Monday, 30 April 2018

Cloudy day, with a chilly F5-6 NNE wind.
Watches: 0645-1015.

Very difficult conditions and no surprise that few of the migrants of the last 2 days were seen today.

A Wryneck was reported at Sammys, 2 Common Sandpiper on Kilnsea Wetlands, 20 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

Other interesting sightings were 26 Mute Swan, 5 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, male Eider on the Humber, 210 Grey Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 1500 Dunlin and 3 Arctic Tern.

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Sunday, 29 April 2018

Young birders! Check out the homepage for details on how to enter this years Martin Garner Young Birder of the Year competition. Good luck.

Overcast day, with a chilly F1-3 NNE wind.
Watches: 0645-0920.

A big clear out of yesterday's migrants, but a noteworthy day with 12 Pied Flycatcher, the joint 2nd highest spring count. Otherwise 1 Wryneck remained in the Driftwood/Riverside area, 2 Common Sandpiper canal scrape, 2 Cuckoo, 60 Swallow, 1 Grasshopper Warbler Warren, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 18 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Black Redstart by Cliffe farm, 3 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 64 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, Water Pipit in Walker butts, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Bullfinch and a Hawfinch.

Vis-migging was just about limited to a decent 61 Arctic Tern out east.

Other interesting sightings were 43 Mute Swan, 1 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 2 Red breasted Merganser, 29 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 13 Avocet, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Little Tern.

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Saturday, 28 April 2018

Drizzle all day with a cool F3-4 N wind.
Watches: 0545-1030.

A fantastic day of arrivals brought 2 or 3 Wryneck to the area, along with brilliant totals of 'common migrants', with 1 Cuckoo, 100 Swallow, 3 reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 22 Lesser Whitethroat,10 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 29 Blackcap, 62 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest in canal hedge, 5 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 male Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 75 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and a Hawfinch in the crown area.

Vis-migging 1 Scaup, 10 Arctic Tern out east, 2 Swift, 6 House Martin, 33 Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 47 Mute Swan, 120 Brent Geese, 6 Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 5 Tufted Duck and a Shoveler to the Humber, 37 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 200 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 11 Avocet, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Ruff and 7 Little Tern.

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Friday, 27 April 2018

Overcast day, rain from mid-day and a F0-3 SW-SE wind.
Watches: 0530-1000.

Our first Black Tern of the year put in an appearance today when one flew south over the Humber.
Other migrant totals were better today with Little ringed Plover on Kilnsea Wetlands, 41 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler at Sammys, 5 Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat, 41 Wheatear, 9 Yellow Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.

Vis-migging 2 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Red throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 16 Cormorant, 133 Herring Gull, 8 Wood Pigeon, 4 Stock Dove, 6 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 14 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 1 House Martin, 10 Swallow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 23 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 11Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, 250 Brent Geese, 62 Greylag Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank and 12 Avocet.

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Thursday, 26 April 2018

A sunny day with little cloud and a F4 W wind.
Watches: 0630-1045.

The Red-rumped Swallow reappeared today over Holderness field, while a Nuthatch toured gardens in Easington and a Glaucous Gull was blogging along our bit of coast.

The day brought the first Common Sandpiper of the spring among small numbers of migrants with 13 Whimbrel, 1 Little Tern, 20 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, Redstart at Easington sewage works, 12 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Siskin.

Vis-migging was again quiet with 1 Red Kite, 1 Ruff, 6 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 12 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 58 Linnet, 18 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other interesting sightings were 32 Mute Swan, 200 Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 1 Greenshank, 166 Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 25 April 2018

Watches: 0630-1100.

No sign of the Red-rumped Swallow, but it could still be present

Migrant numbers remained low, but there was a nice sellection on offer, 26 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Little Tern, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler at Sammys, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 22 Wheatear and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

Vis-migging was again great for Corvids, especially Crows, but at the moment it remains a trickle for everything else with 1 Red Kite blogging, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 106 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 53 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 47 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 40 Goldfinch and 2 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, 320 Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 2 Greenshank, 192 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 12 Avocet, 1 Black tailed Godwit Kilnsea Wetlands and a Corn Bunting on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin.

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Tuesday, 24 April 2018

Overcast and cool with rain by the afternoon with a F2-3 W to F1 SE wind.
Watches: 0630-1045.

The Red-rumped Swallow remained in the Southfield farm to Beacon lane in the morning.

