Early July 2017

July 10th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill and 25 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Fenland Lagoon a Little Ringed Plover. Birds around included a Common Buzzard, 6 Greenshank, an adult Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Ruff, 40 Sanderling, 2 Kingfisher, a Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtail. The first juvenile Little Egret of the year appeared. Flying north were 2 Gannet.

Gatekeeper, 10th July 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Black-tailed Skimmer, 10th July 2017.

Dune Robberfly (Philonicus albiceps) 10th July 2017.This species is  to be expected in numbers on open sand, with eggs laid among Marram Grass roots.

Juvenile Robin, 10th July 2017.

Juvenile Wheatear, 10th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Spoonbills, 10th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Spoonbill, 10th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

July 9th. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill and 43 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Fenland Lagoon 3 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and 3 Little Ringed Plover. Around were a first-summer Little Gull, 187 Curlew, a Green Sandpiper, a female Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail. Going south were 120 Swift, 2 Sand Martin and a Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Long-tailed Tit, a Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 2 Wren, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Song Thrush.

July 8th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill and 49 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh a Grey Wagtail. Birds around included a Golden Plover, 350 Curlew, a Whimbrel, 2 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, 300 Dunlin, 200 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, a Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo and a Green Woodpecker. Flying south were a Golden Plover, 4 Whimbrel, a Hobby, a Swift, 20 Sand Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 30 new birds: 7 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 7 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 8 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Robin, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Dunnock and a Whitethroat.
 A White-letter Hairstreak was seen again in the West Dunes.

White-letter Hairstreak, 8th July 2017
Photo - Richard Doan

July 7th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 2 Common Tern and a Common Sandpiper. Hunting the fields beyond the scrapes were 2 Barn Owl. Around, including birds trapped, were 300 Redshank, 200 Curlew, a Grey Heron, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 26 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, an adult Cuckoo, a Green Woodpecker, a Bullfinch and a House Sparrow. Going south were a Whimbrel, 7 Swift and a Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 17 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Bullfinch, 3 Dunnock, a Starling and a Woodpigeon; and 4 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and a Chaffinch.
 A Silver-washed Fritillary was present on the reserve.

Juvenile Bullfinch, ringed 7th July 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Silver-washed Fritillary, 7th July 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Silver-washed Fritillary, 7th July 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

 July 6th. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill, 3 Wigeon, a Great Crested Grebe, a Spotted Redshank and 26 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Grey Heron, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Whimbrel, 37 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, a Treecreeper, 1700 Starling and 35 Swallow. Heading south were 2 Whimbrel and 19 Swift; and north a Razorbill, a Gannet and 950 Common Scoter.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: a Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Linnet and a Goldfinch; and 12 retraps: a Linnet, 4 Dunnock, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Great Tit, a Wren and 3 Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 10 new birds: 2 Wren, a Treecreeper, 4 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Chiffchaff.
 A Banded Demoiselle flew across Tennyson's Sands.

July 5th. A Spoonbill was near Millennium Ridge. On Tennyson's Sands were a male Pochard and a Black-tailed Godwit. Around were 2 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, a Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Whimbrel, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 300 Starling and a Yellow Wagtail. Offshore were 20 Sandwich Tern and 8 Common Tern. Flying south were 10 Black-tailed Godwit, a Hobby, 300 Starling, 17 Sand Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail; and north an Arctic Skua, 5 Gannet and 8 Eider.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 4 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Linnet, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Linnet, 2 Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

Swallow, 5th July 2017.

Swallow, 5th July 2017.

Black-tailed Godwits, 5th July 2017.

Lapwing, 5th July 2017.

Lapwing, 5th July 2017.

July 4th. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill and 14 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Croftmarsh a Grey Heron. Offshore were 350 Common Scoter. Birds around included 2 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Snipe, a Turtle Dove, a Yellow Wagtail, 50 Swallow, 10 Mistle Thrush and a Grasshopper Warbler. Going north was a Whimbrel; and south were 19 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Swift, 26 Sand Martin and 32 Swallow.
 The seventh session of CES was done this morning. The 29 new birds were 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Robin, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Dunnock and 2 Blackbird. The 9 retraps were 2 Whitethroat, 2 Wren, a Willow Warbler, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff.

Grasshopper Warbler, 4th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Grasshopper Warbler, 4th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Roe Deer, 4th July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

July 3rd. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill. Later, 4 Spoonbill were on Millennium Ridge. A juvenile Wheatear was near the Shorebird Hut. Around, including birds trapped, were 17 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 300 Common Scoter, 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Whimbrel, a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 50 Curlew, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Kingfisher, a Cuckoo and 40 Swift. Heading south were 31 Gannet, 24 Curlew, 2 Grey Heron, 350 Swift, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 37 Sand Martin and 14 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 18 new birds: 5 Wren, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Kingfisher and a Woodpigeon; and 4 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Wren and a Whitethroat.
 Butterflies included 2 White-letter Hairstreaks; and mammals 2 Water Voles.

Essex Skippers, 3rd July 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

Six-Spotted Burnett, 3rd July 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

Comma, 3rd July 2017
Photo - Rob Watson

Black-tailed Godwit, 3rd July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Black-tailed Godwits, 3rd July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Avocet, 3rd July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Avocet, 3rd July 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Kingfisher, ringed 3rd July 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

July 2nd. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Barnacle Goose; and on Fenland Lagoon 3 Little Ringed Plover. Birds around included 26 Teal, 3 Marsh Harrier, 80 Curlew, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Goldcrest, 7 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow and 3 House Sparrow. Offshore were 400 Common Scoter. Going south were 110 Starling and a Bullfinch.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 23 new birds: 2 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Linnet, 5 Whitethroat, a Meadow Pipit, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Dunnock and 2 Song Thrush; and 10 retraps: 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock and 2 Wren.
 In Beach (North) Car Park were 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoths.

Essex Skippers, 2nd July 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Comma, 2nd July 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Six-spot Burnet, 2nd July 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

July 1st. Flying south was a Honey Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill. Offshore were 300 Sandwich Tern, an Arctic Tern, 4 Common Tern, 70 Little Tern, 500 Common Scoter and 10 Gannet. Around were 174 Shelduck, 150 Curlew, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Turnstone, a Little Gull, 2 Sand Martin, a Grasshopper Warbler, 60 Starling and a Crossbill.
 Dragonflies included a Red-veined Darter.

Late June 2017

June 30th. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Spoonbill. Offshore were 450 Common Scoter. Going south were 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Curlew and 80 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: a Linnet, 7 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Meadow Pipit and 2 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 3 Dunnock, a Goldfinch, 2 Whitethroat and a Great Tit.

June 29th. Soggy start, slowly drying out.
 Birds around included 7 Sandwich Tern and a Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands was a Common Sandpiper. Heading south were 7 Lapwing, 38 Curlew, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 150 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 15 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Sedge Warbler, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and a Starling; and 13 retraps: 4 Wren, 5 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Linnet.

June 28th. Rain and strong wind for most of the day, making recording difficult.
 A few common birds were seen.

June 27th. Intermittent rain from late morning.
 Around was a Hobby. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Common Sandpiper, 29 Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Going south were 2 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 2 Wren, a Linnet, 2 Dunnock and a Woodpigeon; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and a Goldfinch.

June 26th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill. Bird around included a Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Cuckoo, 20 Sandwich Tern and 60 Little Tern.
 The sixth session of CES was done this morning. The 28 new birds were 12 Wren, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Dunnock and a Wood Pigeon. The 14 retraps were a Song Thrush, 5 Whitethroat, 3 WillowWarbler, 3 Dunnock and 2 Wren.
 In Beach Car Park were now 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoths.

Spoonbills, 26th June 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Beach Car Park 26th June 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale 

June 25th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill and 2 Wigeon. Around were 10 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 4 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 8 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Linnet; and 2 retrap Whitethroat.
 A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was in Beach Car Park.

June 24th. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill and a Common Sandpiper. Going south were 156 Swift, a Hobby, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 16 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Great Tit, 7 Whitethroat, a Goldfinch, a Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 14 retraps: 2 Great Tit, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting and 2 Wren.

June 23rd. Around were a Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier and a Grasshopper Warbler. Offshore were 4 Common Tern and 40 Sandwich Tern. On Jackson's Marsh was a Common Sandpiper. Heading north were 2 Manx Shearwater; and south 60 Gannet, 2 Auk Spp, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and 86 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Chaffinch and a Meadow Pipit.

June 22nd. On the Mere were 2 Little Gull; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Great Crested Grebe. Birds around included an adult Black-tailed Godwit and a Grasshopper Warbler. Flying south were 3 Hobby and 3500 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 8 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Great Tit, 2 Whitethroat, a Meadow Pipit, a Goldfinch and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and 2 Whitethroat.

