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)

Another new species

Yesterday morning the Group had another good ringing session processing 74 birds of 21 species, including a Siskin a new species for the Group whilst working on the Wetlands. This year has been very successful with in excess of 1000 birds ringed and many more processed.

Our new species - Siskin  (c) Tom Gale

Bumper weekend!

The Group have been busy over the last ten days and have captured 241 birds, with 199 over the weekend of 5th - 6th September. These were sessions to catch one of the last movements of migrants that were resting up and feeding on the Axe Wetlands. There were 47 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 13 Blackcaps, 12 Reed Warblers, 15 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat and 1 House Martin. The remainder included, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler, Treecreeper, 16 Goldfinches and 28 Greenfinches, plus several other resident species, all in all a very good period.

Treecreeper

Showing the stiff tail feathers of a Treecreeper

First year Whitethroat

All photographs (c) Mike Tyler

Another new species for the Group!

With a break in the wet weather yesterday morning  gave the Group an opportunity to attempt to catch a few migrants that were travelling through the Wetlands. Not only did we catch 83 birds of 17 species, but a new catch was made of a Spotted Flycatcher. This was a nice surprise although arguably not necessarily unusual for the site during migration. The tally for the morning was:

Dunnock 8; Lesser Whitethroat 1; Chiffchaff 7; Blue Tit 12; Robin 5; Cetti’s Warbler 1; Long-tailed Tit 1; Blackcap 12; Great Tit 9; Reed Warbler 9; Willow Warbler 4; Goldcrest 2; Sedge Warbler 6;

Kingfisher 3; Spotted Flycatcher 1; Coal Tit 1; Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

So another very good session, enjoyed by all who attended.

Juvenile Lesser Whitethroat

Adult male Kingfisher

Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher

Photographs by Mike Tyler

Another two day event

Last weekend, with ideal weather for bird ringing, the Group had an exceptional two days in the field. On Saturday 61 birds of 13 species were caught, including many juveniles and migrants. The latter comprised of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Sedge and Reed Warblers. 

On Sunday a change of venue when we chose the area of Colyford Common we worked at the previous session. Again we were not disappointed and given the opportunity to catch 98 birds of 19 species, but this was not the end of the story. We were so surprised to catch two new species for the Group. These were a Whinchat and a Garden Warbler, both juveniles (see photos), a bonus which concluded a very successful ringing weekend.

Juvenile Whinchat

Juvenile Garden Warbler

Juvenile and adult male Goldfinch

Juvenile Willow Warbler

Juvenile Sedge Warbler
(All photos by Mike Tyler)

Different site proves a success!

To ensure the whole of the Group's monitoring areas are covered today's efforts were concentrated on the crop field and adjacent reed bed on Colyford Common. These areas are infrequently covered, but today an attempt was made and success prevailed.

Despite the likelihood of windy conditions bringing the session to an early conclusion the Group caught 52 birds of 15 species and only two retraps. The birds were:

Sedge Warbler 3; Reed Warbler 22; Dunnock 2; Whitethroat 2; Goldfinch 5; Great Tit 8; Blue Tit 1; Wren 2; Chiffchaff 1; House Sparrow 1; Greenfinch 1; Robin 1 (retrap); Blackbird 1 (retrap); Blackcap 1 and a Kingfisher. The latter was a surprise catch as it was at a site not expected for this species. The two Whitethroats were juveniles as were most of those caught. A worthwhile monitoring session of an area infrequently used.

Juvenile Whitethroat

Juvenile Kingfisher
(Photos Mike Tyler)

And even more birds!

Another splendid catch today with 83 birds. These were:

Great Tit 11(2); Reed Bunting 2; Blackbird 1; Goldfinch 12; Blue Tit 14(5); Reed Warbler 11(2); Chaffinch 6; Kingfisher 2(1); Meadow Pipit 1; Chiffchaff 7; Blackcap 2; Cetti's Warbler 1; Greenfinch 7; Dunnock 1; Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Sedge Warbler 1; Treecreeper 1; Robin (1); Coal Tit 1.

An excellent achievement for all those present.