Still no numbers of Whitethroat about, and few Willow Warbler coming through and the best of the counts were 23 Whimbrel, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, female Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat 16 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

Vis-migging was quiet with 5 Rook, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 28 Linnet, 29 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, Red-breasted Merganser on Easington lagoon, female Pintail Kilnsea Wetlands, 2 Spotted Redshank, 200 Redshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Grey Partridge.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 23 April 2018

Odd sunny spells with a F4-5+ WNW wind.
Watches: 0630-1115.

The first Little Tern of the season was seen at Beacon Ponds, a welcome returnee to the colony.

A Red-rumped Swallow showed well over Kilnsea Wetlands and Southfield, giving fantastic photo opportunities.

Migrant are still trickling through, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 25 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

Vis-migging 4 Common Buzzard, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Swift, 29 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 14 Meadow Pipit, 10 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 77 Linnet, 99 Goldfinch, 1 Brambling and 2 Reed Bunting, while heading out east, were 49 Curlew.

Other interesting sightings were 240 Brent Geese, 45 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Partridge and a female Pintail.

Ringing: 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 22 April 2018

Early sightings included 2 Garganey south over the sea, Blue-headed Wagtail on Kilnsea Wetlands and a Firecrest by the Bluebell while later a Red-rumped Swallow graced the triangle then flew off north and our first of the spring Sedge Warbler was seen.

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Saturday, 21 April 2018

Sunny with distant haze and an increasing F1-3 E-SE wind.
Watches: 0600-1200, 1300-1600.

Another fine day with decent birding throw in too. The highlight was maybe another year with Turtle Dovemaking it onto the yearlist, when one flew north past the Lighthouse. A Serin was seen along the canal, before flying off, a Hawfinch at Driftwood and 2 Blue-headed Wagtail at Kilnsea Wetlands among good numbers of other Wagtails, while great numbers of Lesser Whitethroat were recorded.

Migrant numbers remained steady, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff, 2 Cuckoo, 6 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 23 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redwing, male Redstart, 20 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 8 White Wagtail and 1 Bullfinch.

Vis-migging again dropped off due to the wind direction, but still produced 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Little ringed Plover, 7 Magpie, 15 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Sand Martin, 23 Swallow, 8 Meadow Pipit, 4 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 21 Chaffinch,1 Greenfinch, 47 Linnet, 34 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting.
Heading out east, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Sandwich Tern and 8 Arctic Tern.
Over the sea 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red throated Diver, 18 Cormorant, 4 Fulmar, 15 Black headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 90 Common Gull.

Other interesting sightings were 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Canada Geese, the Black Brant at Chalk Bank with 167 Brent and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, a fantastic total of 33 Mute Swan, 2 Tufted Duck on the Humber, 2 Peregrine over the Humber plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 20 April 2018

A warm sunny day with a F1 N-E wind.
Watches- 0630-1040, 1500-1800.

A good day along the peninsula highlighted by a number of firsts for the year. The best of these being a Red-rumped Swallow ligering at the point, which is an annual visitor, normally as a flyby past the Warren. Also today Whinchat at Chalkbank and Grasshopper Warblerby the Lighthouse were new for the yearlist.
A Glaucous Gull was sat on the groynes south of the breach, and then flying north later and a mobile Nuthatch gave local birders the runaround.

Plenty of observers in the field and all areas covered meant some good migrant totals, particularly Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear. 1 Woodcock, 1 Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo in the triangle, 1 Coal Tit at the Warren, 9 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 29 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 29 Wheatear, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Little on the move today despite the time put in, 1 Sparrowhawk, 256 Common Gull, 4 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 39 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 5 Meadow Pipit and 3 Chaffinch plus 105 Curlew flew out east.

Some good general counts were returned for today with 39 Mute Swan, 44 Shelduck, 560 Oystercatcher, 420 Grey Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 45 Turnstone, 1200 Knot, 1800 Dunlin, 152 Sanderling, 300 Redshank and on Kilnsea wetlands Spotted Redshank and Greenshank. 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redwing, 1 Dunnock, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 19 April 2018

Hot and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1130, 1500-1700.

The calm weather allowed a full census and returned a diverse species tally and decent totals, though in reality some species are still going through in relatively small numbers. Totals were 4 Garganey Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Ruff, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel at the Warren, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 3 Brambling.

almost repeating the above with decent totals and nice varied species list past Numpties 9 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Spoonbill, 1 Red Kite, 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Jackdaw, 35 Rook, 33 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Sand Martin, 35 Swallow, 7 Tree Sparrow, 7 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit, 310 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 346 Linnet, 1 Redpoll, 88 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 7 Reed Bunting, while heading out east 12 Oystercatcher and 23 Curlew.
Over the sea 1 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Cormorant, 38 Whimbrel, 173 Black-headed Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern and 2 Common Tern.

Other sightings today were the 15 Greylag Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 44 Brent Geese, 9 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 462 Oystercatcher, 1 spotted Redshank, 220 Redshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands and a Corn Bunting on Easington straight. 

The nice weather brought a nice selection of Butterflies out onto the wing with Comma, Small White, Brimstone, 15 Peacock, 4 Tortoiseshell. 

Ringing: 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115.

An increase in migrant numbers helped make it a pleasant day with 5 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 15 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 15 Wheatear, 10 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and 2 Siskin.

A decent morning of vis-migging with 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 29 Jackdaw, 46 Rook, 72 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 9 Starling, 6 Flava Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 341 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 374 Linnet, 176 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today were the 2 Canada Geese, 20 Mute Swan, 2 Garganey, 7 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank, Common Buzzard, Merlin and Peregrine. 

Ringing: 3 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin

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Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115.

Our first Whitethroat of the spring was a welcome returnee to Sammy’s point, while other migrant numbers remained stable with 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 6 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White wagtail and a Hawfinch in Easington.

A quieter morning at Numpties, 1 House Martin, 22 Jackdaw, 15 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 House Martin, 12 Starling, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 73 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 157 Linnet, 120 Goldfinch, 36 Siskin, 4 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting, while heading out east 6 Oystercatcher and 58 Curlew.
Over the sea 2 Eider, 4 Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 20 Little Gull, 45 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Tern.
Other sightings today were the 242 Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 2 Garganey on Long bank, Spotted Redshank, 100 Redshank and 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands. 

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 16 April 2018

Sunny spells with a F3 SW wind.
Watches: 0640-1445.

The 4 Garganey were still around the Kilnsea wetlands and Long bank area and Hawfinch in Easington. 
A White Stork seen circling over Easington straight, drifted off west towards skeffling and seems likely to be the bird seen at Driffield the previous day, which had a red closed ring, showing it to have been of captive origin.
It was a great for movement with 462 Curlew heading out east, while much anticipated 2 Hooded Crowflew south, since plenty of Carrion Crow had been on the move recently.

Another decent day without any big numbers of Finches, but again loads more Carrion Crow on the move.
Totals today were 1 Grey Heron in, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Jackdaw, 20 Rook, 99 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 8 Meadow Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 46 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 258 Linnet, 267 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 1 Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Eider, 1 Scaup, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red throated Diver, 13 Cormorant, 3 Fulmar, 30 Black headed Gull and 73 Herring Gull.

Migrant numbers remained steady with 3 Whimbrel, 10 Avocet, 2 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 11 Brambling.

Other interesting sightings were 18 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 90 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Merlin, 3 Common Buzzard plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin.

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Sunday, 15 April 2018

A bright misty start with fog by early afternoon, rain by the evening and a F1-2 SE-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1100.

No sign of any Hawfinch today, but our first Cuckoo of the year toured the Long bank area, where 4 Garganey remained on Long bank and Holderness field and a Caspian Gull was on the Humber off the Warren, then flew off south.

Still decent numbers of Thrushes about, ready for departure at dusk, migrant totals today were 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 37 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest on Beacon lane, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Ring Ouzel, 48 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling and 10 Siskin.

A quieter morning of vis-migging with 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 13 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 17 Chaffinch, 185 Linnet, 74 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 22 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Reed Bunting.
The southeasterly made it an interesting day for birds heading out east with 115 Little Gull, 41 Arctic Tern and 1 Common Tern while over the sea 9 Eider, 64 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 151 Black-headed Gull, 181 Heering Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 1 Blackbird, 2 wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 14 April 2018

A calm start with distant mist clearing to leave a nice sunny day with a F1 SW-SE wind.
Watches: 0615-1800.

