Further cancellations

Due to few duck in the usual catching areas the cannon net sessions programmed for 21st February and 12th March are cancelled. Sorry about that, but perhaps next winter will be colder and the ducks will be more plentiful.

Mike

Cancellation

Please note that the duck catching session programmed for this Saturday is cancelled due to too few duck.

Sorry if you hoped to join us.

Mike

First catch of 2016

The session was nearly cancelled, but with a dry spell this morning allowed us to our first catch of the year. The cannon net was set yesterday afternoon with a chance we may be lucky. The team was ready, but all relied on the weather. We were lucky, but only a few duck put in an appearance, but were duly caught. These comprised of three Mallard and seventeen Shelduck. We also caught a juvenile Mute Swan and three Pheasants who decided to join the ducks. The Pheasant were released! As soon after processing the birds the heavens opened again and a deluge took place. A lucky chance it was, which showed on the faces of the team. (See photograph).

The happy team (Photo (c) Mike Tyler)

The last catch of 2015

Despite the rain stopping activities mid morning we were able to catch 35 birds of 12 species. These were: Chaffinch 3; Chiffchaff 1; Robin 1; Great Tit; Goldfinch 3; Long-tailed Tit 10; Dunnock 3; Blackbird 1; Wren 1; Goldcrest 4; and Song Thrush 1.

The year has been very good for the Group with higher numbers than usual with new species as well. Who knows perhaps next year could be as good or even better.

Many thanks and very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all our supporters and followers of the Group's activities. 

Mike                              

First winter duck catch

The ups and downs of duck catches! Yesterday there were 70 duck in a catching area of the Seaton Marshes, but today only 25. Did they know what was in store for them? Nevertheless, 19 were caught of the those present so one could say in the circumstances it was a good catch . These included 11 Shelduck, one Wigeon, six Mallard and a surprise female Shoveler. Although Shoveler frequent the Marshes in small numbers it is unusual to catch these in cannon nets as they normally stay well out on the lagoons. Anyway, members of the Group were not complaining.

Please note that the session for 20th December is cancelled.

The impressive bill of the Shoveler (c) Allan Reese

A side on view (c) Mike Tyler

Startling finish to autumn

The Group completed its autumn sessions last Monday, with a full day and evening session resulting in a bumper catch. Of the 124 birds caught and processed another new bird was added to the Group's species list. A lovely first winter Lesser Redpoll.

Other interesting catches, included 28 Long-tailed Tits, nine each of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Cetti's Warbler and 12 Reed Buntings at roost.

First winter Lesser Redpoll (copyright Miriam Guard)

The same Lesser Redpoll (Copyright Ian Stanbridge) 

Cancellation

Due to inclement weather conditions forecast for the session on Saturday 7th November regrettably it has been cancelled.