Late December 2015

December 31st. Around were 2 Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Woodcock, 150 Fieldfare and a Stonechat.

December 30th. Birds around included 500 Pink-footed Goose and 5 Corn Bunting.

December 29th. Around were a Water Pipit, a Stonechat, 30 Corn Bunting, 500 Pink-footed Goose, 670 Lapwing, 220 Sanderling and 319 Cormorant.

December 28th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Buzzard, 40 Fieldfare, a Blackcap and 9 Long-tailed Tit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Mike Polling, resulted in 13 new birds: 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; 7 retraps: singles of Blue Tit, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Great Tit, Goldfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 3 control Long-tailed Tit.

December 27th. Around were a Water Pipit, a Stonechat, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 390 Pink-footed Goose, 360 Grey Plover and 1500 Oystercatcher. Offshore were 400 Eider, 15 Red-breasted Merganser, 60 Red-throated Diver and 12 Common Scoter. Heading south were 7 Siskin.

December 26th. Birds around included 40 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 35 Corn Bunting.

December 25th. Around were a male Hen Harrier, 8 Fieldfare and 3 Woodcock. On Tennyson's Sands were 500 Pink-footed Goose.

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 2 new and 2 retrap Blackbird.

December 24th. Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Goose, a Green Woodpecker and 50 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank, a Pintail and 5 Black-tailed Godwit. Offshore were 17 Eider. Flying south were a Kittiwake and 98 Eider. In from the east came 113 Pink-footed Goose.

December 23rd. Around, including birds trapped, were a Water Pipit, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Kingfisher, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Woodcock, 23 Corn Bunting, 3 Redwing and 7 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler. South went 25 Siskin, 8 Stock Dove, 35 Eider and 13 Red-throated Diver.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 2 new birds: singles of Redwing and Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock, a Great Tit and 2 Blackbird.

December 22nd. Birds around included 600 Brent Goose, a Woodcock, 27 Corn Bunting, 2 Redwing and 140 Fieldfare. On Tennyson's Sands were a Cetti's Warbler, a Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail. Offshore was a Long-tailed Duck.

December 21st. Around were 100+ Pink-footed Goose, 70 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 2 Woodcock.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Mike Polling, resulted in 6 new Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Dunnock and 3 Blackbird.

Mid December 2015

December 20th. Birds around included a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Buzzard, 2 Goldcrest, a Stonechat, 16 Corn Bunting, 80 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands was a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Flying south were 100 Siskin.

Merlin, 20th December 2015.
Photo - James Siddle
December 19th. Around were a Waxwing, a Woodcock, 600 Lapwing, a Bullfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 8 Siskin, 25 Corn Bunting and 2 Redwing. Heading south were 14 Siskin.

December 18th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Woodcock. South at sea went a late Sandwich Tern.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: a Wren, a Robin, a Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 5 retraps: a Wren, 3 Blue Tit and a Goldcrest.

Woodcock, ringed 18th December 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
December 17th. Around were 4000 Golden Plover, a Woodcock, a singing Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and a singing Coal Tit. Heading south were 31 Siskin, 23 Redwing and 5 Blackbird.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 3 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: singles of Blue Tit and Goldcrest.

December 16th.  Birds around included 40 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, 50 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing. On the sea were 9 Red-throated Diver. Flying south were 14 Pintail, 20 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Eider and 40 Siskin.

December 15th. Drizzly morning.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Water Pipit. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Woodcock, 500 Grey Plover, 8 Song Thrush (including 1 singing), 4 Redwing, 4 Goldcrest and a Bullfinch.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 3 new birds: a Bullfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 3 Great Tit, 2 Wren and 2 Blue Tit.


Bullfinch, ringed 15th December 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
December 14th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Redwing, 2 Woodcock and 120 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, provided 3 new birds: a Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Blackbird.

Redwing, ringed 14th December 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
December 13th. Around were a Short-eared Owl, 4 Woodcock, 9 Corn Bunting and a Brambling. In off the sea came 5 Goosander.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Goldcrest and 2 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Goldfinch, a Song Thrush, a Robin, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blackbird.

December 12th. Rain from mid morning.
 Offshore was a Slavonian Grebe. On Croftmarsh was a Bean Goose. Birds around included  a Water Pipit, a Spotted Redshank, 14 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, a Woodcock and 200 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 2 new birds: a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; 3 retraps: 2 Blackbird and a Dunnock; and a control Dunnock.

