Sunday 23 July 2017

Broadwater GP - 22nd July 2017

Today's session with CL, DKL, WA, MRB and Margaret was planned to get a few hours in before thunder storms due to start around midday. We had five nets up by 6:30am with a further three erected not long after. It wasn't particularly busy, but we didn't connect with any large tit flocks while still processing over 40 birds. We had more Chiffchaffs than any other species with  a quarter of them adults, one of which was a recapture. The most intriguing captures were six Reed Warblers. These birds only appear in the nets when actually 'on the move'. Reed Warblers are not usually found in buddleia bushes and the lake by the ringing area has no suitable waterside vegetation. Most were young birds, showing signs of feather wear appearing to indicate that the birds had travelled some distance from elsewhere.

 3JP Robin showing tracts of retained juvenile feathers


Taking a wing measurement (51mm) on the smallest bird of the day.
Totals: 47 (2)

Robin - 2
Reed Warbler - 6
Whitethroat - 1
Blackcap - 7
Garden Warbler - 1
Chiffchaff - 20 (2)
Goldcrest - 1
Blue Tit - 4
Great Tit - 5