This morning we took advantage of a brief window of opportunity, between the showers and wind gusts, to monitor migrants and resident species, using a small copse at the farm as the breeding season commences.
Despite the chilly temperatures, and this date being within the second half of April when the weather might be expected to settle a little, we captured 28 birds with half of these being migrant warblers. Some of the 7 Chiffs and 6 Blackcaps were already showing signs of preparation for breeding. We were particularly pleased with a Lesser Whitethroat. The absence of Whitethroat, either seen or heard, was notable.
Among the residents there were plenty of individuals with CP or brood patches coding 2 or 3 so the young will be around in a few short weeks.
Total: 26 (2)
Blackbird - 0 (1)
Blackcap - 6
Blue Tit - 2
Bullfinch - 2
Chiffchaff - 7
Dunnock - 2
Goldcrest - 2
Great Tit - 1
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
Robin - 1 (1)
Yellowhammer - 2