No sign of the Black Brant between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall where 251 Brent Geese were present.   A further 1,000 not examined closely were on land to the NW outside the area.   Other birds seen on the shore included 181 Shelducks, 18 Mallard, 20 Teal, 230 Redshanks, 150 Oystercatchers, 350 Dunlin, 330 Knot, 40 Grey Plovers, 220 Sanderlings, 55 Lapwings, 4 Turnstones, 10 Little Egrets and 13 Cormorants.
      Also of note were 9 Fieldfares, 15 Blackbirds, 65 Goldfinches, 11 Rock Pipits, 35 Skylarks, 6 Yellowhammers, 8 Corn Buntings, 24 Stock Doves, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel  and 8 Little Grebes.

      A slight decrease of swans on the fields at the south end with 39 Whoopers and 11 Mute Swans present.   Also seen on the fields were 230 Golden Plovers, 32 Lapwings, 25 Curlews, 16 Redshanks, 30 Meadow Pipits, Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, Kestrel and Common Buzzard.
      It was very cold with a hard frost, but one small patch of open water on Beacon Flash held 8 Little Grebes, 4 Coots and 2 Teal.   A Jack Snipe was flushed closeby.   On the outmarsh were 40 Skylarks, 2 Lapland Buntings, 12 Reed Buntings, 25 Linnets, 17 Goldfinches, Lesser Redpoll, 6 Rock Pipits and 130 Brent Geese while farther out on the mudflats were 82 Grey Plovers, 260 Dunlin, 110 Sanderlings, 6 Ringed Plovers, Cormorant and a Peregrine.
      6 Fieldfares and 2 Sparrowhawks flew south over the dunes and a third Sparrowhawk flew SW inland.

      The Black Brant was showing well on the mudflats at Pye's Hall with 700 Brent Geese and  a pale-bellied Brent Goose.   Other wildfowl were 250 Shelducks, 55 Mallard and 40 Teal.   Waders seen were 220 Redshanks, 520 Oystercatchers, 2 Turnstones, 900 Knot, 400 Dunlin, 18 Curlews, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 30 Grey Plovers, Common Snipe, Woodcock, 40 Golden Plovers and 35 Lapwings.
      Also of note were 7 Little Egrets, 4 Cormorants, 16 Rock Pipits, 2 Lapland Buntings, 42 Goldfinches, 120 Skylarks, 100 Fieldfares, 35 Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush, 2 Redwings and a Merlin.
      42 Whooper Swans on the southern fields.

      A distinctive and well-marked Black Brant was present amongst the 900 dark-bellied Brent Geese on the marshes and mudflats between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall.   One pale-bellied bird was also seen.   130 Shelducks and 55 Mallard were noted and 15 Teal north at sea and 2 Whooper Swans south over the realignment area.   Waders were 120 Redshanks, 40 Curlews, 20 Grey Plovers, 80 Oystercatchers, 50 Knot, 100 Dunlin and 100 Sanderlings.   A Woodcock came in from the sea.
     
      Thrushes around Stonebridge were 30 Blackbirds, 12 Fieldfares, 6 Redwings, Song Thrush and Robin.   Also recorded were 5 Little Egrets, 25 Rock Pipits, at least 2 Lapland Buntings and a Peregrine.

      At the south end there were 42 Whooper Swans and 12 Mute Swans.

      A visit to the Stonebridge area in the afternoon produced 75 Knot, 25 Redshanks, 110 Golden Plovers, 22 Lapwings, 85 Sanderlings, Turnstone, 2 Little Egrets, Cormorant, 65 Brent Geese, 35 Shelducks, 40 Goldfinches and 4 Blackbirds.

      Birds on the fields included 2 Common Buzzards, Kestrel, 42 Whooper Swans, 12 Mute Swans, 56 Curlews,  255 Golden Plovers and 77 Lapwings.   On the dunes were 150 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Little Egrets, Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrushes, Grey Wagtail and 28 Goldfinches.    3 Goldeneye and a Cormorant flew south at sea and there was an excellent count of 322 Sanderlings on the mudflats.
      In the afternoon, a visit to Stonebridge added 55 Redshanks, 2 Turnstones, 30 Dunlin, 40 Knot, 46 Skylarks, 18 Shelducks and 24 Brent Geese.

      The only birds of note today were 46 Whooper Swans, 240 Teal, 93 Curlews, 6 Rock Pipits and 3 Common Buzzards.

      46 Whooper Swans on the fields with 16 Mute Swans.   On the dunes and along the flashes were 10 Mallard, 10 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, Common Buzzard, 2 Stonechats and a Mistle Thrush.   Sea passage around the low tide period was confined to southerly movement of ca. 550 Herring Gulls, 250 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Shelducks and a Red-throated Diver.   Birds onshore included 260 Sanderlings, 200 Dunlin, 130 Knot, 113 Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Curlews, 9 Redshanks, 10 Grey Plovers, 4 Turnstones and 12 Cormorants.   300 Brent Geese, 20 Linnets and 40 Snow Buntings were on the salicornia beds.

      At the south end this morning were 50 Whooper Swans, 15 Mute Swans, 39 Teal, 14 Mallard, 75 Curlews,45 Lapwings, 45 Golden Plovers, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Barn Owl, 7 Blackbirds and a Song Thrush.
      An afternoon visit between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall produced 910 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlews, 120 Knot, 75 Redshanks, 230 Dunlin, 60 Grey Plovers, 570 Golden Plovers, 40 Bar-tailed Godwits, 380 Lapwings, 14 Turnstones, 124 Shelducks, 70 Mallard, 43 Teal, 90 Brent Geese, 4 Cormorants, Little Egret, 75 Goldfinches, 10 Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Redwing.

 

                                                                     Whooper Swans

      Birds on the fields included 50 Whooper Swans, 15 Mute Swans, 400 Wood Pigeons, 11 Brent Geese, 32 Curlews, 132 Lapwings and 293 Golden Plovers.   Also seen were 18 Teal, 16 Mallard, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, 4 Red-throated Divers and 196 Sanderlings.

      Moving south at sea were 5 Cormorants, 2 Wigeon, 2 Pintail and a Red-breasted Merganser.   76 Sanderlings and a Peregrine present on the mudflats.    On the dunes and coastal fields were 42 Whooper Swans, 13 Mute Swans, 5 grey geese, 20 Teal, 3 Rock Pipits, 600 Wood Pigeons, 68 Curlews, 74 Lapwings and 189 Golden Plovers.

      5 Red-throated Divers north at sea and 14 Cormorants noted.   Whooper Swans on the fields had increased to 50 along with 15 Mute Swans, 20 Golden Plovers, 380 Lapwings and 62 Curlews.   Also seen were 10 grey geese, 12 Redshanks, 38 Teal, 6 Little Grebes, 4 Coots, Grey Heron, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Fieldfares, 21 Linnets, 18 Reed Buntings, Rock Pipit and 19 Meadow Pipits.

      36 Whooper Swans and a Corn Bunting on the southern fields.    Birds at the seal colony at Stonebridge included 90 Redshanks, 11 Turnstones, 400 Lapwings, 70 Golden Plovers, 80 Brent Geese, 12 Shelducks, Little Egret, 10 Snow Buntings, 2 Pied Wagtails and 60 Goldfinches.

      The quiet theme continues.   Highlights at the south end this morning were 36 Whooper Swans, 13 Mute Swans, 7 Little Grebes, 67 Curlews, 30 Sanderlings, a Woodcock and a Merlin.

      WeBS count between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall.   Waders were 8 Curlews, 46 Redshanks, 450 Lapwings, 250 Golden Plovers, 73 Grey Plovers, one Ringed Plover, 100 Knot, 350 Dunlin, 25 Sanderlings, 156 Oystercatchers and 5 Turnstones.    Wildfowl were 1,050 Brent Geese, 142 Shelducks, 49 Teal, 48 Mallard and a Tufted Duck.    Also of note were 7 Little Egrets, 5 Cormorants, 3 Gannets, 6 Rock Pipits and 45 Goldfinches.

      WeBS count at Quad 3.   Highlights were 36 Whooper Swans, 15 Mute Swans, 120 Teal, 10 Redshanks, 260 Lapwings, 18 Golden Plovers, 178 Curlews, 20 Dunlin, 146 Sanderlings, 7 Little Grebes, 2 Stonechats, 18 Snow Buntings, Lapland Bunting and 12 Twite.

      Birds on the realignment area WeBS count this morning included 24 Redshanks, Greenshank, 84 Lapwings, 250 Golden Plovers, 13 Curlews, 123 Brent Geese, 138 Teal, 32 Shelducks, 11 Little Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 11 Little Egrets, 23 Meadow Pipits, 3 Rock Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, Kestrel, Merlin and Common Buzzard.
      Additional birds seen outside the realignment boundaries included 1,500 Golden Plovers, 400 Lapwings, 600 Brent Geese, 12 Little Egrets, 65 Goldfinches and 18 Snow Buntings.

                                                       Five of a party of 7 Roe Deer.


      Not many birds of note today.    Best were 40 Whooper Swans, 15 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 54 Curlews, 95 Sanderlings, 12 Blackbirds, 5 Robins, Stonechat, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine.

      At the south end this morning, a seawatch was abandoned after only 45 minutes when just 50 Teal flew north and 4 Goldeneye south during persistent aircraft activity.   On the shore were 152 Curlews and 122 Sanderlings.   Apart from a Fieldfare and 10 Blackbirds, there was very little in the bushes.   7 Little Grebes, 13 Teal and 9 Redshanks on the flashes and 2 Common Buzzards, 42 Whooper Swans, 15 Mute Swans, 24 Lapwings and 70 Golden Plovers on the fields.

      At Stonebridge in the afternoon, highlights were 320 Brent Geese, 30 Pink-footed Geese, 125 Shelducks, 250 Knot, 37 Dunlin, 150 Redshanks, 430 Lapwings and 27 Turnstones.

      Highlights of an afternoon visit were 47 Whooper Swans, 17 Mute Swans, 10 Redshanks, 6 Little Grebes, 19 Lapwings and 126 Curlews.

                                                 A poor record shot of the Bean Goose.

                                                                           Brent Geese.


      A solitary Bean Goose , not racially assigned, was on one of the rape fields at the south end before leaving to the south at 1010.   Also present on the fields were 760 Brent Geese, 40 Whooper Swans, 14 Mute Swans, 500 Golden Plovers, 118 Curlews, 400 Wood Pigeons, Grey Heron, Little Egret and 2 Common Buzzards.   Other birds seen included 70 Pink-footed Geese which flew south, 12 Redshanks, 30 Sanderlings, Common Snipe, 4 Little Grebes, Song Thrush and Fieldfare.

      7 Whooper Swans from the north came in and joined the 42 birds already present on the fields.   160 Pink-footed Geese flew south.   Also seen were 12 Mute Swans, 120 Teal, 20 Redshanks, 46 Lapwings, 102 Curlews, 60 Sanderlings, Red-throated Diver, 40 Snow Buntings, 3 Lapland Buntings, Goldcrest, 5 Song Thrushes, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Little Egrets.

      Very little change from yesterday.    The best birds were 42 Whooper Swans, 16 Mute Swans, Peregrine, Merlin, Woodcock, 2 Water Rails, 25 Blackbirds, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 112 Curlews, 14 Sanderlings, 20 Dunlin and 2 Red-throated Divers.

                                    The seal colony now extends south beyond Quad 3.

      Highlights today were 42 Whooper Swans, 17 Mute Swans, 60 Teal, 2 Sparrowhawks, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Egret, Woodcock, 20 Blackbirds, Goldcrest and Stonechat.    80 Pink-footed Geese flew south.

      Late reports from the seal colony for yesterday included 80 Snow Buntings, 25 Twite, 130 Shelducks, 500 Brent Geese, 110 Lapwings, 35 Redshanks, 15 Turnstones and a Peregrine.


      At Quad 3 today were 43 Whooper Swans, 17 Mute Swans, 57 Teal, 102 Curlews, 24 Lapwings, Common Buzzard, 30 Blackbirds, 45 Meadow Pipits and 2 Tree Sparrows.

      Only a short visit in the continuous rain this morning.    46 Whooper Swans, 100 Curlews and 300 Lapwings on the fields were the main birds of note.

      Whooper Swans had increased to 59 on the fields.   One adult is carrying a yellow darvic ring, but I was unable to read it owing to distance and the dense growth of the crop.   Also on the fields were 305 Lapwings, 117 Curlews, 80 Meadow Pipits and a Common Buzzard.   40 Pink-footed Geese flew south.   35 Blackbirds and 6 Robins on the dunes, but only singles of Redwing and Fieldfare seen.   A Stonechat was still present, plus 2 Goldcrests, a Corn Bunting, Kingfisher, 2 Collared Doves, 2 Grey Herons and 3 Little Egrets.   On the mudflats were 28 Sanderlings, 20 Dunlin, 13 Redshanks and 10 Oystercatchers.

      Ca. 408 Pink-footed Geese south in five skeins during the morning.   Also 2 Lapland Buntings north over the beach and 3 Gannets north at sea.    35 Whooper Swans on the southern fields, and 11 more reported by Andrew Chick on the realignment area in the early afternoon.

      Other items of note were 146 Lapwings, 17 Golden Plovers, 104 Curlews, 50 Dunlin, 130 Sanderlings, 55 Teal, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, Stonechat, 30 Blackbirds and 2 Mistle Thrushes.

      Poor visibility hampered observations.    A seawatch over the low tide period (1045-1130) saw southerly passage of 125 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 10 Common Scoters, 2 Velvet Scoters and a Red-breasted Merganser.    A Guillemot and a Cormorant were on the sea, while onshore were 12 Brent Geese, 4 Rock Pipits, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits and a mere handful of other waders.    34 Whooper Swans, 17 Mute Swans and 106 Curlews were on the fields.

      50 Blackbirds were recorded at the south end this morning, but hardly any other thrushes noted.   Other species present included 3 Goldcrests, Blackcap,, Tree Sparrow, 4 Twite, 4 Siskins, Stonechat, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, exactly 100 Curlews, 35 Golden Plovers, 33 Whooper Swans, 250 Brent Geese and 6 Eiders.

