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.

Friday 6th March 2026

The trickle of early March migration continues with the first 3 Goldcrest of the spring plus 5 Jackdaw, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Siskin, Fieldfare & Red Kite. In the days before the mass introduction of Red Kites in England March was the month when genuine wild Red Kites would occur as rare visitors to our shores so its impossible to know whether this one is a genuine migrant or offspring from the release scheme. Murky offshore although 4 Pintail south worth a mention & only 7 Common Scoter noted. Single Snow Bunting still here.

First Clouded Drab of the season which is an extremely variable species. 

Ringing: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Robin.

Thursday 5th March 2026

 

Glorious sunny, mild morning. A new Firecrest is a tad early for the first of the spring, as opposed to the over wintering individuals. Other migrants include 3 Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Mipit, Robin, Rook & Skylark. 24 Common Scoter offshore & Snow Bunting still present. Nice to get a couple of Peacock & a Small Tort butterflies in the sun.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 1 Robin, 1 Wren. 

Wednesday 4th March 2026

 

Small arrival of Chiffchaff with other migrants limited to 2 Redwing & a new Blacky on a murky misty old morning. Some new wandering Long-tailed Tit turned up, over wintering Firecrest encountered again & we are down to one remaining Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird.