September 29th

On a chilly morning we had a ringing session on the Marsh south of the railway. Birds we saw included 32 Chiffchaffs, 34 Chaffinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Firecrest, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 140 Swallows flying W, 1 Redwing, 8 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrels, 29 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 33 House Martins flying W, 2 Marsh Harriers, 10 Goldfinches, 25 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher and 20 Linnets.

Birds ringed 52: Chiffchaff 19, Goldcrests 1, Firecrest 1, Blackcap 6, Robin 1, Reed Bunting 11, Blue Tit 1, Chaffinch 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 2, Dunnock 5, Blackbird 1, Green Woodpecker 1.

This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart  along the embankment to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend. He counted 2 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 6 Kestrels, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Curlew, 45 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 18 Sandwich Terns, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Water Rails, 1 Kingfisher, 930 Swallows flying W, 85 House Martins flying W, 14 Sand Martins flying W, 2 Rock Pipits and 23 Pied Wagtails in a ploughed field.