Late December 2019

December 31st. Misty start, gradually clearing during the morning.
 On the sea were an Eider, 76 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with the Dark-bellied Brent flock on New Saltmarsh), 640 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (with Pink-footed Goose on fields west of Croftmarsh), 66 Greylag Goose, 840 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 46 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 203 Wigeon, 67 Gadwall, 139 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander (from roost and out to sea), 9 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh), a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 311 Lapwing, 70 Grey Plover, 180 Curlew, a Turnstone, 200 Knot, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 13 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Starling, 40 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 21 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Meads Meadow), 2 House Sparrow, 16 Dunnock, 10 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 30 Greenfinch, 21 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting (around Visitor Centre Car Park in the morning), 35 Reed Bunting and a Snow Bunting (Greenshanks Creek area mid-afternoon). Heading south were 5 Wild Swan Sp, 170 Lapwing and a Redpoll Sp; south-east 43 Pink-footed Goose; and north-west 482 Pink-footed Goose.

Treecreeper, 31st December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 350 Brent Goose, 1283 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 68 Shoveler, 82 Gadwall, 239 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, 24 Red-throated Diver, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 60 Lapwing, 226 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 4125 Black-headed Gull, 875 Common Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Coal Tit, 17 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Starling, 36 Blackbird, 32 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 21 Robin, 2 Bullfinch, 21 Greenfinch, 26 Goldfinch and 5 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were 103 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 28 Tufted Duck and 2 Water Rail. Going south over the sea were a Greylag Goose, 16 Wigeon, 10 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier and 19 Curlew; and north 7 Wigeon and 8 Red-throated Diver.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 10 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 6 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 3 Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Redshank, with mild leucism, a regular wintering bird, 30th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward 

December 29th. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 Heading south during the morning were 147 Pink-footed Goose, 576 Lapwing and 3482 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 48 Shoveler, 36 Gadwall, 170 Wigeon, 104 Teal and 16 Tufted Duck; and on Tennyson's Sands were 3 Snipe and a Water Pipit. Birds around included 2 Mute Swan, 12 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 18 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 7 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (ranging widely), 90 Lapwing, 102 Curlew, 25 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 36 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), an Alba Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 40 Greenfinch, 59 Goldfinch, a Siskin and 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint).

Sunset, from Tennyson's Sands, 29th December 2019. 

Photo - Ben Ward

December 28th.
 On the sea were 2 Velvet Scoter, 28 Common Scoter and 3 Red-throated Diver. Heading south over the sea were 44 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 201 Wigeon, 14 Pintail, 27 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Eider, a Red-throated Diver, a Fieldfare and a Redwing; and north a Common Scoter and 5 Red-throated Diver. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint), 575 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 89 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 1269 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shelduck, 49 Shoveler, 72 Gadwall, 84 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hen Harrier (a male and a ringtail from Wash Viewpoint), a Water Rail, 77 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 4 Starling, 37 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint), 6 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting (audible from Mill Hill).

Hen Harrier, 28th December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

       

December 27th. 
 A Black Brant type was with 360 Dark-bellied Brent Goose out from Wash Viewpoint in the morning. On the sea were 8 Pintail, the 2 Velvet Scoter, 49 Common Scoter, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 62 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Guillemot. Flying south over the sea were 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 41 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 13 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 77 Common Scoter, 11 Goldeneye, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 107 Red-throated Diver, 2 Diver Sp, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe and a Guillemot; and north 19 Brent Goose, 12 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet. Birds around included 176 Canada Goose, 14 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 36 Shoveler, 77 Gadwall, 164 Wigeon, 255 Mallard, 92 Teal, a Pochard (Jackson's Marsh), 32 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Grebe, 7 Little Egret, 316 Cormorant, 3 Water Rail, 4450 Oystercatcher, 90 Lapwing, 250 Grey Plover, 92 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, 500 Knot, 2 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 29 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), a Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 24 Greenfinch, 10 Linnet, 28 Goldfinch and a Snow Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Roe Deer, doe, 27th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Dececember 26th. Moderately strong east-south-east wind and occasional showers.
 On the sea midday were the 2 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe and a Red-necked Grebe. On Jackson's Marsh were a drake Pochard, 24 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander (into roost) and a Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 37 Brent Goose, 23 Pink-footed Goose, 161 Canada Goose, 37 Greylag Goose, 3 Mute Swan, a Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 61 Shoveler, 99 Gadwall, 156 Wigeon, 117 Mallard, 86 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 109 Lapwing, 326 Golden Plover, 111 Curlew, a Snipe, 33 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 13 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Mere Meadow and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 11 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 8 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 41 Greenfinch, 45 Goldfinch, a Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting (Greenshanks area).

Stonechat, 26th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 25th. A festive Lapland Bunting flew south-west over the Wash Viewpoint at sunrise. The pair of Velvet Scoter remained on the sea out from Mill Hill, where there were also 4 Red-throated Diver and 3 Great Crested Grebe. On Jackson's Marsh were 31 Shoveler, 42 Gadwall, a Pintail, 15 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, a Pochard and 3 Little Grebe. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock on New Saltmarsh), 263 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 27 Shelduck, a further 30 Gadwall, 108 Wigeon, 5 Little Egret, 180 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint in the morning), 110 Lapwing, 62 Curlew, 21 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl (vocal pair in Plantation early morning), a Short-eared Owl (Old Saltmarsh at dusk), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 15 Starling, 32 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 17 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Old Coastguard Station garden and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 6 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over West Dunes), 8 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 26 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint) and 14 Reed Bunting.    

Corn Bunting, 25th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Goldcrest, preening early morning, 25th December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

December 24th. On the sea were 2 Velvet Scoter, 23 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 7 Great Crested Grebe, a Great Skua and a Guillemot. In from the sea came 6 Brent Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 300 Wigeon, a Pintail, 27 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander and a Water Pipit; and on Fenland Lagoon 3 Whooper Swan (later south). Birds around included, 124 Brent Goose, 144 Canada Goose, 22 Greylag Goose, 2 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 11 Shelduck, 48 Shoveler, 93 Gadwall, 123 Mallard, 112 Teal, 11 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (over Old Saltmarsh late morning), a Water Rail, 420 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (Old Saltmarsh at dusk), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 18 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 40 Starling, 47 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 21 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 25 Greenfinch, 29 Goldfinch and a Siskin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 15 new birds: 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit and 9 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Robin, 24th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Greenfinch, 24th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Goosander, 24th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 23rd. A Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting were on the east side of the reserve in the morning. The 2 Velvet Scoter were again off Greenshanks Creek throughout the day, where there were also 31 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver and 6 Great Crested Grebe. Heading south over the sea in the afternoon were 5 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, a Great Crested Grebe and a Pomarine Skua; and north 2 Wigeon, 12 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, a Guillemot and an Auk Sp. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pochard, 32 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit; and on the Mere were 2 Goldeneye. Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 67 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 71 Shoveler, 145 Gadwall, 222 Wigeon, 84 Mallard, 182 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 160 Lapwing, 93 Curlew, 8 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, a Snipe, 33 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 40 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 31 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitors Centre Car Park and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 2 more Water Pipit, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 47 Greenfinch, 39 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and 3 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). Heading south over land in the morning were 2 Brambling and 11 Siskin.

Hen Harrier, 23rd December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

December 22nd. The Winter Solstice - the shortest day. Rain until early morning.

 A Lapland Bunting flew south over the Old Spit in the afternoon. A pair of Velvet Scoter,  35 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, and 10 Great Crested Grebe were on the sea. On Greenshanks Creek were 21 Turnstone; on Jackson's Marsh a female Pintail, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit; and on Croftmarsh 2 Mute Swan, 180 Lapwing, 60 Curlew, 26 Redshank, 17 Stock Dove and 110 Starling. Birds around included 181 Brent Goose, 273 Pink-footed Goose, 50 Shoveler, 88 Gadwall, 164 Wigeon, 196 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Grebe, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Snipe, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 35 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Mill Pond Road), 2 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 16 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. Flying north over the sea were 4 Red-throated Diver; and south over land 21 Fieldfare.

Velvet Scoter, out from Mill Hill, 22nd December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Blackcap, feeding up on Sea Buckthorn berries late afternoon, 22nd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 21st.
 What is thought to be the same Black-throated Diver of recent weeks flew north and then close south soon after, out from Mill Hill in the afternoon. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Water Rail, a Sparrowhawk and a Water Pipit; on Jackson's Marsh 2 Pintail and 25 Tufted Duck; and on Croftmarsh 183 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 23 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard, 90 Lapwing, 29 Curlew, 31 Redshank, 5 Stock Dove, a Kestrel, a juvenile Peregrine and 60 Starling. Birds around included 308 Brent Goose, 248 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Shoveler, 132 Gadwall, 155 Wigeon, 74 Mallard, 196 Teal, 41 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 2 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 37 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Mere Meadow), a Bullfinch and 32 Greenfinch. Flying south over the sea were 32 Pink-footed Goose, a Shelduck, 32 Wigeon, a Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver and an Auk Sp; and north 4 Brent Goose, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp.
 A late morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 2 new birds: a Goldfinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 retraps: 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Peregrine, feeding on worms at dusk, 21st December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Mistletoe, 21st December 2019.
Photo - Jenni Godber

Mid December 2019

December 20th. Rain all day.

 On Croftmarsh were 196 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 3 Shelduck, 220 Wigeon, 80 Teal, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 190 Lapwing, 54 Curlew, 31 Redshank, 12 Stock Dove, a Nordic Jackdaw, 65 Jackdaw, 95 Starling and a Water Pipit; on Jackson's Marsh a Water Rail and a Kingfisher; on Tennyson's Sands a Goldeneye; and on the Mere a Pochard. Birds around included 921 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Shoveler, 58 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 55 Common Scoter, 12 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 5 Snipe, a Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 58 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 17 Robin, a Bullfinch and 16 Greenfinch.

Sparrowhawk, 20th December 2019.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Goldeneye, 20th December 2019.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Snipe, 20th December 2019.

Photo - Jim Shaw

December 19th. Fairly strong south-easterly wind.
 A Slavonian Grebe was off Greenshanks Creek along with 56 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe from mid to late morning at least. Going south over the sea were 10 Brent Goose, 39 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Grey Goose Sp, 3 Shelduck, 66 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 9 Teal, 22 Eider, 24 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and a juvenile Pomarine Skua; north a Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot; and west inland 169 Lapwing. Birds around included 90 Brent Goose, 601 Pink-footed Goose, 37 Shoveler, 114 Gadwall, 157 Teal, 2 drake Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 1 Tennyson's Sands), a Pochard (Jackson's Marsh), 32 Tufted Duck, 10 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 275 Lapwing, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Coal Tit, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 40 Blackbird, 11 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 20 Robin, 6 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park, 2 Croftmarsh and 2 Freshwater Marsh), a House Sparrow, 8 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (off Jackson;s Marsh), a Bullfinch and 16 Greenfinch.

Stonechat, 19th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Recovery: 
Jackdaw, ringed as pullus GPNNR 24 May 2003, road casualty Gibraltar Road 11 December 2019.
 This bird was over 16 years old. The longevity record is over 18 years.

December 18th. Scant observer coverage.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 150 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 4 Little Egret, 2 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 42 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 6 Greenfinch and a Siskin. Heading south were 42 Pink-footed Goose and 18 Fieldfare.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch; and 7 retraps: a Great Tit, a Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit and a Greenfinch.

December 17th. Fog for most of the day.
 A Lapland Bunting was around Greenshanks Ridge in the afternoon. Birds around included 340 Brent Goose, 840 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan (fields west of River Steeping), 41 Shoveler, 46 Gadwall, 44 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (on the sea), 68 Teal, 39 Tufted Duck, 35 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 12 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 240 Lapwing, a Golden Plover, 102 Curlew, 12 Turnstone, 65 Sanderling, 71 Redshank, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 12 Skylark, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 96 Starling, 69 Blackbird, 58 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, 38 Robin, 10 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park, 1 Mere Meadow, 2 Golf Course and 5 North End), 41 Dunnock, a Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 28 Linnet, 26 Goldfinch, a Siskin and 9 Reed Bunting.

Jackson's Marsh, at dusk, 17th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward 

Ringing Control:
Goldfinch, ringed Kilnsea, Yorkshire 28 October 2019, controlled GPBO 1 November 2019.

December 16th.
 On Croftmarsh were 200 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 55 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 34 Redshank and 200 Starling; and on Jackson's Marsh 4 Pintail. Birds around included 201 Brent Goose, 920 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Shoveler, 40 Gadwall, 149 Wigeon, 148 Teal, 23 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 10 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rail, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 20 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 48 Blackbird, 34 Fieldfare, 67 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 24 Robin, 6 Stonechat, 2 Water Pipit (mobile birds), a Brambling (Plantation), a Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). Heading south were a Buzzard, 132 Fieldfare and 41 Redwing.

December 15th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Lapland Bunting flew over Mill Hill in the afternoon and 6 Snow Bunting were along the shore. Heading north over the sea were 2 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Manx Shearwater; and south 4 Brent Goose, 45 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Wigeon, a Mallard, 3 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and 4 Auk Sp. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Pintail, a Pochard, 29 Tufted Duck and a Water Pipit; and on Croftmarsh 202 Lapwing, 54 Curlew, 24 Redshank, 17 Stock Dove and 180 Starling. Around were 250 Brent Goose, 831 Pink-footed Goose, 97 Canada Goose, 70 Shoveler, 37 Gadwall, 189 Wigeon, 6 further Pintail (estuary), 123 Teal, 79 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 160 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier (1 adult male and 2 ringtail, ranging widely), a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 20 Golden Plover, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 27 Blackbird, 34 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 Brambling (Plantation), a Bullfinch, 7 Greenfinch and 4 Siskin.

Long-tailed Tit, 15th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth 

Siskin, 15th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Dunnock, 15th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Fieldfare, 15th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 14th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 4 Lapland Bunting were out from the Wash Viewpoint in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pintail, 25 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail and a Black-tailed Godwit; and on Croftmarsh 176 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 64 Lapwing, 46 Curlew, 16 Stock Dove and 98 Starling. Birds around included 200 Brent Goose, 601 Pink-footed Goose, 62 Shoveler, 48 Gadwall, 191 Wigeon, 393 Teal, 4 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Hen Harrier, 1950 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 26 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 3 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 1 Mere Meadow), 4 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 2 Bullfinch and 8 Greenfinch.

Hen Harrier, 14th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 13th. 
 On Tennyson's Sands was a Bearded Tit (from North Hide); and on Jackson's Marsh were 131 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 56 Greylag Goose, 28 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 248 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 24 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, a Snipe, a Kingfisher and a Water Pipit. Flying south was a Lapland Bunting; and west were 11 Fieldfare. Birds around included 1380 Pink-footed Goose (out of roost), 142 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 40 Lapwing, a Woodcock, 24 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 18 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Bullfinch, 5 Greenfinch and 2 Siskin.

December 12th. Frozen start, then rain from mid morning.
 A Velvet Scoter was amongst 90 Common Scoter off Greenshanks Creek in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, 5 Pochard and 26 Tufted Duck; and on Croftmarsh 134 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 90 Lapwing, 60 Curlew and 55 Starling. Around were 300 Brent Goose, 350 Pink-footed Goose, 41 Shoveler, 70 Gadwall, 246 Wigeon, 207 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 3 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 73 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 22 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Mere Meadow and 2 Visitors Centre Car Park), a Bullfinch, 24 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin and 8 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint).

