November 30th: Decreasing north-westerly wind, mostly cloudy, rainy morning.
Birds around included a Merlin, a Green Woodpecker, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Woodcock and a Lapland Bunting. On the Mere were 2 Water Rails, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. At sea 37 Gannets, 10 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Eider, a Guillemot and 3 Mallard flew north, and 4 Gannets, 7 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe and a Great Skua south, while offshore were 2 Red-throated Divers and 2 Great Crested Grebes. South down the beach went 3 Snow Buntings.
November 29th: Quite strong north-westerly wind, mostly cloudy.
On the Mere were 5 Black-tailed Godwits and a Jack Snipe, on Fenland Lagoon 4 Redshanks, and on Tennyson Sands 50 Black-tailed Godwits and a Pintail.
November 28th: Light north-westerly wind, cloudy, mild.
Around were a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Snow Bunting and a Fieldfare. On Tennyson Sands were 800 Brent Geese, on Croftmarsh 400 Lapwings, on Fenland Lagoon 4 Redshanks, and on the Mere 43 Black-tailed Godwits and a Water Rail. Flying south were 29 Black-tailed Godwits.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 15 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinches and a Blackbird; and 33 retraps, including 2 Goldcrests, but otherwise the usual common species.
Trapped moths new for the year were Red Sword-Grass (rare in Lincolnshire) and Winter Moth.
November 27th: Moderate north-westerly wind, mostly cloudy, damp start but mild.
Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Goldcrests, a Yellowhammer, 3 Fieldfares and 7 Redwings. On Tennyson Sands were 1000 Brent Geese, on Croftmarsh another 50 Brent Geese, and on the Mere 50 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Common Snipes.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue was quite productive. The 31 new birds were a Goldcrest, 4 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, a Blue Tit, a Yellowhammer, 17 Greenfinches and a Blackbird. The 25 retraps included a Goldcrest, but otherwise were the usual tits, finches and others.
November 26th; Moderate westerly wind, freezing start, mostly cloudy.
Around were 4 Fieldfares, a Merlin and a Woodcock. On the Mere was a Water Rail, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail.
November 25th: Moderate north-westerly wind, cloudy.
Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Snow Buntings, 6 Fieldfares and a Woodcock. On the Mere were 49 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Snipe, a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, on Fenland Lagoon 7 Redshanks and a Black-tailed Godwit, on Croftmarsh 2000 Golden Plovers and 5 Whooper Swans, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. Offshore were 200 Common Scoter, 40 Eider, 2 Red-throated Divers and 200+ Cormorants. Across the River Steeping were 1250 Pink-footed Geese.
November 24th: Increasing north-westerly then northeasterly wind, cloudy, drizzly start.
Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin and a Common Buzzard. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, on Tennyson Sands a Redshank, a Dunlin, a Pintail and a Pochard, and on Croftmarsh 3000 Golden Plovers and 10 Whooper Swans. At sea 10 Common Scoter, 2 Gannets, a Red-throated Diver, a Razorbill, 5 Guillemots and a Sooty Shearwater flew north, and a Gannet south, while a Great Crested Grebe and 2 Red-throated Divers were offshore.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 21 new birds and 31 retraps. The new birds were 12 Greenfinches, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Blackbirds and a Chaffinch. The retraps were 9 Greenfinches, 7 Blue Tits, 5 Great Tits, 2 Robins, 2 Dunnocks, 2 Goldfinches and singles of Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Blackbird and Chaffinch.
November 23rd: Moderate north-westerly wind, mostly cloudy, intermittent rain.
Birds around were 2 Lapland Buntings, 24 Snow Buntings, a Green Woodpecker, a Woodcock, 44 Black-tailed Godwits, a Brambling and 3000 Golden Plovers. On the Mere were a Water Rail and a Jack Snipe, and on Tennyson Sands another Water Rail. At sea a Long-tailed Duck headed north and a juvenile Pomarine Skua south, while offshore were 3 Red-breasted Mergansers.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue was quite productive. The 38 new birds were a Wren, 7 Goldfinches, 5 Chaffinches, a Blackcap, 17 Greenfinches and 7 Blackbirds. The 28 retraps were the usual tits, finches and others.
November 22nd: Decreasing north-easterly wind, mostly cloudy.
Around were a male Hen Harrier, 3000 Golden Plovers, a Water Pipit, 2 Woodcock, a Fieldfare, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 24 Snow Buntings, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and 28 Black-tailed Godwits. At sea a Leach's Petrel, a Storm Petrel and 98 Eider flew north, and 3 more Eider south.
November 21st: Strong north-easterly wind, mostly cloudy, relatively mild.
Birds around included a Chiffchaff, a Brambling, a Redpoll, 7 Fieldfares and a Woodcock. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Croftmarsh 1000 Pink-footed Geese and 10 Whooper Swans. Offshore were 2 Goldeneye, a Velvet Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 210 Cormorants and 15 Eider, while 14 Fulmars flew north. Across the River Steeping were 3000 Golden Plovers and 50 Lapwings.
Mid November 2013
November 20th: Decreasing south-westerly then north-westerly wind, cloudy and rainy morning, clear afternoon.
Birds around included a Woodcock. On Croftmarsh were 100 Lapwings and 35 Golden Plovers, and on the Mere a Jack Snipe and 2 Water Rails.
November 19th: Light to moderate north-westerly wind, frozen start, then slowly warmed up in the sun, then cloudy.
Around were 2 male Hen Harriers and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Pintail, and on the Mere 2 Jack Snipe.
A much-delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 9 new birds: 3 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinches and 3 Blackbirds; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Blue Tit.
November 18th: Light westerly wind, cloudy, misty start.
Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Brambling and 9 Fieldfares. On Fenland Lagoon were a Redshank, a Grey Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 30 Pink-footed Geese, 60 Lapwings and 25 Redwings.
November 17th: Light variable wind, cloudy.
Around were a Merlin, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker and 3 Bramblings. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, on the Borrow Pits another Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 100 Lapwings.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 26 new birds and 64 retraps. The new birds were 13 Greenfinches, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Blackbirds and singles of Wren, Brambling, Blackcap, Robin and Blue Tit. The retraps were 28 Greenfinches, 10 Great Tits, 8 Blue Tits, 5 Goldfinches, 4 Dunnocks, 2 Robins, 2 Goldcrests and singles of Wren, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit.
November 16th: Light north-westerly wind, cloudy, misty start.
Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Bramblings, a Goldcrest and a Merlin. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Water Rail, on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. On the beach was a Snow Bunting. Flying south was a Lapland Bunting.
A ringing session at Alymer Avenue resulted in 31 new birds and 25 retraps. The news were 2 Chaffinches, a Brambling, 6 Goldfinches, 19 Greenfinches and 3 Blackbirds.
November 15th: Light north-westerly wind, mostly sunny.
Around, including birds trapped, were a Coal Tit, 2 Bramblings, 90 Lapwings and a Rook. On the Mere were 2 Water Rails, a Jack Snipe and a Pintail, on Jackson's Marsh 6 Stock Doves, and on Tennyson Sands 17 Black-tailed Godwits. Across the River Steeping were 1250 Pink-footed Geese and 9+ Whooper Swans.
The only bird caught in the final morning ringing session in East Dunes was a new Robin. Ringing operations have now ceased there for the winter.
A brief afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 27 new birds and 10 retraps. The new birds were 11 Greenfinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches and singles of Great Tit, Blue Tit and Brambling. The retraps were 4 Great Tits, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Blue Tits and a Dunnock.
November 14th: Quite strong north-westerly wind, generally clear.
At dawn about 700 Pink-footed Geese flew from their roost on the estuary over the reserve and across the River Steeping. Around were a Woodcock and 8 Fieldfares.
The catch on the penultimate morning ringing session in East Dunes was just a new Blackbird and a retrap Robin.
