Mid November 2018

November 20th. Strong easterly wind, with occasional showers.
Around were 19 Whooper Swan, 106 Brent Goose, 2200 Pink-footed Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 10 Grey Plover, 100 Golden Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Dunlin, 3 Woodcock, 100 Black-headed Gull, 30 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gull, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Fieldfare and 2 Rock Pipit. Flying north were 3 Red-throated Diver, a Diver Spp, 2 Auk Spp, 24 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake; and south 2 Wigeon and 15 Teal.

November 19th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, with intermittent rain.
A Black Redstart was around Sykes Farm in the afternoon. Birds around included 18 Whooper Swan, 335 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Woodcock, a Merlin, 5 Goldcrest and 2 Rock Pipit. Going north were 3 Common Scoter and 76 Gannet ;and south 148 Brent Goose, 155 Wigeon, 78 Teal, 4 Pintail, 42 Eider, a Goldeneye, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 29 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great Skua, a Guillemot, 3 Auk Spp, 14 Kittiwake and a Waxwing (in the morning).

Tawny Owl, 19th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Black Redstart, 19th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

November 18th. A Great Grey Shrike arrived off the sea in the morning, alighting briefly out from Mill Hill before quickly disappearing. Around, including birds trapped, were 17 Whooper Swan, 150 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, 3 Woodcock, a Sandwich Tern, a Little Gull, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 10 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. In off the sea came a Woodcock and 4 Snipe. Going north were 75 Eider, 7 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet and a Guillemot; and south 4 Brent Goose, a Shelduck, 11 Wigeon, 2 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 5 Goldeneye, 14 Lapwing, 3 Auk Spp, 9 Kittiwake and 3 Rock Pipit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Robin, 7 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and a retrap Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 6 new birds: 3 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Blackbird, 2 Great Tit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and a Greenfinch.

Great Grey Shrike, 18th November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

Woodcock, ringed 18th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 17th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 16 Whooper Swan, 300 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Wigeon, 40 Common Scoter, a Grey Partridge, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Black-tailed Goldwit, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, a Sandwich Tern, a Little Gull, 16 Stock Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Hooded Crow, 11 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, a Yellowhammer and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading north were 11 Common Scoter, 45 Eider and 2 Guillemot; and south 5 Eider, 121 Kittiwake and 20 Little Gull.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Robin.

The Wash at Sunset, 17th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 16th. Prolonged fog then mist.
 The Siberian Chiffchaff was located in the Tennyson's Sands hedgerow in the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 40 Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow, 26 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 150 Starling, 61 Blackbird, 37 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrush, 347 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 9 Greenfinch, 4 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 3 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 4 Snipe, 222 Fieldfare, 152 Redwing and 2 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 16 new birds: a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 5 Blackbird and 2 Fieldfare; and 3 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Wren and a Robin.

Fieldfare, ringed 16th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Teal, 16th November 2018.
Photo - Liam Andrews

November 15th. A Swift Spp (Common/Pallid) came from north before heading west inland out over Croft Marsh in the late afternoon. The Parrot Crossbill was seen again early morning. Birds around, including those trapped, were 18 Whooper Swan, 95 Brent Goose, 1950 Pink-footed Goose, 84 Shelduck, 220 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 78 Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, 13 Gannet, a Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 151 Lapwing, 152 Curlew, 92 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, a Guillemot, 9 Stock Dove, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 51 Skylark, 30 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, 900 Starling, 131 Blackbird, 13 Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 162 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 206 Robin, 5 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, 70 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 5 Crossbill, 5 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. In off the sea came 4 Snipe and 69 Redwing. Going south were 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Snipe, 65 Starling, 148 Fieldfare, 298 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 166 Chaffinch, 83 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin and 2 Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 29 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, 17 Redwing and 7 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, a Blackbird, a Song Thrush and a Blue Tit.

November 14th. Moderately strong southerly wind, with some light early morning rain.
A Parrot Crossbill was discovered amongst the mobile Crossbill flock, ranging along the reserve's western side throughout the day. Around were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Whooper Swan, 29 Tufted Duck, 12 Pintail, a Grey Heron, a Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 400 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Hooded Crow, 18 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 32 Blackbird, 38 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 6 Crossbill. Heading south were 5 Brambling, 46 Redpoll and 8 Siskin.

