October 15th

It began dull and overcast but brightened up later as we spent the morning ringing at Reculver. We saw a good range of species including 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Little Owl, 25 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Grey Herons, 48 Coot, 56 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 8 Little Grebes, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15 Skylarks, 2 Redwings and 2 Firecrests. We also saw 1 Kestrel, 15 Robins, 1 Snipe 1 Hawfinch calling and flying W (192nd), 2 Little Egrets, 12 Lapwings, 16 Goldfinches, 1 Brambling, 20 Song Thrushes, 25 Mallard, 1 House Martin, 5 Siskins, 5 Swallows, 1 Blackcap, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Jay, 35 Meadow Pipits, 3 Tree Sparrows, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Water Rail and 1 Goldcrest.

Birds ringed 39: Goldcrest 1, Chiffchaff 15, Robin 8, Great Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 2, Chaffinch 1, BlueTit 3, Blackcap 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 3.

This morning Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He counted 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Mute Swans, 18 Shelduck, 1 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, 4 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 9 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, 100 Sanderling, 2 Little Gulls, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 50 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 20 Chiffchaffs, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Goldcrests, 17 Song Thrushes, 16 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Chaffinch and 4 Brambling.