Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog

Late March 2016

March 31st. A Firecrest was in the East Dunes. Other birds of note were 4 Redwing, a Fieldfare and 35 Corn Bunting.

The first ringing session of the year at Aylmer Avenue, by Mike Polling and Jenni Godber, yielded 36 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 5 Great Tit, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, a Brambling, 2 Dunnock and 6 Greenfinch; and 34 retraps: 9 Great Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 13 Blue Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit and a Coal Tit.

March 30th. The Firecrest still remained at Syke's Farm. A Red Kite flew south over Millennium Ridge, and a second bird (presumably different) came in from the north and flew off west. A Grey Wagtail flew south. A Water Pipit was on Jackson's Marsh. Around were 3 Firecrest (additional to the above), a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtail and a Short-eared Owl.

White Wagtail, 30th March 2016
Photo - Nige Lound

March 29th. The highlight of the day were 2 Common Crane that flew south over the reserve. Flying south over the West Dunes this morning were 65 Chaffinch, a Brambling, a Yellowhammer, 30 Goldfinch, a Crossbill and a Tree Sparrow. There were at least 4 Firecrest recorded on the reserve (1 Syke's Farm, 1 Aylmer and 2 East Dunes). Also, about were 15 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Avocet, an Egyptian Goose, 2 Common Buzzard, 8 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier and 25 Corn Bunting.

Common Crane south over the reserve
Photo - Ben Ward

Lesser Celendine, 29th March 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

March 28th. The highlights from a very wet and windy day were 13 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Avocet, 14 Golden Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe, a Water Pipit, 5 Redwing and a Swallow.
The Cowslips are now flowering on Jackson's Marsh.

March 27th. The first Swallow and Sand Martin recorded on the reserve today. Singles of Grey Wagtail, Lapland Bunting and Tree Sparrow flew south early morning. Other species of note included 12 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Avocet, 1000 Dunlin, a Rook, 17+ Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Firecrest, 18 Siskin, a Brambling and 38 Corn Bunting.
A Bank Vole was discovered at Sykes Farm.

Bank Vole, 27th March 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

March 26th. About were 15 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, 10 Avocet, 2 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff and 2 Firecrest (1 at Syke's Farm & 1 in East Dunes).

Firecrest at Syke's Farm, 26th March 2016
Photo - Alan Brewster

March 25th. A new Firecrest was discovered in the East Dunes. In the Plantation were 3 Siskin, 3 Brambling and a singing Chiffchaff. Other notable species include a Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 8 Crossbill (Beach Car Park briefly) and 35 Corn Bunting. On the move were a Brambling, 2 Siskin and a Common Buzzard.

Firecrest in the East Dunes, 25th March 2016
Photo - James Siddle

Siskin in the Plantation, 25th March 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Brambling in the Plantation, 25th March 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Fox Moth caterpillar, 25th March 2016
Photo - Bryony Baxter

March 24th. The Firecrest was heard singing in the Beach Car Park. Around were 28 Woodcock, 10 Song Thrush, 51 Blackbird, 5000 Knot and 8 Snipe. A light finch passage was noted early morning.

March 23rd. On the reserve were 600 Brent Goose, 10 Avocet, 2 Common Buzzard, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 40 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 18 Goldcrest, 2 House Sparrow and 2 Siskin. Flying south were 11 Rook, 6 Chaffinch and a Brambling. 2 Peregrine were observed doing regular food passes, a third bird was also noted. An Egyptian Goose was vocal on the Fenland Lagoon early morning.

Egyptian Goose on the Fenland Lagoon, 23rd March 2016
Photo - Kev Wilson

March 22nd. Around were 1000 Brent Goose, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Avocet, 2 Woodcock, 2 Collared Dove, 10 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 50 Redwing and 20 Corn Bunting.

March 21st. A Red Kite was over the East Dunes early afternoon. A slight influx of Goldcrest and Woodcock was noted. On Tennyson's Sands were 10 Avocet and 1000 Brent Goose. A Green Woodpecker was noted near North Building.

Mid March 2016

March 20th. The Firecrest was relocated at the Beach Car Park early morning. Other birds around were 15 Pink-footed Goose, 1000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, a Common Buzzard, 10 Avocet, a Water Pipit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Siskin and 8 Corn Bunting.

March 19th. A Woodlark flew south in the morning. Other notables species were the first singing Chiffchaff of the year, 2 Water Pipit, 2 Goldcrest and a flock of 18 Stock Dove.

March 18th. The first Firecrest of the year was discovered around Mill Pond. About were 35 Redwing, a Lapland Bunting and a Red Kite.

March 17th. Around were 1000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Siskin and a House Sparrow. In the evening 2 adult summer Mediterranean Gull flew over calling.

March 16th. A Red Kite came in off the sea then flew south. Around were 4 Woodcock, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Avocet and 2 Snipe.
The Sweet Violets are now flowering along the Cycle Track.

Avocet on Tennyson's Sands
Photo - Richard Doan

March 15th. Offshore were 25 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver in partial summer plumage, 12 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. Around the reserve were 800 Brent Goose, 7 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Teal, 2 drake Goosander (briefly on Jackson's Marsh), a Merlin, 17 Avocet, 64 Ringed Plover, a Lapwing, 500 Oystercatcher, 85 Blackbird, 73 Redwing, 6 Siskin, 3 Corn Bunting.

Common Seals from The Wash Viewpoint at high tide
Photo - Philip Milns

Corn Bunting
Photo - Philip Milns

Siskin in the Plantation
Photo - Philip Milns

March 14th. Around were 32 Ringed Plover, 60 Skylark, 2 Rook, 3000 Starling and 2 Woodcock.

March 13th. A Blackcap gave a few bursts of song in the Plantation. Other birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Green Sandpiper, a House Sparrow, 4 Woodcock, 3 Fieldfare, 120 Redwing, a Coal Tit and a Song Thrush. Flying south were 2 Rook and 9 Siskin.

Hen Harrier, 13th March 2016.
Photo - Chris Cullen

House Sparrow singing at Sykes Farm
Photo - Richard Doan

March 12th. The early morning high tide produced 15000 Knot and 3000 Bar-tailed Godwit. About were a Merlin, a Peregrine, 34 Corn Bunting and 4 Avocet.

March 11th. Around were 10 Whooper Swan, 60 Corn Bunting and 2 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 7 Avocet, 12 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Wigeon and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.

Whooper Swans on The Wash, 11th March 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Early March 2016

March 10th. Offshore this morning were 9 Pintail, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Eider and 67 Common Scoter. Around were 63 Shelduck, a Grey Heron, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 5000 Oystercatcher, 16 Ringed Plover, 15000 Knot, 3500 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Grey Wagtail, 60 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and 60 Corn Bunting.

The Freshwater Marsh following yesterday's prolonged rain
Photo - Richard Doan

Short-eared Owl
Photo - Richard Doan

March 9th. About were 8 Pink-footed Goose and a Merlin. The evening wader roost was quite spectacular with 7500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4150 Dunlin, 1000 Sanderling, 3110 Grey Plover, 7760 Knot and 5000 Oystercatcher. An adult summer Mediterranean Gull was on The Wash at dusk.

March 8th. Around were 60 Redwing, a Woodcock, 9 Pink-footed Goose and a Water Pipit.

March 7th. Croftmarsh held 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 82 Wigeon and a Water Pipit. About were 10 Corn Bunting, a Merlin and a Common Buzzard. A Grey Wagtail flew south. On The Wash this evening were 5500 Herring Gull, 4500 Black-headed Gull and 1000 Common Gull.

March 6th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 1200 Brent Goose including 2 Pale-bellied Brent. In the Plantation were 2 Siskin and 60 Redwing. A Hen Harrier flew south. At least 70 Corn Bunting were in the West Dunes at dusk. Offshore were 80 Common Scoter and a drake Red-breasted Merganser.

March 5th. Cloudy with heavy rain showers clearing by mid-afternoon.
About were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Brent Goose, 6 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Pipit and 50 Redwing.

March 4th. Around were 5 Siskin, 3 Rook and a Goldcrest.

March 3rd. Clear sky with a cold south wind.
Around the reserve were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard 2, a Yellowhammer, 2 Pintail, 60 Redwing, 4 Redpoll spp, 5 Corn Bunting and 4 Coal Tit. Scrutiny of the Brent Goose flock revealed 3 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

March 2nd. Heavy rain showers throughout the day.
The highlight of the day was a Red Kite which flew south through the reserve. In the Plantation were 2 Siskin, 2 Tree Sparrow and 50 Redwing.

March 1st. Sunny with a cold southerly wind.
Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Corn Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Water Pipit and 50 Redwing.

Late February 2016

February 29th. Around were a Woodcock and 81 Corn Bunting

February 28th. Cloudy becoming clear at midday.
On the reserve were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Woodcock, Coal Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Siskin, 45 Redwing and 46 Corn Bunting. On the water-bodies were 2 Water Rail, 4 Goldeneye and a Black-tailed Godwit.

February 27th.
Birds around included a possible Icelandic Redwing.

Possible Icelandic Redwing, 27th February 2016.
Photo - Dean Nicholson

February 26th. Cloudy with a cold southerly wind.
Around were 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Water Pipit, 30 Corn Bunting, 1500 Bar-tailed Godwit and 45 Redwing.

February 25th. Cold and bright.
The high tide wader roost at dawn produced 8000 Knot, 500 Grey Plover and 2500 Bar-tailed Godwit. About were a Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 25 Corn Bunting, 2 Siskin and 4 Tree Sparrow.

Tree Sparrow, 25th February 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

February 24th. Bright sunny day with no wind.
On the reserve were a Yellowhammer, 40 Corn Bunting, a Water Pipit and a Coal Tit. A Song Thrush was singing in the Plantation at dawn.

Pintail, 24th February 2016

February 23rd. Sunny and mild.
Around the reserve were a Short-eared Owl, 6 Corn Bunting and a Woodcock.

February 22nd. Cooler than of late with an increasing west/ north west breeze
Offshore were 20 Red-throated Diver and 10 Eider. 3 adult White-fronted Geese were again on Croft Marsh with around 70 Pink-footed Goose. 60 Redwing were in the Plantation and 2 Yellowhammer were in song north of Aylmer Avenue

Mid February 2016

February 21st. Mild with moderate south westerly breeze.
Recorded today were 2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail), a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Woodcock, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Common Buzzard.

Hen Harrier, 21st February 2016
Photo - Garry Wright

Corn Bunting, 21st February 2016
Photo - Garry Wright

Short-eared Owl, 21st February 2016
Photo - Garry Wright

Hen Harrier mobbing Short-eared Owl, 21st February 2016
Photo - Garry Wright

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 21st February 2016
Photo - Roger Riddington

February 20th. Cloudy with light rain spells.
Around were a Corn Bunting, a Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

Harvest Mouse Nest, 20th February 2016
Photo - Kev Wilson

In the last 10 years there has only been one live sighting of a Harvest Mouse on site – an individual in the Mere reed-bed. Subsequently a dead one was found in a barn owl food cache at a nest site. Occasionally, these tiny harvest mouse nests are found in thick grass or bramble, indicating that our small population still persists.

February 19th. Mild with a cold westerly wind.
Heading south offshore were a Red-necked Grebe, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Red-throated Diver and 60 Common Scoter. Some early visible migration was apparent in the East Dunes with 3 Brambling, 15 Chaffinch, 29 Siskin and 20 Greenfinch. Around were a Hen harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 50 Redwing, a Snow Bunting and 3 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 1651 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (1642 adults and 9 juveniles), an adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 adult European White-fronted Goose and 600 Pink-footed Goose.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19th February 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

3 European White-fronted Goose, 19th February 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

February 18th.
On Tennyson's Sands were 795 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (792 adults and 3 juveniles), 2 adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 adult White-fronted Goose, 500 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Water Rail. Around were a Woodcock and 164 Lapwing.

February 17th. Cloudy with light rain from midday.
Offshore were a Great Northern Diver and 20 Red-throated Diver. A Brambling was in the Plantation. On the Mere were 5 Goldeneye.

February 16th. Heavy overnight frost with temperatures down to -3.4
On Croft Marsh were the 3 adult White-fronted Goose with 500 Pink-footed Goose. Around the reserve were 35 Redwing, a Barn Owl, 5 Corn Bunting, 2 Woodcock, a Treecreeper and 2 Siskin.
A Great Tit was heard imitating a Marsh Tit at Sykes Farm this evening.

February 15th. Frequent sharp sleet showers.
No records received.

February 14th. Bright and sunny with a cold northerly wind.
Going north at sea were 31 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser,5 Common Scoter, 16 Teal, 9 auk sp, 6 Guillemot, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar and a drake Scaup. Southbound at sea were 19 Red-throated Diver, 53 Kittiwake, 4 Brent Geese, 2 Eider and a Fulmar. On the reserve were 227 Cormorant, 50 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Corn Bunting, a Treecreeper and 2 Siskin.

