Late May 2016

May 31st. Strong northerly wind. Rain most of day.
 Birds around included a Turtle Dove and a Cuckoo.

May 30th. Strong northerly wind with light drizzle in morning.
 Around were a Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoo.

May 29th. Birds around included a Sand Martin, 2 Cuckoo and a Turtle Dove.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 2 new birds: a Chaffinch and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

May 28th. Around were a Wheatear, a Jay, a Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Blackcap, a Yellowhammer, a Chaffinch and a Jackdaw; and 4 retraps: singles of Sedge Warbler, Wren, Whitethroat and Great Tit.

Yellowhammer, ringed 28th May 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Jackdaw, ringed 28th May 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

May 27th. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, 75 Little Tern, 64 Brent Goose, 2 Swift, 2 Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Chris Hansell, yielded 10 new birds: 4 Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Robin, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Goldfinch; and 5 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Linnet, a Whitethroat and a Great Tit.

Lesser Redpoll, a scarce late spring record of a species that used to breed fairly commonly here, 27th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

First Tawny Owl fledgling, 27th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson 

Second Tawny Owl fledgling, 27th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Emerging Four-spotted Chaser, 27th May, 2016.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Emerging Broad-bodied Chaser, 27th May 2016.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Emerging Broad-bodied Chaser, 27th May 2016.
Photo - Sam Wilson

May 26th. Around were 30 Little Tern, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoo. Heading south were 11 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet and a Goldfinch; and 7 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet and a Dunnock.

May 25th. Fresh northerly wind with prolonged light rain.
 Birds around included 3 Cuckoo. Going south were 8 Swallow.

Broad-bodied Chaser, 25th May 2016.
Photo - Sam Wilson

May 24th. 2 Spoonbill were on Tennyson's Sands and a drake Garganey was on Jackson's Marsh. Around were 2 Cuckoo and 2 Turtle Dove. Offshore were 14 Fulmar and a Gannet. Flying south were 6 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

Spoonbills, 24th May 2016.
Photo - Ben Ward

Green Hairstreak, 24th May 2016.
Photo - Ben Ward

Wall Brown, 24th May 2016.
Photo - Ben Ward

Mother Shipton, 24th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

May 23rd. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, a Buzzard, 3 Cuckoo and 2 Swift. On Tennyson's Sands were 18 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, including the 3rd session of CES, resulted in 7 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, a Swallow, a Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 10 retrapos: a Whitethroat, 5 Dunnock, a Willow Warbler, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and a Greenfinch.

May 22nd. Around were a Spoonbill, a Redstart, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Turtle Dove, 3 Cuckoo, 6 Fulmar, 3500 Knot, 150 Bar-tailed Godwit and 500 Grey Plover.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Woodpigeon; and 7 retraps: a Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent provided 15 new birds: 7 Greenfinch, 2 Blackcap and singles of Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Robin, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat and Chaffinch; and 12 retraps: 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackbird and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Whitethroat, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Willow Warbler, Great Tit and Long-tailed Tit.

Reed Warbler, 22nd May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Spoonbill, 22nd May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Sedge Warbler, 22nd May 2016.
Photo - David Sullivan

Water Carpet, 22nd May 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

May 21st. Rain until early morning, then in afternoon. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included a Spoonbill, a Wheatear, 3 Turtle Dove and 3 Cuckoo. South went a Hobby, 80 Swallow, 20 House Martin and 10 Swift.

Swallows, 21st May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Mistle Thrush, 21st May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Spoonbill, 21st May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Mallard and Avocet, 21st May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Moorhens, 21st May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Mid May 2016

May 20th. Around were a Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Turtle Dove and 2 Grey Partridge. Heading south were 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 17 House Martin and 10 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced a new Swallow; and 4 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Great Tit, Reed Bunting and Blue Tit.

May 19th. Soggy, foggy start.
 Birds around included a Redwing, a singing Corn Bunting, a Water Rail, 2 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Whimbrel, 60 Brent Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Cuckoo. On Tennyson's Sands was a Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 7 House Martin and 11 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: singles of Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat and Linnet; and 3 retrap Whitethroat.

