North Lincolnshire Birding

[Dean K]

Thought I’d start a North Lincolnshire thread to complement Josh’s excellent South Lincolnshire one. Lincoln falls nicely in the middle of the county, so anything north of Lincoln can be posted on here.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 16:14
Weather: Overcast & misty with a slight NW wind

Habitat is a mixture of cultivated fields and scrubland with drainage ditches, reeds and bushes, concrete sea defenses, mudflats and the Humber estuary. My lunchtime local patch is pretty much the area covered by the aerial photograph.

Saw/heard the usual Skylarks on the walk to the sea wall, plus a small flock of about 30 Starlings feeding along the edge of the main field. A couple of Magpies were flying up and down the sea wall and a pair of Mallards flew over and landed in the pond, in the north corner of the plant (just visible in the pic.); you can’t actually see the water, as it’s full of reeds at the moment. The tide was further out today, but I could make out about 100+ Shelducks spread out along the waters edge. About half-a-dozen Curlews were dotted about the mudflats, with small clusters of Redshank and Dunlin. On the walk back noticed 10 Turnstones, very well disguised, amongst the seaweed and pebbles of the strand line, just below the sea wall. A solitary gull transited the patch and flew out to sea – no idea what it was, it was too far away to positively ID (and my gull ID skills need polishing!).

Dean.

[citrinella]

Hi Dean,

The most disturbing thing about your report is that there are no Pyewipes. Do you ever see them there now ?

Mike.

[Dean K]

Hi Dean,

The most disturbing thing about your report is that there are no Pyewipes. Do you ever see them there now ?

Mike.
Hi Mike,

Yes, they are normally there in abundance, either on the mudflats, roosting in one of the fields or in large flocks flying from one area to the other (which is quite a spectacular sight – especially when the sun is on them) but I’ve not seen them for a few weeks. I can’t say I’ve noticed a pattern but maybe it’s to do with the time I go out and the state of the tide; now I’m making a record it’ll be interesting to see if a pattern emerges. I’ve been doing the patch for over a year now and you just never know what you’ll see. Saw my first Wheatear of the year a couple of weeks ago, along the sea wall, but the highlight for me, was seeing a Stonechat, about a month ago – first one I’ve seen around here – very nice.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 11:00, High Tide: 17:03
Weather: Hazy with a moderate NE wind

Pretty much the same as yesterday really. Heard/saw the usual Skylarks and a couple of Magpies were flitting about. The tide was out and the Shelducks were in their normal location along the waters edge, although numbers were down on previous days – probably about 50+ today. The mudflats were very sparsely populated - with the odd Curlew dotted about and small clusters of Redshank and Dunlin… and one lone Oystercatcher. A LBB Gull flew SE along the sea wall and another, unidentified, Gull was soaring above the mudflats, out towards the waters edge.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Time: 15:00 – 15:45hrs (BST)
Weather: Clear skies with a blustery NNE wind

Parked at the Humber Mouth Yacht Club and scanned the lagoon from the comfort of the car. Saw about 20 pair of Mallard, a pair of Mute swans, 9 Turnstones, 18 BH Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls. No sign of anything more exotic, so I decided to brave the cold wind and go for a short walk. The blustery wind was making it difficult to hold the bins still, and was also making my eyes water - but I was rewarded in the end with a Ruff, amongst a handful of Redshanks, and a single Little egret.

Dean.

[citrinella]

Hi Mike,

Yes, they are normally there in abundance, either on the mudflats, roosting in one of the fields or in large flocks flying from one area to the other ...
Dean.

Thanks Dean. A little surprised that you should be drawing a blank at this time of year. Would have thought migrants would have been abundant, perhaps moving in preparatory to breeding too.

