Mid November 2017

November 20th. Rain until late morning.
 Around were 900 Pink-footed Goose, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Stonechat, 16 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, a Blackcap and a Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a Juvenile Whooper Swan and 4 Pintail; on Tennyson's Sands 8 Water Rail and 3 Black-tailed Godwit; on the Mere 54 Gadwall and a Water Rail; and on Fenland Lagoon a Water Rail.

November 19th. In the West Dunes were 2 Firecrest. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 552 Brent Goose, 456 Cormorant, 2 Common Buzzard, 5 Snipe, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, a Kingfisher, a Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 6 Siskin, a Bullfinch, a Snow Bunting and 11 Corn Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were a juvenile Whooper Swan and 2 Pintail; and on Tennyson's Sands 51 Shoveler, 9 Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Kingfisher. Flying south were a juvenile Iceland Gull (over the beach late morning) and 15 Whooper Swan; north 5 Collared Dove; and north-east a Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 14 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, a Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blue Tit, a Robin, a Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Goldcrest.

Bullfinch, ringed 19th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Firecrest in West Dunes, 19th November 2017.
Photo - Nigel Taylor

Firecrest in West Dunes, 19th November 2017.
Photo - Nigel Taylor

Pink-footed Geese, 19th November 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Sunset, 19th November 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

November 18th. Around, including birds trapped, were 1200 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Goldcrest, a Brambling and a Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh was a juvenile Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: a Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 3 Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Wren, a Robin, a Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

November 17th. Frosty start, gradually thawing out.
 The Bittern flew between Jackson's Marsh and Tennyson's Sands. On Jackson's Marsh were the juvenile Whooper Swan and 4 Water Rail; on Tennyson's Sands 14 Water Rail; on the Mere 2 Water Rail; and on Fenland Lagoon a Water Rail. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Shelduck, 10 Red-breasted Merganser, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, 500 Redshank, 2 Kingfisher, 3 Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit and 15 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 8 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Dunnock.

A new record count of Water Rail today, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan  

Blackbirds on Sykes Farm track, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Bittern in flight over Tennyson's Sands, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Bittern in flight over Tennyson's Sands, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Rising tide from Millennium Ridge, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Rising tide from Millennium Ridge, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Rising tide from Millennium Ridge, 17th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

  November 16th. On Jackson's Marsh were a Bittern and a juvenile Whooper Swan. Around, including birds trapped, were 30 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Brent Goose, a Coal Tit and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 14 new birds: a Goldcrest, 5 Goldfinch, a Brambling, a Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 13 retraps: a Robin, 2 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch, a Dunnock, 3 Great Tit and a Coal Tit.

Brambling, ringed 16th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Coal Tit, retapped 16th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 15th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1150 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Firecrest (West Dunes), 6 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, 60 Siskin and 11 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Pintail, 20 Black-tailed Godwit and 154 Lapwing; and on Jackson's Marsh a juvenile Whooper Swan and 2 Pintail. Heading south were 59 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Lesser Redpoll, a Cetti's Warbler, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Blue Tit and a Wren.

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 15th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 14th. A Black Brant or hybrid was near the Shorebird Hut. In East Dunes was a Siberian Chiffchaff. Around, including birds trapped, were 1150 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Brent Goose, a Spotted Redshank, a Snipe, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 5 Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest, a Water Pipit, 7 Siskin, 4 Bullfinch, a Twite and a Lapland Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were a juvenile Whooper Swan and 2 Pintail. Flying south were 40 Siskin; and north an Eider and a Guillemot. In off the sea came a male Hen Harrier.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 21 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Bullfinch, a Greenfinch, a Redwing, 7 Blackbird and a Mistle Thrush; and 10 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch and 2 Great Tit.

Mistle Thrush, ringed 14th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 13th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 300 Pink-footed Goose, 450 Canada Goose, 30 Brent Goose, a Woodcock, a Firecrest, 200 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Brambling and 3 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh was a juvenile Whooper Swan. Going south was a Long-tailed Duck; and south-east 8 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 16 new birds: a Firecrest, a Bullfinch and 14 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 2 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Blue Tit and a Wren.

