10th February. A dry morning, misty but mild and even becoming comparatively warm mid morning when the sun broke through. A very light southerly movement involved Woodpigeons, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches, 30 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and Brambling. A Great White Egret flew high south offshore and two more Great White Egrets flew south together later in the afternoon. The 2 Long-tailed Duck were close inshore and other birds around included a Hen Harrier, 2 Stonechat and 3 Water Pipit.
9th February. Another day with rain of varying intensity. Several Water Pipits were recorded today including 2 on the Fenland Lagoon that is becoming a regular site for them (view from West Hide). Croftmarsh was busy with 400 Wigeon and 450 Lapwing.
8th February. A day mostly dominated by rain. An Avocet was a new arrival on Tennyson's Sands this morning and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose was with the Brent flock.
7th February. An increase in Snow Buntings today with a flock of up to 25 along the beach, but just 3 Corn Bunting near the Visitor Centre. A male Hen Harrier was hunting over the Old Saltmarsh and 11 Egyptian Geese and 1100 Pink-footed Geese were on Croftmarsh. Other birds around included singles Green Woodpecker, Brambling and Yellowhammer.
6th February. A raft of up to 400 Eider were on the sandbank offshore at low tide, with 2 Long-tailed Ducks close in. On the beach 2 Snow Bunting were seen but the 3 Shorelarks are now ranging more widely, being seen on saltings further inland today. A Bearded Tit was at the Mere and a Raven flew north west distantly. 49 Whooper Swans came into roost on Tennyson's Sands after 4 pm.
5th February. A quiet day; birds around included a Water Pipit and 4 Snow Bunting
4th February. The Smew was seen again early morning and 50 Whooper Swans left the roost. A Black-throated Diver was offshore again with the 3 Long-tailed Ducks with 45 Red-throated Diver and 900 Common Scoter heading into the Wash. 6 Snow Buntings were along the beach and 3 Waxwing paused to feed on Hawthorn berries near Mill Hill. Other birds around included 2 Water Pipits.
3rd February. The Smew showed early morning as 49 Whooper Swans were leaving their roost on Tennyson's Sands while a herd of 6 Bewick's Swans heading south was a rare sight. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming at Sykes Farm and 2 Waxwings were found along the approach road. 4 Snow Buntings were along the beach at the north end but only 3 Shorelarks today. Corn Buntings however, showed an encouraging increase to 20 although still half the number that wintered 10 years ago. Other birds around were 2 Stonechat and a Hen Harrier.
2nd February. Mild again and overcast, giving good visibility. Three sawbill species were recorded on the Reserve today; The Smew was seen again on occasions during the day on Tennyson's Sands where a Goosander arrived and several Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Also offshore, a Black-throated Diver again and the 3 Long-tailed Ducks. There were 9 Snow Buntings along the beach and 5 Waxwing seen along the Cycletrack. A ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting the Old Saltmarsh and a Merlin was on the beach.
1st February. A cold and frosty start but becoming bright, pleasant and remaining dry. A morning sea watch was rewarded with some good variety including a Black-throated Diver and the regular 3 Long-tailed Ducks, but nothing in any numbers. The Smew remained on Tennyson's Sands where 48 Whooper Swans came in to roost. A good size group of Blue Tits were feeding on elm buds in the West Dunes - up to 20 have been seen ding this recently. Other birds around included Red Kite, Barn Owl, 4 Woodcock, a Treecreeper and 2 Egyptian Geese.
