Late February 2020

February 29th. Moderately strong southerly wind and rain until late morning.
 Flying south over the sea were 4 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 8 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar. The Barnacle Goose and the two Tundra Bean Goose were with 895 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh mid-day, where there were also a Pintail and 420 Lapwing. On Jackson's Marsh were 10 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 11 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail. Birds around included 604 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 53 Canada Goose, 10 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 111 Shelduck, 43 Shoveler, 47 Gadwall, 301 Wigeon, 100 Mallard, 157 Teal, 53 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Stock Dove, a Collared Dove, 18 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 89 Curlew, 2 Woodcock, a Red-throated Diver, 14 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 220 Starling, 22 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 2 Water Pipit, 35 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 15 Greenfinch and 12 Goldfinch.

Lapwing, 29th February 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Little Grebe, 29th February 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter

Barnacle, Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 29th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 28th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind and rain from mid-morning.
 A Black-throated Diver flew south offshore in the morning. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pintail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 19 Snipe; and on Croftmarsh 2 Pintail, 57 Stock Dove and 3 Snipe. Birds around included 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Canada Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 22 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 232 Wigeon, 64 Mallard,153 Teal, 46 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Grebe, 160 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 17 Starling, 18 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 11 Robin, a Pied Wagtail, 26 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 16 Greenfinch and 9 Goldfinch.

February 27th.
 44 Water Pipit were counted into roost in the evening. On Jackson's Marsh were 11 Pintail, 4 Stock Dove, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Snipe. Birds around included 208 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 55 Canada Goose, 8 Greylag Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Shelduck, 51 Shoveler, 29 Gadwall, 209 Wigeon, 104 Mallard, 103 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 12 Little Grebe, 550 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 72 Curlew, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh), a Buzzard, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 22 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 14 Robin, a Pied Wagtail, 25 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 35 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 6 Reed Bunting.

Ringing Control;
Sedge Warbler, ringed GPBO 25 July 2019, controlled Sandouville, Seine-Maritime, France 21 August 2019.

February 26th.
 A coordinated effort in the early evening yielded a huge count of 47 Water Pipit into roost. The Barancle Goose and two Tundra Bean Goose were with 931 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh in the afternoon, where there were also a Grey Heron and 3 Stonechat. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 186 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Pintail, 6 Stock Dove, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Snipe and a Great Egret (then on Tennyson's Sands). Birds around included 200 further Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 23 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 74 Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 124 Mallard, 37 Tufted Duck, 11 Little Grebe, 2 Water Rail, 700 Lapwing, 42 Ringed Plover, 62 Curlew, 12 Turnstone, a Woodcock, a Snipe, 7 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (over the New Saltmarsh), a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 25 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 70 Starling, 19 Robin, a Pied Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 27 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 19 Corn Bunting (Visitor Centre car park) and 9 Reed Bunting. Heading south were 32 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and a Reed Bunting.

Harbour Seal and Marsh Harrier, 26th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Great Egret, 26th February 2020.

Video - Ben Ward 

February 25th. 
 A Woodlark flew north up the West Dunes in the mid-afternoon and 38 Water Pipit were counted into roost on the Old Saltmarsh in the evening. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose, the Barnacle Goose and the 2 Tundra Bean Goose were amongst 1200 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh in the afternoon. On Jackson's Marsh were 10 Pintail, a Goldeneye, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Snipe. Heading south were an Eider, 10 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Stock Dove, a Collared Dove, a Mediterranean Gull, 11 Red-throated Diver, 21 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 15 Skylark, 176 Starling, a Merlin, 2 Linnet and 4 Goldfinch. Birds around included 270 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 26 Canada Goose, 15 Greylag Goose, 46 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swan, 34 Shoveler, 54 Gadwall. 111 Mallard, 159 Teal, 47 Tufted Duck, 5 Eider, 24 Stock Dove, a Collared Dove, 13 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 500 Lapwing, 114 Curlew, 171 Cormorant, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 500 Starling, 23 Blackbird, 13 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 18 Robin, 3 Stonechat (1 West Dunes and 2 Croftmarsh), a Pied Wagtail, 30 Chaffinch, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 16 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch and 23 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park).
 

