Late October 2019

October 31st. The Pallas's Warbler remained west of Mill Hill. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Avocet, 295 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank; and on Fenland Lagoon a Water Pipit. Birds around, including those trapped, were 900 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Brent Goose, 160 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, 400 Teal, 35 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Egret, a Great Whited Egret (on Jackson's Marsh then roosted locally), a Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 6 Snipe, 6 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Swallow, 50000 Starling, 32 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 East Dunes, 1 Plantation and 1 in a private garden), 49 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 31 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 51 Robin, a Brambling, a Bullfinch and 40 Siskin. Heading south were 9 Whooper Swan, 10 Pink-footed Goose, an Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet; north 4 Velvet Scoter, an Arctic Skua; and west 50 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and Rebecca Hardwick, yielded 9 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Redwing and 5 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackbird, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a Wren.

Pallas's Warbler, 31st October 2019.

Photo - James Siddle

Pallas's Warbler, 31st October 2019.

Photo - James Siddle

Pallas's Warbler, 31st October 2019
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Yellow-browed Warbler, 31st October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Great White Egret, 31st October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 30th. A Pallas's Warbler was discovered to the west of Mill Hill in the morning and was seen there again in the afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 196 Brent Goose, 105 Shelduck, 168 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 547 Teal, 32 Shoveler, a Pochard, 45 Tufted Duck, 9 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Egert, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 4 Water Rail, 2 Avocet, 90 Golden Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Woodcock, 9 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Swallow, 25 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler (Plantation, Beach Car Park, East Dunes and Shovelers Pool), a Treecreeper, 20000 Starling, 82 Blackbird, 17 Fieldfare, 30 Song Thrush, 26 Redwing, 73 Robin, 3 Stonechat, a White Wagtail, 5 Stonechat, a Water Pipit (off Fenland Lagoon), a Tree Sparrow, 2 Bullfinch, a Redpoll, 10 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. Flying south were 24 Shelduck, 87 Wigeon, 8 Eider, 16 Common Scoter, 10 Goldeneye, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 100 Golden Plover, 39 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting; and north 40 Shelduck, 12 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 81 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 16 Gannet.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Rebecca Hardwick, provided 20 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Song Thrush, 14 Blackbird and a Starling; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, a Wren, a Goldfinch, a Bullfinch and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Pallas's Warbler, 30th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 29th. A late Wryneck was discovered midmorning, briefly by Sykes Farm Track. Heading north were 19 Brent Goose, 81 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 9 Eider, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 749 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 33 Red-throated Diver, 4 Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 186 Gannet, a Leach's Petrel, a Red-necked Grebe, 4 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 107 Auk sp, 2 Puffin, 3 Little Auk, a Sandwich Tern, 14 Kittiwake and 10 Little Gull; south 19 Brent Goose, 35 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 6 Pintail, 3 Eider, 201 Common Scoter, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 23 Red-throated Diver, 38 Gannet, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Auk sp, 5 Little Auk, an Arctic Tern, a Kittiwake, 2 Swallow, 4 Brambling and 8 Siskin; east a Black-throated Diver; and south-west a Waxwing. In off the sea came 36 Skylark and 1348 Starling. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 174 Brent Goose, 10 Gadwall, 168 Teal, 48 Shoveler, a Pochard, 30 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 84 Common Scoter, 7 Grey Partridge, 299 Cormorant, 16 Little Egret, a Great Crested Grebe, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Avocet, 80 Golden Plover, 150 Lapwing, a Spotted Redshank, 6 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 23000 Starling, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 18 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 97 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 26 Song Thrush, 18 Redwing, 7 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, 3 Bullfinch, 8 Brambling, 10 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 13 new birds: a Goldcrest, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Bullfinch, 3 Blackbird, a Starling and a Magpie; and 3 retraps: a Robin, a Blackcap and a Blue Tit.

Wryneck, 29th October 2019.

