Late August 2012

August 31st: The Pectoral Sandpiper reappeared on Tennyson Sands in the afternoon. Other notable birds around were a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatears, a Redstart, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs and the escaped Crimson Rosella. Other wading birds on Jackson's Marsh were 4 Spoonbills, a Spotted Redshank, a Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper, and on Tennyson Sands 77 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Ruffs.
The catch this morning on East Dunes was modest, but the afternoon ringing session was productive, providing a Pied Flycatcher and a good number of Swallows, amongst others.

                                           1CY Pied Flycatcher (George Gregory)

August 30th: The 6 Spoonbills were still around the reserve. The water bodies and river held 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 78 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Greenshanks. Flying south over land were 28 Yellow Wagtails, 174 Swallows, 11 Snipes and 8 Swifts. Other notables were 2 Marsh Harriers, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Wheatears, a Redstart and 50 Golden Plovers. A seawatching session in the windy afternoon provided 17 Gannets and 19 Kittiwakes north, 18 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, 2 Manx Shearwaters and 3 Arctic Terns south, and 3 more Arctic Skuas and 9 Guillemots present offshore.
A ringing session on East Dunes this morning yielded few birds, mostly common warblers.

August 29th: Windy then rainy. A Pectoral Sandpiper was photographed during its brief stay on Tennyson Sands. Other waders around were a Little Stint, 77 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruffs, a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper and 7 Greenshanks. The 6 Spoonbills were still present. Other good birds were 6 Crossbills, a Red-throated Diver, a Garden Warbler, and a Spotted Flycatcher. Heading south were 8 Black Terns.
The wind reduced numbers of birds trapped for ringing this morning, but they included the usual warblers and a Swallow.

August 28th: A Greenish Warbler was discovered mid-morning in the Plantation. A ringtail Hen Harrier passed through. On the water bodies and around were 6 Spoonbills, a Garganey, 22 Greenshanks, 6 Spotted Redshanks, 51 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint, 2 Ruffs, a Green Sandpiper, and 9 Common Sandpipers. Landbirds present included a Whinchat, a Redstart, 2 Garden Warblers, a Willow Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher. A Mediterranean Gull went south to roost.
It was too sunny for a good catch, but a morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded a Yellow Wagtail, a Garden Warbler, a Reed Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler and several Swallows, amongst others.

August 27th: Windy, then also a bit rainy. Around were 3 Spoonbills, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Peregrine, a Pied Flycatcher, a Garden Warbler, 3 Whinchats, a Redstart and a Wheatear. Flying south were 5 Crossbills and 55 Teals.
The weather reduced the catch in this morning's ringing session, but a Pied Flycatcher, a Goldcrest, a Yellow Wagtail, a Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat and a few Swallows were new.

August 26th: The 6 Spoonbills and the Little Stint were still present. Other notables included 2 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears, a Redstart, a Short-eared Owl, a Buzzard, 2 Crossbills, a Tree Pipit, 12 Tree Sparrows and 20 Golden Plovers. South went 45 Yellow Wagtails, hundreds of Swallows and 3 Swifts. A Garganey was on the Mere. Offshore were 19 Guillemots, 16 Eiders and 6 Arctic Skuas.
The last simultaneous morning sessions of the Ringing Weekend were at East Dunes and Aylmer Avenue. 151 birds were processed, including a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail, a Sparrowhawk, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, the usual warblers and finches, 8 House Martins, a Sand Martin and 85 Swallows. Of the latter 1 was a control.

August 25th: Good birds around included 6 Spoonbills, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpipers, a Whinchat, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Mediterranean Gull and a Jay. The usual waders were on the water bodies, and additionally a Little Stint was on Jackson's Marsh.
The Ringing Weekend continued with simultaneous morning sessions on East Dunes and at Aylmer Avenue, providing 139 captures despite interruptions caused by rain. New birds ringed included a Grasshopper Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 7 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, a House Martin and 70 Swallows.

August 24th: Around were 6 Spoonbills, 6 Greenshanks, 4 Green Sandpipers, a Short-eared Owl, 26 Crossbills, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Tree Pipits, 3 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears and a Hobby. Other waders on Tennyson Sands were 75 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Spotted Redshanks and a Little Ringed Plover, and on Croft Marsh another Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 24 Yellow Wagtails and 5 Tree Sparrows.
The Ringing Weekend started. An afternoon session in East Dunes resulted in a Pied Flycatcher, a Lesser Whitethroat and a moderate number of Swallows, amongst others, being caught.

August 23rd: 2 Ospreys were seen over the reserve. More Willow Warblers arrived. Around were 2 Spoonbills, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears, 2 Tree Pipits and 16 Tree Sparrows. Waders were represented by 36 Greenshanks, 6 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Ruffs and 6 Whimbrels. Heading south were 9 Crossbills. The Garganey moved to Tennyson Sands. The escaped Crimson Rosella hung around the Field Station.
A better ringing session in East Dunes provided 53 captures, including 14 Willow Warblers and 31 Swallows. It was still a bit sunny, however, for a big catch.

August 22nd: A Peregrine and a Merlin were at North End. Other raptors present were 2 Hobbys, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Short-eared Owl. There was a small arrival of Willow Warblers. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbills, on Tennyson Sands 72 Black-tailed Godwits, 27 Greenshanks and a Mediterranean Gull, and on the Mere a Garganey and a Pintail. Around were 3 Wheatears, 5 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Ruffs and 70 Golden Plovers. Flying south were 6 Crossbills.
A ringing session in East Dunes this morning was too sunny and windy for a good catch, but 8 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff and a moderate number of Swallows were ringed.

August 21st: On the water bodies were 2 Spoonbills, 32 Greenshanks, a Little Stint, 8 Spotted Redshanks, a Garganey, a Pintail and 36 Little Egrets. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 3 Crossbills and 11 Tree Sparrows.
A morning ringing session on East Dunes resulted in 158 captures, including 6 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, a Tree Pipit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Yellow Wagtail, a Sand Martin and 144 Swallows. The latter included 3 controls with different sequences and a very rufous new bird.

                                          1CY Yellow Wagtail (George Gregory)

                                Variation in amount of rufous in Swallows (George Gregory)

Mid August 2012

August 20th: Waders on the water bodies included 6 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Greenshanks, 52 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruffs and a Little Stint. In East Dunes were 2 Redstarts, on the Mere a Garganey and on Rock Ridge 3 Wheatears. Around were a Peregrine and 12 Common Sandpipers.
Another productive ringing session on East Dunes this morning provided 145 captures, including 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, a Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Sand Martins, 3 House Martins and 126 Swallows. One of the Swallows was a control, with a different sequence to the other controls in the last few weeks.

August 19th: On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbills, a Little Gull, 32 Greenshanks, 3 Spotted Redshanks, a Wood Sandpiper and 2 Green Sandpipers, and Tennyson Sands 55 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruffs, a Little Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpipers. Around were 2 Redstarts, a Green Woodpecker, a Buzzard, 3 Wheatears, a Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 29 Little Egrets and the escaped Crimson Rosella. Knots increased to 65000.
Simultaneous ringing sessions in East Dunes and Aylmer Avenue resulted in 139 captures, including 3 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, a Sand Martin and 102 Swallows. At one point the tape-lure had to be switched off for 30 minutes until the main Swallow flock had moved on, to avoid the possibility of too many birds in the nets.

August 18th: Decreasing wind. Around were up to 5 Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart, 3 Garden Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Spoonbills, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Hobby, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrels. Offshore were 40000 Knots and 2 Arctic Skuas. Jackson's Marsh held 2 Greenshanks, 9 Green Sandpipers, 2 Spotted Redshanks and a Black-tailed Godwit, and Tennyson Sands 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruffs and a Common Sandpiper. South went 53 Crossbills, 2 Buzzards, 21 Yellow Wagtails, 250 Swifts and 9 Snipes.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was productive, involving 81 new birds ringed and 6 retraps. The new birds included a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, a Garden Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Kestrel, 69 Swallows and a House Martin.

                                         Juvenile Kestrel (Joanne Wong)

August 17th: Fairly windy most of day. On Tennyson Sands were 33 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, a Little Ringed Plover and 3 Ruffs, and on Jackson's Marsh a Wood Sandpiper and 8 Little Egrets. Around were 5 Spoonbills and a Black Tern.
The eleventh session of CES was done this morning, resulting in 8 new birds ringed, including a Sparrowhawk, and 3 retraps. There was little around the site.

                                     Juvenile male Sparrowhawk (George Gregory)

August 16th: Windy morning then decreasing somewhat. Tennyson Sands held 3 Spoonbills, 51 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, a Common Sandpiper and 14 Snipes, and Jackson's Marsh 25 Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper and 10 Little Egrets. Around were a Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harriers, 31 more Snipes, a Spotted Redshank, 23 Whimbrels, 342 Redshanks, 374 Curlews, 10 Crossbills and 2 Wheatears. A Red-throated Diver flew north, and a Black Tern and 135 Swifts south. In the Shorebird Sanctuary was a Brent Goose. Offshore were 25 Eiders, 53 Gannets, 78 Common Terns and a Kittiwake. Going to roost were 3 Mediterranean Gulls.
The Feeding Station has been restarted and an afternoon ringing session yielded the usual tits and finches.

August 15th: On Jackson's Marsh were a Black-tailed Godwit and a Green Sandpiper, on Tennyson Sands 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, 3 Greenshanks and a Ruff, and on Croftmarsh 50 Golden Plovers. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Wheatears. Sea-watching produced 40 Gannets, 2 Wood Sandpipers and 3 Common Sandpipers south, 8 Common Scoters north, and 4 Arctic Skuas, a Kittiwake and a Guillemot present.
The catch improved in East Dunes, and the wind-shortened morning session yielded a Lesser Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, a Whitethroat and 20 Swallows, amongst others.

August 14th: Raptors were represented by a Merlin, an adult male Marsh Harrier and 5 Kestrels. The best waders were 467 Curlews, 9 Whimbrels, 43 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Greenshanks, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Ruffs and 29 Snipes (including 16 south). Little Egrets on Jackson's Marsh increased to 17. Other good birds were 2 Wheatears, a Redstart and 39 Sand Martins south. The escaped Crimson Rosella arrived back in the Field Station area.
Ringing in East Dunes continued to be poor following the change in wind direction, with just a few Swallows and a Blackcap netted.

August 13th: Tennyson Sands provided 2 Spoonbills, a Garganey, 3 Snipes, 52 Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff, and Croftmarsh 7 Whimbrels and 5 Golden Plovers. South went 3 Buzzards and 20 Snipes, while other waders around were 3 Greenshanks, a Spotted Redshank, 7 Common Sandpipers, 100 Ringed Plovers and 2 Green Sandpipers. Adult males of Marsh Harrier and Peregrine hunted over New Saltmarsh, and a ringtail Montagu's Harrier appeared later. Also present were 2 Wheatears, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Crossbill and 7 Kestrels.
Tape-luring Swallows resulted in 10 new birds netted, but there was little sign of landed migrants in East Dunes.

August 12th: Still no obvious arrival of migrant landbirds from the east, or perhaps from anywhere. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spoonbills, 15 Little Egrets, 5 Greenshanks, a Spotted Redshank, 55 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruffs, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrels and 16 Snipes, and on Jackson's Marsh 4 Green Sandpipers, 10 Greenshanks and 4 Black-tailed Godwits. A Marsh Harrier flew over. Around were 3 Wheatears.
Too windy for a ringing session.

August 11th: Cloudy conditions with easterly wind, in autumn. However, not much sign of eastern arrivals. The usual 2 Wheatears, a Marsh Harrier and a Willow Warbler were around. On Tennyson Sands was a Garganey, a Spotted Redshank and the usual other waders. Croftmarsh held 35 Golden Plovers. A Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, a Wood Sandpiper and 16 Snipes flew south, and a Sooty Shearwater and 8 Arctic Skuas north.
Little was caught in a ringing session in East Dunes, apart from a Willow Warbler and some Swallows.

Early August 2012

August 10th: Good birds around were a Pied Flycatcher, a Whinchat, 2 Wheatears, a Common Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and the escaped Crimson Rosella. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbills and a Green Sandpiper, and on Tennyson Sands 28 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruffs, a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.
Due to sunny conditions the catch on East Dunes was reduced, but a reasonable number of Swallows, a Song Thrush, a few warblers and other birds were trapped.

August 9th: Waders on New Saltmarsh were 5 Greenshanks and 2 Whimbrels. The escaped Crimson Rosella, a Rook and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were around. Tennyson Sands held 10 Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff, and Jackson's Marsh a Spoonbill, 19 Greenshanks and 12 Black-tailed Godwits. Offshore were 5 Common Scoters and a Fulmar.
Trapping in East Dunes resulted in 74 Swallows, including 2 more controls, the second spotty juvenile Redstart of the autumn, 5 Willow Warblers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, amongst other birds. The 4 recent Swallow controls had different serial numbers, so probably came from different sites.

                                          Juvenile Redstart (George Gregory)

August 8th: On Jackson's Marsh was a Common Sandpiper, and on Tennyson Sands 43 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruffs, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover and a Curlew Sandpiper. Around were a Marsh Harrier and a Wheatear.
Birds trapped in a morning ringing session in East Dunes included 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers and 70 Swallows. Of the latter 2 were controls.

August 7th: Good birds on Tennyson Sands included 4 Ruffs, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 52 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Greenshanks, a Knot and a Mediterranean Gull, and on Jackson's Marsh 7 Greenshanks and 2 Green Sandpipers. Around were 4 Whimbrels, a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Redstart, a Wheatear and a Crossbill. An early Brambling flew south.
The tenth CES session was done this morning, resulting in 36 new birds ringed and 9 retraps. The new birds included 11 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest in post-juvenile moult and a first-year Tree Pipit.

                                         Juvenile Goldcrest (George Gregory)

                        
                                          1CY Tree Pipit (George Gregory)

August 6th: On the water bodies were 25 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruffs, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover and 100 Lapwings. Offshore were 25000 Knots, 10000 Sanderlings and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Around were 2 Wheatears and a Hobby.
A ringing session in East Dunes produced evidence that autumn passage was getting going, with new birds ringed including 11 Willow Warblers and 121 Swallows. The escaped Crimson Rosella was apparently attracted to the Swallow tape-lure but was not netted.

August 5th: On Jackson's Marsh were 32 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, 5 Greenshanks and a Sandwich Tern, and on Tennyson Sands a Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. Around were a Peregrine, 2 Wheatears, a Crossbill, 9 Whimbrels and the escaped Crimson Rosella. South went 7 Greenshanks. Offshore were 2 Arctic Skuas.
A ringing session produced more tape-lured Swallows, including a control, and another Pied Wagtail.

                                       Juvenile Pied Wagtail (Matthew Heaver)
                  

August 4th: Tennyson Sands held a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, a Snipe, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Ruff, and Jackson's Marsh 5 Black-tailed Godwits. The Wheatear remained on Rock Ridge, while in East Dunes were 3 Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff. Marsh Harriers increased to 3, and the ringtail Montagu's Harrier reappeared. The Crimson Rosella lingered around the Field Station. Another tape-luring session resulted in 2 House Martins and a Sand Martin being netted in addition to almost 50 Swallows.

August 3rd: Raptors over the saltmarsh included a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Short-eared Owl. Offshore Knots increased to 20000 and Oystercatchers to 4000. A Wheatear, 22 Crossbills and 4 Willow Warblers were around. On Tennyson Sands were a Greenshank, a Little Ringed Plover, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Ruffs, a Green Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit, and on Jackson's Marsh 19 Greenshanks, 2 Spoonbills and a Black-tailed Godwit. Tape-luring Swallows continued to be successful, with the occasional Sand Martin also netted.

August 2nd: On Jackson's Marsh again were the 2 Spoonbills. Waders on the water bodies featured 24 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruffs, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and a Little Ringed Plover. Birds around included a Crossbill, a Wheatear, a Redstart, 6 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff and 3 Whimbrels. Offshore were an Arctic Tern, 15000 Knots and 30 Common Scoters. Little Egrets increased to 15.

August 1st: The 2 Spoonbills remained on Jackson's Marsh, where were also 23 Black-tailed Godwits and a Little Ringed Plover. In East Dunes was a Cuckoo. Over New Saltmarsh flew a Merlin, a Hobby and a Marsh Harrier. Good waders were 4 Whimbrels, 2 Green Sandpipers, a Ruff, 21 Golden Plovers and 2 Greenshanks. Around were a Crossbill, a Willow Warbler, a Sparrowhawk and the escaped Crimson Rosella.

Late July 2012

July 31st: Rain/drizzle most of day. On Croftmarsh were 2 Spoonbills, on Tennyson Sands 2 Ruffs and a Green Sandpiper, and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. The escaped Crimson Rosella hung around the Field Station. A Golden Plover was on Croftmarsh.

July 30th: Waders were represented by a Common Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruffs, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Whimbrels and 16 Greenshanks. A Short-eared Owl, a Wheatear, a Goldcrest, 5 Willow Warblers, 3 Yellow Wagtails, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, the escaped Crimson Rosella and a Peregrine were around. A leucistic Woodpigeon was accompanied by a wild-type one. Some Swifts and Swallows flew south. Offshore were 80 Guillemots, adults and juveniles, 2000 Sandwich Terns and 250 Common Terns.

July 29th: A total of 7 Spoonbills flew south and landed on the saltmarsh southeast of Wash Viewpoint. There was a good passage of Swifts and Swallows south. A Marsh Harrier soared very high up. Around were 3 Ruffs, several Whimbrels, 9 Greenshanks, 5 Common Sandpipers and a Cuckoo. Strange birds included the escaped Crimson Rosella perched on a solar panel and a leucistic Swallow being mobbed by wild-type Swallows.

July 28th: Interesting waders were 3 Ruffs, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, a Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpipers. 3 Marsh Harriers and 2 Hobbys passed through, and a Wheatear and a Redstart were around. About 4000 Swifts flew south. Offshore were a Red-throated Diver, 2500 Sandwich Terns and 250 Common Terns.

July 27th: The water bodies produced 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Greenshanks, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Green Sandpipers, 41 Sandwich Terns, 11 Common Terns, an adult Mediterranean Gull and 3 Ruffs. There was a moderate southward movement of Swifts and hirundines, including a leucistic Swallow. A Marsh Harrier, a Wheatear, a Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler and a Redstart were around on land, and 300 Common Scoters offshore.

July 26th: South went 2 Little Gulls, 11 Snipes, a Hobby and a Cuckoo. On the water bodies were 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruffs, 3 Common Sandpipers, 5 Black-tailed Godwits and 11 Greenshanks. Around were a Short-eared Owl, 3 Willow Warblers and a Crossbill, and offshore were 1800 Sandwich Terns.
The ninth session of CES was done this morning, resulting in 7 new birds ringed and 2 retraps - there were few small landbirds around.

July 25th: Waders were represented by 13 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Greenshanks, 3 Whimbrels, 2 Ruffs, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Snipe south. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Garganeys and an adult Mediterranean Gull. A Kingfisher flew over the River Steeping. The escaped Crimson Rosella was in East Dunes.

July 24th: A Marsh Harrier and 2 Yellow Wagtails flew south, and 17 Crossbills west. Good waders were 3 Green Sandpipers, a Ruff, 17 Whimbrels, 4 Common Sandpipers and a Black-tailed Godwit. Around were a Willow Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtails, a Cuckoo, a Wheatear and 2 Peregrines. Offshore were 1400 Sandwich Terns, 250 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Skuas, 24 Eiders and 12 Common Scoters.

July 23rd: Sanderlings increased to 2500. Tennyson Sands held 7 Sandwich Terns, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruffs, a Green Sandpiper, 10 Greenshanks, 90 Lapwings and 2 Knots, and Jackson's Marsh a Common Sandpiper. Around were a Green Woodpecker, 12 Whimbrels, 2 Snipes and 3 Yellow Wagtails. South went 5 Whimbrels, 2 Crossbills and 3300 Swifts. Offshore were 900 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.

July 22nd: A Kingfisher flew over Tennyson Sands. A Marsh Harrier and a Whimbrel were around. At least 800 Swifts headed south. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Ruffs, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper and 5 Black-tailed Godwits, and on Jackson's Marsh a Common Sandpiper.

July 21st: A female Montagu's Harrier and 7 Little Terns were around. A Whimbrel and a Greenshank flew south, and 171 Common Scoters north. On Jackson's Marsh was a Green Sandpiper, and on Tennyson Sands were 120 Lapwings, 3 Ruffs, 6 Greenshanks and 2 Black-tailed Godwits.
In East Dunes the moulting adult female Redwing, ringed here on July 3rd, was retrapped. Also, a new spotty juvenile Redstart was trapped.

                                            3+CY female Redwing (George Gregory)

                                         Juvenile Redstart (George Gregory)

Mid July 2012

July 20th: Occasional rain. On Tennyson Sands were a Green Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Greenshank and 80 Lapwings, and on Jackson's Marsh 3 Black-tailed Godwits. A Hobby was around. An escaped Crimson Rosella was in East Dunes.
A ringing session in East Dunes this morning yielded a Pied Wagtail, a species of which only a few are ringed here annually.

                                   Juvenile Pied Wagtail (George Gregory)

July 19th: An arrival of waders included 1500 Dunlins and 1000 Sanderlings. In East Dunes was a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Good waders on Tennyson Sands were 3 Ruffs, a Green Sandpiper and 120 Lapwings.
A ringing session in East Dunes provided 31 captures, including 4 juvenile Chiffchaffs and 8 Blackcaps.

July 18th: Tennyson Sands held 3 Ruffs, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Greenshanks, and Jackson's Marsh 4 Black-tailed Godwits. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in East Dunes. About 300 Swifts flew south. Offshore were 2200 Sandwich Terns and 60 Little Terns.
In the moth traps was a Four-dotted Footman.

July 17th: On Jackson's Marsh were 12 Black-tailed Godwits, and on Tennyson Sands an adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Ruffs, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper and 3 Little Ringed Plovers. Elsewhere were a Redstart, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2000 Sandwich Terns and 3 Common Sandpipers.
The eighth session of CES was done this morning, resulting in 16 new birds ringed and just 1 retrap. The new birds included a Treecreeper, a Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaffs, all juveniles.

July 16th: Rain from mid morning. Flying south were 8 Whimbrels and several Swifts. On the water bodies were 2 Ruffs and 12 Black-tailed Godwits.

July 15th: Around were a Redstart, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Montagu's Harrier, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Sanderlings and a Greenshank. Tennyson Sands held 3 Ruffs. North went 103 Common Scoters, 30+ Gannets and 5 Auk Spp. A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
A ringing session on East Dunes yielded 31 captures, mostly new young birds, including 2 Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff.
On the Moths and Butterflies Course the moth traps produced 30+ Crescent Stripeds, a Crescent, 6+ Starworts, 2 Rosy Waves and a Green Arches (3rd reserve record).

July 14th: On Tennyson Sands were 2 Common Sandpipers. A Buzzard Spp was seen briefly near Aylmer Avenue. Around was a Yellow Wagtail.

July 13th: 5 Arctic Skuas went south. Good waders were 6 Greenshanks, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper and 6 Whimbrels. On Tennyson Sands were a Mediterranean Gull and 3 Sandwich Terns.

July 12th: Waders were represented by 3 Common Sandpipers, 6 Whimbrels, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruffs and 4 Black-tailed Godwits. A Grey Wagtail, 80 Common Scoters, a Sand Martin and a Great Crested Grebe flew south, while 8 more Sand Martins arrived in off the sea. Offshore were 2 Little Terns, 13 Common Scoters, 600 Sandwich Terns and 2 Arctic Skuas. Around were a Grasshopper Warbler, a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, a singing male Yellowhammer and an adult Mediterranean Gull.

July 11th: A female Redstart in East Dunes was early. Heading south were 5 Golden Plovers. A Merlin appeared over New Saltmarsh at dusk.

Early July 2012

July 10th: Occasional rain. On Tennyson Sands were 6 Little Gulls, 2 Ruffs and 10 Sandwich Terns. Elsewhere were 4 Common Sandpipers, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 600 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.

July 9th: Drizzly morning. Tennyson Sands held 5 Little Gulls and 3 Greenshanks. A Yellow Wagtail and 4 Siskins flew south.

July 8th: Rainy. On the water bodies were 10 Little Gulls, 6 Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Mediterranean Gull. Around were a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, 400+ Sandwich Terns, 236 Curlews, and 132 adult Shelducks with 18 chicks.

July 7th: Sunny then rainy. Tennyson Sands held 11 Little Gulls, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank. A Hobby and a Siskin were around.
The seventh session of CES was done this morning, resulting in 6 new birds ringed and 6 retraps. This was a low total, but it was sunny and there were few young birds around, no doubt partly due to the recent weather.

July 6th: Rainy, soggy. Birds on Tennyson Sands included a Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Little Gulls and 2 Sandwich Terns. A ringtail Harrier Spp was viewed distantly.

July 5th: Humid, then rainy. Heading south were a Whimbrel and 6 Black-tailed Godwits. On Tennyson Sands were 5 Little Gulls, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Greenshank and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. Around were a Grey Wagtail, 2 Kittiwakes, an Arctic Tern and 15 Crossbills.

July 4th: Quite rainy. On the water bodies were 12 Little Gulls, 5 Sandwich Terns, 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. A few Swifts flew south.

July 3rd: Occasional rain. Tennyson Sands held 17 Little Gulls, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank and a Green Sandpiper. At Beach Car Park were 21 Crossbills. Around was a Short-eared Owl. There was a light passage of Swifts south.
Birds ringed on East Dunes this morning included a moulting adult female Redwing with a brood patch code 5. This is an unusual record for July this far south.

                                    Moulting 3CY+ female Redwing (George Gregory)

July 2nd: Rainy, windy. The King Eider was not present. If it should reappear, a decision would be made about allowing it to be viewed by birders, subject to the welfare of the nesting shorebirds not being compromised in any way. Hundreds of Swifts, 72 Gannets and 2 Auks Spp went south. Offshore were 300 Sandwich Terns and 2 Harbour Porpoises. On Tennyson Sands were 12 Little Gulls.

July 1st: Quite windy. A Cetti's Warbler was found just south of Beach Car Park. On Tennyson Sands were 32 Little Gulls, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Common Sandpipers. Around were 2 Whimbrels, 3 Yellow Wagtails and an adult Mediterranean Gull. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled on Rock Ridge early morning. Over 1000 Swifts, 4 Crossbills and 2 Siskins flew south over land. Sea-watching produced a Great Northern Diver, a Hobby, 9 Auks Spp, 4 Teals, 23 Common Scoters, 112 Black-tailed Godwits, a Spotted Redshank, 5 Redshanks and a Harbour Porpoise south, 18 Gannets and 80 Common Scoters north, and an Arctic Tern offshore. Late in the day a King Eider was found just offshore the Shorebird Sanctuary, where there were late-nesting Little Terns and Ringed Plovers. Entry by birders into this sanctuary, especially in the windy/wet conditions, was not allowable, and a decision was made not to publish the news on this day.

Late June 2012

June 30th: Still windy, occasional rain. Southward Swift passage was moderate. On Tennyson Sands were an adult Mediterranean Gull, 17 Little Gulls, 10 Sandwich Terns, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover.

June 29th: Very windy. Tennyson Sands held 16 Little Gulls, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. A few Swifts headed south.

June 28th: Light rain early morning, cloudburst mid afternoon. On Tennyson Sands were 33 Little Gulls, 40 Sandwich Terns and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. Southward Swift passage was light. Flying around were 42 Crossbills and a Short-eared Owl. The first Avocet chick of the year appeared.

June 27th: A moderate number of Swifts and 5 Black-tailed Godwits flew south. Starling flocks increased in number and size. On Tennyson Sands were 12 Little Gulls and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The Spoonbill paid another brief visit. On the beach were 30 Sandwich Terns and offshore were 200 Common Scoters. The first juvenile Skylark was seen.
A ringing session in East Dunes provided 38 birds trapped, nearly all juveniles, including 8 Starlings.

                                       Juvenile female Starling (George Gregory)

June 26th: Tennyson Sands held 19 Little Gulls and a Green Sandpiper. A Spoonbill and a Kingfisher paid brief visits.
The sixth CES session was done this morning, resulting in 11 new birds ringed, including 4 juvenile Long-tailed Tits, and 11 retraps.

                                        Juvenile Long-tailed Tit (George Gregory)

June 25th: Wind decreasing. A small number of Swifts went south. On Tennyson Sands were 24 Little Gulls. Offshore were 73 Sandwich Terns and 3 Kittiwakes. Around were 13 Crossbills.
A ringing session in East Dunes this morning produced, of interest, another juvenile Coal Tit, a juvenile Chiffchaff and 2 juvenile House Sparrows. In the 1960s and 1970s the latter species was caught here in the thousands or hundreds annually, but in recent decades it has been caught less than annually.

                                      Juvenile House Sparrow (George Gregory)

June 24th: Rain, slowly decreasing wind. On the water bodies were 16 Black-tailed Godwits and 8 Little Gulls. Around the beach were an Arctic Tern and 8 Sandwich Terns. Heading south were several thousand Swifts.

June 23rd: Wind, rain. Waders were represented by a Spotted Redshank just coming out of summer plumage, a Little Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Green Sandpiper. Little Gulls numbered at least 8. Hundreds of Swifts trickled south.

June 22nd: Rain, wind. On Tennyson Sands were 9 Little Gulls. Several thousand Swifts flew south.

June 21st: Rain most of day. On Tennyson Sands were 10 Little Gulls. There was a moderate passage of Swifts south.

Mid June 2012

June 20th: A Common Rosefinch flew south calling over East Dunes. Around were 22 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a Green Sandpiper.

June 19th: On the water bodies were 10 Little Gulls and 5 Black-tailed Godwits.
The fifth CES session was done this morning, resulting in 20 new birds ringed, including the first juvenile Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats of the year, and 5 retraps.

                                        Juvenile Lesser Whitethroat (George Gregory)

June 18th: Rainy morning. Little Gulls, at various sites, totalled 18. A first-summer Mediterranean Gull was on Tennyson Sands.

June 17th: Wind decreasing but still occasional rain. On Tennyson Sands were 3 Little Gulls, and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. There was a moderate passage of Swifts south. A Marsh Harrier, a Hobby and a Green Sandpiper were noted.
The recent rain has made ringing sessions few and far between, but has ensured a fine showing of Southern Marsh Orchids.

                                     Southern Marsh Orchids (George Gregory)

June 16th: Again windy, occasional rain. Again several hundred Swifts headed south into wind. A Red Kite appeared and the Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Little Gulls were around.

June 15th: Windy, occasional rain. Hundreds of Swifts and some House Martins flew south into the wind. A Black-tailed Godwit was on Jackson's Marsh.

June 14th: Rainy early morning, sunny later. Flying around were 14 Crossbills, possibly the same group as yesterday. On Tennyson Sands were 8 Little Gulls.

June 13th: Better weather. Only 1 Little Gull was on Tennyson Sands. Other notables included 14 Crossbills. The first juvenile Shelducks appeared.
Ringing on East Dunes resulted in the first juvenile Whitethroats being caught.

June 12th: Still a bit windy. There were still 5 Little Gulls on Tennyson Sands, and 8 more headed north offshore, as did 38 Gannets and 21 Sandwich Terns . A Short-eared Owl and a Hobby were around.

June 11th: Rainy again. On Tennyson Sands were 7 Little Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull. A Peregrine flew over.

Early June 2012

June 10th: Much better weather. Little Gulls numbered 4. Other notables were a Garden Warbler trapped on East Dunes and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over there.

June 9th: Still windy, not so much rain. A wing-tagged Red Kite arrived from the north. A Crossbill and 3 Arctic Terns went south. A Coal Tit, a Green Sandpiper and a Little Gull were present.

June 8th: Windy and rainy, so few observations. Several hundred Swifts headed south into the wind. A Great Skua, a Little Gull and 10 Crossbills were around. There was no sign of the Canvasback-type ducks.

June 7th: A total of 44 Crossbills was noted. At least 5 Little Gulls were present. In the evening 2 Canvasback-type ducks appeared on Jackson's Marsh.
Birds ringed on East Dunes this morning included a juvenile Coal Tit.

                                         Juvenile Coal Tit (George Gregory)

June 6th: Heading south were 17 Crossbills. There were 23 Little Gulls recorded, including 17 south. A Painted Lady was seen.
Ringed birds this morning on East Dunes included the first Swallow of the year, a female with a brood patch.

                            
                                          2+CY female Swallow (George Gregory)

June 5th: Crossbills numbered 100+ including 63 south. Around were 5 Little Gulls, a Greenshank and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.
The fourth CES session was done this morning, resulting in 5 new birds ringed and 8 retraps.

June 4th: A Hawfinch in the Plantation was the best bird. Others included 4 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, a Montagu's Harrier, a Red Kite, a Little Stint and a Jay.

June 3rd: Rain all day, reducing observations. However, a Montagu's Harrier, a Hobby, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Gull, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints and a Yellow Wagtail were seen.

June 2nd: On the water bodies were a Spoonbill, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 6 Little Gulls. A Montagu's Harrier, a Hobby and a Common Buzzard represented the raptors. Offshore were 4 Manx Shearwaters, a Common Tern, 8 Gannets and 2 Great Crested Grebes. A late Pink-footed Goose, 3 Brent Geese, 17 Turtle Doves and a Crossbill were around.

June 1st: Mostly a rainy then soggy day. The most notable birds were 2 Pink-footed Geese, a Red Kite and 2 Short-eared Owls.
Birds ringed included 3 Barn Owl pulli.

Late May 2012

May 31st: A rainy day. A Red Kite and a Hobby were the best birds.

