September 30th

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart and saw a good range of species while we were there including 3 Kestrels, 62 Lesser Redpoll flying W, 210 Siskins flying W, 7 Crossbills flying W, 57 Chiffchaffs, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Greenfinches, 1 Barn Owl, 10 Blackcaps, 9 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 8 alba Wagtails, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Corn Bunting, 12 Chaffinches, 284 House Martins flying SW, 2 Grey Wagtails flying W, 7 Swallows, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Skylarks and 60 Lapwings. 

Birds ringed 62: Chiffchaff 37, Wren 1, Goldcrest 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 12, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 5, Reed Warbler 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1.

Chris Tedder found a nationally rare Fire Bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) at Chamber's Wall today. 

In his book "A Comprehensive Guide to Insects of Britain and Ireland" Paul Brooks writes "There is only one British species of bug sporting bright warning colours, Pyrrhocoris apterus Fire Bug which breeds on Oarstone Rock, a small island off Torquay, Devon where it feeds on fruits of tree mallow. There have been sporadic reports of probable immigrants from the mainland (or via dispersal from Devon) but they rarely become established, even then only for several years. Mating takes place in April and May and new adults mature by August. They are gregarious and are sometimes seen in numbers, particularly in spring. There are several established colonies in Surrey, Bedfordshire and Sussex. The bug also often feeds on the fruits of lime trees."

Fire Bug - Chris Tedder

September 29th

The arrival of rain at Shuart this morning put an abrupt halt to our ringing activities but we did manage to see 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Siskins, 8 Redwings, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Greylag Goose, 8 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warblers, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Swallows, 3 Snipe, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Flycatcher,1 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover. 

 Birds ringed 14: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 4, Blackcap 2, Reed Bunting 2, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1.

Derek Smith arrived at Shuart at 0700 and walked to Plumpudding and Coldharbour before returning along the railway embankment and Brooksend and getting back to Shuart at 1500. His highlight  was finding a Dartford Warbler (192nd)  near Coldharbour. Other birds he recorded included 9 Wigeon E, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Sandwich Terns W, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 7 Curlew, 26 Sanderling, 42 Golden Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Grey Wagtails W, 660 Swallows W, 5 Stonechats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcaps, 6 Reed Warblers, 65 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests and 78 Siskins W.

Leucistic Goldfinch - Derek Smith

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour in warm sunshine and recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Redstart, 40 Swallows, 12 House Martins, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Peregrine, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 14 Turnstone, 16 Ringed Plovers, 2 Mallard, 5 Stonechats and 1 Mediterranean Gull. We also managed to refind the Dartford Warbler that Derek discovered this morning. Anne saw it briefly and then we both heard it calling repeatedly for about  minute from the bottom of a bush in a dyke near Coldharbour.

Matt was also out this afternoon and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. He counted 10 Sandwich Terns, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 380 Swallows W, 930 House Martins W, 4 Sand Martins W, 18 Stonechats, 11 Wigeon, 25 Corn Buntings, 5 Little Egrets, 21 Chiffchaffs, 74 Ringed Plovers, 134 Turnstone, 7 Dunlin, 15 Rock Pipits W, 15 alba Wagtails W, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Redshank, 33 Siskins W, 3 Kestrels, 93 Sanderling, 8 Golden Plover, 9 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 160 Oystercatchers, 40 Mallard, 1 Wheatear, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 1 Knot, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Blackcap and 2 Merlins (male and female). He also saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly.

September 28th

The wind had dropped enough overnight to allow us to spend the morning ringing at out sheltered site at Reculver. We saw 1 female Redstart, 19 Siskins W, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 16 Chiffchaffs, 12 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, our first 4 Redwings of the autumn, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Meadow Pipits, 5 Goldcrests, 12 Mute Swans, 1 Coot, 1 Green Wodpecker, 15 Linnets, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Jay, 1 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Bramblings.

Birds ringed 24: Chiffchaff 9, Goldcrest 3, Redstart 1, Blackcap 8, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2.

Female Redstart

Richard Collins spent two hours at Reculver this morning from 0850 and counted 53 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Teal, 68 Wigeon, 1 Gannet, 1 Little Egret, 15 Cormorants, 3 Kittiwakes and 4 Little Gulls, 2 adults and 2 immatures, feeding close in off the promenade.

Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the embankment on to Coldharbour and back via Netherhale between 0700 and 1400. He recorded 8 Snipe E, 6 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 45 Golden Plover in at Coldharbour, 12 Swallows W, 75 Starlings W, 1 Redstart, 30 Redwings, 1 Brambling W, 44 Crossbills W, 286 Siskins W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 95 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest at Netherhale and 11 Corn Buntings.

3 Grey Phalaropes were discovered at Minnis Bay this afternoon and photographed by Jonathan Boyce Leigh.

Grey Phalaropes - Jonathan Boyce Leigh

 

Today we received information about a first year male Blackcap we controlled at Shuart on September 21st this year. It had originally been ringed on September 10th at Bransbury Common Duckpond, Hampshire and had travelled 180 km E.

September 27th

With the gale force wind still blowing and moving to a more northerly direction we had another seawatch from the Towers. I stayed there from 0630 to 0930 and had a more varied selection of birds than the last few days with most of them flying west. In the three hours I was there we counted 29 Wigeon, 1 Mediterranean Gull E, 3 Tufted Duck, 29 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 6 Great Skuas, 2 large auks, 1 Razorbill, 3 Arctic Skuas, 1 adult Pomarine Skua flying E (189th), 2 Lapwings, 44 Gannets, 73 Dunlin, 1 Pintail, 5 Teal, 94 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Snipe, 2 Little Gulls, adult and juvenile, 2 Common Scoter, 5 Grey Plovers, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Golden Plover and 21 Knot.

After I left Matt remained at the Towers for another hour and added 17 Arctic Skuas, 1 juvenile Pomarine Skua, 41 Wigeon, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 1 Knot, 183 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Grey Phalarope (190th), 1 adult Little Gull, 2 Curlew, 4 Dunlin, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Pintail and 8 Gannets.

Derek Smith then stayed until 1245 and added 87 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Common Scoter, 5 Pintail, 2 Little Gulls, 7 Arctic Skuas, (2W, 5E), 1 Great Skua E, 4 Sandwich Terns, 13 Grey Plover, 3 Golden Plover, 18 Dunlin and 4 Snipe.

At Minnis Bay Tony Swandale recorded a Leach's Petrel flying E (191st).

At about 1245, I received a call from Richard Collins to say that the Grey Phalarope had settled on the sea just west of the car park so we drove down to Reculver and found it still performing well in horrible conditions.

Grey Phalarope in the rain and gale force wind

September 26th

The north westerly gale was still blowing this morning but a seawatch at Reculver from 0630 to 0815 only produced 1 Gannet W, 4 Great Skuas W, 7 Sandwich Terns E, 13 Wigeon W, 4 Teal W, 1 Swallow, 2 Snipe W, 31 Dunlin W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit E, 1 Pintail W and 1 Grey Plover.

This was followed by a walk inland at Reculver where we saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jays, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Derek Smith had a seawatch from the Towers between 1600 and 1730 and counted 56 Gannets W, 2 Little Gulls, adult and juvenile W, 23 Dunlin W, 16 Sanderling W, 2 Snipe W and 1 adult Mediterranean Gull E.

September 25th

The forecast gale force NW wind and showers arrived this morning and although it was very slow at times there were occasions when pulses of birds moved through. Between 0615 and 1810 the following were counted mainly flying west: 23 Great Skuas (20W 3E), 8 Common Terns, 2 Wigeon, 1 Mediterranean Gull flying E, 2 Pintail, 22 Sandwich Terns, 4 Gannets, 1 Shelduck, 26 Arctic Skuas, 1 Peregrine, 1 Little Gull, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Snipe, 240 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Curlew, 79 Oystercatchers flying E, 1 Little Egret and 7 Bar-tailed Godwits.

September 23rd

On a showey morning with a moderate SW wind blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. As we arrived there was a surge of House Martins flying W and we counted 630 in half an hour. Other birds we saw included 2 Kestrels, 11 Chiffchaffs, 5 Robins, 5 Mute Swans, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Linnets, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Siskins S, 28 Swallows W, 57 Mallard, 3 Stonechats, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull E, 2 Oystercatchers, 10 Goldfinches, 3 Coot and 1 Golden Plover.

On our way home we dropped in at Reculver bushes which was very quiet with the only migrants being 2 Chiffchaffs.