      A juvenile Swallow flew south at 1105.    It had also been seen at Stonebridge by several observers a few minutes earlier.   Few changes were apparent.   Still 33 Whooper Swans and 18 Mute Swans, also 18 Mallard, 9 Teal, 4 Grey Partridges, Common Buzzard and 2 Merlins.   On the sea-bank by the flashes were 45 Meadow Pipits, 40 Reed Buntings, 8 Yellowhammers, 50 Skylarks, 35 Linnets and 50 Goldfinches.    A further 60 Goldfinches on the outmarsh with 42 Snow Buntings, 17 Turnstones, 20 Sanderlings, 40 Dunlin, 160 Lapwings, 16 Curlews and 35 Shelducks.

                                                                     Common Buzzard.


      The continuing easterly wind is not bringing many new arrivals.   Thrushes at the south end were confined to 25 Blackbirds, 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Redwings and 7 Fieldfares.   Other passerines of interest were 15 Robins, 6 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Tree Sparrows, Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtails, 8 Snow Buntings, 2 Lapland Buntings and 40 Meadow Pipits.   Also recorded were 33 Whooper Swans, 102 Curlews, 250 Golden Plovers, 120 Sanderlings, 40 Dunlin, 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Common Buzzards.

      On the coastal fields at the south end were 34 Whooper Swans, Common Buzzard, 41 Curlews, Mistle Thrush and 2 Lapland Buntings.   On the dunes were 30 Blackbirds, Redwing, Fieldfare, 10 Robins, 55 Reed Buntings, 11 Yellowhammers, 50 Meadow Pipits, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Siskins, Goldcrest, Woodcock, 20 Mute Swans, 29 Mallard, 40 Teal and 12 Redshanks.  3 Cormorants on the shore, while birds on the outmarsh were 250 Brent Geese, 40 Linnets, 70 Goldfinches, 10 Snow Buntings and 2 Rock Pipits.

      Highlights at the south end this morning were 33 Whooper Swans, 16 Mute Swans, 55 Brent Geese, 2 Common Scoters, 105 Curlews, Ring Ouzel, 40 Goldfinches and a Kingfisher.

                                                                             Roe Deer.

                                                              Record shot of Ring Ouzel.


      A few grounded migrants were evident as the fog began to clear.   90 Meadow Pipits was a good count for so late in the autumn.   30 Blackbirds, a Ring Ouzel and 20 Robins were recorded, but the only other thrushes were 2 Redwings and 3 Song Thrushes.   Also present in the dunes were 3 Goldcrests, a Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, Stonechat, 30 Reed Buntings and 2 Sparrowhawks.    33 Whooper Swans, 19 Mute Swans and 104 Curlews on the fields, while on the flashes were 39 Mallard, a  Gadwall, 6 Redshanks, 3 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets and a Grey Heron.   18 Snow Buntings were on the beach and 7 grey geese flew NW.

         Only a short visit to the south end this morning ahead of the heavy rain which began at 1000.   The usual 33 Whooper Swans and 19 Mute Swans were present on the fields.   Other birds of note included 80 Curlews, 4 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 20 Blackbirds, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Snow Bunting.

      Rather quiet.   33 Whooper Swans, 19 Mute Swans, 100 Brent Geese, 32 Teal, 78 Curlews, 30 Golden Plovers and 14 Redshanks recorded at the south end.

      Birds around the seal colony at Stonebridge included 500 Brent Geese, 250 Shelducks, 80 Sanderlings, 50 Dunlin, 200 Lapwings, 2 Turnstones, 50 Redshanks and 60 Goldfinches.

      33 Whooper Swans and 19 Mute Swans on the fields at the south end.

                                                                   A desolate aspect.

                                                                            Cormorant          


      Observations were limited, due to the very blustery wind.   33 Whooper Swans were on the fields, but there was no sign of the Bean Geese.   20 Mute Swans, 4 Little Egrets, 28 Teal and 2 Peregrines seen, while onshore were 1,200 Dunlin, 50 Sanderlings and 70 Brent Geese.

      150 Blackbirds present at the south end this morning, and about 30 of these were seen to depart SW inland.   Hardly any other thrushes were recorded, though.   Also in the bushes were 5 Goldcrests, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, 10 Robins and 20 Chaffinches.   On the fields were 36 Whooper Swans, 19 Mute Swans, 2 Taiga Bean Geese, 90 Brent Geese and 51 Curlews.   6 Snow Buntings were on the beach and 300 Oystercatchers, 450 Dunlin and 30 Sanderlings on the shore.

      At the south end in the late afternoon, Chris Atkin added a juvenile Marsh Harrier, 2 Corn Buntings, 5 Lapland Buntings and 2 Stonechats.

      The WeBS count between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall produced 1,100 Oystercatchers, 1,200 Golden Plovers, 110 Grey Plovers, 370 Knot, 340  Dunlin, 21 Sanderlings, 96 Redshanks, 43 Curlews, 180 Lapwings, 320 Brent Geese, one pale-bellied Brent Goose, 127 Pink-footed Geese, 157 Shelducks, 106 Mallard, 57 Teal, 2 Eiders, 16 Little Egrets, 12 Cormorants, Gannet, 650 Starlings, 6 Rock Pipits, 50 Goldfinches and 50 Reed Buntings.
     
      At Quad 3 in the afternoon, there were 36 Whooper Swans, 18 Mute Swans, 2 Taiga Bean Geese, 35 Curlews, 50 Meadow Pipits, 30 Reed Buntings and a Peregrine.

      The two Taiga Bean Geese were relocated on the field with the Whooper Swans which had increased to 68 and included 23 juveniles.   On other fields were 1,300 Starlings, 46 Brent Geese and 88 Curlews.   19 Mute Swans, 30 Teal and a Water Rail were on the flashes.  A Shore Lark flew south along the beach with Skylarks, but the only other birds of note were 520 Golden Plovers, 30 Blackbirds and 55 Reed Buntings.

      The full circuit of the realignment area for the WeBS count proved to be interesting.   Waders here and on the foreshore were 300 Oystercatchers, 30 Grey Plovers, 87 Curlews, 57 Redshanks, Greenshank, 250 Dunlin, 20 Golden Plovers and 43 Lapwings.   Wildfowl were 710 Brent Geese, one pale-bellied Brent Goose, 248 Shelducks, 42 Mallard, 380 Teal, Goosander and 10 Whooper Swans.   Also relevant were 13 Cormorants, Little Grebe, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 25 Meadow Pipits, 50 Rock Pipits, a Lapland Bunting, 60 Reed Buntings, 25 Yellowhammers, 770 Starlings, 30 Blackbirds, 6 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, Mistle Thrush and 30 Chaffinches.

      A brief look at Quad 3 in the afternoon added 36 Whooper Swans, 16 Mute Swans, 500 Starlings, 70 Blackbirds, 10 Redwings and a Ring Ouzel.

                                                                           Redwing

     
      A small fall of thrushes was apparent and most eventually left to the SW.   170 Blackbirds were recorded with 20 Fieldfares, 21 Redwings, 5 Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush and Ring Ouzel.   10 Robins and 25 Chaffinches noted, also 4 Tree Sparrows, 6 Long-tailed Tits, Lapland Bunting and Water Rail.  15 Bar-tailed Godwits on the shore, while on the fields were 36 Whooper Swans, 16 Mute Swans, 16 Lapwings, 15 Golden Plovers, 40 Curlews and a Common Buzzard.

      Whooper Swans continued to decrease with 40, including 14 juveniles, present on  the fields with the 2 Taiga Bean Geese.   Also on the land-side were 2 Common Buzzards, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl, 147 Lapwings, 50 Golden Plovers, 190 Dunlin, 25 Curlews, 12 Shelducks, 145 Brent Geese, 5 Little Egrets and 110 Goldfinches.

      A seawatch 1005-1105 could only be made from the dunes and thus under-recorded some species.   Moving north were 2 Little Auks, 2 Little Gulls, 2 Gannets  and 5 Eiders.   To the south were 16 Gannets, 3 Fulmars, 5 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, Pomarine Skua, 6 skuas sp., 5 auks sp., 57 Kittiwakes, 4 Common Scoters, Eider, Teal and 3 Red-throated Divers.

      Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese passed south unseen above the dense fog that lasted until late morning.   Three later skeins in clearer conditions totalled ca. 250 birds.   The 2 Taiga Bean Geese were still present on the same field as yesterday, but the Whooper Swans had decreased to 55.    Other birds recorded included a Common Buzzard, Merlin, 25 Blackbirds, 4 Song Thrushes, 10 Robins, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Stonechat, 14 Brent Geese, 40 Lapwings, 26 Golden Plovers, 7 Redshanks and 41 Curlews.

      Record shot of distant Taiga Bean Geese

        

                                                                    Common Buzzard


      In the early morning there were 99 Whooper Swans on an oil-seed rape field at the south end and these were joined by a party of 23 in from the north at 1100, 2 more at 1105 and another group of 8 at 1155 to give a total of 132 birds.   33 of these were juveniles.   This surpasses the previous record total of 114 birds on 24th October last year.   Two Taiga Bean Geese were also present on the same field.    Other wildfowl today included 58 Pink-footed Geese south, 20 Mute Swans, 820 Brent Geese on the shore and fields and 15 Common Scoters south at sea.   Also of note were 7 Twite, 2 Chiffchaffs, 80 Meadow Pipits, 8 Rock Pipits and a Bullfinch.

      Driving rain this morning restricted counts of most species.   90 Whooper Swans and 22 Mute Swans each represented slight increases and the Bullfinch was still present.

                                                                            Kestrel

      84 Whooper Swans were on the fields at the south end with 19 Mute Swans and 9 Pink-footed Geese.   A further 58 Pinkfeet flew high to the south.   Little of note in the dunes, although a Bullfinch was the first for the autumn.   Also present were 11 Blackbirds, Redwing, 7 Robins, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1,400 Golden Plovers, 65 Lapwings, 21 Curlews, 14 Redshanks, 25 Sanderlings, 180 Dunlin, 56 Brent Geese and 3 Rock Pipits.
      A Ring Ouzel was in my garden in the early afternoon.

      Thrush numbers were much lower today hence 35 Blackbirds, 18 Redwings, 7 Song Thrushes and singles of Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare.   Other birds of note were 54 Whooper Swans, 55 Brent Geese, 7 Pink-footed Geese, 15 Robins, 4 Tree Sparrows, Blackcap, 2 Goldcrests, Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtails, Lapland Bunting, Woodcock, 170 Lapwings, 18 Curlews, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 74 Oystercatchers, 18 Sanderlings, 25 Dunlin and a Common Buzzard.

      Some decent immigration of thrushes at last. 950 Blackbirds passed south along the dunes, but other newly-arrived thrushes headed SW inland often after brief stop-overs in the coastal bushes.   Totals seen were 850 Redwings, 170 Fieldfares and 80 Song Thrushes.   Other migrants included 900 Starlings, 25 Robins, 60 Meadow Pipits, 50 Chaffinches, 5 Bramblings, 2 Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, 3 Goldcrests, Stonechat, Woodcock and Lapland Bunting.   25 Long-tailed Tits and 9 Tree Sparrows were noted, plus 3 Sparrowhawks, Merlin and Peregrine.   54 Whooper Swans were on the fields and 15 more headed south along with 25 Pink-footed Geese.   A Pomarine Skua flew south close inshore.

      A walk round my garden in the afternoon added a further 60 Blackbirds, 15 Redwings, 11 Fieldfares, 6 Robins, 8 Long-tailed Tits and a Goldcrest.

      Whooper Swans were up to 54.   A few more thrushes apparent, hence 45 Blackbirds, 8 Song Thrushes, one Redwing and 15 Robins.   Also on the dunes were 6 Tree Sparrows, Grey Wagtail, Common Buzzard, 144 Lapwings, 450 Golden Plovers, 40 Meadow Pipits and 400 Starlings.   On the shore were 550 Oystercatchers, 16 Curlews, 40 Knot, 110 Sanderlings, 300 Dunlin, 25 Shelducks and 330 Brent Geese.

      The first Shore Lark of the autumn was on the beach at the south end with a Skylark, and eventually both birds flew along the shore towards Stonebridge.   50 Whooper Swans still on the coastal fields and 12 Pink-footed Geese flew NW.   On the dunes were 2 Common Buzzards, Water Rail, Kingfisher, 25 Blackbirds, 8 Redwings and 2 Goldcrests.   Single Gannets passed north and south at sea while onshore were 550 Oystercatchers, 23 Curlews, 5 Sanderlings, 12 Dunlin and 8 Shelducks.

                           Good numbers of young birds are in the Whooper Swan flocks this year.


      Ca. 50 Whooper Swans were on the coastal fields this morning.   The dunes were quiet again with 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Rock Pipits, Grey Wagtail, Blackcap, Tree Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 12 Long-tailed Tits.   A Red-throated Diver and 6 Gannets flew north at sea while onshore were 38 Curlews, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 700 Oystercatchers, 40 Sanderlings, 30 Dunlin, a Cormorant, a Pink-footed Goose and 6 Brent Geese.

      33 Whooper Swans were on the fields at the south end.    Fewer birds were seen on the dunes, the best being 12 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Tree Sparrows, Goldcrest, 50 Meadow Pipits, 3 Sparrowhawks, Merlin, 24 Lapwings, Water Rail, 2 Tufted Ducks and 5 Little Egrets.   On the shore were 104 Curlews, 61 Oystercatchers, 50 Sanderlings and 350 Dunlin.

                                                                    Pink-footed Geese

                                                 38 Whooper Swans and 4 Mute Swans

      15 Whooper Swans on the fields were later joined by a further 23 Whoopers and 4 Mute Swans.   120 Pink-footed Geese flew south and 57 Canada Geese and a Greylag Goose flew across to Somercotes Warren.   Highlights on the dunes were 22 Blackbirds, a Mistle Thrush, 4 Song Thrushes, 3 Redwings, 15 Robins, 4 Goldcrests, Blackcap, 18 Chaffinches, 16 Yellowhammers, 18 Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrow and 20 Long-tailed Tits.    Birds onshore were 650 Oystercatchers, 500 Dunlin, 100 Sanderlings, 53 Curlews and 2 Rock Pipits.

                                                                          Redshank

                                                                           Whooper Swans

      The quiet theme continues.   Grounded migrants included 30 Blackbirds, 17 Redwings, 10 Robins, 5 Goldcrests, Brambling and 70 Meadow Pipits.   Other birds of note were 2 Corn Buntings, Tree Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine.    Waders were 190 Golden Plovers, 45 Lapwings, 31 Curlews, 3 Redshanks, 650 Oystercatchers, 50 Sanderlings and 350 Dunlin. 2 Whooper Swans loosely accompanying 18 Mute Swans.

      The main migrants this morning were 20 Blackbirds, 6 Robins and 22 Chaffinches.   Also seen were 2 Goldcrests, a Tree Sparrow, a Sparrowhawk and 3 Kestrels.   Two Whooper Swans present, with 18 Mute Swans, 20 Canada Geese, 75 Brent Geese, Tufted Duck, 60 Lapwings, 24 Golden Plovers, Ruff, 55 Curlews, 250 Dunlin and 66 Sanderlings.

      Fairly quiet this morning.   Main birds of note were 52 Mallard, 27 Curlews, 18 Sanderlings, 2 Gannets, 3 Sparrowhawks and 9 Grey Partridges.   Very few migrants seen, best being singles of Brambling, Lapland Bunting and Swallow.   3 Whooper Swans came in from the sea at 1250, landed on a field of lucerne and then later joined the Mute Swans on the flashes.

      The tail-end of hurricane "Gonzalo" caused few sightings of any interest.   50 Pink-footed Geese SW over the land and 25 Brent Geese south over the sea, otherwise only low numbers of the regular species seen.

      Rather quiet at the south end this morning.    11 Whooper Swans, 6 Shelducks  and 12 Pink-footed Geese flew south along the tide-line and a Woodlark was present on the outmarsh.   Migrants on the dunes were limited to 20 Robins, 10 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackbirds, 2 Redwings, Brambling, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Goldcrests and 60 Meadow Pipits.   Also seen were 19 Long-tailed Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Water Rail, 10 Redshanks, 105 Lapwings, 50 Golden Plovers, 14 Curlews, 37 Mallard and 2 Tufted Ducks.

      610 Pink-footed Geese in 8 skeins flew south over the south end this morning and 345 Brent Geese flew south over the mudflats.   A Gannet flew north at sea and an Arctic Skua south while onshore were 130 Dunlin, 46 Sanderlings and 18 Curlews.    On the outmarsh were 2 Rock Pipits,  3 Twite, White Wagtail and a Wheatear.   Dunes quiet on account of the blustery wind.   Grounded migrants included 20 Blackbirds, 23 Redwings, 7 Song Thrushes, Blackcap, 8 Goldcrests and 2 Stonechats.   Common Buzzard and 3 Sparrowhawks seen, one of the latter coming in from the sea.   3 Crossbills flew south.

                                                                             Blackcap.

           
      The strong wind and light showers precluded meaningful counts of most species.   At the south end were 20 Goldcrests, 20 Robins, 10 Redwings, 4 Song Thrushes, Brambling, 2 Stonechats,  Blackcap and 80 Meadow Pipits.   Other birds included 17 Mute Swans, Tufted Duck, 11 Redshanks, 3 Little Egrets and 700 Starlings.

      Some late news for yesterday (16th).   A Yellow-browed Warbler was found by Andrew Chick at Pye's Hall.   He also recorded a further 40 Goldcrests, 3 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and a Swallow.

      Only 20 Goldcrests recorded at the south end this morning together with just 2 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps.   Thrushes were 170 Redwings, 12 Song Thrushes, 30 Blackbirds and a Ring Ouzel.   Other birds included 40 Robins, Stonechat, 2 Bramblings, Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtails, a singing Corn Bunting, 60 Meadow Pipits, 2 Sparrowhawks, Woodcock, 5 Common Snipe and 90 Pink-footed Geese.

      It was much quieter at the south end this morning.   Grounded migrants were 80 Goldcrests, 5 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 37 Redwings, 15 Blackbirds, 2 Ring Ouzels, 5 Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush, 50 Robins, Stonechat, 60 Meadow Pipits and 4 Bramblings.   There were good counts of 50 Reed Buntings and 20 Yellowhammers, while 2 Corn Buntings were the first for over a month.   Also of note were 7 Whooper Swans which flew south, 12 Mute Swans, 25 Teal, 2 Common Snipe, 30 Lapwings, 220 Golden Plovers, 29 Curlews, 550 Oystercatchers, 76 Sanderlings and 150 Dunlin.

      Many migrants had moved on overnight.   There were still 2 Great Grey Shrikes, a Ring Ouzel and a Pallas's Warbler between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall and a second Ring Ouzel near the coastguard cottages.   A Grey Wagtail, Barn Owl, 12 Long-tailed Tits and Water Rail were seen at the south end and between here and Pye's Hall were 600 Goldcrests, 220 Robins, 21 Redwings, 12 Bramblings, 25 Blackcaps and 20 Chiffchaffs.

                                                           Great Grey Shrike

                                                           Great Grey Shrike

                                                                  Chiffchaff

      Good coverage produced some excellent results.   At the south end this morning were 160 Redwings, 20 Blackbirds, 15 Song Thrushes, Ring Ouzel, 60 Robins, 10 Blackcaps, 220 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, acredula Willow Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Tree Pipit, 110 Meadow Pipits, 12 Bramblings, Great Grey Shrike, Long-eared Owl and 3 Short-eared Owls.

      Full day cover between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall saw the re-emergence of the Radde's Warbler and the Arctic Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Barred Warbler, acredula Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaffs,  12 Blackcaps, an Acrocephalus warbler, 1,000 Goldcrests, 200 Robins, 100 Redwings, 3 Tree Pipits, 2 Wheatears, 15 Bramblings, 2 Woodcocks, at least one Great Grey Shrike, Short-eared Owl and 3 Long-eared Owls.

      There was no sign of the Arctic Warbler in the appalling conditions this morning and only a possible brief glimpse of the Radde's Warbler in the same patch of bushes as yesterday.   A probable Pallas's Warbler was seen by Roy and Linda Harvey.   Two Chiffchaffs, 8 Long-tailed Tits and 3 Bramblings were noted.

      The Arctic Warbler near Stonebridge showed very well through the day, but the Radde's Warbler which was found further along the dunes in the afternoon was a much more skulking affair.    2 Yellow-browed Warblers were also seen, but other grounded migrants were few, hence 2 Goldcrests, 5 Robins, 2 Song Thrushes, Wheatear and Brambling.   Some Twite were heard and 6 Long-tailed Tits seen.    Highlights of the Stonebridge to Pye's Hall WeBS count were 82 Curlews, 41 Redshanks, Greenshank, 720 Golden Plovers, 9 Bar-tailed Godwits, 630 Oystercatchers, Jack Snipe, 820 Brent Geese, one pale-bellied Brent Goose, 690 Pink-footed Geese which flew south in 9 skeins, 286 Shelducks, 800 Teal, Shoveler, 17 Little Egrets, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Marsh Harrier.

      The WebS count at Quad 3 produced 940 Oystercatchers, 87 Dunlin, 18 Sanderlings, 34 Curlews, 21 Lapwings, Common Snipe, 5 Redshanks, 3 Greenshanks, 11 Brent Geese, 3 Wigeon, 24 Shelducks, 16 Cormorants, 3 Red-throated Divers, 7 Gannets and 2 Sandwich Terns.   Other species relevant to the count included 160 Skylarks, 70 Meadow Pipits, 4 Rock Pipits, 50 Linnets, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel and 2 Common Buzzards.

      Grounded migrants at the south end were 10 Song Thrushes, 6 Blackbirds, 7 Robins, 2 Stonechats, Whinchat, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcaps, 10 Goldcrests, Tree Pipit and Brambling.  Singles of House Martin and Swallow flew south.

      An Arctic Warbler found at Stonebridge remained until dusk.  Also between here and Pye's Hall were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 15 Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tit, Grey Wagtail and 2 Stonechats.  A Raven was reported at Pye's Hall and 2 Bean Geese flew south.   1,300 Golden Plovers noted.
     

              Common Redstart with trace of a pale wing panel at Pye's Hall.

      Good numbers of wildfowl were present between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall and on the realignment area, hence 490 Brent Geese, 21 Pink-footed Geese, 240 Shelducks, 800 Teal, 40 Wigeon, 130 Mallard and a Pintail.   Waders included 800 Golden Plovers, 130 Lapwings, 27 Curlews, 50 Knot, 87 Redshanks and 6 Greenshanks.   Other highlights were 26 Little Egrets, 12 Cormorants, 7 Little Grebes, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Sparrowhawks, 40 Meadow Pipits, 12 Rock Pipits, 75 Goldfinches, Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Common Redstart and 3 Swallows.

      The strong winds resulted in fewer birds being seen in the bushes.   At the south end there were 3 Sparrowhawks, Common Buzzard, 10 Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Water Rail, 80 Lapwings and a Lapland Bunting.   10 Gannets north at sea and 6 Common Scoters south while onshore were 200 Oystercatchers, 36 Sanderlings, 100 Dunlin and 4 Cormorants.

      On the realignment area, Barry Clarkson saw 200 Teal, 42 Wigeon, 60 Brent Geese, 28 Little Egrets and a Greenshank.   Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall were 2 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrests, juvenile Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and 210 Golden Plover.   At sea were 40 Gannets, Long-tailed Skua, 11 Arctic Skuas, Little Gull, 70 Kittiwakes, 11 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver and a Puffin.

            Slavonian Grebe at the Saltfleet end of the reserve this afternoon.


      The Firecrest was still in my garden this morning.   On the dunes were 3 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Redstart, 15 Song Thrushes, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 12 Blackbirds, 12 Robins, 40 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, Kingfisher, 130 Golden Plovers, 75 Lapwings and 2 Sparrowhawks.   40 Meadow Pipits and 100 Skylarks came in from the sea and on the mudflats were 350 Oystercatchers, 60 Dunlin, 23 Sanderlings and 37 Brent Geese.

      In the afternoon, there were 2 Stonechats, a Whinchat and Hen Harrier further south in the Howden's Pullover area, and at the Saltfleet limit of the reserve there was a Slavonian Grebe on one of the new ponds by the haven.

      A Willow Tit gradually moving south with Blue Tits was the first record for ten years.   Also on the southern dunes were 70 Meadow Pipits, 60 Linnets, Brambling, 2 Pied Wagtails, Stonechat, 5 Song Thrushes, 3 Robins, 55 Lapwings and a Water Rail.

      On the mudflats were 35 Oystercatchers, 50 Sanderlings, 230 Dunlin and 23 Curlews.   15 Brent Geese flew north at sea, while to the south were 50 Brent Geese, 16 Pink-footed Geese, 30 Wigeon and 50 Teal.   Other parties of duck passed south, but were not identifiable from the dunes.

      The Firecrest was still present in my garden.

      Strong winds and continuous rain resulted in hardly anything being recorded this morning.   Poor visibility meant seawatching from the dunes produced only a Gannet and a Cormorant, while on the mudflats were 148 Dunlin and 36 Sanderlings.   70 Lapwings and 60 Golden Plovers were on the coastal fields.   In the evening, there was a Firecrest in the front hedge of my garden.

      At the south end this morning there was southerly passage of 13 Common Buzzards, 7 Kestrels, Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks,19 Greenfinches, 3 Chaffinches, 45 Linnets, 21 Goldfinches, Pied Wagtail and 4 Grey Wagtails.   Also of note were 19 Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, 143 Lapwings, 40 Golden Plovers, 21 Curlews, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 140 Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipit, 45 Reed Buntings, 10 Long-tailed Tits and a Stonechat.

      Between the Ponderosa and the north end of the realignment area, Chris Atkin, Chris Heaton and Mark Johnson recorded a Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Stonechats, Wheatear, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kingfisher, 4 Common Buzzards, Peregrine, 3 Merlins, Goosander and 3 Greenshanks.

      Not much was seen before the onset of heavy rain at 1020.   Best were 5 Swallows, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, 2 Robins, 60 Meadow Pipits, 120 Linnets, Green Sandpiper, 150 Golden Plovers, 54 Lapwings, 35 Oystercatchers and 5 Gannets.

                                                                          Stonechat


      A walk from Stonebridge to Pye's Hall and around the realignment area produced the  following observations.   Waders were 550 Golden Plovers, 5 Lapwings, 230 Oystercatchers, 37 Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwit, 150 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, 29 Redshanks and 3 Greenshanks.   Wildfowl included 70 Brent Geese, 46 Shelducks, 180 Teal, 6 Wigeon, Tufted Duck and 26 Mallard.   An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the mudflats and a Gannet passed south at sea.

      A juvenile Hen Harrier quartering the realignment marshes was my first record for this autumn and a Common Buzzard drifted south.   Also of interest were 3 Kestrels, 16 Little Egrets, 9 Little Grebes, 6 Cormorants, Mistle Thrush, 35 Reed Buntings, 80 Goldfinches, 90 Meadow Pipits, 4 Rock Pipits, Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, Wheatear, Stonechat, Swallow, Goldcrest and 10 Long-tailed Tits.

      Glorious weather, but rather quiet.   Best birds at the south end were 3 Goldcrests, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whinchat, 5 Robins, 75 Meadow Pipits, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Swallows, 7 Little Egrets, 50 Lapwings, 60 Golden Plovers, 44 Curlews, 85 Oystercatchers, 9 Dunlin and 20 Sanderlings.

      Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Barry Clarkson recorded a Coal Tit, Woodlark, 48+ Reed Buntings, Brambling, 50 Goldfinches, Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Peregrine, Merlin, Marsh Harrier and 3 Greenshanks.   102 Pink-footed Geese flew south.

      The change in the wind ensured a quiet start to the new month.   Grounded migrants included 12 Robins, 3 Song Thrushes, 45 Meadow Pipits, 2 Whinchats and 2 Wheatears.   Other birds of interest were 9 Swallows, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail, 9 Grey Partridges, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 33 Curlews, 80 Oystercatchers, 60 Sanderlings, 46 Lapwings, 70 Golden Plovers, Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Stints, Mediterranean Gull and 3 Common Scoters.

      A rather uneventful day as most night migrants had moved on.    The best birds were 2 Wheatears, Whinchat, Grey Wagtail, 8 Robins, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 Yellowhammers, 35 Lapwings, 200 Oystercatchers, 41 Curlews, 7 Cormorants, 2 Red-throated Divers and 5 Gannets.

      A Red-breasted Flycatcher was a new bird in the dead willow hedge by North Flash.   A few more birds were grounded today, hence 2 Wheatears, 3 Whinchats, 2 Stonechats, 10 Robins, 10 Blackbirds, Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, Redstart, 40 Meadow Pipits, 2 Tree Pipits and a Rock Pipit.    Also of note were 2 Grey Wagtails, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, 4 Jays, 14 Lapwings, 600 Oystercatchers, 45 Curlews, 60 Sanderlings, 30 Dunlin, 3 Little Stints and 12 Knot.

      Birds at the north end recorded by Chris Atkin between the RAF base and the north end of the realignment area included a Little Stint, Lapland Bunting, 6 Gannets, 122 Pink-footed Geese, 25 Common Scoters, 3 Pintail, 16 Greenshanks, 3 Common Buzzards, Common Tern, Guillemot, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Redstart, 8 Long-tailed Tits, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests and a Jay.

                   A very approachable tired Common Snipe.

                                                  Dunnock and Stonechat.


      Grounded migrants at the south end were 8 Robins, 15 Blackbirds, 40 Meadow Pipits, 25 Chaffinches, Goldcrest, 3 Stonechats, 4 Whinchats and a Wheatear.   The only other birds of note were 3 Jays, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, Grey Wagtail, 12 Teal, 250 Golden Plovers, 7 Lapwings, 600 Oystercatchers, 36 Curlews, 110 Sanderlings and 80 Dunlin.


      Additional observations for yesterday (27th) were provided by Chris Atkin whose two hour seawatch saw a Marsh Harrier in off the sea, 19 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 28 Brent Geese, 11 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Red-throated Divers, 4 Gannets, Guillemot, 16 Common Scoters, 3 Tufted Ducks and 9 Teal.

      A skein of Pink-footed Geese was heard, but was blocked from view by trees.   Night migrants seen today were 4 Whinchats, Wheatear, 12 Robins, 3 Song Thrushes, Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaffs.   A party of ca.30 Magpies represented a significant increase and a single Jay was present nearby.   Other birds of note were a Grey Wagtail which flew south, 30 Golden Plovers, 22 Lapwings, 27 Curlews, 25 Sanderlings, 15 Dunlin, 550 Oystercatchers, Common Snipe and Common Buzzard.

      Another quiet day.   At the south end this morning were 3 Robins, Wheatear, 4 Whinchats, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 24 Swallows, Common Buzzard, 8 Lapwings, 40 Curlews, 12 Oystercatchers, 120 Dunlin, 47 Sanderlings and 3 Eiders.

      Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall in the afternoon, Barry Clarkson added 2 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Marsh Harrier and 3 Greenshanks.

      Most migrants had moved on with the change in the weather.   Highlights today at Quad 3 included 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Robins, Wheatear, Common Redstart, Water Rail, 29 Teal, 8 Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, 16 Curlews, 11 Sanderlings, 28 Dunlin, 3 Turnstones and 2 Gannets.

      290 Pink-footed Geese in 5 skeins flew south this afternoon.   Migrants included 7 Whinchats, 4 Wheatears and a Tree Pipit.    Also seen were 40 Golden Plovers, 45 Curlews, 19 Sanderlings, 22 Dunlin, 5 Ruffs, Common Sandpiper, 9 Grey Partridges, 29 Teal and a Common Scoter.

      Between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall and around the realignment area, there were fewer passerines today, hence Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Goldcrests, Common Redstart, 25 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits and a House Sparrow.   Waders were confined to 17 Curlews, 12 Dunlin, 4 Golden Plovers, 21 Lapwings, 14 Redshanks, 6 Greenshanks and 2 Common Snipe.   Ducks were 55 Teal, 100 Mallard, 6 Tufted Ducks and 14 Shelducks.

      Also of note were 2 Common Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhaks, 25 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Herons and 28 Swallows.



22nd September per GW.

      Pye's Hall.   Three skeins of Pinkfeet flew over, but no counts given.   2 Peregrines, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goldcrests, Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaffs, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Common Redstarts, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Brambling, Stonechat and 4 Whinchats.



20th September per CA.

      Ponderosa to Pye's Hall.   Wood Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 7 Common Redstarts, Whinchat, 2 Wheatears, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, 7 Siskins, Redpoll (presumed Lesser), 3 Goldcrests, Greenshank, 5 Common Snipe, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier and Merlin.

                                                                One of a flock of 18 Siskins.

      A Red-breasted Flycatcher was found near Pye's Hall and a Common Rosefinch was present between here and Stonebridge.   Totals of grounded migrants here and at the south end were 13 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs (including 3 abietinus-type birds), 6 Blackcaps, 4 Garden Warblers, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Common Whitethroats, 3 Goldcrests, 23 Common Redstarts, 6 Pied Flycatchers, 10 Spotted Flycatchers, 150 Meadow Pipits, 8 Tree Pipits, 20 Whinchats, Stonechat, 7 Wheatears, 2 Bramblings, 25 Siskins, 4 Redwings and a Fieldfare.   Also recorded were 4 Sparrowhawks, Osprey, 3 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Avocet and Common Sandpiper

     

      Poor visibility resulted in fewer migrants being seen.

The Ring Ouzel is still in my garden.   On the dunes were 6 Whinchats, Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Goldcrests, 8 Siskins, 4 Robins, 70 Meadow Pipits, 30 Chaffinches, Greenshank, Ruff and Little Stint.

      A fine Yellow-browed Warbler accompanied a tit flock comprising ca. 20 Blue Tits, 8 Great Tits and 8 Long-tailed Tits close to the coastguard cottages.   Other migrants at the south end were 5 Wheatears, 7 Whinchats, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Song Thrushes, 5 Robins, Goldcrest, 100 Meadow Pipits, 35 Chaffinches, Brambling and 3 Siskins.   Also of note were 130 Goldfinches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kingfisher, 1,000 Golden Plovers, 43 Curlews, Whimbrel, 15 Lapwings, 70 Oystercatchers, 50 Sanderlings and 40 Dunlin.   Ring Ouzel still present in my garden.

      Barry Clarkson recorded a Barred Warbler at Stonebridge.   Between here and Stonebridge and partly on the realignment area were 10 Common Redstarts, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier and 7 Greenshanks.


     

      The Firecrest was still present at Pye's Hall and 6 Pink-footed Geese passed over the realignment area.

      Significant increases were noted of 120 Skylarks, 150 Meadow Pipits and 40 Dunnocks.   Grounded migrants were 4 Wheatears, 5 Whinchats, Common Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and a Short-eared Owl.   Also seen were 45 Goldfinches, 50 Swallows, 4 Tree Sparrows, 2 Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, 330 Golden Plovers, 22 Lapwings, 150 Oystercatchers, 52 Curlews, 20 Dunlin and 32 Sanderlings.

      Another Redstart and a Ring Ouzel were in my garden in the afternoon.

      Between Quad 2 and Pye's Hall, Chris Atkin recorded the Firecrest again, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 Wheatears, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Common Whitethroats, Goldcrest, Marsh Harrier, probably the same Common Buzzard as noted earlier, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshanks and a Kingfisher.

      A one hour seawatch over the high tide period saw northerly passage of 185 Common Scoters,  17 Wigeon, 3 Gannets, 3 Sandwich Terns and 8 Kittiwakes, while to the south were 6 Gannets and 3 Red-throated Divers.   Birds onshore included 46 Curlews, 222 Oystercatchers, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 42 Sanderlings, 35 Dunlin, Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpipers and 9 Cormorants.

      Grounded migrants on the dunes were 4 Wheatears, 7 Whinchats, Stonechat, Common Redstart, 4 Blackcaps, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroats, 6 Robins and a Tree Pipit.   Also seen were 6 Greenshanks, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 18  Golden Plovers, 11 Lapwings, 1,700 Starlings, 60 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 6 Little Egrets, 50 Goldfinches, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, Merlin, Hobby and a Tawny Owl.

      A seawatch 0950-1110 following the high tide saw northerly movement of 23 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 20 Common Scoters, 6 Shelducks, Great Skua and 2 Gannets.   To the south were 4 Teal, 42 Common Scoters, 3 Gannets, 3 Fulmars, 2 Sandwich Terns, Arctic Skua and a Red-throated Diver.   Onshore were 22 Cormorants, 152 Oystercatchers, 52 Curlews, 13 Knot, 3 Ringed Plovers, Grey Plover, 27 Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper and 35 Sanderlings.

      On the outmarsh were 2 Common Snipe, Yellow Wagtail, an early Rock Pipit, 40 Goldfinches and 2 Sparrowhawks.   The dunes were quiet with 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Greenshanks, at least 6 Long-tailed Tits, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whinchats and a Redstart which was taken by a Sparrowhawk.

      The Firecrest was still present at Pye's Hall.   Also here were 2 Redwings, Goldcrest and Lesser Whitethroat.

      An early Firecrest at Pye's Hall was seen well by several observers.   Between here and Stonebridge and around the realignment area, other grounded migrants included 40 Meadow Pipits, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Whinchats, Wheatear, Common Redstart, 3 Pied Flycatchers, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Common Whitethroats and 2 Willow Warblers.

      Waders were rather disappointing with 75 Curlews, Whimbrel, 85 Grey Plovers, 66 Redshanks, 9 Greenshanks, Ruff, Ringed Plover and Common Snipe while ducks were limited to 24 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 130 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks and 35 Shelducks.   Also noted were Peregrine, Merlin, Osprey, Common Buzzard, Tawny Owl, 4 Sandwich Terns, 25 Little Egrets, 23 Cormorants, Kingfisher, 9 Little Grebes, 9 Tree Sparrows and a Common Swift.

      Just after high tide this morning there were northerly movements of 720 Common Scoters, 190 Wigeon, 170 Teal, 2 Shelducks  and an Arctic Skua.   Onshore were 55 Curlews, Whimbrel, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Dunlin and 173 Oystercatchers.

      Grounded migrants included 70 Meadow Pipits, Yellow Wagtail, 5 Whinchats, Wheatear, 3 Common Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Robins, Goldcrest and 2 Pied Flycatchers.   Also of note were 3 Kestrels, Peregrine, Tawny Owl, 150 Golden Plovers and 4 Little Egrets.

      An afternoon at Quad 3 was not very productive.   Best birds were a Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, Tawny Owl, 2 Common Snipe, 60 Mallard, 18 Canada Geese, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Tree Sparrows and 5 Whinchats.

      A good day for raptors with juvenile and adult Hobby, 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Osprey and a roost of 8 Marsh Harriers on the realignment area.   Grounded migrants restricted to a Barred Warbler by Stonebridge, first located last night, 7 Common Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 4 Yellow Wagtails and a Pied Flycatcher.   8 Tree Sparrows were also seen.

      680 Common Terns, 4,000 Black-headed and 1,000 Common Gulls came in to roost at high tide and other counts included 430 Oystercatchers, 230 Dunlin, 320 Grey Plovers, 200 Knot, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 70 Curlews, Turnstone, 2 Avocets and 2 Greenshanks.

      An afternoon around the realignment area was disappointing.   Highlights were 6 Avocets, 3+ Whimbrels, 30 Redshanks, 5 Greenshanks, 2 Common Snipe,  270 Golden Plovers, 30 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Herons, 10 Cormorants, 11 Little Grebes, Water Rail, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine, 220 Linnets, 120 Swallows, Sand Martin, 4 House Martins, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Common Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, Common Redstart and 2 Goldcrests.   On the shore were 450 Oystercatchers, 25 Curlews, and 25 Grey Plovers.  A party of 16 Common Terns flew south at sea.

      Between the Ponderosa and the north end of the realignment area, Chris Atkin recorded 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Common Redstart, 9 Whinchats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Common Whitethroats, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrests, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Common Buzzard, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrels, 11 Greenshanks, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

      Evening additions for the realignment area for 6th by CA were 10 Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Whimbrel, 6 Common Snipe, 10 Greenshanks, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 5 House Sparrows, Common Redstart and Marsh Harrier.   A fifth Little Stint was also seen by BC.

      The WeBS count at the south end this morning (7th) was poor for waders.   A one hour seawatch saw northward passage of 12 Teal, 11 Cormorants, a Grey Heron and a Gannet while to the south were 42 Sandwich Terns, 34 Oystercatchers, 6 Knot, 11 Common Scoters, 2 Fulmars and a Red-throated Diver.   Onshore were 59 Curlews, 26 Sanderlings and a Ruff.

      Grounded migrants on the dunes included 30 Meadow Pipits, Tree Pipit, 10 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears, 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Common Whitethroats and a Spotted Flycatcher.   Other birds of note were 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Lapwing, 4 Grey Herons, 4 House Martins and 95 Swallows.

      A Common Redstart was in my garden in the late afternoon.

                                                                 Spotted Flycatcher.

      Notes today are mainly between Pye's Hall and the Ponderosa with a few items from Quad 3.   Chris Atkin and Barry Clarkson also added some observations.   Grounded migrants were 4 Spotted Flycatchers, Pied Flycatcher, 11 Whinchats, Wheatear, 2 Garden Warblers, 6 Common Whitethroats, 10 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers and 5 Reed Warblers.   Over the sea were 3 Common Terns, Great Skua and a Manx Shearwater.   The Osprey was eating a fish on its rusty bin and a Peregrine and 5 Sparrowhawks were recorded.

      Waders were in generally low numbers, hence 54 Curlews, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Grey Plovers, 47 Golden Plovers, 430 Dunlin, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Little Stints, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Avocets and 7 Ringed Plovers.   Also of note were 63 Teal, 40 Mallard, 14 Shelducks, 20 Little Egrets, 12 Little Grebes, 300 Linnets, 80 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 80 Swallows and 50 House Martins.

                           Part of the large Little Egret flock.

      Today was the WeBS count for the realignment area.   Waders were 120 Dunlin, 4 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, 26 Redshanks, Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshanks, 550 Golden Plovers, 3 Avocets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Ruffs and 4 Common Snipe.   A new record flock of 67 Little Egrets was present along with 10 Grey Herons and 9 Cormorants.   Ducks were 149 Teal, 69 Mallard, Pintail, Tufted Duck, 18 Shelducks and a Mute Swan.   Other birds included 340 Linnets, 15 House Sparrows, 14 Tree Sparrows, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and 8 Little Grebes.

      Grounded migrants were fewer today, hence 14 Whinchats, 2 Pied Flycatchers, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, 3 Willow Warblers, Common Whitethroat and 3 Yellow Wagtails.