30th Oct

A quiet day on the land and offshore. Little of note in the bushes with just four Chiffchaffs and three Firecrests seen while 58 Stock Doves, 50 Skylarks,  two Fieldfares, 1020 Starlings and a few finches including six Bramblings, a Crossbill  and a Common Redpoll trapped among a few Lesser Redpolls were of note.. The best the sea could offer were 113 Kittiwakes, 110 Mediterranean Gulls, 14 Sandwich Terns and 1930 Razorbills.

Common Redpoll  Acanthis flammea     30th October 2025   (Charlotte Foote)

The highlight of the day though was a party of about ten Bottle-nose Dolphins which showed well around midday. Four Porpoises, a Common Seal and three Grey Seals were also seen.

Tuna were also seen on couple of occasions during the morning

29th Oct

The wind backed into the SW overnight and encouraged a day long movement of birds offshore with a Grey Phalarope, three Little Auks and a Leach's Petrel being the highlights. Numbers were provided by 1529 Kittiwakes, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 61 Little Gulls and 3332 Razorbills while other notable birds included 16 Shelducks, 11 Pintails, two Red-breasted Mergansers, two Arctic Terns, six Arctic Skuas, four Great Skuas, two Sooty Shearwater and 245 Gannets. In addition, 37 Skylarks, 3757 Starlings and three Rock Pipits arrived but the bushes were almost devoid of any migrants.

Two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

Tuna were seen breaching on a couple of occasions. 

28th Oct

Another very quiet day. Passage overhead included 68 Stock Doves, eight Redpolls and 80 Goldfinches. Birds in the bushes included seven Chiffchaffs, three Firecrests and 12 Goldcrests. Seawatching produced just 24 Brent Geese, a Red-breasted Merganser, 99 Kittiwakes, two Mediterranean Gulls, 139 Razorbills and 162 Gannets.

Two Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.

27th Oct

Fresher WNW winds resulted in a very quiet day with a few birds passing overhead including  30 Stock Doves, 18 Jackdaws, two Woodlarks, a Brambling, and two Redpolls and just a Woodcock, eight Chiffchaffs and a Firecrest of note in the bushes. A leucistic Kestrel was also seen. Seawatching produced just 41 Kittiwakes, seven Mediterranean Gulls, 301 Razorbills, and 184 Gannets.

Two Porpoises, a Common Seal and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

26th Oct

Fresh NW winds saw a decent movement of birds overhead including 250 Stock Doves, a surprising total of nine Woodlarks, 20 Skylarks, 12 Swallows, 940 Starlings, two Fieldfares, three Grey Wagtails, three Rock Pipits, 400 Chaffinches, 22 Bramblings, eight Redpolls, a Crossbill, 50 Goldfinches and 32 Siskins. A Little Owl was an unusual sighting on the Point but other grounded migrants were limited to just nine Chiffchaffs, two Dartford Warblers and a Firecrest. Seawatching produced three Egyptian Geese, four Velvet Scoters, 190 Kittiwakes, 16 Little Gulls, eight Mediterranean Gulls, 13 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua, 481 "auk sp." and 208 Gannets.

Two Porpoises, a Common Seal and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

25th Oct

A quiet day on the land with 418 Stock Doves, six Skylarks, 13 Swallows, a Fieldfare, three Rock Pipits, five Bramblings, 22 Redpolls, five Crossbills, 35 Goldfinches, 58 Siskins and seven Reed Buntings flying over and three Bearded Tits dropping into the Trapping Area. A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Dartford Warbler were still present while other grounded migrants included just 22 Chiffchaffs, two Firecrests and 12 Goldcrests.  A steady, mainly westerly, movement of birds  offshore included 171 Brent Geese, 336 Kittiwakes, 23 Little Gulls, 18 Mediterranean Gulls, nine Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Skuas, 842 Razorbills, 1174 "auk sp." and 217 Gannets. 

Six Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

24th Oct

Another day of strong westerly winds and very little to be seen. Five Little Gulls and two Great Skuas flew west and a first-winter Caspian Gull was on the beach. Twenty Chiffchaffs, two Firecrests and 20 Goldcrests were seen in the bushes.

A Common Seal and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore. 

23rd Oct

Very quiet in strong westerly winds. Three Mediterranean Gulls were seen offshore while the few migrants on the land included 20 Chiffchaffs, ten Goldcrests and a Wheatear and 200 House Martins flew through.

A Grey Seal was seen offshore.

22nd Oct

The highlight of the day was a Siberian Chiffchaff caught in the moat. The Yellow-browed Warbler was still in the Trapping Area while other grounded migrants included 40 Chiffchaffs, six Firecrests, 40 Goldcrests and a Ring Ouzel. Birds passing overhead included 70 Stock Doves, a Woodlark, 12 Skylarks, 60 Swallows, two Grey Wagtails, three Rock Pipits, a Brambling, 15 Redpolls, a Crossbill, 100 Goldfinches and 90 Siskins. Eleven Mediterranean Gulls were the only birds of interest moving offshore.

Three Porpoises and a Grey Seal were seen offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.

Eight Mediterranean Stick-insects and a Mottled Shieldbug were found in the Observatory garden and a Clouded Yellow butterfly was seen.

