It was a very still morning at the Obs, and the coolest morning of the autumn so far! It was quite clear overnight and in the morning soon warming up. We were focussed on ringing from 6am-10am when the wind started to pick up. It was a steady morning but not many migrants on the move, the biggest movement was of Reed Bunting with 11 new birds caught, followed by 4 Blackcap.

For totals we caught 31 new birds of 10 species including 1 Goldcrest, 11 Reed Bunting, 5 Blue Tit, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet, 2 Dunnock and 1 Great Tit. For retraps we caught 9 individuals of 6 species including 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Cetti’s Warbler and 1 Goldcrest.

Sunrise over the Broadwater

First thing as the sunrose, the Broadwater was filled with the sound of 2 Greenshank flying up and down noisily, along with a Kingfisher. A Barn Owl was hunting over the marsh. Whilst we were ringing we heard a very dry rattle and I quietly rushed outside to check if it was indeed what I thought it was and try and get a photo… 3 Mistle Thrush in the pines! They all flew off across East Bank inland too quickly for a photo. Then a Jay appeared!  There was more Pink-footed Goose movement with several flocks of hundreds of birds coming in off the sea, and appearing over the pines. There was a Water Rail screeching in the reeds and several Black-tailed Godwit on the Broadwater. Later a Spotted Flycatcher was spotted in the dell.

Pink-footed Geese

Moths were on the quieter side today with 2 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, 6 Square Spot Rustic, 16 Large Yellow, 27 Beet Moth, 6 Feathered Ranunculus, 2 Narrow-winged Grey, 1 Deep Brown Dart, 2 Beaded Chestnut, 1 Large Wainscot, 1 Satellite and 50 Lunar Underwing.

Shannon

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk Lapland Bunting Salthouse still 11.03am at Iron Road by bridge c52.9560,1.0817

Norfolk Black Guillemot juv Cley still on sea off beach car park c52.9668,1.0489

Norfolk White Stork (metal ringed) Woodton in nearby field c52.4954,1.3744

Norfolk Lapland Bunting Salthouse still at Iron Road by bridge c52.9560,1.0817