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.