October 31st

This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver and recorded 2 Razorbills, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Greylag Geese, 79 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Gannets, 11 Meadow Pipits, 2 Redshank, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Corn Buntings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Mallard, 39 Carrion Crows, 11 Goldfinches, 1 Stonechat, 3 Swallows E, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Kestrel.

October 30th

A heavy band of showers thankfully moved by south of us as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and for once we had no rain. We recorded 37 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Little Egrets, 19 Meadow Pipits, 2 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 2 immature Spoonbills flying W over the Oyster Farm, 24 Mallard, 56 Carrion Crows, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 35 Linnets, 3 Stonechats, 13 Goldfinches, 1 Gannet W, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 female Red-breasted Merganser flying E along the tideline.

An adult and two juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Geese

An hour spent at Reculver this afternoon produced 1 Razorbill feeding off the Towers. 1 Swallow flying W, 2 Great Crested Grebes and a family party of 5 Grey Partridges in a winter wheat field.

October 29th

We managed to avoid most of the showers as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour on a cool morning. We recorded 5 Pied Wagtails, 27 Mute Swans, 58 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 49 Goldfinches, 1 Red-throated Diver, 35 Carrion Crows, 21 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Meadow Pipits, 14 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Little Grebes, 22 Lesser Redpolls W, 12 Swallows W, 3 Gannets, 1 Stonechat, 2+ Bearded Tits, 19 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 1 Goldcrest and 10 Skylarks W.

Second year Mediterranean Gull

October 28th

On yet another wet morning we spent an hour and a half at Reculver where we recorded 55 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck W, 11 Ringed Plovers, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Meadow Pipits, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Red-throated Diver, 28 Gannets E, 6 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Merlin unsuccessfully chasing a Meadow Pipit over the sea, 1 Little Egret, 1 Razorbill feeding close inshore from the car park and 1 Sparrowhawk.

October 27th

It was damp, dull and showery this morning on our walk from Reculver to Coldharbour. We saw 57 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 16 Mallard, 48 Carrion Crows, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Wigeon E, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Goldfinches, 16 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Golden Plover, 18 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret.

October 26th

An hour spent in the pouring rain this morning at Reculver only produced 2 Gannets E, 49 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 21 Cormorants, 3 Mediterranean Gulls flying inland, 9 Meadow Pipits, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Curlew.

The sun eventually came out, so this afternoon we walked inland at Reculver. Birds we saw included 3 Robins, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Goldcrests, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Coot, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 45 Mallard, 34 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Shoveler, 1 Stonechat, 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Common Buzzards and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Male and female Teal

Dave Smith was out for seven and a half hours today and covered most of the Marsh walking from Minnis Bay to Reculver and back. He recorded 46 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Teal, 1 male Eider, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Stock Doves, 17 Grey Plovers, 2 Golden Plovers, 12 Lapwings, 13 Redshank, 1 Knot, 4 Dunlin, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Sandwich Terns, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Merlin, 2 Jays, 7 Skylarks, 4 Bearded Tits, 1 Swallow, 1 Common Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrests, 1,200 Starlings, 6 Redwings, 4 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfares, 7 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1,127 Chaffinches W, 51 Redpolls W, 350 Goldfinches W, 21 Siskins W, 6 Corn Buntings and 7 Reed Buntings.

October 25th

This morning we arrived at a damp Reculver just as the overnight rain had cleared away. We walked inland and then had a look at the sea. We counted 5 Robins, 14 Chaffinches, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 26 Mallard, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Water Rail, 1 Kestrel, 5 Pied Wagtails, 2 Red-throated Divers, 39 Cormorants, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Curlew, 6 Common Scoter flying E and 1 Gannet.

Dave Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back and saw 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Water Rail, 3 Grey Plovers, 15 Ringed Plovers, 8 Curlew, 9 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 40 Sanderling, 1 Mediterranean Gull,3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Common Buzzards, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrests, 12 Song Thrushes, 3 Redwings, 10 Fieldfares, 7 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, 15 Chaffinches, 17 Lesser Redpolls, 1 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting at Coldharbour that flew out to White Poplars, 1 Corn Bunting and 4 Yellowhammers.

We had a very uneventful walk at Shuart this afternoon where we saw 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Jay and 2 Siskins.

Ring-necked Parakeet

October 24th

With heavy rain this morning we didn't visit Reculver until after lunch when we walked up to Coldharbour in bright sunshine. We didn't see anything very exciting just 1 Little Egret, 17 Cormorants, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 5 Oystercatchers, 33 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 14 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Linnets, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Siskins W, 2 Pied Wagtails and 1 Chiffchaff.

Dave Smith was also out this afternoon and walked at Minnis Bay, Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He recorded 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Redshank, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrests, 8 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare in off the sea, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 4 Corn Buntings.

October 23rd

On another calm morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back but there were fewer birds than yesterday. We counted 4 Pied Wagtails, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 30 Meadow Pipits, 15 Ringed Plovers, 3 Sparrowhawks, 8 Little Egrets, 4 Mallard, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 101 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 58 Linnets, 3 Grey Herons, 24 Carrion Crows, 2 Curlew, 8 Mute Swans, 16 Magpies, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Teal, 1 Dunlin, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Stonechats, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Bearded Tits, 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Black Redstart at the Towers.

Black Redstart

Great Crested Grebe

Dave Smith walked from Minnis Bay and along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and the Oyster Farm before returning. He saw 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebes, 35 Lapwings, 21 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 51 Turnstone, 110 Sanderling, 1 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted and 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrels, 23 Skylarks, 4 Bearded Tits, 2 Swallows, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Goldcrests, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwings, 1 Fielfare, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Rock Pipit, 71 Chaffinches W, 184 Redpoll W and 10 Siskins.

October 22nd

It was a glorious autumn morning as we walked up to Coldharbour from Reculver and Matt walked in from Chamber's Wall and met us on the seawall. Between us we counted 1 Kestrel, 16 Cetti's Warblers, 52 Meadow Pipits, 60 Woodpigeons W, 9 Pied Wagtails, 11 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 1 Common Buzzard, 15 Mallard, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Oystercatchers, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Stonechats, 28 Goldfinches, 4 Rock Pipits, 1 Lapland Bunting flying W and calling, 74 Lesser Redpoll flying W, including one flock of 71, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Little Grebes, 15 Siskins W, 59 Chaffinches, 12 Swallows W, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Skylarks, 4 Bearded Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 16 Dunnocks, 1 Water Rail, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Hobby, 2 Bramblings, 10 Song Thrush and 1 Redshank.

This morning Derek Smith and Patrick Giles were out for six and a half hours and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and returned by way of Brooksend. They counted 11 Grey Herons, 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Little Grebes, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Merlin, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Snipe, 15 Lapwings, 1 Water Rail, 400 Starlings W, 36 Redwings W, 56 Starlings W, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtails W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Tree Sparrow W, 10 Stonechats, 454 Redpolls W, 148 Siskins W, 17 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 26 Chiffchaffs, 36 Goldcrests and Corn Buntings. They also found a Long-tailed Blue on the railway embankment.

Long-tailed Blue - Derek Smith

October 21st

On a drizzly morning we began at Reculver and then walked inland and saw 3 Pied Wagtails, 8 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chiffchaffs, 8 Robins, 5 Gannets flying E, 5 Swallows flying S, 1 Black Redstart, 8 Chaffinches, 12 Coot, 48 Teal, 10 Cormorants, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 64 Mallard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Firecrest, 5 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Redwing, 6 Goldcrests and 1 Jay.

This morning Dave Smith walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Plumpuding and back along the embankment. He saw 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Peregrine, 2 Swallows W, 23 House Martins W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrests, 4 Song Thrushes, 3 Fieldfares, 91 Chaffinches W, 1 Bullfinch, 8 Lesser Redpolls, 3 Siskins and 2 Corn Buntings.

Derek Smith was also out this morning with Patrick Giles and they walked from Shuart to Brooksend and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. They recorded 5 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Peregrine, 1 Raven N, 250 Starlings W, 52 Song Thrushes, 7 Swallows W, 28 House Martins S, 3 Tree Sparrows W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 46 Chaffinches W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 18 Goldcrests and 1 Snow Bunting on the track at Brooksend.

Snow Bunting - Derek Smith

October 20th

On a wet morning we had a short walk at Reculver where we saw 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Razorbill feeding close in to the car park, 3 Turnstone, 18 Cormorants, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 1 Kittiwake E, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Teal, 1 Grey Heron and 3 Chiffchaffs.

We spent 45 minutes at a very quiet Minnis Bay this afternoon and only saw 1 male Eider, 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying W and 17 Skylarks flying W at sea.

Dave Smith was also out this afternoon and in the Plumpudding and Minnis Bay area saw 1 Marsh Harrrier attacking a Barn Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Black Redstarts, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Siskin.

October 19th

It was mild with a blustery SW wind blowing in drizzle this morning as we walked at Reculver. Birds we saw included 1 Razorbill, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kittiwake E, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E, 12 Cormorants, 3 Shelduck E, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wagtails, 15 Mallard, 6 Skylarks, 1 male Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff and 150 Starlings W.

Derek Smith was out between 0900 and 1400 and walked from Shuart to Chamber'sWall and the Green Wall before returning via Plumpudding. He counted 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Great White Egrets flying SE, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 4 Wigeon E, 2 Shoveler E, 12 Teal E, 2 Curlew, 300 Starlings W, 30 Redwings, 8 Fieldfares, 1 Stonechat, 1 Rock Pipit, 32 Robins, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs and 60 Goldcrests.

Two Great White Egrets - Derek Smith

During the afternoon Chris Gibbard found a Ring Ouzel at Reculver caravan bushes.

October 18th

On a blustery morning we had a look at the sea from Reculver and then walked inland. We saw 3 Pied Wagtails, 39 Teal, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Dark-bellied Brent, 3 Eider, including an adult male, flying E, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Razorbill fishing close in off the Towers, 10 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 18 Long-tailed Tits, 35 Linnets, 75 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 female Pintail, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Green Sandpiper and 4 Redwings.

Female Pintail

Dave Smith was out for six and a half hours this morning and covered the eastern half of the recording area. He saw 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Grey Plovers, 4 Golden Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 50 Ringed Plovers, 9 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Turnstone, 100 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Razorbill, 1 Gannet, 1 Great White Egret at the Shuart crossing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Kestrels, 2 Jays, 1 Skylark, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 20 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 7 Song Thrushes, 48 Redwings, 5 Fieldfares, 4 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 50 Pied Wagtails, 1 Rock Pipit, 43 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 29 Siskins and 1 Corn Bunting.

October 17th

Matt spent the morning between 0700 and 1135 seawatching at Reculver and we joined him for three hours from 0730. His final totals were: 89 Common Scoter E, 11 Rock Pipits, 788 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 13 Sandwich Terns E, 41 Gannets E, 40 Wigeon W, 15 Kittiwakes E, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Teal W, 8 Siskins, 28 Little Gulls E, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Red-throated Divers, 8 Skylarks, 6 Razorbills, 1 Shoveler W, 1 Gadwall W, 2 Goldcrests, 106 Starlings, 2 Ravens, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Wheatear, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Merlin hunting passerines over the sea, 1 Little Egret and 1 juvenile Pomarine Skua E (187th).

This morning Dave Smith walked from Shuart to the embankment, Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Golden Plovers, 9 Lapwings, 10 Ringed Plovers, 12 Turnstone, 10 Sanderling, 3 Redshank, 1 Kittiwake, 4 Little Gulls flying inland, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 24 Skylarks, 6 Chiffchaffs,1 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrests, 7 Song Thrushes, 10 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 1 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtails, 28 Chaffinches, 4 Bramblings and 1 Greenfinch.

October 16th

We had an excellent morning's bird watching and ringing in calm and cold conditions at Reculver. We saw 402 Siskins W, 3 Pied Wagtails, 13 Redwings, 232 Chaffinches W, 28 Cormorants, 53 Fieldfares W, 11 Lesser Redpolls, 10 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests, a flock of 20 Cattle Egrets flying E (185th), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Partridge, 7 Song Thrushes, 6 Little Grebes, 30 Linnets, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Grey Wagtails, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 female Pintail, 55 Mallard, 30 Teal, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Bramblings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Grey Heron, 358 Starlings W, 1 Hobby, 14 Skylarks and 1 Great White Egret flying high W down West Brook Valley.

Birds ringed 49: Chiffchaff 8, Goldcrest 6, Wren 2, Long-tailed Tit 12, Great Tit 3, Chaffinch 5, Blackcap 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, Brambling 2, Siskin 2, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 1, Blackbird 2.

Male Brambling

Male Siskin

Redwing

 Dave Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 400 Woodpigeons, 10 Lapwings, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 3 Jays, 8 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 9 Song Thrushes, 272 Redwings, 56 Fieldfares, 1 Stonechat, 35 Chaffinches, 16 Brambling, 100 Linnets, 30 Lesser Redpoll, 105 Siskins, 17 Corn Buntings, 43 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Shelduck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (186th),1 Little Grebe, 3 Geat Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Plover, 30 Ringed Plovers, 8 Curlew, 16 Turnstone, 40 Sanderling, 2 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 8 Sandwich Terns, 2 Red-throated Divers, 8 Gannets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 65 Skylarks, 1 Blackcap, 2,000+ Starlings, 1 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtails and 3 Rock Pipits.

After we had finished ringing Matt had a walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. He recorded 83 Fieldfare flying W, 2 Siskins W, 8 Redwings, 19 Skylarks W, 3 Stonechats, 3 Common Buzzards, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 25 Chaffinches W, 10 Brambling W, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Song Thrushes, 22 Golden Plovers, 4 Lesser Redpoll W, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Rock Pipits, 3 Bearded Tits, 76 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Shelduck, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe on the sea, 1 Guillemot, 2 Sandwich Terns, 14 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers, 1 Wheatear and 1 adult Little Gull.

October 15th

With a fresh, chilly NW wind blowing we spent two and a half hours seawatching at Reculver with Dave Smith. Most birds we saw were flying W and we counted 1 Arctic Skua, 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Gannets, 12 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Red-throated Divers E, 2 Kittiwakes, 4 Razorbills, 8 Sandwich Terns E, 3 Gadwall, 1 Lapland Bunting flying E over the Towers and calling (184th), 29 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, 20 Common Gulls, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Scoter E, 1 Curlew, 42 Skylarks and 4 Shelduck.

After this we had a walk inland and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Little Grebes, 40 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Peregrine, 70 Mallard, 1 female Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 1 Redwing.

October 14th

Anne and I had intended to do a seawatch at Reculver this morning but the threatened NW wind didn't materialise so instead we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. It was much colder but at least sunny this morning and we counted 5 Pied Wagtails, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Kestrels, 39 Meadow Pipits, 6 Reed Buntings, 1 Redshank, 21 Carrion Crows, 22 Linnets, 54 Mallard, 13 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow W, 1 Stonechat, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Ringed Plovers, 1 Jay and 12 Skylarks W.

Matt decided to have a seawatch between 0700 and 0945 and was joined by Dave Smith for most of the time. He recorded 3 Pintail W, 6 Sandwich Terns, 1 first winter Yellow-legged Gull W, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Red-throated Divers, 8 Razorbills W, 4 Gannets, 5 Rock Pipits W, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Scoter E, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 57 Skylarks W, 4 Ringed Plovers and 1 Turnstone.

When Dave Smith left Matt he walked around Reculver bushes and saw 1 Jay, 64 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing and 4 Siskins.

October 13th

With a south-west gale blowing in showers this morning we spent an hour and a half birding at Reculver. We counted 10 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Pied Wagtails, 31 Ringed Plovers W, 6 Razorbills E, 6 Chiffchaffs in the bushes, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Swift in off the sea, 15 Meadow Pipits W, 9 Great Black-backed Gulls, 22 Goldfinches W, 17 Swallows W, 29 House Martins W, 57 Chaffinches W, 6 Gannets, 1 Red-throated Diver E and 1 Goldcrest calling by the playground.

October 12th

On a very showery morning we spent and hour seawatching at Minnis Bay where we saw 7 Little Egrets, 17 Razorbills, a flock of 14 flying E and 3 flying W, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 Gannets, 120 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 3 Curlew and 1 Grey Heron.

October 11th

On a cloudy and breezy but mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 7 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 16 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 2 Little Grebes, 32 Turnstone, 10 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderling, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Razorbills, 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Reed Buntings, 2 Pied Wagtails, 4 Swallows W, 1 Little Egret and 1 Gannet W.

We met Dave Smith near Coldharbour after he had walked in from Shuart and along the railway embankment before continuing on to Plumpudding and back to Shuart. He had seen 2 Little Grebes, 50 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 50 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 2 Razorbills, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 16 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Chaffinches and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

October 10th

On a bright and sunny morning with the tide coming in we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 4 Pied Wagtails, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Heron, 98 Meadow Pipits, 2 Red-throated Divers, 8 Common Gulls W, 42 Mallard, 1 Gannet W, 1 Short-eared Owl beside the seawall, 44 Linnets, 13 Greylag Geese, 25 Reed Buntings, 7 Goldfinches, 41 Carrion Crows, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Plover, 32 Golden Plovers, 11 Skylarks, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Swallow W and 2 Stonechats.

Cormorant

Red-throated Diver

Derek Smith was out early and had a good morning as he walked from Shuart, along the embankment to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He recorded 2 Little Grebes, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrels, 22 Lapwings, 35 Song Thrushes, 1 Ring Ouzel at the Wade crossing, 80 Meadow Pipits W, 4 Stonechats, 1+ Bearded Tit, 530 Chaffinches W, 18 Brambling W, 7 Siskins W, 6 Redpoll W, 1 Corn Bunting, 40 Chiffchaffs and 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the hog's fennel at Coldharbour.

October 9th

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where there appeared to be a good movement of birds. We saw 3 Cetti's Warblers, 51 Bramblings W, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Ravens, 20 Chiffchaffs, 9 Mallard, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Stonechats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 21 Redwing W, 5 "continental" Song Thrushes, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 15 Lapwings, 18 Siskins W, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 46 Skylarks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Merlin, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Snipe, 8 Magpies, 6 Corn Buntings, 30 Reed Buntings, 2 Kestrels, 20 Chaffinches W and 15 Linnets.

Birds ringed 39: Chiffchaff 10, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 5, Reed Bunting 15, Robin 1, Linnet 1, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 1, Moorhen 1.

First year Moorhen

Between 0700 and 1200 Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the embankment and Green Wall to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 1 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Gannet W, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Pintail W, 24 Coot, 11 Lapwings W, 22 Magpies W, 15 Redwing W, 1 Kingfisher, 155 Starlings W, 8 Skylarks W, 6 alba Wagtails W, 2 Rock Pipits, 8 Stonechats, 6 Bearded Tits, 36 Brambling W, 120 Chaffinches W, 16 Redpoll W, 52 Siskins W, 20 Goldfinches, 16 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 65 Chiffchaffs and 8 Goldcrest.

October 8th

This morning we had a ringing session at Reculver where we saw 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Little Grebes, 20 Coot, 2 Tufted Ducks, 59 Mallard, 48 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Pied Wagtails, 30 Chiffchaffs, 2 Common Buzzards, 17 Swallows, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Blackcap, 12 Siskins, 3 Mediterranean Gulls and 1 Firecrest.

Birds ringed 29: Chiffchaff 17, Goldcrest 2, Wren 1, Great Tit 2, Chaffinch 4, Blackcap 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 1.

Dave Smith walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall and counted 9 Grey Partridges, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 4 Skylarks W, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Swallows, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwings, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Stonechats, 9 Chaffinches W, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 10 Siskins W.

Derek Smith was also out this morning and had a long walk from Shuart to Brooksend and back by way of the embankment and Coldharbour. He counted 4 Little Grebes, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 27 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, 6 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Teal W, 1 Wigeon W, 1 Sandwich Tern, 12 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Redwings, 23 Magpies W, 12 Skylarks W, 1 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 10 Stonechats, 5 Bearded Tits, 22 Chaffinches W, 7 Bramblings, 27 Siskins W, 3 Lesser Redpoll W, 16 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 33 Chiffchaffs and 1 Yellowhammer W.

October 7th

We spent another sunny morning ringing at Reculver and saw 13 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Tufted Duck, 60 Teal, 80 Mallard, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 60 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 female Peregrine, 2 Jays, 2 Kestrels, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 14 Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 40 Lapwings, 2 Ravens and 2 Siskins.

Birds ringed 52: Chiffchaff 46, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 3, Great Tit 1, Chaffinch 1.

Chiffchaff

Dave Smith was also out this morning and in four hours walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. His highlights were 3 Little Grebes, 1 Golden Plover, 25 Lapwings, 2 Redshank, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Marsh Harriers, including one flying in off the sea, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Bearded Tits, 5 Swallows W, 26 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 20 Chaffinches W and 8 Siskins.

October 6th

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 1 Marsh Harrier, 40 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Greylag Geese, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Lesser Redpoll W, 3 Redwings, the first of the autumn, 5 Siskins, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Jay W, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 House Martins, 1 Swallow and 10 Chaffinches.

Birds ringed 35: Chiffchaff 24, Goldcrest 2, Long-tailed Tit 3, Blackcap 4, Great Tit 1, Chaffinch 1.

Dave Smith was also out and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He counted 12 Greylag Geese, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Redshank, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 6 Bearded Tits, 5 House Martins, 41 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 116 Starlings W, 1 Stonechat, 856 Chaffinches W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jays and 7 Swallows.

We have just received the ringing information of a first year Reed Warbler we caught at Reculver on 27th August. It had initially been ringed as a juvenile at Rutland Water on 28th July and had flown 192 km SE to reach Reculver.

October 5th

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 12 Little Egrets, 10 Chiffchaffs, 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Kestrel, 19 Meadow Pipits, 13 Goldfinches, 6 Reed Buntings, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 86 Mallard, 32 Carrion Crows, 7 Ringed Plovers, 27 Lapwings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 6 Redshank, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 1 Hobby.

Dave Smith was out this afternoon from 1600 and walked at Shuart, Minnis Bay and Plumpudding. He saw 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Lapwing, 20 Ringed Plovers, 30 Turnstone, 1 Razorbill on the sea, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap and 1 Firecrest.

October 4th

It was cool but sunny this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 2 Pied Wagtails, 11 Meadow Pipits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grey Herons, 19 Swallows flying W, 4 Little Egrets, 9 Redshank, 34 Linnets, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 65 Mallard, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Wheatear, 7 Mediterranean Gulls, 181 House Martins flying W, 13 Lapwings and 1 Sandwich Tern. We also found 3 Wall Browns sunning themselves on the Roman walls.

Wall Brown

October 3rd

There had been an overnight change in the weather and there was a chilly WNW wind blowing in drizzle as we arrived at Reculver this morning. We walked around a couple of sites and counted 11 Chiffchaffs, 58 Mallard, 45 Teal, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Pied Wagtails, 5 Goldfinches, 6 Skylarks, 1 Wheatear and 1 Red-throated Diver flying E.

October 2nd

On a misty and muggy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 2 Stonechats, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Chiffchaffs, 14 Chaffinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Mallard, 2 Marsh Harrriers, 20 Reed Buntings, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Bearded Tits in the reeds at Coldharbour, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 immature Gannet flying E, 2 Little Grebes and 17 Goldfinches.

We have been wondering where the Blackcaps we have been seeing and ringing over the last few days come from. We caught a male Blackcap on September 30th at Reculver that had already been ringed and received its ringing information this evening. It had been ringed at Westdown Plantation, Wiltshire on September 16th and had flown 218 km E to reach Reculver.

October 1st

We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 60 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Pied Wagtails, 12 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Sandpipers, 7 Little Grebes, 7 Tufted Duck, 20 Teal, 60 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Coot, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Raven, 3 Jays, 14 Siskins W, 1 Water Rail, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtails and 3 Stonechats. We also saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly.

Birds ringed 62: Chiffchaff 45, Blackcap 12, Robin 1, Blue Tit 3, Song Thrush 1.