Late March 2017

March 31st. Around were 30 Corn Bunting, a Red Kite, 2 Blackcaps and the first Yellow Wagtail of the year. A Black Redstart was discovered by the Visitor Centre mid afternoon.
Late news received of 4 Wheatear around the reserve.

Brimstone, 31st March 2017
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth 

Migrating Rook, 31st March 2017
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth

Black Redstart by Visitor Centre, 31st March 2017
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth

March 30th. The morning high tide wader roost was spectacular with 6620 Grey Plover, 3230 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10340 Knot, 1800 Dunlin, 8 Turnstone and 150 Redshank. A Firecrest was singing in the pines by the bird feeding station at dawn. Around were 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Brambling, 86 Brent Goose and 3 Stock Dove.

Firecrest along Sykes Farm track, 31st March 2017
Photo - Adrian Royle

March 29th. An OSPREY was observed over Croft Marsh briefly before flying off north-west. On Jackson's Marsh was a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and over Croft Marsh was a Red Kite (presume same bird as yesterday). Around were 40 Corn Bunting, 4 Redwing, a Fieldfare, a Common Buzzard, 2 Brambling and a Yellowhammer. On the move were 92 Chaffinch, 28 Siskin, 30 Carrion Crow, 6 Rook, 2 Barnacle Goose, a Collared Dove and a Crossbill. The first Swallow of the year was over Sykes Farm in the afternoon. A Firecrest was found in the Plantation mid-afternoon.

Brambling at the feeding station, 29th March 2017
Photo - Adrian Royle

March 28th. The highlights of the day were a Red Kite over the East Dunes, a Ring Ouzel on the cycle track and the first 5 Sand Martin of the year over Jackson's Marsh. In the Plantation were 3 Siskin, a Lesser Redpoll and a Brambling. A House Sparrow was also seen at Aylmer with nesting material.
 A Red Chestnut and Dotted Chestnut were in the moth trap.

House Sparrow with nesting material, 28th March 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Dotted Chestnut, 28th March 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Red Chestnut, 28th March 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

March 27th. Around were 65 Corn Bunting, 2000 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3000 Grey Plover, 10000 Knot, a male Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

March 26th. A Bearded Tit was heard calling on Tennyson's Sands at dawn. Around were 49 Brent Goose, 3 Pintail, 3 Goldeneye, a Common Buzzard, 42 Avocet, 350 Oystercatcher, 4000 Knot, 400 Dunlin, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Rook, 4 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, a Yellowhammer and 37 Corn Bunting.
 A Comma was seen in the East Dunes.

Comma in the East Dunes, 26th March 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

March 25th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Bearded Tit, a Cetti's Warbler (rare here!) and 50 Avocet. Other birds around were 30 Brent Goose, a Green Woodpecker, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Siskin, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 40 Corn Bunting and 2 Common Buzzard.
 The first Brimstone butterfly of the year was on the wing this afternoon.

Tree Sparrow, 25th March 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

March 24th. The 2 Bearded Tit were still present on Tennyson's Sands. Around were 19 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff, 20 Wigeon, a Red-legged Partridge, 2 House Sparrow and 3 Yellowhammer.

Yellowhammer, 24th March 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Black-headed Gull displaying on Tennyson's Sands, 24th March 2017

Mistle Thrush, 24th March 2017 

Mute Swan taking flight, 24th March 2017

March 23rd. An early Ring Ouzel on the Fresh Water Marsh was the most surprising record of the day. On Tennyson's Sands were 55 Avocet, 2 Bearded Tit and a Marsh Harrier.

Bearded Tits on Tennyson's Sands, 23rd March 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth 

Male Ring Ouzel on Freshwater Marsh, 23rd March 2017
Photo - Nige Lound

March 22nd. The highlights of the day were a Bearded Tit on Tennyson's Sands, a Firecrest in the East Dunes and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull on the beach.

March 21st. A GREAT GREY SHRIKE was seen by the Wash Viewpoint late afternoon. Around were 47 Avocet, an early Sandwich Tern, a Rook, 30 Corn Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 40 Redwing. On the move were 17 Fieldfare, 260 Starling and 66 Chaffinch.
 An Early Thorn and Twin-spotted Quaker were trapped overnight.

Early Thorn trapped overnight, 21st March 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Twin-spotted Quaker trapped overnight, 21st March 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Mid March 2017

March 20th. Around were 4 Chiffchaff, 51 Redwing, 40 Corn Bunting and 2 Fieldfare. On the move were 200 Chaffinch, 34 Siskin, 6 Rook and a Grey Wagtail.

March 19th. The highlight of the day was a CATTLE EGRET discovered on Jackson's Marsh at dawn (second reserve record). Around were 51 Avocet, a Marsh Harrier and 8 Chiffchaff.

CATTLE EGRET on Jackson's Marsh, 19th March 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

CATTLE EGRET on Jackson's Marsh, 19th March 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

 March 18th. No records received.

March 17th. On the move were 22 Chaffinch, 4 Siskin, 480 Starling, 43 Fieldfare, a Black-throated Diver and an adult summer Mediterranean Gull. Around were 5 Chiffchaff, a Woodcock, 300 Oystercatcher, a Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Eider.

March 16th. Around were 30 Corn Bunting, 2 Siskin, 6 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest. On the move were 15 Whooper Swan, 10 Rock Pipit and a female/immature Marsh Harrier.

March 15th. An immature GOSHAWK flew west over Croft Marsh mid-morning. Also on the move were 65 Fieldfare, 7 Rook, a Lapland Bunting, 26 Chaffinch, 300 Wood Pigeon, 68 Starling and 15 Siskin. Around were 30 Avocet, 60 Corn Bunting, 4 Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, 2 Yellowhammer, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling.
 A Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Comma were seen in the Plantation.


March 14th. The highlight of the day was a 2CY Caspian Gull on the beach. On the reserve were 600 Grey Plover, 9 Rook, 600 Dunlin, a Merlin, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 5 Siskin and 6 Rock Pipit.

March 13th. Around the reserve were 6 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Woodcock and 4000 Starling. On the move were 57 Jackdaw, 3 Stock Dove, 36 Chaffinch, a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 19 Rook and 5 Alba Wagtail.
 The first butterflies of the year were on the wing; 3 Comma and a Red Admiral.
 A Shoulder Stripe and Mottled Grey were caught in the moth trap.

Mottled Grey, 13th March 2017
Photo - Kev Wilson

Shoulder Stripe, 13th March 2017
Photo - Kev Wilson

March 12th. Heading south were 39 Chaffinch, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 25Golden Plover and 495 Starling. Around were 85 Corn Bunting, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 24 Linnet, 2 Snipe, 3 Siskin, 220 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2500 Oystercatcher, a Great Crested Grebe, 33 Avocet, 2 Pintail, 200 Brent Goose and a pair of Goldeneye.

Goat Willow, 12th March 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

March 11th. In the Plantation were 79 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin and a singing Chiffchaff. A flock of 60 Corn Bunting were singing in the West Dunes. On Tennyson Sands were 25 Avocet and a Kingfisher.
 A Pale Pinion was in the moth trap overnight.

Pale Pinion trapped overnight, 11th March 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Early March 2017

March 10th. Around were 5 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, a Green Woodpecker, 28 Avocet and a Kingfisher.

March 9th. About were 24 Avocet, 2 Siskin and a Water Pipit.

Siskin, 9th March 2017
Photo - Kev Wilson

March 8th. On the reserve were 2 Siskin, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 400 Brent Goose, a Water Pipit, 13 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Treecreeper, 23 Avocet, a Grey Heron and a Water Rail. Heading south were 250 Starling and 2 Rook.

March 7th. Around were 2 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin, a Green Woodpecker, a Water Pipit and a Grey Heron.

March 6th. Birds around included 2 Goldcrest, 15 Siskin, 250 Curlew, a Stonechat, a Water Rail, a Green Woodpecker and a Woodcock. Offshore were 40 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Great Crested Grebe. A pre-roost gathering of 117 Corn Bunting was exceptional by the Visitor Centre Car Park.

Stonechat, 6th March 2017

Water Rail, 6th March 2017

March 5th. No records received

March 4th. A Woodlark flew south over North Car Park early afternoon. On the water bodies were 33 Tufted Duck, 28 Little Grebe, 138 Wigeon, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Avocet, 3 Goldeneye (inc pair displaying) and a Kingfisher. Around were 3 Corn Bunting, 2 Siskin, 4 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Fieldfare.

March 3rd. A morning seawatch produced a Black-throated Diver, 30 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and a drake Common Scoter. Around were 2 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, a Merlin and a Water Pipit.
 The first decent dawn chorus was heard this morning with Blackbird, Song Thrush, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Corn Bunting, Goldcrest, Great Tit and Robin all in song.

March 2nd. The morning high tide was a spectacle with 15000 Knot, 1500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1300 Oystercatcher, 300 Sanderling, 4200 Dunlin, 5500 Grey Plover and 16 Ringed Plover. Other birds around were 40 Corn Bunting, 200 Linnet, 14 Redwing, a Peregrine, a Merlin and a Green Woodpecker. Offshore were 7 Red-breasted merganser, an Eider and 22 Red-throated Diver. A group of 10 Siskin flew south over Mill Hill.

March 1st. A Woodlark flew south over Mill Hill at 0840hrs, with possibly a second bird, found in a meadow to the north at 1200hrs. Also on the move early morning were 61 Chaffinch, 14 Siskin, 27 Jackdaw, 17 Linnet, 6 Rock Pipit, a Ruff, 2 Fieldfare, 12 Starling and 4 Rook south. On the reserve were 12000 Knot, 1500 Grey Plover, 350 Sanderling, 500 Dunlin, a Water Pipit, a Green Woodpecker and a Snipe.    

Late February 2017

February 28th. A Puffin was seen offshore in the morning. Around were 15 Redwing, a Hen Harrier, a Treecreeper, 40 Corn Bunting, a Barn Owl, a Woodcock, a male Stonechat and 4 Pink-footed Goose. On the move were 13 Whooper Swan, 40 Chaffinch, 15 Starling, 4 Meadow Pipit and 10 Rook.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 28th February 2017

Treecreeper in the Plantation, 28th February 2017

February 27th. Offshore were 57 Red-breasted Merganser (mostly south), 37 Red-throated Diver, a Guillemot, 7 Eider, a Razorbill, 5 Great Crested Grebe and a Black-throated Diver south.  About were 2000 Oystercatcher and a Merlin.

February 26th. The highlight of the day was a Woodlark which flew south over the Visitor Centre. Offshore were 2 Long-tailed Duck, 30 Red-throated Diver, 2 Eider and a Red-breasted Merganser. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 4 Pintail.

February 25th. Offshore were 2 Great Northern Diver, a Long-tailed Duck, a Gannet, 30 Red-breasted Merganser, a Kittiwake and a Slavonian Grebe. Around were 300 Sanderling, 1400 Oystercatcher and an Avocet.

February 24th. On the beach were 2 Caspian Gull with 3000 Herring Gull.

February 23rd. No records received today.  

February 22nd. Around were 27 Corn Bunting, a Hen Harrier and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.

February 21st. A Raven was seen over Croft Marsh late morning. Around were 2 Common Buzzard, 16 White-fronted Goose, 2 Woodcock, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Merlin, a Corn Bunting, a Treecreeper, 5 singing Song Thrush and a Water Pipit. Flying south were 6 Rook, 9 Blue Tit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 20 Linnet, 10 Siskin and a Bambling. Offshore were 170 Red-throated Diver, a drake Goosander and 5 Avocet south. 

Corn Bunting, 21st February 2017

Treecreeper, 21st February 2017

Mid February 2017

February 20th. A scrutiny of the Brent Goose flock produced an adult Black Brant. Other highlights of the day included 2 Siskin, a Brambling and 4 Pintail. A group of 16 White-fronted Goose flew south.
 A Spring Usher and Chestnut were trapped overnight. 

Chestnut trapped overnight, 20th February 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Spring Usher trapped overnight, 20th February 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

 February 19th. The Waxwing reappeared at Sykes Farm briefly early morning. On Croft Marsh were the 16 'European' White-fronted Goose and 250 Pink-footed Goose. In the Plantation were 4 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 12 Corn Bunting and 2 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were 12 Black-tailed Godwit and 350 Lapwing. Other birds around included a Short-eared Owl, 2 Stonechat, a Collared Dove and a Merlin.   

Waxwing near Harvey's Hide, 19th February 2017
Photo - Alan Brewster

Waxwing near Harvey's Hide, 19th February 2017
Photo - Alan Brewster

White-fronted Geese at dawn, 19th February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan 

February 18th. Around the reserve were 2 Brambling, 5 Mistle Thrush, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 'European' White-fronted Goose, a Stonechat and a Peregrine. Offshore were 20 Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver. A Waxwing briefly touched down in the Sykes Farm hedge. An Avocet was on Tennyson Sands in the afternoon.

March Moth, 18th February 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Pale-brindled Beauty, 18th February 2017
Photo - Kevin Wilson

February 17th. Around were 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Collared Dove, a House Sparrow and a Crossbill.

February 16th. On Croft Marsh were 260 Pink-footed Goose and 16 'European' White-fronted Goose. Other birds around included a Jack Snipe, a Peregrine (in off), 10 Corn Bunting, 6 Pintail, 2 Rook, a Water Pipit, a Stonechat, an adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull.

February 15th. Slight visible migration evident early morning with 2 Whooper Swan, a Yellowhammer, 2 Brambling, 3 Siskin and 22 Starling flew south. On Croft Marsh were 8 'European' White-fronted Goose and 80 Pink-footed Goose. Around were 2 Water Pipit and a Brambling.

February 14th. On Croft Marsh were 278 Pink-footed Goose, 104 'European' White-fronted Goose, a Tundra Bean Goose, 14 Barnacle Goose and 300 Brent Goose. Around were 12000 Knot, 3500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4000 Grey Plover, 2500 Oystercatcher, 2000 Dunlin, 800 Sanderling, a Peregrine and 40 Corn Bunting.

Lapwings over Croft Marsh, 14th February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

White-fronted Geese arriving from the north, 14th February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

February 13th. No records received.  

February 12th. The only species of note was a Woodcock in the Plantation.

February 11th. About were 30 Corn Bunting, 400 Lapwing, 50 Golden Plover, a Treecreeper, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl. A flock of 80 White-fronted Goose flew low over the Visitor Centre late afternoon.   

Early February 2017

February 10th. Around the reserve were 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe, 3 Goldeneye, 350 Lapwing and 13 Golden Plover. On Croft Marsh were 15 White-fronted Goose and a Barnacle Goose.

February 9th. The highlight of the day was an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach in the morning.

February 8th. Around were 783 Brent Goose, 3 Goldeneye, 200 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Woodpecker, a Coal Tit, 6 Eider and a Fieldfare. An evening watch by the Visitor Centre produced single sightings of Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier.

February 7th. On the reserve were 110 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 45 Corn Bunting, 300 Lapwing and a male Brambling. A Barn Owl was hunting over the Old Saltmarsh.

February 6th. The highlights of the day were 2 Brambling and a Green Woodpecker.

February 5th. Notable species for the day include 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Woodcock, 11 Corn Bunting, 96 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Redwing, 2 Barn Owl, a Common Buzzard and 13 Red-throated Diver. A group of 4 Snow Bunting were confiding on the Millennium Ridge.

Snow Bunting on Millennium Ridge, 5th February 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

Sunset, 5th February 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

February 4th. Around were 10 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 150 Wigeon, 800 Brent Goose, a Peregrine, 2 Coal Tit, 3 Song Thrush and a Short-eared Owl.

February 3rd. A beautiful sunny day.
 On the reserve were 1200 Brent Goose, 2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail), a Merlin, 5 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 60 Corn Bunting, 209 Curlew, 150 Redshank, 400 Dunlin, 12 Turnstone, 41 Shelduck, a Water Pipit, 140 Skylark, 50 Rock Pipit, 10 Redwing, a Coal Tit and 6 Black-tailed Godwit. An hours seawatch mid-morning produced 8 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Red-throated Diver, a drake Eider and 40 Wigeon. The evening gull roost yielded a stunning adult winter Mediterranean Gull, 5000 Black-headed Gull and 800 Common Gull.

Good numbers of Skylark on the reserve today, 3rd February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

February 2nd. Around were 500 Brent Goose, 150 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, 800 Lapwing, 250 Golden Plover, a Sparrowhawk and 6 Yellowhammer.
 Winter Aconites are beginning to flower in the Orchard and Snowdrops are in abundance.

Sparrowhawk from Jackson's Marsh hide, 2nd February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Winter Aconites in the Orchard, 2nd February 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Snowdrops in the Orchard, 2nd Febuary 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

February 1st. Notable species for the day include 80 Corn Bunting, 2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail), a Water Pipit and a singing Song Thrush. 

Late January 2017

January 31st. Offshore were 30 Red-throated Diver and 10 Red-breasted Merganser. Around were w Water Rail, 30 Golden Plover, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher, a Barn Owl, 22 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing and a Treecreeper, 400 Brent Goose and 350 Wigeon.

January 30th. The only species of note were 2 singing Song Thrush, a singing Coal Tit and a male House Sparrow.

January 29th. In the Plantation early morning were 15 Redwing, a Green Woodpecker and a singing Coal Tit. Around were 3 Goldcrest, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Lapwing and a Barn Owl.

January 28th. On the reserve were 200 Wigeon, 800 Brent Goose, 4 Pintail, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier (ringtail), 3 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Barn Owl, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat, a Goldcrest and a Kingfisher. A brief seawatch at midday produced 53 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe.

January 27th. Offshore were 48 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Crested Grebe, a Slavonian Grebe, 30 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 2 Eider and a Guillemot. A scrutiny of the Brent flock on Jacksons Marsh revealed 900 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Black Brant. Around were 7 Pintail, 200 Wigeon, 5 Snipe, a Merlin, 25 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, a Treecreeper, 4 Redwing and 30 Corn Bunting.
 Offshore was a Harbour Porpoise.

Black Brant with Brent Geese on Jackson's Marsh, 27th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Black Brant with Brent Geese on Jackson's Marsh, 27th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

January 26th. About were 4 Goosander, 2 Pintail, 2 Woodcock, 3 Snow Bunting, 20 Bunting and and 27 Rock Pipit. On the water bodies were 76 Teal, 279 Wigeon, 1000 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 20 Little Grebe, 8 Pintail, 2 Water Rail, 6 Snipe and a Dunlin.

Spot the Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 26th January 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

January 25th. Around were 600 Brent Goose and a Woodcock.  

January 24th. The quiet spell continues.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 600 Brent Goose, 250 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Pintail. A Song Thrush was singing in the Plantation in the morning.

January 23rd. Around the reserve were 600 Brent Goose, 4 Pintail, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Stonechat, 14 Fieldfare, a Water Pipit and 2 Siskin. On the sea were 11 Red-throated Diver and 7 Great Crested Grebe.  

January 22nd. Notable species for the day include 3 Snow Bunting, a Water Rail, 3 Goosander, 13 Corn Bunting, 537 Brent Goose and a male Hen Harrier.

Snow Bunting, 22nd January 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

 January 21st. Offshore were 250 Common Scoter, a Slavonian Grebe and 62 Red-throated Diver. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Goosander. 

Mid January 2017

January 20th. Notable species for the day include 3 Water Pipit, 7 Redwing, a Brambling and a Woodcock.

January 19th. A Mistle Thrush was heard singing at Aylmer Avenue.

January 18th. The highlights of a morning seawatch were 2 Slavonian Grebe, 20 Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. A group of 4 Waxwings landed briefly near the Bird Observatory. Other notable sightings for the day include 600 Brent Goose, 2 Water Rail, 5 Pintail, a Water Pipit, 3 Goldeneye and a Goldcrest.
 A Fox was found sleeping on the verge by Mill Hill at 1930hrs during a night walk.

Fox sleeping on verge by Mill, 18th January 2017
Photo (with iPhone) - Richard Doan

January 17th. Offshore were 75 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 3 Auk spp and 3 Eider. Around were 300 Pink-footed Goose, 700 Brent Goose and a Woodcock.
 A Harbour Porpoise was offshore mid-morning.

January 16th. Around the reserve were 160 Greylag Goose, 37 European White-fronted Goose, 250 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, 200 Golden Plover, 4 Water Rail and 3 Goldeneye. A Tundra Bean Goose was found with the Greylag Goose flock on Tennyson's Sands this evening.

Tundra Bean Goose on Tennyson's Sands this evening, 16th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Tundra Bean Goose on Tennyson's Sands this evening, 16th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Goldeneye drake on Fenland Lagoon, 16th January 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

January 15th. Heavy rain all day.
 No records received due to poor weather.

January 14th.
On Croft Marsh were 250 Pink-footed Goose, 34 European White-fronted Goose, a Tundra Bean Goose and 14 Barnacle Goose. On The Wash at high tide were 4000 Bar-tailed Godwit and 5000 Knot. Offshore were 10 Red-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Northern Diver. Around were 200 Brent Goose, a Treecreeper, a ringtail Hen Harrier and 50 Corn Bunting. 

Goose flock on Croft Marsh this afternoon, 14th January 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

White-fronted Geese in flight over Croft Marsh, 14th January 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

High tide from The Wash Viewpoint, 14th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

High tide near Fenland Lagoon West Hide, 14th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

High tide from The Wash Viewpoint, 14th January 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

January 13th. Snow in morning.
  Birds around included 250 Wigeon, a male Hen Harrier, 5000 Knot, 2000 Grey Plover and 10 Ringed Plover.

  It is with deepest regrets that I (Mick Briggs) must convey some sad news that I have just been made aware of - Bill Paul passed away back on January 1st, joining his late wife Ida. The Observatory Team's thoughts are with Bill's family at this difficult time.
  Bill was "Ringer in Charge" at the Observatory from 1986 until 1996. He was responsible for training a lot of people during his time and some great ringers. After retiring from active ringing, Bill could often be found in the main car park with his wife Ida sampling the scenic views of the reserve and keeping a check on the latest batch of ringers travelling back from the Observatory.
  I was Bill's last ringing trainee and he only ever gave me "great" advice and "great" training and I for one shall miss his words of wisdom. His talk of birds and of ringing was infectious for anybody who was fortunate enough to  talk to him about such matters.

  Safe travels Bill...

January 12th. Around were a Merlin, 150 Brent Goose, 46 Red-breasted Merganser, 120 Red-throated Diver, 17 Great Crested Grebe, 150 Lapwing, 3 Woodcock, a Merlin, 2 Stonechat and a Snow Bunting. Flying south were a Great Northern Diver, 20 Wigeon and 800 Herring Gull.

Merlin, 12th January 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

Snow Bunting, 12th January 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

January 11th. Birds around included 150 Brent Goose, 150 Lapwing and 3 Goldcrest.

Early January 2017

January 10th. Around were a Red Kite, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 550 Lapwing, 500 Golden Plover, 228 Sanderling, a Mediterranean Gull, 250 Brent Goose, 5 Pintail, 90 Red-throated Diver, 2 Merlin, a juvenile Peregrine and 2 Siskin. Going south were 2 Bean Goose, and west or south 20 Skylark.

January 9th. Birds around included 6 Pintail, a Long-eared Owl, 300 Lapwing and a Coal Tit.

January 8th. Around were 20 Pink-footed Goose, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Goldeneye, a Common Buzzard, 45 Red-throated Diver, 500 Lapwing, 500 Golden Plover, 5 Snipe, 49 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 5 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit, 2 Siskin, 33 Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting. West of Croftmarsh were 2 Whooper Swan.

January 7th. Birds around included 270 Brent Goose, 2 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 5 Water Rail, 600 Golden Plover, 600 Lapwing, 6 Redwing, a Treecreeper and a Chiffchaff. Heading southwest were 24 Pink-footed Goose.

January 6th. Frosty start.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a male Goldeneye. Around were 10 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Brent Goose, 5 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 28 Turnstone, 7 Redwing, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling. In came 68 Teal, 17 Wigeon and 3 Goldeneye, while flying south were 12 Pintail, 13 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Eider, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Razorbill, a Black-throated Diver and most of 43 Red-throated Diver.

January 5th. Frosty start.
 A Caspian Gull was discovered on the beach out from Mill Hill early morning. Birds around included 10 Song Thrush, a Redwing, 3 Fieldfare and 2 Stonechat. Offshore were 4 Red-breasted Merganser. North went 17 Little Gull and most of 73 Red-throated Diver.

January 4th. Around were 3 Hen Harrier (2 ringtails and a male), a Green Woodpecker, a Jack Snipe, 10 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Water Rail, a Woodcock, a Coal Tit, 2 Pintail, 40 Corn Bunting and a Siskin. At least 1 Twite was present with the Linnet flock on the Old Saltmarsh. Going north were 70 Gannet, 60 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar and 3 Great Skua; south 5 Great Skua and 30 Red-throated Diver; and south-east 7 Whooper Swan (6 adults and 1 juvenile).

January 3rd. Frosty start.
 A group of 3 Waxwing were at Sykes Farm entrance briefly, then flew south with 4 Redwing. Around were 2 Hen Harrier (male and ringtail), a Merlin, 25 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 600 Golden Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 250 Lapwing, 3 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird (small arrival evident), 15 Redwing, a Brambling, a Siskin and 50 Corn Bunting. On the water bodies were 38 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 157 Wigeon, 373 Teal, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Water Rail.

Curlew on Mere Meadow, 3rd January 2016.
Photo - Richard Doan

Waxwing (1 of 3) at Sykes Farm entrance briefly, 3rd January 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

January 2nd. Heading south were an Iceland Gull, 30 Gannet, a Long-tailed Duck and 3 Red-breasted Merganser. Around were 800 Brent Goose, 20 Red-throated Diver, a Merlin, 200 Lapwing, a Goldcrest and a Brambling.

January 1st. Rain until mid afternoon.
 Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose and 50 Lapwing.