Kestrel nestlings

The Group were able to ring a brood of five Kestrels nesting in a special box erected by the East Devon District Council on the Wetlands. Photographs below show the results.

(c) Photos by John Richards and Lesley and Peter Clarke

Migration and young birds

Since the last post the Group have been very active in catching nearly 300 birds of 24 species, including the ringing of 40 nestlings. These comprised of migrants passing through and remaining to breed on the Wetlands. The pleasure of catching and ringing young birds is always a delight in late spring and early summer. With an active programme for the rest of the summer we look forward to some interesting species visiting the Wetlands.

Some really nice copyright photographs appear below, where otherwise stated, kindly permitted for us for posting by Chels of Dark Fairy Photography (www.darkfairyphotography.co.uk). We are more than grateful to her in allowing us to use her high resolution photographs.

An aggressive male Greenfinch

Who do you think you are looking at!

Sedge Warbler twins!

A nice Sedge Warbler

Blue Tit in early spring

A Chaffinch with the wow factor (Photo Mike Tyler)

The wing pattern of a Goldfinch (Photo Mike Tyler)

Spring migrants

Last Tuesday the Group attempted a early start at the far end of Colyford Common.

The weather was kind and with little wind the sites on Colyford Common were worth attempting despite the jaunt with the equipment from the FSB (Discovery Hut). A total of 44 birds were caught included only five retraps. One retrap was the Siberian Chiffchaff originally ringed by the Group on 11th March this year. A bird reluctant to migrate back to its breeding site. Another surprise, although not in a net, was a female Marsh Harrier we disturbed on arrival, probably using the reed beds as a roost site.

Anyway the 44 birds comprised of: Willow Warbler 14 (probable early morning fall) certainly most had a nil or very low fat and muscle scores; Chiffchaff 11(2) no doubt some of the new birds accompanying the Willow Warblers; Cetti's Warbler 1; Wren 5(1); Dunnock 3(1); Long-tailed Tit 2(1); Greenfinch 4; Blackcap 1; Reed Bunting 2; and Blue Tit 1.

All in all a good morning.

Spring ringing underway

Following a poor winter of catching duck our first spring mist netting session shows a promising start. A total of 43 birds were caught of 14 species. Included of interest were two Cetti's Warblers, male and female, so perhaps a breeding pair, one can only hope. The local habitat is ideal for breeding. A late first winter Redwing was rather nice and a Siberian Chiffchaff of the tristis race, a first for the Group.

Chiffchaff  tristis

Chiffchaff tristis

Redwing

All photos supplied by Allan Reese

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)