Tuesday 21 November 2017

New species catch for Group

The calm overcast mild conditions were ideal today for the Group to carry out some ringing on Seaton Marshes. In fact 58 birds of 16 species were caught, not so high as normal, but very varied and with two highlights. The first surprise was a Lesser Redpoll a first for the Group and a lovely first year bird. Although not unusual for the time of the year, but less likely to be seen on marshes ,was a our first Redwing of the winter. 

Of the other species six Cetti's Warbler were in the catch of which included five retraps. The mild winters and ideal habitat have enabled this species to colonise the Seaton Wetlands in the last few years and will form part of a special study by the Group in 2018. Twelve Reed Bunting were caught at the crack of dawn as they left their roost. 

The final session of the year will be just before Christmas.

Adult Redwing 

Inquisitive first year  Lesser Redpoll

Male Reed Bunting in winter plumage

(Above three photographs by Mike Tyler)

Our Lesser Redpoll in a different pose

(Photograph Sue Murphy)