The month got off to a good start with the sighting of a bittern from the Wolla Bank car park on the 4^th. This is the first sighting of a bittern from this location for many years, it is encouraging to see that birds are starting to explore other areas.

A black redstart briefly alighted on the coast road near Anderby Marsh on the 5^th. Sightings of this species are relatively few over the course of the year. They are usually found in winter around towns and villages especially along on the coast.

Anderby Marsh continues to attract in excess of 2000 birds, peak counts in February were 94 gadwall, 8 shoveler, 760 wigeon, 940 lapwing, 309 golden plover, 8 redshank, 2 bar-tailed godwit, 30 dunlin and 56 curlew as well as the more typical species. The marsh is also starting to attract a good number of gulls in the mornings and evenings, a first-winter yellow-legged gull was found amongst the usual assemblage of birds towards the end of the month. Water pipit was also seen on a few dates over February. At least two peregrine were seen daily over the marsh. In March we will hopefully get a feel for what species may be staying for the summer as the breeding season approaches. Good breeding candidates include species such as redshank, lapwing and maybe even avocet.

A glossy ibis flew high over Anderby Creek on the 19^th in the morning flying northwards and was later lost to view. The same bird presumably was then relocated on a horse paddock by Chapel Pit a couple of days later and was admired by many visiting bird watchers. This is only the second ever record for the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Other scarce visitors during the month included a merlin over Huttoft Bank on 8^th, 28 snow bunting north over Wolla Bank on the 19^th and four twite north at Huttoft Car Terrace on 22^nd.

Interestingly, a peregrine over Anderby Marsh appears to be of the Arctic breeding race ‘calidus’ being incredibly pale in appearance.

The National Trust’s Sandilands nature reserve is starting to come alive with singing skylark and meadow pipit with spring looming ever closer. This site supports the majority of the breeding populations of these species in the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Short-eared owl continues to be seen on a daily basis with up to two birds present. Good numbers of stonechat can also be found along the reserve’s eastern boundary in amongst the scrub.

Seawatching highlights in February included two fulmar, a great northern diver and a black-throated diver. As is customary for the time of year a large gathering of red-throated divers again occurred this year with a staggering 723 birds at dawn on 15^th February. These birds are thought to be Icelandic and North European origin that have wintered around the coast of the UK and are gathering for their return migration north. This gathering only occurred for a few days before the birds moved on. The Lincolnshire coast does act as a staging post and gathering area for these birds on their return migration year after year. It is possible that the birds are using the wind farm as a roosting site as they are often seen flying off the sea around here.   

At least two marsh harrier pairs were back on territory by the months end. Interestingly the bearded tits at Huttoft Pit appear to be lingering around with sightings of at least four birds. They have now been present for over four months it is therefore hoped they may stay and breed here for the first time.

An exodus of pink-footed goose was evident from mid-month with birds returning to breeding grounds in Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen. A peak count of 1,200 birds flew north offshore on 9^th February and several flocks ranging from 100 to 1,000 were observed flying north thereafter over several dates. The current wintering population of pink-footed goose in the UK is estimated to be just over half a million birds. A large proportion of these birds winter along the North Norfolk coast. It is therefore not surprising that they tend to stick to a more direct route on their return migration by heading north offshore to conserve energy. Presumably they will keep the sight of land in sight on departure in case the weather turns unexpectedly so they are able to return to ground and rest.  

Non-avian highlights

The standout highlight of the month was an otter sighted at Huttoft Pit on 24^th February. This is the first otter sighting in the area since July 2019. It was observed feeding and fishing well for a good 30 minutes before disappearing from sight.

Harbour porpoise sightings are becoming more frequent as we come into spring with sightings of animals over three dates.

Brown hare are being sighted regularly on Anderby Marsh with up to three animals seen together. Adjacent farmland has also produced many sightings. Boxing should soon be evident as the weather improves.

Regular grey seal sightings between Anderby Creek and Chapel North Sea Observatory.

Five species to see next month

Small tortoiseshell – these butterflies are often one of the first to emerge look out for them on nice days from sheltered spots along the coastal footpath.

Sand martin – the first sightings tend to occur from mid-March. These migrant birds will be arriving to our shores from southern Africa to breed in the UK for the summer. Look out for them over Anderby Marsh and reedbed areas to the south.

Marsh harrier – look out for these impressive birds of prey throughout the area especially over any areas of extensive reedbed. The males will soon be starting to do display flights and attracting mates. Male marsh harriers are renowned for having several mates and nests on-going at the same time.

Brown hare – keep an eye out for boxing hares on nice days. Best seen on Anderby Marsh and adjacent farmland.

Colt’s-foot – look out for this early spring flower on short grassland areas throughout. They often favour the car park and picnic areas. The bright yellow flower certainly attract attention.