December 11th. Around were a male Hen Harrier, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Redwing. On Jackson's Marsh were a Goldeneye and a Pintail. Offshore were 50 Red-throated Diver. Going south were 90 Siskin and a Redpoll.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided a new Blackcap; and 5 retraps: singles of Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Blue Tit and Robin.

Early December 2015

December 10th. Birds around included a Water Pipit, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and a Siskin. Offshore were 11 Eider, and flying south were 5 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Eider and 5 Red-breasted Merganser.

December 9th. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail, and on Jackson's Marsh 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye and a Pintail. Around were a Woodcock, a Brambling, 2 Goldcrest and 250 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Alex Dodds, produced 5 new birds: a Robin and 4 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackbird, 3 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Drake Pintail on Jackson's Marsh, 9th December 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound
Barn Owl, 9th December 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound
December 8th. Birds around included a Woodcock, 2 Goldcrest and 25 Blackbird.

December 7th. Offshore was a Slavonian Grebe. Around were a Snow Bunting, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 2 singing Song Thrush, 34 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, a Brambling and 318 Brent Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Goldeneye and 2 Water Rail, on the Mere a Goldeneye and on Jackson's Marsh 3 Pochard and a Goldeneye. Heading north were 810 Pink-footed Goose

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 3 new birds: a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Blackbird.

December 6th. Strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 Birds around included 3 Waxwing, a Woodcock, a Brambling and 20 Blackbird.

December 5th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Offshore were a Slavonian Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Red-throated Diver, 15 Red-breasted Merganser and a Guillemot. Around were 14 Corn Bunting, a Woodcock, a Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Fieldfare, a Merlin, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Bullfinch and 15 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank, 157 Brent Goose (all adults), a Pintail and 476 Teal. A Red Kite flew south over Aylmer Avenue late afternoon.

December 4th. Birds around included a Lapland Bunting, a Water Pipit, 3 ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 13 Snipe, 40 Pink-footed Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Stonechat, 6 Song Thrush, 3 Bullfinch, a Merlin, 53 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 10 Yellowhammer and 3 Goldcrest. Offshore were 9 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Flying south were 30 Siskin.

 A Small Tortoiseshell was at Sykes Farm.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, yielded 3 new Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Wren and 2 Blue Tit.

December 3rd. Around, including birds trapped, were a Lapland Bunting, a Bullfinch, a Redpoll, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 2 Stonechat, 6 Corn Bunting, 5 Woodcock, 5 Goldcrest and 25 Blackbird. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail. Going north were 380 Pink-footed Goose, and south 8 Whooper Swan.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 3 new birds: a Goldcrest and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackbird and 3 Goldcrest.

December 2nd. Offshore were a Slavonian Grebe and 7 Red-throated Diver.  On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Water Pipit. Birds around included 600 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Brent Goose, a Treecreeper, a Brambling, 10 Corn Bunting and a Peregrine. Flying north were 5 Common Scoter and south a Great Crested Grebe.


Robin, 2nd December 2015.
 Photo - Emma Sharp.
Moorhen feeding on Sea Buckthorn, 2nd December 2015.
Photo - Emma Sharp
December 1st. Early morning light rain, then soggy.
 On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank, 4 Water Rail, 650 Teal, 2 Avocet, a Pintail and 2 Goldeneye. Around were 2 Goldcrest and 15 Blackbird.

Late November 2015

November 30th. Rain most of day.
 Birds around included 30 Blackbird and 2 Goldcrest.

November 29th. Around were 3 Goldcrest and 45 Blackbird.

November 28th. Birds around included 2 Bean Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, 1500 Oystercatcher, 770 Grey Plover, 1200 Dunlin, 550 Sanderling, a Peregrine and a Snow Bunting.

November 27th. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Water Pipit, a Stonechat, 4 Goldcrest, a Green Woodpecker, 1500 Oystercatcher, 12 Corn Bunting and a Woodcock.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 4 new birds: 2 Goldcrest and 2 Blackcap; and 3 retraps: singles of Goldcrest, Blackbird and Great Tit.

November 26th. On Tennyson's Sands were a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Rail and 2 Avocet, and on the Mere a Pintail. Birds around included a Merlin, a Brambling and 60 Blackbird.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 7 new birds: a Wren, a Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 14 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 4 Robin, a Blue Tit, a Blackbird and a Wren.