November 13th: Light south-westerly wind, mostly sunny.
At dawn about 1000 Pink-footed Geese took off from the estuary, and about 300 headed off north-west. The other 700 or so flew to fields across the River Steeping, or, in small numbers, flew around the reserve. At the same time 15 Whooper Swans went south from the estuary across the Wash. Birds around included a Merlin, 1500 Starlings, and 100 Blackbirds.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was reasonable. The new birds were a Goldcrest, a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush, 8 Blackbirds and 7 Starlings. The retraps were a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Robins, 2 Wrens, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush.
November 12th: Light to moderate westerly wind, cloudy and soggy start, then mostly sunny.
Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Woodcocks, 3 Bramblings, a Redpoll, 1500 Starlings and 850 Blackbirds. Two Kestrels were fighting on the ground at Sykes Farm. On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Grey Plovers and a Redshank, and on the Mere a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail. On the sea were 28 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Goldeneye, an Eider, a Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe. Flying south at sea were 2 Goldeneye, 26 Wigeon and 2 Long-tailed Ducks, and north 2 Teal, an Auk Spp, 5 Red-throated Divers and 5 Gannets. In off the sea came 38 Curlew. Across the River Steeping were 650 Pink-footed Geese, 3000 Golden Plovers and 250 Lapwings.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was quite productive. The new birds were a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 34 Blackbirds and 5 Starlings; and there was a retrap Dunnock.
A simultaneous ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 7 new birds: 2 Bramblings, a Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinches and a Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 5 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Robins, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnocks, 2 Blue Tits and a Chaffinch.
November 11th: Quite strong south-westerly wind, cloudy, light rain for most of day.
A miserable day for birds and birding. On the Mere were 2 Snipe, on Fenland Lagoon a Spotted Redshank, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. In the afternoon at least 300 Blackbirds were present, presumably having just arrived.
No ringing was attempted.
Birds around included a Woodcock. On Croftmarsh were 100 Lapwings and 35 Golden Plovers, and on the Mere a Jack Snipe and 2 Water Rails.
November 19th: Light to moderate north-westerly wind, frozen start, then slowly warmed up in the sun, then cloudy.
Around were 2 male Hen Harriers and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Pintail, and on the Mere 2 Jack Snipe.
A much-delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 9 new birds: 3 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinches and 3 Blackbirds; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Blue Tit.
November 18th: Light westerly wind, cloudy, misty start.
Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Brambling and 9 Fieldfares. On Fenland Lagoon were a Redshank, a Grey Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 30 Pink-footed Geese, 60 Lapwings and 25 Redwings.
November 17th: Light variable wind, cloudy.
Around were a Merlin, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker and 3 Bramblings. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, on the Borrow Pits another Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 100 Lapwings.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 26 new birds and 64 retraps. The new birds were 13 Greenfinches, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Blackbirds and singles of Wren, Brambling, Blackcap, Robin and Blue Tit. The retraps were 28 Greenfinches, 10 Great Tits, 8 Blue Tits, 5 Goldfinches, 4 Dunnocks, 2 Robins, 2 Goldcrests and singles of Wren, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit.
November 16th: Light north-westerly wind, cloudy, misty start.
Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Bramblings, a Goldcrest and a Merlin. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Water Rail, on Fenland Lagoon a Redshank, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. On the beach was a Snow Bunting. Flying south was a Lapland Bunting.
A ringing session at Alymer Avenue resulted in 31 new birds and 25 retraps. The news were 2 Chaffinches, a Brambling, 6 Goldfinches, 19 Greenfinches and 3 Blackbirds.
