Late October 2015

October 31st. Around, including birds trapped, were a Rough-legged Buzzard, a Peregrine, 2 Hen Harrier, 3 Black Redstart, 55 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 drake Pintail, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Stonechat, a Blackcap, 50 Pink-footed Goose, 30000 Knot and 1800 Golden Plover. On Jackson's Marsh were 5 Ruff, and on Tennyson Sands 5 Avocet, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and a Ruff. Going south were 3 Goosander, a Hawfinch, a Corn Bunting, and numbers of Brambling and Siskin, and south-east 35 Pink-footed Goose.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 34 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Song Thrush, 21 Blackbird and a Woodcock; and 3 retraps: singles of Wren, Robin and Goldcrest.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Rough-legged Buzzard, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Greenshank, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Brambling, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Siskin, 31st Octoner 2015.
Photo - Tony Rawson
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
Black Redstart, 31st October 2015.
Photo - Russell Hayes
October 30th. Continuing moderately strong southerly wind.
 Birds around included a Black Redstart, 2 Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Merlin, a Woodcock, 1950 Oystercatcher and 15 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were a Mediterranean Gull and a Short-eared Owl.

October 29th. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 A Pallid Harrier was seen flying south over East Dunes and then from the Wash Viewpoint. Also around were 2 Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Merlin, a Peregrine, a Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk and 75 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank. Flying south were a Whooper Swan, 20 Pink-footed Goose, 21 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 292 Wigeon, 15 Pintail, 152 Teal, 25 Pochard, 2 Scaup, 5 Red-breasted Merganser and a Black-throated Diver; and west 50 Pink-footed Goose.

Pallid Harrier, 29th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
Pallid Harrier, 29th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
October 28th. Rain from mid morning.
 Birds around, including those trapped, were a Woodcock, a Chiffchaff, 200+ Fieldfare, 150+ Redwing, 5 Brambling, 42 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 4 Rock Pipit and a Peregrine.

 A brief morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Bunting, a Redwing, a Song Thrush, a Fieldfare and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Song Thrush, a Dunnock and 3 Goldcrest.

High tide near Bird Observatory, 28th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 27th. Around were 2 Black Redstart, 166 Pink-footed Goose, 700 Redwing, 50 Fieldfare, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Pochard, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, a Water Rail, a Treecreeper and a Kingfisher.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 21 new birds: 10 Goldcrest, a Goldfinch, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird and 3 Starling; and 7 retraps: 5 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Robin.

October 26th. Birds around included 2 Black Redstart, a Merlin, a Hen Harrier, 700 Pink-footed Goose, 37 Stock Dove, a Green Woodpecker, a Fieldfare and 160 Redwing. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank, and on Jackson's Marsh 4 Ruff and a Water Pipit. Going south were 28 Whooper Swan and 3 Fieldfare.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 18 new birds: 16 Goldcrest, a Goldfinch and a Blackbird; and a retrap Goldcrest.

October 25th. Birds around included 700 Pink-footed Goose, 780 Brent Goose, 3 Merlin, a Hen Harrier, a Mediterranean Gull, a Snow Bunting, a Bullfinch and 9 Redpoll. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were 41 Whooper Swan, 245 Pink-footed Goose, 960 Woodpigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Brambling, 44 Siskin, 35 Tree Sparrow, 39 Redpoll and 2 House Martin.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 21 new birds: a Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 7 Long-tailed Tit, a Lesser Redpoll, 2 Robin, a Chaffinch, 3 Great Tit, a Dunnock, a Redwing and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps:  singles of Wren, Robin and Great Tit.

October 24th. Fairly strong south-westerly wind.
 Around were 800+ Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands was a Greenshank.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 2 new Goldcrest; and 3 retraps: 2 Great Tit and a Goldcrest.

October 23rd. Flying south were 2 Serin, 44 Whooper Swan, 5 Rook and many finches and buntings. Birds around included a Firecrest, 800+ Pink-footed Goose and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Avocet and a Greenshank, and on the Mere 3 Water Rail.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 36 new birds: 18 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch, a Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, a Greenfinch, 3 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 13 retraps: 5 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, a Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest, a Wren and a Dunnock.

October 22nd. Around were a ringtail Hen Harrier, 750 Pink-footed Goose, 10 Redwing and 10 Goldcrest. On Jackson's Marsh were an Avocet and 8 Black-tailed Godwit, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Heading south were 4 Brambling.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 12 new birds: a Goldcrest, 5 Robin, a Linnet, 3 Lesser Redpoll, a Reed Bunting and a Blackbird; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Redwing, a Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest and a Blue Tit.

 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mike Polling produced 22 new birds: 3 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 4 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Great Tit, a Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch, a Redwing, 3 Blackbird and a Kestrel; and 17 retraps: 2 Wren, 2 Robin, a Coal Tit, 2 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, 5 Great Tit, a Dunnock and a Greenfinch.

October 21st. Rain most of morning.
  The Dusky Warbler was seen again around the Cycle Track next to Tennyson's Sands. Other birds around included 15 Fieldfare, 65 Redwing and 35 Goldcrest. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

Mid October 2015

October 20th. A Red-flanked Bluetail was trapped and ringed in East Dunes. The Dusky Warbler was refound near North (Beach) Car Park. Other birds around included a Great Grey Shrike, a Cetti's Warbler, 6 Tree Sparrow and a Stonechat.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 28 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Wren, 3 Robin, a Red-flanked Bluetail, a Goldfinch, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 11 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 2 Robin and a Long-tailed Tit.

Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Red-flanked Bluetail, ringed 20th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

October 19th. A Dusky Warbler was discovered around the Cycle Track opposite Tennyson's Sands. Also around, including birds trapped, were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike, a Firecrest, 2+ Brambling, 5 Water Rail, 7 Swallow and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Spotted Redshank. Off the reserve a Rough-legged Buzzard was seen over fields to the north-west, and a Great Grey Shrike was on a hedge to the west of Frederika Road.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 53 new birds: 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 8 Robin, a Goldfinch, a Blackcap, 4 Lesser Redpoll, a Skylark, 3 Redwing, 11 Blackbird and a Great Grey Shrike; and 9 retraps: 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin and a Dunnock.

 A long ringing session at Aylmer Avenue, by Mick Pearson, Kevin Hemsley and Duncan Hooton, yielded 92 new birds: 33 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 11 Robin, a Reed Bunting, 2 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 4 Blue Tit, 16 Greenfinch, 10 Redwing and 7 Blackbird; and 42 retraps: 3 Great Tit, 6 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 13 Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, 3 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tit, a Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch and a Coal Tit.

Skylark, ringed 19th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Great Grey Shrike, ringed 19th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 18th. A new Pallas's Warbler was found during the morning at the North End along the sycamores along the northern boundary of the reserve. Other birds around, including those trapped, were a Richard's Pipit, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Great Grey Shrike at the Wash Viewpoint in the afternoon, a Firecrest (East Dunes), a Grey Wagtail, a Redstart, an adult Caspian Gull (on the beach in the morning), a Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlin, a Kingfisher, a Treecreeper and a late Grasshopper Warbler. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail, and on Tennyson's Sands another Water Rail. Flying south were 24 Siskin.
  At Aylmer Avenue another 600 Redwing moved south and west during the morning along with 30 Fieldfare, 20 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbird, 10 Brambling, 8 Siskin and 6 Lesser Redpoll. There were 300+ Goldcrest around through the morning before they quickly moving on south. Interestingly none of the 194 Goldcrests ringed yesterday at Aylmer was retrapped today, amply demonstrating the rapid turnover of birds through the reserve when we have north-easterlies.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with James Siddle, provided 93 new birds: 36 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, 11 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 8 Goldfinch, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Reed Bunting, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 8 retraps: 2 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, a Dunnock and a Goldfinch.