November 25th. Around were a Merlin, a Woodcock, 2 Bullfinch and 5 Brambling. Offshore were a Slavonian Grebe, a Goosander and 10 Red-throated Diver. Heading north were 6 Egyptian Goose, and south 2 Lapland Bunting, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Twite and a Snow Bunting.

November 24th. Soggy start.
 Birds around included 2 White-fronted Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 3+ Woodcock, 17 Corn Bunting, a Goldcrest and 50 Blackbird. On the sea were 3 Slavonian Grebe and a Black-throated Diver. South went a Great Northern Diver.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 7 new Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Wren, Blue Tit, Robin and Dunnock.


Orb Weaver Sp (Metellina sp), 24th November 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson
November 23rd. Another freezing start.
 Around were a Spotted Redshank, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, an Arctic Skua, 350 Brent Goose, a Rook, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 45 Rock Pipit, 15 Siskin, 22 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 60 Blackbird and 11 Song Thrush. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Tennyson's Sands 160 Pink-footed Goose. In came 48 Pink-footed Goose, 780 Starling and 8 Stock Dove. Flying south were 5 Whooper Swan, 2 Rook, 70 Siskin and 5 Brambling.

November 22nd. Freezing start.
 Birds around included 3 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, an Arctic Skua, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 180 Blackbird, a Bullfinch and 4 Goldcrest. Flying south were 2 Little Auk, 14 Eider, 2 Mistle Thrush, 35 Siskin and 2 Brambling, south-west a Tree Sparrow, north 7 Great Skua and 13 Pintail, and inland a Little Auk.

Fox Moth caterpillar, 22nd November 2015.
Photo - Rob Watson
Stranded Starfish, 22nd November 2015.
Photo - Rob watson
Stranded Sunstar, 22nd November 22nd November 2015.
Photo Rob Watson
November 21st. Very strong but decreasing northerly wind with occasional rain, and brief snow later.
 Around were 75 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare and 15 Pink-footed Goose. A Waxwing, 120 Starling and a Fieldfare came in off the sea. Going south were 16 Pomarine Skua, 13 Great Skua, 5 Little Auk, 4 Whooper Swan, 4 Goosander, 1517 Kittiwake and 22 Gannet, south-east 115 Pink-footed Goose, and north 2 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Little Auk and 4 Great Skua, 110 Teal and 60 Common Scoter. On the sea or offshore were a Slavonian Grebe, an Arctic Skua and a Velvet Scoter. On Tennyson's Sands was a Goosander.

Mid November 2015

November 20th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Red Kite, a Black-throated Diver, 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Buzzard, 20 Common Scoter, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were a Cetti's Warbler and a Spotted Redshank, and on Jackson's Marsh a Water Pipit. Heading north were 2 Raven, and south 169 Whooper Swan, 8 Snow Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and a Sparrowhawk. In off the sea came 14 Fieldfare and 3 Woodcock.

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 3 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff and a Robin; and a retrap Robin.

November 19th. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Avocet and a Spotted Redshank. Also around, including birds trapped, were a Raven, 1300 Pink-footed Goose, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Green Woodpecker and 5 Goldcrest. A Red Kite, 165 Whooper Swan,1300 Woodpigeon, 11 Stock Dove, a Great Skua and a Red-necked Grebe flew south.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 6 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 3 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit and a Robin.

November 18th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 250 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Goldcrest. Heading south were 23 Whooper Swan, 2 Great Northern Diver and 20 Auk Sp.

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 4 new birds: a Goldcrest and 3 Blackbird; and 4 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackbird and a Robin.

November 17th. Around, including birds trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Bullfinch, a Snow Bunting, 2 Water Rail, 2 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank, a Water Pipit and a Chiffchaff. Flying south were 176 Whooper Swan, including 45 from Jackson's Marsh, 250 Chaffinch, 200 Siskin and a House Martin.

 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 4 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Goldcrest.

Southbound Whooper Swans, 17th November 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
November 16th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 600 Pink-footed Goose. This flock was tracked down further inland at Clough House Station, and within it were 2 Tundra Bean Goose and 4 White-fronted Goose. Going south were 200 Whooper Swan and 600 Pink-footed Goose.

 A restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: a Blackcap, a Dunnock and 2 Blackbird; and 4 retraps; 2 Wren, a Goldcrest and a Robin.

