Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog

Early March 2021

March 10th. Strong southerly wind; rain for most of day.

Ringing Control: Blackcap ringed GPBO 15 October 2019, controlled Stanley Downton, Gloucestershire 29 November 2020.

March 9th. Birds around included 535 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 70 Wigeon, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 5 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 15 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, a Firecrest, a Water Pipit, a Bullfinch and 3 Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Avocet and a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 12 Rook.

Bullfinch, 9 March 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

March 8th. Around were 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Wigeon, 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 8 Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 6 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff and a White Wagtail. On Jackson's Marsh was a White-fronted Goose; on Tennyson's Sands 2 Pintail; and on the Mere a Pochard. Flying south was a Grey Wagtail.

March 7th. Birds around included 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Wigeon, 3 Woodcock, 2 Stonechat and a Corn Bunting. On Croftmarsh were 31 White-fronted Goose; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Pintail and 14 Avocet. Going south was a Lapland Bunting.

Stonechat, 7 March 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

March 6th. Around were 450 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 25 Wigeon, 80 Red-throated Diver and 2 Stonechat. Heading northwest were 120 Pink-footed Goose.

March 5th. Birds around included 719 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, 1500 Starling, 2 Redwing and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were an Egyptian Goose, 4 Pintail, 4 Avocet, a Great Crested Grebe and a Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh 31 White-fronted Goose and 30 Pink-footed Goose; and on the Mere a Pochard. Flying north were 23 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye and a Great Northern Diver.

White-fronted Geese, 5 March 2021.
Photo - Jim Shaw

March 4th. Soggy start.

Around were 180 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Wigeon, a Caspian Gull and a Snow Bunting. Going northnorthwest were 48 Pink-footed Goose; and north 2 Gannet.

Caspian Gull, 4 March 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Snow Bunting, 4 March 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

March 3rd. Birds around included 21 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Wigeon, 3 Avocet, a Woodcock, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier. 2 Buzzard and 2 Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Pintail and a Snipe.

Bones and teeth from individuals of Field Vole, Common Shrew, Pygmy Shrew and Wood Mouse in owl pellets from Gibraltar Point, 3 March 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

March 2nd. Around were 19 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 304 Wigeon, 6 Snipe, a male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and a Green Woodpecker. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Pintail, 2 Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler.

Daffodil, 2 March 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

March 1st. Soggy, misty start.

Birds around included a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Late February 2021

February 28th. Frosty, misty start.

Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

February 27th. Birds around included 350 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 5800 Dunlin, 3750 Grey Plover, 2680 Bar-tailed Godwit, 13000 Knot and 2 Lapland Bunting. Heading north-west were 1200 Pink-footed Goose.

February 26th. On Croftmarsh were 584 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, an Egyptian Goose and 150 Wigeon; on the Mere 2 Pochard; and on Tennyson's Sands 10 Avocet, a Water Rail, a Great Crested Grebe and 2 Cetti's Warbler. Flying north were 87 Pink-footed Goose; and south a Great Crested Grebe and 5 Red-throated Diver. Around were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Green Woodpecker.

February 25th. Offshore then south was an early Sandwich Tern. Also offshore were 200 Red-throated Diver and a Great Northern Diver; and also south went 8 Pink-footed Goose, a Mediterranean Gull, a Red-necked Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Lapland Bunting. Birds around included 616 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Chiffchaff and a Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Avocet, a Water Rail and a Great Crested Grebe; and on Jackson's Marsh an Egyptian Goose, 30 Wigeon, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Marsh Harrier.

Egyptian Goose, 25th February 2021
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Marsh Harrier, 25th February 2021
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 25th February 2021
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Returning Avocets, 25th February 2021
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Pale Brindled Beauty, 25 February 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

February 24th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Pochard and 2 Pintail. Around were 900 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, an Avocet, a Woodcock, a Sparrowhawk and a Barn Owl. Flying south were an Avocet, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch and 2 Siskin.

February 23rd. Increasing southerly wind.

Birds around included a Buzzard.

February 22nd. Around were 550 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock and a Merlin.

February 21st. Some morning light rain.

Birds around included 563 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 White-fronted Goose, 500 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Stonechat, 2 Redwing and 7 Corn Bunting. On Croftmarsh were 120 Wigeon; and on the Mere 2 Pochard.

Peregrine, 21 February 2921.
Photo - Nige Lound

Mid February 2021

February 20th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

Around were 250 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 200 Wigeon, 3000 Lapwing, 600 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Snipe, a Sparrowhawk and a Crossbill. On the sea were a Great Northern Diver, 25 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 6 Red-breasted Merganser.

Chestnut, 20 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Dotted Border, 20 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

March Moth, 20 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 19th. Quite strong southerly wind.

Birds around included 423 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 18 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwing and 2 Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Goldeneye and a Cetti's Warbler. Going south were 5 Pintail.

February 18th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

Around were 2 Eider, 112+ Woodcock, 273 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Siskin and 8 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Pochard and 71 Redshank; and on Jackson's Marsh 120 Wigeon. Heading south were 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Great Crested Grebe and a Gannet.

February 17th. Moderately strong southerly wind.

On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Buzzard; on the Mere 4 Pintail; on Croftmarsh then south 32 Pink-footed Goose and 4 White-fronted Goose; and on Tennyson's Sands 20 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Snipe and a Water Rail. Birds around included 300 Wigeon, 12 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Sparrowhawk, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, a Treecreeper, 2 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and a Water Pipit. Flying south were 8 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 17 Common Scoter, a Slavonian Grebe and a Gannet; and north 2 Eider.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 17 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Hare in Plantation, 17 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

White-fronted Goose, 17 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 16th. Completely thawed out, but moderately strong southerly wind with morning drizzle.

Around were 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Woodcock and a Corn Bunting. On Croftmarsh were 80 Lapwing. Flying north were 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose; and south 13 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.

February 15th. Soggy start; mostly thawed out.

On the sea were a Slavonian Grebe and a Goldeneye. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail and 2 Cetti's Warbler; on Jackson's Marsh 4 Snipe; and on Croftmarsh 600 Wigeon and 5 Black-tailed Godwit. Around were 68 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Woodcock, a Treecreeper, 2 Stonechat and a Bullfinch. Going south were a Great Northern Diver and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Slavonian Grebe, 15 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Winter Aconites starting to flower, 15 February 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

February 14th. Cold start; quite strong south-easterly wind.

There was a large wash-out involving Razor Clams, Sea Urchins, Starfish, Sunstars, Sea Mice and a Velvet Swimming Crab.

Razor Clams, Sea Urchins and Starfish, 14 February 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Velvet Swimming Crab, Sunstar and Sea Mouse, 14 February 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

February 13th. Cold start; quite strong south-easterly wind.

On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Whooper Swan, a Pochard and a Water Rail. Birds around included 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 2 Fieldfare, 17 Redwing and a Water Pipit. Heading south were 3 Goldeneye and a Fulmar; and east 3 Black-tailed Godwit.

Snipe, 13 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 12th. Frozen start; moderately strong south-easterly wind.

Around were 438 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Snipe, 32 Woodcock. a Mediterranean Gull, a Buzzard, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 17 Redwing and 3 Stonechat. On Croftmarsh were 3 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Snipe and 10 Fieldfare; and on Tennyson's Sands a Pochard, a Water Rail and 3 Snipe.

Measures and Mere, 12 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Mediterranean Gull, 12 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 11th. Frozen start, then partial thaw.

Birds around included 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 305 Curlew, 382 Sanderling, 13 Woodcock, a Snipe and a Peregrine.

Two Merlins, 11 February 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Meadow Pipit, 11 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Early February 2021

February 10th. Frozen start, then late morning snow.

On Tennyson's Sands were 604 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Light-bellied Brent Goose; on Jackson's Marsh 2 Black-tailed Godwit; on the Mere 2 Pochard; and on Croftmarsh 179 Pink-footed Goose. Around were a White-fronted Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 65 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Treecreeper, 4 Fieldfare and 11 Redwing. Heading east was a Water Pipit; and north a Kittiwake

Goldeneye, 10 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Pochard, 10 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Ringed Plover, 10 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Sparrowhawk and Brent Geese, 10 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 9th. Frozen start, then partial thaw; quite strong north-easterly wind; occasional snow flurries.

Birds around included 12 Woodcock. On Croftmarsh were 150 Pink-footed Goose.

February 8th. Strong north-easterly wind, with intermittent snow.

Around were 16 Woodcock and a Sparrowhawk. On Croftmarsh were 21 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Lapwing and a Snipe; and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. Flying north were 2 Kittiwake.

Curlew, 8 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Snow, 8 February 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

February 7th. Strong, cold easterly, then north-easterly, winds.

Birds around included a Woodcock, a Kittiwake, a Buzzard and a Stonechat. On Croftmarsh were 566 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Going south was a Goldeneye; and north a Gannet.

February 6th. Rain for most of day.

February 5th. Soggy start.

Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 300 Sanderling. On Wainfleet Marsh were 100+ Pink-footed Goose.

Sanderling, 5 February 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

February 4th. Soggy start.

Around were 537 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker and a Fieldfare. On Wainfleet Marsh were a Barnacle Goose, a Tundra Bean Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Eurasian White-fronted Goose; on Jackson's Marsh a Pochard and 5 Black-tailed Godwit; on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail, a Snipe and a Sparrowhawk; and on Croftmarsh 1000 Lapwing.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 February 2021.
Photo - Rob Watson

Barnacle Goose, 4 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Eurasian White-fronted Goose, 4 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Tundra Bean Goose, 4 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Loind

February 3rd. Birds around included 222 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Barnacle Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 2200 Lapwing, 2 Hen Harrier, a Buzzard and a Merlin. Heading south were 200 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh was a Pochard.

Pochard, 3 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

February 2nd. Rain and drizzle until late morning.

Around were 2 Grey Partridge, 531 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 485 Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher and 3 Stonechat.

Sallows, 2 February 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

February 1st. Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker and a Merlin. On Croftmarsh were 200+ Pink-footed Goose. Going north were a Razorbill, 7 Red-throated Diver and 5 Common Scoter; and south 383 Red-throated Diver, 35 Common Scoter and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.

Harvest Mouse lower jaw from owl pellet, 1 February 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Late January 2021

January 31st. Cold start, then sunny.

Around were 550 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 200 Wigeon, 510 Golden Plover, 3 Woodcock, 2 Sparrowhawk, 55 Stock Dove, a Peregrine, a Treecreeper and 2 Stonechat. On Croftmarsh were 550 Pink-footed Goose; and on or over Tennyson's Sands 7 Pink-footed Goose and a Marsh Harrier. Heading north were a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 169 Red-throated Diver and a Gannet; and south 6 Common Scoter and 312 Red-throated Diver.

January 30th. Quite strong easterly wind.

Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker and a Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands was a Dark-bellied Brent Goose; and on Croftmarsh 7 Pink-footed Goose.

Buzzard, 30 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Marsh Harrier, 30 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Catkins, 30 January 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

January 29th. Soggy start, gradually drying out.

On Tennyson's Sands were 46 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Around were 25 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, 2 Stonechat, a Bullfinch and 9 Corn Bunting.

January 28th. Rain until mid morning.

Birds around included 4 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl and 3 Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Rail.

January 27th. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Marsh Harrier and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Jackson's Marsh 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and a Water Rail. Around were 2 Buzzard, 565 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Hen Harrier, a Barn Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat, a Brambling and 2 Corn Bunting.

Roe Deer, 27 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Sunset, 27 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Snowdrops, 27 January 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

January 26th. Frozen start.

On Croftmarsh were 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Offshore were 300 Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver. Flying north-west were 1170 Pink-footed Goose.

Ringing Recovery:

Sparrowhawk, ringed GPBO 30 September 2020, found dead (patio door strike) Seacroft, Lincolnshire 18 January 2021.

January 25th. Frozen start.

Birds around included 891 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 850 Wigeon, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 3 Stonechat, a House Sparrow, a Brambling and 5 Corn Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands a Cetti's Warbler.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 25 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Brambling, Chaffinches and Goldfinch, 25 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Sanderling, 25 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Frozen start, 25 January 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

January 24th. Frozen start.

Around were 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

January 23rd. Birds around included 709 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Hen Harrier, a Buzzard, a Red Kite, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine and 4 Stonechat. On Jackson's Marsh was a Pink-footed Goose. Flying south were 4 Goosander and a Buzzard.

Pink-footed Goose, 23 January 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Stonechat, 23 January 2921.
Photo - Nige Lound

January 22nd. Decreasing south-westerly wind.

Around were 600 Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

January 21st. Strong south-westerly wind, gradually decreasing.

Birds around included a Woodcock and 4 Water Pipit. On the sea were 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Red-throated Diver. Going south were 3 Velvet Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 22 Red-throated Diver; and north a Red-throated Diver.