Saturday 9th April 2011

A fairly quiet day today with little of interest found. The day began very calm, then the wind direction was noted as east north east. A female Brambling was found calling within the Bird Observatory compound. Birds migrating through today were 12 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Rook and 47 Dunlin. Also 4 Common Tern were seen this afternoon heading north, the first of the year. 2 Wheatear were recorded out on the reserve. 1 of the 2 resident Little Owls was seen in the usual spot at the back of the Bird Observatory, taking advantage of the lovely April sunshine. 14 birds were ringed today; 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Linnet, 1 Robin, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird and 1 Lesser Redpoll. Butterflies found were Peacock and Small White. A Grey Seal was seen offshore.

Volunteers Needed

On Monday 11th April the temporary fencing for ground nesting birds will go up. If you can help to do this then please turn up at the cottage 0900hrs. Please wear appropriate clothing & footwear for the task. With a reasonable turn out the task should be completed by mid-day.

Friday 8th April 2011

The day was most pleasant with hardly any wind first thing this morning and also very little wind throughout the day. The day soon became fairly sunny and warm. Migrants recorded migrating through were 11 Swallow, 3 Rook, 2 Jackdaw, 7 Carrion Crow, 126 Woodpigeon and 54 Black-headed Gulls. 4 Wheatear were found on the common and common warblers recorded within the recording area were 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler and 7 Blackcap. 18 birds were ringed today; 1 Wheatear, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet and 1 Blue Tit. Butterflies seen were Speckled Wood, Small White, Small Tort and Peacock. Also of note was a Weasel seen within the compound and later on in the afternoon seen extremely well hunting on the common.

Thursday 7th April 2011

There was no sign of the Short-toed Treecreeper today, maybe it has finally decided it is time to say farewll to all at Landguard! Birds on the move today were 20 Swallow, 12 Sand Martin, 123 Woodpigeon, 119 Black-headed Gulls and 5 Goldfinch. Warblers found were 15 Willow Warbler, 10 Blackcap and 15 Chiffchaff. In the moth trap a Dark Sword Grass is a a good early date for this immigrant. 41 birds were ringed, 2 male Common Redstart, 4 Wheatear, 14 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 1 Linnet, 1 Great Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin and 2 Woodpigeon. Butterflies found today were Peacock, Small Tort and Small White.

Wednesday 6th April 2011

Cracking spring "fall" of at least 40 Willows, 30 Chiffs, 15 Wheatears, 12 Blackcaps, 2 Redstarts plus a couple of new Robins, Songies & Blackies. Also on site 2 Firecrests & a Fieldfare. At least 11 Swallows went south and a House Martin north. Finally the Short-toed Treecreeper is still with us.

Tuesday 5th April 2011

The day began with a bit of light rain and fairly strong south-westerly winds. Out to sea a Red-breasted Merganser flew north as did 3 Brent Geese. Migrating south was a Bar-tailed Godwit and Dunlin. Also migrating through were 2 Swallows. The Short-toed Treecreeper was found later on in the morning, trapped within the Bird Observatory compound. On the common were 7 Wheatear and a Turnstone. There were more common warblers present today with 10 Chiffchaffs, 5 Willow Warblers and 5 Blackcap. 3 male Firecrests were present, all of which have now been ringed. A 2nd year Black Redstart was found within the Bird Observatory compound. 25 birds were ringed: 1 Black Redstart, 2 male Firecrests, 10 Chiffchaffs, 5 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcap, 1 Linnet and 1 Blue Tit.

Monday 4th April 2011

The Short-toed Treecreeper was trapped again this morning and re-weighed. It now is 9 grams, the heaviest it has ever been! It will be interesting to see how much longer it stays with us; are there any birders who still need it on their British List?! Also of note today was a fine looking male Common Redstart, this is the earliest date ever for Landguard. 2 Peregrine were seen perched on the dock cranes, obviously a resident pair. Migration consisted of 95 Black-headed Gulls migrating south and 3 Jackdaw also heading in a southerly direction. The male ringed Firecrest was still here, there was also 2 Black Redstarts, a Willow Warbler, 9 Wheatear, 5 Blackcap and 6 Chiffchaff. Spring is well and trully here! In total 21 birds were ringed; 1 Black Redstart, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Great Tit, 3 Robin and 1 Dunnock.

Sunday 3rd April 2011

Black-headed Gulls on the move this morning with at least 1,340 south. Also going south 240 Wood Pigs, 12 Crows, 20 Swallows & a Jackdaw. 2 Blackcaps & a House Martin were new in as were a couple of new Robins, a Chiffchaff & a Goldcrest. Nice to hear a Black Red singing - one of at least 3 present on site. 12 Wheatears is our best count of the year. Also worth a mention 2 Fieldfares, Brambling & a Firecrest. Linnet numbers have shown a welcome increase on the reserve to at least 50 and should hopefully build up as the week progresses. Finally the Short-toed Treecreeper is still with us and pulling in the punters.