The weekend of 18th/19th January started the Group's new year with an attempt to catch wintering Chiffchaffs at the Borrow Pit on Seaton Marshes. Not quite as successful as hoped with only four Chiffchaffs with several others seen in the vicinity. Nevertheless 15 birds were caught, including a Water Rail in a prototype trap made by Group member Fraser Rush.
On the Sunday morning soon after daybreak a cannon net was fired over a small group of duck, which included a few waders. The catch comprised of one Teal, one Moorhen, 24 Shelduck and ten Black-tailed Godwits. The evening before two Abberton Traps were set at Colyford Common and surprisingly 12 birds were caught, which included six Teal, two Moorhens and four Mallard. These traps helped to boost the numbers for ringing for both members and visitors.
The Group's work on catching duck and waders over the years has drawn other ringers from as far away as Penzance, Falmouth, Bideford Portland and Weymouth. The Group feels really honoured that non-members are prepared to travel long distances so early in the morning to meet our deadline of taking a catch.
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| A fine example of a female Teal (Photo Mike Tyler) |
