Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog: 2014

Late December 2014

December 31st. Birds around included a Hen Harrier and 2 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail.

December 30th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Bullfinch, a Green Woodpecker, 24 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Goldcrest and 5 Corn Bunting.
A delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 7 new birds: 5 Goldfinch and 2 Greenfinch; 41 retraps: 14 Blue Tit, 18 Great Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Robin, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 control (ringed elsewhere) Great Tit.

December 29th. Birds around included 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a Hen Harrier, 23 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 57 Robin, 42 Blackbird, a Yellowhammer, 129 Corn Bunting, 10 Ringed Plover, 25 Rock Pipit, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch. Offshore were 20 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Skua sp and 2 Great Crested Grebe. On Tennyson's Sands was a Kingfisher and a Water Rail. Flying north were 4 Bewick's Swan.

December 28th. Around were a Peregrine, a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, 5 Fieldfare, a Kingfisher, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Snow Bunting, 48 Corn Bunting, a Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew in off the sea at dusk.

December 27th. Birds around included 2 Fieldfare and 2 Goldcrest.

December 26th. Around were 4 Goldcrest.

December 25th.
The Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team would like wish everyone a very Happy Christmas.
Birds around included a Woodcock, 400 Skylark, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Corn Bunting, 4000 Golden Plover, a Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest. On the Wash at high tide were 30000 Knot, 2500 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1800 Grey Plover, 2300 Dunlin, 800 Sanderling and 11 Ringed Plover. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.

December 24th. Clear skies with a light westerly wind.
A morning high tide wader count produced 40000 Knot, 3150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 500 Grey Plover, 1600 Lapwing, 349 Oystercatcher, 3500 Golden Plover and 300 Dunlin. Around the reserve were 2 Bullfinch, a Song Thrush, a Chiffchaff and 3 Redwing. Flying south were 29 Fieldfare, 2 Whooper Swan and a Siskin. Offshore were a Great Northern Diver, 10 Red-throated Diver and 3 Red-breasted Merganser.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 8 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 15 retraps: a Goldfinch, 7 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Blackbird, a Robin and a Dunnock.

December 23rd. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
Birds around included 50 Corn Bunting, 2500 Golden Plover, a Bullfinch and 3 Goldcrest. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver. Flying south was a Grey Heron.

December 22nd. Strong south-westerly wind.
Around were 11 Snow Bunting, 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, a Chiffchaff and 4 Fieldfare.
Having received a message about a strange and possibly injured bird being stuck in a garden in Skegness, Mick Briggs and David Vincent went to investigate. On arrival it was soon established that the bird in question was a Cormorant. The bird was quickly caught and inspected. It was found not to be injured, just a little disorientated. The bird was then taken to Gibraltar Point where it was ringed and then let go on one of the fresh water lagoons. The bird was a first calendar year female.

Cormorant rescued from a Skegness garden, 22nd December 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

December 21st. Birds around included 32 Snow Bunting, 1050 Pink-footed Goose, 8000 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Chiffchaff, 50 Corn Bunting, 3 Redwing and 16 Fieldfare. South went a Great Northern Diver, 29 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Goldeneye, and north a Pomarine Skua and a Great Skua. On the sea was another Great Skua.

Mid December 2014

December 20th. Around were a Merlin, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 500 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Snow Bunting and 2 Bullfinch. Flying south were 17 Great Crested Grebe and a Fulmar.

December 19th. Birds around included 16 Snow Bunting, a Hen Harrier, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Whooper Swan, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson Sands were 5 Water Rail. South went 7 Stock Dove.

December 18th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
Around were 350 Brent Goose and 6 Whooper Swan.

December 17th. Birds around included 2000 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 9 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 13 retraps: a Greenfinch, 4 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Robin.

December 16th. Light south-westerly wind with clear skies.
Around the reserve were 42 Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 4000 Golden Plover, 2 Common Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin and 54 Corn Bunting. Tennyson's Sands held a Water Rail, a Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Goldeneye. A mid-morning sea watch produced a Slavonian Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 42 Red-throated Diver, a Goosander, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Guillemot and 2 Kittiwake. Flying south over the reserve were 4 Whooper Swan, 124 Fieldfare, a Marsh Harrier and a Waxwing.

December 15th. Birds around included 12 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and 3 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue was not very productive. The 2 new birds were a Great Tit and a Blackbird; and the 5 retraps were 3 Blue Tit, a Blackbird and a Dunnock.
A fungus found growing on an old Pine cone at Aylmer Avenue is possibly either Conifercone Cap (Baeospora myosura) or Pinecone Cap (Strobilurus tenacellus).

Fungus on Pine Cone, 15 December 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Fungus on Pine Cone, 15 December 2014.
Photo- George Gregory

December 14th. Strong south-westerly wind.
Around were a Coal Tit, a Bullfinch, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Corn Bunting, a Fieldfare, 15 Goldcrest, a Merlin, 60 Blackbird, a Barn Owl and a Woodcock.

December 13th. Frozen morning.
Birds around included a Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Coal Tit, 2 Siskin and 4 Goldcrest. On Tennyson Sands was a Water Rail.

December 12th. Around were 2 Goldcrest. Flying south were 55 Pink-footed Goose.

December 11th. Birds around included 22 Snow Bunting, 2 Bullfinch and 350 Brent Goose.

Early December 2014

December 10th. Strong south-easterly wind.
Around were 39 Snow Bunting, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Fieldfare.

December 9th. Birds around included 1200 Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 65 Rock Pipit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Corn Bunting, 22 Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting. Flying south were 8 Redwing.

December 8th. Around were a Lapland Bunting, 55 Snow Bunting, a Hen Harrier, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 600 Brent Goose, 3 Woodcock, a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Bullfinch and a Brambling. Going south was a Common Buzzard.

December 7th. Light rain in morning.
Birds around included 700 Pink-footed Goose,800 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 5 Redwing, a Chiffchaff, a Brambling and 35 Corn Bunting.

December 6th. Around were a Hen Harrier, a Woodcock, a Fieldfare, a Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, a Corn Bunting and a Snow Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Whooper Swan,4 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye. Offshore was a Great Skua. Heading south were 2 Pomarine Skua, 22 Skylark, 130 Woodpigeon and 8 Stock Dove.

December 5th. Birds around included a White-fronted Goose, 2 Woodcock, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing,2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 40 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 55 Snow Bunting and 25 Corn Bunting. Flying south were a Lapland Bunting and 22 Skylark.

December 4th. Around were 600 Brent Goose, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Bullfinch.

December 3rd. Birds around included 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 8000 Golden Plover, a Woodcock and 2 Bullfinch.

December 2nd. Strong northerly wind, rainy spells.
A prolonged sea-watching session produced 81 Pomarine Skua (a new reserve record), 11 Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, 3 Little Auk, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 216 Wigeon, 1395 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 25 Gannet, 57 Kittiwake and 3 Bewick's Swan. Around the reserve were a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine and a Merlin.

December 1st. Around were 650 Pink-footed Goose, 400 Brent Goose, 2 Redpoll, 20 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare and a Merlin. Offshore were a Great Skua, a Little Gull, a Goosander and a Red-breasted Merganser.

Late November 2014

November 30th. Birds around included 10000 Golden Plover, 2500 Lapwing, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 3 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellowhammer, 5 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll, a Siskin and 14 Goldcrest. On Tennyson Sands were a Kingfisher, 2 Water Rail, 80 Shoveler and 2 Pintail. On the Millennium Ridge tip were 3 Snow Bunting. Flying south were 630 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs produced 8 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Robin, a Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 24 retraps: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Wren, 6 Great Tit, a Greenfinch and a Coal Tit.

November 29th. Around were a Lapland Bunting, a Snow Bunting, a Woodcock and a Hen Harrier. Flying south offshore were 3 Pomarine Skua.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 3 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit.

November 28th. At sea 3 juvenile Pomarine Skua went south. Birds around included a Hen Harrier, 2 Woodcock, a Bullfinch and 7000 Golden Plover.

November 27th. Light rain early morning and early afternoon, then soggy.
Around were a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier, 6 Twite, 1000 Lapwing and a Fieldfare.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and 5 Blackbird; and 17 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and a Chaffinch.

November 26th. Rain most of morning, then soggy.
Birds around included a Merlin. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pochard, and on Tennyson Sands a Goldeneye and a Water Rail.

November 25th. Frozen, then foggy, then sunny, then cloudy.
Around were 3000 Pink-footed Goose, the European White-fronted Goose and a Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were 3 Water Rail and 96 Shoveler.

November 24th. Frosty start, then sunny.
Birds around included a Water Pipit, 6 Twite, 21 Snow Bunting, a Short-eared Owl, a Chiffchaff, 3 Hen Harrier, a Kingfisher and 22 Corn Bunting. An adult European White-fronted Goose was found with the Pink-footed Goose flock, which numbered 3000 birds. On the sea was a Goosander. Flying south were 25 Whooper Swan, 1000 Lapwing, 3 Barnacle Goose (with 58 Pink-footed Goose), 1147 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 19 new birds: a Goldcrest, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and a Snipe; and 7 retraps: a Wren, 2 Blackbird, a Greenfinch, 2 Great Tit and a Goldfinch.

Snipe, ringed 24th November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 23rd. Rain most of day.
Heading south were 517 Pink-footed Goose and 8 Whooper Swan. Around were 6 Hen Harrier, 3 Merlin, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl, a Grey Partridge, a Woodcock, a Mediterranean Gull, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Blackbird, 50 Redwing, a late House Martin and 8 Fieldfare. On the sea were 2 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

November 22nd. Occasional light rain.
Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Woodcock, 18 Corn Bunting, a Brambling and 3 Chiffchaff.
A ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 35 new birds and 10 retraps. The highlight of the session was a Siberian type Chiffchaff, subspecies Phylloscopus collybita tristis, showing almost no green apart from on the edges of the primaries, secondaries and tail feathers, very black legs, a ridiculous amount of white below and a long white supercilium - see photos below. The bird did not call upon release though a tristis-like call was heard some half hour later.
The new birds were 16 Goldfinch, 7 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Greenfinch, and singles of Chaffinch, Sparrowhawk and Siberian type Chiffchaff. The retraps were 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and singles of Wren, Blue Tit, Blackbird and Dunnock.

Siberian type Chiffchaff, ringed 22nd November 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

November 21st. Around were 2 Snow Bunting, 2 Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Brambling and a Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were 109 Shoveler (a reserve record). Flying south were 3 Velvet Scoter, 4 Shoveler and 5 Pintail.

Mid November 2014

November 20th. Birds around included a Cetti's Warbler, 1350 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Water Rail, a Merlin, a Hen Harrier, a Brambling and a Chiffchaff. On Jackson's Marsh was a Green Sandpiper, and on Tennyson Sands were 104 Shoveler (a reserve record). On the sea was a Great Northern Diver.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 16 new birds: a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 23 retraps: 7 Blue Tit, 3 Robin, 6 Great Tit, 2 Blackbird, a Goldcrest, a Dunnock, a Long-tailed Tit, a Greenfinch and a Coal Tit.

November 19th. Around were 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Chiffchaff, a Bullfinch, a Stonechat, a Jack Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 16 Corn Bunting, a Swallow and 22 Goldcrest. Heading north were 5 Whooper Swan.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 9 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, 4 Robin, a Siskin and 2 Greenfinch; and 14 retraps: 3 Robin, 6 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Wren and a Coal Tit.

Ring Ouzel, 19 November 2014.
Photo - Chris Greene

Siskin, ringed 19 November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 18th. Rain early morning.
Birds around included 2 Merlin, a Hen Harrier, a Chiffchaff, a Stonechat, a Brambling and 4 Snow Bunting. Sea-watching produced 2 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua north, a Little Auk south, 2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Eider south and 2 Little Gull. Also flying south were 7 Whooper Swan.
A rain-delayed morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Anthony Bentley, produced just 4 new birds: a Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch and a Tree Sparrow; and 5 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Blue Tit, a Greenfinch and a Great Tit.

Snow Bunting, 18th November 2014
Photo - Nige Lound

November 17th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Snow Bunting, a Ring Ouzel, a Chiffchaff, 700 Golden Plover, 400 Lapwing, 4 Woodcock, a Peregrine, a Buzzard, 25+ Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. At sea 2 Pomarine Skua, 4 Great Skua, 9 Little Gull and 7 Whooper Swan went south, and a Pomarine Skua, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Great Skua north; and over land 120 Fieldfare and a Rook south. Later, north-east out of the Wash came 79 Little Gull.
The final ringing session for the year in East Dunes was done this morning. The 6 new birds were singles of Goldcrest, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Fieldfare and Woodcock; and there were no retraps.

Fieldfare, ringed 17 November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 16th. Birds around included 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Fieldfare and 2 Bullfinch. On Tennyson Sands were a Water Rail and a Goldeneye. Flying south were 350 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan, 8 Eider and a Crossbill.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin and 2 Greenfinch.
A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 33 new birds and 52 retraps. The new birds were 10 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch, 7 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Dunnock, Blackcap and Woodcock. The retraps were 17 Great Tit, 11 Blue Tit, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Wren, a Greenfinch and a Blackbird.

November 15th. On Tennyson Sands were a Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail. Around were 3 Snow Bunting, 3 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, 800 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Merlin. At Aylmer Avenue there were a Tawny Owl calling at first light and a Jay moving south mid morning.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Georgina Scott, provided just 2 new birds: a Dunnock and a Redwing; and 3 retraps: singles of Reed Bunting, Song Thrush and Robin.
Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue a longer session resulted in 61 new birds ringed. Although the ringing conditions were good, the long hoped for easterlies on a weekend didn't really materialise a fall - rather a slow drizzle of newly arriving thrushes. The new birds were 21 Greenfinch, 15 Blackbird, 10 Goldfinch, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Robin, 2 Redwing, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Wren, Brambling and Great Tit. The 24 retraps were 5 Blackbird, 5 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Wren, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch and singles of Goldcrest, Robin and Dunnock.