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| First-year male Brambling, ringed on 16th November 2013. Photo - Mick Briggs |
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| First-year male Brambling, ringed on 16th November 2013. Photo - Mick Briggs |
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| A retrap Blue Tit - nearly seven years since it was first ringed (as a second-year bird!) on 16th November 2013. Photo - Mick Briggs |
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| A retrap Blue Tit - nearly seven years since it was first ringed (as a second-year bird!) on 16th November 2013. Photo - Mick Briggs |
Around, including birds trapped, were a Coal Tit, 2 Bramblings, 90 Lapwings and a Rook. On the Mere were 2 Water Rails, a Jack Snipe and a Pintail, on Jackson's Marsh 6 Stock Doves, and on Tennyson Sands 17 Black-tailed Godwits. Across the River Steeping were 1250 Pink-footed Geese and 9+ Whooper Swans.
The only bird caught in the final morning ringing session in East Dunes was a new Robin. Ringing operations have now ceased there for the winter.
A brief afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 27 new birds and 10 retraps. The new birds were 11 Greenfinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches and singles of Great Tit, Blue Tit and Brambling. The retraps were 4 Great Tits, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Blue Tits and a Dunnock.
November 14th: Quite strong north-westerly wind, generally clear.
At dawn about 700 Pink-footed Geese flew from their roost on the estuary over the reserve and across the River Steeping. Around were a Woodcock and 8 Fieldfares.
The catch on the penultimate morning ringing session in East Dunes was just a new Blackbird and a retrap Robin.
November 13th: Light south-westerly wind, mostly sunny.
At dawn about 1000 Pink-footed Geese took off from the estuary, and about 300 headed off north-west. The other 700 or so flew to fields across the River Steeping, or, in small numbers, flew around the reserve. At the same time 15 Whooper Swans went south from the estuary across the Wash. Birds around included a Merlin, 1500 Starlings, and 100 Blackbirds.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was reasonable. The new birds were a Goldcrest, a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush, 8 Blackbirds and 7 Starlings. The retraps were a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Robins, 2 Wrens, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush.
November 12th: Light to moderate westerly wind, cloudy and soggy start, then mostly sunny.
Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Woodcocks, 3 Bramblings, a Redpoll, 1500 Starlings and 850 Blackbirds. Two Kestrels were fighting on the ground at Sykes Farm. On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Grey Plovers and a Redshank, and on the Mere a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail. On the sea were 28 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Goldeneye, an Eider, a Guillemot, 3 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe. Flying south at sea were 2 Goldeneye, 26 Wigeon and 2 Long-tailed Ducks, and north 2 Teal, an Auk Spp, 5 Red-throated Divers and 5 Gannets. In off the sea came 38 Curlew. Across the River Steeping were 650 Pink-footed Geese, 3000 Golden Plovers and 250 Lapwings.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was quite productive. The new birds were a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 34 Blackbirds and 5 Starlings; and there was a retrap Dunnock.
A simultaneous ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 7 new birds: 2 Bramblings, a Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinches and a Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 5 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Robins, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnocks, 2 Blue Tits and a Chaffinch.
November 11th: Quite strong south-westerly wind, cloudy, light rain for most of day.
A miserable day for birds and birding. On the Mere were 2 Snipe, on Fenland Lagoon a Spotted Redshank, and on Tennyson Sands a Pintail. In the afternoon at least 300 Blackbirds were present, presumably having just arrived.
No ringing was attempted.
Early November 2013
November 10th: Light to moderate westerly wind, mostly clear, frosty start.
Offshore were 2 Great Skuas and a Great Northern Diver. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlins, a Snow Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Redwings, a Fieldfare and 85 Black-tailed Godwits. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a Pintail. A flock of about 1000 Pink-footed Geese was disturbed from across the River Steeping, crossed briefly over the reserve, then flew off south-west. Flying south were 3 Siskins, 10 Fieldfares, 700 Woodpigeons, a Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.
During a morning ringing session in East Dunes new birds were a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 2 Redwings, and the retraps were singles of Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit and Goldfinch.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 22 new birds and 52 retraps. The new birds were 12 Greenfinches, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and singles of Blackbird, Brambling and Blackcap. The retraps were 27 Greenfinches, 5 Great Tits, 4 Goldfinches, 4 Robins, 3 Blue Tits, 3 Chaffinches, 2 Wrens, 2 Dunnocks and singles of Blackbird and Brambling. The best bird of the day, though, was a control male Blackcap with an Arnhem-VT Holland ring on it!
