Patching in February and March

 February 13th to 28th 

Had a wonderful time in Spain but back to earth with a bump, although the patch hasnt been that bad recently. Whitefronts are always a highlight between Hollesley and Boyton with up to 350 on site, the bigger numbers being at Boyton. Other geese have been 25 Barnacles and a Single Pinkfoot. 

In the garden a Moorhen and Firecrest. 

Back at Hollesley many Caspian Gulls of all ages the same with Yellow legged gulls. The Cattle egret spent most of the month by the prison. 

MARCH 25

March is getting better with Merlin now on site, still big numbers of White fronted geese, the damn White tailed eagle that i keep missing. 

Ruff numbers are increasing to double figures.

A Dartford Warbler was a nice surprise by the screen at Hollelsey and Gulls were still thrilling me with more Caspians and Yellow legged.  The Cattle Egret is still present.

Spoonbills are ever increasing with a flock of 15 seen in flight and a few showing well on pools.

A nice owl fest with Little, Short and Tawny owls on site. Stock doves in the evening light were superb.

Rare birds for the site were a Common Crane and upto 6 Red kites. A great White Egret back for the winter but sporadic.

The end of the month found birds finally starting to move with Little Ringed plovers and over 15 White Wagtails with 80 Pied. A bittern, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps now in and 2 Sand martins over.  A Black Redstart then 2 came in with a big fall of birds. 29th a Singing Sedge warbler now in too from Hollesley Sluice.

Pintails and Chinese Water deer were good for photos. Green Sandpipers are starting to return in small numbers.

Had a day off patch to Minsmere with friends, Adders were about the best along side, Caspian Gulls, Yellow legged gulls, Med Gulls, and Great white egrets. 

3 Emperor moth to lure 29th. 2 Ravens over the garden on the same day. 30th my first Willow Warbler of the year. 

Thinks that's it for March