Cancellation

It is with regret, due to lack of fully qualified ringers, that the session programmed for 2nd September had to be cancelled. An new date may be possible.

Lucky day with a fall of migrants

Last Thursday's session was not only programmed to hopefully take advantage of any migrant fall, but surprisingly attracted 116 members of the public to the Discovery Hut where it was all happening. There was a fall of migrants along the south coast, which I am sure accounted for some of our high numbers of Chiffchaffs. These totalled 33 and other migrants included Blackcap 6, House Martin 8, Willow Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 8, Whitethroat 1. The juvenile Cetti's Warbler and four Reed Warblers were more than likely to be local.

The only other species in caught in good numbers were 29 Goldfinches. The total catch for the morning was 136 of 19 species. A session to be remembered.

First year House Martin

First year Willow Warbler

Photographs - Mike Tyler

Summer catches continue

Last Saturday 64 birds were caught of 14 species, the highlights included two Kingfishers.

Nice summer catch

Yesterday was the first ringing session for August organised by the Group and considered a success. A total of 89 birds of 14 species was caught and only eight retraps from previous catches. Mind you the catch took place at Colyford Common at the far end of the Wetlands and considered by some birdwatchers as a place of few birds. Well we again proved it to be otherwise. The habitat is good and with little disturbance as fewer members of the public venture that far away from the centre of activity.

The morning started well with little wind and light cloud. This was to change with darken clouds on the horizon resulting in a heavy downpour, with the team of six of us moving quickly to furl the nets. Later we could open them to conclude the morning activity.

The tally was of interest and included, 10 Sedge Warblers, 24 Reed Warblers, 5 House Sparrows, 5 Robins, 9 Willow Warblers, 17 Blue Tits, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Wrens, 2 Swallows, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Reed Buntings.