Late October 2018

Ringing Recovery:
Blackbird, ringed GPBO 25 October 2012, found dead Brandbu, Norway 23 October 2018.

October 31st. Frosty start.
 A Hawfinch flew south over West Dunes mid-day and in the early afternoon 5 Great White Egret came from the south with 4 then heading out east. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 182 Brent Goose, 215 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 36 Turnstone, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 9 Snipe, 2200 Herring Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Hooded Crow, a Cetti's Warbler, a Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 30 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 1600 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 102 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 91 Redwing, 45 Robin, 12 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, a Twite, a Redpoll, a Crossbill and 6 Siskin. Going south were 32 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe and 7 Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 33 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Reed Bunting, 3 Robin, 7 Redwing and 11 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Redwing, 3 Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest and a Robin.


Great White Egrets, a new reserve record count, equalling the county record, 31st October 2018.
Photos - Alan Brewster
Hen Harrier, 31st October 2018.
Photo - Alan Brewster
Chiffchaff, 31st October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
October 30th. Quite strong northerly wind, slowly shifting to westerly and slowly decreasing; with rainy spells until mid afternoon.
 Heading north were 15 Brent Goose, 4 Mallard, 32 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Gannet, a Great White Egret, 6 Turnstone, 2 Guillemot and a Great Skua; south 25 Wigeon, 30 Teal, a Long-tailed Duck, 4 Eider, a Hen Harrier and a Snipe; and west a Waxwing. Birds around included 90 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 4 Woodcock, 6 Snipe, 2 Hooded Crow, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 28 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 190 Blackbird, 172 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 159 Redwing, 40 Robin, 24 Brambling and 6 Siskin.


Hooded Crow, 30th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound
October 29th. Decreasing, then slowly increasing, north-easterly wind, with occasional brief rain showers.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 176 Brent Goose, 140 Whooper Swan, 25 Eider, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 3 Avocet, 6 Turnstone, 16 Snipe, 13 Woodcock, a first winter Caspian Gull, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, a Firecrest, 107 Goldcrest, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 405 Blackbird, 207 Fieldfare, 24 Song Thrush, 205 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 25 Brambling, 7 Lesser Redpoll, a Mealy Redpoll, 3 Crossbill, 7 Siskin, 5 Snow Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and 2 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 130 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Whooper Swan, a Ring-necked Parakeet (after briefly being around the Yacht Club), 5 Rook, 8 Redpoll, 7 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; and north 4 Velvet Scoter, 7 Little Auk, 2 Pomarine Skua and 2 Kittiwake. 
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 38 new birds: 19 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chaffinch, 12 Blackbird and 5 Starling; 7 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin, a Wren, 2 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest; and a control Starling with a ZOOL. MUS. KAUNAS LITHUANIA ring.


Hooded Crow, 29th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Yellow-browed Warbler, 29th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Caspian Gull, 29th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound
Snow Bunting, 29th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound
Firecrest, ringed 29th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Goldcrest, 30th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
October 28th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, slowly decreasing. Rain in afternoon.
 A Hooded Crow was discovered on the beach, where there also was a brief juvenile Iceland Gull. On another great day over the sea, going north were 142 Brent Goose, 135 Wigeon, 51 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, a Shoveler, a Pintail, 43 Eider, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 552 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, a Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 394 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Diver spp, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Leach's Petrel, 17 Guillemot, 41 Little Auk, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua, 16 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Tern, 3 Commic Tern, 443 Kittiwake, 7 Little Gull and a juvenile Glaucous Gull; south 6 Whooper Swan, 39 Brent Goose, 3 Shelduck, 51 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 6 Eider, 73 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 3 Diver spp, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Auk, 53 Pomarine Skua, 2 Great Skua, a Short-eared Owl, 7 Brambling, a Crossbill and 2 Snow Bunting; and west a Waxwing. In off the sea came a Woodcock, a Little Auk (with Starling), a Sparrowhawk and a Ring Ouzel. Around, including birds trapped, were 120 Whooper Swan, 120 Brent Goose, 4 Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 18 Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, a Firecrest, 32 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 311 Blackbird, a Water Pipit, 12 Brambling and a Crossbill. 
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 53 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 21 Blackbird, 8 Starling and 2 Woodcock; and 4 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird.


