Late December 2021

December 31st. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.

 Flying south were 100 Pink-footed Goose and many of 6000 Lapwing and 2000 Golden Plover.

December 30th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.

 Around were 2 Fieldfare and 7 Greenfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pochard and a Water Rail; on Croftmarsh a Grey Heron; and on Tennyson's Sands 320 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Water Rail, 13 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler. On the sea were a Long-tailed Duck and a Black-throated Diver. Going south were 45 Pink-footed Goose, 1570 Lapwing, 150 Golden Plover and a Marsh Harrier.

December 29th. Fairly strong mostly southerly wind, with rain until midday.

 Birds around included a Sparrowhawk and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Curlew and a Redshank.

December 28th. Rain until late morning.

 On Tennyson's Sands were 32 Curlew; and on the Mere a Water Rail. Heading south were 270 Pink-footed Goose.

Shovelers, 28 December 2021.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

December 27th. Soggy start.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 29 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Woodcock, a Coal Tit, 80 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Brambling and a Greenfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a Curlew and a Redshank; and on Tennyson's Sands a Grey Heron. Flying south was a Buzzard.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 3 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Brambling and a Greenfinch; and 5 retrap Blue Tit.

Brambling, ringed 27 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Brambling, ringed 27 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 26th. Decreasing south-easterly wind, with rain until mid afternoon.

 Around were 6 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands was a Redshank.

Mistletoe, 26 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Mistletoe, 26 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 25th. Fairly strong easterly wind.

 Birds around included 2 Woodcock, 69 Fieldfare, 94 Redwing and 2 Greenfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were 137 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Going south were 25 Dark-bellied Brent Goose; and west a Buzzard.

December 24th. Soggy start, then some light rainy spells.

 Around was a Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands was a Curlew; and on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank.

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided just a new Goldfinch.

December 23rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Woodcock and 2 Greenfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Redshank.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Blue Tit and 2 Greenfinch; and 5 retraps: 2 Blue Tit and 3 Great Tit.

December 22nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 100 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1100 Eider and a Greenfinch. Heading south were 2 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Velvet Scoter and a Black-throated Diver, 

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 3 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Greenfinch; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

December 21st. Soggy start to The Winter Solstice (The Shortest Day).

 Birds around included 2 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier and a Sparrowhawk. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Curlew and a Redshank. Flying south were 17 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 340 Pink-footed Goose and 10 Siskin; and north 16 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Goosander and a Long-tailed Duck.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: a Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Goldfinch, 5 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Mid December 2021

December 20th. Somewhat damp start.

 Around were 50 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands was a Redshank. Flying south this morning was an interesting gull showing the features of Thayer's Gull.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 5 new birds: a Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Dunnock; and 10 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

December 19th. Soggy, foggy start.

 On Tennyson's Sands were a Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank.

December 18th. Damp, somewhat misty start.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in a new Goldfinch; and 7 retraps: 4 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and a Goldfinch.

December 17th. Another damp, misty start.

 Around were 100 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin and 10 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 2 Redshank and a Grey Heron.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: a Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch and a Goldfinch; and 8 retraps: 5 Blue Tit and 3 Great Tit.

December 16th. Damp, misty start.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Greenfinch. On Fenland Lagoon was a Redshank.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Kyle Campbell, produced 4 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit and 2 Blue Tit.

Damp, misty start, 16 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 15th. Another soggy start.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Great Northern Diver, 4 Redwing, a Coal Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Greenfinch, 14 Siskin, 4 Corn Bunting and 25 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 174 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit and 14 Curlew; on Croftmarsh 35 Pink-footed Goose; on Wainfleet Marsh 14 Whooper Swan; and on Fenland Lagoon a Curlew. Going south were a Red-necked Grebe, a Great Northern Diver, 45 Red-throated Diver and 12 Siskin; north-west 150 Pink-footed Goose; and east a Buzzard.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 4 new birds: a Great Tit, a Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Goldfinch.

Corn Bunting, 15 December 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Tennyson's Sands, 15 December 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Male Greenfinch, ringed 15 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 14th. Soggy start.

 Birds around included a Sparrowhawk. On Fenland Lagoon were a Redshank and 2 Great Crested Grebe; and on the Mere a Water Rail.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: 2 Blue Tit and 2 Goldfinch; and 6 retraps: a Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and a Chaffinch.

Adult male Chaffinch retrapped, 14 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 13th. Around were 147 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 880 Pink-footed Goose, a Long-tailed Duck, a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, a Great Northern Diver, a Redwing, a Stonechat, a Coal Tit and a Lapland Bunting. On Wainfleet Marsh were 14 Whooper Swan, 500 Lapwing and 400 Golden Plover; and on Fenland Lagoon a Curlew. Heading north-west were 10 Pink-footed Goose; and south 7 Whooper Swam, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, a Long-tailed Duck, a Marsh Harrier, a Great Northern Diver, 67 Red-throated Diver and 38 Great Crested Grebe. 

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 2 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Stonechat, 13 December 2021.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

Chaffinch, 13 December 2021.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

Long-tailed Duck, 13 December 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Great Spotted Woodpecker with unusually brown feathers in the wings, retrapped 13 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 170 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Goosander, 2 Woodcock, 2 Great Northern Diver, a Stonechat, a Goldcrest, a Bullfinch and 7 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank; and on the Mere a Water Rail. Flying south were 2 Great Northern Diver, 136 Red-throated Diver, 23 Great Crested Grebe and a Siskin

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 14 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, 5 Goldfinch and 7 Greenfinch; and 8 retraps: 6 Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

December 11th. Around were 18 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 5 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands were 6 Black-tailed Godwit and 13 Curlew. Going south were 3 Great Northern Diver and a Slavonian Grebe.

Sunrise, 11 December 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Early December 2021

December 10th. Moderately strong north-westerly wind.

 Around were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 20 Snow Bunting. On the sea was a Shag. Heading south were 83 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Great Northern Diver, a Long-tailed Duck and 2 Goosander; north a Razorbill and a Great Northern Diver; and north-west 33 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came a Peregrine.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: a Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit and a Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird.

  

Shag, 10 December 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Goldfinch, retrapped 10 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Goldfinch, retrapped 10 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 9th. A White-billed Diver was on the sea for five minutes, then flew south with a Great Northern Diver. A Red-necked Grebe came in from the south and landed on the sea. Also flying south were 18 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Shag, 60 Redwing and 8 Fieldfare. Birds around, including those trapped, were 8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock, 6 Stonechat, a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, a Redpoll and 18 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and a Redshank; and on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Keith Collett, resulted in 3 new birds: 2 Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit and a Coal Tit.

December 8th. Strong south-westerly wind, with some early morning rain.

 Around were 2 Redwing. Onto Jackson's Marsh went a Water Pipit. Going south were 5 Little Gull, 11 Kittiwake and 9 Red-throated Diver; and south-east 4 Fulmar.

December 7th. Increasing southerly then south-easterly wind, with afternoon rain.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2000 Grey Plover, a Goldcrest and 3 Snow Bunting. On the Mere were 7 Pintail and a Water Rail. On the sea was a Great Northern Diver. Heading south were 11 Redwing and a Lapland Bunting.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, provided 8 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, a Robin, a Goldcrest, a Wren and a Great Tit.

Dawn from Aylmer Pines, 7 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 6th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with afternoon rain.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 46 Dark -bellied Brent Goose, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Coal Tit, 2 Stonechat and 12 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Water Rail.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 2 new birds: a Coal Tit and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps:  a Great Tit and a Wren.

December 5th. Moderately strong but decreasing northerly wind, with occasional rain in morning.

 Birds around included 2 Song Thrush, a Stonechat and a Goldcrest. On the sea was a Slavonian Grebe. Flying north were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 35 Pink-footed Goose; and south a Black-throated Diver.

December 4th. Some early morning rain, then soggy.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Goosander, 4 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were a Grey Heron and a Redshank. Going north-west were 9 Pink-footed Goose.

 A brief rain-delayed morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 2 retrap Goldcrest.

Goosanders, 4 December 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

December 3rd. Soggy start, with moderately strong south-westerly wind.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 370 Eider, 2 Goosander, a Great Northern Diver, a Peregrine, a Goldcrest and 16 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and 2 Redshank; and on the Mere a Water Rail. Heading south were 10 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided a new Robin; and 2 retraps: a Goldcrest and a Song Thrush.

 The Barn Owl pellets collected on 8 November, analysed by Nige Lound, contained the remains of  32 Field Vole, 8 Common Shrew and 2 Wood Mouse.

Bony remains in Barn Owl pellets collected on 8 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 2nd. Moderately strong north-westerly wind, with occasional brief snow flurries.

 Around was a Snipe. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail; and on Fenland Lagoon a Curlew. Flying south were 25 Pink-footed Goose, 313 Eider, a Goldeneye, a Long-tailed Duck, a Great Shearwater and a Peregrine; north 19 Dark-bellied Brent Goose; and north-west 34 Pink-footed Goose.

 A brief, weather-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 2 retraps: a Robin and a Dunnock.

Light snow covering on Mill Pond Road, 2 December 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

December 1st. Fairly strong westerly wind.

 Birds around included 3 Stonechat and 32 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, 16 Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank; and on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank. Going south was a Great Northern Diver.

 A Minke Whale was stranded.

Minke Whale, 1 December 2021.
Photo - Richard Doan

Wigeon, 1 December 2021.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

Late November 2021

November 30th. Around, including birds trapped were 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 109 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were an Avocet and 15 Black-tailed Godwit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: 2 Goldcrest and 4 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

November 29th. Snow and ice gradually melting.

 Birds around included a Goosander, a Peregrine, 25 Blackbird, 4 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Water Rail,  23 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank; on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank; and on Croftmarsh a Buzzard and 180 Lapwing. Flying north were 480 Pink-footed Goose.

Cormorants, 29 November 2021.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

The Mere iced over, 29 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Starfish wash-out, 29 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 28th. Early morning snow.

 Around were 15 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Goosander, a Glaucous Gull, 8 Gannet and 15 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were 23 Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank. Going north were 350 Pink-footed Goose and a Pomarine Skua; and south 32 Kittiwake.

Glaucous Gull, 28 November 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Glaucous Gull, 28 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Storm Arwen brought snow in its wake, 28 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

November 27th. Strong northerly wind with rainy spells.

 Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, a Song Thrush and 12 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were an Avocet, 7 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank. Heading south were 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Goldeneye and 109 Kittiwake; and north a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Goosander.

Stormy weather view over Tennyson's Sands from the Fenella Hope Hide, 27 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

November 26th. Early morning and afternoon rain.

  Around were 41 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and 7 Blackbird.

 The final ringing session of the year in East Dunes produced 2 retraps: a Robin and a Goldfinch.

The regular Black-headed Gull hanging around the Visitor Centre Car Park, 26 November 2021. It is probably one of those ringed on Fenland Lagoon as a pullus years ago.
Photo - Andrew Pendlebury

November 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 106 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Marsh Harrier, a Great White Egret, a Cetti's Warbler, a Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 22 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat, 3 Siskin and 12 Snow Bunting. On the Mere was a Water Rail. In off the sea came 2 Whooper Swan. Heading north were 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose; and south a Marsh Harrier.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Robin.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 November 2021.
Photo - Andy Pendlebury

Sanderlings, 25 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Grey Seal, 25 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 24th. Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Snipe, a Stonechat, a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 21 Blackbird and a Siskin. On the Mere were 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 3 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail, a Grey Heron, an Avocet, 14 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank. Flying south were 3 Whooper Swan.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird.

Whooper Swans, 24 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 23rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 500 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Song Thrush and 8 Blackbird.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: 3 Robin and a Blackbird.

Curlew, 23 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 23 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 22nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 115 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Little Gull, a Long-eared Owl (East Dunes), a Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Stonechat, 25 Blackbird, a Fieldfare and a Bullfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were an Avocet and a Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh an Avocet. Going south were a Velvet Scoter, a Hen Harrier, 14 Stock Dove and a Snow Bunting; and north a Velvet Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, a Long-tailed Duck, a Red-necked Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, 225 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 3 Great Skua, 3 Little Auk, 3 Great Northern Diver, a Leach's Petrel and a Manx Shearwater. .

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 20 new birds: a Bullfinch, a Goldfinch and 18 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Goldfinch.

Short-eared Owl, 22 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Marsh Harrier, 22 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Bullfinch, ringed 22 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Partially leucistic Blackbird, ringed 22 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

November 21st. Some brief rainy spells.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3500 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 5 Blackbird and 2 Goldcrest. Heading south were 2 Whooper Swan, 3 Little Gull, 779 Kittiwake, a Caspian Gull, 6 Pomarine Skua and a Peregrine; and north a Goosander, 5 Little Gull, a Pomarine Skua, a Little Auk and a Fulmar.

 A rain-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Great Tit and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Goldcrest. 

Mid November 2021

November 20th. Around, including birds trapped, were 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Pink-footed Goose, a Goosander, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, a Jack Snipe, a Snipe, a Swallow, a Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat and a Blackbird. On the sea was a Slavonian Grebe. Flying south were 90 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Goosander,  Little Gull and 260 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.

Black Redstart, 20 November 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

November 19th. A Lapland Bunting flew over East Dunes. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6000+ Pink-footed Goose, a Goosander, a Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Merlin, a Cetti's Warbler, a Song Thrush, 11 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, a Goldcrest, 2 Brambling and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Water Rail, a Grey Heron, an Avocet, 25 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere a Water Rail. Going south were 11 Whooper Swan, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 58 Siskin and 3 Brambling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blackbird and a Robin.

Goosander, 19 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 18th. Around, including birds trapped, were 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6000+ Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Black-throated Diver and a Song Thrush. On Tennyson's Sands were an Avocet, 23 Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank; on the Mere a Goosander; and on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank. Out of the Plantation roost came 40 Little Egret. Heading south were 64 Little Gull, 30 Eider, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Swallow, 12 Siskin and a Brambling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided a new Song Thrush; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Goosander, 18 November 2021.
Photo - Barrie Herriot

Avocet, 18 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Wigeon and Pintail, 19 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Sunset, 18 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 17th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 42 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, 2 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird, 3 Stonechat, a Blackcap, a Bullfinch, 8 Snow Bunting and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were an Avocet, 25 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh 3 Grey Heron; and on Jackson's Marsh a Great White Egret. Flying north were 7 Little Gull.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, produced 10 new birds: a Blackcap, 2 Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Robin.

November 16th. Around, including birds trapped, were 142 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6600 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Stonechat, 30 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and 7 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Water Rail and 46 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were a Swallow and 32 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, resulted in 7 new Blackbird; and a retrap Wren.

Stonechat, 16 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Black-tailed Godwit, 16 November 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 15th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 43 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Song Thrush, 19 Redwing, 40 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, 15 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Cetti's Warbler and 4 Bearded Tit. Heading north were 3 Little Auk and a Buzzard; and south 23 Black-tailed Godwit and 30 Siskin..

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Wren, a Brambling, 4 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and a Starling; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Wren, a Dunnock, a Great Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Colour-ringed Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Fieldfare, 15 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Female Brambling, ringed 15 November 2021.
Photo -- George Gregory

November 14th. Around, including birds trapped, were 120 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 5 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, an Arctic Skua, a Merlin, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 28 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 58 Fieldfare, a Ring Ouzel, 167 Blackbird, 4 Stonechat, 2 Bullfinch, a Common Redpoll, a Yellowhammer and a Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Grey Heron and 2 Bearded Tit.  Flying south were 9 Kittiwake, a Pomarine Skua (then back north) and 14 Stock Dove; south-east an Arctic Tern; and north 252 Little Gull, 20 Kittiwake and 30 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, produced 33 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, 21 Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: a Dunnock, a Robin, 2 Blackbird and a Great Tit.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 14 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

November 13th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 350 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Sparrowhawk, a Merlin, a Cetti's Warbler, 6 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 15 Blackbird, 8 Siskin and 19 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Great White Egret (then on Jackson's Marsh) and a Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere 8 Whooper Swan (then south) and 2 Snipe. Going north were 41 Little Gull and an Arctic Skua. In off the sea came 2 Woodcock.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 25 new birds: 2 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 6 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 14 Blackbird and a Kestrel; and a retrap Blackbird.

Adult male Kestrel, ringed 13 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Adult male Kestrel, ringed 13 November 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

November 12th. Fairly strong southerly wind, with rainy spells in morning.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Cetti's Warbler, 15 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit and 15 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands was a Black-tailed Godwit; and on the Mere were 2 Snipe and a Great White Egret. Heading south were 15 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Great Northern Diver, a Little Gull, a Merlin, a Brambling, 30 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

 A brief weather-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Dunnock, a Wren and a Cetti's Warbler/.

November 11th.  Soggy, misty morning.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 25 Blackbird, a Stonechat, a Treecreeper and a Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Water Rail, a Great White Egret (then east), 2 Bearded Tit and a Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere a Pintail, a Water Rail, a Snipe and a Jack Snipe. Flying south were 2040 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 4 new birds: 3 Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Robin.

Red-green Carpet, 11 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Winter Moth, 11 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Feathered Thorn, 11 November 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound