Late September 2018

September 30th. The Spotted Crake was still in the left channel beyond the Mere. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Water Rail, 85 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank and 69 Redshank; and on Jackson's Marsh 2 Spoonbill. Birds around included 7 Brent Goose, 2 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 13 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 12 Song Thrush and a Stonechat. Flying south were a Buzzard, a Hobby, 17 House Martin, 3 House Sparrow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail and 38 Siskin; east 35 Pink-footed Goose; and north a Great Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 11 new birds: 2 Wren, a Blue Tit, 2 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, 4 Great Tit and a Blackcap; and 2 retrap Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 44 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 14 Goldfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 5 Great Tit, 4 Blue Tit, a Robin, 15 Greenfinch and a Dunnock; 19 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 8 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Long-tailed Tit and a Robin; and a control Goldfinch with a Belgian ring.

Coal Tit, 30th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Whooper Swan, 30th September 2018.
Video - Ben Ward

September 29th. The Spotted Crake was seen briefly in the left channel beyond the Mere. Around, including birds trapped, were 2 Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Stonechat. Going south were 5 Swallow, 10 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 302 Meadow Pipit, 9 Greenfinch, 20 Linnet, 27 Goldfinch, 35 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 30 new birds: 3 Wren, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Meadow Pipit, 3 Blackcap, a Siskin, 5 Blue Tit, a Great Tit and 3 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Dunnock and a Goldcrest.

Curlew, 29th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Siskin, ringed 29th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 28th. Birds around included 2 Spoonbill, 4894 Oystercatcher, 1360 Grey Plover, 95 Curlew, 3920 Bar-tailed Godwit, 78885 Knot, 2505 Sanderling, 2610 Dunlin, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 13 Chiffchaff, a Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Stonechat. Heading southwest were 960 Pink-footed Goose; south 16 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, a Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 2 Great Skua, a small Skua spp and 3 Auk spp; and north 9 Red-throated Diver, 151 Gannet, 22 Cormorant, 15 Manx Shearwater, a Petrel spp, 7 Arctic Skua, 2 Guillemot, 10 Auk spp and 23 Sandwich Tern. 
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 12 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, 5 Blue Tit and a Robin; and 2 retraps: a Linnet and a Great Tit.

September 27th. An adult winter White-rumped Sandpiper was discovered in the morning's high tide roost. The Spotted Crake was seen again early morning. Birds around included a Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 650 Golden Plover, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 9 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, a Pied Flycatcher and 6 Stonechat. Heading south were 2 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 3 Buzzard, a Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 3 Hobby and 89 Siskin. 
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 15 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Linnet and 2 Chaffinch; and 2 retraps: a Song Thrush and a Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Keith Collett and Mike Polling provided 60 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Blackcap, 16 Blue Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Coal Tit, 6 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, 6 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 35 retraps: 2 Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 4 Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest, a Greenfinch, 9 Blue Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Great Tit, a Sparrowhawk and a Blackcap.

Male Willow Emerald Damselfly, 27th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

White-rumped Sandpiper, field sketch, 27th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 26th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.
 The Spotted Crake remained faithful to the channel to the east side of the Mere. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Pintail, 2 Spoonbill, 175 Black-tailed Godwit, 64 Avocet, 7 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Birds around included 57 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 2 Tawny Owl, 9 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, a Stonechat and 5 Siskin. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard and 3 Kestrel.

Spotted Crake, 26th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 25th. A Spotted Crake was discovered along Mill Pond Road late afternoon. Birds around included 320 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, 20 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kingfisher, a Peregrine, 4 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Redwing, a Whinchat, 6 Stonechat and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were a Pintail, 2 Spoonbill, 168 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Going south were 2 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel and 9 Swallow; and north a Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.  
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 19 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Reed Warbler, 3 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 2 Dunnock.

Spotted Crake, 25th September 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Ringed Marsh Tit, found dead, 25th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 24th. A Cetti's Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. On Tennyson's Sands were 26 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Spoonbill, 201 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshank and 5 Greenshank. Birds around included 294 Teal, 31 Pintail, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 10 Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat and a Wheatear. Heading north were 49 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 36 Common Scoter, 15 Manx Shearwater, 5 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 10 Little Gull; and south 336 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Wigeon, 93 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Sparrowhawk, 9 Buzzard, 5 Common Tern, a Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Kestrel and a Tree Pipit.
 A long ringing session by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn yielded 20 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit and a Dunnock; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and a Great Tit.

Full moon, rising out from Mill Hill, 24th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

  September 23rd. The Cattle Egret was seen again in flight during the morning. Birds around included 80 Common Scoter, a Great White Egret, 3 Spoonbill, a Hen Harrier, a Water Rail, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a first calendar year Caspian Gull, a Barn Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Whinchat and 4 Stonechat. Sightings offshore included a Black-throated Diver, 23 Arctic Skua, 15 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, a Long-tailed Skua and 4 Skua spp. Flying north were 15 Sooty Shearwater, 38 Manx Shearwater, 300 Gannet, Arctic Tern and 15 Kittiwake; and south 311 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 20 Red-throated Diver. In off the sea came a Hobby.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 6 new birds: 3 Chiffchaff, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap and a Song Thrush; and a retrap Blackbird.

Rainbow, between showers, 23rd September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 22nd. A Cattle Egret was discovered late morning, frequenting Croftmarsh throughout the day. Around, including birds trapped, were 10 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 6 Buzzard, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Puffin, 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, a Hobby, 9 Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel, 3 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 11 Whinchat and 3 Spotted Flycatcher. A summer Black-throated Diver was on the sea. Going west were 130 Pink-footed Goose; and south 2 Eider, 2 Common Crane, 19 Whooper Swan, 664 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, a Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 551 House Martin, 6 Tree Sparrow, a Redpoll and 44 Siskin.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 47 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 5 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 2 Linnet, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 8 retraps: a Linnet, 2 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Goldfinch, a Wren and a Blackbird.

Cattle Egret, 22nd September 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Common Cranes, 22nd September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Whooper Swans, 22nd September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Hen Harrier, 22nd September 2018.
Photo - James Siddle

Whinchat, 22nd September 2018.
Photo - James Siddle

September 21st. Strong but gradually decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Heading south were 211 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Wigeon, 15 Teal, a Shoveler, 9 Red-throated Diver, 137 Gannet, 28 Cormorant, a Marsh Harrier, 117 Golden Plover, a Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 14 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 3 Auk spp, 207 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, 7 Commic Tern, 16 Kestrel, a Hobby, 36 Sand Martin, 87 Swallow, 1828 House Martin, 3 Starling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 17 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 2778 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 10 Greenfinch, 128 Linnet, 41 Goldfinch, 59 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 76 Reed Bunting; and north a Great Crested Grebe, a Pomarine Skua and a Kittiwake. In off the sea came 12 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier, a Snipe, a Kestrel and a Merlin. Birds around included 33 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, a Water Rail, 379 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, a Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.

Marsh Harrier, arriving off the sea, 21st September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Recovery and Control:
Greenfinch ringed GPBO 22 October 2015, found dead King's Lynn, Norfolk 16 September 2018.
Sedge Warbler ringed GPBO 11 August 2018, controlled Graignes, France 17 August 2018.

Mid September 2018

September 20th. Prolonged rain, then increasingly strong south-westerly winds.
 Birds around included 3 Grey Heron, 7 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 74 Avocet, a Golden Plover, 275 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 3 Arctic Skua, 49 Sandwich Tern, 3 Goldcrest, 170 Starling and 19 Siskin. Heading south were 2 Red-throated Diver, 19 Gannet, a Pomarine Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 66 Sandwich Tern and 7 Common Tern; north 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe; and high west a Short-eared Owl.

September 19th. Increasing then decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 33 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 356 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, 9 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Arctic Skua, 75 Sandwich Tern, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, a Stonechat and a Wheatear. Flying south were 2 Pintail, 6 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 96 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, a Red-necked Grebe, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Turnstone, 27 Arctic Skua, 13 Great Skua, a Black Tern, 225 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 3 Swift, 24 Sand Martin, 974 Swallow, 504 House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 356 Meadow Pipit and 65 Siskin; and north 3 Common Scoter and 53 Pink-footed Goose.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 3 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Siskin and a Dunnock; and 5 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush and a Whitethroat.

Siskin, ringed 19th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

 September 18th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 29 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Spoonbill, 555 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, a Black Tern, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Whinchat. Heading south were 250 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 154 Teal, 11 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 11 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 218 Gannet, 3 Ruff, a Greenshank, 11 Snipe, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 36 Arctic Skua, 19 Great Skua, 2 Guillemot, 3 Auk spp, a Black Tern, 664 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 48 Commic Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Collared Dove, 5 Swift, a Kestrel, a Hobby, 95 Sand Martin, 792 Swallow, 2758 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 170 Meadow Pipit and 38 Siskin; north 65 Common Scoter and an Arctic Skua; and west 197 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came 9 Snipe.