Iceland Gull, 28th October 2018.
Photo - James Siddle
Waxwing, 28th October 2018.
Photo - James Siddle
Sea-watching, a crowded Mill Hill early morning, 28th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound
Woodcock, ringed 28th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 27th. Increasing north-westerly wind, then turning north, then bands of rain from late morning. 
 On the best day over the sea of the autumn, heading south were 42 Whooper Swan, a Brent Goose, 55 Wigeon, 89 Teal, 10 Eider, 75 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, a Goldeneye, 20 Red-throated Diver, 3 Black-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Guillemot, 53 Auk spp, 188 Pomarine Skua, 12 Great Skua, an Arctic Tern, 884 Kittiwake and 2 Short-eared Owl; and north 7 Brent Goose, 12 Mallard, 179 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 2 Pintail, 85 Common Scoter, 14 Goldeneye, 5 Manx Shearwater, a Leach's Petrel, a Grey Phalarope, 3 Guillemot, 26 Auk spp and 3 Great Skua. On the sea were a Long-tailed Duck and 2 Little Auk; and coming in off the sea were 10 Short-eared Owl and a Long-eared Owl, as well as many Thrushes and Starling. Birds around included 137 Whooper Swan, 14 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 2 Woodcock, a Jay, a Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Ring Ouzel.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 60 new birds: 2 Robin, a Great Tit, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 42 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and a Starling; and 5 retraps: a Redwing, a Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.


Sea-watching, from atop Mill Hill, in bleak conditions, 27th October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound
October 26th. Some early morning light rain, then increasing westerly wind.
 Around were 146 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 5 Coal Tit, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Brambling, 7 Crossbill and a Snow Bunting. Flying south were 247 Whooper Swan, 152 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Greylag Goose, 3 Brent Goose, 45 Wigeon, 9 Teal, a Pintail, 27 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 26 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 303 Gannet, 6 Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe, 108 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, a Guillemot, 85 Auk spp, 3 Arctic Skua, 26 Pomarine Skua, 3 Great Skua, 190 Kittiwake, a Mediterranean Gull, a Waxwing, 8 Brambling, 113 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, a Hawfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll, a Crossbill, 18 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting; and north 4 Gadwall, 22 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Razorbill, 8 Auk spp, an Arctic Skua, 8 Pomarine Skua and 2 Great Skua. In off the sea came a Water Rail, 2 Woodcock and a constant stream of Thrushes throughout the latter part of the day.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, a Redwing and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Blackbird.

Moody sky early morning, 26th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
October 25th. Four Waxwing were briefly in the Orchard. Birds around, including those trapped, were 148 Whooper Swan, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Brent Goose, 184 Shelduck, 110 Wigeon, 13 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, a Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 6 Avocet, 155 Lapwing, a Green Sandpiper, 16 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 8 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation), a Ring Ouzel, 70 Blackbird, 68 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 119 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 45 Robin, 4 Brambling, 7 Crossbill (Beach Car Park) and a Corn Bunting (near Hump). On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Pipit. Going south were 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, an Arctic Skua, 15 Pomarine Skua, a Green Sandpiper, a Ring Ouzel, another Water Pipit, 4 House Sparrow, 36 Tree Sparrow, 5 Crossbill, 56 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; and north a Red-breasted Merganser, a Pomarine Skua and 5 Great Skua. In off the sea came 4 Snipe and 2 Kestrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 24 new birds: 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Blackbird and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Crossbills, 25th October 2018.
Photo - Kev Wilson

Waxwing, 25th October 2018
Photo - Josh Hedley
Hen Harrier, 25th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 25th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Corn Bunting, 25th September.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
October 24th. Increasing then decreasing westerly wind. Around, including birds trapped, were 55 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 20 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 2 Brambling and 11 Crossbill. Heading south were 74 more Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 49 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 46 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 26 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 7 Skua spp, 3 Great Skua, 3 Kestrel, 92 Common Gull and 2 Rook; and north 2 Goldeneye, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 121 Gannet and a Pomarine Skua; and west 4 Stock Dove. In off the sea came a Woodcock, 8 Snipe and 3 Kestrel.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Wren, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Fieldfare, a Blackbird and a Woodpigeon; and 5 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Robin.

Crossbill, 24th October 2018
Photo - Paul Johnson

Pomarine Skua, 24th October 2018.
Video - Ben Ward

Whooper Swans, heading south along the beach, 24th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Redwing, freshly arrived, 24th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Fieldfare, ringed 24th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Fieldfare, ringed 24th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 23rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 70 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Brent Goose, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Great Crested Grebe, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Avocet, 109 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Jack Snipe, 21 Snipe, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 11 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation), a Ring Ouzel, a Water Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Crossbill (Beach Car Park) and 7 Siskin. Flying south were 14 more Whooper Swan, 7 Goosander, 2 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 3 Great Skua, 2 Grey Wagtail and 20 Rock Pipit; and north 3 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Dave Vincent, produced 14 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Siskin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 2 Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Goldfinch, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird and a Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting produced 14 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, 6 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock and a Redwing; and 9 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Coal Tit, 3 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and a Long-tailed Tit.

Curlew, 23rd September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
Common Snipe, 23rd September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
October 22nd. A Great White Egret went north over East Dunes; and south a Stock Dove. Around were 51 Whooper Swan, 35 Brent Goose, 1650 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll, 6 Crossbill and 9 Siskin. Offshore in the evening were 2 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, a Skua spp and a Great Skua. On Tennyson's Sands were a Curlew Sandpiper, a Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 9 new birds: a Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Great Tit and 4 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird and 2 Robin.

October 21st. Birds around included 59 Whooper Swan, 150 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Greenshank. A Jack Snipe was in the channel near the Mere. Heading south were 13 Whooper Swan and a Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackbird and 3 Starling; and 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and 4 Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting provided 34 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, 14 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Redwing, a Coal Tit and a Goldcrest.
 Butterflies included a Comma and a Painted Lady.

Comma, 21st October 2018.
Photo - Rob Watson
Painted Lady, 21st October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound

Mid October 2018

October 20th. On Tennyson's Sands were a Curlew Sandpiper and 3 Spotted Redshank; and in a channel near the Mere a Jack Snipe. Around, including birds trapped, were 60 Whooper Swan, 150 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Ring Ouzel and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler. Flying south were a Jay and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Ed Tyler, produced 18 new birds: a Goldcrest, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and a retrap Yellow-browed Warbler, which was ringed on October 19th.

Kestrel, 20th October 2018
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Fieldfare, 20th October 2018
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Yellow-browed Warbler, retrapped 20th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 19th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Whooper Swan, 75 Brent Goose, 1873 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Red Kite, a Grey Heron, a Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 7 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Ring Ouzel, 86 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, a Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 12 Brambling, a Crossbill and 3 Yellowhammer. Going south were 7 Whooper Swan, a Buzzard, 11 Brambling, 34 Chaffinch, 14 Lesser Redpoll and 52 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 28 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Brambling, 7 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Red Kite, 22nd October 2018.
Photos - Chris Cullen
Marsh Harrier, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Curlew Sandpiper, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Grey Heron, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Little Egret, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Kingfisher, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen
Sparrowhawk, 19th October 2018.
Photo - Chris Cullen
Whooper Swans, 19th October 2018
Photo - Ian Hurst
Whooper Swan, 19th October 2018
Photo - Ian Hurst
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 19th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 19th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 18th. Around were 23 Brent Goose, 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Whooper Swan, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher, 2 Jay, 15 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 6 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 250 Starling, 27 Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, 8 Fieldfare, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Brambling and 3 Yellowhammer. Heading south were 340 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Whooper Swan, 18 Tree Sparrow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 9 Brambling, 18 Lesser Redpoll and 14 Siskin; and north 7 Rook.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 15 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 4 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 2 Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Song Thrush and a Redwing; and 6 retraps: a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Great Tit.

Grey Wagtail, 18th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
October 17th. Heading north was a Richard's Pipit; and south were a Red Kite, a Hen Harrier and 3 Lapland Bunting. Birds around, including those trapped, were 6 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Whooper Swan, a Spotted Redshank, a Pied Flycatcher,4 Ring Ouzel, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 61 new birds: 23 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Blackcap, 4 Robin, 4 Chaffinch, a Linnet, 6 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Redpoll, 2 Great Tit, a House Sparrow, a Greenfinch, 4 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 3 Blackbird and a Magpie; and 6 retraps: 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock, a Sparrowhawk and a Firecrest. The retrapped Firecrest was ringed here on October 10th, and retrapped on October 11th; it had increased in weight from 4.7g to 5.2g.

Whooper Swans, 17th October 2018.
Photos - Paul Johnson
Pied Flycatcher, 17th October 2018
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Sparrowhawk, retrapped 17th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Firecrest, retrapped 17th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 16th. Foggy, soggy start, gradually clearing and drying out.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 29 Whooper Swan, 28 Pintail, 5 Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 11 Snipe, 2 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 74 Goldcrest, 21 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 16 Yellow-browed Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 9 Ring Ouzel, 69 Blackbird, 78 Song Thrush, 715 Redwing, 181 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, 141 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 8 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, 14 Brambling, a Bullfinch, a Crossbill and 18 Siskin. Flying south were 58 Skylark, a Woodlark, 10 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 10 Brambling, 76 Chaffinch and 4 Lesser Redpoll. In of the sea came a Marsh Harrier, 34 Lapwing and 491 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 81 new birds: 21 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 18 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 12 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 6 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Blackcap and Blue Tit.

Kestrel - 16th October 2018
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 16th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Stinkhorn Fungus, causing a bad smell in the Heligoland Trap, 16th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 15th. Rain for most of day.
 Birds around included 29 Whooper Swan, 50 Brent Goose, 440 Wigeon, a Grey Heron, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, 24 Goldcrest, a Merlin, 4 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 70 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 75 Song Thrush, 344 Redwing, 45 Robin and 37 Brambling. Going south were 9 Brent Goose, 19 Teal, 52 Wigeon, 12 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver, an Arctic Skua, 2 Skua spp, 4 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting; and north a Manx Shearwater, 80 Gannet, a Great Skua, a Skua spp and a Kittiwake. In off the sea came 130 Starling.

Eurasian Teal, 15th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont.
Tree Sparrow, 15th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
October 14th. Rain for most of day.
 Birds around included 31 Whooper Swan, 210 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 6 Avocet, 3860 Oystercatcher, 3131 Grey Plover, 37 Lapwing, 58450 Knot, 750 Sanderling, 3354 Dunlin, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, a Jay, 12 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 24 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 25 Robin, 7 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Siskin. Heading south were 85 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Teal, 11 Wigeon, an Eider, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Shag, a Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua,  a House Martin, 6 Swallow, 6 Brambling and 64 Siskin. In off the sea came 9 Lapwing and 319 Starling.

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

Dawn over East Dunes, 13 October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
October 12th. Increasing, then decreasing, southerly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 29 Whooper Swan, 6 Pink-footed Goose, 13 Pintail, 3 Eider, 17 Common Scoter, 3 Turnstone, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Merlin, a Kingfisher, 13 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 13 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, 15 Siskin and 3 Crossbill. Heading south were 141 Wigeon, 111 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-breated Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Guillemot, an Arctic Skua, 3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, a Kestrel and 4 Swallow. In off the sea came 23 Pink-footed Goose.
 A brief, wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 4 new birds: 3 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Robin and 3 Goldcrest.

Brambling, 12th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont
October 11th. An Arctic Warbler was discovered near North Building, otherwise typical the single heard call threw observers as it was thought to be more consistent with that of Greenish Warbler, leading to much discussion. Around, including birds trapped, were 30 Brent Goose, 29 Whooper Swan, 85 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 283 Cormorant, a Greenshank, 7 Snipe, a Pomarine Skua, a Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 50 Song Thrush, 220 Redwing, 6 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 20 Brambling, 4 Crossbill and 2 Snow Bunting. Flying south were 43 Brent Goose, 169 Wigeon, 31 Teal, a Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 14 Eider, 53 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 7 Turnstone, a Great Skua, 2 Sandwich Tern, 300 Woodpigeon, 94 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 70 Redwing, 30 Rock Pipit, 60 Brambling, 12 Crossbill and a Yellowhammer. In off the sea came 200 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 17 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush and 4 Redwing; and 3 retraps: a Blackcap, a Blue Tit and a Firecrest.

Arctic Warbler, 11th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward

Snow Bunting, 11th October 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 11th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 11th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory