Tuesday 12th May 2025

Sandwich Tern have been finding fish off the point of late.

High hopes given the Easterlies and spots of rain but a touch underwhelming as very few migrants on the ground. 2 Black Redstart, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Whitethroat and still the odd Willow Warbler to be heard peeping. A new Juv Green Woodpecker brings the total ringed up to 5 so far this year. Offshore 1 Common Tern, 15 Oystercatcher, 3 Sanderling and 13 Sandwich Tern.  

Bactra furfurana has been recorded in 11 years from 2008 onwards in its wanderings from wetland areas.

Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Linnet, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Woodpigeon.

 

Monday 11th August 2025

Grayling still in the obs today.

First Garden Warbler of the Autumn present today despite the sunny Summer weather showing no signs of letting up. A new juvenile male Sparrowhawk has been skulking around seen today with a female. Other migrants 1 Chiffchaff, 14 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Swallow and 3 Willow Warbler. Offshore 10 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank and 7 Sandwich Tern. A Black Redstart in the moat.

Palpita vitrealis or Jasmine Moth is a migrant that has become gradually more regular over this course of the last century.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler. 

 

Sunday 10th August 2025

 

Autumn passage migrants included 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser 'throat, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Pied Fly, Blackcap & Wheatear. Southbound 9 Swallow & 5 Sand Martin with almost nothing moving offshore. Juv Green Woodpecker & a Stock Dove visited. At least 2, possibly 3, young Black Reds on site. A Grayling was the first of its kind for six years.

Etainia decentella is a nationally scarce tiny tot that was first noted here only a couple of years ago that has now, presumably, found our few Sycamores to its likening.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker.

Saturday 9th August 2025

 

Early August migration continues apace with the first Pied Fly of the autumn with a supporting cast of 20 Willow Warbler, 10 Lesser 'throat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff & Sedge Warbler. Southbound 48 Black-headed Gull, 13 Swallow, 3 Oyk, 3 Teal , 2 Common Gull, 2 Sand Martin & Med Gull plus a flock of 21 Cormorant coming straight in off for the winter. At least 2 juvenile Black Red loitering around the site although they can go awol into the Fort or Port then reappear. In the dragonfly department another Southern Migrant Hawker present.

Healthy numbers of Latticed Heath at the moment which is pleasing as this is yet another species that has ended up on the IUNC Red List as "near threatened".

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Great Tit, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Wood Pigeon.

Friday 8th August 2025

 

Today's typically pleasant early August selection box includes 22 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser 'throat, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Black Red & Yellow Wag. Southbound 9 Swallow, 3 Oyk, 2 Barwit, Sand Martin & Whimbrel.

Gymnancyla canella is a Nationally Scarce species living on Prickly Saltwort that we record roughly one year in three.

Ringing: 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat.

Thursday 7th August 2025

 

Hard life !

Breezy morning. Migrants included 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Lesser 'throat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler plus southbound 8 Black-headed Gull, 8 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 Oyk, 3 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 Sanderling & Golden Plover. A Common Scoter was sat offshore for a while. A couple of Clouded Yellow were on the reserve so, hopefully, it will turn into a better year for them.

Considering how few migrant moths were present this morning a Striped Hawk-moth was not expected as all our previous few records have been in the spring.

Ringing: 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet, 2 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat.

Wednesday 6th August 2025

 

This mornings fare included 25 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, Lesser 'throat, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear & Whitethroat plus southbound 10 Sand Martin & Little Egret. 6 Barnacle Geese went north. Decent selection of butterflies included 2 Clouded Yellow.

Pediasia contaminella is a nationally scarce species that conveniently rests with its rear end in the air.

Ringing: 13 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin.

Tuesday 5th August 2025

 

Bright n' breezy. More of the same with 20 Willow Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler & Whitethroat plus southbound 10 Swallow, 7 Sand Martin, 3 Oyk & a Barwit.

PM update: first juv Wheatear of the autumn on the seaward side of the Butts.

Sandhill Rustic is a nationally scarce saltmarsh species that wanders down here. First noted in the early 2000's with prior to that last century it is quite likely we called them Flounced Rustics as the literature on how to identify them didn't exist in those days. How times change !

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blue Tit.

Monday 4th August 2025

 

Wasp Spider.

Glorious start, then the wind starting picking up a couple of hours after dawn. Similar to yesterday, although a lot less of it, with 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler + a new dispersing juvenile Song Thrush worth a mention.

Marbled Clover is a nationally scarce species having turned up a few times this year although an annual appearance is far from guaranteed.

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Song Thrush. 

Sunday 3rd August 2025

 

Pleasant start to the morning with at least 30 Willow Warblers and a supporting cast of 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser 'throat, Whitethroat & Great Spotted Wood. Southbound 12 Swallow, 9 Sand Martin, 3 Great-crested Grebe, 2 Redshank, Common Gull & Curlew plus 17 Cormorant coming in off mid-morning suggesting that they are returning from their breeding grounds for the winter. 25 Sandwich & 5 Common Terns were feeding in the river mouth.

Obsidentify says Southern Small White although this species is not on the British List yet so is the AI correct ! It has spread into the Low Countries from Southern Europe in recent years so is expected to arrive sometime.

 (Evening update - Chris van Sway, Butterfly Conservation Europe Recorder, has confirmed this as a female Southern Small White).

Drinker is another moth species that failed to put in an appearance last year - although it never was annual in occurrence.

Ringing: 14 Willow Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Robin.

Saturday 2nd August 2025

Just over a week of North-westerlies things are starting to stagnate a little but they have carried a Small Red-eyed Damselfly which wasn't recorded last year. This smart male up by the observatory. 35 Sandwich and 25 Common Tern seen feeding off the point briefly joined by a Little Tern. Other migrants 22 Curlew, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Swallow, 1 Whimbrel and 1 Willow Warbler.

Maple Prominent puts in an appearance most years although prone to absences.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Dunnock, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

Friday 1st August 2025

Starting to feel like the bulk of Willow Warbler have moved on however at least a couple still hanging around. Sandwich Tern count up to 52 fishing out the front this morning. 8 Sand Martin and 17 Swallow South throughout the morning. It's been a while since we've had a Swift but most have probably already gone! Our first young Kittiwake and a record breaking flock of Greenfinch this year - 5 birds. Up by the observatory a Great Green Bush Cricket crawled out the undergrowth to catch a few rays.

If you are local you might of noticed the abundance of Jersey Tiger moths lately! First noted in 2019 they've become very common in the Felixstowe area. Poplar Hawkmoth also lives here on the Poplars - Surprise Surprise...

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wren.

JULY RINGING TOTALS 2025

 196 birds of 26 species won't be breaking any Landguard records but we have had some interesting highlights this July. 

Willow Warblers have stolen the show. Reflecting on the last 10 years our highest July count for 'Willies' ringed was 10 in 2023 whilst in 2022 and 2018 we failed to get one at all. This month we managed 36 so have they decided to take a different route or are they beginning to leave earlier? 3 Green Woodpecker seems to be a reflection of a reasonably good breeding year and 3 Black Redstart is good with at least 2 local broods having success. Cetti's have enjoyed another successful year of colonising and where are these Sedge Warblers appearing from? Juvenile Siskin also another species we don't usually get.

Ringing total suggests Linnet has struggled again and whilst better than last years 6 birds ringed we would ideally hope to see 50+ ringed. House Sparrow is another local species of concern and has been low for the last couple years. Previous July's before 2023 we would ring between 20 - 60 no problem. No visit from the Starlings yet this year another factor in keeping the overall total down.

 

Thursday 31st July 2025

A couple belts of rain through this morning but another good day for Willow Warbler considering it's still July. A small group of terns have been feeding off the point lately - 27 Sandwich and 4 Common. In the past this was often the norm but they have been mostly absent this year. Other migrants 1 Reed Warbler, 14 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow and 12 Willow Warbler.  Offshore 3 Curlew, 3 Gannet, 1 Kittiwake, 10 Oystercatcher and 3 Redshank. Harbour Porpoise still present and it's still pretty easy to flush a Jersey Tiger moth as you stroll round.

Evergestis extimalis is a pretty scarce moth nationally but occurs mostly in the South East. Occasionally it shows up.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Willow Warbler.

Wednesday 30th July 2025

 

Although locally common along rivers and streams this is only the 4th site record for Banded Demoiselle.

A bit less cloud than yesterday however Northerlies still bringing new birds through. Out on the reserve the Linnets had a Sparrowhawk to worry about on top of the usual Kestrel. Number of Linnets ringed has been poor so far this year but we are still seeing some late broods emerging. Migrants today 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 19 Swallow and 5 Willow Warbler. Offshore 15 Common Tern, 14 Sandwich Tern, 2 Teal and 1 Turnstone.

Bird's Wing is fairly common and widespread inland, although we only have less than 10 records here.

Ringing: 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler.

Tuesday 29th July 2025

 

This Red-legged Partridge has been a lone wolf here nearly all Spring and Summer.

Dunlin heard going South to kick off the day. Plenty of Willow Warbler coming through aided by the continuing North Westerly breeze. Looks like a brood of Black Redstart have been successful as we were graced with 3 new young'uns today. Offshore saw 6 Common Tern, 3 Redshank, 31 Sandwich Tern, 3 Shelduck, 1 Med Gull and 2 Tufted Duck in off the sea. Other migrants 1 Sand Martin and 4 Swallow.

Dingy Footman is fairly frequent in small numbers here. This yellow form stramineola is rare here despite only being found in Britain.

Ringing: 2 Black Redstart, 5 Linnet, 1 Robin, 2 Reed Warbler, 12 Willow Warbler. 

Monday 28th July 2025

 

Trickle of departing summer migrants continues with 7 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler & Garden Warbler although its difficult to know at the moment whether the Lesser Whitethroats & Whitethroats on site are locally bred or moving through from elsewhere. Another Green Woodpecker visited, Little Egret went south & Peregrine was perched on its regular spot on the nearest dock crane. 2 juv Black Reds around Darrell's Battery have, presumably, been reared somewhere nearby.

Rosy Minor failed to put in an appearance last year so good to see this one this morning. It is now on the IUCN Red List as "near threatened". Depressingly, it's getting to the stage whereby more moth species are on the Red List than not!

Ringing: 3 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 27th July 2025

 

Autumn migration trickling on with 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler & Yellow Wagtail. Little visibly moving with southbound 5 Black-headed Gull, 4 Oyk, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Gull, Swallow & Whimbrel. 2 Sanderling on the beach & juv Black Redstart on the reserve.

Oak Processionary first arrived in Suffolk thirty years ago with individuals then assumed to be primary migrants. Two today on light north-westerlies are probably individuals wandering from inland & are our first here for five years.

Ringing: 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock.

Saturday 26th July 2025

Yellow Wagtail circling high in the sky early morning and up to 93 Swallow South-bound. In amongst them a further 19 Sand Martin. 2 Black Redstart present although quite mobile and elusive. Offshore 9 Common Gull, 3 Common Tern, 21 Cormorant, 4 Sandwich Tern and a Gannet went North. Sanderling on the beach and a wandering young Green Woodpecker getting his bearings.

Quite a chunky moth, this Old Lady managed to find its way in to the kitchen over night. Although not really attracted to light they are renowned for hiding in buildings during the day.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

 

Friday 25th July 2025

Weather starting to feel more pleasant again. A couple Common Tern and 3 Sandwich Tern noted. Other migrants 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Willow Warbler. 3 Turnstone along the beach. Cetti's warbler rarely sing now but can heard rattling in the bushes - they are hard to count but we must be well in to double figures on site. At least 17 Juvenile Cetti's have been ringed so far this season.

Ancylosis oblitella is a nationally scarce species which we do really well for here.

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Wren.

Thursday 24th July 2025

The odd grounded warbler as we were met with fine drizzle pushing through from the Northwest again. These include 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Willow Warbler. Also of note 2 Grey Wagtail, 14 Sand Martin, 1 Sanderling, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow and 1 Turnstone. 2 Black Redstart on site today.

Lesser Common Rustic - this dark form is classic of this species.

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Wren.

Wednesday 23rd July 2023

 

Yesterday's Lesser Emperor

Gloomy start but the rain held off and a Hobby soon brightened up the day. It also managed to put up 14 Goldfinch - almost feels like a record this season! A young Black Redstart in the moat with a ring is most likely the bird we ringed 20 days ago. Other migrants 1 Juv Med Gull, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Sand Martin, 5 Sandwich Tern, 7 Swallow, 4 Turnstone and 2 Willow Warbler.

With a moth list over 1000 species it gets tricky to add new ones but twice this year we have added 2 new ones in a day. These two must of wandered here overnight on the Northwesterly breeze.

Agonopterix ocellana lives on Willows.

Stathmopoda pedella lives on Alder.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Willow Warbler.

Tuesday 22nd July 2025

Recent turbulent and rainy weather seems to have given the signal to a few a birds its time to make a move. The first couple Willow Warbler for the Autumn dropped in. Also passing through were 1 Blackcap, 28 Black-headed Gull, 45 Sand Martin, 3 Whimbrel, 9 Swallow and 30 Swift. Wandering singles of Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. Redshank on the point and Lesser Emperor Dragonfly by the mining station.

Agapeta zoegana was formerly non-existent here but has shown up in most of the last 10 years.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Woodpigeon.

 

Monday 21st July 2025

 

Deluge to mid-am followed by sunshine & showers. Immediately post heavy rain our first Arctic Skua of the year went north with southbound 12 Curlew, 7 Swift, 6 Cormorant, 3 Oyk, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Whimbrel, Common Gull & Great Crested Grebe plus northbound 2 Sandwich & a Common Tern. 2 Sanderling on the beach noted in a quick whiz round between showers.

First Garden Tiger for three years. Ubiquitous last century it is now on the IUCN Red List as "near threatened".

Ringing: nil.