November 15th. Strong westerly wind.
 Around were a Chiffchaff, 350 Pink-footed Goose and 150 Brent Goose. A evening roost included 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Hen Harrier and 2 Merlin. Heading south were 70 Whooper Swan.

 David Steel, the SNH Reserve Manager for the Isle of May has contacted us to say that the juvenile Red-footed Falcon that was present here at Gibraltar Point from 24-30 September was the same bird, on photographic evidence, that was on the Isle of May from 14-19 September.

November 14th. Birds around included 750 Pink-footed Goose, 2 male Hen Harrier, a Long-eared Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 400 Brent Goose, 20000 Knot. Flying south were 2 Bean Goose, 38 Whooper Swan, 6 Brambling and 13 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Redwing; and 6 retraps: a Great Tit, a Blackbird and 4 Goldcrest.

November 13th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 On the reserve were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 White-fronted Goose, 1000 Brent Goose, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 6000 Golden Plover, 7162 Black-headed Gull, 913 Common Gull, 91 Great Black-backed Gull and an adult winter Mediterranean Gull. Tennyson's Sands produced 5 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail. Flying south were 7 Bewick's Swan, 71 Whooper Swan, 8 Brambling and 79 Siskin. On The Wash at low tide were 338 Redshank, 8 Ringed Plover, 8 Turnstone, 400 Oystercatcher and 1000 Dunlin. A Chiffchaff was in the Plantation.

November 12th. Around were 800 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Water Rail, and on Croftmarsh 3 White-fronted Goose. Going south were 30+ Whooper Swan and 8 Stock Dove.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Sparrowhawk; and 3 retraps: a Robin and 2 Goldcrest.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 12th November 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
November 11th. Birds around included 765 Pink-footed Goose, 356 Brent Goose, an adult White-fronted Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlin, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands was a juvenile White-fronted Goose and a Spotted Redshank. Heading south were 6 Whooper Swan, 3650 Woodpigeon, a Swallow, 3 Snow Bunting, 7 Twite, 350 Chaffinch, 75 Brambling and 11 Redpoll.

White-fronted Goose, 11th November 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Early November 2015

November 10th. Around were a male Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, 650 Pink-footed Goose, 1000 Brent Goose, 2750 Golden Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Corn Bunting, a Short-eared Owl and a Fieldfare. Moving south offshore were a Long-tailed Duck, a Velvet Scoter, 2 Scaup and 3 Black-throated Diver. Flying south over the West Dunes were 876 Siskin, 96 Goldfinch, 180 Chaffinch, 32 Brambling, 84 Redpoll, 122 Meadow Pipit, 51 Skylark and 3 late House Martin. Tennyson's Sands held 600 Teal, 4 Pochard, 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Avocet and 4 Snipe. In the Plantation were 4 Goldcrest and a Bullfinch. A herd of 15 Whooper Swan flew south-east mid-morning.

 A short morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Goldcrest and 3 Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.

Corn Bunting, 10th November 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
November 9th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 On Croftmarsh was a Common Crane (briefly), on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 5 Avocet, on the Mere a Goldeneye, and on Fenland Lagoon a Kingfisher. Birds around included a Water Pipit, 3 Hen Harrier, a female Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 52 Brent Goose, 2 Tundra Bean Goose (reported on Birdguides), 3500 Golden Plover, a Jack Snipe, 3 Lapland Bunting and a Goldcrest. Going south were 38 Whooper Swan, 70 Siskin and 2 Brambling.

November 8th. The Pallid Harrier was still present. Also around were 2+ Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Buzzard, 120 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Fieldfare, a Blackcap and 2 Stonechat. On the water bodies were 1015 Teal, 4 Pintail, 79 Mallard, 84 Shoveler, a Goldeneye, 8 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Water Rail and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 19 Whooper Swan and 62 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: 3 Goldcrest and a Wren; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Blackbird.

November 7th. Strong south-westerly wind, with rainy spells in morning.
 The Pallid Harrier reappeared. Other birds around were a male Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 350 Pink-footed Goose, a Stonechat and 100 Fieldfare. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail and a Goldeneye, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Water Pipit, 2 Water Rail, 3 Avocet and a Spotted Redshank. Flying south were 9 Whooper Swan and a Swallow.