November 9th: Light south-westerly wind, mostly cloudy but some sunny spells, damp, cold start.
Around was a Marsh Harrier. On the Mere was a Pintail, and over Tennyson Sands was a late house Martin. Across the River Steeping were 600 Pink-footed Geese and 10 Whooper Swans.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes again produced little. The new birds were 2 Song Thrushes and a Blackbird, and the retraps a Blackcap and a Dunnock.
Meanwhile, over at Aylmer Avenue, a longer session resulted in 83 new birds and around 30 retraps. The catch was made up of the usual selection of finches, although it did include two Bramblings.
November 8th: Moderate south-westerly wind, mostly clear.
Birds around included a Merlin. On the Mere was a Jack Snipe, on Tennyson Sands were 50 Black-tailed Godwits, a Pintail and a Pochard, on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 3 Turnstones and 10 Lapwings, and on Croftmarsh 1000 Golden Plovers. Across the River Steeping were 200 Pink-footed Geese. Heading south were 50 Redpolls, a Brambling, 10 Whooper Swans, 3 Redwings, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Goldfinches, 7 Rock Pipits and 3 Siskins. West in off the sea came 450 Starlings.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded just 3 new birds: singles of Blackcap, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
November 7th: Light south-westerly wind, soggy start, then mostly sunny.
Around were a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlins, 2 Fieldfares and 19 Snow Buntings. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier, 8 Whooper Swans, 35 Pink-footed Geese, a Goosander and 2 Bramblings, and north 2 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe. On Croftmarsh were 1000 Golden Plover, and on Jackson's Marsh a Goldeneye.
The catch on a morning ringing session in East Dunes reflected what was present there. The news were a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Blackbird, and a Robin was retrapped.
November 6th: Moderate south-westerly wind, cloudy, light rain in afternoon.
The late Willow Warbler remained in The Sycamore Plot. Other birds around included a Chiffchaff, a Woodcock, a Bullfinch, a Coal Tit and a Merlin. Offshore were an Arctic Skua, 1980 Grey Plover, 750 Sanderling and 4660 Dunlin. On the Mere were 460 Teal, a Pintail and 10 Black-tailed Godwits, on Tennyson Sands 42 Black-tailed Godwits, 540 Teal, 40 Shoveler, a Water Rail and 34 Pink-footed Geese, and on Croftmarsh 300 Lapwing and 3000 Golden Plover. Across the River Steeping were 300 Pink-footed Geese. Heading south were a Hawfinch, 495 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swans, 35 Common Scoter, 2 Goosanders, 11 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, 4 Song Thrushes, 4 Linnets, 18 Chaffinches, 7 Reed Buntings, 5 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 24 Goldfinches, 5 Greenfinches, 2 Yellowhammers, a Mediterranean Gull, 21 Skylarks, 4 Meadow Pipits and 29 Rock Pipits.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was reasonable. The new birds were 2 Goldcrests, a Redwing and 11 Blackbirds; and the retraps a Robin and a Song Thrush.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 37 new birds and 28 retraps. The new birds were 14 Greenfinches, 12 Goldfinches, 5 Blackbirds, 3 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings and a Blue Tit. The retraps were 9 Great Tits, 8 Greenfinches, 3 Blue Tits, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Goldfinches, one of which was a British Control, and singles of Dunnock and Robin.
November 5th: Moderate westerly wind, drizzle/light rain most of day.
Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Cetti's Warbler and 11 Snow Buntings. Flying south were a Grey Wagtail, a Brambling and 2 Snow Buntings. Fieldfares and other thrushes came in off the sea. On the Mere were a Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Dunlin and a Snipe.
No ringing was attempted.
November 4th: Moderate north-westerly wind, mostly clear.
