Spring is traditionally a time for having a general clean up and getting things in order after the long winter months. Our new notices are representative of this - fortunately the fishing club have already done a lot of trimming and clearing of fallen trees ( not that we would have been shifting the fallen trunks, but at least we needn't work around them anymore!)
We last visited on the 18th of last month when tits along with wintering Redwings made up most of the catch. This time the catch was small, but truly reflected the change in season. Leading species was Chiffchaff with 4 individuals caught. None of these birds were carrying any fat.
Chiffchaff with abrasion to tips of primaries, tail and all coverts
There were quite a few Blackcap on site but we only managed to capture one - our first of the year.
She did not appear to have completed her migration yet as she had a fat score of 4 with muscle 2.
5F Blackcap with weight of 20.0g
We were also surprised to find a female Reed Bunting in the net as none have been seen or heard in the ringing area.
Reed Bunting 5F
Apart from a couple of Long-tailed Tits and two Blue Tits ( just to show they have not deserted the site altogether) there was also a Great Spotted Woodpecker whose tail showed spectacular wear.
Great Spotted Woodpecker 5M
Here's looking forward to our April visit. We need to find out if the site attracts as much usage from Phylloscopus Warblers in spring as occurs in the autumn. We think probably not but we'll check to be sure.
Totals : 10 (1)
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff- 4
Blue Tit - 1 (1)
Long-tailed Tit - 2
Reed Bunting - 1