Late February 2023

28th February. Remaining unsettled with regular bouts of fine drizzle and a north wind.

At least 5 Water Pipits around today with 3 of them showing very well on the Fenland Lagoon with 2 Rock Pipits (one of each littoralis and petrosus apparently). Poor visibility at sea precluded any seawatching but 7 Snow Buntings were along the beach. 4 high-flying Redwings appeared to be new arrivals, a Barn Owl was hunting the Old Saltmarsh late afternoon and 3 Marsh Harriers went to roost.

27th February. An unsettled morning with occasional rain showers, mixed sunny and cloudy intervals and a persistent cold northerly wind.

This mornings survey concentrated on counting the wildfowl around the lagoons; highlights being 580 Brent Geese, 17 Shoveler, 48 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard and a Pintail. Still a good batch of unidentified Pipits around the Old Saltmarsh, but a small sample feeding periodically on the Fenland Lagoon proved that three species are involved.

Water Pipit, 27th February. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 27th February. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Meadow Pipit, 27th February. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

26th February. A moderate north-easterly wind keeping temperatures down, but otherwise, dry, and sunny.

Not much change today, although 8 Woodcock flushed form a relatively small area indicated an influx. Otherwise, a single Goldeneye flew north in a very brief seawatch, an immature male Merlin hunted waders along the beach, 2 Siskin and 6 Rock Pipit flew south. Little Grebes were vocal on the lagoons this morning and other birds in song included Skylark, Red Bunting, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin and Dunnock.

25th February. A strong northerly wind.

The north winds produced little at sea, the highlight being a Fulmar. Birds around included 700 Brent Geese, 820 Pink-footed Geese, 47 Whooper Swan and 10 Snow Bunting.

24th February. Another big tide this morning and another impressive wader roost. Knot were well represented with 14,700 whilst the Dunlin count of 8290 was exceptional for February. There were also 4060 Grey Plover and 400 Sanderling. 12 Snow Bunting were along the beach, 45 Whooper Swan were in the fields and 4 Stonechats were around. A Great Black-backed Gull provided entertainment as it managed to down a large Dogfish over the course of 35 minutes! Other birds of note that have only been thinly recorded so far this year included Green Woodpecker, Collared Dove and Yellowhammer.

Sparrowhawk, 24th February. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory data - first 10 years now digitised and submitted to BTO's BirdTrack - see details here:

https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/52000-historic-bird-records-made-available-research

23rd February. Early morning rain, then overcast with moderate northerly wind. The combination of predicted high tides, residual effects of Storm Otto and northerly winds amounted to the highest tide witnessed since the storm surge of December 2013. Although, still way off that level, the tidal flooding across the saltmarsh and the outer dunes from the previous evening tide was impressive and this mornings tide too was well above predicted level.

The morning tide saw another very good roost of Dunlin (6700), Bar-tailed Godwit (2300) and Grey Plover (3860) amongst other waders, although the large Knot flock present earlier in the week did not come up to the main roost and may have moved over to crop fields. A Peregrine arrived at the roost and caused mayhem before landing on the shingle bar. 300 Brent Geese came onto Tennyson's Sands and a Barn Owl was hunting around the south end.

22nd February. Rain for the first part of the morning then increasing wind becoming northerly.

Todays highlights were 12 Greenfinch and 6 Siskin at the feeding station, 500 Brent Geese on the lagoons, 16 Little Egret at the pre-roost on Jackson's Marsh in the evening with 2 Marsh Harriers going to roost there.

21st February. Little change in the weather, remaining mild and dry with a south-westerly breeze.

Another big tide this morning with a noticeable increase in Grey Plover and Dunlin; 3400 and 4600 respectively. After yesterdays Spoonbill sightings at two coastal sites, 2 arrived with us today and were different from those seen elsewhere in the mini-influx. Otherwise, Pipits provided interest and challenges during the day. The first spring movement of Meadow Pipits involved 18 south and 5 grounded whilst 9 Rock Pipits flew south with another 25 around. 3 Water Pipits came off the Freshwater Marsh and the evening Pipit roost on the Old Saltmarsh involved 31 Rock or Water Pipits.

Spoonbills 21st February 2023. 

Photos - Nige Lound.

Mid February 2023

February 20th. Remaining dray and mild but with a cool south-westerly breeze increasing

A light Chaffinch movement again with several Skylark, Goldfinch, Rook, Rock Pipit and Siskin also heading south. Another 5 Siskin were attending the Plantation feeding station. Brent Geese were up to 1380 while the regular group of 49 Whooper Swans were on local fields. A Peregrine hunted ducks on Jackson's Marsh. Offshore, the highlight of a brief seawatch were 2 Little Gulls and only 4 Snow Buntings were on the beach. A very high evening tide was apparently attributed to Storm Otto, covered most of the outer ridges, limiting roosting space for waders. Nonetheless, 570 sanderling, 3580 Dunlin, 14300 Knot and 1430 Grey Plover settled. At dusk, 3500 Pink-footed Geese came onto Croftmarsh again and 30 Pipits (Rock or Water) went to roost on the Old Saltmarsh.

