Early September 2014

September 10th. On Tennyson Sands were 10 Spoonbill, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Kingfisher and 5 Greenshank, and on Jackson's Marsh a Spotted Redshank and 13 Greenshank. The lagoon at the north end of the reserve held 11 Common Sandpiper. Around were 3 Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher and a Marsh Harrier.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 58 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, 35 Meadow Pipit, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Swallow and 2 Whitethroat; and 6 retraps: a Blackcap, 3 Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Anthony Bentley, produced 14 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, 5 Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 2 Greenfinch; and 10 retraps: 3 Robin, 3 Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Blue Tit and 2 Goldfinch.

10 Spoonbill on Tennyson Sands, 10th September 2014.
Photo - Nige Lound

September 9th. On Tennyson Sands were 5 Spoonbill, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint, 15 Avocet and 3 Greenshank, and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Spotted Redshank. Around the reserve were a Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear, a Hobby and a Marsh Harrier. Over Croftmarsh were 500 Golden Plover and 250 Lapwing.
A high tide wader watch this evening yielded 70911 Knot, 1986 Grey Plover, 93 Curlew, 3657 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2517 Oystercatcher, 10274 Dunlin and 3115 Sanderling. Flying north offshore were 10 Fulmar, 15 Gannet and a juvenile Kittiwake.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in 62 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Robin, 43 Meadow Pipit, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler and 3 Dunnock; and 2 retraps: a Dunnock and a Reed Warbler.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Anthony Bentley, resulted in 17 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting and 2 Dunnock; and 12 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 2 Wren, a Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

September 8th. The Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in East Dunes. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat and 2 Redstart. Going south were 1600 Meadow Pipit, 250 House Martin, 150 Swallow and a Common Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were a Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint. A group of 5 Spoonbill arrived from the east this evening and were later found on Tennyson Sands.
The evening high tide event was attended by 15 visitors who were treated to an amazing arrival of 58000 Knot at the roost. Also, a light phase adult Pomarine Skua flew north, the first of the year.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint yielded 101 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Robin, 9 Blackcap, 64 Meadow Pipit, a Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Chaffinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whinchat, a Redstart, a Swallow, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Kingfisher; and 4 retraps: 3 Long-tailed Tit and a Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, yielded 17 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 4 Goldfinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 14 retraps: 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch and 3 Goldfinch.
 A rare American non-avian migrant was discovered in South Car Park.

1958 Buick Roadmaster in South Car Park, 8 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 7th. The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still in East Dunes. Around, including birds trapped, were 7 Wheatear, 6 Whinchat, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart and a Peregrine. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank, and on Fenland Lagoon 12 Greenshank. Flying south were a Spoonbill, 400 Meadow Pipit, 10 Tree Sparrow, a Swift, 500 Swallow and 40 House Martin.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 50 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Robin, a Redstart, 43 Meadow Pipit, 2 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit and 2 Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Archer was not very productive. The 9 new birds were a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Reed Warbler, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit and 2 Dunnock. The 4 retraps were 2 Blue Tit and 2 Dunnock.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in East Dunes, 7 September 2014.
Photo - Gary Wright

Whitethroat showing suspended moult, ringed 7 September 2014.
Photo - Nigel Judson

September 6th. The Blyth's Reed Warbler was seen again in the East Dunes and a Red-breasted Flycatcher was found close by. A Barred Warbler was along the track to Sykes Farm. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, a Redstart, a Kingfisher and a Hobby. On Jackson's Marsh were 6 Curlew Sandpiper. Heading south were 55 Swallow.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 26 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 3 Whinchat, a Blue Tit, a Linnet, a Reed Warbler, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Wheatear, a Goldfinch, a Whitethroat and 2 Song Thrush; and 8 retraps: a Linnet, 5 Dunnock, a Wren and a Blackcap.
 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue with Mike Archer and Jenni Godber produced 36 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Redstart, 7 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Robin, a Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock, 2 Greenfinch and a Magpie; and 58 retraps: a Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 15 Great Tit, 9 Dunnock, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Blackcap, 10 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, a Whitethroat and a Coal Tit.

Red-breasted Flycatcher in East Dunes, 6 September 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

Wheatear, ringed 6 September 2014.
Photo - Nigel Judson

September 5th. Around were a Wryneck, a Wheatear, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel. On Fenland Lagoon were a Kingfisher and a Greenshank, and on Tennyson Sands another Greenshank. Flying south were 150 Swallow.
 An interesting Acrocephalus was found in East Dunes by Kevin Wilson and Richard Doan. It had a bold face pattern, and showed plumage and structural features consistent with Blyth's Reed Warbler. It was seen for over 90 minutes from late morning, but would not pose for photographs and did not call. It fed continuously in Sallow trees, showing much agility, and regularly adopted the 'banana posture'. However, a definite identification could not be clinched.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, followed by a brief afternoon session there by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint, resulted in 33 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 4 Blackcap, a Redstart, a Linnet, 2 Whinchat, 10 Swallow, 5 Reed Bunting, a Whitethroat and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; 13 retraps: a Whitethroat, 9 Dunnock, a Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Great Tit; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Barn Owl.
 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Archer resulted in 22 new birds: a Treecreeper, a Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, a Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Blue Tit and 4 Dunnock; and 47 retraps: 2 Wren, 13 Great Tit, a Whitethroat, 7 Dunnock, a Robin, 4 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit and 8 Greenfinch.

Whinchat, ringed 5 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Barn Owl, controlled 5 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 4th. Birds around, excluding those trapped, were a Barred Warbler, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Pied Flycatcher, 12 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit, a Garden Warbler, a Goldcrest and 2 Marsh Harrier. On Fenland Lagoon were 7 Greenshank and a Kingfisher, and on Tennyson Sands 2 Curlew Sandpiper. Going south were 75 Swallow and 6 Buzzard.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 15 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Swallow, 3 Great Tit, a Whitethroat, a Coal Tit and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Robin, a Whitethroat, a Dunnock, a Garden Warbler, 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.
 An afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Archer was productive. The 44 new birds were 2 Wren, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, a Tree Pipit, 2 Great Tit, a Robin, 16 Greenfinch, a Dunnock and a Magpie. The 37 retraps were 13 Great Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 9 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch and a Robin.

Spotted Flycatcher in East Dunes, 4th September 2014.
Photo - Nige Lound

Coal Tit, ringed 4 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 3rd. Light easterly wind.
 On Fenland Lagoon were 2 Kingfisher, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Greenshank, on Jackson's Marsh 3 Greenshank, and on Tennyson Sands 2 Ruff. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 10 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Buzzard. Flying south were 55 Swallow, 4 House Martin and 5 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 16 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, a Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Swallow, a Garden Warbler and 4 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 4 Dunnock and 2 Wren.

September 2nd. Light north-easterly wind. Misty start, soon burnt off, then sun and clouds.
 Birds around included 2 Black Tern, a Pied Flycatcher, a Wheatear, a Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 8 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Goldcrest. On Fenland Lagoon were 3 Curlew Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. Heading south were 45 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 3 Blackcap, a Robin, 4 Swallow, a Whitethroat, a Linnet and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 4 Dunnock, a Wren and a Lesser Whitethroat.
 In recent days some Sylvia warblers have increased weight significantly, with Elder berries apparently forming a major part of their diet. Some weights recorded today were a Blackcap at 22.3g, a Whitethroat at 17.1g and a Lesser Whitethroat at 13.6g.

Elder berries, a major source of stored energy for some terrestrial migrants, in East Dunes on 2 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 1st. Rainy spells from mid morning.
  On Jackson's Marsh was a Greenshank, and on Tennyson Sands were 2 Ruff, 6 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 250 Golden Plover and a Kingfisher. Around were 2 Wheatear, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Greenshank and a Ruff. Flying south were 400 Swallow, 2 Swift and 16 Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Redstart and 5 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Dawn over East Dunes, 1 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

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

Late July 2014

July 31st. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Hobby. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Going south were 250 Sand Martin, 120 Swallow, 15 House Martin and a Rose-ringed Parakeet (of perhaps uncertain provenance).
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, a Blackcap and 3 Wren.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling was more successful. The 32 new birds were 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Wren, a Goldfinch, 5 Blackcap, 3 Great Tit, 8 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Linnet, a Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, 4 Greenfinch and a Magpie. The 26 retraps were 9 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, 3 Dunnock, a Blackbird, 5 Chaffinch, a Whitethroat and a Wren.
 A Painted Lady was in East Dunes, and another was at Aylmer Avenue.

