Late October 2020

October 31st. Strong southerly wind.

 Around were 16 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000+ Pink-footed Goose, 2 Woodcock, a Redwing and 3 Song Thrush. Going south were a Goldeneye, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and 1180 Herring Gull.

October 30th.   Quite strong south-westerly wind.

 Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1600 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, a Treecreeper, 5 Redwing and 2 Stonechat. 

 A Common Redpoll was at the southern end of Seacroft Golf Course (Richard Scott).

Great White Egret, 30 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Massey

October 29th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with rain from mid morning until mid afternoon.

 Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1660 Pink-footed Goose, 18 Whooper Swan, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Stonechat and 4 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 12 Whooper Swan, a Singing Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 5 Whooper Swan, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver and 5 Gannet.

Pink-footed Geese, 29 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Pink-footed Goose, 29th October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Little Grebe, 29th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Ringing control: 

Goldcrest, ringed GPBO 2 October 2020, controlled Bawdsey, Suffolk 10 October 2020.

October 28th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

 Birds around included 210 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, 2 Goldcrest, a late, scruffy-looking Garden Warbler, 10 Redwing, 2 Stonechat. Flying south were 30 Whooper Swan, 1280 Woodpigeon, 4 Swallow, a Woodlark, a Crossbill, a Bullfinch and 52 Siskin.

Garden Warbler, 28th October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Whooper Swans, 28th October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ringing control: 

Blackcap, ringed GPBO 9 November 2019, controlled Kilnsea, East Yorkshire 27 October 2020.

October 27th. Increasing south-westerly wind, with rain from mid morning.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 90 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Goldcrest, a Song Thrush and 6 Blackbird. Going south were 14 Whooper Swan, a Swallow, 10 Brambling and 25 Siskin.

 A wind- and rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 7 new birds: a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Wren, 3 Blackbird, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Jack Snipe, 27th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

October 26th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 36 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Pink-footed Goose, 61 Pintail, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 8 Redwing and 6 Song Thrush. Heading southsouthwest were 5 Egyptian Goose; and south 21 Whooper Swan, 4 Snipe, 2 Swallow, a House Martin, a Whinchat, 9 Redwing, 16 Brambling and 119 Siskin.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 14 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blue Tit, a Blackcap, 4 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and a Blackbird.

Whinchat, 26 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Massey

October 25th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind, slowly decreasing.

 Around were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Water Rail, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin, 2 Redwing and 5 Stonechat. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Snipe; and on the sea 3 Red-breasted Merganser. Flying south were 6 Pink-footed Goose, a Scaup, 300 Lapwing, 4 Great Skua, 2000 Woodpigeon, 3 Swallow and many finches and pipits; and north a Buzzard. The Starling roost numbered 60000.

Barnacle Goose and Pink-footed Goose, 25th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

Shoveler, 25th October 2020
Photo - Steve Clippo

Jack Snipe, 25th October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Snipe, 25th October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

October 24th. Increasingly strong southerly wind.

 Birds around included 114 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Peregrine and 2 Merlin. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Snipe. Going south were 3 Whooper Swan and 4 Great Skua.

October 23rd. Rain until mid morning, then soggy.

 Around, including birds trapped, were 113 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. On the Mere were a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler; and on Tennyson's Sands 121 Pink-footed Goose, a Water Rail, a Bearded Tit and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Heading south were 3 White-fronted Goose, 350 Pink-footed Goose, 73 Whooper Swan, 400 Golden Plover, 4 Swallow, 45 Fieldfare, 41 Redwing, 8 Brambling, 11 Crossbill, a Lapland Bunting and many other finches, larks and pipits; east 3 Barnacle Goose; west 2 Goosander; and north a Lapland Bunting.

 A brief rain-delayed morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 6 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Blackcap and a Redwing; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Blue Tit.

Jack Snipe, 23rd October 2020
Video - Kev Wilson

Whooper Swans, 23rd October 2020
Video - Kev Wilson

October 22nd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 650 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 11 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and a Water Pipit. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Flying south were 7 Whooper Swan, 2 Bearded Tit, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 52 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 5 Grey Wagtail, 39 Brambling, 162 Siskin and 64 Crossbill; and southeast 2 Bean Goose. To roost went 45000 Starling. In the morning two visiting birders had brief views of what they took to be a Glossy Ibis over Tennyson's Sands, which then went out east.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, a Lesser Redpoll, a Blue Tit, 3 Redwing and a Blackbird; and 4 retraps: a Robin, a Goldcrest and 2 Blackbird.

Marsh Harrier, 22nd October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 21st. Rain for almost all of day. Very little coverage.

 On the Mere was a Jack Snipe.

Mid October 2020

October 20th. Fairly strong southerly wind, slowly decreasing.

 The Dusky Warbler remained in West Dunes. A probable male Parrot Crossbill flew south. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe and a Snipe. Around were 40 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2050 Pink-footed Goose, 2 White-fronted Goose, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Kingfisher, a Merlin, 29 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing, 9 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling. Also flying south were 4 Snipe and a Crossbill; and north a Black-throated Diver and a Gannet.

Snipe, 20 October 2020.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Sparrowhawk, 20 October 2020.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Ringing Controls: 

Blackbird, ringed North Somercotes, Lincolnshire 16 October 2018, controlled GPBO 16 October 2020

Coal Tit, ringed Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire 12 October 2020, controlled GPBO 14 October 2020

October 19th. The Dusky Warbler was still present in West Dunes. On the Mere was a Jack Snipe. Birds around, including those trapped, were 56 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 600 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 12 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and a Brambling. Going south were 9 Swallow and 4 House Martin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 5 new birds: a Wren, a Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 9 retraps: a Blackcap, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Chiffchaff and 2 Wren. 

Dusky Warbler, 19th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Jack Snipe, 19th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Fieldfare and Song Thrush, 19th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 18th. The Dusky Warbler was still present in West Dunes. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe. Offshore were a Great Skua and a Goldeneye. The morning high tide roost involved 100,000 waders, mostly Knot but also 9000 Oystercatcher, 7000 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6000 Dunlin and 1500 Sanderling. Around, including birds trapped, were 110 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 500 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, 9 Goldcrest, a late Sedge Warbler and 2 Blackcap. Finch passage included Siskin, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Brambling and 28 Crossbill. Also heading south were a 10 Swallow, a House Martin, 60 Rock Pipit and a Lapland Bunting

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 60 new birds: 2 Wren, 9 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting, a Blackcap, 20 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Great Tit, 3 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 6 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 5 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Blackcap. 

Sedge Warbler, ringed 18 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

October 17th. The Dusky Warbler remained in West Dunes all day. Birds around, including those trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 320 Wigeon, 3 Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, 29 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler (Mere Bridge), a Siberian Chiffchaff, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 350 Fieldfare, 150 Blackbird, 500 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat, a Swallow, 9 Brambling, 2 Crossbill and a Lapland Bunting. In off the sea came a Woodcock; and south went 45 Whooper Swan, 6 Crossbill and 6 Siskin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 63 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Stonechat, a Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 8 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 24 Blackbird, a Woodcock and a Sparrowhawk; and 11 retraps: a Blackcap, a Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 3 Goldcrest, a Dunnock, a Robin and 2 Long-tailed Tit.

Dusky Warbler, 17 October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Dusky Warbler, 17 October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Stonechat, ringed 17 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Brambling, ringed 17 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Woodcock, ringed 17 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 17 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

October 16th. A vocal but elusive Dusky Warbler was discovered in West Dunes. Again several hundred Redwing and some Blackbird and Song Thrush arrived overnight then mostly cleared out westward early morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 400 Pink-footed Goose, 60 Pintail, a Sparrowhawk, 13 Woodcock, 17 Goldcrest, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Halfway Sycamores, 1 Sleeper Track, 1 Sykes Farm, 1 Gibraltar Road edge north of Aylmer Avenue), a Willow Warbler, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Wheatear, a Black Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 30 Brambling, 35 Crossbill, a Hawfinch (mobile) and a Lapland Bunting. Offshore were a Velvet Scoter and a Long-tailed Skua. On the Mere were 2 Jack Snipe. Heading north was a Swallow; and south were 300 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 44 new birds: 16 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 4 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, 10 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush and 4 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Redwing and a Blackbird.

Dusky Warbler, 16 October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Black Redstart, 16 October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Long-tailed Skua, 16 October 2020.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Fieldfare, 16 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Muntjac in Decoy, 16 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Dune Cup (Peziza ammophila), 16 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

October 15th. Quite strong north-easterly wind, slowly decreasing.

 Several hundred Redwing arrived then mostly departed west. In off the sea came 4 Short-eared Owl. Birds around, including those trapped, were 72 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Barnacle Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Scaup, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, a Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe (1 Mere, 1 New Saltmarsh), a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 120 Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler (East Dunes), 4 Blackcap, a Redstart, 2 Black Redstart (Visitor Centre), 5 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel (East Dunes), 9599 Starling, 2 Twite, 30 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting. Flying north were a Great Northern Diver, a Swallow and 4 Crossbill; and south 2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 770 Pink-footed Goose, a Raven, 3 Swallow and a House Martin.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 24 new birds: 7 Goldcrest, 4 Blackcap, a Robin, 8 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: a Wren, a Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

Waders, 15 October 2020.
Photo - Chris Martin
Waders, 15 October 2020.
Photo - Chris Martin

Wheatear, 15th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Rainbow, 15 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Starling roost, 15 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 14th. Increasing north-easterly wind.

 A Barred Warbler was trapped in East Dunes and ringed; after release it was on Storm Ridge. Around, including birds trapped, were 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000 Pink-footed Goose, 49 Pintail (water bodies), 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Jack Snipe (1 Mere, 1 East Dunes), a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Peregrine, 120+ Goldcrest, a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 500 Redwing(including many then west), 18 Fieldfare, 4 Ring Ouzel, a Black Redstart (Visitor Centre), 7 Stonechat, 22 Siskin and 30 Brambling (including several south). In off the sea came a Short-eared Owl. Heading north offshore were 2 Goldeneye, a Velvet Scoter, a Great Skua, an Arctic Skua and a Great Northern Diver; and south 2 Great Skua.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 139 new birds: a Wren, 59 Goldcrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 6 Long-tailed Tit, a Chiffchaff, a Chaffinch, a Brambling, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 8 Reed Bunting, a Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, a Coal Tit, a Barred Warbler, a Dunnock, 7 Song Thrush, 16 Redwing and 28 Blackbird; 6 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, a Goldcrest and a Robin; and a control Coal Tit.

Brambling, ringed 14 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 14 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Barred Warbler, ringed 14 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Firecrest, ringed 14 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing Control: Lesser Whitethroat, ringed GPBO 6 October 2020, controlled Wassenaar, Netherlands 9 October 2020.

October 13th. Rain until early morning, then soggy.

 An arrival of thrushes involved 800 Redwing and lesser numbers of Fieldfares, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes. Birds around included 45 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Pintail, 4 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Gibraltar Road side, 1 Mill Hill), a Chiffchaff, 30 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 3 Ring Ouzel and a Song Thrush. Going west were 2 Fieldfare; and east a Lapland Bunting.

