Mid October 2018

October 16th. Foggy, soggy start, gradually clearing and drying out.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 29 Whooper Swan, 28 Pintail, 5 Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 11 Snipe, 2 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 74 Goldcrest, 21 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 16 Yellow-browed Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 9 Ring Ouzel, 69 Blackbird, 78 Song Thrush, 715 Redwing, 181 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, 141 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 8 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, 14 Brambling, a Bullfinch, a Crossbill and 18 Siskin. Flying south were 58 Skylark, a Woodlark, 10 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 10 Brambling, 76 Chaffinch and 4 Lesser Redpoll. In of the sea came a Marsh Harrier, 34 Lapwing and 491 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 81 new birds: 21 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 18 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 12 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 6 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Blackcap and Blue Tit.

Kestrel - 16th October 2018
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 16th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Stinkhorn Fungus, causing a bad smell in the Heligoland Trap, 16th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

October 15th. Rain for most of day.
 Birds around included 29 Whooper Swan, 50 Brent Goose, 440 Wigeon, a Grey Heron, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, 24 Goldcrest, a Merlin, 4 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 70 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 75 Song Thrush, 344 Redwing, 45 Robin and 37 Brambling. Going south were 9 Brent Goose, 19 Teal, 52 Wigeon, 12 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, an Arctic Skua, 2 Skua spp, 4 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting; and north a Manx Shearwater, 80 Gannet, a Great Skua, a Skua spp and a Kittiwake. In off the sea came 130 Starling.

Eurasian Teal, 15th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont.

Tree Sparrow, 15th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 14th. Rain for most of day.
 Birds around included 31 Whooper Swan, 210 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 6 Avocet, 3860 Oystercatcher, 3131 Grey Plover, 37 Lapwing, 58450 Knot, 750 Sanderling, 3354 Dunlin, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, a Jay, 12 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 24 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 25 Robin, 7 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Siskin. Heading south were 85 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Teal, 11 Wigeon, an Eider, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Shag, a Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua,  a House Martin, 6 Swallow, 6 Brambling and 64 Siskin. In off the sea came 9 Lapwing and 319 Starling.

October 13th. Strong southerly wind.
 Birds around included 29 Whooper Swan, 15 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Pintail, a Grey Heron, 2 Avocet, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 9 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Yellow Wagtail, a Water Pipit, 3 Brambling, a Redpoll, 4 Siskin and 3 Crossbill. Heading south were 14 Swallow.

Dawn over East Dunes, 13 October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

October 12th. Increasing, then decreasing, southerly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 29 Whooper Swan, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Pintail, 3 Eider, 17 Common Scoter, 3 Turnstone, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Merlin, a Kingfisher, 13 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 13 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, 15 Siskin and 3 Crossbill. Heading south were 141 Wigeon, 111 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-breated Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Guillemot, an Arctic Skua, 3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, a Kestrel and 4 Swallow. In off the sea came 23 Pink-footed Goose.
 A brief, wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 3 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Robin and 3 Goldcrest.

Brambling, 12th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 11th. A Wing-barred Phylloscopus Warbler was discovered near North Building. It showed some features of Arctic Warbler, but observers reported the single heard call to be more consistent with that of Greenish Warbler. Around, including birds trapped, were 30 Brent Goose, 29 Whooper Swan, 85 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 283 Cormorant, a Greenshank, 7 Snipe, a Pomarine Skua, a Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 50 Song Thrush, 220 Redwing, 6 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 20 Brambling, 4 Crossbill and 2 Snow Bunting. Flying south were 43 Brent Goose, 169 Wigeon, 31 Teal, a Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 14 Eider, 53 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 7 Turnstone, a Great Skua, 2 Sandwich Tern, 300 Woodpigeon, 94 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 70 Redwing, 30 Rock Pipit, 60 Brambling, 12 Crossbill and a Yellowhammer. In off the sea came 200 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 17 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush and 4 Redwing; and 3 retraps: a Blackcap, a Blue Tit and a Firecrest.

