Mid August 2015

August 20th. At various sites on the reserve were 13 Spoonbill, a Short-eared Owl. Offshore and around the beach were 2 Pomarine Skua, 750 Sandwich Tern and a Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh was a Little Stint, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were 120 Sandwich Tern, 14 Swift, 45 Swallow and 2 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Linnet; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Dunnock.

August 19th. Soggy start, then dried out.
 Around the reserve were 7 Spoonbill, a Redstart, 21 Willow Warbler, a Cuckoo, 2 Treecreeper, a Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, a Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Marsh Harrier. On the water bodies were a Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were a Pomarine Skua, 8 Black Tern, 88 Knot, 62 Golden Plover, 16 Ringed Plover,  a Tree Pipit, 2 Siskin, 120 Swallow and a Swift, and north 53 Common Scoter.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Garden Warbler and 4 Linnet; and 2 retraps: singles of Wren and Whitethroat.

August 18th. Rain all day.
 Around the reserve were 5 Spoonbill. On Tennyson's Sands were a Little Stint, 5 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank, and on Jackson's Marsh a Little Ringed Plover.

August 17th. Around the reserve were 8 Spoonbill, 8 Buzzard (including 3 south), 2 Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Garden Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Cuckoo, 5 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. On the water bodies were a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe, 168 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone and 2 Greenshank. Going south were 2 Whimbrel, a Ruff and 2 Swallow, and north an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Spoonbill, 17 August 2015.

August 16th. Around the reserve were 12 Spoonbill, 3 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Cuckoo, a Kingfisher, a Bullfinch, 2 Treecreeper, a Wheatear, 4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Whimbrel. Offshore were 55000 Knot, 360 Sandwich Tern and 6 Arctic Skua. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover and a Ruff. Heading south were a Swift and 6 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 19 new birds: a Wren, 7 Willow Warbler, a Robin, 7 Whitethroat, a Dunnock, a Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk; and 6 retraps: 3 Wren, 2 Dunnock and a Blackcap.
  Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs had finally managed to get a free day when there wasn't any net ride maintenance to do and it wasn't raining, so a lengthy ringing session ensued which included the 11th C.E.S. of the year. His efforts were amply rewarded with the biggest catch of the year so far: 148 new birds and 38 retraps.
  The new birds were 50 Greenfinch, 17 Blackcap, 14 Chaffinch, 12 Willow Warbler, 10 Great Tit, 9 Blue Tit, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Dunnock, 5 Wren, 5 Robin, 3 Linnet, 2 Reed Warbler and singles of Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Goldfinch and Blackbird.
  The retraps were 8 Dunnock, 6 Blue Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Wren, 3 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Blackbird and a single Willow Warbler.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 16 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 15th. Soggy start.
 A Black Stork was seen briefly about midday over the western side of Croftmarsh. At various sites on the reserve were 12 Spoonbill; they are most often seen from Wash Viewpoint, Jackson's Marsh Hide or Harvey's Hide. On the water bodies were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Green Sandpiper. Around were a Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin, a Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove, a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank. Heading south was a Ruff. Wader movements offshore included 45000 Knot, 990 Grey Plover, 500 Oystercatcher, 7700 Sanderling, 9400 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Linnet and a Lesser Whitethroat; and 6 retraps: a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

Spoonbill, 15 August 2015.

Spoonbill, 15 August 2015.

Muntjac, 15 August 2015.

Juvenile Goldfinch, one of many finches in flocks here recently, 15 August 2015.

Spotted Redshanks feeding, 15 August 2015.

Spoonbills, 15 August 2015.

Juvenile Dunlin, 15 August 2015.

August 14th. Soggy start, then overcast and foggy.
 On the water bodies were 14 Spoonbill, 18 Common Tern, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 23 Greenshank and 3 Spotted Redshank. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Garden Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Offshore or going to roost were a Roseate Tern, a Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, a Black Tern, 1200 Sandwich Tern, 13 Arctic Tern, 320 Common Tern, 2 Little Term, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 7 Kittiwake.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Wren, a Pied Flycatcher, a Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 10 retraps: 3 Blackcap, 2 Wren, 3 Dunnock, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Robin.

Pied Flycatcher, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 13th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 On the water bodies were 4 Spoonbill and 9 Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands were 179 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Around were a Whinchat, 2 Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Around the beach were 1150 Sandwich Tern and a Mediterranean Gull. Flying north at sea were a Long-tailed Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater, 560 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Tern, 76 Gannet, 21 Arctic Skua, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Fulmar, a Little Gull, 12 Kittiwake, a Yellow-legged Gull and 43 Common Scoter, and south 20 Gannet and 9 Arctic Skua. North over land flew a Hobby, and south a Marsh Harrier.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Meadow Pipit and a Woodpigeon; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Wren and a Dunnock.

August 12th. Around the reserve were 10 Spoonbill, a Whimbrel, a Peregrine and a Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 7 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Robin, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: 2 Dunnock and 3 Whitethroat.

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 12 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 11th. At various sites on the reserve were 16 Spoonbill. Also around were a Kingfisher, 3 Buzzard, a Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit; and 2 retraps: singles of Whitethroat and Dunnock.

Robber Fly with prey.
 Photo - Sam Wilson

Early August 2015

August 10th. On the estuary were now 6+ Spoonbill. Around were 3 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a Greenshank and a Tree Sparrow. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were 25 Swallow and 6 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 4 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Wren and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Male Emerald Damselfly on Square Pond. 10th August 2015
Photo: Nige Lound

August 9th. On the estuary were 3 Spoonbill. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank and a Kingfisher. Going south were a Red Kite and 4 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Linnet, 5 Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Cuckoo; and 4 retraps: singles of Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Wren and Sedge Warbler.

Cuckoo, ringed 9 August 2015.
 Photo - George Gregory

August 8th. The Black Stork reappeared mid morning over Croftmarsh, and then flew off south-west towards Wainfleet. Around were 15 Spoonbill, 19 Tree Sparrow, a Stonechat, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and 150 Swallow. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and 8 Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, a Swallow, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Swallow; and 11 retraps: 3 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 4 Whitethroat and a Blackcap.
 Moths included a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

August 7th. The Black Stork reappeared, flying south-west at 1110hrs and seen north of Croftmarsh at 1500hrs. A Bee-eater was discovered high over Old Saltmarsh, then probably flew off south-west with Swallows. The Nightjar was relocated briefly at the north end of West Dunes, very early morning. Other birds around included 17 Spoonbill, 6 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Hobby, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 4 Whimbrel, 9 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Whimbrel, 150 Swallow and a Spotted Flycatcher. Heading south were a Red Kite, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 3 Siskin, and north 50 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, a Black Tern, 90 Common Tern, 30 Arctic Tern and a Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 23 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, a Treecreeper, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Yellow Wagtail and a Reed Warbler; and 5 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, a Wren and a Whitethroat.

Treecreeper, ringed 7 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 6th. A Nightjar was discovered at the north end of West Dunes, early morning. Also around were 14 Spoonbill, a Peregrine, 7 Marsh Harrier (including 5 south), a Treecreeper, a Kingfisher, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Green Woodpecker, a Ruff, 9 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 177 Black-tailed Godwit and 28 Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Golden Plover and a Little Gull. Offshore were 4 Arctic Skua. Flying south were 2 Razorbill, 100 Swallow and 150 Swift, and north 9 Common Scoter.
 The tenth session of CES was done this morning. The 34 new birds were 6 Wren, 10 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet, a Robin, a Swallow, a Blue Tit, 6 Dunnock and a Blackbird. The 11 retraps were 2 Dunnock, 3 Blackbird, a Willow Warbler, 3 Wren, a Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.

Colour-ringed Spoonbill, 6 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

August 5th. A Black Stork was seen twice over the reserve in the morning, then flew off inland. Around were a Crossbill, 2 Green Woodpecker, 15 Willow Warbler, 6 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper and 180 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were 60 Swift and 11 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: singles of Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Linnet, Blackbird and Kingfisher; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Kingfisher, ringed 5 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 4th. Birds around included a Montagu's Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Peregrine, 2 Hobby, a Merlin, a Mediterranean Gull, 6050 Sanderling, 29800 Knot, 2 Green Sandpiper, 27 Greenshank, 185 Lapwing and 129 Black-tailed Godwit, a Brent Goose, 50 Common Tern and 3 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 14 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 2 Turnstone. Heading south were a Black Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 6 Whimbrel, 2500 Swift, 4 Crossbill, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 95 Sand Martin and 792 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 14 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Swallow and a Garden Warbler; and 5 retrap Whitethroat.

Garden Warbler, ringed 4 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 3rd. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 Around were 4 Willow Warbler, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 15 Spoonbill, 3 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank, and on Tennyson's Sands a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank and 16 Greenshank. Flying south were 35 Swift and 8 Swallow.
 A brief, wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided just a new Whitethroat; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

August 2nd. Birds around included 4 Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Cuckoo,  2200 Sandwich Tern, 23850 Knot, 9000 Sanderling and 9250 Dunlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Spoonbill, 12 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and 103 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh a Green Sandpiper. Going south were a Wood Sandpiper, 17 Turnstone, 55 Swift, 120 Sand Martin and 566 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Linnet, a Robin and 2 Swallow; and 10 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Linnet, 3 Dunnock, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blackcap.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 66 new birds and 20 retraps. The new birds were 26 Greenfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Dunnock, 5 Linnet, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Great Tit, 4 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Whitethroat and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Magpie and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The retraps were 8 Great Tit, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock and singles of Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Wren, Linnet and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Willow Warbler, 2 August 2015.

Waders at high tide, 2 August 2015.

Waders on falling tide, 2 August 2015.

August 1st. Near the Wash Viewpoint were 2 Bee-eater until 0930hrs, when they flew off west. On Jackson's Marsh were 16 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and 12 Greenshank. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Wheatear, 17 Yellow Wagtail, an Arctic Skua and 10000 Knot. Heading south were 50 Sand Martin, 220 Swallow and 11 Whimbrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 15 new birds: a Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, a Robin, 5 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Yellow Wagtail and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: 2 Wren, a Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Great Tit.

Colour-ringed Little Egret, 1 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Despite the lowest water levels for some years it is encouraging to see Little Grebes continuing to rear young; 1 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Late July 2015

July 31st. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Spoonbill, 110 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank and a Little Ringed Plover, and on Jackson's Marsh a Spoonbill and 27 Black-tailed Godwit. Around were a ringtail Montagu's Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 500 Golden Plover, 10 Siskin, 13 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Willow Warbler, 2 Treecreeper, a Green Woodpecker, 150 Swallow, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Common Sandpiper and a Corn Bunting. Flying south were 6 Crossbill and 3 Whimbrel.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: a Meadow Pipit, a Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Dunnock, 3 Linnet, a Wren, a Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat.

July 30th. On Jackson's Marsh were 14 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson Sands a Little Ringed Plover. Birds around included a Peregrine, a Hen Harrier, 3 Marsh Harriers, a Short-eared Owl, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank and a Whimbrel. Heading south were 3 Swift, and north a Pomarine Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 34 new birds: 3 Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 10 Meadow Pipit, 4 Linnet, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Blackcap, 3 Swallow, a Greenfinch and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 2 Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, a Wren and a Woodpigeon.
 The ninth session of CES was done by Mike Polling this morning. The 20 new birds were 4 Wren, 8 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Great Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 12 retraps: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, a Wren and a Dunnock.

Colour-ringed Mediterranean Gull with Black-tailed Godwits, 30 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Little Ringed Plover, 30 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Colour-ringed Redshank with Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, 30 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Multiple growth bars on the tail of a Meadow Pipit, ringed 30 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow Wagtail, ringed 30 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

July 29th. At various sites on the reserve were 13 Spoonbill. Around were a Red Kite, a Green Woodpecker, a Marsh Harrier, a Yellow Wagtail and a Whimbrel. On Tennyson's Sands were 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and 3 Little Ringed Plover, and on Jackson's Marsh a Green Sandpiper.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: 2 Wren, a Willow Warbler, 6 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Skylark and 2 Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: 2 Linnet, 3 Dunnock and a Chiffchaff.

Juvenile Skylark, ringed 29 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

July 28th. Quite strong south-westerly wind, with some early morning rain.
 On Jackson's Marsh were 13 Spoonbill, 70 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank, and on Tennyson's Sands a Little Ringed Plover and 9 Black-tailed Godwit. Birds around and offshore included 3500 Sandwich Tern, a Black Tern, a Green Woodpecker and a Short-eared Owl. Flying south were 35 Swift.

July 27th. Light rain on and off.
 Around various sites on the reserve were now 13 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 26 Greenshank, 84 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Ringed Plover, 530 Curlew and a Spotted Redshank. On Jackson's Marsh were a Green Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank, and on Tennyson's Sands a Snipe and a Mediterranean Gull. Offshore were 2000 Sandwich Tern, 29 Gannet and 13 Arctic Skua. Going south were a Raven (rare here), 25 Kittiwake, 47 Gannet, 22 Whimbrel, 70 Knot, 12 Turnstone, 3 Siskin and 2500 Swift.

July 26th. Flying onto the estuary were 8 Spoonbill. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 87 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank and 8 Greenshank. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1500 Sandwich Tern and 4 Arctic Skua. An adult Grey Partridge accompanied 2+ small chicks on Storm Ridge. Heading south were a Siskin, 15 Sand Martin and 12 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 23 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 7 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and 5 Greenfinch; and 14 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 3 Linnet, 3 Wren, a Great Tit, a Blackcap and 3 Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 49 new birds and 22 retraps. The new birds were 29 Greenfinch, 8 Chaffinch, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird and singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Wren, Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The retraps were 7 Great Tit, 6 Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Willow Warbler.

July 25th. Strong north-westerly wind with rain until early morning.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Green Sandpiper and 42 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Tennyson Sands 9 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 2 Whimbrel.
 Below are some photographs taken on the Bird Walk by Stuart Ainsworth.

Summering Pink-footed Goose, 25 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 25 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Little Stint, 25 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Spotted Redshank with Greenshanks, 25 July 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Fox with juvenile Moorhen. Fox activity on Tennyson's Sands has wiped out most of the breeding waders and gulls this year.
Photo - Nige Lound

July 24th. On Jackson's Marsh were 8 Spoonbill, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint and a Green Sandpiper, and on Tennyson's Sands 6 Sandwich Tern. Birds around included a Little Gull, 27 Greenshank and 6 Whimbrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 10 new birds: 3 Wren, a Blackcap, 4 Linnet, a Meadow Pipit and a Whitethroat; and 7 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Whitethroat and a Linnet.

July 23rd. On the water bodies were 13 Spoonbill, a Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshank. Around were a Marsh Harrier and a Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, a Robin, 2 Linnet, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Kingfisher; and 8 retraps: 2 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Linnet and 2 Dunnock.

Kingfisher, ringed 23 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

July 22nd. On Jackson's Marsh were 12 Spoonbill and 3 Curlew Sandpiper. Birds around included 2 Siskin, 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Arctic Skua, 29 Greenshank, 130+ Little Tern and 2 Marsh Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: a Treecreeper, 3 Wren, 4 Linnet, a Reed Bunting and 3 Whitethroat; and 10 retraps: a Wren, 5 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock and a Linnet.

July 21st. On Jackson's Marsh were 12 Spoonbill, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and 60 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and 2 Common Sandpiper. On the shore were a Roseate Tern and a Black Tern. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull and 27 Greenshank. Going south were 44 Whimbrel, 460 Knot, 500 Sand Martin and 2000 Swift.
 Numbers of Little Egret continue to build up on the Jackson's Marsh roost. A newly-arrived juvenile Spoonbill food-begged and was fed by an adult.
 The eighth session of CES was done this morning. The 18 new birds were 5 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 3 Wren, a Reed Warbler, 2 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Whitethroat and 4 Dunnock; and 7 retraps: a Willow Warbler, a Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, a Blue Tit and 2 Chiffchaff.

Roseate Tern, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound

Roost of Little Egrets (and 2 Grey Herons) on hedge near Jackson's Marsh, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Food-begging juvenile Spoonbill being fed by adult, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Food-begging juvenile Spoonbill being fed by adult, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Food-begging juvenile Spoonbill being fed by adult, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Food-begging juvenile Spoonbill being fed by adult, 21 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Mid July 2015

July 20th. On Tennyson's Sands were 10 Spoonbill early morning, some of which flew to and from Jackson's Marsh and the estuary later. Birds around included the first-summer Hen Harrier, 3 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Arctic Skua, 58 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cuckoo.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 10 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Linnet, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Swallow; and 8 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Dunnock, 3 Wren, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Linnet.

Little Egrets on hedge next to Jackson's Marsh, 20 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Black-tailed Skimmer, 20 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

July 19th. Rain until mid morning.
 Flying onto or on Jackson's Marsh were now 12 Spoonbill, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. On Tennyson's Sands were 22 Greenshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, a Ruff and 85 Black-tailed Godwit. Around were a juvenile Peregrine, a Kingfisher, 2 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper. Heading south were a Whimbrel, 241 Swift and 50 Swallow.

Pine Hawkmoth, 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Rosy Footman (very scarce here), 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Small Emerald, 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Blackneck (very scarce here), 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Blue-bordered Carpet, 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Burnished Brass, 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Burnished Brass, 19 July 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

July 18th. Flying from Tennyson's Sands to Jackson's Marsh were 10 Spoonbill and a Curlew Sandpiper. Remaining on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Ruff and an adult Mediterranean Gull (red ring with white PLY5). Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Montagu's Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Turtle Dove and a Whimbrel. Flying south were 350 Swift, 30 Whimbrel and 3 Yellow Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: 3 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Swallow, 2 Dunnock and a Greenfinch; and 5 retraps: 2 Wren, a Dunnock, a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat.
 A White-letter Hairstreak was in West Dunes north of the Sycamore Plot.

Little Tern, 18 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Montagu's Harrier, 18 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Montagu's Harrier, 18 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

Spoonbills, 18 July 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale

July 17th. On Tennyson's Sands were 10 Spoonbill, 12 Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshank, and on Jackson's Marsh 22 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Around were 2 Montagu's Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Arctic Tern, 200 Little Tern, 5500 Sandwich Tern, 100 Common Tern, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Siskin, a Bullfinch and 2 Green Woodpecker. Going south over land were 2237 Swift, 200 Swallow, 153 Sand Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Hobby. Moving offshore were 43 Oystercatcher, 206 Whimbrel, 33 Black-tailed Godwit, 1136 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 4 Golden Plover, a Ruff, a Manx Shearwater and 2 adult Little Gull.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 43 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, a Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, a Reed Warbler, 5 Dunnock and 14 Greenfinch; and 15 retraps: 2 Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, 4 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit, a Reed Warbler, a Wren, a Blue Tit and 2 Chaffinch.
 Shorebird Warden, Richard Doan, recorded 101 species of bird on the reserve today.

July 16th. In the estuary were 2 Spoonbill. Other birds around included a Green Woodpecker and 30 Swallow. Heading south were 2 Siskin and 2 Sand Martin..
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 16 new birds: 3 Wren, 3 Whitethroat, a Linnet, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, 2 Swallow, 3 Dunnock and a Cuckoo; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.
 In the Sanctuary 3 pulli Skylark were ringed.
 Butterflies included 2 White-letter Hairstreak in West Dunes north of the Sycamore Plot.

Juvenile Cuckoo, ringed 16 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

White-letter Hairstreak, 16 July 2015.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

July 15th. Soggy start.
 Now 2 Quail were singing north of the reserve in the morning. A Honey Buzzard flew north over the West Dunes at 12:00hrs. Around were 2200 Sandwich Tern, 60 Common Tern, 228 Little Tern and a Whimbrel.  One of the Sandwich Tern was a juvenile ringed recently in the Netherlands. On Tennyson Sands were 61 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank,a Spotted Redshank and 2 Ruff, and on Jackson's Marsh a Ruff. Flying south were 17 Curlew and 30 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Blue Tit, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, a Meadow Pipit and 4 Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 3 Whitethroat, a Dunnock, a Wren and a Robin.
 A Sea-watching Event is scheduled this afternoon from 1730-1930hrs for those interested in participating.

July 14th. Birds around included a Montagu's Harrier. A Quail sang north of the reserve early morning. Going south were 2 Swift.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 57 new birds: 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 4 Great Tit, 4 Sedge Warbler, a Linnet, 5 Whitethroat, 6 Chaffinch, a Reed Warbler, a Blue Tit, 13 Dunnock, 11 Greenfinch and a Woodpigeon; and 21 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Wren, 7 Whitethroat, 6 Dunnock, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a WillowWarbler and a Woodpigeon.

July 13th. A Quail was heard singing on the saltmarsh before dawn. Also around were an adult Mediterranean Gull and 350 Sandwich Tern. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Ruff and 20 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Jackson's Marsh 9 Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 55+ Siskin, 47 Curlew and 2 Swift. In off the sea came a Short-eared/Long-eared Owl.
 A female Ghost Moth was found on part of the Heligoland trap.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 3 Linnet and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Linnet and Dunnock.

Treecreeper, ringed 13 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Female Ghost Moth, 13 July 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

July 12th. Birds around included a Cuckoo and 350 Sandwich Tern. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff and 11 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Jackson's Marsh 20 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank. Flying south were 120 Swift.

July 11th. Around were 150 Sandwich Tern, 1+ Arctic Skua, 2 Common Scoter, 45 Swallow and 2 Crossbill. On Tennyson's Sands were an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Ruff and 12 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Jackson's Marsh a Black-tailed Godwit. Heading south were 2 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: a Whitethroat, a Dunnock and a Woodpigeon; and 5 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Wren, a Dunnock and a Lesser Whitethroat.