Late April 2015

April 30th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, gradually decreasing.
 Birds around included a Jay.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 2 new birds: a Goldfinch and a Reed Warbler; and a retrap Whitethroat.

April 29th. Quite strong south-westerly wind, bringing bands of rain.
 On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill and 3 Common Tern.

April 28th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 Around were a Greenshank, a Turtle Dove, 2 Jay, 15 Whimbrel and a Common Buzzard. A Red Kite and 2 Greenshank flew south. On The Wash this evening were 400 Ringed Plover and 3000 Dunlin. Offshore were 25 Little Tern, 3 Common Tern and 2 Sandwich Tern. On Jackson's Marsh was a Common Sandpiper.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced just a new Chiffchaff and a retrap Dunnock.

April 27th. Birds around included a Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: a Wren and 2 Whitethroat; and a retrap Wren.

Bluebells, 27 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 26th. Around were 9 Jay and 30 Sandwich Tern. The 2 Spoonbill were still on Tennyson's Sands. Two Cuckoo were calling away at the back of the Freshwater Marsh behind the Mere mid afternoon.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Chaffinch and a Chiffchaff.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 12 new birds and 15 retraps. The new birds were 3 Greenfinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat. The retraps were 6 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit and singles of Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Sedge Warbler.
 In the afternoon Mick Briggs was at Aylmer Avenue carrying out net ride maintenance, cutting the grass before it gets out of control and pruning back the last year's growth of Sea Buckthorn etc. into the net rides.

Cowslips, 26 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 25th. A White-tailed Eagle flew over Tennyson's Sands at 3.15pm. Despite the bird having been tracked coming around the Norfolk coast through the day and then leaving Holme over the Wash towards Lincolnshire some thirty minutes earlier, few people got to see the bird going over the reserve.
 Other birds around, including those trapped, were 29 Jay and a Whimbrel. The 2 Spoonbill remained on Tennyson's Sands. Other birds reported included a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Red Kite, 4 Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harrier and a Firecrest. 3 House Martin and 2 Swallow fed around Aylmer Avenue, whilst 9 Blackcap and 7 Whitethroat were also singing there early morning.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, produced 5 new birds: a Linnet, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Jay; and no retraps.
 Meanwhile Mick Briggs was ringing at Aylmer Avenue, resulting in 22 new birds: 6 Goldfinch, 5 Linnet, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat and singles of Wren, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting and Chaffinch. There were also 13 retraps: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Dunnock and singles of Wren, Sedge Warbler, Goldfinch and Linnet.

Spoonbills, 25 April 2015.
Photo - Steve Humphreys

White-tailed Eagle, 25 April 2015.
Photo - Steve Humphreys

White-tailed Eagle, 25 April 2015.
Photo - Steve Humphreys

April 24th. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spoonbill. Around were 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Wheatear, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 500 Redshank, 176 Ringed Plover, 500 Dunlin, 380 Oystercatcher and 5 Whimbrel. Offshore were 12 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern. Flying south were 12 Yellow Wagtail, 100+ Swallow, 3 House Martin and 16 Sand Martin. A Common Sandpiper was on the river at dusk.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 12 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler (including an acredula type), a Wren, 3 Blackcap, a Linnet and 4 Jay; and no retraps.

Jay, ringed 24 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Acredula type Willow Warbler, ringed 24 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 23rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were a male and a female Cuckoo together, a Whimbrel and a Merlin. The Spoonbill was still on Tennyson's Sands.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Blackcap, a Cuckoo and a Merlin; and 3 retraps: singles of Wren, Blue Tit and Dunnock.

Cuckoo, ringed 23 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Female Merlin, ringed 23 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 22nd. A Richard's Pipit was discovered in the Old Saltmarsh/East Dunes area. The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson's Sands.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 39 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling, 6 Chaffinch, 8 Linnet, 12 Goldfinch, 3 Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Song Thrush; and 25 retraps: 6 Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit and 5 Chaffinch.

Brambling, ringed 22 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 21st. The Little Bunting was rediscovered on Tennyson's Sands (near Fenella Hope Hide) early morning. Also there were a putative Caspian Gull x Herring Gull hybrid and a Spoonbill.
  Around were the Glaucous Gull, 5+ Jay, a Cuckoo, 5 Wheatear, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and 15 Swallow. Flying south was a Rough-legged Buzzard, and north a Red Kite.
 An obviously unwell adult Gannet, which had been on Jackson's Marsh for two days, was found dead there this morning. Also the first Speckled Woods and Green Hairstreaks were also on the wing today.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in only 3 new birds: A Willow Warbler, a Meadow Pipit and a Linnet; and no retraps.

Little Bunting, Tennyson's Sands, 21 April 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Adult Gannet, found dead on Jackson's Marsh, 21 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Mid April 2015

 April 20th. A Little Bunting was heard singing in West Dunes, but was only identified retrospectively. Around were 6 Jay. On Tennyson Sands was a Spoonbill. Flying north were 2 Swallow. 
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided just 4 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin and 2 Reed Bunting; and no retraps.

Green Hairstreak, 20 April 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

April 19th. A Glaucous Gull was found near the estuary. Other birds around included a Merlin. A Swallow flew south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin and 5 Linnet; and 5 retraps: a Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit and a Reed Bunting.