Moulting Montagu's Harrier, 31 July 2014.
Photo - Chris Tyler

July 30th. The White-rumped Sandpiper remained on Tennyson Sands. Also there were an adult Mediterranean Gull and 3 Little Ringed Plover. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier. Heading south were 300 Sand Martin, 200 Swallow and 15 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes was disappointing. The new birds were a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and the retraps were a Wren and a Dunnock.

July 29th. A Broad-billed Sandpiper was discovered on Tennyson Sands, where the White-rumped Sandpiper was re-found early morning, but flew off. Other birds there were 2 Spoonbill, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank. Around were 3 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a juvenile Bullfinch, a Garden Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 18 Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat.

White-rumped Sandpiper on Tennyson's Sands
Photo - Russell Hayes

White-rumped Sandpiper on Tennyson's Sands
Photo - Paul Neale   

Broad-billed Sandpiper on Tennyson's Sands
Photo - Paul Neale

July 28th. A White-rumped Sandpiper  was discovered on Tennyson Sands, where the Spoonbill remained. Around were 2 Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo, 3 Arctic Skua, a Green Sandpiper, 10 Common Sandpiper, 21 Greenshank and 3 Whimbrel. Heading north were 300 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 9 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Linnet; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Noisy juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, retrapped 28 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

July 27th. Rain early morning, then increasingly sunny.
 On the water bodies or around were a Spoonbill, 16 Greenshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, a Mediterranean Gull and 4 Common Sandpiper. North went 2 Manx Shearwater.
 A delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 5 new birds: singles of Wren, Whitethroat, Linnet, Starling and Green Woodpecker; and 4 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blue Tit and Wren.
 A delayed morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by David and Liv Vincent, resulted in 39 new birds and 30 retraps. The new birds were 12 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Reed Warbler, a Linnet, a Dunnock and a Chiffchaff. The retraps were 13 Great Tit, 8 Chaffinch, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Robin, a Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

Noisy juvenile Green Woodpecker, ringed 27 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

July 26th. Around were a Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 3 Mediterranean Gull, a Greenshank, a Curlew Sandpiper and 1000 Sandwich Tern. Flying south were 65 Swallow, and north, later, 800 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, a Robin and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Linnet.

July 25th. Birds around included 2 Spoonbill, 6 Mistle Thrush, 350 Starling, 60 Sandwich Tern and 3 Yellow Wagtail. Heading south were 11 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 2 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: 3 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

July 24th. Cloudy start, then hot and sunny.
 Going south were 4 Whimbrel.
 The ninth session of CES was done this morning, with Mike Polling. The 10 new birds were 2 Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Robin, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat and a Linnet; and the retraps were 2 Whitethroat.

July 23rd. Fairly strong northerly wind.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Greenshank, 30 Little Egret and 6 Grey Heron, and on Tennyson Sands 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Whimbrel, 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe and a Mediterranean Gull. Flying south were 3 Whimbrel and 8 Swallow.
 A brief, wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded just a new Wren and a retrap Wren.

July 22nd. Around were a first-summer Montagu's Harrier, a Tree Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Short-eared Owl and a Grey Heron. Heading south were 6 Whimbrel, 35 Swallow and 7 Sand Martin. In off the sea came a Wood Sandpiper.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided just 4 new birds: a Wren, a Linnet and 2 Dunnock.