Pochard, adult male and first winter female, 12th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward 

December 11th. Around were 550 Brent Goose, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest a Treecreeper, 42 Blackbird, 32 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 22 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 Bullfinch, 21 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a 7 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). On Jackson's Marsh were 19 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 69 Teal, 2 Pochard, 26 Tufted Duck and 3 Goosander (to roost).
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 13 new birds: 5 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Corn Bunting, 11th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Early December 2019

December 10th. Increasingly strong southerly wind with rainy spells.
On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Pintail, 2 Pochard, 27 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosander (to roost), a Sparrowhawk and a Water Pipit; on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail; and on Croftmarsh a Barnacle Goose, 174 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 404 Wigeon, 90 Lapwing, 57 Curlew, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Redshank, 29 Sock Dove, a juvenile Peregrine and 65 Starling. Birds around included 236 Pink-footed Goose, 92 Brent Goose, 32 Shoveler, 94 Mallard, 37 Gadwall, 7 Little Egret, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 36 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, a Bullfinch and 9 Greenfinch.

Peregrine, thwarted in an attempt to take a Brown Hare, 10th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 9th. Increasing, then decreasing, north-westerly wind.
 Going south over the sea were 4 Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, a Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, a Pintail, 3 Eider, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 57 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 small Grebe Sp, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Gannet, 131 Kittiwake, 2 juvenile Pomarine Skua, a Guillemot, and 32 Auk Sp; and north 33 Brent Goose, 40 Wigeon, an Eider, 13 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 29 Gannet, 4 Little Gull, a Kittiwake, a Guillemot and 21 Auk Sp. In from the sea came a Gadwall. On Jackson's Marsh were 19 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 12 Teal, 2 Pochard, 26 Tufted Duck and 7 Goosander (to roost). Birds around included 403 Brent Goose, 450 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Whooper Swan (1 Croftmarsh and 4 from Wash Viewpoint), 227 Wigeon, 58 Gadwall, 45 Common Scoter, an Eider, a juvenile Long-tailed Duck (with the Common Scoter flock off Greenshanks Creek), 4 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver (presumed wintering bird), 7 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 173 Cormorant, 14 Turnstone, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 24 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 Bullfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint).

Whooper Swans, 9th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Muntjac Deer, 9th December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Goosander, 9th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 8th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail, 39 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, a Water Rail and a Water Pipit; and on Croftmarsh a Barnacle Goose, 128 Canada Goose, 363 Wigeon, 165 Lapwing, 52 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 36 Redshank, 16 Stock Dove and 70 Starling. Around were 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 50 Shoveler, 53 Gadwall, 183 Teal, an Eider, 35 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 12 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 31 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 26 Robin, 3 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 1 West Dunes), 2 Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint). Heading south were a Goosander, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Gannet, 12 Chaffinch and 3 Siskin; and north a Goldeneye and a Red-throated Diver.

Barnacle Goose, 8th December 2019. 

Photo - Ben Ward

December 7th. An adult Black Brant type was with a Light-bellied Brent Goose and 696 Dark-bellied Brent Goose on New Saltmarsh in the morning. Birds around included 870 Pink-footed Goose, 47 Shelduck, 44 Shoveler, 27 Gadwall, 4 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 78 Teal, 2 Pochard (Tennyson's Sands), 20 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 17 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Egret, 2 Woodcock, 4 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (from Visitor Centre Car Park at dusk), a Kingfisher, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 55 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 36 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), 9 Meadow Pipit, a Brambling (Plantation), a Bullfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park). On Croftmarsh were 214 Wigeon, 190 Lapwing, 60 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Redshank, 10 Stock Dove, a juvenile Peregrine and 45 Starling. Going south over the sea were 81 Red-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.
 A morning ringinmg session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: 4 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, a Robin and a Great Tit.

December 6th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Long-tailed Duck came from the north and alighted on the sea out from Mill Hill in the morning. Heading south over the sea were 2 Shelduck, an Eider, 11 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, a Diver Sp, 5 Great Crested Grebe and an Auk Sp; and in from the sea came a Snipe. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, 21 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, a Water Rail and a Kingfisher; and on Croftmarsh 394 Wigeon, 49 Curlew, 47 Redshank, 26 Stock Dove and 30 Starling. Birds around included 425 Brent Goose, 1151 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 53 Shoveler, 50 Gadwall, 2 Pochard (Tennyson's Sands), an Eider, 51 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 165 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 9 Goldcrest, 41 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 25 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh) and 11 Greenfinch.

Blackbird, 6th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 5th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 A Woodlark was heard calling at dawn over the fields to the west of the River Steeping and a Lapland Bunting was out from Wash Viewpoint shortly afterwards. Birds around included 300 Brent Goose, 901 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 31 Shoveler, 72 Gadwall, 184 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Pochard, 39 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 44 Blackbird, 63 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and 2 West Dunes), a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre Car Park). On Croftmarsh were a Buzzard, 90 Lapwing, 80 Golden Plover, 46 Curlew, a Ruff, a Snipe, 8 Redshank, 5 Stock Dove and 40 Starling.

Stonechat, 5th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 4th. Around were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Old Saltmarsh), 430 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Mute Swan, 8 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 20 Turnstone, 7 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 41 Blackbird, 132 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Stonechat (2 Freshwater Marsh and 2 Wash Viewpoint), a Water Pipit (over West Dunes), 3 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 28 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Whooper Swan; on Jackson's Marsh 7 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 84 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 59 Teal and 14 Tufted Duck; and on Croftmarsh 9 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Lapwing, 100 Golden Plover, 45 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Redshank, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove and 50 Starling. Flying south-west were 35 Skylark; and west 15 Redwing.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 3 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Blackbird.

Pintail, 4th December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 3rd. 
 A Lapland Bunting was around Wash Viewpoint in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, 2 Water Rail and a Water Pipit. Birds around included 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint and briefly on Tennyson's Sands), 650 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 63 Gadwall, 66 Wigeon, 2 more Pintail, 69 Teal, 3 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), a Buzzard, 120 Lapwing, 80 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 10 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 38 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), 4 Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch and 20 Siskin. Heading south were 13 Whooper Swan, 4 Skylark, 76 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and 6 Siskin.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, juvenile, with Dark-bellied Brent, 3rd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Roe Deer and Merlin, 3rd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 2nd. Frozen start.
 Around were 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint), 470 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1231 Pink-footed Goose, the 2 Tundra Bean Goose (Croftmarsh mid morning), 2 Mute Swan, 16 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 193 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 4 Estuary), 197 Teal, 53 Tufted Duck, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 120 Lapwing, 300 Golden Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 34 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl (from Visitor Centre Car Park at dusk), a Kingfisher (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 55 Starling, 67 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 26 Robin, a Black Redstart (around Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 Stonechat (around Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Croftmarsh), 2 Bullfinch, 13 Greenfinch, 4 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park) and 5 Lapland Bunting (from Wash Viewpoint). A Whooper Swan came in from the sea.

Black Redstart, 2nd December 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Tundra Bean Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 2nd December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

December 1st. Frosty start.
 The 2 Tundra Bean Goose remained in the area, seen on fields west of the River Steeping and briefly on Tennyson's Sands in the morning. Birds around included 90 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 216 Wigeon, a Pintail, 291 Teal, 3 Pochard, 53 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, a Velvet Scoter (with the Common Scoter flock off Greenshanks Creek), 62 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 136 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, 73 Curlew, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe (off Freshwater Marsh), 7 Snipe, 7 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 59 Starling, 31 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 27 Robin, 4 Stonechat (2 Croftmarsh and 2 Visitor Centre Car Park), 2 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit (off Croftmarsh), 3 Brambling, 16 Greenfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 5 Siskin and 2 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park). Heading north were a Fulmar and 7 Auk Sp; and south 260 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye, a Ruff, an Auk Sp and 2 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with James Siddle, provided 15 new birds: a Robin, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 16 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch and a Wren.

Tundra Bean Geese, 1st December 2019

Video - Stuart Ainsworth

Common Scoter, 1st December 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Sparrowhawk, 1st December 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Late November 2019

November 30th. Frozen start.

 On the sea were a Pochard, 80 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 86 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Shag and 350 Cormorant. Heading south were 310 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan, 5 Red-throated Diver and 490 Herring Gull; and north 16 Wigeon, a Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp. Birds around included 110 Brent Goose, 1940 Pink-footed Goose, 61 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 79 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 611 Teal, 3 Pochard, 60 Tufted Duck, 10 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (North End), a Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 90 Lapwing, 25 Golden Plover, 2 Turnstone, a Purple Sandpiper (Greenshanks Creek), 3 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 22 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Goldcrest, 55 Starling, 38 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Stonechat (2 Croftmarsh and 2 Freshwater Marsh), 2 Water Pipit (1 Croftmarsh and 1 Freshwater Marsh), 2 Bullfinch, 2 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Frozen start, 30th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 29th. 2 Tundra Bean Goose were discovered on farmland adjacent to Croftmarsh mid afternoon, viewed from Tennyson's Sands. A Hooded Crow was at Greenshanks Creek in the afternoon and 5 Waxwing were briefly in the Beach Car Park late in the day prior to flying south. Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Brent Goose, 1350 Pink-footed Goose, a Mute Swan, 45 Shoveler, 33 Gadwall, 317 Wigeon, 86 Tufted Duck, 98 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye (on the sea), 7 Red-throated Diver, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Turnstone, 3 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 30 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, a Bullfinch, a Redpoll sp, 21 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin, a Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park), a Lapland Bunting (over the Hump early morning) and 7 Snow Bunting (north along the beach). On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail and a Water Pipit; on Tennyson's Sands 2 Pochard, 7 Water Rail and a Jack Snipe; and on Croftmarsh 130 Lapwing, 38 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Starling and 2 Stonechat. Flying north were a Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk Sp.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 14 new birds: 9 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Tundra Bean Geese, discovered amongst the Pink-footed Goose flock, 29th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Hooded Crow and Carrion Crow, 29th November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Waxwing, 29th November 2019.

Stonechat, 29th November 2019.

Little Egret, 29th November 2019.

November 28th. Northerly wind and rain for most of day.

 Heading north were 41 Brent Goose, 13 Wigeon, an Eider, 16 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver and a Guillemot; and south 18 Whooper Swan, 11 Wigeon, 3 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 72 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Red-throated Diver and a Kittiwake. Birds around included 39 Brent Goose, 820 Pink-footed Goose, 29 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 231 Wigeon, a Pintail (Croftmarsh), 202 Teal, 82 Tufted Duck, 40 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 10 Little Egret, 5 Gannet, 437 Cormorant, 90 Lapwing, 1500 Oystercatcher, 8 Turnstone, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 41 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Water Pipit (off Tennyson's Sands), a Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, a Siskin and 2 Lapland Bunting (north over the Old Saltmarsh).   

November 27th. Rain for most of day.

 Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shoveler, 46 Gadwall, 213 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 124 Teal, 81 Tufted Duck, 14 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), 230 Lapwing, 160 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 55 Starling, 40 Blackbird, 116 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 26 Robin, a Stonechat (Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), a Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.

November 26th. Around, including birds trapped, were 200 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Shelduck, 12 Shoverler, 45 Gadwall, 6 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 4 on the Estuary), 2 Pochard, 32 Tufted Duck, 67 Eider (on the Estuary), 19 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (from Wash Viewpoint), a Buzzard, 1900 Oystercatcher, 160 Lapwing, 270 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 3 Woodcock, 17 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Coal Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 8 Goldcrest, 35 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 33 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 27 Robin, a Stonechat (around Visitor Centre), a Water Pipit (Freshwater Marsh), a Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, a Redpoll Sp, 2 Siskin, 3 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park early morning) and a Yellowhammer.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 2 new Goldfinch; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Treecreeper, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Treecreeper, retrapped 26th November 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

November 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (from Wash Viewpoint late afternoon), 280 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2893 Pink-footed Goose, 3 White-fronted Goose (from Wash Viewpoint late afternoon), 79 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 406 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (3 Jackson's Marsh and 2 Millennium Ridge), 115 Teal, 2 Pochard, 52 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, a Great White Egret (Wash Viewpoint in the morning and presumably the same south over East Dunes midday), a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 140 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull (into Wash roost), 26 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher (Jackson's Marsh), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 40 Starling, 45 Blackbird, 73 Fieldfare, 55 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 31 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Storm Ridge), 18 Tree Sparrow (to the north of the reserve), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch and 2 Siskin. Moving south were 7 Eider, 22 Common Scoter and 4 Red-breasted Merganser.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Wren, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Hen Harrier, 25th November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

November 24th. Soggy start.

