Late December 2016

December 31st. Birds around included 800 Brent Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Woodcock, 7 Song Thrush, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Water Pipit and a Brambling..

December 30th. Frosty start.
 Around were 100 Brent Goose, 2 Goldeneye, a Water Rail, a Snipe, 4 Fieldfare, a Coal Tit and 2 Rock Pipit. Flying north-west were 8 Pink-footed Goose.
 An afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, produced 17 new birds: a Robin, 3 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 11 Greenfinch; and 22 retraps: a Goldfinch, 7 Blue Tit, 12 Great Tit and 2 Dunnock.

December 29th. Frosty start.
 Birds around included 80 Brent Goose, 4 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, a male Hen Harrier, 60 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest and a Treecreeper. An adult male Marsh Harrier was over the New Saltmarsh at dawn.

Hen Harrier from Harvey's Hide, 29th December 2016
Photo - Paul Neale

Sunrise over the Visitor Centre Car Park, 29th December 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

December 28th. Frosty, misty start.
 Around were 8 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Brent Goose, 2 Goldeneye, a Water Rail and a Green Woodpecker.

Sunrise, 28th December 2016.
Photo - Jim Shaw

Frost at Sykes Farm, 28th December 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

December 27th. Birds around included 400 Brent Goose, 80 Lapwing, a Siskin and 2 Water Rail.

December 26th. Around were 300 Brent Goose, 400 Lapwing, 300 Golden Plover, 2 Brambling and 2 Goldcrest.

December 25th. A Glaucous Gull flew south offshore in the afternoon with numerous Herring Gull. On the sea were 4 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Common Scoter. Birds around included 400 Brent Goose, 2000 Lapwing, 1500 Golden Plover, 61 Black-tailed Godwit, a Goldcrest, 2 Water Rail and a Treecreeper.

December 24th. Around were 400 Lapwing and a Chiffchaff. Flying south was a Lapland Bunting.

December 23rd. Birds around included 600 Golden Plover and a Goldcrest. On the sea was a Black-throated Diver, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Great Crested Grebe.

December 22nd. The Brent Goose flock consisted of 400 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (including 1 colour-ringed female originally ringed in July 2004 in the Taimyr Peninsula, Russia), an adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a hybrid Black Brant x Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Other birds around included 1300 Golden Plover, 1000 Lapwing, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Water Rail, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Water Pipit and 70 Corn Bunting.

December 21st. Around were 400 Brent Goose, 60 Pink-footed Goose, 600 Lapwing, 400 Golden Plover, 65 Black-tailed Godwit, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and 2 Snow Bunting. Offshore were 20 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Shag and 6 Great Crested Grebe.

Snow Bunting on Greenshanks Creek, 21st December 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Snow Bunting on Greenshanks Creek, 21st December 2016
Photo - Richard Doan

Mid December 2016

December 20th. Birds around included 13 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 1000 Lapwing, a Common Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 25 Black-tailed Godwit and a Green Woodpecker,  Flying south were 90 Golden Plover.

December 19th. Around were 19 White-fronted Goose, 500 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye, 4 Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Water Pipit and 70 Corn Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Jenni Godber, yielded 7 new birds: a Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and 2 Blackbird; and 12 retraps: 5 Blue Tit, a Robin, 3 Dunnock and 3 Great Tit.

December 18th. Birds around included 19 White-fronted Goose, 2 Goldeneye, a Water Rail, 500+ Lapwing, 5 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 20 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and a Chiffchaff. Going south were 13 Whooper Swan and 50 Pink-footed Goose.

December 17th. Around were 300 Pink-footed Goose, 30 White-fronted Goose, 13 Barnacle Goose, 2200 Grey Plover, 3000 Dunlin, 300 Oystercatcher, 10 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 70 Corn Bunting and 7 Song Thrush (including 2 singing). Heading south were 2 Goosander, 8 Eider, 10 Golden Plover, 26 Wood Pigeon, 40 Skylark, 4 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 22 Linnet, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldfinch, a Snow Bunting, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Lapland Bunting; and southeast 189 Pink-footed Goose.