April 18th. Around were a Greenshank and 2 Grey Heron. At sea 4 Little Tern and 2 Fulmar went north.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new birds: a Meadow Pipit and a Woodpigeon; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Woodpigeon, ringed 18 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 17th. Birds around included a Tree Pipit and 2 Ring Ouzel, while 2 Whimbrel flew east off Tennyson Sands and a Swallow flew south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and 2 Linnet; and 8 retraps: a Blackcap, 4 Dunnock, 2 Linnet and a Wren.

April 16th.  Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Ring Ouzel, a Redwing, 12 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 3 Sedge Warbler, 24 Corn Bunting, a Merlin, a Siskin, a Bullfinch, a Merlin, a Jay, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 14 Swallow, a Siskin, 2 Wheatear and 2 Tree Pipit. On Croftmarsh were 7 Pink-footed Goose. Going east were 2 Mediterranean Gull, south 4 Swallow, north a Fieldfare and north-west 2 Jay.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 13 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Great Tit and a Robin; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Chiffchaff.

April 15th. Birds around included 2 Jay and a Fieldfare. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Heading south was a Swallow, and north-west were 21 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Linnet and a Blue Tit; 2 retraps: a Goldcrest and a Willow Warbler; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Chiffchaff.
 Further to yesterday's Great Tit with a deformed bill, Paul Gosling has sent a photograph of a similar bird trapped here in 1985.

Great Tit with deformed bill, trapped 1985.
Photo - Paul Gosling

April 14th. Around, including birds trapped, were a singing Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 9 Wheatear and a Grey Partridge. A Cuckoo sang in West Dunes. Flying south were a Spoonbill, a Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 16 Swallow and 3 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, a Wheatear and a Reed Bunting; and a retrap Wren.

Great Tit with deformed bill; the unkempt plumage results from inability to preen properly; ringed 14 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Wheatear, ringed 14 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 13th. Frozen start, then gradually warmed up after sunrise.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Jay, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Brambling, 2 Goldcrest and a Whimbrel heard.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch and a Jay; and 5 retraps: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Linnet.

Jay, ringed 13 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars in their 'tent'. Their hairs can cause serious allergic reactions in humans. 13 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 12th. Increasing south-westerly wind. Rain in afternoon.
 Around were a Firecrest, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, a Marsh Harrier and a Ruff. On the Mere was a Goldeneye. Heading south were 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Commic Tern, 4 Fieldfare, 60 Goldfinch and 80 Linnet.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 2 new birds: a Reed Bunting and a Blackcap; and a retrap Reed Bunting.

April 11th. Offshore were 2 Black-throated Diver, a Red-throated Diver and a Common Tern. Over Jackson's Marsh mid-morning were 6 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin, and on it were 7 Pink-footed Goose. Around were 2 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 5 Chiffchaff, a Buzzard and a Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Samantha Faggetter and James Siddle, produced 2 new birds: a Willow Warbler and a Sparrowhawk; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Dunnock.

Female Sparrowhawk, ringed 11 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Early April 2015

April 10th. Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Willow Warbler, 2 Swallow, a Tree Pipit, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Buzzard and a Jay. On Jackson's Marsh was a Garganey.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, yielded 6 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap and a Robin; and a retrap Blue Tit.

April 9th. Around were a Woodcock, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a White Wagtail, 3 Brambling, a Bullfinch, a House Sparrow (scarce here but plentiful in Skegness) and 7 Goldcrest. A Cuckoo was heard at North End. On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Greenshank, and on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff. South went a Woodlark, 3 Swallow, 2 House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Mike Polling, provided 3 new birds: 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Chiffchaff; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.
 A check of one of the Barn Owl breeding sites revealed a pair of already ringed adults, and a food store of 2 freshly killed voles, which were replaced after being photographed.
 In flight were 2 Peacock butterflies.

Brambling, 9 April 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound

White Wagtail, 9 April 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound

Adult male Barn Owl, 9 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Adult female Barn Owl, 9 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Voles from Barn Owl nest site, 9 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 8th. A Chiffchaff sang in the Trapping Area. Flying north were 3 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes was disappointing. The 2 new birds were a Robin and a Dunnock; and the 2 retraps were a Robin and a Blackbird.

April 7th. Birds around included 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Common Buzzard, a Brambling, a Swallow, a Blackcap and 25 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Samantha Faggetter and James Siddle, produced 12 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, yet another Firecrest, a Robin, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Goldcrest. 

Chiffchaff with sticky pollen 'horns', ringed 7 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 6th. A second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew off the Mere early morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Firecrest, 2 Woodcock, 14 Chiffchaff and a Brambling. A Small Tortoiseshell was sighted in the Plantation late afternoon. 
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, another Firecrest (the 115th ever here), a Wren, a Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and a retrap Dunnock.
  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was back in action ringing during a very rare day off work, resulting in 10 new birds and 41 retraps. The new birds were 3 Chaffinch, 2 Wren, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Dunnock, Great Tit and Goldfinch. The retraps were 14 Blue Tit, 14 Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit.

Firecrest, ringed 6 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 5th. The first Swallow of the year flew south mid-morning. On the reserve were 2 Bullfinch, 2 Collared Dove, a Fieldfare, 140 Redwing, 2 Brambling, 11 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Merlin, 12 Yellowhammer, 2 White Wagtail and a Hen Harrier.  
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 22 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Firecrest (The 24th this decade), a Robin, a Blue Tit, 10 Linnet and a Chaffinch; and 8 retraps: a Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock, a Robin, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Chaffinch and a Linnet.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 12 new birds and 19 retraps. The new birds were 3 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and singles of Wren, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Dunnock and Greenfinch. The retraps were 6 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Dunnock, Greenfinch and Coal Tit.

Firecrest, ringed 5 April 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

April 4th. Around were 2 Firecrest, 13 Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff and 42 Corn Bunting. A Cetti's Warbler was discovered near Tennyson Sands north hide early afternoon. On The Wash at high tide were 14000 Knot, 900 Grey Plover, 500 Bar-tailed Godwit and 250 Sanderling.  
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 8 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Robin, a Blue Tit and a Reed Bunting; and 4 retraps: 2 Wren and 2 Dunnock.

April 3rd. Birds around included 2 Firecrest, 6 Corn Bunting and a Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 36 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading north-west were 9 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing.

April 2nd. Around were 3 Firecrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Common Buzzard, a Merlin, 3 Redwing, a Water Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Corn Bunting and 5 Goldcrest. Flying south were 10 Rook.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Mike Polling, produced 14 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Reed Bunting, a Linnet, 3 Great Tit, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Linnet.

April 1st. In East Dunes were 2 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. Elsewhere were 2 more Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Water Pipit, 4 Redwing, a Merlin and 3000 Knot. Flying west were 7 more Redwing.

Late March 2015

March 31st. Very windy.
 Birds around included 3 Redwing and 3 Chiffchaff.

March 30th. Around were a Brambling, a Common Buzzard and 2 Yellowhammer.

March 29th. Flying south early morning were 473 Chaffinch. On the reserve were 50 Corn Bunting, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 5 Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare and 7 Redwing. 

March 28th. Around were a Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Redwing and a Fieldfare. On Tennyson Sands were 39 Avocet and a drake Pintail. 

March 27th. A visit to The Wash Viewpoint at dusk produced a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine and a Grey Partridge. A Common Buzzard was mobbed by a Jackdaw.

March 26th. On the Mere was an adult summer Mediterranean Gull. Tennyson Sands held 14 Avocet and 2 drake Pintail. Around were 2 Redwing, a Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff and 50 Corn Bunting.

March 25th. Around were a Brambling, 3 Siskin, 10 Tree Sparrow and 15 Redwing. 

March 24th. The highlight of the day was 3 Bearded Tit flying south over the West Dunes. Around were 3 Jack Snipe and 6 Snipe. 

March 23rd. On the reserve were 2 Common Buzzard, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 70 Corn Bunting, 18 Redwing, 6 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, 2 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, a ringtail Hen Harrier and 3 Chiffchaff. Offshore were 10 Red-breasted Merganser, a first-winter Shag, 48 Wigeon and 6 Common Scoter. Flying south were 2442 Starling, a Red Kite, 27 Chaffinch, 6 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and a Grey Wagtail. The morning tide produced 20000 Knot, 800 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2000 Grey Plover.

March 22nd. Around were 2 Jack Snipe, a Bullfinch, 2 Siskin, 42 Avocet and 39 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 3500 Starling and 3 Rook. 

March 21st. On The Wash were 25000 Knot, 3000 Grey Plover and 1500 Bar-tailed Godwit. Around the reserve were 50 Corn Bunting, a Woodcock and a Siskin. 

Mid March 2015

March 20th. The high tide wader roost consisted of 20000 Knot, 2100 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1000 Oystercatcher and 300 Grey Plover. Around were 32 Redwing, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl. A Sand Martin was hawking insects over the Wash Viewpoint this evening.

March 19th. In the Plantation were 6 Siskin, a Bullfinch and a Lesser Redpoll. Tennyson Sands held 34 Avocet and 2 drake Pintail.

March 18th. On the reserve were 49 Avocet, a White Wagtail, 4 Siskin, a Merlin, 8 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, 75 Corn Bunting and 20 Redwing.

March 17th. A COMMON CRANE flew south-east over Syke's Farm at 1430hrs. About were 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, 72 Corn Bunting and 3 Redwing.

March 16th. The Firecrest was re-discovered in the Plantation this afternoon. Around were 3 Goldcrest, 5 Redwing, 2 Siskin and a Bullfinch.

March 15th. A Red Kite flew south over the reserve mid-morning. On the reserve were 3 Common Buzzard, a Crossbill, 2 Stonechat, 3 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 25 Little Egret, 400 Golden Plover, 25 Avocet, 2 Siskin and 45 Corn Bunting.

March 14th. A Firecrest was discovered in the Plantation early afternoon. Offshore were 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Red-throated Diver.

March 13th. Around were 2 Common Buzzard and 50 Corn Bunting.

March 12th. Around were 3 Peregrine and 31 Avocet.