Spotted Redshanks, 18th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Spotted Redshank, 18th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Sunrise from Mill Hill, 18th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 17th. Increasing then slowly decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 29 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 4 Spoonbill, 100 Golden Plover, 150 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 114 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, a Caspian Gull, a Merlin, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, a Stonechat and 2 Grey Wagtail. Flying south were 2 Snipe, a Swift, 2 Kestrel, 5 Sand Martin, 107 Swallow, 410 Meadow Pipit and 20 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank and 250 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler provided 9 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Robin, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, a Swallow and a Meadow Pipit; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blackcap and a Whitethroat.

Spotted Flycatcher with Darter prey, 17th September 2018.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Treecreeper, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Grey Wagtail, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Whinchat, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Ruff, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw.

Spotted Redshank, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Caspian Gull, back row third from left, 17th September 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

September 16th. Increasing then slowly decreasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included 9 Spoonbill, a Barn Owl, a Merlin, a Coal Tit, 3 Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Spotted Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank and 6 Greenshank. Going south were 201 Pink-footed Goose, 96 Teal, 2 Pintail, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Pomarine Skua, 12 Arctic Skua, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, a Petrel spp, a Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, a Razorbill, 6 Common Tern, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 160 Meadow Pipit, 2 Sand Martin, 109 House Martin and 75 Swallow; and north a Fulmar. In off the sea came 5 Snipe and a Kestrel.
 An afternoon ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler produced a new Whitethroat; and 2 retraps: a Blackbird and a Goldcrest.
 Butterflies included a Painted Lady.

September 15th. Soggy start.

 The Icterine Warbler was retrapped again in East Dunes, late afternoon; it had further increased in weight to 16.5g. Around, including birds trapped, were 78 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 4 Red-throated Diver, 8 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 144 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and 8 Wheatear. On the Mere was a Garganey; and on Tennyson's Sands were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 488 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Spotted Redshank and 8 Greenshank. Following a trawler late evening were a new first calendar year Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gull. Heading south were 195 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 5 Collared Dove, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Kestrel, 3 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 105 Swallow, 151 House Martin, 5 Starling, 12 Tree Sparrow, 7 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1540 Meadow Pipit, 43 Linnet, 30 Goldfinch, a Crossbill, 23 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting.

 A flighty Clouded Yellow was in East Dunes. Other butterflies included a Painted Lady.

 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler yielded 14 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Greenland Wheatear, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet and a Kestrel; and 8 retraps; a Wren, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Robin and an Icterine Warbler.

Kestrel, ringed 15th September 2018.
Photo - Adam Homer

Greenland Wheatear, ringed 15th September 2018.

Photo - George Gregory

Spotted Flycatcher, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Wheatear, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Painted Lady, fresh in off the sea, 15th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 14th. Increasing then decreasing south-westerly wind.

 There was no further sign of the Red-footed Falcon after it was seen briefly flying south over East Dunes in the morning. Birds around included 26 Pink-footed Goose, a Brent Goose, 12 Spoonbill, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, a Merlin, a Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 2 Wheatear. On Tennyson's Sands were 500 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Spotted Redshank. Flying south were 72 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Ruff, 2 Collared Dove, 4 Kestrel and a Tree Pipit; and north a Sooty Shearwater, a Manx Shearwater and 2 Great Skua. In off the sea came a Marsh Harrier and 11 Snipe.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Chiffchaff, a Linnet and a Dunnock.

Wheatear, 14th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 13th. The Red-footed Falcon was still around until mid afternoon, elusive and ranging widely - another five falcon species day on the reserve! The Icterine Warbler that was ringed on September 7th was retrapped in East Dunes; it had increased in weight from 15.1g to 15.7g. Around were 50 Common Scoter, 12 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 4 Arctic Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Jay, 11 Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Stonechat. Flying north was a Manx Shearwater; and south were 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Common Sandpiper, 7 Kestrel, 4 Swift, 32 Sand Martin, 531 Swallow, 2048 House Martin, a Tree Sparrow, 23 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 20 Alba Wagtail, 1155 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 19 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 13 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 4 Dunnock, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Woodpigeon; and 6 retraps: 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, an Icterine Warbler and a Wren.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 15 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 3 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Migrant Common Buzzard, 13th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Spotted Redshank, 13th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Green Woodpecker, 13h September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Noisy Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 13th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Icterine Warbler, retrapped 13th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 12th. Rain until early morning.