Redshank

September 22nd

As well as being a beautiful early autumn morning it was also excellent for ringing and migration. We arrived at our ringing site at Reculver at 0600 and remained there until 1500. Birds we saw included 80 Chiffchaffs, 60 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 605 Siskins flying W, 4 Redpoll W, 6 Goldcrests, 3 Jays, 6 Robins, 7 Great Spotted Woodpeckers W, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Common Buzzards, 1,450 Swallows W, 1,800 House Martins W, 3 Kestrels, 30 Meadow Pipits W, 40 Linnets, 3 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Plover calling and flying over, 2 Coot, 8 Song Thrushes, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 first year Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 8 Mute Swans, 3 Moorhens and 1 Willow Warbler. 

Birds ringed 99: Chiffchaff 38, Goldcrest 2, Wren 3, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 45, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 4, Dunnock 2, Kingfisher 1, Song Thrush 1.

Moulting adult Kingfisher

September 21st

We had an excellent morning's ringing at Shuart where the highlight was catching and ringing a Yellow-browed Warbler (188th). Other birds we saw included 16 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 24 Chiffchaffs, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 34 Siskins flying W, 2 Snipe, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Robins, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Jay, 20 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Song Thrushes, 1 Ringed Plover flying over, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellowhammer, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Brambling, 1 Little Owl, 1 Stonechat and 2 Goldcrests.

Birds ringed 43: Chiffchaff 14, Wren 3, Willow Warbler 1, Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 13, Robin 4, Reed Warbler 1, Blue Tit 2, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1.

Yellow-browed Warbler

 

This afternoon Matt walked along the railway embankment from Chamber's Wall to Plumpudding and back along the seawall via Coldharbour. He counted 12 Robins, 26 Chiffchaffs, 37 Siskins flying W, 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Corn Buntings, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 50 Swallows, 7 Stonechats, 31 Lapwings, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Dunlin, 40 Turnstone, 27 alba Wagtails,  59 Sandwich Terns, 1 Merlin, 3 Curlew, 1 Barnacle Goose on the beach at Coldharbour, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Knot, 1 Avocet on the beach at Coldharbour, 110 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Redstart.

 September 20th

We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 5 Jays, 18 Chiffchaffs, 18 Swallows, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby hunting dragonflies, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Siskin W, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sand Martins and 1 first year male Redstart.

Birds ringed 23: Chiffchaff 9, Wren 1, Blackcap 4, Blue Tit 1, Chaffinch 2, Robin 1, Redstart 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 3.

First year male Redstart

 

Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0715 and 1130 walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and back via Chamber's Wall and Plumpudding. He counted 14 Wigeon flying S, 3 Sandwich Terns E, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Yellow Wagtails S, 1 Whinchat, 1 Redstart, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Brambling (186th), 5 Siskin W, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 7 Reed Warblers, 78 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 67 Corn Buntings.

This evening Matt and Marion walked from Shuart to Brooksend and out to the coast before returning via Plumpudding. They saw 2 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 20 Teal,  1 Barnacle Goose (187th) on the beach at Minnis Bay before it flew E, 80 Sanderling, 50 Turnstone, 15 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 120 Swallows, 1 female Redstart and 6 Chiffchaffs.

September 19th

This morning Matt visited Reculver and then walked from Chamber's Wall out on to the Marsh. We met him on his way back at Coldharbour and between us recorded 8 Mute Swans, 24 Chiffchaffs, 8 Chaffinches, 4 Coot, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Goldfinches, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Corn Buntings, 3 Stonechats, 9 Reed Buntings, 1 Whinchat, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Rock Pipits, 8 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Grey Herons, 14 Swallows, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 51 Mallard, 9 Sandwich Terns, 1 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 13 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Kestrel.

Male Chaffinch

September 18th

On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 78 Linnets, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Chaffinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 3 Reed Warblers, 3 Robins, 7 Goldfinches and 4 Golden Plovers. We also counted 114 Mallard, 1 Stonechat, 6 Reed Buntings, 8 Redshank, 3 Mediterranean Gulls E, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Wigeon, 4 Dunlin, 25 Sandwich Terns in one flock sitting on the mussel beds before flying out to sea, 6 Oystercatchers, 68 Ringed Plovers, 38 Turnstone, 31 Sanderling, 1 Coot and 1 Merlin.

Newly fledged juvenile Woodpigeon

September 17th

There was a fresh ENE wind blowing this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We recorded 5 Little Egrets, 3 Wigeon, 18 Cormorants, 5 Stonechats, 10 Redshank, 6 Gannets flying E, 2 Common Sandpipers, 13 Goldfinches, 5 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 19 Sanderling, 5 Teal, 1 Mediterranean Gull flying E, 3 Oystercatchers, 12 Linnets, 28 Mallard, 40 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Herons flying W high over the sea, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 dark phase Arctic Skua flying E, 1 Rock Pipit, 7 Sandwich Terns and 350 Starlings.

Starlings on the Towers

In addition, Chris Tedder saw 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying E. The first of the autumn.

September 16th

It was a little bit cooler this morning with a northerly breeze blowing as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. We saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, 1 Oystercatchers, 6 Dunlin, 9 Stonechats, 3 Gannets flying E, 2 Teal, 7 Redshank, 2 Lapwings flying W, 16 Sandwich Terns flying E, 1 Hobby, 38 Linnets, 5 Little Egrets, 12 Goldfinches, 10 Meadow Pipits, 11 Reed Buntings, 62 Ringed Plovers, 81 Sanderling, 11 Turnstone, 1 Tree Pipit flying W, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Coot, 1 Mediterranean Gull flying E, 3 Mallard, 350 Starlings and 1 Grey Wagtail flying W.

Wheatear

2 Little Stints (185th)  were found on the seaweed at Minnis Bay this morning.

September 15th

On yet another glorious September morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Wantsum outflow. We counted 18 Chiffchaffs, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Robins, 1 Grey Partridge,  2 Blackcaps, 72 Golden Plovers, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 6 Goldfinches, 17 Linnets, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 8 Little Egrets, 1 Coot, 3 Stonechats, 12 Redshank, 82 Mallard, 6 Siskin W, 21 Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstone, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Sandwich Terns, 82 Sanderling, 178 Ringed Plovers, 4 Dunlin, 8 Reed Buntings, 1 Redstart and 1 Sedge Warbler.

Common Sandpiper

Knot at Minnis Bay - David Elliott

September 14th

This This morning began a bit misty but it soon cleared away to leave a very warm and sunny day. Ringing at Shuart we saw 7 Greylag Geese, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Jay, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, 10 Reed Warblers, 6 Mallard and 42 Siskins flying W with other flocks flying over calling but too high to see. Other birds seen included 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 15 Reed Buntings and 5 Swallows. We also saw 2 Clouded Yellow butterflies.

Birds ringed 62: Chiffchaff 12, Wren 2, Blackcap 19, Reed Warbler 13, Cetti's Warbler 1, Robin 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Bunting 9, Greenfinch 1.

Curlew Sandpiper at Minnis Bay - David Elliott

September 13th

On a bright and increasingly breezy morning we ringed on the Marsh south of the railway. There was a westerly movement of Siskins and hirundines on a broad front throughout the morning and we counted 325 Siskins, 310 House Martins and 166 Swallows. Other birds we saw included 1 Lesser Redpoll, 16 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 20 Linnets, 1 Snipe flying W, 38 Mallard, 3 Kestrels, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Birds ringed 33: Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 7, Great Tit 1, Linnet 3, Reed Warbler 3, Reed Bunting 3, Robin 3, Blackcap 4, Cetti's Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Whitethroat 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Blue Tit 1, Siskin 1, Dunnock 1.

Adult male Siskin

September 12th

We spent the morning ringing at Reculver and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Tree Pipit flying W, 16 Chiffchaffs, 456 Siskins flying W, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Snipe flying W, 1 Firecrest, 6 Goldcrests, 50 Blackcaps, 55 Linnets, 2 Kestrels, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 70 Mallard, 26 Swallows flying W, 466 House Martins flying W, 1 Jay, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Whitethroat, 20 Goldfinches and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Birds ringed 52: Chiffchaff 8, Firecrest 1, Goldcrest 4, Blackcap 29, Chaffinch 1, Linnet 1, Blue Tit 4, Whitethroat 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 2.

Chiffchaff

 

Derek Smith was out between 0700 and 1000 and walked from Shuart and along the embankment and recorded 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Hobby, 60 Swallow flying W, 35 House Martins flying W, 1 Grey Wagtail flying W, 2 Yellow Wagtails flying W, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Sedge Warblers, 14 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Willow Warbler, 73 Chiffchaffs and 1,168 Siskins flying W.