 A late Pallas's Warbler was discovered by the Plantation feeding station in the morning, then frequented the east side of the Plantation throughout the rest of the day. Around, including birds trapped, were 274 Brent Goose, 2600 Pink-footed Goose, 5 White-fronted Goose (Croftmarsh), 62 Shelduck, 46 Shoveler, 54 Gadwall, 314 Wigeon, 3 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 2 Pochard, 67 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 71 Common Scoter, 8 Little Egret, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 358 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 92 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe (at the north end), 8 Snipe, 20 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest (1 Plantation and 1 East Dunes), 16 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 80 Starling, 114 Blackbird, 26 Fieldfare, 147 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 47 Robin, a Stonechat (Freshwater Marsh), a Water Pipit (Jackson's Marsh), 60 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 22 Greenfinch, a Redpoll sp, 8 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre Car Park). Heading south were 68 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, 113 Lapwing, 137 Golden Plover, 6 Skylark, 2 Fieldfare, 36 Redwing, 2 Alba Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 32 Goldfinch and 16 Siskin; and west 2 Fieldfare and 21 Redwing.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 8 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Reed Bunting and 2 Greenfinch; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit.

Pallas's Warbler, 24th November 2019
Stuart Ainsworth

Pallas's Warbler, 24th November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

November 23rd. Rain until early afternoon, then in late afternoon.

 The Hawfinch remained in the Plantation. On Croftmarsh were 110 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 5 Stock Dove and a Nordic Jackdaw. Birds around included 180 Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shoveler, 62 Gadwall, 318 Wigeon, 2 Pintail (1 Jackson's Marsh and 1 Croftmarsh), 121 Teal, 2 Pochard (Mere), 53 Tufted Duck, 83 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 12 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 147 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 38 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 53 Robin, 3 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre Car Park and Greenshanks Creek), 3 Water Pipit (2 Freshwater Marsh and 1 Jackson's Marsh), 2 Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, a Siskin and a Snow Bunting (over Mill Hill).

Fieldfare, 23rd November 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 22nd. Soggy start.

 4 White-fronted Goose appeared on Croftmarsh in the afternoon, where there was also a Water Pipit. A Waxwing was at North Building in the morning and the Hawfinch was heard in the Plantation late afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were 344 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 62 Shelduck, 31 Shoveler, 59 Gadwall, 416 Wigeon, 3 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 339 Teal, 3 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 4 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 87 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 8 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 56 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 11 Stonechat (2 Visitor Centre, 2 Croftmarsh, 2 Freshwater Marsh and 5 at the North End), 7 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling (Plantation), 2 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, a Siskin and a Snow Bunting (Millennium Ridge). Flying south were 157 Lapwing, a Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 6 new birds: a Great Tit and 5 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Redwing, 22nd November 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

November 21st. Moderately strong south-easterly wind.
 18 White-fronted Goose were on Croftmarsh in the morning where they were joined by a further 2 birds that arrived from the north with 76 Pink-footed Goose, later relocating to Jackson's Marsh Meadow prior to flying west late afternoon. The Hawfinch remained in the Plantation, seen at the Yacht Club in the morning and at the Feeding Station mid-day. Birds around, including those trapped, were 330 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Shelduck, 16 Shoveler, 94 Gadwall, 183 Wigeon, 5 Pintail (2 Estuary and 3 Jackson's Marsh), 162 Teal, a Pochard, 93 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 120 Lapwing, 29 Golden Plover, 7 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 11 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 110 Starling, 55 Blackbird, 19 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 36 Robin, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 2 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch and 8 Siskin. Offshore were an Eider, 73 Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Mike Polling, provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Song Thrush; and 24 retraps: a Wren, 7 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 5 Great Tit, 3 Robin and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

Hawfinch, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Hawfinch, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019.

Photos - Jim Shaw

White-fronted Goose, 21st November 2019.

Video - Ben Ward