Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog

Mid October 2024

October 17th. Another soggy start after overnight rain, becoming moderately clear, with light south-westerly wind.

At least 4 Yellow-browed Warblers were on the Reserve with one in the Orchard, one around Sykes Farm and 2 at the North end of the West Dunes/Cycletrack although all were highly mobile. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 adult White-fronted Geese with the Pink-footed Geese whilst on Croft Marsh with the cows, were 2 Cattle Egrets. Around the Visitor Centre were 2 Black Redstarts. Flying over Sykes Farm were 2 Bearded Tits whilst a Jay was in the Plantation. In the East Dunes were 2 Woodcock. Visible migration was very busy prior to 0930 with Finches, Pipits and Skylarks flying south including 12 Brambling. In the afternoon, 4 Tree Sparrow, 10 Swallow and 2 House Martins also passed over. 3 Marsh Harrier,2 Cetti's Warbler, Ring-necked Parakeet and Kingfisher were also noted during the day.

During the late afternoon and evening several large flocks of Pink-footed Geese arrived from the north and flew south-east across the wash. One flock included two Snow Geese, having earlier been seen passing Huttoft. 70,000 knot came up to roost on the evening tide.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 26 new birds: 4 Wren, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Dunnock.

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Black Redstart, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Cattle Egrets, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Tree Sparrow, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Two White-fronted Geese, 17th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

October 16th. A soggy start after overnight rain, cloudy, with light south-westerly wind.

There were 3 Yellow-browed Warblers with 2 around Sykes Farm and the Plantation with a third at the north end of the West Dunes. Redwings were heading south down the West Dunes again this morning and despite only being a fraction of yesterday's movement, it was still busy at times. Mixed with them were small numbers of Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Brambling, Reed Buntings, 5 Ring Ouzel and a Hawfinch. A ringtail Hen Harrier headed south along the beach with 2 Marsh Harriers, and the male Hen Harrier was still hunting locally. A Woodcock was in the East Dunes along with a Merlin and 2 Swallows. Two Cattle Egrets were still on Tennyson's Sands from Harvey's Hide along with a pair of Stonechats

A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 38 new birds: a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, a Garden Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 9 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

A late afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Goldcrest and a Great Tit.

Stonechat, 16th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Water Rail, 16th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

October 15th. Cloudy all day, with a fresh south-easterly wind turning easterly later on.

A huge Redwing arrival and migration dominated the morning. Small groups were moving initially but then after 0745hrs very large flocks were arriving from the north and moving south, predominantly down the West Dunes. By 0945hrs, over 18,400 had arrived/passed through and flocks continued to pass through throughout the day with the later birds arriving and many going to roost in the Plantation and West Dunes - amounting to some 2850. The overall total for the day was 27,300!

Also flying south early morning were 3 Marsh Harriers, probably out of a roost. Other birds around included 23 Brent Geese, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 10 Siskin, 20 Brambling and 8 Ring Ouzels.

On Tennyson's Sands there were 256 Pink-footed Geese, 86 Greylag Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 53 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 27 Pintail, 800 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 250 Lapwing, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret.

Late afternoon another Cattle Egret arrived from the north and flew towards Croftmarsh. The Freshwater Marsh held 3 Common Snipe and a Ring Ouzel, while 500+ Starlings provided entertainment near dusk over the Fenland Lagoon. A Marsh Harrier was at the back of the Mere for the last hour before dusk whilst 8 Swallows were around late on possibly roosting on one of the lagoons.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 10 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush; and a retrap Wren.

A late afternoon till dusk ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 28 new birds: 25 Redwing, a Wren, a Robin and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Wren.

Ringing Control: Chiffchaff, ringed Rowlands Sewage Works, Tyne and Wear 3 August 2024, controlled GPBO 3 October 2024.

Redwings, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwings moving south from the hump, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Redwing, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Ring Ouzel, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Bearded Tit 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

Egyptian Geese, 15th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

October 14th. Early morning light rain then mostly a sunny day with a light north-westerly wind continuing.

