Thursday, 21 August 2014

Broadwater GP - 20 August 2014

An early start with CL, DKL, MRB and Margaret beginning to set nets and joined by PD and RB a short while later. We did a total of 81 birds and for the first time this autumn new Willow Warblers (20) outnumbered Chiffchaff by a substantial margin. Some earlier ringed Chiffchaffs  remain on site to be recaptured today - for this species retraps were equal to new birds.

 Juvenile Willow Warbler

Four Treecreepers were of note, one being retrapped. Fewer Blackcap and Garden Warblers than Phylloscopus were caught. When the passerines had pretty much dried up, we ended with a young male Sparrowhawk that came to investigate the birdsong from the audio-lure.

 3M Sparrowhawk


Some birds turn capture to their benefit and make the
most  of  unexpected warmth on a chilly morning.

Totals: 62 (19)

Sparrowhawk - 1
Wren - 2
Robin -1 (2)
Dunnock - 1
Garden Warbler - 2
Blackcap - 11
Willow Warbler -20 (1)
Chiff-chaff - 7 (7)
Goldcrest - 1 (1)
Blue Tit - 2
Great Tit - 2 (2)
Long-tailedTit - 8 (4)
Treecreeper - 3 (1)
Chaffinch - 1
Bullfinch - 0 (1)