Late January 2023

January 31st. Remaining dry and quite mild with a moderate westerly breeze.

Busier out at sea this morning with the start of the build up of red-throated Divers, totaling 181. Also, single Black-throated Diver and Purple Sandpiper flew south. Wigeon numbers had also increased with around 1000 between the sea, Haven and lagoons and 523 Brent Geese were on Tennyson's Sands where there were also 6 Pintail. The Bearded Tit had moved onto Jacksons Marsh and the Chiffchaff was seen again around Sykes Farm. Other birds around included 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 15 Snow Bunting and 2 Water Pipit. 

January 30th. A bright morning and there followed a pleasant winters day.

Just a brief look at Tennyson's Sands this morning. A Bearded Tit was new for the year, a Cetti's Warbler was calling and a male Marsh harrier flushed 200 Wigeon. A Tawny Owl was hooting at dusk.

January 29th. A return to milder conditions, dull and overcast morning with a brighter afternoon.

Fairly quiet offshore in an hours watch this morning but a Marsh Harrier arriving off the sea was an interesting observation. At least 14 Snow Buntings remained along the beach. 3 Woodcock and a Water Rail in scrub in the foredunes were probably fresh arrivals. 3 Siskins included one heading south and a single Redpoll was around the North Car Park. 17 Whooper Swans were in fields over the River and 3 Hen Harriers were seen late afternoon.

Evening views from 'the Hump', 29th January 2023. 

Photos - Nige Lound

January 28th. A dull, grey day with little wind.

A quiet day both weather-wise and bird-wise - an ideal opportunity for counting waterbirds on the lagoons. The highlight being a count of 1138 Teal On Tennyson's Sands. Also, 350 Pink-footed Geese, 66 Shoveler, 42 Gadwall, 528 Wigeon, 67 Mallard, a Pochard, a Pintail, 39 Tufted Duck and 8 Black-tailed Godwit.

January 27th. A Chiffchaff was a first for the year around Sykes Farm, arriving simultaneously with a notable increase of Redwings (78) and Blackbirds. A group of 16 Meadow Pipits indicated a small arrival of that species too whilst at least 3 mobile water Pipits were around, including one settling briefly on the Fenland Lagoon. Offshore, up to 60 Red-throated Divers, 2 Pintail and a Goldeneye were seen and Snow Buntings were up to 18 on the beach.

January 26th. Northerly wind increasing during the day.

Wind direction and strength dictated that sea-watching would be worthwhile but 2 Kittiwake were the only birds out of the ordinary there, whilst along the Outer Dunes, 200 Linnet included a flock of 150. Two Hen Harriers and a Merlin were seen during the afternoon and the Corn Bunting flock had increased to 34.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Kyle Campbell, provided a new Coal Tit; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Blue Tit.

January 25th. A fairly quiet day with low coverage. Birds around were a Peregrine, 2 Stonechat and 2 Goldcrest.

January 24th. Little change in the weather, remaining cold, crisp and sunny. A great morning to be out counting waders and wildfowl.

Highlights from the WeBS count on the morning tide were 450 Brent Geese, 450 Pink-footed Geese, 930 Wigeon, 114 Mallard, 285 Teal, 6 Pintail, 3125 Oystercatcher, 900 Grey Plover, 600 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6500 Knot, 27 Turnstone, 3250 Dunlin, 350 Sanderling and 430 Curlew. Offshore 23 Great Crested Grebes was a high count for recent times. Also around, a Barn Owl, a Peregrine, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 290 Linnet and 17 Corn Buntings.

Sunrise from Mill Hill, 24th January 2023. Photo - Rob Watson

January 23rd. Another very cold start but dry, bright and still - a lovely winter day.

Little change in bird sightings today, but the mudflats were covered in waders on the ebbing tide, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Curlew and Sanderling, with 500 Wigeon and 120 Teal on the Haven and a raft of Eider offshore. Peregrine, Merlin and 3 Marsh Harriers were seen from the Wash Viewpoint early morning.

January 22nd. Cold, with a hard frost and fog reducing visibility well into the day. 

 Around were 1800 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 4 Woodcock and 17 Corn Buntings. The regular male House Sparrow was joined by a female.

Corn Buntings 22nd January 2023. 

Photos - Julia Burton

Brent Geese on the Haven, 22nd January 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

January 21st. Very cold again but dry and bright with a light wind.

 Birds around included 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Whooper Swan, a Hen Harrier, 5 Marsh Harrier, 2 Stonechat, a Cetti's Warbler, a Siskin, 15 Corn Bunting and 12 Snow Bunting. A Coal Tit was anew arrival.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with James Siddle, produced a new Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Robin.

