October 31st
The last day of October dawned sunny if a little misty as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall. Birds we saw included 3 Kestrels, 35 Redwings, 16 Blackbirds, 14 Skylarks, 32 Chaffinches, 29 Goldfinches, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, 26 Reed Buntings, 67 Golden Plovers, 4 Stonechats, 1 Kingfisher, 17 Bearded Tits, 4 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 76 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Little Egrets, 45 Oystercatchers, 11 Redshank, 26 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 42 Carrion Crows, 10 Linnets, 2 Grey Plovers, 9 Meadow Pipits, 2 Siskins and 8 Long-tailed Tits. As we were driving home a ring-tail Hen Harrier flew across the road near Marshside and flew on towards Reculver.

Meadow Pipit

Male Bearded Tit

We met Derek Smith and Patrick Giles at Coldharbour as they walked back to Shuart. Their highlights were 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 1 Short-eared Owl in off the sea at Minnis Bay, 4 Stonechats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Dartford Warbler still at Shuart crossing, 6 Chiffchaffs and 40 Goldcrests.
This afternoon Chris Tedder recorded not only a Great White Egret flying over the marsh between Reculver and Chamber's Wall but a Raven as well.

Great White Egret - Chris Tedder

Raven - Chris Tedder

October 30th
This morning we walked around the Shuart area and then on to Plumpudding. We saw 2 Lapwings, 31 Stock Doves, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 juvenile Hen Harrier, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 27 Long-tailed Tits, 16 Blackbirds, 33 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Song Thrushes, 15 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Skylarks, 3 Cormorants, 85 Chaffinches W, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kestrel, 1 Rock Pipit, 28 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 29 Mute Swans, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 1 Chiffchaff.
The "Continental" Coal Tit was still at the feeders in our garden this morning.
This afternoon a walk inland from Reculver produced 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Common Buzzard, 16 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Coot, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Jack Snipe (193rd) flushed from a field.

October 29th
On a cloudy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour and saw 45 Chaffinches, 21 Blackbirds, 6 Redwings, 58 Cormorants, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel 3 Coot, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Stonechats, 38 Mallard, 56 Linnets, 47 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 24 Teal, 1 Curlew, 26 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 4 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Swallow and 12 Long-tailed Tits.

Female Stonechat

October 28th
This morning was a washout so we went shopping and birdwatched after lunch. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 9 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Lapwings, 14 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 7 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 17 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egrets, 14 Goldfinches, 152 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 89 Linnets, 35 Mallard and 1 Oystercatcher.
Marc Heath found 2 Firecrests in Bishopstone Glen.

Goldfinch

October 27th
We spent another morning ringing at Shuart and saw 45 Lapwings, 22 Fieldfares, 3 Bramblings, 9 Lesser Redpoll W, 24 Siskins W, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldcrests, 23 Redwings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Golden Plover, 21 Skylarks, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 11 Chaffinches, 15 Blackbirds, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 14 Goldfinches, 11 Song Thrushes, 1 "Continental" Coal Tit, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Short-eared Owl and 2 Stonechats.

Birds ringed 31: Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 12, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1, Goldfinch 5, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 5.

Today we received two interesting first ringing details of birds we recently controlled at Shuart:

Blackcap ring no. EJ73693 we caught at Shuart on 15-10-15 was ringed on 04-10-15 at Revtangen, Klepp, Rogaland, NORWAY (864 km NNE)

Lesser Redpoll ring no. D821005 we caught at Shuart on 09-10-15 was ringed on 16-09-15 at Kilnsea Clays, East Riding of Yorkshire (260 km NNW)


 

Chiffchaff

 

On a sunny afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Kestrel, 14 Chaffinches, 1 Merlin, 1 Kingfisher, 45 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Stonechat, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Redshank, 15 Mallard, 2 Turnstone, 5 Bearded Tits at Coldharbour also seen by Terry Wilson, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Redwings, 12 Blackbirds and the bird of the afternoon a juvenile Hen Harrier in the evening sunshine.

During the afternoon Mike Hook also saw 100 Sanderling near Plumpudding.

 

 

Juvenile Hen Harrier



October 26th
We spent the first part of the morning ringing at Shuart but the breeze increased blowing leaves into the nets so we packed up and went for a walk. During the morning we saw 14 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Bramblings, 16 Lapwings, 13 Skylarks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Siskins W, 1 Water Rail, 4 Grey Herons, 20 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 25 Song Thrushes, 20 Blackbirds, 1 Kestrel, 30 Goldcrests, 1 Snipe, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Merlins, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Blackcap, 10 Robins, 1 Common Buzzard, 110 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff.

Birds ringed 32: Goldcrest 13, Wren 1, Robin 4, Blackcap 1, Dunnock 4, Song Thrush 4, Redwing 1, Blackbird 4.

Mike Longdon saw a Black Redstart near Coldharbour during the afternoon.

October 25th
On a sunny but chilly morning we ringed out on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Redwings, 22 Skylarks, 1 Snipe, 7 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins W, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Corn Buntings, 3 Golden Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Crossbills W, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Redpolls W, 3 Swallows, 1 Kestrel and 210 Starlings W.

Birds ringed 24: Goldcrest 3, Wren 3, Robin 6, Chaffinch 1, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 3, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.

Marc Heath saw 1 Dartford Warbler this morning near the Shuart crossing.

October 24th
We spent the morning ringing near Reculver where we counted 19 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 2 Water Rails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 201 Siskins, 7 Bramblings, 15 Redwings, 14 Goldcrests, 1 Kestrel, 9 Cormorants, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1 Grey Heron, 378 Chaffinches flying W, 37 Swallows, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Coot, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Sparrowhawks, 8 Goldfinches and 1 Common Buzzard.

Birds ringed 24: Wren 2, Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 4, Robin 4, Cetti's Warbler 2, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1.

Derek Smith had an excellent morning's vis mig as he walked from Shuart to the stables and along the railway embankment between 0730 and 1100. He recorded 1 Marsh Harrier SW, 46 Swallows SW, 1,330 Starlings W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 6 Pied Wagtails W, 1 Kingfisher, 42 Skylarks SW, 5 Meadow Pipits SW, 4 Mistle Thrushes SW, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 36 Goldcrests, 2 Stonechats, 84 Siskins, 10 Redpoll, 116 Goldfinches, 2,320 Chaffinches SW, 8 Brambling W, 5 Greenfinches W, 28 Linnets, 13 Reed Buntings SW and 1 Corn Bunting.
This afternoon a walk along the seawall from Reculver produced 108 Chaffinches W, 6 Redshank, 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Goldfinches, 155 Starlings W, 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, 1 Kestrel, 3 Curlews, 13 Oystercatchers, 1 Wheatear and 1 Peregrine.
Matt also found 2 Dartford Warblers at Shuart associating with 2 Stonechats.

October 23rd
On a dull but windless morning we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Owl, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 11 Siskins, 4 Kestrels, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Fieldfares, 29 Chaffinches, 1 unringed Great Grey Shrike, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Stonechats, 55 Linnets, 3 House Martins, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Dartford Warbler, 25 Goldfinches, 81 Redwings, 17 Blackbirds, 51 Lesser Redpoll feeding on Greater Willowherb, 3 Brambling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Swallows, 1 male Peregrine unsuccessfully chasing a Redwing, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets and 1 Jay.

Great Grey Shrike

In addition Marc Heath who arrived a little later heard the Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Coal Tits as well as finding a second Dartford Warbler by the railway crossing.

October 22nd
This morning began overcast but halfway through our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour the sun came out. We saw 2 Goldcrests, 15 Cormorants, 36 Blackbirds, 25 Redwings, 14 Goldfinches, 51 Chaffinches, 39 Oystercatchers, 32 Reed Buntings, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Stonechats, 5 Redpoll, 4 Mute Swans, 24 Mallard, 42 Carrion Crows, 2 Wheatears, 5 Rock Pipits, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 32 Linnets, 1 Barnacle Goose flying W, 13 Skylarks, 1 Water Rail, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Golden Plover and 1 Common Buzzard.

Wheatear

Barnacle Goose

As we walked back from Coldharbour we met Simon Summers who had walked from Shuart and had seen 2 Ravens, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl and 1 Merlin.
Marc Heath also walked in from Shuart where he heard the Yellow-browed Warbler still calling and found another Dartford Warbler near the railway crossing and 7 Bearded Tits near Coldharbour.
The Great Grey Shrike was also seen again by Richard Collins and others during the day.

October 21st
On a thoroughly miserable morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the railway embankment. We counted 8 Cormorants, 52 Chaffinches, 1 Merlin zipping along the Wantsum, 7 Swallows W, 16 Blackbirds, 23 Lapwings W, 48 Golden Plover, 28 Reed Buntings, 31 Mallard, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Little Egret, 4 Redshank, 39 Carrion Crows, 1 Wheatear, 7 Oystercatchers, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Pied Wagtails, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 22 Redwings, 52 Goldfinches, 9 Goldcrests, 69 |Siskins W, 19 Redpolls W, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Peregrine and 1 Jay.

October 20th
With only limited time on what was a beautiful morning we walked right around the Reculver area. We saw 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 24 Golden Plovers, 1 Redshank,10 Chiffchaffs, 9 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Heron, 21 Lapwings W, 12 Robins, 1 Siskin, 2 Jays, 1 Fieldfare, 10 Chaffinches, 21 Redwings, 11 Blackbirds, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Grey Wagtails and 14 Mute Swans.

Redshank

Derek Smith spent the morning walking from Shuart along the railway embankment to the Wantsum and back via Plumpudding. He recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Long-eared Owl in bushes beside the Wantsum, 7 Pied Wagtails W, 18 Skylarks W, 830 Starlings W, 2 Wheatears, 5 Stonechats, 22 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 62 Goldcrests, 1 Tree Sparrows, 6 Greenfinches W, 3 Redpoll W, 9 Siskins W, 74 Chaffinches, 2 Brambling and 1 Corn Bunting.

Wheatear

Long-eared Owl

Marc Heath saw the Dartford Warbler on the cliffs below the Miramar Rest Home refound by Eric Brown and also found another one in a stubble field by the car park in Bishopstone Lane.

Dartford Warbler

October 19th
We had another excellent morning's ringing at Shuart where the highlight was catching and ringing our first ever Great Grey Shrike - a superb if somewhat vicious bird in the hand!

First winter Great Grey Shrike

Other birds we saw during the morning included 2 Green Woodpeckers, 19 Siskins, 56 Chaffinches, 45 Goldcrests, 49 Lesser Redpoll, 350 Redwings, 19 Fieldfares, 159 Song Thrushes, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Firecrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 11 Bramblings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Ring Ouzels, 5 Swallows, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 25 Blackbirds, 17 Skylarks and 1 Chiffchaff.

Birds ringed 58: Goldcrest 29, Firecrest 2, Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 3, Robin 7, Cetti's Warbler 1, Song Thrush 6, Blackbird 7, Great Grey Shrike 1.

We continue to have one or two "Continental" Coal Tits visiting the feeders in our garden.

"Continental" Coal Tit

After Derek Smith had come to see the Great Grey Shrike he walked along the railway embankment and on to Chamber's Wall and saw 30 Swallows W, 22 Fieldfares SW, 80 Redwings SW, 60 Blackbirds, 45 Song Thrushes, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Stonechat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 42 Goldcrests, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 28 Siskins W, 19 Redpoll W, 67 Chaffinches W, 11 Greenfinches W, 3 Brambling W, 4 Tree Sparrows W and 3 Corn Buntings.
Terry Wilson found a Firecrest at Plumpudding and had 12 Common Scoter off Grenham Bay. 

October 18th
On a morning that started dull and damp and ended warm and sunny we had another successful ringing session at Reculver. In five hours we saw 11 Chiffchaffs, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 24 Mute Swans, 2 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Coot, 80 Goldcrests, 6 Bramblings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 24 Redwings, 29 Lesser Redpoll, 42 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 123 Siskins, 15 Robins, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Crossbills NW, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Water Rail, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Sparrowhawk, 25 Skylarks, 4 Kingfishers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Snipe, 2 Jays, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 10 Song Thrushes, 15 Meadow Pipits, 2 Coal Tits and 17 Swallows.

Birds ringed 77: Goldcrest 36, Chiffchaff 2, Wren 1, Robin 6, Siskin 21, Blackcap 2, Great Tit 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3, Kingfisher 1.

Female Siskin

Dave Smith was also out in the area this morning and his highlights were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Ring Ouzel, 30 Swallows, 2 House Martins and 3 Yellowhammers. He also refound the Dartford Warbler on the cliffs below the Miramar Rest Home.
In addition Marc Heath had 2 Ravens on the Towers early on, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Yellowhammer and the Great Grey Shrike still in the scrub below the Miramar Rest Home, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Owl and 6 Brambling.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back to Plumpudding between 0730 and 1330. He found 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Snipe W, 22 Lapwings W, 30 Fieldfares, 120 Song Thrushes, 65 Blackbirds, 80 Redwings, 32 Skylarks W, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Wagtail, 380 Starlings W, 1 Stonechat, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 180 Goldcrests, 2 Tree Sparrows E, 4 Bearded Tits, 6 Brambling W, 136 Chaffinches W, 44 Redpolls W, 144 Siskins W, 8 Bullfinches, 18 Reed Buntings and 2 Yellowhammers.

Male Bearded Tit - Derek Smith

October 17th
With the fresh northerly still blowing we spent a successful morning ringing at our Reculver site where there was good protection from the wind. We saw 6 Siskins, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 19 Redwings, 5 Fieldfares, 100 Goldcrests, 21 Lesser Redpolls, 1 Water Rail, 11 Chiffchaffs, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Jay, 19 Mute Swans, 11 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon.3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Blackcaps, 20 Robins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 32 Chaffinches, 3 Swallows, 3 Crossbills W, 1 Brambling, 1 Firecrest, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret.

Birds ringed 76: Goldcrest 41, Firecrest 1, Chiffchaff 5, Robin 13, Blackcap 3, Blue Tit 1, Siskin 4, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 2, Blackbird 4.

Male Siskin

Male Firecrest



During the morning Dave Smith found a Lapland Bunting (192nd) at Hillborough in fields near the Church.

October 16th
With a strong northerly wind and showers forecast we were at the Towers early to see what was moving. In the event the answer was nothing! All we saw was a Peregrine so we decided to walk around Reculver bushes which were a bit more productive. We saw 69 Redwings, 7 Swallows, 2 Chiffchaffs, 40 Goldcrests, 23 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 8 Robins.
Later at Chamber's Wall we recorded 76 Redwings, 50 Chaffinches, 5 Fieldfares, 15 Goldcrests, 2 Little Egrets, 32 Goldfinches, 7 Lesser Redpolls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Stonechats, 22 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 1 Peregrine, 1 Brambling and 1 Grey Heron.

Robin

Derek Smith moved on to Shuart where he found 70 Redwings, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Tree Sparrow W, 6 Siskins W and 4 Chiffchaffs.

October 15th
We spent a dreary morning ringing at Shuart where the highlight was catching a Norwegian ringed Blackcap. Birds we saw include 7 Bramblings, 11 Chiffchaffs, 10 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Common Buzzard, 110 Goldcrests, 63 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 28 Lesser Redpoll, 93 Siskins W, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Song Thrushes, 30 Robins, 1 Kestrel, 12 Skylarks, 4 Swallows, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Blackcap.

Birds ringed 64: Goldcrest 33, Wren 1, Chiffchaff 6, Blue Tit 1, Robin 13, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 1, Blackbird 4.

"Continental" Robin

Norwegian ringed Blackcap

During the morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to the railway embankment between 0800 and 1200 and recorded 1 Peregrine, 1 Long-eared Owl, 5 Fieldfare S, 35 Blackbirds, 6 Redwings W, 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler at Shuart Farm calling frequently, 1 Pallas's Warbler (190th)west of Chambers Wall crossing, c350 Goldcrests all along the embankment and around Shuart Farm, 210 Chaffinches E, 11 Bramblings and 13 Redpolls W.

Pallas's Warbler - Derek Smith

Micky Baldock also found a Great Grey Shrike (191st) on the cliffs below the Miramar Rest Home in Beltinge.

Great Grey Shrike

This afternoon we walked around the Reculver area and saw 10 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 11 Swallows, 5 Bramblings, 4 Stonechats, 10 Chaffinches and 1 Wheatear.

October 14th
On a cool, blustery and showery morning we birded in the lee of the trees and bushes at Reculver and Chamber's Wall and saw very little. Birds we did see included 2 Peregrines, 59 Chaffinches, 1 Stonechat, 17 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackbirds, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 6 Skylarks, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Redwing and 5 Song Thrushes.

Blue Tit feeding on Hawthorn berries

Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Chamber's Wall and Potten Street between 0830 and 1200 and counted 45 Song Thrushes, 30 Redwings, 40 Skylarks N, 7 Chiffchaffs, 120 Goldcrests, 1 Brambling W and 3 Lesser Redpolls W.
There were still 2 "Continental" Coal Tits on our garden feeders today.
Micky Baldock spent some time at the Towers during the day and recorded 1 Manx Shearwater (188th), 3 Sooty Shearwaters (189th) in 10 minutes late pm, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Divers and 1 Gannet E. The area was also alive with Goldcrests.

October 13th
This morning was a bit of a disappointment. With a strong NNE wind blowing we arrived at the Towers early hoping for some seabirds to be moving, but it was very slow. All we saw in 90 minutes was 57 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Merlin in off the sea, 3 Wigeon, 1 Great Skua E, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Shelduck W, 22 Cormorants and 1 Red-throated Divers. In the bushes were 5 Goldcrests 1 Chiffchaff and 10 Chaffinches.
Later at Chamber's Wall we walked out to Coldharbour and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 12 Goldcrests, 1 Redwing, 12 Chaffinches, 27 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 3 Rock Pipits and 1 Turnstone.
When we got home we found 2 "Continental" Coal Tits on our bird feeders.

Carrion Crow

With a strong NNE. wind blowing, Ron Dubbins did a largely unproductive 3 hour seawatch from the Towers. Apart from the usual gulls and Cormorants, the only birds of note were several small flocks of Brent Geese totalling about 50 birds W, 1 Hobby in from the sea at the Towers, 1 Great Skua E, 4 Little Gulls E and 1 Red-throated Diver. 

October 12th
With the cool, east wind continuing to blow and on an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour before visiting Reculver on the way home. On our walk from Chamber's Wall we saw 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Kestrels, 7 Chiffchaffs, 19 Cormorants, 29 Goldfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 8 Skylarks, 46 Goldfinches, 34 Golden Plovers, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 136 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Ring Ouzels, 5 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 4 Redshank, 14 Reed Buntings, 24 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 28 Mallard, 2 Grey Plovers, 2 Teal, 31 Carrion Crows, 12 Lapwings, 4 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Bearded Tit, 44 Lesser Redpoll W, 2 Swallows, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Robins and 1 Firecrest.
At Reculver we recorded 1 male Marsh Harrier, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Stonechats, 1 Swallow, 1 Brambling, 12 Song Thrushes, 18 Chaffinches and 30 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Female Stonechat

At Bishopstone Dave Smith saw 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Bramblings, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Chiffchaffs and lots of Goldcrests. At Reculver Church he also found a Yellow-browed Warbler and at Coldharbour a Firecrest.
Derek Smith was also out this morning walking from Shuart to Brooksend and seeing 1 Merlin, 96 Skylarks N, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 6 Swallows S, 60 Song Thrushes, 20 Redwings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 19 Chiffchaffs, 65 Goldcrests, 22 Siskins W, 52 Lesser Redpolls W, 65 Chaffinches W, 1 Brambling W and 1 Coal Tit.
This morning Terry Wilson saw a Short-eared Owl, 15 Meadow Pipits and 5 Goldcrests at Plumpudding and 15 Brent Geese and 1 Kingfisher at Grenham Bay.
This afternoon Micky Baldock found a quite showy Dartford Warbler (187th) on the cliffs below the Miramar Rest Home at the extreme western end of our recording area.

Dartford Warbler - Julian Perry

October 11th
This morning dawned cooler and overcast with a fresh E wind blowing. We spent about an hour at the Towers and then walked up to Coldharbour before looking at Reculver bushes as we returned. Birds we saw included 568 Dark-bellied Brent Geese arriving from the east, 5 Little Egrets, 40 Common Scoter E, 43 Skylarks, 2 Gannets, 3 Grey Wagtails, 5 Rock Pipits, 9 Goldcrests, 20 Lesser Redpoll, 20 Wigeon W, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Pintail E, 1 Kingfisher, 55 Linnets, 17 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Grey Plover, 14 Cormorants, 1 Turnstone, 1 Short-eared Owl high out at sea being mobbed by Herring Gulls, 23 Mallard, 26 Meadow Pipits, 2 Stonechats, 15 Teal W, 28 Carrion Crows, 21 Lapwings, 65 Goldfinches, 28 Oystercatchers, 2 Wheatears, 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Peregrine, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Jays, 8 Chaffinches and 1 Raven. We also had brief views of a Harbour Porpoise.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese

This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 31 Goldcrests, 13 Song Thrushes, 16 Robins, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 62 Brent Geese, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Little Egrets and 1 Kingfisher.
At the same time we walked round Shuart and saw 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 21 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Kestrels and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

October 10th
We had another ringing session at Reculver this morning and saw 12 Chiffchaffs, 17 Mute Swans, 1 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Water Rails, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 47 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Song Thrushes, 20 Goldcrests, 5 Grey Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Owl, 1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Partridges, 30 Meadow Pipits, 17 Skylarks, 2 Sparrowhawks, 21 Siskins, 1 Common Treecreeper singing, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Pied Wagtails, 12 Lapwings, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel and 2 Peregrines.

Birds ringed 34: Goldcrest 13, Chiffchaff 8, Wren 3, Blackcap 3, Blue Tit 1, Lesser Redpoll 2, Grey Wagtail 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2.

A Goldcrest we ringed at Shuart on Oct 1st was controlled at Sandwich Bay the next day.

Grey Wagtail

October 9th
This morning started chilly but the sun soon warmed things up and we had a good morning' ringing at Shuart. We saw 65 Lesser Redpolls mainly feeding in Greater Willowherb, 15 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Goldcrests, 11 Blackcaps, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpekcers, 2 Reed Warblers, 34 Greylag Geese, 24 Goldfinches, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 31 Skylarks W, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Jay, 3 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Lapwings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Raven, 1 Swallow, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Crossbill W and 1 Siskin.

Birds ringed 50: Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 3, Wren 2, Robin 3, Lesser Redpoll 18, Blackcap 6, Reed Warbler 1, Blue Tit 2, Goldfinch 2, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1, Green Woodpecker 1.

Male Lesser Redpoll

Just after lunch we had a "Continental" Coal Tit in our garden at Bishopstone. 

October 8th
We spent the morning ringing near Reculver where we saw 14 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 5 Mute Swans, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Kingfishers, 25 Goldcrests, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 13 Siskin, 12 Song Thrushes, 41 Lesser Redpolls, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Little Owl, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper, 10 Skylarks, 3 Jays, 8 Tree Sparrows and 1 Little Egret.

Birds ringed 54: Goldcrest 15, Chiffchaff 10, Long-tailed Tit 6, Blackcap 9, Lesser Redpoll 1, Great Tit 1, Robin 1, Blue Tit 4, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 3, Kingfisher 1.



Lesser Redpoll

Micky Baldock had 5 Bullfinches at Bishopstone and refound the pale Yellow Wagtail still at Reculver.
This afternoon a walk out onto the Marsh at Chamber's Wall produced 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, 20 Oystercatchers, 18 Mallard, 2 Curlew, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Common Buzzard, 13 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Grey Wagtails.

October 7th
Highlight of our morning's ringing session at Shuart was catching a French ringed "continental" Coal Tit . This species is on the move from Northern Europe this year and Micky Baldock also had two in Bishopstone Glen this morning.

 

French ringed "continental" Coal Tit

Other birds noted at Shuart were 3 Green Woodpeckers, 24 Song Thrushes, 19 Lesser Redpoll W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs, 17 Siskins W, 13 Goldcrests, 8 Blackcaps, 50 Stock Doves, 3 Swallows, 2 Redwings, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 85 Lapwings SW, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Jay, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 16 Skylarks, 8 Long-tailed Tits and 20 Crossbills W (12+8)

Birds ringed 20: Wren 1, Goldcrest 8, Chiffchaff 2, Robin 1, Blackcap 4, Blue Tit 1, Song Thrush 3.

October 6th
After the overnight rain we ringed at Shuart for a couple of hours before the forecast mid morning rain arrived. We saw 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 56 Swallows flying S, 16 Blackcaps, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 11 Song Thrushes, 15 Goldcrests, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Redwing, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Kestrel, 4 Skylarks, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Pied Wagtails and 8 Siskins.

Birds ringed 26: Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 7, Blackcap10, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1.

Redwing

Later at Reculver Towers Matt found an interesting pale Yellow Wagtail with a nasal call of which I managed to take a few long distance shots. Is it possible it is of one of the eastern forms of this variable species?
Other birds seen included 14 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Song Thrushes, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Pied Wagtails, 30 House Sparrows, 1 male Common Redstart, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Pale juvenile Yellow Wagtail on grass behind Reculver Towers

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 4 Swallows, 1 Siskin, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrests, 28 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 19 Golden Plover, 42 Oystercatchers, 12 Cormorants, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Peregrine, 1 Curlew and 1 Kingfisher.
At 1230 Terry Wilson saw a Short-eared Owl being mobbed by the local gulls flying in off the sea at Grenham Bay.

October 5th
It was dull and dreary as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning and saw 12 Pied Wagtails, 17 Cormorants, 64 Oystercatchers, 93 Linnets, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Redshank, 41 Goldfinches, 19 Mallard, 2 Kestrels, 3 Teal, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Mute Swans, 3 Lesser Redpoll W, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrests.

Goldfinches

Micky Baldock had 2 Ravens flying south at the Towers this morning.

October 4th
On a wonderful autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour and then along the seawall and railway embankment. Birds we saw included 2 Mute Swans, 7 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 46 Chaffinches, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Long-eared Owl disturbed from bushes at Chamber's Wall, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Song Thrushes, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 21 Mallard, 17 Skylarks, 6 Redshank, 28 Linnets, 1 Golden Plover, 8 Cormorants, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Reed Buntings, 1 juvenile Gannet flying E close inshore, 1 Wheatear, 2 Teal, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Swallows, 10 Magpies, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrels and 2 Siskins.

Long-eared Owl being chased by local Carrion Crow

Derek Smith, Tim Hodge and Kerry McDonnell were also out between 0700 and 1100 at Shuart and the railway embankment and counted 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 46 Lapwings W, 2 Jays W, 23 Swallows W, 14 Skylarks W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 28 Pied Wagtails W, 36 Meadow Pipits W, 25 Song Thrushes, 1 Reed Warbler, 16 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 55 Goldcrests, 1 Coal Tit (186th), 43 Lesser Redpoll W and 73 Siskins W.

October 3rd
On a foggy morning we managed to have a good ringing session at Reculver. We saw 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Wigeon, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Coot, 2 Gadwall, 82 Goldcrests, 35 Chiffchaffs, 40 Blackcaps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Redwings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 21 Chaffinches, 1 Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Siskins, 6 Swallows, 1 Firecrest, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Jays.

Birds ringed 85: Goldcrest 27, Chiffchaff  21, Firecrest 1, Wren 3, Robin 3, Blackcap 21, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 3.

Male Goldcrest

Derek Smith and Tim Hodge were also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and the railway embankment and back via Potten Street. They saw 1 Snipe E, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 33 Song Thrushes, 4 Redwings W, 4 Swallows W, 110 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 43 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 140 Goldcrests, 3 Redpoll and 18 Siskins W.
During the afternoon Matt and Marion walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall inland and then back along the seawall. They saw 36 Goldcrests, 29 Chiffchaffs, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Wagtail, 14 Siskins, 2 Wheatears, 2 Kestrels, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Swallows, 23 Chaffinches, 5 Grey Partridges, 34 Mallard, 12 Golden Plovers, 3 Brent Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 50 Goldfinches, 5 Stonechats, 7 Redpoll, 45 Meadow Pipits, 215 Linnets, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Teal, 3 Redshank, 14 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone and 1 Curlew.

October 2nd
On a much less windy morning we had another ringing session at Shuart where we saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Buzzard, 66 Red-legged Partridges, 24 Mallard, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Garden Warbler, 12 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Skylarks W, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Lesser Redpolls, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Song Thrushes, 34 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Siskins, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Swallows, 1 Kestrel and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Birds ringed 47: Chiffchaff 6, Goldcrest 3, Wren 1, Blackcap 9, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Robin 1, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Goldfinch 18, Cetti's Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 1.



Lesser Whitethroat

Garden Warbler

 

This afternoon a walk around the Reculver area produced 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 25 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Song Thrushes, 14 Wigeon, 1 Canada Goose, 2 Gadwall and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

This morning Dave Smith found a Firecrest at Bishopstone.

October 1st
We spent another morning ringing near Shuart and saw 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Firecrest, 1 Brambling (185th), 8 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 6 Lesser Redpolls, 17 Song Thrushes, 10 Blackcaps, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 21 Siskins, 29 Lapwings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 3 Redwings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 45 Goldfinches, 9 Skylarks, 1 Golden Plover, 8 Swallows, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Cetti's Warbler  and 1 Grey Wagtail. We also found a Willow Emerald Damselfly.

Birds ringed 23: Chiffchaff 2, Firecrest 1, Goldcrest 6, Robin 3, Blackcap 6, Chaffinch 1, Great Tit 1, Garden Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1.

Female Firecrest

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 5 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests, 15 Swallows, 13 Cormorants, 2 Kestrels, 2 House Martins, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Wheatear, 2 Curlews, 1 Sanderling, 2 Blackcaps, 30 Linnets, 3 Oystercatchers and 1 Sedge Warbler.