May 30th: A Tree Pipit, 2 Little Gulls and a Short-eared Owl were around, and a Red Kite passed though in the afternoon. A Red-veined Darter was noted.

May 29th: A Common Rosefinch and a Golden Oriole were discovered in the morning. Other birds included a Short-eared Owl, 3 Cuckoos, 4 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a Wood Sandpiper.

May 28th: Present were a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, a Ruff, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Wood Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Hobby and a Tree Pipit. Heading south were 2 Yellow Wagtails.
The third CES session was done this morning, resulting in 7 new birds ringed and 8 retraps.

May 27th: A Common Crane flew across the Wash to Norfolk. Other notables were a Temminck's Stint, a Hobby, 3 Crossbills, a Yellow Wagtail south, 2 Cuckoos and 2 Turtle Doves.

May 26th: A Hobby, a Great Skua and a Temminck's Stint were the best birds. Also recorded were a Wheatear, a Turtle Dove and a Cuckoo.

May 25th: A Golden Oriole flew between several sites in the morning. Other birds included a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 2 Turtle Doves.

May 24th: Around were a Wheatear, 2 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo.
A Whinchat was ringed in East Dunes this morning.

                                      2CY female Whinchat (George Gregory)


May 23rd: Interesting birds included 3 Little Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Gull, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Wheatears.

May 22nd: A Glaucous Gull was offshore. Other new birds included a male Garganey, a Whinchat and 2 Mediterranean Gulls. The Temminck's Stint lingered, and a Common Buzzard passed through.

May 21st: The best bird was a Stone Curlew flushed north of Mill Hill. Somewhat unseasonal birds seen were a Black-throated Diver, a Twite and a Corn Bunting. Also present were a Wood Sandpiper, the Temminck's Stint, the Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Little Gulls.
Another Spotted Flycatcher was ringed in East Dunes.

Mid May 2012

May 20th: The Little Gull and Curlew Sandpiper were still present. A Temminck's Stint, a Hobby, a Wheatear and 2 Pink-footed Geese were the best new birds.

May 19th: A Golden Oriole was heard singing. Also around were a Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Short-eared Owls and a Cuckoo. Heading north were 3 Gannets. A Red-backed Shrike appeared late in East Dunes.
Ringing this morning on East Dunes produced the first very juvenile Goldfinch of the year, as well as an old female Reed Bunting resembling a male. The wing length and weight of this bird, as well as lack of a complete white collar and presence of a well-developed brood patch, confirmed that it was a female.

                                     Old female Reed Bunting (George Gregory)

May 18th: A Marsh Harrier appeared briefly early morning. Around were a Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
Two British-ringed birds, a male Chaffinch and a Whitethroat, were controlled in East Dunes this morning.

May 17th: A quiet day. After all the wind and rain a few more warblers and other land birds were apparent. The best birds were 26 Crossbills flying around.

May 16th: Westward went a Honey Buzzard. A Cuckoo, a Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harriers, a Corn Bunting, 2 Wheatears, 13 Swifts and 2 Turtle Doves were present.
The second CES session was done this morning, resulting in 7 new birds ringed and 6 retraps.

May 15th: The Golden Oriole was relocated in East Dunes. Around were a male Montagu's Harrier, 2 Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo, a Treecreeper and a Short-eared Owl. Heading east were 2 Common Cranes.
A Reed Warbler was trapped in East Dunes this morning.

May 14th: A female/immature Golden Oriole was seen mostly in East Dunes. A Red Kite, and many hirundines and Swifts flew south. A Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo were prominent.

May 13th: Around were 2 Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo and a Short-eared Owl.
Birds ringed in East Dunes this morning included a Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear and a Garden Warbler.

  

                                       2+CY Spotted Flycatcher (George Gregory)
                                           

                                       2CY female Wheatear (George Gregory)

                                        Two generations of feathers in wing of 2CY
                                           female Wheatear (George Gregory) 
                                         
May 12th: An unseasonal Pink-footed Goose and 3 Crossbills were of note. A Cuckoo was around and there was a small movement of hirundines and Swifts south.
A British-ringed Whitethroat was controlled in East Dunes this morning.

May 11th: A windy day. A Red-rumped Swallow, 403 Swifts, 187 Swallows, 61 House Martins, 3 Turtle Doves, 32 Yellow Wagtails, 139 Linnets, 104 Goldfinches, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard flew south. A Red Kite, 2 Cuckoos, a Whimbrel, 68 Little Terns, 4 Common Terns, an Arctic Tern and 3 more Turtle Doves were present.

Early May 2012

May 10th: Moving south were 679 Swifts, 659 Swallows, 76 House Martins and 9 Yellow Wagtails. Around were a Ruff, an Avocet and a Turtle Dove.
A Painted Lady was seen on the beach.

May 9th: A quiet day. Landed migrants included a Wheatear, 2 Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo. Whitethroats increased significantly in numbers. There was a small passage of Swallows south.

May 8th: A ringtail Pallid Harrier was seen by many observers south of Wash Viewpoint. Heading south were 6 Common Buzzards, an Arctic Tern, 21 Yellow Wagtails, many hirundines and 13 Swifts. A female Pied Flycatcher appeared in the Plantation. The best of the rest were a Short-eared Owl, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, 27 Avocets, 3 Turtle Doves, 2 Sedge Warblers, a Wheatear and 2 Cuckoos, one of which was trapped on Storm Ridge.

                                             2+CY male Cuckoo (George Gregory)


May 7th: A Common Buzzard, 3 Yellow Wagtails and many hirundines flew south. Also around were a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 4 Whimbrels, a Cuckoo, 3 Turtle Doves, a Swift, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart, 6 Crossbills and 3 Blackcaps.
A female Redstart was trapped and ringed on Storm Ridge.

May 6th: 4 Turtle Doves were the first of the year. Warblers included 5 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 8 Lesser Whitethroats and 25 Whitethroats. Offshore were 25 Eiders. A Common Buzzard went east. Other good birds were 45 Little Terns, a Wheatear, a Ruff, a Peregrine, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Swifts, a Treecreeper and 3 Short-eared Owls. A ringtail Harrier Spp, not specifically identified, was seen distantly from Wash Viewpoint.
The first session of the Constant Effort Site (CES) was done this morning, resulting in 10 new birds ringed and 18 retraps.

May 5th: A Ring Ouzel, 2 Marsh Harriers, a Ruff, 18 Eiders, 18 Corn Buntings, a Short-eared Owl, 20 Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and 2 Little Terns were notable. A Common Buzzard flew south.
A male Blackcap with a Min. Med. Amb. Icona Madrid ring was controlled on Storm Ridge. Newly ringed birds in East Dunes included a Woodpigeon and several Reed Buntings.

