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Friday 20th September 2019

Easterly winds often hold the promise of rare continental migrants, but due to Landguard's position tucked away on the east coast there is something of a lag effect, and perhaps the next few days will bring something special if the winds are favourable. That said, seawatching here is instantly enhanced by easterlies and a Storm Petrel close in along the beach heading north was a great find by our patient watchers. Also seen on the move out to sea were 219 Brent Goose, 137 Teal, 119 Wigeon, 13 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Scoter, 8 Grey Heron, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Cormorant, 2 Common Tern, 1 Shoveler, 1 Pintail and 1 Dunlin all heading south, with 11 Gannet, 3 Cormorant and 1 Razorbill heading north. The best of the migrants on the reserve was a Garden Warbler caught at first light, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Purple Sandpiper and 5 Swallow were logged going south. Early afternoon had a northbound Arctic Skua.

Feathered Brindle is a nationally scarce species that occurs here at this time of year.

Ringing: 2 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Linnet, 1 Purple Sandpiper.