Mid April 2017

April 20th. A belated record involved 9 Common Crane photographed flying over Mill Hill by Alan Brewster.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, a Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 5 House Martin, 2 Ring Ouzel, 16 Wheatear, 3 Firecrest (1 female trapped in Observatory, 1 male singing in Plantation, 1 male singing at Aylmer Avenue), 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Brambling. On the Mere were 2 Garganey, a Jack Snipe and 2 Snipe; and on Jackson's Marsh a female Pintail. Going north were 11 Whimbrel and 24 Swallow; and south 15 Sandwich Tern, an Arctic Tern and 4 Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 3 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Firecrest and a Robin; and no retraps.
 Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars are now emerging from their silk tents in Sea Buckthorn and other bushes. The hairs of these caterpillars can cause severe allergic reactions, and they should be avoided.

Male Garganey on the Mere, 20th 2017.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Firecrest, ringed 20th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars emerging from their silk tent, 20th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Common Cranes over Mill Hill, 20th April 2017.
Photo - Alan Brewster

April 19th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, a Ring Ouzel, a Redwing, a Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow Wagtail, a Siskin and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, a Linnet, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 6 retraps: 2 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, a Linnet and a Chaffinch.

April 18th. Around were 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 3 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Wheatear, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff and a Brambling. Heading north were 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Gannet and a Swallow, and south a Common Buzzard and a Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: 2 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Dunnock.

Powdered Quaker, 18th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Water Carpet, 18th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Streamer, 18th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Early Grey, 18th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

April 17th. In off the sea then west came an Osprey, while a Marsh Harrier and 3 Yellow Wagtail headed south, and 13 Sandwich Tern, a Fulmar, a Gannet and 4 Whimbrel north. Birds around, including those trapped, were 10 Common Scoter, a Common Buzzard, 2 Greenshank, 3000 Knot, a Snipe, a Cuckoo, 18 Swallow, a Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 13 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 16 Blackcap and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Chris Hansell, resulted in 7 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap and a Goldfinch; and no retraps.
 The moth trap produced a Powdered Quaker, a Streamer and a Water Carpet.

Common Buzzard, 17th April 2017
Photo - Steve Humphreys

Whitethroat, 17th April 2017
Photo - Steve Humphreys

Powdered Quaker, 17th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Streamer, 17th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Water Carpet, 17th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

 April 16th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, a Little Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 7 Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Siskin. Flying north were 4 Swallow, and south-west another Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Goldfinch and a Blue Tit; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Robin.
 Butterflies included a Green-veined White.

Female Blackap, Sykes Farm track 16th April 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Chiffchaff with pollen horn, 16th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Lady's Smock, 16th April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Green-veined White, 16th April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

April 15th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 33 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Cuckoo, 2 House Martin, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Wheatear, a Goldcrest, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Corn Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh was a Pochard. A Whimbrel went north.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Meadow Pipit and a Reed Bunting; and a retrap Wren.

Ring Ouzel by Mere Hide, 15th April 2017.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

High Tide, 15th April 2017.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

April 14th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Cuckoo, a Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 6 Whimbrel, a Green Woodpecker, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing, a Wheatear, a Firecrest, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Blackcap, a Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff and a Yellow Wagtail. On Fenland Lagoon was a Little Ringed Plover. Heading south-west were 4 Swallow; and south 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Crossbill, 40 Goldfinch and 60 Linnet.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Chris Hansell, yielded 4 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet and a Wheatear; and 2 retraps: a Linnet and a Reed Bunting.

Wheatear, ringed 14th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Cowslips, 14th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 13th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear, a singing Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a Yellow Wagtail. On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Greenshank. Flying north were a Whimbrel, a Swallow and 3 House Martin.
 A check of large nest boxes revealed a Tawny Owl nest with 2 warm eggs.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Linnet, a Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird and 2 Wren.
 Butterflies included 3 Small White and 5 Speckled Wood.

Hare on Jacksons Marsh meadow, 13th April 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

April 12th. Rain until 0800hrs.
 Around, including birds trapped, were a Firecrest, a Redstart, 5 House Martin, 6 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, a Willow Warbler, 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, a Siskin,  a Brambling, a Common Buzzard and 5 Whimbrel. On Fenland Lagoon was a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Garganey.
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Wren and a Great Tit; and no retraps.

April 11th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Woodpecker, a Swallow, a Ring Ouzel, a singing Grasshopper Warbler, 2 singing Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap and a singing Goldcrest. On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Greenshank; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pintail and a Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 3 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Wren and a Blackcap; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Wren.

Early April 2017

April 10th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, a Shot-eared Owl, a Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a House Sparrow (scarce here).
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 16 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 12 retraps: a Chiffchaff, 4 Great Tit, a Wren, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird and a Goldfinch.
 The early Cinnabar Moth was still present.

Short-eared Owl, 10th April 2017.
Photo - Yves Gisseleire

April 9th. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Redwing and 6 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Little Ringed Plover; and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. Going north was a Common Buzzard, and south 3 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, a Siskin and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Robin, a Great Tit and a Blackbird; and a retrap Blue Tit.
 An early Cinnabar Moth was of note.

Collared Dove, 9th April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Peacock, 9th April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

April 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Marsh Harrier, 5 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Fieldfare, a Redwing and 3 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Water Rail. A Swallow flew south-west over Mill Hill mid-afternoon.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 10 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 3 Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 4 retraps: a Wren, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock and a Blackbird.

Blackcap, 8th April 2017.
Photo- Garry Wright

Green Woodpecker, Wash Viewpoint, 8th April 2017.
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth

Chiffchaff with pollen horn, ringed 8th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 7th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Common Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 49 Avocet, 4 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap. Flying south were 3 Crossbill.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 18 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 7 Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Yellowhammer and a Woodpigeon; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird, 2 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Yellowhammer, ringed 7th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 7 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler (including one singing), 2 Coal Tit, a Green Woodpecker and 4 Common Buzzard. A Marsh Harrier flew north high. 

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 14 new birds: a Wren, a Coal Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit. a Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 9 retraps: a Coal Tit, a Wren, a Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Robin and 3 Dunnock.

 The Speckled Wood was still at Aylmer Avenue, and another was in the Plantation.

April 5th. Birds around included a Common Buzzard, a Water Pipit, 2 Redwing, and a Coal Tit singing in the Plantation.

 Butterflies included an early Speckled Wood at Aylmer Avenue.

April 4th. A Willow Warbler was heard singing in the Orchard briefly this morning. Also around were 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing, and 2 Blackcap in the Plantation.
 In the afternoon a ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting along the seabank, a Buzzard was over Croftmarsh and a Great Crested Grebe was on Tennyson Sands. A Wheatear was seen on the saltings.

April 3rd. A quiet day on the reserve. Notable sightings were 5 Snipe, a Woodcock and a Brambling. On Tennyson Sands were 47 Avocet.

April 2nd. The Red Kite reappeared over Croftmarsh early morning before drifting towards the East Dunes. A female Marsh Harrier was also active over Tennyson's Sands. Around were 18 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, a Willow Warbler and 16 Corn Bunting. The Black Redstart was also refound. 4 Woodlark headed north over the East Dunes.
 During a brief ringing session at Aylmer Avenue a new Great Tit was ringed.

Red Kite over Tennyson Sands, 2nd April 2017
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth

Marsh Harrier, Tennyson Sands 2nd April 2017
Photo- Stuart Ainsworth

Roe Deer, 2nd April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Fox Moth caterpillar, 2nd April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

April 1st. Bright but cold start to the day.
 Heading south were 230 Redwing, a Brambling, 40 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, a Swallow and a White Wagtail.  Birds around included the first Willow Warbler of the year, 4 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, an adult summer Mediterranean Gull and a Water Pipit. A Firecrest was found in the Plantation in the afternoon.

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