Colyford Common catch

Today the Group ventured onto Colyford Common to ascertain the movement of birds and those that were breeding. The reeds indicated breeding Reed Warblers as expected, resulting in seven of which five were in breeding activity. A Lesser Whitethroat thought initially a control turned out to have been ringed on the nearby Colyton WWTW on 1st May this year. A lovely male Bullfinch was caught as well as a family of Goldfinches. Most of the birds were shown to be in breeding activity.  In all 30 birds of 11 species were processed.

First spring Male Bullfinch (Photo Mike Tyler)

Reed and Sedge Warblers moving in

Working today on the Seaton Wetlands, both ringing birds and conducting surveys revealed there were good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers. This was particularly so with Sedge Warblers. Although we only caught five many could be heard singing. Top of the poll today were Reed Warblers with 12 birds out of a total of 30 of ten species. Not too many birds, but a steady flow throughout the morning.

Sedge Warbler

Male Reed Bunting

(Photos Mike Tyler)