And yes they are a fantastic sight and sound in flight - no matter how large or small the flock :-)

Mike.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 06:45, Low Tide: 12:52
Weather: Sunny, clear skies with a blustery NE wind

Another relatively quiet day. The Skylarks were in full song above the fields and 9 Curlew flew over, and out to sea. 1 Reed Bunting flew from its perch on a bush and disappeared into the reeds, in the ditch running parallel with the sea wall. The tide was about as far out as it goes, and most birds where either near the waters edge or in the middle of the mudflats. 200+ Shelduck were spread out, just short of the waters edge and about 50 Redshank were feeding in the middle, with small numbers of Dunlin. Closer in were 6 Oystercatchers and dotted about were several Curlews – probably the ones I saw earlier. Sorry Mike, no sign of any Pyewipes today, and no migrants – they’re all probably further up or down the river, just out of sight – typical!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 07:11, Low Tide: 13:22
Weather: Overcast with a strong NE wind

Blowing a Hooley today... not very pleasant at all! Saw the usual protagonists: - Skylarks, 3 Magpies, 1 Reed Bunting, 100+ Shelduck on the mudflats with small clusters of Redshank, Dunlin and Oystercatchers, plus a few Curlews. 2 Adult & 2 Juvenile GBB Gulls were soaring above the sea wall, generally heading in a NW direction, and 2 Carrion Crows flew over the fields at low level, on the walk back. A bit disappointing really - could do with a change in wind direction!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 07:38, Low Tide: 13:49
Weather: Sunny intervals with a light N wind

Much better weather today, but that northerly wind is not really helping the bird count. Walked a slightly different route to get to the sea wall – along the footpath on the field edge, up to and along the side of the Mawmbridge drain to the pumping station. As well as the usual Skylarks, saw a pair of Reed Buntings, and a Great Tit skulking in a bush. A couple of Magpies were flying up and down the sea wall and, yet again, the mudflats were sporadically populated with the usual clusters of Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin & Oystercatchers, with the odd Curlew dotted about – it’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day! I have noticed in the past however, that it’s much better when the tide is rising – it pushes all the birds closer in and you get a much better view; I only have my compacts with me at work, and they struggle a bit when the tide is out and the birds are a long way off. Next week will bring higher tides at lunchtime, so hopefully things will improve.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 08:03, Low Tide: 14:15
Weather: Sunny with a light W wind

Glorious weather today! Took the same route as yesterday, by the side of Mawmbridge Drain, and saw the usual Skylarks plus 1 Great Tit, 1 Moorhen, 2 pair of Mallard, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Magpies and 1 Wren; heard in one of the bushes.

As I was watching a Skylark on the ground, near the pumping station, I heard, behind me, a call similar to the alarm call a Red Grouse makes, as you disturb them in the heather. As I swung round I just caught sight of something diving down behind the pumping station. I had a look around but couldn’t see anything, so I have no idea what it was – I didn’t get the impression of a long tail, so maybe not a Pheasant… maybe a Partridge? I’ll have to dig out the CDs and listen to some calls - definitely one to watch out for on my next visit.

The mudflats were populated with the usual suspects – Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatchers and the odd Curlew.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Monday 9th April
12:00 – 15:30hrs (BST)
Weather: Overcast, sunny intervals with a moderate W wind

Far Ings, Barton

Not been here for a while, so thought we’d drop in and see what was going on. Parked at the Visitor’s Centre, which will be moving this year to what was the Barton Outdoor Pursuit Centre. It looks like the brown direction signs are already set up for this move, as they sent us the wrong way… didn’t think we were going in the right direction! Anyway, we walked around the main lake, popped in a few hides and saw the following:-

Several Moorhens, Coots, Tufted Ducks, Mallards & Greylag Geese, plus:

4 Ruddy Ducks (2M, 2F) - 1 male’s bill being more a dull grey than blue
6+ Pochard - just about out of range of the bins
4 Great Crested Grebes - displaying nicely
5 Mute Swans - 4 Adult + 1 lone juvenile
10 Teal (5M, 5F) - being very lazy, sleeping
1 Cormorant – scruffy looking thing!