Parrot Crossbill, 14th November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

November 13th. Around, including birds trapped, were 20 Whooper Swan, 20 Brent Goose, 942 Pink-footed Goose, an Egyptian Goose, 2 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 50 Golden Plover, a Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 50 Golden Plover, 12 Stock Dove, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Hooded Crow, 19 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Water Pipit, 6 Crossbill and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 4 Whooper Swan, 53 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Greylag Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Red Kite, a Buzzard, 19 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 259 Stock Dove, 5922 Woodpigeon, a Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 289 Skylark, 70 Starling, 24 Fieldfare, 3 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipit, 39 Rock Pipit, 115 Brambling, 1309 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 186 Linnet, a Twite, 10 Redpoll, 558 Goldfinch, 190 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Snow Bunting and 36 Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Goldcrest.

‘There was another sighting of a large-billed male Crossbill Spp today (first seen 25th Oct). This bird has a bill that appears too deep for standard Common Crossbill but structurally not classic Parrot Crossbill’

Crossbill Spp, 13th November 2018.

Photos - Kev Wilson

November 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 198 Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Whooper Swan, 524 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 327 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 12 Pintail, 2 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 250 Golden Plover, 60 Lapwing, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 23 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 12 Stock Dove, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 29 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 49 Blackbird, 27 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 3 Siskin and 18 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 152 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 106 Woodpigeon, 2 Rock Pipit, 79 Brambling, 370 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 16 Redpoll, 75 Goldfinch and 206 Siskin; and west 16 Fieldfare.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: 8 Goldcrest and 3 Blackbird; and 14 retraps: a Robin, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, a Blackbird, a Wren and a Song Thrush.

Merlin, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Hooded Crow, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumonnt

Blackbird, 12th November 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

November 11th. Some rain mid morning.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 81 Brent Goose, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 14 Whooper Swan, 56 Wigeon, 278 Teal, 24 Pintail, 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Grey Heron, a Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 270 Golden Plover, 145 Lapwing, a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 24 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 80 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, a Stonechat, 11 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 6 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. Going east were 4 Brent Goose and 13 Pink-footed Goose; and south 10 Pintail and 6 Siskin.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Linnet and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Robin.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 6 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 2 Blackbird, a Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.

Early November 2018

November 10th. Birds around, including those trapped were 110 Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Whooper Swan, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Jack Snipe, 3 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Hooded Crow, 25 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 65 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 6 Siskin and 10 Corn Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 12 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 3 Robin and 2 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 2 Robin, 7 Goldcrest and a Firecrest. The retrapped Firecrest was ringed on November 9th; it remained the same weight at 4.9g.

Hooded Crow, 10th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, retrapped, 10th November 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

November 9th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, 350 Pink-footed Goose, 76 Shelduck, 442 Wigeon, 170 Teal, 48 Pintail, a Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2080 Oystercatcher, a Purple Sandpiper, 24 Turnstone, 62500 Knot, 3 Snipe, 9 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 54 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Fieldfare, 69 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 13 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, a Siskin, a Snow Bunting and 22 Corn Bunting. Heading north were a 6 Brent Goose, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver; and south 3 Brent Goose, 230 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 156 Woodpigeon, 91 Starling, 2 Grey Wagtail, 13 Brambling and 4 Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 17 new birds: 10 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldfinch and 3 Blackbird; and a retrap Song Thrush.

Purple Sandpiper, resting with Turnstone, a 'record shot', 9th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Waders, re-settling to roost over the morning high tide, 9th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Firecrest, ringed 9th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 8th. Around were 180 Brent Goose, 1681 Pink-footed Goose, a Velvet Scoter, a Grey Heron, 2 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 1570 Grey Plover, 500 Golden Plover, 50 Lapwing, 42900 Knot, 420 Sanderling, 3000 Dunlin, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hooded Crow, 9 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 110 Blackbird, 9 Rock Pipit, a Bullfinch and a Brambling. Flying south were 26 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 5 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Lapwing, 5 Stock Dove, 2203 Woodpigeon, a Kestrel, 88 Starling, 13 Brambling, 36 Chaffinch, 32 Linnet, 4 Redpoll, 28 Goldfinch and 32 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided a new Robin; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird, a Redwing and a Goldcrest.

