Tuesday 29 December 2015

Broadwater GP - 29 December 2015

The last site visit of 2015 joined by MRB, Margaret and James. There were only 14 birds, but when ringing a surprise is always possible and today it was that the last bird of the year was a Blackcap. Overwintering Chiffchaff are much more regularly caught than Blackcap.

3M Blackcap

There were a few Blackbirds and a couple of Redwing. We also managed singles of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll from the few small flocks that were seen passing overhead from mid to late morning.

 3M Siskin showing obvious contrast between new and retained greater coverts.

3F Lesser Redpoll

Wren EJJ903, a known adult, showed distinct contrast within the greater coverts and did not have a particularly strongly barring. However it was not very gingery in colouration and did had 12 spots on P4. A guide published on the Ottenby Obseravatory website is very useful but this bird definitely had a step and contrast within the greater coverts (confirmed by second ringer).


 EJJ903, adult Wren ringed as a juvenile 20/07/2014.



Totals: 10 (4)

Wren - 0 (1)
Blackbird - 3
Redwing - 2
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 1 (1)
Goldcrest - 1 (1)
Great Tit - 0 (1)
Siskin - 1
Lesser Redpoll- 1