October 11th

It was unexpectedly breezy at Shuart this morning where we spent four hours ringing. We saw 2 Common Buzzards, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Kestrels, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Blackcaps, 26 Chaffinches, 160 Starlings, 3 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 18 Skylarks, 8 Song Thrushes, 5 Mallard, 12 Lapwings and 3 Jays.

 Birds ringed 19: Chiffchaff 5, Long-tailed Tit 4, Wren 1, Blackcap 5, Robin 1, Reed Bunting 1, Blackbird 2.

Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0700 and 1030 walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and the Wantsum. He counted 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrels, 35 Stock Doves W, 2 Jays W, 26 alba Wagtails W, 8 Stonechats, 1 Siskin W, 18 Chaffinches W, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 24 Chiffchaffs and 1 Blackcap.

A walk around Reculver this afternoon produced 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and an adult Shag sitting on the red topped post below the Towers.