A morning with MRB, BC and Margaret. We continue to run sessions parallel to each other with separate nets, bags, table and equipment. It has to be said that our bailey bridge net was distinctly underwhelming, as was a double set down towards the lake and Mike's runway was much more productive producing all the Reed Warblers and over 75% of the Phyloscopus warblers.
In addition there was an incident with a couple of people sent to survey the site with regard to access and trees. It wasn't clear whether they were linked to HS2 or otherwise, they were not there on behalf of the owners and they didn't have vehicle access or any idea that there is a fishing syndicate and ringing group that use the site. Unfortunately a net sustained damage, although the bird in question was a Great Tit that thankfully was not injured before I arrived to challenge them. They had climbed up to access the net and didn't access by the usual route or look along the net to see the notice. They didn't even enquire at the adjacent bungalow whose occupant, we later found out that they had spoken to the day before. It didn't seem to dawn on them that the net had not been there the previous day. One actually said he thought it was 'left over equipment' from the gravel works - and that closed in the early eighties!
The worker was very apologetic and advice was given with regard to finding nets that may or may not be being used legitimately. We will contact the site owners to check that access had been granted.
Totals: 62 (12)
Robin - 3 (1)
Dunnock - 1
Blackbird - 2 (2)
Reed Warbler - 3
Blackcap - 5 (1)
Chiffchaff - 15 (6)
Willow Warbler - 10
Goldcrest - 1
Blue Tit - 11 (1)
Great Tit - 3
In addition two Painted Ladies were present on site.
