September 30th

On another beautiful morning, but with a gradually increasing SW wind, we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm. We had a good variety of species including 44 Chaffinches W, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 27 Skylarks W, 4 Goldcrests, 10 Chiffchaffs, 29 Golden Plovers, 2 Peregrines, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Greenfinch, 7 Lapwings, 2 Ravens, 1 Little Egret, 29 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Marsh Harriers, 27 Reed Buntings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 26 House Martins W, 2 Teal, 4 Stonechats, 1 Snipe, 3 Sandwich Terns, 13 Swallows W, 9 Coot, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Linnets and 4 Bearded Tits, including two in a blackthorn bush.

Dave Smith spent an hour at Reculver and saw 1 Eider, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 60 Starlings W, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 2 Pied Wagtails, 41 Meadow Pipits W, 14 Goldfinches and 1 Siskin W.

During the morning, Anthea Skiffington and Bob Dewire saw a Short-eared Owl at the Oyster Farm and several Sandwich Terns moving through.

We have just received the ringing information of a Blackcap we controlled at Reculver on September 28th. It had originally been ringed at Sandwich Bay on September 20th.

September 29th

We arrived at Reculver later than usual after taking the car in for an MOT and service. It was a beautiful, calm and sunny Morning as we walked up to Coldharbour and back again before having a look at Reculver bushes. Birds we saw included 5 Grey Herons, 27 Goldfinches, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 23 Ringed Plovers, 22 Meadow Pipits, 21 Skylarks W, 1 Snipe, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Reed Buntings, 5 Linnets, 19 Swallows W, 61 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew, 19 Golden Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Sandwich Terns E, 18 Carrion Crows on the beach, 1 Kestrel, 5 Chiffchaffs and 1 Reed Warbler.

Dave Smith was out much earlier than us and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and along the railway embankment. He counted 1 Lapwing, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 2 Reed Warblers, 7 Swallows, 22 Chiffchaffs, 14 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 2 Grey Wagtails, 22 Meadow Pipits, 4 Chaffinches, 3 Song Thrushes, 4 Siskins and 8 Corn Buntings.

September 28th

We spent another morning ringing, this time at Reculver, where we saw 1 Jay, 1 Great White Egret  flying W (188th), 37 Swallows, 32 Goldfinches, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 45 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15 Chiffchaffs, 35 Blackcaps, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards, 14 House Martins, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Siskins and 1 Kestrel.

Birds ringed 58: Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 12, Wren 1, Blackcap 29, Great Tit 1, Robin 1, Reed Warbler 1, Chaffinch 2, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 1, Kingfisher 1.

Female Goldcrest

September 27th

On a blustery morning we ringed in a sheltered area at Shuart where we saw 3 Kestrels, 30 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Goldcrests, 15 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Firecrest, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 62 Goldfinches, 13 Swallows W, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Linnets, 369 House Martins W, 4 Siskins W, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Grey Herons and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Birds ringed 49: Chiffchaff 11, Wren 4, Goldcrest 1, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 23, Robin 2, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Chaffinch 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.

Willow Warbler

Today we received a record of a Nightjar (187th) that had been seen and photographed in a local garden at the beginning of the week. This is only the second report of this species in the area following one seen at Shuart on September 20th 1988.

Also today we received interesting information about a first year Chiffchaff that we ringed at Shuart on 14th September 2020 and was controlled by another ringer at Laguna Primera de Palos, Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, SPAIN on 16th October 2021. This site is 1,703 km SSW of Shuart.

September 26th

On a blustery and showery morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Warbler, 286 Swallows W, 3 House Martins W, 1 Tree Pipit W, 84 Meadow Pipits W, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Rock Pipits W, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Kestrels, 4 Grey Herons, 40 Goldfinches, 4 Sand Martins W, 117 Mallard, 7 Wigeon, 1 Hobby, 1 Yellow Wagtail W, 1 female Merlin, 2 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears and 1 Kingfisher.

Matt went back to Reculver at 1100 for two hours in the hope that the increasing wind would produce some birds. He saw 50 House Martins W, 80 Swallows W, 21 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Black-throated Diver E (186th), 3 Red-throated Divers on the sea, 3 Gannets E, 1 Common Scoter W and 5 Sandwich Terns W.

September 25th

We spent an enjoyable morning ringing at a breezy Reculver where we saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Jay, 1 Redwing, 15 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Goldfinches, 6 Song Thrushes, 24 Swallows, 2 Bramblings, 17 Lapwings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 24 Meadow Pipits, 2 Ravens, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (185th), 1 Kingfisher, 1 Snipe and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Birds ringed 35: Chiffchaff 11, Goldcrest 3, Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Blackcap 10, Blue Tit 4, Reed Warbler 1, Robin 1, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 1.

Yellow-browed Warbler

Derek Smith was also out this morning from 0630-1130 and walked from Shuart, along the embankment and back via Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 7 Grey Herons, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Kestrels, 44 Golden Plover, 10 Curlew, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 Rock Pipit, 135 Swallows W, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 9 Blackcaps, 41 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests and 1 Firecrest at Shuart.

Matt also had 6 Redwing at Shuart later in the morning.

September 24th

On a blustery morning we had a walk around the bushes at Reculver and Chamber's Wall. We saw 17 Chiffchaffs, 19 Swallows W, 1 Turtle Dove on the wire by Reculver bushes, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Snipe, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Blackcaps and 3 Goldcrests.

We have just received information concerning two ringed birds. Firstly, a first year female Blackcap we caught at Reculver on September 11th had originally been ringed by the Belvide Ringing Group at Witches Oak, Derbyshire on September 1st. It had flown 242 km SE to reach Reculver. The second bird was a juvenile Reed Warbler we ringed at Shuart on August 1st and was controlled by Rye Bay Ringing Group at Icklesham, East Sussex on September 6th. Icklesham is 66 km SW from Shuart.

September 23rd

We had a marvellous two hour's birdwatch this morning on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour in overcast and almost still conditions. Throughout our visit there was a significant westerly hirundine movement and we counted 2,200 House Martins, 1,950 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins and even a Swift with birds still moving W when we left. There had also been an overnight arrival of 32 Chiffchaffs whilst other birds seen included 2 Kestrels, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Hobby, 3 Robins, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 58 Goldfinches, 22 Teal, 1 Whitethroat, 11 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Skylarks, 7 Mallard, 12 Wigeon, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Tree Pipit W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 9 Reed Buntings, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Greenfinches and 7 Chaffinches.

Male Kestrel

September 22nd

On a beautiful autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm. Birds we saw included 16 Chiffchaffs, 4 Kestrels, 35 Goldfinches, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Greenfinches, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier flying W along the embankment, 42 Golden Plovers, 21 Reed Buntings, 3 Stonechats, 5 Teal, 120 Swallows, 13 Linnets, 270 House Martins E, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Oystercatchers, 42 Mallard, 5 Coot, 2 Grey Herons in off the sea and 8 Chaffinches.

Dave Smith was out at 0630 and in three hours walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and back via Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 7 Mute Swans, 32 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 47 Golden Plovers, 37 Lapwings, 3 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Sandwich Tern, 4 Grey Herons, 5 Little Egrets, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Short-eared Owl at Plumpudding, 3 Kestrels, 1 Peregrine, 3 Reed Warblers, 200 Swallows, 300 House Martins E, 11 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin and 15 Corn Buntings.

September 21st

For the first time for a while there was absolutely no wind this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then back to Reculver bushes. We saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Kestrels, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Redshank, 82 Goldfinches, 1 Greenshank, 3 Stonechats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Ringed Plovers, 36 Linnets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Wigeon W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Egret, 20 Mallard, 2 Swallows, 1 Red-throated Diver feeding close in, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wheatear and 1 Reed Warbler.

