We went along to an area that is particularly good in autumn due to bramble bushes that line the net rides, and happily have been spared from a dousing of weedkiller intended to reduce a great deal of vetch that grows across the site. We haven't done much here ourselves, but our 'C' permit holders have visited a couple of times now and inspite of early starts failed to catch much.
It was windier than we would have liked and that would definitely have had an affect on numbers caught. However two rides in particular, with doubles in each were especially quiet, no birds even seen or heard in the direct vicinity. It looks as though there may be a reason for the lack of birds just here, as it appears that an American Mink is in residence beneath a clump of vegetation beside the ride. The Mink showed no fear of our presence and crossed back and forth to its den no less than 8 times, twice carrying in small rabbits.
These animals are known as ferocious hunters, but this animal also appeared fearless of humans as it crossed the track no more than a few feet from us.
It looks as though we will most likely avoid netting immediately around the den as migratory birds will no doubt use the blackberries and the chances of birds being taken from the nets is extremely high.
Total: 11
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 2
Robin - 2
Whitethroat - 2
Blackcap - 2
Chiffchaff - 1
Great Tit - 1
It was windier than we would have liked and that would definitely have had an affect on numbers caught. However two rides in particular, with doubles in each were especially quiet, no birds even seen or heard in the direct vicinity. It looks as though there may be a reason for the lack of birds just here, as it appears that an American Mink is in residence beneath a clump of vegetation beside the ride. The Mink showed no fear of our presence and crossed back and forth to its den no less than 8 times, twice carrying in small rabbits.
American Mink
These animals are known as ferocious hunters, but this animal also appeared fearless of humans as it crossed the track no more than a few feet from us.
It looks as though we will most likely avoid netting immediately around the den as migratory birds will no doubt use the blackberries and the chances of birds being taken from the nets is extremely high.
Total: 11
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 2
Robin - 2
Whitethroat - 2
Blackcap - 2
Chiffchaff - 1
Great Tit - 1