C.E.S. No8 23rd Jul 2011

Mick Briggs was today completing session number 8 of the C.E.S. The result was nothing special with just 12 birds processed including 7 New birds and 5 Retraps, although the weather was nothing short of horrendous with breezy conditions and threatening rain from the get go, making opening other nets impossible.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (0/1) Wren, (1/2) Dunnock, (2/0) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler and (1/2) Blue Tit.

  The Garden Warbler was just the second of the year after one in the Spring (22nd of April). This could be classed as the first proper Autumn migrant caught by the Observatory this year as they rarely appear before completing their post juvenile moult and as such must be on actuall migration when they come through the reserve.

  Whilst a lot of the breeding species of bird seem to have faired badly with the dry Spring and then overly wet Summer, Wragwort seems to have really enjoyed the very wet conditions of June and July with the plant flowering in seemingly endless numbers across much of the reserve at the moment. (See photo below) A major management plan is about to start to tackle this invasive plant and re-address the balance.
  The ringers are also going to be pulling vast ammounts of this plant over the next few weeks before the net rides can be brushcut back to a nice low level, so to catch all those Willow Warblers which always seem to be in the bottom shelf on any net ride during August. Wragwort you see has to be pulled out by hand to really stop it in it's tracks.

Garden Warbler ringed on 23rd July 2011 - the first of the Autumn.
Photo - Mick Briggs

Wragwort seems to have exploded over much of the dunes and grassland habitat on the reserve this summer.
The view through to Measures on 23rd July 2011.
 Photo - Mick Briggs

Ringing on 22nd Jul 2011

With George's continued absence from the Reserve, the ringing totals have certainly taken a dive. He is currently on holiday on "Sule Skerry" (off Northern Scotland). Ringing as many Seabirds as time will allow.

  Today though Mike Polling paid us another visit, this time choosing to ring over at the Observatory although the result might not have been what he would of expected! He was poorly rewarded for his efforts with just 5 birds processed although all 5 were New birds.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Meadow Pipit, (2/0) Whitethroat and (1/0) Willow Warbler.

  Good effort Mike!, the whole of the observatory team and especially myself really do appreciate your effort and support.

C.E.S. No7 10th Jul 2011

Mike Briggs and Dave Vincent again conducted the C.E.S. at Aylmer Avenue with today being session number 7. The result was a respectable 71 birds processed including 42 New birds and 29 Retraps.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (4/1) Wren, (5/3) Dunnock, (0/1) Robin, (1/0) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (2/1) Reed Warbler, (2/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (5/4) Whitethroat, (2/0) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (3/0) Willow Warbler, (3/2) Blue Tit, (6/12) Great Tit, (0/1) Magpie, (6/3) Chaffinch and (1/1) Greenfinch.

  This was a pretty good result for session 7 of the C.E.S. although we did have some other nets open besides the C.E.S. nets.

Ringing on 5th Jul 2011

Mike Polling paid us a visit today, ringing at Aylmer Avenue and was rewarded with 34 birds processed including 11 New birds and 23 Retraps! Not much of a reward but good effort anyway Mike.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Great Spotted Woodpecker, (1/0) Wren, (2/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (4/2) Whitethroat, (0/1) Blue Tit, (0/17) Great Tit, (1/0) Treecreeper, (0/2) Chaffinch, (1/0) Greenfinch and (0/1) Goldfinch.

  The Treecreeper was the fourth of the year and the second this summer for Mike. Possible they did breed on the reserve? it is difficult to say definitively. Certainly they must of been bred nearby?

Ringing on 27th Jun 2011

George was over at the Observatory but with only limited rewards. There were just 10 birds processed including 7 New birds and 3 Retraps.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Dunnock, (4/3) Whitethroat and (1/0) Chiffchaff.

C.E.S. No6 26th Jun 2011

Double Effort day today with the C.E.S. being done by Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent at Aylmer and George continuing his efforts over at the Observatory. The result was a much improved 95 birds processed including 62 New birds and 33 Retraps.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (4/0) Swallow, (5/0) Wren, (6/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (3/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (13/5) Whitethroat, (2/0) Chiffchaff, (1/1) Willow Warbler, (4/3) Long Tailed Tit, (1/0) Coal Tit, (6/1) Blue Tit, (3/17) Great Tit, (1/0) Jackdaw, (6/3) Chaffinch, (1/0) Greenfinch, (3/2) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.

  A much improved result with the four Swallow being a brood of pullus ringed in the entrance to Jacksons Lagoon Hide.

Jackdaw ringed on 26th June 2011.
Photo - Mick Briggs

Ringing on 25th Jun 2011

Just the one bird ringed today - an Avocet which had become apparently stuck in the Mud on Jacksons Lagoon! This has happened before with Young Avocets getting stuck in ruts in the mud, although usually they don't get spotted untill management work is carried out on the Lagoons, by which time it is too late to be of any help.

  Upon visiting the bird on the Lagoon it was found to be fine and apparently just dehydrated, so it was quickly ringed and left where it was to the attention of its parents. Hopefully it will survive through to fledging. Unfortunetly due to the birds apparent condition and the need for a speedy visit, it was not photographed.

Ringing on 24th Jun 2011

Still very quiet today with George catching just 4 birds including 2 New Whitethroats and 2 Retrap Whitehroats.

  Hopefully this quiet spell won't last long?

Ringing on 23rd Jun 2011

Poor results today for all of George efforts at the Observatory with just 4 birds processed including just 1 New bird and 3 Retraps.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wren, (0/1) Whitethroat and (0/2) Goldifnch.

Ringing on 21st Jun 2011

Mike Polling paid us a visit today ringing at Aylmer Avenue whilst George continued his efforts over at the Observatory. This resulted in an improved 47 birds processed including 27 New birds and 20 retraps.

  The days ctach was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Wren, (2/3) Dunnock, (2/0) Robin, (3/1) Whitehroat, (2/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Blue Tit, (4/11) Great Tit, (1/0) Treecreeper, (2/0) Magpie, (6/2) Chaffinch, (1/1) Greenfinch and (1/2) Goldfinch.

  The Treecreeper was the third of the year and the first of the Summer, probably a post breeding dispersing youngster rather than a bird born on the reserve.

Ringing on 20th Jun 2011

George was ringing over at the Observatory today and was rewarded with 16 birds processed, including 9 New bidrs and 7 Retraps.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (0/1) Wren, (2/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (5/1) Whitethroat, (0/2) Blue Tit, (0/1) Great Tit and (1/1) Chaffinch.

C.E.S. No5 19th Jun 2011

  Today Mick Briggs and his eager apprentice Dave Vincent carried on with the C.E.S. with visit number five whilst George opened up over at the Observatory. The result for the day was 26 birds processed including 25 New and 11 Retraps.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/1) Dunnock, (4/0) Robin, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (4/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (4/3) Whitethroat, (1/1) Blackcap, (2/1) Chiffchaff, (0/4) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Long Tailed Tit, (5/0) Chaffinch and (1/0) Greenfinch.

  Not the worst day ever for the time of year although the breeding season does not seem to be the best ever.

Ringing on 14th June 2011

George had a go over at the Observatory today despite the inclement weather. He finished with just 5 birds processed, all of them New birds!

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Whitethroat and (2/0) Linnet.

Also reported on the 14th June 2011 were -

x1 Montague's Harrier (Female)
x2 Marsh Harrier
x1 Long Tailed Duck (Mere)
x73 Avocet
x1 Common Sandpiper
x9 Little Gull (South)
x3 Gannet (North)
x1 Turtle Dove (Beach car park)
x1 Spotted Flycatcher
x1 Siskin
x1 Common Rosefinch

Sedge Warbler ringed on the 14th June 2011.
Photo - George Gregory

Reported - 13th June 2011

Reported on the 13th June 2011 were -

x1 Long Tailed Duck (Mere)
x1 Ruddy Shelduck (Mere)
x1 Barn Owl
x1 Spoonbill (Jacksons at 7.30am)
x1 Little Gull
x2 Little Ringed Plover
x1 Turtle Dove
x1 Crossbill

Ringing on 12th June 2011

Double effort day today with George over at the Observatory and Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent over at Aylmer Avneue. The combined resulot was just 31 birds processed, capturing hampered with bright sunshine from the get go. There were 15 New birds and 16 Retraps.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retraps) - (1/0) Wood Pigeon, (0/1) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (2/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Blackcap, (0/2) Willow Warbler, (0/1) Coal Tit, (1/4) Blue Tit, (0/1) Great Tit, (6/2) Chaffinch and (0/1) Greenfinch.

Also reported on the 12th June 2011 were -

x1 Long Tailed Duck (Mere)
x1 Turtle Dove (Beach Car park area)
x1 Crossbill

Ringing on 11th June 2011

The weather turned unpleaseant again today and so results were not good but George had a go over at the Observatory anyway, with just 5 birds processed including 1 New bird and 4 Retraps.

  The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/1) Dunnock, (0/2) Whitethroat and (0/1) Great Tit.

Also reported on the 11th June 2011 were -

x1 Long Tailed Duck
x1 Mediterranean Gull
x1 Montague's Harrier
x1 Turtle Dove
x1 Crossbill

Ringing on 10th June 2011

More of the same today, with George at the Observatory in the morning and then over at the feeding station. The days result was an improved 32 birds processed including 18 New birds and 14 Retraps.

 The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/1) Wren, (2/2) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (4/3) Whitethroat, (0/1) Blackcap, (0/5) Blue Tit, (4/1) Great Tit, (1/1) Chaffinch, (3/0) Greenfinch and (1/0) Goldfinch.

Juvenile Goldfinch ringed on the 10th June 2011.
Photo - George Gregory

Ringing on 9th June 2011

George was again ringing at the Observatory in the mroning before opening up at the feeding station for a brief session around dinner time. The Result for the day was 21 birds processed including 7 New birds and 14 Retraps.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (0/1) Great Spotted Woodpecker, (0/1) Wren, (2/1) Dunnock, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/4) Whitethroat, (1/4) Blue Tit, (2/2) Great Tit and (1/0) Chaffinch.

Also reported on the 9th June 2011 were -

x1 Long Tailed Duck (Mere)
x1 Ruddy Shelduck (Mere)
x1 Mediterranean Gull (1st Summer on Tennysons)
x1 Montague's Harrier
x1 Turtle Dove
x1 Crossbill

Ringing on 8th June 2011

George was back over at the Observatory today with 12 birds processed in the drafty conditions!, including 9 New birds and 3 Retraps.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (0/1) Blackbird, (3/1) Whitethroat, (3/1) Blue Tit and (1/0) Great Tit.

  Also reported on the 8th June 2011 were -

x1 Puffin (North)
x1 Mediterranean Gull
x1 Long Tailed Duck
x2 Gargeney (A pair on Jacksons Marsh)
x1 Little Egret
x5 Black Tailed Godwit
x40 Avocet
x200 Knot (On beach)
x70 Dunlin
x1 Garden Warbler
x2 Turtle Dove
x1 Cuckoo

C.E.S. No4 7th June 2011

Mick Briggs was unable to complete the C.E.S. this weekend just gone due to the inclement weather and so today George managed to save the day and get it done instead. At the same time Mike Polling was ringing over at the Feeding Station. The combined result for the day was an impressive 80 birds processed including 50 New birds and 30 Retraps.
  The high numbers were undoubtedly due to there suddenly being a glut of new juveniles fresh out of nests around the reserve.

  The days catch was made up thus (New/Retraps) - (0/1) Great Spotted Woodpecker, (2/0) Swallow, (5/1) Dunnock, (1/1) Robin, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (1/2) Lesser Whitethroat, (1/10) Whitethroat, (0/1) Blackcap, (0/1) Willow Warbler, (7/1) Long Tailed Tit, (5/0) Coal Tit, (11/1) Blue Tit, (5/3) Great Tit, (4/5) Chaffinch, (4/3) Greenfinch and (2/0) Linnet.

  The highlight of the day was an amazing 5 New Coal Tit in one day! Clearly proving breeding on the reserve somewhere close to the netting area, I would suggest in the pines around Aylmer Avenue where they have been heard regularly through the summer.

  Well done Mike for the days ringing and Well done George for keeping the C.E.S. on track when the weather had, it would seem beaten Mick for the first time in 3 years!

  Also Reported on the 7th June 2011 were -

x1 Long Tailed Duck (Mere)
x1 Ruddy Shelduck
x1 Mediterranean Gull
x1 Glaucous Gull
x1 Yellow Legged Gull
x1 Red Kite
x1 Black Redstart
x1 Cuckoo
x1 Turtle Dove

1 of 5 Juvenile Coal Tits ringed on 7th June 2011.
Photo - George Gregory

Long Tailed Tit ringed on the 7th June 2011.
Photo - George Gregory