Early May 2017

May 10th. An Osprey came in off the sea. The Nightingale was singing near the Cycle Track. Around were 2 Light-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 30 Whimbrel, a Short-eared Owl, a Cuckoo, a Turtle Dove, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 3 Redstart, a female Pied Flycatcher, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Tree Pipit and a Redpoll. On Fenland Lagoon was a Common Sandpiper. Flying north were 2 Dotterel calling after dusk; and south were a Goosander, a Grey Heron, 2 Arctic Tern, 11 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 27 House Martin, 450 Swallow, 2 Tree Pipit and a Crossbill.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap and a Sedge Warbler; and 2 retrap Willow Warblers.

Whitethroat,  10th May 2017.

Pied Flycatcher, 10th May 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Singing Grasshopper Warbler, early morning, 10th May 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

May 9th. Northerly wind still decreasing.
 The Woodlark was still present around the south end of East Dunes. The Nightingale was singing well by Beach Car Park this evening. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Grey Heron, 4 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 2 Ruff, a Cuckoo, 8 Fieldfare, 4 Ring Ouzel, 3 Redstart (2 females East Dunes, 1 male Mill Pond Meadow), 2 Wheatear, a female Pied Flycatcher, a Garden Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and 2 Crossbill. On Tennyson's Sands was a Great Crested Grebe; and on the Mere a Yellow Wagtail. Going north were 14 Swallow, and south 2 Fieldfare.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 19 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, a Redstart, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: a Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and a Redstart.

Avocet, 9th May 2017.
Photo - Nicky Yeadon

Woodlark by the Shorebird Hut, 9th May 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Woodpigeon, ringed 9th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

May 8th. Quite strong northerly wind, gradually decreasing.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Wigeon, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 1000 Oystercatcher, 10 Whimbrel, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Little Tern, 2 Cuckoo, a Woodlark, a Ring Ouzel, a female Redstart, a Nightingale, a Garden Warbler and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands was a Little Ringed Plover. Heading north were 2 Swift and 4 Swallow.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 12 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, a Brambling, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart and a Chaffinch; 13 retraps: 2 Coal Tit, a Willow Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and a control Long-tailed Tit.

Dryad's Saddle Fungus, Sykes Farm, 8th May 2017.
Photo - Jack Wilson

Brambling, ringed 8th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Redstart, ringed 8th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

May 7th. Increasing northerly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in East Dunes. Birds around, including those trapped, were 13 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Swift, 3 Cuckoo, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 3 Redstart (2 males and 1 female in East Dunes), 7 Wheatear, a Whinchat, a male Pied Flycatcher, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, a Wood Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Brambling and a Common Redpoll. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill; on Fenland Lagoon 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank; on Croftmarsh a Yellow Wagtail; and on Tennyson's Sands 3 Ruff. Flying north were a Hooded Crow, a Common Buzzard and 50 Swallow.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 25 new birds: 14 Willow Warbler, a Wood Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, a Redstart, a Robin, a Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat and a Common Redpoll; and 5 retraps: 2 Willow Warbler, a Redstart, a Chiffchaff and a Chaffinch.

Wood Warbler, ringed 7th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Common Redpoll, ringed 7th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

May 6th. Still fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 Going north was a Swift. Around, including birds trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, a Hobby, a Snipe, 5 Fieldfare, a Whinchat, 3 Redstart (2 males East Dunes, 1 female West Dunes), 18 Swallow, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Wood Warbler, a Chiffchaff and 18 Willow Warbler.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, yielded 15 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, a Linnet, a Redstart and a Whitethroat; 5 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, a Reed Bunting and a Redstart; and a control Lesser Whitethroat.

Pale Prominent, 6th April 2017.
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Redstart, ringed 6th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

May 5th. Somewhat less strong north-easterly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a ringtail Hen Harrier, a male Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 4 Snipe, a Cuckoo, 18 Swallow, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing, a male Redstart, a Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher, a Yellow Wagtail and a Garden Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were a Little Ringed Plover and a Common Tern. Heading north was a Red Kite.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 8 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, a Robin and Redstart; and a retrap Blue Tit.

Redstart, ringed 5th May, 2017.
Photo - George Gregory 

May 4th. Continuing fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 A male Pied Flycatcher was discovered in East Dunes mid-morning. Around were 4 Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 50 Swallow, a Black Redstart and a female Redstart. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Ruff and a Reed Warbler. Flying north were 4 Greenshank.

Pied Flycatcher, 4th May 2017.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

May 3rd. Fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 Birds around were a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Greenshank, 9 Whimbrel, a Snipe, 2 Common Tern, a Red-legged Partridge, 2 Cuckoo, 7 Swallow, a Ring Ouzel, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 House Sparrow. A Black Redstart appeared next to Jackson's Marsh hide. On Croftmarsh was a Grey Heron; and on Tennyson's Sands were 3 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper. Heading north were an Arctic Tern and a Hobby; and south 4 Ruff.

May 2nd. A Common Crane flew over, then off north in the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Gull, 2 Common Tern, 60 Little Tern, 6 Cuckoo, a Turtle Dove, 34 Swallow, 45 House Martin, a Sedge Warbler, a Fieldfare, a Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, a Tree Pipit and a Siskin. A Nightingale was heard singing briefly in the East Dunes.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Chaffinch; and 5 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird and a Whitethroat.
 Offshore was a Harbour Porpoise.

Common Crane, 2nd May 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Little Terns at high tide, 2nd May 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2nd May 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

 May 1st. The Spoonbill flew off of Tennyson's Sands early morning, while the Spotted Redshank and a Common Tern remained there. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Fulmar, 15 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 4 Cuckoo, 12 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and a Tree Pipit.
 The first session of CES was done this morning. The 9 new birds were a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and the 15 retraps were 3 Blackbird, 5 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Great Tit, a Long-tailed Tit, a Whitethroat and a Wren.

Late April 2017

April 30th. Quite strong south-easterly wind.
 On Tennyson's Sands were a Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, a Turnstone, 11 Common Tern and a Reed Warbler; and on the Mere a Reed Warbler. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Tern, 2 Cuckoo, a Ring Ouzel, a Wheatear, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, a Yellow Wagtail and 12 Swallow. Going south were 3 Common Scoter and 4 Gannet.

Spoonbill on Tennyson's Sands, 30th April 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Common Terns on Tennyson's Sands, 30th April 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Green Carpet 30th April 2017
Photo - John Shaughnessy

Wheatear, 30th April 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

April 29th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 58 Brent Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Greenshank, 10000 Knot, a Snipe, 78 Little Tern, 2 Turtle Dove, a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Swallow, 3 Wheatear, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a male Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Mediterranean Gull. Flying south were 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling, and north a Pink-footed Goose, 5 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler and a Greenland Wheatear; and 4 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Wren and Blue Tit.

Grasshopper Warbler 29th April 2017
Photo - James Siddle

Mediterranean Gulls on Tennyson's Sands, 29th April 2017
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Garden Warbler, ringed 29th April, 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Greenland Wheatear, ringed 29th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Greenland Wheatear, ringed 29th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 28th. Around, including birds trapped, were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, 15000 Knot, 5000 Grey Plover, 2000 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34 Little Tern, a Short-eared Owl, a Cuckoo, a Hobby, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, a House Martin and 4 Swallow. On Croftmarsh were 8 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 3 new birds: singles of Meadow Pipit, Blackcap and Great Tit; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Blackcap and 2 Wren.

April 27th. Frosty start, gradually warming up; some light rain later.
 A Woodlark was in West Dunes. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 17 Brent Goose, 11 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, a Snipe, 2 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 20 House Martin, 20 Swallow, 7 Wheatear, 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler and 5 Chiffchaff. The 2 Garganey were still on the Mere. Heading north were 70 Little Tern and 31 Arctic Tern; and south 3 Common Scoter.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Blackbird and a Cuckoo; and 2 retraps; a Great Tit and a Blackbird.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 3 new Goldfinch; and 4 retraps: 3 Chaffinch and a Blue Tit.

Cuckoo, ringed 27th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

26th. Rain/wintry showers overnight until early morning, then several wintry showers later.
 Around were a Whimbrel, a male Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo, a Wheatear, 6 House Martin, a singing Willow Warbler and a singing Lesser Whitethroat. The pair of Garganey remained on the Mere.

April 25th. Cold start, then sun, then rain.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler. Flying north was a Swallow; and south a Mediterranean Gull.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: singles of Wren, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch and Blackcap; and a retrap Wren.

April 24th. A White Stork flew south-east over the Wash in the afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were a Red Kite, a Little Ringed Plover, 18 Whimbrel, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 5 Wheatear, 4 Fieldfare, 20 Swallow, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler and a Siskin. Offshore were a Little Tern, 2 Common Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern and 11 Eider. Going south were 90 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet, a large Diver Sp, a Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, 40 Swallow, 7 Sand Martin, a House Martin and 6 Chaffinch; and north 2 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 18 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, a Sedge Warbler, 5 Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 2 Greenfinch; and 12 retraps: a Mistle Thrush, a Robin, a Wren, 2 Blackbird, 4 Goldfinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Willow Warbler and a Long-tailed Tit.

Mistle Thrush, retrapped 24th April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 23rd. West in off the sea came an Osprey. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Red-legged Partridge, a Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank, a Cuckoo, a Kingfisher, a Whinchat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap and 2 Willow Warbler. Single Reed Warblers were singing at Tennyson's Sands and the Mere. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Jackson's Marsh. Offshore were 2 Little Tern. Flying north were a Marsh Harrier and a Swallow; and south 5 more Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, produced 13 new birds: a Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, 4 Blackcap, a Goldfinch, 4 Linnet, a Whitethroat and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Wren and Dunnock.
 Offshore were 2 Harbour Porpoise.

Blackcap singing in the Plantation, 23rd April 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Linnet, 23rd April 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

Whinchat, 23rd April 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

 April 22nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cuckoo, a Redwing, a Fieldfare, a Jay, 4 Sedge Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail. Going south were 2 Swallow; and north a Marsh Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 9 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Great Tit; and 5 retraps: a Linnet, a Wren, 2 Reed Bunting and a Great Tit.

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 22nd April 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

April 21st. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Common Buzzard, 126 Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 1000 Dunlin, 11 Sandwich Tern, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Wheatear, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Sedge Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, a Firecrest singing at Aylmer Avenue and a Brambling. The pair of Garganey were still on the Mere. Flying south were 9 Common Scoter, 13 Sandwich Tern, 13 Rook, 41 Carrion Crow, 6 Jackdaw, 14 Swallow, 70 Linnet, 20 Goldfinch and a Brambling; and north 3 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: a Wren and 4 Blackcap; and a retrap Reed Bunting.

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.