Mid October 2021

October 17th. Some mid-morning rain.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15250 Pink-footed Goose (onto Wainfleet Marsh fields then mostly south-west), a Redwing, a Song Thrush and 2 Goldcrest. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Avocet and 18 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 17 Redwing.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock and a Redwing; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Dunnock.

October 16th. Around, including birds trapped, were 32 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 250 Pink-footed Goose (from estuary onto or over Wainfleet Marsh fields), a Marsh Harrier and a Blackcap. On Jackson's Marsh were 101 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands a Grey Heron, 3 Avocet and 2 Greenshank. Going south-west were 67 Whooper Swan and 15000+ Pink-footed Goose; and south a Velvet Scoter, 6 Goldeneye, a Pomarine Skua, 11 Little Gull, an Arctic Tern, 12 Sandwich Tern, a Shag, a Jay, 5 Grey Wagtail and 7 Bearded Tit. A Hawfinch came into the Plantation from the north late afternoon.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: 2 Wren, a Blackcap and a Reed Bunting; and a retrap Blue Tit.

October 15th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15000+ Pink-footed Goose (mostly south-west or onto Wainfleet Marsh fields), 3 Bean Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 3 Snipe, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Jay, 3 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Whooper Swan (in from north), 2 Water Rail, a Grey Heron, 3 Avocet, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank and 3 Greenshank; on the Mere 2 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank, 5 Snip, a Jack Snipe and 1+ Bearded Tit; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Egyptian Goose and 145 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 18 Whooper Swan, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Arctic Skua, a Razorbill, 9 Jay, a Siskin and a Twite; west a Buzzard; and north a Long-tailed Duck, a Manx Shearwater, 10 Kittiwake, 8 Little Gull and 2 Sandwich Tern.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, resulted in 11 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Yellowhammer, a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird and a Jay; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Wren and a Reed Bunting.

October 14th. Around, including birds trapped, were 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 9 Redwing, 4 Blackbird, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat and 3 Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Water Rail, 12 Avocet, 157 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Cetti's Warbler; on Croftmarsh a Grey Heron; and on the Mere 3 Snipe. Flying south were 80 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Whooper Swan, a Little Gull, an Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua,  a Great Skua, a Grey Heron and 4 Siskin; north-west 3700 Pink-footed Goose; and south-west 3 Jay. 

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 4 new birds: 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Robin.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 23 new birds: 3 Wren, 10 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, 5 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Redwing; and 5 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Robin and a Wren.

Pink-footed Geese, 14 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 13th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were 85 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, a Grey Heron and 4 Bearded Tit; on the Mere 5 Snipe and a Jack Snipe; and on Jackson's Marsh 32 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south-west were 2 Jay.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 15 new birds: a Wren, a Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Dunnock, 5 Redwing, a Song Thrush, a Starling and a Blackbird; and a retrap Song Thrush.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 34 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Robin, a Blackcap, 7 Goldfinch, 3 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Greenfinch, 9 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Woodpigeon; 9 retraps: a Blackbird, a Blackcap, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit and a Dunnock; and a control Blackcap with a Belgian ring.

Jack Snipe, 13 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

Snipe, 13 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

Marsh Harrier, 13 October 2021.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 13 October 2021.
Photo - Paul Neale

Angle Shades, 13 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

October 12th. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Marsh Harrier, a Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, 6 Song Thrush, 300 Redwing, a Coal Tit, 2 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling and 2 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Avocet, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Great White Egret and a Cetti's Warbler; on the Mere 8 Snipe and a Grey Wagtail; on Fenland Lagoon a Grey Plover, a Redshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh 143 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, 22 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 3 Arctic Skua, a Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Tern, a Common Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 4 Tree Sparrow, 11 Siskin and 3 Brambling; and north a Puffin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 15 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and 6 Redwing; and 2 retraps: a Song Thrush and a Dunnock.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, yielded 16 new birds: 3 Wren, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Blackcap and a Greenfinch; and 10 retraps: a Coal Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Grey Plover, 12 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

Redwing, trapped 12 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

October 11th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 15260 Pink-footed Goose (many moving), 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 5 Sandwich Tern, a Merlin, a Stonechat, 6 Jay, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Avocet and a Great White Egret; and on the Mere a Water Rail, a Snipe and a Jack Snipe. Flying north were a Spoonbill and 2 Jay; west a Jay; and south 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Swallow and 14 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 22 new birds: 4 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, a Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and a retrap Blackcap.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 9 new birds: 2 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Wren and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Jack Snipe, 11 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Snipe and Jack Snipe, 11 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Curlew, 11 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Shaggy Ink-cap, 11 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Early October 2021

October 10th. Some early morning drizzle.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Snipe, a Barn Owl, 8 Jay, a Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were a Great White Egret and 2 Avocet. Going north were 4000 Pink-footed Goose; and south 450 Pink-footed Goose, a Richard's Pipit and a Lapland Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, produced 10 new birds: a Wren, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Blackbird, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Jay; and 5 retraps: 2 Wren, 2 Dunnock and a Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 32 new birds: 4 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, a Great Tit, a Blackcap, 13 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, a Greenfinch, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 2 Great Tit, 4 Dunnock, a Wren and 2 Blue Tit.

Snipe, 10 October 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Jay, ringed 10 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

October 9th. Misty start, gradually clearing.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, a Goldcrest and 800 Goldfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were a Great White Egret, a Snipe and 2 Greenshank. Heading west were 1400 Pink-footed Goose; and south-west 50 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 52 new birds: 5 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 22 Goldfinch, 2 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 11 Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush and a Starling; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin, a Dunnock, a Chiffchaff and a Wren.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 19 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 8 Goldfinch and 2 Blackcap; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Robin, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Great White Egret, 9 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Ringing Control: Sedge Warbler, ringed Taylodge, Perth & Kinross, Scotland 28 August 2021, controlled GPBO 7 September 2021.

October 8th. Misty start, slowly clearing.

 The Red-breasted Flycatcher reappeared near Shovelers Pool late afternoon. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Sykes Farm Track. Around, including birds trapped, were 6 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 250 Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 74 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, a Coal Tit, a Treecreeper, 29 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, a Pied Flycatcher, 20 Swallow, 20 House Martin and 2 Siskin. On Croftmarsh was a Great White Egret; on the Mere were a Grey Heron and a Kingfisher; on Jackson's Marsh 6 Avocet, 2 Snipe and 9 Spoonbill; and on Tennyson's Sands a Grey Heron, a Water Rail, 6 Avocet and a Greenshank. Flying south were 2 Jay, 20 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 5 Redwing, 40 Meadow Pipit and 2 Brambling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 31 new birds: 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, 9 Goldfinch, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 4 retraps: 2 Blackcap and 2 Dunnock.

 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 79 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 36 Goldfinch, 3 Blackcap, 9 Blue Tit, a Coal Tit, 4 Great Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Siskin, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 20 retraps: a Goldfinch, a Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Dunnock, 4 Wren, 2 Robin, a Treecreeper and 3 Great Tit.

Great White Egret, 8 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

Red-breasted Flycatcher, 8 October 2021.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Sparrowhawk, ringed 8 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Coal Tit, showing features of continental subspecies, 8 October 2021.
Photo - Christine Flint

October 7th. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was discovered north of Shovelers Pool in the morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Greenshank, 2 Buzzard, 2 Merlin, a Jay, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 11 Blackcap, 4 Stonechat and 3 Tree Sparrow. On Tennyson's Sands were 2800 Pink-footed Goose, 28 Avocet, 191 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Spoonbill and a Cetti's Warbler; on the Mere a Black-tailed Godwit; and on Croftmarsh 2 Great White Egret. Going east were 607 Pink-footed Goose; south 280 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, a Snipe, 30 Woodpigeon, a Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 26 House Martin, 2 Jay, 2 Redwing, 1200 Goldfinch, 800 Linnet, 120 Chaffinch, 60 Meadow Pipit, 200 Reed Bunting, 6 Brambling and 2 Siskin; west 50 Pink-footed Goose; northwest 548 Pink-footed Goose; and north 140 Pink-footed Goose and a Manx Shearwater.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 43 new birds: 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Robin, 7 Goldfinch, 10 Reed Bunting, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Tree Sparrow, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 50 new birds: 12 Chiffchaff, a Long-tailed Tit, a Wren, 7 Goldcrest, 7 Blackcap, 3 Great Tit, 8 Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Blue Tit, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Dunnock and 3 Song Thrush; and 9 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, a Song Thrushm a Blue Tit and a Wren.

Jay, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Chiffchaff, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Cetti's Warbler, 7 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Common Drone Fly, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Harlequin Ladybirds, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Black Rustic, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Red-line Quaker, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Satellite, 7 October 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 6th. Fairly strong north-westerly wind.

 A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Ring Ouzel were discovered near Shovelers Pool in the afternoon. Around were a Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Short-eared Owl and 4 Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 14 Whooper Swan, 28 Avocet, 55 Black-tailed Godwit and 11 Spoonbill; and on Croftmarsh 2000 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 80 Brambling, 40 Redwing and a Short-eared Owl. Going south were 7 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Whooper Swan, 103 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, a Mediterranean Gull, 38 Sandwich Tern, a Common Tern, 19 Great Skua, 21 Arctic Skua and a Buzzard; and north 44 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Arctic Skua, a Puffin and 3 Manx Shearwater.

Bramblings, 6 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

October 5th. Soggy start, then increasing south-westerly then south-easterly wind, with rainy spells later.

 On Tennyson's Sands were a Pink-footed Goose, 40 Avocet and 46 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 12 Swallow; and east a Pink-footed Goose.

Feeding ducks, 5 October 2021.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Earthstars, 5 October 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

October 4th. Moderately strong north-westerly wind.

 Around, including birds trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Merlin, 2 Stonechat, 12 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Firecrest and 4 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 42 Avocet and  159 Black-tailed Godwit. In off the sea came 750 Pink-footed Goose. Flying south were 40 Pink-footed Goose, 74 Kittiwake, 56 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Skua, 2 Puffin, 37 Red-throated Diver, 231 Gannet, 7 Swallow and 2 House Martin; and east 450 Pink-footed Goose.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new birds: a Goldcrest and a Goldfinch; and a retrap Dunnock.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 12 new birds: 5 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 3 Dunnock, a Robin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Stonechat, 4 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Stonechat, 4 October 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

Blackbird, ringed 4 October 2021.
Photo - Christine Flint

October 3rd. Increasing south-westerly wind.

 Offshore were a juvenile Sabine's Gull and a Long-tailed Skua. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 3 Swallow, 11 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, a Treecreeper, a Firecrest (north end of West Dunes) and a Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 37 Avocet, 252 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Spoonbill. and on Croftmarsh a Grey Heron. Going south were 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Gull, 577 Kittiwake, a Yellow-legged Gull, 133 Sandwich Tern, a Common Tern, a Great Skua, 22 Arctic Skua, 500 Gannet, 40 Red-throated Diver, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 400 Meadow Pipit,  15 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 30 Siskin, 800 Linnet, 300 Goldfinch and 90 Reed Bunting; and south-west 180 Pink-footed Goose (from estuary roost).

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: a Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Wren.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 19 new birds: 7 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 2 Wren, a Great Tit, a Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Swallow and 2 Dunnock; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Treecreeper.

Firecrest, ringed 3 October 2021.
Photo - Christine Flint

October 2nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, with afternoon rain.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 597 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 4 Arctic Skua, 15 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Stonechat, a Jay and 2 Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 33 Avocet, 251 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 2 Redshank and 2 Spotted Redshank; on Croftmarsh a Snipe and a Marsh Harrier; on Fenland Lagoon 28 Mute Swan, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and  a Redshank; and on Jackson's Marsh a Grey Heron and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading north-west were 700 Pink-footed Goose; south-west 800 Pink-footed Goose; and south 9 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sandwich Tern, a Long-tailed Skua, 30 Meadow Pipit, 2 Swallow, 350 Linnet, a Crossbill, a Brambling and 15 Goldfinch.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, produced 13 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Robin and a Reed Bunting; and a retrap Wren.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 29 new birds: 10 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 4 Great Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Robin, 5 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: 2 Wren, a Robin and a Chiffchaff.

Little Egret, 2 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

Black-tailed Godwit, 2 October 2021.
Photo - jack Hood

Stonechat, 2 October 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

October 1st. Fairly strong south-westerly wind, with rainy spells.

 Birds around included a Sparrowhawk, 6 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff and 3 Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands were 44 Avocet, a Ringed Plover, 201 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank and 3 Spotted Redshank; on Croftmarsh 400 Pink-footed Goose; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Avocet and 102 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 150 Golden Plover and 4 Swallow.

Late September 2021

September 30th. Increasing south-westerly wind with rainy spells.

 On Tennyson's Sands were 44 Avocet, 232 Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron and 5 Spoonbill; and on Jackson's Marsh 12 Black-tailed Godwit.

Dawn from Tennyson's Sands, 30 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

September 29th. Soggy start. Increasing westerly wind.

 Around, including birds trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 42 Sandwich Tern, a Jay, a Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat. On Tennyson's Sands were a Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 25 Avocet, 312 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 5 Spotted Redshank and 17 Spoonbill; on Croftmarsh 300 Pink-footed Goose; on the Mere a Marsh Harrier, a Grey Heron, 8 Snipe, a Kingfisher and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Grey Heron, 30 Gannet, a Yellow-legged Gull, 145 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 3 Arctic Tern, a Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 59 House Martin, 40 Meadow Pipit, a Grey Wagtail and 8 Siskin; and north a Marsh Harrier.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Dunnock and a Whitethroat. 

Grey Heron, 29 September 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Marsh Harrier, 29 September 2021.
Photo - Tom Baker

September 28th. Increasing southerly wind.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 54 Sandwich Tern, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 25 House Martin, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler and a Whitethroat. On Tennyson's Sands were 322 Pink-footed Goose, a Barnacle Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 19 Avocet, 277 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, a Knot, 6 Greenshank, 6 Spotted Redshank, 21 Spoonbill, a Merlin and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Jackson's Marsh 5 Whooper Swan, 2 Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin and a Greenshank. Flying south-west were 42 Pink-footed Goose; east 70 Pink-footed Goose; and south 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Razorbill, a Rook, 90 Swallow, 150 Meadow Pipit, a Lesser Redpoll, 16 Siskin and 4 Brambling. In off the sea came a Buzzard.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinch and a Garden Warbler; and 3 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Peregrine, 28 September 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Stonechat, 28 September 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

Ringing Control: Blackcap, ringed GPBO 19 September 2021, controlled Lodge Hill, Kent 23 September 2021.

September 27th. Strong southerly then south-westerly wind, with rainy spells.

 Birds around included 2 Sand Martin, 300 Swallow, a Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 13 Avocet,  272 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, a Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank and 17 Spoonbill; on Jackson's Marsh an Avocet and 4 Dunlin; and on Croftmarsh 350 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Buzzard. Going south were 46 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, an Arctic Skua, 16 House Martin and 7 Swallow; and north a Dark-bellied Brent Goose.

Roesel's Bush Cricket, 27 September 2021.
Photo - Steve Hibbard

September 26th. Around, including birds trapped, were 176 Pink-footed Goose, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler and a Treecreeper. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Avocet, 300 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, a Dunlin, 6 Greenshank, a Redshank, 4 Spotted Redshank, 19 Spoonbill and a Kingfisher; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 3 Snipe, a Grey Heron and 15 Swallow.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Cetti's Warbler, a Reed Bunting, a Robin and a Blue Tit; and 5 retraps: a Garden Warbler, a Blackcap and 3 Great Tit. The retrap Garden Warbler was ringed on September 20th, and increased in weight from 15.5g to 22.7g.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 26 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

September 25th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, a Wheatear, a Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap. On Tennyson's Sands were 12 Avocet, a Ringed Plover, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 4 Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshank and 20 Spoonbill; and on Jackson's Marsh 107 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank. Flying north were 8 Pink-footed Goose; east 72 Pink-footed Goose and south-east 185 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, provided 13 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Linnet, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch and 3 Dunnock; and 4 retraps: a Robin and 3 Dunnock.

Barred Red, 25 September 2021.
Photo - Nige Lound

September 24th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 45 Pink-footed Goose (New Saltmarsh then south just after dawn), a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 3 Sandwich Tern, a Merlin, a Cetti's Warbler, a Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap. On Tennyson's Sands were 110 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 17 Avocet, 264 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 4 Snipe, 5 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, a Redshank, a Grey Heron and 22 Spoonbill; and on Jackson's Marsh an Avocet, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and a Dunlin. Going south were 18 Golden Plover, 11 Rook, a House Martin, 68 Swallow and 5 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Kyle Campbell, produced 4 new birds: a Linnet, a Blackcap and 2 Reed Bunting.

September 23rd. Increasing south-westerly wind.

 A Glossy Ibis arrived on Tennyson's Sands in the afternoon. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Greenshank, 3 Swallow and 5 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were a Barnacle Goose, 5 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 25 Avocet, 284 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 2 Dunlin, a Snipe, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 30 Spoonbill and 2 Yellow Wagtail; and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were 15 House Martin; east 170 Pink-footed Goose; and north 50 Pink-footed Goose.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 5 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and a Song Thrush; and a retrap Robin.

Knot, 23 September 2021.

Avocet, 23 September 2021.

Grey Heron, 23 September 2021.
Photo - Jack Hood

September 22nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2000 Starling, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Avocet, 3 Ringed Plover, 242 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 2 Snipe, a Dunlin and 26 Spoonbill; and on Jackson's Marsh a Barnacle Goose and a Greenshank. Flying south were 2 Swallow.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 10 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 4 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Goldcrest and a Whitethroat.

Female Sparrowhawk, ringed 22 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Female Sparrowhawk, ringed 2w2 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing Control: Chiffchaff, ringed GPBO 16 July 2021, controlled Calverton, Nottinghamshire 12 September 2021.

September 21st. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 50000 Knot, 4 Greenshank, 36 Sandwich Tern, a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, 5 Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, a Goldcrest and a Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands were 23 Avocet, 267 Black-tailed Godwit and 25 Spoonbill; and on the Mere a Kingfisher. Going south were 36 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 75 Meadow Pipit, 4 Siskin and 2 Brambling; and north a Marsh Harrier.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: a Goldcrest, 7 Blackcap, a Robin, a Whitethroat, a Linnet, 2 Reed Warbler, a Garden Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 2 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Blackcap, a Robin, 2 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Goldcrest, ringed 21 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory

Goldcrest, ringed 21 September 2021.
Photo - George Gregory