Saturday 28th February 2026

 Dull very predictable end to the month. 2 Snow Bunting still here. Roll on spring !

Only our third site record of Early Moth which is one in each of the last two year's plus this one today. It is on the IUCN Red List as "vulnerable".

Friday 27th February 2026

Drizzly start to the morning. Offshore sightings have been largely non-existent with an hours effort producing southbound 9 Gannet, 5 Brent & 2 Red-throated Diver with northbound 6 Brent & Great Crested Grebe. 50 Common Scoter offshore, 2 Snow Bunting on back beach & an elusive wintering Firecrest on the reserve. Peregrine sightings have been very infrequent so far this year so good to see one this morning.

Hebrew Character has started to appear which should be out from now to early May time.

Thursday 26th February 2026

First Siskin of the year went past with other migrants single Fieldfare, Mipit & Skylark. Only 20 Common Scoter this morning, 3 Snow Bunting still here plus a new Long-tailed Tit visited with some locals.

This Beautiful Plume is probably regretting coming out of hibernation.

Ringing: 1 Long-tailed Tit.

Wednesday 25th February 2026

Glorious sunny, mild day for the time of the year. Good chunk of time spent putting up the nets for the season so observations limited to 2 Barnacle Geese south, usual raft of Common Scoter & the Snow Bunts.

Grey Shoulder-knot is not annual here so always good to get one. It emerges in the autumn, hibernates, then comes out again in the spring.

FELIXSTOWE TOWN COUNCIL GRANT

 

Landguard Bird Observatory is extremely grateful for being awarded an "occasional grant" from Felixstowe Town Council for funding towards replacing our computer which has been running on now outdated Windows 10.

Further information on Occasional Grants, who is eligible & how to apply are on -

https://felixstowe.gov.uk/council-services/grants/

Tuesday 24th February 2026

 

Total of 41 Barnies south including this flock of 36 just offshore. 2 Songies singing this morning with one at the obs as well as one in the Pear tree at the Butts. Today's migrants were single Jackdaw, Redwing & Skylark. Usual raft of 50 Common Scoter offshore & 3 Snow Bunts on back beach - but for how much longer ?

Moth traps have been out for the last four nights with the milder conditions finally encouraging a couple out to play with Common Quaker one of them. Folks inland will be getting a fine assortment whereas it is still bleak at Landguard at this time.

Ringing: 1 Redwing. 

Monday 23rd February 2026

406 Cormorant went out fishing, 50 Common Scoter & 3 Snow Bunting still present. 48 Linnet is the best count of the year so far.