October 31st
We spent a cloudy morning ringing at Shuart where we recorded 2 Kestrels, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Golden Plover, 73 Skylarks W, 9 Siskins, 61 Lesser Redpoll, 70 Redwings W, 40 Blackbirds, 20 Linnets, 10 Goldcrests, 4 Bramblings W, 2 Bullfinches W, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Merlin, 38 Lapwings, 19 Fieldfares W, 1 Chiffchaff, 705 Starlings W, 30 Reed Buntings, 3 Marsh Harriers, 6 Pied Wagtails W, 10 Song Thrushes, 188 Chaffinches W, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodcock, 1 Snipe W, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Birds ringed 86: Goldcrest 4, Chiffchaff 1, Reed Bunting 17, Lesser Redpoll 29, Robin 3, Chaffinch 5, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 2, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 3, Blackbird 17.

Male Lesser Redpoll

Whilst we were ringing Derek Smith walked from Shuart all along the railway embankment and in five hours counted 24 Lapwings W, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 26 Fieldfares W, 65 Redwings W, 54 Skylarks W, 32 Meadow Pipits W, 5 alba Wagtails W, 5 Stonechats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 30 Goldcrests, 1 Bullfinch W, 41 Siskins W, 148 Lesser Redpoll W, 26 Goldfinches W, 2,386 Chaffinches W, 16 Bramblings W, 1 Hawfinch W, 9 Reed Buntings W and 2 Yellowhammers W.

October 30th
We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw a nice range of species including 1 Firecrest, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Bramblings W, 31 Skylarks, 26 Siskins W, 21 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 87 Fieldfares W, 29 Redwings W, 20 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Blackcap, 2 Little Egrets W, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Snipe, 2,450 Starlings W, 18 Lapwings W, 3 Kestrels, 17 Goldfinches, 11 Crossbills W, 14 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Golden Plover, 18 Chaffinches and 1 Green Sandpiper.

Birds ringed 42: Firecrest 1, Goldcrest 7, Long-tailed Tit 6, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Robin 2, Lesser Redpoll 12, Chaffinch 4, Coal Tit 1, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.

British Coal Tit

Derek Smith had an afternoon stroll from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and saw a few Chaffinches still moving, 133 Golden Plovers disturbed by a microlight, a Woodcock flying in off the sea and at dusk 1 Little Owl and 1 Barn Owl.

October 29th
At last a good seawatch! We arrived at the Towers early and spent four hours between 0630 and 1030 counting the birds which were mainly flying west but later back east and out of the Swale. We counted 58 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 283 Gannets, 247 Cormorants, 27 Great Skuas, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Red-throated Divers, 335 large auks of which 4 close birds were Razorbills (193rd), 6 Dunlin, 436 Kittiwakes, 3 Manx Shearwaters E, 4 Curlews, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Black-throated Diver E (194th), 4 Common Scoter, 10 Shelduck, 6 Arctic Skuas, 15 Little Gulls, 37 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Tern, 1 immature Long-tailed Skua (195th), 26 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 5 Wigeon, 1 Pintail and 10 White-fronted Geese N (196th).

October 28th
Although it was a sunny morning there was a stiff and cool westerly breeze blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We saw 1 Grey Heron, 290 Starlings W, 2 Stonechats, 28 Skylarks W, 52 Mallard, 29 Redwings W, 4 Goldcrests, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Redpolls W, 24 Goldfinches, 13 Fieldfares W, 83 Chaffinches W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 25 Corn Buntings, 51 Linnets, 8 Mute Swans, 3 Shelduck, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Redshank, 1 Wigeon, 14 Turnstone and 24 Reed Buntings.

Fieldfares

Derek Smith walked around the Shuart and Netherhale area between 0730 and 1030 and recorded 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Hen Harrier, per Marc Heath, 31 Lapwings W, 173 Stock Doves W, 89 Skylarks W, 38 Meadow Pipits W, 8 alba Wagtails W, 242 Redwings W, 74 Fieldfares W, 17 Redpolls W, 8 Siskins W, 84 Chaffinches W, 3 Hawfinches W, 18 Goldcrests and 1 Corn Bunting.

