October 31st

It was a glorious, sunny morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Oystercatchers, 18 Skylarks, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 56 Meadow Pipits, 2 Little Egrets, 9 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 26 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 59 Ringed Plovers, 12 Turnstone, 8 Goldfinches, 9 alba Wagtails, 41 Linnets, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Stonechats, 1 Kingfisher and 1 male Black Redstart on the rocks by the Towers.

Adult male Black Redstart

October 30th

We spent about half an hour at Reculver this morning in the rain and saw 3 Gannets, 1 Curlew, 70 Cormorants feeding very close inshore and a flock of 48 Chaffinches flying W.

This afternoon we visited Chislet Marshes and saw the adult Common Crane.

Dave Smith refound the Black Brant this afternoon.

October 29th

On another very mild morning we walked along the seawall at Reculver and then inland. We saw 2 Goldcrests, 1 Kestrel, 2 Kingfishers, 5 Redshank, 21 Meadow Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails, 8 Gannets E, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Cormorants, 18 Goldfinches, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 46 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 1 Turnstone, 29 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Redwings, 1 Water Rail, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Whilst we were at Reculver, Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then on to Plumpudding and recorded 5 Stonechats, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Redwings, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Bearded Tits, 4 Rock Pipits, 69 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Black Brant at Plumpudding, 12 Siskins, 1 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Dartford Warbler at Plumpudding, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Woodlark heard flying west, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels and 1 Golden Plover.

Black Brant at Plumpudding - Matt Hindle

Derek Smith was also out at the eastern end of the Marsh and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Plumpudding. On his way he saw at Barn Owl at Reculver and then 8 Gannets, 1 Black Brant, 1 Common Buzzard, 6 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Woodlark W, 6 Bearded Tits, 6 Stonechats, 76 Chaffinches W, 19 Siskins W, 11 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 15 Goldcrests and 1 Firecrest.

October 28th

On a mild but breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm. Birds we saw included 211 Chaffinches flying W, 2 Corn Buntings, 6 Redwings, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Skylarks, 23 Goldfinches, 12 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 4 alba Wagtails, 4 Stonechats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Meadow Pipits, 2 Kestrels, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Chiffchaff.

Male Kestrel

While we were out this morning Matt walked around the Reculver area and saw 2 Redwings, 1 Dartford Warbler, 10 Stonechats, 25 Mute Swans, 3 Snipe, 4 Chiffchaffs, 80 Linnets, 1 Merlin, 5 Kestrels, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Lapwings, 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Tree Sparrows, 3 Goldcrests, 29 Chaffinches W, 17 Corn Buntings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Swallows W and 1 Kingfisher.

October 27th

On a very showery morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 56 Cormorants flying out to sea, 2 Kestrels, 9 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Corn Buntings, 8 Rock Pipits, 7 Stonechats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 63 Mallard, 10 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Tree Sparrows, 16 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Bearded Tits, 5 Shelduck, 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Crested Grebe,  2 Grey Herons, 8 Turnstone, 60 Meadow Pipits and 5 Gannets E.

October 26th

On a very mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and saw 3 Redwings, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 22 Chaffinches, 19 Goldfinches, 2 Goldcrests, 10 Coot, 2 Lapwings W, 11 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 11 alba Wagtails, 90 Cormorants feeding close inshore at the Wantsum outflow, 18 Skylarks, 2 Curlew, 3 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Meadow Pipits, 19 Turnnstone and 52 Ringed Plovers.

October 25th

We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we recorded 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtails, 18 Redwings, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Fielfares, 1 Yellowhammer, 6 Goldcrests, 7 Siskins, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 18 Chaffinches, 35 Linnets, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Stonechats, 16 Skylarks, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Birds ringed 15: Goldcrest 4, Chiffchaff 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Robin 2, Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

Redwing

This afternoon Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Chamber's Wall and counted 4 Stonechats, 66 alba Wagtails, 2 Common Buzzards, 5 Kestrels, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 102 Sanderling, 30 Ringed Plovers, 18 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Bearded Tits, 17 Coot, 2 Rock Pipits, 5 Gannets, 14 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Little Grebes, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 late juvenile Hobby, 1 Chiffchaff  and 13 Greylag Geese.

Juvenile Hobby - Matt Hindle

Male Stonechat - Matt Hindle

October 24th

With heavy showers moving along the Channel further south, this morning was dry, bright and breezy as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Kestrel, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 26 Chaffinches, 3 Goldcrests, 70 Cormorants flying out to sea, 12 Skylarks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Redwings, 10 Goldfinches, 2 Mallard, 1 Chiffchaff, 32 Reed Buntings, 5 Stonechats, 4 Redshank, 13 Meadow Pipits, 9 Pied Wagtails, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-throated Diver, 7 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper near Coldharbour, 12 Coot and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Purple Sandpiper

Matt was out later and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back and saw 11 Gannets, 12 Rock Pipits, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Black Redstart at Reculver, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Dartford Warblers, 12 Stonechats, 8 Chaffinches, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 3 Sandwich Terns, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 130 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 39 Redshank, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Bearded Tits, 6 Grey Plovers, 26 alba Wagtails, 160 Oystercatchers, 21 Curlew, 14 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kestrel, 3 Corn Buntings, 11 Skylarks and 1 Redwing.

October 23rd

With thundery showers all around and lightning over the sea at Southend we were lucky to be able to walk at Reculver and Chamber's Wall this morning without getting wet. It was relatively quiet but we did manage to see 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Chiffchaffs, 4 Redwings, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Robins, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 65 Cormorants flying out to sea, 35 Chaffinches, 14 Goldfinches, 9 Coot, 3 Tree Sparrows at Chamber's Wall, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Peregrine.

October 22nd

On a mild and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow. Birds we saw included 6 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Goldcrests, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Song Thrushes, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Dunnocks, 3 Stonechats, 27 Reed Buntings, 12 Blackbirds, 4 Corn Buntings, 9 Robins, 16 Skylarks, 6 Coot, 6 Lapwings W, 5 Redshank, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 14 Meadow Pipits and 8 Redwings.

Robin

October 21st

On a bright and breezy morning with the odd spot of rain falling we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons for part of the walk with John Cantelo. We saw 2 Song Thrushes, 61 Redwing, 35 Blackbirds, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Fieldfare, 17 Skylarks, 3 Corn Buntings, 30 Goldfinches, 2 Bramblings, 1 Kestrel, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 6 Coot, 2 Redshank, 5 Bearded Tits, 1 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Rock Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding off the Wantsum outflow, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 14 Reed Buntings, 31 Chaffinches and 2 Goldcrests.

Red-throated Diver

October 20th

Dave Smith was out in heavy rain this morning in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding area. He saw 6 White-fronted Geese flying in off the sea, 1 Goosander, 2 Red-breasted Meganser, 1 Snipe, 2 Sandwich Terns, 4 Red-throated Diver, 7 Grey Herons in off, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrests, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Bramblings and 1 Siskin.

This morning Barry Wright found 2 Firecrests at Shuart.

This afternoon we walked inland from Reculver and saw 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Dark-bellied Geese, 2 Sandwich Terns W, 4 Skylarks, 1 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 28 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Kestrels.

 October 19th

We arrived at Reculver at 0645 and spent an enjoyable three hours seawatching at the Towers. We were joined by Derek and Dave Smith for some of the time and between us we counted 1,883 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying W, 12 Redwings and 1 Song Thrush in off the sea, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Arctic Skua E, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E, 16 Little Egrets E, 2 Brambling in off the sea, 39 Wigeon W, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 66 Common Scoter, 19 Gannets, 1 Common Sandpiper on the rocks, 92 Oystercatchers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 3 Chaffinches, 9 Skylarks, 9 Curlew, 6 Teal W, 1 Kestrel, 3 Razorbills E, 11 Little Gulls E, 2 Goosanders E, 4 Kittiwakes E, 21 Sanderling, 3 Siskins and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier in off the sea near Bishopstone.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese

 Afterwards we had a walk inland and saw 59 Redwings, 12 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 26 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Grey Heron.

Whilst we were seawatching, Dave birded inland at Reculver and recorded 11 Mute Swans, 16 Lapwings, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

This morning David Elliott found a Snow Bunting on the beach between Coldharbour and Plumpudding lagoon.

During the afternoon Dave Smith found 2 Dartford Warblers along the track at Chamber's Wall.

After leaving the Towers Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend and back via Minnis Bay. He recorded 17 Gannets E, 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese  W, 33 Common Scoter E, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 1,300 Redwings flying SW, 6 Fieldfare W, 3 Song Thrushes W, 8 Siskins, 1 Rock Pipit and 4 Chiffchaffs.

October 18th

We had an excellent morning's birding in bright sunshine as we walked at Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 5 Chiffchaffs, 31 Chaffinches, 7 Redwing, 8 Robins, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Brambling, 2 Goldcrests, 10 Golden Plovers, 9 Stonechats, 17 Skylarks, 5 Corn Buntings, 22 Goldfinches and 2 Dartford Warblers, one beside the Wantsum and one below the seawall at the east end of Coldharbour. Other birds we counted were 29 Reed Buntings, 8 Mallard, 8 Coot, 21 Meadow Pipits, 12 Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank, 9 Bearded Tits in two flocks of five and four, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 female Merlin, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Turnstone, 12 Blue Tits, 2 Gadwall, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel and 3 Siskins.

First year Starlings

October 17th

We didn't get out until after lunch on a surprisingly mild afternoon. Our walk at Reculver was uneventful and all we saw was 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 18 Chaffinches W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Mallard, 2 Grey Herons, 26 Mute Swans, 1 Snipe and 2 Kestrels.

Dave Smith was also out this afternoon and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Chamber's Wall. He saw 4 Wigeon, 1 Goosander flying W, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Plovers, 15 Curlew, 4 Dunlin, 24 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Gannet, 1 Great White Egret at Chamber's Wall, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallows, 1 Dartford Warbler at Chamber's Wall, 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Redwing.

October 16th

On a bright and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and counted, 1 Common Buzzard, 36 Mallard, 1 Goldcrest, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Partridge calling, 20 Chaffinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 59 Goldfinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Redwings, 2 Gadwall, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 24 Skylarks W, 15 Reed Buntings, 9 Stonechats, 2 Redshank, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 14 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Siskins W, 1 Curlew, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Dave Smith walked inland at Reculver and saw 2 Sand Martins, 29 Siskins and 10 Chiffchaffs. He also had Chaffinches, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits overhead flying W.

 October 15th

The first part of our walk this morning from Chamber's Wall was very wet but by the time we had crossed over the railway line the rain had stopped. We walked on to the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Chaffinches, 8 Coot, 7 Mallard, 29 Meadow Pipits, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Teal, 8 Reed Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 4 Swallows W and 32 House Martins W.

Derek Smith and Kerry McDonnell were also out in the early morning rain and stayed out until 1130 as they walked from Shuart and along the embankment and back via Chamber's Wall and Plumpudding. They recorded 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Common Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 40 Lapwings W, 1 Golden Plover, 550 House Martins W, 5 Swallows W, 8 Redwing W, 7 Fieldfare W, 23 Skylarks NW, 16 Stonechats, 6 Bearded Tits near Coldhabour, 112 Chaffinches W, 42 Goldfinches W, 30 Siskins W, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 45 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 15 Goldcrests and 2 Corn Buntings.

Recently we have received information about two birds we caught, one we had ringed and one from someone else. A juvenile Chiffchaff we ringed at Reculver on July 17th was controlled at Stodmarsh on September 3rd and a first year  Reed Bunting ringed at Stodmarsh on Ocotber 8th was controlled by us on Reculver Marshes on October 11th.

October 14th

We had an excellent morning's ringing session at Reculver where the best bird was our second Yellow-browed Warbler of the year. Other birds we saw included 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 1 male Tawny Owl calling at 0600 (191st), 6 Redwing, 2 Grey Herons, 34 Siskins, 3 Stonechats, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Ravens, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Dartford Warblers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Firecrest, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 30 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellowhammer, 20 Linnets, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kingfisher and 15 Chaffinches.

Birds ringed 58: Wren 3, Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 11, Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Firecrest 1, Stonechat 3, Reed Bunting 15, Meadow Pipit 4, Blackcap 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 12, House Sparrow 1, Yellowhammer 1, Song Thrush 1.

Yellow-browed Warbler

Female Firecrest

Meadow Pipit

Male Stonechat

Between 0730 and 1330 Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. He counted 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Common Buzzards, 7 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 62 Starlings W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1+ Bearded Tit, 83 Chaffinches W, 28 Goldfinches W, 54 Siskins W, 16 Stonechats, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 56 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests and 8 Corn Buntings.

October 13th

After most of the overnight rain had moved through we spent the morning ringing at Reculver. We saw 2 Grey Wagtails, 8 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 59 Redwings arriving from height, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Ravens, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jays, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 24 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Pied Wagtails, 14 Chaffinches and 1 Coal Tit (190th).

Birds ringed 26: Chiffchaff 5, Goldcrest 1, Long-tailed Tit 1, Wren 1, Blackcap 5, Cetti's Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Robin 2, Great Tit 3, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.

Derek was also out between 0900 and 1400 and walked from Shuart along the embankment to Coldharbour and back via Chamber's Wall and Potten Street. Bird he saw included 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Grey Herons, 3 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Kestrels, 1 Snipe W, 26 Skylarks NW, 17 Song Thrushes, 18 Stonechats, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcaps, 27 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest, 25 Goldcrest and 7 Corn Buntings.

Matt had a walk around the Reculver area this afternoon and saw 1 Dartford Warbler that was a different bird to the one we ringed on Tuesday. This means that there have been four birds recorded in the Reculver area during the last week. Other birds he saw were 1 Firecrest, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Stonechats, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Little Egret, 2 Chiffchaffs  and 1 Kingfisher.

In addition, Bob Dean saw the Red-necked Grebe again this afternoon off the Wantsum outflow.

October 12th

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 17 Redwings, 4 Kestrels, 2 Grey Herons, 11 Mallard, 1 Stonechat, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 24 Skylarks, 12 Bramblings flying W, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 42 Goldfinches, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Long-eared Owl, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests, 9 Siskins, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Greenfinches, 40 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 20 Song Thrushes, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Raven.

Birds ringed 45: Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 4, Goldfinch 8, Cetti's Warbler 2, Reed Bunting 16, Blackcap 2, Great Tit 1, Chaffinch 3, Blue Tit 1, Greenfinch 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 1

Male Chaffinch

This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back via Coldharbour. He saw 2 Little Grebes, 1 Gannet flying E, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzards, 7 Kestrels, 8 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Water Rail, 1 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Redwing, 13 Stonechats, 3 Bearded Tits, 2 Brambling, 18 Siskins W, 35 Chaffinches W, 42 Goldfinches W, 12 Cetti's Warblers, 35 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 30 Goldcrests and 9 Corn Buntings.

October 11th

We spent a sunny morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Yellowhammers, 5 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 60 Chaffinches, 24 Skylarks W, 1 Jay, 4 Siskins, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron, 64 Lapwings W and 1 male Marsh Harrier. Later Matt caught and ringed a first year Dartford Warbler at Reculver.

Birds ringed 37: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 3, Robin 4, Chaffinch 12, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1, Reed Bunting 4, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 4, Blackbird 2, Dartford Warbler 1.

First year Dartford Warbler

Dave Smith was out early and spent one and a half hours at Reculver and recorded 2 Stock Doves, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Meadow Pipits, 8 Chaffinches and 1 Siskin.

During the morning Brendan Ryan found another Dartford Warbler beside the Wantsum. His other highlights included 2 Bearded Tits along seawall, plus others heard flying over the railway embankment but not seen, 4 Sandwich Terns, 12 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest and 1 Common Redstart.

Dartford Warbler - Brendan Ryan

Bearded Tit - Brendan Ryan

Derek Smith and Alan Pavey were out between 0730 and 1330 and walked from Shuart along the embankment and on to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. They counted 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-breasted Merganser W, 6 Teal, 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Kestrels, 8 Sandwich Terns, 15 Golden Plovers, 5 Curlew, 1 Water Rail, 33 Skylarks NW, 1,800 Starlings W, 7 Song Thrushes W, 6 Redwings W, 1 Common Redstart, 23 Stonechats, 8 Bearded Tits, 1 Brambling W, 38 Siskons W, 26 Goldfinches W, 96 Chaffinches W, 15 Cetti's Warblers, 26 Chiffchaffs, 14 Blackcaps, 1 Dartford Warbler beside the Wantsum, 25 Goldcrests and 3 Corn Buntings.

This afternoon Matt walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 1 Firecrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Ravens, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Kestrels, 14 Stonechats, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Herons, 16 Red-throated Divers, 3 Swallows W, 92 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 juvenile Red-necked Grebe (189th), 2 Wigeon, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Rock Pipit, 13 Teal, 23 Redshank and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Juvenile Red-necked Grebe - Matt Hindle

In addition, David Elliott was a female Red-breatsed Merganser at Minnis Bay.

Female Red-breasted Merganser - David Elliott

October 10th

On a showery morning we spent 45 minutes walking around Reculver Towers and counted 6 Robins, 18 Chiffchaffs, 5 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 71 Chaffinches flying W, 1 Siskin, 1 Kingfisher and 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying W.

Dave Smith spent two hours in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding areas and recorded 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Snipe, 11 Sandwich Terns, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Song Thrushes, 32 Redwings, 5 Stonechats and 96 Chaffinches W.

With a moderate NW wind blowing we spent an hour at the Towers this afternoon. We did not see a great deal, just 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Dunlin W, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 7 Common Terns W, a group of 9 Grey Herons W and 1 Great Crested Grebe W.

Herons on the move

October 9th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm Lagoons and counted 14 Chiffchaffs, 7 Robins, 16 Chaffinches, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Blackbirds, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 85 Goldfinches, 1 Brambling, 11 Skylarks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Golden Plovers, 13 Redshank, 6 Coot, 21 Mallard, 25 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 4 Teal, 1 Sanderling, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Stonechat, 6 Corn Buntings and 1 Song Thrush.

Goldfinches

October 8th

It was cooler this morning but the sun was still shining as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw 20 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 17 Chiffchaffs, 1 "eastern type" Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Goldfinches, 32 Reed Buntings, 2 Swallows W, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 3 Stonechats, 21 Redshank, 27 Ringed Plovers, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 2 Turnstone, 7 Coot and 5 Skylarks.

Eastern type Lesser Whitethroat

Yellowhammer

October 7th

On another bright and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We counted 4 Pied Wagtails. 1 Green Woodpecker, 51 Goldfinches, 10 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Red-throated Divers feeding close inshore, 3 Redshank, 11 Reed Buntings, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Stonechats, 14 Skylarks W, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 23 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 126 Chaffinches W, 17 Swallows W and 2 Kestrels. We also saw 2 Small Coppers and 3 Wall Browns as well as a mink running about on the sea wall at Reculver sluice.

Meadow Pipit

Dave Smith was also out this morning and walked from Minnis Bay and along the embankment to Coldharbour. He recorded 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Wigeon, 10 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 50 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 24 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Reed Warbler, 13 Swallows W, 26 House Martins W, 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 7 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail, 370 Chaffinches flying W, lots of Goldfinches flying W, 9 Siskins W and 5 Corn Buntings.

October 6th

On a bright and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons. Birds we recorded included 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Tufted Duck, 19 Chaffinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Redshank, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 21 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers, 23 Goldfinches, 21 Meadow Pipits, 12 Reed Buntings, 11 Little Egrets, 7 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Skylarks, 1 Swallow W, 3 Pied Wagtails, 6 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels and 1 Merlin at Chamber's Wall.

Rock Pipit

This afternoon Matt walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He saw 2 Sparrowhawks, 12 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Stonechats, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Kestrels, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Curlew, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 5 Coot, 1 Blackcap, 1 Dartford Warbler and 1 Grey Wagtail. He also saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly.

October 5th

There was a strong SW wind blowing this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow. It was very quiet except for a movement of hirundines with 390 House Martins and 100 Swallows flying W. The only other birds seen were 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Chaffinches, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Coot, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret 9 Linnets and 18 Goldfinches.

Male Chaffinch

Matt was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He counted 8 Chiffchaffs, 9 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 2 Common Buzzards, 5 Kestrels, 34 Swallows W, 28 House Martins W, 2 Sand Martins W, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 4 Stonechats, 6 Redshank, 30 Goldfinches, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Red-throated Diver, 70 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 1 Whinchat, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Firecrest.

October 4th

We spent a breezy morning ringing at Reculver where we counted 3 Redwings, 1 Green Sandpiper, 45 Chiffchaffs, 3 Golden Plovers, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Blackcaps, 710 Swallows W, 844 House Martins W, 2 Common Buzzards, 7 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Pied Wagtails, 30 Chaffinches W, 11 Siskins W, 1 Kestrel and 45 Goldfinches W.

Birds ringed 35: Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 25, Blackcap 4, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1.

Chiffchaff

October 3rd

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Mallard, 3 Redwing, 10 Chiffchaffs, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Bramblings, 1 Raven, 15 Skylarks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Swallows W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 4 Siskins W, 2 Jays, 18 Chaffinches, 8 Song Thrushes, 2 Greenfinches, 6 House Martins W and 1 Firecrest.

Birds ringed 46: Chiffchaff 7, Wren 1, Cetti's Warbler 2, Blackcap 5, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 19, Blue Tit 5, Goldfinch 1, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 2, Green Woodpecker 1.

Dave Smith was out for four hours this morning in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding areas and recorded 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Sandwich Terns, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels, 21 Skylarks, 3 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 50 Swallows, 30 House Martins, 33 Chiffchaffs, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Goldcrests, 3 Firecrests, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Song Thrushes, 6 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Bramblings, 2 Siskins W and 7 Corn Buntings, He also found a Clouded Yellow butterfly.

October 2nd

The threatened rain appeared to have moved along the Channel without reaching us this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Oyster Farm. We counted 8 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Chaffinches, 2 Kestrels, 171 Swallows W, 205 House Martins W, 1 Sand Martin W, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Mallard, 2 Common Buzzards, 26 Goldfinches, 2 Shoveler, 6 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Redshank, 2 Stonechats and 1 Tufted Duck.

Goldfinch

October 1st

After last evening's rain and wind this morning dawned bright and breezy as we walked along the seawall from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then the seawall. We saw 14 Chiffchaffs, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Chaffinches, 2 Blackcaps, 54 Goldfinches, 4 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 72 Mallard, 6 Corn Buntings, 8 Skylarks, 6 Reed Buntings, 5 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Stonechats, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 1 first year Yellow-legged Gull E, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 3 Swallows W, 1 Dunlin, 2 Kestrels and 1 Golden Plover.

Corn Bunting

This morning Derek Smith and Kerry McDonnell were out for six hours and walked from Shuart, along the railway embankment and on to Coldharbour and Plumpudding before returning via Netherhale. They counted 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawks, 8 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 13 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Greenshank, 68 Swallows W, 43 House Martins W, 42 Meadow Pipits W, 18 Pied Wagtails W, 17 Skylarks W, 36 Chaffinches W, 27 Goldfinches W, 3 Siskins W, 7 Stonechats, 3 Song Thrushes high W, 13 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Chiffchaffs, 11 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warblers, 12 Goldcrestes, 1 Firecrest and 7 Corn Buntings.