Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog: April 2021

Late April 2021

April 30th. Frosty start.

Around, including birds trapped, were 138 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Cuckoo, 5 Avocet, 5 Golden Plover, 12 Whimbrel, a Snipe, a Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 66 Little Tern, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 36 Sedge Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler, a Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 61 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Siskin and a Crossbill. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh a Pink-footed Goose. Going south were 25 Swallow.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat and 2 Blackcap; and 3 retraps: a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 17 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 16 retraps: 2 Goldfinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blackcap, 4 Great Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blue Tit and a Dunnock.

Hobby, 30 April 2021.
Photo - Dean Nicholson

Sparrowhawk, 30 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Cowslips on Jackson's Marsh Meadow, 30 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Shore Crab, 30 April 2021.
Photo - Jack Wilson

Ringing Control: Willow Warbler, ringed GPBO 13 August 2019, controlled Portland Bird Observatory 29 April 2021.

April 29th. Some early morning light rain.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 95 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat and a Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 23 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet. Flying south were 3 House Martin; and north a Red-necked Grebe.

A rain-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Meadow Pipit and a Blackbird: and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

Mixed waders, 29 April 2021.
Photo - Tom Green

Oystercatcher roost, 29 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 28th. Increasing north-easterly wind.

Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, a Water Rail, 12 Whimbrel, 3 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 3 House Martin, a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 10 Whitethroat, 4 Ring Ouzel. 2 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, a Wheatear and a Crossbill. On Tennyson's Sands were 26 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler; on Fenland Lagoon a Little Ringed Plover; and on Croftmarsh 4 Avocet and a Little Ringed Plover. Going north were 2 Iceland Gull, 35 Sandwich Tern, 17 Arctic Tern, 118 Little Tern, a Marsh Harrier, a Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater and 2 Fulmar; and south 17 Whimbrel, a Manx Shearwater.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Song Thrush and a Fieldfare; and 2 retrap Blue Tit.

Ring Ouzel, 28 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Fieldfare, ringed 28 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 27th. Some light rainy spells.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Jack Snipe, a Swift, a Buzzard, 20 Swallow, 18 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 4 Ring Ouzel, 8 House Martin, 9 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 11 Whitethroat, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, a Wheatear and a Tree Pipit. On the sea were 6 Goosander; on Tennyson's Sands 19 Avocet; on Fenland Lagoon 3 Avocet; over Jackson's Marsh 3 House Martin; and on Croftmarsh a Little Ringed Plover and 5 Yellow Wagtail. Heading south were a Red-throated Diver, a Sand Martin and 12 Swallow; and south then north a Ring-necked Parakeet.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 7 new birds: a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Great Tit; and 11 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, a Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, a Chaffinch and a Goldfinch.

BlueTit, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Great Black-backed Gull, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Wren, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Mixed thrushes, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Goosanders, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Goosander, 27 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 26th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Cuckoo, a Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Avocet. Flying south were 2 Sand Martin and 5 Swallow.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided a new Whitethroat; and 3 retraps: 2 Robin and a Whitethroat.

April 25th. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spoonbill, 25 Avocet, 2 Cetti's Warbler and a Reed Warbler; on Croftmarsh a Buzzard; on the Mere a Little Gull; and on Fenland Lagoon 2 Avocet and 2 Little Ringed Plover. Birds around, including those trapped, were 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a Little Tern, 3 Cuckoo, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, a Wheatear, a Black Redstart and a Lesser Redpoll. Going south were 2 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 2 Buzzard and a Yellow Wagtail.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 15 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 3 Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, a Robin and a Linnet; and 11 retraps: a Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Great Tit, 4 Goldfinch and a Blue Tit.

Little Gull, 25 April 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

April 24th. Cold start.

Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Little Gull, 6 Little Tern, a Short-eared Owl, a Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel and a Black Redstart. On Tennyson's Sands were 10 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh 4 Avocet. Heading south were a Red Kite, 17 Sand Martin and 33 Yellow Wagtail; and north 3 Common Scoter.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Dunnock, a Wren and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Wren and 2 Dunnock.

Black Redstart, 24 April 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

Grasshopper Warbler, 24 April 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

April 23rd. Frosty start.

A Great White Egret came in to Jackson's Marsh briefly, then departed north. A Black Redstart was at the Visitor Centre. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh 5 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and 3 Black-tailed Godwit; and on the Mere a Garganey. Birds around included 205 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 4 Jack Snipe, 18 Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Long-eared Owl, a Cetti's Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 18 Whitethroat, a Treecreeper, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Wheatear and a Brambling. Flying south were 4 Buzzard, a Little Ringed Plover, 23 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

Butterflies included a Green Hairstreak.

Garganey, 23 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Green Hairstreak, 23 April 2021.
Photo - Rob Watson

April 22nd. Cold start.

The best birds were a Wryneck (see photographs below) and a Spoonbill. Around, including birds trapped, were 145 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, a singing Cuckoo, 6 Whimbrel, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 6 Grasshopper Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, . On Tennyson's Sands were 22 Avocet. Going south were 13 Sand Martin.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Chaffinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Song Thrush and a Dunnock.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 12 new birds: a Reed Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, a Cetti's Warbler, a Linnet, a Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch and a Dunnock; and 14 retraps: 3 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, 6 Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Robin.

Wryneck, 22 April 2021.
Photo - Roy Harvey

Wryneck, 22 April 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Snipe, 22 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Wryneck droppings showing remains of ants, 22 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 21st. Increasing north-easterly wind.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 70 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Cuckoo, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Little Tern, 30 Sandwich Tern, a Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet, a Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Sedge Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler. On Seacroft Fields were 2 Little Gull; on Fenland Lagoon a Little Ringed Plover; on Croftmarsh an Avocet; and on Tennyson's Sands 16 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 3 Common Scoter; and north 104 Sandwich Tern, 10 Commic Tern and 6 Arctic Tern.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Linnet; and a retrap Wren.

Muntjac, 21 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Mid April 2021

April 20th. Cold, misty start.

Birds around, including those trapped, were a Cuckoo singing, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 19 Avocet; on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet and 2 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Seacroft Fields 2 Little Gull.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 10 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 4 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet; and 11 retraps: a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 2 Cetti's Warbler and a Goldfinch.

Yellow Wagtail, 20 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Stonechat, 20 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Black Redstart, 20 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Wheatear, 2o April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Cetti's Warbler, retrapped 20 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 19th. Around, including birds trapped, were 137 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, an Egyptian Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Hen Harrier, a Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Stonechat, a Yellow Wagtail and a White Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 24 Avocet and 4 Sedge Warbler; on Croftmarsh 4 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and 2 Black-tailed Godwit; on Fenland Lagoon a Spotted Redshank; and on Seacroft Fields 2 Little Gull and a Redwing. Going north were a Marsh Harrier, 13 Golden Plover and a Swallow; and south a Whimbrel, 2 Swallow, a Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Willow Warbler. a Whitethroat and a Blackcap; and 5 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Blackbird and a Reed Bunting.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 19 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

April 18th. Frosty start then sunny.

Birds around included 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Snipe, 2 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler and a Grasshopper Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Mute Swan and 25 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh an Avocet. Flying north were 3 Sandwich Tern; and south 4 Buzzard.

A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle produced a new Chiffchaff; and a retrap Chiffchaff.

April 17th. Frosty start then sunny.

Around, including birds trapped, were 122 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Swallow, a Black Redstart, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap and a Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 21 Mute Swan, a Water Rail, 25 Avocet and a Marsh Harrier; on Croftmarsh an Avocet, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff and a Robin; and a retrap Robin.

April 16th. Cold start.

Birds around included 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Sparrowhawk, a Short-eared Owl, a Redstart, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and a Goldcrest. Offshore were 3 Sandwich Tern. On Tennyson's Sands were 10 Mute Swan, a Water Rail and 10 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh a Mute Swan, 2 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were 21 Common Scoter, a Marsh Harrier and 5 Buzzard.

Butterflies included the first Speckled Wood of the year.

Speckled Wood, 16 April 2021.
Photo - Jack Wilson

April 15th. Frosty start.

Around, including birds trapped, were 84 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 9 Avocet, 6 Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Redstart, a White Wagtail, a Brambling and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler; on Fenland Lagoon 2 Little Ringed Plover; on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff; and on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff.

A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes provided a new Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Dunnock.

A longer morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenur by Mike Polling provided 16 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Reed Bunting, 8 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit; and 12 retraps: 4 Goldfinch, a Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler, a Brambling, a Dunnock, a Wren, 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Redstart, 15 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 14th. Frosty start.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Short-eared Owl and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were 11 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh 3 Avocet.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Great Tit and a Wren.

Little Grebe, 14 April 2021.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

April 13th. Frozen start, then thawed out fairly quickly.

Around, including birds trapped, were 47 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Goldcrest and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 24 Avocet, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and a Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh 2 Mute Swan, 58 Golden Plover, 2 Buzzard over and a Peregrine south over; and on Fenland Lagoon 2 Little Ringed Plover. Going north was a Swallow; and south were 2 Buzzard..

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler, a Blackcap, a Brambling, a Goldfinch and a Greenfinch; and 9 retraps: a Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Wren.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 13 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Brambling, ringed 13 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 12th. Frozen start.

On the beach, then briefly on the water bodies, was an Iceland Gull. Birds around included 22 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Avocet, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank, 12 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Sedge Warbler and 3 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Mute Swan, 21 Avocet, a Cetti's Warbler and a Sedge Warbler; on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff; and on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet, a Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe. Flying south was a Great Northern Diver.

Iceland Gull, 12 April 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

April 11th. Around were 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Whimbrel, a Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Treecreeper. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Pink-footed Goose and 32 Avocet; and on Croftmarsh 2 Avocet, 4 Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 2 new Reed Bunting; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Early April 2021

April 10th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 98 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Swallow, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 22 Avocet.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber provided 19 new birds: 2 Robin, 6 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet, a Great Tit, a Yellowhammer and a Blackbird; and 19 retraps: a Goldfinch, 7 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, a Dunnock, a Linnet, a Wren, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Chiffchaff, 10 April 2021.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

April 9th. Around were 56 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler, a Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Redstart. On Tennyson's Sands were a Great Crested Grebe, 10 Avocet and 2 Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh a Little Ringed Plover and 6 Avocet; on Fenland Lagoon 4 Little Ringed Plover; and on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff and a Water Pipit. Heading south were 2 Swallow, 2 Brambling and 2 Siskin.

Ruff and Water Pipit, 9 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

An interesting pipit on Jackson's Marsh has been identified variously as a littoralis Rock Pipit and as a Water Pipit. Today it looked more like a Water Pipit. Please see photographs below.

Water Pipit, 9 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Spotted Redshank, 9 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

April 8th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 127 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, a Brambling and a Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Mute Swan, 35 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler; on Fenland Lagoon 2 Little Ringed Plover; and over Jackson's Marsh a Swallow.

A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes by Mike Polling produced 2 new Great Tit.

A longer morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle produced 21 new birds: 3 Blue Tit, 8 Great Tit, 8 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch and a Cetti's Warbler; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Goldfinch.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 8 April 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

Sparrowhawk, 8 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

April 7th. Around were 109 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, a Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a Gannet, 3 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. On Tennyson's Sands were 22 Avocet and a Mediterranean Gull; and on Croftmarsh 10 Avocet.

First-summer Mediterranean Gull, 7 April 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Spotted Redshank, 7 April 2021.
Photo Nige Lound

First-summer Mediterranean Gull, 7 April 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars active after over-wintering in their silk tents, The hairs of these caterpillars can cause severe allergic reactions in human skin and should be avoided. 7 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 6th. Increasing north-westerly wind; wintry showers in afternoon.

On Croftmarsh were 6 Avocet; and on Tennyson's Sands a Goldeneye, 22 Avocet and a Swallow. Birds around, including those trapped, were 46 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Snipe, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest. Flying south were 347 Kittiwake; and north 5 Gannet.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 8 new birds: a Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a Greenfinch; and 11 retraps: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit and a Chaffinch.

April 5th. Strong north-westerly wind, with early morning snow.

Around were 135 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 27 Avocet. Going south were 42 adult Kittiwake.

April 4th. Frosty start.

Birds around, including those trapped, were 138 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Woodcock, 10 Snipe, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Black Redstart, 4 Siskin and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Avocet, a Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff; on the Mere a Pochard, a Snipe and a Water Rail; on Fenland Lagoon a Little Ringed Plover; and on Croftmarsh 8 Buzzard (including 6 south) and an Avocet. Heading south were a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, a Grey Heron, 10 Rook, 13 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow and 4 Siskin; and west a Peregrine.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 16 new birds: a Wren, a Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 5 Goldfinch, a Brambling, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blue Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and 2 Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Chiffchaff.

Little Ringed Plover, 4 April 2021.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Little Ringed Plover, 4 April 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Zebra Jumping Spider, 4 April 2021.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Black Redstart, 4 April 2021.
Photo - James Siddle

Brambling, trapped 4 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Cetti's Warbler, trapped 4 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 3rd. Quite strong north-easterly wind.

Around, including birds trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and a Lesser Redpoll. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Pink-footed Goose, 33 Avocet and 2 Bearded Tit; on Jackson's Marsh a Little Ringed Plover; and on the Mere a Pochard. Flying north were 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Red-throated Diver; and south 23 Common Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and a Peregrine

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 20 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Chaffinch, a Lesser Redpoll, 2 Great Tit, 6 Goldfinch, a Linnet, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 14 retraps: a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock and 2 Great Tit.

Lesser Redpoll, trapped 3 April 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

April 2nd. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe and 23 Avocet. Around were a Swallow and a Brambling.

April 1st. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Great Crested Grebe and 8 Avocet. Birds around included a Chiffchaff and a Brambling. Going north were 2 Swallow.