Saturday 28 September 2013

Bittern restricts bird ringers

The arrival of a Bittern yesterday , a local rarity, curtailed the plan of the Group to erect nets in a reed bed opposite where the Bittern could be seen on the other side of the River Axe. To ensure good relations with birdwatchers and the public, as well as safeguarding the reputation of the Group, the proposed netting of Swallows at roost was cancelled should our actions disturb the Bittern. 

Not all was lost, nets were erected elsewhere and during darkness the Group were given a nice surprise when a Jack Snipe was caught. The second for the Group, the last caught in October 2008. Despite the disappointment of not being able to net Swallows the extra effort was certainly worthwhile.

The sheer elegance of the Jack Snipe

Lovely plumage markings

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Nice surprise!

Our general mist netting session on Saturday 7th September produced a nice surprise for the Group. Among the warblers and other species caught a Common Snipe was netted, the first wader for the Group this autumn. Nice photograph below.

Copyright Kate Cheetham