Here’s some very sad Blakeney news. The duck pond here, loved by so many, has been hit with avian flu. The captive birds were culled on Defra instructions. My heart goes out to those who have worked so hard for this pond over many years — today must be heartbreaking for them.

This beautiful little creature flew into my greenhouse this morning and couldn't find its way out again. Thankfully, we rescued and released it and it flew away unharmed. Am I right in thinking it's a very young Curlew?

Black vent strap?

1.45 today: Buff-breasted Sandpiper in field between Ardensawah and Bosistow Farm, Cornwall. BirdGuides RareBirdAlertUK

Juv. Pallid Harrier circling between Land's End Airport and Carn Brea, Cornwall, now (4pm, 12 Oct 23). RareBirdAlertUK BirdGuides

Tremendous work by a dedicated team

An interesting 1st W female 'Canvasback' at Dernford Res this afternoon. A pale crescent subterminally across the bill tip suggests some Northern Pochard genes. No rings, but wildfowl breeder close by🙄. Two Cape Shelduck 🙄🙄and nine Yellow-legged Gull.

A New Year bird list for the Lee Valley totalled 87, been doing these now since 1980, with 94 being the best. Highlights included Gt N Diver, Smew, Slav Grebe, Black Redstart, Scaup. Totals over the years quite similar but well known changes….

A team from Rye Meads Ringing Group won the inaugural LVRPA winter birdrace in 1989. We suited up to receive our award - Bruce Taggart, Jimmy Redwood and I. Wilf Wilson followed *suit* having won the individual prize. Graham White (award presenter) turned up in his scruffs...............

Phil Butson and I had a practice run for the BTO winter gulls survey bto.org/wings on our Nazeing, Essex site this evening. Great totals of 4300 BHG, 4600 Commons (!!!), 70 LBBG, 50 Herring, topped off with 2 YLG and a Med. BHG coming second was unexpected! #WinGS

Heartwarming to see how many young women 'like' my thoughts on the status of the GBBG in Herts.......🤦‍♂️

Colour ringed. One of yours? Jeremy.Gates

Sad but interesting find. A Water Rail clutch 'crowed', Rye Meads, Herts. Some rare skills from the corvid to find the nest and remove six eggs, presumably one at a time, and neatly open them up. Turned over they look whole.

Don't forget that next week (Thursday 23rd May and Friday 24th May) Rye Road will be closed at the Roydon end whilst important works are completed on the toll road. You can still easily access RSPB Rye Meads via the Hoddesdon end of Rye Road via Stanstead Road.

Tonight we undertook our annual breeding survey of BHGulls at Rye Meads. With 133 occupied nests on the RSPB Rye Meads reserve & 19 more on the Thames Water side, 152 in total. Around half of pre-bird flu levels. There's already 40 chicks - fingers crossed for a successful season!

And, as suspected, laying an egg. RMRG ringed the chick last night! Thanks for the heads up Rose😃#RSPBRyeMeads

What is it about hot weather. Why does it always induce the neighbours to generously share their crap taste in music with you? (Thanks Stevo).