Monday 1st December 2025

Wet n' windy dampened enthusiasm & coverage. 151 Cormorant headed out fishing in the half light. Next to nothing moving offshore although a Razorbill did fly in from the north, pitched in, then continued past. Chiffchaff still loitering.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird.

November Ringing Totals

 368 birds of 20 species is the highest November total for seven years. 17 Mipits are worth highlighting as very few have been ringed in this month over the years.

Blackbird	137
Goldcrest	47
Long-tailed Tit	37
Song Thrush	27
Robin	25
Meadow Pipit	17
Lesser Redpoll	15
Chaffinch	11
Goldfinch	8
Wren	7
Cetti's Warbler	6
Blackcap	5
Chiffchaff	5
Redwing	5
Wood Pigeon	4
Black Redstart	3
Blue Tit	3
Sparrowhawk	3
Firecrest	2
Pallas's Warbler	1

Sunday 30th November 2025

 

Glorious winters morning. Scant sightings include Snow Bunting siting on the jetty, Chiffchaff & crests in the compound. Mist nets & moth traps packed away for the winter, whilst doing so southbound 4 Siskin, 2 Skylark & Mipit.

Ringing: nil.

Saturday 29th November 2025

 

Black-throated Diver offshore photo taken through a telescope in the rain is our first one for over a year. Dank & dreary morning quelled the enthusiasm somewhat with a scant selection of other sightings including 14 Kitts, 8 Common Scoter, 5 Brent, 5 Gannets plus 2 Little Egret heading south for more temperature conditions to spend the winter.

Of greater note is what was thought to be the first site record of Blastobasis vittata which is a variable adventive species from Madeira first noted in Felixstowe four years ago. Closer examination however suggests it is Tuta absoluta which is also a recent adventive species and a pest on Tomato plants.

Ringing: nil. 

Friday 28th November 2025

 

Very few migrants & almost nowt going past. Southbound 16 Siskin, 5 Brent, 3 Wigeon & Rock Pipit. Both Fire & Goldcrests are lingering & may be contemplating wintering with us. Single Snow Bunting was flying around late morning. Red-throated Diver in the river.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird.

Thursday 27th November 2025

 

This Grey Seal pup has probably left it's colony a tad early in its weaning cycle.

A small arrival of 30 Blackies, 6 Songies, 5 Redwing & Woodcock exemplifies the fact that autumn migration hasn't quite finished for these species. Otherwise 6 Mipit are getting a bit tardy, Chiffchaff & several crests loiter on site & Snow Bunting was heard calling pre-dawn.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush.

Wednesday 26th November 2025

Misty, damp start followed by glorious winter sunshine. Handful of new Blackies, Redwing, Skylark & Woodcock new in. Several Goldcrest & Firecrest lingering & 3 Snow Bunting on the beach. 3 Mallard flying inland is worth a mention as we don't see many.

First seen in 2020 Bloxworth Snout has undoubtedly colonised living on Pellitory-of-the-wall that grows out of, and around, the Fort & then hibernating in the buildings.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird.