Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog

Early February 2026

February 9th. A warmer day with some broken sunny intervals in a light south south easterly.

Highlights of the day were a fine female Scaup that was found on Tennyson's Sands early on and stayed for the majority of the day. Also new in on there were 2 Avocets. Lapwings continued to put on a show over Croft Marsh with large numbers moving around.

Female Scaup with Tufted Ducks on Tennyson's Sands, 9th February 2026
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

First 2 Avocets of the year on Tennyson's Sands, 9th February 2026
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Lapwings putting on a show, 9th February 2026
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Tufted Ducks, 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Oystercatchers on the beach, 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Cormorants and waders on the beach, 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

February 8th. A cloudy day but staying dry in a light southerly breeze.

Highlights of the day were 11 White-fronted Geese on Field 10 and a further 31 flew South into the Wash early afternoon. Also 10,000 Lapwing were flying around the reserve for much of the day coming and going from Croft Marsh and beyond.

On the water bodies were 128 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 700 Wigeon, 62 Mallard, 240 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 8 Little Grebe and a calling Cetti's Warbler (Harvey's Hide). Also about were 200 Golden Plover (Croft Marsh), 48 Curlew, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, a Buzzard and a Barn Owl

Lapwings, 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Some of 10,000 Lapwings over Croft Marsh, 8th February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Curlews and Wigeon etc 8th February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Shoveler's 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Grazing the natural way in the West Dunes, 8th February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

February 7th. A virtual repeat of yesterday with occasional drizzle and a light east south easterly wind.

A look at the high tide roost produced 2300 Oystercatchers, 5000 Lapwing, 800 Grey Plover, 80 Curlew, 300 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Turnstone, 3500 Knot, 250 Sanderling and 400 Dunlin. Over the sea 3 Red-throated Divers headed south. Also on the beach were 3000 Herring Gulls.

The water bodies around the reserve and Croft Marsh held 14 White-fronted Geese (Field 10), 171 Shoveler, 17 Gadwall, 700 Wigeon, 35 Mallard, 1 drake Pintail, 260 Teal, 1 drake Pochard, 46 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe and 1 Cetti's Warbler (Singing by North Hide). On Croft Marsh and beyond were 800 Golden Plover and 7000 Lapwings.

Also around the reserve, there were 4 Woodcock, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Fieldfare and a female Bullfinch.

Velvet Shanks Fungus (Flammulina velutipes), also known as Enoki or Wild Enoki
8th February 2026, Photo - Caroline Sedgley

February 6th. Another cloudy day with occasional rain through put in a moderate easterly wind dropping as the day went on.

Very poor visibility again today but it continues to be very busy along the foreshore with good numbers of Waders and large Gulls feeding. 8 Woodcock came out of a relatively small patch of scrub in the West Dunes.

Jelly Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae), 8th February 2026
Photo - Caroline Sedgley

Fungus colony - a bracket type, possibly Tripe fungus or possibly Splitgill Fungus,
8th February 2026, Photo - Caroline Sedgley

February 5th. A mainly cloudy day with occasional light rain or drizzle in a strong easterly wind.

Highlight of the day were 2 Ravens that flew Eastwards over the entrance to the reserve.

A cold cloudy day sea watching, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

February 4th. Another cloudy day, staying dry with the light easterly wind continuing.

A sea watch produced 18 Shoveler, 11 Eider and 4 Red-throated Diver (South). On the beach were 800 Oystercatcher, 1200 Grey Plover, 120 Redshank, 40 Turnstone, 120 Sanderling, 150 Dunlin, 3500 Herring Gulls and 48 Great Black-backed Gull.

The water bodies around the reserve held 12 White-fronted Geese, 138 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 600 Wigeon (Croft Marsh and Field 10), 44 Mallard, 4 drake Pintail (1 on Mere and 3 on Jackson's Marsh), 135 Teal, 2 drake Pochard (Tennyson's Sands, later on the Mere), 34 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Grebe, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe and 2 Cetti's Warbler (Tennyson's Sands). Out from North Hide in the late afternoon, 12 White-fronted Geese were feeding on Croft Marsh.

Elsewhere around the reserve, were 20 Woodcock, 1 Buzzard, 1 Short-eared Owl (Visitor Centre Car Park at Dusk), 1 Peregrine, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Corn Bunting and 19 Reed Bunting.

Drake Pintail on the Mere, 4th February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Drake Pochards, 4th February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Ducks flushed on Tennyson's Sands, 3rd February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Reed Bunting actually in Reeds! 4th February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Snowdrops along the cycle track, 3rd February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

February 3rd. Cloudy all day again with rain near to dusk and a moderate cold easterly wind.

The 12 Barnacle Geese were re-found on feeding on the Fresh Water Marsh early morning but had left there by mid morning. A look at the sea produced 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser and 1 Red-throated Diver heading South. On the beach were 300 oystercatcher, 60 Sanderling, 2500 Herring Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull and 1 adult Caspian Gull.

