Saturday 30th August 2025

 

Three Wheatear still present.

Brilliant selection of Autumn migrants however most species arriving in small numbers. The party was at the mining station near the cottage this morning where one could find 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart and 1 Whinchat. Tree Sparrow arrived fashionably late. Up in the compound a Spotted Flycatcher briefly seen - few and far sightings of those this year. Passage of Swallow continues with a further 61 birds South. Other VIB guests include 2 Black Redstart, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Reed Warbler, 4 Sand Martin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Sparrowhawk, 6 Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler and 2 Yellow Wags.

Awesome Mothstrocity in the trap today, Convolvulus Hawkmoth is a migrant from North Africa.

Ringing: 2 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler.

Friday 29th August 2025

 

Pied Wagtail numbers have been gradually increasing with 21 on site today.

Despite an ominous forecast and visible showers on the horizon Landguard managed to stay relatively dry this morning. 3 Yellow Wagtail dropped in but were not keen on staying long in the strong winds. With the nets closed a bit more effort spent looking out to sea rewarded us with 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Gannet, 1 Greenshank, 3 Grey Plover and 5 Teal. Thin on the ground for other migrants but 1 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear and still some Willow Warblers hunkering down out the weather.

Agriphila latistria is a late season flyer at the end of August or early September here.

Ringing: Nil.

Thursday 28th August 2025

Linnet numbers seem to be slightly increased lately despite having a poor ringing total.

 A touch of overnight rain and calm conditions made for a pleasant days Autumn birding. Another Whinchat and 3 Wheatear about the reserve. 11 Sand Martin in amongst 87 Swallow and a late Swift came through South. Plenty other migrants to pick from today including a Singing Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Whitethroat and 15 Willow Warbler.

A bit of talent again in the moth trap. After the first ever Suffolk record here last year, this Passenger Moth enjoyed its stay so much it felt it had to return. Whilst also cropping up in a few other places along the South Coast this year perhaps it may grow to be a more familiar sight. It is an immigrant from Southern Europe and North Africa.

Ringing: 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Robin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler. 

Wednesday 27th August 2025

 

Three Common Tern today.

Flocks of Swallow bombing it South throughout the morning left us with a final total of 317. Thankfully a few more migrants flitting around the bushes after yesterdays lull, with a Whinchat being located late morning. Plenty more Willow Warbler passing through alongside other familiar faces such as 1 Black Redstart, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Wheatear. Offshore 2 Gadwall, 2 Harbour Porpoise off the point, 1 Med Gull and 4 Sandwich Tern. 

A refresh of the old memory definitely needed for this individual. Our last record of Fern Horisme tersata was in 1999. 

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler.

Tuesday 26th August 2025

 

Warm SSE breeze failed to deliver owt to excite with today's selection box including 7 Lesser 'throat, 4 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Black Red, 2 Whinchat, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Mipit, Pied Fly & Reed Warbler + southbound 37 Swallow.

Clifden Nonpareil siting on the washing left out overnight on the line. Formerly a rare much sought after vagrant they have become almost annual in small numbers since 2020.

Ringing: 2 Linnet, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Reed Warbler.

Monday 25th August 2025

 

Common Darter used to be very common but is now a lot less so.

Very pleasant weather wise brought a small handful of new migrants plus some lingerers loitering. Today's haul includes 5 Black Red, 5 Lesser 'throat, 3 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Nightingale & Pied Fly. Guillemot off the point & Purp on it. Southbound 36 Swallow, 8 Avocet, 4 Whimbrel & Oyk.

Formerly a rare vagrant, Gypsy Moth has been noted annually in the past six years in variable numbers.

Ringing: 1 Black Redstart, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Willow Warbler.

Sunday 24th August 2025

 

Today's movers & shakers include 10 Lesser 'throat, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail, Nightingale & Pied Fly. Southbound 4 Swallow, 2 Curlew, 2 Oyk, 2 Gannet & Grey Plover plus northbound 2 Gannet. At least 2 Black Red around the monument & the Purp on the point (with a Turnstone for company) still with us.

Round-winged Muslin pays us a visit roughly one year in three from its preferred marshland habitat.

Ringing: 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wood Pigeon.