Pallid Harrier, 7th November 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
November 6th. The juvenile Pallid Harrier was seen again. Also around were a Short-eared Owl, a male Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, 24 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling and 120 Pink-footed Goose. Heading south were 2 Bean Goose and 22 Whooper Swan.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in just 4 new birds: 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Redwing; and no retraps.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 5 new birds: a Wren, a Greenfinch, a Blackbird, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Robin, a Wren and a Long-tailed Tit.

November 5th. Occasional light rain.
 The juvenile Pallid Harrier reappeared several times. Other birds around included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 500 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing and 65 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Water Rail and 2 Spotted Redshank, on the Mere a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Fenland Lagoon a Water Pipit.

 A fairly short morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: 3 Goldcrest and a Blackbird; and a retrap Goldcrest.

Water Pipit, 5th November 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Pallid Harrier in mist, 5th November 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Pallid Harrier in mist, 5th November 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
November 4th. Another foggy and soggy start, with rain from mid morning to early afternoon.
 Around were a male Hen Harrier, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Redwing and 350 Brent Goose.

 A short morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit and a Robin; and 7 retraps: a Wren, a Blue Tit, a Robin and 4 Goldcrest.

November 3rd. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler, and on Fenland Lagoon a Water Pipit. Birds around included a Firecrest, a male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 350 Brent Goose, a Black Redstart and 3 Stonechat. Flying south were 670 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 120 Redwing, 110 Fieldfare, 80 Rock Pipit, 193 Siskin and 135 Goldfinch.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: a Wren, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: a Dunnock and 4 Goldcrest.

November 2nd. Foggy and soggy all day.
 Around were a male Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Black Redstart, a Woodcock, 84 Shoveler, 750 Teal, 60 Blackbird, 60 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing and a Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail, and on the Mere a Water Rail.

 A short morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Dunnock and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: singles of Robin and Dunnock.

November 1st. Foggy, soggy start.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Great Grey Shrike, 2+ Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, a Snow Bunting, 350 Pink-footed Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a male Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Woodcock, 2 Ruff and a Blackcap. Flying south were 6 Whooper Swan, 132 Pink-footed Goose and a Swallow.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds a Wren, 2 Dunnock, 2 Redwing, 8 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 6 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Goldcrest and a Great Tit.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 20 new birds and 32 retraps. The new birds were 12 Greenfinch, 2 Wren, 2 Blackbird and singles of Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Brambling and Chaffinch. The retraps were 11 Great Tit, 6 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, a Wren and a Chaffinch.
Various species, 1st November 2015.
Photos  - Philip Millns
Short-eared Owl, 1st November 2015.
Photos - Philip Millns

Late October 2015

October 31st. Around, including birds trapped, were a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Peregrine, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Black Redstart, 55 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 drake Pintail, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Stonechat, a Blackcap, 50 Pink-footed Goose, 30000 Knot and 1800 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Ruff, and on Tennyson Sands 5 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and a Ruff. Going south were 3 Goosander, a Hawfinch, a Corn Bunting, and numbers of Brambling and Siskin, and south-east 35 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 34 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Song Thrush, 21 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 3 retraps: singles of Wren, Robin and Goldcrest.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Rough-legged Buzzard, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Greenshank, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Brambling, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Siskin, 31st Octoner 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
October 30th. Continuing moderately strong southerly wind.
 Birds around included a Black Redstart, 2 Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Woodcock, 1950 Oystercatcher and 15 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were a Mediterranean Gull and a Short-eared Owl.

October 29th. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 A Pallid Harrier was seen flying south over East Dunes and then from the Wash Viewpoint. Also around were 2 Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk and 75 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank. Flying south were a Whooper Swan, 20 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 292 Wigeon, 15 Pintail, 152 Teal, 25 Pochard, 2 Scaup, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Black-throated Diver; and west 50 Pink-footed Goose.

Pallid Harrier, 29th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
Pallid Harrier, 29th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
October 28th. Rain from mid morning.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Woodcock, a Chiffchaff, 200+ Fieldfare, 150+ Redwing, 5 Brambling, 42 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 4 Rock Pipit and a Peregrine.

 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, a Redwing, a Song Thrush, a Fieldfare and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Dunnock and 3 Goldcrest.

High tide near Bird Observatory, 28th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 27th. Around were 2 Black Redstart, 166 Pink-footed Goose, 700 Redwing, 50 Fieldfare, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Pochard, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Water Rail, a Treecreeper and a Kingfisher.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 21 new birds: 10 Goldcrest, a Goldfinch, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and 3 Starling; and 7 retraps: 5 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Robin.

