We haven't been getting out much of late. Winter weather and someone recovering from pleurisy just don't mix well. Still, today we arranged to meet MRB and Margaret for an early morning try for Redwings. We know the birds roost here but failed miserably at a dusk attempt so have now gone for the 6.30am start. The nets went up well and the very first calls were not heard until the main nets were erected. It was extremely cold with the first haw frost of the winter.
Subsequent rounds brought a few Goldcrests, a Bullfinch
and a slow trickle of Redwings as well as a few retraps, including a
Treecreeper with the usual selection of tits.
Totals: 24 (6)
Wren - 1
Robin - 0 (1)
Songthrush - 1
Redwing - 8
Goldcrest - 5
Blue Tit - 4 (3)
Great Tit - 2 (1)
Long-tailed Tit - 2
Treecreeper - 0 (1)
Bullfinch - 1
I can't recall the last time this happened to equipment, if ever!
The first round was disappointing with only one Redwing in the net.
The first Redwing was a juvenile bird.
Adult Redwing with rufous hue to tips and edge of greater and median coverts.
The temperature hovered around zero degrees until well after 9.00am and
the increased frquency of net rounds (to minimise the time that birds
spent in nets) was appreciated by those ringers wearing wellingtons (for
the sake of our toes!)
Juvenile male Bullfinch
Another adult bird with heavier markings on breast than previously photographed individuals.
By the time we got the last Redwing there was still frost on the ground despite some much welcomed winter sunshine.
Additional sightings included Little Egret, Red Kite, Grey Wagtail with 3 Goosanders on the lake. Nets down by 11.45am and on to the Crewroom Cafe at the aerodrome.
Totals: 24 (6)
Wren - 1
Robin - 0 (1)
Songthrush - 1
Redwing - 8
Goldcrest - 5
Blue Tit - 4 (3)
Great Tit - 2 (1)
Long-tailed Tit - 2
Treecreeper - 0 (1)
Bullfinch - 1