Barn Owl, 25th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Stonechat, 25th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Rainbow over Old Coastguard Station, 25th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward  

Goldeneye, 25th February 2020.

Brambling, 25th February 2020.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 25th February 2020.

February 24th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind and rain until mid-day.
 An incredible 44 Water Pipit were counted into roost on the Saltmarsh in the early evening.

The Barnacle Goose and the 2 Tundra Bean were with 916 Pink-footed Goose on Croftmarsh in the late afternoon. On Jackson's Marsh were 10 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sand 14 Shelduck and a Kingfisher. Birds around included 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 49 Canada Goose, 13 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 39 Shoveler, 29 Gadwall, 346 Wigeon, 96 Mallard, 156 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, 35 Stock Dove, 14 Little Grebe, 350 Lapwing, 71 Curlew, 11 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 90 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 32 Chaffinch, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 16 Greenfinch, 11 Goldfinch and 2 Corn Bunting.

Busy Feeding Table! (Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Blackbird) 24th February 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Treecreeper, 24th February 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

  

Water Pipit, 24th February 2020.

Video - Ben Ward

Water Pipit, 24th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 23rd. Moderately strong-westerly wind.

 A Waxwing was briefly along Gibraltar Road to the north of the reserve in the afternoon before flying south. The Barnacle Goose and the 2 Tundra Bean Goose were again with 1100 Pink-footed Goose commuting between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields, where there were also 24 Stock Dove, 850 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 2 Stonechat and 920 Starling. On Jackson's Marsh were 9 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Snipe. Birds around included a Light-bellied Brent Goose, 650 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 68 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 83 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 330 Wigeon, 102 Mallard, 193 Teal, 42 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 53 Ringed Plover, 212 Curlew, 14 Turnstone, 550 Sanderling, 168 Redshank, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 22 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 14 Robin, 29 Chaffinch, a Brambling, a Bullfinch, 14 Greenfinch, a Lesser Redpoll, 12 Goldfinch and 32 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park).

Lesser Redpoll, 23rd February 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Waxwing, 23rd February 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Brambling, 23rd February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

   February 22nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind with rain in the morning.
 The Barnacle Goose and the 2 Tundra Bean Goose were with 1100 Pink-footed Goose that commuted between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields. On Jackson's Marsh were 9 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Snipe. Birds around included 707 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 64 Canada Goose, 9 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 69 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 305 Wigeon, 122 Mallard, 294 Teal, 35 Tufted Duck, 26 Eider, 15 Red-breasted Merganser, 41 Stock Dove, 19 Coot, 15 Little Grebe, 934 Lapwing, 125 Golden Plover, 12 Ringed Plover, 208 Curlew, 16 Turnstone, 128 Redshank, a Woodcock, 16 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 301 Starling, 26 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, 24 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 6 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting. Flying south over the sea were a Greylag Goose, a Shelduck, 67 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Great Crested Grebe.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 22nd February 2020.

Photo - Sarah Hunter 

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 22nd February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 21st. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Flying south over the sea were 8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 29 Eider, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1000 Herring Gull, a Guillemot, 3 Auk Sp and 30 Red-throated Diver; and north 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 3 Common Scoter. On Jackson's Marsh were 290 Wigeon, 10 Pintail, 32 Stock Dove, 2 Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Snipe. Birds around included 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (with Pink-footed Goose), 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 27 Shelduck, 23 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 107 Mallard, 39 Tufted Duck, 4 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breated Merganser, 17 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 150 Lapwing, 71 Curlew, a Woodcock, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 70 Starling, 29 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, a Water Pipit (over the West Dunes), 26 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch and 12 Goldfinch.

Little Egret, with Stickleback, 21st February 2020.

Roe Deer, buck, 21st February 2020. 

Mid February 2020

February 20th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind with rain in the afternoon.
 A Long-tailed Duck flew south offshore in the morning. 16 Water Pipit were noted to the north of the reserve as they gathered prior to roost. The two Tundra Bean Goose flew over fields west of Croftmarsh with 900 Pink-footed Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 8 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Snipe and a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, a Snipe and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 78 Canada Goose, 17 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Shelduck, 25 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 178 Wigeon, 106 Mallard, 180 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 15 Stock Dove, 9 Little Grebe, 310 Lapwing, 79 Golden Plover, 6 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 35 Starling, 21 Blackbird, 26 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.

Water Pipit, 20th February 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

February 19th. A phenomenal 41 Water Pipit were noted during pre roost activities in the late afternoon. Birds around included 90 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 54 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose (on Croftmarsh with Pink-footed Goose early evening), 13 Greylag Goose, 950 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 41 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 232 Wigeon, 104 Mallard, 5 Pintail, 207 Teal, 45 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 9 Stock Dove, 10 Little Grebe, 175 Lapwing, 94 Curlew, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, 6 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Skylark, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 91 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 35 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 15 Robin, 2 Stonechat (1 Visitor Centre car park and 1 out from Mill Hill), 30 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 16 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, a Corn Bunting and 8 Reed Bunting.

Goldeneye, 19th February 2020.

Photos - Ben Ward

February 18th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
Heading south over the sea were 11 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pintail, 3 Teal, 25 Eider, 230 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Kittiwake, 41 Red-throated Diver and a male Marsh Harrier; and north 34 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. The Barnacle Goose and the two Tundra Bean Goose commuted between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields with 1048 Pink-footed Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 11 Pintail, 50 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 34 Stock Dove and 5 Snipe. Birds around included 217 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 22 Canada Goose, 13 Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 54 Shoveler, 19 Gadwall, 286 Wigeon, 259 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 19 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 63 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 14 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 73 Starling, 23 Blackbird, 19 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 13 Robin, a House Sparrow, 30 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch and 9 Goldfinch.

Little Egret, 18th February 2020.

Photos - Ben Ward

Kestrel, 18th February 2020.

Song Thrush, 18th February 2020.

February 17th. Moderately strong south-westerly winds.

 Flying south over the sea were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Shelduck, 13 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 25 Red-breated Merganser, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Auk Sp, 25 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar and 7 Gannet; and north 27 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 39 Common Scoter. On Jackson's Marsh were 9 Greylag Goose, 14 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 12 Pintail, 109 Teal, 36 Tufted Duck, a Goldeneye, 6 Stock Dove, 3 Little Grebe and 5 Snipe. Birds around included 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Mute Swan, 277 Wigeon, 20 Common Scoter, 708 Eider, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 325 Lapwing, 195 Curlew, a Woodcock, 5 Red-throated Diver, 122 Cormorant, a Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a male Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Peregrine, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 25 Starling, 30 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 3 House Sparrow, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 3 Rock Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 5 Linnet and 23 Goldfinch.

February 16th. Strong south-westerly with showers.
 The Great Egret flew in from the west and frequented Tennyson's Sands from the late morning; where there were also a Water Rail, a Great Crested Grebe and a Grey Heron; on Jackson's Marsh were 5 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 15 Stock Dove, 7 Snipe and 2 Water Pipit (flew south to roost in the afternoon); on Croftmarsh were 2 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 320 Lapwing, a Golden Plover, 71 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Redshank and 32 Starling; and on adjacent farm fields the Barnacle Goose was with 1200 Pink-footed Goose. Birds around included 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Shelduck, 44 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 357 Wigeon, 64 Mallard, 219 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, 13 Little Grebe, 12 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 28 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 14 Robin, 32 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 18 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch and 3 Siskin.

February 15th. Strong southerly wind with showers.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 6 Pintail, 54 Stock, a Snipe and a Water Pipit; on Croftmarsh were 6 Pintail, 76 Curlew, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Redshank and 12 Starling; and on Tennyson's Sands a Grey Heron. Birds around included 6 Mute Swan, 17 Shelduck, 41 Shoveler, 56 Gadwall, 388 Wigeon, 119 Mallard, 147 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 12 Little Grebe, 15 Little Egret. 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 22 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 13 Robin, a Grey Wagtail, 24 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch and 12 Goldfinch.

