Early October 2015

October 10th. Around, including birds ringed, were a Little Bunting (ringed at Aylmer Avenue), a Yellow-browed Warbler at Sykes Farm, 4 Lapland Bunting, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Treecreeper and a Stonechat. Heading west were 260 Pink-footed Goose, north a Great Skua, and south 2 Goosander, 6 Sandwich Tern, 3 Rook and 8 Mistle Thrush. At Aylmer Avenue there were 35 Redwing south-west during the course of the day.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 10 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Goldfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.
 Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was ringing again and with fantastic results. Firstly, late morning a text message was received from Observatory team member Mark Grantham, who lives down in Cornwall, and was ringing at Nanjizal, Cornwall. He had just controlled HPY702, the second Yellow-browed Warbler that we ringed at Aylmer Avenue last Saturday morning. All the way to the other end of the country in a week! On the very next net round after this had happened, Mick was amazed to find a Little Bunting caught in one of the nets. This is the first one ever ringed by the Observatory and certainly the highlight of the observatory year so far. It was quickly processed and then released into the hedge along the roadside near Beach Car Park where it quickly did a disappearing act, flying down towards the farm area.
 There was a total of 110 new birds for the day, as follows: 72 Greenfinch, 14 Goldcrest, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Wren, Song Thrush, Redwing, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Little Bunting. There were also 10 retraps: 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Robin and Chaffinch.

Little Bunting, ringed 10th October 2015 - 1st for the Observatory ever
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Little Bunting, ringed 10th October 2015 - 1st for the Observatory ever
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Lapland Bunting, 10th October 2015
Photo - Russell Hayes

October 9th. Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Bearded Tit flew south over East Dunes, 2+ Lapland Bunting, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 3 Great Skua, a Spotted Redshank, 200 Brent Goose, 8 Ruff, a Treecreeper, a Twite and 2 Yellowhammer. Flying west were 300 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 30 new birds: 12 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Linnet, 3 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and 4 Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Dunnock.

New Visitor Centre being built, 9th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Tree Pipit, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Lapland Bunting, 3 Stonechat, a Short-eared Owl, 160 Brent Goose and another, unringed pale Lesser Whitethroat near Beach Car Park. A Locustella sp was observed briefly in Buckthorn. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Ruff. Going south were 8 Whooper Swan, 9 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 350 Pink-footed Goose, an Arctic Skua and a Buzzard, and north an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 28 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, a Tree Pipit, a Lesser Redpoll, a Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Dunnock and 3 Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Robin and Wren.

Lesser Whitethroat, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Buzzard, 8th October 2015.

Buzzards, 8th October 2015.

Tree Pipit, ringed 8th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Spotted Redshank, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Ruff, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Grey Plover, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 7th. Rainy spells.
 Birds around included 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 6 Redwing, 2 Ruff, 7 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Stonechat, a Jack Snipe, 200 Golden Plover, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, a Rook and 30 Siskin. Heading south were 11 Great Skua, a Kestrel, 3 Barnacle Goose and 4 Sandwich Tern.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 16 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Blackcap and Blue Tit.

October 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were the 2 Richard's Pipit around the Spit area, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 40 Siskin, 25 Redwing, 13 Ring Ouzel, a Wheatear, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 3 Brambling, a Tree Pipit, a Yellow Wagtail, 8 Ruff, a Greenshank and a Jack Snipe. Flying south were 260 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 32 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 32 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and a Ring Ouzel; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren and a Goldcrest.
 The Lesser Whitethroat appeared to be too pale for a British bird, but determining subspecies can be difficult.

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo-George Gregory

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo-George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Tree Pipit, 6th October 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 5th. Quite strong southerly wind, with rainy spells.
 On the Spit/on nearby saltmarsh were 2 Richard's Pipit. Other birds around were 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Swift, a Ring Ouzel, a Ruff, 3 Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Tree Pipit, 40 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 72 Golden Plover, a Kingfisher, 4 Spotted Redshank and a Ruff. South went 22 Pink-footed Goose, a Fieldfare, 37 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua, 8 Shoveler and 120 Redwing, north 4 Great Skua, and west 34 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank.

