Another new species for the Group!

With a break in the wet weather yesterday morning  gave the Group an opportunity to attempt to catch a few migrants that were travelling through the Wetlands. Not only did we catch 83 birds of 17 species, but a new catch was made of a Spotted Flycatcher. This was a nice surprise although arguably not necessarily unusual for the site during migration. The tally for the morning was:

Dunnock 8; Lesser Whitethroat 1; Chiffchaff 7; Blue Tit 12; Robin 5; Cetti’s Warbler 1; Long-tailed Tit 1; Blackcap 12; Great Tit 9; Reed Warbler 9; Willow Warbler 4; Goldcrest 2; Sedge Warbler 6;

Kingfisher 3; Spotted Flycatcher 1; Coal Tit 1; Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

So another very good session, enjoyed by all who attended.

Juvenile Lesser Whitethroat

Adult male Kingfisher

Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher

Photographs by Mike Tyler

Another two day event

Last weekend, with ideal weather for bird ringing, the Group had an exceptional two days in the field. On Saturday 61 birds of 13 species were caught, including many juveniles and migrants. The latter comprised of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Sedge and Reed Warblers. 

On Sunday a change of venue when we chose the area of Colyford Common we worked at the previous session. Again we were not disappointed and given the opportunity to catch 98 birds of 19 species, but this was not the end of the story. We were so surprised to catch two new species for the Group. These were a Whinchat and a Garden Warbler, both juveniles (see photos), a bonus which concluded a very successful ringing weekend.

Juvenile Whinchat

Juvenile Garden Warbler

Juvenile and adult male Goldfinch

Juvenile Willow Warbler

Juvenile Sedge Warbler
(All photos by Mike Tyler)

Different site proves a success!

To ensure the whole of the Group's monitoring areas are covered today's efforts were concentrated on the crop field and adjacent reed bed on Colyford Common. These areas are infrequently covered, but today an attempt was made and success prevailed.

Despite the likelihood of windy conditions bringing the session to an early conclusion the Group caught 52 birds of 15 species and only two retraps. The birds were:

Sedge Warbler 3; Reed Warbler 22; Dunnock 2; Whitethroat 2; Goldfinch 5; Great Tit 8; Blue Tit 1; Wren 2; Chiffchaff 1; House Sparrow 1; Greenfinch 1; Robin 1 (retrap); Blackbird 1 (retrap); Blackcap 1 and a Kingfisher. The latter was a surprise catch as it was at a site not expected for this species. The two Whitethroats were juveniles as were most of those caught. A worthwhile monitoring session of an area infrequently used.

Juvenile Whitethroat

Juvenile Kingfisher
(Photos Mike Tyler)