Black-tailed Godwit, 15th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 14th. A staggering 37 Water Pipit were counted into roost in the late afternoon. On Jackson's Marsh were 11 Pintail, 5 Snipe and a Great Egret (briefly then to roost).  Birds around included 200 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 550 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 12 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 65 Wigeon, 80 Mallard, 97 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 2 Stock Dove, a Water Rail, 59 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Little Egret, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 15 Starling, 16 Blackbird, 25 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin and a Stonechat (West Dunes).

Great Egret, 14th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 13th. A Great Egret was on Croftmarsh briefly in the afternoon prior to flying to the south, where the Barnacle Goose, the two Tundra Bean Goose and 1233 Pink-footed Goose commuted to when not on adjacent farm fields. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Pintail, where a Water Pipit flew over; and on the Mere a Goldeneye. Birds around included 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 31 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 34 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 138 Mallard, 127 Teal, 27 Tufted Duck, 2 Stock Dove, 15 Little Grebe, 1000 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover, 90 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 50 Starling, 25 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 17 Robin, 2 Stonechat (Croftmarsh), 4 Meadow Pipit, 20 Water Pipit (pre roost gathering just to the north of the Reserve), 11 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 9 Greenfinch, a Redpoll, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting (from the Visitor Centre car park) and 5 Reed Bunting.

Water Pipit, 13th February 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Great White Egret, 13th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Marsh Harrier, 13th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 12th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
 Flying south over the sea were 3 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, a Pintail, 4 Teal, a Goldeneye, 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Mediterranean Gull, 93 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron and a male Marsh Harrier; south over land 3 Siskin; and north over the sea 5 Common Scoter, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Auk Sp and 30 Red-throated Diver. The Barnacle Goose and a Tundra Bean Goose commuted between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields with 1200 Pink-footed Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Shelduck, 36 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, a Goldeneye and 5 Snipe. Birds around included 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Mute Swan, 241 Wigeon, 84 Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 6 Common Scoter, 6 Stock Dove, 10 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 82 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 2 Auk Sp, 16 Red-throated Diver, 133 Cormorant, a Grey Heron, 9 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier (over New Saltmarsh in the evening), a Buzzard, 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Skylark, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 25 Starling, 24 Blackbird, 30 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 18 Robin, 6 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (flew over the West Dunes), 14 Rock Pipit, 21 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch, 31 Corn Bunting (pre roost gathering from Visitor Centre car park) and 6 Reed Bunting.

Merlin, at dusk, 12th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 11th. Strong westerly winds.
 A Lapland Bunting flew over the Wash Viewpoint during the morning, from where a staggering 1629 Eider were counted (second highest site count). The Barnacle Goose and the two Tundra Bean Goose commuted between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields with 822 Pink-footed Goose. Also on Croftmarsh were 3 Pintail, 8 Stock Dove, 73 Curlew and 50 Starling; on Jackson's Marsh were 7 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Pintail and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 320 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Canada Goose, a Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 48 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 31 Gadwall, 292 Wigeon, 108 Mallard, 144 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 31 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 120 Lapwing, 31 Ringed Plover, 14 Turnstone, 154 Cormorant, 13 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Merlin, 8 Skylark, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 17 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 16 Robin, 3 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 20 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 15 Goldfinch, 3 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint) and 5 Reed Bunting. Flying south over the sea were 8 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Auk Sp and 12 Red-throated Diver; and north a Wigeon, 4 Eider, 2 Common Scoter and 6 Auk Sp.

Pintail, 11th February 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 11th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

The Wash Viewpoint, over am high tide, 11th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Red-breasted Merganser, 11th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

  Hardy Oystercatcher roosting off Millennium Ridge, 11th February 2020.

Video - Ben Ward

Early February 2020

February 10th. Strong westerly wind with rain and light snow in the afternoon.
 The Barnacle Goose and 2 Tundra Bean Goose were amongst 670 Pink-footed Goose which commuted between Croftmarsh and adjacent farm fields. Also on Croftmarsh were 2 Pintail, 19 Stock Dove, 260 Lapwing, 30 Golden Plover, 97 Curlew, a Ruff, 13 Redshank and 40 Starling; and on Jackson's Marsh were 5 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Snipe and a Water Pipit. Birds around included 25 Canada Goose, 13 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 17 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 273 Wigeon, 88 Mallard, 104 Teal, 39 Tufted Duck, 13 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Turnstone, 2 Snipe, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 15 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 11 Robin, a Stonechat (Mere Meadow), 2 Alba' Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (off Freshwater Marsh), 15 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch and 10 Goldfinch.

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 10th February 2020.

Photos - Ben Ward

Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Goose, 10th February 2020.

Video - Ben Ward 

Stonechat, 10th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 9th. Gale force south-westerly winds and showers throughout the day.

 The Barnacle Goose and a Tundra Bean Goose were on fields west of the River Steeping in the afternoon. On Croftmarsh were 222 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Shelduck, 374 Wigeon, 9 Redshank and 35 Starling; on Jackson's Marsh were 3 Brent Goose, 4 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe and 41 Stock Dove; and on Tennyson's Sands a Great Crested Grebe. Birds around included 46 Canada Goose, 4 Greylag Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 43 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 144 Mallard, 78 Teal, 28 Tufted Duck, 15 Coot, 15 Little Grebe, 72 Curlew, 12 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 3 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 18 Blackbird, 30 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch and 12 Goldfinch.

The view from Sykes Farm office in the afternoon, 9th February 2020.

Video - Jim Shaw

Stock Dove, 9th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 8th. A Black Brant was off Millennium Ridge in the morning with 788 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. On Croftmarsh were 2 Light-bellied Brent Goose, 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Pintail, 16 Stock Dove and 140 Starling; on Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Little Egret (pre roost congregation) and a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands were a Goldeneye, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 450 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Shelduck, 27 Shoveler, 19 Gadwall, 205 Wigeon, 74 Mallard, 26 Teal, 42 Tufted Duck, 14 Little Grebe,78 Curlew, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 19 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 22 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 19 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch and 3 Reed Bunting.

Great Crested Grebe, 8th February 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

Little Egret congregation, 8th February 2020.

Photo - Nige Lound

February 7th. A Richard's Pipit flew south over the hump and onto the New Saltmarsh during a roost movement of Pipit at sunset. On Croftmarsh were a Light-bellied Brent Goose, 724 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Canada Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 1440 Pink-footed Goose and a Tundra Bean Goose. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 2 Snipe and a Grey Heron; and on Tennyson's Sands a Great Crested Grebe and a Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around included 4 Mute Swan, 3 Whooper Swan (fields west of the River Steeping), 29 Shelduck, 31 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 230 Wigeon, 108 Mallard, 62 Teal, 43 Tufted Duck, 17 Stock Dove, a Water Rail, 14 Little Grebe, 92 Curlew, a Woodcock, 12 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrel, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 65 Starling, 29 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 24 Robin, 7 Meadow Pipit, 12 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 26 Corn Bunting (to roost) and 8 Reed Bunting.

Wigeon, feverish courtship behaviour prompted by the fine conditions, 7th February 2020.

Goldeneye, adult drake, 7th February 2020.

Redwing, 7th February 2020.

Sunset, 7th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 6th. Frosty start.
 On Croftmarsh were 2 Light-bellied Brent Goose, 359 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 1683 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Tundra Bean Goose, 260 Wigeon, 10 Stock Dove, 320 Lapwing, 62 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Buzzard and 80 Starling; On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail and a Goldeneye; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Avocet, 3 Snipe, a Grey Heron and a Cetti's Warbler (from North Hide). Flying north-west were 305 Pink-footed Goose. Birds around included 4 Mute Swan, 26 Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 47 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Grebe, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 19 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, a Stonechat (Mere Meadow), 8 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 7 Corn Bunting (Wash Viewpoint) and 7 Reed Bunting.

Tundra Bean Goose, 6th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Frosty start, Millennium Ridge in the morning, 6th February 2020.

