Late August 2014

August 31st. Around were 3 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Goldcrest and a Spotted Flycatcher. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Green Sandpiper and 5 Greenshank. Heading south were 4 Swift, 500 Swallow, 50 Sand Martin and 35 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Chris Hansell, was productive. The 61 new birds were 5 Willow Warbler, 4 House Martin, 6 Robin, 3 Dunnock, a Reed Bunting, 35 Swallow, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Sand Martin, a Meadow Pipit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; the 8 retraps were a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit, 2 Garden Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff; and there was a control (ringed elsewhere) Swallow.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent, which included the 12th and final C.E.S session of the year, resulted in a total of 50 new birds and 44 retraps. Of the C.E.S nets the new birds were 4 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest and singles of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Wren, Greenfinch and Redstart. The retraps were 3 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Dunnock and singles of Robin, Whitethroat, Wren, Chaffinch and Blue Tit. Of the other nets the new birds were 21 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Robin, a Whitethroat and a Coal Tit. The retraps were 9 Great Tit, 7 Chaffinch, 7 Greenfinch, 7 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Magpie and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

August 30th. The Wryneck remained on Rock Ridge, and the Wood Warbler in the Plantation. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 19 Greenshank, 2 Arctic Skua, a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, a Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 20 Yellow Wagtail, a Peregrine, a Hobby, 3 Marsh Harrier and a Kingfisher. On Jackson's Marsh were a Garganey and 3 Pintail, and on Tennyson Sands 350 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff. Going south were 3000 Swallow, 200 Sand Martin, 90 House Martin, 32 Swift, a Grey Wagtail, 31 Yellow Wagtail, 60 Tree Sparrow, a Marsh Harrier and a Hobby.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 20 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a House Martin, 7 Swallow and a Kingfisher; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Blackcap.

Kingfisher, ringed 30 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 29th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
 On Rock Ridge was the Wryneck, and in the Plantation the Wood Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, a Treecreeper and a Spotted Flycatcher. Around were a Wheatrear, a Whinchat, a Marsh Harrier, 29 Greenshank, a Whimbrel and a Green Sandpiper. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill, 2 Pintail and a Kingfisher, on Tennyson Sands 2 Ruff and on Fenland Lagoon 2 Curlew Sandpiper. Flying south were 3000 Swallow, 500 Sand Martin, 50 House Martin and 9 Swift.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 8 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, a Sand Martin and a Reed Warbler; and 2 retraps: singles of Wren and Whitethroat.

August 28th. Wind still south-easterly in morning, then south-westerly in afternoon. Light rain from early morning to late morning.
 The Wryneck remained on Rock Ridge in the morning. In the Plantation were a Hippolais Spp (either Icterine Warbler or Melodious Warbler) and a Wood Warbler. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 4 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, a Sand Martin, 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel and 21 Greenshank. On Fenland Lagoon was a Curlew Sandpiper. A Garganey, 2 Ruff, 7 Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher were on Tennyson Sands. Heading south were an Arctic Skua, 350 Swallow and 4 Swift.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 2 new Pied Flycatcher; and 3 retraps: 2 Dunnock and a Whitethroat.
 Below are Philip Millns photographs of waders and of the Wryneck.

High tide waders, 27 August 2014.
Photo - Phillip Millns
Wryneck on Rock Ridge, 27 August 2014.
Photo - Philip Millns
August 27th. Increasing south-easterly wind.
 A dark Honey Buzzard arrived briefly from the south-west, then returned whence it came; other possible sightings may have involved different birds. Flying south were 5 Spoonbill, a Common Buzzard and 10 House Martin, and west 6 Grey Heron. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Wryneck, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, 3 Garden Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Kingfisher. On Tennyson Sands was a Wood Sandpiper, and on Jackson's Marsh a Little Gull.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Chris Hansell, provided 21 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 4 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, a Robin and a Wren.
The Wryneck showed well during the afternoon of 27th August
Photo - Roy Harvey
Wryneck at the Wash Viewpoint, 27th August 2014.
Photo - Richard Doan
Pied Flycatcher, ringed 27 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Redstart, ringed 27 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 26th. Strong northeasterly wind, cloudy.
 Around were a Wryneck, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 2 Wheatear, a Kingfisher, 24 Greenshank, 8 Ruff, a Green Sandpiper, 340 Black-tailed Godwit, 20000 Knot and 60 Arctic Tern. On the Mere were 2 Garganey. North went 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Little Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 5 Pochard and 500 Common Scoter, and south 130 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 50 Great Skua and 65 Arctic Skua.
 No ringing was attempted.

