Today, just as the torrential rain ended, we headed for
Stanwell to net in the water meadow and reed bed. We were joined by TA and MRB
so Chris and Tim took kit out to the flashes while Mike and I set nets in the reeds.
The lake level had risen somewhat and the ride was no longer dry.
On joining Chris and Tim, we were told that they’d flushed
some 20 Teal on approaching the area and we’d missed a Short-eared Owl and Barn
Owl that had been seen while they set up. The pool was now deeper than ever
before and rivulets were still spilling down from the banked up field. Four
nets were arranged in series through the pool, with a box for Meadow Pipits and
another single to intercept birds whizzing around the end of the bank.
There was a good catch of Mipits on the first round but the
reed bed ride was rather disappointing and only one Reed Bunting and a Blackcap
came out of the nets. The interception net should have been fantastic but it was too obvious and caught nothing. The Meadow Pipits continued to be caught in the box but nothing came
out of the pool nets although the reed-bed did produce a Snipe.
Adult Snipe
Meadow Pipit with growth bars on tail and wings.
Totals 38 (1):
Snipe – 1
Meadow Pipit - 24 (1)
Robin – 1
Blackcap – 2
Chiffchaff – 2
Long-tailed Tit - 1
Goldfinch – 1
Linnet – 3
Reed Bunting - 3