November 14th. Strong but decreasing southerly wind, rainy morning.
Birds around included 3 Water Pipit, a Swallow, 6 Goldcrest and a Stonechat.
No ringing was attempted.

November 13th. Increasing south-easterly wind.
On Tennyson Sands were a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Water Rail and 103 Shoveler (a new reserve record), and on Jackson's Marsh a Goldeneye. Around were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin and 2 Stonechat. Offshore were 3 Little Gull, a Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Gannet and 10 Red-throated Diver.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 16 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, 3 Song Thrush and 9 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 3 Blackbird and 2 Robin.

November 12th. Fairly strong southerly wind.
Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Stonechat and a Brambling.
No ringing was attempted.

November 11th. Quite strong south-easterly wind.
Around were a Cetti's Warbler, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 6000 Golden Plover, a Mediterranran Gull, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Stonechat, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin and 2 Brambling. On Tennyson Sands was a Greenshank. Offshore was a Great Skua.
No ringing was attempted.

Early November 2014

November 10th. Around were a Brambling, a Woodcock, 3500 Golden Plover and 2000 Pink-footed Goose. On the water bodies were 3 Goldeneye and 3 Pochard. Heading south were 4 Siskin.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 20 new birds: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Dunnock, 7 Blackbird and a Starling; and a retrap Blackbird.

November 9th. Birds present, including those trapped, were 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Snow Bunting, 12 Twite, 2 Bullfinch, a Stonechat, a Kingfisher, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 4 Woodcock and 1800 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Water Rail and a Greenshank. Flying south were 12 Whooper Swan, 2 Siskin and a Brambling. In off the sea came a Woodcock. There were 2 Tawnny Owls calling at Aylmer at first light and one calling from Sykes Farm whilst a Barn Owl was at the back of the Mere hunting nearly all day.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 36 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Robin, a Blackcap, 3 Song Thrush, 25 Blackbird, a Woodcock and a Sparrowhawk; and 8 retraps: 2 Robin, 3 Blackbird, a Dunnock, a Goldfinch and a Great Tit.
Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue a long ringing session was underway, taking advantage of the near perfect ringing conditions with no wind and thick cloud for most of the morning. The result was very good with 80 new birds ringed including a new species for the year for the Observatory in the shape of a Cetti's Warbler, whether this was the bird seen at Shovelers Pool remains a mystery as this bird was captured in a net within 10 yards of the road near North Car park. The new birds were 30 Blackbird, 15 Goldfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 2 Sparrowhawk and singles of Starling, Woodcock and Cetti's Warbler. The 64 retraps were 11 Great Tit, 10 Blue Tit, 7 Greenfinch, 6 Dunnock, 6 Robin, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Wren, 2 Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap and a single Coal Tit.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 9th November 2014
Photo - Mick Briggs.

November 8th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
Going south were 5 Whooper Swan. At Aylmer Avenue there was a single Tree Sparrow.
A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Georgina Scott, produced 8 new birds: a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Redwing, Dunnock and Robin.
Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue the strong wind curtailed a planned long ringing session, resulting in just 26 new birds being ringed. They were 12 Blackbird, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Dunnock and Song Thrush. The 20 retraps were 4 Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blackbird and singles of Goldfinch, Dunnock, Coal Tit, Robin and Blackcap.

November 7th. Strong southerly wind, rainy spells.
Around were a Goldcrest, 3 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 4000 Golden Plover, 6 Redwing and 12 Fieldfare. Flying south offshore were 144 Common Scoter, 243 Wigeon, 331 Teal, 18 Pintail, 10 Great Skua, 27 Eider, 7 Goldeneye, 47 Mallard, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Shoveler and 2 Bewick's Swan.
No ringing was attempted.

November 6th. Birds around included 1800 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 26 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch, a Redwing, 19 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 6 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 2 Robin, a Blackbird and a Wren. One of the Blackbirds ringed was partially leucistic.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 59 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 11 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Robin, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap, 20 Greenfinch, a Song Thrush and 14 Blackbird; 43 retraps: 16 Great Tit,10 Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, a Wren, 4 Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Robin; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Greenfinch.

Woodcock, ringed 6 November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Partially leucistic female Blackbird, ringed 6 November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 5th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Around were 1800 Pink-footed Goose, a Bullfinch, 2 Hen Harrier and a late Pied Flycatcher. Flying south were 17 Whooper Swan. In off the sea came a probable Rough-legged Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl, a Sparrowhawk, 1189 Starling, 2 Woodcock and 2 Little Auk. A dawn till dusk sea-watching session provided 94 Little Auk, 14 Pomarine Skua, an Arctic Skua, 3 Skua Sp, 2 Great Northern Diver, 897 Kittiwake, 367 Gannet, 8 Great Skua, 2 Sooty Shearwater, a Manx Shearwater, 4 Velvet Scoter, 8 Goosander, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Little Gull, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Goldeneye and 100 Common Scoter.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush and 5 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: singles of Dunnock and Goldcrest.

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 5 November 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

November 4th. Fog until burnt off late morning.
Birds around included 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier and 2 Peregrine. On the Mere, then later on Tennyson Sands, were 2 Bearded Tit. Going south were 12 Whooper Swan and a Snow Bunting. Sea-watching provided 2 Little Auk, on the beach before flying off, and 9 Red-throated Diver.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 5 Blackbird; 5 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Redwing and 2 Dunnock; and a Control (ringed elsewhere) Robin.
A Pectoral Sandpiper on the beach on 18 October was identified later from a photograph, which can be seen on the blog entry for that date.

Little Auk, 4 November 2014.
Photo - Mel Thorn

November 3rd. Fairly strong but decreasing south-westerly wind.
Around were a Black Redstart, 2 Bullfinch, a Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard and 500 Pink-footed Goose. Heading south over land were 9 Whooper Swan and 2 Brambling, south over sea 5 Eider, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Red-throated Diver, a Kittiwake, a Goldeneye and a Little Gull, and north over sea a Great Skua.
A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch and 5 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Robin, Redwing and Wren.

November 2nd. Strong but gradually decreasing south-westerly wind, prolonged rainy spells.
The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands. Also there were a Kingfisher, 2 Water Rail, 3 Greenshank and 114 Black-tailed Godwit. On Jackson's Marsh was a Goldeneye. Birds around included 45 Redwing and a Bullfinch. A Grey Phalarope and a Black-throated Diver flew south at sea.
No ringing was attempted.

November 1st. Around were a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechat, a Black Redstart and a Merlin. At Aylmer Avenue were 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Brambling and 10 Siskin. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill and 6 Greenshank. Offshore were 7 Little Gull. Flying south were 30 Whooper Swan, 250 Pink-footed Goose and 20 Tree Sparrow.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Georgina Scott and Jenni Godber, provided 20 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, 11 Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: 3 Dunnock, a Goldcrest and a Robin.
At Aylmer Avenue Mick Briggs was ringing and the result was 91 new birds and 28 retraps. The new birds were 39 Greenfinch, 19 Goldfinch, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Blackbird, 5 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and singles of Robin, Chiffchaff and Bullfinch. The retraps were 10 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch and single of Goldfinch and Wren.

Late October 2014

October 31st. The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands, together with a Spotted Redshank. Also around were a Hen Harrier, a Black Redstart and 100 Redwing. Heading south were 12 Whooper Swan.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 32 new birds: a Wren, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and 15 Blackbird; the 3 retraps were singles of Dunnock, Wren and Goldcrest.

Black Redstart, 31 October 2014. (Please note out of date sign.)
Photo - Philip Millns

October 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Spoonbill, a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Water Rail, 200 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling and 2 Bullfinch. Flying south were 16 Whooper Swan, c20 Ring-necked Parakeet and a Brambling.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, was productive.The 94 new birds were 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Bullfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 10 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 68 Blackbird and a Fieldfare. The 6 retraps were a Blue Tit, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest and a Wren.

Fieldfare, ringed 30 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Thrushes arriving, 30 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

Thrushes arrived, 30 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

October 29th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Snow Bunting and a Stonechat. On Tennyson Sands was a late Garganey. South at sea went 6 Goosander and a Great Skua, and over land 6 Whooper Swan, a Brambling, 34 House Sparrow and 16 Tree Sparrow.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 30 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, a Bullfinch, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 13 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Dunnock, a Reed Bunting, 3 Robin and a Blackcap.

October 28th. Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, a Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 3 Swallow, 2 Stonechat and 3 Brambling. Heading south were 3 Whooper Swan and 1000+ Woodpigeon, and west 15 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock and a Redwing; and a retrap Dunnock.

October 27th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier and a Brambling. On Tennyson Sands were 6 Whooper Swan and a Kingfisher. Flying south offshore were a Balearic Shearwater and a large Skua Sp, south over land 4 Whooper Swan, 120 Woodpigeon and 2 Collared Dove, and west over land 110 Pink-footed Goose.
No ringing was attempted.

