We arrived at around 6am and were extremely disappointed to see that the site had been mowed again. Apart from the fact that Chris spent so much time and energy strimming out rides in areas where the vegetation is now no more than two or three inches high, we really do have grave worries for the local and migrant birds, for which this is such an important site. Regular blog followers may recall that we lost many of our Whitethroat nesting sites just before the breeding season. Now, all the thistles and teasles that sprung up over the last six months and would have provided winter food for finches, and cover for migrating Sylvia warblers had all been cut and removed. It was surprising to see so many birds darting between remaining clumps of brambles and the scattered trees this morning. The results from today would be interesting to compare with those for the CES on C4 as another team was working there and results there this year have been very poor. Most likely a reflection of birds being forced to move elsewhere due to the ground management on C6.
We put up seven nets to be managed between the two of us and kepT a close eye on the sky as sporadic showers were forecast for later in the day. We noted that the cloud was starting to bunch after a change in wind direction with the telltale temperature drop and began to draw in the nets, around 11am, and were finished and off site before midday. The first shower didn't really amount to much but it was better to finish up than risk getting caught out.
Just one more point of note, on two separate ocassions a mink, almost black in colouration, was seen in, then entering one of the net rides. The net was highered as a precaution and fortunately the animal was not seen after the second round.
Totals: 82 (17)
Songthrush - 2
Dunnock - 3 (2)
Robin - 5
Whitethroat - 14 (10)
Garden Warbler - 22 (2)
Blackcap - 31 (2)
Chiffchaff - 1
Goldcrest - 2
Bullfinch - 0 (1)
Goldfinch - 2
We put up seven nets to be managed between the two of us and kepT a close eye on the sky as sporadic showers were forecast for later in the day. We noted that the cloud was starting to bunch after a change in wind direction with the telltale temperature drop and began to draw in the nets, around 11am, and were finished and off site before midday. The first shower didn't really amount to much but it was better to finish up than risk getting caught out.
Just one more point of note, on two separate ocassions a mink, almost black in colouration, was seen in, then entering one of the net rides. The net was highered as a precaution and fortunately the animal was not seen after the second round.
3P Garden Warbler
3JP Goldcrest
Where the birds are concerned, less is definitely NOT more!
The Jay from the 17th July - note all the lost vegetation.
Songthrush - 2
Dunnock - 3 (2)
Robin - 5
Whitethroat - 14 (10)
Garden Warbler - 22 (2)
Blackcap - 31 (2)
Chiffchaff - 1
Goldcrest - 2
Bullfinch - 0 (1)
Goldfinch - 2