October 5th

We spent a mild and sunny autumn morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 96 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 80 Mallard, 24 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Grebes, 106 Coot, 2 Stonechats, 1 Snipe, 40 Chiffchaffs, 2 Firecrests, 1 Song Thrush, 12 Blackcaps, 37 Greylag Geese, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Jays, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskins, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher and 10 Long-tailed Tits.

Birds ringed 39: Chiffchaff 26, Long-tailed Tit 1, Blackcap 8, Robin 1, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1.

Derek Smith was also out today having just returned from his trip to the Shetland Islands and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and back via Coldharbour. He recorded 1 Cattle Egret flying W over Shuart Farm, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Swallows W, 9 Song Thrushes, 70 Starlings W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 6 Stonechats, 2 Brambling W, 58 Chaffinches W, 17 Blackcaps, 55 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest.