Thursday 12th March 2026

Windy, increasing as day progressed. Amongst very few migrants noted were 2 Skylark, Firecrest, Goldcrest & Jackdaw. Offshore also poor although a Gannet was following a ship with 4 more heading north.

Ringing: 1 Firecrest, 1 Wren.

Wednesday 11th March 2026

 

Drizzly start followed by increasing wind. Lot less here this morning with migrants including 5 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Skylark, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Redwing, 2 Siskin, Fieldfare & Marsh Harrier. Male Stonechat still present. Offshore movements negligible. New wandering Long-tailed Tits continue to turn up.

Ringing: 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff.

Tuesday 10th March 2026

21 Skylark is the highest spring count since the mid 1990's & only the second double figure March count this century. Decent selection of early/mid-March fare with 15 Blackies, 11 Mipit, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Redwing, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Siskin, Greenfinch & Yellowhammer. Single overwintering Fire & Goldcrest from last autumn noted as was the Snow Bunting from early January & the male Stonechat from recent days. Southbound 39 Brent, 17 Barnacles & 4 Oyks. A marauding "murder of 35 Crows" was less welcome as a large gang of juvenile delinquents last spring had a deleterious effect on ground nesting birds.

Ringing: 6 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Linnet, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Song Thrush.

Monday 9th March 2026

Fog, unpleasant for both birds & human observers, doesn't stop those disorientated individuals from turning up. Newbies in today include 12 Mipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Skylark, Curlew, Redwing, a couple of new Blackies & the first Black Redstart of the spring around by the Museum. Leftovers from recent days include 3 Goldcrest, Fieldfare & Stonechat. Lingering Snow Bunt still here. Wing lengths on Chaffinch's up to 95 mm indicating that they originate well to the north-east of here.

Ringing: 3 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird.

Sunday 8th March 2026

 

Pair of Goosander on the river then later on in front of the Butts probably decided against migrating back to the continent in the misty murky conditions. Scarce in spring with only 12 previous March records, all previous records at Landguard being of birds in flight. A handful of migrants include 2 Chaffinch, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Mipit, Fieldfare, Rock Pipit, Song Thrush, Stonechat & a couple of new Robin. 2 Mallard were on the Butts & the Snow Bunting is still here.

Satellite hibernates & comes out to play again in the spring.

Ringing: 2 Chaffinch, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Song thrush.

2026 AGM Reminder

This years AGM will be held on Saturday 14th March 2026. Members should have received an agenda plus minutes of last years meeting. If not please email landguardbomembership@gmail.com for details.

Saturday 7th March 2026

2 probably 3 Woodcock in the compound late morning will be heading back to the continent & the first Stonechat of the year was on the reserve. Few other migrants noted with a new Goldcrest joining a couple remaining from yesterday with an overwintering Firecrest still with us. 7 Common Scoter offshore & a Skylark in song maybe one hanging around. Offshore 9 Red-throated Diver went north & one south but otherwise deadly quiet.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Wren.