3 Long tailed Tits flew over the path on the way to one of the hides, 1 Curlew over flew the main lake and several Chiffchaffs were heard. Also saw about 12+ Sand/House Martins flying high above the car park – too high to ID which species, but Sands have been reported here recently.


Waters Edge, Barton

On the lakes; saw several Tufted Duck plus Mallards, Moorhens, Coots & Greylag Geese. Also, 4 Ruddy Ducks (2M, 2F), 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe and a pair of amorous Mute Swans!

Also saw 1 Meadow Pipit and 2 Blackcaps (1M, 1F) – first I’ve seen this year, and heard several Chiffchaffs.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Tuesday 10th April

12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 10:53, Low Tide: 17:25
Weather: Overcast with a slight W wind

6 Goldfinches flew up from the main field as I walked past, and headed towards the sea wall. 2 Moorhens, 2 Magpies and 1 Reed Bunting were seen along the Mawmbridge Drain, with 1 singing Wren somewhere in the bushes.

Tide was up today - just going out, but only saw 2 Turnstones, 2 Oystercatchers, 50+ Redshank and 1 Curlew; flying just above the water in a NW direction. Another cluster of birds, about 70+, were feeding further along the mudflats, towards Grimsby - too far away to get a positive ID, but I think they were more Redshank. Saw 2 more Magpies on the walk back, plus 2 Pied Wagtails… not forgetting the omnipresent song of the Skylarks. Still not seen any Lapwings! No idea where they are, although the field they normally roost in, at high tide, has a crop in it now, quite densely planted and about 12” high – maybe this has displaced them further along the coast!

Dean.

[RobF]

My guess would be the Lapwings have moved inland to breed, we have incubating hens up here in Northumberland. There used to be good numbers of breeding Lapwing in the Wolds when I lived there (upto 1995).

I used to do a fair bit of birding around Grimsby Docks, it was a great sight in mid winter watching the tide push the waders right up to the sea-wall. My local patch was around Croxby Lake and Woods.

Cheers,


Rob

[Dean K]

My guess would be the Lapwings have moved inland to breed...

... My local patch was around Croxby Lake and Woods.

Hi Rob,

I think you’re right. Up until two or three weeks ago there was a huge flock of them, either roosting in the fields or on the mudflats. I’ve not seen any Black-tailed Godwits for a while either – they’ve probably also gone inland to breed.

Yes, it’s not a bad spot at all for birding. I know Croxby Lake and Woods - I used to frequent the area a lot when I was younger, when RAF Binbrook was open, but I’ve not been there for years.

Cheers for now,

Dean.

[Dean K]

Wednesday 11th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 12:04, Low Tide: 18:49
Weather: Overcast with a slight W wind

A bit quiet today – even the Skylarks weren’t as numerous as normal, with only a couple singing overhead. Walked by the side of Mawmbridge Drain and saw 15 Curlews roosting in one of the fields, 4 Reed Buntings, 1 Male Blackbird, 1 Magpie and 1 Moorhen.

The tide was right up to the strand line today, and the only birds about were 2 Male Mallards on the water, with 1 Cormorant. Further towards Grimsby, where the mudflats were still exposed, was a group of about 50+ waders – probably Redshank, but they were too far away to ID properly. Also, 2 F-15s headed down the coast towards Donna Nook… oops, sorry, wrong forum |:S| !!!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Does anyone know if the Red-throated Diver is still at Cleethorpes Country Park? I had a quick stroll around there last night but all I saw was the usual Moorhens, Coot, Tufted Ducks & Mallard, plus 5 Mute Swans and 4 Great Crested Grebes.

I see on the Lincs Bird Club Forum that one was spotted yesterday in Alexandra Dock, next to the Lincoln Castle – might go past there tonight, on the way home, and see if it’s still around.

[Dean K]

Thursday 12th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 07:34, High Tide: 13:52
Weather: Hazy with a slight SE wind

Walked straight to the sea wall today, where the tide wasn’t too far out. About 100+ waders were on the mudflats further towards Grimsby, but again, too far away to ID properly. 3 Male Mallards and 12 Shelduck were on the water near the Mawmbridge Drain Outfall and 1 Curlew flew past, along the waters edge, in a NW direction.

1 Kestrel and 2 Magpies were perched on the fence surrounding the pumping station; the Kestrel flying off as I approached. Also, in this area, I again saw the bird I mentioned in post #11. I just caught sight of it in the field before it flew off, without making any call this time. I think it was a Grey Partridge, but I’d like to have a longer look at it to confirm. Walked back along the Mawmbridge Drain but only saw 1 Reed Bunting and heard 1 Wren… plus the usual Skylarks.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Friday 13th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 09:03, High Tide: 15:12
Weather: Overcast with a light NE wind

Pretty much business as usual today. 50+ Shelduck were spread out along the waters edge and 100+ Redshank, smaller numbers of Dunlin, and the odd Curlew were feeding on the mudflats.

Saw the Kestrel again today, flying across the main field at low level towards the sea wall. As it approached the wall it jinked right and chased a Reed Bunting for a short while before breaking off and flying up to a high level perch on the mast in the middle of the main field. Saw a further 2 Reed Buntings along one of the ditches and the usual Skylarks. Can’t recall seeing any Magpies today, which is most unusual.

Dean.

[Wildwood]

Friday 13th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 09:03, High Tide: 15:12
Weather: Overcast with a light NE wind

Pretty much business as usual today. 50+ Shelduck were spread out along the waters edge and 100+ Redshank, smaller numbers of Dunlin, and the odd Curlew were feeding on the mudflats.

Saw the Kestrel again today, flying across the main field at low level towards the sea wall. As it approached the wall it jinked right and chased a Reed Bunting for a short while before breaking off and flying up to a high level perch on the mast in the middle of the main field. Saw a further 2 Reed Buntings along one of the ditches and the usual Skylarks. Can’t recall seeing any Magpies today, which is most unusual.

Dean.
Friday 13th April

2:00 – 3:30pm (just missed you!)
Tide on the rise/high tide.

Walked the seawall from the sewage works heading Westwards past Mawmbridge drain and back again. Overcast/misty with NE breeze.

Birds seen (some counted, some to numerous to count):

Mistle thrush (pair) - among Rabbits on the grass field back of Tioxide.
Read Buntings – a dozen or so, spread along the wall on various Sallow and Hawthorn bushes.
Curlew – in the hundreds
Redshank – 50+
Shelduck – in the hundreds
Black-tailed Godwit – 200+
Mallard - 4
Oystercatcher – just one.
Carrion Crows - 4
Magpies - 2
Skylarks – several, mostly near the tall mast/aerial? On the fallow field.
Meadow Pipits - 2
Pied Wagtails
Moorhen - 2
Kestrel (male) – near Mawmbridge drain/pumping station.

Decided lack of Gulls with just the odd Comman and Herring.

[Dean K]

Friday 13th April

2:00 – 3:30pm (just missed you!)...
Wildwood – I was beginning to think I was the only birder in North Lincs |;|! Nice to read your report and compare it with mine. At the time you visited I’m guessing the only section of mudflats not covered would be near the sewage works – is that where the Black-tailed Godwits were? I’ve not seen them for a while. Unfortunately I only get 30 mins for lunch and there’s just not enough time to walk that far – I generally only have enough time to walk up to the sea wall and round the field (if it’s dry) with the mast in it. The mast BTW has several anemometers and wind direction indicators fitted to it, which are being used to record wind data for the potential site of 3 wind turbines.

[Wildwood]

Wildwood – I was beginning to think I was the only birder in North Lincs |;|! Nice to read your report and compare it with mine. At the time you visited I’m guessing the only section of mudflats not covered would be near the sewage works – is that where the Black-tailed Godwits were? I’ve not seen them for a while. Unfortunately I only get 30 mins for lunch and there’s just not enough time to walk that far – I generally only have enough time to walk up to the sea wall and round the field (if it’s dry) with the mast in it. The mast BTW has several anemometers and wind direction indicators fitted to it, which are being used to record wind data for the potential site of 3 wind turbines.Hi Dean,

I don't go over to the estuary very often these days (I grew up round that area - it was one of my childhood haunts), I'm more of a woodland guy - as you no doubt may guess from my username! Also I'm not really a birder but an alround(er!) naturalist.

On the high tide the last area of mudflat exposed is the creek/outlet just east of the sewage works. This outlet was actually one of the River Freshney's original outlets before it was diverted through the town over 150 years ago (bit of useless info!). Anyway this is often where most birds gather at high tide or until the exposed mudflat is covered by the incoming tide. They also gather along the saltmarsh near to this. That's where the Blackwits are often found. In winter you often get large flocks of Golden Plover there too - and even the odd Lapwing! I bet you already know all this lol.. oh well!

Interesting about the possible wind turbine site. I haven't heard anything of this. Not sure how it relates to the mudflats - especially with it being in close proximity (200m?), as the area is internationally important to birds. Then again there are already 7 turbines visible just across the Humber!

[Dean K]

Hi Wildwood – OK on your username etc. That’s interesting, about the original River Freshney’s outlet – I didn’t know that, it sounds like a good spot – a shame it’s too far to walk to at lunchtime. Up until a few weeks ago there were large flocks of Lapwings - and small numbers of Blackwits were often on the mudflats near the Mawmbridge Drain Outfall, but I’ve not seen either recently. I have seen Golden Plovers in the area as well, but not for a while – they’re all probably there somewhere, just not showing in the small area I can cover – typical!... lol.

There was an article in the Grimsby Telegraph about the proposed wind turbines, a few months ago. As far as I know planning permission has been applied for, but there have been objections from the RSPB and English Nature.

Thanks for the info.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Monday 16th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 11:47, High Tide: 17:43
Weather: Sunny with a light NNE breeze

Skylarks galore today! But apart from them, another quiet day. 2 Wood Pigeons over flew the main field, heading inland, and 3 Magpies were on the sea wall. 100+ Redshank were near the Mawmbridge Drain Outfall with 10 Shelducks and the odd Curlew - saw a pair of Reed Buntings on the walk back. A bit of a disappointing day birdwise, but nice to get out and away from the PC!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Tuesday 17th April

Time: 12:30 – 13:00hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 12:32, High Tide: 18:27
Weather: Sunny with a light WNW breeze

Bit later going out today because of a badly timed meeting :C.

The tide was as far out as it goes and the mudflats were very sparsely populated today. Saw 50+ Redshank, 10+ Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and a few Curlews near the Mawmbridge Drain Outfall - with another group of 30+ Curlews further towards Grimsby. Also, a pair of Mallards flew over the mudflats in a NW direction.

There were a few more birds on the landward side of the sea wall today, including:- 2 Moorhens, 2 Magpies, 5 Reed Buntings, the usual Skylarks, 3 Wood Pigeons, 1 Wren + 1 Great Tit (Heard) and 2 Carrion Crows. A male Kestrel was flying about near the pond and along the edge of the main field was 1 Wheatear, which finished the walk off nicely.

Also noticed a lot of butterflies out today, a bit difficult to ID on the wing but there was one stunning specimen of a Brimstone, flitting about the bushes alongside the Mawmbridge Drain.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Wednesday 18th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 07:06, Low Tide: 13:16
Weather: Sunny with a light W breeze

Walking up to the sea wall, I could see, in the distance, a flock of about 100 birds wheeling around before landing on the mudflats. These turned out to be Bar-tailed Godwits, which were frantically feeding about midway between the wall and the waters edge. Further out, towards the sea, was a group of 150+ Redshank, which looked superb when they all took off, and about 20 Shelducks were scattered about in small groups, with the odd Curlew also dotted around.

On the landward side it seemed a bit quiet today. Apart from the usual Skylarks I only saw 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Magpies, 2 Wood Pigeons and finally, I saw and managed to get a better look at, 2 Grey Partridges – confirming my previous fleeting glimpses.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Thursday 19th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 07:44, Low Tide: 13:59
Weather: Sunny with a light WNW breeze

Not too many birds on the mudflats today. Saw 60+ Redshanks, 30+ Shelducks, 10+ Curlews and a pair of Mallards. 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew in and landed amongst a group of Redshank and several Gulls were along the waters edge, but too far away to ID.

1 Moorhen and 2 male Mallards were on the Mawmbridge Drain, plus 2 Reed Buntings along one of the smaller ditches. 2 Swallows were flying up and down the sea wall – the first I’ve seen this year on the patch, and 5 Magpies were also along the sea wall. Plenty of Skylarks about and 1 Wheatear was along the edge of the main field.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Friday 20th April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 08:22, Low Tide: 14:42
Weather: Overcast with a moderate SE wind

Usual Skylarks. Flushed 6 Goldfinches from the field’s edge as I walked up to the sea wall and 3 Magpies were also along here. Turned right at the wall, for a change, and walked towards Grimsby. About a dozen Curlews were feeding in a loose group just out from the sea wall, with 1 Oystercatcher. Further out, and frustratingly just about out of range for a positive ID, were a group of 25 Ringed Plovers/LRPs – I could only just make out the basic black and white head pattern but they were too far away to tell what colour the beak and legs were; it didn’t help that my eyes were watering and the wind was making it difficult to hold the bins still – despite leaning on the sea wall. Also, small numbers of Shelduck were spread out along the mudflats.

On the landward side a male Kestrel was perched on one of the street lights within the Novartis site. No Reed Buntings today (or Redshanks) but on the walk back, I saw 1 Swallow and 2 Grey Partridges – probably the same ones I saw the other day.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Monday 23rd April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 10:28, Low Tide: 17:04
Weather: Overcast with a light SW wind

A very quiet day today! The tide was right up to the strand line and the only birds about were 17 Turnstones in amongst the seaweed and pebbles. 4 Reed Buntings were along the ditch running parallel with sea wall and a couple of distant Gulls were flying over the mudflats towards Grimsby. Only other birds were the usual Skylarks.

Tuesday 24rd April

Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 11:30, Low Tide: 18:14
Weather: Overcast with a light SSW wind

High tide again today and the only birds on the sea were 2 Shelducks. More interesting on the landward side though; with the usual Skylarks, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Magpie, 6 Swallows, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Male Kestrel perched on a street light, 2 Reed Buntings and the first Sedge Warbler of the year. I heard its song coming from the ditch, which runs parallel with the sea wall, and thought it was a Reed Warbler at first, but then spotted it in a bush and saw its eye stripe – very nice.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Wednesday 25th April
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 12:59, Low Tide: 19:44
Weather: Sunny intervals with a light SW wind

Hmmm… not too sure how I managed it, but I left the office without the bins today.. Dohh!

The tide was just about in but there were no birds on the water, or along the strand line. 1 BH Gull and 1 Male Mallard flew over the wall towards Grimsby and a couple of Swallows were flying about near the pond. Heard 2 Sedge Warblers (1 more than yesterday) along the ditch running parallel with the sea wall and saw 1 Reed Bunting along here as well. Apart from the ubiquitous Skylarks, that was it – another quiet day!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Thursday 26th April
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 08:09, High Tide: 14:22
Weather: Sunny with a stiff NE wind

About two hours before high tide seems to be the optimum time for viewing the estuary; there’s still a decent strip of mudflat exposed and the birds aren’t too far away. 150+ Black-tailed Godwits, in transition plumage, were feeding on the mudflats near the Mawmbridge Drain Outfall, with a few Redshanks amongst them and out on the water were a handful of Shelducks. As the tide came in further, the Godwits took flight along the waters edge towards Grimsby, were the mudflats are still exposed.

Not too much about on the landward side today:- The usual profusion of Skylarks, which I never tire of hearing, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallows, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge/Reed Warbler, heard briefly in the ditch running parallel with the sea wall, and 1 Male Kestrel perched on the same street light as a few days ago.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Friday 27th April
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 09:28, High Tide: 15:31
Weather: Sunny intervals with a stiff NE wind

30+ Shelducks were scattered about the mudflats with the odd Curlew and a pair of Mallards. Clusters of waders could be seen in the distance, towards Grimsby, but they were too far away to ID with any confidence.

On the landward side a single Curlew flew over, followed by 2 Wood Pigeons. Saw 2 Reed Buntings in the ditch running parallel with the sea wall and also heard 2 Sedge Warblers along here as well. The Kestrel was hovering in the area near the pond and apart from the Skylarks, that was it… another quiet day.

Dean.

[Dean K]

Monday 30th April
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 11:45, High Tide: 17:41
Weather: Sunny with a blustery E wind

On the mudflats: 50+ Shelducks, 70+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Mallards (1M & 1F), 2 Oystercatchers and the odd Curlew dotted about.

On the landward side: 1 Swallow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Carrion Crow… and the usual Skylarks.


Tuesday 1st May
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
Low Tide: 12:21, High Tide: 18:15
Weather: Sunny with a blustery E wind

On the mudflats: 50+ Shelducks, 8 Oystercatchers and a couple of Curlews. Just about out of range were a group of 50+ Ringed Plovers or LRPs – as previously, I could only just make out their black and white head markings, but not their beak and leg colour – very frustrating!

On the landward side: Skylarks… for a change! 5 Swallows, 2 Feral Pigeons over, 1 Kestrel in the vicinity of the pond, 1 Reed Bunting and 1 Sedge Warbler (heard only).

Dean.

[Dean K]

Didn’t manage to get out on Wednesday |:(|.

Thursday 3rd May
Time: 12:35 – 13:05hrs (BST)
Weather: Overcast with a light NE wind

The tide looked to be out as far as it goes – I forgot to note the tide times for today, but generally there is about +1 hours difference each day.

On the mudflats: 40+ Shelducks, 10 Oystercatchers, 60+ Dunlin with a few Ringed Plovers/LRPs amongst them (too far away for a positive ID again), a pair of Mallards and the odd Curlew.

On the landward side 2 Mute Swans flew over and landed in the Mawmbridge Drain. Also 2 Grey Partridges, 5 Reed Buntings, 4 Sedge Warblers (heard only), 2 Magpies, 4 Swallows and 1 Kestrel, which was hovering at the end of the main access road… and mustn’t forget the ever-present Skylarks!


Friday 4th May
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 07:36, Low Tide: 13:54
Weather: Overcast with a light NNE wind

A bit of a birdfest on the estuary today. 50+ Shelducks, 20+ Oystercatchers, 100+ Dunlin, with small numbers of Ringed Plovers/LRPs amongst them (Must buy that scope!), half a dozen Curlews, a pair of Mallard, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, several Turnstones along the strand line and numerous distant Gulls over the waters edge (too far away to ID).

And on the landward side:- 2 Magpies, 2 Moorhens plus a pair of Mallards in the Mawmbridge Drain, 4 Sedge Warblers (heard only), 1 Kestrel - hovering at the end of the main access road (same place as yesterday)… and an exultation of Skylarks!

Dean.

[Dean K]

Wednesday 9th May
Time: 12:00 – 12:30hrs (BST)
High Tide: 10:38, Low Tide: 17:21
Weather: Cloudy with sunny intervals and a light W wind (despite the met office website saying a South Easterly!)

The tide was up, but on the turn, and the only birds about were 2 Shelducks, on the water, a short distance from the sea wall. Not too much about on the landward side either, with 2 Swallows, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Sedge Warbler (heard only), 1 Wheatear on the sea wall... and the usual Skylarks - plus a pair of Mallards and 1 Moorhen in the Mawmbridge Drain.

Dean.