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.

Tuesday 21st October 2025

Rock Pipit becoming almost daily now.

 Despite the wind being in the South-west migrants continue to arrive. More Goldcrest and a new Firecrest flitting around the bushes while the Yellow-browed and Pallas's seem to have moved on. Purple Sandpiper on the point. A little vismig; 35 Chaffinch, 333 Goldfinch and 25 Skylark overhead. Other migrants include 6 Blackcap, 1 Brambling, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, 35 Meadow Pipit, 11 Redpoll, 3 Redwing, 4 Rock Pipit, 5 Siskin and 11 Swallow.

Offshore still 4 Arctic Tern in the river. Also 1 Brent Goose, 2 Curlew, 1 Knot, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sanderling and 4 Shelduck.

Blair's Shoulder-knot lives on ornamental conifers and visits us occasionally.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 6 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Robin.

 

Monday 20th October 2025

Shower dodging this morning. Mostly "left overs" on site with, as far as we can tell, not a lot new in. Migrants include 9 Chaffinch, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Pallas's Warbler, Redwing & Yellow-browed Warbler. Southbound 19 Brent, 13 Skylark, 10 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 8 Pochard, 5 Common Gull, 5 Mipit, 2 Dunlin, 2 Swallow & Knot with northbound Common Scoter & Sandwich Tern. 4 Arctic Terns still in the river mouth.

Ringing: nil.

Sunday 19th October 2025

 

Arrival of crests, Robins & "turdus's". Estimates include 50 Goldcrest, 40 Robin, 35 Blackies, 15 Chaffinch, 7 Songies, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Firecrest, 4 Redwing, 2 Black Reds, 2 Blackcap, 2 Brambling, Rock Pipit, Short-eared Owl (in off) & the long-staying Pallas's Warbler. Southbound 265 Starling, 96 Brent, 45 Skylark, 43 Teal, 27 Wigeon, 20 Swallow,  19 Shelduck, 9 Common Scoter, 8 Shoveler, 7 Common Gull, 5 Red-throated Diver, 4 Mipit, 4 Pintail, 3 Dunlin, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Knot, Arctic Tern & Snipe.

Yellow-line Quaker is a classic mid-October to mid-November flyer in variable numbers.

Ringing: 38 Goldcrest, 18 Robin, 14 Blackbird, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Song Thrush, 4 Firecrest, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Redwing.

Saturday 18th October 2025

 

A sense of anticipation at the crack of dawn this morning... Dunlin heard migrating overhead in the dark alongside Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird but today the wind swings East! The Brent Geese have decided today is their day - 1872 South offshore. Onshore winds also brought a Juvenile Sabine's Gull (12th LBO individual & first for ten years) sat on the sea but to say it stayed long, would be an understatement. 3 Arctic Tern remain just offshore and 2 Arctic Skua were seen distantly heading North. Both the star warblers - Pallas's Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler still present. 

Migrants as follows 3 Brambling, 13 Chaffinch, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Fieldfare, 20 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch, 28 Meadow Pipit, 8 Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting, 18 Robin, 5 Skylark, 1 Snipe.

Offshore 25 Common Gull, 1 Common Scoter, 12 Gannet, 3 Greylag Goose, 2 Med Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Kittiwake, 1 Little Egret, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shelduck and 153 Teal. 

The first Sallow this Autumn. We've normally had several of these by now!

Ringing: 8 Blackbird, 5 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 20 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Meadow Pipit, 7 Robin, 1 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Woodpigeon.

Friday 17th October 2025

 

Mistle Thrush was only recorded on 6 days last year.

Overcast with a light North-easterly but vismig has died off a little. Still some good birds about though as the Pallas's Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler continue with their usual tricks. New Song Thrush and Blackbird still trickling through joined by a Mistle Thrush. At least 5 Arctic Tern feeding just offshore and occasionally heading in to the river mouth. Other migrants 3 Goldcrest, 7 Goldfinch, 3 Grey Wagtail, 32 Meadow Pipit, 9 Redpoll, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Redwing, 2 Skylark, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, 1 Snipe and one lonely Swallow. 

Offshore 2 Brent Goose, 1 Eider, 1 Razorbill, 4 Red-throated Diver, 5 Teal and 2 Wigeon. 

Green-brindled Crescent is present in low numbers in October living on Hawthorn and Dog-rose.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Great Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wren,

Thursday 16th October 2025

 

Lesser Weever Fish on the menu for this Black-headed Gull. Europe's most renowned venomous fish to be eaten with care...

Pallas's Warbler is back giving plenty of birders the slip today and while it favours certain spots like the Holm Oak out the front of the observatory, it certainly doesn't like to stay put. The Yellow-browed Warbler a bit more vocal has preferred the southern area of the compound. Jack Snipe flying over the observatory always welcome but quite the shock to find one in a mist net. The 4th Jack Snipe ringed here at LBO. Also of note a very brief visit from a Short-eared Owl mid morning and a Firecrest creeping about the compound. 

Other migrants 20 Blackbird, 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 19 Meadow Pipit, 25 Redpoll, 2 Redwing, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Siskin, 2 Skylark, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat and 6 Swallow. Offshore 4 Eider seen heading North.

Two Dark Arches is indicative of the very recent preponderance to have an autumn emergence as they should finish in August.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 4 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Firecrest, 4 Goldcrest, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Jack Snipe, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Song Thrush.

Wednesday 15th October 2025

 

Rock Pipit with breakfast - See you later, Sea Slater!

Not quite the volume of birds observed yesterday but still plenty around to keep us on our toes. At least 1 Yellow-browed Warbler present however no confirmed sighting of yesterday's Pallas Warbler. A single Woodlark gave a few bursts of song before flying off North. We've had to give the 'Cormorants' a second glance of late - yet another Glossy Ibis passed over the cottage. Other migrants include 20 Blackbird, 8 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Fieldfare, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Redpoll, 6 Redwing, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Siskin, 5 Skylark, 5 Song Thrush and a young male Sparrowhawk.

Offshore a little group of 3 Arctic Tern were catching fish quite close in. Also 5 Brent Goose, 1 Gannet and 2 Red-throated Diver.

First Large Ranunculus for 8 years. They used to be more frequent before they suddenly disappeared.

Ringing: 7 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush.

Tuesday 14th October 2025

 

Pallas's Warbler

For a second day running it's been raining thrushes nicely accompanied by a couple star birds. Yellow-browed Warbler back behind the kitchen although a different bird to the last one - funny how they like that spot. The show was however stolen by a Pallas's Leaf  Warbler which surfaced, as they often do, a bit later in the day. In fact it's our earliest autumn record by one day. Today's selection of Autumn Migrants include 75 Blackbird, 8 Brambling, 62 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Jack Snipe, 10 Meadow Pipit, 20 Redwing, 18 Skylark, 50 Song Thrush and 1 Woodlark. For the first time this year our ringing total exceeded 100 birds.  

Offshore 20 Brent Goose, 1 Common Gull, 9 Common Scoter, 3 Little Gull, 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Snipe, 8 Shelduck and 2 Turnstone.

 

Mallow is a regular October species in small numbers.

Ringing: 38 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 1 Greenfinch, 23 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 8 Redwing, 6 Robin, 9 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wren.

Monday 13th October 2025

 

First decent sign of the upcoming winter with more "turdus" around early on including 30 Blackbird, 28 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush & 4 Fieldfare. The supporting cast included 15 Mipit, 12 Goldcrest, 8 Brambling, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Swallow, 2 Skylark, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wag, Jack Snipe & Reed Bunting. Southbound 275 Brent,150 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 11 Black-headed Gull, 6 Pintail, 4 Heron, 3 Mallard, 2 Common Gull, 2 Shelduck, Common Tern, Hen Harrier & Oyk with northbound 2 Oyk & a drake Eider. A Long-eared Owl flew in off the sea mid-day at the same time a Woodlark started singing, with another Long-eared Owl in off and upriver at 14:14.

A handful of Barred Sallow have been noted in recent days which lives on Field Maple & Beech so not sure why they visit us.

Ringing: 16 Blackbird, 13 Song Thrush, 4 Blue Tit, 4 Linnet, 4 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 3 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing.

Sunday 12th October 2025

 

Pleasant mid-October session with yet more Tits wandering down here although no new Lotti's today. Worth a mention in the migrant department 20 Chiffchaff, 16 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcap, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Redwing, Brambling, Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Siskin, Woodlark & a Coal Tit not seen well enough to work out whether it is a wandering British bird or a foreigner. Offshore 58 Brent went south & 11 north with very little else moving. A flock of 100 Starling in off the sea late morning is probably the start of their  autumn migration.

Always a welcome sight, Merveille du Jour failed to put in an appearance last year.

Ringing: 10 Blue Tit, 10 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Great Tit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren.

Ringing Recoveries

Wood Pigeon ringed LBO 14th September 2022 was taken by a raptor 11 km away at Nacton 14th August 2025

Reed Warbler ringed LBO 21st August 2025 was retrapped at Trimley five days later.

Blue Tit ringed LBO 7th September 2023 was retrapped 14 km away at Alderton 28th August 2025 is probably nesting somewhere near this site.

Chiffchaff ringed LBO 22nd April 2024 was retrapped 174 km away at Stanford Reservoir, Northants 26th September 2025 would be on migration through both sites when caught.

Reed Warbler ringed Hollesley 26th July 2025 was retrapped 17 km away at LBO 8th August 2025

Nightingale ringed Hollesley 30th July 2025 was retrapped 17 km at LBO 16th August 2025

Great Tit ringed Trimley 5th September 2025 was retrapped at LBO 28th September 2025

Great Tit ringed Witnesham, Suffolk was retrapped 20 km at LBO 10th October 2025

Chiffchaff ringed Iken, Suffolk 20th September 2025 was retrapped 30 km away at LBO 7th October 2025 would be on autumn migration through both sites.

Saturday 11th October 2025

 

Nearly every morning for the past couple weeks somebody has piped up and said 'Where's this Yellow-browed Warbler then?' Et voila! It has spent most the day chilling in the Sycamore outside the kitchen. Not much else out the ordinary but a reasonable day for Blackcap and Chiffchaff whilst still more Song Thrush coming through. Other migrants include 1 Brambling, 5 Chaffinch, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Redpoll, 6 Redwing and 4 Skylark. Offshore 2 Eider and a Red-throated Diver.

Double banger today! A new site moth Epinotia caprana. There are very few Suffolk records.

Ringing: 9 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler.

Friday 10th October 2025

 

Short-eared Owl on the prowl.

A notable arrival of Song Thrush over night whilst new flocks of Tits continue to pour in! This morning's Short-eared Owl didn't stay long before it decided to check out what was happening in Essex. Out to sea 33 Brent Goose went south - we are still waiting for our big Brent day. 222 Goldfinch, 14 Skylark and 26 Meadow Pipit observed heading Southbound. Other migrants 5 Blackcap, 20 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 21 Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Snipe, 32 Siskin and 2 Swallow.

Offshore 1 Curlew, 1 Eider, 1 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Shelduck, 1 Turnstone and 12 Wigeon.

Cypress Carpet first turned up 15 years ago and has since colonised the Cypress Trees in Felixstowe. Occasionally we get a wanderer down here.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 9 Blackcap, 12 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Magpie, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Robin, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Wren,

Thursday 9th October 2025

17 Chaffinch joined us over night and were making themselves heard as they left their roost site this chilly morning. At least a couple Redwing around at first light too. Vismig today mostly dominated by 60 Skylark and 170 Goldfinch southbound but still 33 Meadow Pipit passing over. Also moving through today 3 Blackcap, 18 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Redpoll, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Siskin, 1 Snipe, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat and 10 Swallow.

Mottled Rustic is appearing in the autumn in small numbers in recent years having traditionally been finished by early August

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 4 Great Tit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 2 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren. 

 

Wednesday 8th October 2025

Couldn't sleep last night? Blame it on yesterday's full moon whilst today the 8th, the moon is at its closest point to earth in its monthly cycle.

But let's not digress too much there are birds to count! Not quite the numbers observed over the last couple days but a further 63 Goldfinch, 53 Meadow Pipit, and 23 Skylark Southbound. Still 3 Stonechat and a late Common Whitethroat seen towards the northern end of the reserve. Other migrants 8 Chaffinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Goldcrest and 10 Swallow. Early afternoon another flock of Long-tailed Tit passed through. 

Offshore 5 Brent Geese, 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Gannet, 2 Med Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Shelduck.

First Large Wainscott of the Autumn; a reed bed specialist which sometimes wanders down here.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 14 Blackcap, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren.

Tuesday 7th October 2025

All that hovering must get tiring but there's plenty of vantage points by the dock for Kez.

Another reasonable day for vismig as a further 247 Goldfinch, 231 Meadow Pipit and 186 Siskin moved through. Yesterdays Firecrest was seen making it's way around the observatory. Plenty of Chiffchaff and Blackcap to keep the ringing room busy throughout the day and a very late Whitethroat made an appearance. Also on the move were 1 Brambling, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chaffinch, 15 Redpoll, 3 Redwing, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Rook, 31 Skylark, 8 Song Thrush and 20 Swallow.

Offshore 10 Brent Goose, 7 Cormorant, 1 Common Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Gannet, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Shelduck.

White-speck is an infrequent migrant noted in 10 previous years.

Ringing: 19 Blackcap, 8 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 28 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 1 Robin, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Wren.

 

Monday 6th October 2025

 

Another day, another Glossy Ibis. More vis mig with southbound 357 Mipit, 322 Goldfinch, 67 Redpoll, 66 Siskin, 43 Skylark, 33 Chaffinch, 16 Swallow, 12 House Martin, 7 Shelduck, 2 Oyk, 2 Ringos, Brent, Crossbill, Grey Wag, Sandwich Tern, Turnstone & Woodlark. A juv Gannet circling over the observatory was a bit odd. On site the first Firecrest & Kingfisher of the autumn plus 25 Mipit, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 6 Greenfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch Stock Dove, Stonechat, Wheatear & what is presumably yesterday's Dartford Warbler appeared late morning.

Oak Rustic first turned up six years back & has, presumably, colonised the Holm Oaks.

Ringing: 11 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Wren.

Sunday 5th October 2025

 

Yesterday's gale still going slowly abated later during the day. Several species took the opportunity to go for it with vis mig southbound 468 Mipit, 375 Goldfinch, 105 Linnet, 66 Black-headed Gull, 18 Siskin, 17 Crossbill, 11 Skylark, 9 House Martin,8 Pied Wag, 7 Common Gull, 5 Swallow, 3 Brent, 3 Med Gull, Arctic Tern, Marsh Harrier & Wigeon. On site 40 Mipit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, Chaffinch, Dartford Warbler (16th site record), Merlin (that departed north), Reed Bunting & Turnstone.

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest. 

Saturday 4th October 2025

 

Named Storm "Amy" Force 6 - 8 gusting Severe Gale 9 in the early afternoon makes birding very difficult with an annual visit by the Suffolk Bird Group blowing the cobwebs away but producing not a lot. Worth a mention 6 Swallow & 4 House Martin battling south, 7 Mipit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, Chaffinch a Stonechat along View Point Road & a Wheatear at the front of the Fort. 7 Sandwich Tern were in the river & 2 Common Tern headed south.

Ringing: 1 Goldfinch

Friday 3rd October 2025

 

'Just a wee trim please sir.' This adult male blackbird in post breeding moult was colour ringed as a youngster back in May 2022. If you have any sightings of our colour ringed Blackbirds please just drop us an email.

Strong winds and scattered showers always pose a challenge for the daily records but an Arctic Skua annoying the Sandwich Terns is better than a poke in the eye. Late morning a couple Gannet battled against the wind South before turning tail and whizzing back north. Also moving on the sea were 4 Brent Geese, 2 Cormorant, 1 Common Tern, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Med Gull, 3 Teal and 11 Wigeon. As per migrants on site just 2 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Meadow Pipit and 1 Song Thrush managed.

Ringing: 2 Chaffinch.

Thursday 2nd October 2025

 

Woke up 8 Redwing this morning as the nets were opened. The air was filled with Robin calls too as new arrivals were being chased around by other lingering migrants and resident birds. Mid-morning an Arctic Tern was feeding just offshore, caught a couple fish off the surface and continued its way Southbound. A few new Goldcrest have arrived but really struggled to find a Chiffchaff this morning! 

Also to report 2 Blackcap, 12 Chaffinch, 12 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 39 Meadow Pipit, 2 Siskin, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 5 Swallow and 2 Wheatear. Offshore 16 Brent Goose, 1 Little Egret, 15 Sandwich Tern, 10 Teal and 16 Wigeon.

Ringing: 3 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Robin, 2 Song Thrush.

Wednesday 1st October 2025

Large female Sparrowhawk on the lookout.

Calm conditions will continue however a little decrease in the volume of birds coming through this morning. 3 Black Redstart are still with us often seen hopping around the bushes on the reserve. 8 more Redpoll dropped in and a record flock of 12 Egyptian Geese heading North was quite out the ordinary. Also of note 7 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail, 60 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, 20 Robin, 2 Skylark, 1 Siskin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Swallow, 5 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechat and 2 Wheatear.

Offshore 33 Black-headed Gull, 2 Brent Goose, 1 Common Tern, 4 Cormorant, 3 Med Gull, 3 Pintail, 11 Sandwich Tern, 2 Teal and 32 Wigeon. 

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Great Tit, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Wren.

 

SEPTEMBER RINGING TOTALS 2025

 

It has been the busiest September we've had for quite some time. Just over double the birds last year; 721 over 36 species has kept us far too busy to complain about the lack of recent scarcities. In terms of species it has been a very typical Autumn selection for Landguard but it is hopeful to see many iconic species in reasonably healthier numbers.

Species	No. Ringed
Blackcap	139
Chiffchaff	135
Meadow Pipit	100
Willow Warbler	59
Robin	56
Blue Tit	42
Goldcrest	38
Great Tit	16
Long-tailed Tit	15
Grey Wagtail	15
Reed Warbler	14
Song Thrush	13
Lesser Whitethroat	9
Whitethroat	8
Pied Flycatcher	7
Cetti's Warbler	6
Blackbird	6
Woodpigeon	5
Sedge Warbler	5
Dunnock	5
Redpoll	4
House Sparrow	4
Spotted Flycatcher	3
Wren	2
Sparrowhawk	2
Linnet	2
Goldfinch	2
Wood Warbler	1
Starling	1
Redstart	1
Greenfinch	1
Great Spotted Woodpecker	1
Magpie	1
Garden Warbler	1
Coal Tit	1
Brambling	1
Total	721

Tuesday 30th September 2025

 

Stonechat numbers now up to 5.

The weather doesn't get much calmer than this down here as the morning began with a calling Siskin. 6 recorded in the end and at least 4 Redpoll too. Tit flocks have been passing through - 17 new Blue Tit and 7 Great Tit ringed today but there's always tomorrow to catch the rest... Other migrants 20 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 55 Meadow Pipit, 14 Robin, 5 Skylark, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Wheatear.

Great day to see Clouded Yellow.

Ringing: 8 Blackcap, 17 Blue Tit, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 7 Great Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Redpoll, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Wren.

Monday 29th September 2025

 

Slow Worm lives here in small numbers it's just that we don't bump into them very often.

Misty start followed by a reasonable day for standard late September fare including the first 3 Stonechat of the autumn. In today's selection box at least 40 Chiffchaff, 30 Blackcap, 26 House Martin, 25 Goldcrest, 11 Swallow, 5 Songies, 4 Siskin, 2 Wheatear, Chaffinch, Heron, Lesser 'throat, Redstart, Redwing & Willow Warbler. A volery of 15 Long-tailed Tit paid a visit & the usual 3 Black Red were out there. Clouded Yellow got into double figures with a worn Meadow Brown on the Butts very late on parade.

Lunar Underwing is a regular in the traps in small numbers at this season.

Ringing: 20 Goldcrest, 19 Chiffchaff, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 14 Blackcap, 7 Robin, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush.