Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog: 2020

Late December 2020

December 31st. Frozen start, then misty.

On Tennyson's Sands early morning were 2 Bewick's Swan. Birds around included 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a male and a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing, a Water Pipit and 2 Bullfinch. Going south were 14 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing and a Snow Bunting.

Bewick's Swans, 31 December 2020.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Sunrise, 31 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Visitor Centre, 31 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Merlin, 31 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 30th. Around were 40 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Merlin and 58 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands were 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch and a Blue Tit; and 11 retraps: 3 Great Tit, 7 Blue Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, retrapped 30 December 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

December 29th. Some early morning rain.

Birds around included 230 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, 5 Stonechat, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and 3 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 350 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

December 28th. Around were 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 600 Wigeon, 110 Red-throated Diver, a Buzzard, a Merlin, 4 Stonechat and 2 Siskin. Heading south were 660 Common Scoter.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber resulted in a new Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 5 Blue Tit, 8 Great Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Dunnock.

December 27th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

December 26th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

Around were 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 670 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard and a Chiffchaff. Flying south were 15 Eider, 70 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver and 16 Great Crested Grebe.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber provided 4 new birds: 2 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and a Great Tit; and 4 retraps: 2 Blue Tit and 2 Great Tit.

December 25th. Brief light early morning snow, then quite sunny.

Birds around included 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 8 Pink-footed Goose.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: 2 Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and 6 Great Tit.

December 24th. Moderately strong north-westerly wind, with spells of rain and sleet.

Around were 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Bean Goose, 3 White-fronted Goose, 2000 Golden Plover, 800 Lapwing, an Iceland Gull and 2 Snow Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh was a Black Swan.

Iceland Gull, 24 December 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

December 23rd. Increasing north-easterly wind, with foggy and rainy spells.

Birds around included 15 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Goldcrest, 4 Fieldfare and 3 Stonechat. On the Mere was a Black Swan.

Black Swan, 23 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 22nd. Around were 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3600 Pink-footed Goose, 1400 Lapwing, 2000 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, a Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker and 7 Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber yielded 4 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 2 Greenfinch; and 11 retraps: 4 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit and a Goldfinch.

Short-eared Owl, 22 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Water Rail, 22 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 21st. The winter Solstice - the shortest day. Moderately strong mostly southerly wind, with rain in morning.

Birds around included 55 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 1600 Lapwing. Offshore were 3 Great Northern Diver.

Mid December 2020

December 20th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Around were 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Hen Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin and a Stonechat. Offshore was a Great Skua. Flying south were 15 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 148 Pink-footed Goose, a Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 16 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Fulmar, a Gannet, a Kittiwake, 13 Golden Plover and 29 Fieldfare.

Stonechat, 20 December 2020.
Photo - Richard Brown

December 19th. Fairly strong southerly wind.

Birds around included 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1166 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 1500 Golden Plover, 1860 Lapwing, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 3 Stonechat, 8 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and 15 Rock Pipit.

December 18th. Quite strong southerly wind.

Around were 25 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Redwing. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver. Heading south were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pintail, 122 Golden Plover, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, a Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and a Fulmar..

December 17th. Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 7 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and 3 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Blackbird and 2 Robin.

December 16th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Around were 160 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Fieldfare and 2 Stonechat, On Jackson's Marsh were 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Black-tailed Godwit. Flying north were 3 Eider and a Fulmar; and south 32 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Great Northern Diver.

December 15th. At about 1040hrs a Glossy Ibis flew south-east over the reserve. Birds around included 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Stonechat and a Redwing. Heading south were 60 Golden Plover.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 9 new birds: 5 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit and 2 Blue Tit; and 8 retraps: 3 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

Buzzard, 15 December 2020.
Photo - Richard Brown

December 14th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Around were 50 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 1800 Lapwing.

December 13th. Rainy spells.

Birds around included 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1800 Lapwing, a Goldcrest and 2 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were a Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe. Going south were 60 Pink-footed Goose.

December 12th. Around were 24 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1180 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Goldcrest, 8 Stonechat, 5 Fieldfare and 7 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 22 new birds: 7 Goldfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 5 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 13 retraps: 5 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

December 11th. Rainy morning.

Birds around included a male Hen Harrier and 300 Blackbird. Offshore was a Black-throated Diver.

Hen Harrier, 11 December 2020.
Photo - Jack Adams

Early December 2020

December 10th. Birds around included 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, 2 Blackcap, 50 Redwing, a Black Redstart (Visitor Centre), 2 Stonechat and a Lapland Bunting. Offshore was a Guillemot. On Tennyson's Sands were 115 Lapwing and a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 830 Lapwing and 20 Redwing.