21st Oct

A few birds were seen on the land with a Short-eared Owl on the beach at the fishing boats, a Yellow-browed Warbler still in the trapping area, a Dartford Warbler, four Firecrests, 20 Goldcrests, 20 Blackbirds and a Brambling of note. Very quiet offshore with just eight Mediterranean Gulls and an Arctic Tern of interest

20th Oct

With near-gale south-westerly winds observations were mainly offshore where two Shovelers, seven Teal, four Little Gulls, 45 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern, a Great Skua and two Manx Shearwaters were seen. Six Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were also on the beach. Very quiet on the land with just 28 Swallows, three Blackcaps, three Firecrests, 30 Goldcrests, a Ring Ouzel, five Song Thrushes, 270 Goldfinches and 37 Siskins of note.

Two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

19th Oct

A Black Guillemot offshore and a brief first-winter Red-footed Falcon in the Trapping Area were the obvious highlights of what was an otherwise fairly quiet day. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were still in the Trapping Area along with 40 Chiffchaffs, a Dartford Warbler, four Firecrests, 50 Goldcrests, a Ring Ouzel and a Wheatear. Birds passing overhead included 22 Swallows, two Rock Pipits, 23 Crossbills, 170 Goldfinches and a Yellowhammer. Seawatching produced 78 Brent Geese, a Pintail, eight Little Gulls, 24 Mediterranean Gulls, two Caspian Gulls (a first-winter and a third-winter), 76 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern, a Great Skua, 499 Razorbills, 795 auk species and 525 Gannets.

Two Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

18th Oct

The bushes were very busy again with a Jack Snipe, two Yellow-browed Warblers, 50 Chiffchaffs, eight Blackcaps, a Dartford Warbler, six Firecrests, 120 Goldcrests, two Ring Ouzels, 25 Blackbirds and five Fieldfares while birds of note overhead included ten Skylarks, 21 Swallows, two Rock Pipits, four Bramblings, 15 Redpoll, 880 Goldfinches and 16 Siskins. Seawatching produced 681 Brent Geese, 18 Shelducks, 205 Wigeon, 43 Pintail, 12 Teal, 211 Mediterranean Gulls, an Arctic Tern, a Manx Shearwater and 467 Gannets.

A Porpoise and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

17th Oct

Most of the interest was on the land with a Jack Snipe, two Snipe, a flock of three Woodlarks, a Yellow-browed Warbler, two Ring Ouzels, a late Tree Pipit and nine Crossbills of note along with  75 Chiffchaffs, 17 Blackcaps, six Firecrests, 100 Goldcrests, 22 Blackbirds, 16 Fieldfares, 27 Redwings and 11 Song Thrushes. Other birds passing overhead included 32 Swallows, three Grey Wagtails, five Rock Pipits, 250 Chaffinches, seven Bramblings, 24 Redpolls, 300 Goldfinches and 400 Siskins. Offshore, 103 Brent Geese, four Pintail and 25 Mediterranean Gulls were the only birds of note.

Elsewhere, a Pallas's Warbler was showing well in Dengemarsh Gully.

16th Oct

The highlights of the day were three Yellow-browed Warblers in the Trapping Area with other grounded migrants including two Short-eared Owls, 40 Chiffchaffs, three Firecrests, 32 Goldcrests, three Ring Ouzels, four Fieldfares and six Song Thrushes. There was more passage overhead with a Great White Egret, a Woodlark, 18 Skylarks, 55 Swallows, a Grey Wagtail, 60 Meadow Pipits, seven Rock Pipits, 550 Chaffinches, seven Bramblings, 12 Redpolls, two Crossbills, 370 Goldfinches, 64 Siskins and ten Reed Buntings. There was very little movement offshore but 90 Mediterranean Gulls and a first-year Caspian Gull were seen.

A Grey Seal was feeding offshore. 

15th Oct

Similar conditions to yesterday saw more birds passing overhead and grounded in the bushes. Of note were a Yellow-browed Warbler, a massive count of 3420 Chaffinches, 13 Crossbills and a Yellowhammer while other birds in good numbers included 119 Stock Doves, two Kingfishers, 15 Jackdaw, 15 Skylarks, 103 Swallows, 50 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests, 325 Starlings in, 45 Blackbirds, 28 Fieldfares, 537 Redwings, 25 Song Thrushes, two Rock Pipits, eight Bramblings, 19 Redpolls, 300 Goldfinches and 125 Siskins. The sea was a bit more productive with 21 Wigeon, a Red-breasted Merganser, a high count of 348 Mediterranean Gulls, three Caspian Gulls (a first-winter and two second-winters,) two Yellow-legged Gulls and 67 Sandwich Terns.

A Swedish-ringed Goldcrest was also a notable capture in the Trapping Area.

