Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog

Late October 2024

October 28th. Birds around included 2 Cattle Egret again on Croftmarsh, the Yellow-browed Warbler remaining in the Plantation, 2 Ravens, a Jay, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 5 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier and a Med Gull.

October 27th. After two days of grim, foggy or drizzly weather, today was a real contrast: clear, and sunny with light westerly to south-westerly wind.

There was a big arrival/passage of Woodpigeons from early on with various Finches, Pipits, Skylarks, Lapwings, Golden Plovers and Whooper Swans moving south, and small groups of Redwings, Fieldfares, Starlings and Song Thrushes arriving. Some large flocks of Pink-footed Geese were commuting over the Wash again. Yesterday's Hawfinch was again around the Plantation with a new Yellow-browed Warbler there too. A flock of 8 Bearded Tits dropped into Tennyson's Sands reedbed.

Also around were 80 Brent Geese, a Ring-necked Parakeet, a Ring Ouzel, 5 Stonechat, 2 Water Pipits, 6 Cetti's Warblers, a Red Kite, a Peregrine and a Coal Tit (probably Continental).

A sound-recording made of yesterday's powerful Crossbill has enabled it to be identified as a Parrot Crossbill.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, a Fieldfare and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Dunnock, 4 Wren, a Song Thrush and a Robin.

Bearded Tit, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Golden Plovers, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Whooper Swans, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Pintails, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Kestrel, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Marsh Harrier, 27th October 2024.
Photo - Steve Clipperton

Fieldfare, ringed 27 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 26th. A very foggy start, clearing mid morning, then partially cloudy, with light southerly wind.

A good day for Finches, with another arrival of Chaffinches, and more Siskins, a few Bramblings and Redpolls, 2 Bullfinches, a Crossbill sp and a Hawfinch.

Several flocks of Redwings arrived with a few new Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs. A total of 8 Cetti's Warblers was a site record. There were still plenty of Robins around.

Several groups of Pink-footed Geese flew over, including some calling in the fog, and small groups of Whooper Swans headed south.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new Goldcrest; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Robin, a Goldcrest and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Dave Vincent resulted in 12 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Dunnock and 3 Redwing; and 6 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit and 3 Dunnock.

October 25th. Quite thick fog on and off all day, with light south-easterly wind.

Overnight moth-trapping produced another Marbled Fern.

New birds were arriving in the fog, noticeably Chaffinches, with some Bramblings, Redwings, Song Thrushes and Starlings. A Yellow-browed Warbler was also a new arrival in the East Dunes. Other birds around included at least 4 Bearded Tits, 6 Cetti's Warblers,3 Marsh Harriers, a Great White Egret and 2 Cattle Egrets.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 2 Wren, a Robin, 4 Chaffinches and a Blackbird; 2 retrap Robins; and a control Goldcrest.

A late afternoon/roost ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 8 new birds: 3 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a Blackcap; and 3 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a Robin.

Ringing Control: Goldcrest, ringed Top House Farm, Rawcliffe Bridge, East Yorkshire 16 March 2024, controlled GPBO 25 October 2024.

Great White Egret, 25th October 2024.
Photo - Merv Goddard

Marbled Fern, 25th October 2024.

Photo - Sam Goddard

October 24th. Clear, with fresh south-easterly wind.

Overnight moth-trapping yielded another selection of migrants, including the second county record of Radford's Flame Shoulder (following the first here on October 6th), along with 3 Clancy's Rustics and a Gem.

The morning started with over 5000 Pink-footed Geese moving north-west out of the Wash, 3 Marsh Harriers leaving the roost, 1800 Lapwing commuting between feeding and roosting sites and 5000 Woodpigeon heading south in various sized flocks. 2 Cattle Egrets remained on Croftmarsh with 6 Bearded Tits nearby on Tennyson's Sands. Also on there were a Great White Egret and 4 Water Rails, while a Red-breasted Merganser was an unusual visitor on the Mere late afternoon. A Ring Ouzel was in East Dunes and at least 6 Cetti's Warblers were recorded.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Linnet, a Chaffinch and a Robin; and 5 retraps: 2 Wren, a Great Tit and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Red-breasted Merganser, 24th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Common Darter, 24th October 2024.
Photo - Zara Brown

Radford's Flame Shoulder, 24th October 2024.
Photo - Sam Goddard

October 23rd. Damp start, misty until mid morning, then cloudy with light south-westerly wind.