October 26th. Birds around included 2 Black Redstart, a Merlin, a Hen Harrier, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 37 Stock Dove, a Green Woodpecker, a Fieldfare and 160 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank, and on Jackson's Marsh 4 Ruff and a Water Pipit. Going south were 28 Whooper Swan and 3 Fieldfare.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 18 new birds: 16 Goldcrest, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; and a retrap Goldcrest.

October 25th. Birds around included 700 Pink-footed Goose, 780 Brent Goose, 3 Merlin, a Hen Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull, a Snow Bunting, a Bullfinch and 9 Redpoll. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were 41 Whooper Swan, 245 Pink-footed Goose, 960 Woodpigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Brambling, 44 Siskin, 35 Tree Sparrow, 39 Redpoll and 2 House Martin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 21 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 7 Long-tailed Tit, a Lesser Redpoll, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, 3 Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps:  singles of Wren, Robin and Great Tit.

October 24th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 800+ Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands was a Greenshank.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new Goldcrest; and 3 retraps: 2 Great Tit and a Goldcrest.

October 23rd. Flying south were 2 Serin, 44 Whooper Swan, 5 Rook and many finches and buntings. Birds around included a Firecrest, 800+ Pink-footed Goose and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Avocet and a Greenshank, and on the Mere 3 Water Rail.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 36 new birds: 18 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 3 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 13 retraps: 5 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest, a Wren and a Dunnock.

October 22nd. Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 750 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Redwing and 10 Goldcrest. On Jackson's Marsh were an Avocet and 8 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Heading south were 4 Brambling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Linnet, 3 Lesser Redpoll, a Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Redwing, a Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 22 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 4 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch, a Redwing, 3 Blackbird and a Kestrel; and 17 retraps: 2 Wren, 2 Robin, a Coal Tit, 2 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 5 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Greenfinch.

October 21st. Rain most of morning.
  The Dusky Warbler was seen again around the Cycle Track next to Tennyson's Sands. Other birds around included 15 Fieldfare, 65 Redwing and 35 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

Mid October 2015

October 20th. A Red-flanked Bluetail was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. The Dusky Warbler was refound near North (Beach) Car Park. Other birds around included a Great Grey Shrike, a Cetti's Warbler, 6 Tree Sparrow and a Stonechat.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Robin, a Red-flanked Bluetail, a Goldfinch, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 11 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 2 Robin and a Long-tailed Tit.

Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 19th. A Dusky Warbler was discovered around the Cycle Track opposite Tennyson's Sands. Also around, including birds trapped, were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, a Firecrest, 2+ Brambling, 5 Water Rail, 7 Swallow and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank. Off the reserve a Rough-legged Buzzard was seen over fields to the north-west, and a Great Grey Shrike was on a hedge to the west of Frederika Road.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 53 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 8 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 4 Lesser Redpoll, a Skylark, 3 Redwing, 11 Blackbird and a Great Grey Shrike; and 9 retraps: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin and a Dunnock.

 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by Mick Pearson, Kevin Hemsley and Duncan Hooton, yielded 92 new birds: 33 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 11 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 4 Blue Tit, 16 Greenfinch, 10 Redwing and 7 Blackbird; and 42 retraps: 3 Great Tit, 6 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 13 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, 3 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, a Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch and a Coal Tit.

Skylark, ringed 19th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Great Grey Shrike, ringed 19th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 18th. A new Pallas's Warbler was found during the morning at the North End along the sycamores along the northern boundary of the reserve. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a Richard's Pipit, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike at the Wash Viewpoint in the afternoon, a Firecrest (East Dunes), a Grey Wagtail, a Redstart, an adult Caspian Gull (on the beach in the morning), a Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlin, a Kingfisher, a Treecreeper and a late Grasshopper Warbler. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Tennyson's Sands another Water Rail. Flying south were 24 Siskin.
  At Aylmer Avenue another 600 Redwing moved south and west during the morning along with 30 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbird, 10 Brambling, 8 Siskin and 6 Lesser Redpoll. There were 300+ Goldcrest around through the morning before they quickly moving on south. Interestingly none of the 194 Goldcrests ringed yesterday at Aylmer was retrapped today, amply demonstrating the rapid turnover of birds through the reserve when we have north-easterlies.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 93 new birds: 36 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 11 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 8 Goldfinch, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Goldfinch.

 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs and David Vincent, who were assisted in the morning by Neil Hagley of the Charnwood Ringing Group (Many Thanks, Neil), resulted in 241 new birds and 18 retraps.
 The new birds were 138 Goldcrest, 48 Redwing, 19 Robin, 11 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird, 5 Blackcap, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Wren, 2 Brambling, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Chiffchaff. The retraps were 9 Greenfinch, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird and a Chaffinch.
 
  Ringing during October so far has resulted in 2333 new birds ringed - the best monthly total since October 2012. There have been an amazing 1266 new Goldcrests.

Fieldfare, ringed 18th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Adult Caspian Gull, 18th October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 18th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory



October 17th. The Dusky Warbler was seen several times again just south of the Sleeper Track. It was eventually found in a nearby mist-net, processed at the Observatory building, then released back near where it was caught. A Pallas's Warbler, first found flying across the old saltmarsh at 3.10pm by James Siddle, was eventually pinned down by the Yacht Club where is gave fleeting but good views. Also around, including birds trapped, were a Richard's Pipit (then south), 2 Rough-legged Buzzard (which arrived separately then hunted together), 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 11 Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Crossbill, a Woodcock, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Black Redstart, 6 Swallow, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Hen Harrier, 10 Sparrowhawk, a Kingfisher, a Stonechat, 30 Tree Sparrow, 250 Fieldfare, 900 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 400 Goldcrest, 150 Robin, a Wheatear and 30 Brambling. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail. Offshore, a Kittiwake and a Fulmar went north and a Great Skua south, while a Great Northern Diver was on the sea.

 Whilst ringing at Aylmer Avenue there were 700+ Goldcrest moving south through the dunes during the day, 80 Fieldfare, 700+ Redwing south and west during the first two hours of daylight (a further 100 were still present at dusk). Other birds included 20 Blackbird, 20 Song Thrush, 40 Robin, 20 Brambling, 12 Crossbill (a flock of 10 west mid morning and a pair late afternoon), 15+ Kestrel and 10+ Sparrowhawk - all seemed to arrive late afternoon from the East.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Toby Collett and James Siddle, produced 57 new birds: 32 Goldcrest, a Dusky Warbler (first ringed for the Observatory), a Firecrest, 8 Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Great Tit.

  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was ringing with 314 new birds for the day, packing up just before it started raining an hour before dusk. Many thanks must go to Brian Hopkinson who paid a visit mid morning and gave an hour's assistance despite him meant to be having a day bird watching. Unfortunately, more than half of the nets could not be opened due to the gusting north-easterly wind but many of the nets were sheltered enough to produce some good catches.
  The new birds were 194 Goldcrest, 36 Redwing, 23 Robin, 22 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcap a single Wren. The 8 retraps were 3 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit and singles of Chaffinch and Great Tit.

Dusky Warbler, ringed 17th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Firecrest, ringed 17th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Jack Snipe, 17th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Jack Snipe, 17th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 16th. Increasing north-easterly wind.
 The Dusky Warbler was seen again several times in East Dunes. Other birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Merlin, a Redstart, a Long-eared/Short-eared Owl briefly at dawn and a ringtail Hen Harrier. Flying south-west were 55 Redwing, 21 Fieldfare and a Siskin.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 28 new birds: 17 Goldcrest, a Wren, 6 Robin, a Blackcap, a Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Dusky Warbler, 16th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
Dusky Warbler, 16th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
October 15th. The Dusky Warbler was again seen a few times in East Dunes. Also around were 2 Great Grey Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Redstart, a Twite, 6 Sparrowhawk, 25 Brambling, 2 Stonechat and 3 Swallow.

 A fairly long ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 164 new birds: 113 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 20 Robin, a Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing and 5 Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Wren, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit, 2 Blackcap and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

October 14th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind, with several brief spells of light rain.
 The Dusky Warbler was briefly seen several times in East Dunes. Other birds around included 2 Great Grey Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Sandwich Tern, a Merlin, 2 Brambling, a Firecrest and a Redstart. Heading north were 3 Sooty Shearwater, 200 Gannet, 5 Little Gull and 2 Crossbill, and south 3 Whooper Swan and a Black-throated Diver. Goldcrests continued to pour through the dunes for much of the day with an estimate of 1500 present on the reserve during the day.

 A long but weather-restricted ringing session in East Dunes produced 208 new birds: 163 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 16 Robin, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Song Thrush and a Blackcap.

October 13th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 A Dusky Warbler was discovered in East Dunes in the afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were  a Yellow-browed Warbler, the Great Grey Shrike, 2 Firecrest, 500 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 200 Robin, 70 Song Thrush, 14 Blackcap, 30000 Knot, a Jack Snipe, 2 Redstart, a Stonechat, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling and 400 Redwing. At sea 4 Great Skua and 15 Auk Sp flew south, 85 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern, 5 Kittiwake and 40 Common Scoter flew north, and a probable Storm Petrel was seen briefly.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 32 new birds: 16 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 3 Redwing and 6 Song Thrush; and 9 retraps: a Wren, 2 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a Siskin.

Siskin, retrapped 13th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Richard's Pipit, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, the Great Grey Shrike, a Cetti's Warbler, a Firecrest, a Black Redstart, a Redstart, a Lapland Bunting, a Ring Ouzel, 8 Swallow, a Mediterranean Gull, 150 Pink-footed Goose, 25000 Knot and 60 Redwing. Heading south were a Hawfinch and 45 Tree Sparrow.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 124 new birds: 4 Wren, 54 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Siskin, 2 Brambling, 18 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 9 Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, 10 Goldfinch, a Redstart, a Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 4 Redwing and 7 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Great Grey Shrike, 12th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale
Great Grey Shrike, 12th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale
Great Grey Shrike 12th October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
Brambling, ringed 12th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Cetti's Warbler, ringed 12th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 11th. Continued easterlies through out the night resulted in good conditions for a major influx or fall of birds along the east coast and we were not to be disappointed. Highlight of the day was a Rustic Bunting discovered around the Cycle Track area. It was seen only by a limited number of people though as its chosen feeding area, the cycle track, was fairly busy with people walking up and down so it didn't remain long before it disappeared. Other good birds were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Great Grey Shrike and 4 Firecrest (possibly 5). Other birds around, including those trapped were a late Willow Warbler, 36 Ring Ouzel, 35 Fieldfare, 250 Redwing, 45 Song Thrush, 150 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Brambling, 2 Lapland Bunting, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart (one showing some features of Ehrenburg's Redstart), a Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, 8 Swallow, 20+ Siskin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, a Spotted Redshank and a Mediterranean Gull.
 Sea watching from first light saw 4 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, a Sooty Shearwater, 14 Kittiwake, 23 Common Scoter, over 100 Guillemot and a Great Northern Diver going north and 12 Red-throated Diver south.

 At Aylmer Avenue during the day at least 1000+ Goldcrest filtered through the ringing area hurriedly heading south with at least 200 still present at dusk. There were at least 36 Ring Ouzel heading west, 700 Redwing west during the day with at least a further 100 still present on the ground at dusk. 30+ Brambling and 10 Siskin went south during the day whilst 2 Yellow-browed Warblers were calling together from the sycamores along the roadside late afternoon.

 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, produced 154 new birds: 118 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Firecrest, 18 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, a Black Redstart, 2 Reed Bunting, a Redstart, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Wren.

 Meanwhile an even longer ringing session was carried out at Aylmer Avenue, firstly by David and Liv Vincent, joined mid morning by Mick Briggs for some added help in the busy conditions. Results were impressive with the highest day total this year: 387 new birds ringed, which gave the Observatory a combined total for the day of 541 new birds ringed. The day's highlight at Aylmer Avenue, besides the impressive number of Goldcrests, was a new Firecrest, whilst amongst the retraps was a Robin originally ringed in Holland.

 The new birds at Aylmer Avenue were 255 Goldcrest, 49 Greenfinch, 31 Redwing, 19 Robin, 7 Song Thrush, 6 Brambling, 4 Blackbird, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap and singles of Firecrest, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Lesser Redpoll. The 29 retraps were 7 Goldcrest, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Great Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Robin ( including a Dutch control), 2 Wren, 2 Blue Tit and singles of Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

 The weather forecast for the rest of the week is very similar to that of the weekend we have just had, with plenty more easterlies to come. It should be a cracking week to come at Gibraltar Point.

Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Great Grey Shrike, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Caroline and Andy Leonard
Brambling, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Firecrest, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Black Redstart, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Willow Warbler, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Redstart, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Firecrest, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory