Chris Hansell was back down again today, ringing with George at the Observatory first thing before moving over to Aylmer Avenue for an afternoon session on his own. The combined sites catch was 99 birds processed including 64 New birds and 35 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (16/0) Swallow, (4/0) House Martin, (5/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/1) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (0/3) Whitethroat, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (0/7) Blue Tit, (3/11) Great Tit, (1/0) Tree Sparrow, (2/2) Chaffinch, (18/7) Greenfinch and (11/4) Goldfinch.
Also reported on the 2nd September 2011 were -
x1 Temmincks Stint
x2 Curlew Sandpiper
x14 Golden Plover
x23 Little Egrets
x23 Avocet
x2 Snipe
x1 Ruff
x11 Greenshank
x200+ Curlew
x40,000 Knot (High tide)
x7 Grey Partridge
x1 Hobby
x3 Short Eared Owl
x2 Marsh Harrier
x1 Kingfisher
x3 Tree Pipit (South)
x1 Whinchat
x2 Grey Wagtails
x2 Chiffchaff
x3 Lesser Whitethroat
x3 Blackcap
x11 Tree Sparrow
x1 Treecreeper
x1 Coal Tit
x1 Lesser Redpoll
Monday, 12 September 2011
Ringing on 1st Sep 2011
George was back at the Observatory today but results were not impressive and not how we would of liked to see September begin. There were just 8 birds processed including 5 New birds and 3 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retraps) - (1/0) Swallow, (1/3) Whitethroat, (2/0) Blackcap and (1/0) Willow Warbler.
Also reported on the reserve on the 1st September 2011 were -
x1 Whinchat
x2 Grey Wagtail
x17 Yellow Wagtail
x10 Spoonbill (Jackson's Marsh)
x10,000 Knot (High tide)
x250 Curlew (High tide)
x2 Marsh Harrier
x14 Grey Partridge
The catch was made up thus (New/Retraps) - (1/0) Swallow, (1/3) Whitethroat, (2/0) Blackcap and (1/0) Willow Warbler.
Also reported on the reserve on the 1st September 2011 were -
x1 Whinchat
x2 Grey Wagtail
x17 Yellow Wagtail
x10 Spoonbill (Jackson's Marsh)
x10,000 Knot (High tide)
x250 Curlew (High tide)
x2 Marsh Harrier
x14 Grey Partridge
Ringing on 31st Aug 2011
Chris Hansell was back down again today, ringing with George over at the Observatory. 68 birds were processed including 62 New birds and 6 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (40/0) Swallow, (2/0) House Martin, (11/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/1) Wren, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (0/1) Redstart, (1/1) Whitethroat, (1/1) Blackcap, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Coal Tit, (2/0) Goldfinch, (0/1) Linnet and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
Well done Chris and George, none to shabby at all, a good catch to round off the last day of August 2011. Next stop September!
Also reported on the 31st August 2011 -
x5 Great Skua (North)
x10 Artic Skua (8 North)
x1 Long Tailed Skua (Probable flew North at distance with an Artic Skua)
x5 Little Gull (South including 1 Adult)
x1 Black Tern (Juvenile South)
x10 Gannet (North)
x60 Sandwich Tern (South)
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (40/0) Swallow, (2/0) House Martin, (11/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/1) Wren, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (0/1) Redstart, (1/1) Whitethroat, (1/1) Blackcap, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Coal Tit, (2/0) Goldfinch, (0/1) Linnet and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
Well done Chris and George, none to shabby at all, a good catch to round off the last day of August 2011. Next stop September!
Also reported on the 31st August 2011 -
x5 Great Skua (North)
x10 Artic Skua (8 North)
x1 Long Tailed Skua (Probable flew North at distance with an Artic Skua)
x5 Little Gull (South including 1 Adult)
x1 Black Tern (Juvenile South)
x10 Gannet (North)
x60 Sandwich Tern (South)
Ringing on 30th Aug 2011
George was back in action today, over at Observatory and was amply rewarded with 59 birds processed including 50 New birds and 9 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (20/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (2/3) Dunnock, (4/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (4/2) Whitethroat, (3/2) Blackcap, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (0/1) Great Tit, (10/0) Tree Sparrow, (2/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The 10 New Tree Sparrows were impressive and brings the total to 25 New Tree Sparrows in just two days! To put this into context, we don't always ring double figures of Tree Sparrows at Gib in a whole year!
