Patchwork Challenge 2016 January roundup

This is an overview of my first month of PWC2016, all photographs are of the birds mentioned taken on the patch, however some have a date stamp and some do not.

On the 1st of January I saw 19 species, the only surprise being a female Blackcap in the garden. All of the birds on the 1st were seen around the house: House sparrow, Greylag goose, Canada goose, Great-black backed gull, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Stock dove, Woodpigeon,  Collared dove, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, Great tit, Coal tit, Starling, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Dunnock and Blackcap.

On the 2nd I walked down a short stretch of road (surrounded by trees and fields) and saw some more  new birds: Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Long-tailed tit and Bullfinch.

Chiffchaff

Later that day (2nd) dad and I went to the coastal section of my patch, Hunmanby gap. There we got my first 'two-pointer,' a Shag. We also saw some other new birds: Sanderling, Kestrel, Stonechat, Linnet, Goldfinch, Robin, Common gull, Moorhen, and Mallard.

Stonechat

It wasn't until the 9th until I got my next patch ticks in the form of a Grey wagtail and a Yellowhammer.

Grey wagtail

On the 10th dad and I went to Hunmanby gap, we got some great new additions: Little gull, Great-northern diver, Black-throated diver, Red-throated diver, Gannet, Oystercatcher, Pheasant, (rock)/Feral pigeon and Cormorant. The Little gulls moved south in a steady passage and the divers were great to watch.

Record shot of a passing Little gull

The next additions after the 10th were not until the 16th, because of school. However we did see what was undoubtedly the highlight of the month, a Little auk. This was not just a patch tick but also a lifer for me! The 16th added: Little auk, Razorbill, Great-crested grebe and Grey heron.

After this the only additions were on the 23rd and 24th. Fieldfare on the 23rd and Redwing on the 24th.

In the end I finished with 52 species and 60 points, I do not know whether this is good or bad for my patch as this is my first year taking part in PWC2016. However one thing I am sure of is that I am looking forwards to the year ahead of me.