We worked Hilly Piece at the farm today managing to capture 17 birds from 5 nets. Not too bad a total considering all the summer migrants with the exception of Chiffchaff have yet to arrive.
We were surprised by the way rides were so clear, with new animal runs emerging from under low vegetation, signs of digging and hair caught on bramble in several places. It looks like there is an active Badger sett quite close by. This is quite likely to affect our breeding Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler as both nest close to or on the ground and Badgers are opportunistic predators that will take birds eggs and nestlings.
Adult Coal Tit
Total: 13 (4)
Blackbird - 1
Blue Tit - 1
Chiffchaff - 4 (1)
Coal Tit - 2
Dunnock - 1 (1)
Goldcrest - 1
Long-tailed Tit - 1 (1)
Robin - 1
Wren - 1 (1)