                                           3+CY Woodpigeon (George Gregory)

                                         2CY male Reed Bunting (George Gregory)


May 4th: Lots of variety today. South went 16 Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and 3 Siskins, and north 19 Arctic Terns. Around were 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Sandwich Terns, 10 Swifts, 2 Cuckoos, 22 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 159 Ringed Plovers, 8 House Martins, a Barnacle Goose, 4 Common Terns, 5 Little Terns, a Marsh Harrier, a Barnacle Goose and a Common Sandpiper. Warblers incuded 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 20 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers and a Blackcap. Other grounded birds included a Ring Ouzel, a Brambling, a Crossbill, 13 Wheatears and 4 Fieldfares.

May 3rd: The best birds were 13 Avocets, a Short-eared Owl and 2 House Martins.

May 2nd: 9 Yellow Wagtails flew south. Around were 10 Bramblings, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, a Short-eared Owl and a Wheatear.
Birds ringed in East Dunes included a Wheatear and a Sparrowhawk.

                                       2CY male Wheatear (George Gregory)

                                 3CY female Sparrowhawk (George Gregory)

May 1st: A male Pied Flycatcher and a Firecrest were the best birds. Other notables were 3 Bramblings, a Wheatear, 2 Siskins and a Yellow Wagtail.

Late April 2012

April 30th: An excellent day for variety. A Red-rumped Swallow, 5 Sand Martins, 230 Swallows, 18 House Martins and 2 Siskins went south, and an Osprey north. Waders were represented by 2 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrels, 2 Common Sandpipers and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The best raptors were a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine and 2 Short-eared Owls. Also present were 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Cuckoos, 12 Swifts, 19 Fieldfares, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Bramblings, the Black Swan, 11 Wheatears and a Tree Pipit.
Birds ringed included 2 Wheatears netted on Storm Ridge.

April 29th: A Hen Harrier, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Terns and a Brambling were the best birds.

April 28th: Representing the warblers were a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat. A Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocets, a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and a Black Swan were notable.

April 27th: Around were a Common Tern, a Cuckoo, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler and 4 Wheatears.

April 26th: Flying south were a Little Gull and 5 Swallows. Terns included 3 Sandwich, a Common and 4 Arctic. The best of the rest were 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails, a Brambling and 4 Crossbills.

April 25th: 11 Ring Ouzels remained. Also around were a Wheatear and the usual warblers.

April 24th: Notable was the arrival of 13 Ring Ouzels. Northward went 2 Red-throated Divers and 53 Arctic Terns. A Turtle Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Redstart, a Wheatear were present.

April 23rd: A Peregrine, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Whimbrels, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were the best birds.

April 22nd: A late Red-throated Diver headed south, and a Turtle Dove west. Around were a Peregrine, 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 16 Little Terns, 6 Sandwich Terns, a Cuckoo, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Wheatears and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

April 21st: A Marsh Harrier flew south and an Osprey and a Greenshank north. A Common Tern, 2 Treecreepers, 5 Fieldfares, a Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail were the best of the rest.

Mid April 2012

April 20th: Flying south were 2 Marsh Harriers and 4 Yellow Wagtails. Avocets increased to 35, Chiffchaffs to 12, Willow Warblers to 11, Fieldfares to 9 and Wheatears to 4. A Grasshopper Warbler was recorded.

April 19th: A Great Skua headed north and 2 Crossbills south. Around were a Cuckoo, 31 Sandwich Terns, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 9 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwings and 2 Wheatears. The Black Swan reappeared.

April 18th: The best birds were a Hen Harrier, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Gull, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Treecreepers, a Wheatear and a Brambling.

April 17th: Raptors included an Osprey north, a Red Kite south, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Peregrines and 2 Short-eared Owls. A Whimbrel, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 4 Yellow Wagtails were also noted.

April 16th: Going south were a Yellow Wagtail, 6 Fieldfares and 2 Redwings. Waders included a Purple Sandpiper, 30 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The Black Swan reappeared. Other good birds were a Wheatear, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Willow Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Short-eared Owl.

April 15th: A Sandwich tern flew north. Also around were a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 5 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Wheatears and 2 Crossbills.

April 14th: A Purple Sandpiper was near Millenium Ridge. A Marsh Harrier, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Blackcap, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 7 Chiffchaffs and 4 Willow Warblers were also present.

April 13th: A Sedge Warbler was the first of the year. Avocets increased to 24. 5 Siskins went south. A Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest and a Little Ringed Plover provided variety.

April 12th: Heading east were 3 Common Cranes, northwest 80 Pink-footed Geese and south 2 House Martins (first of the year). A Rough-legged Buzzard was notable. Around were 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Avocets and 7 Corn Buntings.

April 11th: Firsts for the year were a Whimbrel and a Greenshank. Southward movement included 29 Fieldfares, a Redwing, 2 Swallows, a Brambling, 5 Rooks and a Common Buzzard. Avocet numbers went up to 43. a Short-eared Owl, 5 Corn Buntings, 4 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were the best of the rest.

Early April 2012

April 10th: A Willow Warbler was the first of the year. 4 Fieldfares flew south while 6 Redwings were around. Other good birds were 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.

April 9th: The best birds were a Crossbill, 5 Chiffchaffs, 24 Avocets, a Fieldfare, a Goldcrest and a Short-eared Owl.

April 8th: A Redstart, 2 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs and 10 Redwings were noted.

April 7th: Both Short-eared Owls were around, as were 6 Chiffchaffs, a Stonechat and 5 Corn Buntings.

April 6th: Heading south were 9 Fieldfares, 6 Redwings and a Siskin. Chiffchaffs increased to 11. A Little Ringed plover, a Goldcrest and 2 Corn Buntings added variety.

April 5th: Northward went 32 Fulmars. Other birds of note were a Short-eared Owl, 73 Redwings, 6 Wheatears, a White Wagtail and 4 Chiffchaffs.

April 4th: Few records, but 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on Tennyson Sands.

April 3rd: Thrushes going south were 1786 Redwings and 206 Fieldfares. Also moving were 21 Snipes east and a Sand Martin south. Avocets increased to 51. Around were a Peregrine, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a White Wagtail.

April 2nd: Flying south were 2 Grey Herons, a Swallow (first of the year), and 4 Siskins, and southwest 6 Fieldfares. A Chiffchaff was present.

April 1st: A Sand Martin went north and a Brambling south. Around were a Merlin, 39 Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Short-eared Owls, 6 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcaps.

Late March 2012

31st: A Jack Snipe was new. A Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaffs and 11 Corn Buntings were noted.

30th: Mute Swans increased to 11. Southward went 5 Rooks. A Siskin was around.

29th: A male Garganey was the first of the spring. Avocets increased to 55. A Brambling flew south. Other good birds were 7 Chiffchaffs, 9 Redwings, a Black Redstart, a Wheatear and 8 Corn Buntings.

28th: Heading south were a Common Buzzard, 3 Fieldfares and a Lapland Bunting. 4 Little Grebes, 52 Avocets and 10 Mute Swans represented significant increases. Also around were 4 Ruffs, 3 Short-eared Owls, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, a Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Wheatear, 4 White Wagtails and 10 Corn Buntings.