Photo - Jim Shaw

Bullfinch, ringed 29th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 28th. Frosty start.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 160 Brent Goose, 180 Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, a Long-tailed Duck (drifting south on the sea), 121 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 15 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 160 Lapwing, 7 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 6 Collared Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 24 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 18000 Starling, 71 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 29 Song Thrush, 70 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow, a Water Pipit, 5 Brambling, 3 Bullfinch, a Snow Bunting and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Avocet and 12 Bearded Tit. Flying north were 5 Teal, 191 Common Scoter, 204 Gannet, a Pomarine Skua, a Guillemot, a Little Auk, a Puffin, 14 Auk sp, 2 Sandwich Tern, 23 Kittiwake and 24 Little Gull; south 34 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, 102 Common Scoter, 8 Gannet, a House Martin, 7040 Starling and 13 Brambling; and west 2 Whooper Swan.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 29 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Blackcap, a Brambling, 5 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 9 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare and 2 Woodcock; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Wren, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Starling, a big day for the species on the reserve, 28th October 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

October 27th. Soggy start.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 800 Pink-footed Goose, 100 Brent Goose, 5 Whooper Swan, 140 Wigeon, 107 Teal, 28 Shoveler, a Pochard, 28 Tufted Duck, 6 Grey Partridge, 25 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, a Grey Heron, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Water Rail, 800 Golden Plover, a Spotted Redshank, a Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 3 Jay, a Woodlark, a House Martin, 41 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Treecreeper, 20000 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 14 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, 2 Brambling, a Hawfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 9 Greenfinch, 15 Siskin and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 5 Avocet and a Black-tailed Godwit; and on Croftmarsh 148 Lapwing, a Bar-tailed Godwit and 13 Stock Dove. Going south were 202 Whooper Swan, a Velvet Scoter, a Grey Heron, 103 Lapwing, 571 Woodpigeon, 3 Swallow, 2 Brambling, 52 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, a Mealy Redpoll (after being at Shovelers Pool), 32 Goldfinch, a Hawfinch, a Yellowhammer and 2 Lapland Bunting; and west 662 Woodpigeon and 9 Fieldfare.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Jenni Godber, Rebecca Hardwick and Sarah Hunter, provided 24 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting and 7 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch and 2 Blue Tit.

Grey Partridge, 27th October 2019.

Photo - Nige Lound

Redwing, 28th October 2019.

Photo - Rob Watson

October 26th. Rain all day.
 Birds around included 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Chiffchaff, 13 Goldcrest, a Firecrest and 2 Redwing.

October 25th. Soggy start.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 2278 Pink-footed Goose, 90 Brent Goose, 21 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 97 Teal, 48 Shoveler, a Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 27 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 50 Golden Plover, 20 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Treecreeper, a Coal Tit, 48 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, an acredula type Willow Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 21000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 38 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, a Water Pipit, a Brambling and 2 Bullfinch. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Avocet, 5 Spotted Redshank and a Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 281 Whooper Swan, 2 Grey Heron, 120 Lapwing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Swallow, 9 Redwing, 8 House Sparrow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 6 Alba Wagtail, 6 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 14 Redpoll, 77 Siskin and 2 Yellowhammer; and north a Pomarine Skua. In off the sea came 793 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 25 new birds: 9 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Robin, a Blackcap, a Bullfinch, a Reed Bunting, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 5 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Redwing, 5 Goldcrest and a Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Ian Thompson, Yvonne Bentley and James Siddle produced 33 new birds: 2 Wren, a Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 12 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, a Lesser Redpoll, 5 Greenfinch, a Redwing, a Blackbird, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: 3 Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin and a Great Tit.

A good day for returning Whooper Swan, 25th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Whooper Swans with a Greylag Goose, 26th October 2019.

Bullfinch, ringed 25th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 24th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1200 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Brent Goose, 50 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 127 Teal, 50 Shoveler, a Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Egret, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 131 Lapwing, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 6 Snipe, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Jay, 77 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, 3 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, a Ring Ouzel, 66 Blackbird, 27 Song Thrush, 151 Redwing, 47 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 4 Water Pipit, 2 Bullfinch, and 10 Siskin. Flying south were 694 Wigeon, a Great White Egret, 15 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, a Swallow, a Brambling, 5 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 49 new birds: 21 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 4 Robin, a Goldfinch, 19 Redwing and 4 Blackbird; and 13 retraps: a Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 2 Blackbird, a Robin, a Wren and a Long-tailed Tit.
 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Ian Thompson, Yvonne Bentley and James Siddle yielded 37 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, a Wren, 6 Robin, a Coal Tit, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Great Tit, a Chaffinch, a Redwing, a Song Thrush and 7 Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 3 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 2 Wren, a Robin, 4 Dunnock and a Long-tailed Tit.

Goldcrest, 24th October 2019.

