Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog: 2022

Late December 2022

December 31st. Overcast with calmer south-westerly breeze than yesterday.

700 Pink-footed Geese flew out of the roost early on whilst 2500 Lapwing and 550 Golden Plover commuted to the estuary. A Slavonian or Black-necked Grebe was offshore this morning with a mix of Red-throated Divers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Eider, Common Scoter and Wigeon. A Marsh Harrier passed south over the sea. The Scaup remained on Jackson's Marsh. 8 Corn Buntings were around the Visitor Centre.

December 30th. A strong south-westerly wind with rainy spells in morning.

A 45 minute sea-watch whilst the weather was only mildly unpleasant! Small groups of Eider were arriving from the north and a Great Northern Diver flew south close inshore. The Scaup had moved onto Jackson's Marsh where a Pochard was a new arrival. Around were 2 Woodcock and a Snipe.

Muntjac Deer and Wigeon, 30th December 2022.
Photo - Jack Hood
Magpie on Muntjac Deer, 30th December 2022.
Photo - Jack Hood

December 29th. A very pleasant and bright day, remaining quite mild with a fresh southerly wind.

An hour sea-watch yielded a standard selection of birds offshore with a Black-throated Diver in from the north and landing, and a large Diver sp north. 3 Pintail flew south and 20 Snow Bunting remained on the beach. Elsewhere, 2100 Lapwing flew onto the Haven, Pink-footed Goose numbers had built up to 1450, a male Hen Harrier was hunting the southern marshes and a Great White Egret was on Croftmarsh before flying south.

Sanderling 29th December 2022.

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Turnstone 29th December 2022.

Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Curlew 29th December 2022.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

December 28th. Fairly mild morning, overcast initially with visibility decreasing as a band of moderate rain set in.

A brief look at the sea and beach before the weather deteriorated produced 15 Snow Bunting of note. The Scaup was still on Tennyson's Sands and there was a small race Canada Goose type with the Canada Goose flock on Croftmarsh beyond - undoubtedly a returning bird.

December 27th. A bright start with a light frost becoming overcast with rain during the afternoon.

Light southerly passage again during 90 minutes: 47 Redwing, 22 Fieldfare, 2 Blackbird, a Song Thrush, 29 Starling, 14 Skylark and 8 Chaffinch. Offshore southerly movement involved 23 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 60 Common Scoter and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. with another 4 Great Crested Grebe on the sea and a Little Grebe on Greenshanks Creek at high tide. On the beach were a Peregrine and 20 Snow Bunting. A Scaup was found on Tennyson's Sands with good numbers of Teal and other duck.

Sunrise, 27th December 2022.
Photo - Kev Wilson

Scaup, 27th December 2022.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

December 26th. A pleasant, dry and bright day with a cool southerly breeze.

Similar to yesterday in many respects. Birds arriving from the north/moving south included a Red Kite, 12 Redwing, 28 Fieldfare, 142 Lapwing, 6 Chaffinch 16 Starling, 4 Stock Dove, 36 Skylark and 5 Rock Pipit. Two large skeins of Pink-footed Goose headed north-west, totalling 880, and 2 Goosander arrived and settled on Greenshanks Creek. 20 Snow Bunting were along the beach, and, somewhat unseasonally, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in the Plantation.

Sparrowhawk, 26th December.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Goosander, 26th December 2022.
Photo - Kev Wilson

December 25th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, otherwise quite mild.

Highlights of a watch over the River Steeping haven on the falling tide between 0815 and 1000hrs were 920 Eider, 320 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 9 Red-breasted Merganser and 1250 Oystercatcher with smaller numbers of Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.

December 24th. Soggy start, then quite mild.

A good variety of winter birds around but not in any great numbers. Migration down the East Dunes between 0830 -1000hrs included 31 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 46 Skylark, 60 Fieldfare and 13 Redwing south, with another 18 Redwing arriving off the sea. Around were 10 Whooper Swan, 22 Snow Bunting, 460 Golden Plover, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Woodcock and a Water Pipit.

A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided a new Blackbird; and 2 retrap Blue Tit.

December 23rd. Rain almost all day.