June 21st. The summer solstice - the longest day.
 On Tennyson's Sands early were 2 Spoonbill (which flew off later) and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Around were a Wigeon, an adult Black-tailed Godwit, a Grasshopper Warbler and 2 House Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Wren, 2 Whitethroat, a Robin and 2 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Dunnock, a Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 2 Wren and a Linnet.
 Dragonflies included a Red-veined Darter.

Mid June 2017

June 20th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill. Birds around included a Brent Goose, 118 Shelduck, 80 Ringed Plover, a Little Ringed Plover, a Siskin, 30 Sandwich Tern, a Cuckoo and 8 Rook. Going north were 65 Common Scoter.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Linnet, a Great Tit, a Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Linnet, a Dunnock and a Willow Warbler.

June 19th. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands a Wigeon. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Sand Martin and a Siskin. Heading south were 6 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 3 new birds: 2 Blackcap and a Sedge Warbler; and 8 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 3 Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Chiffchaff and a Long-tailed Tit.
 In the East Dunes were 18 Six-spotted Burnet and 2 Painted Lady.

June 18th. The 2 Spoonbill remained on Tennyson's Sands. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Cuckoo and a Kingfisher. Over the Mere was a Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet, 10 Starling and a Kingfisher; and 10 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, a Wren, a Whitethroat and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Bee Orchid, 18th June 2017.
Photo - Rhianna Wilson

Bee Orchid, 18th June 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Broad-bodied Chaser, 18th June 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Kingfisher. ringed 18th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 17th. A Common Crane flew south onto the Wash. Also flying south were 2 Swift; and north a Wood Sandpiper. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill and a Little Ringed Plover. Around were 113 Shelduck, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 65 Little Tern, 4 Grey Heron, a Cuckoo and a Kingfisher.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: 2 Wren, a Reed Warbler, a Blue Tit, a Linnet, a Dunnock and 6 Starling; and 4 retraps: singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Warbler and Dunnock.
 Butterflies included a Painted Lady.

Common Crane south over The Wash, 17th June 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

June 16th. On Jackson's Marsh was a Great White Egret; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spoonbill. Birds around included a Wood Sandpiper and 3 Rook. Going south were a Hobby, a Grey Heron, 2 Sand Martin and 600 Swift. A three hour sea-watch from dawn produced 5 Manx Shearwater, a Fulmar, 52 Auk spp, 58 Gannet, 6 Shoveler, 19 Canada Goose, 34 Common Scoter and 4 Kittiwake. A Red Kite was seen over Seacroft Golf Course early morning.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 8 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock and 3 Starling; and 8 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit and a Chaffinch.

Great White Egret on Jackson's Marsh, 16th June 2017
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Spoonbills, 16th June 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

Great White Egret, 16th June 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

June 15th. On Tennyson's Sands were up to 3 Spoonbill, a Little Ringed Plover and a Ruff. Around, including birds trapped, were 166 Shelduck, 2 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo and a Bullfinch. Heading south were 2000 Swift and 2 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 18 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Reed Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Bullfinch, a Robin, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and 4 Starling; and 9 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, 3 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and a Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 23 new birds: a Wren, 13 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blue Tit and a Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, a Willow Warbler and a Dunnock.
 A Water Shrew was found in East Dunes.

Bullfinch, ringed 15th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 14th. A Willow Tit (first record since 30th June 2011) was discovered by the Plantation feeder station. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spoonbill and a Little Tern. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Cuckoo and a Kingfisher. Going south were 5 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 24 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 8 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit, 8 Starling and a Kingfisher; and 3 retraps: a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Kingfisher, ringed 14th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 13th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill and a Little Ringed Plover. Around were 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Cuckoo, a Kingfisher and a Turtle Dove. Flying south were 4 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Great Tit, a Starling, a Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush; and 8 retraps: 3 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat.

Spoonbill (bird 1), 13th June 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Spoonbill (bird 2), 13th June 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Moulting adult Mistle Thrush, ringed 13th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 12th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill in the evening; and on Fenland Lagoon 2 Little Tern. Birds around included 2 Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Rook and a Siskin. An afternoon sea-watch provided 18 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar, 50 Little Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern and 6 Auk Spp. Going south were an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Hobby and 750 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 21 new birds: 2 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit, 13 Starling and a Wood Pigeon; and 16 retraps: 6 Blue Tit, 2 Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and 5 Great Tit.

Woodpigeon, ringed 12th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 11th. In from the north came 2 Spoonbill, of which 1 flew off to Norfolk. Around were 2 Cuckoo, a Kingfisher and 4 Rook. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby and 140 Swift.

 The fifth session of CES was done this morning. The 20 new birds were 2 Wren, 8 Chiffchaff, a Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Carrion Crow. The 10 retraps were 2 Wren, 2 Great Tit, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Dunnock, a Chiffchaff and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Carrion Crow, ringed 11th May 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Speckled Wood, 11th June 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Pyramidal Orchids, 11th June 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Early June 2017

June 10th. Some light rain mid morning.
 Birds around included 2 Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove and a Goldcrest. Going south were 120 Starling.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Robin, 2 Linnet, a Whitethroat and a Starling; and 7 retraps: 4 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Wren and a Linnet.

June 9th. Soggy start, gradually drying out.
  The  Common Crane reappeared briefly over the reserve in the morning. On Croftmarsh was a Pink-footed Goose; and on Jackson's Marsh a Little Gull. Around were 4 Teal, 350 Oystercatcher, a Whimbrel, 30 Lapwing, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Turtle Dove, 3 Cuckoo and a Hobby. Heading south were 9 Swift and 60 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 28 new birds: a Linnet, a Robin, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, 8 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and 13 Starling; and 10 retraps: a Linnet, a Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, a Wren and 5 Blue Tit.
 A nest box check revealed 2 adult Barn Owls, of which 1 was ringed, and a clutch of 6 warm eggs.

Adult Barn Owl, ringed 9th June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Pink-footed Goose, 9th June 2016.
Photo - Nige Lound

Barn Owl, 9th June 2017.

Barn Owl, 9th June 2017.

Hobby, 9th June 2017.

Mute Swan with cygnets on the Mere, 9th June 2017.

Oystercatcher with chick on Fenland Lagoon, 9th June 2017.

 June 8th. Some rain in morning. Quite strong wind, gradually decreasing.
 Birds around included a Hobby. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill (which later flew off north-west) and 2 Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were a male Pochard, 4 adult Kittiwake and 300 Swift.
 Dragonflies included 4 Red-veined Darter.

June 7th. Still very windy, but slowly decreasing in afternoon.
 The Spoonbill moved to Jackson's Marsh. Around were a Hobby and 11 Crossbill. Going south were 120 Swift. Sea-watching produced a Manx Shearwater, 40 Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern and 25 Little Tern.

June 6th. Wind decreasing then increasing, with intermittent rain.
 The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson's Sands. Birds around included a Hobby. Heading south were 2 Whimbrel and 650 Swift.

June 5th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with rain developing in afternoon.
 The Common Crane reappeared briefly over the reserve in the morning. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spoonbill. Around was a Cuckoo. Flying south were 286 Swift and 2 House Martin.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit and 3 Dunnock; and 4 retraps: 3 Whitethroat and a Linnet.

June 4th. A Common Crane flew briefly over Croftmarsh at 0925hrs.  On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill; and on Fenland Lagoon was a Greenshank. Birds around included a Red Kite, 2 Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoo. Going south were 11 Common Scoter and 75 Swift.
 The fourth session of CES was done this morning. The 6 new birds were a Long-tailed Tit, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, a Robin and a Blackcap. The 15 retraps were 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Willow Warbler and 2 Blackbird.

Common Crane, 4th June 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

Common Crane, 4th June 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

Common Crane, 4th June 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Common Crane, 4th June 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

June 3rd. Brief light rain in morning.
 A Common Crane was on a field near Croftmarsh. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Cuckoo, a Kingfisher and 2 Spotted Flycatcher. Heading south was a Merlin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Linnet, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Chaffinch and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.
 Butterflies included 4 Painted Lady.

Common Crane, 3rd June 2017.
Photo - David Hitchin

Kingfisher, 3rd June 2017.
Photo - Tony Keefe

Spotted Flycatcher, ringed 3rd June 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

June 2nd. Birds around included a Red Kite, a Short-eared Owl, a Turtle Dove and 3 Cuckoo. The Spoonbill and Great Crested Grebe were still on Tennyson's Sands. Offshore were 30 Sandwich Tern, a Gannet and a Great Crested Grebe. Flying south were 180 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 4 new birds: a Whitethroat, a Blue Tit and 2 Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.

Southern Marsh Orchid, 2nd June 2017.
Photo - Nicky Yeadon

June 1st. The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson's Sands. Around were a Wigeon, a Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 2 Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail. Going south was a Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 2 new birds: a Whitethroat and a Mistle Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.
 A check of nest boxes resulted in 6 Blue Tit pulli and 6 Great Tit pulli ringed; a sitting adult Great Tit; and several broods the wrong size for ringing. However, a number of dead chicks and wet, abandoned nests were presumably the result of recent heavy rains.