The wind forecast was low and we took the chance to take MEH, a trainee that usually trains at the Bedfont site, to Stanwell. It was very misty and rather colder than we have become used to. Nets were deployed in the reedbed ride, on the track and on the mound.
We got a few Redwing, from groups that were flying over in the murk. There were also a few Goldcrests and tits. Interestingly, three Cetti's Warblers were caught, two on the track net, where they do not usually frequent. This may indicate that birds are moving away from their natal grounds and they may not have been youngsters bred in the immediate area. All were females.We also had a couple of Chiffchaff that are known to winter at Stanwell. However three were carrying quantities of fat scoring either two or three suggesting they still had a distance to travel.
The Meadow Pipit nets didn't do well at all. Only one Meadow Pipit was captured.
At around 11:30am it started to drizzle and we took down. The last bird was a female Blackcap with a fat score of three, more likely to be a late departer than a wintering bird.
We got a few Redwing, from groups that were flying over in the murk. There were also a few Goldcrests and tits. Interestingly, three Cetti's Warblers were caught, two on the track net, where they do not usually frequent. This may indicate that birds are moving away from their natal grounds and they may not have been youngsters bred in the immediate area. All were females.We also had a couple of Chiffchaff that are known to winter at Stanwell. However three were carrying quantities of fat scoring either two or three suggesting they still had a distance to travel.
Redwing - of the birds caught so far this autumn there seems to
be a higher percentage of adult than young birds.
The Meadow Pipit nets didn't do well at all. Only one Meadow Pipit was captured.
At around 11:30am it started to drizzle and we took down. The last bird was a female Blackcap with a fat score of three, more likely to be a late departer than a wintering bird.
Blackcap aged 3, fat 3 muscle 2
So, no controls today ( BPCP has been spoiling us) and not a fantastic number of birds and that would have been very different had the Meadow Pipit nets caught, but MEH gained her first experience of handling Redwing and Meadow Pipit so a good morning nonetheless.
Totals: 35 (4)
Meadow Pipit - 1
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 1
Robin - 1
Blackbird - 0 (1)
Redwing - 5
Cetti's Warbler - 3
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 3
Goldcrest - 8 (2)
Long-tailed Tit - 7
Blue Tit - 2
Great Tit - 1 (1)
Chaffinch - 1