An interesting day with a few highlights and surprises. The record count of 7 Hawfinch was the stand out feature of the day, including one flock of 5, while 4 Garganey (2 pairs) in the Holderness field/Kilnsea wetlands area were another crowd pleaser. Added to this a Spoonbill heading south over the Warren, 110 Curlew heading out east and a Woodcock also watched heading out east made it a very pleasing day.

A decent day of vis-migging, but with many birds going over very high making it difficult.
Totals today were 5 Shelduck in, 38 Cormorant, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Jackdaw, 19 Rook, 42 Carrion Crow, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 3 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow, 17 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 3 Dunnock, 6 Flava Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 402 Linnet, 226 Goldfinch, 44 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 9 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Gadwall, 128 Teal, 3 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red throated Diver, 189 Black headed Gull, 133 Common Gull and 389 Herring Gull.

An increase in some migrants from mid morning and then clearing out as the sun emerged 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 2 Water Rail, 1 Short eared Owl, 10 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 11 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Ring Ouzel, 46 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 27 Redwing, 5 Black Redstart, 10 Wheatear, 1 Bullfinch at the Warren, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit and 10 Brambling.

Other interesting sightings were 2 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea Wetlands, 4 Pochard, 1 Goosander and 2 Goldeneye on the Humber, 2 Greenshank and 2 Common Buzzard plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 3 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 5 Robin, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 3 Willow Warbler,1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 25 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 8 Chaffinch, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Tree Sparrow. (72 of 17 speces).

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Friday, 13 April 2018

Another foggy day, with a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 

2 new species for the yearlist with a Little-ringed Plover on Kilnsea wetlands and 2 House Martin flew south at the Warren. Yet another increase in Chiffchaff among decent numbers of migrants made for a good day despite the continuing poor weather. 3 Water Rail, 3 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 55 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel at sandy beaches, 6 Black Redstart, 9 Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 7 White Wagtail, 45 meadow Pipit, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 16 Siskin.
A few bits on the move today with 1 Grey Heron, 4 Snipe, 3 Curlew out east, 2 Kittiwake, an Arctic Skua, 1 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 9 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch and 13 Goldfinch. 

Other sightings today were the Black Brant with 125 Brent Geese by the tank blocks, 2 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 188 Curlew and 400 Redshank on Long bank, 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands and the usual 2 Tawny Owl. 

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Thursday, 12 April 2018

A cold foggy day, overcast with the odd shower in a F2-3 ENE wind.
Migration Watches: 0830-1940.

Pretty much a crap day to be an insect eater, but again decent totals were returned especially in the more sheltered areas with 1 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 27 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 11 Fieldfare, 4 Mistle Thrush, 7 Song Thrush, 13 Redwing, 8 Black Redstart, a nice male Redstart (1st of the year) at Chalk bank, 15 Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 7 White Wagtail, 47 meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 18 Siskin.

Other sightings today were the 500 Brent Geese, 100 Wigeon, 10 Teal, a pair of Garganey on Holderness field, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands and the 2 Tawny Owl still in residence. 


Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 3 Goldfinch, 12 Siskin.

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Wednesday, 11 April 2018

Another foggy day, feeling cold in a F2 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0830-1940.

Some nice totals returned today, especially Chiffchaff, while our first of the spring Lesser Whitethroat were rattling. Thrush numbers are slowly tailing off as the last few make the return journey, and a Belgian ringed Mealy Redpoll was controlled at Kew.

Migrants totals, 2 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 61 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 15 Goldcrest, 7 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 40 Redwing, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1000+ Starling, 6 Black Redstart, 11 Wheatear, 6 Swallow, 63 meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 7 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin while 2 Swallow flew south.

Other sightings today were the 449 Brent Geese plus 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Buzzard and 1 Marsh Harrier. 

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin.

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Tuesday, 10 April 2018

Rain until mid-morning remaining dull with fog by early evening with a F1-2 NE-E wind.
Watches- 0845-1045.

A nice pair of Garganey were on Holderness field.
There are still few Wheatear about and in general hard going in the cool conditions especially for Hirundines, but despite this there are still a few migrants about, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit at the Warren, 2 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 7 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart at the Point, 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 1000+ Starling in the Long bank area, 2 Brambling on Beacon lane, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin in the crown area and a Hawfinch.
Other bits reported today included 500 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 120 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank all in the Kilnsea wetlands area and a Corn Bunting singing on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chaffinch, 25 Siskin.

