Cold NNW winds with drizzle and then rain failed to produce very much. Four Mediterranean Gulls, 900 auks, 14 Red-throated Divers and 171 Gannets were seen on the morning sewatch. A Great White Egret also flew along the beach.
A Porpoise and two Grey Seals were seen offshore.
The first proper frost of the autumn didn't produce any hoped for movement with a reduction in numbers on the most part from recent days. The sea was quiet and there was very little on the land with 334 Starlings arriving in-off the sea, three Firecrests, 35 Goldcrests, two Redwings, three Song Thrushes, three Black Redstarts, a Brambling, eight Lesser Redpolls and six Siskin.
There were two Brown Hares in the Desert and singles of Porpoise and Grey Seal were feeding offshore..
A much quieter day, with migration much reduced. The sea was quiet, with a very light passage of wildfowl and other bits but the highlights were six Canada Geese, an Avocet and 1000 auk sp. There was a few bits passing overhead including a Little Egret, a Buzzard, 300 Starling arriving in off the sea, 18 Lesser Redpolls and five Siskin while in the bushes there was just 12 Chiffchaffs, three Dartford Warblers, two Firecrests, 30 Goldcrests, 17 Blackbirds, five Fieldfares, three Redwings and three Song Thrushes.
A Porpoise and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore
The highlights on the land were 62 Lapwings in, 17 Golden Plovers, a Woodcock, two Snipe, a late Ring Ouzel, 27 Redwings, seven Fieldfares, a Dartford Warbler, 65 Goldcrests, seven Firecrests, 3000 Starlings arriving from the east, 83 Chaffinches and 16 Redpolls. Seawatching produced 1541 Brent Geese (including birds passing overland), 11 Greylag Geese, 19 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 34 Wigeon, five Pintail, 55 Common Scoters, a Goldeneye, 13 Little Gulls, 11 Mediterranean Gulls, over 1400 auks and 21 Red-throated Divers.
Three Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.
A breaching Tuna was seen.
A bright sunny day after some low-level fog. There were a few birds in the bushes including a Woodcock, six Chiffchaffs, seven Firecrests and 60 Goldcrests and a Bullfinch. Birds passing overhead included 88 Stock Doves and 83 Wood Pigeons, two Golden Plovers, 15 Redpolls and six Siskins, Seawatching produced 55 Brent Geese, four Gadwall, 80 Wigeon, three Pintail, three Teal, 47 Common Scoter, 233 Kittiwakes, seven Mediterranean Gulls, ten Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.
Twenty Porpoises and a Grey Seal were seen offshore.
The moth trap produced another three Palpita vitrealis and two Gems.
A miserable day with almost continual rain and strong winds. Five hours of seawatching produced 45 Common Scoters, five Red-breasted Mergansers, 258 Kittiwakes, 25 Mediterranean Gulls, five Little Gulls, an Arctic Skua and over 5,000 auks. Very quiet on the land with just eight Chiffchaffs, two Dartford Warblers, eight Firecrests, 15 Blackbirds and a Brambling of note.
Two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.
The highlights from the moth trap were singles of Palpita vitrealis, the Gem and Radford's Flame Shoulder.
Birds passing overhead included a Serin along with 38 Stock Doves, two Swallows, a Fieldfare, 55 Meadow Pipits, six Rock Pipits, a Brambling, 78 Redpolls, 15 Crossbills and 255 Goldfinches while the Pallas's Warbler was still in the Moat and a Siberian Chiffchaff was seen at the Long Pits. Other grounded migrants included 12 Chiffchaffs, four Firecrests and 38 Goldcrests. Seawatching produced just two Red-breasted Mergansers, 18 Little Gulls, 20 Mediterranean Gulls, an Arctic Skua and over 1000 auks sp.
Three Porpoises and four Grey Seals were feeding offshore.
Tuna were seen breaching on several occasions.
A Yellow-browed Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs, eight Firecrests and 34 Goldcrests were seen in the bushes along with the ringed Pallas's Warbler in the Moat. Birds passing over included a Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 24 Redpolls, nine Crossbills, 725 Goldfinches and seven Siskins. The sea was pretty quiet with just a Velvet Scoter, 18 Little Gulls and an Arctic Skua of note.
Two Porpoise and two Grey Seals were seen offshore and a Brown Hare was seen in the Desert.
Another windy but drier day. The Pallas's Warbler from the 9th was showing again in the Moat. Two Firecrests, 12 Goldcrests, a Brambling, seven Redpolls and 200 Goldfinches were also seen on the land. Two sessions of seawatching totalling 6.5hrs produced three Shoveler, 22 Teal, 94 Kittiwakes, 91 Little Gulls, 15 Mediterranean Gulls, 17 Sandwich Terns, a Great Skua and 490 Gannets.
Singles of Porpoise and Grey Seal were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.
Tuna were seen breaching offshore again on several occasions.
A thoroughly miserable day with strong southerly and dawn 'til dusk rain restricted serious observations to the sea. Over seven hours of watching produced two Leach's Petrels, two Sooty Shearwaters and a Manx Shearwater of note along with ten Dunlin, 204 Little Gulls, 217 Kittiwakes, two Arctic Skuas and a first-winter Caspian Gull. Two Firecrests were of note in the trapping area.
Four Porpoises and two Grey Seals were seen offshore.
Tuna were seen breaching on several occasions during the day.
Thick, but low level fog and then freshening winds hampered observations this morning but a Pallas's Warbler was trapped in the moat (possibly yesterdays bird from the Old Lighthouse garden) and a Yellow-browed Warbler was seen in the trapping area. Other birds of interest seen during the day included 121 Stock Doves, a Little Egret, 23 Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, a Dartford Warbler, nine Firecrests, 55 Goldcrests, 18 Blackbirds, 54 Robins, nine Black Redstarts, two Rock Pipits, 70 Chaffinches, 18 Bramblings, 22 Redpolls and 39 Siskins.
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| Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Dungeness 9th November 2025 (Charlotte Foote) |
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| Grey Shoulder-knot Lithophane ornitopus Dungeness 9th November 2025 |
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| Oak Rustics Dryobota labecula Dungeness 9th November 2025 |
A brilliant day on the land with two Pallas's Warblers and two Yellow-browed Warblers of note along with a Woodlark, 30 Chiffchaffs, a Dartford Warbler, 12 Firecrests, 130 Goldcrests, 18 Blackbirds, a Grey Wagtail, 50 Chaffinches, nine Bramblings, 50 Redpolls and 150 Goldfinches. Two Egyptian Geese also flew over. The sea was very quiet with just nine Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and six Sandwich Terns of note.
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| Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Dungeness 8th November 2025 The first of two birds today - this one was caught in the Trapping Area. (Lower two images by Gill Hollamby) |
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| Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopous proregulus Dungeness 8th November 2025 The second bird was found in the afternoon in the Old Lighthouse garden. |
With fresh SE winds it was a good day on both land and sea. The highlights on the land were 150 Stock Doves, six Woodlarks, two Yellow-browed Warblers, nine Chiffchaffs, a Dartford Warbler, 19 Firecrests, 55 Goldcrests, 2438 Starlings, 30 Blackbirds, 15 Fieldfares, 16 Redwings, 15 Song Thrushes, 70 Robins, a Rock Pipit, 213 Chaffinches, 51 Bramblings, 19 Redpolls, 720 Goldfinches and 17 Siskin. Seawatching produced 563 Brent Geese, 25 Shelduck, 44 Shovelers, 94 Wigeon, 26 Pintails, 34 Teal, six Velvet Scoters, 60 Common Scoters, six Red-breasted Mergansers, five Grey Plovers, 12 Bar-tailed Godwits, three Knot, 278 Sanderling, 60 Dunlin, 40 Little Gulls, 15 Mediterranean Gulls, two Great Skuas and 515 Razorbills.
A Grey Seal was feeding offshore.
The moth traps were surprisingly productive with a Palpita vitrealis, a Red-green Carpet and a Radford's Flame Shoulder of note while another Palpita vitrealis and a Scarce Bordered Straw were seen during the day.
Light showers in the early morning grounded a few migrants including a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, three Dartford Warblers, 15 Firecrests, 65 Goldcrests and 36 Blackbirds. There was also some good overhead passage with 35 Stock Doves, 88 Wood Pigeons, a Woodlark, ten Skylarks, 1350 Starlings, two Rock Pipits, eight Bramblings, 68 Redpolls, 11 Crossbills, 307 Goldfinches and 24 Siskins of note. The sea was fairly quiet with just ten Mediterranean Gulls, ten Sandwich Terns, 1010 Razorbills and 1640 auks sp.
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| Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Dungeness 6th October 2025 |
Two Bottle-nose Dolphins, two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were seen offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.
The highlight on the insect front was a superb Crimson Speckled moth found near the Sanctuary.
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| Crimson Speckled Utetheisa pulchella Dungeness 6th October 2025 |
More birds offshore today with the highlights of a Leach's Petrel and a Sooty Shearwater along with 182 Kittiwakes, 11 Little Gulls, 23 Mediterranean Gulls, 11 Sandwich Terns, 3091 Razorbills, 1115 "auks sp"., and 160 Gannets. Grounded migrants included eight Chiffchaffs, four Firecrests, 27 Goldcrests and seven Song Thrushes while passing overhead included a Great White Egret, 11 Jackdaws, six Skylarks, three Swallows, 4400 Starlings, a Grey Wagtail, forty Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit, two Bramblings, eight Redpolls, a flock of 12 Crossbills, 550 Goldfinches and six Siskins.
One Grey Seal was seen offshore.
Strong winds again meant yet more seawatching but with a bit more variety than on recent days with 15 Little Gulls, eight Mediterranean Gulls, a Black-throated Diver and a Sooty Shearwater of note while 11 Grey Plovers, four Knot, eight Sandwich Terns, 1261 Guillemots, 2398 Razorbills, 889 auk sp and 981 Gannets were also seen. A Woodcock, a Little Egret, four Firecrest, 1357 Starlings in, 56 Chaffinches, five Crossbills, 300 Goldfinches and 13 Siskin were the best on the land.
Two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen.
Several Tuna were also seen.
Even stronger winds today limited most of the observation to the sea where over six hours of watching produced five Red-breasted Mergansers, 420 Kittiwakes, two Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, a first-winter Caspian Gull, 39 Sandwich Terns, 374 Guillemots, 1073 Razorbills and 893 "auks sp". and 452 Gannets. Just three Firecrests, 20 Goldcrests, 85 Linnets and 390 Goldfinches were the best on the land.
Three Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore.
Strong SW winds and frequent heavy rain brought more seawatching but still not a great deal on the land. Over four hours of seawatching saw 121 Kittiwakes, three Little Gulls, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 30 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua, 443 Guillemots, 2076 Razorbills and 730 auk sp., 18 Red-throated Divers and 783 Gannets. On the land there was a bit of overhead movement including six Skylarks, 14 Swallows, 210 Starlings, four Rock Pipits, a Brambling, 12 Redpolls, 175 Goldfinches and eight Siskins. A handful of birds in the bushes included eight Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, a Firecrest and 15 Goldcrests.
Singles of Porpoise and Grey Seal were feeding offshore.
Fresh SW winds produced a bit of movement offshore but there was very little to be seen on the land. Nearly seven hours of seawatching produced four Shovelers, a Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 83 Kittiwakes, 56 Little Gulls, nine Mediterranean Gulls, 48 Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Terns, 937 "auks" sp.), 17 Red-throated Divers and 757 Gannets. A few birds on the land included a Merlin, a Swallow, a Blackcap, three Firecrests, 20 Goldcrests, a late Wheatear, two Rock Pipits and 180 Goldfinches.
Three Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore where a couple of Tuna were also seen.
Elsewhere, a Pallas's Warbler was found in bushes alongside Dengemarsh Road.
A strong southerly wind resulted in some good seawatching with a good variety of rarer species and some high numbers. Coverage for most of the day produced two White-fronted Geese, two Velvet Scoters, three Snipe, 18 Little Gulls, eight Mediterranean Gulls, an Arctic Tern, three Great Skuas, a Puffin, a Little Auk, a Great Northern Diver, a "petrel sp", two Sooty Shearwaters and a Manx Shearwater. Numbers were provided by 23 Shelducks, 31 Sandwich Terns, 779 Kittiwakes, 2956 Razorbills, 291 Guillemots, 1927 "auks sp" and 726 Gannets. Two Yellow-legged Gulls were also present. Good numbers of birds also came in off including 36 Swallows, 2086 Starlings, 86 Chaffinches and three Bramblings and five Firecrests were seen in the bushes.
Two Porpoises and two Grey Seals were feeding offshore and a Brown Hare was seen on the land.
Tuna were seen jumping on a couple of occasions.
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.
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| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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| Red-veined Darters Sympetrum fonscolombii Dungeness 9th October 2025 |
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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.
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| Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans first-winter Dungeness 7th October 2025 |
Three Porpoises were feeding offshore.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Dungeness 3rd October 2025 An unusually marked individual. |
Four Porpoises, a Common Seal and a Grey Seal were feeding offshore.
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.
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.
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| Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Dungeness 1st October 2025 |
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| 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.
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.
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.
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| Acrobasis tumidana Dungeness 29th September 2025 |
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| Pale Pinion Lithophane hepatica Dungeness 29th September 2025 |
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| September Thorn Ennomus erosaria Dungeness 29th September 2025 |
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.
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.
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| Golden Twin-spot Chrysodeixis chalcites Dungeness 27th September 2025 |
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.
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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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.
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.