Friday, 30 November 2018

Bright clear and sunny with a F4 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

The nicer conditions allowed for some unseasonal visible migration while the first Grey Partridge for quite a few years was ringed while dazzling.

There was a decent overland movement today for so late again in the season, 30 Lapwing, 9 Stock Dove, 2 Wood Pigeon, 57 Skylark, 4 Starling, 12 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 12 Tree Sparrow, 58 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 22 Greenfinch, 14 Linnet, 33 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 3 Corn Bunting, 12 yellowhammer and 23 Reed Bunting.

Migrants 2 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 42 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and 1 Stonechat.

On the move over a quiet sea were 6 Brent Geese, 38 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Shelduck , 1 Mallard, 24 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 14 Auk sp and 1 Puffin and also a Caspian Gull over the sea.

The Taiga Bean Goose has joined the Brent Goose flock north west of Sammy’s while at least 2 Hen Harrier are still putting in appearances at Welwick saltmarsh.

Ringing:  1 Woodcock, 1 Grey Partridge, 3 Blackbird, 1 Yellowhammer.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 29 November 2018

A wild windy day with rain showers throughout and a F6-7 SE-SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

A difficult day for birding and little was seen of note, with most interest at Kilnsea wetlands .

Few migrants seen today in the wind, 1 Woodcock, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Redwing.

On the move over a quiet sea were 7 Wigeon, 49 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 14 Auk sp and 1 Puffin.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 7 Whooper Swan, 3 Shoveler, 260 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 2 Little Egret and 74 Lapwing plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing.

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Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Wetand windy with a F6 SSE wind.

Watches: 0750-1115.

A change in the wind direction to a more southerly direction brought about a movement of Wildfowl over the sea, but maybe the last chance of a rare Wheatear in the next few days for this autumn? The Taiga Bean Goose was still presnt in its usual area all day with 11 Whooper Swan nearby.

Over the sea, 6 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 176 Teal, 1 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, 8 Scaup, 5 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and 3 Guillemot.

Elsewehere 3 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 200 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 185 Teal were on Kilnsea wetlands with 5 Woodcock in north field and 2 Merlin hunting the few Thrushes that were seen in the poor conditions.

Ringing: 2 Woodcock, 5 Blackbird.

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Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Watches: 0720-1100.

The Taiga Bean Goose was still present on Easington straight with the 6 Pink-footed Geese with 8 Whooper Swan nearby.

The sea while again quiet had a few bits of interest, 9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 36 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Gannet, 1 Shag, 9 Kittiwake, 18 Auk sp and a Puffin. 

Migrants 7 Woodcock, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush plus 8 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin which went south.

Ringing: 3 Woodcock, 9 Blackbird, 8 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow.

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Monday, 26 November 2018

Spells of rain till mid-morning with sunny spells and a F2 ENE wind.

Migration Watches: 0725-1100.

There was little change in birds present, but no sign of the Hume’s Warbler today.

The Taiga Bean Goose was still present in fields at the north end of Easington straight, (but best viewed from Easington cemetery) and the Richard’s Pipit was still in the paddocks at Sammy’s. 5 Tundra Bean Geese were also seen today which eventually flew south after arriving in/off.

Migrants were still in decent numbers for so late in the season, 3 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 90 Blackbird, 35 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

On the move over a quiet sea were 3 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 30 Common Scoter, 6 Eider, 1 Goosander, 56 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 2 Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot and 3 Razorbill.

Otherwise 7 Whooper Swan were by long bank and 600+ Brent Geese at Sammy’s.

Ringing:  1 Woodcock, 12 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 5 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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Sunday, 25 November 2018

Overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon and a F2-3 S wind.

Migration Watches: 0720-1030.

Our sixth HUME'S LEAF WARBLER and first since 2009 was a great find in the Crown and Anchor car park late morning, it continued to show on and off all day, even making an appearance in the Obs garden and calling plenty. A sound recording is embeded here, where you can hear the moment that a male Sparrowhawk had an attempt at grabbing it

The Taiga Bean Goose was present all day on Easington straight near the Cemetery with 6 Pink-footed Geese for company. There is much discussion with this bird at the moment and has been since it was found a few days ago. While we don't consider ourselves experts on the complexity of this group, apparently some online observers find the identification of Bean Geese easy. The Richard’s Pipit was still in the paddocks at Sammys with a Hooded Crow just west of the carpark.

Migrants were still decently represented with 2 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 100 Blackbird, 190 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Siskin and 1 Mealy Redpoll.

On the move were 12 Whooper Swan (5 juveniles), 7 Teal, 46 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 34 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, 17 Auk sp and 1 Little Auk.

Otherwise 3 Whooper Swan (2 Juveniles) were by long bank and 600+ Brent Geese at Sammy’s.

Just outside the area upto 3 Hen Harrier (2 adult male) were at Welwick along with 3 Marsh Harrier and maybe a different Hooded Crow.

Ringing:  6 Goldcrest, 19 Blackbird, 9 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 24 November 2018

Watches: 0710-1100.

The Richard's Pipit remained at Sammys in the second paddock though can be mobile and the Taiga Bean Goose with 6 Pink-footed Geese in the fields at the north end of Easington straight. Nearby there were 16 Whooper Swan (5 juveniles) by long bank with another 8 (5 juveniles) Flying south down the Humber. 

There was a bit of interest over the sea with 19 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Teal, 23 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 70 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Auk sp and 1 Little Auk which flew north.

A small increse in migrant numbers as birds continue to trickle in, 1 Jack Snipe, 6 Woodcock, 3 Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 125 Blackbird, 280 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 31 Chaffinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch and 28 Reed Bunting with a Belgian ringed Goldfinch controlled at Kew.

Ringign: 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 23 November 2018

A grey overcast cool day with a F1-3 E wind.

Watches: 0715-1015.

The days best birds were on the move over the sea, with 4 Bewick's Swans which are rare these days, but a juvenile Long-tailed Skua was also a surprise,so late in the season past the sea watch hut. 

Also on the move today were 5 Brent Geese, 14 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 38 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Gulliemot, 5 Skylark, 3 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Crossbill, 5 Yellowhammer and 36 Reed Bunting.

Migrants were slowly decreasing with 3 Water Rail, 4 Short-eared Owl, 27 Skylark, the Richard's Pipit still at Sammy's in the first paddock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 1 Mistle Thrush, 50 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Mealy Redpoll in Churchfield and 50 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included the Tundra Bean Goose on Easington straight with 14 Whooper Swan and 9 Mute Swan, while nearby Kilnsea wetlands held 9 Shoveler, 285 Wigeon, 92 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Little Grebe and 67 Lapwing with Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, 4 Kestrel and 2 Peregrine in the area.

Ringing: 2 Starling, 8 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Richard's Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 15 House Sparrow, 9 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 22 November 2018

watches: 0730-1030.

The trickle of arriving migrants continues, but it was quieter over the sea. 

The highlight of the day was a Richard's Pipit at Sammy's Point, with other totals of 8 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Swallow at the narrows, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 87 Blackbird, 440 Fieldfare, 183 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Song Thrush, 31 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 12 Dunnock point, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch and 8 Snow Bunting at the Narrows.

The fields along Easington straight held a Taiga Bean Goose, (initially a Tundra, but subsequently re-identified on the 26th and present since the 20th), in a flock of 36 Pink-footed Geese while nearby the flock of 12 Whooper Swan remained.

On the move over the sea, 11 Brent Geese, 1 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 3 Eider, 24 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 43 Herring Gull.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail, 3 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 18 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 21 November 2018

A chilly start gave way to a fine day with sunshine and a F3-4 SE wind.

Watches: 0740-1030.

Much the same as the previous few days, with interest over the sea, though despite it being late in the season a few bits continue to arrive in the bushes too.

The highlight were 2 Long-eared Owl trapped together in the Heligoland trap in Churchfield. The Turtle Dove is still in Easington and the juvenile White-fronted Goose in fields in Kilnsea, where an impressive 872 Brent Geese were also present and 12 Whooper Swan (5 juvenile) on Easington straight.

Over the sea 1 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 94 Teal, 55 Eider, 55 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breated Merganser, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 2 Auk sp, 1 Razorbill and 1 Little Auk. 

Migrants wise, 5 Woodcock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart, 42 Blackbird, 180 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 22 Chaffinch, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 4 Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 2 Long-eared Owl, 10 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

A wet and wild day, often torrential rain with a F6-7 ENE wind.

Watches: 0700-1300.

Due to the weather most of the action was over the sea, more in the fact it offered shelter from the sometimes heavy downpours.

While it was quiter than the previous day the sea still had, 17 Brent Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 75 Common Scoter, 7 Eider, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 19 Red-throated Diver, 143 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, 17 Little Gull, 13 Great Skua, 12 Auk sp and 3 Guillemot.

There were few migrants seen in the conditions, 1 Woodcock, 12 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 40 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing and 4 Snow Bunting.

Elsewhere there were 6 Whooper Swan on Easington straight, 400 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 5 Pintail, 100 Teal, 40 Lapwing, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Snipe and 300+ Redshank on KIlnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff.

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Monday, 19 November 2018

Watches: 0730-1015.

It was another great day of movement over the sea, while overall migrant numbers just about remained the same.

The sea produced 251 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 177 Wigeon, 127 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 71 Eider, male Velvet Scoter, 284 Common Scoter, 9 Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Goosander, 30 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 213 Gannet, 167 Kittiwake, 107 Herring Gull, 13 Great Skua, 20 Auk sp, 8 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill.

Migrant numbers remained steady from the previous day, but some new bits thrown in too, 5 Woodcock, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Cliffe farm, 5 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 85 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

On top of the good movement over the sea were another 790 Brent Geese in fields near the Obs with a Pale-bellied Brent in the flock with 8 Whooper Swan nearby on Easington straight and on Kilnsea wetlands 6 Shoveler, 542 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 160 Teal and 2 Little Egret.

Einging: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 31 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 4 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 18 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1415.

The Dusky Warbler was still present by the Old School in Easington while nearby the Turtle Dove was again near the White horse pub. A flock of around 18 Tundra Bean Geese flew north over Easington and a single White-fronted Goose on Easington straight. Over the sea a Long-tailed Duck flew south along with 2 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 78 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 7 Scaup, 37 Eider, 333 Common Scoter, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 42 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, Diver sp (which was probably a White-billed Diver), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Gannet, 18 Snipe, 48 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua, 1 Little Auk, 3 Guillemot and 36 Auk sp.

Migrants numbers were down with only 3 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Coal Tit, 7 Skylark, 4 Goldcrest, 113 Blackbird, 60 Fieldfare, 85 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Meadow Pipit and 1 Bullfinch.

Other sightings included 8 Whooper Swan, 700 Brent Geese and a ringtail Hen Harrier all in the Long bank area.

Ringing: 11 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Magpie, 3 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 17 November 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F2-3 E wind.

Watches: 0715-1100.

The easterly wind brought a nice arrival during the day, but the arrival was maybe smaller than expected maybe due to the nice weather allowing birds to pass over at height unnoticed?, but it was still a nice day with a typically late Dusky Warbler in Easington in the garden of the Old school the highlight, while the Turtle Dove was still nearby by the White horse pub. A House Martin over Driftwood continued the run of late Hirundines.

Other migrants included 8 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 285 Blackbird, 250 Fieldfare, 190 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat and 8 Brambling.

Over the sea, 12 Brent Goose, 115 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 23 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 5 Pintail, 59 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 96 Eider, 108 Common Scoter, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 19 Gannet, 20 Little Gull, 12 Kittiwake, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Great Skua and 11 Auk sp while a trickle overland brought 4 Stock Dove, 4 Jackdaw, 13 Skylark, 4 Alba Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock, 44 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Starling, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch.

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Friday, 16 November 2018

A damp overcast foggy day with a light ESE wind.

Watches: 0710-1415.

The change in weather has already had the desired effect with a fantastic array of Duck on the move over the sea and bringing the usual migrant suspects to the area that you would want to see this late in the season, and with the wind predicted to stay in the east there could always be something of interest thrown in. The 1st winter Turtle Dove remained in Easington, though can be mobile in the local area.

Hopefully migrant number will increase over the next few days, but in the meantime, 14 Woodcock, 595 Lapwing, (413 in/off), 33 Snipe (25 in/off), 3 Short-eared Owl, 21 Skylark, 2 Swallow over the Obs, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, 160 Blackbird, 90 Fieldfare, 440 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 30 Chaffinch (13 south), 4 Brambling and 10 Yellowhammer.

There was some superb movement over the sea, 54 Pink-footed Geese, 24 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 366 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 747 Teal, 3 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 51 Scaup, 42 Eider, 72 Common Scoter, 13 Goldeneye, 16 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Goosander, 22 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Gannet, 12 Little Gull, 1 Great Skua and 12 Guillemot.

There were also increases to wildfowl in the Kilsea wertlands area, 9 Whooper Swan, 8 Shoveler, 458 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 258 Teal, 1 Pochard and 1 Goldeneye where there was also 9 Black-tailed Godwit and the Tawny Owl again at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock, 13 Blackbird, 19 Redwing, 1 Robin, 1 Starling, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldcrest, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 15 November 2018

The past couple of weeks of November have so far been briliant for birding, while today has been relatively quiet there were afew migrants still about to keep some interest going.

There was little on the move in the fog especially in the morning with only 140 Pink-footed Geese, 23 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 25 Little Gull, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 11 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 11 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 6 Snow Bunting.

The few migrants about included 2 Short-eared Owl, 22 Skylark, 4 Chiffchaff, 16 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 170 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 11 Robin, 2 Stonechat and 5 Brambling.

Other sightings were 5 Whooper Swan inc 2 juveniles, 450 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 282 Wigeon, 215 Teal, 110 Lapwing, 1st winter Caspian Gull on Vicars lane where an adult Little Gull was also present.

Ringing: 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

'Securing the Future’ project, we are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come. Please visit the 'Support Us' tab for more details.

There was little happening during the day and certainly no repeat of the Pigeon movement, though with easterlies forecast from the weekend it could be the last period of interesting weather with potential for arrivals before the winter?

A Turtle Dove was a nice garden find in Easington and seen on and off in the afternoon, becoming the latest ever record, while a superb Long-eared Owl flew into the Churchfield heligoland.

Flying south included 47 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Wigeon, 42 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 26 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 4 Kittiwake, 1 Little Gull, 20 Guillemot, 1 Swallow, 2 Skyalrk, 14 Starling, 8 Meadow Pipit, 6 Goldfinch, 27 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 9 Twite 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

Other bits of interest during the day were 2 Short-eared Owl, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail and a Bullfinch.

Ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1200, 1400-1615.

Yet another great day of visible migration with the attention concentrated on Pigeons, which usually seem to miss out Spurn, taking a more central route through the country.

There were impressive counts of 3,504 Wood Pigeon and an autumn record of 242 Stock Dove on the move south today, with also 11 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 145 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 Rook, 20 Jackdaw, 19 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 2 House Saprrow, 74 Tree Sparrow, 170 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 9 Greenfinch, 70 Linnet, 221 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Siskin, 6 Yellowhammer, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Lapland Bunting and 21 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea, 599 Pink-footed Geese, 11 Whooper Swan, 24 Wigeon and 4 Red-throated Diver.

Other bits of interest were 4 Whooper Swan near long bank, a Pale-bellied Brent with the Brents on Beacon ponds, 1 Greenshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit and 1 Chiffchaff.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 1 House Saprrow, 1 Chaffinch, 15 Goldfinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 12 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1600.

A great morning of visible migration, typically petering out as the day wore on as observers hoped for more Swift action, though it appears there was a mass clear out countrywide overnight. Totals for Chaffinch moving south are the best for many years which from the records is the 3rd best autumn count, while for Stock Dove is the 2nd highest ever.

The day brought a Red Kite, 1 Common Buzzard, male ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 131 Stock Dove, 158 Wood Pigeon, 310 Skylark, 8 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 2 Alba Wagtail, 129 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 26 Rock Pipit, 71 Tree Sparrow, 10 House Sparrow, a fantastic 536 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 283 Goldfinch, 46 Reed Bunting and 4 Yellowhammer.

Other sightings included 401 Brent with 30 juveniles, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 240 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 3 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 1 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine and 13 yellowhammer.

A few Butterfly on the wing with 3 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoishelle seen while the sun also brought out plenty of Hoverflies at Kew.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellowhammer.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 11 November 2018

Overcast and dull for much of the morning, with heavy showers, brightening to blue skies and long periods of sun in the afternoon with a F3 SW wind.

Watches: 0715-1300. 

With a nationwide influx of Pallid Swift underway, it would almost be unheard of if one of the best places to see a rare Swift didnt get in on the show. It would also seem likely that more may pass through in the next few days?

The day started well with a Swift sp seen over Church field, in very poor light which was confirmed as a PALLID SWIFT from photos later. It headed back off north after a trip down to the Warren and appears to be the same bird seen at Goxhill in Lincolnshire later.

It was also a decent day for visible migration as we get late into the season with 21 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Snipe in/off, 5 Stock Dove, 50 Skylark, 2 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush, 210 Starling, 1 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 115 Goldfinch, 21 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 4 Greenfinch, 132 Chaffinch, 58 Linnet, 14 Yellowhammer and 19 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea, 21 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall, 28 Wigeon, 5 Eider, 8 Rede-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 88 Gannet, 20 Kittiwake and 7 Razorbill.

Migrants were few and far between, but the Hooded Crow was still in the Sammys point area and a Black Redstart in Churchfield were the best, while other totals were 4 Water Rail, 3 Short-eared Owl which remained popular with the photographers, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, 160 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 22 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll and 5 Lesser Redpoll.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was a suprise sighting at the Obs.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Blackbird, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellowhammer.

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Saturday, 10 November 2018

Watches: 0650-1100.

There were still decent numbers of migrants about, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat by the Bluebell, 44 Goldcrest, 20 Blackbird, 25 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 3 Bullfinch and a Hooded Crow by Sammys carpark.

On the move overland, 11 Snipe in/off, 55 Stock Dove, 356 Wood Pigeon, 4 Carrion Crow, 86 Skylark, 231 Starling, 6 House Sparrow, 38 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Alba Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 27 Rock Pipit, 37 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 14 Twite, 27 Linnet, 77 Goldfinch, 13 Siskin, 9 Yellowhammer and 25 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 10 Teal, 7 Eider, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-breated Merganser, 7 Eider, 4 Velvet Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 46 Gannet, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Little Gull and 9 Auk sp.

Other sightings included the 5 Whooper Swan at Long bank, 257 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 3000 Golden Plover and 16 Black-tailed Godwit.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 09 November 2018

Overcast but bright with a F4 SE.

Watches: 0710-1230, 1300-1600.

We have now secured some 40 subscribers to our ‘Securing the Future’ project, where we are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come. Please visit the 'Support Us' tab for more details.

Not a lot happening on all fronts, but a small arrival of migrants occured maybe as birds pushed up the coast bringing totals of 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 40 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll. 

Over the sea brought 2 Brent Geese, 6 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, 8 Pintail, 6 Teal, 24 Eider, 83 Common Scoter, 31 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 16 Gannet, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 16 Auk sp.

Overland was little better with only 4 Stock Dove, 124 Wood Pigeon, 2 Magpie, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 30 Skylark, 83 Starling, 6 Redwing, 6 House Sparrow, 28 Tree Sparrow, 1 Alba wagtail, 19 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Twite, 13 Linnet, 59 Goldfinch, 14 Reed Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting.

Other counts from the day were 6 Whooper Swan, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 259 Wigeon, 92 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.

Ringing: 18 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Brambling.

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Thursday, 08 November 2018

A fine settled day with periods of sunshine and a F3 SSW wind.

Watches: 0650-1230, 1315-1545.

On the move overland were 1 Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 7 Stock Dove, 256 Wood Pigeon, 12 Carrion Crow, 331 Starling, 7 Blackbird in, 5 Fieldfare in, 38 Redwing in, 5 House Sparrow, 46 Tree Sparrow, 1 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 57 Chaffinch, 46 Brambling, 13 Greenfinch, 1 Twite, 57 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 4 Crossbill, 97 Goldfinch, 50 Siskin, 12 Yellowhammer and 30 Reed Bunting while over the sea 46 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 61 Teal, 5 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, 12 Red-throated Diver, 28 Gannet, 24 Cormorant, 4 Little Gull, 1 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua and 4 Auk sp.

Not much in the way of migrants in the bushes with 2 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush and 7 Snow Bunting at Chalk bank.

Otherwise we had 5 Whooper Swan by Long bank, 447 Shelduck on the Humber, 624 Oystercatcher, 220 Lapwing, 2600 Golden Plover and 10,000 Knot on the Humber.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 1 House Saprrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Yellowhammer.

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Wednesday, 07 November 2018

Some periods of sunshine during the day with torrential rain late afternoon and a F5 SE wind.

Watches: 0720-1100.

A quieter day with the strong wind seemingly stopping any overland movement and there was no sign of the Rough-legged Buzzard.

On the move over the sea were 43 Wigeon, 61 Teal, male Velvet Scoter, 16 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 39 Knot, 16 Dunlin, adult Glaucous Gull and 1 Kittiwake.

There were few migrants seen with 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 27 Starling in/off, 19 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 1 Water Pipit and 1 Brambling.

Other sightings were 459 Shelduck on the Humber, 5 Whooper Swan, 7 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzard, 43 Lapwing Kilnsea wetland, 1 Greenshank Humber, a Purple Sandpiper on Beacon ponds and 1 Peregrine with 8 Yellowhammer and 24 Reed Bunting by the Listening dish.

Ringing: 2 Goldcrest.

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Tuesday, 06 November 2018

Overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon and a F2-3 S wind.

Migration Watches: 0720-1300.

The juvenile male Rough-legged Buzzard was present all day in the Kilnsea wetlands showing very well to a constant stream of admirers.

Migrants were still decently represented with 1 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 1 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 23 Goldcrest, 40 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, 9 Twite and 7 Snow Bunting.

Overland movement was what you would expect for this time of year with 11 Stock dove, 54 Wood Pigeon, 27 Rook, 4 Jackdaw, 78 Skylark, 1 House Martin, 47 Starling, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 House Sparrow, 20 Tree Sparrow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White wagtail, 42 Rock Pipit, 49 Meadow Pipit, 77 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 16 Twite, 30 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 23 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 23 Reed Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting.

Over the sea it was quiet with only 25 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Pochard, 4 Eider, 27 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 1 Great Skua.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 5 Whooper Swan, 400 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 325 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 1 Pintail, 50 Lapwing, 900 Golden Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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Monday, 05 November 2018

A grey,murky overcast day with some sunshine breaking through and a F3-1 SE wind.

Watches: 0645-1300. 

A superb and frankly expected juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD spent the whole day hunting the Long bank area, often giving fantastic views and was still present at dusk There were 6 Shorelark today with 4 at Easington lagoon and 2 which flew south, 3 Water Pipit at the Warren, the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat giving it's 'tit like' call on Vicars lane,  7 Snow Bunting and 18 Twite.

Maybe an increase in migrant numbers today, 19 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 21 Goldcrest, 292 Blackbird, 55 Fieldfare, 154 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart by the Listening dish, 4 Stonechat and 7 Brambling.

On the move were a Ruff, an adult Glaucous Gull out over the triangle, 2 Great Skua, 13 Wood Pigeon, 8 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 43 Skylark, 60 Tree Sparrow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 27 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Linnet, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 17 goldfinch, 8 Siskin, 8 Yellowhammer and 14 Reed Bunting.

There was some good news today among the 496 Brent Geese seen today with around 40 juveniles, having only been 1 or 2 the last two winters. There were also 5 Whooper Swan, 427 Shelduck, 423 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 1 Pintail, 1 Peregrine and 1 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 1 Magpie, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 17 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 5 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Yellowhammer. (48 of 17 species).

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Sunday, 04 November 2018

Mainly cloudy with a few light showers and a F2-3 S-SE wind.

Watches: 0730-1100.

A change to winds from a more easterly vector brought about an arrival of Thrushes to the area along with a decent array of other species.

The greatest prize came in the form of a superb DUSKY THRUSH found feeding on apples in the infamous garden by Vicars lane, where the 2016 Siberian Accentor had resided for a week. The finder Tony Broom tried to keep track of the Thrush, forgetting to get some record shots, which if accepted will become the 399th species for Spurn! The sweepstake for the 400th species is already well underway, so if you would like to take part get in touch with Jonnie Fisk at Kew and we would suggest as soon as possible! In the meantime our 7th Red-crested Pochard flew south over the Humber and a Great-white Egret was in the Easington area.

During the day the 2 Shorelark were still present at Easington lagoon while 4 Waxwing were about and the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat was still by the Old School. Other migrants were 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler on Vicars lane, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 27 Wren, 150 Blackbird, 32 Fieldfare, 75 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch, 8 Siskin and 7 Snow Bunting.

On the move overland were, 9 Lapwing, 17 Skylark, 1000 Starling, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Tree Sparrow, 27 Meadow Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 9 Crossbill, 22 Goldfinch, 15 Siskin, and 7 Reed bunting.

The sea had 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 181 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 4 Knot, 3 Dunlin. 

Ringing: 7 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 13 Tree Sparrow, 8 House Sparrow, 3 Starling, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet. (37 of 8 species).

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Saturday, 03 November 2018

A wild windy day with a F5-6 SSE wind.

Migration Watches: 0710-1000.

The 'influx' of Great-white Egret to Spurn continues with yet another bird south through the area, spending some time on the Humber. A Richard's Pipit was seen on a few occasions during the day in the Beacon lane to Borrow pit area, while a Waxwing was around the Obs.

Migrants were represented by 2 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Stonechat and 20 Redwing.

Over the sea it was quiet with only 9 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, 31 Gannet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Kittiwake and 1 Great Skua fpr the effort.

Overland movement saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Rook, 114 Skylark, 375 Starling. 1 Alba Wagtail, 3 Water Pipit,  11 Rock Pipit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Linnet, 19 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting head south.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 480 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 230 Shelduck, 130 Wigeon and 4 Pintail.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk.

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Friday, 02 November 2018

A nice sunny day with a light F1-2 W wind.

Watches: 0645-1000, 1200-1500.

The day was much the same as the previous day with most of the good birds still present, though that soon changed with the radios crackling into life, bringing the news a WHITE-TAILED EAGLE was flying north up the Humber, then out over the sea. It was the 11th record for Spurn, also becoming a new addition to the Obs garden list from the viewing tower. The Eagle was tracked up the coast eventually roosting at Flamborough.

The Pallas's Warbler was still present in Easington by the old school, even singing during the day, while nearby the Great-grey Shrike was by the Riding school and the Barred Warbler near Easington caravan site and Hooded Crow on Green lane, while the 2 Shorelark were still showing well at the north end of Easington lagoon. There were also both 4 Siberian Chiffchaff and 3 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat arounbd the area and 4 Bearded Tit along the canal.

Migrants were still about 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 250 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 2 Coal Tit, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 21 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 48 Reed Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting.

A decent day over land saw 36 Lapwing, 15 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 232 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 7 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 32 Goldfinch, 16 Twite, 14 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 13 Yellowhammer, 4 Yellowhammer and 1 Snow Bunting while over the sea 440 Pink-footed Geese with a Bar-headed Goose, 1 Eider, a brilliant total of 31 Goosander, 14 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Northern Diver.

Other sightings included 550 Brent Geese, 6 Whooper Swan, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail, 5 Blackbird, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldcrest, 81 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock. (101 of 9 species).

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Thursday, 01 November 2018

A wet day, with light rain stoppiong mid-fternoon with a F2-3 SW-W wind.

Watches: 0650-1100.

Many of yesterdays birds were still present with little change noted and only a few new birds were found.

The Pallas's Warbler was still on Vicars lane, the Great-grey Shrike by the Riding school, a Richard's Pipit north over the Warren and Peter lane, a Firecrest at the Warren, a Waxwing by the Cemetery, 6 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, at least 2 Siberian Chiffchaff and 1 Long-eared Owl while a Barred Warbler in Easington was new to Mick Turtons ever growing garden list.

Migrant totals were 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 59 Goldcrest, 108 Starling in/off, 650 Fieldfare, 190 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 3 Grey Wagtail, 5 Rock Pipit, 17 Brambling, 11 Twite, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 51 Reed Buntin and 1 Snow Bunting.

Other sightings included 250 Brent Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 120 Wigeon, 50 Black-tailed Godwit on Kilnsea wetlands and 1 Greenshank on the Humber.

Ringing: 13 Blackbird, 1 Starling, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. 3 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Brambling, 1 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, (41 of 12 species).

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