Lamsdell Bird Ringing and Wildlife Blog: Wraysbury GP C4

Monday, 17 October 2016

Wraysbury GP C4 - 15th October 2016

Wraysbury was covered both on C4 and C6 today. Our team CL, DKL & OCM took the more sheltered C4, but not having ringed there since last winter, found that some rides we intended to use had become overgrown, as were the access paths. This caused a delay in getting started and the last of the 10 nets was not up until it was completely light, by which time we had seen many Blackbirds and thrushes leave the area. We took the first round straight away and it was clear that there were quite a lot of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests on site. We also had the first Redwing of the autumn.

The first Wraysbury Redwing of the 16/17 winter

We started ringing and after the first twenty or so birds, I (DKL) went round to monitor the situation and clear the nets again. There were a few more crests, but nothing too much so the morning continued at a steadier pace.

The team on C6 processed 50 or so birds including a rather late Willow Warbler. So, no more hopes of a YBW from the recent influx. We've clearly missed the boat on that score.

C4 Total: 75 (7)

Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Wren - 3
Dunnock - 3
Robin - 5 (1)
Song Thrush - 2
Redwing - 1
Blackcap - 5
Chiffchaff - 18 (1)
Goldcrest - 22
Long-tailed Tit - 9 (5)
Blue Tit - 6

About us

Chris and Denise Lamsdell

We have both been birders for about 40 years based in South Bucks near the West London reservoir complexes.

Since September 2021 we have been based in North Norfolk. We have done our bit of twitching in the past, but with other priorities this has become a much reduced activity with a preference for seeing new birds where ever our travels take us.

We both have been ringing since 2005. Our local group was the Runnymede RG while based in Buckinghamshire. Since moving to Norfolk we have started a new group called The Iceni Bird Monitoring Group, aimed at increasing public engagement through colour ringing projects on Black-headed Gull, Turnstone and Lapwing. We ring at several sites including Sculthorpe Moor, Sandringham Estate, Deepdale Farm and also monitor bird populations for the Norfolk Rivers Trust. We do ringing at home and support with foreign projects when opportunities allow. Chris also has an interest in Butterflies and Dragonflies and contains his limited photographic skill to them.