Broadwater GP - 16th September 2018

This morning MRB and Margaret were joined by two members of Maple Cross ringing group. We pitched in to add a few extra nets as it seemed the ideal opportunity to do some chores on site while others could keep the birds ticking over. Amongst other things there was a reorganisation of the feed bins, resiting of one of the nest boxes, removal of a low hanging branch and the addition of some fixed ties.

The first bird extracted was a very interesting Blackcap.

The bird had only the faintest hint of a brown cap

Pale greyish brown tones on the wings, tail and mantle

Very pale throat and belly

The eye was also lacking in the usual brown tones. It was definitely aged 3 and we thought it was a female.

Willow Warbler and Garden Warbler were conspiculous by their absence, although Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were about, we saw no large flocks moving through the treetops. There were a few small bands of tits that  found our nets and Blue Tit was the leading species for the session, including some retraps spanning upto three years. Broadwater, the surrounding mature trees and the River Colne that passes the lake are very much favoured by our resident birds. The chances of flying into a window or being hit by a vehicle are minimal and with good feeding opportunities some birds survive long into adulthood.

Adult Bluetit, Y823775 ringed as a juvenile on 16/06/2015

Totals: 52 (11)

Dunnock - 1
Robin - 3
Wren - 1
Blackcap - 13
Chiffchaff - 11
Goldcrest - 1
Blue Tit - 16 (8)
Great Tit - 6 (1)
Treecreeper - 0 (2)