Photo - Jim Shaw

February 5th. The Red-crested Pochard commuted between the Mere and Jackson's Marsh. The Barnacle Goose was with 1200 Pink-footed Goose on fields west of the river in the morning. Birds around included 70 Brent Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 13 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 260 Wigeon, 58 Mallard, 2 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 22 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 10 Stock Dove, 4 Little Grebe, 360 Lapwing, 58 Curlew, 9 Little Egret, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 60 Starling, 14 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 9 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 15 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch and 27 Corn Bunting (from the Visitor Centre Car Park).

Kestrel, pair just prior to roost, 5th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 4th. Strong westerly and then north-westerly wind throughout the day.

 A Great Northern Diver was on the sea out from Mill Hill throughout the morning, where there were also an Eider, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Red-throated Diver. Flying south over the sea were a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Greylag Goose, 3 Shelduck, a Wigeon, an Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goldeneye, 6 Great Crested Grebe, a Kittiwake, 18 Red-throated Diver and a Peregrine; and north 8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar and a Gannet; and in from the sea came 2 Greylag Goose. The fifth (fourth record) Red-crested Pochard for the recording area was on Jackson's Marsh late morning before relocating to the Mere. On Croftmarsh were 425 Lapwing, 70 Golden Plover and 80 Starling; on Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail and a Goldeneye; and on Tennyson's Sands were 4 Goosander (to roost) and a Grey Heron. Birds around included 13 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1400 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 220 Wigeon, 71 Mallard, 55 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 10 Stock Dove, 14 Little Grebe, 122 Curlew, 22 Turnstone, a Woodcock, 10 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, 14 Blackbird, 26 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat (Mere Meadow), a Water Pipit (over the Mere), 12 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch and 8 Goldfinch.

Red-crested Pochard, 4th February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

Red-crested Pochard, 4th February 2020.

Goldeneye, 4th February 2020.

Robin, 4th February 2020.

February 3rd. On Jackson's Marsh were 22 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 55 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 37 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck and 4 Little Grebe; and on Tennyson's Sands was a Light-bellied Brent Goose. Birds around included 420 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Canada Goose, 41 Greylag Goose, 900 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swan, 179 Wigeon, 14 Stock Dove, 850 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 54 Curlew, 10 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier (over Old Saltmarsh), a Buzzard, 3 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 200 Starling, 16 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush. 2 Mistle Thrush, 9 Robin, 5 Meadow Pipit, a Water Pipit (over Sykes Farm), 16 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch and 11 Corn Bunting (from Visitor Centre Car Park). Heading south over the East Dunes was a Marsh Harrier.

Light-bellied Brent Goose, 3rd February 2020.

Photo - Dean Nicholson

Pintail, 3rd February 2020.

Photo - Dean Nicholson

Wigeon, 3rd February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 2nd. Rain and poor visibility in the morning.
 A Lapland Bunting flew over the East Dunes late morning. On the sea were 10 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Red-throated Diver; flying north were 17 Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver; south 9 Common Scoter; and in from the sea came 2 Pintail. Birds around included a Light-bellied Brent Goose, 97 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Brent Goose intergrade, 87 Canada Goose, 50 Greylag Goose, 302 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Mute Swan, 15 Shelduck, 37 Shoveler, 58 Gadwall, 235 Wigeon, 114 Mallard, 6 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 120 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Grebe, 220 Lapwing, 30 Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 127 Curlew, 35 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone, 140 Dunlin, 3 Woodcock, 4 Snipe, 129 Redshank, 11 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 139 Starling, 27 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 13 Robin, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch and 8 Reed Bunting.

Presumed Light-bellied x Dark-bellied Brent Goose intergrade, 2nd February 2020.

Photo - Ben Ward

February 1st. Strong westerly wind.
 Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 66 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 260 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 48 Shoveler, 38 Gadwall, 190 Wigeon, 99 Mallard, 5 Pintail (Jackson's Marsh), 72 Teal, 26 Tufted Duck, 14 Stock Dove, 9 Coot, 11 Little Grebe, 170 Lapwing, 31 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 200 Starling, 18 Blackbird, 35 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, an Alba Wagtail, 24 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch and 12 Goldfinch.