December 22nd. Damp, somewhat misty start, then rain from late morning.

Around were 140 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Woodcock, a Sparrowhawk, 19 Redwing and 27 Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler. Going south were 42 Pink-footed Goose and 41 Fieldfare.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 3 Chaffinch and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit and a Goldfinch.

December 21st. The Winter Solstice - the shortest day. Soggy start and a bit breezy, but quite mild.

Very low observer coverage today but more Fieldfare and Redwing immigration was noted during brief observations. Other birds around included a Marsh Harrier.

Mid December 2022

December 20th. Mild again after overnight rain. Mostly dry with light southerly wind.

The main theme of the morning was a significant arrival of Thrushes, mostly Fieldfare and Redwing but also new Blackbird and Robin apparent. By 1100, over 1000 Fieldfare and 850 Redwing had passed through, continuing south over and through the dunes. Skylark and Finches were also moving south in smaller numbers, including 3 Brambling and 2 Siskin. Also around were 10 Woodcock, 2 Blackcap, 2 Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Water Pipit, 21 Snow Bunting and a Yellowhammer.

Fieldfare, 20th December 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Redwing, 20th December 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Hen Harrier, 20th December 2022.
Photo - Kev Wilson

December 19th. Mild but soggy start, with strong southerly winds.

Birds around included 30 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and 22 Snow Bunting. Heading south were 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Eider, 4 Red-throated Diver, 95 Starling, 3 Redwing and 41 Fieldfare.

Two Harbour Porpoises were offshore.

December 18th. Very cold start, with increasing south-easterly wind and rain in afternoon, but slowly becoming warmer.

Numbers of Redwing and Starling were still around, as were 180 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier (roosted). Gull roost counts were 5000 Black-headed, 2000 Common and 5000 Herring.

December 17th. Another freezing start, with a very heavy overnight frost resembling light snow on the ground, slowly warming up a bit and thawing.

Quite a few Redwing were still present. Lapwing were arriving, with other waders on the move and feeding in unusual places. 11 Woodcock were feeding in areas of thawed ground. 7 Whooper Swan were on fields to the west, 3 Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier were hunting the marshes and a Red Kite flew south. Also around were 2 Snipe and 15 Snow Bunting.

December 16th. The freezing conditions continue but another clear and bright morning.

Redwing were prominent again in East Dunes where the supply of Hawthorn haws is diminishing rapidly. Starling numbers continue to build with over 400 passing south and 1300 at North End. A brief look at the sea yielded a Great Northern Diver heading north. Elsewhere several Woodcock were in the dunes, 5 Barnacle Goose flew south-west and a Buzzard north. Other birds around were 695 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Snipe, 3 Marsh Harrier, 15 Fieldfare, 11 Stonechat, 4 Corn Bunting, a Jack Snipe and 19 Snow Bunting. Approx. 800 Pink-footed Geese came in to roost after dusk.

Redwings, 16th December 2022.
Photos - Kev Wilson

December 15th. Very cold but again fairly calm and clear, becoming bright.

The main feature of the morning was an arrival of Thrushes, mostly Redwing, with over 400 arriving from the north and north-east and passing south through and over the East Dunes between 0745 and 0915hrs. 2 Blackcap were along North Building Ridge and a Long-eared Owl came out of a small hawthorn along Mill Pond Road and re-settled out of view in dense scrub adjacent. Also around was a Snipe.

Fieldfare, 15th December 2022.
Photo - Kev Wilson

December 14th. Another cold, icy morning but calm and clearer than of late.

Three Marsh Harrier were hunting the marshes from early on and 740 Brent Goose left the Haven to feed on local fields. 13 Whooper Swan flew south with others heard calling to the west later. A trickle of southerly passage involved a few Chaffinch, a Fieldfare, 15 Redwing and a Lapland Bunting, with a further 10 Redwing feeding in the dunes. 15 Snow Bunting were on the beach, 6 Corn Bunting were around the Visitor Centre and during the late afternoon 4 Marsh Harrier and 2 Hen Harrier came in to roost. On the Mere was a Snipe. Other birds around were 3 Woodcock, a Sparrowhawk, 25 Redwing and 3 Stonechat.

