The continuing wintery weather presumably accounted for the increase in Great Crested Grebe offshore with at least 54 present, although the flat calm conditions did aid counting. Also on the sea 19 Red-throated and four Great Northern Diver, 12 Common Scoter, 10 Guillemot and two Razorbill.
At least seven Chiffchaff were active in the still sunny conditions, with a Firecrest following the Long-tailed Tit flock through the Entrance Bushes, the Dartford Warbler along the Back Path and single Song Thrush and Bullfinch making their first appearance of the year.
Elsewhere five Shoveler, two Water Rail and a Snipe were at the Main Pond and in the estuary at low tide 510 Teal, 300+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese, five Greenshank and, on the Wreck, a Kingfisher.
81. Gannet
Other Wildlife: The annual BSBI New Year Plant Hunt saw a total of 26 species in flower, a similar figure to recent years but far fewer individual plants in bloom this year. At least 56 species have been recorded flowering in the first week of January in the last five years, with one addition this year Dove's-foot Crane's-bill. Other species recorded included Butcher's Broom, Sweet Violet, Sea Radish, Cock's-foot, Summer Snowflake and Red Valerian.
Butcher's Broom - Kevin Rylands
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