October  4th. An Olive-backed Pipit flew calling over North End along the golf course edge and was seen to land somewhere near Greenshanks Creek late afternoon, but fading light meant the bird was not relocated. Mid afternoon a Richard's Pipit was seen flying over North Building and was relocated briefly on Greenshanks Creek late afternoon. The Great White Egret was rediscovered at North End during the day but was only seen sporadically, whilst at the Mere a Cetti's Warbler (presumably the bird ringed yesterday) was heard calling late afternoon briefly. There were still 6+ Yellow-browed Warbler (at least 3 in the roadside Sycamores around Aylmer Avenue, 2 at Shovelers Pool and 1 at the Yacht Club) whilst to the North of the reserve towards Skegness, there were at least a further 7 birds found by birders during the day.
 Around, including birds trapped, were a 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Tawny Owl, 180 Brent Goose, 2+ Pink-footed Goose, 2 Jack Snipe, 10 Ruff, a Kingfisher, 2 Stonechat, a Redstart, a Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 150+ Goldfinch, a Lapland Bunting, a Green Woodpecker, a Ring Ouzel, 12 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 25+ Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat. Flying south were a Grey Wagtail, 25 Lesser Redpoll, 15 Siskin and 4 Swallow (11 more roosted at the Mere in the evening). There were also 3 Brambling (two at Aylmer and one at Sykes Farm) and a Ring Ouzel discovered along the roadside near the pumping station track very late afternoon, presumably having just arrived? On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 9 Ruff, a Yellow Wagtail and 26 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, produced 16 new birds: 2 Wren, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Redstart and a Reed Bunting; and 6 retraps: a Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Wren, a Dunnock and a Great Tit.
 Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs carried out a lengthy ringing session, resulting in 101 new birds. The breakdown was 30 Goldcrest, 12 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 9 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Wren, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Robin, 2 Blackbird and singles of Dunnock, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Siskin.

Redstart, ringed 4th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 3rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Great White Egret, at least 10 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, a Green Woodpecker, 120 Goldcrest, 20+ Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff and 150+ Goldfinch. Going south were a Lapland Bunting, 80 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Siskin, 10 Skylark and 75 Meadow Pipit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 43 new birds: 20 Goldcrest, 4 Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch and a Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blackcap and a Dunnock.
 A lengthy ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in a impressive 123 new birds. They included a remarkable five Yellow-browed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler, both new birds for the Observatory ringing list for the year. The breakdown was 32 Goldcrest, 30 Greenfinch, 11 Blackcap, 10 Goldfinch, 8 Dunnock, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Wren, 4 Robin, 4 Great Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Blue Tit.


Yellow-browed Warbler, the 4th of the day ringed 3rd October 2105.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Yellow-browed Warbler, the 5th of the day ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

Yellow-browed Warbler, the 5th of the day ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.

October 2nd. Around were 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Grey Wagtail, 11 Tree Sparrow, 10 Snipe, a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 97 Brent Goose, a Ruff, 5 Rock Pipit and a Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Heading south-east were a Buzzard and 50 Pink-footed Goose, south a Hobby and 40 Lapwing, 13 Jackdaw and 3 Rook, north-west 108 Pink-footed Goose, and west 10 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Robin, 3 Dunnock and a Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.
 A Long-winged Conehead was probably the first for the reserve.

Long-winged Conehead, 2nd October 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

October 1st. Birds around included 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, a Pied Flycatcher, a Stonechat, 11 Mistle Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, 40 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 21 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Spotted Redshank, 9 Ruff and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 20 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 12 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Swallow and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Blackcap and Wren.

Merlin, 1st October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound

Kingfisher, 1st October 2015.

Kingfisher, 1st October 2015.

Late September 2015

September 30th. Moderately strong easterly wind.
 The Red-footed Falcon was still present. Other birds around included 5+ Yellow-browed Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher and 38 Brent Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Spotted Redshank, 13 Ruff and 2 Greenshank. A  flock of 70 Pintail flew south.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, 2 Swallow and a Robin; and a retrap Robin.

High tide near Bird Observatory, 30th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide over New Saltmarsh, 30th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

September 29th. The Red-footed Falcon was still present, mostly around the Plantation. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler were around - the best areas to find them are along the road between Beach Car Park and the Golf Course and in the Plantation. Other good birds around were a Pied Flycatcher, a Garden Warbler, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Greenshank and 25 Brent Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 142 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and 3 Spotted Redshank. Flying south was a Grey Heron, and west 19 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 15 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Swallow, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Dunnock; 2 retraps: singles of Robin and Dunnock; and a control Reed Bunting.
 A colony of an endangered bee, Colletes halophilus, is making its nest under the bench adjacent to Wash Viewpoint (Lill's Hut).
 The bees are harmless and are only known from saltmarshes fringing the North sea and parts of the English Channel. In England this species is found as far north as the Humber, but Lincolnshire probably supports a major proportion of the world population. The juxtaposition of Sea Aster for pollen on the saltmarshes and exposed sand embabkments for nesting are critical to the survival of the species.

Colletes halophilus
Photo - Nige Lound

September 28th. The Red-footed Falcon was still present in the morning. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 8 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, a Woodcock, 60000 Knot, a Green Woodpecker, 7 Buzzard, a Garden Warbler and 16 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Spotted Redshank and a Kingfisher. Going south were 43 Pink-footed Goose, 22 Siskin, a Grey Wagtail and a Peregrine, and north 7 Redwing. In came 2 Grey Heron.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Green Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Wren, a Whitethroat and a Robin.

Red-footed Falcon 28th September 2015
Photo - Philip Millns

Red-footed Falcon, 28th September 2015.

September 27th. The Red-footed Falcon reappeared late afternoon. Around were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, 8 Brent Goose, a Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Stonechat. Heading south were a Spoonbill and 185 Pink-footed Goose, and west 73 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, resulted in 19 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 7 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, a Lesser Redpoll and a Whitethroat; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit and 2 Goldfinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 17 new birds: 4 Greenfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and singles of Wren, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Great Tit and Reed Warbler; and 19 retraps: 6 Dunnock, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and singles of Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Long-tailed Tit.

Yellow-browed Warbler, 27th September 2015.
Photo - Russel Hayes

Yellow-browed Warbler, 27th September 2015.

Brent Geese, 27th September 2015.

September 26th. The Red-footed Falcon was still present around Croftmarsh/north end of West Dunes. Other birds around included a Short-eared Owl, 4 Brent Goose, 3 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and 7 Tree Sparrow. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spotted Redshank. Flying south were 193 Pink-footed Goose and a Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith and Toby Collett, provided 18 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 6 Blackcap, a Robin, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Robin, a Blackcap and 3 Great Tit.

Red-footed Falcon, 26th September 2015.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Wasp Spider, 26th September 2015.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Wasp Spider, 26th September 2015.
Photo - Jim Shaw

September 25th. The Red-footed Falcon reappeared around Aylmer Avenue from mid morning. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Birds around included a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel and 2 Stonechat. Another Marsh Harrier went south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 10 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Linnet, 3 Robin and 3 Dunnock; and a retrap Dunnock.

Red-footed Falcon, 25th September 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Red-footed Falcon, 25th September 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Red-footed Falcon, 25th September 2015.
Photo - Philip Millns

September 24th. A first calendar year Red-footed Falcon was discovered around Aylmer Avenue about 1.30 pm, and after flitting up and down the West Dunes for 30 minutes it moved north to the old decoy pond site north of Aylmer Avenue. There it found and abundance of dragonflies to hawk, and it showed very well until at least 4 pm, after which it is thought that there were no observers present.
 Around was a Green Woodpecker. Offshore were a Pomarine Skua and 5 Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 10 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Robin and a Blackcap; and 2 retraps: a Whitethroat and a Wren.

First calendar year Red-footed Falcon, 24th September 2015
Photo - Mick Widdowson

First calendar year Red-footed Falcon, 24th September 2015.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

First calendar year Red-footed Falcon, 24th September 2015.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

First calendar year Red-footed Falcon, 24th September 2015.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

September 23rd. Around were a Green Woodpecker and 5 Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, 18 Siskin, 3 Redpoll and a Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff and a Linnet; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.

September 22nd. The Barred Warbler was retrapped in East Dunes. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a Grasshopper Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Kingfisher. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank. Flying south was a Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 22 new birds: 3 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, a Linnet, 4 Lesser Redpoll, a Robin, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Linnet, a Barred Warbler, a Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock, a Wren and 2 Robin.

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 21st September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Pintail, 22nd September 2015.

September 21st. Around were a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Treecreeper, 70 Sandwich Tern, a Spotted Redshank and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 40 Sandwich Tern, 120 Gannet, 22 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 400 Meadow Pipit, 150 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Brent Goose, 11 Common Tern, 5 Pintail, 116 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 14 Red-throated Diver and 25 Kittiwake, and west a Hobby. In off the sea came 4 Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 13 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, a Linnet and a Dunnock; and a retrap Blackcap.

Mid September 2015

September 20th. The Barred Warbler was retrapped in East Dunes. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Plantation near Sykes Farm. Other birds around were 2 Marsh Harrier, a Fieldfare, a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, a Wheatear and 5 House Sparrow (scarce here). On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Going south were a Hobby, 17 Wigeon, a Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 7 Grey Wagtail, 400 Meadow Pipit, 2 House Sparrow, 50 Siskin and 35 Redpoll, and 38 Pink-footed Goose south-west.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, provided 45 new birds: a Wren, 20 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet and 3 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, a Wren, a Barred Warbler, 2 Dunnock and a Linnet.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 47 new birds and 13 retraps. The new birds were 20 Goldcrest, 7 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 2 Blackcap and singles of Chiffchaff, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird and Reed Warbler. The retraps were 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and singles of Chiffchaff, Wren, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Blackcap and Chaffinch.

Yellow-browed Warbler, 20th September 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Yellow-browed Warbler, 20th September 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Spotted Redshank, 20th september 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Long-tailed Tit, 20th September 2015.

Great Crested Grebe, 20th September 2015.

Kestrel, 20th September 2015.

September 19th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered near Sykes Farm. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill, 5 Spotted Redshank, 3 Ruff, a Greenshank and a Water Rail. Around, including birds trapped. were a Barred Warbler, a Garden Warbler, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Pied Flycatcher, a Treecreeper and 8 Redpoll. Heading South over Aylmer Avenue were 30 Siskin, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 40 Linnet, 200 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 10 Yellow Wagtail and 20 Swallow
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 13 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock and a Barred Warbler; and 4 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Blue Tit, Dunnock and Chaffinch.
 Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was ringing, resulting in 42 new birds: 23 Goldcrest, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Blackbird, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Dunnock, Robin, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Great Tit and Chaffinch.

Garden Warbler, 19th September 2015
Photo - Nige Lound

Barred Warbler, ringed 19th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

September 18th. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spoonbill, 2 Ruff, 2 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Birds around, including those ringed, were 300 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Redstart, 6 Rook, 4 Crossbill, 4 Pintail, 15 Snipe, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzard, a Merlin, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 12+ Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler and 7 Yellow Wagtail. Flying south were a Swift, 50 Swallow, 5 Grey Wagtail, a Yellow Wagtail, 20 Siskin and 23 Redpoll.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 70 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, 11 Goldcrest, a Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Robin, 3 Linnet, 9 Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch and 4 Dunnock; 4 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Blackcap and and a Goldcrest; and a control Lesser Redpoll.

Walnut Spider, 18th September 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

September 17th. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spoonbill. Around, including birds trapped, were a Redstart, 10+ Goldcrest, a Garden Warbler, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 45 Siskin and 35 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 19 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Redstart, a Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Siskin, a Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Redshank; and 5 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and a Dunnock. To catch a Redshank in a 30 foot mist net between bushes in the dunes is rather unusual.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 35 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Dunnock and 10 Greenfinch; and 33 retraps: a Chaffinch, 4 Dunnock, 9 Greenfinch, 9 Great Tit, 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit and a Robin.

Redstart, ringed 17th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Redshank, ringed 17th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Siskin, ringed 17th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Whitethroat with suspended primary moult, ringed 17th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

The same Whitethroat with a bill deformity, ringed 17th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

September 16th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill, and on the Mere 2 Kingfisher. Birds around included a Greenshank, 17 Sandwich Tern, a Wheatear, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Whinchat, a Spotted Redshank, 26 Arctic Skua and 3 Yellow-legged Gull. South went a Swift, a Fieldfare, 2 Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 500 Meadow Pipit and 3000 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 41 new birds: 9 Goldcrest, 2 Willow Warbler, a Robin, 7 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Linnet, 8 Reed Bunting, a Sedge Warbler, a Goldfinch, 4 Whitethroat and 5 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Linnet, a Redstart, a Dunnock and a Blackcap.
 A Red Underwing was discovered on the Heligoland Trap.

Red Underwing, 16th September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

September 15th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, with occasional drizzly spells.
 Around were 5 Spoonbill, 55000 Knot, 3200 Sanderling, 5800 Dunlin, 1500 Grey Plover, a Kingfisher, 20 Greenshank, 10 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart and a Treecreeper. On Tennyson's Sands were a Little Stint, a Ruff and 3 Spotted Redshank. Going south were 7 Arctic Skua, 6 Little Gull, a Swift, 85 Swallow, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Grey Wagtail and 14 Siskin.
 A weather-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, yielded 5 new birds: 2 Robin, a Blackcap, a Reed Warbler and a Linnet; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Robin and a Whitethroat.
 A check of an owl breeding site on the reserve revealed a pair of retrap moulting adult Barn Owls.

Moulting adult female Barn Owl, retrapped 15th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

September 14th. Rain mid morning.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Spoonbill, 4 Greenshank, 2 Redstart and a Grey Wagtail.
 A rain-interrupted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Redstart, a Blackcap, a Robin and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Redstart, a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

September 13th. Around, including birds trapped, were 5 Spoonbill, a Mediterranean Gull, 3 Kingfisher, 3 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 3 Redstart, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 22 Robin, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, a Bullfinch, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 20 Redpoll, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin and 4 Buzzard. On the Mere were a Garganey and 3 Water Rail. Heading south were 2 Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Tree Pipit and 3 Grey Wagtail. Heading south over Aylmer Avenue were 200+ Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 40 House Martin, 40 Siskin, a Grey Heron and 2 Common Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Toby Collett, produced 33 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Robin, a Redstart, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Garden Warbler, a Goldfinch, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Lesser Redpoll, a Siskin and 10 Dunnock; and 17 retraps: 2 Blackcap, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Goldfinch, a Linnet and 2 Wren.
 A lengthy morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 64 new birds: 12 Blackcap, 9 Dunnock, 9 Goldcrest, 9 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 4 Robin, 2 Wren, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat.

Redstart, 13th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

September 12th. Quite strong southerly wind. Early morning rain.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 8 Spoonbill, 2 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 2 Merlin, 4 Arctic Skua, 15 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, a Coal Tit, 4 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher and a Spotted Flycatcher. Heading south were a Pomarine Skua, 3 Siskin and a Marsh Harrier, and north an adult Little Gull.
 At Aylmer Avenue a much delayed session due to rain and wind was carried out by Mick Briggs and resulted in 20 new birds: 10 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch and singles of Chaffinch, Redstart, Blackcap, Swallow, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff.

September 11th. Increasing easterly wind.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Spoonbill, 4 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank, and on the Mere 2 Pintail. Around were a Pied Flycatcher, a Redwing, a Redstart, a Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, a Green Woodpecker and 2 Arctic Skua. Flying north were 3 Sooty Shearwater, a Fulmar, 6 Brent Goose and 18 Common Scoter, and south a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 35 Gannet, 2 Brent Goose, 4 Common Scoter, a Pintail and 6 Teal.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in just a new Blackcap and a retrap Wren.

Wheatear, 11th September 2015.