Again the Pink-footed Goose flock, now numbering 280, headed from the estuary at dawn to the fields over the River Steeping. A late Willow Warbler was in the West Dunes Sycamore Plot.On the beach were 17 Snow Buntings. Southward passage featured 17 Whooper Swans, 74 Gannets, a Great Crested Grebe, 15 Wigeon, a Goldeneye, 16 Common Scoter, 6 Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers, an Arctic Skua, 5 Mistle Thrushes, a Lapland Bunting and 3 Stock Doves; northward 111 Gannets, 40 Kittiwakes, 2 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Common Scoter; and eastward 191 Pink-footed Geese. In off the sea came 8 Fieldfares and a Woodcock.
Little was caught during a morning ringing session in East Dunes, due to clear conditions. The new birds were a Robin, 2 Reed Buntings and a Magpie, and the single retrap was a Robin.
November 3rd: Strong south-westerly wind, clear morning, partly cloudy afternoon.
The 250-strong Pink-footed Goose flock flew, early morning, from the estuary to fields across the River Steeping, where were also 500 Golden Plovers and 250 Lapwings. Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 9 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, a Short-eared Owl and a Woodcock. On the Mere were a Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Snipe. Birds heading south included 4 Whooper Swans, 27 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Siskins, a Crossbill, 2 Stock Doves and 8 Skylarks.
A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes was disappointing, the only new bird a Redwing, and the retraps a Wren, a Blue Tit and 2 Goldcrests.
November 2nd: South-westerly wind gradually increasing, mostly cloudy, rain mid afternoon.
A White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered on the Mere. It was seen later on Fenland Lagoon. Other birds around, including those trapped, included 12 Snow Buntings, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Swallow, a Short-eared Owl, a Ring Ouzel, a Jack Snipe and a Firecrest. The flock of 250 Pink-footed Geese remained across the River Steeping. South went a Lapland Bunting, a Woodlark, 35 Whooper Swans, 8 Fieldfares, 24 Skylarks, 13 Rock Pipits and 35 Whooper Swans.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes again yielded few birds. The news were 2 Wrens, a Goldcrest, 2 Reed Buntings and a Woodcock; and there was a retrap Wren.
Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, a longer ringing session resulted in 47 new birds and a good number of retraps as well. The catch was made up mainly of the usual finches etc.
November 1st: Light south-westerly wind, mostly cloudy, rain in afternoon.
Around were a Hawfinch and 2 Lapland Buntings, while 770 Woodpigeons circled around. The flock of 250 Pink-footed Geese was still across the River Steeping, 7 came in off the sea, 19 headed south and 55 east. Flying south were a Woodlark, 11 Stock Doves, 9 Rooks, 13 Redpolls, 16 Tree Sparrows, 15 Reed Buntings, 34 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 65 Linnets, 82 Goldfinches, 25 Greenfinches, 10 Siskins, 98 Skylarks, an Alba Wagtail, 36 Rock Pipits, 4 Meadow Pipits, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Fieldfares, 22 Whooper Swans, 3 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe and 17 Common Scoter.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: 6 Goldcrests, a Firecrest, 2 Robins and a Fieldfare; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Robin.
Meanwhile a longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent, using only the feeding station nets, was reasonably productive, resulting in 67 new birds and 31 retraps. The new birds were 46 Greenfinches, 17 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches and singles of Robin and Tree Sparrow. The retraps were 12 Greenfinches, 7 Blue Tits, 5 Great Tits, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Offshore were 2 Great Skuas and a Great Northern Diver. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlins, a Snow Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Redwings, a Fieldfare and 85 Black-tailed Godwits. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a Pintail. A flock of about 1000 Pink-footed Geese was disturbed from across the River Steeping, crossed briefly over the reserve, then flew off south-west. Flying south were 3 Siskins, 10 Fieldfares, 700 Woodpigeons, a Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.
During a morning ringing session in East Dunes new birds were a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 2 Redwings, and the retraps were singles of Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit and Goldfinch.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 22 new birds and 52 retraps. The new birds were 12 Greenfinches, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and singles of Blackbird, Brambling and Blackcap. The retraps were 27 Greenfinches, 5 Great Tits, 4 Goldfinches, 4 Robins, 3 Blue Tits, 3 Chaffinches, 2 Wrens, 2 Dunnocks and singles of Blackbird and Brambling. The best bird of the day, though, was a control male Blackcap with an Arnhem-VT Holland ring on it!
November 9th: Light south-westerly wind, mostly cloudy but some sunny spells, damp, cold start.
Around was a Marsh Harrier. On the Mere was a Pintail, and over Tennyson Sands was a late house Martin. Across the River Steeping were 600 Pink-footed Geese and 10 Whooper Swans.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes again produced little. The new birds were 2 Song Thrushes and a Blackbird, and the retraps a Blackcap and a Dunnock.
Meanwhile, over at Aylmer Avenue, a longer session resulted in 83 new birds and around 30 retraps. The catch was made up of the usual selection of finches, although it did include two Bramblings.
November 8th: Moderate south-westerly wind, mostly clear.
Birds around included a Merlin. On the Mere was a Jack Snipe, on Tennyson Sands were 50 Black-tailed Godwits, a Pintail and a Pochard, on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 3 Turnstones and 10 Lapwings, and on Croftmarsh 1000 Golden Plovers. Across the River Steeping were 200 Pink-footed Geese. Heading south were 50 Redpolls, a Brambling, 10 Whooper Swans, 3 Redwings, 3 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Goldfinches, 7 Rock Pipits and 3 Siskins. West in off the sea came 450 Starlings.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded just 3 new birds: singles of Blackcap, Song Thrush and Blackbird.
November 7th: Light south-westerly wind, soggy start, then mostly sunny.
Around were a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlins, 2 Fieldfares and 19 Snow Buntings. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier, 8 Whooper Swans, 35 Pink-footed Geese, a Goosander and 2 Bramblings, and north 2 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe. On Croftmarsh were 1000 Golden Plover, and on Jackson's Marsh a Goldeneye.
The catch on a morning ringing session in East Dunes reflected what was present there. The news were a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Blackbird, and a Robin was retrapped.
November 6th: Moderate south-westerly wind, cloudy, light rain in afternoon.
The late Willow Warbler remained in The Sycamore Plot. Other birds around included a Chiffchaff, a Woodcock, a Bullfinch, a Coal Tit and a Merlin. Offshore were an Arctic Skua, 1980 Grey Plover, 750 Sanderling and 4660 Dunlin. On the Mere were 460 Teal, a Pintail and 10 Black-tailed Godwits, on Tennyson Sands 42 Black-tailed Godwits, 540 Teal, 40 Shoveler, a Water Rail and 34 Pink-footed Geese, and on Croftmarsh 300 Lapwing and 3000 Golden Plover. Across the River Steeping were 300 Pink-footed Geese. Heading south were a Hawfinch, 495 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swans, 35 Common Scoter, 2 Goosanders, 11 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, 4 Song Thrushes, 4 Linnets, 18 Chaffinches, 7 Reed Buntings, 5 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 24 Goldfinches, 5 Greenfinches, 2 Yellowhammers, a Mediterranean Gull, 21 Skylarks, 4 Meadow Pipits and 29 Rock Pipits.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes was reasonable. The new birds were 2 Goldcrests, a Redwing and 11 Blackbirds; and the retraps a Robin and a Song Thrush.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 37 new birds and 28 retraps. The new birds were 14 Greenfinches, 12 Goldfinches, 5 Blackbirds, 3 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings and a Blue Tit. The retraps were 9 Great Tits, 8 Greenfinches, 3 Blue Tits, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Goldfinches, one of which was a British Control, and singles of Dunnock and Robin.
November 5th: Moderate westerly wind, drizzle/light rain most of day.
Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Cetti's Warbler and 11 Snow Buntings. Flying south were a Grey Wagtail, a Brambling and 2 Snow Buntings. Fieldfares and other thrushes came in off the sea. On the Mere were a Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Dunlin and a Snipe.