Red-throated Diver

Wall Brown

Dave Smith was out this morning and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. He counted 8 Mute Swans, 14 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Golden Plover, 2 Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 3 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 12 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thush, 4 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chaffinches and 23 Corn Buntings.

September 20th

On a pleasant morning we ringed at Shuart where we saw 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Reed Warblers, 14 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 40 Swallows W, 1 Golden Plover 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Siskin W, 3 Kestrels, 2 Whitethroats, 20 Reed Buntings, 3 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Corn Buntings, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Common Buzzards.

Birds ringed 50: Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 1, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 7, Reed Bunting 16, Blackcap 10, Goldfinch 5, Robin 1, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Greenfinch 1, Dunnock 2.

This afternoon Matt had a walk at Reculver and saw 3 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 10 Swallows, 7 Reed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Partridges, 6 Stonechats, 1 Whinchat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

September 19th

We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver again but it was very quiet with most birds having moved on overnight. Birds we saw included 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 72 Swallows, 8 Dunnocks, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Goldcrests, 42 Meadow Pipits, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 5 Stonechats, 2 Whinchats and 1 Snipe.

Birds ringed 7: Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 2, Blackcap 3, Dunnock 1.

Dave Smith birded in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding area and counted 5 Mute Swans, 53 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Turtle Doves, 100 Golden Plovers, 6 Curlew, 22 Dunlin W, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 7 Sand Martins, 283 Swallows W, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 9 Meadow Pipits, 12 Goldfinches and 13 Corn Buntings.

September 18th

We spent a breezy morning ringing at Reculver where Matt saw 6 Egyptian Geese flying W just after daybreak. We then recorded 1 Grey Heron, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 110 Swallows W, 3 Snipe, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Greenshank, 40 Blackcaps, 2 Kingfishers, 8 Goldcrests, 52 Meadow Pipits, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 2 Ravens, 2 Common Buzzards, 9 Sand Martins W, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Reed Warblers. Matt then found a Black-necked Grebe at Reculver which almost immediately flew off W.

Birds ringed 54: Goldcrest 5, Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 2, Reed Warbler 4, Blackcap 31, Great Tit 3, Robin 1, Whitethroat 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Dunnock 2, Green Woodpecker 1.

Juvenile Black-necked Grebe

Grey Wagtail

September 17th

It was cool and breezy this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall as far as the Green Wall. We counted 17 Swallows W, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Stonechats, 37 Mallard, 1 Sandwich Tern W, 1 Kingfisher, 36 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Turntone, 10 Reed Buntings, 12 Coot, 2 Kestrels, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat and 1 Hobby.

Matt arrived at Reculver early and together with Dave and Derek Smith seawatched at the Towers before having a brief walk inland. He counted 7 Gannets W, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 19 Sandwich Terns, 1 Kittiwake E, 32 Wigeon W, 8 Dunlin W, 3 Knot W, 2 Great Skuas E and W, 98 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck W, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Red-throated Diver W, 5 Curlew, 4 Arctic Skuas W, 1 Purple Sandpiper W, 1 Pintail W, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 7 Swallows, 9 unidentified geese distantly flying south at 0845, 6 House Martins, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Sparrowhawk.

This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and recorded 33 Meadow Pipits, 7 Snipe, 2 Kestrels, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Whinchats, 6 Stonechats, 18 Linnets, 1 Little Egret and 4 Chiffchaffs. 

Matt and Marion walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour returning along the Green Wall and embankment. They saw 1 Goldcrest, 22 Swallows, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 4 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 80 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 23 Sandwich Terns, 39 Sanderling, 90 Ringed Plovers, 20 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Pink-footed Geese flying W at the Oyster Farm, 3 Stonechats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrels, 8 House Martins, 3 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats, 16 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sand Martins  and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Spotted Flycatcher - Matt Hindle

Pink-footed Geese - Matt Hindle

September 16th

It was significantly cooler this morning with a moderate NW wind blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We counted 156 Meadow Pipits flying W, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 4 Corn Buntings, 16 Swallows flying W, 2 Shelduck W, 65 Black-headed Gulls flying W in two groups, 5 Mallard, 3 Coot, 5 Stonechats and 8 Reed Buntings.

Corn Bunting

Dave Smith spent just over three hours at Reculver Towers this morning and counted 11 Pink-footed Geese flying in off the sea (182nd), 2 Shelduck, 19 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 96 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Gulls, 18 Sandwich Terns E, 5 Gannets, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 2 Sand Martins W, 61 Swallows W, 6 House Martins W, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1,014 Meadow Pipits flying W and 1 Reed Bunting.

With the wind forecast to increase this afternoon Matt arrived at the Towers at 1200 and we joined him at 1245 staying there for another two hours. It was unfortunately rather slow but we did record 25 Gannets, 2 Guillemot E, 3 Arctic Skuas, 14 Sandwich Terns W, 3 large auks, 1 Peregrine, 1 Manx Shearwater E (183rd), 1 Great Crested Grebe W, 7 Common Scoter E, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Wheatears and 1 Yellow Wagtail.

About half an hour after we arrived home Matt phoned to say he was sitting in his car at Reculver car park and was watching a Wryneck (184th) run along the path in front of him. When we arrived five minutes later it had disappeared into the rocks but after ten minutes Matt found it again by the childrens' playground before it disappeared again into a bush.

Wryneck - Alex Perry

Today we received the ringing information of a Cetti's Warbler we caught on the Marsh on September 11th. It had been ringed at Nagden Marsh, Faversham on August 25th and had flown 24 km E to reach Reculver.

September 15th

It felt more autumnal this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow. There was a steady westerly movement of Swallows that gradually built up to a stream by the time we arrived home. Birds we saw included 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 88 Golden Plovers, 230 Swallows W, 4 Sand Martins W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Linnets, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Greenfinches, 10 Goldfinches, 15 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 15 Coot, 3 Stonechats, 3 Redshank, 23 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatchers, 11 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Corn Buntings, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Coot

September 14th

Dave Smith was out in the rain this morning for two and a half hours and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and the embankment. He recorded 1 Mute Swan, 8 Mallard, 21 Oystercatchers, 46 Lapwings, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sand Martin, 500 Swallows, 2 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats,  Whitethroats, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Blackbirds, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 4 Meadow Pipits and 3 Corn Buntings.

After this morning's rain, this afternoon turned out warm and sunny as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 63 Swallows flying W, 15 Meadow Pipits, 11 Cormorants, 22 Goldfinches, 104 Mallard, 1 Whitethroat, 25 Linnets, 2 Pied Wagtails, 10 Wheatears, 4 Stonechats, 6 Sandwich Terns flying E, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 22 Ringed Plovers and 2 Chiffchaffs. We also saw 2 Clouded Yellows and 9 Wall Brown butterflies.

 

Rock Pipit at Coldharbour

September 13th

With a light, cool, NE breeze blowing in off the sea and low tide we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour where we met Dave Smith as he returned to Chamber's Wall. Birds we saw included 16 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Robins, 21 Linnets, 8 Chaffinches, 1 Turtle Dove, 5 Swallows, 8 Blue Tits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 34 Mallard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Coot, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Blackcap, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Water Rail.

Earlier, on the same walk, Dave saw 14 Mallard, 1 Turtle Dove, 16 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrels, 4 Reed Warblers, 8 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Meadow Pipit and 2 Chaffinches.

Richard Collins had a look at Reculver today and found a Wheatear on the rocks at the car park, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying E and several hundred Swallows moving W.

September 12th

On a bright and sunny morning we had a ringing session at Shuart where we saw 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Common Redstarts, 1 Barn Owl, 4 Common Buzzards, 20 Blackcaps, 8 Sedge Warblers, 15 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Raven, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 28 Swallows, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 House Martins, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Kestrels, 4 Corn Buntings, 2 Jays, 11 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Hobby and 40 Goldfinches.

Birds ringed 54: Chiffchaff 3, Wren 1, Blackcap 14, Cetti's Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 7, Reed Warbler 13, Whitethroat 1, Robin 1, Reed Bunting 4, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Goldfinch 4, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 1.

This morning Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and the embankment and recorded 1 Mute Swan, 11 Mallard, 1 Golden Plover, 33 Lapwings, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Raven, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 15 Chiffchaffs, 15 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Redstarts, 3 Meadow Pipits and 1 Corn Bunting.

We have just received interesting information about one of the Blackcaps that we ringed at Reculver the day before yesterday, September 10th. It was a first year male and was controlled yesterday, September 11th,  at Hayling Golf Club, Hayling Island, Hampshire and had flown 167 km WSW. Maybe on its way to cross the Channel at Portland.

September 11th

We spent a sunny morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Willow Warblers, 58 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Reed Warblers, 40 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, 45 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 9 Sedge Warblers, 34 Swallows, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Whitethroat, 8 Common Buzzards, 1 Curlew, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Whinchats. We also saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly.

Birds ringed 73: Wren 2, Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 10, Blackcap 28, Reed Warbler 5, Sedge Warbler 6, Reed Bunting 9, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Grasshopper Warbler 2, Robin 2, Blue Tit 1, Whitethroat 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Linnet 1.

First year Lesser Whitethroat

First year Grasshopper Warbler

Derek Smith arrived at Shuart at 0600 and in six hours walked along the embankment and on to Chamber's Wall returing via Brooksend and Netherhale. He counted 12 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 21 Common Scoter E, 30 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Kestrels, 7 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 2 Greenshank W, 43 Ringed Plovers, 1 Golden Plover, 37 Lapwings, 4 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 36 Turnstone and 1 Sandwich Tern. He also saw 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Swallows, 12 House Martins, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 9 Whinchats, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 17 Chiffchaffs, 60+ Blackcaps, 9 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 18 Sedge Warblers, 11 Reed Warblers and 27 Corn Buntings.

Dave Smith was also out for three hours walking from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to Coldharbour. He saw 5 Mallard, 9 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Stock Dove, 37 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 20 Swallows, 5 Chiffchaffs, 40 Blackcaps, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 4 Whinchats, 2 Stonechats, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits, 28 Goldfinches and 7 Corn Buntings.

September 10th

We spent the morning ringing at a surprisingly chilly Reculver where there had been an overnight arrival of Blackcaps with at least 80 in our ringing site. Other birds seen included 2 Common Buzzards, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Raven, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Hobby, 32 Swallows moving W, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 22 Teal, 1 Tree Pipit flying W, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Little Egret and 2 Kestrels.

Birds ringed 64: Willow Warbler 3, Wren 1, Chiffchaff 3, Blackcap 48, Robin 1, Reed Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Dunnock 2, Kingfisher 2, Song Thrush 1.

Kingfisher

This morning Dave Smith cycled around the Reculver area as far as Chamber's Wall and saw 11 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Turtle Dove, 50 Lapwings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Wheatears.

 September 9th

Anne and I spent the morning birding at Reculver where we were joined by Matt at about 1000 after he had walked around most of the Marsh. The morning began with frequent very heavy and squally showers but it calmed down somewhat later. We saw 4 Teal flying E, 17 Gannets, 5 Swallows, 7 Sandwich Terns W, 60 Common Terns, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Tern W (180th), 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Black Tern flying W and then returning E, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits W 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose W, 2 Arctic Skuas chasing terns, 4 Common Scoter E, 1 Little Gull W (181st) and 2 immature Shags W.

Matt spent the first part of the morning walking from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment, he then spent the rest of the morning with us at the Towers. He counted 2 Little Egrets, 1 male Common Redstart, 2 Willow Warblers, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Yellow Wagtails, 67 Sandwich Tern E, 66 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Common Buzzard, 27 Swallows, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Greenshank, 1 Water Rail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Wheatears, 5 Kestrels, 13 Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10 Coot, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 27 Gannets W, 4 Arctic Skuas, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Reed Warblers, 24 Turnstone, 50 Ringed Plovers, 108 Commic Terns W, 1 Swift, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 5 Teal, 2 Ravens, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose W, 4 Common Scoter E,  1 adult Little Gull and 2 immature Shags W.

Dave Smith covered the east end of the Marsh from Shuart to Coldharbour and recorded 5 Wigeon, 55 Mallard, 23 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Stock Doves, 12 Oystercatchers, 25 Lapwings, 1 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 25 Sandwich Terns, 6 Gannets, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 male Bearded Tit, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers, 17 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 8 Tree Sparrows, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Corn Buntings.

September 8th

We managed to just about avoid the heavy showers on a brief walk at Chamber's Wall this morning where we saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Teal, 20 Golden Plovers and 1 Reed Warbler.

Chamber's Wall

September 7th

We began the morning with a walk along the seawall but it appeared very quiet so after twenty minutes we turned around and returned to Reculver before driving over to Chamber's Wall and walking out to the railway crossing. At Reculver we saw 15 Swallows on the wires, 1 Wheatear, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Stonechats, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wagtails and 1 Chiffchaffs. At Chamber's Wall, where the contractors were beginning to cut the maize, we counted 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Swallows, 2 Common Buzzards and 85 Golden Plovers. We also found a Willow Emerald at Chamber's Wall car park. 

Wheatear on the rocks at Reculver

Dave Smith completed his regular walk from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and saw 2 Mute Swans, 12 Mallard, 2 Stock Doves, 80 Oystercatchers, 83 Golden Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 71 Ringed Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Kestrels, 1 Skylark, 5 Reed Warblers, 7 Swallows, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whiethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Stonechat, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Chaffinches, 5 Greenfinches and 2 Corn Buntings. Dave has also been seeing Willow Emeralds on his recent visits.

September 6th

After overnight, heavy, thundery showers we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 36 Goldfinches, 1 Dotterel flying over the car park calling, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 54 Golden Plovers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Coot, 7 Ringed Plovers, 4 Linnets, 10 Corn Buntings, 12 Redshank, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Turnstone, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Dunlin, 6 alba Wagtails, 1 Hobby, 5 Mallard, 6 Swallows, 1 male Ruff flying S and 1 Common Buzzard.

Moulting Corn Bunting

September 5th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 9 Swallows, 6 Linnets, 85 Golden Plovers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Coot, 3 Whitethroats, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Kestrels, 6 Corn Buntings, 9 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Dunlin, 41 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 5 Sandwich Terns W, 1 first year Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Knot flying W, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker.

First year Mediterranean Gull

Julian Perry found a Spotted Flycatcher at the Chamber's Wall car park.

Dave Smith was out at 0600 for his regular walk from Shuart and recorded 5 Mute Swans, 19 Mallard, 2 Teal, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 4 Stock Doves, 1 Turtle Dove, 14 Oystercatchers, 9 Golden Plover, 99 Ringed Plovers, 13 Black-tailed Godwits, 13 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 1 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Sand Martins, 17 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 6 Corn Buntings.

September 4th

The morning was spent ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Ravens, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 50 Mallard, 200 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Reed Warblers, 15 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Lapwings, 1 Common Redstart, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Swallow, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Kingfisher.

Birds ringed 25: Willow Warbler 2, Great Tit 2, Blackcap 12, Reed Warbler 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 1. 

First year male Blackcap

 Derek Smith was out at 0600 for four hours and covered the eastern half of the Marsh from Shuart to Brooksend, Plumpudding and the railway embankment. He counted 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Kestrels, 1 Little Egret, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dotterel flying W calling, 35 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 150 Swallows, 8 Wheatears, 1 Grey Wagtail E, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Reed Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps and 18 Corn Buntings. 

Dave Smith walked from Shaurt to Plumpudding and Coldharbour between 0600 and 0900 and recorded 4 Mute Swans, 14 Mallard, 15 Teal, 1 Turtle Dove, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Golden Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Dotterel flying W, 1 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 6 Redshank, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sedge Warblers, 10 Reed Warblers, 43 Swallows, 3 Chiffchaffs, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 30 Corn Buntings.

This evening Matt and Marion walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, 6 Sandwich Terns, 11 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 12 alba Wagtails,  25 Swallows, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler and  1 Grey Heron. They also found a Lime Hawkmoth caterpillar on concrete entrance road.

Ruff - Matt Hindle

September 3rd

We spent the morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway and west of Chamber's Wall. While there we counted 2 Kestrels, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 7 Whitethroats, 12 Reed Warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers, 54 Goldfinches, 8 Swallows, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 1 juvenile Yellowhammer, 2 Blackcaps and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Birds ringed 41: Willow Warbler 5, Sedge Warbler 5, Reed Warbler 10, Cetti's Warbler 1, Whitethroat 5, Robin 1, Goldfinch 7, Great Tit 1, Blackcap 2, Linnet 1, Dunnock 3.

While we were ringing, Dave Smith spent 3 hours 40 minutes walking from Shuart to Minnis Bay and Plumpudding. He recorded 9 Mute Swans, 2 Wigeons, 12 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Stock Doves, 1 Turtle Dove, 9 Oystercatchers, 50 Golden Plovers, 3 Lapwings, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 1 Jay, 1 Sedge Warbler, 10 Swallows, 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Firecrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 15 Pied Wagtails and 28 Corn Buntings.

On a very warm evening we had a walk at Reculver and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Lapwings, 2 Green Sandpipers, 35 Swallows, 1 Kestrel and 3 Wheatears.

Greenshank

September 2nd

We spent a glorious, early, autumn morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 3 Wheatears, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps, 7 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 35 Linnets, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Common Buzzards, 10 Reed Warblers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Wigeon, 2 Sand Martins, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whimbrel, 11 Magpies, 1 Hobby, 2 Lapwings, 2 Willow Warblers and 2 Long-tailed Tits.

Birds ringed 40: Long-tailed Tit 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Wren 2, Reed Warbler 6, Blackcap 15, Robin 1, Wheatear 1, Cetti's Warbler 2, Pied Flycatcher 1, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 1, House Sparrow 2, Woodpigeon 1.

First year Wheatear

 

After ringing, Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 24 Swallows, 7 Corn Buntings, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Sand Martins, 4 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kingfisher, 30 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 8 Sandwich Terns, 1 Gannet, 35 Knot flying E then high S, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Wigeon, 142 Golden Plover, 2 Wheatears, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Whinchat.

September 1st

After having a chat with Dave Smith and Matt who were seawatching at the Towers we drove over to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 3 Swallows, 6 Linnets, 4 Coot, 1 Turtle Dove beside the Wantsum, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Warbler, 11 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 22 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Gannet E, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 Corn Buntings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Whitethroats and 3 Golden Plovers. 

Greenshank

Dave Smith spent three hours from 0600 at the Towers and counted 3 Wigeon E, 4 Pintail, 52 Teal, 1 Eider, 33 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 78 Oystercatchers, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Black Terns (179th), 2 Common Terns, 125 Sandwich Terns, 2 Gannets, 8 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel and 2 Ravens.

After he had spent some time seawatching with Dave, Matt had a walk around the Reculver area and saw 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Green Sandpipers, 32 Teal W, 3 Wheatears, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 6 Wigeon W, 1 Raven, 1 Eider W, 118 Sandwich Terns E, 1 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull E, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Common Scoter, 2 Common Terns, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Gannet, 6 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Redstart, 3 Blackcaps and 2 Reed Warblers.

This afternoon 45 minutes at Reculver produced 34 Sandwich Terns flying E and not much else.