Two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

14th Oct

A light NE breeze, heavy cloud and light rain resulted in a big arrival of birds in the bushes and passing overhead with totals for many species being a combination of both. Highlights were two Jack Snipes, a Yellow-browed Warbler in the Trapping Area, a Dartford Warbler, six Firecrests, 18 Brambling, 12 Crossbills and a group of three Twite which landed briefly at the Point. Numbers were provided by 49 Stock Doves, 45 Skylarks, 154 Swallows, 60 Chiffchaffs, 70 Goldcrests, 1616 Starlings in, 95 Blackbirds, 850 Redwings, 43 Song Thrushes, 68 Robins, 370 Chaffinches, 960 Goldfinches and 54 Siskins. Other bits and pieces included a late Whitethroat, a Fieldfare, three Mistle Thrushes, a Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail, four Rock Pipits and nine Reed Buntings. The sea was fairly quiet but ten Shelducks, three Gadwall, 89 Wigeon, eight Pintail, four Teal, a Velvet Scoter, 26 Mediterranean Gulls and a Great Skua were seen.

Two Porpoise and singles of Common and Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen in the Desert.

13th Oct

Calm with drizzle/light rain throughout the morning resulted in a big arrival of birds in the bushes and overhead. A Woodcock, four Snipe, 60 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, a Dartford Warbler, seven Firecrests, 42 Goldcrests, nine Ring Ouzels, 40 Blackbirds, 13 Fieldfares, 415 Redwings, 130 Song Thrushes, five Mistle Thrushes, 85 Robins and a Pied Flycatcher were seen in the bushes and the Yellow-browed Warbler was still present. Birds moving overhead included 49 Skylarks, 64 Swallows, 314 Starlings, seven Grey Wagtails, 120 "alba" Wagtails, 100 Meadow Pipits, 11 Rock Pipits, 155 Chaffinches, 46 Bramblings, ten Redpolls, another 32 Crossbills, 700 Goldfinches, 50 Siskins and 12 Reed Buntings.

Two Porpoise and singles of Common and Grey Seal were seen offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.

12th Oct

A quieter day in the bushes but another big movement overhead with a staggering 231 Crossbills of particular note and breaking the previous day record total set only a few days ago. A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen in the Trapping Area and a flyover Serin were also of note along with a Little Egret, another two Glossy Ibis, two Short-eared Owls, a Barn Owl in the Trapping Area, a Woodlark, a Rock Pipit, two Bramblings and numbers provided by 35 Skylarks, 47 Swallows, 203 Starlings, three Grey Wagtails, 40 "alba" Wagtails, 400 Meadow Pipits, 216 Chaffinches, eight Redpolls, 1608 Goldfinches and 420 Siskins. Of note among the grounded migrants were 68 Chiffchaffs, eight Blackcaps, three Firecrests, 40 Goldcrests, ten Redwings and seven Song Thrushes. Seawatching was also productive with 1746 Brent Geese, three Shelduck, 164 Wigeon, a Pintail, 17 Teal, nine Mediterranean Gulls, a first-winter Caspian Gull, a Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas.

Five Porpoise, three Grey Seals and a group of Tuna were seen offshore.

The moth traps produced Radford's Flame Shoulder and two Palpita vitrealis.

11th Oct

A calm day again with large number of grounded migrants and passage overhead. Grounded migrants included 170 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, an "Eastern" type Lesser Whitethroat, two Dartford Warblers, 75 Goldcrests, 100 Redwings, 50 Song Thrushes and 90 Robins. Two Short-eared Owls were seen in the broom near the Sanctuary and a Hobby was seen in the Trapping Area. Passage overhead was dominated by finches again with another high count of 51 Crossbills of particular note as well as 1200 Chaffinches, three Bramblings, 25 Redpolls, 365 Goldfinches, 200 Siskins and 13 Reed Buntings. Other birds passing overhead included 18 Skylarks, 28 Sand Martins, 90 House Martins, 150 Meadow Pipits and six Rock Pipits. There was some movement offshore with 660 Brent Geese, 13 Wigeon, 32 Pintail, 83 Little Gulls, ten Mediterranean Gulls, two Arctic Skuas and a Balearic Shearwater.

Three Porpoises were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen in the Desert.

The moth traps were very productive with a Vestal, a Red-green Carpet, a Scarce Bordered Straw, a Radford's Flame Shoulder, a Clancy's Rustic, three Pearly Underwings, seven Pinion-streaked Snouts and five Palpita vitrealis.

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10th Oct

Another calm day produced more overhead passage with a new day record count of 80 Crossbills along with two Little Egrets, a Fieldfare, three Grey Wagtails, a Rock Pipit, 90 Redpolls, 115 Goldfinches, 90 Siskins and seven Reed Buntings. Grounded migrants included a Snipe, 50 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcaps, a Dartford Warbler, three Firecrests, 15 Goldcrests, 30 Redwings and 20 Song Thrushes. There was also a bit of movement offshore including 515 Brent Geese, a flock of nine Eider, 44 Common Scoters, 36 Little Gulls, 25 Mediterranean Gulls, two first-year Caspian Gulls, two Yellow-legged Gulls, four Arctic Skuas and 16 Red-throated Divers.

An excellent total of 38 Porpoises were feeding offshore along with seven Grey Seals and five Common Seals.

A Common Toad was seen in the Trapping Area.

A few Tree Crickets were still singing in the Trapping Area.