Calling and heading south in the mist were 30+ Whooper Swans (in 2 groups) and 1000+ Pink-footed Geese (in several groups). Six Bearded Tits were around Jackson's Marsh. A Water Pipit was flying around Jackson's Marsh scrape in the afternoon.

During the late afternoon close to dusk there were 9000+ Pink-footed Geese visible from Fenella Hope hide over distant farmland, all moving into the Wash to roost. Another 500 were on Croftmarsh until after dark. Also on Tennyson's Sands were 2500+ Teal, 100+ Shoveler, 10+ Pintail, 500+ Lapwing, 2 Water Rail, 30 Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin and a Barn Owl.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, a Redwing and a Song Thrush.

October 22nd. Mostly cloudy, with fresh south-westerly wind.

Visible migration between 7.15am and 8.30am from the Hump yielded 8 Brambling, 84 Chaffinch, 94 Goldfinch, 3 Grey Wagtail, 4 House Sparrow, 28 Redpoll, 34 Meadow Pipit, 46 Siskin, 6 Swallow, 43 Whooper Swan, a Yellowhammer and 800 Woodpigeon, all moving south.

Visible migration from Mill Hill during the morning revealed more birds moving south including 3490 Wood Pigeon, a Tree Sparrow, 87 Meadow Pipit, 78 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 18 Rock Pipit, 219 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 27 Greenfinch, 141 Linnet, 12 Redpoll, 738 Goldfinch, 38 Siskin, 35 Reed Bunting, 25 Whooper Swan and 1 Woodlark.

A total of 3000 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Marsh Harrier moved out of the Wash at first light. Birds around included 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Stonechat, a Cetti's Warbler, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, a Great White Egret, 3 Water Rail, 4 Egyptian Geese, whilst on Croftmarsh there were 2 Cattle Egret with the cows. Over the sea, a Red-breasted Merganser moved south.

A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Robin, a Meadow Pipit, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk.

Double Rainbow, 22nd October 2024.
Picture - Nigel Lound

Sparrowhawk, ringed 22 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 21st. Cloudy, gradually clearing, with decreasing south-westerly wind.

Flying south in the morning were 16 Whooper Swans and 5 Swallows along with a Purple Sandpiper along the beach with a Velvet Scoter south shortly afterwards. Also south from Mill Hill were a Snow Bunting, a Tree Sparrow and a Mediterranean Gull. Another 10 Whooper Swans went south over Harvey's Hide in the afternoon. A Snipe was on Freshwater Marsh. Around Aylmer Avenue were 30 House Martins.

During the late afternoon/early evening 3600 Pink-footed Geese went into the Wash to roost, whilst 2 Great White Egrets went into the Plantation to roost. Around late on were 2 Merlin, 3 Marsh Harriers, a Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl. 26 Pintail were on the Wash along with 300 Teal.

On Tennyson's Sands were 2000 Teal, 132 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 300 Wigeon, 14 Pintail, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Egyptian Geese and a Cetti's Warbler, whilst a Cattle Egret was on Croftmarsh. During the day 14 Swallow moved south and 3 Stonechat were around the East Dunes frontage.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group produced 35 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Wren, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, a Coal Tit, a Chaffinch, 16 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Great Tit, a Greenfinch, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Great Tit, a Wren and a Blackbird.

Leucistic Pink-footed Goose with Pink-footed Geese, 21st October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Lesser Redpoll, ringed 21 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

Mid October 2024

October 20th. A very wet day. with rain not stopping until late afternoon, and strong south-westerly wind.

Unpleasant conditions for the WeBS counters this morning but ample reward with over 100,000 waders coming up to roost; typically Knot were dominant with 70,000, but 15500 Dunlin was an exceptional October count. The bad weather reduced the potential for visible migration so it was a surprise when a Red-rumped Swallow battled south at eye level with three House Martins. A welcome addition to the Reserve year-list after none were recorded in spring unusually. Elsewhere, 3 Swallows and a Water Pipit were over the west Dunes and a large Diver sp went south over the sea.

October 19th. Cloudy, with rain on and off until mid afternoon, with decreasing south-westerly wind.

Birds around included 3 Cattle Egrets, 157 Brent Geese, a Goosander, 2 Marsh Harriers, a male Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Jay, 5 Bearded Tits, 6 Chiffchaffs and a Yellow-browed Warbler. In the evening, 7000 Starlings went to roost.

