A 4.30am alarm call was set in order that we could be on the road by 5am and at the meeting place for 6.30am. The weather was less windy than we'd expected and the threat of rain thankfully remained no more than that as clouds passed through, throughout the session.
We didn't have to wait too long before both nets were fired on a mixed group of Redshank, Greenshank and Teal. The first net was lifted from the pool along with the waders over a stretch of mud and onto a grassy area where the birds were extracted, placed in boxes and then transferred into holding pens. A second team dealt with the other net that had captured the ducks.
The Teal were swiftly processed and released before our attention turned to the Greenshank. There was one retrap and 16 new birds, all of which were ringed and fitted with colour rings.
The bulk of the catch were Redshank. It was noted that the number of juvenile birds was lower than expected, perhaps a significant factor in explaining why numbers have been dropping over the last few years.
We didn't have to wait too long before both nets were fired on a mixed group of Redshank, Greenshank and Teal. The first net was lifted from the pool along with the waders over a stretch of mud and onto a grassy area where the birds were extracted, placed in boxes and then transferred into holding pens. A second team dealt with the other net that had captured the ducks.
The Teal were swiftly processed and released before our attention turned to the Greenshank. There was one retrap and 16 new birds, all of which were ringed and fitted with colour rings.
Greenshanks sporting newly fitted legwear.
Examples of Greenshanks in primary moult.
The bulk of the catch were Redshank. It was noted that the number of juvenile birds was lower than expected, perhaps a significant factor in explaining why numbers have been dropping over the last few years.
Redshank in wing moult.
Retrapped birds had metal rings moved to the correct position in line with the colour ring configurations and colour rings were added. All in all it was a most successful and enjoyable session.
Total: 73 (16)
Teal - 12
Greenshank - 16 (1)
Redshank - 45 (15)