Pink-footed Goose, 21st January 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Mid January 2023

Ringing Recovery: Blackbird, ringed GPBO 16 May 2014, ring only found by metal detector Baconsthorpe, Norfolk 16 January 2023.

January 20th. Freezing again with some overnight light snow having settled in places and a couple of light sleet showers during the day.

 The Raven was seen again over Old Saltmarsh, at one stage, with a Red Kite, which continued south, hunting over Wainfleet Marsh. Later, a group of 3 Red Kite arrived from the north and went south over East Dunes - a most unusual January record. Other birds of prey included 3 Marsh Harrier and 2 Merlin, including a tiny juvenile male that arrived with prey off the sea. Several Skylark headed south and the 12 Snow Bunting were around the beach, being flushed at one stage by 2 Foxes. A flock of 30 Greenfinches was a good number for recent times.

Foxes on the beach, 20th January 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Rainbow, 20th January 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

January 19th. Yet another frozen start, remaining cold and with a very light snow shower in the evening.

 A Waxwing was seen along Mill Pond Road before heading off south late morning- there are few berries remaining here now. A Raven flew over the Plantation early afternoon and remained around the south end, being quite vocal for a while early afternoon. The 2 Tundra Bean Geese remained with the Pink-footed Goose flock. Other birds around, including birds trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk and a Brambling.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Kevin Armstrong, resulted in 3 new birds: a Blue Tit, a Brambling and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, 3 Robin and a Great Tit.

January 18th. Another frozen start, temperatures remained little above freezing all day..

 Birds around included 4000 Pink-footed Goose, a Snipe, a Barn Owl, 25 Redwing (including 18 south), 41 Fieldfare south, a Stonechat and 12 Whooper Swan. There were 70 Skylarks around the outer dunes and marshes and a male Goosander flew south offshore.

 A late morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Kevin Armstrong, provided 7 new birds: a Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, a Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 3 Blue Tit and a Robin.

Views from around the Reserve on a cold winter's morning, 18th January 2023. 

Photos - Nige Lound

January 17th. Frozen start, slowly warming up a bit.

 The only signs of cold-weather movement were a few parties of Fieldfare heading south and a handful of new Redwing grounded. Poor visibility at sea but 7 Kittiwake were seen passing close south.  Around were 4000 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Whooper Swan, a Short-eared Owl and a Water Pipit.

Wildfowl on Jackson's Marsh, 17th January 2023. 

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 16th. Increasing then decreasing north-westerly wind, with some mid morning rain.

 Offshore, 63 Kittiwake headed south and a Razorbill went north. Birds around included 3300 Pink-footed Goose, 2000 Lapwing, 2000 Golden Plover, a Water Rail, 2 Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher and 12 Snow Bunting.

January 15th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.

 Offshore, a Great Northern Diver, 12 Red-throated Diver and 180 Eider flew south. Around were 360 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4500 Pink-footed Goose, 3800 Lapwing, 2500 Golden Plover, a Scaup, a Stonechat and a Water Pipit. In the evening 10 Whooper Swan flew south and there were 2 Barn Owl flying around.

January 14th. Variably strong south-westerly wind, with rain until late morning.

 Birds around included a Buzzard.

January 13th. Strong south-westerly to westerly wind.

 A Goldeneye was on Tennyson's Sands - this species has become scarce on the lagoons in recent winters. Other birds around included a Barn Owl, a Kingfisher, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Marsh Harrier and 2800 Pink-footed Goose.

The first Snowdrops starting to flower, 13 January 2023.
Photo - George Gregory

January 12th. Dry and bright again, remaining mild, with a westerly breeze.

 Fairly busy offshore again with the highlights being 2 male Goosander flying south 10 minutes apart and 2 Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe in from the north and landing distantly on the sea. Good numbers of Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh and from the Wash roost (c3000), with hundreds of Lapwing and Golden Plover commuting to the Haven from local fields again. Also around were a Barn Owl, a Marsh harrier (mobbing a fox on Croftmarsh), 32 Whooper Swans (2 south), 7 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Stonechat, a Kingfisher and 2 Stonechat.

Barn Owl, 12th January 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Pink-footed Geese, 12th January 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Ringing Recovery: Song Thrush, ringed GPBO 29 September 2021, found dead Alcale de Xivert, Castellon, Spain 17 December 2022.

January 11th. A dry and bright morning with a strong westerly breeze.

 A Great Northern Diver heading south was the highlight of a morning sea-watch, with 30 Red-throated Diver also offshore and 9 Snow Bunting on the beach. Good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover were commuting between local fields and the Haven: 3000 of each. 4000 Pink-footed Goose made for an impressive sight (and sound) on Croftmarsh. Three Great White Egret arrived on Tennyson's Sands late morning before moving off west. Also around were a Peregrine, 7 Woodcock, 2 Marsh Harrier and the regular Scaup.

Scaup, 11th January 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Early January 2023

January 10th. Rain from an hour after dawn through most of the rest of the day, heavy at times with strong breeze.

At least 1000 Pink-footed Goose left the roost just before dawn. The highlight of a sea-watch was 31 Red-throated Diver heading south.

January 9th. Increasing south-westerly wind, otherwise fairly mild.

 Around were 3000+ Pink-footed Goose, 920 Wigeon, 687 Eider, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Woodcock, 1000 Lapwing, 70 Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 9 Snow Bunting and a Green Woodpecker. Heading south were 450 Lapwing and 8 Whooper Swan. The Scaup remained on Tennyson's Sands.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Robin and 2 chaffinch; and 2 retraps: a Chaffinch and a Blue Tit.

January 8th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

 Birds around included a  Tundra Bean Goose, a Kingfisher, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard, whilst up the road in Skegness, the evening Starling roost was again around 10,000.

January 7th. Strong southerly wind.

 A fairly busy sea-watch from 0800-1000hrs with 84 Red-throated Diver and 9 Great Crested Grebe moving into the Wash, good numbers of Eider and Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Goosander and a Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe. 9 Snow Bunting were on the beach. Numbers of Pink-footed Goose were down by around 50%, and no sign of the 2 Tundra Bean Geese today. Other birds around included 4 Marsh Harriers and a Woodcock.

January 6th. Fresh south-westerly wind.

 Around were 375 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4500 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Stonechat. On Croftmarsh were 2 Tundra Bean Goose, a Buzzard and 40 Starling; on Tennyson's Sands a Pintail and a singing Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere a Pochard. Flying south were 300 Lapwing and 100 Golden Plover.

Marsh Harrier, 6 January 2023.
Photo - Nige Lound

January 5th. A generally mild day with a bit of light rain in morning.

 Birds around included 94 Black-bellied Brent Goose, 4000 Pink-footed Goose, 5000 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, a Barn Owl, a Snipe, 3 Sparrowhawk, 5 Marsh Harrier, a Goldcrest, 10 Corn Bunting and a Redwing. On Wainfleet Marsh were 38 Whooper Swan and 3000 Starling; on Tennyson's Sands a Scaup and a Cetti's Warbler..

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in a new Blue Tit; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Blue Tit.

Brent Geese, 5th January 2023. 

Photo - Jim Shaw

January 4th. Generally clear and dry with a strong south-westerly wind.

 Around 4000 Pink-footed Goose came out of the roost on Croftmarsh at dawn and another 800 had roosted on the beach before flying inland. Large parties were later feeding on Croftmarsh where the 2 Tundra Bean Goose were visible from North Hide. Offshore the highlights were 2 Goosander, single Slavonian Grebe and Red-necked Grebe and more Eider arriving from the north.

Tundra Bean Geese, 4th January 2023. 

Photos - Phil Hyde

Tundra Bean Goose, 4th January 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

January 3rd. Poor conditions and poor visibility through the morning with rain showers through the afternoon.

 At least 11 Snow Bunting remained on the beach, the Scaup was on Tennyson's Sands and a Kingfisher was on the Fenland Lagoon sluice. Around 4000 Pink-footed Goose were around Croftmarsh.

Kingfisher, 3rd January 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Scaup, 3rd January 2023. Photo - Rob Watson

January 2nd. Fairly mild again.

 A noticeable influx of Pink-footed Goose brought 4800 to Croftmarsh and surrounding fields.  Eventually, 2 Tundra Bean Goose were located from North Hide, with the Scaup also visible from there. 40 Whooper Swan left the roost and headed north. Birds around included 500 Wigeon, 2 Stonechat, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Yellowhammer, 13 Corn Bunting, 6 Woodcock, 5 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier and 3 Buzzard. 53 Whooper Swan came in to roost at dusk.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, provided 4 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Blue Tit.

Pink-footed Geese, 2nd January 2023. 

Video - Kev Wilson 

Sunset, 2nd January 2023. 

Photo - Rob Watson

January 1st. Remaining fairly mild and frost free, dry again with south-westerly breeze.

 A good variety of birds on the Reserve to start the new year. Highlights were a Tundra Bean Goose with 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 45 Whooper Swan (south to roost late p.m.) the Scaup on Jackson's Marsh, 4 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Woodcock, 19 Snow Bunting, 2 Water Pipit, a Cetti's Warbler and a Blackcap. Over 4000 Lapwing and 3000 Golden Plover were commuting between local fields and the Estuary. A total of 93 species for the day.

Tundra Bean Goose, 1st January 2023. 

Video  Stuart Ainsworth