This afternoon we were invited to join WH at the London Wetlands Centre ( that is unrecognisable as the reservoir complex where we birded many years ago) to monitor the Sand Martin colony. This was his second visit of the breeding season. The manmade colony in constructed of pipes leading to sand filled chambers, four rows of 25 although some units are blocked up and other cells are solid breeze-block. Each unit has a separate wooden back secured with two metal latches.
A22 contained 4 chicks
Many of the boxes are still empty but 3 held families of 4 that were big enough to ring. Some cells showed signs of nesting activity with prospecting adults in the pipes, others held up to 5 eggs. More nests with very small chicks should have ringable young by the next visit in 10-14 days.
One of 12 Sand Martin chicks that were ringed
The nests consist of a depression formed in the sand
with dried grass, sticks and feathers.
with dried grass, sticks and feathers.
External colony wall
Throughout the monitoring operation adults continued to come and go as usual.
Many thanks to WH for allowing us this fantastic opportunity. We really enjoyed the afternoon.