Looking South to Greenshanks Creek, 14th December 2022.

Photo - Nige Lound.

December 13th. Freezing, misty start, slowly improving.

8 Whooper Swan flew south over Sykes Farm. Good numbers of wildfowl were seen on the sea and around the Haven as the fog cleared including 12 Pintail and 40 Shoveler amongst the Wigeon. 4 Avocet here were an unusual December record with 5 Black-tailed Godwit also present. Large numbers of buntings/finches/larks too: 15 Snow Bunting (+2 south), 110 Skylark, 5 Greenfinch and 320 Linnet. Also around were 40 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Woodcock, 39 Little Egret to roost, 2/3 Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Barn Owl and a Stonechat.

December 12th. Freezing, misty start, slowly improving.

A slight thaw on Tennyson's Sands saw the return of 61 Shoveler and 4 Black-tailed Godwit. Also around were; 340 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Woodcock, 2 Cettis Warbler and 3 Stonechat.

Birds around included 35 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Jay, 4 Redwing and a Stonechat.

December 11th. Fairly cold, then misty.

21 Common Scoter and a Gannet flew north offshore and there were 10 Red-throated Diver on the sea. On the Haven, it was apparent that freezing conditions inland had forced duck into more saline waters; 1155 Wigeon was a very good modern day count. Also present were 360 Teal, 14 Pintail and 66 Mallard. Around were 10 Woodcock, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 11 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and 19 Snow Bunting. Going south were 20 Pink-footed Goose; and northwest 300 Pink-footed Goose.

A late morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 10 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Blue Tit, 7 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 5 retrap Blue Tit.

Early December 2022

December 10th. Frozen start, gradually warming up a bit, then becoming cold again.

An escaped white phase Gyr Falcon, trailing a jess, was chased by a Peregrine. Also around were a Woodcock, 10 Whooper Swan, 40 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Stonechat and 1200 Lapwing with 400 Golden Plover flushed by the Peregrine/ Gyr Falcon combination. A Brambling was with Chaffinches near North Car Park, a male Bullfinch was in the East Dunes and 6 Corn Bunting remained around the Visitor Centre Car Park. Flying south were 20 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing and a Snow Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Cetti's Warbler. Offshore, a Puffin flew south.

Stonechat, 10th December 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Stonechat, 10th December 2022.

Photo - Ste Taylor

Snipe, 10th December 2022.

Photo - Ste Taylor

Grey Plover 10th December 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

December 9th. Cold again after a clear night with a hard frost.

No further sign of yesterday's Waxwing. Quiet offshore. 11 Snow Bunting were on the beach and 10 Pintail on the Haven. Other birds around included 240 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 220 Pink-footed Goose, 1200 Lapwing, 6 Woodcock, a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Fieldfare, 13 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Bullfinch, a Chiffchaff and 7 Corn Bunting. A flock of 55 Reed Buntings feeding around the Old Saltmarsh edge was an exceptionally good count by todays standards. Mixed in were a small number of Goldfinch and Corn Buntings. Heading south were 7 Whooper Swan. Birds of Prey seen from the Wash Viewpoint later afternoon were 3 Marsh harrier, 3 Hen Harrier and 2 Short-eared Owl.

December 8th. Cold all day.

Around were 240 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and 8 Corn Bunting. On the Mere were a Water Rail and 3 Snipe. Flying south were 80 Pink-footed Goose, 36 Eider and 4 Red-throated Diver; and north 4 Redwing. 2 Waxwing paused at the south end of the West Dunes before flying off north. A Jack Snipe came off the New saltmarsh.

Waxwing, 8th December 2022.
Photo - David Wright.

December 7th. Cold start with north-westerly wind, then becoming even colder.

Eider numbers continued to build offshore, with over 500 this morning, along with several Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver. A Velvet Scoter and 3 Goosander headed south at sea whilst overland, small numbers of Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch and Siskin passed south. A Lapland Bunting came off the marsh by the Wash Viewpoint and raptors seen this morning included Red Kite, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier and Merlin. 7 Ruff on Moat Scrape from Harvey's Hide was a good December record. Other birds around included 13 Pintail and 5 Woodcock (including 1 dead on shoreline).

Mistletoe, 7 December 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

December 6th. Fairly cold start, slowly warming up.

The Chiffchaff remained around Sykes Farm. On Moat Pond were 3 Ruff; on Croftmarsh a Buzzard; and on Fenland Lagoon a Kingfisher. Other birds around were 160 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Marsh Harrier and 8 Corn Bunting. Going south were 190 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Eider, 12 Redwing and 8 Fieldfare.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 2 new birds: a Robin and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and 3 Great Tit.

Morning sky, 6th December 2022.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 5th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind with showers.

A morning sea-watch saw increased numbers of Eider, a light southerly movement of Red-throated Diver, two Great Northern Diver also heading south and a flock of 31 Snow Bunting feeding on the beach. The highlight of the day was an Arctic Redpoll with the Linnet flock around the outer dunes and beach, seen by the only birder on site at the time and not relocated in bad weather after the initial views. Also around were 160 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Scaup, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare. Other birds heading south included 17 Whooper Swan.

Snow Buntings, 5th December 2022.

Photos- Nige Lound

December 4th. Strong easterly wind with isolated showers.

Difficult conditions again. An hour's sea-watch was generally quiet, with small groups of Eider and small numbers of Red-throated Diver moving south. At least one Snow Bunting was around the beach. A Short-eared Owl coming in over the sea was the highlight.

December 3rd. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, with rainy spells in the morning and almost continuous rain in the afternoon.

Sea-watching was the main theme of the morning; 4 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 75 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull, 41 Eider and 27 Red-throated Diver flew south and there were 22 Snow Bunting on the beach.

Morning sky, 3rd December 2022.
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwing, 3rd December 2022.
Photo - Nige Lound

December 2nd. Cold, misty start, gradually improving.

Around were 210 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock, 2 Marsh Harrier, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 9 Redwing, a Stonechat, 4 Siskin, 7 Snow Bunting and 12 Corn Bunting. On the Mere were 2 Water Rail. Flying south were 7 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Red-throated Diver; and north 16 Common Scoter.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 6 new birds: 2 Blue Tit, 3 Chaffinch and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 3 Great Tit and 5 Blue Tit.

Ringing Control: Kestrel, ringed near Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire 27 June 2022, controlled GPBO 26 November 2022.

December 1st. A fairly mild and overcast start becoming brighter with increasing breeze from the north-west.

Birds around, including those trapped, were a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 10 Goldcrest, 4 Siskin and 2 Ring-necked Parakeet.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Keith Collett, produced 5 new birds: a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Goldcrest, 5 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Late November 2022

November 30th. Another damp, cold and overcast day.

Good visibility and a flat calm sea revealed the presence of some 20 Red-throated Diver settled, with a further 35 heading south into the Wash. A single Black-throated Diver, 5 Whooper Swan and a Goldeneye also moved south. A Great Northern Diver flew north. 1150 Pink-footed Goose left the roost early with another 490 heading south-east over the Wash in 5 skeins. The male Scaup remained on the Haven with 27 Pintail, 1200 Lapwing and 300 Golden Plover there. 3 Marsh Harrier were hunting the southern marshes with another two birds arriving separately from the north. At least one Snow Bunting was around the beach, Corn Bunting had increased to 21 typically at the 'Hump' and a Hawfinch in the Plantation seems likely to be the same as seen earlier in the month.

Corn Bunting, 30th November 2022.
Photo - Jim Shaw

November 29th. Damp and cold for most of day.

Again, about 1200 Pink-footed Goose were around, 8 Whooper Swan flew south and two Hen Harrier were on site.

November 28th. A damp and cold morning with fog remaining all day.

At least 1000 Pink-footed Goose left the roost after dawn. Elsewhere, 2 Whooper Swan, a Chiffchaff and the late Swallow were the highlights.

Peacock Butterfly, 28th November 2022.
Photo - Sam Wilson

November 27th. A light south-westerly wind with some light drizzle early on.

