Fewer migrants, but a good catch

The Group were up early this morning, prior to daybreak erecting mist nets at Seaton Marshes. Apart from seven Chiffchaffs other migrants had deserted us and no doubt well on their way to winter quarters. The catch which totalled 75 birds did include surprisingly 16 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Goldcrests and 13 Blue Tits. Two new Cetti's Warblers were caught together with a Treecreeper and a Meadow Pipit. Not bad for a morning's work.

A Chiffchaff reluctant to migrate! (c) Mike Tyler

First autumn wader catch

Last evening, just prior to high tide of the River Axe, the Group caught 12 waders on Colyford Marsh. The site with its muddy low water level lagoon has shown to be a good site for roosting waders. The catch took effect after dark. Seven Curlew, including a bird the Group ringed at the same site in October 1999, still going strong; other birds were a Lapwing, two Redshank, a Teal and a Green Sandpiper.

Green Sandpiper

The white rump of the Green Sandpiper

Measuring the bill of the Curlew

(All photographs copyright Mike Tyler)