A rain-delayed afternoon ringing session in East Dunes by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group provided 7 new birds: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: 2 Robin, a Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

October 18th. A dewy, clear start, gradually clouding over, with increasing southerly wind.

Early news involved 4 Yellow-browed Warblers with one at Mill Hill, one further south in the East Dunes, one at Sykes Farm and another caught and ringed at Aylmer Avenue, as was a Cetti's Warbler. Another Cetti's Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Visible migration was steady over East Dunes during the first three hours of light and 90,000 Knot were up at the roost with many other waders including 4000 Bar-tailed Godwit. A Cattle Egret went north over the sea, with another over Croftmarsh (and later in the pre-roost on Jackson's Marsh) and a Short-eared Owl was on the saltings north of Mill Hill. Whooper Swans numbered 15 on Tennyson's Sands mid afternoon. A male Hen Harrier went north along the East Dunes and 2 Coal Tit were around Sykes Farm. A Jay went south-west. Around were 155 Brent Geese, 3 Sparrowhawk and at least 1 Bearded Tit.

A ringing session in East Dunes by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group produced 56 new birds: 10 Wren, 16 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, a Redwing, 5 Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 13 retraps: 3 Robin, 2 Wren, 2 Dunnock and 6 Long-tailed Tit.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Dave Vincent produced 15 new birds: a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Dunnock, 2 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Robin, a Long-tailed Tit, a Dunnock, a Blackbird, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit and a Chaffinch.

Goldfinches, 18th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Goosander, 18th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 18th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Bearded Tit, 18th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Whooper Swans, 18th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Sam Goddard, 18th October 2024.

Photo - Sam Goddard

Goldcrest, 18th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Sorby Breck Ringing Group, 18 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 17th. Another soggy start after overnight rain, becoming moderately clear, with light south-westerly wind.

At least 4 Yellow-browed Warblers were on the Reserve with one in the Orchard, one around Sykes Farm and 2 at the north end of the West Dunes/Cycle track although all were highly mobile. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 adult White-fronted Geese with the Pink-footed Geese, whilst on Croftmarsh with the cows were 2 Cattle Egrets. Around the Visitor Centre were 2 Black Redstarts. Flying over Sykes Farm were 2 Bearded Tits, whilst a Jay was in the Plantation.

In the East Dunes were 2 Woodcock. Visible migration was very busy prior to 0930hrs with Finches, Pipits and Skylarks flying south, including 12 Brambling. In the afternoon, 4 Tree Sparrow, 10 Swallow and 2 House Martins also headed south. 35 Brent Geese, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, a Ring-necked Parakeet and a Kingfisher were also noted during the day.

During the late afternoon and evening several large flocks of Pink-footed Geese arrived from the north and flew south-east across the Wash. One flock included two Snow Geese, having earlier been seen passing Huttoft. 70,000 Knot came up to roost on the evening tide.

A range of migrant moths were trapped overnight including a Gem and the first Reserve record of Clancy's Rustic.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 26 new birds: 4 Wren, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Dunnock.

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Cattle Egrets, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Tree Sparrow, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Two White-fronted Geese, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Wader flocks going to roost, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Annabel Kemp

Wader flocks going to roost, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Annabel Kemp
The Gem, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Sam Goddard
Clancy's Rustic, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Sam Goddard

October 16th. A soggy start after overnight rain, cloudy, with light south-westerly wind.

There were 3 Yellow-browed Warblers with 2 around Sykes Farm and the Plantation with a third at the north end of the West Dunes. Redwings were heading south down the West Dunes again this morning and despite only being a fraction of yesterday's movement, it was still busy at times. Mixed with them were small numbers of Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Brambling, Reed Buntings, 5 Ring Ouzel and a Hawfinch. A ringtail Hen Harrier headed south along the beach with 2 Marsh Harriers, and the male Hen Harrier was still hunting locally. A Woodcock was in the East Dunes along with a Merlin and 2 Swallows. Two Cattle Egrets were still on Tennyson's Sands from Harvey's Hide along with a pair of Stonechats

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 38 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, a Garden Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 9 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

A late afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Goldcrest and a Great Tit.

Stonechat, 16th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Water Rail, 16th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

October 15th. Cloudy all day, with a fresh south-easterly wind turning easterly later on.

A huge Redwing arrival and migration dominated the morning. Small groups were moving initially but then after 0745hrs very large flocks were arriving from the north and moving south, predominantly down the West Dunes. By 0945hrs, over 18,400 had arrived/passed through and flocks continued to pass through throughout the day with the later birds arriving and many going to roost in the Plantation and West Dunes - amounting to some 2850. The overall total for the day was 27,300!

Also flying south early morning were 3 Marsh Harriers, probably out of a roost. Other birds around included 23 Brent Geese, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 10 Siskin, 20 Brambling and 8 Ring Ouzels.

On Tennyson's Sands there were 256 Pink-footed Geese, 86 Greylag Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 53 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 27 Pintail, 800 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 250 Lapwing, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret.

Late afternoon another Cattle Egret arrived from the north and flew towards Croftmarsh. The Freshwater Marsh held 3 Common Snipe and a Ring Ouzel, while 500+ Starlings provided entertainment near dusk over the Fenland Lagoon. A Marsh Harrier was at the back of the Mere for the last hour before dusk whilst 8 Swallows were around late on possibly roosting on one of the lagoons.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 10 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush; and a retrap Wren.

A late afternoon till dusk ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 28 new birds: 25 Redwing, a Wren, a Robin and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Wren.

Ringing Control: Chiffchaff, ringed Rowlands Sewage Works, Tyne and Wear 3 August 2024, controlled GPBO 3 October 2024.

Redwings, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwings moving south from the hump, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwing, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Ring Ouzel, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Bearded Tit 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Egyptian Geese, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

October 14th. Early morning light rain then mostly a sunny day with a light north-westerly wind continuing.

Tennyson's Sands early morning held 294 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 77 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall,180 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 1302 Teal and 7 Tufted Duck. There were also 34 Little Grebe and 13 Water Rail along with 259 Lapwing, 47 Golden Plover, 21 Avocet, 29 Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe. There were 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret on the lagoons along with 3 Marsh Harriers about and 2 Cetti's Warblers on Tennyson's Sands. There was a Stonechat on the Mere and another at the Visitor Centre. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again vocal around Sykes Farm where 4 Bearded Tits flew over mid morning. A House Sparrow went north late morning.

Late afternoon there was a Kingfisher on the Mere and the male Stonechat still on bushes in the reedbed there also. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was about late afternoon and small numbers of Redwing were dropping in from the north.

Cattle Egrets, 14th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Golden Plovers, 14th October 2024.

Photo - Jack Hood

October 13th. Overcast, with a light north-westerly wind.

54 Whooper Swans had roosted on Tennyson's Sands overnight and departed early. They were followed by a further 39 south. 7 Bearded Tits and 3 Cattle Egrets were also on Tennyson's Sands, and Teal were still in high numbers - c2000. Visible migration involved similar numbers and species to the last few days, but 3 Marsh Harriers and 2 Twite also flew south. A light arrival late morning brought new Redwings, Song Thrushes, Chaffinches and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Birds around included 120 Brent Geese and a Coal Tit.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Reed Bunting and 5 Long-tailed Tits.

Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Whooper Swans, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale
Marsh Harrier, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Avocets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Barn Owl, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Cetti's Warbler, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 12th. Cloudy, with increasing south-westerly to southerly wind, with rain developing after midday.

Highlights of the morning sea-watch included a Pomarine Skua, a Great Northern Diver and 5 Little Gulls.

Around were 120 Brent Geese, 30 Whooper Swans, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin.. Two Water Pipits were flushed off the Old Saltmarsh by a Marsh Harrier late afternoon.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren and a Blackcap.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 14 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit; and 2 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit and a Blue Tit.

Great White Egret, 12th October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Mallard, 14th October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

October 11th. Frosty, clear start, gradually becoming sunny and warm, with light south-westerly wind.

Every autumn we get one or two days when large numbers of Whooper Swans pass through, and today was one of those days - the total of 838 birds was the most ever seen here in a day, providing an amazing sight and sound! Pink-footed Geese were also on the move with several large skeins passing through. Visible migration otherwise involved a good passage of Finches, Pipits and Larks, with a few Wagtails and Swallows. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Bearded Tits. Other birds around included 86 Brent Geese, a Spotted Redshank, a late Common Sandpiper, 5 Jays, a Red Kite, a Water Pipit and a single Yellow-browed Warbler remaining at Sykes Farm.

Overnight, the Northern Lights provided a spectacular display

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Coal Tit (showing characteristics of the continental subspecies), a Robin and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Blackcap and a Robin.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 9 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap; and a retrap Robin.