Highlights prior to 0930hrs were a Black-throated Diver and 2 Little Gull south offshore, 4 Snow Bunting on the beach, 5 Marsh Harrier and 2 Hen Harrier coming out of roost. The late Swallow was still at Sykes Farm.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit, a Chaffinch, a Robin and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Blue Tit and a Long-tailed Tit.

November 26th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

Another November day with some really good birds, good movement and good weather. The morning started with over 1000 Pink-footed Goose leaving the roost before attention turned to the wader roost involving hundreds of Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Knot and Grey Plover. At sea, single Little Auk and Great Northern Diver flew south with 10 Little Gull and a Great White Egret low over the waves. 8 Snow Bunting were feeding along the beach whilst a Lapland Bunting appeared to head south. Chaffinch, Siskin, Skylark, Starling and Woodpigeon were moving south again this morning. Three Marsh Harrier and three Hen Harrier were hunting the marshes to the south. Also around were 6 Goldcrest, a Blackcap and a Water Pipit. No reports of the late Swallow today.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes (the final one of the year) resulted in 10 new birds: 3 Goldcrest and 7 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Kestrel, 5 Long-tailed Tit and a Goldcrest.

Kestrel, retrapped 26 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

November 25th. Remaining dry with a south-westerly breeze.

Quiet at sea but a male Scaup was on the Haven where a Twite and a Caspian Gull were also seen. Finch and Skylark flocks were moving south in small numbers but 2 Brambling were amongst one flock of Chaffinch down East Dunes whilst another two were around the North Car Park. Raptors moving south included a Kestrel, a Red Kite and a Buzzard that arrived off the sea. Also south went 7 Whooper Swan. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 46 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1480 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk (carrying a Blackbird), 2 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest and the Swallow at Sykes Farm.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Kyle Campbell, provided 7 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Robin, a Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird, a Dunnock and a Robin.

Redwing, 25 November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Oystercatchers, 25th November 2022.

Photo - Tom Baker

Mute Swan, 25th November 2022.

Photo - Tom Baker

Shovelers, 25th November 2022.

Photo - Tom Baker

Scaup, 25th November 2022. Photo - Nige Lound.

November 24th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

A morning sea-watch saw several Red-throated Diver and Red-breasted Merganser moving south with a single Little Gull, two Great Northern Diver and two Marsh Harrier that flew south over the beach. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest and the late Swallow at Sykes Farm.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Keith Collett, produced 8 new birds: a Robin, a Blackcap and 6 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Blackbird, 2 Robin and a Great Tit.

Marsh Harriers moving south 24th November 2022.
Photos - Nige Lound

November 23rd. Moderately strong mostly southerly wind with rain until late morning.

Birds around included a Water Pipit, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 10 Redwing and 6 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 133 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. The Swallow remained, feeding over the Plantation.

Sanderling, 23rd November 2022.

Photo - Tom Baker

Sanderling, 23rd November 2022.

Photo - Tom Baker

Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 23 November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Hen Harrier, 23rd November 2022.

Photo - Jason Virgin

Ringing Control: Starling, ringed GPBO 21 June 2022, controlled Kippax, West Yorkshire 17 October 2022.

November 22nd. Another calm, morning with a return to milder conditions, predominantly overcast but with very good visibility out to sea etc.

The highlight of a brief sea-watch was a Velvet Scoter south amongst the usual Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser etc. Still good numbers of Thrushes and Robin around, some Finches moving south and a Waxwing went into the Plantation.

November 21st. A calm, sunny morning with an overnight frost.

The monthly Pink-footed Goose survey was rewarded with the sight of 5300 leaving the roost just before sunrise. A Little Auk flew north; and 2060 Woodpigeon, 46 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting south. New Blackbird were arriving in West Dunes where a Hawfinch was also a new arrival. Around were 5 Woodcock, 22 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Swallow (Sykes Farm).

The first real frost of winter, 21 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

Mid November 2022

November 20th. Heavy rain petered out by around 0900hrs and gave way to clear and sunny conditions as the morning advanced.

A 90 minute sea-watch was less intense than yesterday but saw an increase in Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe, and there was a single large Diver species, a Velvet Scoter, a Sandwich Tern and 2 Goldeneye south, 10 Little Gull and good numbers of Eider and Gannet moving. Several Fieldfare and Blackbird came in off the sea with an 'Eared Owl'. In the dunes, the continuing Blackbird influx was evident, with many birds moving south. Robin remained in high numbers too, with maybe a late pulse of immigrants. Vis-mig picked up after the rain and again involved good numbers of Skylark, Chaffinch, Siskin, Starling and Rock Pipit. The highlights were a Swallow, 3 Brambling, a Twite, a Marsh Harrier, a Spotted Redshank and 6 Snow Bunting. A further 12 Snow Bunting remained on the beach at the north end. Another Marsh Harrier over the western hinterland flushed a gathering of 1400 Lapwing and 900 Golden Plover, whilst a male Hen Harrier was probably a recent arrival, with the ringtail still present. Several Woodcock were seen around the Reserve, another 2 Swallow were feeding around the River Steeping and nearby a Water Pipit was around the Wash Viewpoint marsh.

Hen Harrier, 20th November 2022.
Photo - Jack Hood

November 19th. Moderately strong south-easterly wind, with some morning rain.

Numbers of thrushes, mostly Blackbird and Redwing, were grounded. Difficult conditions for sea-watching but again good numbers and variety observed. The highlight being what was taken to be a White-billed Diver, accompanied by a Black-throated Diver. both birds appearing to have taken off from the mouth of the Wash, flying landward before circling twice, gaining height and moving off south. Other notables were 4 Little Auk, 2 Pomarine Skua, a Velvet Scoter and a Puffin south and a Sooty Shearwater north. Passage was fairly continuous, involving Kittiwake, Gannet, wildfowl eg Wigeon and Brent Goose with a few Little Gull, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver. A Short-eared Owl arrived off the sea, a Lapland Bunting flew south, there were at least 6 Snow Bunting on the beach and a ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting late afternoon.

Knot, 19th November 2022.

Photo - Nola Bowles

Kingfisher, 19th November 2022.

Photo - Jack Hood

Black-tailed Godwits, 19th November 2022.

Photo - Nola Bowles

Black-headed Gull, 19th November 2022.

Photo - Nola Bowles

Redwing, 19th November 2022.

Photo - Nola Bowles

Marsh Harrier, 19th November 2022.
Photo - Jack Hood

November 18th. A dry morning becoming bright at times with a return to south-westerly winds.

An excellent day for visible migration and sea passage again. Heading south over East Dunes were good numbers of Finches, Pipits, Skylark, Lapwing, Golden Plover and Woodpigeon. The highlights were single House Martin and Swallow. Arriving off the sea were Starling, Blackbird and Fieldfare in small numbers with 320 Lapwing and a Woodcock. A White-fronted Goose arrived off the sea with a small party of Pink-footed Goose. A good selection of wildfowl was moving at sea including 368 Teal, 117 Wigeon and 21 Whooper Swan. Over west sided flew 4 more Whooper Swan. Other highlights offshore were 5 Velvet Scoter, 2 Goosander, 271 Common Scoter, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, a Purple Sandpiper, 57 Kittiwake, 183 Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, an Arctic Tern, a Little Auk (that landed on the sea), a Black-throated Diver, 25 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Northern Diver. 15 Snow Bunting were around the beach at North End. Elsewhere, 1800 Pink-footed Goose left the roost at dawn, 180 Dark-bellied Brent Goose were on New Saltmarsh, 2 Stonechat were on Croftmarsh and around were 6 Woodcock, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard and 8 Goldcrest.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 6 new birds: a Goldcrest and 5 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Dunnock.

Wigeon, 18th November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Buzzard, 18 November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Rock Pipit, 18th November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Goldcrest, 18th November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

Swallow, 18th November 2022.
Photo - Tom Baker

November 17th. Overnight rain persisted well into morning with a break for a few hours before moderate to heavy rain for the rest of the day. The air temperature was incredibly mild.

A strong arrival of Blackbird was apparent after the rain eased, with over 150 grounded between Aylmer Avenue and Mill Pond Road with a further 180 arriving from the north-east and moving south over Freshwater Marsh. A group of 80 Redwing was feeding in the open dune here with more arriving and moving south. Similarly Chaffinch were well represented on passage and grounded, including a single flock of 30. New Goldcrest were evident along with 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and 3 Woodcock. Sea-watching was productive again with 3 Arctic Skua, 40 Little Gull, an Iceland Gull and a Velvet Scoter amongst southbound wildfowl, Gannet etc.

November 16th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Some good visible migration was underway down the East Dunes, but the main focus was on sea-watching where Wildfowl and Gannet were moving south from early on. There followed an excellent series of birds including Great Northern Diver, Velvet Scoter, Sandwich Tern, 2 Scaup, Great Skua and several Little Gull. Around were 250 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2100 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Swallow, a Goldcrest, a Corn Bunting and 12 Redwing. Going north was a Merlin; and south a Peregrine.

A wind-sheltered morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: a Robin, 2 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and a retrap Goldcrest.

Corn Bunting, 16th November 2022.

Photo - Jack Hood

Little Egret, 16th November 2022.
Photo - Jack Hood

November 15th. Quite strong southerly wind, with rain for most of day.

Birds around included 300 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Swallow and a Goldcrest. On the Mere was a Water Rail. Heading south were 12 Snipe.

November 14th. Misty first thing again but clearing well early morning.

Another arrival of Redwings was the main theme of the morning with over 600 arriving/moving south before 0830. A Raven flew south-west over Croftmarsh, with 2 White-fronted Geese circling there later. Flying around were 800+ Pink-footed Goose with 3 Barnacle Goose.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 15 new birds: a Reed Bunting, 5 Redwing and 9 Blackbird; 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and a control Blackbird with a HELGOLAND GERMANIA ring.

White-fronted Goose, 14th November 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Fieldfare, 14th November 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Redwing, 14th November 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Song Thrush, 14th November 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Water Rail, 14th November 2022.
Photo - Ste Taylor

HELGOLAND GERMANIA ring, 14 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

Blackbird with a HELGOLAND GERMANIA ring, 14 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

HELGOLAND GERMANIA ring, 14 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

November 13th. Misty start, slowly clearing.

Aside from ringing, there was no other census work until mid-day, at which point it was apparent that new Blackbirds had arrived. Fieldfares, Redwings and Chaffinches were also arriving in small flocks in the gloom. A slight increase of Goldcrests was also noted. Robins have remained in generally good numbers since earlier arrivals but had probably increased by a further by 10% today.

Other birds around included 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 500+ Pink-footed Goose, a Water Pipit, a Woodcock, 4 Brambling, a Chiffchaff and a Sparrowhawk.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 17 new birds: a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 15 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Blackbird, a Dunnock and 2 Great Tit.

November 12th. Two very late Sand Martin flew over the Visitor Centre around midday. Another two Swallow were seen, 14 Snow Bunting were along the beach and 2 Short-eared Owl were hunting the Old Saltmarsh. Also around were 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 150 Pink-footed Goose.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: a Wren, 3 Blackbird, a Fieldfare and a Woodpigeon; and 3 retraps: 2 Blackbird and a Great Tit.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 12 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Redwing, a Song Thrush and 6 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Redwing, a Wren, a Great Tit, a Robin and a Blackbird.

Fieldfare, ringed 12 November 2022.
Photo - George Gregory

November 11th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

Off of the estuary early morning came 1000+ Pink-footed Goose. The White-tailed Eagle was tracked again from a copse south-west of the Reserve out onto the Wash. There was a fairly good migration of Finches and Woodpigeon south over the East Dunes whilst offshore, 3 Great Northern Diver were seen: one settled with several Cormorant and two flying south. A Great Skua and a Snow Bunting also flew south and a Marsh Harrier was seen arriving off the sea. A Caspian Gull came off Tennyson's Sands and flew south. 630 Sanderling were at the roost and at least 2 Bearded Tit were around the Mere.

Pink-footed Geese leaving roost at dawn 11th November 2022.
Video - Kev Wilson

Great Skua, 11th November 2022.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Great Northern Diver, 11th November 2022.

Photo - Kev Wilson