February 19th. Overcast, mild and still.

No evidence of overland migration in the calm conditions this morning, compared to yesterday. Red-throated Divers still exceeding 100 offshore, but nothing new of note at sea. A good day for counting common birds in the dunes - a group of 4 Goldcrests probably new arrivals, at least 3 Water Pipits were between the Freshwater Marsh and Tennyson's Sands and the evening tide roost involved around 12,000 waders of which 7000 were Knot and 1100 Grey Plover, whilst 3500 Pink-footed Geese came in to roost on Croftmarsh and 12 Whooper Swan roosted on Tennyson's sands.

Pink-footed Geese to roost on Croftmarsh, 19th February 2023. 

Photos - Steve Hibberd

Whooper Swans, 19th February 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

February 18th. A moderate westerly breeze, but otherwise very pleasant and becoming warm for the time of year.

An excellent morning for the variety of birds, some early visible migration and a couple of scarcities. The latter represented by a group of 3 vocal Woodlarks that flew low, south past Mill Hill at 0813. Remarkably, at 0852 what must be presumed to have been the same group of 3 Woodlarks then passed Mill Hill heading south again!  2 Ravens, typically picked up on call, arrived from the north and settled at Shovelers Pool for several minutes. Other southbound migrants included a Red Kite, 25 Chaffinch, 11 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, a Redpoll, 4 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 3 Rook, 22 Skylark and a Snipe. Offshore 5 Little Gulls and a Kittiwake flew south and a large flock of 3500 Golden Plover was an unusual sight as they also headed south and high over the sea. Other birds around included 1100 Brent Geese, 11 Snow Bunting, 2 Woodcock, a Water Pipit and the first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year.

Ravens, 18th February 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

Siskin 18th February 2023. 

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Long-tailed Tit, 18th February 2023. 

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

February 17th.

9 Little Gulls and a Gannet flew south  during a morning sea watch and an evening session from the wash Viewpoint was rewarded with 2 Hen Harriers, 4 Marsh Harriers, a Sparrowhawk, 2500 Knot, 42 Rock Pipit and 4 Stonechat.

February 16th. No records today.

February 15th. An evening roost count from Harvey's Hide was rewarded with 2500 Pink-footed Geese, 49 Whooper Swans and 44 Alba Wagtails.

Whooper Swans, 15th February 2023. 

Photos- Nige Lound

February 14th. Recording much reduced today due to persistent fog. However, a Chiffchaff and a Siskin were heard.

February 13th. 

Brent Goose numbers had increased to 1000. Other birds around included 16 Corn Bunting, 16 Snow Bunting and a Hen Harrier.

Brent Goose juvenile, 13th February 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Linnets, 13th February 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Rock Pipit, 13th February 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Roe Deer, 13th February 2023. 

Photo - Jack Hood

Buff-tailed Bumble-bee, 13th February 2023. Photo - Nige Lound

February 12th.

Today's highlights included 1250 Lapwing, 600 Golden Plover, 873 Wigeon, 20 Whooper Swan, 2500 Pink-footed Geese, 800 Brent Geese, 127 Red-throated Diver, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Snow Bunting, 2 Water Pipit, a Grey Partridge and 28 Redwing.

February 11th. A return to milder conditions, although with a cool westerly breeze.

Still good numbers of red-throated Divers offshore, with a single Black-throated Diver again arriving from the north and settling on the sea early morning and still around mid afternoon. A probable Great Norther Diver flew high south distantly and a flock of 12 Snow Buntings were around the beach. Around 2000 Pink-footed Geese left the roost and went to feed inland. Brent Goose numbers showed another increase with just over 1000 today, many of which spent time on Tennyson's Sands mid afternoon. Numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing were down on recent days though. Skylarks were in good numbers and good voice. Also heard, was a Green Woodpecker - new for the year. Also of note, 3 Siskin flew south.

Early February 2023

February 10th. A hard frost and a bitter start to the morning, with a hint of a sleet shower but otherwise dry and fairly calm.

Offshore, reasonable numbers of Red-throated Divers were seen with a single Black-throated Diver heading south. Despite being a very common breeding bird, Meadow Pipits are usually in very low numbers here over Winter, being almost replaced by Rock Pipits in the marshes. However, a group of around 15 Meadow Pipits have been regularly around the Freshwater Marsh and Mere Meadow. A Water Rail was seen well from the Office at Sykes Farm. An evening roost watch was rewarded with 52 Whooper Swans and 75 'alba' Wagtails around Tennyson's Sands.

Water Rail, 10th February. 

