14th October 2026

 Weather: S force 3 with slight mist around the estuary,   later SSW 5

 A lovely bright October morning.

 A morning dominated by a good passage of various finches. In addition to the 18 Chaffinches, there were 2 Bramblings,  3 Siskins, about 150 Linnets and 8 Greenfinches. It is unusual to see so many Greenfinches grounded together in recent times. 

On the move in addition to the finches there were over 100 Meadow Pipits and 9 Skylarks and 3 Reed Buntings so it was no surprise that a Merlin was lurking on the island. 

A single late  Swallow flew south, On the ground was yet another Stonechat which have recently been frequent visitors. 

 

A bird scarcer here than Stonechat was the Magpie.

 A Chiffchaff was present as were 4 Wrens, two were ringed today

 

 

There was another highest count of Brent  for this autumn of 224.

Three hundred Black-tailed Godwit were flying east this morning as the tide flooded. A number of waders were seen on the way off the island: 110 Grey Plover, 1200 Knot, 500 Dunlin, 45 Bar-tailed Godwit. About the islands were 7.500 Oystercatchers, 280 Curlew, 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, 108 Turnstones and 135 Redshank. Around and about on sea and shore were 2 Red-throated Divers, 240 Common Scoters, 40 Shelducks, 8 Little Egrets and 4 Grey Herons.

   Photos: GIW, SRW