Early October 2014

October 10th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Birds around included a Wheatear. Heading south were a Richard's Pipit, a Woodlark, 2 Jay, 766 Wood Pigeon, 860 Linnet, 690 Goldfinch, 119 Chaffinch, 87 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll Sp, a Brambling, 485 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 351 Reed Bunting, 253 Skylark, 62 Tree Sparrow, 12 House Sparrow, 21 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit and 6 Rook; and north 140 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Song Thrush and Jay; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Wren.

Jay, ringed 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide over New Saltmarsh, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide near Bird Observatory, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 9th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 The Spoonbill flew from Tennyson Sands to Jackson's Marsh. Remaining on Tennyson Sands were 7 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Around were 400 Brent Goose and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 9 Jay and 400 Goldfinch.
 A final check of the owl boxes revealed an adult male Barn Owl in primary moult. No other ringing was possible.

Wing of adult male Barn Owl in primary moult, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide approaching Bird Observatory, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

South Car Park cut off, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. Increasing south-easterly wind, occasional light rain from mid morning.
 On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, 4 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Pintail and a Water Rail. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the beach. Going south were 36 Pink-footed Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Swallow, and west another 38 Pink-footed Goose. At sea the only birds of any note were 2 Great Skua, a Little Gull, a Red-breasted Merganser and 9 Eider south.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 5 new birds: 3 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Robin.

Sea defences strengthened by the Environment Agency, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Sea defences strengthened by the Environment Agency, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

October 7th. Increasing south-westerly wind, occasional light rain.
 Around were 350 Goldfinch, a Cetti's Warbler, a Kingfisher, 5 Greenshank, 2 Brambling and a Black Redstart. On Tennyson Sands were 329 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 2 Pintail, a Ruff and a Spoonbill.  Heading south were 5 Jay (which then U-turned), a Lapland Bunting, 7 Chaffinch, 13 Linnet, a Song Thrush, 3 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 15 Tree Sparrow and 7 Meadow Pipit. A sea-watch from 0715 to 1000hrs saw 1245 Wigeon, 698 Brent Goose, 228 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 23 Pintail, 36 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, a Tufted Duck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Gull, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 3 Grey Heron, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and a Marsh Harrier, all south. A Black-throated Diver and 7 Red-throated Diver,  flew north, whilst on the sea were an Eider and 5 Red-throated Diver. Offshore were 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern and 5 Commic Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 12 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Goldcrest, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap and Reed Bunting.

October 6th. Strong southerly wind. Rain from mid morning.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Around were a Jay, 3 Song Thrush, a Mediterranean Gull and 300 Brent Goose. Flying south offshore this evening were a Pomarine Skua, 6 Little Gull, 4 Arctic Tern, a Common Tern, an Arctic Skua, 4 Gannet, 2 Tufted Duck/Scaup, 50 Wigeon and 60 Brent Goose. On the sea was a Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe.
 No ringing was possible.

October 5th. Birds around included 20 Pink-footed Goose, a Kingfisher, a Brambling and a Whinchat. On Tennyson Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Heading south were 9 Jay, a Grey Wagtail, 29 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 21 Stock Dove, 30 Chaffinch and 10 Tree Sparrow and west 3 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Georgina Scott, provided some variety. The 23 new birds were 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Yellowhammer, 2 Song Thrush and a Sparrowhawk. The 9 retraps were 5 Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 32 new birds and 17 retraps. The new birds were 18 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch and singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Coal Tit. The retraps were 5 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch.

Yellowhammer, ringed 5 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Jay, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Spotted Redshank, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

October 4th. Strong south-westerly wind. Light rain in afternoon.
 Around were a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands was a Ruff. Flying west were 187 Pink-footed Goose, and south 20 Swallow and 4 Little Gull.
 No ringing was attempted.

October 3rd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 2 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands were 443 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 13 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Over the sea moving south this morning were 323 Wigeon, 161 Teal, 101 Brent Goose, 8 Pintail, 128 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Red-throated Diver, 8 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua,  3 Red-breasted Merganser and 84 Gannet. South over land went 62 Meadow Pipit, 64 Linnet, 4 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Swallow, 19 Reed Bunting, 52 Skylark and a Mistle Thrush, and west 468+ Pink-footed Goose.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and 2 Blackcap; and a retrap Goldcrest.

October 2nd. At North End were a Jay and a Green Woodpecker. On Tennyson Sands were 4 Greenshank, and on the Mere a Water Rail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Chaffinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling and Anthony Bentley yielded better results. The 35 new birds were 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 14 Greenfinch, a House Sparrow and 2 Dunnock. The 34 retraps were 7 Greenfinch, 8 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 10 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Wren and 2 Goldfinch.