Barnacle Geese and White-fronted Geese in flight, 17th December 2016.
Photo - Garry Wright

White-fronted Geese on Croftmarsh, 17th December 2016
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth 

Barnacle Geese and White-fronted Geese on Croftmarsh, 17th December 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Corn Buntings by the Visitor Centre Car Park at dusk, 17th December 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

December 16th: Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Goldeneye, a Barn Owl, 5 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit and a Chiffchaff.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldfinch and 4 Greenfinch; and 16 retraps: 5 Blue Tit, 8 Great Tit, a Wren, a Coal Tit and a Dunnock.

December 15th. Around were a Common Buzzard, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 900 Lapwing, a Green Woodpecker, 25 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush (including 1 singing), a Goldcrest, 2 Water Pipit and a Brambling. Flying south were 300 Lapwing, 90 Golden Plover and 9 Siskin.

December 14th. Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Brent Goose, a Goldeneye, 5 Water Rail, 1500 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 50 Redwing, a Chiffchaff and 60 Corn Bunting

December 13th. Around were 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Goldeneye, 6 Water Rail, 1200 Lapwing, 50 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, a Kingfisher, 5 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and 39 Corn Bunting.

December 12th. The Long-tailed Duck reappeared on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 230 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin,12 Golden Plover, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest and a Brambling.
 A brief morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 3 new birds: a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch and a Greenfinch; and 13 retraps: 6 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 4 Dunnock and a Greenfinch.

December 11th. Around were 350+ Brent Goose, a Scaup, 2 Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Chiffchaff, 8 Water Pipit 2 Brambling and 3 Corn Bunting. Heading south were 2 Whooper Swan, south-east 230 Pink-footed Goose, and south-west 50 Fieldfare.

Roe Deer in the East Dunes, 11th December 2016.
Photo - Rob Watson

Brent Goose family group, 11th December 2016.
Photo - Rob Watson

Stonechat, 11th December 2016.
Photo - Rob Watson

Early December 2016

December 10th. Birds around included 300 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Pintail, 5 Water Rail, 85 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Avocet, a Woodcock, 6 Goldcrest and 2 Water Pipit. Flying south were 60 Golden Plover, 14 Redwing, 310 Fieldfare, 6 Brambling and 20 Chaffinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue with Jenni Godber produced 5 new birds: 3 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 12 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Robin.

December 9th. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh. Around were a Bewick's Swan, 300 Pink-footed Goose, 900 Brent Goose, 5 Pintail, a Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, a Grey Heron, a Common Buzzard, 4 Water Rail, 300 Lapwing, 5 Turnstone, 80 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 2 Avocet, 250 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, a Water Pipit, a Brambling and 15 Corn Bunting. Going south/southwest were 300 Golden Plover and 300 Fieldfare; and to roost on the Mere 300 Starling.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 6 new birds: a Blue Tit, a Chaffinch and 4 Greenfinch; and 26 retraps: 11 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 8 Great Tit, a Robin and a Goldfinch.

December 8th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 300 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Pintail, 2 Pochard, 6 Water Rail, 260 Lapwing, 80 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, 2 Avocet, 23 Fieldfare, 2 Chiffchaff and 20 Corn Bunting.

December 7th. On Jackson's Marsh were a Long-tailed Duck, 4 Pintail and a Pochard.

December 6th. Fog most of day.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Long-tailed Duck.

December 5th. On Jackson's Marsh were now 2 Long-tailed Duck, photographed together. On Tennyson's Sands was a Water Rail. Around were a Merlin and a Corn Bunting.

Merlin, 5th December 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Long-tailed Duck on Jackson's Marsh, 5th December 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Water Rail, 5th December 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

December 4th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Around were a Scaup, 6 Pintail, a Common Buzzard, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker and a Twite. Heading south were a Great Northern Diver and 12 Redwing, and north a Gannet.

December 3rd. Offshore was a Great Northern Diver. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Snipe, 8 Redwing and a Lapland Bunting. Flying south was a Black-throated Diver.

December 2nd. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Around were 16 Redwing and a Siskin.

December 1st. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 6 new birds: 3 Blue Tit, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting and a Greenfinch; and 25 retraps: 12 Blue Tit, 9 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and 2 Robin.

Late November 2016

November 30th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Flying south offshore was a Long-tailed Duck. Around were 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, a Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and a Treecreeper.

November 29th. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh. Around were 10 Pink-footed Goose, 600 Brent Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Woodcock, a Snipe and 2 Siskin.