August 25th. Occasional light rain early morning, then more prolonged and heavier rain with strong easterly wind.
 Birds around included 30 Greenshank, a Whimbrel, a Kingfisher, 2 Ruff, 4 Redstart, 15 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler and a Yellow-legged Gull. Flying north were a Sooty Shearwater and 7 Manx Shearwater, and south 50 Arctic Tern and 2 Kittiwake.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes was very disappointing. The 2 new birds were a Wren and a Blackbird; and the 3 retraps were singles of Blackcap, Blue Tit and Great Tit.

August 24th. Around were 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 2 Common Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher, 7 Greenshank and a Whimbrel. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Ruff. South went 20 Swallow, 5 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Andrew Pugsley, produced 11 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, and singles of Robin, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Linnet, Swallow and Dunnock; and 2 retrap Dunnocks.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 42 new birds and 77 retraps. The new birds were 13 Greenfinch, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap and singles of Chaffinch, Reed Warbler, Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Wren, Whitethroat, Blackbird and Sparrowhawk. The retraps were 36 Great Tit, 15 Blue Tit, 11 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, a Robin and a Wren.

Male Sparrowhawk, ringed 24th August 2014.
Photo - David Vincent

August 23rd. Birds around included a Redstart, 17 Mistle Thrush, 4 Whimbrel, a Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kingfisher, 53 Little Egret, 359 Black-tailed Godwit and a Ruff. On Tennyson Sands was a Mediterranean Gull. A Spoonbill flew south-east early morning. Heading south were 100 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin and 30 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 4 Blackcap, 3 Robin, 2 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, a Wren and a Great Tit.
  At Aylmer Avenue there was a good build up of hirundines with 200 Swallow and 300 House Martin sunning themselves in the early morning sun on the Aylmer Avenue roof tops.
  There was a slightly longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulting in 58 new birds: 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 5 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch and 16 Greenfinch.
  There were also 34 retraps: 1 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 22 Great Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch.


Male Sparrowhawk, ringed 23rd August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 22nd. A Short-toed Eagle was seen by Ian Misselbrook circling briefly over the Field Station, mobbed by two Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier, in the morning, before heading inland. Around, including birds trapped, were a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 5 Whinchat, a Garden Warbler and a Whimbrel. On the Mere was a Water Rail. On Jackson's Marsh in the evening were 2 Spoonbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 15 new birds: 6 Willow Warbler, a Long-tailed Tit, a Robin, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, a Linnet and 2 Whinchat; and 10 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Robin, 3 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Whinchat, ringed 22 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 21st. Birds around included a Marsh Tit, a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear, 18 Mistle Thrush, a Green Woodpecker, a Green Sandpiper, an Arctic Skua, 3 Ruff, 4 Whimbrel, a Hobby and a Greenshank. Flying south were a Swift, 45 Swallow, 50 House Martin and 30 Sand Martin. A Ruddy Shelduck came in from the north, with 4 Shelduck, landed on the shore, and then flew south, the bird didn't have any rings on!
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 22 new birds: 8 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Robin, 3 Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Sedge Warbler, a Blackcap and a Reed Bunting; and 8 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren, a Dunnock, 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling was very productive. The 78 new birds were 13 Willow Warbler, 3 Wren, a Robin, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, 15 Great Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and 21 Greenfinch. The 45 retraps were 3 Robin, a Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, 22 Great Tit, 3 Greenfinch, a Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Long-tailed Tit and a Willow Warbler.

Mid August 2014

August 20th. Birds around included a Marsh Tit, 4 Whinchat, a Garden Warbler, a Green Woodpecker, a Hobby, 10 Arctic Skua, a Manx Shearwater, 3 Ruff, 5 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank. On Tennyson Sands was a Mediterranean Gull. Flying south were 8 Whimbrel and 6 Common Buzzard.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet, a Robin, a Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, a Whitethroat and a Song Thrush; and 11 retraps: 2 Robin, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 3 Dunnock and a Wren.

August 19th. Moderate westerly wind, brief light rain mid morning.
 Around was a Marsh Harrier, a Wood Sandpiper and a Redstart. On Tennyson Sands was a Mediterranean Gull.
 The eleventh session of CES was done this morning. The 23 new birds were a Wren, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Robin, 4 Dunnock and a Song Thrush. The 10 retraps were a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

August 18th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
 Birds around included 2 Hobby, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Ruff, a Wheatear and a Marsh Harrier. On Tennyson Sands was a Mediterranean Gull. Moving south were 65 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin and 4 House Martin.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 13 new birds: 8 Willow Warbler, a Robin, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: a Linnet, a Robin and 2 Dunnock.

August 17th. Increasingly strong north westerly wind, brief light rain shower mid morning.
 Around were 8 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 3 Wheatear and a Whinchat. Going south over land were 75 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin and a Yellow Wagtail, and north offshore 168 Manx Shearwater, a Sooty Shearwater and 15 Gannet.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Wren, a Willow Warbler, a Robin, 5 Linnet, a Reed Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap; and 7 retraps: 4 Whitethroat,a Robin and 2 Dunnock.

August 16th.
 Birds around included 3 Whinchat, 60 Willow Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Peregrine, 5 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard and a Spotted Redshank. Flying south were 3 Tree Pipit, 8 Sand Martin, 3 Swift and 5 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 17 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, a Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and a retrap Dunnock.

August 15th. Increasing north-westerly wind.
 Around were a Wood Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine. South went 150 Swallow, 50 Sand Martin, and 15 Yellow Wagtail. This evening at sea a Sooty Shearwater flew north, and south a Great Skua, 4 Gannet, 50 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 1500 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and 1029 Common Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, was reasonable. The 27 new birds were 15 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, a Dunnock and a Blackbird. The 9 retraps were a Blackcap, a Wren, a Willow Warbler, 3 Dunnock and 3 Whitethroat.
 One of the retrap Dunnock was ringed as a 3J (juvenile) on 8 July. Today, expectedly, it showed a dull eye and remnants of yellow gape flange (both juvenile features), and was replacing juvenile feathers in head moult. However, unusually, it was in main wing and tail moult. The left wing was almost completely symmetrical with the right wing shown in the photograph.

First-year Dunnock in main moult. Notice how fresh the outer, unmoulted primaries are. Retrapped 15 August 2015.
 Photo - George Gregory
August 14th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Wheatear, a Whinchat, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 80 Willow Warbler, 9 Mistle Thrush, 4 Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, a Short-eared Owl, 13 Kestrel, a Kingfisher and 15 Greenshank. Heading south were 75 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Hobby and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. On the estuary was 1300 Curlew and 5000 Bar-tailed Godwit. A female Scaup was on the Mere.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes was productive. The 55 new birds were 33 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, 4 Dunnock, a Skylark and a Mistle Thrush; and the 3 retraps were singles of Lesser Whitethroat, Wren and Dunnock.

Juvenile Skylark, ringed 14 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 13th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Greenshank and 8 Whimbrel. The Marsh Tit was still present in the Plantation. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Mediterranean Gull and a first winter Yellow-legged Gull. Going south were 40 Swift, 100 Sand Martin, 200 Swallow and 25 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 8 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, a Whinchat and 3 Whitethroat; 2 retraps: singles of Dunnock and Whitethroat; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Whitethroat.

Whinchat, ringed 13 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
High tide near Bird Observatory, 13 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 12th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 A White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered on Greenshanks Creek. Birds around included a Marsh Tit (rare here), 4 Wheatear, 4 Redstart, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 20 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Green Woodpecker, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Pink-footed Goose and a Kingfisher. Flying south were a Spoonbill, a possible Pectoral Sandpiper, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Shoveler, 30 Whimbrel, 300 Swift, 500 Sand Martin, 200 Swallow and 30 House Martin.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: singles of Blue Tit, Wren, Dunnock and Blackcap.

August 11th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were a Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 2 Marsh Harrier, 10 Mistle Thrush, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Coal Tit. Gradually heading south were 800 Sand Martin, 200 Swallow and 15 House Martin.
 No ringing was attempted.
One of many southbound juvenile Sand Martin taking a break
Photo - Nige Lound

Early August 2014

August 10th. Increasing south-westerly wind. Rain from mid morning.
 The Spoonbill was still on Tennyson Sands along with 2 Mediterranean Gull, 118 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Tern, 3 Little Tern and a Kingfisher. An adult female Montagu's Harrier flew south.
 No ringing was attempted.