February 13th. Cold easterly wind.
About were 2 Woodcock, a Peregrine, a Merlin and 25 Corn Bunting.

February 12th. Slight frost overnight with a calm easterly wind.
Around were 50 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 141 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Fieldfare and 2 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Water Rail, 33 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall and 52 Curlew.

February 11th. Heavy overnight frost.
On The Wash were 7820 Knot, 1500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 120 Grey Plover, 2000 Oystercatcher. Around were 900 Brent Goose, 250 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin and a Peregrine.

Barn Owl, 11th February 2016

Displaying Goldeneye, 11th February 2016

Early February 2016

February 10th. Dry and Overcast.
The high tide wader roost comprised 2500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5000 Oystercatcher, 3200 Grey Plover, 3400 Dunlin, 500 Sanderling and 5000 Knot. Around the reserve were 12 Corn Bunting, 100 Skylark, 2 Hen Harrier, a Merlin and a Common Buzzard. The Pink-footed Goose flock contained 3 adult White-fronted Goose. Flying south offshore were 20 auk spp, 2 Guillemot, 121 Red-throated Diver, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Fulmar, a Great Northern Diver, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and a Slavonian Grebe.

February 9th. Fine, dry and sunny after a cold start with a moderate southerly wind.
Singles of Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and Red-necked Grebe were offshore. Around were a Short-eared Owl, 2 Woodcock, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, a Water Rail, 145 Fieldfare, a Blackcap and 3 adult White-fronted Goose.

February 8th. Overcast with strong southerly wind.
Going south offshore were 110 Eider, 28 Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Kittiwake, 63 Fulmar, 19 Red-throated Diver and 5 Great-crested Grebe

February 7th. Bright and windy.
Around were 1200 Brent Goose, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Peregrine, 350 Lapwing, 3 Woodcock, a House Sparrow, 120 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 5 Siskin and 25 Corn Bunting. Offshore were 8 Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Common Scoter.

House Sparrow at Aylmer Avenue
Photo - Kev Wilson

House Sparrow - the daily log between 1962 and 1965 record winter flocks of hundreds of sparrows (peaking at up to 1000 each of House Sparrow and Tree Sparrow) attracted to 'freshly nipped chaff' in the farmyard (Sykes Farm) long before the Trust ever dreamed of purchasing the holding. Today's individual is somewhat of a scarcity at Gibraltar Point!

February 6th. Overcast with strong southerly winds.
A Marsh Harrier flew south over Jackson's Marsh at midday bearing green wing tags. Around were 1200 Brent Goose, 250 Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Woodcock, 100 Fieldfare and 15 Redwing. On the Mere were 3 Goldeneye and 15 Little Grebe.

Water Rail eating Sea Buckthorn berries
Photo - Garry Wright

Water Rail in Sea Buckthorn bush
Photo - Garry Wright

Wing-tagged Marsh Harrier over Jackson's Marsh
Photo - Garry Wright

February 5th. Bright and sunny.
Around were 25 Siskin, a Woodcock, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 900 Brent Goose, 100 Fieldfare, 9 Water Pipit, 40 Corn Bunting and a Hen Harrier. The adult Black Brant was again with the Brent Goose flock.

February 4th. Mild with occasional sunny spells and a strengthening westerly wind. An adult Black Brant was on Croftmarsh with 1618 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose,300 Pink-footed Geese and 3 adult European White-fronted Geese. 23 Water Pipit were on Jackson's Marsh early on and 170 Red-throated Diver were offshore.

February 3rd. Beautiful sunny day.
Around were 2 Woodcock, a Common Buzzard and 2 Siskin. On Croftmarsh were 2 Water Pipit, 1100 Brent Goose, 650 Pink-footed Goose and 3 White-fronted Goose. Offshore were 72 Red-throated Diver.

February 2nd. Sunny with a cold southerly wind.
On Croftmarsh were 650 Pink-footed Goose and 950 Brent Goose. Around were a Hen Harrier, 6 Woodcock, 15 Corn Bunting, 2 Siskin and a Short-eared Owl.
A Peacock butterfly was on the wing around Sykes Farm at midday.

February 1st. Warm but windy.
The highlight of the day was a juvenile/first-winter Hobby that flew south over the Old Saltmarsh late-morning. Around the reserve were 1000 Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied x Dark-bellied Brent Goose hybrid. 600 Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Treecreeper, 200 Lapwing, 25 Corn Bunting and 3 Woodcock. Flying south offshore were a Guillemot and Razorbill.
The Snowdrops and Winter Aconites are now flourishing in the Orchard.

Snowdrops in the Orchard, 1st February 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Winter Aconites in the Orchard, 1st February 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Late January 2016

January 31st. No records received.

January 30th. No records received.

January 29th. No records received.

January 28th. 3 European White-fronted Geese were on Croftmarsh with around 700 Pink-footed Goose. Around the reserve were a Merlin, a Stonechat, 6 Corn Bunting and 7 Woodcock.

Stonechat, 28th January 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

January 27th. A daytime maximum temperature of 13 degrees but feeling cooler in a force 5, occasionally force 7 south/south-west wind. A Great Northern Diver and 20 Red-breasted Merganser were offshore.

January 26th. Again mild with an increasing force 3 to 5 south/south-west wind. The only report today was of 3 adult European White-fronted Geese on Croftmarsh.

The Bird Observatory Council have published their excellent annual report which includes a summary of Gibraltar Point bird highlights in 2015. The report can be found at the following link: https://goo.gl/cPvDfi

January 25th. Mild again overnight with a day maximum of 13 degrees and an increasing force 2 to 4 south/south-west wind. 2 adult European White-fronted Geese were on Croftmarsh with 600 Pinkfeet. Around were a male Bullfinch, a Spotted Redshank, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Redwing and 2 Siskin

January 24th. Mild again overnight and a day maximum of 13 degrees with a force 2/3 south/south-west wind. The adult European White-fronted Goose was still on Croft Marsh with 650 Pink-footed Goose. Also around were 5 Woodcock, a Spotted Redshank, a male Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, 190 Fieldfare, a drake Goldeneye and 45 Corn Bunting. A Water Rail was on Tennyson's Sands. A Goosander, a Little Gull and 4 Siskin flew south.

3 Sperm Whales were washed up on Skegness beach early this morning. Please note that there is NO ACCESS from Gibraltar Point. Anybody wishing to see the whales should use Skegness sea front car parks.

January 23rd. Mild with a day maximum of 8 degrees and a force 2/3 south/south-westerly breeze. An adult European White-fronted Goose was on Croft Marsh with 600 Pink-footed Goose, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Offshore were 6 Great Crested Grebe, a pair of Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver. Around the reserve were 7 Woodcock, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Merlin, 14 Corn Bunting, 150 Fieldfare and 2 Goldeneye.

January 22nd. Moderate southerly wind.
On Croft Marsh were 800 Pink-footed Goose and 500 Brent Goose.

January 21st. A foggy start to the day.
An adult European White-fronted Goose remained with the Pink-footed Goose flock. Around were 15 Corn Bunting, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, a ring-tail Hen Harrier, 2 Goldcrest, 150 Fieldfare and 2 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh was a Pintail.

Mid January 2016

January 20th. A cold morning with temperatures above freezing.

Around were a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 500 Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 40 Corn Bunting and a Woodcock. The Pink-footed Goose flock contained 3 adult European White-fronted Goose.

January 19th. A hard overnight frost saw all water bodies at least 90% frozen and a day maximum temperature of 4 degrees.
Offshore were 5 Great Crested Grebe and a Red-throated Diver. Around the reserve were 2 Water Pipit, a Treecreeper, a Bullfinch, a Merlin, 3 Water Rail and 150 Fieldfare.

Sunrise over the East Dunes
19th January 2016

Merlin
19th January 2016

Short-eared Owl
19th January 2016

January 18th. Freezing overnight with a day maximum of 5 degrees and a force 2/3 south/south-east wind.
Around were a male Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Water Pipit, 34 Corn Bunting, 4 Goldeneye and 100 Fieldfare.

January 17th. Freezing overnight with a day maximum of 4 degrees and an increasing force 1 to 3 south/south-east wind.
Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Stonechat and 14 Corn Bunting.

January 16th. Freezing temperatures overnight.
Moving offshore were a Little Auk, 30 Red-throated Diver, a Great Skua, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 auk spp and 4 Common Scoter. On the reserve were 42 Corn Bunting, 2 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Goldcrest, 400 Pink-footed Goose and 80 Fieldfare.

January 15th. Cold with overnight frost.
An early morning seawatch produced a Great Northern Diver, 15 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 346 Cormorant, 16 Eider and 2 Common Scoter. Around were a Bullfinch, a Water Rail, 5 Redwing, 150 Fieldfare and 5 Corn Bunting.