March 11th. On Tennyson Sands were 24 Avocet and 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Around were a Woodcock and Coal Tit

Early March 2015

March 10th. Flying south were 34 Chaffinch, a Grey Wagtail, 6 Tree Sparrow, a House Sparrow, 6 Rook and a Common Buzzard. A Woodlark flew over the East Dunes mid-morning.

March 9th. The Black Brant, 'hybrid' Black Brant and Pale-bellied Brent Goose remained with the Brent Goose flock. Flying south early morning were 158 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, a Brambling, 15 Siskin, 23 Rook and 85 Starling. Around were 9 Woodcock and a Peregrine.


Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Jackson's Marsh, 9th March.
Photo - Kev Wilson

March 8th. On Tennyson Sands were 10 Avocet and 2 drake Pintail. The 'hybrid' Black Brant was present with the Brent Goose flock.

March 7th. A scrutiny of the Brent Goose flock revealed the presence of a Black Brant, a 'hybrid' Black Brant and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. On Tennyson Sands were 2 drake Pintail and 6 Avocet. Around were 3 Stonechat, a Bullfinch, 14 Redwing, 2 Common Buzzard, 25 Corn Bunting, 20 Ringed Plover, 3 Goldcrest and 1500 Golden Plover. A Woodlark was singing around the Wash Viewpoint early morning. Flying south were 35 Chaffinch, 13 Stock Dove and 4 Rook.

March 6th. The Brent Goose flock contained a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a 'hybrid' Black Brant. A Red Kite flew north early morning. Around were 50 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 2 Siskin, 2 Stonechat, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Bullfinch and 2 Common Buzzard. Flying south offshore was a Great Northern Diver. 

March 5th. Flying south were 2 Siskin and 3 Rook. A skein of 80 Pink-footed Goose flew high north-west mid-morning. In the Plantation was a Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were 2000 Brent Goose, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Avocet and 2 drake Pintail.

March 4th. Around were a Grey Partridge, 3 Snipe, 1500 Brent Goose, 2 Barn Owl and a Woodcock.

March 3rd. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Pintail and 4 Avocet. A Kingfisher was on Fenland Lagoon this evening. Around the reserve were 25 Redwing, 29 Corn Bunting, 3 Barn Owl, a Woodcock and 19 Black-tailed Godwit. Offshore was a Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe.

March 2nd. Around were 1900 Brent Goose, a Jack Snipe, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit.

March 1st. The 4 Waxwing were again reported north of Aylmer Avenue, early evening. Around were 1500 Brent Goose and a Woodcock. On Tennyson Sands were 3 Avocet.


Avocets in flight over Tennyson Sands, 1st March.
Photo - Garry Wright

Late February 2015

February 28th. Around were 3+ Barn Owl, 2 Merlin, 3 Common Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier. Jackson's Marsh held 3 Avocet and 47 Black-tailed Godwit. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was located with the Brent Goose flock early morning. A Slavonian Grebe was offshore this evening; out from Mill Hill.

February 27th. The adult Black Brant was again present on Croft Marsh with the Brent Goose flock. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Avocet and a Water Rail.

February 26th. On Tennyson Sands were 3 Avocet, 1200 Brent Goose, 7 Snipe and 2 Pintail. Jackson's Marsh held 44 Black-tailed Godwit. A group of 4 Waxwing were discovered late afternoon; north of Aylmer Avenue. 


Waxwing on Gibraltar Road - north of Aylmer Avenue, 26th February.
Photo - Nigel Lound

February 25th. An adult Black Brant was discovered on Croft Marsh this evening with the Brent Goose flock. Flying through were a Siskin and 4 Rook. Around were a Red-legged Partridge, 4 Redwing, a Bullfinch, 2000 Golden Plover, 2 Yellowhammer and a Coal Tit. On the water bodies were 96 Wigeon, 12 Pochard and 57 Shoveler.

February 24th. Around were a Woodcock, 2 Barn Owl, a ring-tail Hen Harrier and a Merlin. On Jackson's Marsh were 42 Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Goldeneye.


Barn Owl, 24th February.
Photo - Paul Neale 

February 23rd. A Water Pipit was on the Fenland Lagoon. Around were 4 Song Thrush, 42 Corn Bunting, 3 Merlin, 1500 Golden Plover, 15 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 6 Goldcrest, a Peregrine and a House Sparrow. On the water bodies were 47 Shoveler, 17 Little Grebe, 85 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 35 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye and 13 Black-tailed Godwit. The high tide wader roost produced 10000 Knot and 3500 Bar-tailed Godwit. Offshore were 18 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Red-throated Diver.

High tide out from Sleeper Track at dawn
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

High tide out from Sleeper Track at dawn
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

February 22nd. Around were 6 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 6 Snow Bunting, a Merlin and 4 Corn Bunting. At Greenshanks Creek were 2000 Grey Plover and 10 Ringed Plover. Tennyson Sands held 2 Avocet and 3 Goldeneye.

Corn Bunting, 22nd February.
Photo - Garry Wright 

Black-tailed Godwit on Croft Marsh, 22nd February.
Photo - Garry Wright

February 21st. The high tide wader roost produced 3000 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2000 Grey Plover, 5000 Knot and 1000 Dunlin. Offshore were a Black-throated Diver, 15 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. During the morning high tide 2 Water Rail were observed swimming across the flooded salt-marsh. A pair of Ringed Plover were displaying on Greenshanks Creek late afternoon.