Photo - Jim Shaw

Meadow Pipit, 10th February. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

February 9th. Slightly less cold this morning, remaining dry and bright and warming up considerably during the day.

An atmospheric start this morning with the calls of over 1200 Lapwing and 1500 Golden Plover around Tennyson's Sands, with 2000 Pink-footed Geese arriving later. Also in the area 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Pipit, and a Barn Owl. Around the West Dunes were 24 Redwing and 3 Siskin.

Golden Plover and Lapwing, 9th February 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

February 8th. Weather pattern much as per the previous two days.

22 Whooper Swans were around early morning with around 2800 Lapwing were moving between Croftmarsh and the River haven with 2000 Golden Plover, 800 Oystercatcher,  and 800 Pink-footed Geese coming off local fields. Other birds around included 754 Eider, 650 Wigeon, 2 Grey Partridge, a Goldeneye, a Goldcrest, 3 Woodcock, 9 Snow Bunting and 2 Redwing. 2 southbound Rook passed over Croftmarsh - a typical February occurrence that we usually take as an indicator of early spring movement.

February 7th. Another cold, frosty start, but continuing bright, sunny and calm.

The Whooper Swans left the roost shortly after dawn but some were heard to return at dusk later. On the Haven, waterbirds included 3500 Golden Plover, 3500 Knot, 1950 Lapwing and 800 Wigeon. Other birds around included 2 Cetti's Warbler, 16 Corn Bunting, 4 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl.

February 6th. The day started with a hard frost, continued, bright, sunny and calm and ended with a beautiful sunset.

Records again from the west side today where an Avocet was new in on Tennyson's Sands, where 103 Shoveler was a good count and 2 Water Rails showed. Good coverage of birds going to roost at dusk included; 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 48 Whooper Swan and 52 Alba Wagtails.

February 5th. Weather much as yesterday but slightly colder.

Reports from the west side this morning. 900 Pink-footed Geese came out of the Wash roost and settled to graze on Croftmarsh and around 700 Brent Geese were around, variously coming in to wash on Tennyson's Sands and on the grazing marsh beyond.  A Marsh Harrier was hunting the marsh and reedbeds here and several Skylarks were in song. 2 Bewick's Swans flew north-west.

Marsh Harrier, 5th February 2023. 

Photo - Kev Wilson

February 4th. Mild, dry, overcast with only a light wind.

Good conditions for scanning the haven this morning and checking on Eider numbers - a total of 1140 were offshore and lining sand bars etc. 25 Great Crested Grebe here was suggestive of an influx, but there was no decent coverage of the sea today. One of the main themes was the movement of Pink-footed Geese, with 1500 leaving the wash roost at dawn and heading off north-west and then several skeins totaling 2660 came across from Norfolk and also headed of north-west. A strong southerly passage of Black-headed Gulls was also noted. Other birds around included 2 Water Pipits, 2 Stonechat and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.

February 3rd. Remaining mild, dry and overcast with a light westerly breeze and a calm sea.

A significant increase in Red-throated Divers this morning, with a minimum of 400. A Black-throated Diver and 10 Little Gulls flew south. 15 Snow Buntings were again along the beach, with a male Hen Harrier and 2 Marsh Harriers hunting the saltmarsh. Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, totaling 280,came over the Wash from Norfolk and headed north-west, a Barnacle Goose accompanying one group, while up to 600 Brents were grazing the meadow on Jackson's Marsh. Large numbers of waders gathered on the mudflats at low tide including 3000 Lapwing and 3000 Golden Plover. The Bearded Tit was back on Tennyson's Sands and 2 Water Pipits flew over Sykes Farm. Two Grey Partridges were seen down Mill Pond Road early morning, with one heard calling from Mill Hill later.

Brent Geese, 3rd February 2023. 

Photo - Jim Shaw

Brent Geese, 3rd February 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

Redshank, 3rd February 2023. 

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Curlew, 3rd February 2023. 

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

February 2nd. Mild, sunny and dry with a westerly breeze.

193 Red-throated Diver flew into the Wash on the ebb tide, but otherwise, no change at sea and 15 Snow Buntings remained on the beach. A male Hen Harrier was hunting the Outer Dunes. A Mistle Thrush was new in on Jackson's Marsh.

Pale Brindled Beauty, 2nd February 2023. 

Photo - Nige Lound

 February 1st. Another bright, sunny, winters day, after a light frost overnight. Westerly wind increasing

A morning seawatch involved 106 Red-throated Diver, 254 Eider and 29 Great Crested Grebes heading south along with quite a pronounced southerly passage of Gulls. Two Marsh Harriers moving south about 200 metres offshore and spaced about 150 metres apart was unusual and followed 10 minutes later by a male Hen Harrier cruising south along the beach. Later, 4 Marsh Harriers came in to roost. Other birds around included 17 Snow Bunting and single Water Pipit, Goldcrest, Woodcock and Siskin.

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