The long run of unsettled weather has continued but the transition to winds from a more typical westerly quarter, combined with a slightly more mobile pattern, has seen brief ridges of high pressure between frontal systems. Rainfall has been more patchy and there have been a few short-lived dry, even sunny breaks, though it has often remained windy and quite chilly.
Logbook entries for the last week have included two Teal on 18th, a doubling of the peak Woodpigeon count from one to two (!) on 17th & 19th, a single Water Rail on 19th, whilst hints of spring included six Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 18th and the highest Skylark count of the year so far, with six on 14th. Also notable were single Goldcrest on 17th & 18th, a Fieldfare in Barton Field on 19th, single Stonechat on 13th & 19th, two Pied Wagtails daily from 15th to 18th, and a handful of Meadow Pipits.
Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gulls, February 2026 © Simon Parker
Meanwhile, Razorbills rafting off South End, most of them resplendent in breeding plumage, give a glimpse of the season shortly to unfold, though there are worrying reports of large numbers of dead Puffins and other seabirds being washed up around the coastline of South West England. This is thought likely to be a result of prolonged stormy weather preventing birds from feeding properly due to reduced visibility in sediment-laden waters, at time when their energy demands are increased in the rough conditions.
Rafting Razorbills, February 2026 © Simon Parker