November 28th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose and 11 Barnacle Goose. Going south was a Lapland Bunting.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 9 new birds: a Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch and 5 Greenfinch; 17 retraps: 5 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Wren, a Goldfinch, 7 Great Tit and a Robin; and a control Great Tit.

November 27th. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh. Around were a Great Northern Diver, 200 Pink-footed Goose, 200 Brent Goose, a Common Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 4 Snipe, 270 Lapwing and a Goldcrest. Heading south were 6 Whooper Swan.

November 26th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose, 430 Dark-bellied Brent Goose (including 59 juveniles - a high proportion), an adult Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Pochard, a Pintail, 8 Water Rail, 15 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Water Pipit, 2 Goldcrest and 3 Snow Bunting.

November 25th. The Long-tailed Duck was still on Jackson's Marsh; and on the Mere was a Goldeneye. Around were 700 Brent Goose, 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, 350 Lapwing, 98 Black-tailed Godwit, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher, a Water Pipit, a Coal Tit, 5 Stonechat, a Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, a Tree Sparrow, 20 Corn Bunting and 2 Siskin.

November 24th. Birds around included 500 Pink-footed Goose, 750 Brent Goose, a Pintail, 24 Eider, a Merlin, 2 Water Rail, 85 Black-tailed Godwit, an Avocet, a Mediterranean Gull, a Kingfisher, 1000 Starling, 5 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Brambling and 2 Siskin. Flying south were 2 Velvet Scoter and a Red-breasted Merganser. On Jackson's Marsh were a Long-tailed Duck and a Water Pipit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 7 new birds: 4 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Robin and a Great Tit; and 27 retraps: 2 Robin, 7 Blue Tit, 3 Dunnock, a Wren and 14 Great Tit.

Drake Eider offshore, 24th November 2016.
Photo - Nige Lound

November 23rd. In the Plantation was a Yellow-browed Warbler Sp. Around were a 1800 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, a Short-eared Owl, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Goosander, a Woodcock, 7 Water Pipit, 5 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Jackson's Marsh.

Long-tailed Duck on Jackson's Marsh, 23rd November 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

November 22nd. Quite strong then decreasing south-westerly wind. Some morning rain.
 A Long-tailed Duck was on Jackson's Marsh. Birds around included 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe and 2 Water Pipit.

November 21st. Rain most of day, making recording difficult.
 Around were a Woodcock and a Chiffchaff.

Mid November 2016

November 20th. Rain until mid morning, then some in afternoon.
 Birds around included 3 Tundra Bean Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin, 2 Woodcock, 83 Black-tailed Godwit, an Avocet, 3 Water Pipit, a Goldcrest and a Yellowhammer. Flying south were 7 Whooper Swan.

November 19th. Going south were a Great White Egret, 8+ Bewick's Swan, 43 Whooper Swan and 5 Siskin. Around were a Waxwing, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Barnacle Goose, 370 Brent Goose, 8 Pintail, a male Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 7 Water Rail, 7 Water Pipit, a Woodcock, a Chiffchaff, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Snow Bunting and 30 Corn Bunting.

Great White Egret, 19th November 2016.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

November 18th. Birds around included 800 Pink-footed Goose, a Merlin and 2 Woodcock.

November 17th. Around were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Woodcock, 13000 Knot and 3000 Grey Plover. Heading south were a Long-tailed Duck, 2 Great Northern Diver, a Red-throated Diver and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.

November 16th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 80 Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff.
 The final morning ringing session of the year in East Dunes provided a new Wren; and 2 retrap Goldcrest.

November 15th. Some mid morning rain.
 Around were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Goldeneye, a Merlin, 6 Snipe, 350 Lapwing, 10 Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 4 Water Pipit, a Treecreeper, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff and 20 Corn Bunting.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: 2 Chaffinch and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Great Tit and a Robin.

November 14th. Some early morning light rain, then soggy.
 Birds around included 350 Pink-footed Goose, 17 Pintail, a Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, a Ruff, 7 Water Rail and 22 Corn Bunting.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 2 new Redwing; 3 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Goldcrest and Wren; and a control Goldfinch.

November 13th. Around, including birds trapped, were 1000+ Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, a Water Rail, a Green Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Stonechat and 3 Snow Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 17 new birds: 2 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 3 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 7 Blackbird and a Water Rail; and 9 retraps: 3 Robin, 4 Blackbird, a Goldfinch and a Wren.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 35 new birds and 39 retraps. The new birds were 10 Goldfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 5 Blackbird, 2 Great Tit and singles of Blue Tit, Robin, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and Tree Sparrow. The retraps were 11 Great Tit, 9 Dunnock, 6 Robin, 5 Goldfinch, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Wren and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Water Rail, ringed 13th November 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

November 12th. Rain until late morning, then again in afternoon.
 Birds around included 200 Pink-footed Goose and 3 Water Rail.

November 11th. Around were 2 Merlin, a Peregrine,  a Short-eared Owl, 2 Pintail, 450 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Snipe, 3 Siskin and a Brambling. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier and a Red-breasted Merganser; and north 2 Long-tailed Duck and a Purple Sandpiper. A Water Rail was squealing on the Old Saltmarsh at dusk.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 17 new birds: 2 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch and 12 Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 6 Blackbird, a Linnet, a Goldcrest and 3 Robin.

Tide line Turnstone, 11th November 2016.
Photo - Nige Lound

Early November 2016

November 10th. Rain until late morning, then soggy.
 The BBC Coutryfile team filmed at the Bird Observatory.
 Around were a male Hen Harrier and a Woodcock.
 A brief morning ringing session resulted in 4 new Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.

November 9th. Rain most of day, making recording difficult.
 Birds around included a Woodcock.

November 8th. Frozen start, then foggy, then clearing.
 Around were a vocal female Northern Bullfinch, a Velvet Scoter, 10 Woodcock and a Snow Bunting. Heading south were 10 Whooper Swan and a Lapland Bunting.
 A brief, restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Wren, a Robin and 11 Blackbird; and a retrap Dunnock.

November 7th. Moderately strong northerly wind.
 Birds around included 5 Whooper Swan, a Grey Wagtail, a Water Pipit and a Long-tailed Duck. North flew 4 Little Auk, 2 Storm Petrel, 72 Kittiwake, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Gull, an Arctic Skua, a Razorbill, 14 Great Skua, 4 Velvet Scoter, a Great Northern Diver, 300 Common Scoter and 179 Gannet; and south 3 Little Auk. Another Little Auk was eaten by a Great Black-backed Gull. A drake Green-winged Teal was found on Tennyson's Sands viewable from Harvey's Hide.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: 2 Robin, a Redwing and 8 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 8 Blackbird, a Robin and a Redwing.

Drake Green-winged Teal 7th November 2016
Photo - Nige Lound

November 6th. Around were 200+ Pink-footed Goose, a Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, a Water Rail and 2 Woodcock. Going south were 6 Whooper Swan, a Long-tailed Duck, a Velvet Scoter, a Pomarine Skua, 11 Great Skua, 420 Kittiwake and 6 Brambling; and north 2 Great Skua.

November 5th. Rain mid morning then increased wind.
 Birds around included 2000+ Pink-footed Goose, a Peregrine, 2 Merlin, a Water Rail and a Woodcock. Heading south were 14 Whooper Swan, 9 Pomarine Skua, 5 Great Skua and a Waxwing; and north a Great Skua, 89 Kittiwake and a Grey Wagtail. Another Peregrine came in off the sea.
 A brief, rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 9 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Redwing, a Song Thrush, 5 Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin and 3 Blackbird.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 5th November 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

November 4th. Around were 200+ Pink-footed Goose, 9 Pintail, a male Hen Harrier, a Common Buzzard, a Woodcock, 5 Water Rail, 2 Ruff, 6 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher and 17 Corn Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh was a female Common Scoter. Flying south were 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Crossbill and a Lapland Bunting, and north a Great Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 20 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Goldfinch, a Redwing and 14 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 4 Blackbird, a Dunnock, 3 Goldcrest and a Robin.

Male Hen Harrier, 4th November 2016.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Adult male Green Woodpecker, 4th November 2016.
Photo - Chris Cullen

Female Common Scoter on Jackson's Marsh, 4th November 2016.
Photo - Chris Cullen

November 3rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were 8 Barnacle Goose, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 7 Woodcock, 2 Water Pipit, a Hawfinch flying around, and 5 Corn Bunting. Going south were 29 Whooper Swan, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Little Auk, a Shorelark, 2  Twite, 3 Crossbill and a Lapland Bunting. In from the east came 6 more Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 56 new birds: 4 Redwing, 47 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and 3 Woodcock; and 4 retraps: singles of Redwing, Goldcrest, Dunnock and Blackbird.

November 2nd. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Tundra Bean Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Goosander, 3 Pintail, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 3 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 6 Woodcock, 10 Snipe, 74 Black-tailed Godwit, 29 Turnstone, a Kingfisher, a Rook, a Treecreeper, 2 Snow Bunting, 8 Tree Sparrow, a Bullfinch and 5 Crossbill. Heading south were 17 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 21 new birds: a Redwing, a Snipe, a Fieldfare, 14 Blackbird and 4 Woodcock; and 5 retraps: 3 Blackbird, a Robin and a Goldcrest.

Peregrine Falcon 2nd November 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Male Crossbill 2nd November 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Snipe, ringed 2nd November 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

November 1st. Birds around included a Waxwing, a Black-throated Diver, 3 Sandwich Tern, 7 Pintail, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Merlin, 1200 Golden Plover, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, a Ruff, an Asio Sp over New Saltmarsh at dawn, a male Stonechat, a Ring Ouzel and 7 Corn Bunting. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and on Tennyson's Sands 4 Pochard and 4 Snipe. Flying north were 3 Tundra Bean Goose, 137 Gannet, 5 Great Skua, 2 Little Gull and 75 Kittiwake, and south a Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, a Velvet Scoter and 22 Whooper Swan. In off the sea came a Short-eared Owl. There was an arrival of Blackbird, many of which moved south through the dunes.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 43 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 36 Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps 2 Wren, a Robin, a Blackbird and a Redwing (the Iceland-ringed bird).

Sparrowhawk, ringed 1st November 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Late October 2016

October 31st. A Waxwing  was at Beach Car Park; a Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting on Millennium Ridge; and on the Mere 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Water Pipit. Around were 5 Pintail, a Woodcock, 17 Snipe, 8 Water Rail, 2 Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, and 2 Water Pipit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: a Wren, a Robin, 6 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retraps; a Blackbird, a Robin and a Redwing. Yesterday's controlled Iceland-ringed Redwing had increased from 56.7g to 61.3g on retrap today.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 18 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, a Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, a Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Blackbird: and 46 retraps; 2 Robin, 4 Chaffinch, 12 Great Tit, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 9 Blue Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Blackbird, 2 Wren and 3 Greenfinch.

Water Rail on the Mere, 31st October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Jack Snipe on the Mere, 31st October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Water Rail on the Mere, 31st October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a male Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, 8 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, 3 Water Pipit, an Icelandic Redwing, a Tree Pipit and 8 Corn Bunting. Going south were 11 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Water Rail; 4 retraps: 2 Blackbird and 2 Robin; and a control Redwing with a REYKJAVIK ICELAND ring.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 55 new birds: 16 Goldfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Blackbird, 4 Great Tit, 4 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Blue Tit and a Wood Pigeon; 35 retraps: 14 Great Tit, 7 Blue Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Dunnock and singles of Goldcrest, Blackbird, Wren, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Water Rail, ringed 30th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Iceland-ringed Redwing, controlled 30th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Iceland-ringed Redwing, controlled 30th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 29th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Jack Snipe, a Kingfisher, 2 Water Pipit, a Ring Ouzel, a Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch. 1500 Pink-footed Goose went to roost. Heading south were 127 Whooper Swan, 2+ Waxwing, 164 Tree Sparrow, 40 Rock Pipit, 63 Redpoll, 20 Brambling, 80 Chaffinch, 2 Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Buntingand 4 Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 14 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, 3 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Bullfinch, a Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, a Redwing, 2 Blackbird and a Ring Ouzel; and 7 retraps: 3 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit and a Robin.

Water Pipit on Fenland Lagoon, 29th October 2016.
Photo - Philip Milns

Water Pipit on Fenland Lagoon, 29th October 2016.
Photo - Philip Milns

Bullfinch, ringed 29th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, ringed 29th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 28th. Birds around included 545 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Merlin, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 8 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Brambling, 8 Siskin and 8 Corn Bunting, Flying south were 10 Whooper Swan, 41 Siskin, a Hawfinch, 35 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, a Grey Wagtail, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Rook and 13 Tree Sparrow. In off the sea came a Hen Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 17 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 8 Long-tailed Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Tree Sparrow, 2 Blue Tit and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 3 Robin, a Blackbird and a Goldcrest.

October 27th. Around were 1000 Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, a Marsh Harrier, 7 Spotted Redshank,  a Greenshank, 2 Ruff, a Jack Snipe, 14 Snipe, 290 Golden Plover, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Rook, 10 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 7 Corn Bunting, a Crossbill and a Brambling. Going north were 5 Bean Goose, and south a Long-tailed Duck, 19 Whooper Swan, a White-fronted Goose, a Swallow, a Redpoll and 6 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 8 new birds: a Wren, a Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Chaffinch and 3 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 4 Robin, a Wren, a Blackcap and 2 Blackbird.
 Offshore was a Harbour Porpoise.

October 26th. Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Tundra Bean Goose, 1700 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Pintail, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Hatrrier, a Buzzard, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Purple Sandpiper, 8 Spotted Redshank, 15 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, 3 Ruff, a Skua Sp, 2 Chiffchaff, 55 Fieldfare, 5 Rook, a Treecreeper, a House Sparrow, a Bullfinch, 15 Brambling, a Lapland Bunting and a Green Woodpecker. Heading south were a Goosander, a Sandwich Tern, 4 Waxwing, 20 Siskin, 15 Tree Sparrow and a Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Redwing, 5 Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin, a Redwing, a Chaffinch and a Goldcrest.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 26th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 25th. A Pallas's Leaf Warbler was discovered at the side of Gibraltar Road north of Aylmer Avenue. In the Orchard was a Yellow-browed Warbler. Heading south were 300 Pink-footed Goose and 2 Swallow. Around were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Tundra Bean Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, 10 Siskin, 2 Brambling, a Firecrest, a Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, 1000 Teal, a drake Scaup, 250 Redshank, 500 Dunlin and a Merlin. Offshore were 15 Gannet, a Fulmar, 10 Kittiwake, an Arctic Skua, 25 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 7 Eider. A Richard's Pipit was seen near the Outer Ridge.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 28 new birds: 3 Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Robin, a Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 2 Redwing, a Fieldfare and 7 Blackbird; and 12 retraps: a Wren, 4 Dunnock, 3 Robin, a Blackbird, a Redwing, a Goldcrest and a Blackcap.

October 24th. On Tennyson's Sands at dawn were 2 Tundra Bean Goose, 8 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Water Rail, 5 Pintail, 144 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Avocet, a Greenshank and 7 Spotted Redshank, Birds around the reserve, including those trapped, were a Long-eared Owl, 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker and a Kingfisher.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 31 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 6 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird and a Long-eared Owl; and 9 retraps: a Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, a Blackcap, a Great Tit, 2 Robin and a Redwing.

Bean Goose (1 of 2) on Tennyson's Sands at dawn, 24th October 2016.
Photo - Richard Doan

Long-eared Owl, ringed 24th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Long-eared Owl, ringed 24th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Long-eared Owl, 24th October 2016
Photo - Chris Tyler

Hen Harrier, 24th October 2016
Photo - Chris Tyler

Hen Harrier, 24th October 2016
Photo - Chris Tyler

October 23rd. In East Dunes were a Long-eared Owl and a Woodcock, early morning. Around were 60+ Pink-footed Goose, 15 Brambling, 100 Fieldfare, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Spotted Redshank and 150 Golden Plover.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 22 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 4 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 6 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackbird, a Blue Tit, a Wren and a Dunnock.

October 22nd. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Cetti's Warbler (on the Mere), a male Scaup (on the estuary), a Peregrine and a Green Woodpecker. Flying south were 200 Pink-footed Goose and 8 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, Ian Thompson and Yvonne Benting, resulted in 35 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Wren, 6 Robin, a Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, 4 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and 2 Fieldfare; and 16 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 8 Robin, 4 Blackbird and a Green Woodpecker.

Green Woodpecker, retrapped 22nd October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 21st. Rain showers early morning.
 Around were 4 Tree Sparrow, 10 Brambling, a Rook, 11 Redpoll and 2 Woodcock. On the water bodies were 7 Whooper Swan, a Tundra Bean Goose, 238 Pink-footed Goose, 33 Little Grebe, 996 Teal, 60 Mallard, 44 Shoveler, 5 Pintail, 9 Water Rail, 8 Spotted Redshank, 16 Snipe and 2 Kingfisher. Going south were 4 Whooper Swan and 130 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 41 new birds: 4 Wren, 7 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and 9 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Dunnock, a Wren, 3 Robin and a Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling provided 38 new birds: 2 Wren, 12 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 8 Robin, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 17 retraps: 2 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 6 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 3 Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.