Small Copper, 13 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

October 12th. Around, including birds trapped, were 34 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3000+ Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, a Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 6 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush. Heading south were 19 Whooper Swan.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 32 new birds: 3 Wren, a Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blackcap, a Robin, a Linnet, 2 Great Tit, a Reed Bunting, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Blackbird, a Starling and a Sparrowhawk; and a retrap Robin.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 12 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 12 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

October 11th. Most of about 500 Redwing and of about 100 Blackbird cleared out westward shortly after dawn, having roosted overnight. Also flying west were a Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk; south 9 Brambling and 2 Siskin; and north 2 Goldeneye, a Great Skua and an Arctic Skua. An arrival of Blackcap involved 80 along East Dunes. On the Mere was Water Rail. Birds around, including those trapped, were 80 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2000 Pink-footed Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Spotted Redshank, a Short-eared Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Red-breasted Flycatcher (near Shovelers Pool), a Ring Ouzel, a Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 5 Brambling, a Hawfinch (near Mill Hill) and 11 Crossbill

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 44 new birds: a Wren, a Blackcap, a Robin, a Goldfinch, 6 Great Tit, a Dunnock, 12 Redwing and 21 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Robins.

 A short morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by James Siddle yielded 5 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird.

Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Wheatear, 11 October 2020.
Photo - Nige Lound

Hawfinch, 11 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Red-breasted Flycatcher, 11 October 2020.
Photo - Owen Beaumont

Early October 2020

October 10th. Rain from mid to late morning, then in mid afternoon.

 In the afternoon 2764 Redwing came in from the east, with many continuing west. Birds around, including those trapped, were 30 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Great White Egret, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 16 Stonechat, 5 Fieldfare, a Ring Ouzel and 2 Song Thrush. Going south from were 17 Whooper Swan, a Great Skua, a Hen Harrier, 9 Buzzard, 4 Sparrowhawk, 20 Crossbill and 2 Lapland Bunting.

 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 24 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and 2 Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Robin.

Redwing, 10 October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle


October 9th.
 A Bluethroat was discovered at the saltings edge near North Building, but disappeared into thick cover mate morning. Around, including birds trapped, were 1500 Pink-footed Goose, a Sparrowhawk, 12 Goldcrest, 10 Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, 8 Song Thrush, 7 Stonechat and 2 Treecreeper.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 43 new birds: 6 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Chaffinch, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock and 3 Song Thrush; and 6 retraps: 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Chiffchaff.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 27 new birds: 5 Wren, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 3 Robin, 4 Blackcap, a Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: a Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Dunnock, 4 Wren, a Blue Tit, a Goldcrest and a Treecreeper.

Treecreeper, ringed 9th October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

October 8th. Fairly strong westerly wind, slowly decreasing, with rain until mid morning.

 Birds around, including those trapped, were 37 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1730 Pink-footed Goose, 36 Shoveler, 2 Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Grey Heron, a Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 12 House Martin, 56 Goldcrest, 41 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 3000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 3 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 6 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit, a Water Pipit, 22 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting. On Jackson's Marsh were a Pintail and a Water Rail. Flying south was a Swallow.

 A brief, weather-delayed ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn resulted in 5 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Robin and a Dunnock.

 A short, weather delayed ringing session at Aylmer Avenue resulted in 26 new birds: 16 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Great Tit, a Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 10 retraps: 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and a Blackcap.

October 7th. Increasing south-westerly wind.

 Visible migration highlights included 28 Whooper Swan, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, an Osprey, a Great White Egret, a Spoonbill, 3 Hawfinch, 5 Crossbill and 4 Lapland Bunting all south. Around, including birds trapped, were 1400 Pink-footed Goose, 8 Whooper Swan,  a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 37 Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, 28 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 22 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, a Ring Ouzel, 23 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 6 Stonechat and a Crossbill.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 31 new birds: 3 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, a Cetti's Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 3 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock, 4 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 2 retraps: a Blackcap and a Robin.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 58 new birds: 8 Chiffchaff, 4 Wren, 13 Goldcrest, 14 Blackcap, 4 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 9 Song Thrush and 2 Redwing; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird and a Wren.

Spoonbill and Whooper Swans, 7 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Whooper Swans, 7 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Cetti's Warbler, ringed 7 October 2020.
Photo - Christine Flint

Ringing Control: Blackcap, ringed GPBO 17 August 2020, controlled Lancing, West Sussex 5 October 2020.

October 6th. A Hawfinch flew south over Beach Car Park in the morning. Other highlights moving south included 55 Whooper Swan, 68 House Martin, a Ring Ouzel, 4 Tree Pipit and 8 Crossbill. Birds around, including those trapped, were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Whooper Swan, 51 Pintail, a Water Rail, 175 Lapwing, 300 Golden Plover, 8 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a Grey Heron, 16 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier,a ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 6 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Hobby,  5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 62 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 24 Blackcap, a Firecrest, 52 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 4000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 49 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 7 Redstart, a Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Water Pipit, a Brambling and a Crossbill

 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn produced 52 new birds: 12 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Goldcrest, 11 Blackcap, 4 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Linnet, a Great Tit, 3 Dunnock and 6 Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: a Willow Warbler, a Redwing and a Robin.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 38 new birds: 13 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Willow Warbler, 3 Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, a Dunnock and 2 Song Thrush; and 10 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Blue Tit, a Chiffchaff and a Treecreeper.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Brambling, 6 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 October 2020.
Photo - Christine Flint

October 5th. Soggy start.

 An excellent day for visible migration with 5 Shelduck, 28 Pintail, 5 Golden Plover, 7 Snipe, a Great White Egret, 4 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 44 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 11 Jackdaw, 108 Swallow, 699 Skylark, 16 Redwing, 45 Alba Wagtail, 17 Grey Wagtail, 571 Meadow Pipit, 52 Rock Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 244 Chaffinch, 1210 Linnet, 1213 Redpoll, 80 Crossbill, 481 Siskin, 437 Reed Bunting and a Yellowhammer all south. Around, including birds trapped, were 60 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Pintail, a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2  Tawny Owl, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 8 Kestrel, a Merlin, a Hobby, 52 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 34 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 75 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, 2 Treecreeper, 1600 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 28 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 34 Song Thrush, 71 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 8 Redstart, 12 Stonechat,12 Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 4 Brambling, 90 Redpoll sp, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 40 Siskin and a Corn Bunting. On the Mere were a Water Rail and a Jack Snipe; and on Tennyson's Sands 3 Ruff and a Little Stint

 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn yielded 75 new birds: 9 Chiffchaff, 17 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Wren, 12 Blackcap, a Great Tit, 5 Robin, 8 Reed Bunting, 8 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, a Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, a Whitethroat, 5 Dunnock and 3 Song Thrush; and 9 retraps: 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Blackcap, and 2 Goldcrest.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue yielded 18 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Goldcrest, a Dunnock, 2 Robin and a Chiffchaff.

Jack Snipe, 5th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Hobby, 5th October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Red Fox, 5th October 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

October 4th. A Honey Buzzard was seen to the north of the reserve in the morning and later flew south over the reserve. Birds around, including those trapped, were a 73 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 180 Wigeon, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Tawny Owl, a Merlin, 9 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Willow Warbler, 31 Chiffchaff, 36 Blackcap, 45 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 8 Ring Ouzel, 101 Song Thrush, 35 Redwing, 9 Redstart, a Pied Flycatcher (East Dunes), a Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Tree Pipit, 3 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting. Heading south were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 11 Swallow, 29 Brambling, 20 Redpoll sp, 22 Crossbill, 46 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting; and north 75 Pink-footed Goose. On the Mere were 29 Pintail and a Jack Snipe.

 A long ringing session in East Dunes by Christine Flint and Carole Lunn provided 109 new birds: 7 Chiffchaff, 20 Goldcrest, a Redstart, 29 Robin, 19 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Brambling, 2 Dunnock, 22 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Blackcap, a Blue Tit, a Long-tailed Tit and a Great Tit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue provided 35 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 4 Robin, 3 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, a Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 17 Song Thrush, a Redwing and a Sparrowhawk; and 13 retraps: 2 Wren, 5 Blue Tit, a Robin, 4 Great Tit and a Long-tailed Tit.

Jack Snipe, 4th October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Tree Pipit, 4th October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Yellow-browed Warbler, 4th October 2020.
Photo - James Siddle

Redstart, 4 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Redwing, 4 October 2020.
Photo - Paul Johnson

Sparrowhawk, ringed 4 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

October 3rd. Fairly strong north-easterly wind, with rain for most of day.

