Tuesday 25th November 2025

 

Only our sixth site record of Raven was soon seen off to the north by our local crows. 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll & 2 Snow Bunting today. Otherwise very predictable & nothing moving offshore.

Ringing: 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Monday 24th November 2025

 

A few new migrants with southbound 7 Chaffinch, L:ittle Egret, Marsh Harrier & Redpoll plus in the bushes new Blacky, Songie & the first Chiffchaff for eight days. 10 Mipit is an increase on recent days & at least 6 Goldcrest are lingering from the autumn. 3 Snow Bunting are on the beach & Rock Pipit at the point.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush.

Sunday 23rd November 2023

 

Wet n' windy morning. Worth a mention are southbound 2 Gadwal & Goldeneye with northbound 8 Red-throated Diver & 5 Gannet. New Chaffinch & Woodcock around the compound & Snow Bunting on the beach. Sun came out late morning so if anyone ventures out & sees anything please let us know (3 Snow Bunting this afternoon apparently).

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch.

JACK SNIPE MOTUS DETECTION

 

Jack Snipe fitted with a Motus tag in Sweden 5th November travelled through Sweden, Denmark, Germany & The Netherlands has pinged the LBO tower. Its last detection in Holland was at WUR Brouwersdam Sluice 2023 hrs 8th November moving the 173 km to LBO at 38.1 km/hr flying over at 0025 hrs on 9th November with the detection lasting over 5 minutes.

More information about Motus is on www.motus.org

Saturday 22nd November 2025

 

"Last knockings" at this conjuncture for passerine migration. 187 Cormorant went out fishing early doors. Single Lapwing & Snipe quickly moved inland. Rock Pipit & Snow Bunting are still with us. Negligible off shore action with southbound 11 Common Gull, 7 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, Curlew & Great-crested Grebe plus 2 Common Scoter that came out of the river.

Ringing: nil.

Friday 21st November 2025

 

Long-tailed Tits keep turning up. Apart from 21 Starling in off the sea, 4 Lapwing & a Fieldfare first thing, Siskin north plus a new Blacky probably no other new migrants in. Snow Bunting present & accounted for. Despite the cold a Red Admiral ventured out mid-day.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Goldfinch.

Thursday 20th November 2025

 

First frost of the winter with a decidedly chilly north-westerly thrown in for good measures. Northbound 13 Common Scoter, 9 Brent with southbound 7 Teal, 2 Brent, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Siskin, Red-throated Diver & White-fronted Goose. New migrants on site were 2 Skylark, a couple of Blackies, Goldcrest & Snipe. Several Goldcrest, Firecrest, Rock Pipit & Snow Bunting remain from recent days. 

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest.

Wednesday 19th November 2025

 

Cold, wet & windy - more like purgatory than pleasure. 321 Cormorant headed out fishing early on. Difficult to work out if any new migrants in the bushes although a Woodcock wizzed around first thing. Southbound 94 Common Scoter, 2 Little Egret & Little Gull with northbound 22 Common Scoter & 2 Brent. 7 Ringos, 4 Turnstone & Snow Bunting on the beach.

Ringing: nil.

Tuesday 18th November 2025

 

288 Cormorant went out fishing early on. Southbound 16 Black-headed Gull, 15 Siskin, 4 Common Gull, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Red-throated Diver & Brent with northbound 5 Common Scoter, 3 Brent & 2 Egyptian Geese. 2 Lapwing on the reserve soon departed south & a Snow Bunting was on the beach. Grounded migrants non-existent in the bushes although at least 5 Goldcrest & a Firecrest are loitering from recent days.

Ringing: nil.

Ringing Recoveries

Blackbird ringed LBO 9th October 2023 was a road casualty 429 kim away at St.Germans, Cornwall on 1st November 2025. First Blacky recovery we have had to Cornwall will be a contintal bird on passage when caught here.

Lesser Redpoll ringed LBO 25th October 2025 was retrapped 123 km away at Icklesham, Sussex on 6th November 2025 will be on autumn passage at both sites.

Blue Tit ringed Alderton 13th October 2025 was retrapped 12 km away at LBO 22nd October 2025.

Glodcrest ringed Alderton 19th October 2025 was retrapped 12km away at LBO 22nd October 2025 will be on autumn migration at both sites.

Chiffchaff ringed Trimley on 9th August 2025 was retrapped LBO 11th November 2025 was a juvenile when ringed & will be on autumn passage here a couple of months after being ringed.

Monday 17th November 2025

 

High tides are making Purps more difficult to find as they come and go at the point.

Small arrival of classic mid-November fare plus some leftovers from recent days including 25 Blackbird, 8 Mipit, 6 Redpoll, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, Chaffinch, Firecrest, Greenfinch & Grey Wag. 220 Cormorant headed out plus an additional 342 came in from the north to the fishing grounds. High tide early on so 18 Ringos + a Turnstone attempted to roost near the point.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Sparrowhawk.

Sunday 16th November 2025

 

First Wheatear for three weeks. We do have a later bird in 2010 that remained to the 26th when a harsh cold snap had set in so it presumably succumbed. Hopefully this one will head south pretty pronto.

Annoying mizzle early doors for a couple of hours dropped in 50 Blackies, 25 Mipit, 10 Redwing, 5 Songies, 4 Goldcrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Short-eared Owl, Skylark, Woodcock & Woodlark. 2 Firecrest & Pallas's Warbler continue to loiter. 40 Starling came in off & inland & 2 Purps were on the point. Offshore southbound 28 Brent, 12 Black-headed Gull, 6 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, Goldeneye & Red-throated Diver with northbound 28 Brent, 2 Gannet & Curlew.

Still getting plenty of Rusty-dot Pearl's but with the weather due to get colder probably not for much longer.

Ringing: 16 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Song Thrush.

Saturday 15th November 2025

Not what one expects to find on the beach in the morning. 

North easterlies have delivered a decent influx of thrushes from the continent. Large flocks of Fieldfare passing over ended in a tally of 880 whilst 165 Redwing also amongst them. A steady trickle of new Blackbirds coming through also including a Dutch ringed bird. Pallas's Warbler still present early morning at least and a Firecrest in the afternoon. A Common Tern very unusual for this time of year; our last November record was back in 1983 and that was on the 2nd! Other migrants 1 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Mistle Thrush, 15 Meadow Pipit, 15 Robin, 1 Skylark, 5 Song Thrush. 1 Purple Sandpiper on the point.

 Offshore 460 Brent Goose Southbound. Also 1 Common Scoter, 5 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Golden Plover, 5 Pochard, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shelduck, 19 Teal and 20 Wigeon.

Only the third Red-green Carpet this autumn.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 12 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Redwing, 4 Robin, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Wren.

 

Friday 14th November 2025

 

This grassland mushroom has sprung up all over the nature reserve. Silky Pinkgill Entoloma sericeum comes from a family of very poisonous mushrooms.

Greeted this morning by 11 Fieldfare and a few Redwing calling after rain right through the night. Peregrine was flying along the beach before heading out to sea - probably looking for tired, grounded migrants! Both Pallas's Warbler and Barred Warbler are still present but can't blame them for not wanting to leave in this weather. A single Rock Pipit feeding out on the point and a Firecrest on site. Today we were down to just 18 Linnet. Other migrants 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Goldcrest, 34 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redpoll, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Starling.

Offshore late morning 4 Little Gull went South. Also 1 Goldeneye, 3 Oystercatcher and 1 Red-throated diver.  

Dark Chestnut is a Winter flyer with us.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit.

Thursday 13th November 2025

With the weather set to turn, will we get any more Clouded Yellow after today?

The morning started with another Swallow south and a couple Brambling heard calling. Another cloudy start but as the sun emerged so did the Barred Warbler along the back hedge. The Pallas's Warbler still around popping up always when you least expect it! Other migrants 15 Chaffinch, 90 Goldfinch, 43 Meadow Pipit, 8 Redpoll, 3 Redwing and 10 Starling. 

Offshore 77 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Lapwing.

A common species, the Large Yellow Underwings still hanging on start to look quite worn this time of year.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush.
 

 

Wednesday 12th November 2025

6 Pied Wagtail today.

With the wind still in the South the birding is slowly drying up here. That said a Merlin was observed heading South late morning. No sign of the Barred Warbler but the Pallas's Warbler still remains. One very late Swallow heading South - last of the year? Migrants include 6 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 33 Meadow Pipit, 1 Siskin, 1 Skylark, 1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Song Thrush. 

Offshore 280 Cormorants seen coming in from the North a long way out while the usual group of 177 went out fishing early morning. Also 4 Brent Goose, 68 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Pintail, 2 Shelduck and 8 Wigeon. 

Ringing: 1 Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren.

 

Tuesday 11th November 2025

 

Oystercatcher usually gets a bit scarcer here after September but 2 on the beach today.

Slim pickings this morning in comparison to the strong start we received this November. Our saving grace, the Barred Warbler reappeared in a brief window of sunshine along the hedge on the South side of the compound. Pallas' Warbler has been doing the rounds too as it reaches its 7th day with us. Other migrants 4 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 6 Goldcrest, 34 Goldfinch, 22 Meadow Pipit, 5 Song Thrush and 4 Skylark. Next to no movement offshore save for 2 Tufted Duck.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush.

Monday 10th November 2025

Weather has deteriorated with wind & rain limiting this mornings activities. Southbound 43 Brent, 21 Teal, 11 Shelduck, 7 Gannet, 5 Wigeon, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Dunlin, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe & Grey Plover plus 2 Little Gull offshore briefly. Difficult to know what's in the bushes but it would appear to hold very few migrants although single Firecrest, Redwing & Pallas's Warbler still with us. A Woodcock dived into bushes by the beach having, presumably, been flushed from elsewhere.

December moth has started to appear from yesterday onwards as winter starts to take hold.

Ringing: nil.

Sunday 9th November 2025

 

Barred Warbler unexpected although we do have three previous November birds. Pale eye intriguing for what looks like a bird of the year. Selection of autumnal fare including 15 Blackbird, 13 Redpoll, 10 Mipit, 5 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 2 Black Red, 2 Firecrest, 2 Snipe, Brambling, Dartford Warbler, Fieldfare, Reed Bunting, Siskin & the lingering Pallas's Warbler for it's fifth day. Southbound, 145 Starling, 130 Wood Pigeon, 32 Goldfinch, 23 Mipit, 7 Skylark, 7 Stock Dove, 6 Brent, 6 Chaffinch & Red-throated Diver. Yet another volery of Long-tailed Tits turned up - they seem to have had a bumper breeding season this year. Sunny morning so a good selection again of late autumn butterflies including 4 Clouded Yellow & Common Blue.

Crocidosema plebejana turns up most years at this late conjecture although earlier records are not unknown.

Ringing: 9 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Blackbird, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Wren.

Saturday 8th November 2025

A Merlin back on the scene again today as more and more people connect with our 2nd Pallas's Warbler this autumn. A Ringtail Hen Harrier heading South in the early hours enough to wake up even the sleepiest birder! Late morning a Dartford Warbler was found out on the reserve. Other migrants 30 Blackbird, 1 Brambling, 30 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 72 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 29 Meadow Pipit, 5 Redpoll, 15 Redwing, 22 Siskin, 1 Skylark, 55 Starling and 233 Woodpigeon. 

Offshore 48 Brent Goose, 51 Black-headed Gull, 14 Common Gull, 1 Curlew, 1 Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Wigeon.

It must be warm given the appearance of some late butterflies - 3 Common Blue, 2 Clouded Yellow, 3 Red Admiral, 4 Small Copper, 1 Small White. 

Both male and female Common Blue recorded today. These are Landguard's latest ever.

Ringing: 9 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 2 Robin, 6 Song Thrush.
 

Friday 7th November 2025

Pallas's decided to pull the old disapearing act this afternoon.

A plethora of autumnal migrants passing through on this fine November morning. A Merlin spent a short while sitting on the beach before heading to Essex. The first Woodcock this year flushed from inside the observatory - considerably late this autumn. A steady stream of new Blackbirds appearing throughout the day alongside 12 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush and 3 Fieldfare. Other migrants 5 Blackcap, 1 Brambling, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 51 Goldfinch, 29 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redpoll, 15 Robin, 2 Rock Pipit, 30 Siskin, 28 Skylark, 92 Starling and 1 Woodlark. 

Pomarine Skua heading North the clear winner of today's sea watch. Plenty more on the big blue including 825 Brent Goose, 16 Common Gull, 126 Cormorant, 2 Curlew, 15 Dunlin, 1 Gannet, 10 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 4 Knot, 73 Pintail, 95 Lapwing, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 68 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 201 Teal, 134 Wigeon. 

Gem is an immigrant that usually arrives very late in the season. As a sexually dimorphic moth one can tell this is a female by the maroon-brown colour and white spot on each wing. Males are lighter tawny-brown.

Ringing: 37 Blackbird, 3 Blackcap, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrest, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Redwing, 6 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren.

 

Thursday 6th November 2025

 

Red sky in morning... alas no rain today!

A calm, warm autumn day with plenty of birds deciding today is the day to move. 780+ Brent Goose South but with the mist nets so busy there's a good chance we missed a few! Flocks of Woodpigeon also passing over Southbound. A rather unexpected fall of Blackbird late morning coupled with wandering Long-tailed Tit flocks bumped up the ringing total. The Pallas's Warbler is still with us behind the kitchen. Migrants include 50 Blackbird, 1 Brambling, 6 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Fieldfare, 65 Goldfinch, 20 Goldcrest, 17 Redpoll, 14 Redwing, 25 Robin, 1 Rock Pipit, 18 Siskin, 6 Song Thrush, 125 Starling, 1 Stonechat and 220 Woodpigeon.

Offshore 38 Black-headed Gull, 41 Cormorant, 1 Curlew, 45 Dunlin, 36 Knot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 43 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone and 47 Wigeon.

Still a few species for example Setaceous Hebrew Character lingering in the mild conditions.

Ringing: 23 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 17 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Meadow Pipit, 9 Robin, 1 Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Wren.

Wednesday 5th November 2025

 

After October's Pallas's Warbler stayed a whole week without entering a mist net it was quite a shock to find another one on today's first net round. It has been showing intermittently behind the kitchen hanging out with the Goldcrests. Still the odd Firecrest cropping up around the site and another 3 Swallow South. Definitely some turdus movement noted over night. Migrants include 25 Blackbird, 9 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare, 12 Goldcrest, 203 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 34 Meadow Pipit, 18 Redwing, 15 Siskin, 15 Song Thrush, 18 Stock Dove and 100 Woodpigeon. 3 Turnstone on the point.

Offshore 17 Brent Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 35 Cormorant, 13 Dunlin, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Guillemot, 12 Knot, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Teal and 26 Wigeon.

Ringing: 8 Blackbird, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Pallas's Warbler, 1 Robin, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Woodpigeon.

Tuesday 4th November 2025

 Southerly winds taking the chill out the air as we are presented with more autumnal migrants. A 1st Winter Little Gull was seen slowly making its way out the river mouth along the beach. 4 late Swallows noted heading South throughout the morning and another Merlin for the year. A couple Firecrest are still loitering around the compound. Other migrants 25 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 150 Goldfinch, 28 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll, 3 Redwing, 46 Siskin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 11 Stock Dove and 40 Woodpigeon.

Offshore 6 Brent Goose, 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover and 12 Wigeon.

Firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus is a species slowly spreading North in the UK.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Woodpigeon.

Monday 3rd November 2025

 

Windy with inconveinient showers early morning. More moving offshore with southbound up to mid-day 261 Knot, 161 Dunlin, 73 Brent, 31 Common Scoter, 17 Wigeon, 11 Common Gull, 7 Black-headed Gull, 6 Grey Plover, 6 Shelduck, 5 Snipe, 4 Gannet, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Skylark, 3 Teal, 2 Curlew, 2 Ringo, 2 Tufted Duck, Arctic Tern, Goldeneye (1st of the autumn), Golden Plover & Sanderling with northbound 3 Red-throated Diver (+2 on the sea). 144 Starling came in off with a handful of other birds moved south prior to the rain including 18 Stock Dove 11 Goldfinch, 7 Chaffinch & 5 Mipit. On site 14 Redwing & 3 Fieldfare first thing, Firecrest & Woodlark.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush. 

Sunday 2nd November 2025

 

Still waiting for a big Brent push this autumn.

Annoying belt of rain for a couple of hours this morning stiffled activities. Southbound 167 Goldfinch, 132 Starling, 54 Brent, 43 Shelduck, 25 Mipit, 22 Siskin, 17 Redpoll, 14 Dunlin, 13 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 7 Skylark, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Knot, 2 Gannet, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Sanderling, Crossbill, Red-throated Diver, Snow Bunting & Woodlark with northbound 3 Common Scoter & a Red-throat (+ 2 more fishing offshore). From mid/late morning to mid-day at least 1,220 Starling & 9 Chaffinch came in off the sea. On site very few grounded migrants but included 25 Mipit, 5 Stock Dove, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Med Gull, 2 Redwing, Chiffchaff, Firecrest & Woodlark. 

Turnip Moth has two emergences throughout the year & can still be around throughout November.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Wren.

Saturday 1st November 2025

Still the odd Red Admiral on the wing.

Winter thrushes two a penny at first light likely grounded by the over night rain. Migrants on this breezy day included 1 Blackcap, 30 Blackbird, 10 Chaffinch, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Merlin, 50 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 6 Siskin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 28 Skylark, 209 Starling and a single Swallow.

It's been a while since we've had any substantial wader passage but offshore 193 Dunlin headed South alongside 74 Knot. Also 3 Avocet, 3 Curlew, 24 Brent Goose, 163 Cormorant, 11 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot, 2 Pintail, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 69 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler and 120 Wigeon.

Ringing: 9 Blackbird, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk.

OCTOBER RINGING TOTALS 2025

 

The 4th Jack Snipe ringed at LBO since 1983.

Well September was a tough act to follow but we've had a good stab at it and hopefully generated a few recoveries! Last time we hit over 1000 birds in October was in 2020. Of all 29 species ringed this month numbers seem to be up across the board in comparison to the last three years. Good movement of Redpoll yielded a Brussels ringed control. 24 Firecrest ringed appears to be a monthly record with the last highest count being 18 in October 2004. Chiffchaff numbers have been exceptional! This month also saw Landguard's 47th Yellow-browed Warbler ringed. 

 

Oct-25
Species	No. Ringed
Goldcrest	153
Redpoll	119
Chiffchaff	110
Blackbird	109
Blackcap	93
Long-tailed Tit	73
Blue Tit	64
Song Thrush	62
Robin	57
Great Tit	42
Meadow Pipit	41
Firecrest	24
Redwing	21
Chaffinch	21
Wren	16
Grey Wagtail	6
Dunnock	6
Cetti's Warbler	6
Linnet	4
Goldfinch	4
Woodpigeon	3
Sparrowhawk	2
House Sparrow	2
Whitethroat	1
Magpie	1
Jack Snipe	1
Greenfinch	1
Yellow-browed Warbler	1
Pied Wagtail	1
Total	1044

Friday 31th October 2025

 

Arctic Terns have been quite frequent this October.

Newly arrived crests tinkling in the bushes this morning accompanied by at least 4 Firecrest. Starlings have began to move despite the Southerly winds resulting in an end of morning count of 1244. Less finches moving today but other migrants include 2 Blackcap, 41 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 5 Robin, 6 Skylark, 36 Song Thrush and a Coal Tit spotted on the feeder.

Offshore 66 Shelduck South a reasonable count for this year. A pair of pioneering Mute Swan seen heading out towards Holland. Also 24 Brent Goose, 16 Common Scoter, 196 Cormorant, 3 Curlew, 27 Dunlin, 1 Gannet, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Kittiwake, 4 Knot, 2 Pintail, 5 Red-throated Diver, 13 Wigeon. 

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Firecrest, 15 Goldcrest, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Robin, 2 Song Thrush.

Thursday 30th October 2025

Just one Little Auk today - but at least this stopped briefly to say hello.

A bit breezier than forecast but new birds coming through nonetheless. A Snow Bunting south over the reserve set the day off. There was clearly a small arrival of new Blackbird over night while later in the day more new Firecrest began to spring up. 11 Woodlark is quite notable only being topped once with 17 birds back in 2021. Other migrants 2 Blackcap, 35 Chaffinch, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Fieldfare, 167 Goldfinch, 36 Meadow Pipit, 21 Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Redwing, 7 Siskin and 3 Song Thrush. 1 Purple Sandpiper on the point.

Offshore 3 Arctic Tern, 1 Brent Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shelduck and 2 Wigeon.

Quite surprised we managed to catch a Pied Wagtail today! For a species that is recorded daily we don't ring many.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 1 Great Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 7 Redpoll.

Wednesday 29th October 2025

The first of three Little Auk to whizz past South along the beach - it is one, promise!

Day began with the usual 136 Cormorants heading out to sea. Thankfully the rain held off till around 10:00 which gave us time to spot a bit of stuff on the move. A couple Brambling and 3 Crossbill noted moving South alongside other finches. Those being 231 Goldfinch, 56 Chaffinch, 49 Redpoll, 56 Siskin and a Greenfinch. Other migrants include 4 Blackbird, 2 Firecrest, 46 Meadow Pipit, 8 Redwing, 6 Skylark, 2 Snipe and 2 Swallow.

The 3 Little Auk offshore naturally caused a bit of excitement. Also 3 Brent Goose, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Purple Sandpiper on the point.

Chestnut is scarce here but can be seen on the wing from now onwards throughout the Winter.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 2 Goldcrest, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush.

Tuesday 28th October 2025

 

Another 'Finchy' type of morning as we observed 591 Goldfinch heading South. Among them 9 Brambling, 25 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 49 Lesser Redpoll and 25 Siskin. A single Snow Bunting was seen in/off and late morning a female Hen Harrier was moving South at sea. Other migrants 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 9 Fieldfare, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 54 Meadow Pipit, 9 Redwing, 1 Rock Pipit, 34 Starling, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 27 Skylark, 1 Stonechat and a Purple Sandpiper on the point. 

Offshore 21 Brent Goose, 128 Cormorant, 3 Common Gull, 4 Gannet, 15 Great Black-back, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Med Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Red-throated Diver, 18 Shelduck and 6 Wigeon.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Robin.

Monday 27th October 2025

 

Westerly gale getting "worser & worser" as the morning progressed. Vis mig & offshore movements almost non-existent with birding in the bushes very difficult although 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest & 2 Goldcrest noted.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird.

RINGING RECOVERIES

Blackcap ringed Slapton, Devon 1st October 2025 was retrapped 392 km away at LBO 13th October 2025 is a classic example of late autumn wanderings in random directions that this species is prone to in recent times.

Lesser Redpoll ringed Thorpe Marsh, South Yorkshire 27th September 2025 was retrapped 244 km away at LBO 18th October 2025 on it's autumn migration.

Also a couple of Blue & Great Tit ringed at Trimley Marshes  this autumn have hedge hoped around the dock to visit us on their autumnal wanderings.

Sunday 26th October 2025

 

Decent vis mig on a sunny cold morning included southbound 4,225 Wood Pigeon, 594 Goldfinch, 118 Redpoll, 69 Stock Dove (at least as they were mixing in with the Woodies), 40 Siskin, 37 Mipit, 35 Black-headed Gull, 31 Linnet, 26 Chaffinch, 9 Skylark, 7 Crossbill, 2 Grey Wag, 2 Reed Bunting, Red Kite & Woodlark plus a Buzzard came in off the sea. On site at least 9 Firecrest, 9 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Rock Pipit, Fieldfare, Purple Sand, Song Thrush, Turnstone, Wheatear & an additional Woodlark. Elusive male Pheasant is still with us has never been heard to call which is odd for this species.

Ringing: 6 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Wren.

Saturday 25th October 2025

 

One of 2 Woodlark today.

A wet start but gradually things began to brighten up. At least 5 Firecrest moving around the compound today. A reasonable selection of autumn migrants passing through such as 50 Goldfinch, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 19 Fieldfare, 12 Meadow Pipit, 21 Siskin, 2 Skylark, 45 Redpoll, 2 Redwing, 1 Rock Pipit and a Sparrowhawk. 

Offshore 11 Little Gull went South. Also 87 Black-headed Gull, 6 Brent Goose, 132 Cormorant, 15 Common Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Med Gull and a Red-throated Diver.

Ringing: 12 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Wren.

Friday 24th October 2025

 

Much cooler morning. 86 Cormorant heading out to sea is indicative of the start of winter. Following the rain & gale yesterday several species took the opportunity to head south including 542 Goldfinch, 109 Black-headed Gull, 57 Stock Dove, 52 Mipit, 26 Siskin, 16 Redpoll, 8 Common Gull, 7 Skylark, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Crossbill, 3 Linnet,  3 Shelduck, Arctic Tern, Brent & Rock Pipit with northbound an Arctic Skua. On site at least 16 Mipit, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Rock Pipit, Blackcap, Black Red & Brambling.

Ringing: nil.

Thursday 23rd October 2025

The Purple Sandpiper unfazed by tough conditions on the point.

Rain and strong winds managed to drop in a few bits and bobs about the place. A Marsh Harrier headed North along the beach started the morning and A Short-eared Owl in off the sea ended it. A single House Martin out the front of the obs has a good chance of being the last one this year. Our last one in 2024 was also on the 23rd October. A Ring-necked Parakeet has been here squawking since yesterday evening. Other migrants  1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Redpoll, 5 Redwing, 1 Skylark, 3 Song Thrush and 1 Swallow. 

Offshore 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Common Scoter and 1 Knot.

Satellite is a classic late autumn species.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025

 

This Guillemot at the point washed up dead a couple of hours later exemplifying what a tough life it is for auks at sea off Landguard.

Pleasant entertaining session with migrants including southbound 356 Goldfinch, 90 Lesser Redpoll, 32 Mipit, 12 Chaffinch, 10 Skylark, 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Wag, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Swallow, 2 Glossy Ibis & Reed Bunting. On site 30 Mipit, 25 Goldcrest, 20 Blackbird, 20 Robin, 8 Blackcap, 4 Firecrest, Black Red, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Purple Sand, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Short-eared Owl, Siskin, Song Thrush, Stonechat, Stock Dove & Woodlark plus yet another volery of Long-tailed Tits passing through. 5 Arctic Tern still feeding in the river between here & Dovercourt. A Ring-necked Parakeet was wizzing around the site late pm.

Second Golden Twin-spot of the autumn, which is a very scarce immigrant here.

Ringing: 30 Lesser Redpoll, 13 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Firecrest, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wood Pigeon.