August 9th. Rain until early morning. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands, and then 2 more Spoonbill arrived on the estuary. Birds around included 12 Mediterranean Gull, 1400 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, a Wood Sandpiper, a Marsh Harrier and 5 Greenshank. South went 35 Swift, 45 Sand Martin and 12 Swallow.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 2 new birds: a Whitethroat and a Sparrowhawk; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Dunnock.

Female Sparrowhawk, ringed 9 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 8th. Increasing easterly wind. Some light early morning rain, then very rainy afternoon.
 On Tennyson Sands were the White-rumped Sandpiper, the Spoonbill, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Little Ringed Plover. Around were a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Arctic Skua and a Greenshank. Heading south were 1065 Sand Martin and 100 Swallow.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: singles of Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Linnet and Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Linnet, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.

August 7th. On Tennyson Sands were the Spoonbill, a Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper. Flying south-west were 1000 Sand Martin and 150 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in just 2 new birds: a Wren and a Willow Warbler; and a retrap Whitethroat.

August 6th. Rain early morning.
 In the afternoon a White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered on Jackson's Marsh. Later,it flew onto Tennyson Sands. The Spoonbill was still on Tennyson Sands, as were 2 Little Ringed Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Greenshank. Going south were 35 Sand Martin and 6 Swallow.
 A brief, restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 2 new birds: a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Kestrel.

White-rumped Sandpiper, 6 August 2015.
Videograb - Kevin Wilson
Kestrel, controlled 6 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
August 5th. The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands along with 16 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Mediterranean Gull. Around was a Marsh Harrier. Heading south were 2000 Sand Martin, 950 Swallow and 5 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: 2 Wren, a Willow Warbler, 2 Robin, a Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, 2 Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Wren.

August 4th. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2500 Sandwich Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and 3 Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson Sands was the Spoonbill, and on Jackson's Marsh were a Spotted Redshank and 3 Green Sandpiper. Flying south were 5000 Sand Martin, 6000 Swallow and 4 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Robin and 2 Linnet; and 4 retraps: a Great Tit, 2 Wren and a Linnet.
Shore Wainscot, trapped overnight 3rd August 2014.
Photo - Nige Lound
August 3rd. Strong south-south-westerly wind.
 The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands. Around were 22 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 9 Arctic Skua, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Montagu's Harrier. Going south were 8000 Sand Martin, 50 Swallow, 3 Swift, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Heron.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: a Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Linnet; and 2 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent, which included the 10th CES session of the year, resulted in a total of 18 new birds and 17 retraps. Of the CES nets the new birds were 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Wren, a Dunnock and a Blackbird. The retraps were 2 Wren, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Whitethroat and a Robin. Of the other nets the new birds were 3 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. The retraps were 6 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit and a Robin.
 A Banded Demoiselle was in the Plantation.


Montagu's Harrier, 3rd August 2014
Photo - Garry Wright

Montagu's Harrier, 3rd August 2014 
Photo - Garry Wright

August 2nd.
 Birds around included a Peregrine, 2 Hobby, a Cuckoo, 2 Bullfinch and 9 Arctic Skua. On Tennyson Sands was a Spoonbill. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 6 Turnstone, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 25 Golden Plover, 50 Swallow and 350 Sand Martin. A Kingfisher was on Jackson's Marsh. A ringtail Montagu's Harrier flew low, north over Croft Marsh.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: a Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: singles of Wren, Whitethroat and Dunnock.

Tree-lichen Beauty, the 2nd for the reserve and Lincolnshire, trapped overnight 1st August 2014.
Photo - Nige Lound
August 1st. Around were 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Hobby, a Cuckoo and 23 Greenshank. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, a Ruff, 8 Snipe, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper. Flying south were 3 Arctic Skua, 500 Swallow, 1500 Sand Martin, 10 House Martin and 6 Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Robin and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit and 3 Wren.
 2 Painted Lady were seen.

Male Sparrowhawk, ringed 1 August 2014.
Photo - George Gregory