Today was the first session for a while at the top end of Colyford Common, in the reedbed and the crop field. It was a bit of a job transporting the kit up to the north end as there was no vehicle available for this session.
Ringing at the north end of Colyford Common - June '12 (c) Adrian Bayley
Weather; somewhat misty in the valley which cleared to give low cloud. This combined with little wind meant for pretty ideal mist netting conditions.
Without the luxury of the Field Studies Centre, it was back to basics for the team - no tables or chairs!
Without the luxury of the Field Studies Centre, it was back to basics for the team - no tables or chairs!
On the grass - Colyford Common June '12 (c) Adrian Bayley
The long slog was certainly worthwhile, with 76 birds of 14 species caught, and only 10 retraps:
4 Blue Tit (1 retrap)
4 Blackcap
3 Sedge Warbler
14 Reed Warbler (3 retraps)
2 Wren (1 retrap)
6 Blackbird (1 retrap)
4 Song Thrush (2 retrap)
1 Robin
2 Dunnock (1 retrap)
11 House Sparrow
19 Greenfinch (1 retrap)
4 Goldfinch
1 Linnet
1 Reed Bunting
Several of these birds were (as expected) 3J's.
4 Blue Tit (1 retrap)
4 Blackcap
3 Sedge Warbler
14 Reed Warbler (3 retraps)
2 Wren (1 retrap)
6 Blackbird (1 retrap)
4 Song Thrush (2 retrap)
1 Robin
2 Dunnock (1 retrap)
11 House Sparrow
19 Greenfinch (1 retrap)
4 Goldfinch
1 Linnet
1 Reed Bunting
Several of these birds were (as expected) 3J's.
3J Reed Bunting - Colyford Common June '12 (c) Adrian BayleyOf the adults caught, this Linnet was surely the smartest.
Male Linnet - Colyford Common June '12 (c) Adrian Bayley
But this Blue Tit was arguably the most interesting (from a ringer's perspective!) showing a feathering over brood patch and in active wing moult.
Blue Tit - Colyford Common June '12 (c) Adrian Bayley
The team were unlucky to not catch a Sparrowhawk; a big female was in the net but escaped when the (would have been!) extractor was just a few paces away. You'll have to wear your running shoes next time Mike.