Snow Bunting, 11th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 11th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 11th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Early October 2018

October 10th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 30 Brent Goose, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 27 Whooper Swan, 60 Wigeon, 17 Pintail, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 8339 Oystercatcher, 3384 Grey Plover, 271 Curlew, 4210 Bar-tailed Godwit, 82000 Knot, 1235 Sanderling, 6770 Dunlin, 2 Spotted Redshank, an Arctic Tern, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 14 Goldcrest, 8 Coal Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 3 Treecreeper, a Fieldfare, 3 Ring Ouzel, 21 Redwing, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest. Going south were a Marsh Harrier, 24 Lapwing, 834 Woodpigeon, 3 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 93 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 3 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 7 Rock Pipit, 21 Brambling, 22 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch, 41 Linnet, 8 Crossbill, 115 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin and 12 Reed Bunting; and east 6 Ruff. In off the sea came 306 Starling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: a Wren, A Firecrest, a Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock.

Firecrest, ringed 10th October 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, 10th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Greenshanks Creek, at morning high tide, 10th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Sunrise out from Mill Hill, 10th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 9th. Breezy south-westerly.

 The Spotted Crake was again seen in the channel by the Mere. Around, including birds trapped, were 24 Whooper Swan, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 97 Brent Goose, 117 Wigeon, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 9 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 10 Yellow-browed Warbler, 13 Redwing, 7 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, a Crossbill and 3 Snow Bunting. Heading south were a White-fronted Goose, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull, 270 Woodpigeon, 10 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 92 Starling, 9 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 330 Linnet, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 236 Goldfinch, 194 Siskin, 42 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 6 Brambling, a Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting, 63 Reed Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer; north an Arctic Skua; and west 50 Fieldfare. In off the sea came 3 Marsh Harrier.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting and a Merlin; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Dunnock.

Merlin, ringed 9th September 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

Snow Buntings, 9th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

Rock and Meadow Pipits, 9th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 8th. Breezy south-westerly.

 The Spotted Crake was again seen in the left channel beyond the Mere. In the Plantation were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler. Birds around were 5 Brent Goose, 140 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Whooper Swan, an Egyptian Goose, 80 Wigeon, a Hawfinch, 4 Brambling and 3 Crossbill. Going east were 120 Pink-footed Goose; and south 8 Skylark and a Swallow.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 7 new birds: a Wren, 3 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap and 2 Blackbird; and a retrap Blackcap.

Brambling, 8th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound

Whooper Swan, 8th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 7th. Scarcities on the reserve were 2 Barred Warbler, 18 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Richard's Pipit. The Spotted Crake was re-found in the adjacent channel by the Mere. A large fall of Brambling was evident early morning with a total of 461 counted. Around, including birds trapped, were 25 Whooper Swan, 1170 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Jack Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Caspian Gull, a Kingfisher, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 25 Goldcrest, 24 Chiffchaff, 35 Blackcap, 7 Ring Ouzel, 214  Redwing, 32 Fieldfare and a Hawfinch. Heading south were 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzard, a Twite, a Lapland Bunting and 4 Snow Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 55 new birds; a Wren, a Goldcrest, 10 Reed Bunting, 14 Blackcap, 6 Great Tit, 3 Robin, a Brambling, 7 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Barred Warbler, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, a Ring Ouzel and a Sparrowhawk; and 9 retraps: 2 Wren, a Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, 2 Robin and a Blue Tit.

Richard's Pipit, 9th October 2018

Photo - Kev Wilson

Barred Warbler, ringed 7th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, ringed 7th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Redwing, ringed 7th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Jack Snipe, 7th October 2018.
Photo - Liam Andrews

October 6th. Rain for most of day. 

 Birds around included 6, a Hobby, a Merlin, 2 Ring Ouzel, 120 Redwing and 11 Brambling. On the Mere was a Jack Snipe. In off the sea came a Woodcock, 50 Snipe and 40 Starling. Flying north were 9 Pintail, 2 Scaup, 8 Manx Shearwater, 5 Little Gull, 7 Common Tern, 8 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua, 38 Sandwich Tern and  3 Arctic Tern; and south 228 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 9 Arctic Skua, 6 Great Skua, 4 Swallow and 4 Siskin.

October 5th. A Spotted Crake (possibly the previous bird) was photographed in the right channel beyond the Mere. Birds around included 4 Whooper Swan, 250 Pink-footed Goose, 213 Shelduck, 38 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 64 Lapwing, 6 Spotted Redshank, 11 Snipe, a Guillemot, a Merlin, a Hobby, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Coal Tit, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Fieldfare and 11 Stonechat. Going south were 66 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 14 Swallow, a House Martin and 4 Redwing; and north a Buzzard and a Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber and Jessica Arrowsmith, produced 8 new birds: a Wren, 2 Robin, 2 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Blackcap, a Robin and a Dunnock.

