Late March 2019

March 31st. A Great White Egret went north early morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 72 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Woodcock, 2 Little Gull (offshore), 7 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Ring Ouzel, 8 Redwing, 11 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest, a Grey Wagtail, a Crossbill, 2 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 22 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands was a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Goosander and a Bearded Tit; and on Croftmarsh 4 Barnacle Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced just 2 new birds: a Firecrest and a Blackbird.

Firecrest, 31st March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, ringed 31st March, 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

 March 30th. Foggy start, gradually clearing.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Barnacle Goose, a Goosander, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Bearded Tit. Around, including birds trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Firecrest, 3 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, 6 Redwing, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, a Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 8 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 3 Red Kite, a Sand Martin and a Swallow (the first hirundines of the year).
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 8 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldfinch, a Robin, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit and a Linnet; and 3 retrap Great Tit.

Firecrest, 30th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Firecrest, 30th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Goosander, 30th March 2019.
Video - Ben Ward

Chiffchaff, 30th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

March 29th. A Serin flew south, then west, early morning. On Tennyson's Sands were a Pink-footed Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Goosander, 100 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around, including those trapped. were 68 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 8 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, a Wheatear, a Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, a Firecrest, a White Wagtail, a Yellowhammer and 39 Corn Bunting. Flying south first thing were a White Wagtail, 7 Brambling, 10 Chaffinch and 18 Goldfinch.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Chaffinch and 2 Redwing; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird, a Firecrest and a Chaffinch. The retrapped Firecrest was ringed on March 26th. It increased in weight from 4.7g to 5.1g.

Barnacle Geese, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Yellowhammer, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Avocet, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Firecrest, retrapped 29th March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Firecrest, retrapped 29th March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Rising Sun, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Ben Ward

Black-headed Gull, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Black-headed Gull, 29th March 2019.
Photo - Jim Shaw

March 28th. The Black Redstart remained around the Visitor Centre. Around, including birds trapped, were a Pink-footed Goose, 44 Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 54 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Snipe, a Woodcock, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 2 Blackcap, 15 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest (East Dunes), 8 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 2 Water Pipit, a Bullfinch, 6 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 44 Corn Bunting. Going south were 7 Velvet Scoter, 25 Common Scoter, 3 White Wagtail and a Brambling; and west 5 Fieldfare and 7 Siskin. A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 14 new birds: 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Chiffchaff and a Blue Tit.

Hen Harrier, 28th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Black Redstart, 28th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Meadow Pipit, 28th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Blue Tit, 28th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Setting Sun, 28th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 27th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 62 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 4 Snipe, 3 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Hooded Crow (North End), 2 Treecreeper, a Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, a Black Redstart (around Visitor Centre Car Park), a Water Pipit (Tennyson's Sands), 4 Brambling, a Mealy Redpoll, a Siskin, a Crossbill and 12 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Great Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, a Linnet and 2 Blackbird; 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Wren, a Blackbird, a Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit and a Goldcrest; and a control Chiffchaff.

Black Redstart, 27th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Sparrowhawk, 27th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Mealy Redpoll, 27th March 2019.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ringing Control: Goldfinch ringed GPBO 7 October 2016, controlled Wezembeek, Belgium 7 February 2018 and 7 March 2018.

March 26th. Frosty start, gradually warming up.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Pink-footed Goose, 46 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Grey Heron, a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, a Little Ringed Plover (Jackson's Marsh), 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow (Beach), 18 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 180 Starling, a Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 20 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 6 Velvet Scoter, a Buzzard and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, a Firecrest, a Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Wren, a Goldcrest and 2 Dunnock.

Firecrest, ringed 26th March 2019.

Photo - George Gregory

Little Ringed Plover, 26th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Reed and Corn Bunting, 26th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Solar Halo, early morning 26th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 25th. Increasing north-westerly, then northerly, wind.
 A Purple Sandpiper flew low north along the beach with Turnstone late morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 5 Brent Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, 2 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Hooded Crow, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 220 Starling, a Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellowhammer and 4 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Great Crested Grebe, 41 Avocet and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. In from the south came 5 Mute Swan. To the north-west of the reserve were a further 4 Hooded Crow.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced just a new Woodcock.

Woodcock, ringed 25th March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

March 24th. Two Bearded Tit were discovered in front of Harvey's Hide on Tennyson's Sands in the morning, then presumably the same birds commuted between there and the Mere. Around, including birds trapped, were 45 Brent Goose, 7 Goosander, a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 27 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit, 119 Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, 13 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 350 Starling, 84 Redwing, a Wheatear, a Water Pipit (Croftmarsh), a Brambling, a Bullfinch and 21 Corn Bunting. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 4 Sparrowhawk and 12 Buzzard; and west, the first Little Ringed Plover of the year.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 10 new birds: 6 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Robin, a Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and a retrap Dunnock.

Comma, 24th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

March 23rd. On an excellent day of raptor migration heading south were a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 13 Sparrowhawk, 43 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, 10 Rook, 1660 Starling, 6 Alba Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and a Corn Bunting. In off the sea came a Kestrel. Birds around, including those trapped, were 82 Brent Goose, 56 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, 31 Avocet, 1139 Oystercatcher, 4400 Grey Plover, 45 Ringed Plover, 72 Curlew, 280 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Turnstone, 26800 Knot, 425 Sanderling, 4750 Dunlin, 68 Redshank, 3 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 59 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, 400 Starling, a Brambling, 4 Yellowhammer and 26 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 5 Chiffchaff, a Wren and a Reed Bunting; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, a Long-tailed Tit and 2 Dunnock.

High tide near Bird Observatory, 23rd March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Chiffchaff with pollen horns, 23rd March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Colour Ring Sighting:
Cormorant ringed Yderste, Denmark 31 May 2000, colour ring sighted GPNNR 22 April 2002.

March 22nd. The wandering Pied Crow, seen briefly here last autumn, flew south through the reserve mid-morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 55 Brent Goose, a Pintail, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 56 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 2 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 600 Starling, 41 Redwing, 2 Wheatear, a White Wagtail, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 8 Siskin and 24 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 16 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Robin, 3 Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Blackcap and a Dunnock.

March 21st. In East Dunes was a Long-eared Owl. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 236 Eider, a Grey Heron, a Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Buzzard, 650 Oystercatcher, 28 Golden Plover, 4869 Grey Plover, 96 Curlew, 589 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Turnstone, 550 Sanderling, 5850 Dunlin, 28844 Knot, 3 Woodcock, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, a Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 900 Starling, 5 Wheatear, 2 Brambling, 4 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 16 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 2 Sparrowhawk, 10 Buzzard, a Woodlark, 932 Starling and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 15 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 3 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 3 Dunnock.

Long-eared Owl, 21st March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Short-eared Owl, 21st March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Buzzard, 21st March 2019.
Photo - Jack Wilson

Wheatear, 21st March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward.

Mid March 2019

March 20th. The Glaucous Gull appeared in the evening high tide gathering of larids at Greenshanks Creek, to the delight of those assembled for the spring wader watch event, where there were also 2 Hooded Crow, complementing the wader spectacle. Birds around included 52 Brent Goose, a Pintail, 51 Eider, 2 Red-legged Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 4 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 3000 Grey Plover, 49 Ringed Plover, 76 Curlew, 300 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15000 Knot, 400 Sanderling, 1000 Dunlin, 9 Turnstone, 206 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1100 Starling, 12 Redwing, 3 Wheatear (first of the year), a Water Pipit, a Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Yellowhammer and 8 Corn Bunting. Heading south were a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Stock Dove, a Rook, 3 Alba Wagtail, 42 Chaffinch, a Brambling and 4 Siskin.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 5 new birds: a Chaffinch and 4 Goldfinch; and 2 retrap Goldfinch.

Glaucous Gull, amongst the highlights from the evenings wader watch event, 20th March 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Wheatear, 20th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Control:
Goldfinch ringed Beloeil, Belgium 10 March 2018, controlled GPBO 30 September 2018.

March 19th. Misty start, soon clearing.
 On Tennyson's Sands were a Pintail, a Pochard, 12 Goosander (joint second highest reserve count), 75 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and a Water Rail. Birds around included 8 White-fronted Goose, 2 Red-legged Partridge, a Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, 2 Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Woodcock, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Hooded Crow, 5 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammer and 22 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 2 Rook, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Siskin; and east, out to sea, went 260 Starling.

Short-eared Owl, hunting early morning, 19th March 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Short-eared Owl, 19th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Song Thrush, 19th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Ringing Control:
Chiffchaff ringed GPBO 13 October 2013, controlled P Dell'Arco, Italy 9 April 2014.

March 18th. The Glaucous Gull was again on the beach early morning. Heading north were 46 Whooper Swan; north-west 5 Buzzard; and south a Red Kite and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 8 White-fronted Goose, 50 Brent Goose, a Pintail, a Grey Heron, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 70 Avocet, 40 Ringed Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Peregrine, a Woodlark, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Hooded Crow, 536 Starling, 5 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, a Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammer and 43 Corn Bunting.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 2 new birds: a Great Tit and a Goldfinch; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Great Tit.

Red Fox, 18th March 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

House Sparrow, 18h March 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

Sundog (Parhelion), 18th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 17th. Moderately strong westerly wind, gradually decreasing.
 Another notable movement of Merlin transpired during the morning with 6 individuals heading south over the sea. Heading in the opposite direction was a Goosander. A vocal Raven was to the north-west of the reserve late afternoon. On Tennyson's Sands were a Pintail, 11 Goosander and 35 Avocet. Birds around included 8 White-fronted Goose, 128 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 7 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 200 Starling, 12 Redwing, 2 White Wagtail, a Bullfinch, 2 Yellowhammer and 28 Corn Bunting.

Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 17th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Eurasian White-fronted Geese with Greylag Geese, 17th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bullfinch, 17th March 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Siskin, 17th March 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Yellowhammer, 17th March 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

March 16th. Strong westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 Heading south were 6 Little Gull, 2 Rook and a Woodlark. On Tennyson's Sands were 52 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and a Grey Wagtail. Birds around included 8 White-fronted Goose, a Pintail, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 132 Golden Plover, 2 Woodcock, 8 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, 2 Merlin, a Chiffchaff. 350 Starling, 5 Fieldfare, 87 Redwing, 2 White Wagtail and 4 Corn Bunting.

March 15th. Strong westerly wind.
 Flying south were 3 Woodlark and a staggering 4232 Chaffinch (reserve record). On Tennyson's Sands were a Pintail, 49 Avocet and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 66 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 18 Eider, 2 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 800 Golden Plover, 6 Turnstone, 8 Woodcock, a Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, 340 Starling, 116 Redwing, 3 White Wagtail, 176 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch and 28 Corn Bunting.

Hen Harrier, 15th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Hooded Crow, 15th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

White Wagtails, 15th March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

March 14th. Strong westerly wind.
 Going south were a Merlin, 7 Redwing, 740 Chaffinch and a Crossbill. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 104 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Pintail, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Hen Harrier, 46 Avocet, a Woodcock, a Tawny Owl, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow (at North End), a Chiffchaff and 3 White Wagtail.

March 13th. Strong westerly wind.
 The fourth Glaucous Gull of the year was on the beach during the morning, today's individual being a third calendar year. Birds around included 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 94 Eider, 45 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 46 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, a Jack Snipe, 6 Woodcock, a Mediterranean Gull, a Tawny Owl, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare, 49 Redwing and a Corn Bunting. Heading south were a Tufted Duck, a Great Crested Grebe, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Merlin, a Rook, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 23 Chaffinch and a Corn Bunting.

Pale-bellied and Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13th March 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Ringing Recovery: Blackbird ringed GPBO 5 November 1961, shot Heligoland, Germany unknown date.
 This remarkable old recovery has only recently been reported.

March 12th. Strong south-westerly wind, and rain for much of the day.
 On Jacksons Marsh was a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Pink-footed Goose and a Pintail. A Red-necked Grebe was offshore. Birds around included 2 Tawny Owl, a Bullfinch and 20 Corn Bunting.

March 11th. Strong westerly wind.
 Heading south were 2 Buzzard, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, a Guillemot, a Merlin, a Woodlark, 2 alba Wagtail and 100 Chaffinch; and north a Red-necked Grebe and a Black-throated Diver. In off the sea came a Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 White-fronted Goose, a Great Crested Grebe, 39 Avocet and 2 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail and a Water Pipit. Birds around included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Velvet Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, 12 Turnstone, 9 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 3 Hooded Crow (on the beach), a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Stonechat and 47 Corn Bunting.

Early March 2019

March 10th. Rain until early afternoon.
 A Woodlark was again in East Dunes; and 4 Hooded Crow were on the beach out from Mill Hill. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 White-fronted Goose, 40 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe. Also around were a Treecreeper, 31 Redwing and a Siskin.

Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 10th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

March 9th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 An exceptional morning for Merlin passage with 6 birds south through the reserve. Also heading south were 2 Red Kite, a Purple Sandpiper, 4 Kittiwake, and a Crossbill. On Croftmarsh were 8 White-fronted Goose. Around were a 160 Brent Goose (including a Pale-bellied Brent Goose), a Pintail, 12 Eider, a Grey Heron, 3 Hen Harrier (a male and 2 ringtail), a Sparrowhawk, 30 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow and 8 Redwing. In off the sea came a Marsh Harrier.

Common Snipe, 9th March 2019.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

March 8th. A Raven flew south over Croftmarsh in the late afternoon. Birds around included 2 Pink-footed Goose, 8 White-fronted Goose, 85 Brent Goose (including a Pale-bellied Brent Goose), a Pintail, 2 Eider, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 36 Avocet, 300 Golden Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 2 Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 880 Starling, a Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, a Stonechat, a White Wagtail, 3 Yellowhammer and 25 Corn Bunting. Heading south a were a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Black-throated Diver and 6 Crossbill. From The Wash Viewpoint in the evening were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier (a male and 2 ringtails) and 2 Merlin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: 4 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Great Tit and 2 Blue Tit; and 9 retraps: 7 Goldfinch and 2 Great Tit.

Avocets, 8th March 2019.
Photo - Paul Neale

Long-tailed Tit, 8th March 2019.

Stonechat, 8th March 2019.

Song Thrush, 8th March 2019.

March 7th. A Woodlark was in the East Dunes, and a second bird flew south over the West Dunes mid-morning. A Red Kite flew south over Croftmarsh where there were 8 White-fronted Goose. Around were 80 Brent Goose, a Pintail, 2 Eider, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, 25 Avocet, 7 Snipe, a Hooded Crow (North End), 16 Redwing and a Yellowhammer
 Further signs of Spring:

Ringing Control:
Blackbird ringed GPBO 7 October 2016, controlled Wieringerwerf, Netherlands 2 March 2019.

March 6th. Fairly strong southerly wind, with rain in morning and again in the afternoon.
 On Croftmash was a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands were 27 Avocet and 8 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 80 Brent Goose, a Goldeneye, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 19 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 4 Yellowhammer and 22 Corn Bunting. North-west of the reserve was another Hooded Crow. Flying south was a Woodlark.
 More signs of Spring:

Ringtail Hen Harrier, 6th March 2019.
Photo - Jim Shaw

March 5th. Frosty start, gradually warming up.
 A Woodlark was briefly in East Dunes. On Croftmarsh were 8 White-fronted Goose and a Pink-footed Goose; and on Jackson's Marsh a Water Pipit. Birds around included 90 Brent Goose, a Pintail, 90 Eider, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier (a male and a ringtail), 2 Buzzard, 29 Avocet, 52 Ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, 7 Stock Dove, 3 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 9 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 12 Rock Pipit, a Yellowhammer and 34 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 6 Rook, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Crossbill and 12 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 10 new birds: 2 Blue Tit, 6 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Greenfinch; and 11 retraps: 6 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 3 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Ringtail Hen Harrier, 5th March 2019.

Little Egret, 5th March 2019.

Avocet, 5th March 2019.

March 4th. Strong but slowly decreasing south-westerly wind.
 A Great White Egret was on the saltmarsh south of the Wash Viewpoint in the early evening. On Croftmarsh were 8 White-fronted Goose; and on Tennyson's Sands were 255 Brent Goose (including 2 Pale-bellied), 9 Black-tailed Godwit and 21 Avocet. Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Pintail, 72 Eider, a Goldeneye, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier (from the Wash Viewpoint), 2 Buzzard, 5 Stock Dove, 3 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow (at the North End), 2 Goldcrest, 12 Redwing, a Crossbill (Beach Car Park), 6 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 44 Corn Bunting. Heading south were a Goosander and 4 Red Kite.

March 3rd. Decreasing then increasing south-westerly wind, with rain in afternoon.
 Birds around were 317 Brent Goose, 80 Shelduck, a Pintail, 121 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 20 Avocet, 5 Woodcock, 9 Snipe, a Glaucous Gull (along the beach and from the Wash Viewpoint), a Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow (East Dunes), a Chiffchaff, 10 Redwing and 11 Corn Bunting. In off the sea came a Woodcock; and heading south was a Marsh Harrier.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 6 new birds: 4 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Goldfinch.
 Signs of Spring:

Redwing, 3rd March 2019.
Photo - Jim Shaw

March 2nd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 8 White-fronted Goose, a Pintail, a Goldeneye, 2 Grey Partridge, 9 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 22 Avocet, 10 Turnstone, 2 Woodcock, a Mediterranean Gull, a Glaucous Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler, 185 Starling, a Fieldfare, 12 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat, a Lesser Redpoll, 29 Siskin and 36 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 2 Buzzard.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 16 new birds: a Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Siskin and a Chaffinch; and 8 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 2nd March 2019.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Avocets, 2nd March 2019.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Glaucous Gull, in the evening roost, 2nd March 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Mute Swan, 2nd March 2019.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Siskin, ringed 2nd March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Siskin, ringed 2nd March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Siskin, ringed 2nd March 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

March 1st. A Water Rail, 20 Avocet and 3 Snipe were on Tennyson's Sands; on Jackson's Marsh was a drake Pintail; and on the Mere was a Water Rail. Around were 220 Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, a Glaucous Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Peregrine, a Coal Tit, 40 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Rock Pipit, 4 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 40 Corn Bunting. From The Wash Viewpoint in the evening were a ringtail Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl; and offshore were 29 Red-throated Diver and 5 Great Crested Grebe. Going south were 3 Common Crossbill and 24 Siskin.

Siskin, 1st March 2019.

Goldfinch, 1st March 2019.

Chaffinch, 1st March 2019.

Ringing Controls and Recoveries:
Reed Bunting ringed Cottam, Nottinghamshire 20 August 2018, controlled GPBO 4 October 2018.
Goldfinch ringed Benington, Lincolnshire 6 February 2018, controlled GPBO 20 December 2018.
Blackbird ringed GPBO 6 December 2017, controlled New Marske, Redcar & Cleveland 11 January 2019.
Starling ringed Ventes Ragas, Lithuania 19 June 2018, controlled GPBO 29 October 2018.
Blackbird ringed GPBO 1 November 2018, controlled East Corton, North Yorkshire 18 January 2019.
Goldfinch ringed GPBO 3 October 2018, controlled La Neuville, France 31 October 2018.
Blue Tit ringed GPBO 7 October 2018, found dead Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire 17 January 2019.
Blackbird ringed Parnassiaweg, Netherlands 25 October 2018, controlled GPBO 5 November 2018.
Song Thrush ringed GPBO 27 October 2018, found dead Aldeia do Minhocal, Portugal 7 February 2019.