9th Oct

A bright and sunny morning with a light NW breeze saw more visible migration and a small arrival of grounded migrants. Of note in the bushes were 40 Chiffchaffs, five Blackcaps, four Dartford Warblers, a Firecrest, 23 Goldcrests, 14 Redwing, 15 Song Thrushes and a Redstart while birds passing overhead included 23 Skylarks, 28 Swallows, a Grey Wagtail, a Rock Pipit, 240 Chaffinches, four Bramblings, seven Crossbills, 68 Goldfinches, 57 Siskins and 35 Reed Buntings. The sea was very quiet with just 15 Mediterranean Gulls of note.

Nine Porpoises were seen offshore and two Brown Hares were seen on the land.

A Dewick's Plusia moth and five Clouded Yellows were seen during the day.

At least four Red-veined Darters were seen amongst the broom at the Point and 11 Mediterranean Stick-insects were found around the Observatory garden.

Red-veined Darters Sympetrum fonscolombii   Dungeness   9th October 2025

8th Oct

Light westerly winds and overcast skies produced another decent arrival of birds on the land and passing overhead. The highlights on the land were two Merlins, 135 Chiffchaffs, 11 Blackcaps, two Dartford Warblers, 21 Goldcrests, a Ring Ouzel, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, two Wheatears and five Tree Sparrows. Of note among the birds passing overhead included 150 Swallows, 139 House Martins, a Yellow Wagtail, four Grey Wagtails, 265 Meadow Pipits, a Tree Pipit, two Rock Pipits, 40 Chaffinches, two Bramblings, six Redpolls, ten Crossbills, 112 Siskins and 13 Reed Buntings. The sea was quiet with just 17 Brent Geese, nine Shelducks, a Grey Plover, 25 Mediterranean Gulls and 26 Razorbills of interest and two Purple Sandpipers were feeding along the strandline.

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima   Dungeness   8th October 2025

Eight Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

A Common Toad was heard calling in the back garden.

The highlight from the moth trap was our third record of the rare migrant pyralid Hellula undalis. Two Clouded Yellows were also seen.

Old World Webworm Hellula undalis   Dungeness   8th October 2025

A male Polistes biglumis was found in the Observatory garden. An example of  this rare wasp was added to the area list in the spring so this possibly suggests that it may have bred this year. 

Polistes biglumis   Dungeness   8th October 2025

A few shieldbugs were found and included a Box Bug. Two Mediterranean Stick-insects were found in the garden.

Box Bug Gonocerus acuteangulatus   Dungeness   8th October 2025

7th Oct

There was another very decent arrival of migrants on the land in calm conditions with 160 Chiffchaffs, 34 Blackcaps, two Ring Ouzels and two Redwings while birds passing overhead included 15 Skylarks, 270 Swallows, two Grey Wagtails, 515 Meadow Pipits, three Rock Pipits, three Bramblings, 12 Redpolls, 640 Siskins and ten Reed Buntings. Very quiet offshore with just ten Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull of interest.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans   first-winter   Dungeness   7th October 2025

Three Porpoises were feeding offshore.

6th Oct

A lighter westerly wind today saw an increase in grounded migrants and passage overhead. Of note on the land were 100 Chiffchaffs, 12 Blackcaps, a Firecrest, 25 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart and five Tree Sparrows while a party of four Glossy Ibis (continuing a remarkable series of sightings of this species), 30 Skylarks, 205 Swallows, 45 House Martins, a Grey Wagtail, 850 Meadow Pipits, 205 Chaffinches, two Bramblings, 35 Redpolls, 28 Crossbills, 280 Siskins and 10 Reed Buntings passed overhead. Seawatching produced 14 Brent Geese, four Shelduck, four Grey Plover, 28 Ringed Plover, a Sanderling, 45 Mediterranean Gulls, two Caspian Gulls, 60 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and four Black Terns.

Elsewhere, the American Golden Plover was at Jury's Gap and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Scotney again.

5th Oct

Strong westerly winds resulted in a decent movement overhead but just a trickle of birds offshore and a few birds in the bushes. Of note overhead were 62 Swallows, 23 House Martins, seven Grey Wagtails, 73 "alba" Wagtails, 661 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit and 104 Siskins. Grounded migrants included 18 Chiffchaffs, five Blackcaps, six Firecrests, 11 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher and three Wheatears. Two Little Gulls, 15 Mediterranean Gulls, a Great Northern Diver and a Shag were the best the sea had to offer.

Elsewhere, the American Golden Plover was at Jury's Gap and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Scotney again.

4th Oct

With a howling westerly wind all day the sea was fairly disappointing and the land was virtually unbirdable. Seven hours of seawatching produced just a Grey Plover, 15 Sanderlings, 417 Sandwich Terns, ten Arctic Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and 395 Gannets and also a White Stork which flew high and out to sea. A Merlin,100 Swallows, 42 House Martins and a Firecrest were the only birds of interest on the land.

Two Porpoises and a Grey Seal were seen offshore.

3rd Oct

With strong SSW winds most of the interest was offshore although even here it was fairly underwhelming. Four hours of coverage during the morning produced 277 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, 242 Mediterranean Gulls, 351 Sandwich Terns, a Black Tern, 17 Arctic Skuas, 45 Razorbills, a Sooty and a Balearic Shearwater and 464 Gannets. Five Caspian Gulls and four Yellow-legged Gulls came to bread at the fishing boats.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus   Dungeness   3rd October 2025
An unusually marked individual.

