We have never monitored this site once the summer migrants have left so were unsure of what we might find. We started off with flocks of Redwing overhead, a pleasant surprise although we did know that thrush arrivals have been reported over the last few days. We managed to catch a few of those. Then we noticed some birds along the field edges where grass has been left to grow a few feet high and reeds are beginning to encroach. One bird was a Stonechat, but later Chris heard the unmistakable pinging call of Bearded Tits. Three of those found their way into our nets.
A large flock of Long-tailed and Blue Tits was a bit of a surprise. We have seen Blue Tits in the trees of course, and caught a few, but this large group came right down to the hedge behind the lagoons and connected with two of the nets.
We were joined by Maiana, collecting samples for the Zoological Society London studying Usuto virus and she very kindly scribed for the two of us. The help was much appreciated.
Totals: 64 (9)
Blackbird - 3
Bearded Tit - 3
Blue Tit - 32 (6)
Cetti's Warbler - 0 (2)_
Chiffchaff - 1
Long-tailed Tit - 12
Redwing - 5
Reed Bunting - 1
Robin - 0 (1)
Song Thrush - 2
Wren - 5