We went to work C6 with MEH of the Bedfont crew, putting up 9 nets in the area near the lake. We could see birds skirting around the edge, but tapes were unsuccessful at attracting much down to net level.
The rides cut through what remains of the brambles to the left of the track were a disappointment, but this is hardly a surprise as there is less traffic through that vegetation as birds are avoiding the largely open central area of the site. Whitethroats and Willow Warblers are scarce, with only one of each caught. The large flock of finches has reduced somewhat, only one Goldfinch captured and there were no Garden Warblers at all.
A lack lustre start to September migration at Wraybury as captures again fail to reach the half century. Any 100+ days look unlikely this year.
The Great Egret flew over again, flying in from the NE, over the BA sailing pit towards the village pit.
Totals: 41 (4)
Dunnock - 3
In the early evening, I made a third visit to Staines Reservoir to see what the drained south basin contained, and have a peak at the Pectoral Sandpiper. Most of the waders are now mostly in the midde or over towards the far south side of the reservoir, making viewing slightly more challenging. The Pectoral Sandpiper was seen a little distantly but after a Peregrine flushed everything it popped up on a shingle bar nearer to the causeway. A un-inspiring distant view of a single Curlew Sandpiper, along with 31 Ringed Plover, 52 Dunlin, two Turnstone, two Common Sandpiper, single Ruff and Oystercatcher, seven Black-tailed Godwit, seven Greenshank and 9 Redhank (which may appear to have account for the report of eight Wood Sandpipers earlier), plus a single Little Egret, and three Yellow Wagtails round off the visit.
The rides cut through what remains of the brambles to the left of the track were a disappointment, but this is hardly a surprise as there is less traffic through that vegetation as birds are avoiding the largely open central area of the site. Whitethroats and Willow Warblers are scarce, with only one of each caught. The large flock of finches has reduced somewhat, only one Goldfinch captured and there were no Garden Warblers at all.
4F Goldfinch
A lack lustre start to September migration at Wraybury as captures again fail to reach the half century. Any 100+ days look unlikely this year.
The Great Egret flew over again, flying in from the NE, over the BA sailing pit towards the village pit.
Totals: 41 (4)
Dunnock - 3
Robin - 1
Whitethroat - 1
Blackcap - 23 (1)
Chiffchaff - 5 (2)
Willow Warbler - 1
Goldcrest - 1
Goldcrest - 1
Blue Tit - 2 (1)
Great Tit - 1
Goldfinch - 1
Goldfinch - 1
In the early evening, I made a third visit to Staines Reservoir to see what the drained south basin contained, and have a peak at the Pectoral Sandpiper. Most of the waders are now mostly in the midde or over towards the far south side of the reservoir, making viewing slightly more challenging. The Pectoral Sandpiper was seen a little distantly but after a Peregrine flushed everything it popped up on a shingle bar nearer to the causeway. A un-inspiring distant view of a single Curlew Sandpiper, along with 31 Ringed Plover, 52 Dunlin, two Turnstone, two Common Sandpiper, single Ruff and Oystercatcher, seven Black-tailed Godwit, seven Greenshank and 9 Redhank (which may appear to have account for the report of eight Wood Sandpipers earlier), plus a single Little Egret, and three Yellow Wagtails round off the visit.