Bunting. Offshore, 2 Barnacle Goose flew south and 444 Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew out east in two flocks.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a Sedge Warbler; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Wren and a Great Tit.

May 18th. A Quail was singing at North End mid morning. Presumably the vocal Serin from the 16th was seen perched up at Sykes Farm Track. An adult male Montagu's Harrier flew high south-west mid afternoon. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Red Kite, 17 Buzzard, 193 Swallow, 9 Sand Martin, 14 House Martin, 18 Swift, 34 Greenfinch, 14 Linnet, a Razorbill and 667 Little Tern. Birds around included 47 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Wigeon, a Pochard, an Eider, 2 Cuckoo, 6 Grey Plover, 368 Ringed Plover, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone, 180 Sanderling, 600 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Jay, a Treecreeper, a Fieldfare and a Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 7 new birds: a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Goldfinch; and 3 retraps: 2 Linnet and a Great Tit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber resulted in 9 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler and 2 Whitethroat; and 13 retraps: 5 Whitethroat, a Long-tailed Tit, 3 Blackcap, a Wren, a Robin and 2 Dunnock.

May 17th. Heading south were 98 Swallow, 26 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, an Alba Wagtail and 16 Jay. In off the sea came a Grey Heron. Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose, an Eider, 5 Cuckoo, 170 Oystercatcher,  90 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 110 Sanderling, 200 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 30 Little Tern, a Peregrine, 3 Wheatear and 8 Crossbill. A Chinese Water Deer headed south down the beach in the morning. An Osprey paused over the haven late afternoon before circling off high south.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Great Tit and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Wren, a Whitethroat and a Long-tailed Tit.

May 16th. A mobile Serin was discovered in the East Dunes in the morning prior to flying towards the West Dunes.  A slim-winged ringtail Harrier sp flew south-west mid morning. There was a steady light passage of Swallows through the morning. Also heading south were 2 Collared Dove, a Great White Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 5 Buzzard, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 3 Yellow Wagtail, an Alba Wagtail and a Siskin. In off the sea came a Grey Heron. Birds around included 74 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 69 Shelduck, a Pintail, a Pochard, 3 Cuckoo, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 4 Jay, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 84 Whitethroat, 27 Sedge Warbler, a Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Tree Sparrow. 20 Curlew were on Croftmarsh and a Spoonbill was on Jackson’s Marsh. Another 3 Spoonbill arrived low from far out at sea in the evening, a late Red-throated Diver went north and and 2 Hobby were hunting the outer dune ridges in the evening.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Blackcap, 2 Linnet and a Robin; and 8 retraps: a Robin, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Great Tit, a Long-tailed Tit and 3 Whitethroat.

May 15th. Birds around included 2 Eider, 7 Cuckoo, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, a Garden Warbler, a Treecreeper, 2 Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail. Northbound waders included a Greenshank and 6 Whimbrel, whilst 13 summer -plumaged Black-tailed Godwit arrived on Jackson’s Marsh.  A Hobby flew south early morning and another was hunting the East Dunes in the evening. Jay movements continue to confuse, with 22 south, then 15 back north and then 2 south. A pair of Starling were carrying food to the nest in the Plantation – the first nesting pair here for a number of years. The Cetti’s Warbler was still holding territory and a pair of Little Ringed Plover were displaying.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Sedge Warbler, a Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Woodpigeon; and 10 retraps: a Dunnock, a Robin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and 5 Whitethroat.

May 14th. Moving north offshore from early morning were 251 Sandwich Tern, 52 Little Tern, 12 Auk sp, 12 Commic Tern, 6 Common Tern and 14 Common Scoter. Heading south were a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 23 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Birds around included 72 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Eider, 2 Cuckoo, 48 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Turnstone, 260 Sanderling, 150 Dunlin, a Greenshank, a Hobby, 2 Peregrine, 3 Jay, a Treecreeper and a Wheatear.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 8 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Goldfinch and a Blackcap; and 10 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackbird, 2 Great it, 2 Dunnock and a Reed Bunting.

May 13th. Northbound terns were prominent on the morning sea watch which produced totals of 160 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Common Tern, 117 Little Tern, 14 Gannet, 17 Auk sp, and 20 Common Scoter.  Birds around included 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Barn Owl, 4 Jay, a Treecreeper, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

May 12th. Low numbers of crows, Swallows, Swifts and Finches headed south this morning including 3 Siskin. 3 Buzzard and 2 Yellow Wagtail passed through later. Birds around included 72 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Eider, 5 Cuckoo, 3 Whimbrel, 1230 Sanderling, 700 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 16 Little Tern, 17 Jay, a Treecreeper, 3 Ring Ouzel and 3 Wheatear. 2 Greenshank flew high north late evening.

Brown Hare, 12th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

May 11th. Heading north over the sea were a 30 Ringed Plover, a Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 15 Dunlin, 63 Little Tern, 5 Common Tern, 4 Artic Tern, 11 Commic Tern, 2 Auk sp, a Fulmar and 77 Gannet; and south an Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Whimbrel and 13 Gannet. Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose, an Eider, a Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, 2 White Wagtails, a Siskin, a House Sparrow and a Spotted Flycatcher.  3 Buzzards moved south and 2 pairs of Lapwing were on territory on Croftmarsh.

Early May 2020

May 10th. A day of strong winds and little observer coverage.

 The only records received were of a feeding flock of 6 House Martin and 20 Swallow around the West Dunes Sycamore Plot and a first-summer female Peregrine around.

May 9th. Heading south were 2 Swift, 6 Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, 21 Buzzard, 16 Jay (plus 4 which U-turned), 17 Yellow Wagtail and an Alba Wagtail; south-east a Grey Heron; east 5 Curlew; north 10 Ringed Plover and 55 Common Scoter; and north-east 3 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 82 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Cuckoo, 900 Oystercatcher, 1100 Grey Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Turnstone, 3000 Knot, 5290 Sanderling, 4000 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 22 Little Tern, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 19 Jay, a Redwing, a Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Wheatear. 

Little Tern, 9th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Ringed Plover, on nest scrape, 9th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

May 8th. A vocal Temminck’s Stint flew around the Shorebird Sanctuary and presumably headed off south. Heading south were 42 Swallow and 14 Yellow Wagtail. Birds around included 59 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Mute Swan with 7 cygnets, an Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Cuckoo, 1200 Oystercatcher, 450 Grey Plover, 180 Ringed Plover,7 Whimbrel, 3500 Sanderling, 2200 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 22 Little Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, a Buzzard, 28 Jay, a Garden Warbler, 2 Redwing, a Firecrest, a Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Stonechat. Heading south were 3 Yellow Wagtail.

Knot, 8th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Sanderling, 8th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Double Rainbow, 8th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Sunset, 8th May 2020.
Photos - Ben Ward

May 7th. A Black Kite arrived from the north, possibly from the sea, mid-morning and toured the reserve seemingly in no hurry to depart, It eventually drifted off to the south-west. Heading south were a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 15 Buzzard, 22 Jay, 5 Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail, an Alba Wagtail and 2 Siskin. Birds around included an Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Cuckoo, 110 Grey Plover, 270 Ringed Plover, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Turnstone, 900 Sanderling, 1000 Dunlin, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 18 Little Tern, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 11 Jay, a Firecrest, 2 Treecreeper and a Redwing.    

Black Kite, 7th May 2020.
Photos - Kev Wilson

Little Tern, Sanderling and Dunlin, 7th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward 

May 6th. Heading south were a Red Kite, 2 Buzzard, 3 Sand Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail, In off the sea came a Grey Heron. Birds around included a Grey Partridge, 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Eider, 5 Cuckoo, 680 Oystercatcher, 90 Grey Plover, 270 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 90 Knot, 14 Turnstone, 1400 Sanderling, 900 Dunlin, 600 Knot, a Greenshank, a Mediterranean Gull,  a Peregrine, 3 Jay, 3 Redwing, a Pied Flycatcher, a Black Redstart, a Redstart and 4 Wheatear. 

Wheatear, 6 May 2020.
Photo - Rebecca Hardwick

Redstart, 6th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward 

Eider, 6th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Sunrise, 6th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

May 5th. Birds around were an Eider, a Cuckoo, 800 Oystercatcher, 90 Grey Plover, 318 Ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Turnstone, 400 Sanderling, 900 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 21 Little Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin, a Hobby, 2 Jay. Heading south were 2 Yellow Wagtail. Heading north was a Red-throated Diver.

Small Copper, 5th May 2020.
Photo - Sarah Hunter

May 4th. Birds around included a Cuckoo, 700 Oystercatcher, 216 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 13 Turnstone, 118 Sanderling, 114 Dunlin, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a male Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine and 2 Wheatear.

Sanderling, 4th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Redshank nest, 4th May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

May 3rd. Birds around included 4 Cuckoo, 287 Ringed Plover, 12 Whimbrel, 896 Dunlin, a Snipe, 4 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 124 Common Gull, a Peregrine, a Grasshopper Warbler and 6 Wheatear. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard and 3 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringed Plover, 3rd May 2020.
Photos - Ben Ward

May 2nd. The second-summer male Montagu’s Harrier was seen again in the morning from the Wash Viewpoint. Birds around included 83 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Cuckoo, a Snipe, 3 Spotted Redshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Black Redstart, and Greenland Wheatear.

May 1st. The second-summer male Montagu’s Harrier was again out from Wash Viewpoint sporadically throughout the day. 2 Osprey arrived midday with one heading south and another fishing off-shore briefly before departing to the north. A Black-throated Diver was on the sea in the morning. Heading south were 3 Spoonbill, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 200 Sandwich Tern, 3 Sparrowhawk, 5 Marsh Harrier, 9 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Hooded Crow and 14 Yellow Wagtail. Birds around included 3 Cuckoo, 2 Peregrine, 40 Jay, a Black Redstart, 10 Wheatear and a Tree Sparrow.

Wheatear 1st May 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Late April 2020

April 30th. A second-summer Montagu's Harrier was discovered south-west of the reserve. Around were a Cuckoo, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 60 Jay, a Firecrest, a Black Redstart, a Redstart, 4 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit and a Brambling.

Montagu's Harrier, 30th April 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

April 29th. A mobile Serin frequented the west side of the reserve during the day. A Dotterel flew south over Sykes Farm late evening. Birds around included an Eider, 4 Cuckoo, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, a Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtails.

April 28th. Around were a Black Redstart and a Wheatear.

April 27th. A Red-rumped Swallow was discovered over Croftmarsh mid morning. Heading south were a Swift, 2 Red Kite, 4 Buzzard, 19 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Alba Wagtail; and north 2 Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 120 Sandwich Tern and 6 Arctic Tern. Birds around included 4 Cuckoo, 2 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, 3 Great White Egret, 60 Jay, a Garden Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 9 Redwing, a Whinchat, 11 Wheatear, a female Blue-headed Wagtail, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling.

Whinchat, 27th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Female Blue-headed Wagtail, 27th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Brambling, 27th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 26th. Going south were 2 Swift, a Greenshank, 5 Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzard, a Hobby, a Woodlark, 5 Sand Martin, 37 Swallow, a House Martin, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 7 Linnet and 25 Goldfinch. Around were 5 Cuckoo, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Spoonbill, a Short-eared Owl, a Firecrest, 3 Redwing, 4 Wheatear and 2 Branbling.

April 25th. A Wood Warbler was in West Dunes Sycamore Plot. A Woodlark flew south in the morning. Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Spoonbill, a male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 24 Jay, a Garden Warbler, 3 Tree Pipit, a Brambling and a Siskin.

Tree Pipit, 25th April 2020. 

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Wood Warbler, 25th April 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter 

Brambling, 25h April 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Oystercatcher roost, 25 April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 24th. Around were a Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel, a Grenshank, 90 Jay, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Common Tern, a Little Gull, 3 Redwing, a Wheatear and a Brambling.

Whitethroat, 24th April 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Jays over, 24th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 23rd. Birds around included 3 Cuckoo, 60 Jay, 6 Snipe, a Peregrine, a Cetti;s Warbler, a Wheatear and a Tree Pipit.

Curlew, 23rd April 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

April 22nd. Around were 2 Cuckoo, a Common Sandpiper, a Jack Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, 60 Jay, 2 Cetti's Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Ground Ivy, 22nd April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 21st. Strong north-easterly wind.
 Birds around included 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 2 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

Mid April 2020

April 20th. Strong north-easterly wind.
 Heading north were 2 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern and 17 Arctic Tern. Birds around included 4 Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 19 Jay and a Redwing.

April 19th. Strong north-easterly wind.
 Around were 2 Cuckoo, 3 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 39 Jay, a Bearded Tit, a Garden Warbler and 2 Cetti's Warbler.

April 18th. Strong easterly wind.
 Going south were 100 Sandwich Tern, an Arctic Tern and a Fulmar. Birds around included a Ruff, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, a Jay, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit and a Bullfinch.

Tree Pipit, 18th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Tree Pipit, 18th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 17th. In the afternoon 2 Common Crane flew south-west. Around were a Cuckoo, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 2 Reed Warbler and a Siskin.

April 16th. Birds around included 81 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, 168 Ringed Plover, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 17 Jay, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, a Wheatear, a Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

April 15th. In the morning 2 Raven headed south, and a Rough-legged Buzzard frequented Seacroft Golf Course before heading north-west inland. Heading south were 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, a Hooded Crow and a Woodlark. Around were 97 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, 17 Jack Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher and a Woodlark.
 5 Jack Snipe were flushed out of a small area of dune slack whilst checking the Highland Ponies, This prompted a wider search of adjacent slack and saltmarsh that remained partially flooded after the recent tides. The total of 17 seen was exceptional, although it is not known whether this could be typical spring passage of this secretive species. Also, 25 Snipe were seen during the search.

Hooded Crow, 15th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Woodlark, 15th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Jack Snipe, 15th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Jack Snipe, 15th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 14th. Birds around included a Light-bellied Brent Goose, 136 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Great Crested Grebe, a Whimbrel, a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 9 Jay, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, a Black Redstart, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Siskin. Going south were a Marsh Harrier and a Red Kite.

Ring Ouzel, 14th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ring Ouzel, 14th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Fieldfare, 14th April 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 13th. Strong north-easterly wind.
 A mobile Serin was discovered in the Plantation, and a Black Redstart was out from Mill Hill.

April 12th. Around were a Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulll, 52 Jay, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, a Ring Ouzel and a Siskin.

April 11th. Flying south were a Goshawk, 16 Sparrowhawk, 9 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 18 Buzzard, 6 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 75 Jay, a Red-rumped Swallow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Brambling and a Serin. Birds around included a Jack Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Firecrest, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Redwing, a Black Redsttart, 8 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Brambling and a Siskin.

Yellow Wagtail, 11th April 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Speckled Wood, 11th April 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward