This is the second year of monitoring Pied Wagtails in the motorway services car park, although efforts have not previously started as early as this due to delays in obtaining permissions from the controlling company.
A quick reccie last week confirmed that birds are again present and the roost trees remain unchanged since we last netted the roost in February. A small team of five arrived at 3.15pm to erect nets, but fewer nets than planned were used due to HGVs being parked in front of part of the proposed site. From past experience we know that birds prefer a clear flyway and birds will not usually approach the trees between or over the lorries. So,we went with just two three panel 40s along the top of short hedge, and a single 60 at the back of the coach park.
We were ready with plenty of time to spare and it was really quite dark by the time that birds curtailed their promenading around the tarmac and made a concerted effort to settle down for the night.
A catch of 23 was taken with all being new birds. Thanks to Margaret, MRB and EP who joined CL and DKL for the session.
Totals: 23
Pied Wagtail - 23
A quick reccie last week confirmed that birds are again present and the roost trees remain unchanged since we last netted the roost in February. A small team of five arrived at 3.15pm to erect nets, but fewer nets than planned were used due to HGVs being parked in front of part of the proposed site. From past experience we know that birds prefer a clear flyway and birds will not usually approach the trees between or over the lorries. So,we went with just two three panel 40s along the top of short hedge, and a single 60 at the back of the coach park.
We were ready with plenty of time to spare and it was really quite dark by the time that birds curtailed their promenading around the tarmac and made a concerted effort to settle down for the night.
A catch of 23 was taken with all being new birds. Thanks to Margaret, MRB and EP who joined CL and DKL for the session.
Pied Wagtail - aged 3
Pied Wagtail - 23