Firecrest, ringed 13th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 12th. Around, including birds trapped, were 180 Brent Goose, a Water Rail, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Fieldfare, a Goldcrest and 3 Snow Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh was a juvenile Whooper Swan; and on the Mere a Water Rail. Heading south were 7 Whooper Swan, 9 Wigeon, an Eider, a Goldeneye, a Red-necked Grebe, 6 Pomarine Skua, 15 Great Skua, a juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2500 Kittiwake; north 25 Teal, a Pintail, 2 Goosander and 2 Guillemot; and west off the sea 4 more Whooper Swan.
 The final morning ringing session of the year in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Blackbird.

Muntjac, 12th November 2017.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 11th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 400 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Brent Goose, a Snipe, a Bearded Tit (East Dunes), 6 Redwing and a Goldcrest. On Jackson's Marsh were a juvenile Whooper Swan and 7 Snipe. Flying south were 22 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 27 new birds: a Goldcrest, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Song Thrush and 13 Blackbird; 2 retrap Blackbirds; and a control Wren.

Early November 2017

November 10th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 A Richard's Pipit flew south over the saltings. Around were 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Brent Goose, 4+ Bearded Tit (Borrow Pits), 150 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 3 Redwing and 7 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh was a juvenile Whooper Swan. Going south were 16 Whooper Swan.

November 9th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 120 Pink-footed Goose, 350 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, 3 Shorelark, 250 Blackbird, 2 Stonechat, a Goldcrest and a Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a juvenile Whooper Swan and 2 Bearded Tit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 35 new birds: a Goldcrest, 19 Long-tailed Tit, a Bullfinch, a Robin, a Greenfinch and 12 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 3 Blackbird, a Robin and a Long-tailed Tit.

Bullfinch, ringed 9th November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 1200 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 4 Woodcock, 11 Snipe, a Peregrine, 3 Shorelark, 500 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat, a Goldcrest and a Blackcap. On Tennyson's Sands were 620 Teal, 2 Water Rail and 2 Bearded Tit. Heading south were 120 Pink-footed Goose and 7 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, provided 117 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 5 Redwing, 106 Blackbird, a Starling and a Woodcock; a retrap Blackbird; and 2 control Blackbird with ARNHEM VT HOLLAND rings.

November 7th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 On the shore were 3 Shorelark (then off west) and 5 Snow Bunting. Birds around included 12 Brent Goose, 34 Pink-footed Goose, a Purple Sandpiper, a Woodcock, a Ring-necked Parakeet (East Dunes), a Kingfisher, a Merlin, 800 Starling, 200 Blackbird, a Fieldfare and 15 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, 32 Black-tailed Godwit and at least 2 Bearded Tit. Flying south were 600 Pink-footed Goose and 100 Golden Plover.

November 6th. Frosty start, gradually thawing out.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 400 Brent Goose, 30000 Knot, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Peregrine, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Brambling and a Goldcrest. Going south were 70 Whooper Swan. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Bearded Tit, 2 Water Rail, a Greenshank and 80 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A frost-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest and 9 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Dunnock and a Wren.

Black-tailed Godwits, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Water Rail, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

High tide at dawn from Wash Viewpoint, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

High tide at dawn from Wash Viewpoint, 6th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

November 5th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Brent Goose, a Kingfisher, a Bearded Tit, a Treecreeper, 15 Fieldfare, a Stonechat, a Siberian Chiffchaff (North Building), 2 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch and 7 Snow Bunting. Heading south were 150 Whooper Swan, 7 Wigeon, a Twite and 2 Bullfinch; and west a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, yielded 31 new birds: 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest and 22 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Blackbird, 3 Wren, a Dunnock, a Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Snow Bunting on Millennium Ridge, 5th November 2017.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Whooper Swans arriving from the north, 5th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Whooper Swans, 5th November 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

November 4th. Rain until early afternoon.
 Around were 43 Whooper Swan, a Greenshank, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Woodcock, 20 Snipe, a Chiffchaff, 15 Redwing, 30 Fieldfare, 500 Blackbird and 3 Snow Bunting.

Snow Bunting at North End of the reserve, 4th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

Full Moon, 4th November 2017.
Photo - Richard Doan

November 3rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 750 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Brent Goose, a Woodcock, 80 Redwing, 75 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 4 Goldcrest and a Coal Tit. Flying south was a Hawfinch.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 23 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, 9 Redwing, 10 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Robin, a Wren and 2 Goldcrest.

Coal Tit, ringed 3rd November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 2nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 300 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Brent Goose, a Merlin, 3 Redwing, 75 Blackbird, 6 Goldcrest and 4 Bullfinch. Going south were 2 Whooper Swan, a Great Northern Diver, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 4 Goosander.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 13 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, 2 Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 5 Blackbird, 3 Robin and a Goldcrest.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 15 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 9 Long-tailed Tit, a Bullfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 2 Blackbird, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Robin, a Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit and a Bullfinch.
 Offshore were 2 Bottle-nosed Dolphin.

Bullfinch, ringed 2nd November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

November 1st. Birds around, including those trapped, were 750 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Brent Goose, 3 Redwing, 200 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Bullfinch and a Brambling. Heading west were 3 Bean Goose; and south a Hawfinch.
 A morning ringing session in Easat Dunes, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 33 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 24 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 10 retraps: a Great Tit, 5 Blackbird, a Redwing, 2 Robin and a Wren.

Woodcock, ringed 1st November 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Late October 2017

October 31st. Light rain from mid to late morning.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 400 Pink-footed Goose, 30 Brent Goose, 4 Goldcrest and 5 Redwing. Flying south were a Great Skua, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Arctic Tern. In off the sea came 5 Woodcock and 400 Starling.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 24 new birds: a Wren, 4 Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Redwing and 16 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Robin, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackbird and a Blue Tit.

October 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 400 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Woodcock, a Snipe, 5 Goldcrest and 6 Redwing. Going south were 6 Whooper Swan; and west 20 Fieldfare, 200 Redwing and 40 Blackbird. In off the sea came a Short-eared Owl.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 72 new birds: 4 Wren, 9 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 4 Reed Bunting, a Blue Tit, a Robin, 3 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 39 Blackbird and 7 Woodcock; and 9 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, a Robin, a Goldfinch and 2 Goldcrest.

Woodcock, ringed 30th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 29th. Moderately strong north-westerly wind.
 Around were 200 Pink-footed Goose, 170 Brent Goose, 120 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier, 2000 Wood Pigeon, a Kingfisher, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Fieldfare and 8 Redwing. On the Mere was a Jack Snipe. Heading south were 12 Pomarine Skua, 180 Gannet, 3 Red-throated Diver, 42 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Redpoll; and north a Sandwich Tern, a Great Northern Diver and 80 Auk spp.

October 28th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 40 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 4 Blackcap and a Bullfinch. Flying south were 89 Whooper Swan, a Goosander, 300 Auk Spp, a Purple Sandpiper, a juvenile Pomarine Skua, 80 Siskin, 15 Brambling and 40 Redpoll. In off the sea came 5 Jack Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Toby Collett and Jenni Godber yielded 20 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldfinch, a Redwing, 6 Blackbird and a Starling; and 5 retraps: a Robin, 2 Blackbird and 2 Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting yielded 17 new birds: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and 10 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Blackbird.

October 27th. Around, including birds trapped, were 260 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Brent Goose, 3 Water Rail, 147 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 2 Woodcock, a late Willow Warbler, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, a Ring Ouzel, 120 Redwing, 220 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and a Bullfinch. Going south were 13 Whooper Swan, 40 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Wagtail and 20 Brambling. Roosting on Tennyson's Sands were 89 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting provided 31 new birds: a Brambling, a Robin, 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 11 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare, 8 Blackbird, a Woodcock and a Sparrowhawk; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Redwing, 2 Robin and a Bullfinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling and Dave Vincent provided 27 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Song Thrush, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 16 retraps: a Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, a Wren and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

Woodcock, ringed 27th October 2017.
Photo - Yvonne Benting

October 26th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 40 Pink-footed Goose, 227 Brent Goose, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, a Peregrine, a Treecreeper, a Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 2 Stonechat, 7 Bullfinch, 20 Siskin, 8 Brambling and 2 Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands was a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 10 Whooper Swan, 160 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Mistle Thrush and a Hawfinch; and north-west 65 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 48 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 4 Wren, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, a Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Song Thrush and a Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting produced 21 new birds: a Treecreeper, 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock and 4 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 3 Wren, a Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a Bullfinch and a Robin.

October 25th. An Olive-backed Pipit was discovered by the paths by Tennyson's Sands. Around, including birds trapped, were 500 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Woodcock, 2 Green Woodpecker, 25 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Stonechat, a Common Redpoll, 2 Brambling and 2 Bullfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Water Rail, 16 Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; and on the Mere 2 Water Rail. Flying south were 180 Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Wagtail, 5 Brambling, 73 Siskin, 137 Redpoll and 3 Bullfinch. Roosting on Tennyson's Sands were 4500 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 36 new birds: 13 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Blackbird, 3 Robin, a Wren and a Dunnock.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle resulted in 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.

Olive-backed Pipit, 25th October 2017.
Photo - James Siddle

October 24th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Pink-footed Goose, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Woodcock, 40 Redwing and a Bullfinch. Offshore were 3 Velvet Scoter, 2 Goosander, a Goldeneye and 12 Red-throated Diver. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Pintail and 60 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were 100 Brent Goose, 600 Wigeon, a Little Stint, 400 Woodpigeon and 35 Redpoll. Roosting on Tennyson's Sands were 4000 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, provided 20 new birds: a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, a Bullfinch, 2 Robin, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Robin, 2 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and a Great Tit.

Bullfinch, ringed 24th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Woodcock, ringed 24th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 23rd. Around, including birds trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 177 Pink-footed Goose, 1200 Golden Plover, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 50 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 5 Ring Ouzel, a Stonechat, 30 Goldcrest, 7 House Martin, a Water Pipit, 12 Siskin, 45 Redpoll, 4 Bullfinch and a Lapland Bunting. Heading south were 31 Whooper Swan, 2 Pintail, 6 House Martin, 6 Hawfinch, many Redpoll, other finches and other species.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 38 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch, a Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 8 Blackbird and a Kingfisher; and 5 retraps: a Redwing, a Blackbird, a Robin and 2 Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Dave Vincent produced 16 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Blackcap, a Bullfinch, a Robin and 7 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Great Tit and a Wren.

Bullfinch, ringed 23rd October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Kingfisher, ringed 23rd October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Treecreeper, 23rd October 23rd 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Treecreeper, 23rd October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 22nd. Strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 Birds around included 85000 Knot, a Green Woodpecker, a Chiffchaff, 3 Ring Ouzel, 35 Redwing, 5 Stonechat, a Brambling and 5 Bullfinch. On Jackson's Marsh were a Ruff and 65 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Tennyson's Sands 5 Spotted Redshank. Roosting on Croftmarsh were 253 Pink-footed Goose; and on Tennyson's Sands 1600 Starling. Flying south were 56 Whooper Swan (14 off Tennyson's Sands), 2 Merlin, 7 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 4 Rock Pipit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 22 Redpoll, 2 Brambling and 89 Siskin.

Knot, 22nd October 2017.
Photo - Rob Watson

Oystercatchers, 22nd October 2017.
Photo Rob Watson

October 21st. Increasingly strong south-westerly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was in West Dunes. Around were 70000 Knot, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 6 Swallow, 2 Black Redstart (near Yacht Club building), a Stonechat, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Bullfinch and a Brambling. On Jackson's Marsh were 25 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were 6 Whooper Swan, a Black Tern, an Arctic Tern, 2 Swallow, 5 House Martin and a Lapland Bunting.

Black Redstart, 21st October 2017.
Photo - Garry Wright

Stonechat, 21st October 2017.
Photo - Garry Wright

Kestrel, 21st October 2017.
Photo - Garry Wright

Mid October 2017

October 20th. A total of 11 Hawfinch were in the Plantation; 9 then flew south, and 2 south-west. Birds around, including those trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 1000 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush and 25 Blackbird. Heading south were 200 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Swallow and 30 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 53 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 26 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush and 8 Blackbird; and a retrap Blackbird.

October 19th. A fall of migrants was evident at first light. A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. Around were 836 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare, 50 Song Thrush, 10 House Martin, 4 Swallow, 5 Brambling, 5 Chiffchaff, a Bullfinch, a Garden Warbler and a Firecrest (North Car Park). Flying south were 5 Wigeon, 3 Swallow and 3 Brambling; and north 185 Pink-footed Goose and 7 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 52 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 13 Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, a Robin, 25 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Dunnock and a Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided new 8 birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Robin and 2 Blackbird; and7 retraps: a Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 2 Robin and a Dunnock.

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 19th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 18th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 60 Brent Goose, 25 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 6 House Martin, 7 Stonechat, a Whinchat, a Firecrest, 4 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper and 2 Grey Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 60 Black-tailed Godwit and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Fenland Lagoon a Green Sandpiper. Going south were 35 Whooper Swan, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Pintail, a Grey Heron, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 32 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 2 Bullfinch, a Yellowhammer, a Snow Bunting, 173 Tree Sparrow, 1567 Redpoll spp (a new reserve record!), 3637 Goldfinch, 203 Chaffinch, 156 Siskin and 2 Grey Wagtail.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 26 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 6 Reed Bunting, 11 Goldfinch, a Meadow Pipit, a Robin, a Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Brambling at the feeding station, 18th October 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 17th. Gradually decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Around were 171 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Swallow and 4 House Martin. On Tennyson's Sands were 18 Avocet, a Greenshank and 7 Snipe; on Jackson's Marsh 2 Pintail; and on Croftmarsh 70 Pink-footed Goose.

Sunset, 17th October 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 16th. Increasing south-westerly wind in afternoon.
 On the sea were a Great Northern Diver and 30 Red-throated Diver. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 10 Gannet, a Mediterranean Gull, 12 Goldcrest, 18 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, a Blackcap and 4 Chiffchaff. Heading south were 9 Eider, a Woodlark, a Swallow, 400 Goldfinch and a Yellow Wagtail; north a Kittiwake; and north-west 180 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 250 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 41 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Long-tailed Tit, a Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 3 Redwing and 13 Blackbird; and 6 retraps; a Wren, a Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit and a Great Tit.

Red Sun caused by Storm Ophelia, 16th October 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 15th. Around, including birds trapped, were 12 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 154 Black-tailed Godwit, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 43 Swallow, 50 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 10 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Treecreeper, a Chiffchaff, 13 Stonechat, a Water Pipit and 20 Brambling. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Pintail and 10 Wigeon; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Water Rail, 2 Spotted Redshank and a Cetti's Warbler. Going south were 12 Whooper Swan, 500 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Redwing, 8 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Lapland Bunting; and north 300 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 42 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff, 15 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Redpoll, a Robin, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 3 Redwing and 5 Song Thrush; and 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Goldfinch, a Great Tit and a Wren.

Palpita vitrealis trapped overnight, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Lapwing, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Snipe, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Kingfisher, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Little Egret, 15th October 2017.
Photo - Paul Neale

Firecrest, ringed 15th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

October 14th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Plantation. On Jackson's Marsh was a Water Pipit; and on Tennyson's Sands an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Cetti's Warbler and a Water Pipit. Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Greenshank, a Treecreeper, 17 Redwing, a Pied Flycatcher, 17 Stonechat, 5 Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 90 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Swallow, 30 Tree Sparrow, 2 Hawfinch, 1014 Goldfinch, 14 Redpoll, 26 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; west a Bean Goose and 3 Pink-footed Goose; and north 280 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 19 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 6 Great Tit, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.
 A Clouded Yellow butterfly was seen in the afternoon.

Clouded Yellow, 14th October 2017.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 13th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 7 Spotted Redshank, a Green Woodpecker, 6 Stonechat and 4 Redwing. On Jackson's Marsh was a Little Stint; and on Tennyson's Sands a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler. Going north were 100 Pink-footed Goose and a Velvet Scoter; and south a Great Northern Diver.

October 12th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in East Dunes. Birds around, including those trapped, were 50 Brent Goose, 2 Merlin, 9 Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Jay, 8 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Whinchat, 12 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 16 Redpoll and a Lapland Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were a Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher; on Tennyson's Sands 2 Ruff, 6 Spotted Redshank, 9 Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Wainfleet Marsh 2000 Golden Plover. Heading north were 28 Pink-footed Goose and a Peregrine; and south 2 Wigeon, a Common Buzzard, 2 House Martin, 2 Redpoll, 3 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 24 new birds: 4 Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 7 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: 3 Robin, 3 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 12th October 2017.
Photo - George Gregory

Wheatear, 12th October 2017.
Photo - Ben Ward

October 11th. Moderately strong south-easterly wind.
 A Yellow-browed Warbler was near North Building. Around were 3 Merlin, a Whinchat and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Flying north-west were 120 Pink-footed Goose; and south a Velvet Scoter and a Hobby. On Jackson's Marsh was a Curlew Sandpiper.