July 21st. Birds around included 5 Whimbrel, a Greenshank and 2 Grasshopper Warbler. South flew 11 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, a Blackcap and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Mid July 2014

July 20th. Cloudy and humid.
 Around were 4000 Starling. Flying south were 2 Swallow, 100 Whimbrel and a Kittiwake.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 3 Wren, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting and 2 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Dunnock, a Linnet and 2 Wren.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 37 new birds and 59 retraps. The new birds were 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Great Tit, 5 Dunnock, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Robin and singles of Wren, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Linnet and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The retraps were 24 Great Tit, 18 Blue Tit, 7 Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

July 19th. Occasional light showers in morning.
 Birds around included 2 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 2 Arctic Skua and 100 Sandwich Tern. Heading south were 3 Swallow and 52 Oystercatcher, and north 13 Manx Shearwater.
 A late morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: 4 Wren, a Blackcap, 3 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock and a Whitethroat.

Early stage of moult in right wing of adult Wren (left wing was symmetrical), 19 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

July 18th. Quite strong easterly wind.
 Around were a Short-eared Owl and a Whimbrel. Offshore were 50 Gannet, 60 Sandwich Tern, 60 Common Scoter and 15 Eider. Flying north were 2 Sooty shearwater, 9 Manx Shearwater and 2 Fulmar.
 A brief, wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new birds: a Wren and a Linnet; and 3 retraps: 2 Great Tit and a Whitethroat.

July 17th. Misty start, then sunny.
Birds around included a Greenshank and a Marsh Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 17 new birds: 5 Wren, a Treecreeper, 5 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Great Tit, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, a Dunnock and a Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and a Wren.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling, using just the feeding station nets, was very productive. The 75 new birds were 2 Chiffchaff, 8 Blue Tit, 23 Great Tit, 18 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, 17 Greenfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Magpie. The 50 retraps were 30 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 11 Blue Tit, 3 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch and a Whitethroat.

Sunrise and mist over Old Saltmarsh, 17 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 17 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

July 16th. Around were 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whimbrel and a Marsh Harrier. Flying south were 2 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 19 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 8 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting, a Skylark and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 2 Wren, a Blue Tit and a Linnet.

Fledgling Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 16 July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Adult Skylark, ringed 16 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

July 15th. Birds around included 2 Hobby, a Marsh Harrier, a juvenile Cuckoo, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper. South went 15 Whimbrel, 2000 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin and 11 Swift.
 The eighth session of CES was done this morning, but the results were disappointing. The 9 new birds were 3 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, a Wren, a Blackcap and 3 Whitethroat. The 4 retraps were 2 Dunnock, a Treecreeper and a Chiffchaff.

July 14th. A Black-winged Pratincole was discovered on Tennyson Sands. After flying off once and returning, it eventually flew off south towards the Wash. Also on Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, 4 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and a Mediterranean Gull. Around was a juvenile Cuckoo. Going south were 300 Swallow, 25 Sand Martin and 4 House Martin.
 A late morning ringing session in East Dunes was not productive. The news were 2 Wren and a Blue Tit; and the only retrap was a Whitethroat.

Black-winged Pratincole, 14 July 2014.
Videograb - Kevin Wilson

July 13th. Around were a Stone Curlew, a Spoonbill, 18 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Whimbrel, 16 Greenshank, 40 Sandwich Tern, an Arctic Skua and a juvenile Cuckoo. Flying south were 4 Spoonbill, 12 Sand Martin and 35 Swallow.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 12 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, a Blackcap, 6 Linnet and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Blackcap, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Dunnock.

July 12th. Damp morning mist gradually cleared.
 Around were 3 Whimbrel, a Siskin, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, a juvenile Cuckoo, a Marsh Harrier, 211 Shelduck and 1600 Starling. On the water bodies were a Kingfisher, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 16 Greenshank.
 A delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Wren, a Reed Bunting, 2 Linnet, a Meadow Pipit and a Whitethroat; and 6 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Wren, a Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

July 11th. Around was a Whimbrel. On or by Roadside Pond were a Kingfisher, a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper. South went 4 Swift and north a Fulmar.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: a Wren, 5 Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Reed Bunting; and 6 retraps: a Wren, 3 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Great Tit.
 A nest-box check revealed a late brood of Great Tit in a box where a previous brood was present over two months before, and a Stock Dove nest with an egg, the beginning of an apparent second brood.