 Around, and arriving through the day, were 70 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 11 Pintail, 127 Teal, 6 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, 28 Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, 9 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 4 Willow Warbler, 36 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Gibraltar Road north of the reserve), 12 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, a Barred Warbler (East Dunes), 28 Blackcap, 71 Goldcrest, 3 Treecreeper, 1200 Starling, 12 Ring Ouzel, 37 Blackbird, 148 Redwing, 314 Song Thrush, 108 Robin, 7 Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, a Red-breasted Flycatcher (briefly at the south east corner of the Golf Course), a Whinchat, 17 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 3 Tree Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 40 Brambling, a Hawfinch (Plantation), 28 Redpoll, 2 Crossbill and 25 Siskin. On Tennyson's Sands were 51 Pintail, 1520 Teal, a Water Rail, 15 Avocet, 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 3 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank; and on Croftmarsh 3 Water Pipit. Flying south were 8 Swallow; west 13 Grey Heron and a Short-eared Owl; and north over the sea a Scaup.

Redstart, 3rd October 2020
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Short-eared Owl, 3rd October 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

October 2nd. Increasing easterly wind. 

 In the morning a Hawfinch flew over Sykes Farm and into the Plantation, where there were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler. Flying north over the sea was a Pomarine Skua. On Tennyson's Sands were 19 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Birds around, including those trapped, were 1100 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Snipe, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 5 Kestrel, 13 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 29 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 3000 Starling, 6 Redwing, 11 Song Thrush, 18 Robin, a Redstart, 6 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Brambling, 28 Redpoll sp and 15 Siskin.

 A wind-shortened morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue produced 16 new birds: 2 Wren, 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit and 2 Song Thrush; and 7 retraps: a Wren, 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit and a Chiffchaff.

Wheatear, 2nd October 2020.
Photo - Ben Ward

Ringing Control: Blackcap, ringed GPBO 24 April 2019, controlled Titchfield Haven, Hampshire 19 September 2020.

October 1st. On Tennyson's Sands were 17 Pintail, 2 Water Rail, 9 Avocet, a Grey Plover, a Ringed Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 3 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Around, including birds trapped, were 2000 Pink-footed Goose, 43 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 675 Teal, 22 Grey Heron (single flock on the beach), 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 2 Tawny Owl, 2 Kingfisher, 3 Green Woodpecker, 6 Kestrel, a Willow Warbler, 30 Chiffchaff, 9 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 Tennyson's Sands Cycle Track, 1 West Dunes Sycamores, 4 Plantation, 1 North Building Ridge, 1 East Dunes Central), 6 Blackcap, 40 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 4000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel (Plantation), a Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 17 Song Thrush, 36 Robin, 4 Stonechat, a Water Pipit (over Fenland Lagoon), a Brambling, 55 Redpoll sp, 3 Crossbill, 35 Siskin and 5 Lapland Bunting. Heading south were 4 Snipe, 13 Carrion Crow, 118 Skylark, 5 Tree Sparrow, 14 Alba Wagtail, 74 Meadow Pipit, 23 Chaffinch, 16 Linnet, 23 Redpoll sp, 28 Goldfinch, 4 Crossbill, 71 Siskin and 38 Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 36 new birds: a Wren, 12 Goldcrest, a Robin, 3 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 9 Great Tit, a Blackcap, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush, 2 Kingfisher and a Magpie; and 8 retraps: 2 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and a Reed Bunting.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling resulted in 16 new birds: a Wren, 5 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, a Blue Tit, a Robin, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Great Tit; and 3 retraps: a Blue Tit and 2 Blackcap.

Heron flock on beach, 1 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ring Ouzel, 1 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Ring Ouzel, 1 October 2020.
Photo - Kevin Wilson

Kingfisher, ringed 1 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory

Kingfisher, ringed 1 October 2020.
Photo - George Gregory