GEDSER - 13th October

The first completely dry day for a good while with the easterly wind increasing from a moderate breeze in the morning to howling strong by late afternoon; it was a fantastic day of ringing with at least some nets open all day as we managed an excellent 443 new birds caught highlighted by a second Great Grey Shrike, 4 awesome white headed Northern Long-tailed Tits and the first 2 Mistle Thrushes of the year.

                The numbers were dominated by 314 Goldcrests – mainly caught during a very hectic first few hours along with 30 Blue Tits, 53 Robins and 14 Blackbirds plus bits and bobs of other things including 2 Coal Tits, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a Redwing.

                There was not much else seen really (not that there was any time to look up during the morning!) with 4 Swallows still, a Rough-legged Buzzard, a few Chaffinches and Bramblings heading east and a few White-fronted Goose flocks heading south.

Northern Long-tailed Tits - awesome!

Great Grey Shrike

Mistle Thrush

Couldn't resist some more Goldcrest pictures as they were once again hopping around on the grass within centimetres of your feet!