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Monday, 09 April 2018

Foggy most of the day clearing from time to time with a F1 NE-E wind.
Watches- 
With the fog remaining most of the day it wasn’t easy looking for migrants or anything for that matter, but the Great-white Egret was reported on Kilnsea wetlands early morning only.

Migrant wise it was much the same but in lesser numbers with 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest in the canal area, 9 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel on Beacon Lane, 80 Fieldfare, 43 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart at Sammys, 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail and 5 Pied Wagtail on Holderness field, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling and 10 Siskin in the crown area.

Other bits reported today included 403 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 100 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck and the Little Stint again on Long bank marsh. 

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 3 Redwing, 1 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin.

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Sunday, 08 April 2018

Mainly overcast with afternoon rain and a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1100.

A few highlights to an interesting day as migration slowly hots up.
There were 2 Great-white Egret in the area, with one south past Numpties while the other remained in the Long bank area, the female Garganey on Holderness field and a Hawfinch behind Westmere farm, viewed from the footpath past the listening dish.

Quieter for vis-migging, but the wind remains in a less than favourable direction with 18 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 7 Curlew, 4 Stock Dove, 6 Wood Pigeon, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, the first 3 Sand Martin fo the spring, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 80 Chaffinch, 9 Linnet, 15 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.
The same winds that are stifling visible migration are bringing decent numbers of early migrants through the area with today totals being 1 Whimbrel, 2 Jack Snipe in the triangle, 2 Short-eared Owl, 11 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Ring Ouzel, 26 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 2 Brambling, 25 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin.

Other sightings today were an Egyptian Goose in the triangle, 147 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler and 20 Teal Kilnsea wetlands, 175 Common Scoter on the Humber, 57 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint still on Long bank, 2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 

Ringing: 7 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 6 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 17 Siskin, 1 Tree Sparrow. (58 of 14 species).

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Saturday, 07 April 2018

Sunny spells clouding up with a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1100, 1555-1735.

Increases in migrant numbers brought us a few firsts for the year. A female Garganey to Holderness field and a Tree Pipit to the Warren.
An increase in some migrants through the area with today totals being 3 Ruff, 1 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl to Beacon lane, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 27 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 4 Firecrest, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 37 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 4 Black Redstart, 8 Wheatear, 15 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll.

The tick over of vis-migging continues, 6 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 2 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail north, 7 Alba Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, 72 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, 74 Linnet, 6 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting while heading out east 3 Goosander, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Arctic Tern and 1 Arctic Skua and moving over the sea 6 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 48 Black-headed Gull., 146 Common Gull and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Other sightings today were the Black Brant present with 618 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 115 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler and 20 Teal Kilnsea wetlands, 150 Curlew, 130 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint still on Long bank, 1 Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 06 April 2018

Bright and sunny most of the day with a cold F3 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1600.

The easterly winds are slowly having a nice effect and bringing the 1st movement of Terns heading out east, while the milder weather is rapidly increasing the push of migrants heading north.

A trickle again of movement. Finch numbers though overall are nowhere near what we are used to at this time of year producing 2 Stock Dove, 9 Wood Pigeon, 1 Kestrel, 22 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 19 Carrion Crow, 4 Great Tit, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 15 Meadow Pipit, 111 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 114 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 43 Siskin, 8 Reed Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer while heading out east were 4 Little Gull, 1 Common Tern, 16 Arctic Tern and 1 Sandwich Tern.

A decent day of migrants, but still no numbers of Wheatear yet, though the good spring for Firecrest continues. Totals returned today, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel at Easington sewage works, 32 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 30 Robin, 3 Brambling and 3 Siskin.

Other sightings today were 733 Brent Geese with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 100 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 20 Teal, 157 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint on Long bank and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 
The sea had 3 Shoveler, 14 Teal, 2 Eider, 28 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 289 Common Gull, 10 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 1 Siskin.

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Thursday, 05 April 2018

Bright and sunny most of the with a F3-1 WNW- NW wind
Watches : 0740-1000.

Vis-migging was ticking over today with the first Swallows heading back south, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stock Dove, 19 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 33 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 15 Alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 22 Linnet and 2 Siskin.

Migrant totals will hopefully increase, but in the meantime 2 Woodcock, 1 Short eared Owl along the canal, 1 Yellow Wagtail at Sammys, Ring Ouzel by Easington sewage works, 45 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 22 Robin, 5 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling, 5 Siskin and a Snow Bunting at the Point.

