Good catch near Crop Field again!

Despite the jaunt across rough ground to carry poles, nets, etc the reed bed and adjoining hedgerows close to the Crop Field rarely let down those who have the energy and enthusiasm to catch some interesting birds. Yesterday, 21st May was no exception, with 25 of the total birds caught during the morning were close to the Crop Field. An area rarely visited by the public thereby being relatively quiet.

The morning's total catch was 35 birds as follows: Song Thrush 1; Reed Warbler 10; Blue Tit 1; Dunnock 3; House Sparrow 3; Greenfinch 3; Blackbird 8; Great tit 1; Swallow 1; Wren 2; Reed Bunting 1; and Robin 1.

Weekend session

Our first two day session for the year started on the afternoon of Friday 10th May, with the erection of nets and finished on Saturday evening after processing thirty birds. Not so many as one would have liked, but despite the showers and windy conditions a reasonable number nevertheless. The tally was: Song Thrush 1; Blue Tit 2; Greenfinch 5; Reed Warbler 3; Chaffinch 1; Sedge Warbler 1; Wren 2; Dunnock 3; Goldfinch 2; Blackbird 7; Great Tit 2; and Reed Bunting 1.

Of the total of Blackbirds four were pulli in a nest close to the Reserves, but still in the area of the Group's operations. A nice surprise was the single Sedge Warbler which was a control ringed in Spain bearing a ring engraved Arazadi San Sebastien.

The Saturday morning started with people on a dawn chorus, led by Steve Waite, visited the Field Studies base at the end of their walk. Even during the day other members of the public were given the opportunity to watch birds being ringed. It was not just adults that were fascinated by seeing birds in the hand, but also were the children.

These two children are certainly enjoying the opportunity to release a Reed Bunting

Has spring arrived!

With a cold March and still chilly easterly winds during the first few days of April, one would be forgiven thinking that spring had arrived. Well, the Chiffchaffs thought so, with good numbers reported along the south coast. The Group experienced this influx at its first spring mist-netting session. Eight were caught,including a control, details of ringing to be ascertained. One Chiffchaff had obviously travelled through some warm exotic locations with pollen clearly seen on its lower head around the bill. (see photograph). Although only 18 birds were caught it was good start and the small team were well satisfied.

I know, I did put my head in a trumpet flower! (photo Doug Rudge)

Comparison of the travellers (photo Doug Rudge)

Adrian, Barry, Neil & Peter admire their catches (photo Doug Rudge)

Last Duck catch of the Winter

Another winter has passed and the Group have enjoyed several sessions cannon-netting duck. Not just Shelduck our target species which we also colour-ring, but also Teal, Mallard and Wigeon. Moorhens, Black-tailed Godwits and Mute Swans were also caught as a side catch. So we hang-up our cannon-nets until November. At our last catch on Saturday 23rd March we caught 16 Shelduck. Fewer than at previous sessions, but they were probably on the move to their breeding sites.

The team at the last duck catch

Showing the Flag

The Group, as in previous years, took advantage of manning a display stand at Seaton Town Hall on 16th March, and gained support from many members of the public. The event was arranged by the Seaton Lions for charities in the community to take part.

Peter Bennett explaining our work to members of the public

                                   

23rd February to 1st March

The start of seven busy and very interesting days for the Group. On the 23rd we took part in the Winter Bird Festival organised by the Countryside Unit of East Devon District Council. Members of the public were fascinated seeing Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon and Mute Swans being ringed. Our leader explained to a group of about 30 members of the Devon Wildlife Trust the reasons why we were ringing birds and placing colour rings on Shelduck. On 27th three days of filming with the BBC Countryfile Unit began culminating with an early catch of 38 Shelduck on 1st March. Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury joined us together with two excited camera teams filming the various aspects of ringing following a catch using cannon-nets. Later to release the last bird Matt Baker appeared to do the honours.

Julia and Matt with members of the catching team

AERG Back soon

Please note this blog will be back soon with updates on the activities of the Axe Estuary Ringing Group.

In the meantime, here's a photo of the team from the last cannon-netting session on 09.02.13.

A happy team