Couldn't sleep last night? Blame it on yesterday's full moon whilst today the 8th, the moon is at its closest point to earth in its monthly cycle. But let's not digress too much there are birds to count! Not quite the numbers observed over the last couple days but a further 63 Goldfinch, 53 Meadow Pipit, and 23 Skylark Southbound. Still 3 Stonechat and a late Common Whitethroat seen towards the northern end of the reserve. Other migrants 8 Chaffinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Goldcrest and 10 Swallow. Early afternoon another flock of Long-tailed Tit passed through.  Offshore 5 Brent Geese, 2 Egyptian Goose, 1 Gannet, 2 Med Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Sandwich Tern and 2 Shelduck. First Large Wainscott of the Autumn; a reed bed specialist which sometimes wanders down here. Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 14 Blackcap, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren.

All that hovering must get tiring but there's plenty of vantage points by the dock for Kez. Another reasonable day for vismig as a further 247 Goldfinch, 231 Meadow Pipit and 186 Siskin moved through. Yesterdays Firecrest was seen making it's way around the observatory. Plenty of Chiffchaff and Blackcap to keep the ringing room busy throughout the day and a very late Whitethroat made an appearance. Also on the move were 1 Brambling, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chaffinch, 15 Redpoll, 3 Redwing, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Rook, 31 Skylark, 8 Song Thrush and 20 Swallow. Offshore 10 Brent Goose, 7 Cormorant, 1 Common Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Gannet, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Shelduck. White-speck is an infrequent migrant noted in 10 previous years. Ringing: 19 Blackcap, 8 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 28 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Redwing, 1 Robin, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Wren.  

 Another day, another Glossy Ibis. More vis mig with southbound 357 Mipit, 322 Goldfinch, 67 Redpoll, 66 Siskin, 43 Skylark, 33 Chaffinch, 16 Swallow, 12 House Martin, 7 Shelduck, 2 Oyk, 2 Ringos, Brent, Crossbill, Grey Wag, Sandwich Tern, Turnstone & Woodlark. A juv Gannet circling over the observatory was a bit odd. On site the first Firecrest & Kingfisher of the autumn plus 25 Mipit, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 6 Greenfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, Chaffinch Stock Dove, Stonechat, Wheatear & what is presumably yesterday's Dartford Warbler appeared late morning. Oak Rustic first turned up six years back & has, presumably, colonised the Holm Oaks. Ringing: 11 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Wren.

 Yesterday's gale still going slowly abated later during the day. Several species took the opportunity to go for it with vis mig southbound 468 Mipit, 375 Goldfinch, 105 Linnet, 66 Black-headed Gull, 18 Siskin, 17 Crossbill, 11 Skylark, 9 House Martin,8 Pied Wag, 7 Common Gull, 5 Swallow, 3 Brent, 3 Med Gull, Arctic Tern, Marsh Harrier & Wigeon. On site 40 Mipit, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, Chaffinch, Dartford Warbler (16th site record), Merlin (that departed north), Reed Bunting & Turnstone. Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest. 

 Named Storm "Amy" Force 6 - 8 gusting Severe Gale 9 in the early afternoon makes birding very difficult with an annual visit by the Suffolk Bird Group blowing the cobwebs away but producing not a lot. Worth a mention 6 Swallow & 4 House Martin battling south, 7 Mipit, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, Chaffinch a Stonechat along View Point Road & a Wheatear at the front of the Fort. 7 Sandwich Tern were in the river & 2 Common Tern headed south. Ringing: 1 Goldfinch

  'Just a wee trim please sir.' This adult male blackbird in post breeding moult was colour ringed as a youngster back in May 2022. If you have any sightings of our colour ringed Blackbirds please just drop us an email. Strong winds and scattered showers always pose a challenge for the daily records but an Arctic Skua annoying the Sandwich Terns is better than a poke in the eye. Late morning a couple Gannet battled against the wind South before turning tail and whizzing back north. Also moving on the sea were 4 Brent Geese, 2 Cormorant, 1 Common Tern, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Med Gull, 3 Teal and 11 Wigeon. As per migrants on site just 2 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Meadow Pipit and 1 Song Thrush managed. Ringing: 1 Chaffinch.