More Gulls on the move today, but generally little else, 2 Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Red throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Gull, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 318 Herring Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Skua sp and 4 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 1 Firecrest, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 04 April 2018

A sunny start clouding over with showers and a F3 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0655-1050, 1630-1800.
Another decent day of overland visible migration (vis-mig), would have been better with a favourable wind from the south-west.
Still it was worthwhile producing 16 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 22 Meadow Pipit, 402 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 100 Linnet, 40 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 8 Reed Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer.

Migrant totals remained steady, but a change to ‘nicer’ weather at the weekend may elicit a big push of migrants north. Totals returned today, 1 Water Rail, 1 Short-eared Owl, 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 8 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart, 2 White Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Siskin and 1 Bullfinch.

Other sightings today were 150 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, drake Green-winged Teal, 20 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 14 Avocet, 338 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint on Easington straight and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 
The sea produced little with 14 Common Scoter, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Red-throated Diver and 1 Gannet.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackbird, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 03 April 2018

A much better day with long sunny spells with the odd shower later and a F3 S wind.
Watches: 0720-1100.

A better day of vis-migging despite the wind direction though it produced a few firsts of the year and some decent counts.
Totals today were 7 Shelduck in, 2 Shoveler, 8 Cormorant, 1 Red Kite, 1 Merlin, 4 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 12 Great Tit, 1 Woodlark, 25 Starling, 1 Fieldfare, 13 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 48 Meadow Pipit, 181 Chaffinch, 61 Linnet, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting.

A better morning to look for migrants and most areas were covered with decent returns of 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Short eared Owl, our 1st Yellow Wagtail in the triangle, 21 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 2 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel, 40 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 40 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 26 Robin, 7 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 13 Wheatear, 1 Bullfinch at the Point, 3 Brambling and 8 Siskin.

The Kilnsea Wetlands area still features prominently with good Wildfowl and Wader counts with 650 Brent Geese, 160 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 30 Teal, the Green-winged Teal, 2 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 16 Avocet, 257 Black tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank while in the area male Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard plus a Red-legged Partridge and Grey Partridge at Sammys.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Monday, 02 April 2018

A day of heavy rain driven with a cold F3 ESE wind.
Sea Watch: 0750-1050.
The heavy rain brought about some localised flooding with the paths and garden around Kew overflowing and reaching the air vents.
Despite the terrible conditions, there was still plenty of decent birding to be had.

The highlight was a nice Grey Phalarope feeding with Dunlin on the falling tide, which was our 1st ever 'spring' bird. with previous records in February and one in July.

A Nuthatch calling at the Obs was only our 11th record, though could not be relocated in the torrential downpour. Maybe tomorrow? Other good birds today were the Long-eared Owl by Rose cottage and the Little Stint on Long bank.

Migrants totals were nowhere near a complete census as only the area around the Obs and Kew were thoroughly checked, but it was still evident that there were still decent numbers of birds present. Totals were 1 Whimbrel at Sammys, 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 48 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 27 Robin, 1 Black Redstart and 5 Brambling.

Over the sea its always nice to get a spring Red-necked Grebe with one south past the seawatch hut though it was generally quiet. The visibility was awful in the driving rain. The best were 2 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Gannet. . 

Other sightings today were 130 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Tufted Duck and 253 Black-tailed Godwit.

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Sunday, 01 April 2018

Rain till mid morning clearing but cool with a F3-4 NE wind
Watches : 0740-1000.

The easterly winds had the desired effect with a small arrival, with increased numbers of Thrushes and our first 2 figure count of Chiffchaff. 

It also brought our 1st of the spring Willow Warbler to a Kilnsea garden, 2 Ring Ouzel plus a Swallowheading north though there can't be many flying insects about for it.
Other migrant totals were 2 Woodcock, the Long-eared Owl still by Rose cottage, 1 Short eared Owl along the canal, 1 Rock Pipit, 108 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 80+ Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 12 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 600 Starling, 1 Brambling and 4 Siskin. 

Other sightings today were 500 Brent Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, 190 Wigeon, 10 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, the Little Stint on Long bank, 20 Avocet, an impressive 334 Black tailed Godwit on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Greenshank and the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Little on the move the best being 6 Red throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 1 Guillemot though 41 Grey Plover and 6 Dunlin flew out east.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch.

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