May 18th. Intermittent rain.
 Around were a Cuckoo and a Short-eared Owl. Heading south were 2 Swift.

May 17th. Birds around included a Spoonbill, a Hooded Crow, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and 2 Cuckoo. A Whimbrel flew north.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldfinch, a Linnet and a Whitethroat; and 7 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Linnet, a Dunnock and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Short-eared Owl, 17th May 2016.
Photo - Leslie Davidson

Spoonbill, 17th May 2016.
Photo - Leslie Davidson

May 16th. Around were a Spoonbill, a Hooded Crow, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Cuckoo and a Short-eared Owl. Going south were 2 Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, including the 2nd session of CES, produced 14 new birds: a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, 3 Greenfinch, a Mistle Thrush and a Blackbird; 26 retraps: 6 Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Great Tit, 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 3 Greenfinch, a Goldfinch and a Sedge Warbler; and 3 controls: a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

May 15th. Birds around included a Hooded Crow, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Cuckoo. A Yellow Wagtail flew south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: singles of Reed Warbler, Linnet, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chaffinch, a Wren and a Dunnock.

Singing Grasshopper Warbler, 15th May 2016.
Photo - James Siddle

Hooded Crow, 15th May.
Photo - James Siddle

May 14th. Birds around included a Hooded Crow, a Hobby, a Marsh Harrier, a Garden Warbler, 3 Cuckoo, a Swift, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Whimbrel and 2 Short-eared Owl.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 5 new birds: singles of Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Linnet and Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Linnet, a Reed Bunting and a Whitethroat.

May 13th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind.
 Around were a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, a Greenshank and a Cuckoo.

May 12th. Birds around included a Hooded Crow, 2 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Common Sandpiper, a Yellow Wagtail, a Whinchat, a singing Tree Pipit, 2 Siskin, 3 Marsh Harrier, On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Little Ringed Plover and a Great Crested Grebe. South went a Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced just a new Blackcap and a retrap Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 12 new birds: a Chaffinch, 2 Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, a Blackcap, a Linnet, 2 Goldfinch and 4 Greenfinch; and 24 retraps: a Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, a Wren, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Sedge Warbler.

May 11th. Intermittent rain until mid morning, then very soggy.
 Around were a Hooded Crow, 70 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 8000 Knot, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 10 Swift, a Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Cuckoo.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

Early May 2016

May 10th. Rain from mid morning.

 Birds around included 2 Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Sandpiper, a Cuckoo, 4 Whimbrel, 45 Brent Goose, a Spotted Flycatcher, an Acredula-type Willow Warbler and 2 Grey Partridge.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting and a Linnet; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit.

Spotted Flycatcher, 10th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Acredula-type Willow Warbler, 10th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

This brown and white willow warbler frequented the ‘Bonelli’s warbler sycamore’ today. Pending further research it has been labelled a possible ‘acredula’ As well as the obvious plumage tone differences, its habit of hopping along branches was more nuthatch like than willow warbler like!

May 9th. Around were a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Cuckoo, a Spotted Flycatcher, an acredula Willow Warbler and 2 Goldcrest.

May 8th. A Western Bonelli's Warbler was discovered at the north end of West Dunes. Other birds around were an Osprey, a continental Coal Tit, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Siskin, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, 3 Cuckoo, 49 Little Tern, 4750 Sanderling, 5500 Dunlin and 7 Greenshank. Going east were 5 Spoonbill, south a Fulmar, and north 160 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater and a Fulmar.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: 2 Whitethroat and singles of Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Linnet, Lesser Whitethroat and Goldfinch; and 5 retraps: singles of Wren, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Linnet and Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent, which included the first C.E.S session of the year, resulted in 20 new birds: 4 Blackbird, 3 Wren, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet, 2 Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler and a Greenfinch; and 22 retraps: 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Wren, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit and singles of Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Long-tailed Tit.

Western Bonelli's Warbler, 8th May 2016.
Photo - Graham Catley (www.pewit.blogspot.co.uk)

Western Bonelli's Warbler, 8th May 2016.
Photo - Graham Catley (www.pewit.blogspot.co.uk)

May 7th. An Alpine Accentor was discovered at the feeding station next to Sykes Farm. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, a Buzzard, a Hobby, 3 Greenshank, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Grey Partridge, a Wood Sandpiper, a Grasshopper Warbler and 14 Whimbrel. Flying west was a Turtle Dove.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 8 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap; and 2 retraps: a Whitethroat and a Blue Tit.

Alpine Accentor at Sykes Farm feeding station, 7th May 2016.

Video - Richard Doan

Alpine Accentor, 7th May 2016.
Photo - James Siddle

Alpine Accentor, 7th May 2016.
Photo - James Siddle

Roe Deer, 7th May 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Pseudoscorpion, 7th May 2016.
Photo - Bryony Baxter

May 6th. Around were a Spoonbill, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Grasshopper Warbler (including 1 trapped) and 3 Turtle Dove. On Tennyson's Sands was a Wood Sandpiper.
 The evening high tide produced a stunning display of May waders in summer plumage; knot, grey plover, bar-tailed godwit and sanderling. Totals included 4880 Sanderling, 14700 Knot, 420 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1600 Grey Plover and 3250 Dunlin; also 6 Ruff and a Curlew Sandpiper in the roost.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 2 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Linnet, a Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler and a Reed Bunting; and 2 retraps: a Whitethroat and a Linnet.

Lady's Smock, 6th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

May 5th. Birds around included a Cuckoo, a Marsh Harrier and 4 Whimbrel. A Hobby and a Swift flew south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Whitethroat.

Marsh Harrier, 5th May 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Marsh Harrier, 5th May 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Rue-leaved Saxifrage, 5th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

May 4th. Around were 9 Whimbrel, 3 Cuckoo, a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Turtle Dove, 3 Little Tern, 2 Grasshopper Warbler. a Short-eared Owl, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Wheatear and a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull. Heading south were 23 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 12 Sand Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail. Heading west were 2 Mute Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 10 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Linnet; and a retrap Linnet.

Turtle Dove, 4th May 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 4th May 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Tail of Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 4th May 2016.
This tail shows, particularly in the hand, moderately contrasting pale tips, but there is not the almost black-and-white contrast shown in the tail of Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler.
Photo - George Gregory

Meadow Saxifrage, 4th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin wilson

Mistle Thrush chicks, 4th May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

May 3rd. Birds around included a Spoonbill, a Short-eared Owl, a Common Tern, a Cuckoo, a Grasshopper Warbler, 20 Whitethroat, and 2 Whimbrel. Flying south were a Swallow and a House Martin. On Tennyson's Sands was a Great Crested Grebe and a Spotted Redshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, 6 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Goldfinch, a Linnet and a Dunnock; and 4 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit and a Wren.

Spoonbill, 3rd May 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Short-eared Owl, 3rd May 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

May 2nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 4 Whimbrel, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Yellow Wagtail, a Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Garden Warbler, a Cuckoo and 10 Whitethroat. Moving south offshore were 42 Little Tern, 5 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern and 49 Sandwich Tern. Finch passage over the East Dunes resulted in 120 Linnet and 33 Goldfinch south.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat and a Linnet; and 2 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Garden Warbler, 2nd May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Wheatear, 2nd May 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

May 1st.  Birds around included 2 Spoonbill, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo and 2 Wheatear. An Osprey and 2 Marsh Harrier flew south. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spotted Redshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat and 3 Blackcap; 7 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Linnet and a Wren; and a control Chiffchaff.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 11 new birds: 3 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, a Great Tit, a Blackcap and a Mistle Thrush; 13 retraps: 4 Goldfinch, 3 Dunnock, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird and Blue Tit.

Mistle Thrush, ringed 1st May 2016.
Photo - David Vincent.

Late April 2016

April 30th. Around were a Spoonbill, 5 Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Wheatear, a Reed Warbler, 2 Swallow and 3 Whimbrel. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Going south were 5 Yellow Wagtail.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, 4 Linnet and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: 2 Dunnock and 2 Linnet.

Ring Ouzel, 30th April 2016.
Photo - James Siddle 

Whitethroat, 30th April 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Cuckoo, 30th April 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

April 29th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 67 Brent Goose, 14 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Red-legged Partridge, a Peregrine, 600 Oystercatcher, 15 Avocet, a Ruff, 2000 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 15 Little Tern, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Sedge Warbler and 2 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 7 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Swallow. Moving offshore were 125 Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake.

Robin fledglings at the feeding station, 29th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Wheatear, 29th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

April 28th. Frozen, foggy start, then sunny, then rainy.
 Around the reserve were 45 Brent Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, 650 Oystercatcher, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Wheatear and 6 Swallow. Offshore were 7 Little Tern.

 A visit to the outer ridges at the north end of the Reserve was productive this morning with three Cuckoo, presumed recent arrivals in the outer dune scrub, probably feeding on the numerous Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars. Also here were two reeling Grasshopper Warbler about 500m apart, either new arrivals or birds on territory. It was difficult to know when so few visits are made to this remote location. Linnet were the only migrant moving south in any numbers – about 70, with 3 Yellow Wagtail also south. A Marsh harrier and  a Buzzard were circling high and off to the north together.

Reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 28th April 2016.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 27th. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, 2 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 500 Oystercatcher, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 25 Whitethroat, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Blackcap, 10 Sedge Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff and a Cuckoo.
 The first Green Hairstreak of the year was seen.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin and 2 Linnet; and a retrap Linnet.
 An unexpected snow shower fell during the day with some snow still present next day.

Roe Deer stag at Syke's Farm, 27th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Sedge Warbler in the West Dunes, 27th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Ringed Plover, 27th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Snow shower, 27th April 2016
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 26th. Strong north-westerly wind, with occasional showers, some wintry.
 Around were 2 Egyptian Goose, 30 Brent Goose, 3 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, a Fieldfare, a Wheatear, 2 Cuckoo, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine (pair), a Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading north offshore were 6 Fulmar and 4 Sandwich Tern. A female Brambling was at the feeding station. Flying south were 6 Swallow and 2 Rook.

Rain storm over Tennyon's Sands at dusk
Photo - Richard Doan 

Common Cornsalad in the East Dunes, 26th April 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

April 25th. Birds around included a Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Egyptian Goose, 11 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 5 Little Tern, 3 Rook, a Cuckoo, 15 House Martin, 12 singing Sedge Warbler, 12 Corn Bunting and a Yellow Wagtail. Flying south over land were a Tree Sparrow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a House Martin and 2 Sand Martin. Flying north at sea were 3 Fulmar, 5 Commic Tern and 12 Sandwich Tern, and south 3 Fulmar and 4 Sandwich Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit and 2 Lesser Whitethroat.

April 24th. Around were 4 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, a Ring Ouzel, 18 Snipe, 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Fulmar, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Yellow Wagtail, 6 singing Sedge Warbler, 2 Rook, a Siskin, a Cuckoo, 8 Corn Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, and 2 House Martin. Over the Mere were 8 more House Martin. Heading south-west was a Buzzard.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Goldfinch; and 4 retraps: a Great Tit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.

April 23rd. Birds around included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Cuckoo, 2 Whimbrel, 15 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Bullfinch.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, produced 13 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Robin and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: 2 Blue Tit and a Wren.

April 22nd. Around were a Whimbrel and a Yellow Wagtail. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard singing on Mill Pond Road early morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Egyptian Goose. The 15 Pink-footed Goose remain on Croftmarsh.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Alex Tozer and Pippa Disney, resulted in 10 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Woodpigeon; and 4 retraps: 2 Wren, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Shoulder Stripe, 22nd April 2016
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Cowslips, 22nd April 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

April 21st. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, a Swift (first of the year), 3 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Brambling, a Whimbrel, 8 Avocet, a Whitethroat, 2 Siskin, 8 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear and 50 Brent Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 2 new birds: a Blackcap and a Goldfinch; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Blue Tit.

Peacock, 21st April 2016
Photo - Bryony Baxter

Mid April 2016

April 20th. Around were 2 Brambling, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Whimbrel and 3 Yellow Wagtail. In the Plantation were 5 Blackcap. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank and 15 Avocet.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: a Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Linnet, a Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush; and 7 retraps: a Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit, a Sedge Warbler, a WillowWarbler, a Robin and a Chaffinch.

April 19th. Birds around included 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Whimbrel, a Wheatear, a Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Firecrest (singing by the feeders), 4 Siskin and 2 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch and a Great Tit; and 5 retraps: a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and 2 Linnet.

April 18th. Around were 2 Little Tern (first of year), 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Siskin, a Yellow Wagtail, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Great Crested Grebe. Flying south were 2 Common Redpoll.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 14 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Whitethroat, a Chaffinch and a Dunnock; and 4 retraps: a Reed Bunting, a Blue Tit and 2 Dunnock.

April 17th. Birds around included a Brambling, 6 Fieldfare, a House Martin, 16 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, a Yellow Wagtail and a Cuckoo. Flying north were 2 Fieldfare, south a Yellow Wagtail and northeast 35 Curlew.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, 3 Dunnock and a Goldfinch.

April 16th. On Croftmarsh were 15 Pink-footed Goose, 25 Teal and a Spotted Redshank. Around were 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, a Short-eared Owl, a Hen Harrier and 3 Brambling.

April 15th. The first Cuckoo of the year was recorded. An adult Little Gull was seen briefly over the Mere and it then flew out to sea.

April 14th. Around were a Short-eared Owl, 2 Marsh Harrier (including an adult male), 2 Ruff, a Woodlark, a Firecrest, 9 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 11 Blackcap, 19 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Brambling, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Sedge Warbler and a House Sparrow. A Spotted Redshank was on Tennyson's Sands and a pair of Garganey were on Jackson's Marsh.

Garganey, 14th April 2016.
Photo - Nige Lound

April 13th. An Osprey and a Red Kite flew through the reserve in the afternoon, as did several Common Buzzard throughout the day. At the feeding station were 4 Brambling. Birds around included a Short-eared Owl, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Corn Bunting, a Song Thrush, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat (first of the year), a Peregrine, 3 Blackcap, a White Wagtail, 8 Fieldfare, 6 Wheatear, 2 Spotted Redshank and 10 Chiffchaff. Flying south were 15 Rook, 4 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin and 6 Yellow Wagtail. A Pied Flycatcher was discovered near the Betty Alan Hide in the evening.

Pied Flycatcher, 13the April 2016.
Photo - Richard Doan

April 12th. A walk through the East Dunes early morning produced a Ring Ouzel, 2 Song Thrush and 10 Redwing. Around were 9 Brambling (feeding station), a Short-eared Owl, a Firecrest (Sykes Farm track), a Spotted Redshank, 2 Whimbrel (first of the year), a Grey Partridge, 5 Chiffchaff, 26 Corn Bunting, a Green Sandpiper and a Sandwich Tern. A dark Common Buzzard flew high south-west. Other birds on the move included a House Martin, 10 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow and a Yellow Wagtail. A male Black Redstart was in the Visitor Centre Car Park in the evening.
 An early morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 16 new birds: 5 Goldfinch, 3 Brambling, 6 Great Tit, 5 Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch (including a bird with a well developed brood patch); and 22 retraps: 6 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch and a Chaffinch.

April 11th. In the Plantation were 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling and a Firecrest. Singles of Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier, Whitethroat (first of the year) and Common Buzzard were around. The 15 Pink-footed Goose were still on Croftmarsh. Offshore were 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1+ Fulmar, 2 Common Scoter and an ider. A Manx Shearwater flew north offshore.

Brambling, 11th April 2016.

Red-breasted Merganser, 11th April 2016.