27th: Southward movers included 11 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares and 6 Crossbills. New birds were 2 Tree Sparrows, a Woodcock and a White Wagtail. The best of the rest were 2 Common Buzzards, 29 Avocets, 2 Short-eared Owls, 3 Chiffchaffs and a Black Redstart.

26th: Now 6 Mute Swans were present. Flying south were 3 Common Buzzards and 10 Crossbills.

25th: The best birds were a Goosander south, 2 Short-eared Owls and 4 Corn Buntings.

24th: First for the spring were 2 Wheatears and 2 White Wagtails. A Red Kite and 3 Siskins went south. A Merlin and a Short-eared Owl were around.

23rd: Notables were a Chiffchaff and a Tree Sparrow.

22nd: Avocet numbers went up to 39. Also present were a Marsh Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull and a Chiffchaff.

21st: A Grey Heron flew east.  Other good birds were a Mediterranean Gull, a Chiffchaff and a Crossbill.

Mid March 2012

March 20th: Flying south were 13 Rooks and a Crossbill. Chiffchaffs increased to 3, and a Common Buzzard and 20 Corn Buntings were present.

March 19th: The 2 Short-eared Owls were displaying again. A Hooded Crow appeared. 9 Crossbills headed south. Other good birds were 40 Avocets, a Common Buzzard, a Chiffchaff, 13 Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, a Tree Sparrow and 16 Siskins.

March 18th: Avocet numbers went up to 44. A Purple Sandpiper and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose were notable. A Woodcock, 2 Chiffchaffs, 9 Fieldfares, 28 Redwings and 19 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

March 17th: The 2 Short-eared Owls started displaying. Other raptors included a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard southwest and a Merlin. A Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were new. 14 Red-breasted Mergansers, 19 Avocets and 7 Goldcrests were recent high counts.

March 16th: Southward movers included 9 Redwings, 388 Chaffinches, 5 Siskins, 4 Crossbills and 5 Yellowhammers. Raptors included a Red Kite, a Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard and a Merlin. Avocets increased to 16. Also of note were 3 Grey Herons, 4 Woodcocks, 7 Goldcrests and 2 Chiffchaffs.

March 15th: The best birds were a Common Buzzard, 5 Redwings, a Fieldfare, 4 Siskins and 12 Avocets.

March 14th: The Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still present. A male Ruff was new. North went 4 Siskins. A Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Crossbills were notable.

March 13th: Goldcrest numbers increased to 13. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was discovered. Other good birds were a Peregrine, 3 Woodcocks, a Chiffchaff and 2 Redwings.

March 12th: 14 Avocets were now present. Around were 5 Goldcrests, 3 Redwings, a Bullfinch and 17 Corn Buntings.

March 11th: A Water Pipit, 5 Avocets, 2 Woodcocks, 2 Crossbills and 10 Corn Buntings were the best birds.

Early March 2012

March 10th: 2 Merlins, 2 Short-eared Owls and a Hen Harrier represented the raptors. Other good birds were 10 Crossbills and 24 Corn Buntings.

March 9th: Flying south were 37 Red-throated Divers. An adult Mediterranean Gull, a Firecrest, 2 Crossbills, a Hen Harrier and a Merlin provided variety. 3 Glossy Ibises appeared, not surprisingly, in view of the recent influx into the country.

March 8th: A Common Buzzard and 5 Siskins headed south. 2 Avocets were on Tennyson Sands. 5 Pochards, 8 Eiders, a Brambling, 2 Crossbills and 14 Corn Buntings added variety.

March 7th: Few records, with a Mute Swan on Jackson's Marsh being the most important.

March 6th: South went a Lapland Bunting and 2 Crossbills, and west a Common Buzzard. A Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and 14 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

March 5th: A Short-eared Owl and a Tree Sparrow were noted.

March 4th: 2 Rooks and 6 Siskins headed south. Present were a Marsh Harrier and 6 Redwings.

March 3rd: A small influx of ducks, including 4 Goldeneyes, 3 Pintails and 53 Shovelers.

March 2nd: A Short-eared Owl, 16 Fieldfares and 3 Redwings were of note. 3 Siskins flew south.

March 1st: A Tree Sparrow south was the best bird.

Late February 2012

February 29th: A Grey Heron flew south. Around were a Common Buzzard, 3 Woodcocks and 4 Corn Buntings.

February 28th: South headed 4 Crossbills. Other good birds were a Mediterranean Gull, 3 Woodcocks, 2 Water Pipits, a Hen Harrier and 22 Corn Buntings.

February 27th: The only birds of note were 2 Woodcocks.

February 26th: 300 Pink-footed Geese went north, and 5 Crossbills south. Around were 9 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Woodcocks and a Black Brant.

February 25th: Flying south were 4 Crossbills. Otherwise the best birds were 8 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Short-eared Owls, a Black Brant, 19 Corn Buntings and 7 Snow Buntings.

February 24th: A Woodlark was found in Aylmer Avenue clearing. 60 Pink-footed Geese, a Woodcock, a Crossbill and 23 Corn Buntings were the best of the rest.

February 23rd: A Woodlark headed south. Other birds of note were 230 Cormorants, 29 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Woodcocks, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Hen Harrier, 3 Crossbills south and a Black Brant.

February 22nd: The best birds were 4 Goldcrests, a Treecreeper and 5 Redwings.

February 21st: 2 Great Northern Divers went south. Wildfowl included 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Goosander and 3 Black Brants. Also around were 138 Red-throated Divers, 80 Great Crested Grebes, a Hen Harrier, a Little Gull, a Blackcap, 2 Twites, 7 Snow Buntings and 12 Corn Buntings.

Mid February 2012

February 20th: Wildfowl included 190 Pink-footed Geese north, 10 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Black Brants. A Woodcock, 175 Cormorants and 4 Crossbills south were the only other notable birds.

February 19th: A Hen Harrier, 11 Pale-bellied Brent geese, 3 Hen Harriers, a Common Buzzard, 3 Black Brants and 5 Corn Buntings were around.

February 18th: The best birds were 33 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Woodcocks, 2 Hen Harriers, 18 Corn Buntings and a Black Brant.

February 17th: A Black Brant was a new bird. Present were 3 Woodcocks.

February 16th: A Gannet flew south. Around were a Black Brant, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Goosander, a Hen Harrier, 2 Crossbills and 9 Snow Buntings.

February 15th: A Woodcock and 24 Corn Buntings were noted.

February 14th: Good birds were a Woodcock and 4 Pink-footed Geese.

February 13th: Flying south were 350 Cormorants, a Goosander and 3 Twites. A White-fronted Goose, 24 Redwings and 2 Woodcocks were around.

February 12th: A Long-tailed Duck and 20 Red-breasted Mergansers headed south. Other notable birds were 19 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Goosanders, 16 Woodcocks, a Kingfisher, 22 Corn Buntings, a White-fronted Goose and a Little Owl.

February 11th: 7 Woodcocks and a Corn Bunting were present.