Late October 2014

October 31st. The Spoonbill remained on Tennyson Sands, together with a Spotted Redshank. Also around were a Hen Harrier, a Black Redstart and 100 Redwing. Heading south were 12 Whooper Swan.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 32 new birds: a Wren, 5 Long-tailed Tit, a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Dunnock, 3 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush and 15 Blackbird; the 3 retraps were singles of Dunnock, Wren and Goldcrest.

Black Redstart, 31 October 2014. (Please note out of date sign.)
Photo - Philip Millns
October 30th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Spoonbill, a Woodcock, a Merlin, a Water Rail, 200 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling and 2 Bullfinch. Flying south were 16 Whooper Swan, c20 Ring-necked Parakeet and a Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, was productive.The 94 new birds were 2 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Bullfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 10 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 68 Blackbird and a Fieldfare. The 6 retraps were a Blue Tit, a Robin, 2 Dunnock, a Goldcrest and a Wren.

Fieldfare, ringed 30 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Thrushes arriving, 30 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle
Thrushes arrived, 30 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle
October 29th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Snow Bunting and a Stonechat. On Tennyson Sands was a late Garganey. South at sea went 6 Goosander and a Great Skua, and over land 6 Whooper Swan, a Brambling, 34 House Sparrow and 16 Tree Sparrow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 30 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Goldfinch, a Bullfinch, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing and 13 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Dunnock, a Reed Bunting, 3 Robin and a Blackcap.

October 28th. Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Spoonbill, a Spotted Redshank, a Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 3 Swallow, 2 Stonechat and 3 Brambling. Heading south were 3 Whooper Swan and 1000+ Woodpigeon, and west 15 Pink-footed Goose.
A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock and a Redwing; and a retrap Dunnock.

October 27th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier and a Brambling. On Tennyson Sands were 6 Whooper Swan and a Kingfisher. Flying south offshore were a Balearic Shearwater and a large Skua Sp, south over land 4 Whooper Swan, 120 Woodpigeon and 2 Collared Dove, and west over land 110 Pink-footed Goose.
 No ringing was attempted.

October 26th. Quite strong south-westerly wind.
 Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Hen Harrier, 2 Stonechat, a Brambling and 7000 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 3 Goldeneye, and on Tennyson Sands a Spotted Redshank. Going south were 350 Woodpigeon, 110 Pink-footed Goose and eventually 30 Whooper Swan.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Georgina Scott, provided just 3 new birds: singles of Reed Bunting, Goldfinch and Song Thrush.

October 25th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaff and 800 Pink-footed Goose. Offshore was a Grey Phalarope. Heading south were 8 Whooper Swan, a Jay over Aylmer and 1500 Skylark.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Robin, a Great Tit, 4 Dunnock and a Redwing; and 7 retraps: a Great Tit, a Redwing, a Blackbird, a Dunnock, 2 Wren and a Robin.
  Meanwhile, Mick Briggs managed to get the nets over at the feeding station open by 9.30am after rushing down from an early start at work. The catch was fairly healthy though, despite him having to rush off again at 12.30pm - 33 new birds and 14 retraps. The new birds were 10 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Coal Tit and singles of Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Robin. The retraps were 5 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit and singles of Coal Tit, Greenfinch and Robin.

October 24th. Birds around included a Rough-legged Buzzard, 4 Merlin, 2 Hen Harrier, a Ring Ouzel, a Firecrest, a Jay and 10 Stonechat. Flying south were 4 Swallow and 57 Whooper Swan. A Puffin landed on the sea.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Goldfinch and 3 Blackbird; and 7 retraps: a Robin, 2 Blackbird, a Redwing, a Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Wren.

October 23rd. Around were 2 Jay, a Merlin, a Brambling, 5 Siskin and 2 Stonechat. On Jackson's Marsh were 4 Goldeneye. South at sea went 3 Grey Phalarope, 3 Pomarine Skua, 6 Little Gull, 12 Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, a Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley and Jenni Godber, provided 21 new birds: 12 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 7 retraps: 2 Robin, a Blackbird and 4 Goldcrest.

October 22nd. Birds around included a Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, 700 Pink-footed Goose, a Ring Ouzel, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Kingfisher, 7 Bullfinch, 2 House Martin and 3 Swallow. On Tennyson Sands was a Spoonbill. Heading south were 30 Whooper Swan, and west 5 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley and Geoffrey Knight, resulted in 54 new birds: 21 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Robin, 2 Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, a Great Tit, a Bullfinch, 4 Dunnock, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 3 Blackbird; and 9 retraps: 5 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Wren and a Blackbird.

October 21st. Very strong westerly wind, intermittent rain.
 Flying south offshore were 3 Grey Phalarope, a Pomarine Skua, 2 Whooper Swan and a Great Northern Diver; and south over land were 4 Siskin. Around were a Rough-legged Buzzard (different bird),  a Ruff, 3 Goldcrest, a Short-eared Owl and 3 Hen Harrier. On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill and 9 Whooper Swan (which flew south later).
 No ringing was possible.

Mid October 2014

October 20th. Around were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Hen Harrier and a Green Woodpecker. On Jackson's Marsh were a Spoonbill and 2 Pintail. Visible southward migration involved 16 Whooper Swan, 308 Chaffinch, a Sparrowhawk, 793 Goldfinch, 66 Greenfinch, 142 Reed Bunting, 143 Rock Pipit, 65 Stock Dove, 16 Swallow, 30 House Sparrow, 46 Siskin, 341 Meadow Pipit, 56 Brambling, 18 Alba Wagtail, 233 Linnet, 692 Tree Sparrow, 230 Skylark, 9 Snipe, 5 Yellowhammer, 19 Carrion Crow, 9 Rook, a Goosander and 2300 Woodpigeon. In came 12 Redwing.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 35 new birds: a Long-tailed Tit, 17 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Chaffinch, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Bullfinch, a Stonechat, a Greenfinch, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 3 retrap Robins.

Bullfinch, ringed 20 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Stonechat, ringed 20 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 19th. Increasing south-westerly wind in morning, decreasing later.
 Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 1+ Rough-legged Buzzard, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Hen Harrier and a Kingfisher. Offshore were 12 Grey Phalarope. On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. South went 142 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Tree Sparrow, 10 Redpoll sp, 2 House Martin and 4 Swallow.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 30 new birds: a Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Wren, a Blue Tit, a Redwing, a Robin and 2 Goldcrest.
  A restricted morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in 71 new birds and 26 retraps. The new birds were 27 Goldfinch, 21 Goldcrest, 14 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap and singles of Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch and Brambling. The retraps were 7 Goldcrest, 7 Great Tit, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and singles of Blackcap, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Spoonbill, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Peregrine, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Merlin, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Hen Harrier, 19 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
October 18th. Strong south-westerly wind, occasional light rain.
 A Pectoral Sandpiper was photographed on the beach. Around were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 60 Redwing and 2 Coal Tit. Offshore were 15 Grey Phalarope (including some heading south). Also heading south were 26 Swallow, a Snow Bunting, 2 Sparrowhawk, a Red-necked Grebe, 250 Wigeon, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Skua, 9 Little Gull and a Velvet Scoter. In came 30 Redwing and 300 Dunlin.
 No ringing was possible.

Pectoral Sandpiper, 18 October 2014.
Photo - Colin Perry
Rough-legged Buzzard, 18 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle
Rough-legged Buzzard, 18 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle
Rough-legged Buzzard, 18 October 2014.
Photo - James Siddle
October 17th. Birds around included 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, 400 Pink-footed Goose, a Jay, 2 Coal Tit, a Treecreeper, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Stonechat and a Hen Harrier. On Jackson's Marsh was a Jack Snipe. Flying south were 2 Swallow and 2 House Martin, and west 185 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 66 new birds: 51 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush, a Redwing and 5 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Robin and Wren.

October 16th. Around were a Spoonbill, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Stonechat, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 20 Tree Sparrow, 6 Rook, a Black Redstart, 2 Wheatear, a House Sparrow (scarce here now), 2 Bullfinch, a Spotted Redshank, a Hen Harrier, 6 Greenshank and a Jack Snipe. South went 15 Jay, 7 Whooper Swan, 155 Goldfinch, 9 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 14 Swallow, a House Martin and 32 Reed Bunting.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 58 new birds: 23 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 8 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 13 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Sparrowhawk; and 7 retraps: 5 Robin, a Blackbird and a Great Tit.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 16 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 15th. Around were 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, 2 Great Grey Shrike, 3 Little Gull, a Shorelark, a Woodcock, a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 40 Ring Ouzel, 500 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Black Redstart, 10 Siskin and 60 Brambling. Heading south/south-east were 4 Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Gull, 3 Great Skua and 200 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, was productive. The 91 new birds were a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 39 Goldcrest, 20 Robin, 9 Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, a Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird, a Mistle Thrush and a Sparrowhawk. The 13 retraps were 6 Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Blackcap and a Dunnock. Also caught was a Blackcap with a Slovakian ring.

Mistle Thrush, ringed 15 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 14th. A Radde's Warbler was discovered in the Plantation. A Spoonbill flew from Jackson's Marsh towards the estuary. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 5+ Yellow-browed Warbler, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Great Grey Shrike, a Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 2+ Long-eared Owl, 3 Jay, a Green Woodpecker, a Pied Flycatcher, 15 Ring Ouzel, 25+ Brambling, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 6 Stonechat, a Purple Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock. Flying south were 2 Great Northern Diver, 25 Little Gull, 11 Whooper Swan and 3 Velvet Scoter, and north 2 Shag, 9 Great Skua and 2 Velvet Scoter.
 A long ringing session in East Dunes was very productive. The 190 new birds were 52 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 62 Robin, 17 Blackcap, 2 Brambling, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Dunnock, 12 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 17 Blackbird, a Great Grey Shrike and a Woodcock. Other birds caught were a retrap Wren and a Blackcap with a Danish ring.

Radde's Warbler in the Plantation, 14th October 2014.
Photo - Kevin Wilson
Great Grey Shrike, ringed 14 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Woodcock, ringed 14 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 13th. Strong north-easterly wind, gusting even stronger, rain most of day.
 Around were 30 Redwing and a Jack Snipe. Sea-watching produced a Sooty Shearwater south.
 No ringing was possible.

October 12th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in West Dunes. Also around were 2 Lapland Bunting, a late Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling. On the Mere was a Kingfisher. Heading west were 30 Pink-footed Goose and a Whooper Swan, and south 25 Stock Dove and 8 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 24 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Dunnock, a Redwing and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retraps: singles of Wren and Robin.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 44 new birds and 17 retraps. The new birds were 15 Goldfinch, 7 Greenfinch, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 3 Blackcap and a Dunnock. The retraps were 4 Great Tit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Goldcrest and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Greenfinch and Dunnock.
A foggy start to the day, 12th October 2014.
Photo - David Vincent.
Redwing, ringed 12 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 11th. In the Plantation was a Yellow-browed Warbler. Around were a Purple Sandpiper, 5 Stonechat, a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl. On Tennyson Sands were a Spotted Redshank and 3 Greenshank. Flying west were 470 Pink-footed Goose, and south 2 Lapland Bunting, 4 Jay, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 3 Whooper Swan and 8 Brambling.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 40 new birds: 20 Goldcrest, 5 Wren, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, a Reed Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; 10 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit and a Robin; and a control (ringed elsewhere) Robin.
  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue Mick Briggs was back at the feeding station for a morning only session which resulted in 73 new birds and just 10 retraps over just over four hours' ringing.
  The new birds were 33 Goldcrest, 14 Goldfinch, 11 Greenfinch, 6 Great Tit, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Robin and Dunnock. The retraps were 4 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 2 Goldcrest, a single Goldfinch and a single Greenfinch.

Early October 2014

October 10th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Birds around included a Wheatear. Heading south were a Richard's Pipit, a Woodlark, 2 Jay, 766 Wood Pigeon, 860 Linnet, 690 Goldfinch, 119 Chaffinch, 87 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll Sp, a Brambling, 485 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 351 Reed Bunting, 253 Skylark, 62 Tree Sparrow, 12 House Sparrow, 21 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Merlin, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Dunnock, a Great Tit and 6 Rook; and north 140 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 14 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, and singles of Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Song Thrush and Jay; and 3 retraps: 2 Goldcrest and a Wren.

Jay, ringed 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
High tide over New Saltmarsh, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
High tide near Bird Observatory, 10 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 9th. Strong south-westerly wind.
 The Spoonbill flew from Tennyson Sands to Jackson's Marsh. Remaining on Tennyson Sands were 7 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Around were 400 Brent Goose and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 9 Jay and 400 Goldfinch.
 A final check of the owl boxes revealed an adult male Barn Owl in primary moult. No other ringing was possible.

Wing of adult male Barn Owl in primary moult, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
High tide approaching Bird Observatory, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
South Car Park cut off, 9 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 8th. Increasing south-easterly wind, occasional light rain from mid morning.
 On Tennyson Sands were a Spoonbill, 4 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Pintail and a Water Rail. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the beach. Going south were 36 Pink-footed Goose, a Common Buzzard, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Swallow, and west another 38 Pink-footed Goose. At sea the only birds of any note were 2 Great Skua, a Little Gull, a Red-breasted Merganser and 9 Eider south.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 5 new birds: 3 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 2 retrap Robin.

Sea defences strengthened by the Environment Agency, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Sea defences strengthened by the Environment Agency, 8 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
October 7th. Increasing south-westerly wind, occasional light rain.
 Around were 350 Goldfinch, a Cetti's Warbler, a Kingfisher, 5 Greenshank, 2 Brambling and a Black Redstart. On Tennyson Sands were 329 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 2 Pintail, a Ruff and a Spoonbill.  Heading south were 5 Jay (which then U-turned), a Lapland Bunting, 7 Chaffinch, 13 Linnet, a Song Thrush, 3 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 15 Tree Sparrow and 7 Meadow Pipit. A sea-watch from 0715 to 1000hrs saw 1245 Wigeon, 698 Brent Goose, 228 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 23 Pintail, 36 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, a Tufted Duck, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Gull, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot, 3 Grey Heron, a Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and a Marsh Harrier, all south. A Black-throated Diver and 7 Red-throated Diver,  flew north, whilst on the sea were an Eider and 5 Red-throated Diver. Offshore were 14 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern and 5 Commic Tern.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 12 new birds: 5 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 5 retraps: singles of Goldcrest, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap and Reed Bunting.

October 6th. Strong southerly wind. Rain from mid morning.
 On Jackson's Marsh was a Spoonbill. Around were a Jay, 3 Song Thrush, a Mediterranean Gull and 300 Brent Goose. Flying south offshore this evening were a Pomarine Skua, 6 Little Gull, 4 Arctic Tern, a Common Tern, an Arctic Skua, 4 Gannet, 2 Tufted Duck/Scaup, 50 Wigeon and 60 Brent Goose. On the sea was a Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe.
 No ringing was possible.

October 5th. Birds around included 20 Pink-footed Goose, a Kingfisher, a Brambling and a Whinchat. On Tennyson Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Heading south were 9 Jay, a Grey Wagtail, 29 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 21 Stock Dove, 30 Chaffinch and 10 Tree Sparrow and west 3 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle and Georgina Scott, provided some variety. The 23 new birds were 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 4 Robin, a Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, a Yellowhammer, 2 Song Thrush and a Sparrowhawk. The 9 retraps were 5 Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest and a Long-tailed Tit.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David and Liv Vincent resulted in 32 new birds and 17 retraps. The new birds were 18 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Chaffinch and singles of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Coal Tit. The retraps were 5 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Greenfinch.

Yellowhammer, ringed 5 October 2014.
Photo - George Gregory
Jay, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Spotted Redshank, 5 October 2014.
Photo - Russell Hayes
October 4th. Strong south-westerly wind. Light rain in afternoon.
 Around were a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands was a Ruff. Flying west were 187 Pink-footed Goose, and south 20 Swallow and 4 Little Gull.
 No ringing was attempted.

October 3rd. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 2 Chiffchaff. On Tennyson Sands were 443 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 13 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. Over the sea moving south this morning were 323 Wigeon, 161 Teal, 101 Brent Goose, 8 Pintail, 128 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Red-throated Diver, 8 Arctic Tern, 3 Arctic Skua,  3 Red-breasted Merganser and 84 Gannet. South over land went 62 Meadow Pipit, 64 Linnet, 4 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Swallow, 19 Reed Bunting, 52 Skylark and a Mistle Thrush, and west 468+ Pink-footed Goose.
 A restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, produced 7 new birds: a Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin and 2 Blackcap; and a retrap Goldcrest.

October 2nd. At North End were a Jay and a Green Woodpecker. On Tennyson Sands were 4 Greenshank, and on the Mere a Water Rail.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 11 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 4 retraps: 2 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Chaffinch.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling and Anthony Bentley yielded better results. The 35 new birds were 3 Wren, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, a Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, a Great Tit, 14 Greenfinch, a House Sparrow and 2 Dunnock. The 34 retraps were 7 Greenfinch, 8 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 10 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Wren and 2 Goldfinch.

October 1st. On Tennyson Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 4 Greenshank. A Wheatear was on North End saltings. Visible migration was evident from first light. Heading south were 8 Pink-footed Goose (from Tennyson Sands), 8 Snipe, 340 Woodpigeon, a Collared Dove, 2 Stock Dove, 211 Skylark, 395 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 133 Swallow, 54 House Martin, 47 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Dunnock, a Song Thrush, a Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 8 Blue Tit, 8 Jay (of which 1 U-turned), 16 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 153 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 9 Tree Sparrow, 224 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 775 Linnet, 286 Goldfinch, 26 Greenfinch, 193 Reed Bunting and a Lapland Bunting. At sea a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver and 7 Gannet went north. 4 Red-throated Diver were on the sea.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Anthony Bentley, provided 20 new birds: 14 Goldcrest, a Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Robin, a Chaffinch and a Greenfinch; and 3 retraps: a Wren and 2 Chaffinch.