Elsewhere around the reserve 3 White-fronted Geese remained (Field 10), 1 Barn Owl, 2 Mistle Thrush (Field 10) and 1 Rock Pipit.

White-fronted Geese (Field 10), 3rd February 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Wigeon over Croft Marsh, 3rd February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Shoveler, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Tufted Duck, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Marsh Harrier, 3rd February 2026
Photo - David Nutt

February 2nd. Cloudy all day but staying dry in an increasing easterly wind.

Highlight of the day were 12 Barnacle Geese found feeding out from Mill Hill on the saltings during the morning. Also out on the foreshore was the lone Shorelark.

A look at the sea produced 1 drake Pintail, 18 Teal, 6 Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag along the shoreline, all heading South. The beach was again a mass of Gulls with 9 Great Black-backed Gulls and 3500 Herring Gulls.

The Water bodies around the reserve contained 160 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 72 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Rail (Harvey's Hide), 2 Little Grebe, 26 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Cetti's Warbler (Tennyson's Sands).

Also about the reserve were 13 White-fronted Geese (Field 10), 1 Woodcock, 5000 Lapwing (Croft Marsh and beyond), 2 Short-eared Owls and an adult male Marsh Harrier.

Barnacle Geese, 2nd February 2026

Video - Nige Lound

Lapwings over Croft Marsh, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Black-tailed Godwits over Tennyson's Sands, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Redshank on the beach, 2nd February 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

February 1st. A cloudy day with light rain later on and just a hint of an easterly breeze.

On the water bodies were 15 Brent Geese & 13 White-fronted Geese (Croft Marsh), 171 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 400 Wigeon, 47 Mallard, 150 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 13 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Cetti's Warbler (North Hide).

Also around the reserve were 85 Pink-footed Geese (South), 2500 Golden Plover and 10,000 Lapwing (Croft Marsh and beyond), 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Barn Owl.

Little Grebe, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Late January 2026

January 31st. A very pleasant, dry morning with bright sunshine (for the first time in a few days!), although the cool south-easterly breeze continues.

Again, the foreshore was very busy with gulls and waders feeding on the ebbing tide including 240 Redshank, 520 Sanderling, 600 Oystercatcher, 60 Turnstone, 3200 Herring Gull and 500 Common Gull.

Two White-fronted Geese were mobile around the reserve and 4000 Lapwings and 900 Golden Plovers came off adjacent fields past Croft Marsh. A Red Kite flew south mid-morning and a Pochard was on the Mere, the first of the year. Several Woodcocks were still in the dunes and a Water Pipit was noted.

Birds feeling the first hints of Spring and singing, included Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Great Tit and several Skylarks.

Male Shoveler, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Female Shoveler, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Male Tufted Ducks, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

January 30th. Remaining cold with a south-easterly breeze.

The only records today were the flock of at east 40 White-fronted Geese on Croftmarsh and the regular Treecreeper along the Cycle track.

White-fronted Geese, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Canada Geese, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Jackdaws, 30th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

January 29th. Another cold day despite the full cloud cover all day which refused to budge in a light west south westerly.

Highlights of the day were 2 Bearded Tits around Fenella Hope Hide on Tennyson's Sands mid morning. A short time later 47 White-fronted Geese were located on Moat Pond at the south end of Tennyson's Sands, late afternoon they were on Croft Marsh opposite North Hide.

On the sea were 7 Eider and a Red-throated Diver. On the beach were 500 Oystercatcher, 75 Curlew, 40 Turnstone, 2000 Herring Gulls, 34 Great Black-backed Gulls and 26 Cormorant. On the water bodies were 78 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 700 Wigeon, 250 Teal and 16 Tufted Duck. 3000 Lapwings were on Croft Marsh and beyond. Elsewhere around the reserve were 2 Woodcock

January 28th. A warmer day with a gentle southerly wind, sunny at first but clouding over some what later.

Highlight of the day was near dusk when a Bittern was heard calling briefly from the direction of Tennyson's Sands north end.

On the sea were 2 Eider, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Red-throated Diver. On Tennyson's Sands, there were 146 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 131 Teal, 29 Tufted Duck, 31 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler.

Elsewhere across the mudflats and beach etc were 300 Brent Geese, 110 Pink-footed Geese, 600 Wigeon, 510 Oystercatcher, 420 Sanderling, 240 Curlew, 420 Sanderling, 131 Redshank and 2000 Herring Gulls.

Around the rest of the reserve there were 9 Woodcock, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare and 70 Linnets.

Short -eared Owl at dusk on the old Saltmarsh, 28th January 2026
Photo - Rob Watson

January 27th. A cold and wet day with rain for most of it, being driven along in a very strong south easterly wind as Storm Chandra arrive in the UK.

No records received - probably everybody staying dry!

January 26th. A cold day with full cloud cover though out and a moderate north easterly switching around to a south westerly by dark.

Sea watching produced 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Black-throated Diver. On the beach were 600 Oystercatcher, 54 Ringed plover, 21 Turnstone and 215 Sanderling.

Around the water bodies were 87 Shoveler, 31 Gadwall, 272 Teal, 40 Tufted Duck, 40 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Snipe. Also around the reserve were 900+ Wigeon (Croft Marsh), 6 Woodcock and a Marsh Harrier.

Mute Swan, 21st January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Lapwings, 21st January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Bar-tailed Godwit, 21st January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

January 25th. Cold and dull again with a moderate easterly.

A morning sea watch revealed 2 Eider, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar and a Gannet. An adult Little Gull flew over Mill Hill towards Tennyson's Sands. On the foreshore, a single Shorelark remained. On Greenshanks Creek and Ridge were 16 Shelduck, 1200 Herring Gull, 16 Great Black-backed Gull and 54 Cormorant.

On the water bodies were 29 Brent Geese, 120 Greylag Geese, 100 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 400 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 26 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Goldeneye (Tennyson's Sands at first light), 1 Little Grebe, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe and 1 Cetti's Warbler. Also around were 4 Woodcock (Cycle Track).

The Lone Shorelark, 25th January 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Marsh Harrier, 24th January 2026
Photo - Paul Neale

Black-tailed Godwits, 24th January 2026
Photo - Paul Neale

January 24th. A cool and increasing South-easterly breeze but remaining dry and bright.

A morning sea watch resulted in a northbound Sooty Shearwater which is a rare January record along with a Great Northern Diver and 30 Red-throated Divers going south. Also two Caspian Gulls were amongst 1200 Herring Gulls roosting on the beach where 16 Turnstone were also feeding.

On the water bodies were 121 Shoveler, 31 Gadwall, 57 Mallard, 297 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler. On Croft Marsh and beyond, there were 1550 Lapwing, 1400 Golden Plover and 410 Wigeon. Also about was a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard and a Merlin.

Dawn on the 24th January
Photo - Paul Neale

Teal, 24th January 2026
Photo - Paul Neale

Shoveler's, 24th January 2026
Photo - Paul Neale

January 23rd. Another cool day with the persistent south easterly remaining moderate with cloud throughout the day.

Following the recent freeze, high numbers of Shoveler's have returned to the lagoons - up to 180 is exceptional for the Reserve. A bout of intense feeding involved 80 birds on 23rd January, possibly taking advantage of an abundance of planktonic Crustacea (BWP Vol 1).

Shoveler's, 23rd January 2026.Video by Kev Wilson.

January 22nd. Still feeling cold in a moderate east south easterly with full cloud cover all day and occasional drizzle.

On the sea were 1 Great Crested Grebe (South) and 11 Red-throated Diver. On the beach were 1000 Herring Gull and 26 Turnstone on the beach.

The water bodies contained 127 Shoveler, 29 Gadwall, 750 Wigeon, 91 Mallard, 500 Teal, 23 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe and 6 Black-tailed Godwit whilst flying over Tennyson's Sands at first light were 5000 Lapwing. also on there were 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Cetti's Warbler and a Marsh Harrier. Also around today were 1 Treecreeper, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard and 1 Tawny Owl.

Brent Goose, 22nd January 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Marsh Harrier, 22nd January 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Marsh Harrier on Tennyson's Sands, 22nd January 2026
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwing, 22nd January 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

Long-tailed Tit, 22nd January 20226
Photo - Mike Watts

Treecreeper, 22nd January 2026
Photo - Mike Watts

January 21st. Feeling cold in a moderate south easterly wind despite the full cloud cover and rain for most of the morning.

On a morning sea watch there were 6 Eider, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 27 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver (South together) and 1 Great Northern Diver (South close in) whilst on the beach (Greenshanks Ridge) were 400 Grey Plover, 18 Turnstone, 120 Sanderling, 400 Dunlin, 400 Herring Gull and 140 Cormorant.

Elsewhere on the water bodies were 200 Pink-footed Geese, 146 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 400 Wigeon (Croft Marsh), 603 Teal, 25 Tufted Duck, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Water Pipit and 1 Cetti's Warbler (Tennyson's Sands) whilst on Croft Marsh were 1200 Lapwing.

Late on 3 Goosanders were at the North end of Tennyson's Sands, apparently roosting during the late afternoon (A drake and 2 Redheads). Also about were 2 Woodcock, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard and a Merlin.

Brent Geese, 20th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Lapwings and Golden Plovers, 20th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Bar-tailed Godwit, 20th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Wren, 20th January 2026
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Blue Tit, 20th January 2026
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Goldfinch, 20th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt

Robin, 20th January 2026
Photo - David Nutt