Early July 2014

July 10th. Rain most of day.
 There were few records. On the water bodies were 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 6 Greenshank.
 No ringing was attempted.

July 9th. Around were 16 Mistle Thrush and a Marsh Harrier.  On the water bodies were a Mediterranean Gull, a Little Gull, 13 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were a Sand Martin and 3 Yellow Wagtail, and north 9 Manx Shearwater and 4 Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 9 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, a Linnet, a Chaffinch and a Blackcap; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Dunnock, a Whitethroat and 2 Blue Tit.

July 8th. Around were a Redstart and a Green Sandpiper. South went a Yellow Wagtail and 8 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes was productive, due mainly to a mixed feeding flock passing through. The 36 new birds were a Wren, 20 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 3 Blue Tit and a Dunnock. The 12 retraps were 2 Whitethroat, 9 Long-tailed Tit and a Dunnock.

July 7th. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier and 2000 Starling. On Jackson's Marsh were a Green Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank, and on Tennyson Sands a Mediterranean Gull. Moving south were an Arctic Skua, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 300 Sand Martin and 30 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 7 new birds: a Treecreeper, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler; and 3 retraps: 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.
 A check of the owl boxes produced surprising results, considering that no breeding was detected during previous checks earlier in the year. On site there are now three pairs. One adult and three well-grown pulli were ringed, and two adult controls (ringed elsewhere) or retraps were caught.

Treecreeper, ringed 7th July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Barn Owl, ringed 7th July 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

July 6th. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel, 10 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 250 Sandwich Tern. On Tennyson Sands was a Mediterranean Gull, on Jackson's Marsh a Little Ringed Plover, and on the Mere a Scaup. Heading south were a Hobby, a Grey Heron, 50 Common Scoter, 15 Knot, 9 Dunlin, 58 Sand Martin and 23 Swift; and north 6 Manx Shearwater.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: a Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit and 3 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 5 Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Chaffinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent, which included the 7th C.E.S session of the year, resulted in a total of 33 new birds and 32 retraps. Of the C.E.S nets the new birds were 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blackcap and singles of Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Lesser Whitethroat, Magpie and Yellowhammer. The retraps were 7 Whitethroat, 3 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, a Robin and a Willow Warbler. Of the other nets the new birds were 4 Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit and singles of Wren, Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Song Thrush. The retraps were 7 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and singles of Wren, Robin and Willow Warbler.

July 5th. Rain until late morning.
 On Tennyson Sands were 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and 5 Snipe. Flying south were 6 Golden Plover and 350 Swift.
 No ringing was attempted.

July 4th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 Around was a Short-eared Owl. On the water bodies were a Spotted Redshank, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 4 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and a Grasshopper Warbler. South went 65 Swift and 28 Starling.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and a retrap Dunnock.

July 3rd. Around was a Grey Heron. Tennyson Sands held 8 Little Ringed Plover. South went 500 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 8 new birds: 2 Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: 2 Whitethroat and 2 Great Tit.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 17 new birds: 3 Wren, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Linnet, a Pied Wagtail, 2 Great Tit and a Dunnock; and 25 retraps: 4 Chaffinch, 10 Blue Tit, a Coal Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Linnet, 2 Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Wren and a Lesser Whitethroat.

July 2nd. On Tennyson Sands were a Kingfisher, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin and 4 Sandwich Tern. Jackson's Marsh held a Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. South went 1500 Swift, 65 Sand Martin and 4 Starling. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a male Merlin, an adult Mediterranean Gull and at least 3 Barn Owl.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes was quite productive. The 24 new birds were a Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 11 Whitethroat, a Meadow Pipit and 6 Dunnock. The 6 retraps were a Goldfinch, 2 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

July 1st. Around was a Cuckoo. On Tennyson Sands were 6 Little Ringed Plover, a Dunlin and a Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: a Wren, a Meadow Pipit, a Reed Bunting and 3 Whitethroat; and 4 retraps: singles of Great Tit, Dunnock, Wren and Whitethroat.

Late June 2014

June 30th. The Spoonbill and 2 Greenshank were on Tennyson Sands. Heading south were 2 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Juvenile Goldcrest, ringed 30 June 2014.
 Photo - George Gregory

Privet Hawkmoths mating on Bamboo pole,  30 June 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

June 29th. Rain mid morning.
 On Tennyson Sands were the Spoonbill and the Grasshopper Warbler. A Grey Heron, a Swift and 45 Starling flew south. Two Barn Owls were seen on two separate occasions at the back of Aylmer Avenue.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes provided just a new Wren and a retrap Whitethroat.
 A rain-shortened ringing session at Aylmer Avenue this morning, by David and Liv Vincent, resulted in 17 new birds and 24 retraps. The new birds were 4 Great Tit, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap and a Dunnock. The retraps were 8 Chaffinch, 7 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit and singles of Whitethroat, Dunnock, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tit.
 There have now been over 500 new birds ringed at Gibraltar Point this month, and this is the first time that over 500 birds have been ringed in June for at least 5 years. With a large proportion of these birds being juvenile it just goes to show what an incredibly successful breeding season we are having.

June 28th. Mostly cloudy.
 The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands. Heading south were 4 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: singles of Wren, Linnet, Whitethroat and Cuckoo; and 3 retraps: singles of Wren, Great Tit and Sedge Warbler.

Cuckoo, ringed 28 June 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

June 27th. Intermittent rain.
 The Spoonbill and Grasshopper Warbler were still on Tennyson Sands. Going south were 15 Swift.
 No ringing was attempted.

June 26th. The Spoonbill and Grasshopper Warbler remained on Tennyson Sands. On Jackson's Marsh were a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper. Flying north were 220 Common Scoter and 6 Gannet.
 A brief, disappointing morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded just a retrap Dunnock.
 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by Mike Polling, was much more productive. The 34 new birds were 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 2 Blue Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 2 Robin, a Linnet, 3 Great Tit and 3 Dunnock. The 31 retraps were 6 Blue Tit, 6 Chaffinch, a Willow Warbler, a Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 7 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Coal Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler and a Goldfinch.

June 25th. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, a Mediterranean Gull, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, an adult Little Ringed Plover and a Grasshopper Warbler.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: singles of Whitethroat, Blackcap and Linnet; and 2 retraps: singles of Whitethroat and Blue Tit.

June 24th. Birds around included 2 Cuckoo. The Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling on Tennyson Sands.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: 5 Whitethroat, a Great Tit and 3 Blackcap; and 4 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Wren, Blue Tit and Great Tit.

June 23rd. An Osprey flew through at 0930hrs. Around were a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Turtle Dove, a Grasshopper Warbler and 60 Sandwich Tern. Heading south were 1200 Swift and 32 Sand Martin.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 10 new birds: 3 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap and 5 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Whitethroat, 4 Great Tit and a Dunnock.

The Campion, trapped overnight 23rd June 2014
Photo - Nigel Lound

Peach Blossom trapped overnight 23rd June 2014
Photo - Nigel Lound

June 22nd. Around were a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Cuckoo and 36 Sandwich Tern. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill and 4 Mediterranean Gull. Flying north were 95 Common Scoter.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Wren, a Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 8 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, 2 Wren, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock and a Lesser Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent, which included the 6th CES session of the year, resulted in a very productive 68 new birds and 36 retraps. Of the CES nets the new birds were 6 Great Tit, 5 Wren, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Robin. The retraps were 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Greenfinch, a Great Tit and a Robin. Of the other nets the new birds were 12 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock and a Woodpigeon. The retraps were 7 Great Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Blue Tit, a Coal Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat.
 Pyramidal Orchids are in full flower.

Pyramidal Orchid, 22 June 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

June 21st. Around was a Cuckoo. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, 4 Mediterranean Gull, a Greenshank and 2 Green Sandpiper.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 9 new birds: a Wren, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit and 2 Dunnock; and 13 retraps: 5 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 4 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat and 2 Wren.