 The Red-footed Falcon remained faithful to the West Dunes. On Jackson's Marsh was a Garganey. Birds around included 11 Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 8490 Oystercatcher, 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 80000 Knot, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Mediterranean Gull, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Hobby, a Peregrine, 100 Swallow, 3 Whinchat and a White Wagtail. Going south were 6 Pintail, 16 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Swift, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Collared Dove, 4 Kestrel, 8 Sand Martin, 125 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 3 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 33 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 1040 Meadow Pipit, 40 Linnet, 20 Goldfinch, 154 Siskin and 15 Reed Bunting; and west a Grey Heron.

 A rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 12 new birds: 3 Blackcap, 4 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Goldfinch and 3 Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Robin, a Dunnock and 2 Reed Bunting.

Red-footed Falcon, 12th September 2018.

Short-eared Owl, 12th September 2018.

Red-footed Falcon, 12th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Melanistic Rabbits, 12th September 2018.

Photo's - Ben Ward

High tide approaching Bird Observatory, 12th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

September 11th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind, then light rain later in morning. 

 The Red-footed Falcon reappeared in the early afternoon once the weather came more clement, again favouring West Dunes. A Nightjar was discovered hawking at dark. Birds around included 7 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 105 Lapwing, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 9 Goldcrest, 180 Swallow, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear and 10 Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 611 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank and 8 Spotted Redshank. Heading south were an Osprey, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Whimbrel, 3 Snipe, an Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 7 Swift, a Sand Martin, 210 Swallow, 65 House Martin, 6 Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and 281 Meadow Pipit.

Red-footed Falcon, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Owen Beaumont

Red-footed Falcon, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Swallow, 11th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Early September 2018

September 10th. A juvenile Red-footed Falcon was discovered late in the day, briefly over the West Dunes, last seen heading north. A Ring-necked Parakeet was briefly in the Plantation in the morning, then heading high north over East Dunes. A Garganey was on the Mere. Around were 8 Spoonbill, 5 Spotted Redshank, 14 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Barn Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, an early Redwing, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 12 Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were a Snipe and 550 Black-tailed Godwit. Flying south were a Pintail, 2 Buzzard, 3 Arctic Skua, a Swift, 120 Swallow, 62 House Martin, 3 Tree Sparrow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 215 Meadow Pipit and 6 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: 2 Robin and a Linnet.

Red-footed Falcon, with Red-breasted Flycatcher audible, 10th Septemeber 2018.

Video - Kev Wilson 

Red-footed Falcon, 10th September 2018.

Video - Ben Ward

Ring-necked Parakeet, 10th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Stonechat, 10th Septemeber 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Mediterranean Gull, 10th Septemeber 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

September 9th. Soggy start, then breezy.
 On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Pintail, 2 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 15 Greenshank, 3 Snipe, 532 Black-tailed Godwit and a Mediterranean Gull. Birds around included 7 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 33000 Knot, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 940 Sanderling, 3 Arctic Skua, 4 Great Skua, 2 Merlin, a Hobby, a Peregrine, 5 Goldcrest, 13 Willow Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat and a White Wagtail. Going south were 86 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 30 Meadow Pipit and 3 Siskin; and north a Shag.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 2 new birds: a Sedge Warbler and a Meadow Pipit; and 3 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Whitethroat and a Robin.

September 8th. Occasional drizzle/rain from mid morning turning constant in the evening.
 A Red-breasted Flycatcher was trapped and ringed at Aylmer Avenue. Around were 7 Spoonbill, a Water Rail, 558 Black-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 178 Sandwich Tern, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, a Bullfinch and 15 Siskin. Heading south were 2 Spoonbill, a Marsh Harrier, a Swift, 12 Sand Martin, 87 Swallow, 299 House Martin, 54 Meadow Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 18 Chaffinch, 2 Redpoll and 30 Siskin; and west 5 Pintail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 7 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit; and a retrap Blackcap.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle yielded 5 new birds: a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: a Great Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Blackbird and a Whitethroat.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, ringed 8th September 2018.
Photo - James Siddle

September 7th. An Icterine Warbler was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was discovered at the north end of West Dunes late afternoon. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Marsh Harrier, 5 Spoonbill, a first calendar year Caspian Gull, 4 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Whinchat and a Wheatear. Flying south were a Black Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 90 House Martin, 179 Swallow and 2 Yellow Wagtail; and north 4 Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 12 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, an Icterine Warbler, a Robin, 2 Song Thrush and a Cuckoo; and 2 retraps: a Blackcap and a Dunnock.

Icterine Warbler, ringed 7th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Icterine Warbler, ringed 7th. September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Juvenile Cuckoo, ringed 7th September 2018.
Photo - George Gregory

Caspian Gull, 7th September 2018.
Photo - Ben Ward

September 6th. Around were a Marsh Harrier, 3 Spoonbill, 4 Water Rail, 200 Golden Plover, 13 Snipe, a Kingfisher, a Redstart, 4 Whinchat and a Yellow Wagtail. On Tennyson's Sands were 7 Spotted Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 521 Black-tailed Godwit. Going north were 7 Swallow; and south 3 Snipe, 4 Sand Martin, 81 Swallow, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit and 6 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 11 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit, a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Blackcap and a Robin.

Invasive Grey Squirrel, consuming a Pear, 6th September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 5th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Spoonbill, 14 Arctic Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Goldcrest, a Whinchat, a Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Pied Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 450 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Spotted Redshank and 3 Greenshank; and on Jacksons Marsh 3 Ruff. Heading north were 2 Fulmar and 4500 Sandwich Tern; and south 7 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 4 Snipe, a Great Skua, 5 Kestrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit. In off the sea came 2 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 6 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat and a Pied Flycatcher; and 5 retraps: 3 Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Willow Warbler.

Exhausted migrant Sparrowhawk, moments after reaching landfall, 5th September 2018.

Photo - Kev Wilson

September 4th. Around were a Pintail, 124 Shelduck, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Spoonbill, 150 Golden Plover, 496 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 7 Arctic Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, a Kingfisher, 5 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 2 Wheatear. Heading north were 89 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, a Puffin, 13 Arctic Skua, 3000 Sandwich Tern, 32 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 70 Swallow and 54 House Martin; and south a Great Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 4 new birds: a Robin, a Whitethroat, a Swallow and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Robin and a Dunnock.

September 3rd. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, a Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, an Arctic Skua, 700 Sandwich Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, a Jay, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit and a Corn Bunting. On Tennyson's Sands were a Garganey, 425 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and a Green Sandpiper. Flying south were a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, 3 Whimbrel, a Hobby, 4 Sand Martin, 119 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 3 new birds: 2 Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat; and a retrap Wren.

Redstart, 3rd September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Pied Flycatcher, 3rd September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

Redstart, 3rd September 2018.

Curlew, 3rd September 2018.

Curlew, 3rd September 2018.

Sunrise over Mill Hill, with incoming sea fret, 3rd September 2018.

Photo - Ben Ward

September 2nd. Around were a Grey Heron, 3 Spoonbill, a Buzzard, a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, 2 Redstart, a Whinchat, a Wheatear, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Yellow Wagtail. On the Mere were 2 Water Rail and a Pochard; and on Tennyson's Sands 425 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 6 Spotted Redshank and 10 Greenshank. Going south were 2 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 11 Buzzard, a Swift, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 45 Swallow and 2 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 3 new birds: 2 Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit; and 5 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wren, a Whitethroat and a Dunnock.
 The Willow Emerald Damselfly was still in the Plantation.

Willow Emerald Damselfly, 2nd September 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

Wheatear, 2nd September 2018.

Photo - Nige Lound

September 1st. On Tennyson's Sands were 433 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Birds around included a Buzzard, 100 Golden Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 11 Snipe, 200 Sandwich Tern, 2 Tawny Owl, a Peregrine, 2 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Redstart. Heading north was a Great Skua; and south 6 Buzzard, an Arctic Skua and 101 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 3 new birds: a Blackcap and 2 Goldfinch; and 5 retraps: a Blackcap and 4 Dunnock.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 13 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit, a Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Swallow, a Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, a Chaffinch, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 11 retraps: a Whitethroat, a Wren, a Blackbird, 6 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Robin.
 The Willow Emerald Damselfly remained in the Plantation.