October 27th
With a fresh and cool NW breeze blowing this morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 2 Goldcrests, 3 Pied Wagtails, 43 Cormorants, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Redshank, 14 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Turnstone, 57 Ringed Plovers, 44 Skylarks W, 14 Goldfinches, 74 Carrion Crows, 20 Gannets W, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 Sanderling, 1 Curlew, 15 Corn Buntings, 28 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 38 Reed Buntings, 17 Chaffinches, 60 House Sparrows, 4 Bearded Tits W, 23 Meadow Pipits and 2 Kestrels.
We also found a late Clouded Yellow butterfly in the sun at Reculver.
This morning Marc Heath walked from Chamber's Wall along the embankment and seawall and saw 1 Firecrest, 1 Grey Partridge, 6 Goldcrests, 60 Skylarks, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Brambling, 22 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Stonechats, 3 Guillemots E, 6 Gannets E, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Knot W and 40 Golden Plovers.
Derek Smith was out from 1100 to 1440 and counted 2 Marsh Harriers, 35 Mute Swans, 43 Skylarks W, several thousand Starlings flying W, 427 Redwings and 224 Fieldfares W, 10 Siskins and 36 Goldcrests.

October 26th
It was overcast but very still this morning when we arrived at Chamber's Wall where almost the first bird we saw was a very active Yellow-browed Warbler feeding high in the bushes. Other birds we counted on our way to Coldharbour and down the seawall included 17 Skylarks W, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Siskins W, 5 Goldcrests, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redpoll, 6 Mute Swans, 13 Redwings, 20 Reed Buntings, 53 Chaffinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 15 Mallard, 33 Corn Buntings, 4 Stonechats, 2 Curlew, 57 Goldfinches, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Turnstone, 22 Meadow Pipits, 2 Redshank, 101 Carrion Crows, 1 Dunlin, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Brambling, 2 Kestrels and 1 Jay.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0730 and 1230 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Chamber's Wall. He recorded 36 Mute Swans, 60 Song Thrushes, 80 Blackbirds, 220 Redwings W, 64 Skylarks, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Bearded Tits, 35 Meadow Pipits W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler still at Chamber's Wall, 36 Goldcrests, 10 Redpoll W, 12 Bramblings W, 27 Siskins W, 782 Chaffinches W and 5 Corn Buntings.

Yellow-browed Warbler - Derek Smith

October 25th
On a pleasant but breezy early autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars and Coldharbour before dropping in at Reculver. We recorded 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Mute Swans, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 6 Goldcrests, 5 Corn Buntings, 3 Redwings, 8 Goldfinches, 21 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 82 Mallard, 2 Teal, 42 Carrion Crows, 1 Redshank, 25 Meadow Pipits W, 21 Skylarks W, 352 Chaffinches W, 35 House Sparrows, 55 Starlings W, 1 female Ring Ouzel, 4 Siskins W, 18 Linnets W, 6 Grey Partridges, 1 Jay, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Wigeon, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Common Buzzard.
Terry Wilson crossed over railway lines at Plumpudding and in the big reed bed found 2 Bearded Tits and 3 Stonechats, he also had 100s of finches flying W overhead and also the very white Common Buzzard. On the green at Grenham Bay a Kestrel caught a very big rat, mantled it but was chased off by 4 Magpies.

Male Chaffinch

Today I received information concerning an adult male Blackbird we ringed at Shuart on 16th December 2014. It was found freshly dead at Halle, Saale, Germany on 20th October 2017. Halle is 738 km E of Shuart.

October 24th
This morning we walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and then back to Plumpudding to Shuart. We counted 3 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 16 Redwings W, 26 Chaffinches W, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 5 Ring Ouzels W, 2 Common Buzzards, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Redpolls W, 1 Siskin W, 2 Fieldfares W, 34 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 3 Mallard, 40 Skylarks W, 4 Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Heron, 38 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 43 Reed Buntings, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 99 House Sparrows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Firecrest, 1 Bullfinch W, 1 Little Grebe, 9 Greenfinches, 4 Corn Buntings, 1 Rock Pipit, 28 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Curlew and 30 Meadow Pipits.