Mid October 2016

October 20th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Woodcock, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 200 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, a Green Woodpecker and 4 Stonechat. Heading south were a Great Northern Diver, 34 Whooper Swan, 430 Pink-footed Goose, a Pomarine Skua and the usual finches; and north-west 40 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 48 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 10 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 10 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 20 retraps: 7 Robin, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

Woodcock, ringed 20th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 19th. Around were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 6 Chiffchaff, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, a Marsh Harrier, 193 Brent Goose, 300 Wigeon, a Grey Wagtail, 18 Brambling and 25 Tree Sparrow. A male Hen Harrier flushed up a Jack Snipe on the Old Saltmarsh.  The morning high tide produced 9000 Oystercatcher, 60000 Knot and 4500 Bar-tailed Godwit. Flying south were 21 Whooper Swan, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Swallow, a House Martin, a Lapland Bunting, 8 Yellowhammer and an assortment of finches. In off the sea came a Short-eared Owl.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 39 new birds: 8 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 19 Robin, a Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; 6 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush, a Linnet and a Goldcrest; and a control Robin.

October 18th. Moderately strong southerly wind; spells of rain from mid morning.
 A Radde's Warbler was discovered along the Cycle Track near the Yacht Club in the afternoon. The Dusky Warbler remained highly vocal and highly mobile. At least 2 Yellow-browed Warbler still showing well at Sykes Farm. a probable Little Bunting disappeared into the Outer Ridges. Around were a Ruff, 15000 Knot, a Hen Harrier, a Stonechat and a Wheatear. Morning rain made the morning wader count impossible. Going south were a Goosander, a Grey Heron and a Yellowhammer.
 A brief, restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 15 new birds: a Wren, 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 5 Robin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Wren, a Blackbird, a Dunnock and 2 Robin.

Fieldfare and Redwing, 18th October 2016.
Photo - Mel Hood

October 17th. Fresh south-easterly wind.
 The Dusky Warbler was rediscovered in the evening. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 5 Bearded Tit, 90 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 10 Snipe, a Water Rail, 300 Fieldfare, 5 Ring Ouzel, 6 Stonechat, a Whinchat, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Swallow, 3 Tree Sparrow and 15 Redpoll. Wader movement at high tide involved 70000 birds. Heading south during a good a good day's visible migration were 2 Crossbill, a Twite, 12 Swallow, 4 House Martin, a Buzzard, a Kestrel and many finches, pipits and other species.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 49 new birds: 2 Wren, 28 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 7 Robin, a Blackcap, a Dunnock, 3 Song Thrush and 6 Blackbird; and 11 retraps: 3 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Goldcrest and a Chaffinch.

Ring Ouzel with Hawthorn haw, 17th October 2016
Photo - Paul Neale

Ring Ouzel (above) and Fieldfare (below), 17th October 2016
Photo - Paul Neale

Fieldfare, 17th October 2016
Photo - Paul Neale

Ring Ouzel, 17th October 2016
Photo - Paul Neale

Firecrest, ringed 17th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 16th. Increasing south-easterly wind; rain from mid morning to early afternoon.
 Around, including birds trapped, were a Richard's Pipit, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Bearded Tit, 35 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, a Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 380 Fieldfare, 4 Ring Ouzel, 4 Stonechat, 2 House Sparrow, 10 Redpoll, 15 Siskin, 5 Water Rail, 7 Spotted Redshank and a Woodcock. Flying south were 700 Golden Plover, 5 Swallow, 120 Fieldfare, a Grey Wagtail, 4 House Sparrow, 22 Tree Sparrow, 13 Redpoll, 70 Siskin and 55 Brambling.
 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 27 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 10 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 7 retraps: 4 Robin, a Wren, a Blackbird and a Redwing.
 Over at Aylmer Avenue a brief ringing session by Mick Briggs resulted in 61 new birds: 49 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Brambling and Chaffinch; and no retraps.
  A return visit by Mick Briggs in the afternoon sun provided a single late Barn Owl pullus from a nest box, probably a second brood for the resident pair.

Bearded Tits, 16th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Bearded Tit, 16th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

Peregrine, 16th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 15th. A Pallas's Leaf Warbler was discovered in East Dunes, and a Dusky Warbler was trrapped and ringed at Aylmer Avenue. Birds around, including those trapped, were 200 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Bean Goose, 25 White-fronted Goose, a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, a Grey Wagtail, 300 Fieldfare, 400 Redwing, 200 Robin, 150 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, a Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and 150 Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spoonbill, 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Ruff, 60 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Water Rail. A Hawfinch was perched up briefly in the West Dunes before heading south.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 70 new birds: 2 Wren, 21 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 17 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Dunnock, 8 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 3 Robin, a Great Tit, 2 Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest and a Dunnock.
 Over at Aylmer Avenue an all day ringing session including a full roost catch by Team Briggs, (but only operating half of the nets available) resulted in 412 new birds: 122 Goldcrest, 68 Brambling, 61  Robin, 54 Goldfinch, 36 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush, 14 Blackbird, 12 Chaffinch, 6 Blackcap, 6 Greenfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, and singles of Dusky Warbler, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit and Fieldfare. The were also 2 retraps: a Robin and a Blue Tit.
 The Dusky Warbler was a real surprise and is just the 2nd ever ringed by the Bird Observatory.

Pallas's Warbler in the East Dunes, 15th October
Photo - James Siddle

Dusky Warbler, ringed 15th October 2016,
Photo - Richard Doan

Dusky Warbler, ringed 15th October 2016.
Photo - Richard Doan

Dusky Warbler, ringed 15th October 2016.
Photo - Richard Doan

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 15th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

Bearded Tit, 15th October 2016.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Magpie, 15th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson 

Water Vole, 15th Ocyober 2016.
Photo - Paul Johnson

October 14th. The Red-flanked Bluetail remained in West Dunes. Around, including birds trapped, were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 8 Ring Ouzel, 300 Fieldfare, 200 Redwing, 2 Ruff, 2 Greenshank, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher, a Merlin and 5 White-fronted Goose. Going south were 205 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Sandwich Tern, a Lapland Bunting, 12 Redpoll, a Bullfinch and 105 Brambling; and north a Mediterranean Gull. In from the east came 2 Egyptian Goose with a Greytlag Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 86 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, a Wren, 35 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, 4 Greenfinch, 6 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and a Ring Ouzel; and 22 retraps: 2 Wren, 11 Robin, 3 Blackbird, 4 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush and a Dunnock.

Ring Ouzel, ringed 14th October 2016.
Photo - George Gregory

October 13th. Fresh south-easterly wind with showers.
 The Red-flanked Bluetail was still present in West Dunes. Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Spoonbill, a Great Grey Shrike, 3 Spotted Redshank, 5 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Tree Pipit, 5 Stonechat, 2 Whinchat, a Hawfinch, 114 Brambling, a Mealy Redpoll, a Lapland Bunting and 22 Ring Ouzel. Heading south were 11 Brambling.

October 12th. A Red-flanked Bluetail was discovered in West Dunes in the morning. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, a Long-eared Owl, a male Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 65 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Ring Ouzel, 200 Redwing, a Whinchat, 20 Redpoll, 20 Siskin, 30 Brambling and 3 House Martin. Flying south were 70 Siskin; south-east 70 Pink-footed Goose; and north a Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 71 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 19 Long-tailed Tit, 18 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, 6 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare and a Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 3 Robin, 2 Wren, a Song Thrush and 2 Goldcrest.

Long-eared Owl, 12th October 2016
Photo - Bryony Baxter

Red-flanked Bluetail, 12th October 2016.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Red-flanked Bluetail, 12th October 2016.
Photo - Russell Hayes

Red-flanked Bluetail, 12th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale 

Red-flanked Bluetail, 12th October 2016.
Photo - Paul Neale

October 11th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, 90 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 3 Woodcock, a Swallow, 10 Ring Ouzel, 12 Stonechat, a Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, a Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Siskin and 52 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 86 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Chiffchaff, 30 Goldcrest, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 16 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Blue Tit, a Lesser Redpoll, 4 Dunnock, 6 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; 11 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Wren, a Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap and a Long-tailed Tit; and a control Goldcrest with a STAVANGER MUS NORWAY ring.