28th Went down to Quad 3 this morning, but still mostly underwater and plenty of seals in the flashes.   Very few birds about, hence 60 Lapwings, 195 Golden Plovers, 33 Curlews, 7 Redshanks, 9 Sanderlings, 12 Cormorants, Red-throated Diver, 30 Twite, 26 Goldfinches, 7 Blackbirds and a Fieldfare.

15th

  All ready for some high Arctic festive cheer.   With the present southerly blow, I would have thought that the Ivory Gull would smell our seals.   Meanwhile, between Pye's Hall and Stonebridge this morning, there were 850 Lapwings, 400 Golden Plovers, 157 Redshanks, 7 Curlews, 350 Oystercatchers, 280 Dunlin, one Turnstone, one Common Snipe, 7 Brent Geese, 20 Common Scoters, 260 Teal, 54 Shelducks, 3 Cormorants, 10 Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Hen Harrier, 5 Rock Pipits, 10 Lapland Buntings, 22 Reed Buntings, 4 Twite, 30 Goldfinches, 48 Skylarks and a Redwing.

 Nothing special at Quad 3 this morning, hence 86 Pinkfeet, 6 Cormorants, 45 Bar-tailed Godwits, 35 Curlews, 40 Redshanks, 50 Dunlin, 2 Common Snipe, 61 Lapwings, Sparrowhawk, 20 Goldfinches and 50 Twite.

Dense fog at first, but between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall were 230 Teal, 20 Mallard, 47 Shelducks, 400 Brent Geese, 80 Redshanks, 12 Curlews, 205 Oystercatchers, 53 Bar-tailed Godwits, 22 Grey Plovers, 17 Golden Plovers, 400 Dunlin, 60 Skylarks, 14 Rock Pipits, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Short-eared Owl and 7 Little Egrets.

    A lot of my regular census area will be out of bounds for some time, so results for some species are not comparable to previous counts.   This morning, I saw 180 Pinkfeet heading south, 440 Brent Geese, 30 Lapwings, 42 Curlews, 15 Redshanks, 17 Oystercatchers, 25 Sanderlings, 20 Dunlin, Great Northern Diver, 3 Little Grebes and 8 Blackbirds.

 

At least the diesel generators have been winched out and recovered from the flash without causing any pollution.

What a mess!   There are seals everywhere, including in the buckthorn, in the flashes and the grazing areas and inside the sea-bank.   All the targets and markers have been washed away and large sections have been bitten out of the dunes.   Two diesel generators, each the size of a 4x4 vehicle have been washed into the North Flash and up to now are not leaking.   I was unable to reach parts of my regular area and in consequence only recorded bits.   64 Brent Geese, 35 Lapwings, Heron, Little Egret, 4 Grey Partridges, 13 Twite and a Redwing.   Phil Espin at Pye's Hall recorded 20 Rock Pipits, 15 Lapland Buntings and a Hen Harrier.

 This morning was unremarkable, hence 570 Brent Geese, 36 Mallard, 15 Shelducks, 170 Golden Plovers, 240 Lapwings, 7 Turnstones, 36 Redshanks, 65 Curlews, 50 Sanderlings, 20 Dunlin, 13 Oystercatchers, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Cormorants, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Merlins, Peregrine, Barn Owl, 2 Pied Wagtails, 20 Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush and 20 Greenfinches.

   It was like a spring morning at Quad 3.   Best birds were 1,300 Brent Geese, 160 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, Little Egret, 65 Curlews, 8 Redshanks, 480 Lapwings, 210 Golden Plovers, 50 Dunlin, 9 Sanderlings, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, 28 Greenfinches and a Kingfisher

 Quiet at Quad 3 this morning.   15 Blackbirds, 3 Robins, 80 Goldfinches, 2 Kestrels, Peregrine, 1,300 Brent Geese, 60 Curlews, 36 Lapwings, 15 Redshanks and 90 Dunlin.

       Did Stonebridge to Pye's Hall this morning.   Waders were 530 Lapwings, 110 Golden Plovers, 1,600 Oystercatchers, 220 Dunlin, 30 Bar-tailed Godwits, 110 Redshanks, 350 Knot, 74 Grey Plovers, 21 Curlews and 8 Turnstones.   Wildfowl were 5 Mute Swans, 430 Brent Geese, 58 Shelducks, 60 Teal and 45 Mallard.   Other birds included Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine, 39 Goldfinches, 10 Blackbirds, Redwing, 25 Reed Buntings, 6 Yellowhammers, 6 Rock Pipits, 7 Little Grebes, 5 Little Egrets and 6 Cormorants.

 4 Shore Larks were new this morning.   Also noted were 3 Twite, 40 Goldfinches, 420 Dunlin, 100 Knot, 52 Sanderlings, 67 Curlews, 22 Redshanks, 180 Lapwings, 1,300 Brent Geese, 5 Teal, 4 Wigeon, one Eider, Little Egret, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Grey Partridges and 20 Blackbirds.

 On the landward side were 1,300 Brent Geese, 37 Mallard, 13 Wigeon, 4 Little Egrets, 58 Curlews, 99 Golden Plovers, 30 Lapwings, 40 Goldfinches, 22 Greenfinches, 15 Blackbirds, 2 Kestrels, Common Buzzard and a Woodcock.   Heading north at sea were 2 Gannets, 6 Red-throated Divers, Great Northern Diver, 11 Common Scoters, 5 Shelducks, 6 auks sp., and a skua sp.   Onshore were 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 300 Knot, 120 Dunlin and 17 Oystercatchers.

The only birds of note at Quad 3 were 1,050 Brent Geese, 37 Curlews, 180 Lapwings, 600 Woodpigeons, Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 25 Blackbirds and 5 Red-throated Divers.

                Not much of anything today.   A Long-eared Owl was the only obvious new arrival, otherwise 2 Common Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 20 Blackbirds, Fieldfare, 2 Robins, Little Egret, 37 Curlews, 46 Lapwings, 7 Redshanks, 4 Grey Partridges, 1,000 Brent Geese plus 3 pale-bellied birds.

Quieter today.   95 Blackbirds, 4 Song Thrushes, 4 Redwings, Fieldfare, 35 Greenfinches, 15 Twite, 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Whooper Swans, 90 Brent Geese, 8 Wigeon, 15 Common Scoters, 120 Dunlin, 12 Redshanks, 17 Lapwings and 65 Curlews

The days are duplicating themselves a bit in terms of species seen at the moment, although there were a few more finches about to keep me on my toes this morning.    Ca. 150 Blackbirds, 4 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings, 2 Robins, 75 Twite, 29 Linnets, 67 Goldfinches, 16 Greenfinches, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Kestrels, 3 Sparrowhawks, 3 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 280 Lapwings, 46 Curlews, 6 Redshanks, 4 Oystercatchers, 30 Dunlin, 6 Whooper Swans, 4 Mute Swans, 9 Canada Geese, 550 Brent Geese, 4 Pinkfeet, 17 Teal and 25 Common Scoters.

Ca.260 Blackbirds at Quad 3 this morning, but like yesterday, most had gone inland by early afternoon.   Also 3 Sparrowhawks, 40 Twite, 30 Linnets, 20 Greenfinches, 18 Goldfinches, 10 Reed Buntings, 4 Grey Partridges, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Water Rails, 146 Curlews, 80 Lapwings, 8 Redshanks, 62 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 25 Brent Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Whooper Swans, 2 Wigeon, 15 Teal, Goosander and 12 Oystercatchers

16th

420 Blackbirds this morning, but most had continued inland by midday.   Also 18 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings, 800 Starlings, Lapland Bunting, 30 Twite, 35 Greenfinches, 50 Goldfinches, 2 Common Snipe, 107 Lapwings, 15 Redshanks, Grey Heron, Little Egret, 6 Whooper Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 65 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 460 Brent Geese, 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 3 Eiders, 4 Goosanders and a Hen Harrier.

 

15th

 

 felt like spring this morning.   Quiet again, though.   180 Pinkfeet, 30 Brent Geese, 51 Canada Geese, 6 Whooper Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 3 Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 3 Peregrines, Merlin, 20 Twite, 11 Siskins, 4 Robins and 20 Blackbirds.

    Not much seen today.   5 Whooper Swans, 68 Canada Geese, 50 Brent Geese, 5 Wigeon, 28 Redshanks, 70 Knot, 50 Dunlin, 35 Golden Plovers, 51 Lapwings, Common Buzzard, Chiffchaff and 5 Twite.

Quiet today.   19 Whooper Swans, 65 Canada Geese, 520 Brent Geese, 35 Shelducks, 62 Redshanks, 140 Dunlin, 13 Turnstones, 290 Golden Plovers, 130 Lapwings, Common Buzzard, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Blackbirds, 40 Twite, 12 Linnets, 13 Greenfinches, 35 Meadow Pipits and a Corn Bunting.

Only 90 Blackbirds recorded today, also 3 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Robins, 5 Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest, 2 Sparrowhawks, 11 Whooper Swans, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 625 Brent Geese, 71 Curlews, 39 Lapwings, 12 Golden Plovers, 60 Dunlin, 10 Sanderlings, 2 Cormorants, 4 Red-throated Divers and 320 Common Scoters.

. 500 Blackbirds recorded at the south end of Donna Nook this afternoon. Most of these were feeding on the new sea defences and small parties were coming in from the sea until dusk at least. Not much else seemed to be coming in with them apart from odd Redwings and Chaffinches, 8 Fieldfares, 4 Bramblings and 270 Starlings. There were 35 Twite on the sea-bank, a Water Rail was heard and a raft of ca.100 Common Scoters was present on the sea.

During a WeBS count between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, the wader highlights were 188 Redshanks, 89 Bar-tailed Godwits, 550 Dunlin, 230 Sanderlings, 65 Grey Plovers, 1,900 Knot and 13 Turnstones. The best of the wildfowl were 970 Brent Geese including 3 pale-bellied birds, 41 Pinkfeet, 5 Whooper Swans, 255 Teal and 3 Goosanders. Also of note were 37 Cormorants, 7 Little Egrets, Red-throated Diver, Great Skua, Common Buzzard, Merlin, Peregrine, 3 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 35 Rock Pipits and 2 Lapland Buntings.

