Good juvenile catch

Today the Group started very early to take advantage before the sun created too hot conditions to mist net birds. Even finishing early 74 birds were caught of which 56 were juveniles. Blackcaps, Reed Warblers, Blue Tits and Great Tits were high on that list.

Session cancelled

Please note the ringing session for Saturday 16th June is cancelled due to rain and wind forecast in the morning.

Signs of a good Reed Warbler breeding season

This morning a small team from the Group took advantage of the tides of the River Axe  to set a few nets in the reeds close to the Seaton Tramway. Expecting a low number of birds the team were surprised to catch 23 of which 20 were Reed Warblers with one each of a Reed Bunting, Blackbird and Blue Tit.

Many juveniles now to be found

Breeding is well underway with the majority of the 57 birds caught today being juveniles. Four were Kestrel pulli which was a nice surprise and good experience for the trainee ringer present. This brood was one of two on the Wetlands and so far not subject to predation. The other birds comprised of 14 species including Reed Warblers, and a female Whitethroat with a brood patch. The area worked was not in the busy public area.

Miriam with one of the Kestrel chicks

Photograph by Lesley Clarke