Mid February 2015

February 20th. A Red Kite flew south early morning.

February 19th. Flying south offshore were 2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Common Scoter and 27 Red-breasted Merganser. A Woodlark flew south over Sykes Farm early morning. On Tennyson Sands were 4 Goldeneye and a Water Rail.

February 18th. Around were 2 Woodcock, 1500 Brent Goose and 2000 Pink-footed Goose. A Song Thrush was singing in the Plantation early morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Goldeneye.

February 17th. 2 Waxwing were recorded from Aylmer Avenue early afternoon. The sea remained quiet with only 2 Red-throated Diver north and 5 Great Crested Grebe on the sea. Around were 2 Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, a Water Pipit, a Woodcock and 2 Stonechat. A Jack Snipe flew high south over Mill Hill and the first Avocet of the year was on Tennyson Sands.

February 16th. No records received today.

February 15th. 4 Great Crested Grebe and 2 female-type Scaup were on the sea. Around were 3 Goldcrest, 4 Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat.

February 14th. Birds around included 2400 Pink-footed Goose, 1200 Brent Goose and 3500 Golden Plover. A Skylark and a Chaffinch were in sub-song.

February 13th. Around were 2 Coal Tit. At sea 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a Fulmar flew south whilst 2 Gannet and a Kittiwake went north. 17 Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Pintail were on Tennyson Sands.

February 12th. Birds around included a singing Mistle Thrush, 450 Pink-footed Goose, 800 Brent Goose and 3000 Golden Plover. On Tennyson Sands were a Cetti's Warbler and 387 roosting Lapwing. At sea were 14 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Eider and a male Goosander.

February 11th. Around were a Redwing, 3 Corn Bunting and 2 Coal Tit. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Pintail, and on Jackson's Marsh 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Moving south through the dunes were 10+ Great Tit and Chaffinch.

Early February 2015

February 10th. Freezing fog at first. Birds around included a Coal Tit.

February 9th. Around were 38 Snow Bunting, a Bullfinch, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Goldcrest and 2480 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Goldeneye. Flying south were 8 Fieldfare.

February 8th. Birds around included 850 Pink-footed Goose, 3500 Golden Plover, a Buzzard, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Woodcock, 60 Corn Bunting, 29 Snow Bunting and a Goldcrest.

February 7th. Around were 300 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin and 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Offshore were 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Eider.

February 6th. On Freshwater Marsh was a Water Pipit. Other birds around included 4 Goldcrest and a Coal Tit.

February 5th. Snow mostly melted.
 Around were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Coal Tit and a Redwing.

February 4th. Snow gradually melting.
 Birds around included a Woodcock and a Goldcrest.

February 3rd. Overnight snow, slowly melting.
 Around were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Woodcock, 3 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 500 Golden Plover, 175 Cormorant, only 2 Red-throated Diver (very low count), 55 Snow Bunting, a Brambling, 2 Goldcrest and 27 Corn Bunting.

Muntjac tracks in snow, 3 February 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Hebridean Sheep on Jackson's Marsh, 3 February.
Photo - George Gregory

February 2nd. Frozen start.
 Birds around included 42 Corn Bunting, 2 Goldcrest, a Hen Harrier, 10 Redwing, 8 Goldeneye, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 1200 Pink-footed Goose.

Tennyson Sands mostly frozen on surface, 2 February 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

February 1st. Occasional light rain.
 Around were 35 Snow Bunting, 600 Pink-footed Goose and a Coal Tit. Sea-watching provided 4 Great Skua, 4+ Pomarine Skua, 3 Little Gull north, 3 Kittiwake north and a Fieldfare in off.

Late January 2015

January 31st. Frozen start, then spells of rain and sleet.
 Birds around included 1000+ Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Fieldfare, 39 Snow Bunting, a Peregrine and a Merlin. Offshore were 8 Red-breasted Merganser, whilst moving south at sea were 5 Pomarine Skua, 2 Great Skua and 2 Velvet Scoter.

January 30th. Frozen start after overnight light snowfall.
 Around were 60 Corn Bunting, 2 Goldcrest, a Hen Harrier, 7 Redwing and 2 Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands was a Water Rail. Birds singing were 2 Coal Tit, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Curlew and a Little Grebe.

Frozen banks of Tennyson Sands, 30 January 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Frozen Hazel catkins, 30 January 2014.
Photo - George Gregory.

January 29th. Moderately strong westerly wind, with spells of light rain then snow.
 Birds around included 1300 Pink-footed Goose, a Peregrine and a Buzzard.

January 28th. Very strong westerly wind, with spells of rain and sleet.
 Around were a Coal Tit and a Woodcock.

January 27th. Birds around included 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Corn Bunting, a Woodcock and 1000 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: a Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch; and 16 retraps: 4 Great Tit, 7 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch, 2 Blackbird, a Dunnock and a Greenfinch.

January 26th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose.

January 25th. Birds around included 2 Merlin, 2 Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 41 Snow Bunting,1000 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Stonechat, 80 Corn Bunting and 3 Fieldfare. At sea were 21 Red-breasted Merganser, and 29 Black-tailed Godwit were on Tennyson Sands.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent produced 5 new birds: 2 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 2 Greenfinch; and 25 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit, 12 Blue Tit, 9 Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Dunnock. Interestingly one of the retrap Blue Tits was originally ringed in 2009.

January 24th. In the Plantation were 2 Woodcock. On Croftmarsh were 600 Pink-footed Goose. Elsewhere were a Peregrine, 2 Merlin and a Goldcrest.
 The Snowdrops are beginning to flower.

Snowdrops, 24 January 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

January 23rd. Around were a Coal Tit, 2 Stonechat, 10 Corn Bunting and a Peregrine.

January 22nd. Birds around included 34 Snow Bunting, a Peregrine and a Fieldfare.

January 21st. Most of the ice on the water bodies has now melted.
 Around were 1500 Pink-footed Goose.

Mid January 2015

January 20th. The water bodies are now almost entirely frozen over on the surface. Waterfowl have congregated on the small unfrozen areas.
 Birds around included 2890 Pink-footed Goose, 89 Gadwall, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Woodcock, a Brambling, a Green Woodpecker, a Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat and a Coal Tit. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 26 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 5 Eider.

January 19th. Another freezing start.
 Around were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Fieldfare, a Buzzard and a Coal Tit. On Jackson's Marsh were 77 Gadwall and 7 Pochard.

January 18th. Freezing start.
 Birds around included a Hen Harrier, 36 Snow Bunting, a Mediterranean Gull, a Fieldfare and a Goldcrest.

January 17th. Freezing start with a brief snow flurry.
 Around were 2 Redwing and a Coal Tit.

January 16th. Birds around included 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 546 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, a Buzzard, a Chiffchaff and 5 Redwing. On Tennyson Sands was a Water Rail.

January 15th. Around were 1100 Pink-footed Goose, a Coal Tit and a Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 8 Black-tailed Godwit.

January 14th. Birds around included a Woodcock and a Peregrine. At Coal Tit was singing. Offshore were 2 Eider and 3 Red-breasted Merganser. Heading south then landing on the sea was a Great Northern Diver.

January 13th. Around were a Woodcock and 1100 Pink-footed Goose. At least 2 Great Tit were singing.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided three new birds: singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Moorhen; and 9 retraps: 2 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, a Dunnock and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
 At Gibraltar Point Moorhens often climb on bushes and small trees, eating berries and haws, and occasionally end up in mist-nets.

Second calendar year Moorhen, lacking red bill and frontal shield, which would develop later; ringed  13 January 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

January 12th. Continuing strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included a Bullfinch.

January 11th. Strong westerly wind still.
 Around were 32 Snow Bunting and a Redwing. Flying south were 2 Pomarine Skua and a Great Skua.

Early January 2015

January 10th. Strong westerly wind. Birds around included a Woodcock and a Redwing. Offshore were a Great Skua and a Little Gull.

January 9th. Around were a singing Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, a Siskin, a Redwing, 2 Woodcock and 1100 Pink-footed Goose. South went 2 Whooper Swan. Offshore were a Guillemot and a Harbour Porpoise.

January 8th. Birds around included 1100 Pink-footed Goose, a Green Woodpecker and 7 Goldcrest. Flying south offshore were a Great Northern Diver, 75 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Created Grebe, 2 Common Scoter and 13 Red-breasted Merganser.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 3 new birds: singles of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Blackbird; and 14 retraps: a Robin, a Great Tit and 12 Blue Tit.

January 7th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Brambling, a Siskin, a Woodcock and 6 Goldcrest. On the scrapes were 42 Tufted Duck, 335 Teal, 52 Gadwall, 27 Wigeon, 31 Shoveler, 3 Goldeneye and 6 Pochard. Flying south were 19 Linnet and a White-fronted Goose.

January 6th. Birds around included 2 Woodcock, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Barn Owl, 30 Corn Bunting, 3 Eider, 1000 Pink-footed Goose and a Goldcrest.

January 5th. Around were 3 Goldcrest, 2 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 58 Rock Pipit, 8 Ringed Plover, 32 Snow Bunting, 41 Corn Bunting, 1576 Brent Goose and 1100 Pink-footed Goose. The evening gull roost was productive with 9424 Black-headed Gull, 874 Common Gull, 973 Herring Gull and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull flying into The Wash. Flying south were 2 Fieldfare.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Blue Tit and 2 Greenfinch; and 23 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 15 Blue Tit and 5 Great Tit.
 Two Harbour Porpoise were feeding close in-shore.

January 4th. Birds around included 33 Snow Bunting, 500 Pink-footed Goose, 800 Brent Goose, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Woodcock, 7 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, a Goldcrest, 10 Corn Bunting and a Bullfinch.

January 3rd. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Stonechat, a Merlin, 27 Corn Bunting, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Grey Partridge, 6500 Golden Plover and an Eider. On Tennyson Sands were 5 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye and 18 Black-tailed Godwit.

January 2nd. Birds around included a Bullfinch.

January 1st. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose and a Chiffchaff. Heading south were 2 Buzzard.

Late December 2014

December 31st. Birds around included a Hen Harrier and 2 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail.

December 30th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Bullfinch, a Green Woodpecker, 24 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Goldcrest and 5 Corn Bunting.
 A delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 7 new birds: 5 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; 41 retraps: 14 Blue Tit, 18 Great Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Robin, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 control (ringed elsewhere) Great Tit.

December 29th. Birds around included 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a Hen Harrier, 23 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 57 Robin, 42 Blackbird, a Yellowhammer, 129 Corn Bunting, 10 Ringed Plover, 25 Rock Pipit, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch. Offshore were 20 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Skua sp and 2 Great Crested Grebe. On Tennyson's Sands was a Kingfisher and a Water Rail. Flying north were 4 Bewick's Swan.

December 28th. Around were a Peregrine, a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, 5 Fieldfare, a Kingfisher, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Snow Bunting, 48 Corn Bunting, a Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew in off the sea at dusk.

December 27th. Birds around included 2 Fieldfare and 2 Goldcrest.

December 26th. Around were 4 Goldcrest.

December 25th.
The Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team would like wish everyone a very Happy Christmas.
 Birds around included a Woodcock, 400 Skylark, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Corn Bunting, 4000 Golden Plover, a Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest. On the Wash at high tide were 30000 Knot, 2500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1800 Grey Plover, 2300 Dunlin, 800 Sanderling and 11 Ringed Plover. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.

December 24th. Clear skies with a light westerly wind.
 A morning high tide wader count produced 40000 Knot, 3150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 500 Grey Plover, 1600 Lapwing, 349 Oystercatcher, 3500 Golden Plover and 300 Dunlin. Around the reserve were 2 Bullfinch, a Song Thrush, a Chiffchaff and 3 Redwing. Flying south were 29 Fieldfare, 2 Whooper Swan and a Siskin. Offshore were a Great Northern Diver, 10 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 8 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 15 retraps: a Goldfinch, 7 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Blackbird, a Robin and a Dunnock.

December 23rd. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 50 Corn Bunting, 2500 Golden Plover, a Bullfinch and 3 Goldcrest. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver. Flying south was a Grey Heron.

December 22nd. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 11 Snow Bunting, 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, a Chiffchaff and 4 Fieldfare.
 Having received a message about a strange and possibly injured bird being stuck in a garden in Skegness, Mick Briggs and David Vincent went to investigate. On arrival it was soon established that the bird in question was a Cormorant. The bird was quickly caught and inspected. It was found not to be injured, just a little disorientated. The bird was then taken to Gibraltar Point where it was ringed and then let go on one of the fresh water lagoons. The bird was a first calendar year female.

Cormorant rescued from a Skegness garden, 22nd December 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

December 21st. Birds around included 32 Snow Bunting, 1050 Pink-footed Goose, 8000 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Chiffchaff, 50 Corn Bunting, 3 Redwing and 16 Fieldfare. South went a Great Northern Diver, 29 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Goldeneye, and north a Pomarine Skua and a Great Skua. On the sea was another Great Skua.

Mid December 2014

December 20th. Around were a Merlin, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Snow Bunting and 2 Bullfinch. Flying south were 17 Great Crested Grebe and a Fulmar.

December 19th. Birds around included 16 Snow Bunting, a Hen Harrier, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Whooper Swan, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson Sands were 5 Water Rail. South went 7 Stock Dove.

December 18th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 350 Brent Goose and 6 Whooper Swan.

December 17th. Birds around included 2000 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 9 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 13 retraps: a Greenfinch, 4 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Robin.

December 16th. Light south-westerly wind with clear skies.
 Around the reserve were 42 Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 4000 Golden Plover, 2 Common Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin and 54 Corn Bunting. Tennyson's Sands held a Water Rail, a Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Goldeneye. A mid-morning sea watch produced a Slavonian Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 42 Red-throated Diver, a Goosander, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Guillemot and 2 Kittiwake. Flying south over the reserve were 4 Whooper Swan, 124 Fieldfare, a Marsh Harrier and a Waxwing.

December 15th. Birds around included 12 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and 3 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue was not very productive. The 2 new birds were a Great Tit and a Blackbird; and the 5 retraps were 3 Blue Tit, a Blackbird and a Dunnock.
 A fungus found growing on an old Pine cone at Aylmer Avenue is possibly either Conifercone Cap (Baeospora myosura) or Pinecone Cap (Strobilurus tenacellus).

Fungus on Pine Cone, 15 December 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Fungus on Pine Cone, 15 December 2014.
Photo- George Gregory

December 14th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were a Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Corn Bunting, a Fieldfare, 15 Goldcrest, a Merlin, 60 Blackbird, a Barn Owl and a Woodcock.

December 13th. Frozen morning.
 Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Coal Tit, 2 Siskin and 4 Goldcrest. On Tennyson Sands was a Water Rail.

December 12th. Around were 2 Goldcrest. Flying south were 55 Pink-footed Goose.

December 11th. Birds around included 22 Snow Bunting, 2 Bullfinch and 350 Brent Goose.

Early December 2014

December 10th. Strong south-easterly wind.
 Around were 39 Snow Bunting, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Fieldfare.

December 9th. Birds around included 1200 Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 65 Rock Pipit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Corn Bunting, 22 Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting. Flying south were 8 Redwing.

December 8th. Around were a Lapland Bunting, 55 Snow Bunting, a Hen Harrier, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 600 Brent Goose, 3 Woodcock, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Bullfinch and a Brambling. Going south was a Common Buzzard.

December 7th. Light rain in morning.
 Birds around included 700 Pink-footed Goose,800 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 5 Redwing, a Chiffchaff, a Brambling and 35 Corn Bunting.

December 6th. Around were a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, a Fieldfare, a Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, a Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Whooper Swan,4 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye. Offshore was a Great Skua. Heading south were 2 Pomarine Skua, 22 Skylark, 130 Woodpigeon and 8 Stock Dove.

December 5th. Birds around included a White-fronted Goose, 2 Woodcock, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing,2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 40 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 55 Snow Bunting and 25 Corn Bunting. Flying south were a Lapland Bunting and 22 Skylark.

December 4th. Around were 600 Brent Goose, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Bullfinch.

December 3rd. Birds around included 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 8000 Golden Plover, a Woodcock and 2 Bullfinch.

December 2nd. Strong northerly wind, rainy spells.
A prolonged sea-watching session produced 81 Pomarine Skua (a new reserve record), 11 Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, 3 Little Auk, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 216 Wigeon, 1395 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 25 Gannet, 57 Kittiwake and 3 Bewick's Swan. Around the reserve were a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine and a Merlin.

December 1st. Around were 650 Pink-footed Goose, 400 Brent Goose, 2 Redpoll, 20 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare and a Merlin. Offshore were a Great Skua, a Little Gull, a Goosander and a Red-breasted Merganser.

Late November 2014

November 30th. Birds around included 10000 Golden Plover, 2500 Lapwing, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 3 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellowhammer, 5 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll, a Siskin and 14 Goldcrest. On Tennyson Sands were a Kingfisher, 2 Water Rail, 80 Shoveler and 2 Pintail. On the Millennium Ridge tip were 3 Snow Bunting. Flying south were 630 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs produced 8 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Robin, a Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 24 retraps: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Wren, 6 Great Tit, a Greenfinch and a Coal Tit.

November 29th. Around were a Lapland Bunting, a Snow Bunting, a Woodcock and a Hen Harrier. Flying south offshore were 3 Pomarine Skua.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 3 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit.

November 28th. At sea 3 juvenile Pomarine Skua went south. Birds around included a Hen Harrier, 2 Woodcock, a Bullfinch and 7000 Golden Plover.

November 27th. Light rain early morning and early afternoon, then soggy.
 Around were a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier, 6 Twite, 1000 Lapwing and a Fieldfare.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and 5 Blackbird; and 17 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Chaffinch.

November 26th. Rain most of morning, then soggy.
 Birds around included a Merlin. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pochard, and on Tennyson Sands a Goldeneye and a Water Rail.

November 25th. Frozen, then foggy, then sunny, then cloudy.
 Around were 3000 Pink-footed Goose, the European White-fronted Goose and a Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were 3 Water Rail and 96 Shoveler.

November 24th. Frosty start, then sunny.
 Birds around included a Water Pipit, 6 Twite, 21 Snow Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, a Chiffchaff, 3 Hen Harrier, a Kingfisher and 22 Corn Bunting. An adult European White-fronted Goose was found with the Pink-footed Goose flock, which numbered 3000 birds. On the sea was a Goosander. Flying south were 25 Whooper Swan, 1000 Lapwing, 3 Barnacle Goose (with 58 Pink-footed Goose), 1147 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 19 new birds: a Goldcrest, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and a Snipe; and 7 retraps: a Wren, 2 Blackbird, a Greenfinch, 2 Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

Snipe, ringed 24th November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 23rd. Rain most of day.
 Heading south were 517 Pink-footed Goose and 8 Whooper Swan. Around were 6 Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl, a Grey Partridge, a Woodcock, a Mediterranean Gull, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Blackbird, 50 Redwing, a late House Martin and 8 Fieldfare. On the sea were 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

November 22nd. Occasional light rain.
 Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Woodcock, 18 Corn Bunting, a Brambling and 3 Chiffchaff.
 A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 35 new birds and 10 retraps. The highlight of the session was a Siberian type Chiffchaff, subspecies Phylloscopus collybita tristis, showing almost no green apart from on the edges of the primaries, secondaries and tail feathers, very black legs, a ridiculous amount of white below and a long white supercilium - see photos below. The bird did not call upon release though a tristis-like call was heard some half hour later.
 The new birds were 16 Goldfinch, 7 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Greenfinch, and singles of Chaffinch, Sparrowhawk and Siberian type Chiffchaff. The retraps were 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and singles of Wren, Blue Tit, Blackbird and Dunnock.

Siberian type Chiffchaff, ringed 22nd November 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Siberian type Chiffchaff, ringed 22nd November 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Siberian type Chiffchaff, ringed 22nd November 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

November 21st. Around were 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Brambling and a Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were 109 Shoveler (a reserve record). Flying south were 3 Velvet Scoter, 4 Shoveler and 5 Pintail.