Four Porpoises, a Common Seal and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

2nd Oct

There was a reasonable arrival of migrants on the land and a decent overhead passage this morning. Numbers on the land were dominated by 60 Chiffchaffs and 27 Goldcrests along with seven Blackcaps, two Firecrests and a Redstart. The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still present. Birds passing overhead included a Little Egret, 30 Swallows, 350 House Martins, two Grey Wagtails, a Rock Pipit, a Brambling, three Redpolls, an excellent total of 33 Crossbills, 155 Siskins and 13 Reed Buntings. the sea was very quiet with just two Mediterranean Gulls of interest.

1st Oct

With fine conditions again there were plenty of migrants in the bushes and with the clear highlight of a first-year Red-breasted Flycatcher in the garden of Southview Cottage. However, the title for bird of the day went to a first-year Pallid Harrier (a first for the recording area) which flew low over the trapping area and then departed northwards. What was presumably the same bird was seen later in the day at South Foreland. Other birds in the bushes included 135 Chiffchaffs, 24 Blackcaps, two Lesser Whitethroats, 30 Goldcrests, four Song Thrushes, a Redstart and three Wheatears while two Yellow Wagtails, four Grey Wagtails, four Rock Pipits, two Bramblings, four Redpolls, 23 Crossbills, 150 Siskins and 13 Reed Buntings passed overhead. A Kingfisher was an unusual capture in the trapping area. Thirty Mediterranean Gulls and six Arctic Skuas were feeding offshore in the evening.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva   Dungeness   1st October 2025

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis   Dungeness   1st October 2025

Yet another September Thorn and a Scarce bordered Straw were trapped overnight and a Clouded Yellow was seen in the Moat. Ten Mediterranean Stick-insects were found after dark around the Observatory gardens as was a Southern Oak Bush-cricket.

30th Sep

Another fine and calm morning brought more migrants in the bushes and passing overhead but very quiet offshore. Of particular note was a party of three Glossy Ibis along with 11 Sand Martins, 400 Swallows, 500 House Martins, four Yellow Wagtails, four Grey Wagtails, two Rock Pipits, 23 Chaffinches, a Brambling, three Redpolls, 230 Siskins and 27 Reed Buntings. Grounded migrants were also present in good numbers and included 150 Chiffchaffs, a Reed Warbler, 26 Blackcaps, ten Goldcrests and a Redstart.

Three Porpoises were feeding offshore.

Another September Thorn was the highlight from the moth traps.

29th Sep

A light northerly breeze and some early cloud resulted in a huge arrival of Chiffchaffs with at least 600 birds seen along with 105 Blackcaps, two Redstarts, three Whinchats and 20 Wheatears. Overhead passage was light and limited to a Golden Plover, a Great White Egret, a Merlin, two Hobbies, a few Skylarks, 130 Meadow Pipits, three Rock Pipits, a Redpoll, 30 Siskins and 12 Reed Buntings.

The moth traps were productive with a September Thorn (only added to the Observatory list last year), a Pale Pinion, a Dewick's Plusia, a Four-spotted Footman and the pyralid Acrobasis tumidana of note.

Acrobasis tumidana   Dungeness   29th September 2025

Dewick's Plusia Macdunnoghia confusa   Dungeness   29th September 2025

Pale Pinion Lithophane hepatica   Dungeness   29th September 2025

September Thorn Ennomus erosaria   Dungeness   29th September 2025 

28th Sep

There was another decent arrival of grounded migrants with 115 Chiffchaffs, a Reed Warbler, a Firecrest, a Mistle Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Redstart while passage overhead included 50 Skylarks, 172 Sand Martins, a spectacular 16,600 Swallows, 1000 House Martins, three Grey Wagtails, 380 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit, a Brambling, three Redpolls, 120 Siskins and 25 Reed Buntings. A check of the sea in the evening produced 30 Mediterranean Gulls feeding offshore. 

Two Porpoises were feeding offshore and two Brown Hares were seen in the Desert.

The highlights from the moth traps included a Scarce Bordered Straw, a Delicate and a Palpita vitrealis.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper was still showing at Scotney.

27th Sep

There was another large arrival of migrants in the bushes with 150 Chiffchaffs,30 Blackcaps, six Firecrests, 13 Goldcrests, ten Song Thrushes and a Spotted Flycatcher while overhead passage included a Great White Egret, another two Glossy Ibis, 16 Buzzards, 1605 Swallows, three Grey Wagtails, 1843 Meadow Pipits, a Brambling, three Crossbills, 200 Siskins and 20 Reed Buntings. A bit of movement offshore produced 20 Brent Geese, 40 Wigeon, four Pintail, three Teal, 92 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, six Red-throated Divers and 209 Gannets.

Four Porpoises and a Grey Seal were seen offshore.

The highlight from the moth traps was the ninth Observatory record of a Golden Twin-spot.

Golden Twin-spot Chrysodeixis chalcites   Dungeness   27th September 2025

26th Sep

A Great White Egret, an Osprey and seven Crossbills were the highlights of the day although a good overhead movement of birds included eight Grey Herons, a party of three Great White Egrets, 7445 Swallows, 298 House Martins, a Tree Sparrow, 460 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit and 640 Siskins. There was also a good arrival of birds in the bushes including a Snipe, 140 Chiffchaffs, 33 Blackcaps, four Firecrests, eight Song Thrushes and a Whinchat. An Egyptian Goose also flew over the area. The sea was quiet despite the strong NE wind with just 40 Brent Geese, 42 Wigeon two Pintails, ten Teal and ten Dunlin of any interest.

Elsewhere, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper was still showing at a small pit behind the main Scotney Pit.

25th Sep

A flock of 11 Glossy Ibis flew south and seven Grey Herons came in. There was a bit of more typical overhead passage including 860 Swallows, 102 House Martins, 220 Meadow Pipits, five Redpolls, six Crossbills and 78 Siskins. Grounded migrants were fairly sparse but a Merlin, 38 Chiffchaffs and two Firecrests were of note. Very quiet offshore with just 24 Wigeon, six Pintail, 13 Teal and a juvenile Caspian Gull of interest.

Three Porpoise and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

A Common Frog was seen in the trapping area.

Elsewhere, the main interest was around the Scotney area where a White-tailed Eagle made brief visit and the American Golden Plover and Buff-breasted Sandpiper were seen.

 

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24th Sep

A Cattle Egret flying over the trapping area was the highlight of an otherwise fairly quiet day. Grounded migrants included 50 Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest and a Pied Flycatcher while 65 Swallows, two Yellow Wagtails, three Grey Wagtails, 218 Meadow Pipits and 71 Siskins flew over. Two Gadwall, 23 Wigeon, three Teal, six Mediterranean Gulls, three Little Gulls and two Arctic Terns were seen offshore.

Two Porpoise were seen offshore.

Two adult Mediterranean Stick-insects were found around the Observatory garden.

The American Golden Plover was back in the stubble field at Jury's Gap and at least four Glossy Ibis were seen on the RSPB Reserve.

23rd Sep

A cold north-easterly wind brought a trickle of birds heading west offshore including 26 Brent Geese, 28 Wigeon, 90 Teal and three Mediterranean Gulls and also 60 Kittiwakes and four Arctic Skuas feeding offshore. A Grey Plover, two Great White Egrets, another flock of four Glossy Ibis, 90 Swallows, two Yellow Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, 580 Meadow Pipits, two Tree Pipits and 130 Siskins flew over while a small number of migrants in the bushes included 35 Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests and a Whinchat.

Three Porpoises and a Grey Seal were seen offshore.

Barry Banson Farewell.

There will be an informal get-together in memory of Barry at the Dungeness Bird Observatory on Tuesday 30th September at 2.30 pm.

Please RSPV so we have an idea of numbers.

We look forward to seeing you.

22nd Sep

A Brent Goose, 17 Shelduck, 31 Wigeon, four Mediterranean Gulls and six Arctic Skuas were seen offshore. A Willow Warbler and 50 Chiffchaffs were in the bushes and a Yellow Wagtail, three Grey Wagtails, 200 Meadow Pipits, a Redpoll and nine Siskins flew over. 

The stubble field at Jury's Gap continues to provide excitement with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper joining the American Golden Plover and large numbers of Golden Plovers. 

21st Sep

A very breezy night gave way to a calm and bright morning and a small arrival migrants including 100 Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest, two Redstarts and nine Wheatears while the invasion of Glossy Ibis continued with a flock of nine birds flying out to sea. Eight Buzzards, three Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and 30 Siskin flew over and the Red-backed Shrike was still present. The sea was fairly quiet with just ten Mediterranean Gulls, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Great Skua, seven Arctic Skuas and two Red-throated Divers being seen.

Three Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

An Asian Hornet was seen feeding at Ivy flowers in the garden of Southview Cottage and three Mottled Shieldbugs were seen at the Lighthouse Garden. 

The American Golden Plover was still in the massive stubble field at Jury's Gap.

20th Sep

There was another large movement of hirundines throughout the day with final totals of 1010 Sand Martins, 14,500 Swallows and 4750 House Martins as well as seven Grey Wagtails, five Tree Pipits, 31 Siskins and 12 Reed Buntings. There was also a large arrival of migrants in the bushes which included four Willow Warblers, 250 Chiffchaffs, 140 Blackcaps, a Firecrest, five Song Thrushes and three Spotted Flycatchers and the Red-backed Shrike was still present. Seawatching was also decent with two Glossy Ibis west and the Grey Phalarope still offshore along with 86 Bar-tailed Godwits, 25 Knot, nine Mediterranean Gulls, two Little Terns, three Great Skuas, 30 Arctic Skuas, six Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater and a Shag.

A Vestal, a Lesser Treble-bar, a Palpita vitrealis and two Cydalima perspectalis were of note from the moth traps and a Western Conifer Seed-bug was also found.

The American Golden Plover was still showing at Jury's Gap.

19th Sep

Despite the wind dropping the sea was still good value with a Grey Phalarope, seven Sooty Shearwaters and 67 Manx Shearwaters of note along with six Shoveler, a Pintail, 18 Ringed Plovers, 16 Dunlin, 129 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, a Black Tern, two Great Skuas and 36 Arctic Skuas. There was another emergence of flying ants in the evening which attracted a large flock of gulls and including at least 50 Mediterranean Gulls. Hirundines passed through for much of the day and gathered in large numbers in the afternoon with a conservative estimate of 1030 Sand Martins, 25,000 Swallows and 900 House Martins. Other birds passing overhead included 13 Yellow Wagtails, 14 Grey Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and 20 Siskins. There was also a small arrival on the land with three Willow Warblers, 65 Chiffchaffs, 50 Blackcaps, four Goldcrests, a Redstart and four Whinchats. The Red-backed Shrike showed again.