Despite the early frost and cold wind, a late Swallow flew through to the south.   In off the sea were 180 Starlings, Short-eared Owl, 4 Fieldfares, 8 Redwings and a Song Thrush.   Also of note were 24 Whooper Swans, 9 Mute Swans, 2 Greylags, 68 Canada Geese, 150 Brent Geese, 3 Wigeon, 3 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Water Rail, 26 Oystercatchers, 240 Dunlin, 19 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Grey Plovers, 250 Knot, 58 Sanderlings, Common Snipe, 13 Redshanks, 79 Curlews, 40 Lapwings, 90 Golden Plovers, 2 Peregrines, 2 Kestrels, Merlin, Kingfisher, 12 Rock Pipits, 30 Meadow Pipits, 120 Skylarks, 3 Twite, 80 Goldfinches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Blackbirds, 15 Chaffinches and 120 Carrion Crows.

   Weatherwise, it was like two days into one today, so fortunately I was watching in the best half.   132 Pinkfeet flew south and Whooper Swans increased to 33.   Also seen were 45 Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swans, Red-throated Diver, 40 Sanderlings, 10 Dunlin, 81 Curlews, 90 Golden Plovers, 75 Lapwings, 9 Redshanks, Little Egret, 10 Rock Pipits, 40 Meadow Pipits, 14 Twite, 25 Blackbirds, 5 Long-tailed Tits, Water Rail and Kingfisher.

     It was a beautiful day, but nothing unusual about.   160 Pinkfeet in 3 skeins flew south.   Also present were 45 Canada Geese, 20 Whooper Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Teal, Little Egret, 40 Dunlin, Woodcock, 40 Meadow Pipits, 8 Rock Pipits, 5 Twite, Pied Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 40 Blackbirds, Fieldfare, 2 Common Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawks, Common Buzzard and a Peregrine.

A few new thrushes today, hence 80 Blackbirds, 60 Fieldfares and 40 Redwings.   Also a Goldcrest, Woodcock, 6 Common Snipe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Twite, Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, Peregrine with Black-headed Gull kill, 100 Meadow Pipits, Barn Owl, 9 Pinkfeet, 17 Whooper Swans, 37 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 50 Curlews, 10 Sanderlings, 135 Dunlin and one Gannet.

 

      Yesterday, I omitted to mention a male House Sparrow.   In recent years, there are fewer records than Pallas's Warblers on the dunes!

  Not a lot today.   18 Whooper Swans, 4 Gannets, Arctic Skua, 25 Sanderlings, 70 Dunlin, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 80 Curlews, 200 Golden Plovers, 67 Lapwings, Common Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Grey Partridges, Lesser Redpoll, Chiffchaff and Lapland Bunting

  Today's counts are a combination of Quad 3 and north to Pye's Hall.   37 Whooper Swans, 95 Pinkfeet, 30 Little Egrets, Pintail, Woodcock, 2 Hen Harriers, Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Peregrines, 4 Kestrels, 4 Merlins, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, 3 Lapland Buntings, 3 Snow Buntings, 40 Rock Pipits, 80 Goldfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, 38 Sanderlings, 53 Curlews, 73 Lapwings, 80 Golden Plovers, Gannet and 2 Red-throated Divers.

   Quiet again at Quad 3.    150 Pinkfeet and 14 Whooper Swans south.   Also of note were 26 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 5 Shelducks, 3 Common Scoters, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits, 101 Curlews, 2 Common Snipe, 35 Golden Plovers, 50 Meadow Pipits, 5 Robins, 5 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, 2 Kestrels and a Peregrine.

 

   The month ended quietly with 21 Whooper Swans, 180 Brent Geese, 9 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 2 Woodcocks, Common Snipe, 290 Golden Plovers, 54 Lapwings, 38 Curlews, Peregrine and 16 Fieldfares.

  Today at Quad 3 were 76 Whooper Swans and 350 Pinkfeet south, also a Bonxie and skua sp. north at sea.   Other birds included 3 Cormorants, 20 Wigeon, 32 Mallard, 100 Lapwings, 700 Golden Plovers, 42 Curlews, 2 Richard's Pipits, 70 Meadow Pipits, 14 Rock Pipits, Chiffchaff, Redpoll sp., 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk and Merlin.   At the seal colony were 250 Brent Geese and 30 Twite.

 

29th

 Best today were one Richard's Pipit, 140 Meadow Pipits, 12 Rock Pipits, Little Owl, Sparrowhawk, 18 Whooper Swans, 220 Pinkfeet, 80 Lapwings, 390 Golden Plovers and 70 Curlews.

28th

The Richard's Pipit had been joined by a second bird at Quad 3 this afternoon.   Also seen were 7 Whooper Swans plus a further 36 south with 85 Pinkfeet, 82 Curlews, 40 Golden Plovers, 28 Sanderlings, 8 Twite, 22 Goldfinches and 20 Greenfinches


27th

 It was hard work in that wind, but apparently worse yet to come.   Best bird was a Richard's Pipit which showed well on the outmarsh at Quad 3.   Also recorded were 20 Rock Pipits, 50 Goldfinches, 35 Greenfinches, 3 Lesser Redpolls, Lapland Bunting, Swallow, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, 140 Lapwings, 350 Golden Plovers, 101 Curlews, 84 Sanderlings, 290 Pinkfeet, 18 Wigeon, 7 Cormorants, Gannet, 3 Kittiwakes, Little Egret and 7 Whooper Swans.

25th

Not much this afternoon after the rain.   22 Pinkfeet south and 7 Whooper Swans on the flashes.   The only other birds of note were 53 Lapwings, 57 Curlews and a Lesser Redpoll.

 

24th

 

               Moving south this morning were ten skeins totalling 830 Pinkfeet and 5 herds totalling 114 Whooper Swans, the latter being easily a record daily total.   MJ also reported one herd of over 100 Whooper Swans SE over the land between North Cotes and North Somercotes at 0845.   Also seen were 6 Sparrowhawks, (5south), a Common Buzzard (later in my garden), 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 7 Canada Geese, 120 Golden Plovers, 69 Curlews, 14 Oystercatchers, 6 Twite, 6 Rock Pipits, 1,500 Starlings, 70 Blackbirds, 40 Redwings, 25 Robins, Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs and 4 Blackcaps.

 

 

23rd

 

 Fairly quiet this morning.   At Quad 3 were 50 Blackbirds, 20 Redwings, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Robins, Swallow, 140 Lapwings, 57 Curlews, 1,060 Golden Plovers, 50 Meadow Pipits, 3 Rock Pipits and 5 Cormorants.   Reports from the seal colony included 2 Short-eared Owls

 

Numbers much lower now, but a reasonable day by usual standards.   Best were 2 Waxwings which flew south calling at 0930.   This is the earliest area record.   Also 1,200 Golden Plovers, 130 Lapwings, 37 Curlews, Peregrine, 3 Sparrowhawks, 60 Redwings, 60 Blackbirds, Ring Ouzel, 20 Song Thrushes, 2 Fieldfares, 50 Robins, 30 Goldcrests, 5 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, Great Grey Shrike, Mealy Redpoll, Lesser Redpoll, Woodcock, 3 Rock Pipits and 100 Meadow Pipits.   These are Quad 3 only

Fewer migrants, but still plenty to see.   The northern Treecreeper was retrapped and was very distinctive.   Also Pallas's Warbler, 5 Great Grey Shrikes, 3 Firecrests, 150 Goldcrests,  2 Stonechats, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, 4 Ring Ouzels, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Woodcocks, Swallow, Reed Warbler, 80 Chiffchaffs, 15 Blackcaps, 150 Robins, 200 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes,60 Song Thrushes, 60 Blackbirds, 7 Fieldfares, 12 Tree Sparrows, 3 Bramblings, 40 Chaffinches, 75 Greenfinches, Siskin, 8 Common Snipe, 30 Lapwings, 200 Golden Plovers, 71 Curlews, 60 Wigeon, 66 Canada Geese, 3 Sparrowhawks and a Long-tailed Skua.

Pye's Hall and Quad 3.   Fewer thrushes, hence 250 Redwings, 120 Blackbirds, 8 Fieldfares, 14 Ring Ouzels, 60 Song Thrushes and 120 Robins.  Also 200 Chiffchaffs, 60 Blackcaps, 2 Pallas's Warblers, Yellow-browed Warbler, Willow Warbler, 120 Goldcrests, 3 Firecrests,  Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, northern Treecreeper, 6 Great Grey Shrikes, Black Redstart, 14 Mealy Redpolls, Lesser Redpoll, Hawfinch, 3 Siskins, 22 Bramblings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Woodcocks, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Little Gull, 500 Teal, 302 Dunlin, 450 Golden Plovers, 70 Lapwings and 39 Curlews.

Not so many birds today, but still plenty in evidence.   Pye's Hall to Quad 3 totals were 270 Redwings, 110 Blackbirds, 60 Song Thrushes, 6 Ring Ouzels, 8 Fieldfares, 160 Robins, 120 Goldcrests, 200 Chiffchaffs, 50 Blackcaps, 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Pallas's Warblers, 4 Great Grey Shrikes, 24 Bramblings, 2 Hawfinches, 5 Mealy Redpolls, 8 Siskins, Black Redstart, Common Redstart and Swallow.   Also present were 2 Woodcocks, 2 Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Hen Harrier, Merlin, 354 Brent Geese, 15 Barnacle Geese, 303 Shelducks, 79 Wigeon, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Little Egrets, 190 Oystercatchers, 320 Dunlin, 80 Grey Plovers, 250 Golden Plovers, Sooty Shearwater, 7 Gannets, Bonxie and Pomarine Skua.

12th

Highlight was a brief Olive-backed pipit. Also noted were 2,000 Redwings, 300 Song Thrushes, 220 Blackbirds, 19 Ring Ouzels, 30 Fieldfares, 250 Robins, 300 Goldcrests, 50 Chiffchaffs, 25 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 80 Bramblings, 45 Chaffinches, 20 Mealy Redpolls, Richard's Pipit, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, 4 Great Grey Shrikes, Wheatear, 2 Swallows, Merlin, Jack Snipe and Woodcock.  

All the passage on the seawatch 0915-1115 was northerly, hence 10 Brent Geese, 130 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 4 Shelducks, 85 Common Scoters, 4 Velvet Scoters, Red-breasted Merganser, Eider, Red-throated Diver, 430 Gannets, 18 Great Skuas, 3 Pomarine Skuas, 8 Arctic Skuas, 10 Kittiwakes, 4 Cormorants, 4 Sooty Shearwaters, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 7 auks sp., and petrel sp.   The only waders were 17 Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, 32 Dunlin and 15 Oystercatchers.   On the dunes were 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Little Egrets, 450 Golden Plovers, 2 Bramblings, 5 Redwings, Ring Ouzel and 2 Swallows.   Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, BC and GW recorded Icterine Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Ring Ouzel, Hawfinch, Mealy Redpoll, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Great Skua and Long-tailed Skua.

   Merlin, Greenshank, Snipe and Wheatear on the dunes, otherwise all else at sea.   North were 11 Gannets, Eider, 12 Shelducks, Arctic Tern, adult Sabine's Gull and 8 auks sp.   To the south were 80 Gannets, 17 Kittiwakes, 4 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 14 Common Scoters, 2 Red-throated Divers, Fulmar, 4 Common Terns, Pomarine Skua, 11 Arctic Skuas and 21 Great Skuas.   A fine Leach's Petrel was feeding amongst some of the targets for about quarter of an hour before disappearing to the north.   The wind held the tide in to midday when I left, so the only waders I saw were 50 Knot, 30 Grey Plovers, 32 Dunlin and one Sanderling all heading north.

 

 

               At sea today were 47 Gannets, 20 Cormorants, Great Crested Grebe, 6 Common Scoters, 33 Pinkfeet, 5 Red-throated Divers, Razorbill, 11 auks sp., and Great Skua, also 46 Oystercatchers, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 17 Curlews and 2 Ringed Plovers onshore.   On the dunes were Greenshank, Common Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Wheatear and 20 Canada Geese.

 

                                                                             

A one hour seawatch brought 24 Gannets, 8 Common Scoters, 2 Shags, 22 Cormorants, 2 Little Gulls, Mediterranean Gull, 20 Knot, 23 Curlews, 28 Oystercatchers, 26 Bar-tailed Godwits and 27 Sanderlings.   The only birds of note on the dunes were 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, Common Buzzard and Greenshank.

 

A White-rumped Sandpiper near Pye's Hall this afternoon with Crossbill and an injured Common Tern.   Quiet at Quad 3 this morning, hence 10 Blackbirds, 10 Song Thrushes, 12 Robins,  3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, Reed Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Common Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 9 Gannets, 3 Great Skuas, 6 Common Scoters, 25 Cormorants, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Curlews, 56 Oystercatchers and 306 Golden Plovers.

There was some good raptor watching at the south end during the late morning and early afternoon.   A  juvenile Marsh Harrier passed a party of 6 wheeling Common Buzzards fairly closely.   Later, there were 8 Common Buzzards. Other raptors present were 4 Kestrels, Merlin, Peregrine and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Not many migrants seen today. The best were 15 Song Thrushes, 2 Redwings, 10 Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Siskins and 4 Lesser Redpolls. 100 Pinkfeet flew south and a short seawatch saw 14 Gannets north and a Bonxie south. BC recorded an Icterine Warbler by Stonebridge car-park in the late afternoon.

These totals are just for Quad 3:   15 Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Ring Ouzel, 10 Robins, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, Firecrest, Wheatear, 10 Swallows, 10 Siskins, 4 Kestrels, Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, 6 Common Buzzards, Green Sandpiper, 78 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Wigeon, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Curlews and 4 Gannets.   One Willow Warbler was found dead and partly-eaten.
At Pye's hall 2 Yellow-browed warblers were notes.

The American Golden Plover was certainly a welcome find on the fields at Quad 3 - the first record for Donna Nook.   Other birds at this end were a Yellow-browed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Common Redstart, 2 Ring Ouzels, Redwing, 3 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 370 Golden Plovers, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 70 Pinkfeet and 2 Gannets.   Between Pye's Hall and Stonebridge are 2 Firecrests, 3 Goldcrests, Yellow-browed Warbler, Wheatear and Grey Wagtail.

Combined totals again for Pye's Hall and Quad 3.   RUSTIC BUNTING - early morning only, Red-breasted Flycatcher, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 5 Firecrests, 5 Goldcrests, 7 Ring Ouzels, 19 Redwings, 50 Song Thrushes, 20 Robins, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, Common Redstart, Wheatear, Swallow, 60 Pinkfeet, Peregrine, 3 Sandwich Terns and 320 Golden Plovers.

Combined counts for Pye's Hall and Quad 3 were 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, Red-breasted Flycatcher, 4 Firecrests, 5 Goldcrests, Common Redstart, 15 Robins, 60 Song Thrushes, 10 Redwings, Ring Ouzel, 2 Bramblings, Siskin, 70 Meadow Pipits, 3 Common Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Greenshank, Lapland Bunting, 4 Swallows, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Wigeon and 350 Golden Plovers.

 

Pye's Hall to Quad 3 with a few more observers produced 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, 3 Firecrests, 6 Goldcrests, 5 Ring Ouzels, 10 Blackbirds, 80 Song Thrushes, 10 Redwings, 25 Robins, 20 Bramblings, 50 Chaffinches, Siskin, 2 Wheatears and 2 Common Redstarts.   Also of note were 180 Golden Plovers, Little Stint, 150 Brent Geese, Gannet and 2 Arctic Skuas.

It was certainly windy today.   All I had in the bushes were 7 Song Thrushes, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and Siskin.  Elsewhere were the autumn's first Lapland Bunting and Jack Snipe, also Whimbrel, 230 Golden Plovers, 25 Sanderlings and a Black-tailed Godwit.  Heading north at sea were 65 juvenile Gannets, 14 Brent Geese, 3 Cormorants, a Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skuas, Kittiwake, Red-throated Diver and 15 Teal.   South were 15 mainly adult Gannets, a Great Skua and a Mediterranean Gull.   150 Common Scoters were on the sea.

A Richard's Pipit and 3 Yellow-broweds were reported via Twitter.


Please note the records below for the 28th should have read 27th.

Highlights for the 28th:

A lot of birds had moved on by this morning.   The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still present, but very elusive at Pye's Hall.   Two Yellow-browed Warblers noted, also Whinchat, 2 Reed Warblers, Chiffchaff, 2 Redwings, 3 Song Thrushes, Ring Ouzel, Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 9 Greenshanks, 3 Ruffs, Pintail, 62 Pinkfeet, 400 Golden Plovers and 60 Lapwings.

A few more birds today, but some birds in the list were at Pye's Hall or top of Quad 3.   4 Yellow-browed Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Bramblings, 15 Chaffinches, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 5 Robins, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Wheatear, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier, 22 dark-bellied and 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Curlew Sandpiper, Great Skua, 160 Golden Plovers and 17 Lapwings.

 It was a bit disappointing in the finer conditions this morning.   Best were 4 Chiffchaffs, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrests, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Teal, 120 Wigeon, 5 Brent Geese, 18 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas, 29 Oystercatchers, 100 Dunlin and 10 Bar-tailed Godwits.

 A change of fortunes could be on the cards over the next few days.   There was a Yellow-browed Warbler at Pye's Hall this morning and another in my garden.   Also at Quad 3 were 5 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Robins, 2 Redwings, Song Thrush, 6 Swallows, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, 160 Golden Plovers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 52 Curlews, 60 Oystercatchers, 220 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plovers.

Today a WeBS count between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall and despite the poor visibility there were 1,525 Oystercatchers, 19 Curlews, 650 Dunlin, 34 Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, 283 Pink-footed Geese, 21 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Teal, 16 Mallard, Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 88 Shelducks, 11 Little Egrets, 8 Cormorants, Marsh Harrier, 109 Meadow Pipits, 11 Reed Buntings, Robin, Goldcrest and 3 Reed Warblers.

 The only birds of note were 51 Pinkfeet, 16 Teal, 2 Little Egrets, 47 Curlews, 80 Dunlin, 3 Gannets, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 18 Goldfinches and 80 Swallows

 At least the weather was a bit better this morning.   280 Pink-footed Geese in six skeins flew high to the south.   Also seen were Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 8 Teal, 30 Dunlin, Sandwich Tern, 6 Pied Wagtails, 3 Common Whitethroats, 2 Robins and 15 Swallows

 Teal, 120 Golden Plovers, 30 Dunlin, 2 Common Snipe, 3 Ringed Plovers, 4 Sanderlings, 3 Sandwich Terns, 8 Pied Wagtails, 4 House Martins and  19 Swallows.

Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 115 birds flew south over the sea this afternoon, and 3 Gannets and a Red-throated Diver headed north. Very little was seen on the dunes in the windy conditions, but waders on the flashes included singles of Ruff, Green Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover.

A Goldcrest, Garden Warbler, 2 Common Whitethroats, 60 Swallows, 48 Meadow Pipits, 12 Teal, 6 Redshanks, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe, 60 Golden Plovers, 22 Sanderlings and 50 Dunlin.

13th

Great Skua, Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Common Terns, 7 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Scoters, 2 Gannets, 260 Dunlin, 2 Little Stints, 23 Sanderlings, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 59 Curlews, 20 Oystercatchers, 11 Cormorants, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, 2 Kestrels, Peregrine, 350 Golden Plovers, Willow Warbler, 2 House Martins and 60 Swallows.

 

The sea was much quieter as expected.   Best were 4 Red-throated Divers, 60 Common Scoters, 4 Common Terns, 17 Sandwich Terns, 10 Cormorants, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 18 Sanderlings, 140 Dunlin, 19 Oystercatchers, 17 Bar-tailed Godwits and 7 Redshanks.   A circling juvenile Osprey gradually drifted SE out to sea.   Onland were 150 Golden Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, Little Egret, 15 Teal, 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 170 Swallows, 7 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warblers, Kestrel and 4 Sparrowhawks.

    A three hour seawatch saw northerly passage of 19 Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 7 Great Skuas, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 5 auks, 40 Gannets, 6 Fulmars, 12 Sandwich Terns, 6 Common Terns, 7 Cormorants, a Kittiwake, 42 Wigeon, 90 Teal and 470 Common Scoters.   To the south were 3 Red-throated Divers, 4 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua and 3 Common Terns.   Waders were 240 Dunlin, 25 Sanderlings, 2 Little Stints, 15 Oystercatchers, 18 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Grey Plovers, 72 Curlews and 12 Knot.   350 Golden Plovers were on the coastal fields, while on the dunes and flashes were 75 Swallows, 6 House Martins, Whitethroat, Tawny Owl, 2 Kestrels, Common Sandpiper and Common Snipe.

 

Very little seen on the dunes in the abysmal weather conditions. The morning high tide was up to the outmarsh and saw two parties totalling 13 Manx Shearwaters heading north. To the south were 12 Gannets, 7 Sandwich Terns, Arctic Skua and Fulmar

   I heard some Pinkfeet heading south, but couldn't see them as they were very high and beyond me.   Also 6 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 4 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whinchats, Wheatear, Robin, Song Thrush, 7 Tree Sparrows, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Whimbrels, 80 Curlews, 40 Dunlin, 11 Redshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers, 22 Cormorants, 16 Sandwich Terns, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 2 Common Buzzards.

 Moving south at sea from 0930-1130 were 208 Sandwich Terns, 17 Common Terns, 13 Arctic Skuas, 3 Great Skuas, 2 Fulmars and a Red-throated Diver.   Onshore were 60 Curlews, 3 Whimbrels, 17 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Sanderlings, 36 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers, 19 Oystercatchers and 35 Cormorants.   On the flashes and dunes were 2 Common Sandpipers, 6 Redshanks, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Teal, 300 Swallows, Common Redstart, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, 3 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Kestrels and 2 Sparrowhawks.   In the Pye's Hall area, on the flood realignment area, were 2 Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard, Peregrine, Little Stint and 13 Greenshanks.   There were 21 Greenshanks here yesterday.

The seawatch was better today.   Between 0930 and 1130, moving north were 85 Wigeon, 46 Teal, 12 Common Scoters, 7 Gannets, 4 Cormorants and 2 Red-throated Divers while to the south were 61 Sandwich Terns, 3 Arctic Terns, 88 Common Terns, 11 Arctic Skuas, 3 Great Skuas, a Fulmar, a Pintail and an Eider.   Birds onshore included a further 44 Sandwich Terns, 8 more Cormorants, 66 Curlews, a Whimbrel, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings, 30 Dunlin and 2 Oystercatchers.   The landward side was poor in the freshening wind, hence 7 Redshanks, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.

There were few migrants about despite the misty start. Best were 5 Whinchats, plus 6 Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, 6 Common Whitethroats, a Reed Warbler, 2 Robins and 25 Meadow Pipits. 350 Golden Plovers and a Marsh Harrier over the coastal fields

Was unable to find the Icterine Warbler again.   Main birds were 11 Willow Warblers, Reed Warbler, 6 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail, 90 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Grey Partridges, 11 Lapwings, 50 Golden Plovers, 3 Kestrels, Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Common Snipe.

 

Spotted Flycatcher in Skidbrook churchyard this afternoon. 

Much better conditions today after yesterday's blustery wind. An Icterine Warbler was trapped and ringed in the willow hedge at the south end this morning. A few more migrants were apparent, hence 15 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Garden Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers, 9 Willow Warblers, Redstart and Robin. Other birds of note included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Water Rail, Common Buzzard, 2 Common Sandpipers and 2 Green Sandpipers.

Not much today at Quad 3 as it was too windy.   Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Whitethroats, Willow Warbler, Robin, 2 Pied Wagtails, 60 Swallows, 4 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers and 2 Gannets.

 

   Stonebridge to Pye's Hall produced 2 Ospreys, 2 Common Buzzards. 2 Marsh Harriers, 5 Kestrels, 8 Ruffs, Greenshank, 45 Redshanks, 250 Oystercatchers, 90 Curlews, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Cormorants, 8 Teal, Tufted Duck, 60 Swallows, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 150 Linnets

 Not much today.   Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 4 Snipe, 4 Gannets, Kittiwake, 2 Whimbrels, 44 Curlews, 14 Sanderlings, 25 Dunlin, 8 Bar-tailed Godwits, 80 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler and 4 Kestrels

Roosting terns were 116 Sandwich and 57 Commons.   2 Fulmars and 3 Arctic Skuas flew south.  Waders onshore included 15 Curlew Sandpipers, 8 Whimbrels, 32 Curlews, 12 Sanderlings, 31 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits.   On the flashes were 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Ruff.

It was a good count of Curlew Sandpipers (12 juveniles and 3 adults) considering the low numbers of other waders, but they were all in one group .

Nearly all the migrants had departed by today.   All that were left were 5 Common Whitethroats, 3 Willow Warblers and a Whinchat.   Not much else either.   2 Green Sandpipers, Common Buzzard, 5 Kestrels, 23 Curlews, 5 Cormorants, 110 Swallows and 7 House Martins

  7 Willow Warblers, 10 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Common Redstarts, Whinchat and Wheatear.   Other birds included 9 Common Snipe, 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Redshanks, 110 Golden Plovers, 13 Teal, 5 Whimbrels, Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks.

27th


Today at Quad 3 were 20 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, 15 Common Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Whinchats, 6 Common Redstarts, 3 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe and 550 Golden Plovers.   On the shore were 500 Dunlin, 50 Sanderlings, 40 Ringed Plovers, 33 Curlews, 6 Whimbrels, Bar-tailed Godwit and 9 Sandwich Terns

The sea was very disappointing today.   15 Cormorants, one Gannet, 9 Common Terns, 30 Sandwich Terns,10 Common Scoters, 14 Teal, one Shelduck, 300 Oystercatchers, 41 Curlews, 11 Whimbrels, 518 Dunlin, 54 Sanderlings, 42 Ringed Plovers, 23 Grey Plovers, 5 Knot and a Greenshank.   On the flashes were 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Redshanks, 3 Common Snipe, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Grey Herons.   Migrants on the dunes included 25 Willow Warblers, 25 Common Whitethroats, an Icterine Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 7 Common Redstarts, 9 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Tree Pipits and 5 Whinchats.   Also of note were 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks and a Hobby.

In addition,  a Wryneck, 2 Garden Warblers, Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Redstarts, 2 Whinchats and a Wheatear were between Stonebridge and Pye's.

Waders were 46 Whimbrels, 6 Curlews, 86 Grey Plovers, 49 Ringed Plovers, 180 Dunlin, 11 Redshanks, Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 490 Oystercatchers, 1,300 Golden Plovers, 8 Sanderlings, 15 Knot and 3 Common Snipe.  Ducks were 129 Teal, 35 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 2Tufted Ducks, 7 Shelducks and 89 Common Scoters.   Moving north at sea were 28 Little Gulls, 317 Common Terns, 5 Arctic Terns, Black Tern, 10 Gannets, 9 Arctic Skuas and a Sooty Shearwater, while to the south were 4 Gannets and 3 Arctic Skuas.   Other waterbirds were 190 Sandwich Terns, 9 Lesser Black-backs, 29 Cormorants, 12 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Little Grebes and a Kingfisher.

 

Migrants were 9 Whinchats, Wheatear, 5 Reed Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 5 Common Whitethroats, Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Warblers, 4 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Redstart, Tree Pipit and 22 Yellow Wagtails.   Also of note were 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Kestrels, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards,  Great Spotted Woodpecker, 300 Swallows including an all-white bird, 6 House Martins, 60 Goldfinches, 3 Corn Buntings, Tree Sparrow and 350 Starlings.

 

A Wryneck was in a private garden in North Somercotes.   It was first seen yesterday and is performing well and catching ants at close range on their lawn.  

 

It was rather wet and murky for the WeBS count at Quad 3.   Best were 85 Oystercatchers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Greenshanks, 3 Redshanks, 123 Dunlin, 8 Sanderlings, 6 Ringed Plovers, 6 Curlews, 4 Whimbrels, 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Common Snipe, 89 Teal, 13 Cormorants, 22 Common Terns, 22 Sandwich Terns, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Yellow Wagtails, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Common Whitethroats and a Whinchat.

Fewer warblers seen today, although it was more windy. Still 25 Willow Warblers, 10 Common Whitethroats and a Chiffchaff. Other migrants included at least 5 Whinchats, 2 Pied Flycatchers, Yellow Wagtail and a Cuckoo. 10 Common Scoters north at sea and waders of note were 14 Whimbrels, a Little Stint, a Common Sandpiper and 6 Green Sandpipers

A few migrants this morning included 30 Willow Warblers, 25 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 2 Whinchats and a Wheatear. Other birds of note were 9 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 14 Whimbrels, Turtle Dove, Marsh Harrier and 2 Hobbies

Some good raptor passage to the south, hence a juvenile Osprey at 1030, plus a Hobby, 2 Marsh Harriers, a Sparrowhawk and 4 Common Buzzards.   Additional non-moving raptors were another Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine and at least 9 Kestrels.   Swallows coming in from the shore totalled 600 north and 200 south, plus a further 500 feeding over the fields and dunes.   Also heading north were 56 House Martins, 12 Sand Martins and 2 Common Swifts.

 

Other birds of note were 5 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, 14 Whimbrels, 130 Oystercatchers, 10 Sandwich Terns, 11 Cormorants, 7 Teal, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 4 Common Whitethroats, 15 Willow Warblers, Turtle Dove and Grey Wagtail.

  550 Swallows feeding over the flashes and northern dunes, plus another 100 north over the beach.   Also 4 House Martins, Sand Martin, Common Swift, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons and a Marsh Harrier.

Generally fairly quiet at the south end this morning. 40 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua north at sea and a Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Whimbrels on the shore. The first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn was on the dunes plus 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, a Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Marsh Harrier.

     An Osprey arrived from the sea at 1620 and continued south along the outmarsh towards Saltfleet.   At sea and onshore were 61 Sandwich Terns, 4 Common Terns, 15 Gannets, 9 Cormorants, 4 Shelducks, 3 Common Scoters, 3 Wigeon, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 5 Redshanks, 34 Dunlin, 24 Sanderlings, 66 Curlews, 69 Whimbrels, Turnstone, 5 Knot and 12 Oystercatchers.   On the dunes were 8 Kestrels, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 200 Golden Plovers, Common Snipe, 2 Common Sandpipers and 3 Green Sandpipers.

Increasing wind and light showers during the morning hardly helped observations. At sea, only 4 Gannets, 65 Sandwich Terns and 29 Common Terns. On the flashes were 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Greenshanks and 3 Common Snipe, while other birds on the dunes included 8 Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, Green Woodpecker and Cuckoo.

Best was a juvenile Temminck's Stint on the flashes down towards Howden's Pullover.  Also seen were 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, 210 Golden Plovers, 5 Teal, 5 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 15 Whitethroats, Willow Warbler and Cuckoo.   No sea passage noted, but on the shore or feeding over the sea were 200 Sandwich Terns, 59 Common Terns, Arctic Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2,400 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Cormorants, Shelduck, 26 Common Scoters, 45 Curlews, 23 Whimbrels, Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Knot, 15 Sanderlings and 25 Oystercatchers.

After a nearly full exodus of Common Whitethroats at the end of July, it was pleasing to see a few new warblers on the dunes this morning. Numbers were not large, but 15 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler and 12 Willow Warblers were recorded. 340 Swallows, 15 Sand Martins and a Hobby passed to the north. Other birds of note were 5 Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, 4 Whimbrels, 3 Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.

Fairly quiet today, hence 260 Swallows in from the sea, most continuing south, also one Common Swift, 4 Willow Warblers, 6 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Golden Plovers, 34 Sanderlings, 64 Curlews, 28 Whimbrels, 11 Cormorants, 3 Gannets, 40 Sandwich Terns, Common Tern, 2 Red-throated Divers and 3 Arctic Skuas.

Little change from yesterday. A three hour seawatch  from 0830 (HT 0845) produced northerly passage of 100 Sandwich Terns, 14 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 unidentified distant skuas, one Red-throated Diver, 15 Gannets and 12 Cormorants. To the south were 25 Sandwich Terns, 7 Common Terns, 12 Gannets and 28 Common Scoters, while a Kestrel arrived in off the sea. Apart from 58 Whimbrels, waders on the mudflats were not in good numbers. A Peregrine patrolled the shore and 300 Swallows flew north along the dunes with 6 Sand Martins and 3 Yellow Wagtails. A Marsh Harrier and 3 Kestrels on the dunes and 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Greenshank on the flashes.

 A morning seawatch produced 169 Sandwich Terns, 23 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Skuas, Pomarine Skua, 2,200 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Common Scoters, 10 Cormorants, 13 Gannets, 26 Dunlin, 14 Sanderlings, 10 Oystercatchers, 16 Curlews and 42 Whimbrels.   On the landward side were 6 Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 4 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, 33 Golden Plovers, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons and a Willow Warbler.

9th

aN evening visit to Quad 3, but still only modest numbers of terns in two hours on the high tide.   156 Common Terns, one Arctic Tern, 31 Sandwich Terns, one Arctic Skua, 5 Shelducks, 12 Common Scoters, 8 Gannets, 4 Cormorants, 1,300 Black-headed Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull, 4 Ruffs, 59 Curlews, 27 Whimbrels, 250 Oystercatchers, 70 Sanderlings, 15 Dunlin, one Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstones, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons and 4 Kestrels.

A Hobby was noted before it headed towards Quad 3.   A Hummingbird Hawk Moth was also recorded.

Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall today were 280 Swallows, 6 House Martins and 11 Swifts NW, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Whimbrel, 10 Redshanks, 16 Golden Plovers, 34 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, Little Egret and Mediterranean Gull.

A seawatch in the fresh SW wind was quiet, hence 20 Sandwich Terns, 27 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, 5 Little Terns, Fulmar, 5 Gannets, 6 Common Scoters, 3 Cormorants, 2 skuas sp., 31 Sanderlings, 8 Dunlin, 4 Turnstones, 22 Whimbrels, 3 Curlews, 10 Oystercatchers and a Knot.  Also noted on the landward side were 2 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, Golden Plover (heard), Redshank, 400 Swallows, 13 Sand Martins, 5 Common Swifts, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Herons, Common Buzzard and 6 Kestrels.

 

31^st

Stonebridge to Pye's Hall today.   510 Oystercatchers, 125 Whimbrels, 4 Curlews, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 32 Dunlin, 30 Knot, 26 Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, 10 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, one Little Egret, one Grey Heron, 2 Sandwich Terns, 4 Common Terns, Willow Warbler, Kestrel and Marsh Harrier.

 

28^th

    A 3rd cy Pomarine Skua flew north close inshore.  An Arctic Tern also headed north.   South were 37 Sandwich Terns, 12 Common Terns, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, one Little Gull, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Gannets, 3 Cormorants and 15 Common Scoters.   Arriving from the sea and continuing SW inland were 50 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 84 Common Swifts and 2 Black Terns.   The last fed over the flashes for a few minutes before leaving overland.

 

Waders included 660 Dunlin, 220 Sanderlings, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 95 Curlews, 87 Whimbrels, (the highest daily count since 1990), 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 32 Knot, 6 Redshanks and 14 Grey Plovers.   On the dunes were 2 Teal and singles of Kestrel, Barn Owl, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo and Grey Heron.

 

27th

A Black Tern and 2 Arctic Skuas north during a two hour seawatch around high tide, while to the south were 70 Sandwich Terns, 25 Common Terns, 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Gannets, 14 Cormorants, 6 Guillemots, 4 Common Scoters and 10 Shelducks.   Waders were 132 Sanderlings, 79 Dunlin, Turnstone, 19 Curlews, 12 Whimbrels, 32 Oystercatchers, Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Knot and a Ruff.   The only other birds of note were 200 Swallows, 6 Sand Martins, 10 House Martins, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Kestrels and a juvenile Cuckoo.

 

26^th

   It was certainly hot at Quad 3 this morning.   Best birds were 11 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sand Martins, a juvenile Cuckoo, 3 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Corn Buntings, 2 Kestrels, 3 Little Egrets, 80 Common Scoters, 17 Sandwich Terns, 3 Arctic Skuas, 3 Cormorants, 35 Curlews, 8 Redshanks, 4 Golden Plovers and 10 Dunlin.

At Pye's Hall in the late afternoon and early evening after the rain there was no trace of the shrike today, but following up to high tide were  370 Black-headed Gulls, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 33 Sandwich Terns, 10 Common Terns, 150 Oystercatchers, 25 Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, one Common Sandpiper, 47 Golden Plovers, 35 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Whimbrels, 104 Curlews, 26 Knot, 105 Dunlin, 15 Sanderlings, 160 Common Scoters, 10 Mallard, one Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorants, one Little Egret, one Grey Heron, 120 Swallows, 12 Yellow Wagtails, one Cuckoo, one Kestrel and one Red-legged Partridge.

 The Red-backed Shrike was still present..   It was very elusive for long periods.   Not much else about although it was quite foggy all morning, Singles of Greenshank, Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Redshanks, 2 Little Egrets, one Grey Heron and 2 Kestrels.   7 Crossbills north over my garden in the afternoon.

 

Yesterday a Black Redstart near Stonebridge along with 3 Crossbills

 

 

Further counts for the 21st:

 Today between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall were 58 Curlews, 22 Whimbrels, 13 Redshanks, 3 Greenshanks, 68 Golden Plovers, 9 Oystercatchers, 10 Sanderlings, 5 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Sandwich Terns, 320 Black-headed Gulls, 180 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, , 2 Kestrels, a Common Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier.

The WeBS count at Donna Nook today was fairly unremarkable. In the early afternoon, Chris Heaton found a male Red-backed Shrike at Pye's Hall and Barrie Clarkson was able to photograph the bird shortly afterwards. However, Mark Johnson, Phil Espin and S Lorand were unable to locate it later in the afternoon, despite extensive searching.

20th

On a two hour seawatch from 0730 were 36 Sandwich Terns, 6 Common Terns, 3 Arctic Terns, 3 Little Gulls, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 23 Gannets, 90 Common Scoters, 4 Mallard, 16 Teal and 3 Eiders.   Waders were 34 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlews, 4 Whimbrels, 43 Sanderlings, 9 Dunlin, one Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Redshanks and 17 Golden Plovers.   Of note on the landward side were 130 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 23 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Egrets, one Grey Heron, one Common Buzzard and a juvenile Cuckoo.

At Quad 3 this morning were a Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrels, 3 Tufted Ducks, 40 Curlews, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, Turtle Dove, Willow Warbler, 110 Swallows, 6 Sand Martins, 3 Common Swifts, 360 Starlings and 12 Yellow Wagtails.

  A two hour seawatch saw southward passage of 540 Common Scoters, 10 Gannets, 56 Sandwich Terns, one Little Tern, 4 Common Terns, 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Little Gulls and a Peregrine.   Onshore were 9 Cormorants, 400 Black-headed Gulls, 29 Dunlin, 81 Sanderlings, 22 Knot, one Turnstone, 47 Curlews, one Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Oystercatchers.   20 Swallows and 12 Sand Martins flew north over the sandflats and 41 Swallows and one Sand Martin south.   The only birds of note on the dunes were a Sparrowhawk, Corn Bunting, Grey Heron, Little Egret and 3 Tufted Ducks.

Not a great deal today.  Visibility was quite poor at sea, hence just an Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, 14 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Scoters, Yellow-legged Gull, 200 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Cormorants, 23 Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Sanderlings, 3 Dunlin and 4 Oystercatchers.   Nothing unusual inland.

Today at Quad 3 60 Curlews, 3 Common Scoters and singles of Cuckoo, Grey Heron, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.

An unusual find for the date was a singing Common Rosefinch at the south end this morning.   It was a brown bird singing freely for at least 15 minutes, but not showing very much.    Not much else of note in the misty conditions.  

7th July

 Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning were 28 Common Swifts, 30 Swallows, 2 Cuckoos, an early juvenile Grey Wagtail, 2 Kestrels, one Common Buzzard, 3 Little Egrets, 14 Shelducks, 6 Redshanks and at least one Whimbrel heard.

3rd July

News for the 3rd

At the south end this afternoon were 16 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua south, 23 Curlews, 11 Cormorants, 66 Common Swifts, 3 House Martins, 26 Swallows, Crossbill, 2 Corn Buntings, 7 Cuckoos, 130 Starlings, 3 Little Egrets and 4 Kestrels

    Yet another month has flown by!   Today's seawatch lasted for an hour and a quarter and produced 10 Gannets, 23 Sandwich Terns, 9 Shelducks, 145 Common Scoters, one Tufted Duck and 4 Cormorants.   Coming in from the sea and turning mostly NW were 92 Common Swifts, 30 Swallows, House Martin and 4 Sand Martins.   Birds onshore included 52 Curlews, one Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Oystercatchers, 7 Sanderlings and a Yellow-legged Gull.    The best birds on the dunes were 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tree Sparrows, 6 Cuckoos, 6 Little Egrets, 4 Kestrels and a Grey Partridge.

A one and a half hour seawatch up to high tide produced northerly passage of 12 Gannets, 15 Sandwich Terns, 3 Common Terns, 2 Cormorants, Guillemot, 100 Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver in full summer plumage.   Presumably the same diver flew south about ten minutes later along with 3 Gannets, another Guillemot and a Kittiwake.   The only waders seen were 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlews and 2 Dunlin.   Over the land were 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Cuckoos, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a Corn Bunting

Mostly the expected summer species at Quad 3, but some early forerunners of autumn seen.   Six parties totalling 64 Curlews passed high to the NW, plus 8 more birds on the shore.   Also 22 Black-headed Gulls NW , while 56 Common Swifts in from the sea continued NW or SW and 3 House Martins and 9 Swallows SW.   Other birds of note included 2nd cy male Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrels, 4 Cuckoos, 4 Collared Doves, 8 Little Egrets and a Grey Heron.

 

 

 Not much today in the cold wind and squally showers between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, hence just 3 Cuckoos, 4 Reed Warblers, 7 Common Swifts, 2 Little Egrets, one Grey Heron, 8 Oystercatchers, 9 Redshanks, one Tufted Duck and 16 Shelducks plus 8 young.

    The wind was too strong for much on the landward side where the best were 24 Common Swifts SW, 2 Cuckoos, Kestrel and 4 Yellow Wagtails.   Out on the shore and at sea were 66 Sandwich Terns, 3 Common Terns, 8 Gannets, 5 Fulmars, 4 Cormorants and a Brent Goose.

  It was very quiet at Quad 3 today, hence 4 Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Cuckoos, 4 Little Egrets and 7 Common Swifts.

Gull-billed Tern at Kirkby

17th Late news

At Quad 3 there were 5 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, at least 5 Cuckoos, the first-ever June record of a Jay, 15 House Martins, 5 Swifts, 2 Grey Partridges and 21 Cormorants.

 

16th
At Quad 3 this morning 120 Common Swifts flew SW.   Also 40 House Martins, Hobby, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Turtle Doves, 6 Cuckoos, 7 Curlews, one Gannet and 23 Sandwich Terns.

Stonebridge to Pye's Hall in the squally showers of this morning.   Most noteworthy were 52 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshanks, 15 Sanderlings, 2 Curlews, 2 Kestrels, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 9 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 20 Shelducks plus 6 young, 2 Tufted Ducks, Mediterranean Gull, 4  Reed Warblers, 4 Cuckoos and 21 Common Swifts.

There was also a rufous-phased Cuckoo in North Somercotes this afternoon

The main birds in the Pye's area were just 22 Common Swifts as opposed to ca.400 yesterday, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Reed Warblers, 30 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlews, 3 Tufted Ducks, 22 Shelducks plus 8 young, 2 Cormorants, 15 Little Egrets, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.

Quiet again at Quad 3 and little change from yesterday.   2 Grasshopper Warblers were the first for over a week, also 6 Common Swifts, Mistle Thrush, Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Doves, Corn Bunting, Common Buzzard, 60 Common Scoters and 76 Sanderlings.

It was certainly cold on the tide-line this morning. Between 1000 and 1100, there were just 7 Cormorants, 6 Sandwich Terns, 2 Shovelers, 7 Common Scoters and 54 Sanderlings.   On the landward side were 12 Common Swifts, 4 Mistle Thrushes, Corn Bunting, Willow Warbler, 2 Cuckoos and a Turtle Dove.

Not a great deal at Quad 3 this morning, hence a Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Corn Buntings, 2 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Cuckoos, 6 Common Swifts and 2 Little Egrets

 It was nice to see a few waders in breeding plumage.   Best were 18 Oystercatchers, 13 Curlews, one Whimbrel, 9 Sanderlings, 9 Dunlin, one Turnstone, 2 Redshanks, 42 Ringed Plovers, 6 Little Egrets, 6 Shelducks, 4 Cormorants, 32 Canada Geese, one Greylag Goose, 7 Common Swifts and a Hobby.

 The fret and drizzle combined with low temperatures didn't help at Quad 3 this morning.   Best were 4 Mistle Thrushes, 25 Common Swifts, 10 House Martins, Corn Bunting, Turtle Dove, 2 Sparrowhawks and ca.30 Common Scoters.

Fairly quiet at Quad 3 this morning, hence 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, Pied Wagtail, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Swift, 2 House Martins, Corn Bunting, Cuckoo, Turtle Dove, 3 Collared Doves and a Song Thrush

  Nothing special seen between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning:- Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, 2 Cuckoos, 5 Little Egrets, Kestrel, Peregrine and 3 Common Buzzards.   Two of the buzzards were over the south end.   Heading north over the dunes were 22 Swallows, 3 House Martins, Common Swift and 12 Lesser Black-backs.

Best birds at Quad 3 this morning were 60 Common Swifts, 60 Swallows, 12 House Martins, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Cuckoos, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Crossbills, Mistle Thrush, Corn Bunting and 2 Sandwich Terns.

Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning was NW passage of 40 Swallows, 13 House Martins, Red Kite, Hobby and Jay.   Other species included 3 Cormorants, 8 Shelducks, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 12 Tufted Ducks, 6 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 4 Grey Plovers, 20 Oystercatchers, 2 Cuckoos, 4 Reed Warblers, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard.

A Red Kite was also noted today.

Hardly anything of note in the abysmal weather between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning.   2 Cuckoos, a Blackcap and a Spotted Flycatcher were the only items of mention.   The only waders on the high tide were 34 Oystercatchers and a Bar-tailed Godwit.    Things can only improve.

A Long-eared Owl was at Pye's along with a Spotted Flycatcher.   There were also five Reed warblers and a Chiffchaff in the Pye's/Eau area. Waders included 85 Grey Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 50 Knot and 12 Bar-tailed Godwits.

Best today were 23 Common Swifts, 23 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 2 Willow Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Cuckoos, Mistle Thrush, Corn Bunting, 4 Kestrels, 5 Curlews and 16 Sanderlings.

26th May

Seawatch was very poor with an Arctic Tern and a few gulls including 13 Lesser Black-backs south in one and a half hours.   Onshore were 16 Sanderlings, 6 Ringed Plovers, 12 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Whimbrel, 3 Curlews and 2 Cormorants.   A drake Goosander north along the dunes was unexpected and other birds of note were 24 Swallows, 2 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Turtle Dove, 4 Cuckoos, 3 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, Little Egret, 2 Kestrels and a Common Buzzard.

At Stonebridge were 260 Ringed Plover, 104 Grey Plover, 160 Dunlin and 45 Sanderling. At Pye's 16 Brents included a pale bellied.

2 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern, dark morph Arctic Skua, Fulmar and moderate numbers of gulls which included this spring's peak of 24 Lesser Black-backs were offshore.   The only waders were 22 Sanderlings, 3 Curlews and 8 Oystercatchers.   Not much on the landward side either, most notable being 3 Cuckoos, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Tufted Ducks, Song Thrush and Common Buzzard.

 Best birds were 3 Willow Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatears, 2 Cuckoos, Common Buzzard, Gannet and ca.30 Common Scoters.

  The main birds at Quad 3 were 25 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, Garden Warbler, 3 Willow Warblers, Sedge Warbler, 4 Cuckoos, 22 Swallows, 5 Whimbrel, Little Tern, 16 Shelducks, 3 Tufted Ducks, 4 Little Egrets, Corn Bunting, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.

  It was back to scarf and gloves this morning at Quad 3.   Not much showing or singing in the cold and unpleasant conditions.   20 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 7 Swallows, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Tufted Ducks, 4 Little Egrets, Grey Plover, Gannet, Kestrel and Common Buzzard

Not much seen at Quad 3 this morning, hence Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, 20 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 2 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Sedge Warblers, 30 Common Whitethroats, Blackcap and 6 Cuckoos.

Three Spotted Flycatchers today (two at Pye's and one at Quad 3) plus a Whinchat at Pyes's. Also noted were six Willow Warblers, two Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, 3 Cuckoos, a Short-eared Owl and 117 Swallows, 24 House martins and 8 Swifts flying through.

With Chris Atkin

A Black Redstart was at the RAF base and a Short-eared Owl at Pye's Hall.

   It was still too windy to find much in the bushes. Best today were 28 Swifts, 16 Swallows, 50 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Sedge Warblers, Yellow Wagtail, Cuckoo, Greenshank, 11 Curlews, 4 Whimbrels, 34 Sanderlings, 26 Dunlin, Cormorant, 2 Little Terns, 6 Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, 4 Tufted Ducks, 10 Shelducks, 13 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Kestrels, Common Buzzard, 2 Corn Buntings and 2 Red-legged Partridges.

Very windy between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall where I had 50 Sanderlings, 15 Shelducks, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Swifts, 7 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, 10 Common Whitethroats, Willow Warbler, 2 Cuckoos, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants, 3 Kestrels, Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier.

 Very disappointing with fewer birds seen in the cooler and misty weather. 40 Common Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 6 Swallows, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Tufted Ducks and a Little Egret

 Status of migrants similar to yesterday, hence 50 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warblers, Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatears, Tree Pipit, 30 Swallows, 2 Cuckoos and a Redwing. Also seen were 6 Tufted Ducks, Common Buzzard and a Corn Bunting.

 Today for Pye's Hall and Quad 3 were 60 Common Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 5 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Swallows, Swift, 3 Cuckoos, 4 Whimbrels, 4 Tufted Ducks, Little Egret and Common Buzzard.

 Quiet again. Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall were 4 Swallows, Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Whimbrel, 16 Redshanks, 14 Brent Geese, 12 Shelducks, 2 Tufted Ducks, 12 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Cormorants, 2 Grey Partridges, Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrels

Not much of note today. Warbler counts were meaningless in the blustery wind. Best were 16 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, Wheatear and 2 Cuckoos.

Rather uneventful today, hence 30 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, 2 Cuckoos, 3 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 10 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, Corn Bunting, Song Thrush, Barn Owl and 2 Common Buzzards.

  Main birds of note today were the first Turtle Dove and first Reed Warbler, 35 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler, 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 23 Swallows, 4 Cuckoos, 2 Jays, 2 Grey Herons, 17 Little Egrets, 11 Shelducks, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Kestrels and a Common Buzzard.

Much lighter wind made census work far more pleasant today. The first Garden Warbler was present along with 30 Common Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Willow Warblers, 4 Grasshopper Warblers, 18 Swallows, Sand Martin, Wheatear, Common Redstart, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whimbrels, 105 Dunlin, 15 Sanderlings, adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Cormorants, Little Egret, 8 Redshanks, 5 Shelducks, Barn Owl, Common Buzzard and 3 Kestrels.

  Best were 2 Wheatears, 7 Willow Warblers, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 9 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Swallows, Cuckoo, at least one Ring Ouzel, 11 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Whimbrels, 3 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Shelducks and 4 Tufted Ducks.

Not much between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning. 650 Dunlin, 8 Grey Plovers, 16 Curlews, Whimbrel, 24 Redshanks, 9 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebes, 10 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, Teal, 4 Tufted Ducks, 17 Shelducks, 3 Kestrels, 3 Sparrowhawks, Marsh Harrier, 9 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, Whinchat, 4 Common Whitethroats, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Lesser Black-backs, Pied Wagtail, 21 Goldfinches and 60 Linnets.

Best were 6 Common Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, Hobby, Merlin, 50 Swallows, 9 Sand Martins, 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Common Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Tree Pipits, Common Redstart, 2 Ring Ouzels, Cuckoo, 2 Wheatears, Greenshank, 18 Redshanks, 3 Whimbrels, 8 Curlews, 8 Shelducks, Little Egret, 4 Little Grebes and 70 Linnets.

Today's tally included 8 Wheatears, Whinchat, 3 Ring Ouzels, 8 Blackbirds, Song Thrush, 34 Swallows, 8 House Martins, Common Swift, 9 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, Sedge Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 12 Common Whitethroats, Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, 3 Kestrels, 4 Tufted Ducks, 8 Shelducks, 18 Redshanks, 15 Curlews, Whimbrel, 2 Green Sandpipers, Little Egret, Grey Heron and 100 Linnets

There were a few more migrants present today, hence 20 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, 5 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 13 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins, House Martin, 8 Wheatears, Ring Ouzel, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 White Wagtails, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whimbrels, Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 5 Kestrels, 2 Common Snipe, 20 Redshanks, 13 Curlews, 5 Shelducks, Mediterranean Gull and 120 Linnets.

Two Red Kites came in from the sea at 0925 and eventually drifted south at 0940 after tumbling displays over the mudflats. Also recorded were 2 Common Buzzards, Kestrel, 18 Swallows, 3 Wheatears, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, Little Egret, 3 Little Grebes, 9 Redshanks, 12 Curlews, 2 Whimbrels, 2 Red-legged Partridges and 60 Linnets.

 Best birds were a Cuckoo, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, 8 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, 13 Swallows, Sand Martin, Wheatear, Tree Pipit, Whimbrel, 20 Curlews, 20 Redshanks, 10 Sanderlings, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Shelducks, 10 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Gannets, Red-throated Diver, Grey Heron, 8 Little Egrets, 10 Mute Swans 55 Linnets and 4 Kestrels.

From Stonebridge to Pye's Hall this morning in the more pleasant weather conditions:   a Great Skua flew along the tide-line and into the Humber. Also seen were 35 Redshanks, 4 Oystercatchers, 5 Curlews, 4 Tufted Ducks, 5 Teal, 3 Shelducks, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Cormorants, 4 Blackbirds, Redwing, 2 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Common Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warblers, Wheatear, 5 Lesser Redpolls, Kestrel, 2 Common Buzzards and a Hen Harrier.

Today at Quad 3, there were 16 Curlews, 6 Whimbrel, 10 Greylags, Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, 10 Swallows, 8 Sand Martins, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, Common Whitethroat, Wheatear, Siskin, Corn Bunting 3 Common Snipe, 5 Shelducks, 2 Tufted Ducks and 17 Redshanks.

The south end today produced Stonechat, 9 Wheatears, 4 Swallows, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Common Whitethroats, Yellow Wagtail, Redwing, Robin, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Cormorants, 20 Redshanks, 7 Sanderlings, 16 Curlews, 6 Whimbrel, 6 Shelducks, Barn Owl, 70 Linnets, Corn Bunting, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, 3 Little Egrets and 2 Little Grebes. Last night there was a Ring Ouzel.

Best birds today were 9 Swallows, the same Firecrest, 4 Chiffchaffs, 8 Willow Warblers, Common Whitethroat, 3 Wheatears, male Whinchat, Whimbrel, 15 Golden Plovers, Fieldfare, 13 Curlews, 5 Redshanks, 5 Shelducks, 15 Mallard, 4 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag Geese, Common Snipe, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 10 Mute Swans, 100 Linnets and a Corn Bunting also2 Common Buzzards and 4 Little Egrets.

Quieter than yesterday. 3 Swallows, 3 Sand Martins, White Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, Firecrest, Fieldfare, 10 Redshanks, Common Snipe, 2 Tufted Ducks, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 70 Linnets and 25 Goldfinches.

   A few more migrants at Quad 3 today despite the strong wind. 24 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 4 Sand Martins, 15 Wheatears, Tree Pipit, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs, Grasshopper Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Sandwich Tern, 6 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Common Buzzards, 100 Linnets, 2 Siskins, 25 Curlews, 13 Redshanks, 8 Golden Plovers, 30 Dunlin, Snipe, Little Egret, 17 Mallard, 6 Shelducks, 6 Teal, but only 2 Redwings and a Fieldfare. Geoff Williams at Pye's Hall added 2 Ring Ouzels, Yellow Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
A Black Redstart was also between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall.

  The WeBS count in very blustery conditions between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall produced 35 Golden Plovers, 52 Redshanks, 19 Curlews, 230 Dunlin, 8 Lapwings, 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Mallard, 14 Shelducks, 3 Tufted Ducks, 21 Teal, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Kestrel, 30 Twite, 15 Linnets, 10 Swallows, Sand Martin, 10 Blackbirds, 5 Redwings, Fieldfare, 2 Ring Ouzels, 2 White Wagtails and 13 Meadow Pipits.

2nd:- 2 Woodcocks and a Common Buzzard.

3rd:- one Woodcock.

4th:- one Woodcock and 2 Wigeon.

5th:- singles of Woodcock, Kittiwake and Water Rail.

6th:- 2 Siskins, 2 Common Buzzards and a Fieldfare.

7th:- (Pye's Hall) Peregrine, Red Kite, 5 Common Buzzards, 20 Blackbirds, 3 Wheatears, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff.

8th:- 60 Blackbirds, Fieldfare and Common Buzzard.

9th:- 50 Blackbirds.

10th:- 60 Blackbirds, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Woodcock and Chiffchaff.

11th:- 50 Blackbirds.

12th:- 70 Blackbirds, 420 Redwings, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Black Redstarts, Wheatear, Swallow and Corn Bunting.

 

13th - At Quad 3 this morning were 4 Greylag Geese, Canada Goose, 10 Mute Swans, 6 Shelducks, 2 Tufted Ducks, 34 Teal, 11 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, Little Egret, Grey Heron, 19 Curlews, 15 Sanderlings, Lapwing, Woodcock, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Partridges, 55 Blackbirds, Ring Ouzel, 10 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 8 Robins, 2 Black Redstarts, 35 Linnets, Siskin and 2 Swallows.

 Not much today between Quad 3 and Merrikin's Pullover, hence 11 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, Common Snipe, 19 Redshanks, 52 Curlews, 20 Dunlin, 2 Shelducks, 12 Mallard, 160 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, 3 Meadow and 2 Rock Pipits. Along the strand-line were 4 more Razorbills, Guillemot, Puffin, 4 Lapwings, 2 Kittiwakes, Starling, Wood Pigeon and Curlew. The auk totals between Pye's Hall and Merrikin's are thankfully low with 13 Razorbills, 5 Puffins, 2 Guillemots and one Little Auk.

Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, were 2 dead Razorbills along the strand-line plus singles of Woodcock, Blackbird and Shelduck. The most significant birds today were 61 Redshanks, 127 Curlews, 200 Knot, 80 Dunlin, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 4 Lapwings, 12 Common Snipe, 29 Brent Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 7 Tufted Ducks, 7 Mallard, 36 Teal, 43 Shelducks, 2 Little Grebes, 1,000 Herring Gulls, 5 Grey Herons, 7 Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtail, Wheatear, 20 Twite, 2 Linnets, 3 Blackbirds and at least 5 Common Buzzards.

Corpses found today between Stonebridge to Quad 3 were 7 Razorbills, 4 Puffins, 2 Guillemots, one Little Auk, 2 Lapwings and singles of Woodcock, Shelduck, Common Scoter, Common Gull and Kittiwake.  

Also of note were 35 Shelducks, one Goldeneye, 26 Lapwings, 4 Ringed Plovers, 18 Dunlin, 2 Sanderlings, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 12 Curlews, 3 Oystercatchers, 12 Mute Swans, one Whooper Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Teal, 4 Tufted Ducks, 6 Mallard, Pied Wagtail, 3 Blackbirds, Robin, 450 Starlings, 2 Meadow Pipits, male Stonechat, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.

 

 

At the south end this morning were 10 Mute Swans, one Whooper Swan, Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, Barn Owl, 22 Curlews, 560 Starlings (including 380 north), Song Thrush, Redwing, 5 Blackbirds, Woodcock, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Cormorants, dead Puffin, 6 Mallard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 14 Teal, 3 Little Grebes and 2 Grey Herons.

Birds of note were at least 2 Common Buzzards, male Hen Harrier, 4 Lapwings, 1,200 Wood Pigeons, 4 Little Grebes, one Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swans and one Whooper Swan.

 Nothing very remarkable between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall in this morning's showers. 120 Brent Geese, 14 Shelducks, 10 Mallard, 38 Teal, 125 Redshanks, 230 Knot, 140 Dunlin, 114 Oystercatchers, 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, 41 Curlews, 280 Grey Plovers, 19 Lapwings, 5 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, one Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, one Rock Pipit, one Sparrowhawk and one Common Buzzard.

 Very windy this morning. At Quad 3 were 3 Whooper Swans, 10 Mute Swans, 4 Tufted Ducks, 30 Teal, 6 Mallard, 7 Coots, Water Rail, Little Egret, Common Snipe, 4 Eiders, 2 Cormorants, 2 Gannets, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 77 Curlews, 3 Oystercatchers, 70 Dunlin, 8 Lapwings, Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 5 Fieldfares, 2 Redwings and 2 Common Buzzards.

The best feature of today at Quad 3 was the passage of 8 Common Buzzards to the south or SE. At least one more was present on the dunes. The Wood Lark was still present plus 4 Fieldfares, 5 Blackbirds, 2 Mistle Thrushes, a Robin, 34 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, 10 Mute Swans (no Whoopers), 2 Canada Geese, 2 Little Grebes, Little Egret, 21 Lapwings, 38 Curlews and 2 Kestrels.

12th
A Woodlark was a pleasant bonus at Quad 3 this morning. Seen at 1020, it flew from one of the coastal fields, over the dunes and out onto the outmarsh. Also of note were 10 Whooper Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 14 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, 6 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 380 Golden Plovers, 10 Lapwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, one Song Thrush, one Blackbird, one Robin, one Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, one Common Buzzard and 2 Barn Owls.

It was bitterly cold in the force 5 NE wind and snow showers between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning. Not many waders, hence 64 Redshanks, 3 Turnstones, 18 Curlews, 180 Dunlin, 20 Grey Plovers and 150 Lapwings. Other birds of note were 730 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Canada Geese, 20 Shelducks, 12 Mallard, 22 Teal, one Little Egret, 3 Little Grebes, 5 Rock Pipits and a Common Buzzard.

  It was very miserable at Quad 3 this morning.  Best were 23 Whooper Swans, 6 Mute Swans, 22 Teal, 28 Curlews, 1,200 Knot and 200 Dunlin.

 At Quad 3 were 24 Whooper Swans, 7 Mute Swans, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Shelducks, 16 Curlews, 5 Blackbirds, one Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfares, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 18 Chaffinches, Peregrine and Common Buzzard. Moving north over the dunes were 6 Siskins, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Marsh Harrier while heading south were 80 Starlings and 9 Jackdaws

 Much quieter at Quad 3 today. 24 Whooper Swans, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Tufted Ducks, 11 Mallard, 4 Teal, 54 Curlews, 200 Knot, 30 Dunlin, 70 Lapwings, 6 Siskins, Barn Owl and Woodcoc

The swans had split into two fields today at Quad 3, but still numbered 15 Whoopers and 6 Mutes. Other birds of note were a Great Northern Diver north at sea, 40 Curlews, 145 Golden Plovers, 7 Tufted Ducks, one Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzards, one Sparrowhawk, one Kestrel, one Woodcock, 10 Chaffinches, one Brambling, one Goldcrest, one Blackbird, 3 Fieldfares and 2 Mistle Thrushes.

It was bitterly cold in the force 3-4 NNE wind and flurries of snow between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall. The best birds were 1,100 Brent Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 25 Teal, 5 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 67 Grey Plovers, 28 Curlews, 74 Redshanks, 90 Dunlin, 20 Oystercatchers, 110 Lapwings, 6 Turnstones, 13 Rock Pipits, 52 Twite, 25 Goldfinches, 39 Starlings, 400 Wood Pigeons, one Song Thrush, one Mistle Thrush and at least 2 Common Buzzards.

In the afternoon twoWaxwings, were noted in flight over Cemetery Road heading towards Ark Road and the turkey farm.

Not much change between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning. 1,100 Brent Geese, 8 Mallard, 52 Teal, 9 Shelducks, one Cormorant, 63 Redshanks, 119 Grey Plovers, 170 Knot, 70 Dunlin, 2 Curlews, one Lapwing, one Little Egret, one Little Grebe, 11 Rock Pipits, 25 Goldfinches, one Song Thrush, one Sparrowhawk and one Common Buzzard.

 It was certainly cold between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning. Best were 52 Redshanks, 200 Golden Plovers, 130 Lapwings, 400 Knot, 12 Curlews, 980 Brent Geese, 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 38 Mallard, 2 Shelducks, 15 Teal, 4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 4 Little Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Rock Pipits, 3 Tree Sparrows, one Brambling, 2 Common Buzzards and a Peregrine.

 Extremely quiet at Quad 3 this morning.  One Little Egret, one Common Buzzard, one Sparrowhawk, 2 Woodcocks, 1,150 Wood Pigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 115 Teal, 12 Mallard, 5 Tufted Ducks, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Red-throated Divers, 44 Curlews, 85 Knot, 40 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Dunlin and 35 Sanderlings.

Stonebridge to Pye's Hall before the dense fog that came in this afternoon: 11 Whooper Swans, 2 Mute Swans, 47 Brent Geese, 40 Mallard, 60 Teal, 140 Lapwings, 200 Golden Plovers, 20 Grey Plovers, 165 Redshanks, 960 Knot, 44 Curlews, 200 Oystercatchers, 550 Dunlin, 64 Sanderlings, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Cormorants, 4 Little Egrets, 8 Rock Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 20 Goldfinches, 7 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, one Sparrowhawk and one Peregrine.

16.2.13

 A 2 hour seawatch in poor visibility produced:   830 Herring Gulls passed north, but nothing special amongst them. Also 17 Red-throated Divers, 18 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Guillemots, 59 Cormorants, 45 Common Scoters, 16 Shelducks, 85 Curlews, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 140 Oystercatchers, 220 Dunlin, 100 Sanderlings, 2 Turnstones, 450 Knot and 3 Grey Plovers. On the landward side were 125 Teal, 16 Mallard, one Tufted Duck, one Wigeon, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Canada Geese, 5 Little Grebes, one Water Rail, 2 Common Snipe, 12 Reed Buntings, 9 Goldfinches and 20 Skylarks

  It was fairly uneventful at Quad 3 this morning. 155 Lapwings in 3 parties and 60 Golden Plovers moved NW. Also seen were 5 Little Egrets, 600 Wood Pigeons, 17 Stock Doves, 2 Collared Doves, 14 Mallard, 80 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Common Snipe, one Woodcock, one Barn Owl, 20 Skylarks, 5 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, one Robin, one Goldcrest, one Kestrel, one Common Buzzard, 3 Redshanks, 2 Oystercatchers, 43 Curlews, 2 Cormorants and 2 Red-throated Divers.

It was bitterly cold between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall this morning. 790 Brent Geese, 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 55 Shelducks, 43 Mallard, 145 Teal, 4 Tufted Ducks, Goldeneye, Pochard, 35 Curlews, 42 Redshanks, 520 Oystercatchers, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 235 Knot, Grey Plover, 60 Lapwings, Little Egret, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, 12 Rock Pipits, 10 Twite, Song Thrush, 2 Tree Sparrows and 6 Yellowhammers.

What a change in the weather! It was really cold, wet and miserable for the WeBS count between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall and I missed quite a bit with visibility being so poor. Results were 95 Knot, 78 Redshanks, 2 Common Snipe, 65 Lapwings, 93 Grey Plovers, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Curlews, 65 Dunlin, 750 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 62 Shelducks, 74 Teal, 48 Mallard, one Cormorant, one Little Grebe, 4 Rock Pipits, 20 Goldfinches, 8 Yellowhammers, one Song Thrush, 5 Blackbirds and one Sparrowhawk.

 A very pleasant day for birding. The WeBS count for Quad 3 saw the following:- 220 Knot, 9 Golden Plovers, 25 Curlews, 14 Sanderlings, 91 Bar-tailed Godwits, one Grey Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 72 Dunlin, 11 Cormorants, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, 150 Common Scoters, 2 Wigeon, 2 Shelducks, 6 Mallard, 27 Teal, one Long-tailed Duck, one Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebes, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 25 Goldfinches, 3 Robins, 900 Wood Pigeons and one Common Buzzard.

Highlights were 650 Lapwings, 60 Golden Plovers, 106 Grey Plovers, 80 Oystercatchers, 210 Redshanks, 500 Knot, 17 Curlews, one Bar-tailed Godwit, 260 Dunlin, 125 Brent Geese, 49 Shelducks, 21 Mallard, 34 Teal, one Little Grebe, one Little Egret, one Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants, 5 Rock Pipits, one Meadow Pipit, 25 Goldfinches,one Song Thrush and one Common Buzzard.

  The best birds were as follows:- 3 Greylag Geese, 460 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 40 Shelducks, 62 Mallard, 130 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Red-throated Divers, 8 Cormorants, 2 Turnstones, 210 Lapwings, 220 Dunlin, 720 Knot, 190 Bar-tailed Godwits, 23 Curlews, 29 Redshanks, 820 Oystercatchers, 60 Grey Plovers, 3 Rock Pipits, 3 Little Egrets, Redwing, Fieldfare, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 700 Wood Pigeons, Merlin and 2 Kestrels.