Wednesday 2 August 2017

Nice summer catch

Yesterday was the first ringing session for August organised by the Group and considered a success. A total of 89 birds of 14 species was caught and only eight retraps from previous catches. Mind you the catch took place at Colyford Common at the far end of the Wetlands and considered by some birdwatchers as a place of few birds. Well we again proved it to be otherwise. The habitat is good and with little disturbance as fewer members of the public venture that far away from the centre of activity.

The morning started well with little wind and light cloud. This was to change with darken clouds on the horizon resulting in a heavy downpour, with the team of six of us moving quickly to furl the nets. Later we could open them to conclude the morning activity.

The tally was of interest and included, 10 Sedge Warblers, 24 Reed Warblers, 5 House Sparrows, 5 Robins, 9 Willow Warblers, 17 Blue Tits, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Wrens, 2 Swallows, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Dunnock, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Reed Buntings.