Tuesday 2nd September 2025

22 Sarnies feeding around the river and beach.

September evidently just needed an extra day to get going as today wasn't quite as punishing. Two Sparrowhawk chasing each other at first light almost ended in fisticuffs. Also a Whinchat out in the reserve and a solid count of 6 Grey Wags passing over. Also of note 1 Blackcap, 2 Black Redstart, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Swallow, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear and 10 Willow Warbler. Offshore 5 Cormorant and 5 Teal whilst 9 Common Tern in the river.

Cochylimorpha straminea has only appeared 4 times in the past 20 years but more frequently in the past.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

 

Monday 1st September 2025

 

Bumper year for Small Heath.

Bright n' breezy. Birding hard work included 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser 'throat, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Whimbrel, Wheatear & Whitethroat. Southbound 18 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin, 3 Grey Wag & Turnstone.

The fourth site record of Dewick's Plusia with individuals here probably primary migrants coming in.

Ringing: 1 Robin.

August Ringing Totals

 

322 birds of 29 species is over 50% up on last August's paltry total although roughly in par with several previous recent years. Willow's have had a better autumn than in many recent year's presumably aided by a better breeding season & several mornings with light north-westerlies drifting them our way.

Willow Warbler	120
Reed Warbler	29
Whitethroat	20
Lesser Whitethroat	14
Linnet	14
Pied Flycatcher	13
Blue Tit	12
Robin	11
Dunnock	10
Goldfinch	10
Sedge Warbler	10
Grey Wagtail	8
Blackcap	7
Cetti's Warbler	5
Wood Pigeon	5
Garden Warbler	4
Great Tit	4
Blackbird	3
Chiffchaff	3
Green Woodpecker	3
Sparrowhawk	3
Wren	3
Black Redstart	2
Great Spotted Woodpecker	2
Greenfinch	2
Song Thrush	2
House Sparrow	1
Starling	1
Whinchat	1

Sunday 31st August 2025

 

Fewer migrants & variety this morning although included 14 Willow Warbler, 7 Lesser 'throat, 4 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wag, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, Chiffchaff & Whinchat. Overhead southbound 23 Swallow & 2 Grey Wag. Apart from 8 Teal south offshore other movements out to sea = nil.

First noted 20 years ago, Clancy's Rustic has colonised over the last ten years.

Ringing: 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin.

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.

Saturday 23rd August 2025

 

The first autumnal Grey Wagtail kick started the day as we should expect to see a few more of those over the next few weeks. Reed bunting another first for Autumn. A good selection of the usual suspect warblers trickling through. Migrants as follows 2 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat and 4 Willow Warbler. A welcome visit from a couple Garden Warbler rounded off the morning nicely.

Eucosma lacteana is usually only found on salt marsh in Suffolk. We have only previously recorded this species in 2014.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler.

Friday 22nd August 2025

 

Goldfinch numbers nothing to brag about lately. Struggled to get more than 4 today. 

 A reasonably solid day for Autumn migration at Landguard. Willow Warblers galore today which seems to be a recurring theme. Pied Flycatcher is still lurking around the compound and 4 Black Redstart hanging out around the fort moat. Doubles of Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat today while a distant flock of 15 mystery egrets seen heading North - Possibly Cattle? A Guillemot floating in to the river is notable as Auks are rare here! Other migrants 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Greenfinch, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Wheatear and 15+ Willow Warbler.

Orange Swift now coming out to play.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat, 9 Willow Warbler

Thursday 21st August 2025

A couple Pied Flys still today - a new bird and a lingering one. Also a small dose of Willow Warbler who came as quickly as they left. On the jetty Purple Sandpiper numbers saw a 100% increase as we are now up to 2 birds. Other migrants 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Swallow and a Yellow Wagtail heard. Offshore 9 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Plover and 15 Teal.

Oncocera semirubella is a nationally scarce moth. Often referred to as the 'Rhubarb and Custard moth' its putting on a good showing this year feeding on the Bird's-foot-trefoil.

Ringing: 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Linnet, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin, 6 Willow Warbler.

 

Wednesday 20th August 2025

Black Redstarts - can only be a juvenile with its yellow gape flange and all that fluff!

The bushes felt all too empty for migrants today but that didn't stop a Hobby whizzing through the reserve. Also a Little Tern in the river feeding among the Sandwich Terns. Purple Sandpiper on the point looks like he's going to be settled in for a little while. Other migrants 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Sanderling, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Teal, 4 Turnstone, 2 Wheatear and 1 Yellow Wagtail. 3 Black Redstart still today.

The first Wormwood Pug for six years. Once a regular visitor there's no obvious reason why it suddenly disappeared.

Ringing: 1 Linnet.

 

Tuesday 19th August 2025

 

Up to 3 Wheatear now.

A couple of mobile Whinchat out on the reserve giving people the run-around in this blustery weather. In the more sheltered areas of the compound a Pied Fly was noted. Purple Sandpiper still on the point. Other migrants 2 Reed Warbler and 7 Swallow whilst offshore 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Sandwich Tern and 5 Teal. A decent amount of c400 Starling out feeding today.

In the evening at least 3 Pied Flycatcher in the tamarisk alongside the moat.

The first Flounced Rustic of the Autumn is late on parade this year.

Ringing: 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Starling, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren.

Monday 18th August 2025

 

3 Blackcap will signify autumn passage getting underway in this species which normally commences around about the third week of August. Other migrants today include 5 Lesser 'throat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat & Reed Warbler. Heading south 46 Teal & a Common Scoter. Purp again on the jetty at high tide early on plus a handful of Common & Sandwich Tern offshore.

Catoptria falsella was very common last century but now we get very few in comparison.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap.

Sunday 17th August 2025

 

Purp on the point signifies autumn is now well underway although slightly earlier than expected - we only have earlier autumn records than this in two previous years. Otherwise fairly predictable mid-August fare with 10 Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 2 Lesser 'throat, 2 Yellow Wag, Black Red & Reed Warbler. Handful of Common & Sandwich Tern offshore with nothing else on the move.

Lesser Swallow Prominent is a wanderer from areas with Birch so is an infrequent visitor.

Ringing: 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin.

Saturday 16th August 2025

Still some late broods of Cetti's Warbler emerging.

Overcast with North Easterlies one might expect more migrants but quality over quantity is fine with us - another two Pied Flycatcher on site. Also a Nightingale spotted was later captured and found to be sporting a British ring from somewhere else! Other migrants the first Meadow Pipit of Autumn, 2 Reed Warbler and 1 Willow Warbler. Offshore saw 7 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern, 17 Sandwich Tern and 12 Teal.

 

White-point is having an excellent year having become established over the last 50 years.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

RINGING RECOVERIES

Chiffchaff ringed Kenneth Bank, Glencaple, Dumfries & Galloway on 15th September 2024 was retrapped 468km away at LBO 9th April 2025 would have been on migration when passing through both localities.

Blackcap ringed Drove Orchard, Norfolk on 10th July 2023 was retrapped 124km away at LBO 13th April 2025 on spring passage with the Norfolk locality probably near where it was born.

Wren ringed LBO 11th July 2025 was found dead below a window 4km away in Harwich seven days later. Never before have we had a Wren recovery over the estuary in Essex with this species reluctant to fly over water. Why this brave youngster decided to do so at a young age is unknown (unless it got on the foot ferry!).

Starling ringed LBO 7th August 2022 was retrapped 19km away at Melton 17th June 2025 having been retrapped at this location in the past so presumably is now living in the Woodbridge area.

Reed Bunting ringed LBO 15th September 2024 was retrapped 4km away at Trimley Marshes 6th April 2025 is worth a mention as we very rarely ring any Reed Bunting here.

Finally Blackbird colour ringed as a youngster LBO 13th August 2024 has been seen several times this year at Walton-on-the-Naze having emigrated & breeding at this locale.

Friday 15th August 2025

One of two Yellow Wagtail today.

Little sign of Autumn migration easing up. A Whinchat at first light was a fine addition to the day list. Dwindling numbers of Willow Warbler have suddenly received reinforcements and another couple Pied Flycatcher at least flitting around the obs. Also of note 1 Blackcap, 3 Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 3 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

 

Small Emerald is by no means a rare species but it's only been noted here in five previous years.

Ringing: 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whinchat, 3 Whitethroat, 14 Willow Warbler. 

Thursday 14th August 2025

Still the odd Willow Warbler lurking around. 

Well zero complaints about today's cast of Autumn migrants. Two Pied Flycatchers ringed at first light and 2 Crossbill South were a promising start. Another new, young Male Sparrowhawk also kept the feeders empty for some of the morning but eventually ended up in a mist net himself. Late morning a female Redstart seen by the wooden boardwalk and another male popped up in the compound.

Other migrants 1 Black Redstart, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldfinch, 14 Swallow, 4 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtail. A bit of variety moving offshore too with 1 Barwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Little Tern, 1 Sanderling, 18 Sandwich Tern, 6, Teal, 1 Turnstone and 1 Whimbrel.

Second site record of Notocelia incarnatana. It's a migrant but there's always potential for it to colonise on wild rose.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Linnet, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wren.

Wednesday 13th August 2025

Hot and muggy! Not the best visibility but an interesting selection of migrants present. A Corn Bunting seemed to make its way South before finally being seen near the point. Another visit from a Pied Flycatcher late morning. Clouded Yellow Butterflies gradually seem to be building in abundance. Other migrants 1 Blackcap, 2 Black Redstart, 17 Goldfinch, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Song Thrush, 9 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Willow Warbler and up to 4 Yellow Wagtail. Offshore 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Scoter, 28 Teal and 13 Sandwich Tern.

It dull and drab but it's a scarce migrant! Porter's Rustic only recorded in 5 previous years here although it's earlier than usual this Autumn.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great Tit, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler.

Tuesday 12th August 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.