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