October 26th (Sandwich Bay)

Sparrowhawk (young male)

A fairly calm start,gave way to a freshening SW wind.

A fall of Goldcrests which was not predicted,due to the conditions,resulted in (78) being ringed.Lesser Redpoll was the second most numerous bird found in the nets,with a total of (28).Chiffchaffs and singles of Sparrowhawk,Swallow and Blackcap added variety.In all a total of (128) birds.

The BLUETAIL remains in residence.

Chiffchaff

October 22nd (DREAM BIRD)

I first visited Sandwich  Bay as a school boy way back in 1962.I remember then being told of a very special bird that had been killed there by a weasel in 1957.Well over fifty years later I saw that special bird for myself a RED FLANKED BLUETAIL,the first live record for the Bay.I have seen Bluetails in Nepal,including stonking males,but this bird for me and I am sure many others at the Bay was very special indeed.

October 18th (Sandwich Bay)

S.c.blythi (eastern bird,confirmed Dec 2015)

Overnight rain,Light NE.

Another good mornings ringing at the Bay was had.Goldcrests again led the way,with smaller numbers of thrushes,both( Fieldfare and Redwing),Redpolls,Meadow Pipits,Chiffs and Blackcaps.

An interesting Lesser Whitethroat was also caught.Which may well have been one of the eastern races.The upper parts were noticeably brown and the facial mask was less distinct.It also had a different jizz about it.DNA samples were collected.

October 9th (New Hythe)

Cetti`s Warbler (west scrub)

BIRDS RINGED  clear and calm.2X40ft used.E/W scrub.At least four Redwing were about the east scrub.

Chiffchaff  (6)

Blackcap  (12)

Chaffinch  (1)

Wren  (3)

Great Tit  (2)

Dunnock  (1)

Bullfinch  (1)

Long-tailed Tit  (1)

Cetti`s Warbler  (1)

TOTAL  (28)

Chaffinch  (male) and Bullfinch (female)