Tennyson's Sands early morning held 294 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 77 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall,180 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 1302 Teal and 7 Tufted Duck. There were also 34 Little Grebe and 13 Water Rail along with 259 Lapwing, 47 Golden Plover, 21 Avocet, 29 Black-tailed Godwit and a Snipe. There were 2 Cattle Egret and a Great White Egret on the lagoons along with 3 Marsh Harriers about and 2 Cetti's Warblers on Tennyson's Sands. There was a Stonechat on the Mere and another at the Visitor Centre. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again vocal around Sykes Farm where 4 Bearded Tits flew over mid morning. A House Sparrow went north late morning.

Late afternoon there was a Kingfisher on the Mere and the male Stonechat still on bushes in the reedbed there also. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was about late afternoon and small numbers of Redwing were dropping in from the north.

Cattle Egrets, 14th October 2024.
Photo - Nigel Lound

Golden Plovers, 14th October 2024.

Photo - Jack Hood

October 13th. Overcast, with a light north-westerly wind.

54 Whooper Swans had roosted on Tennyson's Sands overnight and departed early. They were followed by a further 39 south. 7 Bearded Tits and 3 Cattle Egrets were also on Tennyson's Sands, and Teal were still in high numbers - c2000. Visible migration involved similar numbers and species to the last few days, but 3 Marsh Harriers and 2 Twite also flew south. A light arrival late morning brought new Redwings, Song Thrushes, Chaffinches and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Birds around included 120 Brent Geese and a Coal Tit.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 4 new birds: a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Wren, a Dunnock, a Reed Bunting and 5 Long-tailed Tits.

Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

Cattle Egrets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Whooper Swans, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale
Marsh Harrier, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Avocets, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Barn Owl, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Cetti's Warbler, 13th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 12th. Cloudy, with increasing south-westerly to southerly wind, with rain developing after midday.

Highlights of the morning sea-watch included a Pomarine Skua, a Great Northern Diver and 5 Little Gulls.

Around were 120 Brent Geese, 30 Whooper Swans, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin.. Two Water Pipits were flushed off the Old Saltmarsh by a Marsh Harrier late afternoon.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren and a Blackcap.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 14 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit and a Great Tit; and 2 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit and a Blue Tit.

Great White Egret, 12th October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Mallard, 14th October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

October 11th. Frosty, clear start, gradually becoming sunny and warm, with light south-westerly wind.

Every autumn we get one or two days when large numbers of Whooper Swans pass through, and today was one of those days - the total of 838 birds was the most ever seen here in a day, providing an amazing sight and sound! Pink-footed Geese were also on the move with several large skeins passing through. Visible migration otherwise involved a good passage of Finches, Pipits and Larks, with a few Wagtails and Swallows. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Bearded Tits. Other birds around included 86 Brent Geese, a Spotted Redshank, a late Common Sandpiper, 5 Jays, a Red Kite, a Water Pipit and a single Yellow-browed Warbler remaining at Sykes Farm.

Overnight, the Northern Lights provided a spectacular display

A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Coal Tit (showing characteristics of the continental subspecies), a Robin and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Blackcap and a Robin.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 9 new birds: 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest and a Blackcap; and a retrap Robin.

Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Whooper Swans, 11th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 11th October 2024.

Photo - Paul Neale

Coal Tit, ringed 11 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

Northern Lights, 11th October 2014.

Photo - Sam Wilson

Northern Lights, 11th October 2014.

Photo - Sam Wilson

Early October 2024

October 10th. Damp, cloudy start, gradually clearing, with fresh north-westerly wind.

A morning sea watch didn't live up to expectations, but there was a constant stream of Gannets and highlights of single Black-throated Diver and 32 Whooper Swans south, a Puffin, a Long-tailed Skua and 20 Arctic Terns north and a Short-eared Owl that arrived over the sea. Four Stonechats were around the Visitor Centre, with 3 on the East Dune frontage and another 3 on the Outer Ridges with a Wheatear. Four Yellow-browed Warblers were around with a single in the Plantation, two around the Sykes Farm buildings and a further bird at the north end of the West Dunes. Also around were a significant number of Chiffchaffs, a smaller number of Blackcaps and 3 Cetti's warblers. A Raven went west over the West Dunes late afternoon and a Scaup was on the Mere with 12 Tufted Ducks.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, provided 40 new birds: 22 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 2 retrap Dunnocks.

Goldcrest, October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Pied Wagtail, 10th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Little Egret, 10th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

October 9th. Soggy start, mostly cloudy, with some brief spells of light rain, and variable then slowly increasing north-westerly wind.

Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits, Linnets, Goldfinches and Reed Buntings were moving south in small groups with Chaffinches becoming more prominent in the mix now and a few Bramblings with them. Three Jay and 4 Grey Wagtail also moved south. New migrants were dripping in during the light rain, including Chaffinches, Goldfinches and a flock of 60 Redwings. 2 Yellow-browed Warblers remained around Sykes Farm where a Marbled Fern moth trapped overnight was another county first! A Ring Ouzel was on North Building Ridge with a Yellow-browed Warbler nearby and the regular male Hen Harrier was hunting the outer ridges.

An hour sea watch in the evening saw a constant throughput of Gannets, mostly juveniles, some distant Sandwich Terns, Commic Terns and Kittiwakes moving north, and 10 Arctic Skuas and a Long-tailed Skua heading south.

A rain-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and a Redwing; and 8 retraps: a Blackcap, 3 Robin, 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Wren.

A rain-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 10 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.

Water Rail, October 2024.

Photo - Ste Taylor

Bar-tailed Godwit, 9th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Marbled Fern, 9th October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 8th. Soggy start, then mostly cloudy, with outbreaks of rain later on and a light southerly to south-easterly breeze.

Early news involved three Yellow-browed Warblers, including 2 at Sykes Farm and one around the north end of the Cycle Track. Numbers of Robin had increased even further overnight, with a few more Blackbirds apparent. Two Jays went south along the East Dunes late morning where there was a good movement of Finches, Pipits and Larks.

In the late afternoon, two new Yellow-browed Warblers were found in East Dunes. Other birds around included a Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, a Short-eared Owl and 8 Stonechat.

Moth-trapping overnight produced the first County record of the L-album Wainscot

A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 14 new birds: a Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, a Stonechat and 2 Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock and 2 Goldcrest.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn yielded 7 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and a Great Tit; and a retrap Goldcrest.

Comma, 8th October 2024. Photo - Rob Watson

L-album Wainscot, 8th October.
Photo - Sam Goddard

Stonechat, ringed 8 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 7th. Soggy, clear start, becoming quite cloudy, with increasing south-westerly wind.

Four Yellow-browed Warblers around the west side this morning included 3 around the Plantation/Sykes Farm where a Ring-necked Parakeet was also vocal. Over the East Dunes and beach visible migration was fairly busy with Rock Pipits and Reed Buntings in particularly good numbers, whilst 70,000 mixed waders were again up to roost. Birds of prey on site included a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier and the male Hen Harrier. A Firecrest was trapped and ringed in East Dunes.

A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 18 new birds: 4 Wren, 5 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Firecrest, 4 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting and a Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 2 Robin, 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit and a Song Thrush.

A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 24 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Long-tailed Tit, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Swallow, 3 Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, October 2024. Photo - Nige Lound

Firecrest, ringed 7 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 6th. Cloudy, with quite strong south-easterly wind.

First thing on Tennyson's Sands, there were 1800 Pink Footed Geese, 15 Pintail, 11 Mute Swan,263 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Grey Heron, a Peregrine over along with 19 Swallow south. A Great White Egret was on Croft Marsh. A Yellow-browed Warbler was very vocal at Sykes Farm from early morning and another remained up the road edge, north of Aylmer Avenue. The Sykes Farm bird was then joined by another later in the day with both showing very well.

Jays were a feature of the day with several arriving from inland - at least 14 through. A substantial wader roost was again witnessed on the morning tide with c70,000 birds involved. A Jack Snipe arrived off the sea and birds of prey included 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier and a Merlin. In the evening Tennyson's Sands held 2531 Teal, 60 Mallard, 50 Shoveler, 45 Little Grebe, 6 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall and a Pintail along with 3 Ruff and 650 Starling coming into roost in the reedbed.

A brief, wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Blackcap and a Reed Bunting; and 2 retraps: a Blackcap and a Robin.

Yellow-browed warbler, 6th October 2024.
Photo - Sam Goddard

October 5th. Partially cloudy, with increasing south-easterly wind.

Early news included a Yellow-browed Warbler that was trapped and ringed at Aylmer Avenue. The Bearded Tits were still calling, audible from Harvey's Hide (Although nobody has actually managed to get an exact count yet!). 658 Pink Footed Geese were on Tennyson's Sands at first light along with 287 Black-tailed Godwits, 11 Mute Swans, 3 Water-rail and 41 Avocet. Along the cycle path were a male Brambling, a Yellow-browed Warbler, (probably a different bird to the one ringed), a Lesser Whitethroat and a Firecrest.

At mid day, a Bittern was seen briefly but was proving elusive, also at Harvey's Hide. A 2nd winter Caspian Gull was on Tennyson's Sands whilst a Great White Egret was on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier. An evening count of the Teal on Tennyson's Sands revealed there were 2551 still present along with 57 Little Grebe, 1 Ruff. 200 Starling came in to roost and 180 Pink Footed Goose flew over heading towards their roost on the wash whilst the Bearded Tits were still calling at near the North end.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, resulted in 31 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, 5 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, a Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcap and a Greenfinch; and 13 retraps: 2 Robin, a Goldcrest, a Garden Warbler, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Dunnock, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

Another morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue with an earlier start by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 30 new birds: 2 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Wren, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Dunnock, a Redwing and a Song Thrush; and retraps: Blackcap, Dunnock and Long-tailed Tit.

Bittern, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Ste Taylor

Bittern, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood

Bearded Tit, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale
Bearded Tit, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale
Bearded Tit, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker
Caspian Gull, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Water Rail juvenile moulting to adult plumage, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 5 October 2024.
Photo - Christine Flint

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 5 October 2024.
Photo - Christine Flint

Sunrise, 5th October 2024.
Photo - Kev Wilson

October 4th. A perfectly still start to the day with just scattered broken cloud continuing like this all day.

Overnight clear skies doubtless led to the departure of some of yesterday's birds. However, there were still at least 5 Yellow-browed Warblers present along the west side of the Reserve, including two singles around Sykes Farm/Plantation, another at the north end of the Cycle Track, and another couple along the roadside as you drive onto the reserve. A Barred Warbler was probably yesterdays bird having moved around 400 m north. There were still high numbers of Robins and Reed Buntings with a scattering of Song Thrush, Redwing, Goldfinch and a few Swallows.

A Coal Tit was in North Carpark whilst a Tawny owl was calling at first light at the North end of the West Dunes. On Tennyson's Sands were 3000+ Pink Footed Geese whilst a Great White Egret was on Croft Marsh. Around were several Brent Geese, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher, a Greenshank, a Jay and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson's Sands from Fenella Hope hide were 2 Whooper Swans and a Cetti's Warbler with Bearded Tits calling there early afternoon. On Tennyson's Sands, late in the afternoon were 2638 Teal, 3 Ruff and the Bearded Tits (numbering at least 2 birds) calling this time, from near Harvey's Hide.

This morning's ringing session in East Dunes provided 55 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 4 Wren, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blackcap, 9 Robin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Great Tit, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 2 Greenfinch, a Redwing, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Jay; 7 retraps: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Dunnock, a Great Tit, a Robin and a Long-tailed Tit; and a control Blackcap with a BRUSSELS ring.

A late morning start ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 11 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Long-tailed Tit, a Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackcap, a Goldfinch and a Robin; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Robin.

Water Rail, 4th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Cetti's warbler, 4th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale

Cetti's warbler, 4th October 2024.
Photo - Paul Neale
Peregrine, 4th October 2024.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Jay, ringed 4 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

October 3rd. Partially cloudy, with light to moderate north-easterly wind.

There was a further arrival of Redwings, Song Thrushes, Reed Buntings, Bramblings and Chaffinches from early morning with many birds passing south along with Meadow and Rock Pipits and Swallows. There was no sign of yesterday's Olive-backed Pipit in the East Dunes but a possible OBP flew south over the West Dunes.

Two Ring Ouzels were in West Dunes and another arrived over East Dunes with Song Thrushes. The first Woodcock of the autumn was flushed from the Plantation. There were probably at least 9 Yellow-browed Warblers on the Reserve, with one in the Sallows around the Mere Hide, another in West Dunes, two in East Dunes, and others in the hedge opposite Aylmer Avenue, North Building Ridge and Halfway Sycamores and two along the Cycle Track near the Jackson's Marsh Entrance. There were 2 Jays in between North Car Park and Mill Pond. The Blyth's Reed Warbler showed briefly and called from the Sleeper Track at 8.50am. Also in the East Dunes, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Barred Warbler, a Firecrest, Garden Warbler and Reed Warbler. Another Firecrest was seen along the road edge.

A Dusky Warbler was discovered calling and was audio recorded and seen mid afternoon along the road edge in-between Aylmer Avenue and North Car Park. A lot of Robins were on the reserve and continued to build throughout the day. As dusk came, there were clearly new Goldcrests beginning to arrive fresh on to the reserve.

A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Liam Andrews, produced 65 new birds: 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Wren, 10 Goldcrest, 10 Blackcap, 16 Robin. a Brambling, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing; and 3 retraps: 2 Wren and a Robin.

An afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Liam Andrews produced 9 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Robin; and 2 retrap Dunnock.

Ring Ouzel, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Ring Ouzel, 3rd October 2024.

Photo - Andy Sims

Ring Ouzel, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Rikki Clark

Redwing, 3rd October 2024,
Photo - Rikki Clark
Song Thrush, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker
Jay, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Rikki Clark
Common Buzzard, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Rikki Clark
Common Buzzard, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Rikki Clark
Great White Egret, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Little Grebe, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

Brambling, ringed 3 October 2024.
Photo - George Gregory

Kingfisher, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Rikki Clark
Blackcap, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Nige Lound
Chaffinch, 3rd October 2024.
Photo - Jeremy Eyeons

October 2nd. A cloudy day with limited early morning rain, with a strong north-north-easterly wind.

A very busy day in the strong winds with grounded migrants across much of the reserve. Five Yellow-browed Warblers were still present, with 1 around Mill Hill and a further 2 around Sykes Farm, another along the Sleeper Track mid afternoon and another in Army Swathe. There were also 10+ Brambling, 3 Grey Wagtail, 30 Song Thrush and 300+ Redwing south over Sykes Farm early morning, most of which were dropping out of the low cloud and heading for cover in the strong winds having clearly just arrived from foreign lands. At Aylmer Avenue there were another 150 Redwing around. The Blyth's Reed Warbler was calling occasionally on the Sleeper Track mid morning in its original position but very difficult to see. There were 6 Ruff on the Old Saltmarsh.

An Olive-backed Pipit was found in East Dunes and was mostly concealed in deep cover mid afternoon. Also newly arriving Goldcrests were arriving on the Reserve during the afternoon along with 6 Ring Ouzels that dropped into the Sleeper Track area and a Redstart that found itself in one of the bird hides.A large Pipit seen and photographed in flight was most likely the long-staying Richard's Pipit.

Olive-backed Pipit, 2nd October 2024.
Photo - Sam Goddard

Olive-backed Pipit, 2nd October 2024.

Photo - Sam Goddard

Olive-backed Pipit, 2nd October 2024.

Photo - Daniel Langston

Blyth's Reed Warbler, 2nd October 2024.
Photo - Daniel Langston
Redstart in bird hide, 2nd October 2024.
Photo - Tom Baker

October 1st. Heavy overnight rain continued throughout the morning and into the afternoon, accompanied by a strong north-westerly wind.

Sea watching was the only option for much of the morning, although visibility was poor. A Great Skua and a Long-tailed Skua were the highlights. On the lagoons, there was a noticeable arrival of wildfowl with over 2000 Teal being a very high count for the Reserve. Five Ruff were again on Tennyson's Lagoon whilst a Spotted Redshank flew over the New Saltmarsh. Two Marsh Harrier were around.

Three Yellow-browed Warblers were still around with 2 in the Plantation/Sykes Farm area and another was around Mill Hill late afternoon - possibly a new arrival, with a small number of new Song Thrushes and Redwings also having arrived. An evening sea watch produced 6 northbound Arctic Skuas, 3 Arctic Tern and 180 Common Scoter but the main event was the arrival of waders at the evening roost - c80,000 Knot.

Marsh Harrier, 1st October 2024.

Photo - Jack Hood

Marsh Harrier with Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Teal, 1st October 2024.

Photo - Jack Hood

Marsh Harrier with Black-tiled Godwits, 1st October 2024.
Photo - Jack Hood