Snowdrop in the Orchard, 15th January 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

January 14th. Heavy rain showers.
On the water bodies were 2 Goldeneye, 10 Pochard, 266 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 62 Shoveler and 66 Wigeon. Around were 130 Fieldfare, a Coal Tit and 3 Song Thrush.
Snowdrops are now flowering in the Plantation.

January 13th. Sunny and bright.

The morning high tide revealed 650 Grey Plover, 500 Sanderling, 150 Redshank and 1500 Oystercatcher. Around were a Common Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 400 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose and a House Sparrow.

January 12th. Intermittent rain.

A Raven was discovered late afternoon, perched up in a dead Elder, behind the Bird Observatory. It was mobbed by 3 Magpie and departed off north soon after. Around were 3 Woodcock, 800 Dunlin, 2 Goldcrest, 12 Corn Bunting, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin and 8 Siskin. Offshore were 90 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shag, 2 Razorbill, a Great Northern Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Little Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 30 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Auk spp. An adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose was with the Brent flock early morning. The evening gull roost produced 7110 Black-headed Gull and 2390 Common Gull.

Great Northern Diver, 13th January 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

January 11th. Birds around included a male Hen Harrier, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Woodcock, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 500 Golden Plover, 1000 Lapwing and 10 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh was a Goldeneye. Offshore was a Velvet Scoter.

Early January 2016

January 10th. Around were a Marsh Harrier and a Stonechat. Offshore were 53 Eider, 19 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Red-throated Diver. Going south were a Great Northern Diver and a Little Gull.

January 9th. Birds around included a Bullfinch, a Treecreeper, 224 Cormorant, a Water Rail, 305 Sanderling, 190 Fieldfare, 290 Starling and 250 Golden Plover. Flying south were 2 Bewick's Swan, 2 Pintail, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, a Goldeneye, a blue Fulmar and 63 Red-throated Diver. Offshore were a Long-tailed Duck and a Great Skua.

January 8th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 350 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 10 Woodcock, 23 Turnstone, 190 Sanderling, 70 Carrion Crow, 50 Fieldfare, a Coal Tit and a Merlin.

January 7th. Rain most of day.
Birds around included 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Spotted Redshank, a Merlin, 75 Fieldfare and a Green Woodpecker.

January 6th. Around were 40 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Woodcock, a male Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, 3 Siskin, a Goldcrest, 40 Corn Bunting, 26 Snipe, 22 Redwing and 200 Fieldfare. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Goldeneye and a drake Pintail. Flying south were 14 Little Gull and 2 Great Skua,

January 5th. Birds around included 500 Pink-footed Goose, 59 Shoveler, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 4 Water Rail, 7 Corn Bunting, a Goldcrest, 40 Corn Bunting, 150 Fieldfare, a Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock and 950 Lapwing. Roosting were 140 Alba Wagtail. Heading south were 900 Lapwing, 6 Little Gull and a Grey Heron, and east a Marsh Harrier.

January 4th. Offshore were a Slavonian Grebe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Great Skua, a Mediterranean Gull and 8 Little Gull. Around were a White-fronted Goose, 550 Pink-footed Geese, 1500 Golden Plover, 800 Lapwing, 150 Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest, 10 Corn Bunting and a ringtail Hen Harrier. A Water Rail was heard on Tennyson Sands. South went 25 Siskin, 2 Gannet, 2000 Lapwing, 270 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Great Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 15 Little Gull, 135 Teal, 7 Pintail and 145 Wigeon, and south-west a Fulmar.

January 3rd. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, 550 Pink-footed Goose, 550 Brent Goose (including just 1 juvenile), 8 Corn Bunting, 1400 Golden Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 780 Lapwing. Going south were 82 Wigeon, 480 Teal and 3 Pintail.

January 2nd. Around were a Chiffchaff, a Siskin, 2 Water Pipit, 40 Corn Bunting, a Little Gull, a Peregrine, 415 Redshank and 18 Stock Dove.

January 1st. Birds around included 600 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Shoveler, a Kingfisher, a Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, a Coal Tit, a Treecreeper, a Stonechat, a Siskin, 5 Song Thrush and 35 Corn Bunting. The 2 wintering Avocet remained on Tennyson's Sands, and 2 Whooper Swan arrived on Jackson's Marsh. A Merlin flew east and a Marsh Harrier south.

Goldeneye, 1st January 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Spotted Redshank and Shoveler, 1st January 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Pintail, 1st January 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth