Late June 2021

June 30th. Early morning drizzle.

 Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, a Common Tern and 3000+ Starling. On Tennyson's Sands were 26 Avocet and 2 Spoonbill. Flying south were 11 Curlew; and north a Swift.

 A drizzle-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet, a Great Tit, a Meadow Pipit, a Dunnock and 2 Starling; and 5 retraps: a Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, a Chaffinch and a Dunnock.

June 29th. A Great White Egret came in from the east and landed on Croftmarsh. Around were 2 Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands were 23 Avocet and 4 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet. Going north were 2 Swift; and south 26 Curlew.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 2 Robin and a Meadow Pipit; and 5 retraps: a Swallow, 3 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

June 28th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind.

 Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, a Sparrowhawk, a Short-eared Owl, 3000+ Starling and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 31 Avocet and 2 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh 3 Avocet. Heading east were 6 Common Tern.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 15 new birds: a Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Blue Tit and 11 Starling; and 5 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Wren and a Meadow Pipit.

June 27th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, with occasional brief light rain in morning.

 Around were 2 Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands were 29 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Spoonbill. Flying north were 2 Swift.

 A weather-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Linnet, a Dunnock and 17 Starling; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit and a Whitethroat.

Noisy Starling, ringed 27 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 26th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Cuckoo and a Treecreeper. On Tennyson's Sands were 24 Avocet and a Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 4 Avocet; and on Fenland Lagoon 2 Avocet.

 The sixth session of CES was done this morning. The 14 new birds were 3 Wren, a Treecreeper, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock. The 11 retraps were 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, a Robin, a Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Treecreeper, ringed 26 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 25th. Rainy spells.

 Around was a Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands were 26 Avocet and 2 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet.

June 24th. Birds around included a Cuckoo, 2 Short-eared Owl and a Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were 31 Avocet.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Keith Collett yielded 14 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, 2 Linnet, a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Starling; and 5 retraps: a Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock and a Sedge Warbler.

Ringing Control: Whitethroat ringed Kilnsea, East Yorkshire 6 August 2018, controlled GPBO 24 May 2021.

June 23rd. Around, including birds trapped, were 4 Cuckoo, a Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Cetti's Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 45 Avocet and 4 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh 3 Avocet. Going south were a Spoonbill, 31 Sand Martin and a House Martin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 20 new birds: 2 Meadow Pipit, a Chaffinch, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and 12 Starling; and 4 retraps: 2 Robin, a Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Dave Vincent provided 19 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Robin, a Reed Warbler and 2 Dunnock; and 15 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 5 Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Blackbird, a Chiffchaff, a Blue Tit and a Robin.

Broad-bodied Chaser, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Black-tailed Skimmer, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Damselfly exuvium, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Drinker caterpillar, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Painted Lady, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Ringlet, 23 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 22nd. Moderately strong northerly wind.

 Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 32 Avocet and a Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet. Heading south was a Spoonbill.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Meadow Pipit, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Chaffinch and 2 Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Whitethroat and a Chaffinch.

Cinnabar Moth on Ragwort, 22 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 21st. The Summer Solstice - the longest day.

 Around were a Cuckoo, a Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet, a Buzzard, a Cetti's Warbler and a Sand Martin. On Tennyson's Sands were 34 Avocet and 4 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh a Pink-footed Goose. Flying north were 45 Common Scoter, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Tern, a Fulmar and 12 Gannet; and south 2 Gannet and a Hobby.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 9 new birds: 3 Whitethroat and 6 Starling; and 5 retraps: a Chaffinch, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warbler.

Mid June 2021

June 20th. Around were 2 Cuckoo. Offshore was a Red-throated Diver. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Pochard, 14 Avocet and 2 Spoonbill. Flying south were 15 Common Scoter, 2 Avocet and 2 Gannet; and north a Little Tern and 3 Gannet.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Reed Bunting and 2 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

June 19th. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 19 Avocet. Going south were 10 Swift.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 16 new birds: 4 Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, 3 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock and 4 Starling; and 4 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Linnet and a Dunnock.

June 18th. Rain for most of day.

 Around was a Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands were 23 Avocet.

June 17th. Rainy spells.

 On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Avocet. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Cuckoo and a Cetti's Warbler.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 10 new birds: a Wren, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Robin, a Blue Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, a Swallow and a Great Tit; and 9 retraps: 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Wren.

June 16th. Around were 2 Cuckoo and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Spoonbill, 34 Avocet and 2 Yellow Wagtail; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet. Heading south were 3 Spoonbill (early); and north 39 Swift.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 2 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Starling; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat.

Azure Damselfly, 16 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Azure Damselflies, 16 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Red-tailed Bumblebee, 16 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Common Blue, 16 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Ringing Control: Goldcrest ringed GPBO 25 April 2021, controlled Samsonslane, Orkney 16 May 2021.

June 15th. Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, 12 Swift, a Buzzard, a Barn Owl and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill and 29 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh 4 Avocet.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, a Linnet and 2 Starling; and 5 retraps: a Goldfinch, a Linnet, a Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Sedge Warbler.

Small Copper, 15 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Wolf Spider carrying spiderlings, 15 June 2021.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Bee Orchid, 15 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Bee Orchid, 15 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Bee Orchid, 15 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 14th. Around were a Cuckoo and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson's Sands were 15 Avocet and 7 Spoonbill; and on Jackson's Marsh a Spoonbill. Heading south were 300 Swift, a Red Kite and 250 Starling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: a Linnet and 2 Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: 2 Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

June 13th. Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Buzzard and a Hobby. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill and 17 Avocet; on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet and a Grey Heron; on Jackson's Marsh a Spoonbill; and on Fenland Lagoon 4 Avocet. Flying south was a Spoonbill (very early) and a Whimbrel.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 2 new birds: a Robin and a Linnet; and 4 retraps: 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

 Another Marsh Moth was trapped overnight.

Oak Eggar caterpillar, 13 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Rosy Wave, 13 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Pyramidal Orchid, 13 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 12th. Around were 2 Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands were 15 Avocet and 4 Spoonbill; on Jackson's Marsh a Spoonbill; and on Fenland Lagoon an Avocet. Going south were 2 Swift.

 The fifth session of CES was done this morning. The 10 new birds were 4 Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Blue Tit, a Reed Bunting, 2 House Sparrow and a Dunnock. The 12 retraps were 3 Sedge Warbler, a Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Robin, a Wren, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Bee Orchid, 12 June 2021.
Photo - Richard Doan

June 11th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Cuckoo, a Turtle Dove, a Cetti's Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Avocet and 12 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet and a Little Ringed Plover. Heading south were 63 Swift and a Hobby; and southwest 78 Swift and 8 House Martin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Spotted Flycatcher, a Swallow, a Blackcap. a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 2 retrap Whitethroats.

Painted Lady, 11 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Blue-tailed Damselfly, 11 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Spoonbills, 11 June 2021.
Photo - Mike Chester

Spotted Flycatcher, ringed 11 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Swallow, ringed 11 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Early June 2021

June 10th. Around were 2 Cuckoo, a Buzzard and 2 Mistle Thrush. On Croftmarsh were 7 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and a Mediterranean Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail,  17 Avocet and 10 Spoonbill. Flying south were 300 Swift, 15 Lapwing, a Great White Egret, 258 Starling, 5 Mistle Thrush and 3 House Martin; and north 15 Sandwich Tern and 4 Gannet. In off the sea then northwest went a probable Honey Buzzard.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Keith Collett resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Blue Tit, a Robin, a Chaffinch, a Linnet, a Whitethroat and 2 Starling; and 3 retraps: 2 Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.

 At a nest site 4 well-fed, healthy Barn Owl chicks were ringed this morning.

Mediterranean Gull, 10 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Spoonbills, 10 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Barn Owl chick, ringed 10 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Barn Owl chick, ringed 10 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Wolf Spider, 10 June 2021.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Wasp Beetle, 10 June 2021.
Photo - Jim Shaw

June 9th. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson's Sands were 13 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet. Going south were 5 Swift.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Linnet, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Reed Bunting and a Whitethroat.

Southern Marsh Orchid, 9 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Cuckoo, 3 Mediterranean Gull, a Little Gull, a Great White Egret, a Short-eared Owl and a Tree Pipit. On Jackson's Marsh were 7 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh were 13 Avocet; and on Tennyson's Sands 8 Avocet. Heading south were 2 Swift and 2 Red Kite.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Tree Pipit and a Magpie.

Mediterranean Gull, 8 June 2021.

Mediterranean Gull, 8 June 2021.

Azure Damselfly, 8 June 2021.

Tree Pipit, ringed 8 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Magpie, ringed 8 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Sand Dart, 8 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Small Clouded Brindle, 8 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 7th. A mid morning rainy spell.

 Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, a Buzzard and a Short-eared Owl. On Jackson's Marsh were 6 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 8 Avocet and a Mediterranean Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands 5 Avocet.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: a Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Meadow Pipit and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler, a Blue Tit, a Meadow Pipit and a Lesser Whitethroat.

June 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Cuckoo, a Buzzard, a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 9 Avocet; and on Tennyson's Sands 8 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler. Flying south was a Marsh Harrier.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 3 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch and a Reed Bunting; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Linnet, a Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

Bullfinch, ringed 6 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 5th. Birds around included 2 Cuckoo and a Ring-necked Parakeet. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh a Pink-footed Goose, 6 Avocet, a Little Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, a Buzzard and a Grey Heron; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pintail, 3 Avocet, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Cetti's Warbler.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Reed Bunting. 

Mediterranean Gull, 5 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 4th. The Rose-coloured Starling was around again but very mobile. Around were 2 Cuckoo and 2 Collared Dove. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 6 Avocet and a Little Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands 13 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 4 new birds: a Linnet, a Meadow Pipit, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Whitethroat.

 A very rare Marsh Moth was trapped overnight.

Rose-coloured Starling, 4 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Rose-coloured Starling, 4 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Marsh Moth, 4 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 3rd. A Rose-coloured Starling came in off the sea then flew north. Birds around included 5 Cuckoo, 5 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Tern and a Cetti's Warbler. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 13 Avocet and a Little Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pintail, 3 Avocet, a Mediterranean Gull and 3 Cetti's Warbler. Going north was a Razorbill.

 A morning ringing se4ssion in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: a Meadow Pipit, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

Little Gull, 3 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Cuckoo, 3 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Evening sky, 3 June 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 2nd. A Bee-eater was around the southern end of East Dunes for a few minutes in the morning. A Marsh Warbler was singing, but not seen, at Sykes Farm. Around were 2 Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a fledgling Tawny Owl, a Cetti's Warbler, a Firecrest (East Dunes) and 2 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 16 Avocet and a Little Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pochard, 8 Avocet, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Common Tern.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, including the fourth session of CES, produced 8 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Robin, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 18 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, a Chaffinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Goldcrest, 2 Wren and a Dunnock.

Firecrest, 2 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Firecrest, 2 June 2021.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Bee-eater, 2 June 2021.
Photo - Chris Elmer

Fledgling Goldcrest, ringed 2 June 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

June 1st. Very misty start, slowly burning off.

 Birds around included 2 Cuckoo. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 6 Avocet and 2 Little Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Avocet.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: a Meadow Pipit, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock.