4th September 2014

Weather: SE force 4/5, mist around the estuary

Goosanders (CJ)

There was little sign of any migrants early on but a small improvement during the morning gave some hope. A Song Thrush became the first to arrive this autumn. Moderate movements of Meadow Pipits, Swallows and just 4 House Martins were noted with a very few small warblers and 2 Goldcrests ( 1 becoming the first ringed this autumn). Yesterdays ringed Greenland Wheatear was still present but no others until a bird was found later on Middle Eye. At noon several Willow Warblers arrived unexpectedly (for that time of day). Best find of the day was a group of 18 Goosanders (all redheads) swimming close in to the north end that almost immediately took off south along the east gutter. Four Teal later rested on the bank by the north shore tide edge.
Ringed: 3 Robins, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush [ 679-34 ]
(DB,AAB,CJ,KMc,AS,CJW)