Photo - Jack Wilson

October 23rd. Around, including birds trapped, were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Brent Goose, 228 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 123 Teal, 36 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Common Scoter, 20 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 12 Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Turnstone, 5 Spotted Redshank, 8 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Jay, 73 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 12000 Starling, 28 Blackbird, 17 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, a Black Redstart, a Stonechat, 2 House Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 8 Water Pipit, 4 Bullfinch and 4 Siskin. Going south were 35 Whooper Swan, 8 Bearded Tit, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Hawfinch. In off the sea came 1000 Starling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, provided 51 new birds: 24 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Firecrest, a Robin, 3 Blue Tit, a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 8 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Great Tit and 2 Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Ian Thompson, Yvonne Bentley and James Siddle provided 22 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 3 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 4 Robin, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: a Great Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Wren, a Dunnock and a Goldcrest.

Firecrest, ringed 23rd October 2019.

Photo - James Siddle

Firecrest, ringed 23rd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

A new optical photography technique, Rebecca Hardwick and Sarah Hunter 23rd October 2019.
Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Control:
Blackcap, ringed Icklesham, Sussex 17 October 2019, controlled GPBO 18 October 2019.

October 22nd. A Bluethroat was trapped and ringed in East Dunes, and was seen afterwards on Storm Ridge. Birds around, including those trapped, were 25 Whooper Swan, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Shoveler, 25 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, a Grey Heron, a male Hen Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 17 Avocet, 148 Lapwing, 8 Snipe,  2 Woodcock, 4 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 3 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Jay, a Coal Tit, 56 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 13 Blackcap, a Cetti's Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 2500 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 27 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 35 Song Thrush, 77 Redwing, 51 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Water Pipit, 7 Brambling, 3 Bullfinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 22 Siskin and a Yellowhamer.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Rebecca Hardwick and James Siddle, produced 49 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 5 Robin, a Bluethroat, 3 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, a Stonechat, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 8 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, a Woodcock, a Kingfisher and a Jay; and 2 retraps: a Long-tailed Tit and a Wren.

Bluethroat, ringed 22nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Bluethroat, ringed 22nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Noisy Jay, ringed 22nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Stonechat, ringed 22nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Redstart, 22nd October 2019.
Photo - Jim Shaw

October 21st. Moderately strong northerly wind.
 Flying north were 8 Brent Goose, 127 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 30 Eider, 178 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 878 Gannet, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 53 Turnstone, a Purple Sandpiper, an Arctic Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua, 3 Skua sp, a Great Skua, 3 Razorbill, 41 Guillemot, a Puffin, 8 Little Auk, 309 Auk sp, 6 Sandwich Tern, 76 Kittiwake and 10 Little Gull; south 7 Whooper Swan, 10 Brent Goose, 13 Shelduck, 112 Wigeon, 48 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 8 Eider, a Long-tailed Duck, 61 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 66 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Snipe, a Great Skua, 6 Guillemot and 78 Auk sp; and south-east 294 Pink-footed Goose. Around were 90 Brent Goose, 37 Shoveler, 21 Tufted Duck, a Sparrowhawk, 17 Avocet, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Woodcock, an 'omissus' type Herring Gull, 2 Tawny Owl, a Long-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4000 Starling, 21 Blackbird, 24 Song Thrush, 460 Redwing, 177 Fieldfare, a Black Redstart, a Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 10 Brambling, 8 Siskin and a Yellowhammer.

Black Redstart, 21st October 2019.

Photo - Paul Neale

Mid October 2019

October 20th. Heading south were 74 Whooper Swan, 107 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Shelduck, 33 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 9 Eider, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 193 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 10 Goosander, 19 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 2081 Gannet, 6 Great Crested Grebe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, a Skua sp, a Great Skua, 2 Razorbill, 19 Guillemot, 654 Auk sp., 12 Sandwich Tern, 23 Kittiwake, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Jay, a Fieldfare, 78 Redwing, 20 Brambling and a Snow Bunting; and north 2 Shoveler, 8 Common Scoter, a Great Northern Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 196 Gannet, 7 Great Crested Grebe, an Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 4 Skua sp, 5 Great Skua, 26 Auk sp, 11 Sandwich Tern, 2 Commic Tern, 17 Little Gull, and 21 Kittiwake. In off the sea came 147 Starling. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1310 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Water Rail, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Turnstone, a Green Sandpiper, a late Little Tern, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Jay, 4 Rook, a Coal Tit, 23 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 7 Ring Ouzel, 25 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 189 Redwing, 11 Stonechat, 2 Water Pipit and 14 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler resulted in 66 new birds: 2 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Robin, 8 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 14 Tree Sparrow, a Great Tit, 10 Blue Tit, a Coal Tit, 2 Dunnock, 9 Redwing, a Song  and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Blue Tit, 3 Robin, 2 Dunnock and a Wren.

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 20th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 20th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 19th. Around, including birds trapped, were 2100 Pink-footed Goose, 120 Brent Goose, 62 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 148 Teal, 42 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, 110 Golden Plover, 160 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 29 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 4 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, a Jay, 2 Rook, a Coal Tit, 78 Goldcrest, 11 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Treecreeper, 700 Starling, 5 Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 22 Song Thrush, 17 Redwing, 17 Stonechat, 3 Tree Sparrow, a Water Pipit and 2 Siskin. On Jackson's Marsh were an Egyptian Goose, a Kingfisher, a Nordic Jackdaw and 2 Bearded Tit; on Tennyson's Sands 17 Avocet and 3 Spotted Redshank; and on the Mere 2 Bearded Tit. Heading south were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Jay, 6 Swallow, 5 House Martin, a Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 2 Redpoll and 29 Siskin.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Adam Homer and Ed Tyler provided 83 new birds: 34 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 24 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 6 Great Tit, a Robin, 5 Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Blackbird; and 22 retraps: 3 Dunnock, 3 Goldcrest, a Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wren, a Great Tit and a Blackbird.

October 18th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 65 Brent Goose, 10 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Spotted Redshank, 8 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, an Arctic Skua, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, a Coal Tit, 2 Jay, 42 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 3 Ring Ouzel, 18 Blackbird, 16 Song Thrush, 6 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechat, a Brambling and 6 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 209 Teal, 56 Shoveler, 12 Avocet, 141 Lapwing, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Bearded Tit. Going north-west were 2120 Pink-footed Goose; and south 100 Pink-footed Goose, an Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 2 Collared Dove, 4 Swallow and a Bearded Tit.:
 A wind-restricted long ringing session in East Dunes, with Adam Homer and Ed Tyler, produced 23 new birds: 10 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Robin, 3 Blue Tit, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock, a Redwing, a Blackbird and a Jay; a retrap Robin; and a control Blackcap.

Arctic Skua, 18th October 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

Jay, ringed 18th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 17th. Due to a cloudless night there was a clear-out of most of yesterday's thrushes and Robins.
 Around, including birds trapped, were 1364 Pink-footed Goose, 260 Brent Goose, 39 Shelduck, 298 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 290 Teal, 7 Pintail, 56 Shoveler, a mobile drake Mandarin Duck, 6 Tufted Duck, 15 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 190 Golden Plover, 305 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 5 Kestrel, a Merlin, 3 Jay, a Nordic Jackdaw, 86 Goldcrest, a Locustella sp, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 900 Starling, 4 Ring Ouzel, 3 Redwing, 18 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 9 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, 2 Brambling, a Crossbill and a Yellowhammer. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Water Rail, 16 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Snipe and 8 Bearded Tit. Heading south were 36 Goosander, a Sparrowhawk, 8 Stock Dove, 2893 Woodpigeon, 6 Collared Dove, 2 Rook, 31 Skylark, 14 House Martin, 7 House Sparrow, 16 Tree Sparrow, 7 Alba Wagtail, 33 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 6 Brambling, 158 Chaffinch, 34 Greenfinch, 18 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 324 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 14 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting; and north-west were 72 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 42 new birds: 17 Goldcrest, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wren, a Linnet, 3 Great Tit, a Robin, a Reed Bunting, a Yellowhammer and 2 Dunnock; and 6 retraps: 4 Goldcrest, a Robin and a Great Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling yielded 34 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Brambling, 14 Greenfinch, a Dunnock and 2 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Mistle Thrush, 17th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Yellowhammer, ringed 17th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 16th. Light rain from mid to late morning.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 220 Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 197 Teal, 51 Shoveler, 14 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, a Collared Dove, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Jay, 106 Goldcrest, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Treecreeper, 978 Starling, 11 Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 46 Song Thrush, 38 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 84 Robin, 9 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 307 Goldfinch and 4 Siskin. On the Mere were 2 Bearded Tit; and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Water Rail, 24 Avocet, 174 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Spotted Redshank.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session and a brief afternoon ringing session, with Rebecca Hardwick, in East Dunes provided 74 new birds: 39 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 17 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Stonechat, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 4 Blackbird and a Ring Ouzel; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Blackcap, a Wren, a Blue Tit and a Goldcrest.

Ring Ouzel, 16th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ring Ouzel, ringed 16th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Caterpillar and Shoveler, 16th October 2019.

Ringing Control:
Goldcrest, ringed Kilnsea, Yorkshire 5 October 2019, controlled GPBO 9 October 2019.

October 15th. Soggy start, then some early morning drizzle.
 A Pallas's Warbler was discovered at North End late in the day. The bird then quickly moved south down the dune with a Goldcrest flock. A vocal Hawfinch was around the West Dunes mid-day. Around, including birds trapped, were 140 Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 210 Cormorant, 12 Little Egret, a Water Rail, 23 Avocet, 4500 Oystercatcher, 1000 Golden Plover, 2400 Grey Plover, 37 Ringed Plover, 52000 Knot, 1078 Sanderling, 3060 Dunlin, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kingfisher, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Jay, 92 Goldcrest, 16 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 1400 Starling, 71 Robin, 38 Blackbird, 40 Ring Ouzel, 210 Song Thrush, 731 Redwing, 9 Fieldfare, a Mistle Thrush, a Black Redstart, 19 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Water Pipit, 9 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 12 Greenfinch and 8 Siskin. Going south were 351 Pink-footed Goose, 326 Brent Goose, 8 Shelduck, 454 Wigeon, 219 Teal, 5 Pintail, an Eider, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, a Great Crested Grebe, 43 Lapwing, a Purple Sandpiper, a Sandwich Tern, 4 Rook, 106 Swallow, 21 House Martin, a Fieldfare, 4 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 22 Siskin and a Yellowhammer; and west 8 Snipe, 50 Song Thrush and 900 Redwing.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Rebecca Hardwick, resulted in 54 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 21 Robin, 4 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Robin, 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Goldfinch and a Wren.

Yellow-browed Warbler, 15th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Black Redstart, 15th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 14th. Afternoon rain.
 On Tennyson's Sands, from Harvey's Hide, were a Water Rail, 21 Avocet, 5 Spotted Redshank and 5 Bearded Tit.  Birds around, including those trapped, were 80 Brent Goose, 1000 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Teal, 37 Shoveler, a Sparrowhawk, 160 Lapwing, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, 6 Stock Dove, an Asio Sp (around East Dunes before dawn), 2 Kestrel, 70 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 3 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 300 Starling, 12 Song Thrush, 61 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 11 Ring Ouzel,  a Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Stonechat, a Brambling, a Water Pipit, 3 Redpoll and 3 Siskin. Heading south were 6 Swallow and 26 House Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 56 new birds: 7 Wren, 25 Goldcrest, 9 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Siskin, a Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, 2 Blackbird and a Ring Ouzel; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Goldcrest.
 A morning ring session at Aylmer Avenue provided 64 new birds: 4 Wren, 11 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blackcap, 9 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Great Tit, a Robin, a Dunnock, 17 Greenfinch and 2 Song Thrush; and 14 retraps: 4 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, a Song Thrush, a Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Goldcrest.

Siskin, ringed 14th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, ringed 14th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Ring Ouzel, ringed 14th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 13th. Rain until mid afternoon.
 On a stunning day for Ring Ouzel arrivals, no fewer than 53 birds were recorded, mostly moving south down the East Dunes. Around were 39 Brent Goose, 45 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 241 Teal, 29 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 14 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 22 Avocet, 200 Golden Plover, 171 Lapwing, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Spotted Redshank, 2 Snipe, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Bearded Tit (at the Mere), 143 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 7 Blackcap, 36 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 240 Starling, 23 Blackbird, 26 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 36 Robin, 7 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, a Brambling, 149 Goldfinch and 36 Siskin. Flying south were 35 Whooper Swan, 17 Lapwing, 2 Merlin, 22 Swallow, a House Martin, 39 Chaffinch, 2 Redpoll and 61 Siskin; in off the sea came 9 Fieldfare.

Ring Ouzel, arriving migrants, 13th October 2019.

Photo - James Siddle

Ring Ouzel, 13th October 2019.

Photo - Kev Wilson

October 12th. Heading south were 54 Whooper Swan, 480 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Brent Goose, 14 Wigeon, 5 Teal, a Pintail, 2 Buzzard, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Snipe, 13 Stock Dove, 4 Collared Dove, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Jay, 14 Rook, 62 Carrion Crow, 382 Skylark, 45 Swallow, 76 House Martin, a Coal Tit, 115 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 15 House Sparrow, 157 Tree Sparrow, a Flava Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail, 67 Alba Wagtail, 551 Meadow Pipit, 456 Rock Pipit, 41 Brambling, 693 Chaffinch, 223 Greenfinch, 1057 Linnet, 30 Redpoll, a Crossbill, 2618 Goldfinch, 107 Siskin, a Snow Bunting, a Lapland Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and 1155 Reed Bunting (a new reserve record); and north-west 1010 Pink-footed Goose. Birds around, including those trapped, were 144 Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 51 Wigeon, 170 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, an Eider, 181 Cormorant, 18 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, a male Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 455 Golden Plover, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 3 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrel, 2 Merlin, 127 Goldcrest, 13 Blackcap, 63 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 2 Ring Ouzel, 47 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, a Whinchat, 20 Stonechat, a Water Pipit, 3 Brambling and 7 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were a Whooper Swan, 29 Pink-footed Goose, a Garganey, 23 Avocet and 18 Black-tailed Godwit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Rebecca Hardwick, produced 83 new birds: 4 Wren, 27 Goldcrest, 19 Chiffchaff, 5 Robin, 6 Blackcap, 7 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 10 Blue Tit and 2 Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: a Robin, a Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock and a Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Jenni Godber produced 9 new birds: 2 Goldfinch, a Tree Sparrow, a Blue Tit and 5 Greenfinch; and 2 retraps: a Blue Tit and a Greenfinch.

Tree Sparrow, ringed 12th October 2019.
Photo - Jenni Godber

Migrant Jay, 12th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Control:
Goldcrest, ringed Harlow Carr Gardens, Yorkshire 4 November 2018, controlled GPBO 10 October 2019.

October 11th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind, with light rain for most of day.
 Around were 320 Brent Goose, 251 Wigeon, 69 Teal, 70 Cormorant, 28 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, 230 Oystercatcher, 68 Curlew, 300 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 4000 Black-headed Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, 2 Jay, a Merlin, a Firecrest, 32 Goldcrest, 12 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 1410 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a Water Pipit and 2 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Pink-footed Goose, 22 Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, and 6 Spotted Redshank; and on Jackson's Marsh a Pintail, a Water Rail, a Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Snipe.

Ringing Recovery:

Dunnock ringed GPBO 5 June 2014, found dead Skegness, Lincolnshire 26 August 2019.

Early October 2019

October 10th. Increasing south-westerly wind.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were 9 Whooper Swan, 290 Pink-footed Goose, 250 Brent Goose, 42 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Grey Partridge, 28 Little Egret,  a Sparrowhawk, 23 Avocet, 7 Spotted Redshank, 4 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Merlin, 39 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Blackcap, 14 Chiffchaff, a Treecreeper, 480 Starling, 48 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a Water Pipit, a Brambling and 2 Yellowhammer.
 Heading south over the west side were a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 16 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 21 Swallow, 46 House Martin, 110 Starling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 184 Meadow Pipit, 14 Brambling, 178 Chaffinch, 59 Linnet, 273 Goldfinch, 15 Siskin and 24 Reed Bunting.
 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 32 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 5 Robin, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Greenfinch and a Blackbird; 6 retraps: 2 Wren, a Robin, a Dunnock, a Great Tit and a Goldfinch; and a control Goldcrest.

October 9th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Two Common Crane flew south over the west side of the reserve in the evening and landed to the south-west. Around, including birds trapped, were 1191 Pink-footed Goose, 280 Brent Goose, 99 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 192 Teal, a Pintail, 44 Shoveler, 13 Tufted Duck, 28 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Red Kite, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, 310 Golden Plover, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Jay, 68 Goldcrest, 8 Blackcap, 14 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Beach Car Park), a Treecreeper, 50 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 18 Song Thrush, 32 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 48 Robin, a Whinchat, 10 Stonechat, 6 House Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Water Pipit. On Tennyson's Sands were a Water Rail, 41 Avocet and 6 Spotted Redshank. Going south were 3 Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 4 Rook, 30 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 56 Swallow, 43 House Martin, 79 Starling, 3 Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 36 House Sparrow, 55 Tree Sparrow, 7 Grey Wagtail, 24 Alba Wagtail, 148 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 10 Brambling, 68 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 17 Greenfinch, 3 Redpoll, 702 Goldfinch, 33 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 28 Reed Bunting.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 43 new birds: 4 Wren, 13 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 5 Blackcap, a Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Jay and a Sparrowhawk; 6 retraps: 3 Robin, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit; and a control Goldcrest.

Common Crane, landing distantly to the south-west of the reserve, 9th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Solar halo, 9th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Jay, ringed 9th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 9th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 9th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 422 Pink-footed Goose, 274 Brent Goose, 301 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 194 Teal, 43 Shoveler, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Little Egret, a male Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 21 Avocet, 70 Golden Plover, 82 Lapwing, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 8 Stock Dove, a Tawny Owl. a Merlin, 2 Jay, 30 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 28 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting. Heading north was a cream-crown Marsh Harrier; and south 3 Grey Wagtail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Rebecca Hardwick, resulted in 21 new birds: 3 Wren, 6 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Song Thrush and 3 Redwing; and 7
retraps: 4 Wren, a Great Tit and 2 Robin.

Merlin, 8th October 2019.

Eider, 8th October 2019.

Wheatear, 8th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

Double Rainbow, 8th October 2019.

Photo - Ben Ward

October 7th. Rain in late morning and mid afternoon.
 A Richard's Pipit flew west over the East Dunes in the morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 31 Pink-footed Goose, 34 Brent Goose, 17 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 218 Teal, 44 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-throated Diver, 9 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 20 Avocet, 235 Golden Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 9 Stock Dove, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Firecrest, 84 Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 115 Starling, 3 Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, 87 Song Thrush, 206 Redwing, 67 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 6 Greenfinch 184 Linnet, 156 Goldfinch and a Yellowhammer. Flying south were a Great White Egret (and then southeast), a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, a Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll; and west a Ring Ouzel.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 59 new birds: 17 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Firecrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 9 Robin, 2 Linnet, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Reed Bunting, 8 Song Thrush and a Redwing; and 12 retraps: a Blackcap, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Blackbird and a Wren.
 A rain-shortened afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 16 new birds: 11 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Long-tailed Tit, a Great Tit and 2 Dunnock.

Firecrest, ringed 7th October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 6th. Rain for most of morning and part of afternoon.
 A juvenile Sabine's Gull and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua went south in the evening. Also going south were 9 Brent Goose, 6 Pintail, a Shag, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skua, 3 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, 2 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, a Swallow and a Grey Wagtail; north 17 Eider and an Arctic Tern; and west 31 Snipe. Birds around included 70 Brent Goose, 77 Wigeon, 314 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 7 Red-throated Diver, 7 Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, 40 Golden Plover, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, a Guillemot, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 61 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 2 Blackcap, 20 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 138 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 34 Blackbird, 131 Song Thrush, 286 Redwing, 13 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 16 Brambling and a Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Pintail, 44 Shoveler, a Great White Egret, a Water Rail, 13 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Reed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler.

October 5th. A Richard's Pipit was north of Mill Hill before flying west and a Quail was in the East Dunes before flying south. Around, including birds trapped, were 660 Pink-footed Goose, 340 Brent Goose, 309 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 249 Teal, a Pintail, 60 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 16 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Water Rail, 10 Avocet, 600 Golden Plover, 120 Lapwing, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 4 Jack Snipe, 5 Snipe, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Rook, 70 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 32 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 27 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 73 Song Thrush, 254 Redwing, 74 Robin, 13 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 71 Chaffinch and 2 Yellowhammer. Heading north were a Manx Shearwater and a Pomarine Skua; and south 3 Whooper Swan, 6 Pintail, a Scaup, a Goosander, 2 Marsh Harrier, 14 Swallow, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Brambling, 31 Chaffinch, a Redpoll, 5 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 39 new birds: 3 Wren, 16 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, a Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, a Wren, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit.

October 4th. Soggy start, then occasional drizzle.
 An elusive bunting calling frequently and seen in flight twice north of Mill Hill in the morning was thought to have been a Little Bunting. Birds around, including those trapped, were 7 Whooper Swan, 600 Pink-footed Goose, 35 Brent Goose, 13 Gadwall, 162 Teal, 12 Pintail, 57 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail, 11 Avocet, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, a Jack Snipe, 4 Snipe, 12 Sandwich Tern, 2 Stock Dove, 4000 Woodpigeon, a Tawny Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, an Asio Sp (over East Dunes before dawn), a Green Woodpecker, 47 Goldcrest, a Reed Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 24 Song Thrush, 13 Redwing, 5 Stonechat and a Brambling. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Grey Heron and a Kingfisher; and on Tennyson's Sands a Cetti's Warbler. Heading west were 75 Pink-footed Goose; and south 13 Whooper Swan, 6 Jay, 27 House Martin, 20 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, a Brambling and 7 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 36 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, a Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, a Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 13 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, a Great Tit and 3 Dunnock; and 17 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, a Blue Tit, a Robin and 9 Long-tailed Tit.

Stonechat, 4th October 2019.

Video - Ben Ward

Migrant Hawker, 4th October 2019.

October 3rd. A Richard's Pipit was seen north of Mill Hill and the Yellow-browed Warbler remained in West Dunes. Around, including birds trapped, were a 3 Whooper Swan, 44 Brent Goose, 104 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 291 Teal, 22 Pintail, 61 Shoveler, 17 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Water Rail, 14 Avocet, 33 Lapwing, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Woodcock, 12 Snipe, a Tawny Owl, 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, 34 Goldcrest, 78 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, a Redstart, 12 Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper and 4 Stonechat. Flying south were 7 Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, a Collared Dove, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Skylark, 4
Swallow, 5 House Martin, 72 Starling, 3 Grey Wagtail, 6 Tree Sparrow, 27 House Sparrow, a Greenfinch and 3 Siskin; west 85 Pink-footed Goose; and north 18 Pink-footed Goose. In off the sea came a Jack Snipe.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, provided 46 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 7 Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 9 Reed Bunting, 3 Goldfinch, 6 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, a House Sparrow, 3 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Sparrowhawk; and 9 retraps: 3 Robin, a Great Tit, a Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a Wren and a Lesser Whitethroat.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Keith Collett provided 38 new birds: 4 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Blue Tit, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 6 Greenfinch, 4 Redwing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 22 retraps: 2 Blackcap, 6 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackbird, a Goldfinch, 2 Wren and a Greenfinch.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 3rd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

House Sparrow, ringed 3rd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory
In the early years of the observatory hundreds of House Sparrows were ringed every year. There has been a steady decline and now this species is not even ringed annually. 

October 2nd. 2 Richard's Pipit flew south together over the east side of the reserve in the morning. On Croftmarsh were 800 Pink-footed Goose. In West Dunes was a Yellow-browed Warbler. Birds around, including those trapped, were 42 Brent Goose, 118 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 9 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, 4 Water Rail, 18 Avocet, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Snipe, a Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Song Thrush, 18 Redwing, 14 Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, 2 Treecreeper, 6 Blackcap, 16 Chiffchaff, a Whinchat, 14 Stonechat and a Wheatear. Going south were 75 Whooper Swan, 14 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, a Scaup, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Greenshank, 8 Arctic Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Brambling; and north a Marsh Harrier, a Sooty Shearwater, 3 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua and 2 Great Skua. In off the sea came a Snipe.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, with Christine Flint and Carole Lunn, produced 46 new birds: 13 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, a Treecreeper, 2 Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, 10 Greenfinch, a Redwing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Kingfisher; and 13 retraps: a Dunnock, a Robin, a Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 2 Wren, a Blackcap, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Coal Tit and a Goldfinch.

Kingfisher, ringed 2nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Treecreeper, ringed 2nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

Treecreeper, ringed 2nd October 2019.
Photo - George Gregory

October 1st. Drizzle then rain from early morning, then increasing north-easterly wind.
 Around were 52Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 85 Teal, 55 Shoveler, 18 Little Egret, 4 Water Rail, 75 Lapwing, 63 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, a Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 7 Snipe, 12 Sandwich Tern, a Common Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 48 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Treecreeper, 13 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Stonechat and a Wheatear. On Tennyson's Sands were 319 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Spoonbill, 10 Avocet 620 Oystercatcher, 28 Knot and 5 Spotted Redshank. Heading south were 15 Brent Goose, 8 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, a Great White Egret, 11 Lapwing, 23 Arctic Skua, 3 Skua sp, 9 Great Skua, 6 Jay, 4 Rook, 16 Carrion Crow, 44 Skylark, 68 Swallow, 23 House Martin, 72 Starling, 147 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit and 3 Grey Wagtail; and north 2 Arctic Tern. In off the sea came a Jay.

Orb-weaver, 1st October 2019.

Photo - Rebecca Hardwick