Sunday 5 August 2012

Icklesham - 26 - 28 July 2012

This years visit to probably UKs busiest ringing operation was perhaps an indication of what this years UK migration might be like as catches were 75% less than this time last year. Hopefully it is not a true indication of how really bad our breeding season has been, because if it is, those of us that rely on it for some bigger catches in the autumn are going to be disappointed. Catches were around 100 each day. Fair number of adult Reed and Sedge Warblers being caught, with juveniles less abundant. Willow Warblers started to pick up be the end of the four days, but still nothing significant. Over the four days the only 'oddities' were a juvenile Water Rail, and single Wood Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Water Rail - 3

Wood Warbler

Holly Blue

Elephant Hawkmoth

Poplar Hawkmoth

Common Blue Damsefly