Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog: September 2015

Late September 2015

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

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

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

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

Colletes halophilus
Photo - Nige Lound

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

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

Red-footed Falcon, 28th September 2015.

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

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

Yellow-browed Warbler, 27th September 2015.

Brent Geese, 27th September 2015.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pintail, 22nd September 2015.

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

Mid September 2015

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

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

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

Long-tailed Tit, 20th September 2015.

Great Crested Grebe, 20th September 2015.

Kestrel, 20th September 2015.

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

Garden Warbler, 19th September 2015
Photo - Nige Lound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Redstart, 13th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

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

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

Wheatear, 11th September 2015.

Early September 2015

September 10th. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spoonbill, a Wood Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Birds around, including those trapped, were another Spoonbill, a Green Sandpiper, a Fieldfare, 3 Whinchat, a Redstart and 6 Siskin. Offshore were 2 Great Skua and 2 Little Tern. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Siskin and 2 Little Tern.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 14 new birds: a Wren, a Redstart, a Coal Tit, a Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, 7 Greenfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 16 retraps: 2 Blue Tit, a Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Dunnock, 2 Goldfinch and a Great Tit.
A longer ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 6 new birds: singles of Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Robin, Linnet and Dunnock; and 2 retraps: singles of Robin and Blackcap.
A Black Darter, a rare visitor here, was photographed by Chris Bottomer.

Common Sandpiper, 10th September 2015.

Garden Spider, 10th September 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

Black Darter, 10th September 2015.
Photo - Chris Bottomer

September 9th. A White-winged Black Tern flew up and down over the beach out from Mill Hill in the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 2 Goldcrest, a Green Woodpecker, a Marsh Harrier and a Kingfisher. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Flying north were 49 Sandwich Tern, 50 Common Scoter, 2 Pintail and 59 Gannet, and south a Great Skua, a Black Tern and 7 Gannet.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 28 new birds: 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, a Robin, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Redstart, a Reed Warbler, a Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, 7 Greenfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 14 retraps: a Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, a Blackbird, 4 Dunnock, a Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, a Goldfinch and a Wren.
A longer ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 17 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: a Blackbird, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Garden Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.

White-winged Black Tern, 9th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Common Scoter, 9th September 2015.

Wigeon, 9th September 2015.

September 8th. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Birds around included 3 Greenshank, a Marsh Harrier and 3 Siskin.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in 6 new birds: singles of Robin, Linnet, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Swallow and Chaffinch; and 3 retraps: 2 Blackcap and a Robin.
This afternoon the wind shifted to the east, raising hopes of some arrivals of migrants over the next few days.

September 7th. Around were 8 Spoonbill, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Merlin and a Marsh Harrier. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Ruff, 4 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper. Offshore was a Shag. Flying north were 7 Fulmar, 3 Manx Shearwater, a Sooty Shearwater, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Tree Sparrow, 5 Redpoll and 8 Siskin,
A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 15 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, a Robin, 5 Meadow Pipit, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Robin, Dunnock, Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Spoonbill, 7th September 2015.

Little Egret, 7th September 2015.

Green Sandpiper, 7th September 2015.

Redshank and Greenshank, 7th September 2015.

September 6th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Spoonbill, a Barred Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Redstart, a Pied Flycatcher and 20+ Siskin. Heading south were 5 Tree Sparow.
A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 54 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 4 Robin, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Redstart, a Reed Bunting, a Pied Flycatcher, a Blue Tit, a Linnet, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin, 10 Dunnock, a Barred Warbler, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, a Whitethroat and Dunnock.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 45 new birds and 40 retraps. The new birds were 24 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and singles of Goldcrest, Lesser Whitethroat, Siskin, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Robin and Whitethroat. The retraps were 14 Greenfinch, 7 Goldfinch, 5 Dunnock, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Robin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Barred Warbler, ringed 6th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Pied Flycatcher, ringed 6th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Redstart, ringed 6th September 2015.
Photo - Richard Doan

Forest Bug, 6th September 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson

September 5th. Quite strong westerly wind.
On Tennyson's Sands were 6 Spoonbill and 3 Spotted Redshank. Around were a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 4 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaffa Short-eared Owl, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Kingfisher, 2 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper. Flying north offshore were a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, a Pomarine Skua, a Storm Petrel, 12 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater and 5 Fulmar, and south 40 Siskin, while offshore were a Black-throated Diver, and 2 Red-throated Diver and a Great Skua. In off the sea came a Snipe, and a House Sparrow, 18 Siskin and 200 Swallow headed south.
A restricted ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs, which was rained off by 9am, resulted in 17 new birds: 8 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Goldcrest and singles of Great Tit and Robin.

Arctic Skua, 5th September 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

September 4th. Moderately strong westerly wind.
On Tennyson's Sands were 6 Spoonbill and a Spotted Redshank, and on the Mere a Garganey and 2 Water Rail. Birds around included 4 Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, 13 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 45 Golden Plover, a Buzzard, a Redpoll, 17 Siskin, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whinchat and 6 Snipe. Sea-watching produced 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 3 Great Skua, 40 Arctic Skua, 23 Common Scoter, 13 Arctic Skua, 14 Gannet, 85 Sandwich Tern, 48 Teal, 4 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler south, a Manx Shearwater and 3 Pintail north, and 3 Eider, a Black-throated Diver and a Red-throated Diver offshore. South over land went 2 Swift, 600 Swallow and 5 Whimbrel.
A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes with Nigel Judson and Christine Flint yielded 6 new birds: singles of Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Whitethroat and Kestrel; and 3 retraps: singles of Whitethroat, Dunnock and Blackcap.

Kestrel, ringed 4th September 2015.
Photo - Nigel Judson

September 3rd. Around were 6 Spoonbill, a Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 7 Spotted Redshank, 15 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Whimbrel, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Swift, a Green Woodpecker, a Redstart and 9 Tree Sparrow. Going south were a Marsh Harrier, 4 Rook, a Ruff and 84 Siskin, and north 48 Gannet.
A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 24 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Robin, 3 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 2 Dunnock, 9 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; and 27 retraps: 10 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, 2 Goldfinch, a Blackbird and 5 Greenfinch.
A ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 39 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Robin, a Whinchat, a Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldfinch, 2 House Martin, a Linnet and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Great Tit and Lesser Whitethroat.

September 2nd. Birds around were the Barred Warbler (still near Mill Hill), 3 Spoonbill, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Kingfisher, a Little Tern, 62 Sandwich Tern, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4900 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4900 Oystercatcher, a Ruff, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Spotted Redshank, 19 Greenshank, a Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 400 Swallow, 4 Swift, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Whinchat, 24 Siskin, a Redpoll and a Pied Flycatcher. Heading south were a Grey Wagtail, 100 Swallow and 5 Tree Sparrow.
A ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 77 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, 51 Swallow, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 3 Sand Martin, a Siskin, a Garden Warbler, a Linnet, a Yellow Wagtail, a Chaffinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap. One of the ringed Sand Martin had aberrant plumage.
A later ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint produced 20 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 8 Greenfinch, a Chiffchaff, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap and a Robin; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit and a Robin.

Aberrant Sand Martin, ringed 2nd September 2015.
Photo - Nigel Judson

High tide over New Saltmarsh, 2nd September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

High tide near Bird Observatory, 2nd September 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

September 1st. The Barred Warbler remained near Mill Hill. Also around, including birds trapped, were 10 Spoonbill, 2 Short-eared Owl, 15 Sandwich Tern, 80000 Knot, 3500 Sanderling, 4100 Oystercatcher, 2 Ruff, 15 Greenshank, 4 Spotted Redshank, 8 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 49 Shoveler, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Turtle Dove, 25 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, a Pied Flycatcher, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Sparrow, 4 Garden Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 10 Siskin, a Redwing and a Redstart. Flying south was a Hobby.
A long ringing session in East Dunes by Nigel Judson and Christine Flint resulted in 34 new birds: 7 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Robin, 4 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Linnet, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Swallow, 2 Siskin, a Reed Bunting, a Tree Sparrow, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Dunnock and a Redwing; and 6 retraps: a Garden Warbler, a Linnet, 3 Dunnock and a Great Tit.