October 26th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Stonechat, a Brambling and 7000 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Goldeneye, and on Tennyson Sands a Spotted Redshank. Going south were 350 Woodpigeon, 110 Pink-footed Goose and eventually 30 Whooper Swan.
A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Georgina Scott, provided just 3 new birds: singles of Reed Bunting, Goldfinch and Song Thrush.

October 25th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaff and 800 Pink-footed Goose. Offshore was a Grey Phalarope. Heading south were 8 Whooper Swan, a Jay over Aylmer and 1500 Skylark.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock and a Redwing; and 7 retraps: a Great Tit, a Redwing, a Blackbird, a Dunnock, 2 Wren and a Robin.
Meanwhile, Mick Briggs managed to get the nets over at the feeding station open by 9.30am after rushing down from an early start at work. The catch was fairly healthy though, despite him having to rush off again at 12.30pm - 33 new birds and 14 retraps. The new birds were 10 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Coal Tit and singles of Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Robin. The retraps were 5 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit and singles of Coal Tit, Greenfinch and Robin.

October 24th. Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, 4 Merlin, 2 Hen Harrier, a Ring Ouzel, a Firecrest, a Jay and 10 Stonechat. Flying south were 4 Swallow and 57 Whooper Swan. A Puffin landed on the sea.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Goldfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 2 Blackbird, a Redwing, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Wren.

October 23rd. Around were 2 Jay, a Merlin, a Brambling, 5 Siskin and 2 Stonechat. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Goldeneye. South at sea went 3 Grey Phalarope, 3 Pomarine Skua, 6 Little Gull, 12 Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, a Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley and Jenni Godber, provided 21 new birds: 12 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackbird and 4 Goldcrest.

October 22nd. Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 700 Pink-footed Goose, a Ring Ouzel, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Kingfisher, 7 Bullfinch, 2 House Martin and 3 Swallow. On Tennyson Sands was a Spoonbill. Heading south were 30 Whooper Swan, and west 5 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley and Geoffrey Knight, resulted in 54 new birds: 21 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Bullfinch, 4 Dunnock, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 5 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Wren and a Blackbird.

October 21st. Very strong westerly wind, intermittent rain.
Flying south offshore were 3 Grey Phalarope, a Pomarine Skua, 2 Whooper Swan and a Great Northern Diver; and south over land were 4 Siskin. Around were a Rough-legged Buzzard (different bird), a Ruff, 3 Goldcrest, a Short-eared Owl and 3 Hen Harrier. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill and 9 Whooper Swan (which flew south later).
No ringing was possible.

Mid October 2014

October 20th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier and a Green Woodpecker. On Jackson's Marsh were a Spoonbill and 2 Pintail. Visible southward migration involved 16 Whooper Swan, 308 Chaffinch, a Sparrowhawk, 793 Goldfinch, 66 Greenfinch, 142 Reed Bunting, 143 Rock Pipit, 65 Stock Dove, 16 Swallow, 30 House Sparrow, 46 Siskin, 341 Meadow Pipit, 56 Brambling, 18 Alba Wagtail, 233 Linnet, 692 Tree Sparrow, 230 Skylark, 9 Snipe, 5 Yellowhammer, 19 Carrion Crow, 9 Rook, a Goosander and 2300 Woodpigeon. In came 12 Redwing.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 35 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit, 17 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Bullfinch, a Stonechat, a Greenfinch, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retrap Robins.

Bullfinch, ringed 20 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Stonechat, ringed 20 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 19th. Increasing south-westerly wind in morning, decreasing later.
Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 1+ Rough-legged Buzzard, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hen Harrier and a Kingfisher. Offshore were 12 Grey Phalarope. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. South went 142 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Tree Sparrow, 10 Redpoll sp, 2 House Martin and 4 Swallow.
A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 30 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Blue Tit, a Redwing, a Robin and 2 Goldcrest.
A restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 71 new birds and 26 retraps. The new birds were 27 Goldfinch, 21 Goldcrest, 14 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap and singles of Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch and Brambling. The retraps were 7 Goldcrest, 7 Great Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and singles of Blackcap, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Spoonbill, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Peregrine, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Merlin, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Hen Harrier, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

October 18th. Strong south-westerly wind, occasional light rain.
A Pectoral Sandpiper was photographed on the beach. Around were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 60 Redwing and 2 Coal Tit. Offshore were 15 Grey Phalarope (including some heading south). Also heading south were 26 Swallow, a Snow Bunting, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Red-necked Grebe, 250 Wigeon, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Skua, 9 Little Gull and a Velvet Scoter. In came 30 Redwing and 300 Dunlin.
No ringing was possible.