Guillemot, 10 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Hen Harrier, 10 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 9th. Foggy morning.

Around were a Sparrowhawk, 2 Goldcrest and 11 Redwing. On Croftmarsh were 250 Pink-footed Goose and a Buzzard; and on Tennyson's Sands 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

December 8th. Cold and foggy.

Birds around included a Short-eared Owl and 3 Stonechat. On the sea were 2 Shag. Flying north were 94 Pink-footed Goose and a Gannet; and south 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Record shot of Shags, 8 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 7th. Another frozen start, with iced up water bodies, then foggy and cold.

Around were 120 Pink-footed Goose, a Chiffchaff, 65 Blackbird and 14 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and 2 Bearded Tit.

December 6th. Frozen start.

Birds around included a Grey Partridge, 105 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 95 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush. On the Mere was a Water Rail. Going north were 107 Pink-footed Goose, 4 White-fronted Goose and a Lapland Bunting; and south 1574 Pink-footed Goose and 8 Whooper Swan.

December 5th. Around were 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, a Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 1600 Lapwing, 30 Blackbird, 4 Stonechat, 22 Redwing and 2 Lapland Bunting (over Old Saltmarsh). On Tennyson's Sands were a Black-tailed Godwit and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 7 Goosander and a Great Northern Diver.

Sunset, 5 December 2020.
Photo - Guy Barton

Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal, 5 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Water Rail, 5 December 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Fair Isle Bird Observatory Appeal:

https://www.shetland.org/60n/blogs/posts/fair-isle-observatory-appeal

December 4th. Rainy spells.

Birds around included a Peregrine, 2 Redwing and 80 Blackbird. Going north were 10 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Gannet and a Buzzard; and south 2 Eider and a Gannet.

December 3rd. Rain for most of day.

December 2nd. Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Lapwing and 30 Blackbird.

December 1st. Birds around, including those trapped, were 538 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Velvet Scoter, an adult male Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, 3000 Oystercatcher, a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 100+ Blackbird, 2 Stonechat and 2 Snow Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh was a Scaup; and on the Mere a Water Rail. In off the sea came 2 Tundra Bean Goose and 3 more Snow Bunting. Heading south were 8 Red-breasted Merganser, a Pomarine Skua and 2 Great Skua.

A brief, final morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new Blackbird.

Late November 2020

November 30th. Moderately strong westerly wind, with morning rain.

Around were 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an adult male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 311 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 5 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat and a Bullfinch. On the Mere were 68 Gadwall. Flying south were 12 White-fronted Goose and a Barnacle Goose.

November 29th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 14 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Blackbird, a Black Redstart (Visitor Centre), 8 Stonechat and a Snow Bunting. Going north were 3 White-fronted Goose; and south an Iceland Gull.

A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Blackbird.

November 28th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Goldcrest and 30 Blackbird.

A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced a new Blackbird; and a retrap Blue Tit.

November 27th. Frosty start.

Birds around included 155 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1000+ Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, 2 Hen Harrier (an adult male and a ringtail), 3 Woodcock (including 1 caught by a Peregrine over the beach), a Peregrine, 10 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 500 Blackbird, a Stonechat and a Snow Bunting. On Croftmarsh was a Buzzard.

November 26th. Frosty start.

Around were 65 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 2500 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 7 Stonechat and 15 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 18 Whooper Swan (then south), a Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Kingfisher and a singing Cetti's Warbler; and on Croftmarsh a Buzzard.

Merlin, 25 November 2020.
Photo - Guy Barton

November 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Great Northern Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Swallow, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 25 Redwing and a Siskin.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: 2 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird, a Blue Tit and a Robin.

November 24th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Around were 155 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Woodcock, a Merlin, 2 Chiffchaff and 5 Stonechat. Flying south were 30 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, a Gannet, 12 Siskin and 7 Brambling; and north 1800 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 140 Starling

November 23rd. Frosty start.

Birds around included 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4000 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Merlin, a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, a Brambling, a Lapland Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting. On the Mere were 2 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands a Buzzard and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Going south were 27 Whooper Swan, a Great Northern Diver, 6 Red-breasted Merganser and 24 Siskin; and south-west a Marsh Harrier.

Sunset, 23 November 2020.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Cetti's Warbler, 23 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Pink-footed Goose, 23 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 22nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2800 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, a Merlin, a Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Blackcap, 20 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, a Twite. Heading south were 33 Whooper Swan, a Bearded Tit, 21 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting; south-east 670 Pink-footed Goose; and east 7 Egyptian Goose.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: a Chaffinch and 4 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Great Tit.

Buzzard, 22 November 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

November 21st. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, a Corn Bunting and a Lapland Bunting. Flying south were 6 Whooper Swan and a Velvet Scoter.

Mid November 2020

November 20th. Frosty start.

Around, including birds trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 204 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 6 Stonechat, a Redwing, 7 Blackbird, a Lapland Bunting and 17 Snow Bunting. Going south were 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 5 Gannet. In off the sea came a Woodcock and 11 Fieldfare.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 8 new birds: 2 Wren and 6 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a Redwing.

Snow Bunting, 20 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 19th. Decreasing north-westerly wind, with mid morning light rain.

Birds around included 161 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 1200 Lapwing, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Yellowhammer and a Snow Bunting. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver. In off the sea came a Fieldfare. Heading south were 486 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Whooper Swan, a Long-tailed Duck and 4 Great Skua; and north 2 Great Northern Diver and 3 Great Skua.

Great Northern Diver, 19 November 2020.
Photo - Kev Wilson

Yellowhammer, 19 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

High tide near Bird Observatory, 19 November 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

November 18th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.

Around were 19 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2009 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and 11 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Rail; over Croftmarsh a Buzzard; around the Mere were 6 Bearded Tit; and along the Cycle Track 2 more Bearded Tit. Flying south were 3 Siskin.

November 17th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 280 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, 3240 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, 14 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 9 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing and 2 Stonechat. Near the Mere were 2 Bearded Tit; and on Jackson's Marsh 3 Bearded Tit. Going south were 16 Whooper Swan, a Goldeneye, a Caspian Gull, 7 Fieldfare, 14 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting; and north a Great Northern Diver.

November 16th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Around were 7 Barnacle Goose, 50 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, a Merlin, a Swallow and 2 Blackcap. By the Cycle Track were a Bearded Tit and a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were a Whooper Swan, a Great Northern Diver, a Slavonian Grebe, a Hen Harrier, a Great White Egret, a Merlin, 35 Brambling, 2 Twite and 3 Snow Bunting; north a Twite; and southeast 350 Pink-footed Goose.

November 15th. Quite strong south-westerly wind, with rainy spells.

Birds around included 322 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Hen Harrier, 1200 Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Goldcrest and 5 Siskin. Offshore were 22 Red-throated Diver. Flying south were 2950 Pink-footed Goose, a Velvet Scoter, 19 Common Scoter, 30 Eider and a Mediterranean Gull.

Sunset, 15 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 14th. Increasing southerly wind, with rainy spells.

Around were 166 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 165 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 1200 Lapwing, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Swallow, 2 Stonechat, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and 24 Blackbird. On Croftmarsh was a Stonechat; and on Jackson's Marsh 21 Little Egret. Going north were 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Eider and 3 Wigeon; and south 14 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Eider and 6 Common Scoter.

November 13th. Moderately strong south-easterly wind.

Birds around included 41 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7000 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat, 4 Blackbird and 38 Redwing. On Croftmarsh were 8 Brent Goose and 2 Buzzard; and on Tennyson's Sands a Buzzard, a Water Rail and 2 Bearded Tit. Heading south were 7 Barnacle Goose, 25 Whooper Swan, 3 Velvet Scoter, 2 Great Northern Diver, 13 Gannet, a Fieldfare, 16 Siskin, a Brambling and a Lapland Bunting; and south-east then onto sea a Grey Phalarope.

November 12th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Around were 77 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, 2 Merlin, 6 Stonechat, 5 Blackbird and a Song Thrush. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Snipe. Flying south were 2 Eider, 980 Woodpigeon, a Snipe, 4 Swallow, 88 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 41 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting; and north a Buzzard.

November 11th. Increasing southerly wind.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 40 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Woodcock, a Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat, 4 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird. By the Mere were 2+ Bearded Tit. On the sea were 6 Common Scoter and a Black-throated Diver. Going north were 16 Common Scoter; and south 3 Light-bellied Brent Goose, 206 Pink-footed Goose, 19 Eider, 69 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet and 4 Guillemot.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 10 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.

Early November 2020

November 10th. Occasional morning light rain, then soggy.

Around, including birds trapped, were 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Goldcrest, 36 Blackbird, 50 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush.

A rain-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 17 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 13 Blackbird.

November 9th. Foggy start.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 53 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, 50 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush and 100+ Redwing. Going north was an adult male Hen Harrier; and south 90 Pink-footed Goose.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 32 new birds: 2 Wren, a Robin, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 21 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Robin.