 September 11th

We spent a much cooler morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Mallard, 491 Siskins flying W, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 15 Reed Warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers, 16 Blackcaps, 14 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Kestrels, 13 Meadow Pipits, 2 Comon Buzzards, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 40 Reed Buntings, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Dunlin, 3 Tree Pipits W, 14 Linnets, 1 Stonechat, 8 Greenfinches, 11 Swallows, 1 Sand Martin, 2 House Martins, 2 Grey Herons and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Birds ringed 77: Chiffchaff 9, Blackcap 12, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Robin 2, Reed Warbler 17, Reed Bunting 21, Sedge Warbler 3, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 3, Linnet 1, Whitethroat 1, Greenfinch 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1.

Reed Bunting

This afternoon Matt had a walk around at Reculver and recorded 6 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Siskins, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10 Swallows, 4 Common Buzzards, 20 Meadow Pipits and 1 Kingfisher.

September10th

On a slightly fresher but still superb autumn morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then looked at Reculver bushes. We saw 47 Oystercatchers, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Kestrels, 5 Little Egrets, 7 Goldfinches, 4 Redshank, 18 Turnstone, 11 Reed Buntings, 7 Meadow Pipits, 4 Stonechats, 7 Corn Buntings, 20 Linnets, 76 Ringed Plovers, 22 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 24 Mallard, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Pied Wagtail and 3 Reed Warblers.

Mike and Maria Longdon saw a Raven at Minnis Bay this morning and this afternoon had a female Long-tailed Blue butterfly in their Minnis Bay garden. This is a rare butterfly in the UK and has only been seen in the area before in 2013 and 2019 along the railway embankment at Shuart visiting Everlasting Pea flowers

September 9th

On another warm and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back around the Green Wall. Birds we recorded included 2 Siskins W, 11 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whiethroats, 5 Robins, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Mute Swans, 5 Chaffinches, 3 Kestrels, 26 Linnets, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Pied Wagtail, 25 Golden Plovers, 4 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 16 Mallard, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Redshank, 4 Coot, 68 Goldfinches, 1 Heron, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Sanderling, 2 Sandwich Terns and 6 Grey Partridges.

Meadow Pipit

We met Chris Tedder on the seawall and she had also seen 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2 Wheatear.

A first year Sedge Warbler we ringed at Shuart on Aug 11th was controlled on Aug 16th at Litlington, East Sussex and had flown 101 km SW.

We received another recovery of an adult female Blackbird that we ringed at Shuart on 27th October 2016 that was killed by a cat at Serinchamps, Namur, BELGIUM on 8th May 2020. It had moved 307 km ESE.

September 8th

On a dull morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back by way of the Green Wall. There were fewer birds than yesterday but we did manage to count 13 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow Wagtail 3 Robins, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 6 Corn Buntings, 44 Linnets, 2 Grey Herons, 28 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Coot, 2 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull flying W, 1 juvenile Gannet flying W close inshore, 5 Turnstones, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Swallows, 1 Kestrel, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Snipe, 74 Golden Plover and 1 Marsh Harrier. We met Anthea Skiffington on the seawall and after she left us she saw 2 Wheatears.

Derek Smith was also out and between 0600 and 0900 and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment, He counted 3 Kestrels, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Sanderling, 1 Greenshank flying S, 3 Common Sandpipers, 80 Swallows flying W, 1 Grey Wagtail flying W, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whinchat, 4 Stonechats, 2 adults and 2 juveniles, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 12 Whitethroats, 23 Sedge Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 4 Willow Warblers, 65 Chiffchaffs and 13 Siskins W.

September 7th

It was another glorious September morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm. We recorded 14 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 9 Robins, 6 Chaffinches, 111 Linnets, 59 Swallows W, 23 House Martins W, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Reed Warblers, 13 Goldfinches, 8 Whitethroats, 4 Oystercatchers, 37 Mallard, 7 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Short-eared Owl hunting along the Green Wall, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Stonechats, 1 Little Egret, 1 Coot and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Robin

We have ringed 82 Blackcaps in the last two days and thought that they were almost certainly British birds moving through. We got proof of this yesterday as a bird we caught with someone else's ring had been ringed as a first year bird at Hillesden, Buckinghamshire on July 14th and had moved 163 km ESE to reach Reculver.

September 6th

On a beautiful autumn morning we had a ringing session at Reculver and saw 1 Tawny Owl calling early, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Wagtails, 9 Mute Swans, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 60 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Reed Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Jays, 5 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Tree Pipit W, 36 Siskins W, 1 Hobby, 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Swallow and 1 Firecrest.

Birds ringed 62: Goldcrest 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 2, Firecrest 1, Blackcap 39, Reed Warbler 4, Reed Bunting 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 4, Robin 1, Blue Tit 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2.

Male Firecrest

September 5th

We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where there had been an overnight arrival of migrants, mainly Blackcaps. Birds we saw included 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays, 1 immature Hobby, 1 Grey Wagtail, 33 Siskin flying W, 60 Blackcaps, 5 Whinchats, 3 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 7 Willow Warblers, 3 Common Buzzards, 7 Teal, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Stonechat, 4 Sedge Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Grey Heron.

Birds ringed 80: Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 4, Wren 1, Blackcap 43, Garden Warbler 3, Whitethroat 1, Whinchat 3, Reed Warbler 5, Robin 5, Stonechat 1, Chaffinch 2, Sedge Warbler 2, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2.

Whinchat

Stonechat

This morning Julian Perry saw the female Hen Harrier by the Green Wall.

After lunch we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 15 Linnets, 10 Sandwich Terns, 32 Mallard, 80 Ringed Plovers, 4 Whimbrel,  30 Turnstone, 50 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 120 Oystercatchers and 1 Stonechat.

 September 4th

We spent another morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 first year female Hen Harrrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Mallard, 30 Reed Warblers, 15 Sedge Warblers, 10 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Blackcaps, 61 Siskins flying W, 2 Jays, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrels, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 14 Goldfinches, 10 Corn Buntings, 10 House Martins, 28 Linnets, 62 Swallows, 24 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Teal, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Hobby.

Birds ringed 75: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 1, Willow Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 11, Reed Warbler 24, Whitethroat 8, Reed Bunting 9, Blackcap 11, Robin 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Chaffinch 3, Cetti's Warbler 1, Goldfinch 1, Blackbird 2.

On the way home Matt found a Coal Tit (184th) in a conifer near Bishopstone. Later he walked around the Reculver area and recorded 5 Whitethroats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears, 5 Whinchats, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons and 120 Linnets.

September 3rd

With a moderate SW wind blowing we spent the morning ringing at Shuart in one of our more sheltered sites. There were some nice birds about and in the four and a half hours we were there, we saw 1 first year female Hen Harrier hunting over the Marsh, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Osprey flying W, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Chiffchaffs, 12 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Reed Warblers, 25 Blackcaps, 62 Swallows W and 89 House Martins flying W, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Kestrels, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets

Birds ringed 24: Wren 1, Blackcap 19, Robin 1, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1. 

First year female and male Blackcap

Chris Tedder was out on the marsh as well and saw the Osprey sitting on the beach at Coldharbour as well as 4 Egyptian Geese flying E.

 September 2nd

On a beautiful, early, autumn morning there had been a small arrival of migrants that had been missing in the last couple of days. On our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm we saw 2 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Chiffchaffs, 86 Linnets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 37 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Wagtails flying W along the embankment, 2 Swallows, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Teal, 2 Kestrels, 18 Turnstone, 9 Redshank, 6 Little Egrets, 59 Golden Plover, 1 Pied Wagtail, 62 Ringed Plovers, 4 Avocets flying W at Coldharbour, 3 Swifts, 1 Stonechat, 1 Curlew and 2 Coot.

Willow Warbler

 September 1st

Reculver had returned to normal this morning after the crowds of holiday makers and cyclists that had descended on it over the last month or two. It was nice to walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and back with only the regulars for company in overcast conditions with little wind.

The seawall this morning

 

Birds we saw included 5 Pied Wagtails, 8 Mute Swans, 4 Wheatears, 5 Oystercatchers, 24 Cormorants, 62 Linnets, 4 Little Egrets, 12 Swallows W, 19 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail flying W, 11 Turnstone, 1 Kestrel, 2 Redshank, 19 Golden Plover and 2 Coot.

Wheatear