Pectoral Sandpiper, 18 October 2014.
Photo - Colin Perry

Rough-legged Buzzard, 18 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

October 17th. Birds around included 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Jay, 2 Coal Tit, a Treecreeper, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Stonechat and a Hen Harrier. On Jackson's Marsh was a Jack Snipe. Flying south were 2 Swallow and 2 House Martin, and west 185 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 66 new birds: 51 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 5 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Robin and Wren.

October 16th. Around were a Spoonbill, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Stonechat, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 20 Tree Sparrow, 6 Rook, a Black Redstart, 2 Wheatear, a House Sparrow (scarce here now), 2 Bullfinch, a Spotted Redshank, a Hen Harrier, 6 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe. South went 15 Jay, 7 Whooper Swan, 155 Goldfinch, 9 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 14 Swallow, a House Martin and 32 Reed Bunting.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 58 new birds: 23 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 8 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 13 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: 5 Robin, a Blackbird and a Great Tit.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 16 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 15th. Around were 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Great Grey Shrike, 3 Little Gull, a Shorelark, a Woodcock, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 40 Ring Ouzel, 500 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Black Redstart, 10 Siskin and 60 Brambling. Heading south/south-east were 4 Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Gull, 3 Great Skua and 200 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, was productive. The 91 new birds were a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 39 Goldcrest, 20 Robin, 9 Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, a Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird, a Mistle Thrush and a Sparrowhawk. The 13 retraps were 6 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Blackcap and a Dunnock. Also caught was a Blackcap with a Slovakian ring.

Mistle Thrush, ringed 15 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 14th. A Radde's Warbler was discovered in the Plantation. A Spoonbill flew from Jackson's Marsh towards the estuary. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 5+ Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Great Grey Shrike, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2+ Long-eared Owl, 3 Jay, a Green Woodpecker, a Pied Flycatcher, 15 Ring Ouzel, 25+ Brambling, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 6 Stonechat, a Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock. Flying south were 2 Great Northern Diver, 25 Little Gull, 11 Whooper Swan and 3 Velvet Scoter, and north 2 Shag, 9 Great Skua and 2 Velvet Scoter.
A long ringing session in East Dunes was very productive. The 190 new birds were 52 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 62 Robin, 17 Blackcap, 2 Brambling, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Dunnock, 12 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 17 Blackbird, a Great Grey Shrike and a Woodcock. Other birds caught were a retrap Wren and a Blackcap with a Danish ring.

Radde's Warbler in the Plantation, 14th October 2014.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Great Grey Shrike, ringed 14 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Woodcock, ringed 14 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 13th. Strong north-easterly wind, gusting even stronger, rain most of day.
Around were 30 Redwing and a Jack Snipe. Sea-watching produced a Sooty Shearwater south.
No ringing was possible.

October 12th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in West Dunes. Also around were 2 Lapland Bunting, a late Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Heading west were 30 Pink-footed Goose and a Whooper Swan, and south 25 Stock Dove and 8 Siskin.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 24 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: singles of Wren and Robin.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 44 new birds and 17 retraps. The new birds were 15 Goldfinch, 7 Greenfinch, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Blackcap and a Dunnock. The retraps were 4 Great Tit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Goldcrest and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Greenfinch and Dunnock.

A foggy start to the day, 12th October 2014.
Photo - David Vincent.

Redwing, ringed 12 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 11th. In the Plantation was a Yellow-browed Warbler. Around were a Purple Sandpiper, 5 Stonechat, a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson Sands were a Spotted Redshank and 3 Greenshank. Flying west were 470 Pink-footed Goose, and south 2 Lapland Bunting, 4 Jay, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 3 Whooper Swan and 8 Brambling.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 40 new birds: 20 Goldcrest, 5 Wren, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; 10 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and a Robin; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Robin.
Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue Mick Briggs was back at the feeding station for a morning only session which resulted in 73 new birds and just 10 retraps over just over four hours' ringing.
The new birds were 33 Goldcrest, 14 Goldfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 6 Great Tit, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Robin and Dunnock. The retraps were 4 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a single Goldfinch and a single Greenfinch.

Early October 2014

October 10th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Birds around included a Wheatear. Heading south were a Richard's Pipit, a Woodlark, 2 Jay, 766 Wood Pigeon, 860 Linnet, 690 Goldfinch, 119 Chaffinch, 87 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll Sp, a Brambling, 485 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 351 Reed Bunting, 253 Skylark, 62 Tree Sparrow, 12 House Sparrow, 21 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit and 6 Rook; and north 140 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Song Thrush and Jay; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Wren.

Jay, ringed 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide over New Saltmarsh, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide near Bird Observatory, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 9th. Strong south-westerly wind.
The Spoonbill flew from Tennyson Sands to Jackson's Marsh. Remaining on Tennyson Sands were 7 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Around were 400 Brent Goose and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 9 Jay and 400 Goldfinch.
A final check of the owl boxes revealed an adult male Barn Owl in primary moult. No other ringing was possible.

Wing of adult male Barn Owl in primary moult, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide approaching Bird Observatory, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

South Car Park cut off, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. Increasing south-easterly wind, occasional light rain from mid morning.
On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, 4 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Pintail and a Water Rail. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the beach. Going south were 36 Pink-footed Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Swallow, and west another 38 Pink-footed Goose. At sea the only birds of any note were 2 Great Skua, a Little Gull, a Red-breasted Merganser and 9 Eider south.
A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 5 new birds: 3 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Robin.

Sea defences strengthened by the Environment Agency, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 7th. Increasing south-westerly wind, occasional light rain.
Around were 350 Goldfinch, a Cetti's Warbler, a Kingfisher, 5 Greenshank, 2 Brambling and a Black Redstart. On Tennyson Sands were 329 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 2 Pintail, a Ruff and a Spoonbill. Heading south were 5 Jay (which then U-turned), a Lapland Bunting, 7 Chaffinch, 13 Linnet, a Song Thrush, 3 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 15 Tree Sparrow and 7 Meadow Pipit. A sea-watch from 0715 to 1000hrs saw 1245 Wigeon, 698 Brent Goose, 228 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 23 Pintail, 36 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, a Tufted Duck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Gull, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 3 Grey Heron, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and a Marsh Harrier, all south. A Black-throated Diver and 7 Red-throated Diver, flew north, whilst on the sea were an Eider and 5 Red-throated Diver. Offshore were 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern and 5 Commic Tern.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 12 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Goldcrest, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap and Reed Bunting.

October 6th. Strong southerly wind. Rain from mid morning.
On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Around were a Jay, 3 Song Thrush, a Mediterranean Gull and 300 Brent Goose. Flying south offshore this evening were a Pomarine Skua, 6 Little Gull, 4 Arctic Tern, a Common Tern, an Arctic Skua, 4 Gannet, 2 Tufted Duck/Scaup, 50 Wigeon and 60 Brent Goose. On the sea was a Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe.
No ringing was possible.

October 5th. Birds around included 20 Pink-footed Goose, a Kingfisher, a Brambling and a Whinchat. On Tennyson Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Heading south were 9 Jay, a Grey Wagtail, 29 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 21 Stock Dove, 30 Chaffinch and 10 Tree Sparrow and west 3 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Georgina Scott, provided some variety. The 23 new birds were 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Yellowhammer, 2 Song Thrush and a Sparrowhawk. The 9 retraps were 5 Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 32 new birds and 17 retraps. The new birds were 18 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch and singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Coal Tit. The retraps were 5 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch.

Yellowhammer, ringed 5 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Jay, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Spotted Redshank, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

October 4th. Strong south-westerly wind. Light rain in afternoon.
Around were a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands was a Ruff. Flying west were 187 Pink-footed Goose, and south 20 Swallow and 4 Little Gull.
No ringing was attempted.

October 3rd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
Around were 2 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands were 443 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 13 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Over the sea moving south this morning were 323 Wigeon, 161 Teal, 101 Brent Goose, 8 Pintail, 128 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Red-throated Diver, 8 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 84 Gannet. South over land went 62 Meadow Pipit, 64 Linnet, 4 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Swallow, 19 Reed Bunting, 52 Skylark and a Mistle Thrush, and west 468+ Pink-footed Goose.
A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and 2 Blackcap; and a retrap Goldcrest.

October 2nd. At North End were a Jay and a Green Woodpecker. On Tennyson Sands were 4 Greenshank, and on the Mere a Water Rail.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Chaffinch.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling and Anthony Bentley yielded better results. The 35 new birds were 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 14 Greenfinch, a House Sparrow and 2 Dunnock. The 34 retraps were 7 Greenfinch, 8 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 10 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Wren and 2 Goldfinch.

October 1st. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 4 Greenshank. A Wheatear was on North End saltings. Visible migration was evident from first light. Heading south were 8 Pink-footed Goose (from Tennyson Sands), 8 Snipe, 340 Woodpigeon, a Collared Dove, 2 Stock Dove, 211 Skylark, 395 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 133 Swallow, 54 House Martin, 47 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 8 Jay (of which 1 U-turned), 16 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 153 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 9 Tree Sparrow, 224 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 775 Linnet, 286 Goldfinch, 26 Greenfinch, 193 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting. At sea a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and 7 Gannet went north. 4 Red-throated Diver were on the sea.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 20 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 retraps: a Wren and 2 Chaffinch.