October 23rd
The weather this morning was not as bad as had been suggested by some of yesterday's forecasts and so we were able to spend the morning ringing at Shuart where we had an excellent session. Birds we saw during five hours included 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Owl, 3 Hawfinches W (192nd), 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 22 Song Thrushes, 3 Snipe, 44 Skylarks, 22 Goldfinches, 2 Common Buzzards, including an exceptionally pale, almost white, individual, 5 Corn Buntings, 4 Stonechats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Redwings, 34 Linnets, 1 Chiffchafff, 1 Grey Partridge, 20 Greylag Geese, 1 Jay, 40 Chaffinches, 5 Siskins, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Goldcrests.

Birds ringed 68: Wren 5, Goldcrest 1, Robin 3, Chaffinch 7, Reed Bunting 18, Meadow Pipit 2, Goldfinch 7, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blue Tit 3, Siskin 1, Lesser Redpoll 2, Dunnock 2, Yellowhammer 1, Song Thrush 7, Blackbird 8.

Male Siskin

Male Lesser Redpoll

Female Yellowhammer

Marc Heath was also out this morning and walked from Chamber's Wall along the seawall and back along the railway embankment. His highlights were 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 female Bullfinch, 5 Fieldfares, 6 Bearded Tits, 7 Grey Partridges and 1 Wheatear.

Tree Sparrows - Marc Heath

October 22nd
It felt cooler this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to Plumpudding and then back to Shuart. We saw 2 Kestrels, 21 Goldfinches, 4 Goldcrests, 21 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 58 Reed Buntings, 24 Linnets, 3 Skylarks, 10 Greenfinches, 33 Mute Swans, 55 House Sparrows, 21 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Wheatears, 53 Meadow Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipits, 18 Redpoll W, 2 Corn Buntings and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Reed Bunting

October 21st
On a blustery morning most of the threatened heavy showers appeared to be passing south of us along the Channel. Birds we saw as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the railway embankment included 4 Redwings, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Siskins W, 156 Starlings W, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Skylarks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 18 Mallard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redshank, 8 Corn Buntings, 2 Rock Pipits, 14 Oystercatchers, 42 Linnets, 9 Wigeon, 2 Stonechats, 1 Curlew, 24 Reed Buntings, 1 Wheatear, 31 Goldfinches, 3 Tree Sparrows and 1 Green Woodpecker.
We then walked around the Shuart area and recorded 1 Siskin W, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Bullfinch W, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat and 1 Chiffchaff.
Two "continental" Coal Tits were still on feeders in Julian and Alex Perry's garden at Bishopstone today.

Coal Tit - Alex Perry

October 20th
Although it was blustery this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour the rain held off. We saw 5 Redwings, 1 Kestrel, 27 Chaffinches, 3 Goldcrests, 76 Mallard, 5 Grey Partridges, 2 Chiffchaffs, 22 Linnets, 4 Corn Buntings, 1 Curlew, 3 Wigeon, 3 Little Egrets, 15 Oystercatchers, 45 Carrion Crows, 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Turnstone, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 44 House Sparrows, 1 Jay, 13 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Pochard.

October 19th
It was a pleasant, late autumn morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland. We counted 7 Pied Wagtails, 9 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 51 Meadow Pipits, 161 Linnets, 1 Dunlin, 1 Lapwing, 3 Curlews, 54 Carrion Crows, 11 Oystercatchers, 12 Ringed Plovers, 17 Mute Swans, 14 Mallard, 11 Turnstone, 44 Goldfinches, 1 Teal, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Little Egret, 9 Skylarks, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Coal Tit in the conifers by the Visitors Centre, 1 Goldcrest, 12 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 13 Blackbirds, 2 Siskins and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Pied Wagtail

This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and saw 43 Lapwings S, 89 Redwings W, 43 Blackbirds, 30 Song Thrushes, 6 Stonechats, 21 Meadow Pipits W, 18 Skylarks W, 1 Redpoll W, 4 Bramblings W, 13 Siskins W, 314 Chaffinches W, 2 Chiffchaffs, 18 Goldcrests and 1 Coal Tit.

October 18th
There was a great deal of disturbance at Reculver this morning as the Environment Agency continue moving vast amounts of shingle to bolster the flood defences. Being only able to work either side of low tide it seems likely this will continue to the end of the month.
We walked at Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Reculver this morning and managed to see 2 Chiffchaffs, 25 Mute Swans, 11 Skylarks, 3 Bramblings, 22 Chaffinches, 9 Corn Buntings, 2 Redshank, 28 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 12 Turnstone, 1 Lapwwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 45 House Sparrows, 1 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Mallard, 4 Goldfinches, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jays, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Redwings and 2 Little Egrets.
At Grenham Bay Terry Wilson saw 10 Eiders, including 2 males, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Little Egrets and 1 female Blackcap.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and Plumpudding and counted 28 Mute Swans, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull E, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 14 Redwings W, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 22 Goldcrests, 12 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 7 alba Wagtails W, 60 Robins, 1 Siskin and 2 Bearded Tits.
Derek also went out after lunch and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Minnis Bay where he counted 4 Common Buzzards, 6 Grey Herons, 18 Lapwings, 52 Collared Doves, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Little Owls, 1 Rock Pipit and 1 Brambling W.

October 17th
Not all Ophelia's Sahara dust and murk from yesterday had cleared by this morning so that there was a bright red sunrise, yellowish sky and a faint smell of burning in the air. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour before visiting Reculver. Birds we saw included 16 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 10 Mute Swans, 75 Golden Plovers, 1 Peregrine, 5 Goldcrests, 5 Chiffchaffs, 17 Mallard, 17 Corn Buntings, 2 Redwings, 6 Grey Partridges, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Little Egret, 14 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 42 Carrion Crows, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Wigeon, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 132 Collared Doves on the wires at Reculver and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to the Green Wall, along the railway embankment and returned via Plumpudding. Birds began moving late morning and he counted 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Kestrels, 40 Song Thrushes, 32 Redwings, 55 Blackbirds, 370 Starlings W, 43 Skylarks W, 16 alba Wagtails W, 68 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Rock Pipit W, 3 Tree Sparrows, 6 Bearded Tits, 10 Stonechats, 32 Robins, 238 Chaffinches W, 38 Siskins W, 15 Redpolls W, 56 Goldfinches W, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 26 Chiffchaffs, 38 Goldcrests and 6 Corn Buntings W.

Coal Tit - Derek Smith

Cetti's Warbler - Derek Smith

October 16th
The very mild conditions continue and this morning began calm but the southerly breeze soon arrived as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 37 Blackbirds, 15 Song Thrushes, 31 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Siskins, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Golden Plovers, 13 Goldcrests, 84 Chaffinches W, 7 Mute Swans, 6 Redpoll, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Kestrels, 17 Skylarks, 3 Stonechats, 6 Little Egrets, 3 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 6 Rock Pipits, 5 Pied Wagtails, 7 Lapwings, 1 Gannet E, 45 Oystercatchers, 10 Turnstone, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 32 Ringed Plovers, 11 Cormorants, 1 Peregrine, 3 Tree Sparrows and 20 Goldfinches.
Later at Reculver we saw 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Swallow, 4 Jays W, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Purple Sandpiper.
There were still 2 Coal Tits visiting feeders in the gardens at Bishopstone.

Purple Sandpiper

October 15th
It was mild and sunny as we spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 1 Kingfisher, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Bramblings, 17 Redpoll W, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Redwings W, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Jays, 217 Chaffinches W, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 35 Siskins W, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Firecrests, 77 Mallard, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Stonechat, 9 Song Thrushes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Wigeon, 21 Magpies W, 2 Kestrels, 2 Mistle Thrushes 2 Common Buzzards, 240 Starlings W, 11 Skylarks, 10 Goldfinches W and 1 female Pintail N.

Birds ringed 12: Goldcrest 5, Chiffchaff 2, Firecrest 1, Chaffinch 1, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1.

Redwing

This morning Dave Smith saw a Yellow-browed Warbler and heard a Bearded Tit at the Oyster Farm.

October 14th
On a sunny, mild but increasingly breezy morning we had a ringing session south of the railway. Between 0620 and 1020 we recorded 1 Little Owl, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Redwings, 1 Grey Partridge, 110 Chaffinches, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Greylag Geese, 3 Redpoll, 1 Brambling, 2 Goldcrests, 14 Song Thrushes, 13 Mute Swans, 6 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Swallows W, 1 Tree Sparrow, 69 Golden Plovers, 45 Goldfinches, 40 Reed Buntings, 2 Kestrels, 68 Skylarks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Siskins, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Wagtail and 35 Linnets.

Birds ringed 30: Goldcrest 1, Wren 1, Robin 1, Reed Bunting 14, Chaffinch 4, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 2, Tree Sparrow 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1.

Tree Sparrow



Derek Smith completed his usual walk from Shuart and along the railway embankment and counted 11 Wigeon, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jays, 1,200 Starlings W, 1 Kingfisher, 41 Skylarks W, 14 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker W, 4 Stonechats, 2 Bearded Tits W, 14 Greenfinches W, 17 Redpoll W, 36 Siskins W, 69 Goldfinches W, 1,606 Chaffinches W, 1 Brambling W, 1 Tree Sparrow, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 24 Chiffchaffs, 19 Goldcrests and 7 Reed Buntings.

 

Male Bearded Tit

Painted Lady

 

October 13th
We spent the morning ringing at Shaurt where we saw 1 Kestrel, 5 Redpoll W, 15 Bramblings W, 21 Redwings W, 23 Siskins W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 1 Snipe, 3 Stonechats, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Red-legged Partridges, 31 Chaffinches W, 25 Goldfinches W, 1 Grey Heron, 38 Skylarks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Song Thrushes, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 19 Greylag Geese, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 alba Wagtails, 33 Linnets, 5 Swallows W, 17 House Martins W, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Jay.

Birds ringed 22: Goldcrest 1, Wren 2, Chiffchaff 3, Robin 1, Reed Bunting 6, Stonechat 2, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 3.

First winter male Stonechat



Derek Smith and Patrick Giles walked from Shuart and then along the railway embankment and saw the following birds mainly flying west. 930 Starlings, 12 Chiffchaffs, 23 Goldcrests, 1 Blackcap, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Pied Wagtails, 122 Siskins, 38 Goldfinches, 1,477 Chaffinches, 1 Green Sandpiper, 17 Skylarks, 11 Reed Buntings, 21 Meadow Pipits, 7 Swallows, 73 House Martins, 51 Redpoll, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Redwing, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Stonechats, 6 Greenfinches and 1 Marsh Harrier.

This afternoon we walked along the cliffs at Bishopstone and found 2 Stonechats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Egret and 1 Goldcrest and then moved on to the Reculver bushes where we saw 1 Brambling, 1 Fieldfare and 4 "continental" Blackbirds.

October 12th
On a fine autumn morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. At the moment the Environment Agency are completing their pre-winter beach restructuring which means quite a lot of disturbance. However we managed to record 530 Starlings, 2 Goldcrests, 65 Meadow Pipits W, 14 alba Wagtails W, 17 Cormorants, 140 Linnets, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Grey Herons, 10 Mute Swans, 6 Corn Buntings, 4 Redshank, 4 Chiffchaffs, 22 Ringed Plovers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turnstone, 32 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 immature Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 8 Skylarks W, 16 Wigeon, 35 Carrion Crows, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Goldfinches, 4 Swallows W, 1 Little Owl, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Common Buzzard.

Mallard

Derek Smith was also birding this morning and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and then back via Plumpudding. He saw 2 Pink-footed Geese in a ploughed field at Shuart, 1 Merlin, 6 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 26 Chiffchaffs and 14 Goldcrests. He also recorded the following birds flying W: 550 Starlings, 31 Skylarks, 11 Redpoll, 38 Siskin, 225 Chaffinches, 7 Greenfinches, 46 Goldfinches and 6 Reed Buntings.

Pink-footed Geese

This morning Marc Heath found a Coal Tit in Reculver churchyard.

October 11th
On a dull and dreary morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars, along the Green Wall and then along the seawall to Coldharbour. Birds we counted included 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 20 Goldfinches, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Skylarks, 18 Mute Swans, 1,310 Starlings and 1,700 Black-headed Gulls on the newly sown fields, 7 Stonechats, 17 Cormorants, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 3 Mallard, 6 Oystercatchers, 28 Carrion Crows, 10 Reed Buntings, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Corn Buntings, 15 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Wigeon.
Derek Smith covered the eastern half of the Marsh between 0900 and 1300 and recorded 4 Grey Partridges, 16 House Martins W, 1 Swallow W, 43 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler on the embankment, 26 Goldcrests, 42 Siskins W, 1 Brambling W, 12 Goldfinches, 37 Chaffinches and 2 Stonechats.

October 10th
It was a bit quieter than yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall but we managed to see 8 Chiffchaffs, 41 Skylarks W, 6 Goldcrests, 10 Chaffinches, 33 Corn Buntings, 40 Reed Buntings, 3 Grey Herons, 43 Starlings W, 1 Lapwing, 14 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 31 Mallard, 7 Linnets, 45 Goldfinches, 46 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 11 Mute Swans, 1 Wheatear, 2 Stonechats, 22 Meadow Pipits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Kestrels, 16 Siskins W and 2 Peregrines.

Stonechat

Derek Smith was also out at the eastern half of the Marsh and between 0730 and 1230 walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and back to Shuart via Plumpudding. He recorded 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Peregrine, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 34 Skylarks W, 3 Rock Pipits W, 22 Meadow Pipits W, 4 Stonechats, 86 Siskins W, 76 Goldfinches W, 12 Redpolls W, 2 Bramblings W, 49 Chaffinches W, 5 Greenfinches W, 1 Blackcap, 45 Chiffchaffs, 26 Goldcrests, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 11 Red Buntings W.
Dave Smith saw 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Wheatear, 2 Swallows W and small flocks of Redpoll and Siskins flying W.

October 9th
It was calm and overcast this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment before returning to Coldharbour and then visiting a couple of sites at Reculver. We counted 17 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests, 9 Mute Swans, 42 Skylarks W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Bramblings, 31 Chaffinches W, 7 Redwings, 380 Starlings W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Common Buzzards, 21 Siskins W, 2 Grey Herons, 46 Golden Plovers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 15 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 6 Stonechats, 45 Corn Buntings, 1 Gadwall, 8 Robins, 17 Reed Buntings, 50 House Sparrows, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Bearded Tits at Coldharbour, 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Jay.

Corn Buntings

Derek Smith was also birding this morning and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and on to Coldharbour, Plumpudding and Netherhale. He recorded 21 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1,200 Starlings W, 32 Skylarks W, 1 Ring Ouzel at Shuart, 48 Redwings W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 11 alba Wagtails W, 68 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Rock Pipits W, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Stonechats, 310 Chaffinches W, 138 Goldfinches W, 87 Siskins W, 6 Greenfiches W, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 54 Chiffchaffs, 36 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 17 Reed Buntings W and 19 Corn Buntings.

October 8th
There was a much more autumnal feel to the birds this morning as we had a ringing session at Reculver. During the morning we saw 18 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 32 Siskins W, 5 Lesser Redpolls W, 22 Redwings, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Jays, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 19 Skylarks W, 11 Mute Swans, 29 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Wigeon, 6 Crossbills W (191st), 10 Mistle Thrushes, 40 Meadow Pipits, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Bramblings, 21 Goldfinches, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Buzzards, 12 Golden Plovers, 1 Coal Tit and 5 Long-tailed Tits.

Birds ringed 38: Chiffchaff 12, Goldcrest 9, Long-tailed Tit 2, Wren 1, Robin 2, Meadow Pipit 5, Blue Tit 1, Blackcap 3, Redwing 1, Blackbird 2.

Meadow Pipit

This afternoon Matt walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back along the railway embankment and saw 9 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 50 Redwings, 3 Buzzards, 2 Siskins, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Stonechats, 4 Song Thrushes, 13 Robins, 90 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Turnstone, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Rock Pipits, 32 Skylarks, 8 Corn Buntings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 44 Chaffinches and 1 Sparrowhawk.

October 7th
On an increasingly blustery morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and railway embankment. We saw 18 Siskin W, 116 Goldfinches W, 2 Greenfinches W, 1 Redpoll W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 21 Chiffchaffs, 9 Mute Swans, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 4 Pied Wagtails W, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 9 Golden Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 65 Starlings W,1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Swallows W, 6 House Martins W, 1 Blackcap and 1 Sparrowhawk.

October 6th
On a cool and breezy morning we had a ringing session at our sheltered Reculver site where we saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Goldcrests, 8 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Siskin, 1 Redwing, our first of the autumn, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Mallard, 20 Meadow Pipits and 25 Goldfinches.

Birds ringed 17: Goldcrest 1, Chiffchaff 6, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 7, Goldfinch 1, Blue Tit 1.

This afternoon we  walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard, 105 Goldfinches, 6 Wigeon, 1 Redshank, 10 Corn Buntings, 3 Little Egrets, 96 Sanderling, 3 Turnstone, 2 Eider E, 1 Red-throated Diver moulting out of summer plumage, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Gannet, 7 Shelduck W and 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W.

Turnstone

October 5th
Matt and I arrived at Reculver Towers at 0700 and were later joined by Brendan Ryan and then Richard Collins. Our seawatch began very slowly and it was only after a band of rain passed through at 0900 and the wind became more northerly that birds began to appear. In a four and a half hour seawatch we saw the following flying west: 1 Curlew, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Wigeon, 14 Swallows, 46 Gannets, 14 Great Skuas, 4 Dark-belied Brent Geese, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Commic Terns, 6 Arctic Skuas, 1 Manx Shearwater and 15 Pink-footed Geese.
The Lapland Bunting was still to be seen at Bishopstone.

October 4th
With a moderate W wind blowing this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour there was quite a marked westerly movement of birds including 36 Meadow Pipits, 11 Pied Wagtails, 115 Linnets, 15 Skylarks, 32 Goldfinches, 53 Chaffinches, 28 Swallows, 2 Siskins, 19 Reed Buntings and 135 House Martins.
Other birds seen were 9 Chiffchaffs, 125 House Sparrows at Reculver, 19 Mute Swans, 17 Cormorants, 26 Turnstone, 24 Ringed Plovers, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Little Owl, 2 Grey Herons, 46 Carrion Crows, 9 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrests, 26 Mallard and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
The Lapland Bunting was still at Bishopstone.

Meadow Pipit

October 3rd
On a sunny and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the White Poplars before visiting Reculver on the way home. We saw 11 Chaffinches, 31 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Swallows, 21 Goldfinches, 1 Stonechat, 38 Reed Buntings, 15 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 5 Mute Swans, 13 Magpies, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard and 3 Goldcrests.
Dudley Cox saw the Lapland Bunting at Bishopstone and also had a Great Skua fly W.

October 2nd
The weather this morning was completely different to yesterday with bright sunshine and a fresh W wind. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver and saw 3 Kestrels, 11 Chiffchaffs, 18 Skylarks, 630 Swallows W, 840 House Martins W, 1 Sand Martin W, 6 Blackcaps, 24 Chaffinches, 70 Mallard, 2 Kingfishers, 11 Mute Swans, 119 Linnets, 45 Reed Buntings, 14 Goldfinches, 15 Little Egrets, 4 Redshank, 55 House Sparrows, 6 Corn Buntings, 4 Sandwich Terns W, 35 Meadow Pipits, 1 Mediterranean Gull W, 2 Turnstone, 1 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Wigeon and 1 Grey Heron. We also found a late Clouded Yellow.

Clouded Yellow

October 1st
We arrived at Reculver this morning in overcast conditions and with persistent drizzle falling and were greeted by the amazing sight of about 5,000 House Martins and 600 Swallows filling the sky as they circled and fed beside the Towers and over the caravans and nearby maize field. Large numbers of them also perched on the wires, on the grass behind the Towers and on the maize and were still there when we returned from our walk to Coldharbour.
Other birds we counted included 2 Pied Wagtails, 12 Redshank, 15 Cormorants, 27 Meadow Pipits, 43 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 47 Linnets, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Gannets E, 2 Sanderling, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 42 Mallard, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Skylarks, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Common Swift and 1 male Wigeon.