The late afternoon was warm and stuffy in the house, despite the forecast windy conditions with a stiff breeze blowing from the west, so at the last minute we decided to put in a few hours in the reed-bed at Stanwell rather thsn stay indoors. When we arrived the planes were taking off right over the lake (as expected) and with them going over at intervals of less than 70 seconds apart (more frequent than usual even for Heathrow), we didn't expect much.
Still, we gave it a go with five nets and settled down to see what they might catch.
Recaptured Chiffchaff EBX779 was in full primary moult and looked a little worse for wear.
We also caught a retrapped adult and new juvenile Cetti's Warbler. With a smattering of Phylloscopus and Sylvia warblers to support the usual Acros, we expected to reach 20 or so but unexpectedly we exceeded this when a small group of hirundines were attracted in at the end of the day.
Sand Martin - 2
Swallow - 6
Still, we gave it a go with five nets and settled down to see what they might catch.
Recaptured Chiffchaff EBX779 was in full primary moult and looked a little worse for wear.
Adult Chiffchaff EBX779 (ringed age 3, 24/08/2014)
We also caught a retrapped adult and new juvenile Cetti's Warbler. With a smattering of Phylloscopus and Sylvia warblers to support the usual Acros, we expected to reach 20 or so but unexpectedly we exceeded this when a small group of hirundines were attracted in at the end of the day.
Juvenile Swallow (3O)
Totals: 25 (3)
Sand Martin - 2
Swallow - 6
Wren - 2
Cetti's Warbler - 1 (1)
Reed Warbler - 1 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 2
Whitethroat - 3
Blackcap - 3
Chiffchaff - 2 (1)
Willow Warbler - 1
Great Tit - 1
Starling - 1