  Woke up 8 Redwing this morning as the nets were opened. The air was filled with Robin calls too as new arrivals were being chased around by other lingering migrants and resident birds. Mid-morning an Arctic Tern was feeding just offshore, caught a couple fish off the surface and continued its way Southbound. A few new Goldcrest have arrived but really struggled to find a Chiffchaff this morning!  Also to report 2 Blackcap, 12 Chaffinch, 12 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 39 Meadow Pipit, 2 Siskin, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 5 Swallow and 2 Wheatear. Offshore 16 Brent Goose, 1 Little Egret, 15 Sandwich Tern, 10 Teal and 16 Wigeon. Ringing: 3 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Robin, 2 Song Thrush.

Large female Sparrowhawk on the lookout. Calm conditions will continue however a little decrease in the volume of birds coming through this morning. 3 Black Redstart are still with us often seen hopping around the bushes on the reserve. 8 more Redpoll dropped in and a record flock of 12 Egyptian Geese heading North was quite out the ordinary. Also of note 7 Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Grey Wagtail, 60 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, 20 Robin, 2 Skylark, 1 Siskin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Swallow, 5 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechat and 2 Wheatear. Offshore 33 Black-headed Gull, 2 Brent Goose, 1 Common Tern, 4 Cormorant, 3 Med Gull, 3 Pintail, 11 Sandwich Tern, 2 Teal and 32 Wigeon.  Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Great Tit, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Wren. 

  It has been the busiest September we've had for quite some time. Just over double the birds last year; 721 over 36 species has kept us far too busy to complain about the lack of recent scarcities. In terms of species it has been a very typical Autumn selection for Landguard but it is hopeful to see many iconic species in reasonably healthier numbers. Species No. Ringed Blackcap 139 Chiffchaff 135 Meadow Pipit 100 Willow Warbler 59 Robin 56 Blue Tit 42 Goldcrest 38 Great Tit 16 Long-tailed Tit 15 Grey Wagtail 15 Reed Warbler 14 Song Thrush 13 Lesser Whitethroat 9 Whitethroat 8 Pied Flycatcher 7 Cetti's Warbler 6 Blackbird 6 Woodpigeon  5 Sedge Warbler 5 Dunnock 5 Redpoll 4 House Sparrow 4 Spotted Flycatcher 3 Wren 2 Sparrowhawk 2 Linnet 2 Goldfinch 2 Wood Warbler 1 Starling 1 Redstart 1 Greenfinch 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Magpie 1 Garden Warbler 1 Coal Tit 1 Brambling 1 Total 721

  Stonechat numbers now up to 5. The weather doesn't get much calmer than this down here as the morning began with a calling Siskin. 6 recorded in the end and at least 4 Redpoll too. Tit flocks have been passing through - 17 new Blue Tit and 7 Great Tit ringed today but there's always tomorrow to catch the rest... Other migrants 20 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 55 Meadow Pipit, 14 Robin, 5 Skylark, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Wheatear. Great day to see Clouded Yellow. Ringing: 8 Blackcap, 17 Blue Tit, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 7 Great Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Redpoll, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Woodpigeon, 1 Wren.

 Slow Worm lives here in small numbers it's just that we don't bump into them very often. Misty start followed by a reasonable day for standard late September fare including the first 3 Stonechat of the autumn. In today's selection box at least 40 Chiffchaff, 30 Blackcap, 26 House Martin, 25 Goldcrest, 11 Swallow, 5 Songies, 4 Siskin, 2 Wheatear, Chaffinch, Heron, Lesser 'throat, Redstart, Redwing & Willow Warbler. A volery of 15 Long-tailed Tit paid a visit & the usual 3 Black Red were out there. Clouded Yellow got into double figures with a worn Meadow Brown on the Butts very late on parade.Lunar Underwing is a regular in the traps in small numbers at this season. Ringing: 20 Goldcrest, 19 Chiffchaff, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 14 Blackcap, 7 Robin, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush.

 Three Glossy Ibis south is only the third site record. Also of note is a British race Coal Tit as members of this species in the autumn are usually continental birds (although it may have come from no further away than Langer Park). Southbound 420 Swallow, 43 Teal, 28 Brent, 12 Wigeon, 8 Mipit, 4 Shelduck, 3 Pintail & a juv Peregrine. On site migrants disappointingly few when one considerers the weather conditions that looked promising. Amongst a meagre selection were 22 Mipit, 15 Robin, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Chaffinch, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Grey Wag, Lesser 'throat & Wheatear plus the usual 3 Black Red & elusive male Pheasant. Moth traps held a few migrants including the first Golden Twin-spot for five years. Ringing: 4 Blue Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Linnet.

  Getting late for Willow Warbler now. One of the calmest days autumn has offered us so far with a good dose of sunshine on top. A couple firsts for the season; Rock Pipit on the jetty and 3 Redwing. The Brambling was at least still around in the morning while a single Chaffinch and Redpoll heard also. Two Spoonbill noted flying Northwest however well inland. Also on the move 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 House Martin, 20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, 20 Robin, 2 Skylark, 8 Song Thrush, 35 Swallow, 2 Wheatear and 3 Willow Warbler.  Beet Moth first turned up five years ago but is now a regular. Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Robin, 1 Song Thrush.

  One of 3 Arctic Skua this morning. A male Brambling decided to spend the day in the compound with us favoring the bushes near Darell's Battery. Brent Geese really starting to move now alongside a reasonable list of other waterfowl as follows; 267 Brent Goose, 10 Common Scoter, 1 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 105 Teal, 72 Wigeon. Our 4th Merlin this autumn moved south along the tideline and a bit of Arctic Skua action never fails to disappoint - one bird spent quite some time flying in the river. Other migrants 6 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, 18 Robin, 8 Song Thrush, 6 Swallow and 2 Wheatear. First Brick of the autumn. Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Brambling, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Robin, 5 Song Thrush.

  One lone Wheatear today. A calmer morning than expected but soon enough Landguard was back to its windy old self. At least 8 Song Thrush around the observatory and a little flock of newly arrived Goldcrest flitting in the bushes. Willow Emerald numbers seem to be building whilst quite a few new Blue Tit have been scoping out the area too. Other migrants 1 Brambling, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldfinch, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 12 Meadow Pipit, 7 Swallow.  Offshore 4 Common Scoter, 1 Gannet, 7 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Sandwich Tern, 29 Teal and 14 Wigeon. Satin Wave is normally done and dusted by now with this one our first since late August. Ringing: 2 Blue Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Robin, 4 Song Thrush.

Landguard Bird Observatory has been donated a fine copy of the ‘Catalogue of THE BIRDS OF SUFFOLK’ by CHURCHILL BABINGTON (1884-1886). This original author's presentation copy was given to a H. Parker & despite being nearly 140 years old it remains in very good condition. In an effort to raise funds for LBO, we are pleased to offer the book - an antiquarian masterpiece of its time. The book has a reserve price of £100.00. The highest bid/offer of a donation to LBO that is in excess of £100 and is received no later than 30th September 2025 shall become the proud owner & custodian of this book. Please email offers (in confidentiality) marked Babington to [email protected]

 Willow Emerald have turned up yesterday & today despite having seen none all year so far. Brisk north-easterly quickly picked up throughout the morning. Southbound 108 Wigeon, 54 Black-heads, 48 Teal, 32 Brent, 2 Sandwich Tern, Common Scoter, Curlew & Red-throated Diver with northbound 13 Common Scoter. Birding hard work in the increasing wind with records including 12 Mipit, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Black Red, Lesser 'throat, Swallow, Wheatear & Whitethroat.Now on the IUCN Red List as 'near threatened', this is our first Dusky-lemon Sallow for three years. Ringing: 2 Blue Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Meadow Pipit.

  Mipit numbers have dropped off, but will the coming North Easterlies bring more? Northerlies have brought with them the first Brambling while the return of some Brent Geese concludes we are now deep in to Autumn. A little fall of Chiffchaff around at first light and 32 Cormorant flying up river are likely returning to their Wintering grounds. Other migrants 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Robin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Swallow and 1 Willow Warbler.  Offshore 1 Avocet, 20 Brent Goose, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet, 3 Med Gull, 4 Pintail, 1 Red-throated Diver, 11 Sandwich Tern, 4 Shelduck, 36 Teal and 7 Wigeon. Brindled Green is an autumnal species noted in most recent autumns. Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 4 Blue tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Woodpigeon, 1 Willow Warbler.

 This furtive and strangely quiet Pheasant gets recorded about every other day over the past fortnight. Migrants include 20 Mipit, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser 'throat, 2 Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear, Yellow Wag & the first 2 Redpoll of the autumn. Southbound 40 Mipit (+ 44 in off), 20 Teal, 18 Black-heads, 14 Wigeon, 3 Common Gull, 2 Heron, 2 Rook, Curlew & House Martin with northbound 5 Gannet & 2 Brent. At least 3 Black Red still with us.First Black Rustic of the autumn which is a colonist from 1993 onwards. Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler.

 Change in the weather curtailed the vis mig to much lower numbers this morning with southbound 72 Swallow, 38 Mipit, 31 House Martin, 2 Rook & Swift. On site 70 Mipit, 25 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 8 Yellow Wag, 6 Wheatear, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser 'throat, 3 Black Red, 3 Spot Red, 3 Willow Warbler & 2 Chaffinch. Very few moths this morning so here's a Great Green Bush-cricket from yesterday on the Butts. Ringing: 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap.

The resident Peregrine soon appears when we have unexpected guests. Kudos to our excellent team of counters today as more flocks of hirundines poured through. By late morning 2324 Swallow, 249 House Martin and 7 Sand Martin had passed over. Numbers of Meadow Pipit starting to wane but still tallied 358. An Osprey drifting South likely regretted passing over the docks where the Peregrine gave it some grief. A Great Skua sat on the sea momentarily before continuing Southbound. Other migrants 30 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 12 Chiffchaff, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskin, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtail.  Offshore 15 Dunlin, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Sandwich Tern, 10 Shelduck, 48 Teal and 5 Wigeon. Nationally scare, Shore Wainscot has been having a small second emergence in recent years. Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 21 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 34 Meadow Pipit, 4 Robin, 1 Sedge Warbler.

A Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher fly on to a bar...   Another cracking day for Mipit migration - up to 1396. Plenty of hirundines departing too including 82 House Martin, 555 Swallow and 7 late Sand Martin. A fair selection of standard Autumn migrants such as 10 Blackcap, 20 Chiffchaff, 4 Grey Wagtail, 22 Goldfinch, 25 Robin, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Siskin, 7 Wheatear, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Yellow Wagtail. Marsh Harrier drifted South and the Wryneck is still cropping up when it feels like it. The first Feathered Ranunculus of the Autumn slightly late on parade. Ringing: 8 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Grey Wagtail, 25 Meadow Pipit, 2 Robin, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Wren.

  4 Wheatear on site today. 1783 the final Meadow Pipit count throughout the morning but by midday mipit movement had for the most part, ceased. 2 Spotted Flycatcher still around and a Wood Warbler seen just South of 'Icky Ridge.' Wryneck back in that area too around lunchtime. 2 Merlin heading South which makes 3 this month already - could be a good year for them! Also on the move 6 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 16 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Greenfinch, 94 House Martin, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 12 Siskin, 44 Swallow and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Offshore 20 Sandwich Tern and 2 Golden Plover. Lesser Cockroach is a regular in one of our moth traps. Ringing: 5 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warber, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Linnet, 27 Meadow Pipit, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Robin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

  Plenty of Great Tit across the site after a good breeding year. A cold and wet start. Rain didn't let up till around 10am but hunkered down migrants eventually began to emerge. 170 Meadow Pipit went South and a single Tree Pipit announced itself. A Short-eared Owl and 2 Snipe flushed on a walk round. 2 Spotted Flycatcher early afternoon in the compound and Wryneck still seaward side near concrete path. Other migrants 5 Blackcap, 40 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Little Egret, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 30 Willow Warbler and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Very little on the sea but 3 Gannet, 2 Gadwall, 3 Med Gull, 7 Sandwich Tern and 3 Teal. Poplar Hawk Caterpillars often get blown out the trees in strong winds. Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 21 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher.

  Purple Sandpiper on the point.  Not as wild as yesterday but still gusty enough to blow your cap off if you're not careful! Today saw a movement of around 94 Meadow Pipit South and a further 72 House Martin. Juvenile Kestrel doing the rounds and a Peregrine flew out the river. Wryneck still in usual place this morning but around lunchtime it moved in to the compound - almost accidentally flushed it into a net! Other migrants 10 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Siskin, 22 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler and 3 Yellow Wagtail. Offshore 2 Teal and 1 Grey Plover.  A very recent arrival Radford's Flame Shoulder is likely colonising. Ringing: 6 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.