NEW YEARS DAY BIRD RACE 2024
We would like to invite as many birders as possible to take part in the Lincolnshire 2024 New Year’s Day bird race event. Similar to previous years, birders can choose what areas they wish to visit, whether it be your local patch or you may fancy going somewhere completely different. There are no time constraints, you can contribute for as little or long as you like on the day. It would be great to cover as many different habitat types in the county as possible to maximise the species count. We will then tally up all the species recorded collectively and see what total we can get.
This event has been quite successful the last couple of years with an incredible 139 species recorded in 2023, an impressive 146 species recorded in 2022 and an equally impressive 144 species in 2021! Can these totals be beaten in 2024?
Highlights from 2023 included Crane, Tundra Bean Geese, Bewick’s Swan and Great Northern Diver. Highlights from previous years have included: White-tailed Plover (East Halton - 2022), Richard’s Pipit (RSPB Frampton Marsh - 2022) and Smew (Baston Pits – 2021).
The above species just go to show that you never know what you might stumble into and promises to be an enjoyable day for all. Not to mention a nice way to start your 2024 year list! A rough set of rules for the day is outlined below…
1. Only species within the county boundary can be counted
2. Species can be counted and recorded any time between 00:00 – 23:59 on Monday 1st January 2024
3. Observers can record independently or in groups
4. No use of tape luring allowed
5. No stringing
6. All records/sightings to be submitted via BirdTrack or eBird by January 3rd. Alternatively records can be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if preferred.
Further along a variety of ducks, mainly teal, mallard and shoveler were visible on the lagoon out on the marsh, also a single ruff. A whooper swan flew in over our heads and Owen thought that he saw a fieldfare, this being the only thrush seen.
The final bird count for the morning was around 50 species. Other interesting observations included a parasol mushroom, two common darters, and a fox moth caterpillar.
The group dispersed around 11.0, with several members subsequently catching up with four cattle egrets in the company of the cows at Elm House farm. A very enjoyable walk and many thanks to Owen for giving up his time to lead us.
Sally Prescott
