Saturday 12th April 2025

More glorious sunshine accompanied with a light breeze. The wind has shifted round to the North East but that didn't stop the birds. Sightings today include 15 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Black redstart, 1 Eider on the river later joined by a Canada Goose, 2 Kestrel, 2 Meadow Pipit, 13 Shelduck, 5 Song Thrush (Continental), 5 Swallow, 4 Wheatear and 1 White Wagtail. The Cetti's invasion continues as another new bird was ringed today (Not that anyone is complaining).

Enjoying his stay, the Eider has been fine dining on local crab and Suffolk mussels

 The mist nets often pick up interesting insects such as this Dock Bug. A fitting name given our location but it actually refers to the foodplant. 

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Song Thrush.

Friday 11th April 2025

 

As the wind finally shifted South West we were greeted by a reasonable fall of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps amongst a few others. An early record of Reed Warbler turned out to be the earliest in LBO history by 1 day. We also had the first Willow Warbler of the year. 

The Drake Eider was still floating on the river all morning. Also of note 3 Black Redstart, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Ringed Plover, 10 Swallow, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Sanderling and still 2 White Wagtail.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird, 11 Blackcap, 18 Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler

Thursday 10th April 2024

 

Dull start, brightening up late morning. Fewer migrants today with 4 Mipit, 3 Black Red, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 White Wag, Fieldfare, Redwing, Swallow, Wheatear plus this fine drake Eider on the river side.

Only the second Early Thorn of the season so far.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Wood Pigeon.

Wednesday 9th April 2025

 

Black Red on the skip at the cottage.

Overcast for a change but still a nagging cold northerly airflow with the high pressure. Battling through on migration, despite the weather conditions were 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Mipit, 3 Black Red, 2 Blackcap, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush (continental type) plus the first Sedge Warbler of the spring (our 4th earliest on record). Single Sanderling on the beach. Offshore movements are currently pathetic with this mornings offerings being southbound 7 Oyk, 2 Meds with northbound 3 Brent & a Red-throated Diver. A pair of secretive Song Thrush's at the north end of the reserve are doing a sneaky on us & are now collecting food.

The number & variety of moths so far this month is lamentable. Only two moths this morning did include the first Muslin moth of the year, a male with females only seen very occasionally.

Ringing: 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Song Thrush.

Tuesday 8th April 2025

Fine weather and a few birds to accompany it. More Chiffchaffs have been coming through keeping the ringing room busy. Species of note around the reserve include 1 Black Redstart, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 1 Redwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and 1 Woodlark. 

On the sea 27 Brents North, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Red-breasted Merganser up the estuary

A wandering Rook today showing off a very flashy white primary feather on his right wing.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Woodpigeon

 

Monday 7th April 2025

A calmer and all round pleasant day for birding in Suffolk today. Plenty of Chiffchaffs and some Blackcaps showing face; one Blackcap with a short burst of song! 1 Black Redstart has reappeared around the practice guns and 1 male Wheatear still in the fenced area by the point. A new Song Thrush showing 'greyer' tones suggesting continental origin. Other migrants include 2 Sanderling, 2 Med Gull North, 2 White Wagtail and another new Cetti's warbler!

 5 Turnstone today in Winter plumage can usually be spotted on the beach.

Today also saw the first Shuttle-shaped Dart of the year. This is about when we expect to start seeing them and will potentially become our most numerous moth.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Linnet, 1 Song Thrush 

Sunday 6th April 2025

A gusty yet sunny day at Landguard. While migration is feeling slightly underwhelming we are still seeing familiar faces pass through. Among those 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Fulmar North, 1 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Shoveler, 1 Siskin and 4 Turnstone. 

We have been recording up to 8 pairs of Shelduck back on the reserve but we should expect to start seeing less as females find suitable nesting holes to incubate their eggs. 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff

Saturday 5th April 2025

 Migrants are very slowly filtering through as we continue with similar weather systems throughout the week. North Easterlies! A noisy Ring-necked Parakeet raised a few eyebrows early in the day. The Linnets seemed to move in to the observatory today which kept the ringing room busy. They are now prospecting new nesting sites with some seen carrying material already. 

A Rock Pipit spotted on the Reserve today. Other migrants today include 1 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Oystercatcher, 8 Cormorant and 6 Brent Geese North.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Linnet, 1 Long-tailed tit.

Friday 4th April 2025

 While there was little change in the winds birds have to move eventually and today saw a small fall of Chiffchaffs amongst a few other visitors. A Snipe flew around the obs a couple times before disappearing early morning. 2 Goldcrest also present. 

We estimate 3 pairs of Great Tit here now whose favorite game is forever 'mimic the rare bird.'

Out on the Reserve 1 Male Wheatear still out by the point, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 7 Ringed Plover and 1 Swallow North. 

The Herald Moth is a species we record hibernating in the buildings every Winter but we don't usually expect to find them in the Moth Traps.

Ringing: 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest

RINGING RECOVERIES

 Blackbird ringed LBO 22nd November 2023 found freshly dead 89 km away at West Thurrock, Essex 12th March 2025. Presumably a migrant at both locations.

Lesser Redpoll ringed LBO 6th November 2023 was retrapped 11 km away at Newbourne 16th March 2025.

Chiffchaff ringed Charlston, Sussex 12th September 2024 retrapped 151 km away at LBO 20th March 2025. Presumably a migrant at both locations.

Blackbird ringed LBO 13th August 2024 & retrapped here a week later was photographed 8 km away at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex on 20th March 2025. This is quite possibly a dispersing juvenile when at LBO that has emigrated to Essex.

Thursday 3rd April 2025

 

Weather not conducive to grounded migrants with today's paltry selection including 3 Mipit, single Chiffchaff & Wheatear all of which are probably the same individuals that have been here for days. 3 Rook flew south. On the beach a Grey Plover early morning, 2 Turnstone + the Sanderling with a dodgy leg that has been around for a while that maybe destined to remain here as its feeding ability is compromised by its disability.

Moth numbers & variety are currently pathetic although the first Angle Shades of the year is always good to get.

Ringing: nil.

Wednesday 2nd April 2025

 

Crab for breakfast anyone ?

Clear high pressure with a chilly wind not ideal. Migrants were 4 Mipit, 3 Song Thrush, 2 White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Rook & Wheatear. Offshore movements almost non-existent except for a single Fulmar.

Ringing: nil.

Tuesday 1st April 2025

 Everything appeared to come to a bit of a stand still today with chilly North Easterlies. The highlight today was a new pair of Collared Doves which confirmed this theory. Nevertheless there were still 2 White Wagtails out on the reserve and 1 Male Wheatear. Also now up to 16 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel, 30 Starling, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Brent Goose, 7 Common Gull and 2 Oystercatcher. Very quiet around the observatory for migrants. 

Ringing: Nil

March Ringing Total 2025

 

140 birds of 22 species leaves us round about on par with last years total of 142 birds and 21 species. We did particularly well for numbers of Redwings and Robins this year but were down on Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Please keep an eye out for our colour ringed Blackbirds. Sightings can be reported to landguardbo@yahoo.co.uk and help us to study survival rates of the local population. 

Monday 31st March 2025

The last day of March and according to the radio it's 'probably the sunniest on record.' Today was indeed very sunny. In the early morning light a Coal tit was spotted but it didn't hang around to find out if it was a continental or not. Later on 1 Swallow South and 1 Sand Martin North. Still Chiffchaffs coming through some singing here and there. Other migrants included 1 Collared Dove, 1 Reed bunting, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 3 Meadow Pipit and 2 Med Gull.

 A new record for LBO was a female Minotaur Beetle in the moth trap. She is in fact a Dung Beetle and lacking the three front horns you would find on a male beetle. There sure is plenty of rabbit and fox feces about. 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Wren

Sunday 30th March 2025

A gusty yet bright day today on the Suffolk coast. Although most of the avian fauna hunkered down we did manage to record some migrants around the reserve. 3 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Sanderling and a Stock Dove present. 

On sea 16 Common Gull, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver and 10 Cormorant recorded. 

We were starting to get concerned about the wellbeing of our amphibious friends but thankfully they have arrived at the butts pond - albeit a few weeks later than normal.

It's not uncommon to get a year without this Grey Shoulder-knot moth in the trap.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff

Saturday 29th March 2025

 

Numbers of passage birds seemed to ease up today and who can blame them with the cold Northerly winds over night. That didn't stop the first Swallow from coming through however, and a handsome male Wheatear. (Photo) 

Other species of note today were 2 Black Redstart, 2 White Wagtails, 7 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Meadow Pipit, 13 Shelduck, 1 Sanderling and 1 Song Thrush. On sea 2 Red-throated Divers and 2 Brent Geese both heading North.

As the day warmed up the some of the sandy banks in the observatory seemed to suddenly erupt with buzzing mining bees. Species noted were Grey-patched Mining Bee, Yellow-legged Mining Bee, Trimmers Mining Bee (photo), Hairy-footed Mining Bee and Gwynne's Mining Bee.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Redwing

Friday 28th March 2025

 

A breezy warm morning enticed a steady trickle of migrants throughout the day. 2 Chaffinch and a Brambling calling first thing was a good start. More Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs found the nets today thankfully, because we probably wouldn't of recorded them otherwise! 1 Firecrest still around the obs and a surprise unringed female Cetti's warbler. 

Out on the reserve, 1 Black Redstart, 2 White Wagtails, 3 Wheatear, 3 Redwing, 6 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone, 10 Sanderling, 6 Ringed Plover and 6 Meadow pipit. However the stars of the show are a pair of Long-tailed Tits who have just finished building their nest. Only the third breeding record for Landguard Bird Observatory.

On sea 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 6 Red-throated Divers, 8 Brent Geese, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Common Gull, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 9 Common Scoter.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet

Thursday 27th March 2025

 

Today's migrants included 45 Starling, 15 Redwing, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 White Wag, 3 Mipit, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Black Red, 2 Firecrest, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, Chaffinch, Fieldfare, Skylark & Woodcock. Southbound 26 Black-headed Gull, 9 Jackdaw, 6 Common Gull & 5 Barnacle Geese. 2 Egyptian Geese flew north early morning. On the beach 4 Turnstone & Sanderling.

Ringing: 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Linnet, 1 Redwing.

Wednesday 26th March 2025

 

7 White Wagtail on the reserve equals are previous day record count 38 years ago on 25th March 1987. Also today 5 Mipit, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Firecrest, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Redwing, first Blackcap of the year, Black Red, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting & Wheatear. On the beach 4 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling plus a Fulmar heading north.

A few more moths are finally starting to appear including March Moth.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Linnet.

Tuesday 25th March 2025

 

60+ Redwing at dawn with today's other migrants 7 Mipit, 3 White Wagtail, 2 Black Red, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 2 Goldcrest, Brambling, Fieldfare, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Wheatear, Woodcock & a couple of new Blackies. Collared Dove are becoming more infrequent in recent years despite being just up the road.

Small Quaker is common in Suffolk but barely makes it onto the LBO year list.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 1 Firecrest, 1 Magpie, 1 Redwing, 1 Robin.

Monday 24th March 2025

A Northerly shift in the wind left us feeling just a few degrees chillier today however that didn't stop a few Chiffchaffs and Robins from dropping in. Over night the Redwings seemed to be buzzing with activity with many heard calling but soon moved off as the day brightened up. 

A Knot was photographed today hanging out with 25 Sanderlings. Still 3 Black Redstarts hopping around the bramble bushes occasionally joined by 3 White Wagtails and 1 Woodlark present. Up to 9 returning Shelduck now. 1 Red Kite drifted South (surprisingly only the 19th record for the observatory). 

Other migrants featured 1 Song Thrush, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Meadow Pipits, 7 Turnstone, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Sparrowhawk.

In the trap first Diurnia fagella of the season which in some years can fairly common.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 1 Redwing

 

Sunday 23rd March 2025

Plenty of Spring migrants to keep us on our toes today such as this stunning adult male Black Redstart. By the end of the day we had counted 4. Still around 15 Redwing heard calling early morning but they move off pretty quickly. Another 1st year Grey Wagtail bodes well as a good year for them. A little fall of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs around the observatory and 1 new Firecrest appeared. These closely followed by 1 Sparrowhawk in the area. Up high in the docks the Peregrine still casting a watchful eye. 

On the reserve plenty of migrants aside from the Black Redstarts. 2 Egyptian Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose made an appearance very early on. 3 White Wagtail picked out amongst several Pied Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 3 Song Thrush and a Sanderling. 

Ringing:  2 Blackbird, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 3 Great tit, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Wren.

SEASONAL FENCING ON NATURE RESERVE

It is planned to erect temporary fencing to help protect ground nesting birds & the sensitive shingle flora on Wednesday 26th March 0930 hrs start. Please meet at the old seawatch hide and wear sensible footwear, gardening type gloves & clothing for the task in hand. Many hands make light work so the more people who can turn up the better.

Saturday March 22nd 2025

The first male wheatear photographed yesterday as more winds from the South East bring more arrivals today. At least 6 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare were noted first thing later joined by some migrant Blackbirds. About 3 Chiffchaff hopping around today. On the reserve 3 Skylark and later 3 White Wagtails recorded. The Firecrest from yesterday was still present today. On the sea 10 Cormorants, 1 Red-Breasted Merganser South, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Red-Throated Diver, 8 Oystercatcher and 2 Brent Geese. 

 

 

This moth is the first clouded drab of the year - an extremely variable species.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Redwing, 4 Robin, 1 Wren.

 

Friday March 21st 2025

 

It's the time of year where we are joined here by both new and old as Spring migrants drop in and wintering species move off. A Firecrest got the day started along with 2 Chaffinch, 2 Goldcrest and 4 Redwing. Lots of species in singles today including Fieldfare (photo), Woodlark, Skylark, Rock Pipit and Chiffchaff. On sea 10 Red-throated Divers South and 4 Brents South whilst 6 Shelduck on the reserve - hopefully they are returning breeders. Late news - male Wheatear turned up early afternoon.

Later in the day this Early Bumblebee Bombus pratorum was spotted. 

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Robin

Thursday March 20th 2025

 A still, cloudy start but Landguard observatory was soon graced by warm spring sunshine. This black-headed gull now in full Summer plumage. A Peregrine was spotted early perched high in the docks. 1 Woodcock was of note flying laps around the compound and a grey wagtail also present. 

At least 3 Chiffchaff around today. Other notable sightings were 1 Redwing, 2 Rock pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 5 Oystercatchers North and 2 Kestrels.

1 Peacock butterfly and plenty of emerging bumble bees also.

Ringing: 2 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 

Wednesday 19th March 2025

 

Frost first thing but it looks like the weather is finally starting to turn. 2 Chiffchaff were the first in over a week although few other migrants noted including 5 Mipit (including one in 'parachute' song flight), 4 Jackdaw, Woodcock plus 5 Rook heading south. Offshore northbound 46 Brent & 45 Cormorant. 3 Turnstone on the jetty & a Sanderling on the beach. A male Pheasant was the first of its kind for 18 months. The first Small White butterfly of the year was seen.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit.

Tuesday March 18th 2025

 

Easterly winds today brought 2 Woodlarks on to the reserve who announced themselves in full song. A good count of 19 Crows this morning some of which seemed to be acting quite skittish. This was then explained by a single Raven flying North. Only the 2nd record of a Raven this century, with the last recorded in 2024. Perhaps it will grow to be a more common sight as more are being recorded in East Anglia. One Crow of interest had lots of white secondaries in the wing.

Otherwise 2 Meadow pipit, 6 Ringed plover, 3 Cetti's warbler, 1 Jackdaw and 1 Song Thrush Present. 2 Shelduck West, 4 Brent Geese South and 11 Cormorants about.

Ringing: Nil.

Monday March 17th 2025

 Similar winds to yesterday are still holding off spring migrants. On the reserve 9 ringed plovers and 4 turnstone present. 1 Red-throated diver and 1 Oystercatcher both heading North and in the afternoon a buzzard drifted lazily south. Still plenty of linnets joined today by around 5 goldfinch. 

The first common quaker of the year - over a month later than the first one last year...

Ringing: 1 Linnet

Sunday March 16th 2025

An over night frost turned in to good sunny weather. Despite not many migrants I was greeted on my first day as seasonal warden by a young grey wagtail in the heligoland trap. A first for me so good to start my stay on a high! If you see me about my name is Angus - happy to try help however I can.

Other Spring migrants include a single siskin and redwing. At least a pair of long tailed tits till moving around the obs, cetti's warbler still can be heard calling and 20+ linnets around. Kestrel hunting over the Reserve.

Ringing: 1 Grey wagtail, 1 Redwing

Saturday 15th March 2025

 

Migrants were single Chaffinch & Woodcock. Offshore southbound 7 Red-throated Diver, Brent & Shelduck with northbound 23 Red-throats, Great Crested Grebe & Shelduck. Easily the best diver movement for some while.

Ringing: nil.

Friday 14th March 2025

 

Migrants wot migrants ! Sub-zero start with single Chaffinch & Jackdaw the only visitors. Rock Pipit & Turnstone on the point. Otherwise waiting for the wind direction to turn & spring to show a bit more enthusiasm.

Ringing: 1 Wren.

Thursday 13th March 2025

 

Anyone for tennis ?

Cool northerlies continue with even some hail showers mixed in late morning. Migrants consisted of 2 new Robin, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff & Mipit. Offshore movements non-existent. Roll on spring!

Ringing: 2 Linnet, 2 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch.

Wednesday 12th March 2025

 

Basic birding presently with migrants especially hard to come by. Couple of Brent & Red-throated Diver coming & going offshore plus 2 Gannets with gulls behind a container ship coming into port. 4 Sanderling on the beach. We had a bumper year for Wrens last year with odd new ones still turning up being either migrants or, more likely, individuals looking for territories due to population pressure.

Ringing: 2 Wren.

Tuesday 11th March 2025

 

This northerly airflow is not doing us any favours. No migrants noted and when 3 Canada Geese flying north is the morning's highlight then you know it's dire. Four Robin are singing in or within earshot of the compound so they are getting on with things.

Ringing: Nil.