October 1st. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 4 Greenshank. A Wheatear was on North End saltings. Visible migration was evident from first light. Heading south were 8 Pink-footed Goose (from Tennyson Sands), 8 Snipe, 340 Woodpigeon, a Collared Dove, 2 Stock Dove, 211 Skylark, 395 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 133 Swallow, 54 House Martin, 47 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 8 Jay (of which 1 U-turned), 16 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 153 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 9 Tree Sparrow, 224 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 775 Linnet, 286 Goldfinch, 26 Greenfinch, 193 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting. At sea a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and 7 Gannet went north. 4 Red-throated Diver were on the sea.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 20 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 retraps: a Wren and 2 Chaffinch.

Late September 2014

September 30th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in the Plantation. Around were a Marsh Harrier, a Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Water Rail and a Greenshank. Flying south were 15 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Meadow Pipit, an Alba Wagtail, a Brambling and 3 Skylark. Sea-watching produced 2 Black-throated Diver, an Arctic Skua and a Manx Shearwater south, a Pomarine Skua north, and 16 Red-throated Diver offshore.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 5 new birds: 3 Wren, a Firecrest and a Goldcrest; and 2 retraps: singles of Song Thrush and Dunnock.

Firecrest, ringed 30 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 29th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Jay, a Green Woodpecker and 5 Goldcrest. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Water Rail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 2 retraps: singles of Robin and Goldcrest.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 29 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 28th. Around the reserve were 2 Spotted Redshank, 14 Greenshank, 4 Water Rail, 3 Stonechat, a Kingfisher, a Merlin and a Mediterranean Gull. A Cetti's Warbler was at North End. High tide this morning revealed 90,000 Knot, 2,100 Grey Plover, 3,000 Sanderling and 6,000 Dunlin. South went 6 Jay, 150 Meadow Pipit, 45 Skylark, 170 Swallow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 50 Chaffinch, 40 Goldfinch, 100 Linnet, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Snipe.

Cetti's Warbler, 28 September 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Cetti's Warbler, 28 September 2014.
Photo - Garry Wright

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Ian Thompson, resulted in 22 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, a Meadow Pipit and 3 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Blackcap, a Robin, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and 2 Wren.
 A much longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 50 new birds and 26 retraps. The new birds were 17 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 7 Dunnock, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap and singles of Robin, Wren, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Tree Sparrow and Kingfisher. The retraps were 8 Greenfinch, 6 Dunnock, 6 Goldfinch, 4 Great Tit and 2 Blue Tit. There was also a British control (ringed elsewhere) Goldfinch.
  An adult male Barn Owl was retrapped at one of the sites here.

Kingfisher, ringed 28th September 2014.
Photo - David Vincent.

Tree Sparrow, ringed 28th September 2014.
Photo - David Vincent.

Adult male Barn Owl, retrapped 28 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Wing of adult male Barn Owl showing more than one generation of feathers, 28 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

September 27th. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Greenshank. Heading south were a Jay, 10 Tree Sparrow, 80 Meadow Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 20 Swallow, 5 House Martin, a Grey Wagtail, 40 Wigeon and 8 Pink-footed Goose, and west 140 more Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came a Merlin. Sea-watching provided 2 Great Crested Grebe south, 40 Common Scoter and 14 Gannet north, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Crested Grebe on the sea, and 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 14 Sandwich Tern and an Arctic Skua offshore.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Ian Thompson, was quite productive. The 37 new birds were 2 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, a Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch, a Linnet, 6 Dunnock, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Blackbird. The 26 retraps were 9 Dunnock, 6 Robin, a Blackbird, a Song Thrush, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and 2 Goldcrest.

September 26th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
 A dark juvenile Long-tailed Skua was around Greenshanks Creek. Around were 2 Ruff, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Common Buzzard. 3 Spotted Redshank were on Tennyson Sands and 2 Water Rail again on the Mere. Flying south were 110 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Jay, 60 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin, 50 Meadow Pipit, 30 Goldfinch, a Siskin, a Grey Wagtail and 6 Reed Bunting.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 10 new birds: 2 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap and 2 Dunnock; and 2 retraps: singles of Garden Warbler and Robin.

September 25th. Birds around included a Merlin, a Peregrine, 4 Brambling, a Grey Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, a Stonechat, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Jay and 2 Jack Snipe. 2 Water Rail were again on The Mere. Heading south-west were 22 Pink-footed Goose, and south 68 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 8 Alba Wagtail, 294 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 77 Chaffinch, 83 Reed Bunting, 80 Goldfinch, 51 Linnet, 43 Greenfinch, a Siskin, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Dunnock, 14 Skylark, 90 Golden Plover and 10 Snipe.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 15 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 10 retraps: 3 Robin, a Song Thrush, 3 Blue Tit, a Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling and Anthony Bentley produced 31 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, 9 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Robin, a Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 29 retraps: 4 Wren, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock, 9 Greenfinch, a Goldcrest, 6 Goldfinch and a Chaffinch.

September 24th. Light rain until mid morning. Quite windy.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in West Dunes. Also around were a Jay, a Merlin, a Wheatear, a Whitethroat and 7 Ruff. Tennyson Sands held 3 Spotted Redshank and a Water Rail whilst 2 Water Rail were on The Mere. Flying south were 300 Meadow Pipit, 350 Swallow, 180 House Martin, 70 Linnet, 5 Tree Sparrow, 6 Grey Wagtail and 2 Yellow Wagtail. Sea-watching revealed a Long-tailed Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 75 Arctic Tern, a Sooty Shearwater and 8 Little Gull
 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 4 new birds: 2 Robin, a Blackcap and a Goldfinch; and 6 retraps: 4 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Blackcap.

September 23rd. Birds around included 5 Chiffchaff, a Greenshank, a Merlin and a Peregrine. On Tennyson Sands was a Spotted Redshank, and on the Mere 2 Water Rail. In from the sea came 3 Pintail. Southward visible migration involved a Spoonbill, 1000+ Meadow Pipit, 80 Reed Bunting, 10 Dunnock, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 300 Linnet, 10 Rock Pipit, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Jay (of which 4 U-turned), 50 Goldfinch, 40 Chaffinch, 15 Alba Wagtail, 12 Grey Wagtail, 800 Swallow, 28 Siskin, 150 Starling, 200 House Martin, 6 Snipe, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Sand Martin and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 11 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 9 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Robin, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch and 2 Dunnock.

September 22nd. Around were a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, a Reed Warbler, 3 Stonechat, 47 Reed Bunting, 6 Ruff, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and 3 Ruff.  On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Heading south were a Spoonbill (probably different), a Buzzard Sp, 250 Meadow Pipit, 50 Linnet, a Tree Pipit, 8 House Sparrow, 7 Tree Sparrow, a Rook, 6 Dunnock and 60 Swallow; and west 2 Common Buzzard. A Pintail came in from the east. At sea 15 Pomarine Skua, 6 Great Skua, 8 Arctic Skua, 15 Red-throated Diver and 270 Common Tern headed south, and 3 Sooty Shearwater and 24 Little Gull north.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 22 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, a Whitethroat, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap and 2 Song Thrush; and 7 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Robin, Lesser Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Goldfinch.

September 21st. Birds around, including those caught, were a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, a Garden Warbler, a Jay, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank and 2 Marsh Harrier. In from the east came 2000+ Meadow Pipit. Flying south were 200+ Pink-footed Goose, north 3 Common Buzzard, and in or around 2 Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail and a Wood Sandpiper. At sea 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, and an Arctic Skua went south, and 6 Sooty Shearwater and 10 Manx Shearwater north.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, resulted in 25 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Wren, 9 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and 2 Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackcap, a Goldcrest, a Sparrowhawk and a Blue Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 34 new birds and 28 retraps. The new birds were 10 Goldcrest, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Blackcap, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and singles of Goldfinch, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Wren. The retraps were 7 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch and a Dunnock.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, ringed 21 September 2014.
Photo - George Gregory

Mid September 2014

September 20th. The Olive-backed Pipit remained in West Dunes. Also around were 2+ Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Firecrest, 9 Wheatear, a Whinchat, 3 Redstart, 5 Ruff, a Jack Snipe, a Merlin and a Marsh Harrier. Flying over or in were many Meadow Pipit, 10+ Tree Pipit, a Red-throated Pipit (call and brief flight view only), a Fieldfare, 2 Rook, 3 Brambling and 7 Grey Wagtail.
  At Aylmer Avenue a lengthy ringing session by Mick Briggs resulted in 72 new birds and 49 retraps. The highlight of the day was a cracking Red-breasted Flycatcher caught and ringed early morning. Over Aylmer Avenue were 600 Meadow Pipit south, 250 Swallow milling north and then south, and 15 Song Thrush in off the sea. 4 Brambling and 15 Siskin were present for much of the morning.
  The new birds ringed were 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 1 Wren, 16 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Robin, 1 Redstart, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Siskin, 9 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 14 Greenfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow and 3 Song Thrush.
  The retraps were 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 16 Blue Tit, 10 Great Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch and 6 Greenfinch.

Olive-backed Pipit, 20 September 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Tree Sparrow, ringed 20th September 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs

Redstart, ringed 20th September 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs

Red-breasted Flycatcher, ringed 20th September 2014.
Photo - Mick Briggs

September 19th. The Olive-backed Pipit was still in West Dunes. Other birds around were 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 5 Wheatear, 5 Redstart, 6+ Grey Wagtail, 30+ Siskin, 5 Tree Pipit, a Long-eared Owl and 5 Ruff.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with  Jenni Godber, provided 23 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, a Redstart and 2 Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: a Blackbird, a Dunnock, a Tree Pipit and 3 Robin.

Olive-backed Pipit, 18 September 2014.
Photo - Anthony Bentley

September 18th. An Olive-backed Pipit was discovered in West Dunes. Also around were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 2 Wheatear, a Redpoll, a Brambling, a Fieldfare, 11 Ruff, a Garden Warbler and 10 Blackcap.
 A final long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, a Tree Pipit, 2 Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush; and a retrap Robin.
 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 34 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 17 Greenfinch, a Dunnock and a Kingfisher; and 42 retraps: a Wren, 15 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Dunnock, 8 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch and 2 Robin.

September 17th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was near the Yacht Club. Other birds around were 2+ Firecrest, 5 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 5 Tree Pipit, 8 Grey Wagtail, 25+ Song Thrush, a Redwing, 10 Siskin, a Redpoll, 4 Brambling, 40 Reed Bunting, 13 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and 11 Ruff. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Curlew Sandpiper. North went a Marsh Harrier.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in 21 new birds: a Siskin, a Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Dunnock and 9 Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: singles of Goldcrest, Reed Warbler and and Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Anthony Bentley, resulted in 10 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Garden Warbler, 2 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Dunnock.

September 16th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Treecreeper, 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Brambling, 2 Siskin, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier and 11 Ruff. On Tennyson Sands was a Curlew Sandpiper.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes provided 26 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Siskin, 11 Meadow Pipit, a Pied Flycatcher, a Reed Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, a Wheatear, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Robin and a Redstart; and 4 retraps: a Redstart and 3 Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 7 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, 2 Blackcap and 2 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and 2 Blackcap.

September 15th. Birds around included the Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Firecrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 11 Blackbird, 8 Greenshank, 4 Spotted Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Buzzard and 9 Ruff. In came 4 Grey Wagtail. Flying south was a Swift.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint was reasonable. The 25 new birds were a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, a Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Swallow, a Whitethroat, 4 Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush; and the 3 retraps were 2 Dunnock and a Chaffinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue was disappointing. The 7 new birds were 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: singles of Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Whitethroat, Dunnock and Robin.

September 14th. Around were the Red-breasted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spoonbill, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 9 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Goldfinch and 3 Meadow Pipit; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Lesser Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 11 new birds and 23 retraps. The new birds were 3 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Whitethroat, Blackcap, Swallow and Reed Bunting. The retraps were 8 Great Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Chaffinch and a Robin.

Pied Flycatcher, 14 September 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Red-breasted Flycatcher, 14 September 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes

September 13th. Birds around included the Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Redstart, a Wood Warbler, 4 Whinchat, a Tree Pipit and 6 Ruff. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Curlew Sandpiper, on Millennium Ridge a Purple Sandpiper, and on the saltmarshes 45 Little Egret.
 A long ringing session in east Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in 18 new birds: 4 Robin, a Redstart, a Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Whinchat, a Garden Warbler, 2 Swallow, a Whitethroat and 5 Song Thrush; and a single retrap Blackcap.
 A long morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 46 new birds and 59 retraps. The new birds were: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Great Tit, 11 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Reed Warbler, a Chaffinch, 4 Dunnock and 11 Greenfinch. The retraps were: 4 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 2 Robin, 18 Great Tit, 8 Goldfinch, 8 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 4 Dunnock, a Blackcap, a Coal Tit and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Purple Sandpiper, 13 September 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

Knot, 13 September 2014.
Photo - James Siddle

September 12th. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, a Little Stint and 2 Curlew Sandpiper. Around were a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat, 2 Little Gull, 7 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Peregrine and a Hobby.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint was disappointing. The 8 new birds were a Willow Warbler, a Meadow Pipit, a Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat and 2 Song Thrush; and the 3 retraps were 2 Robin and a Blackcap.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Anthony Bentley, was also disappointing. The 6 new birds were a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Great Tit and a Song Thrush; and the 12 retraps were a Robin, 3 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Whitethroat and a Long-tailed Tit.

September 11th. On Tennyson Sands were 8 Spoonbill and a Little Ringed Plover. Birds around were a Hen Harrier, 5 Whinchat, 3 Pied Flycatcher and a Redstart. Waders at high tide included 50000 Knot and 5000 Bar-tailed Godwit. Flying south were a Curlew Sandpiper and a Pintail.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 79 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 8 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 56 Meadow Pipit, a Garden Warbler, a Tree Pipit and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 4 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 19 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, a Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Reed Warbler, a Goldfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 15 retraps: 6 Dunnock, a Blackcap, a Wren, a Long-tailed Tit, a Chaffinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Robin and a Great Tit.

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.