Early autumn catch

Yesterday the Group were fortunate to process 48 birds of 15 species, including a Kingfisher, six Blackcaps and the same number of Chiffchaffs. A Woodpigeon blundered into a net and was successfully extracted by a member of the Group before it escaped by rolling out. One Reed Warbler was caught on migration as well as other resident species.

1st year Woodpigeon

1st year Kingfisher.

Photographs Mike Tyler

Autumn waders Colyford Marsh

Last night was the first of two wader ringing sessions arranged for this autumn. The site of Colyford Marsh is very difficult to work with heavy mud, which is covered at hide tides. So care needs to be taken, not just for the birds. The number of waders frequenting the site at night to feed and roost can vary considerably, but only a few have ever been netted for ringing at any session. Last evening was no exception with a Teal and seven waders caught. These were: Common Snipe 1; Dunlin 4; and Whimbrel 2. The latter were both juveniles.

1. One of the juvenile Whimbrels 

2. Common Snipe

3. First year male Dunlin

Photographs 1 Allan Reese 2 & 3 Mike Tyler

Corvid visitor

Yesterday the Group were holding a scheduled ringing demonstration when it caught a Magpie as well as other smaller birds, including Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. The Magpie was one rarely caught on the Wetlands.

Juvenile Magpie

Photograph Miriam Guard