Merlin, 5th October 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Shaggy Ink Cap now collapsing, 5th October 2018.
Compare with yesterday's photo.
Photo - George Gregory

October 4th.  Birds around, including those trapped, were 4 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, 600 Golden Plover, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, 3 Sandwich Tern, a Kingfisher, a Hobby, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel, 10 Stonechat and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 22 Woodpigeon, 4 Carrion Crow, 49 Skylark, 4 Swallow, a House Sparrow, 3 Tree Sparrow, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 44 Siskin and 21 Redpoll; and west 2 Fieldfare. In off the sea came 94 Woodpigeon.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 20 new birds: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Linnet, a Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting and a Blue Tit; and 6 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit, a Reed Bunting and a Wren.

Shaggy Ink Cap, now mostly 'melted', 4th October 2018.
Compare with yesterday's photo.
Photo - George Gregory

October 3rd. Around, including birds trapped, were a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Stonechat and a Brambling. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Flying south or in were 10 Whooper Swan, 300 Woodpigeon, a Hobby, a Fieldfare and 300 Redwing; and north 2 Great Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 24 new birds: 3 Wren, 8 Reed Bunting, a Linnet, a Stonechat, 6 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 9 retraps: a Dunnock, a Wren, 2 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, a Chaffinch and 3 Blue Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 48 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 13 Blue Tit, 22 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Greenfinch and a Dunnock; and 16 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 8 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Blackbird, a Wren and a Chiffchaff.

Stonechat, ringed 3rd October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 3rd October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Shaggy Ink Cap now largely 'melted', 3rd October 2018.
Compare with yesterday's photo.
Photo - George Gregory

October 2nd. Increasing, then decreasing, westerly wind.
 An adult Sabine's Gull went south into the Wash early evening. Also going south were 3 Whooper Swan, 9 Pintail, 22 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 24 Red-throated Diver, a Diver spp, 357 Gannet, a Shag, a Great Crested Grebe, an Osprey, 60 Great Skua, 23 Arctic Skua, a juvenile Pomarine Skua, 2 Skua spp, 2 Guillemot, a Razorbill, 20 Auk spp, 8 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, a Commic Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull; north 27 Wigeon, 87 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua. Going west were 300 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 7 Snipe and a Kestrel. Offshore in the evening was a juvenile Pomarine Skua. Birds around included 2 Water Rail, 6 Spotted Redshank, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hobby, 16 House Martin, 2 Stonechat and a Snow Bunting. On the Mere were 10 Whooper Swan.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 24 new birds: 11 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blue Tit, 7 Reed Bunting and a Blackcap; and 11 retraps: a Blackbird, a Wren, 2 Linnet, a Robin, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and 2 Goldcrest.

Snow Bunting, 2nd October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Great Skua, a good day of passage, 2nd October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Whooper Swans, south over the beach, 2nd October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Shaggy Ink Cap beginning to 'melt', 2nd October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

October 1st. Increasing, then decreasing, north-westerly wind.
 A first calendar year Caspian Gull was around the beach and following a trawler in the evening; and offshore was a juvenile Pomarine Skua. Heading north were a Sooty Shearwater, 7 Manx Shearwater, 688 Gannet, 16 Great Skua, 18 Arctic Skua, a juvenile Pomarine Skua and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua; and south 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and a Mediterranean Gull. Birds around included 2 Whooper Swan, 100 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Jack Snipe, a Hobby, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Fieldfare and 4 Stonechat.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 12 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and 3 Blue Tit; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Wren.

Late September 2018

September 30th. The Spotted Crake was still in the left channel beyond the Mere. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Water Rail, 85 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank and 69 Redshank; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Spoonbill. Birds around included 7 Brent Goose, 2 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 13 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 12 Song Thrush and a Stonechat. Flying south were a Buzzard, a Hobby, 17 House Martin, 3 House Sparrow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and 38 Siskin; east 35 Pink-footed Goose; and north a Great Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: 2 Wren, a Blue Tit, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, 4 Great Tit and a Blackcap; and 2 retrap Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 44 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 14 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, a Robin, 15 Greenfinch and a Dunnock; 19 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 8 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Long-tailed Tit and a Robin; and a control Goldfinch with a Belgian ring.

Coal Tit, 30th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Whooper Swan, 30th September 2018.
Video - Ben Ward

September 29th. The Spotted Crake was seen briefly in the left channel beyond the Mere. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Stonechat. Going south were 5 Swallow, 10 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 302 Meadow Pipit, 9 Greenfinch, 20 Linnet, 27 Goldfinch, 35 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 30 new birds: 3 Wren, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Meadow Pipit, 3 Blackcap, a Siskin, 5 Blue Tit, a Great Tit and 3 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Dunnock and a Goldcrest.

Curlew, 29th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Siskin, ringed 29th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 28th. Birds around included 2 Spoonbill, 4894 Oystercatcher, 1360 Grey Plover, 95 Curlew, 3920 Bar-tailed Godwit, 78885 Knot, 2505 Sanderling, 2610 Dunlin, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 13 Chiffchaff, a Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Stonechat. Heading southwest were 960 Pink-footed Goose; south 16 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 2 Great Skua, a small Skua spp and 3 Auk spp; and north 9 Red-throated Diver, 151 Gannet, 22 Cormorant, 15 Manx Shearwater, a Petrel spp, 7 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 10 Auk spp and 23 Sandwich Tern. 
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 12 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, 5 Blue Tit and a Robin; and 2 retraps: a Linnet and a Great Tit.

September 27th. An adult winter White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered in the morning's high tide roost. The Spotted Crake was seen again early morning. Birds around included a Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 650 Golden Plover, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 9 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, a Pied Flycatcher and 6 Stonechat. Heading south were 2 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 3 Buzzard, a Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 3 Hobby and 89 Siskin. 
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 15 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Linnet and 2 Chaffinch; and 2 retraps: a Song Thrush and a Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Keith Collett and Mike Polling provided 60 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Blackcap, 16 Blue Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Coal Tit, 6 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, 6 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 35 retraps: 2 Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 4 Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest, a Greenfinch, 9 Blue Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Great Tit, a Sparrowhawk and a Blackcap.

Male Willow Emerald Damselfly, 27th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

White-rumped Sandpiper, field sketch, 27th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 26th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 The Spotted Crake remained faithful to the channel to the east side of the Mere. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Pintail, 2 Spoonbill, 175 Black-tailed Godwit, 64 Avocet, 7 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Birds around included 57 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 2 Tawny Owl, 9 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, a Stonechat and 5 Siskin. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard and 3 Kestrel.

Spotted Crake, 26th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 25th. A Spotted Crake was discovered along Mill Pond Road late afternoon. Birds around included 320 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 4 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Redwing, a Whinchat, 6 Stonechat and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were a Pintail, 2 Spoonbill, 168 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Going south were 2 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel and 9 Swallow; and north a Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.  
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 19 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Reed Warbler, 3 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 2 Dunnock.

Spotted Crake, 25th September 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Ringed Marsh Tit, found dead, 25th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 24th. A Cetti's Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. On Tennyson's Sands were 26 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Spoonbill, 201 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshank and 5 Greenshank. Birds around included 294 Teal, 31 Pintail, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 10 Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat and a Wheatear. Heading north were 49 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 36 Common Scoter, 15 Manx Shearwater, 5 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 10 Little Gull; and south 336 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 93 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Sparrowhawk, 9 Buzzard, 5 Common Tern, a Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Kestrel and a Tree Pipit.
 A long ringing session by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn yielded 20 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Full moon, rising out from Mill Hill, 24th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

  September 23rd. The Cattle Egret was seen again in flight during the morning. Birds around included 80 Common Scoter, a Great White Egret, 3 Spoonbill, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a first calendar year Caspian Gull, a Barn Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Whinchat and 4 Stonechat. Sightings offshore included a Black-throated Diver, 23 Arctic Skua, 15 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, a Long-tailed Skua and 4 Skua spp. Flying north were 15 Sooty Shearwater, 38 Manx Shearwater, 300 Gannet, Arctic Tern and 15 Kittiwake; and south 311 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 20 Red-throated Diver. In off the sea came a Hobby.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 6 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap and a Song Thrush; and a retrap Blackbird.

Rainbow, between showers, 23rd September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 22nd. A Cattle Egret was discovered late morning, frequenting Croftmarsh throughout the day. Around, including birds trapped, were 10 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 6 Buzzard, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Puffin, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, a Hobby, 9 Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel, 3 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 11 Whinchat and 3 Spotted Flycatcher. A summer Black-throated Diver was on the sea. Going west were 130 Pink-footed Goose; and south 2 Eider, 2 Common Crane, 19 Whooper Swan, 664 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, a Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 551 House Martin, 6 Tree Sparrow, a Redpoll and 44 Siskin.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 47 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 5 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 8 retraps: a Linnet, 2 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Goldfinch, a Wren and a Blackbird.

Cattle Egret, 22nd September 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Common Cranes, 22nd September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Whooper Swans, 22nd September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Hen Harrier, 22nd September 2018.
Photo - James Siddle

Whinchat, 22nd September 2018.
Photo - James Siddle

September 21st. Strong but gradually decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Heading south were 211 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 15 Teal, a Shoveler, 9 Red-throated Diver, 137 Gannet, 28 Cormorant, a Marsh Harrier, 117 Golden Plover, a Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 14 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 3 Auk spp, 207 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, 7 Commic Tern, 16 Kestrel, a Hobby, 36 Sand Martin, 87 Swallow, 1828 House Martin, 3 Starling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 17 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 2778 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 128 Linnet, 41 Goldfinch, 59 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 76 Reed Bunting; and north a Great Crested Grebe, a Pomarine Skua and a Kittiwake. In off the sea came 12 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier, a Snipe, a Kestrel and a Merlin. Birds around included 33 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, a Water Rail, 379 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.

Marsh Harrier, arriving off the sea, 21st September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Recovery and Control:
Greenfinch ringed GPBO 22 October 2015, found dead King's Lynn, Norfolk 16 September 2018.
Sedge Warbler ringed GPBO 11 August 2018, controlled Graignes, France 17 August 2018.

Mid September 2018

September 20th. Prolonged rain, then increasingly strong south-westerly winds.
 Birds around included 3 Grey Heron, 7 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 74 Avocet, a Golden Plover, 275 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 3 Arctic Skua, 49 Sandwich Tern, 3 Goldcrest, 170 Starling and 19 Siskin. Heading south were 2 Red-throated Diver, 19 Gannet, a Pomarine Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 66 Sandwich Tern and 7 Common Tern; north 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe; and high west a Short-eared Owl.

September 19th. Increasing then decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 33 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 356 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, 9 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Arctic Skua, 75 Sandwich Tern, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, a Stonechat and a Wheatear. Flying south were 2 Pintail, 6 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 96 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Turnstone, 27 Arctic Skua, 13 Great Skua, a Black Tern, 225 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 3 Swift, 24 Sand Martin, 974 Swallow, 504 House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 356 Meadow Pipit and 65 Siskin; and north 3 Common Scoter and 53 Pink-footed Goose.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 3 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Siskin and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Whitethroat.

Siskin, ringed 19th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

 September 18th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 29 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Spoonbill, 555 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, a Black Tern, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Whinchat. Heading south were 250 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 154 Teal, 11 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 11 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 218 Gannet, 3 Ruff, a Greenshank, 11 Snipe, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 36 Arctic Skua, 19 Great Skua, 2 Guillemot, 3 Auk spp, a Black Tern, 664 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 48 Commic Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Collared Dove, 5 Swift, a Kestrel, a Hobby, 95 Sand Martin, 792 Swallow, 2758 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 170 Meadow Pipit and 38 Siskin; north 65 Common Scoter and an Arctic Skua; and west 197 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 9 Snipe.

Spotted Redshanks, 18th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Spotted Redshank, 18th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Sunrise from Mill Hill, 18th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 17th. Increasing then slowly decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 29 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 4 Spoonbill, 100 Golden Plover, 150 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 114 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, a Caspian Gull, a Merlin, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, a Stonechat and 2 Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 2 Snipe, a Swift, 2 Kestrel, 5 Sand Martin, 107 Swallow, 410 Meadow Pipit and 20 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank and 250 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler provided 9 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, a Swallow and a Meadow Pipit; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blackcap and a Whitethroat.

Spotted Flycatcher with Darter prey, 17th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Treecreeper, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Grey Wagtail, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Whinchat, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Ruff, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw.

Spotted Redshank, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Caspian Gull, back row third from left, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

September 16th. Increasing then slowly decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 9 Spoonbill, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, a Coal Tit, 3 Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Spotted Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank and 6 Greenshank. Going south were 201 Pink-footed Goose, 96 Teal, 2 Pintail, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Pomarine Skua, 12 Arctic Skua, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, a Petrel spp, a Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, a Razorbill, 6 Common Tern, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 160 Meadow Pipit, 2 Sand Martin, 109 House Martin and 75 Swallow; and north a Fulmar. In off the sea came 5 Snipe and a Kestrel.
 An afternoon ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler produced a new Whitethroat; and 2 retraps: a Blackbird and a Goldcrest.
 Butterflies included a Painted Lady.

September 15th. Soggy start.

 The Icterine Warbler was retrapped again in East Dunes, late afternoon; it had further increased in weight to 16.5g. Around, including birds trapped, were 78 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 4 Red-throated Diver, 8 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 144 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and 8 Wheatear. On the Mere was a Garganey; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 488 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Spotted Redshank and 8 Greenshank. Following a trawler late evening were a new first calendar year Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gull. Heading south were 195 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 5 Collared Dove, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Kestrel, 3 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 105 Swallow, 151 House Martin, 5 Starling, 12 Tree Sparrow, 7 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1540 Meadow Pipit, 43 Linnet, 30 Goldfinch, a Crossbill, 23 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting.

 A flighty Clouded Yellow was in East Dunes. Other butterflies included a Painted Lady.

 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler yielded 14 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Greenland Wheatear, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet and a Kestrel; and 8 retraps; a Wren, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Robin and an Icterine Warbler.

Kestrel, ringed 15th September 2018.
Photo - Adam Homer

Greenland Wheatear, ringed 15th September 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

Spotted Flycatcher, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Wheatear, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Painted Lady, fresh in off the sea, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 14th. Increasing then decreasing south-westerly wind.

 There was no further sign of the Red-footed Falcon after it was seen briefly flying south over East Dunes in the morning. Birds around included 26 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 12 Spoonbill, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, a Merlin, a Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 2 Wheatear. On Tennyson's Sands were 500 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Spotted Redshank. Flying south were 72 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Ruff, 2 Collared Dove, 4 Kestrel and a Tree Pipit; and north a Sooty Shearwater, a Manx Shearwater and 2 Great Skua. In off the sea came a Marsh Harrier and 11 Snipe.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet and a Dunnock.

Wheatear, 14th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 13th. The Red-footed Falcon was still around until mid afternoon, elusive and ranging widely - another five falcon species day on the reserve! The Icterine Warbler that was ringed on September 7th was retrapped in East Dunes; it had increased in weight from 15.1g to 15.7g. Around were 50 Common Scoter, 12 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 4 Arctic Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Jay, 11 Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Stonechat. Flying north was a Manx Shearwater; and south were 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Common Sandpiper, 7 Kestrel, 4 Swift, 32 Sand Martin, 531 Swallow, 2048 House Martin, a Tree Sparrow, 23 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 20 Alba Wagtail, 1155 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 19 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 13 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 4 Dunnock, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, an Icterine Warbler and a Wren.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 15 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 3 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Migrant Common Buzzard, 13th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Spotted Redshank, 13th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Green Woodpecker, 13h September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Noisy Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 13th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Icterine Warbler, retrapped 13th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 12th. Rain until early morning.

 The Red-footed Falcon remained faithful to the West Dunes. On Jackson's Marsh was a Garganey. Birds around included 11 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 8490 Oystercatcher, 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 80000 Knot, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Hobby, a Peregrine, 100 Swallow, 3 Whinchat and a White Wagtail. Going south were 6 Pintail, 16 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Swift, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Collared Dove, 4 Kestrel, 8 Sand Martin, 125 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 3 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 33 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 1040 Meadow Pipit, 40 Linnet, 20 Goldfinch, 154 Siskin and 15 Reed Bunting; and west a Grey Heron.

 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: 3 Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Goldfinch and 3 Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Reed Bunting.

Red-footed Falcon, 12th September 2018.

Short-eared Owl, 12th September 2018.

Red-footed Falcon, 12th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Melanistic Rabbits, 12th September 2018.

Photo's - Ben Ward

High tide approaching Bird Observatory, 12th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 11th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, then light rain later in morning. 

 The Red-footed Falcon reappeared in the early afternoon once the weather came more clement, again favouring West Dunes. A Nightjar was discovered hawking at dark. Birds around included 7 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 105 Lapwing, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 9 Goldcrest, 180 Swallow, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear and 10 Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 611 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank and 8 Spotted Redshank. Heading south were an Osprey, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel, 3 Snipe, an Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 7 Swift, a Sand Martin, 210 Swallow, 65 House Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and 281 Meadow Pipit.

Red-footed Falcon, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Red-footed Falcon, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Swallow, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward