October 20th. A very wet day. with rain not stopping until late afternoon, and strong south-westerly wind.
Unpleasant conditions for the WeBS counters this morning but ample reward with over 100,000 waders coming up to roost; typically Knot were dominant with 70,000, but 15500 Dunlin was an exceptional October count. The bad weather reduced the potential for visible migration so it was a surprise when a Red-rumped Swallow battled south at eye level with three House Martins. A welcome addition to the Reserve year-list after none were recorded in spring unusually. Elsewhere, 3 Swallows and a Water Pipit were over the west Dunes and a large Diver sp went south over the sea.
October 19th. Cloudy, with rain on and off until mid afternoon, with decreasing south-westerly wind.
Birds around included 3 Cattle Egrets, 157 Brent Geese, a Goosander, 2 Marsh Harriers, a male Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Jay, 5 Bearded Tits, 6 Chiffchaffs and a Yellow-browed Warbler. In the evening, 7000 Starlings went to roost.
A rain-delayed afternoon ringing session in East Dunes by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group provided 7 new birds: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: 2 Robin, a Goldcrest and a Dunnock.
October 18th. A dewy, clear start, gradually clouding over, with increasing southerly wind.
Early news involved 4 Yellow-browed Warblers with one at Mill Hill, one further south in the East Dunes, one at Sykes Farm and another caught and ringed at Aylmer Avenue, as was a Cetti's Warbler. Another Cetti's Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Visible migration was steady over East Dunes during the first three hours of light and 90,000 Knot were up at the roost with many other waders including 4000 Bar-tailed Godwit. A Cattle Egret went north over the sea, with another over Croftmarsh (and later in the pre-roost on Jackson's Marsh) and a Short-eared Owl was on the saltings north of Mill Hill. Whooper Swans numbered 15 on Tennyson's Sands mid afternoon. A male Hen Harrier went north along the East Dunes and 2 Coal Tit were around Sykes Farm. A Jay went south-west. Around were 155 Brent Geese, 3 Sparrowhawk and at least 1 Bearded Tit.
A ringing session in East Dunes by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group produced 56 new birds: 10 Wren, 16 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, a Redwing, 5 Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 13 retraps: 3 Robin, 2 Wren, 2 Dunnock and 6 Long-tailed Tit.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Dave Vincent produced 15 new birds: a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Dunnock, 2 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Robin, a Long-tailed Tit, a Dunnock, a Blackbird, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit and a Chaffinch.
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Goldfinches, 18th October 2024. Photo - Tom Baker |
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Goosander, 18th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale  Bearded Tit, 18th October 2024. Photo - Tom Baker |
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Bearded Tit, 18th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Whooper Swans, 18th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Sam Goddard, 18th October 2024. Photo - Sam Goddard |
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Goldcrest, 18th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Sorby Breck Ringing Group, 18 October 2024. Photo - George Gregory |
October 17th. Another soggy start after overnight rain, becoming moderately clear, with light south-westerly wind.
At least 4 Yellow-browed Warblers were on the Reserve with one in the Orchard, one around Sykes Farm and 2 at the north end of the West Dunes/Cycle track although all were highly mobile. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 adult White-fronted Geese with the Pink-footed Geese, whilst on Croftmarsh with the cows were 2 Cattle Egrets. Around the Visitor Centre were 2 Black Redstarts. Flying over Sykes Farm were 2 Bearded Tits, whilst a Jay was in the Plantation.
In the East Dunes were 2 Woodcock. Visible migration was very busy prior to 0930hrs with Finches, Pipits and Skylarks flying south, including 12 Brambling. In the afternoon, 4 Tree Sparrow, 10 Swallow and 2 House Martins also headed south. 35 Brent Geese, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, a Ring-necked Parakeet and a Kingfisher were also noted during the day.
During the late afternoon and evening several large flocks of Pink-footed Geese arrived from the north and flew south-east across the Wash. One flock included two Snow Geese, having earlier been seen passing Huttoft. 70,000 Knot came up to roost on the evening tide.
A range of migrant moths were trapped overnight including a Gem and the first Reserve record of Clancy's Rustic.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 26 new birds: 4 Wren, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Dunnock.
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| Black Redstart, 17th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Black Redstart, 17th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Black Redstart, 17th October 2024. Photo - Stuart Ainsworth |
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| Black Redstart, 17th October 2024. Photo - Jack Hood |
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| Cattle Egrets, 17th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Cattle Egrets, 17th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Tree Sparrow, 17th October 2024. Photo - Nigel Lound |
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| Two White-fronted Geese, 17th October 2024. Photo - Nigel Lound  Wader flocks going to roost, 17th October 2024. Photo - Annabel Kemp  Wader flocks going to roost, 17th October 2024. Photo - Annabel Kemp  The Gem, 17th October 2024. Photo - Sam Goddard  Clancy's Rustic, 17th October 2024. Photo - Sam Goddard |
There were 3 Yellow-browed Warblers with 2 around Sykes Farm and the Plantation with a third at the north end of the West Dunes. Redwings were heading south down the West Dunes again this morning and despite only being a fraction of yesterday's movement, it was still busy at times. Mixed with them were small numbers of Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Brambling, Reed Buntings, 5 Ring Ouzel and a Hawfinch. A ringtail Hen Harrier headed south along the beach with 2 Marsh Harriers, and the male Hen Harrier was still hunting locally. A Woodcock was in the East Dunes along with a Merlin and 2 Swallows. Two Cattle Egrets were still on Tennyson's Sands from Harvey's Hide along with a pair of Stonechats
A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 38 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, a Garden Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 9 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Long-tailed Tit.
A late afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Goldcrest and a Great Tit.
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| Stonechat, 16th October 2024. Photo - Jack Hood |
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| Water Rail, 16th October 2024. Photo - Jack Hood |
A huge Redwing arrival and migration dominated the morning. Small groups were moving initially but then after 0745hrs very large flocks were arriving from the north and moving south, predominantly down the West Dunes. By 0945hrs, over 18,400 had arrived/passed through and flocks continued to pass through throughout the day with the later birds arriving and many going to roost in the Plantation and West Dunes - amounting to some 2850. The overall total for the day was 27,300!
Also flying south early morning were 3 Marsh Harriers, probably out of a roost. Other birds around included 23 Brent Geese, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 10 Siskin, 20 Brambling and 8 Ring Ouzels.
On Tennyson's Sands there were 256 Pink-footed Geese, 86 Greylag Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 53 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 27 Pintail, 800 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 250 Lapwing, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret.
Late afternoon another Cattle Egret arrived from the north and flew towards Croftmarsh. The Freshwater Marsh held 3 Common Snipe and a Ring Ouzel, while 500+ Starlings provided entertainment near dusk over the Fenland Lagoon. A Marsh Harrier was at the back of the Mere for the last hour before dusk whilst 8 Swallows were around late on possibly roosting on one of the lagoons.
A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 10 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush; and a retrap Wren.
A late afternoon till dusk ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 28 new birds: 25 Redwing, a Wren, a Robin and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Wren.
Ringing Control: Chiffchaff, ringed Rowlands Sewage Works, Tyne and Wear 3 August 2024, controlled GPBO 3 October 2024.
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| Redwings, 15th October 2024. Photo - Nige Lound |
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| Redwings moving south from the hump, 15th October 2024. Photo - Nige Lound |
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| Redwing, 15th October 2024. Photo - Tom Baker |
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| Ring Ouzel, 15th October 2024. Photo - Tom Baker  Photo - Tom Baker  Photo - Tom Baker |
Tennyson's Sands early morning held 294 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 77 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall,180 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 1302 Teal and 7 Tufted Duck. There were also 34 Little Grebe and 13 Water Rail along with 259 Lapwing, 47 Golden Plover, 21 Avocet, 29 Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe. There were 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret on the lagoons along with 3 Marsh Harriers about and 2 Cetti's Warblers on Tennyson's Sands. There was a Stonechat on the Mere and another at the Visitor Centre. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again vocal around Sykes Farm where 4 Bearded Tits flew over mid morning. A House Sparrow went north late morning.
Late afternoon there was a Kingfisher on the Mere and the male Stonechat still on bushes in the reedbed there also. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was about late afternoon and small numbers of Redwing were dropping in from the north.
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| Cattle Egrets, 14th October 2024. Photo - Nigel Lound  Golden Plovers, 14th October 2024. Photo - Jack Hood |
54 Whooper Swans had roosted on Tennyson's Sands overnight and departed early. They were followed by a further 39 south. 7 Bearded Tits and 3 Cattle Egrets were also on Tennyson's Sands, and Teal were still in high numbers - c2000. Visible migration involved similar numbers and species to the last few days, but 3 Marsh Harriers and 2 Twite also flew south. A light arrival late morning brought new Redwings, Song Thrushes, Chaffinches and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Birds around included 120 Brent Geese and a Coal Tit.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Reed Bunting and 5 Long-tailed Tits.
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| Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024. Photo - Nige Lound |
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| Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Marsh Harrier, 13th October 2024. Photo - Jack Hood |
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Avocets, 13th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Barn Owl, 13th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Cetti's Warbler, 13th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
Highlights of the morning sea-watch included a Pomarine Skua, a Great Northern Diver and 5 Little Gulls.
Around were 120 Brent Geese, 30 Whooper Swans, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin.. Two Water Pipits were flushed off the Old Saltmarsh by a Marsh Harrier late afternoon.
A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren and a Blackcap.
A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 14 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit; and 2 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit and a Blue Tit.
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| Great White Egret, 12th October 2024. Photo - Jeremy Eyeons |
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| Mallard, 14th October 2024. Photo - Jeremy Eyeons  Photo - Tom Baker |
Every autumn we get one or two days when large numbers of Whooper Swans pass through, and today was one of those days - the total of 838 birds was the most ever seen here in a day, providing an amazing sight and sound! Pink-footed Geese were also on the move with several large skeins passing through. Visible migration otherwise involved a good passage of Finches, Pipits and Larks, with a few Wagtails and Swallows. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Bearded Tits. Other birds around included 86 Brent Geese, a Spotted Redshank, a late Common Sandpiper, 5 Jays, a Red Kite, a Water Pipit and a single Yellow-browed Warbler remaining at Sykes Farm.
Overnight, the Northern Lights provided a spectacular display
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Coal Tit (showing characteristics of the continental subspecies), a Robin and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Blackcap and a Robin.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 9 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap; and a retrap Robin.
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Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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Bearded Tit, 11th October 2024. Photo - Paul Neale |
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| Coal Tit, ringed 11 October 2024. Photo - George Gregory  Northern Lights, 11th October 2014. Photo - Sam Wilson  Northern Lights, 11th October 2014. Photo - Sam Wilson |