Rising Sun, 8th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 7th. Strong south-easterly wind, with rain in morning.
 A Pallid Swift was discovered hawking over Sykes Farm at lunchtime, first seen from the upstairs office window, initially showing at incredibly close range. The bird then drifted out over Jackson's Marsh before relocating to the corral area on Croft Marsh where it lingered briefly before going slowly south. Birds around included 140 Brent Goose, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 48 Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 90 Golden Plover, 94 Lapwing, 14 Snipe, 12 Stock Dove, a Hooded Crow, 16 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 240 Starling, 63 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 73 Redwing, 10 Rock Pipit, 5 Brambling and 2 Siskin. A Black-throated Diver came from the north before doubling back. Also moving offshore were 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Pintail, 3 Eider and 13 Common Scoter.

Pallid Swift, 7th November 2018.

Field sketch - Ben Ward

November 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were 35 Brent Goose, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 80 Golden Plover, a Hooded Crow, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 5 Fieldfare, 3 Tree Sparrow, a Bullfinch and 2 Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Rail. Going south were 82 Lapwing and a Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Goldcrest and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Wren and a Robin.

November 5th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 150 Brent Goose, 2870 Pink-footed Goose, 109 Whooper Swan, 91 Wigeon, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 450 Golden Plover, 3 Avocet, 7 Turnstone, 13 Snipe, 15 Stock Dove, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hooded Crow, 19 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 300 Starling, 118 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 79 Redwing, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Crossbill, 9 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 16 Corn Bunting. Heading north was a Spoonbill; and south a Pintail, 9 Common Scoter, a Crossbill and a Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 27 new birds: 16 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 4 Blackbird; 7 retraps: 3 Blackbird, a Redwing, a Dunnock and 2 Long-tailed Tit; and a control Blackcap with an ARNHEM-VT HOLLAND ring.

River Steeping, at dusk high tide, 5th November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Netherlands-ringed Blackcap, controlled 5th November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 4th. Slowly decreasing southerly wind, with light rain early morning.
 Around were 55 Whooper Swan, 300 Brent Goose, 2200 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Pintail, a Scaup, an Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, a Great White Egret, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, 453 Golden Plover, 70 Lapwing, a Spotted Redshank, 34 Snipe, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Hooded Crow, 18 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 300 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 76 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 108 Redwing, a Stonechat, 4 Brambling, a Crossbill and 20 Siskin. Heading south were 28 Teal, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Northern Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 5 Red-throated Diver, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Fieldfare and 4 Siskin.
 A delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 3 Robin and 7 Long-tailed Tit.

Velvet Scoter and Scaup, offshore, 4th November 2018.
Video - Ben Ward

November 3rd. Increasing southerly wind.
 The previous day's Raven was seen again, far to the south of Wash Viewpoint. Birds around, including those trapped, were 140 Whooper Swan, 60 Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, 2 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, a Water Rail, 270 Golden Plover, 8 Turnstone, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe, a Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Hooded Crow, a Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, 70 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 45 Redwing, 6 Rock Pipit, a Brambling, a Redpoll, 15 Siskin and a Crossbill. Offshore were 4 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Puffin and a juvenile Pomarine Skua. Flying south were 75 Lapwing.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Goldfinch, 2 Song Thrush and a Snipe; and 4 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Robin and a Great Tit.

Snipe, ringed 3rd November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Snipe, ringed 3rd November 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

November 2nd. Frozen start, gradually thawing out.
 A surprising 7 species of corvid were recorded for the first time in a single day on the reserve, the highlights of which being a Raven that flew south, then south-west mid-morning, with the 2 lingering Hooded Crow still around the beach. A Shore Lark was seen in flight over the saltings out from East Dunes. Around were 6 Brent Goose, 2500 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Whooper Swan, 160 Wigeon, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 100 Golden Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Woodcock, 17 Snipe, a Merlin, a Jay, 64 Skylark, a Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 23 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, 451 Starling, 242 Blackbird, 24 Fieldfare, 17 Song Thrush, 119 Redwing, 54 Robin, 4 Stonechat, 19 Rock Pipit, 15 Brambling, 134 Linnet, a Lesser Redpoll, a Crossbill, 3 Siskin and 4 Yellowhammer. Going south were a Sparrowhawk, 4 Lapwing, 82 Woodpigeon, a Rook, a Woodlark, 21 Skylark, 107 Starling, 4 Rock Pipit, 6 Brambling, 66 Chaffinch, 32 Goldfinch and 22 Siskin; and west 229 Woodpigeon, 12 Skylark and 4 Stock Dove.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 9 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 4 Robin, a Blackbird, a Redwing, a Dunnock and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 27 new birds: 9 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Coal Tit, 2 Greenfinch, a Redwing and 12 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 5 Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Robin, a Blue Tit and a Greenfinch.

Raven, 2nd November 2018.

Photos - Ben Ward

Hooded Crow, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Stonechat, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Yellowhammer, 2nd November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

November 1st. Rainy spells until mid afternoon.
 Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Goose, 102 Brent Goose, 168 Whooper Swan, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail, 6 Black-tailed Godwit,  a Green Sandpiper, a Woodcock, 23 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, a Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 14 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 120 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 93 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling and 6 Siskin. Heading south and then west was a Red Kite. In off the sea came a Buzzard.

Green Woodpecker, 1st November 2018

Photo - Nige Lound

Sunset, 1st November 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Late October 2018

Ringing Recovery:
Blackbird, ringed GPBO 25 October 2012, found dead Brandbu, Norway 23 October 2018.

October 31st. Frosty start.
 A Hawfinch flew south over West Dunes mid-day and in the early afternoon 5 Great White Egret came from the south with 4 then heading out east. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 182 Brent Goose, 215 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 36 Turnstone, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 9 Snipe, 2200 Herring Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Hooded Crow, a Cetti's Warbler, a Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 30 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 1600 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 102 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 91 Redwing, 45 Robin, 12 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, a Twite, a Redpoll, a Crossbill and 6 Siskin. Going south were 32 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe and 7 Crossbill.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 33 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Reed Bunting, 3 Robin, 7 Redwing and 11 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Redwing, 3 Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest and a Robin.

Great White Egrets, a new reserve record count, equalling the county record, 31st October 2018.

Photos - Alan Brewster

Hen Harrier, 31st October 2018.

Photo - Alan Brewster

Chiffchaff, 31st October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 30th. Quite strong northerly wind, slowly shifting to westerly and slowly decreasing; with rainy spells until mid afternoon.
 Heading north were 15 Brent Goose, 4 Mallard, 32 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Gannet, a Great White Egret, 6 Turnstone, 2 Guillemot and a Great Skua; south 25 Wigeon, 30 Teal, a Long-tailed Duck, 4 Eider, a Hen Harrier and a Snipe; and west a Waxwing. Birds around included 90 Whooper Swan, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 4 Woodcock, 6 Snipe, 2 Hooded Crow, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 28 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 190 Blackbird, 172 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 159 Redwing, 40 Robin, 24 Brambling and 6 Siskin.

Hooded Crow, 30th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

October 29th. Decreasing, then slowly increasing, north-easterly wind, with occasional brief rain showers.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 176 Brent Goose, 140 Whooper Swan, 25 Eider, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 3 Avocet, 6 Turnstone, 16 Snipe, 13 Woodcock, a first winter Caspian Gull, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Hooded Crow, a Firecrest, 107 Goldcrest, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel, 405 Blackbird, 207 Fieldfare, 24 Song Thrush, 205 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 25 Brambling, 7 Lesser Redpoll, a Mealy Redpoll, 3 Crossbill, 7 Siskin, 5 Snow Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and 2 Corn Bunting. Flying south were 130 Pink-footed Goose, 42 Whooper Swan, a Ring-necked Parakeet (after briefly being around the Yacht Club), 5 Rook, 8 Redpoll, 7 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; and north 4 Velvet Scoter, 7 Little Auk, 2 Pomarine Skua and 2 Kittiwake. 
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 38 new birds: 19 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chaffinch, 12 Blackbird and 5 Starling; 7 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin, a Wren, 2 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest; and a control Starling with a ZOOL. MUS. KAUNAS LITHUANIA ring.

Hooded Crow, 29th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Yellow-browed Warbler, 29th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Caspian Gull, 29th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

Snow Bunting, 29th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

Firecrest, ringed 29th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Goldcrest, 30th October 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 28th. Moderately strong north-easterly wind, slowly decreasing. Rain in afternoon.
 A Hooded Crow was discovered on the beach, where there also was a brief juvenile Iceland Gull. On another great day over the sea, going north were 142 Brent Goose, 135 Wigeon, 51 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, a Shoveler, a Pintail, 43 Eider, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 552 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, a Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 394 Gannet, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Diver spp, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Leach's Petrel, 17 Guillemot, 41 Little Auk, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua, 16 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Tern, 3 Commic Tern, 443 Kittiwake, 7 Little Gull and a juvenile Glaucous Gull; south 6 Whooper Swan, 39 Brent Goose, 3 Shelduck, 51 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 6 Eider, 73 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 3 Diver spp, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Auk, 53 Pomarine Skua, 2 Great Skua, a Short-eared Owl, 7 Brambling, a Crossbill and 2 Snow Bunting; and west a Waxwing. In off the sea came a Woodcock, a Little Auk (with Starling), a Sparrowhawk and a Ring Ouzel. Around, including birds trapped, were 120 Whooper Swan, 120 Brent Goose, 4 Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 18 Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, a Firecrest, 32 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 311 Blackbird, a Water Pipit, 12 Brambling and a Crossbill. 
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 53 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, a Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 21 Blackbird, 8 Starling and 2 Woodcock; and 4 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird.

Iceland Gull, 28th October 2018.

Photo - James Siddle

Waxwing, 28th October 2018.

Photo - James Siddle

Sea-watching, a crowded Mill Hill early morning, 28th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

Woodcock, ringed 28th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

October 27th. Increasing north-westerly wind, then turning north, then bands of rain from late morning. 
 On the best day over the sea of the autumn, heading south were 42 Whooper Swan, a Brent Goose, 55 Wigeon, 89 Teal, 10 Eider, 75 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, a Goldeneye, 20 Red-throated Diver, 3 Black-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Guillemot, 53 Auk spp, 188 Pomarine Skua, 12 Great Skua, an Arctic Tern, 884 Kittiwake and 2 Short-eared Owl; and north 7 Brent Goose, 12 Mallard, 179 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 2 Pintail, 85 Common Scoter, 14 Goldeneye, 5 Manx Shearwater, a Leach's Petrel, a Grey Phalarope, 3 Guillemot, 26 Auk spp and 3 Great Skua. On the sea were a Long-tailed Duck and 2 Little Auk; and coming in off the sea were 10 Short-eared Owl and a Long-eared Owl, as well as many Thrushes and Starling. Birds around included 137 Whooper Swan, 14 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 2 Woodcock, a Jay, a Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Ring Ouzel.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 60 new birds: 2 Robin, a Great Tit, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 42 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and a Starling; and 5 retraps: a Redwing, a Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Sea-watching, from atop Mill Hill, in bleak conditions, 27th October 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

October 26th. Some early morning light rain, then increasing westerly wind.

 Around were 146 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 5 Coal Tit, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Brambling, 7 Crossbill and a Snow Bunting. Flying south were 247 Whooper Swan, 152 Pink-footed Goose, 9 Greylag Goose, 3 Brent Goose, 45 Wigeon, 9 Teal, a Pintail, 27 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 26 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 303 Gannet, 6 Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe, 108 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, a Guillemot, 85 Auk spp, 3 Arctic Skua, 26 Pomarine Skua, 3 Great Skua, 190 Kittiwake, a Mediterranean Gull, a Waxwing, 8 Brambling, 113 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, a Hawfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll, a Crossbill, 18 Siskin and 4 Corn Bunting; and north 4 Gadwall, 22 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Razorbill, 8 Auk spp, an Arctic Skua, 8 Pomarine Skua and 2 Great Skua. In off the sea came a Water Rail, 2 Woodcock and a constant stream of Thrushes throughout the latter part of the day.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, a Redwing and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Blackbird.

Moody sky early morning, 26th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 25th. Four Waxwing were briefly in the Orchard. Birds around, including those trapped, were 148 Whooper Swan, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 55 Brent Goose, 184 Shelduck, 110 Wigeon, 13 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, a Great Crested Grebe, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 6 Avocet, 155 Lapwing, a Green Sandpiper, 16 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin, 8 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation), a Ring Ouzel, 70 Blackbird, 68 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 119 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 45 Robin, 4 Brambling, 7 Crossbill (Beach Car Park) and a Corn Bunting (near Hump). On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Pipit. Going south were 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, an Arctic Skua, 15 Pomarine Skua, a Green Sandpiper, a Ring Ouzel, another Water Pipit, 4 House Sparrow, 36 Tree Sparrow, 5 Crossbill, 56 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; and north a Red-breasted Merganser, a Pomarine Skua and 5 Great Skua. In off the sea came 4 Snipe and 2 Kestrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 24 new birds: 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Greenfinch, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Blackbird and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Redwing, 2 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.

Crossbills, 25th October 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Waxwing, 25th October 2018
Photo - Josh Hedley

Hen Harrier, 25th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 25th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Corn Bunting, 25th September.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 24th. Increasing then decreasing westerly wind. Around, including birds trapped, were 55 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 20 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 2 Brambling and 11 Crossbill. Heading south were 74 more Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 49 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver, 46 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 26 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 7 Skua spp, 3 Great Skua, 3 Kestrel, 92 Common Gull and 2 Rook; and north 2 Goldeneye, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 121 Gannet and a Pomarine Skua; and west 4 Stock Dove. In off the sea came a Woodcock, 8 Snipe and 3 Kestrel.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 8 new birds: a Wren, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Fieldfare, a Blackbird and a Woodpigeon; and 5 retraps: a Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Robin.

Crossbill, 24th October 2018
Photo - Paul Johnson

Pomarine Skua, 24th October 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Whooper Swans, heading south along the beach, 24th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Redwing, freshly arrived, 24th October 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Fieldfare, ringed 24th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Fieldfare, ringed 24th October 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

October 23rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 70 Whooper Swan, 800 Pink-footed Goose, 150 Brent Goose, 10 Red-throated Diver, 10 Great Crested Grebe, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Avocet, 109 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Jack Snipe, 21 Snipe, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 11 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation), a Ring Ouzel, a Water Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Crossbill (Beach Car Park) and 7 Siskin. Flying south were 14 more Whooper Swan, 7 Goosander, 2 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 3 Great Skua, 2 Grey Wagtail and 20 Rock Pipit; and north 3 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Dave Vincent, produced 14 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Siskin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 2 Redwing and 3 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Wren, a Robin, a Goldfinch, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird and a Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting produced 14 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, 6 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock and a Redwing; and 9 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Coal Tit, 3 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit and a Long-tailed Tit.

Curlew, 23rd September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Common Snipe, 23rd September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

October 22nd. A Great White Egret went north over East Dunes; and south a Stock Dove. Around were 51 Whooper Swan, 35 Brent Goose, 1650 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Partridge, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll, 6 Crossbill and 9 Siskin. Offshore in the evening were 2 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, a Skua spp and a Great Skua. On Tennyson's Sands were a Curlew Sandpiper, a Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 9 new birds: a Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Great Tit and 4 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Blackbird and 2 Robin.

October 21st. Birds around included 59 Whooper Swan, 150 Brent Goose, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Greenshank. A Jack Snipe was in the channel near the Mere. Heading south were 13 Whooper Swan and a Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackbird and 3 Starling; and 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Great Tit and 4 Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting provided 34 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, 14 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Redwing, a Coal Tit and a Goldcrest.
 Butterflies included a Comma and a Painted Lady.

Comma, 21st October 2018.
Photo - Rob Watson

Painted Lady, 21st October 2018.
Photo - Nige Lound