No ringing was attempted.
November 4th: Moderate north-westerly wind, mostly clear.
Again the Pink-footed Goose flock, now numbering 280, headed from the estuary at dawn to the fields over the River Steeping. A late Willow Warbler was in the West Dunes Sycamore Plot.On the beach were 17 Snow Buntings. Southward passage featured 17 Whooper Swans, 74 Gannets, a Great Crested Grebe, 15 Wigeon, a Goldeneye, 16 Common Scoter, 6 Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers, an Arctic Skua, 5 Mistle Thrushes, a Lapland Bunting and 3 Stock Doves; northward 111 Gannets, 40 Kittiwakes, 2 Long-tailed Duck and 7 Common Scoter; and eastward 191 Pink-footed Geese. In off the sea came 8 Fieldfares and a Woodcock.
Little was caught during a morning ringing session in East Dunes, due to clear conditions. The new birds were a Robin, 2 Reed Buntings and a Magpie, and the single retrap was a Robin.
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| Magpie, ringed 4th November 2013. Photo - George Gregory |
The 250-strong Pink-footed Goose flock flew, early morning, from the estuary to fields across the River Steeping, where were also 500 Golden Plovers and 250 Lapwings. Around were a Richard's Pipit, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 9 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, a Short-eared Owl and a Woodcock. On the Mere were a Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Snipe. Birds heading south included 4 Whooper Swans, 27 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Siskins, a Crossbill, 2 Stock Doves and 8 Skylarks.
A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes was disappointing, the only new bird a Redwing, and the retraps a Wren, a Blue Tit and 2 Goldcrests.
November 2nd: South-westerly wind gradually increasing, mostly cloudy, rain mid afternoon.
A White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered on the Mere. It was seen later on Fenland Lagoon. Other birds around, including those trapped, included 12 Snow Buntings, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Swallow, a Short-eared Owl, a Ring Ouzel, a Jack Snipe and a Firecrest. The flock of 250 Pink-footed Geese remained across the River Steeping. South went a Lapland Bunting, a Woodlark, 35 Whooper Swans, 8 Fieldfares, 24 Skylarks, 13 Rock Pipits and 35 Whooper Swans.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes again yielded few birds. The news were 2 Wrens, a Goldcrest, 2 Reed Buntings and a Woodcock; and there was a retrap Wren.
Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, a longer ringing session resulted in 47 new birds and a good number of retraps as well. The catch was made up mainly of the usual finches etc.
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| Woodcock, ringed 2nd November 2013. Photo - George Gregory |
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| Woodcock, ringed 2nd November 2013. Photo - George Gregory |
Around were a Hawfinch and 2 Lapland Buntings, while 770 Woodpigeons circled around. The flock of 250 Pink-footed Geese was still across the River Steeping, 7 came in off the sea, 19 headed south and 55 east. Flying south were a Woodlark, 11 Stock Doves, 9 Rooks, 13 Redpolls, 16 Tree Sparrows, 15 Reed Buntings, 34 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 65 Linnets, 82 Goldfinches, 25 Greenfinches, 10 Siskins, 98 Skylarks, an Alba Wagtail, 36 Rock Pipits, 4 Meadow Pipits, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Fieldfares, 22 Whooper Swans, 3 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe and 17 Common Scoter.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: 6 Goldcrests, a Firecrest, 2 Robins and a Fieldfare; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Robin.
Meanwhile a longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent, using only the feeding station nets, was reasonably productive, resulting in 67 new birds and 31 retraps. The new birds were 46 Greenfinches, 17 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches and singles of Robin and Tree Sparrow. The retraps were 12 Greenfinches, 7 Blue Tits, 5 Great Tits, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Chaffinches and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
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| Firecrest, ringed 1st November 2013. Photo - George Gregory |
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| Fieldfare, ringed 1st November 2013. Photo - George Gregory |
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