Two Porpoises and five Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

The moth traps were quite productive with a Cypress Pug, a Vestal, a Radford's Flame Shoulder and a Beautiful Marbled of note. Two Clouded Yellows were also seen.

The American Golden Plover was still with European Golden Plovers at Jury's Gap. 

18th Sep

A damp, breezy morning continued to provide some decent seawatching with singles of both Leach's and Storm Petrel of particular note along with 101 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, two Mediterranean Gulls, 365 Sandwich Terns, three Black Terns, 16 Arctic Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters, 31 Manx Shearwaters, nine Balearic Shearwaters and 471 Gannets. It was fairly quiet on the land with two Willow Warblers, 37 Chiffchaffs, a Redstart and a Whinchat about the best on offer.

Three Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.

A large Common Toad was seen iin the trapping area.

Elsewhere, the adult American Golden Plover was still with the Golden Plovers at Jury's Gap.  

17th Sep

Strong winds yet again meant a massive seawatching stint from dawn until near dusk. The highlights of the day were a near continuous movement of Sooty Shearwaters and ending with our second best-ever day count of 351 birds west and also another four Storm Petrels. Other seabirds were relatively scarce again with the 12hr watch producing just a Grey Plover, two Golden Plovers, 19 Bar-tailed Godwits, 26 Knot, three Curlew Sandpipers, (rare off here and with a small party of Bar-tailed Godwits), three Black Terns, 315 Common Terns, 436 Sandwich Terns, four Little Gulls, 98 Kittiwakes, ten Mediterranean Gulls, 43 Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua, 11 Manx Shearwaters and two Balearic Shearwaters and 791 Gannets. Four Little Terns and two Yellow-legged Gulls were also feeding offshore. Passage overhead included two Hobbies, 2081 Swallows and seven Yellow Wagtails. A Spotted Flycatcher and 30 Chiffchaffs were seen in the trapping area.

Three Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

Elsewhere, the adult American Golden Plover was seen at Jury's Gap just over the border into East Sussex.

16th Sep

More strong winds which eventually produced an excellent total of 17 Storm Petrels offshore but other seabirds were in fairly short supply with just six Knot, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, four Black Terns, 17 Arctic Skuas of note. Two Caspian Gulls were feeding offshore and an Osprey attempted to head out to sea shortly before dark but quickly turned around and came back to land. A check of the bushes produced 32 Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Redstarts, eight Wheatears. Five Yellow Wagtails, seven Grey Wagtails and two Siskins also passed overhead. The Red-backed Shrike was also seen again.

Two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.

15th Sep

A very windy day with most of the coverage offshore but it was even quiet here until a late flurry in the evening produced three Storm Petrels. Eight Little Terns, a Black Tern and 11 Arctic Skuas were also seen.

A Common Seal and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

14th Sep

The first calm morning for a while brought a decent drop of migrants with a Woodlark, 700 Swallows, 13 Willow Warblers, 150 Chiffchaffs, 45 Blackcaps, two Spotted Flycatchers, 25 Robins, a Redstart, a Whinchat, seven Wheatears, 15 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Grey Wagtails, at least two Crossbills and nine Siskins. The Red-backed Shrike was still present and an Osprey flew over.

The sea was very quiet at first but as the wind picked from late morning birds began to move offshore with 14 Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua, nine Sooty Shearwaters, three Manx Shearwaters and nine Balearic Shearwaters of note.

13th Sep

In more windy conditions three Mediterranean Gulls, eight Little Terns, a Pomarine Skua, 40 Arctic Skuas, three Sooty Shearwaters and 13 Balearic Shearwaters were seen offshore. It was fairly quiet on the land but 25 Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest, a male Redstart, 13 Wheatears and ten Yellow Wagtails were seen and the Red-backed Shrike was still present. A Long-eared Owl was also showing well at the top of the Desert.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus   Dungeness   13th September 2025

Four Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

12th Sep

Another breezy day with a bit of seawtching but fairly quiet on the land. Two Egyptian Geese, a juvenile Cuckoo, 450 Swallows, 38 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart, two Whinchat, the Red-backed Shrike, 28 Yellow Wagtails, six Grey Wagtails and a Tree Pipit were seen on the land. Thirteen Little Terns, a Black Tern, 40 Arctic Skuas, the Long-tailed Skua, a Balearic Shearwater and 600 Gannets were seen offshore. 

Two Porpoises and three Grey Seals were seen offshore.

The American Golden Plover reappeared at Jury's Gap and 14 Cattle Egrets, three Glossy Ibis and the Red-backed Shrike were seen on the RSPB Reserve.

11th Sep

Another windy day saw most of the interest offshore seven Little Terns, four Black Terns, 30 Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 14 Balearic Shearwaters and a Shag were of note. The Red-backed Shrike was still present and a Grasshopper Warbler and a Redstart were also of note. Two Swifts, 20 Yellow Wagtails and three Grey Wagtails flew over.

Four Porpoise and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen from the Hanson Hide on ARC.

10th Sep

A return to fresh SSE x SE winds saw much reduced numbers of birds in the bushes but passage offshore increased. The highlight of the day was a flock of 21 Glossy Ibis which arrived from the east and flew inland. The Red-backed Shrike was still in the northern Desert and the Wryneck was seen again. Other birds passing overhead or offshore included 117 Ringed Plovers, nine Sanderling, three Little Terns, five Black Terns, 42 Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua, seven Sooty, two Manx and 25 Balearic Shearwaters, 250 Sand Martins, 6500 Swallows and 52 Yellow Wagtails.

Two Mediterranean Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and a first-winter Caspian Gull were feeding offshore.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus   Dungeness   10th September 2025 (Charlotte Foote)

Two Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

The highlights from the moth traps were another Portland Ribbon Wave along with singles of Palpita vitreals and Scarce Bordered Straw.

Elsewhere, a Dotterel was seen in the stubble field at Jury's Gap, East Sussex.

9th Sep

A calm day saw an excellent arrival of migrants in the bushes and overhead. Numbers were dominated by 35 Willow Warblers, 70 Chiffchaffs, 14 Reed Warblers, 150 Blackcaps and 35 Lesser Whitethroats with a bit of variety provided by a Spotted Flycatcher, three Redstarts, eight Whinchats and 15 Wheatears while 150 Sand Martins, 650 Swallows, 25 Yellow Wagtails and 18 Grey Wagtails passed overhead. The highlights of the day though were a Nightjar in the trapping area at dawn and again at dusk, a Red-backed Shrike at the north end of the area and a flock of 61 White Storks which flew over and quickly out to sea. The flock was seen later in the day on a waste treatment site in Boulogne, France. 

Red-backed Shrike Lanius cristatus   Dungeness   9th September 2025

 

White Storks Ciconia ciconia   Dungeness   9th September 2025
A flock of 61 birds.

Highlights from the moth traps were a Palpita vitrealis, a Vestal and a Scarce Bordered Straw.

Elsewhere, another Red-backed Shrike was found on the RSPB Reserve and the American Golden Plover was seen at Jury's Gap again.

8th Sep

The highlights of the day were a flock of 14 Glossy Ibis which flew east over the area and out to sea, an Osprey over the Point and the reappearance of the Wryneck. There was a decent arrival of grounded migrants including 28 Willow Warblers, 31 Chiffchaffs, nine Reed Warblers, 80 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 20 Whitethroats, two Spotted and a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, six Whinchats and 25 Wheatears. Birds passing overhead included a Green Sandpiper, nine Buzzards, a Hobby, 600 Sand Martins, 4200 Swallows, 210 House Martins, four Tree Sparrows, 100 Yellow Wagtails, 14 Grey Wagtails and a Tree Pipit. Eight Little Terns offshore were of interest.

Five Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.

7th Sep

A breezy morning saw a return to seawatching as the main interest where six Shovelers, two Pintail, a flock of six Avocets, 29 Mediterranean Gulls, 37 Arctic Skuas, 1000 Sandwich Terns, seven Little Terns, two Black Terns and eight Balearic Shearwaters were seen. Birds passing overhead included four Swifts, a Greenshank, seven Grey Herons, a Hobby, 8000 Sand Martins, 15,550 Swallows, 78 House Martins and 30 Yellow Wagtails. It was pretty quiet on the land but grounded migrants did include two Spotted and a Pied Flycatcher, two Redstarts and five Whinchats.

Six Porpoises and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

The highlight from the moth traps was a Portland Ribbon Wave.

6th Sep

A calm day saw an excellent arrival of migrants on the land, a massive movement of hirundines and a few birds passing offshore. Grounded migrants were dominated by 20 Willow Warblers, ten Chiffchaffs, 200 Blackcaps and 30 Whitethroats and also a Grasshopper Warbler, ten Spotted and six Pied Flycatchers, three Redstarts and three Whinchats. The Wryneck was still showing occasionally in the Desert. Birds passing overhead included 13 Swifts, a Dotterel, 240 Ringed Plovers, three Redshanks and a Greenshank, a spectacular 25,000 Sand Martins, 4000 Swallows, 150 House Martins and 15 Yellow Wagtails. Although the sea was relatively quiet it still produced a flock of eight Spoonbills, 20 Arctic Skuas and a Balearic Shearwater of note along with two Shovelers, 16 Teal, 34 Grey Plovers, 366 Sandwich Terns and two Black Terns. In the evening there was a large emergence of flying ants and this brought lots of feeding gulls including 350 Mediterranean Gulls.

Sand Martins Riparia riparia   Dungeness   6th September 2025

A Porpoise and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.

The moth traps were also very productive with a Convolvulus Hawkmoth, a Small Mottled Willow and our second-ever record of the rare migrant pyralid Diasemiopsis ramburialis. A Clouded Yellow was also seen.

Diasemiopsis ramburialis   Dungeness   6th September 2025

The adult American Golden Plover was still showing in the large stubble field just north of Jury's Gap.

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica    adult   Jury's Gap, East Sussex   6th September 2025