We have been waiting for a day with low enough wind to try the marsh fields for Meadow Pipits, and today finally was the day. It was a little windy when we arrived at 7am but the wind dropped to a pleasant breeze as the morning progressed. We got a 5 net combination up, three nets in an open cornered triangle with two behind in what we term a 'back stop' configuration. Then there was also a double two panel next to an uncut scrubby area and finally a 9m through a hedge, just in case of migrating Goldcrests or thrushes.
The plan worked quite well and by the end of the morning we had processed 77 birds.
Even if there had been fewer birds, the dawn sky, followed later by Pink-feet departing their roost was a great way to start the day.
Totals: 73 (4)
Meadow Pipit - 40
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 4
Chiffchaff - 1
Goldcrest - 14 (1)
Blue Tit - 4
Great Tit - 1
Long-tailed Tit - 1 (3)
Goldfinch - 3
Reed Bunting - 5