Morston - 12th October 2025

 Low wind this morning and not too cold, a heavy mist contributed to the slow start as birds took a while to get moving. There were hardly any Stonechats about and summer migrants are now long gone.

Meadow Pipit

We tried Meadow Pipit on a dog-leg around a bramble bush, narrowly missing a large Sparrowhawk that went storming into the net just over the audio-lure. Unfortunately she escaped the net just before we could get to her.

The total, just over the 30 mark, was partly down to a mixed tit flock that travelled along the ditch and ended up in the nets put up for Meadow Pipits. We could have also used the same nets to try for Redwings but barely any came through.

The winter birdfeed crop is looking very autumnal and shaping up nicely for seed provision throughout the winter period.

Total: 22 (11)

Blue Tit - 4 (4)
Cetti's Warbler - 1
Dunnock - 0 (3)
Greenfinch - 1
Long-tailed Tit - 8
Meadow Pipit - 4
Robin - 2 (3)
Stonechat - 0 (1)
Wren - 2

Sculthorpe Moor - 10th October 2025

 A calm, misty start to the day with two doubles and a single erected outside of the beavers' enclosure. We were aware of some large tit flocks in the trees and tits formed just over half of the catch. We were pleased to get 5 Reed Buntings for the colour marking project, along with 5 Goldcrest and 3 Cetti's Warblers. Just a single Chiffchaff was an indicator that most of these have now moved off site.

One of three Cetti's Warblers captured this morning.

Total:     34 (7)

Blue Tit - 14 - (5)
Cetti's Warbler - 3
Chiffchaff - 1
Great Tit - 1
Goldcrest - 5
Long-tailed Tit - 5 (1)
Reed Bunting - 5
Robin - 0 (1)

Deepdale Farm - 8th October 2025

 A very brief session aimed at catching Meadow Pipits, but there weren't many about and the wind soon strengthened in addition to some squally showers moving through. Despite catching absolutely none of the pipits, a short net through the hedge did provide a few birds, mostly Goldcrest. Off site at 10:15 with only 9 captures.

Total: 9

Blue Tit - 1
Dunnock - 1
Goldcrest - 4
Great Tit - 2
Wren - 1

Red-tailed Shrike at Dunwich Heath - 6th October 2025

 An easy twitch where the viewers were spotted even before we reached the carpark. Not a lifer as we've seen Red-tailed Shrike in Kenya, but a new bird for the UK.

There's something very special about heathland next to the sea, especially on a beautiful day.

Nanjizal, Cornwall - 2nd October 2025

 It's looking as though this will be our last ringing day since the weather will probably be against us by tomorrow morning. Rain and wind is forecast, and with Storm Amy battering the British Isles the chances of getting out ringing are very slim.

But today was a good day. Numbers were down but there were two goodies that made the 5:20am wake up call, all week, worthwhile. Blackcaps continue to dominate with Chiffchaffs continuing to move through the valley. Meadow Pipits have been attracted to calls these last couple of days while the number of Firecrest is dropping. 

The best birds of the day were a juvenile Barred Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler.

There was no doubt as to the age of this bird. Demongin confirmed our assessment.

 The next round and finally we have managed to catch a Yellow-browed Warbler. This bird was fitted with a colour combination for a project that was started last year, hoping to discover where these autumn vagrants go after arriving in the UK.

Demongin didn't have much to say on ageing these little gems.

  With thanks to KW and team for opening in the dark and sharing their site. All necessary permits and permissions held for conducting bird captures, ringing and colour marking.

Total: 136 (17)

Blackcap - 60 (2)
Barred Warbler - 1
Cetti's Warbler - 2 (1)
Chaffinch - 3
Chiffchaff- - 25 (9)
Firecrest - 9 (2)
Goldcrest - 6 (2)
Meadow Pipit - 25
Robin - 3
Whitethroat - 1
Willow Warbler - 0 (1)
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1

Nanjizal, Cornwall - 1st October 2025

 Day six and the weather is still holding for us. Another 200+ bird day but no unusual species this morning.

Grasshopper Warbler, age 3

A few to be getting on with.

Meadow Pipits, adult above and juvenile below.

Meadow Pipit, age 3

Total: 232 (42)

Blackbird - 2 (2)
Blackcap - 88 (5)
Blue Tit - 4
Cetti's Warbler - 2 (4)
Chiffchaff - 68 (8)
Dunnock - 1 (1)
Firecrest - 19(10)
Garden Warbler -1
Goldcrest - 10 (4)
Grasshopper Warbler - 1
Long-tailed Tit - 0 (5)
Meadow Pipit - 19
Reed Warbler - 5
Robin - 5 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 2
Wren - 5 (1)