October 31st

This morning we walked around at Reculver and saw 75 Chaffinches W, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 135 Coot, 95 Mallard, 65 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 3 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 45 Teal, 3 Little Grebes, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redshank, 2 Wigeon, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Pied Wagtail.

Pintail

October 30th

On a glorious late autumn morning we walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding lagoon and back. We saw 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 11 Oystercatchers, 86 Sanderling, 10 Meadow Pipits, 11 Skylarks, 16 Cormorants, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Mallard, 9 Goldfinches, 2 Curlew, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Redshank and 1 Snow Bunting.

Snow Bunting

Goldfinch

Brendan Ryan was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and his highlights were 9 Mute Swans, 1 Canada Goose, 32 Mallard, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 9 Red-legged Partridges, 280 Stock Doves, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 8 Sanderling, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted and 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Jay, 26 Carrion Crows, 2 Ravens, 20 Skylarks, 2 Chiffchaffs, 11 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Blackcap, 19 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests, 1 Mistle Thrush, 14 Song Thrushes, 27 Redwings, 26 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfares, 12 Robins, 5 Stonechats, 24 Chaffinches, 1 Bullfinch, 12 Linnets, 1 Redpoll, 28 Goldfinches, 2 Corn Buntings and 28 Reed Buntings.

He the visited Bishopstone and recorded 44 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Skylarks, 3 Chiffchaffs, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests, 450 Starlings, 7 Robins, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Chafinches, 3 Linnets, 1 Redpoll, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting and 2 Reed Buntings.

 October 29th

It was cloudy with a moderate westerly breeze blowing as we walked inland at Reculver and then at the Towers this morning. We counted 134 Coot, 55 Mallard, 65 Gadwall, 80 Teal, 2 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 8 Pied Wagtails, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Meadow Pipits, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 15 Siskin, 1 Kestrel and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Our walk at the Towers produced 626 Chaffinches flying W in an 45 minutes, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Purple Sandpiper on the rocks below the car park, 1 House Martin feeding round the Towers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Brambling flying W, 25 Meadow Pipits, 16 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 30 Common Scoter and 1 Sandwich Tern flying E.

 October 28th

As we left our house this morning on the way to Reculver, 48 Fieldfare flew W over our garden. At a windy Reculver we walked up to Coldharbour and counted 15 Linnets, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Reed Buntings, 17 Meadow Pipits, 1 Redshank, 10 Corn Bunting, 24 Cormorants, 7 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 4 Stonechats, 2 Skylarks, 210 Carrion Crows, 9 Mute Swans and 250 Starlings.

 October 27th

On another cool and windy morning we walked at Reculver and counted 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 135 Coot, 58 Mallard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 4 Shoveler, 10 Blackbirds, 6 Mute Swans, 88 Teal, 1 Redshank, 65 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebes, 8 Wigeon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Pintail. 

 October 26th - 200th species for 2025

We birded Reculver a couple of times today but only recorded 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 41 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Rock Pipit, 9 Teal and 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls W.

Ray O'Reilly visited Reculver today and his highlights included 1 Whooper Swan (200th), 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Firecrests and 1 Ruff. 

 October 25th

On a morning with a fresh and cold westerly wind blowing Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He counted 160 Greylag Geese, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Canada with 5 hybrid young, 12 Mute Swans, 3 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 10 Stock Doves, 4 Coot, 37 Golden Plovers, 40 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 30 Turnstone, 40 Sanderling, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 8 Skylarks, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 1 Stonechat, 7 Meadow Pipits, 15 Chaffinches, 30 Linnets, 4 Redpoll and 20 Goldfinches.

At Reculver we saw very little, just 1 Green Woodpecker, 400 Starlings, 8 Chaffinches, 12 Linnets, 1 Grey Herons, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Meadow Pipits and 55 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

 October 24th

Although the wind had decreased overnight and it was a sunny morning it was much colder as we walked at Reculver. We recorded 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Grey Partridges, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Redwing, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Siskins W, 130 Coot, 50 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 86 Teal, 40 Gadwall, 10 Blackbirds, 2 Pintail, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 juvenile Arctic Tern off the Towers and 2 Red-throated Divers. 

Brendan Ryan birdwatched at Bishopstone and Reculver where he recorded 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 23 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests, 9 Grey Partridges, 16 Skylarks W, 2 Redpoll W,1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Corn Buntings, 2 Wigeon, 46 Teal, 17 Gadwall, 26 Coot and 3 Swallows. He then had a brief look at Shuart where he found 4 Common Buzzards, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcests and 1 Firecrest.

Grey Wagtail - Brendan Ryan

 October 23rd

We spent an hour at Reculver this morning in the pouring rain and with a gale force westerly wind blowing. We managed to see 1 Great Northern Diver flying W, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 12 Cormorants, 3 Common Gulls, 2 juvenile Arctic Terns, 1 Little Egret, 1 Gannet W and 1 Kittiwake E. 

At Reculver this morning David Smith saw 1 Common or Pallid Swift, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Guillemot, 2 Kittiwakes, 3 Arctic Terns, 8 Sandwich Terns, 1 Red-throated Divers and 4 Gannets.

We also saw 3 Red-breasted Mergansers flying W at Reculver this afternoon.

 October 22nd

It was much quieter this morning as we completed the same walk as yesterday. We saw 3 Grey Herons, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 26 Cormorants, 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 73 Meadow Pipits, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 12 Mallard, 25 Mute Swans, 130 Carrion Crows, 34 Linnets, 8 Reed Buntings, 5 Siskins W, 1 Stonechats, 3 Grey Wagtails, 8 Robins, 2 Chiffchaffs and 6 Skylarks.

Meadow Pipit having a wash

Derek Smith was also out and covered the eastern half of the Marsh and counted 154 Greylag Geese, 21 Little Egrets, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sandwich Tern, 4 juvenile Arctic Terns, 27 Ringed Plovers, 23 Sanderling, 20 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Snipe, 11 Curlews, 1 Great Spotted Wodpecker, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Tree Sparrow, 48 Chaffinches W, 18 Goldfinches W, 2 Greenfinches W, 3 Bramblings, 8 Redpoll W, 23 Siskins W, 1 Blackcap, 27 Chiffchaffs, 14 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests and 1 Snow Bunting at Minnis Bay.

Juvenile Arctic Tern - Derek Smith

Brendan Ryan's highlights this morning on his walk from Shuart to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall were 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 21 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Water Rails, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Marsh Harriers, 66 Carrion Crows, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Firecrests, 19 Song Thrushes, 1 Redwing, 5 Stonechats, 3 Redpoll, 4 Crossbills, 1 Yellowhammer and 22 Reed Buntings.

 October 21st

It was a bright and sunny morning as we walked from Reculver along the seawall to the Wantsum outflow. We counted 3 Pied Wagtails, 61 Meadow Pipits, 1 Swallow W, 3 juvenile Arctic Terns feeding close in by the Towers, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Stonechats, 29 Cormorants, 1 Redshank, 10 Reed Buntings, 29 Mallard, 14 Skylarks W, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 140 Black-headed Gulls, 9 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 120 Carrion Crows, 70 Linnets, 2 Kestrels, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Common Tern, 1 Greenshank, 3 Corn Buntings, 11 Goldfinches and 4 Black Redstarts in the sunshine around the Towers.

Black Redstarts

 During the late afternoon Brendan Ryan walked at Chamber's Wall and Shuart and recorded 11 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests and 5 Firecrests.

 October 20th

On showery and breezy morning Anne and I stayed around the Towers and recorded 2 Curlew, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs, 11 Goldfinches, 6 Skylarks, 9 Swallows, 8 Chaffinches, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 2 Siskin W, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Black Redstarts, 4 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails and 1 Slavonian Grebe (199th) on the sea 200 metres off the car park surprisingly associating with a Great Black-backed Gull.

 October 19th

With a south easterly breeze blowing this morning it felt a bit chillier than recently as we walked at various sites at Reculver. We counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Siskins, 135 Coot, 64 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 21 Blackbirds, 6 Mute Swans, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 45 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 9 Goldfinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 7 Skylarks, Shoveler, 3 Redwings, a covey of 14 Grey Partridges, 6 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Black Redstarts, including a male singing, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 6 Meadow Pipits and 40 Starlings flying in off the sea.

Meadow Pipit

 Between 0700 and 1130 Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend, Plumpudding and the embankment and counted 2 Grey Herons, 17 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Stonechats, 1 Black Redstart, 45 Chaffinches W, 6 Bramblings W, 7 Crossbills SW, 16 Redpoll E, 19 Siskins W, 34 Goldfinches W, 21 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler and 42 Goldcrests. 

Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back and recorded 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 7 Mute Swans, 3 Golden Plovers, 30 Ringed Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 13 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 20 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 1 Guillemot, 3 Arctic Terns close in shore, 3 Little Grebes 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 12 Skylarks, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Swallows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 12 Goldcrests, 3 Firecrests, 5 Song Thrushes, 7 Redwings, 10 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Stonechats, 95 Chaffinches, 3 Brambling, 4 Redpoll, 12 Crossbills and 8 Siskins. ||Later at Reculver he recorded a Yellow-browed Warbler.

 October 18th

On a calm and dull morning we walked at various sites at Reculver and counted 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 62 Gadwall, 1 Goldcrest, 135 Coot, 2 Common Buzzards, 10 Chaffinches, 58 Mallard, 3 Little Grebes, 13 Mute Swans, 8 Tufted Duck, 3 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Ruff flying W, 1 Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 60 Siskins, 2 Redpoll, 1 Sparrowhawk chasing Siskins, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Fieldfares,  10 Redwings, 20 Blackbirds, 22 Linnets, 12 Meadow Pipits, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebes. 28 Common Scoter and 40 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Dave Smith walked from Bishopstone to Reculver and back and recorded 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Teal, 1 Golden Plover, 14 Lapwings, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Gannet, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 3 Skylarks, 1 Swallow, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, 12 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 660 Starlings, 6 Song Thushes, 14 Redwings, 25 Blackbirds, 49 Fieldfares,  2 Black Redstarts, 5 Stonechats, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 15 Chaffinches, 2 Brambling, 60 Redpoll, 8 Siskins and 5 Corn Buntings.

Male Black Redstart - Dave Smith

Brendan Ryan began the morning at Reculver where he saw 7 Wigeon, 2 Red-throated Divers, 60 Lapwings, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests, 7 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Mistle Thrush and then at Chamber's Wall he saw 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 2 Marsh Harriers, 25 Skylarks, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrests, 5 Bramblings and 14 Reed Buntings. At Shuart Farm he counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 7 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 1 Brambling and 2 Redpoll.

Female Brambling - Brendan Ryan

 October 17th 

On a cloudy but bright morning Anne and I walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. We counted 35 Meadow Pipits, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Pied Wagtails, 5 Crossbills flying W, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Stonechats, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Herons, 46 Mallard, 4 Mediterranean Gulls flying E, 23 Cormorants, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 152 Carrion Crows, 115 Starlings, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Skylarks, 1 Wheatear, 1 Kestrel and 1 Red-throated Diver.

Wheatear

 Matt was also out and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and returned along the railway embankment. He saw 1 Black Redstart, 1 Red-throated Diver, 10 Stonechats, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Rock Pipits, 160 Carrion Crows, 4 Kingfishers, 6 Little Egrets, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Curlew, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 7 Redshank, 80 Sanderling, 50 Ringed Plovers, 40 Turnstone, 48 Mallard, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Goldcrests, 6 Redwings, 268 Greylag Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Ravens, 4 Brambling, 1 Water Rail, 4 Redpoll, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Peregrine, 1 Snipe and 7 Corn Buntings.

Derek Smith covered the eastern half of the recording area this morning and counted 3 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 White-fronted Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Plover 10 Golden Plovers, 40 Sanderling, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 2 Stonechats, 1 Raven, 90 Chaffinches W, 34 Siskins W 12 Redpolls, W, 8 Bramblings, 17 Chiffchaffs and 19 Goldcrests.

In addition, Geoff Burton saw 4 Glossy Ibises flying north over the Thanet way near the Reculver turn-off. 

 October 16th

On a showery morning at Shuart we recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Bramblings, 510 Redwings arriving from height, 15 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 75 Siskins, 6 Chiffchaffs, 25 Fieldfares, 60 Chaffinches, 60 Starlings W, 1 Firecrest, 11 Skylarks, 1 Hawfinch, 8 Redpoll, 1 Raven, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 25 Blackbirds, 190 Greylag Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 5 Swallows, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Crossbill W, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel.

Birds ringed 23: Goldcrest 9, Firecrest 1, Chiffchaff 2, Wren 1, Blackcap 1, Robin 4, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 3.

After this Matt visited Reculver caravan bushes where he found another good bird in the shape of a Red-breasted Flycatcher (198th).

Dave Smith covered the eastern half of the Marshes this morning and recorded 150 Greylag Geese, 2 White-fronted Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Canada Goose with 4 hybrids, 15 Mute Swans, 1 Shelduck, 35 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Rail, 15 Golden Plovers, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Marsh Harriers, 12 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 23 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 1 Song Thrush, 70 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 6 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 70 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings, 15 Redpoll, 50 Siskins, 1 Yellowhammer and 20 Reed Buntings.

Two White-fronted Geese - Brendan Ryan

 Brendan Ryan was also out and saw 3 Barnacle Geese, 14 Mute Swans, 35 Mallard, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 340 Woodpigeons, 22 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 20 Turnstone, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jays, 25 Skylarks, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 14 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 16 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 30 Starlings, 18 Song Thrushes, 30 Redwings, 8 Blackbirds, 9 Fieldfares, 4 Stonechats, 9 Meadow Pipits, 2 Bramblings, 6 Linnets, 11 Redpoll, 115 Goldfinches, 11 Siskins and 10 Reed Buntings.

 October 15th

We spent another overcast and breezy morning ringing at Reculver and saw 380 Chaffinches W, 2 Sparrowhawks, 730 Starlings W, 16 Goldfinches, 1 Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Merlin chasing migrating Chaffinches, 4 Little Grebes, 11 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck, 46 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 135 Coot, 6 Brambling, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Redwing, 126 Siskin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Ravens, 15 Swallows W, 17 Skylarks, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 35 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 12 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Willow Warbler.

Birds ringed 32: Goldcrest 8, Chiffchaff 8, Willow Warbler 1, Robin 4, Blackcap 1, Blue Tit 1, Chaffinch 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 7.

A late Willow Warbler 

Brendan Ryan birded at Reculver this morning and saw 3 Song Thrushes, 11 Redwings, 5 Blackbirds, 4 Robins, 3 Meadow Pipits, 20 Chaffinches, 4 Stock Doves, 29 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover 11 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Carrion Crows, 1 Swallow, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 7 Goldcrests and 1 Firecrest. He then looked at Bishopstone Glen where his highlights were another Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Chiffchaffs, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 9 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 3 Blackbirds, 5 Robins and 1 Meadow Pipit.

Two of four Yellow-browed Warblers seen by Brendan Ryan today

 October 14th

On another drizzly morning Matt had a quiet seawatch at Reculver where he counted 2 Redwings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 78 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 4 Shelduck W, 6 Sandwich Terns, 13 Wigeon W, 1 large auk, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannets and 2 Skylarks.

After this he walked from Reculver to Bishopstone and back and counted 7 Goldcrests, 6 Fieldfares, 20 Redwing, 8 Snipe, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Swallows, 11 Grey Partridges, 7 Corn Buntings, 2 Brambling, 70 Chaffinches W, 12 Song Thrushes and 20 Skylarks. 

He then walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour returning along the embankment where he counted 48 Redwings, 8 Bramblings W, 23 Siskins, 1,500 Starlings W, 327 Chaffinches W, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs, 18 Fieldfares, 15 Goldcrests, 29 Song Thrushes, 4 Stonechats, 24 Skylarks, 9 Redpoll, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Peregrine, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Swallow, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Snipe, 30 Blackbirds, 1 Firecrest and 1 Yellow-browed Warbler.

David Smith walked on the Marsh and recorded 18 Greylag Geese, 1 Pintail in Coldharbour, 30 Lapwings, 6 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Wryneck on the track at Chamber's Wall, 3 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests, 100 Redwings, 50 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel, 30 Chaffinches and 5 Bramblings.

 

Wryneck - David Smith

 Brendan Ryan began the morning at Reculver were he counted 2 Mute Swans, 60 Woodpigeons, 35 Lapwings, 1 Arctic Skua E, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 9 Blue Tits, 3 Swallows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler still at the bushes, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Goldcrests, 40 Redwings, 10 Blackbirds, 1 Stonechat, 1 Richard's Pipit in the old caravan park (197th), 2 Meadow Pipits, 30 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 3 Goldfinches and 1 Siskin. 

Richard's Pipit - Brendan Ryan

 He next walked at Chamber's Wall where he recorded 2 Mute Swans, 62 Golden Plovers, 8 Lapwings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Swallows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Redwings, 6 Blackbirds and 5 Robins. 

Yellow-browed Warbler - Brendan Ryan

 October 13th

On a drizzly morning Anne and I walked inland at Reculver and saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grey Wagtails, 130 Coot, 6 Lapwings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 65 Mallard, 56 Gadwall, 6 Little Grebes, 12 Teal, 4 Mute Swans, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 female Peregrine stooping at Teal, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Skylarks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 1 second year Little Gull, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Siskins and 1 Mediterranean Gull.

Matt and Derek seawatched at Reculver from 0630 to 1050 and counted 44 Redwings, 2 Song Thrushes, 416 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 12 Mediterranean Gulls E, 183 Wigeon W, 1 Pintail W, 117 Common Scoter E, 3 Pomarine Skuas E, 23 Gannets E, 42 Teal W, 8 Rock Pipits W, 9 Curlew, 2 Dunlin, 2 Red-throated Divers, 26 Sandwich Terns, 3 Gadwall W, 1 Great White Egret NW, 1 Great Skua W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Gulls E, 5 Shelduck, 1 Shag W, 1 Sooty Shearwater E (194th), 1 Purple Sandpiper E, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Leach's Petrel E (195th), 4 Red-breasted Mergansers W, 4 Kittiwakes W and 1 Grey Wagtail.

After this Matt birded Reculver bushes and found the bird of the day, a Radde's Warbler (196th). He saw it well and heard it calling as it moved low along the edge of the bushes. This is the third record for the area after single birds were seen at Bishopstone on 12th October 2008 and at Shuart on the 14th October 2020. Obviously the second week of October is the time to look for Radde's Warbler. 

Other birds he saw were 160 Redwings, 32 Chaffinches, 1 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, also seen later by Dave Smith, 7 Brambling and 1 Willow Warbler.

This evening I received the ringing information of a Chiffchaff we controlled at Shuart on 7th October. It had been ringed by the Farlington Ringing Group at Fareham, Hampshire on 30th September and had moved 179 km ENE over 7 days. 

 October 12th

Whilst ringing at Reculver this morning we counted 1 Tawny Owl, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 4 Redwings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great White Egret flying NW, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 53 Siskins W, 1 Brambling, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Water Rail, 58 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 34 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Skylarks W, 140 Starlings W 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Wigeon, 1 Green Sandpiper, 137 Coot, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Firecrest, 20 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Blackcaps, 210 Chaffinches W, 33 Goldfinches, 10 Corn Buntings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hawfinch E and 3 Redpoll W.

Birds ringed 48: Goldcrest, 8, Chiffchaff 18, Long-tailed Tit  9, Blackcap 4, Chaffinch 5, Robin 1, Blue Tit 1, Song Thrush 2.

First year male Chaffinch

 Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend, then along the embankment and back via Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 3 Barnacle Geese, 7- Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Shelduck W, 1 Gannet E, 27 Coot, 3 Kestrels, 1 Peregrine, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier,2 Sandwich Terns E, 58 Lapwings, 75 Golden Plovers, 110 Starlings, 1 Redwing, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 26 Skylarks NW, 4 Stonechats, 135 Chaffinches W, 2 Redpoll W, 6 Siskins W, 5 Bramblings W, 11 Crossbills W, 4 Blackcaps, 35 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests and 1 Snow Bunting.

Dave Smith was also out and covered the eastern section of the Marsh and saw 90 Greylag Geese, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Tufted Duck, 10 Golden Plovers, 3 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 15 Sanderling, 2 Sandwich Terns, 6 Little Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 30 Skylarks W, 27 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 10 Goldcrests, 340 Starlings W, 4 Song Thrushes, 5 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipits, 85 Chaffinches W, 2 Brambling, 150 Linnets, 2 Redpoll W, 50 Goldfinches and 10 Corn Buntings.

 October 11th

On another overcast morning we had a ringing session at one of our sites at Shuart. We saw 30 Chiffchaffs, 102 Redwings W, 2 Firecrests, 2 Stonechats, 1 Kingfisher, 154 Siskins W, 2 Snipe, 1 Jay, 20 Goldfinches, 2 Kestrels, 115 Greylag Geese, 14 Blackcaps, 22 Chaffinches, 14 Song Thrushes, 46 Lapwings, 37 Crossbills W, 10 Goldcrests, 7 Redpoll W, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Skylarks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Mallard and 6 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Birds ringed 55: Chiffchaff  20, Goldcrest 7, Wren 2, Firecrest 1, Blackcap 11, Chaffinch 3, Blue Tit 4, Robin 2, Great Tit 1, Redwing 2, Blackbird 2.

This afternoon Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and saw 3 Little Grebes, 7 Grey Herons, 1 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 33 Golden Plovers, 1 Water Rail, 1 Stonechat, 11 Long-tailed Tits and 9 Chiffchaffs.

 October 10th

We spent an overcast and quiet morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Goldcrests, 6 Redwings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 38 Golden Plover, 2 Redpoll W, 18 Chaffinches, 3 Swallows W, 310 Siskins W, 8 Skylarks, 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Crossbill W.

Birds ringed 29: Chiffchaff 7, Wren 1, Goldcrest 3, Chaffinch 9, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 2, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 1, Starling 1.

Adult Redwing

 

October 9th

We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver where we recorded 70 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Water Rail, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Grey Wagtails,1 Pochard, 12 Shoveler, 25 Teal, 60 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 55 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 124 Coot, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Snipe, 60 Starlings W, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Lapwings, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Firecrests, 40 Siskins W, 10 Skylarks, 8 Blackcaps, 20 Goldcrests, 1 Stonechat, 16 Magpies, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Crossbills W, 30 Chaffinches and 1 Common Buzzard. Matt also saw a Clouded Yellow.

Birds ringed 79: Chiffchaff 48, Goldcrest 10, Firecrest 2, Blackcap 6, Cetti's Warbler 3, Reed Bunting 3, Goldfinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Song Thrush 4, Blackbird 1. 

Dave Smith walked in the Reculver area this morning and saw 5 Mute Swans, 1 Water Rail, 5 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 12 Skylarks W, 20 Chiffchaffs, 1 Redwing, 3 Stonechats, 3 Grey Wagtails, 20 Goldfinches, 3 Corn Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer. 

Some of Brendan Ryan's highlights as he walked around the eastern section of the Marsh this morning were 145 Greylag Geese, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Barnacles Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 4 Greylag x Canada hybrids, 13 Mute Swans, 3 Gadwall, 29 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Redshank, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 4 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jays, 11 Magpies, 12 Blue Tits, 16 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 17 Chiffchaffs, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 29 Song Thrushes, 4 Redwings, 7 Stonechats, 8 Dunnock, 35 Meadow Pipits, 2 Crossbills, 4 Siskins and 1 Snow Bunting.

 October 8th

The highlight of our ringing session at Shuart was catching and ringing a first year Marsh Warbler. 

First year Marsh Warbler

 Other birds we saw during the morning included 1 Kestrel, 20 Chffchaffs, 8 Redwings, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 17 Redpolls, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Goldcrests, 6 Stonechats. 1 Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Fieldfares, 32 Skylarks W, 27 Crossbills W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Siskin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Chaffinches, 18 Reed Buntings, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Rock Pipits.

First year Redpoll

 Birds ringed 32: Goldcrest 2, Chiffchaff 7, Blackcap 7, Blue Tit 1, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 7, Cetti's Warbler 2, Redpoll 1, Chaffinch 1, *Marsh Warbler 1, Dunnock 1.

Yesterday I received the original ringing information of three birds that we have controlled recently. A female Firecrest we caught at Reculver on the 29th September 2025 had been ringed at Charleston Reedbed, East Sussex on 9th September and had flown 98 km NE, next a first year Reed Warbler ringed at Dungeness Bird Observatory on 9th September 2025 was caught by us at Shuart Farm on the 20th September having flown 53km NNE and finally a Blackcap we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 5th October 2024 was controlled 10km SE at Richborough on 29th September 2025.

Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart along the embankment and back via Plumpudding. He saw 202 Greylag Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Canada Geese+hybrids, 1 Little Egret, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Little Grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 110 Golden Plovers, 46 Sanderling, 44 Ringed Plovers, 38 Turnstone, 15 Curlews, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Sandwich Terns, 64 Skylarks NW, 4 Grey Wagtails, 45 Meadow Pipits W, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Crossbill W, 45 Chiffchaffs, 1 Greenfinch W, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Dartford Warbler in Shuart Drove (193rd), 6 Blackcaps, 75 Chiffchaffs and 16 Goldcrest.

Brendan Ryan covered the eastern section of the Marsh this morning and his highlights were 220 Greylag Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 8 Mallard, 5 Oystercatchers, 23 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Carrion Crows, 38 Skylarks, 48 Chiffchaffs, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Firecrests, 38 Starlings, 1 Redwing, 4 Stonechats, 3 Pied Wagtails, 23 Chiffchaffs, 2 Crossbills, 2 Siskins and 13 Reed Buntings. 

Ruff - Brendan Ryan

 This afternoon Matt walked from Bishopstone to Reculver and back and recorded 69 Chiffchaffs, 24 Robins, 15 Goldcrests, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Buzzards, 79 Skylarks, 35 Chaffinches, 8 Song Thrushes, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Kestrels, 21 Goldfinches, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Stonechats, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Brambling, 15 Grey Partridges, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Crossbill, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Firecrest.

 October 7th

We spent the morning ringing again at Shuart where we again saw the juvenile Pallid Harrier that Derek Smith had seen earlier. It was then seen intermittently by visiting birders across the Marsh as far as the Green Wall.

Other birds we saw included 56 Redwings W, 1 Peregrine, 1 Water Rail, 10 Blackcaps, 20 Goldcrests, 100 Chiffchaffs, 2 Kestrels, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Song Thrushes, 280 Siskins W, 76 Crossbills W, 31 Chaffinches W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 116 Lapwings, 2 Redpoll, 1 Firecrest, 140 Greylag Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 2 Grey Wagtails, 30 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Jay, 1 Golden Plover and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Birds ringed 105: Chiffchaff 62, Long-tailed Tit 19, Goldcrest 8, Wren 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 7, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1, Blue Tit 5. 

October 6th

We had a fantastic morning's ringing session at Shuart with the undoubted highlight being superb views of a juvenile PALLID HARRIER (191st) that moved south and west through the area over a period of ten minutes and as close as thirty metres from us. This is the second record for the area following a male seen on 08/04/2021.

Juvenile Pallid Harrier - Matt Hindle

 

Other birds we saw included 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Greylag Geese, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Firecrests, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Redpolls, 30 Chiffchaffs, 45 Goldcrests, 14 Blackcaps, 10 Robins, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Peregrine, 15 Siskins W, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 20 Skylarks W, 9 Crossbills W, 3 Kestrels, 1 Woodlark calling and flying W (192nd), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 8 Meadow Pipits, 2 Jays, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Merlin.

Birds ringed 78: Goldcrest 29, Wren 4, Chiffchaff 18, Firecrest 2, Blackcaps 13, Robin 2, Great Tit 2, Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 3, Blackbird 1, Dunnock 2, Kingfisher 1. 

Kingfisher

 Dave Smith was out early at Shuart and walked to Plumpudding and the embankment. He counted 108 Greylag Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Curlew, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 20 Skylarks, 15 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Song Thrushes, 2 Stonechats, 120 Chaffinches, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Crossbill flying S, 5 Siskins and the Snow Bunting at Plumpudding. He also saw the juvenile Pallid Harrier this evening.

Brendan Ryan walked from Shuart out on the eastern Marsh and counted 51 Greylag Geese, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 20 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Jay, 41 Carrion Crows, 21 Chiffchaffs, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Blackcaps, 12 Goldcrests, 5 Firecrests, 2 Song Thrushes, 11 Robins, 3 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Rock Pipits, 7 Chaffinches, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 5 Goldfinches and 7 Reed Buntings.

October 5th

After yesterday's gale it was still windy this morning as Anne and I walked at Reculver. We counted 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Kingfisher, 152 Coot, 12 Chiffchaffs, 6 Mute Swans, 62 Gadwall, 36 Teal, 1 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes, 4 Wigeon, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Little Stint (189th), 10 Meadow Pipits, 36 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Firecrest and 5 Goldcrests.

Little Stint - Matt Hindle

Matt had a walk at Shuart and saw and heard a Yellow-browed Warbler (190th) as well as 2 Crossbills flying W, 15 Siskins, 30 Chiffchaffs and 4 Goldcrests.

Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend and recorded 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Skylarks SW, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Swallows W, 2 Siskins W, 8 Crossbills W, 17 Chiffchaffs and 6 Goldcrests. 

 October 4th

With the overnight rain having cleared away it was sunny this morning with a westerly gale blowing as we arrived at Minnis Bay at 0700 and completed a two and a half hour seawatch. We counted 45 Gannets, 27 Sanderling, 12 Sandwich Terns W, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 4 "Commic" Terns W, 11 Common Terns W, 2 Curlew, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Mediterranean Gulls W, 9 Ringed Plovers, 42 Oystercatchers, 17 Crossbills W, 1 Swallow, 1 Rock Pipit, 7 House Martins and 1 large auk E.

 October 3rd

On a wet and windy morning Matt walked along the seawall to Plumpudding and back along the embankment. He recorded 10 Stonechats, 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Sandwich Terns, 1 Wheatear, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Knot, 140 Greylag Geese, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Goldcrests, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 35 Mallard, 92 Golden Plovers, 6 Sanderling, 3 Ravens, 4 Swallows, 14 Coot, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Tufted Duck, 84 Lapwings, 1 Peregrine, 1 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Gannet and 1 Curlew.

 October 2nd

With the weather deteriorating over the next few days we had our last ringing session at Reculver for a while. We saw 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper, 40 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 57 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 133 Coot, 9 Pied Wagtails, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Water Rails, 300 House Martins, 10 Swallows, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Grey Heron, 248 Siskins W, 60 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Firecrest, 2 Redwings, 5 Stonechats, 26 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 25 Skylarks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Robins, 15 Blackcaps, 8 Crossbills W, 21 Greylag Geese, 15 Goldcrests and 2 Redpolls W.

Birds ringed 85: Goldcrest 13, Chiffchaff 41, Wren 3, Blackcap 11, Blue Tit 4, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 3, Stonechat 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1.

First year Meadow Pipit

Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the embankment and then on to Chamber's Wall and Plumpudding recording 4 Grey Herons, 5 Little Grebes, 85 Greylag Geese, 12 Wigeon W, 1 male Marsh Harriers, 60 Lapwings, 1 Snipe S, 5 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Wagtail E, 1 Kingfisher, 9 Swallows, 400+ House Martins SW, 26 Meadow Pipit W, 6 Stonechats, 118 Siskins W, 21 Linnets W, 53 Chaffinches W, 6 Redpoll W, 4 Blackcaps, 65 Chiffchaffs and 14 Goldcrests. 

Brendan had an uneventful walk this afternoon from Shuart to Plumpudding, but did see the Snow Bunting. 

Snow Bunting - Brendan Ryan

 October 1st

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart and saw 278 Siskins flying W, 3 Grey Wagtails, 35 Goldcrests, 35 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps, 120 Greylag Geese, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 90 Lapwings, 8 Golden Plovers, 1 Brambling, 8 Redwings, 52 Crossbills W, 1 Mistle Thrush, 44 Redpoll W, 10 Song Thrushes, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Reed Warblers, 80 House Martins, 14 Skylarks, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 1 Peregrine, 60 Goldfinches, Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Gadwall, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Stonechats, 11 Meadow Pipits and 2 Swallows.

Birds ringed 65: Chiffchaff 29, Goldcrest 9, Wren 1, Robin 4, Blackcap 14, Reed Bunting 1, Stonechat 2, Chaffinch 1, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2.

Derek covered the eastern half of the Marsh this morning together with Kerry McDonnell and saw 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Teal flying N, 90 Lapwings, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harriers, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, 17 Magpies W, 117 Starlings W, 34 Skylarks SW, 9 Song Thrushes SW, 17 Pied Wagtails, 6 Swallows W, 1,000+ House Martins SW, 67 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Rock Pipit, 11 Stonechats, 348 Siskins SW, 93 Goldfinches, 4 Redpoll SW, 1 Crossbill SW, 1 Brambling W, 52 Chaffinches W, 13 Blackcaps, 90 Chiffchaffs, 27 Goldcrests and 1 Snow Bunting at Plumpudding. 

Snow Bunting - Derek Smith