Acleris ferrugana, 9 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Dark Chestnut, 9 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Mottled Umber, 9 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Scarce Umber, 9 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Woodcock, ringed 9 November 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

November 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, 8 Stonechat, a Black Redstart, 275 Redwing, 230 Blackbird, 12 Song Thrush, 80 Fieldfare, 4 Brambling and 50 Chaffinch. By the Mere were 3+ Bearded Tit. Heading south were 350 Pink-footed Goose.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 17 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, a Robin, 3 Redwing. a Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and 2 Starling; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 3 Blackbird, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a Chaffinch.

Black Redstart, 8 November 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

November 7th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 120 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Pink-footed Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, a Late Whinchat, 11 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Water Rail, 2 Snipe, 2 Bearded Tit and a singing Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere a Bearded Tit. Flying south were an adult male Hen Harrier and a Peregrine.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Song Thrush and a Fieldfare; and a retrap Blackbird.

Fieldfare, ringed 7 November 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing control:

Blackbird, ringed Sandwich Bay, Kent 19 October 2020, controlled GPBO 5 November 2020.

November 6th. Cold, misty start.

Around, including birds trapped, were 64 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 787 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Short-eared Owl, a Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Stonechat and a Redwing. On the Mere were 1+ Bearded Tit. Going south were 2 Whooper Swan and 3 Snow Bunting.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; 4 retraps: 3 Robin and a Blue Tit; and the same control Robin with an ARNHEM VT HOLLAND ring.

Misty start, 6 November 2020.
Photo - Rob Watson

November 5th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 34 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Pink-footed Goose, a Blackcap and 5 Redwing. Into the Plantation came 2 Hawfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were a Whooper Swan, 3 Water Rail, 320 Lapwing, a Cetti's Warbler and a Bearded Tit; on Jackson's Marsh a Water Rail; on Croftmarsh a Buzzard; and on the Mere 2 Bearded Tit. Flying south were 78 Whooper Swan, 2 Bullfinch and 7 Crossbill.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 29 new birds: a Wren, 10 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 6 Blackbird; 14 retraps: a Song Thrush, 3 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Robin, a Wren, 5 Long-tailed Tit and a Great Tit; and a control Blackbird.

Kestrel, 5th November 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Common Crossbill, 5th November 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

November 4th. Around, including birds trapped, were 155 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7010 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Wigeon, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Woodcock, 3 Merlin, a Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler (East Dunes), a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 16 Redwing, 9 Stonechat and 3 Raven. On Tennyson's Sands were 24 Whooper Swan, a Water Rail, a Bearded Tit and a singing Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere 6 Bearded Tit. Going south were 64 Whooper Swan, a Snipe, a Merlin, a Crossbill, 2 Lapland Bunting and 8 Snow Bunting; and north a Lapland Bunting.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: a Wren, a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and 4 Blackbird; 6 retraps: 2 Song Thrush, a Robin, a Wren, a Dunnock and a Great Tit; and a control Robin with an ARNHEM VT HOLLAND ring.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Whooper Swans, 4 November 2020.
Photo - Adi Royle

Common Darter, 4 November 2020.
Photo - Adi Royle

Ringing control:

Garden Warbler, ringed GPBO 9 September 2019, controlled Etang de Morceny, Cote-d'Or, France 25 August 2020.

November 3rd. Rain until late morning.

Birds around included 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Swallow, 2 Stonechat and 19 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 41 Whooper Swan and a singing Cetti's Warbler; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 late Avocet (later on Tennyson's Sands). Heading south were 8 Whooper Swan, an Eider, 4 Brambling, 4 House Sparrow, 2 Bullfinch and a Lapland Bunting; and south-east 2140 Pink-footed Goose and 10 Whooper Swan.

Whooper Swan, 3 November 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 2nd. Strong south-westerly wind, with mid morning rain.

Around were 3235 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 6500 Knot, 600 Grey Plover, 1300 Sanderling, 4000 Dunlin, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, a Swallow, a Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat and 5 Crossbill. Flying south were 39 Whooper Swan, 3 Goosander, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Buzzard, 85 Golden Plover, 2 Kittiwake, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Redwing, 11 Brambling, 388 Linnet, 4 Crossbill, 758 Goldfinch, 109 Siskin and 4 Snow Bunting. In off the sea came 7 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier.

November 1st. Strong south-westerly wind.

On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler. Birds around included 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 62 Pintail, 1337 Sanderling, 4730 Dunlin, 7200 Knot, 800 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3100 Oystercatcher, 2 Siskin and 4 Crossbill. Offshore were a Great Northern Diver and 3 Red-throated Diver. Going south were 150 Wigeon, 15 Common Scoter, 22 Eider, a Little Gull, 110 Gannet, 2 Great Skua, a Marsh Harrier and 8 Siskin; and north a Fulmar. In off the sea came 285 Starling, 9 Redwing and a Blackbird.

Late October 2020

October 31st. Strong southerly wind.

Around were 16 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000+ Pink-footed Goose, 2 Woodcock, a Redwing and 3 Song Thrush. Going south were a Goldeneye, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 1180 Herring Gull.

October 30th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1600 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, a Treecreeper, 5 Redwing and 2 Stonechat.

A Common Redpoll was at the southern end of Seacroft Golf Course (Richard Scott).

Great White Egret, 30 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Massey

October 29th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with rain from mid morning until mid afternoon.

Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1660 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Whooper Swan, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Stonechat and 4 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 12 Whooper Swan, a Singing Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 5 Whooper Swan, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver and 5 Gannet.

Pink-footed Geese, 29 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Pink-footed Goose, 29th October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Little Grebe, 29th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Ringing control:

Goldcrest, ringed GPBO 2 October 2020, controlled Bawdsey, Suffolk 10 October 2020.

October 28th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 210 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, a late, scruffy-looking Garden Warbler, 10 Redwing, 2 Stonechat. Flying south were 30 Whooper Swan, 1280 Woodpigeon, 4 Swallow, a Woodlark, a Crossbill, a Bullfinch and 52 Siskin.

Garden Warbler, 28th October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Whooper Swans, 28th October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ringing control:

Blackcap, ringed GPBO 9 November 2019, controlled Kilnsea, East Yorkshire 27 October 2020.

October 27th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with rain from mid morning.

Around, including birds trapped, were 90 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush and 6 Blackbird. Going south were 14 Whooper Swan, a Swallow, 10 Brambling and 25 Siskin.

A wind- and rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Wren, 3 Blackbird, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Jack Snipe, 27th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

October 26th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 36 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, 61 Pintail, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 8 Redwing and 6 Song Thrush. Heading southsouthwest were 5 Egyptian Goose; and south 21 Whooper Swan, 4 Snipe, 2 Swallow, a House Martin, a Whinchat, 9 Redwing, 16 Brambling and 119 Siskin.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 14 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap, 4 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and a Blackbird.

Whinchat, 26 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Massey

October 25th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.

Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 2 Redwing and 5 Stonechat. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Snipe; and on the sea 3 Red-breasted Merganser. Flying south were 6 Pink-footed Goose, a Scaup, 300 Lapwing, 4 Great Skua, 2000 Woodpigeon, 3 Swallow and many finches and pipits; and north a Buzzard. The Starling roost numbered 60000.

Barnacle Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 25th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

Shoveler, 25th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

Jack Snipe, 25th October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Snipe, 25th October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

October 24th. Increasingly strong southerly wind.

Birds around included 114 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Peregrine and 2 Merlin. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Snipe. Going south were 3 Whooper Swan and 4 Great Skua.

October 23rd. Rain until mid morning, then soggy.

Around, including birds trapped, were 113 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. On the Mere were a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Tennyson's Sands 121 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, a Bearded Tit and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 3 White-fronted Goose, 350 Pink-footed Goose, 73 Whooper Swan, 400 Golden Plover, 4 Swallow, 45 Fieldfare, 41 Redwing, 8 Brambling, 11 Crossbill, a Lapland Bunting and many other finches, larks and pipits; east 3 Barnacle Goose; west 2 Goosander; and north a Lapland Bunting.

A brief rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap and a Redwing; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Blue Tit.

Jack Snipe, 23rd October 2020

Video - Kev Wilson

Whooper Swans, 23rd October 2020

Video - Kev Wilson

October 22nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 650 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 11 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and a Water Pipit. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Flying south were 7 Whooper Swan, 2 Bearded Tit, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 52 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 5 Grey Wagtail, 39 Brambling, 162 Siskin and 64 Crossbill; and southeast 2 Bean Goose. To roost went 45000 Starling. In the morning two visiting birders had brief views of what they took to be a Glossy Ibis over Tennyson's Sands, which then went out east.

A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Lesser Redpoll, a Blue Tit, 3 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Goldcrest and 2 Blackbird.

Marsh Harrier, 22nd October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 21st. Rain for almost all of day. Very little coverage.

On the Mere was a Jack Snipe.