 A longer ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs and David Vincent, who were assisted in the morning by Neil Hagley of the Charnwood Ringing Group (Many Thanks, Neil), resulted in 241 new birds and 18 retraps.
 The new birds were 138 Goldcrest, 48 Redwing, 19 Robin, 11 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird, 5 Blackcap, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Wren, 2 Brambling, a Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Chiffchaff. The retraps were 9 Greenfinch, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, a Goldcrest, a Blackbird and a Chaffinch.
 
  Ringing during October so far has resulted in 2333 new birds ringed - the best monthly total since October 2012. There have been an amazing 1266 new Goldcrests.

Fieldfare, ringed 18th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Adult Caspian Gull, 18th October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 18th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory



October 17th. The Dusky Warbler was seen several times again just south of the Sleeper Track. It was eventually found in a nearby mist-net, processed at the Observatory building, then released back near where it was caught. A Pallas's Warbler, first found flying across the old saltmarsh at 3.10pm by James Siddle, was eventually pinned down by the Yacht Club where is gave fleeting but good views. Also around, including birds trapped, were a Richard's Pipit (then south), 2 Rough-legged Buzzard (which arrived separately then hunted together), 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 11 Chiffchaff, a Whitethroat, a Crossbill, a Woodcock, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Black Redstart, 6 Swallow, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Hen Harrier, 10 Sparrowhawk, a Kingfisher, a Stonechat, 30 Tree Sparrow, 250 Fieldfare, 900 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 400 Goldcrest, 150 Robin, a Wheatear and 30 Brambling. On the Mere were a Jack Snipe and a Water Rail. Offshore, a Kittiwake and a Fulmar went north and a Great Skua south, while a Great Northern Diver was on the sea.

 Whilst ringing at Aylmer Avenue there were 700+ Goldcrest moving south through the dunes during the day, 80 Fieldfare, 700+ Redwing south and west during the first two hours of daylight (a further 100 were still present at dusk). Other birds included 20 Blackbird, 20 Song Thrush, 40 Robin, 20 Brambling, 12 Crossbill (a flock of 10 west mid morning and a pair late afternoon), 15+ Kestrel and 10+ Sparrowhawk - all seemed to arrive late afternoon from the East.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Toby Collett and James Siddle, produced 57 new birds: 32 Goldcrest, a Dusky Warbler (first ringed for the Observatory), a Firecrest, 8 Robin, a Blackcap, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Dunnock, 4 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird and a Fieldfare; and 10 retraps: 4 Robin, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock and a Great Tit.

  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was ringing with 314 new birds for the day, packing up just before it started raining an hour before dusk. Many thanks must go to Brian Hopkinson who paid a visit mid morning and gave an hour's assistance despite him meant to be having a day bird watching. Unfortunately, more than half of the nets could not be opened due to the gusting north-easterly wind but many of the nets were sheltered enough to produce some good catches.
  The new birds were 194 Goldcrest, 36 Redwing, 23 Robin, 22 Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 2 Blackcap a single Wren. The 8 retraps were 3 Greenfinch, 3 Blue Tit and singles of Chaffinch and Great Tit.

Dusky Warbler, ringed 17th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Firecrest, ringed 17th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Jack Snipe, 17th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Jack Snipe, 17th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

October 16th. Increasing north-easterly wind.
 The Dusky Warbler was seen again several times in East Dunes. Other birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Merlin, a Redstart, a Long-eared/Short-eared Owl briefly at dawn and a ringtail Hen Harrier. Flying south-west were 55 Redwing, 21 Fieldfare and a Siskin.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, resulted in 28 new birds: 17 Goldcrest, a Wren, 6 Robin, a Blackcap, a Redwing, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: a Goldcrest, 2 Robin, a Dunnock and a Blue Tit.

Dusky Warbler, 16th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
Dusky Warbler, 16th October 2015.
Photo - Graham Catley
October 15th. The Dusky Warbler was again seen a few times in East Dunes. Also around were 2 Great Grey Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Redstart, a Twite, 6 Sparrowhawk, 25 Brambling, 2 Stonechat and 3 Swallow.

 A fairly long ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, provided 164 new birds: 113 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, 20 Robin, a Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 5 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing and 5 Blackbird; and 15 retraps: 4 Robin, 2 Wren, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest, a Great Tit, 2 Blackcap and 4 Long-tailed Tit.

October 14th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind, with several brief spells of light rain.
 The Dusky Warbler was briefly seen several times in East Dunes. Other birds around included 2 Great Grey Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Sandwich Tern, a Merlin, 2 Brambling, a Firecrest and a Redstart. Heading north were 3 Sooty Shearwater, 200 Gannet, 5 Little Gull and 2 Crossbill, and south 3 Whooper Swan and a Black-throated Diver. Goldcrests continued to pour through the dunes for much of the day with an estimate of 1500 present on the reserve during the day.

 A long but weather-restricted ringing session in East Dunes produced 208 new birds: 163 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 16 Robin, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, a Reed Bunting, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing and 6 Blackbird; and 3 retraps: 2 Song Thrush and a Blackcap.

October 13th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 A Dusky Warbler was discovered in East Dunes in the afternoon. Around, including birds trapped, were  a Yellow-browed Warbler, the Great Grey Shrike, 2 Firecrest, 500 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 200 Robin, 70 Song Thrush, 14 Blackcap, 30000 Knot, a Jack Snipe, 2 Redstart, a Stonechat, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Brambling and 400 Redwing. At sea 4 Great Skua and 15 Auk Sp flew south, 85 Gannet, 4 Sandwich Tern, 5 Kittiwake and 40 Common Scoter flew north, and a probable Storm Petrel was seen briefly.

 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 32 new birds: 16 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 3 Redwing and 6 Song Thrush; and 9 retraps: a Wren, 2 Blackcap, 3 Robin, a Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a Siskin.

Siskin, retrapped 13th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 12th. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Richard's Pipit, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, the Great Grey Shrike, a Cetti's Warbler, a Firecrest, a Black Redstart, a Redstart, a Lapland Bunting, a Ring Ouzel, 8 Swallow, a Mediterranean Gull, 150 Pink-footed Goose, 25000 Knot and 60 Redwing. Heading south were a Hawfinch and 45 Tree Sparrow.

 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 124 new birds: 4 Wren, 54 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, a Siskin, 2 Brambling, 18 Robin, a Cetti's Warbler, 9 Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, 10 Goldfinch, a Redstart, a Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 4 Redwing and 7 Song Thrush and a Blackbird; and 5 retraps: 2 Robin, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blue Tit.

Great Grey Shrike, 12th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale
Great Grey Shrike, 12th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale
Great Grey Shrike 12th October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
Brambling, ringed 12th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Cetti's Warbler, ringed 12th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 11th. Continued easterlies through out the night resulted in good conditions for a major influx or fall of birds along the east coast and we were not to be disappointed. Highlight of the day was a Rustic Bunting discovered around the Cycle Track area. It was seen only by a limited number of people though as its chosen feeding area, the cycle track, was fairly busy with people walking up and down so it didn't remain long before it disappeared. Other good birds were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Great Grey Shrike and 4 Firecrest (possibly 5). Other birds around, including those trapped were a late Willow Warbler, 36 Ring Ouzel, 35 Fieldfare, 250 Redwing, 45 Song Thrush, 150 Pink-footed Goose, 15 Brambling, 2 Lapland Bunting, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart (one showing some features of Ehrenburg's Redstart), a Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, 8 Swallow, 20+ Siskin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, a Spotted Redshank and a Mediterranean Gull.
 Sea watching from first light saw 4 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, a Sooty Shearwater, 14 Kittiwake, 23 Common Scoter, over 100 Guillemot and a Great Northern Diver going north and 12 Red-throated Diver south.

 At Aylmer Avenue during the day at least 1000+ Goldcrest filtered through the ringing area hurriedly heading south with at least 200 still present at dusk. There were at least 36 Ring Ouzel heading west, 700 Redwing west during the day with at least a further 100 still present on the ground at dusk. 30+ Brambling and 10 Siskin went south during the day whilst 2 Yellow-browed Warblers were calling together from the sycamores along the roadside late afternoon.

 A long ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, produced 154 new birds: 118 Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, a Firecrest, 18 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Redpoll, a Black Redstart, 2 Reed Bunting, a Redstart, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird; and 6 retraps: a Robin, 2 Goldcrest, a Dunnock, a Blackbird and a Wren.

 Meanwhile an even longer ringing session was carried out at Aylmer Avenue, firstly by David and Liv Vincent, joined mid morning by Mick Briggs for some added help in the busy conditions. Results were impressive with the highest day total this year: 387 new birds ringed, which gave the Observatory a combined total for the day of 541 new birds ringed. The day's highlight at Aylmer Avenue, besides the impressive number of Goldcrests, was a new Firecrest, whilst amongst the retraps was a Robin originally ringed in Holland.

 The new birds at Aylmer Avenue were 255 Goldcrest, 49 Greenfinch, 31 Redwing, 19 Robin, 7 Song Thrush, 6 Brambling, 4 Blackbird, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Blackcap and singles of Firecrest, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Lesser Redpoll. The 29 retraps were 7 Goldcrest, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Great Tit, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Robin ( including a Dutch control), 2 Wren, 2 Blue Tit and singles of Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

 The weather forecast for the rest of the week is very similar to that of the weekend we have just had, with plenty more easterlies to come. It should be a cracking week to come at Gibraltar Point.

Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Rustic Bunting, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Martin Swannell
Great Grey Shrike, 11th October 2015.
Photo - Caroline and Andy Leonard
Brambling, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Firecrest, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - David Vincent.
Black Redstart, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Willow Warbler, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Redstart, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Firecrest, ringed 11th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Early October 2015

October 10th. Around, including birds ringed, were a Little Bunting (ringed at Aylmer Avenue), a Yellow-browed Warbler at Sykes Farm, 4 Lapland Bunting, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Treecreeper and a Stonechat. Heading west were 260 Pink-footed Goose, north a Great Skua, and south 2 Goosander, 6 Sandwich Tern, 3 Rook and 8 Mistle Thrush. At Aylmer Avenue there were 35 Redwing south-west during the course of the day.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, yielded 10 new birds: 4 Goldcrest, 3 Wren, a Goldfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.
 Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs was ringing again and with fantastic results. Firstly, late morning a text message was received from Observatory team member Mark Grantham, who lives down in Cornwall, and was ringing at Nanjizal, Cornwall. He had just controlled HPY702, the second Yellow-browed Warbler that we ringed at Aylmer Avenue last Saturday morning. All the way to the other end of the country in a week! On the very next net round after this had happened, Mick was amazed to find a Little Bunting caught in one of the nets. This is the first one ever ringed by the Observatory and certainly the highlight of the observatory year so far. It was quickly processed and then released into the hedge along the roadside near Beach Car Park where it quickly did a disappearing act, flying down towards the farm area.
 There was a total of 110 new birds for the day, as follows: 72 Greenfinch, 14 Goldcrest, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Wren, Song Thrush, Redwing, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Little Bunting. There were also 10 retraps: 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Greenfinch and singles of Robin and Chaffinch.
Little Bunting, ringed 10th October 2015 - 1st for the Observatory ever
Photo - Mick Briggs.
Little Bunting, ringed 10th October 2015 - 1st for the Observatory ever
Photo - Mick Briggs.
Lapland Bunting, 10th October 2015
Photo - Russell Hayes
October 9th. Birds around included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Bearded Tit flew south over East Dunes, 2+ Lapland Bunting, a Peregrine, a Merlin, 3 Great Skua, a Spotted Redshank, 200 Brent Goose, 8 Ruff, a Treecreeper, a Twite and 2 Yellowhammer. Flying west were 300 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 30 new birds: 12 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, a Linnet, 3 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, a Great Tit, 2 Dunnock and 4 Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: singles of Blackcap, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Dunnock.

New Visitor Centre being built, 9th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 8th. Around, including birds trapped, were 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Tree Pipit, a Wheatear, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Lapland Bunting, 3 Stonechat, a Short-eared Owl, 160 Brent Goose and another, unringed pale Lesser Whitethroat near Beach Car Park. A Locustella sp was observed briefly in Buckthorn. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Ruff. Going south were 8 Whooper Swan, 9 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 350 Pink-footed Goose, an Arctic Skua and a Buzzard, and north an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 28 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 3 Reed Bunting, a Tree Pipit, a Lesser Redpoll, a Great Tit, a Robin, 4 Dunnock and 3 Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Robin and Wren.

Lesser Whitethroat, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Paul Neale
Buzzard, 8th October 2015.
Buzzards, 8th October 2015.
Tree Pipit, ringed 8th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Spotted Redshank, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Ruff, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
Grey Plover, 8th October 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth
October 7th. Rainy spells.
 Birds around included 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, 2 Ring Ouzel, 6 Redwing, 2 Ruff, 7 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Stonechat, a Jack Snipe, 200 Golden Plover, a Merlin, a Marsh Harrier, a Rook and 30 Siskin. Heading south were 11 Great Skua, a Kestrel, 3 Barnacle Goose and 4 Sandwich Tern.
 A rain-shortened morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 16 new birds: 8 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting, a Dunnock and a Song Thrush; and 3 retraps: singles of Dunnock, Blackcap and Blue Tit.

October 6th. Around, including birds trapped, were the 2 Richard's Pipit around the Spit area, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 40 Siskin, 25 Redwing, 13 Ring Ouzel, a Wheatear, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 3 Brambling, a Tree Pipit, a Yellow Wagtail, 8 Ruff, a Greenshank and a Jack Snipe. Flying south were 260 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare and 32 Siskin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 32 new birds: 6 Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Wren, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, 7 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing and a Ring Ouzel; and 4 retraps: a Robin, 2 Wren and a Goldcrest.
 The Lesser Whitethroat appeared to be too pale for a British bird, but determining subspecies can be difficult.

Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo-George Gregory
Lesser Whitethroat, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo-George Gregory
Yellow-browed Warbler, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Ring Ouzel, ringed 6th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
Tree Pipit, 6th October 2015.
Photo - Nige Lound
October 5th. Quite strong southerly wind, with rainy spells.
 On the Spit/on nearby saltmarsh were 2 Richard's Pipit. Other birds around were 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Swift, a Ring Ouzel, a Ruff, 3 Spotted Redshank, a Jack Snipe, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Peregrine, a Tree Pipit, 40 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat and a Brambling. On Tennyson's Sands were 72 Golden Plover, a Kingfisher, 4 Spotted Redshank and a Ruff. South went 22 Pink-footed Goose, a Fieldfare, 37 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua, 8 Shoveler and 120 Redwing, north 4 Great Skua, and west 34 Pink-footed Goose. On Tennyson's Sands were 2 Greenshank.

October  4th. An Olive-backed Pipit flew calling over North End along the golf course edge and was seen to land somewhere near Greenshanks Creek late afternoon, but fading light meant the bird was not relocated. Mid afternoon a Richard's Pipit was seen flying over North Building and was relocated briefly on Greenshanks Creek late afternoon. The Great White Egret was rediscovered at North End during the day but was only seen sporadically, whilst at the Mere a Cetti's Warbler (presumably the bird ringed yesterday) was heard calling late afternoon briefly. There were still 6+ Yellow-browed Warbler (at least 3 in the roadside Sycamores around Aylmer Avenue, 2 at Shovelers Pool and 1 at the Yacht Club) whilst to the North of the reserve towards Skegness, there were at least a further 7 birds found by birders during the day.
 Around, including birds trapped, were a 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 3 Tawny Owl, 180 Brent Goose, 2+ Pink-footed Goose, 2 Jack Snipe, 10 Ruff, a Kingfisher, 2 Stonechat, a Redstart, a Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail, 150+ Goldfinch, a Lapland Bunting, a Green Woodpecker, a Ring Ouzel, 12 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 25+ Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, a Reed Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat. Flying south were a Grey Wagtail, 25 Lesser Redpoll, 15 Siskin and 4 Swallow (11 more roosted at the Mere in the evening). There were also 3 Brambling (two at Aylmer and one at Sykes Farm) and a Ring Ouzel discovered along the roadside near the pumping station track very late afternoon, presumably having just arrived? On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 9 Ruff, a Yellow Wagtail and 26 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett and James Siddle, produced 16 new birds: 2 Wren, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, a Redstart and a Reed Bunting; and 6 retraps: a Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Wren, a Dunnock and a Great Tit.
 Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs carried out a lengthy ringing session, resulting in 101 new birds. The breakdown was 30 Goldcrest, 12 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 9 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Wren, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Robin, 2 Blackbird and singles of Dunnock, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Siskin.

Redstart, ringed 4th October 2015.
Photo - George Gregory
October 3rd. Birds around, including those trapped, were a Great White Egret, at least 10 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti's Warbler, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, a Green Woodpecker, 120 Goldcrest, 20+ Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff and 150+ Goldfinch. Going south were a Lapland Bunting, 80 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Siskin, 10 Skylark and 75 Meadow Pipit.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 43 new birds: 20 Goldcrest, 4 Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Robin, a Goldfinch and a Song Thrush; and 5 retraps: 2 Goldcrest, a Robin, a Blackcap and a Dunnock.
 A lengthy ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs resulted in a impressive 123 new birds. They included a remarkable five Yellow-browed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler, both new birds for the Observatory ringing list for the year. The breakdown was 32 Goldcrest, 30 Greenfinch, 11 Blackcap, 10 Goldfinch, 8 Dunnock, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Wren, 4 Robin, 4 Great Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch and singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Blue Tit.

Yellow-browed Warbler, the 4th of the day ringed 3rd October 2105.
Photo - Mick Briggs.
Cetti's Warbler, ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.
Yellow-browed Warbler, the 5th of the day ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.
Yellow-browed Warbler, the 5th of the day ringed 3rd October 2015.
Photo - Mick Briggs.
October 2nd. Around were 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Grey Wagtail, 11 Tree Sparrow, 10 Snipe, a Peregrine, a Marsh Harrier, 97 Brent Goose, a Ruff, 5 Rock Pipit and a Stonechat. On Tennyson's Sands was a Spotted Redshank. Heading south-east were a Buzzard and 50 Pink-footed Goose, south a Hobby and 40 Lapwing, 13 Jackdaw and 3 Rook, north-west 108 Pink-footed Goose, and west 10 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: a Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Chaffinch, a Robin, 3 Dunnock and a Blackbird; and a retrap Robin.
 A Long-winged Conehead was probably the first for the reserve.

Long-winged Conehead, 2nd October 2015.
Photo - Sam Wilson
October 1st. Birds around included 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Firecrest, a Pied Flycatcher, a Stonechat, 11 Mistle Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, 40 Brent Goose, a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine and a Merlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 21 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Spotted Redshank, 9 Ruff and a Kingfisher. Flying south were 20 Pink-footed Goose.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Keith Collett, produced 12 new birds: 2 Goldcrest, a Wren, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch, a Robin, a Swallow and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: singles of Blackbird, Blackcap and Wren.
Merlin, 1st October 2015
Photo - Nige Lound
Kingfisher, 1st October 2015.
Kingfisher, 1st October 2015.