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (20/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (2/3) Dunnock, (4/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (4/2) Whitethroat, (3/2) Blackcap, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (0/1) Great Tit, (10/0) Tree Sparrow, (2/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The 10 New Tree Sparrows were impressive and brings the total to 25 New Tree Sparrows in just two days! To put this into context, we don't always ring double figures of Tree Sparrows at Gib in a whole year!
Ringing on 29th Aug 2011
The last Bank Holiday of the year meant a double effort day today with Tim Bagworth ringing at Aylmer Avenue on his day off whilst Mick Briggs and Chris Hansell were ringing at the Observatory. The combined catch for the day was just 53 birds processed including 43 New birds and 10 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (2/0) Swallow, (4/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (3/1) Robin, (1/0) Redstart, (1/0) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (0/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Blackcap, (8/2) Willow Warbler, (3/0) Goldcrest, (0/1) Long Tailed Tit, (1/0) Coal Tit, (1/0) Blue Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (15/0) Tree Sparrow, (0/1) Greenfinch.
The most significant catch of the day were the 15 Tree Sparrows, including 12 in one net on the Storm Ridge, these are migrating birds moving south along the coast and it is not often they pause in the dunes during their flight thyrough the reserve. I am not sure oif the last time that 15 were caught in a day at Gib but I would think it must be back in the 1970's!
The four Yellow Wagtails were also all caught in one net on the Storm Ridge choosing to alight in the scrub on their journey south and then getting caught in the Storm Ridge nets. They constitute the 3rd to 6th Yellow Wagtails caught this year.
The Redstart is just the second of the year following on from one on the 15th August. Hopefully there will be plenty more during September?
Also reported on the 29th Aug 2011 were -
x2 Whinchat
x2 Wheatear
x40 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x400 Meadow Pipit (South)
x2 Spotted Flycatcher
x1 Wryneck (Outer Dunes)
x1 Red Kite
x3 Buzzard
x1 probable Goshawk (Alighting on Heligoland Trap briefly! witnessed by four observers who argued about the identification. It has to be pointed out though that Chris Hansell surveys this species as part of his job and is highly experienced with the species and was happy that it was a Goshawk.)
x2 Marsh Harrier
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Short Eared Owl
x65 Black Tailed Godwit
x25,000 Knot (On high tide)
x2 Green Sandpiper
x1 Swift (South)
x1 Lesser Redpoll
x4 Siskin
x150 Tree Sparrow (South)
x28 Linnet
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (2/0) Swallow, (4/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (3/1) Robin, (1/0) Redstart, (1/0) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (0/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Blackcap, (8/2) Willow Warbler, (3/0) Goldcrest, (0/1) Long Tailed Tit, (1/0) Coal Tit, (1/0) Blue Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (15/0) Tree Sparrow, (0/1) Greenfinch.
The most significant catch of the day were the 15 Tree Sparrows, including 12 in one net on the Storm Ridge, these are migrating birds moving south along the coast and it is not often they pause in the dunes during their flight thyrough the reserve. I am not sure oif the last time that 15 were caught in a day at Gib but I would think it must be back in the 1970's!
The four Yellow Wagtails were also all caught in one net on the Storm Ridge choosing to alight in the scrub on their journey south and then getting caught in the Storm Ridge nets. They constitute the 3rd to 6th Yellow Wagtails caught this year.
The Redstart is just the second of the year following on from one on the 15th August. Hopefully there will be plenty more during September?
Also reported on the 29th Aug 2011 were -
x2 Whinchat
x2 Wheatear
x40 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x400 Meadow Pipit (South)
x2 Spotted Flycatcher
x1 Wryneck (Outer Dunes)
x1 Red Kite
x3 Buzzard
x1 probable Goshawk (Alighting on Heligoland Trap briefly! witnessed by four observers who argued about the identification. It has to be pointed out though that Chris Hansell surveys this species as part of his job and is highly experienced with the species and was happy that it was a Goshawk.)
x2 Marsh Harrier
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Short Eared Owl
x65 Black Tailed Godwit
x25,000 Knot (On high tide)
x2 Green Sandpiper
x1 Swift (South)
x1 Lesser Redpoll
x4 Siskin
x150 Tree Sparrow (South)
x28 Linnet
 |
| One of four Yellow Wagtails ringed at the Observatory on the 29th Aug 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs  Note the varying ammount of yellow on these birds that are all this years males. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs |
Sunday, 11 September 2011
C.E.S.No12 28th Aug 2011
Finally comes the day of the last C.E.S. session of the year, and to be honest it doesn't seem like ten minutes since the first session of the year back on the 8th of May. A full report of the years C.E.S. sessions will be posted at a later date.
Meanwhile George was over at the Observatory ringing with Chris Hansell, still on his holidays from Filey. The combined result was 183 birds processed including 105 New birds and 78 Retraps.
At the Observatory there were 36 birds processed including 32 New birds and 4 Retraps, whilst at Aylmer Avenue, all the nets were in use being operated by Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent, and it certainly paid results with 147 birds processed including 73 New birds and 74 Retraps.
The combined catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Grey Partridge, (9/0) Swallow, (2/3) Wren, (3/4) Dunnock, (4/0) Robin, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (9/2) Whitethroat, (3/5) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (29/1) Willow Warbler, (2/0) Goldcrest, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (0/1) Coal Tit, (1/19) Blue Tit, (2/17) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (1/0) Magpie, (0/3) Chaffinch, (27/15) Greenfinch, (8/2) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The Grey Partridge was the first since two birds caught last year on the 13th Sep whilst it was actually just the 27th for the Observatory ever! and only the thrid since the 1970's! Definetely a star bird of 2011.
The Spotted Flycatcher meanwhile was just the second of 2011 whilst the Treecreeper was a retrap of a bird originally ringed on the 20th Aug 2011.
Also reported on the 28th August 2011 were -
x3000 Swallow (South)
x4000 House Martin (South)
x300 Sand Martin (South)
x8 Swift (South)
x2 Redstart
x1 Pied Flycatcher
x1 Wheatear
x16 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x250 Meadow Pipit (South)
x1 Whinchat
x1 Cuckoo
x4 Crossbill
x3 Turtle Dove
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Osprey (South)
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Hobby
x4 Sparrowhawk
Meanwhile George was over at the Observatory ringing with Chris Hansell, still on his holidays from Filey. The combined result was 183 birds processed including 105 New birds and 78 Retraps.
At the Observatory there were 36 birds processed including 32 New birds and 4 Retraps, whilst at Aylmer Avenue, all the nets were in use being operated by Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent, and it certainly paid results with 147 birds processed including 73 New birds and 74 Retraps.
The combined catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Grey Partridge, (9/0) Swallow, (2/3) Wren, (3/4) Dunnock, (4/0) Robin, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (9/2) Whitethroat, (3/5) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (29/1) Willow Warbler, (2/0) Goldcrest, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (0/1) Coal Tit, (1/19) Blue Tit, (2/17) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (1/0) Magpie, (0/3) Chaffinch, (27/15) Greenfinch, (8/2) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The Grey Partridge was the first since two birds caught last year on the 13th Sep whilst it was actually just the 27th for the Observatory ever! and only the thrid since the 1970's! Definetely a star bird of 2011.
The Spotted Flycatcher meanwhile was just the second of 2011 whilst the Treecreeper was a retrap of a bird originally ringed on the 20th Aug 2011.
Also reported on the 28th August 2011 were -
x3000 Swallow (South)
x4000 House Martin (South)
x300 Sand Martin (South)
x8 Swift (South)
x2 Redstart
x1 Pied Flycatcher
x1 Wheatear
x16 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x250 Meadow Pipit (South)
x1 Whinchat
x1 Cuckoo
x4 Crossbill
x3 Turtle Dove
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Osprey (South)
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Hobby
x4 Sparrowhawk
 |
| Grey Partridge ringed on 28th Aug 2011. Just the 27th for the Observatory ever and just the 3rd since the 1970's! Photo - George Gregory.  Just the second of 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs.  Just the second of 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs. |
Ringing on 27th Aug 2011
After no ringing yesterday, today there was at last a break in the weather and George was quick to take advantage of it, opening the nets at the Observatory at first light. Today he had help from visiting ringer Chris Hansell of the Filey Ringing Group. In the couple of hours they had before the wind picked up making netting impossible they managed to process 28 birds including 18 New birds and 10 Retraps.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Swallow, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (0/2) Dunnock, (1/0) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (3/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (3/0) Blackcap, (4/0) Willow Warbler and (0/4) Long Tailed Tit.
Not a bad couple of hours then, hopefully this will continue when the weather starts to improve?
Also reported on the 27th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat
x1 Wheatear
x4 Pied Flyctacher
x2 Goldcrest
x1 Peregrine
x6 Spoonbill
x18 Linnet
x1 Crossbill
x2 Marsh Harrier
x3 Yellow Wagtail
x35 Golden Plover
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Swallow, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (0/1) Wren, (0/2) Dunnock, (1/0) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (3/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (3/0) Blackcap, (4/0) Willow Warbler and (0/4) Long Tailed Tit.
Not a bad couple of hours then, hopefully this will continue when the weather starts to improve?
Also reported on the 27th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat
x1 Wheatear
x4 Pied Flyctacher
x2 Goldcrest
x1 Peregrine
x6 Spoonbill
x18 Linnet
x1 Crossbill
x2 Marsh Harrier
x3 Yellow Wagtail
x35 Golden Plover
Ringing on 25th Aug 2011
A terrible result today with Ross Ahmed visiting for a session ringing with George. The nets were opened at the Observatory first thing but were then closed on the first net round as the heavens opened! The result was that just one bird was caught - a New Whitethroat.
Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow?
Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow?
Monday, 5 September 2011
Ringing on 24th Aug 2011
Ringing at the Observatory today provided George with 38 birds to process including 29 New birds and 9 Retraps. The highlight today though was the first "Rare" of the Autumn in the form of a stunning Icterine Warbler! found in a mist net at the Obs. There was also a young Grasshopper Warbler of origin unknown along with two Garden Warblers.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (6/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/1) Wren, (1/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Grasshopper Warbler, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (1/0) Icterine Warbler, (6/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (2/2) Whitethroat, (2/0) Garden Warbler, (4/0) Blackcap, (2/2) Willow Warbler, (0/2) Long Tailed Tit and (0/1) Great Tit.
The Icterine Warbler was the first since 1996! and was just the 24th for the Observatory ever! Well done George for this one, it is just reward for all the completly voluntary effort that George puts in, ringing at the Observatory pratically every day.
The Grasshopper Warbler was the third for the year following on from two singing adult males trapped in the early part of the summer (which will hopefully be retrapped back on their site next year?).
The Garden Warblers meanwhile were the 9th and 10th of the year and puts us well on the way towards another cracking year for this species at thye Observatory. They traditionally turn up at Gib in their biggest numbers in late September.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (6/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/1) Wren, (1/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Grasshopper Warbler, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (1/0) Icterine Warbler, (6/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (2/2) Whitethroat, (2/0) Garden Warbler, (4/0) Blackcap, (2/2) Willow Warbler, (0/2) Long Tailed Tit and (0/1) Great Tit.
The Icterine Warbler was the first since 1996! and was just the 24th for the Observatory ever! Well done George for this one, it is just reward for all the completly voluntary effort that George puts in, ringing at the Observatory pratically every day.
The Grasshopper Warbler was the third for the year following on from two singing adult males trapped in the early part of the summer (which will hopefully be retrapped back on their site next year?).
The Garden Warblers meanwhile were the 9th and 10th of the year and puts us well on the way towards another cracking year for this species at thye Observatory. They traditionally turn up at Gib in their biggest numbers in late September.
 |
| Icterine Warbler ringed at the Observatory on the 24th Aug 2011. Just the 24th for the Obs ever! Photo - George Gregory  Just reward for George's continous efforts - Well done George! Photo - George Gregory.  The first caught this Autumn. Photo - George Gregory. |
Reported 23rd Aug 2011
Reported on the 23rd Aug 2011 were -
x6 Spoonbill
x6 Marsh Harrier
x7 Grey Partridge
x180 Swallow
x2 Swift
x1 Whinchat
x1 Common Redstart
x25 Goldfinch
x73 Black Tailed Godwit
x3 Green Sandpiper
x17 Greenshank
x6 Spoonbill
x6 Marsh Harrier
x7 Grey Partridge
x180 Swallow
x2 Swift
x1 Whinchat
x1 Common Redstart
x25 Goldfinch
x73 Black Tailed Godwit
x3 Green Sandpiper
x17 Greenshank
Ringing on 22nd Aug 2011
George was ringing over at the Observatory this morning and was rewarded with 34 birds processed including 33 New birds and just 1 Retrap (What a great Retrap/New bird ratio!).
The mornings catch was made up (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (16/0) Swallow, (2/0) Wren, (2/0) Dunnock, (4/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (2/0) Blue Tit and (2/0) Tree Sparrow.
The Sparrowhawk was the fifth bird ringed this year whilst the Tree Sparrows were the sixth and seventh of the year. Hopefully this year we will later on in the Autumn get plenty more Tree Sparrows caught as they seem to enjoy landing in the mouth area of the Heligoland trap whilst flying south along the Storm Ridge!
The Spotted Flycatcher meanwhile was the first one of the year!
Reported on the reserve on the 22nd Aug 2011 were -
x250 Swallows (Hunting over Saltmarsh at lunchtime)
x50 House Martin
x1 Swift
x4 Wheatear
x1 Whinchat
x1 Green Woodpecker
x5 Turtle Dove,
x25 Yellow Wagtail
x300 Linnet
x4 Common Buzzard
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Kestrel
x26 Avocet
x23 Greenshank
x1 Aric Skua
x19 Mistle Thrush
x90 Golden Plover
The mornings catch was made up (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (16/0) Swallow, (2/0) Wren, (2/0) Dunnock, (4/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (2/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (2/0) Blue Tit and (2/0) Tree Sparrow.
The Sparrowhawk was the fifth bird ringed this year whilst the Tree Sparrows were the sixth and seventh of the year. Hopefully this year we will later on in the Autumn get plenty more Tree Sparrows caught as they seem to enjoy landing in the mouth area of the Heligoland trap whilst flying south along the Storm Ridge!
The Spotted Flycatcher meanwhile was the first one of the year!
Reported on the reserve on the 22nd Aug 2011 were -
x250 Swallows (Hunting over Saltmarsh at lunchtime)
x50 House Martin
x1 Swift
x4 Wheatear
x1 Whinchat
x1 Green Woodpecker
x5 Turtle Dove,
x25 Yellow Wagtail
x300 Linnet
x4 Common Buzzard
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Kestrel
x26 Avocet
x23 Greenshank
x1 Aric Skua
x19 Mistle Thrush
x90 Golden Plover
Friday, 2 September 2011
C.E.S.No11 21st Aug 2011
Another double effort day today with George ringing at the Observatory and Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent completing session 11 of the C.E.S. at Aylmer Avenue with the other Aylmer nets open as well.
The result was fantastic with George netting 67 birds at the Obs including 65 New birds and just 2 Retraps. At Aylmer the result was even more impressive with 285 birds processed including 211 New birds and 74 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/1) Sparrowhawk, (79/0) Swallow, (58/0) House Martin, (8/4) Wren, (0/4) Dunnock, (2/0) Robin, (3/0) Blackbird, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (5/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (7/4) Whitethroat, (13/2) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (45/4) Willow Warbler, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (1/0) Coal Tit, (6/21) Blue Tit, (0/13) Great Tit, (6/7) Chaffinch, (37/11) Greenfinch, (1/1) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The retrap Sparrowhawk was caught at Aylmer Avenue and was originally ringed on the Storm Ridge on the 6th August this year so hadn't gone very far so far. This was probably one of this years chicks from Sykes Farm that we didn't discover untill they were branching out from the nest.
A storm front came through from the wash early morning and travelled along the coast without raining on the netting area at Aylmer Avenue, it did however force all the hirundines that were travelling over down to net level resulting in a cracking catch of Swallows and House Martins.
The Coal Tit at Aylmer Avenue was the ninth of the year.
Reported on the reserve on the 21st August 2011 were -
x5 Green Sandpiper
x4 Spotted Redshank
x16 Greenshank
x160 Black Tailed Godwit
x1 Pintail
x14 Artic Skua
x1 Med Gull
x8 Grey Partridge
x1 Common Buzzard
x1 Marsh Harrier
x5 Whinchat
x3 Wheatear
x1 Pied Flycatcher
x3000 House Martin (South)
x1000 Swallow (South)
x30 Swift (South)
x8 Crossbill
The result was fantastic with George netting 67 birds at the Obs including 65 New birds and just 2 Retraps. At Aylmer the result was even more impressive with 285 birds processed including 211 New birds and 74 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/1) Sparrowhawk, (79/0) Swallow, (58/0) House Martin, (8/4) Wren, (0/4) Dunnock, (2/0) Robin, (3/0) Blackbird, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (5/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (7/4) Whitethroat, (13/2) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (45/4) Willow Warbler, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (1/0) Coal Tit, (6/21) Blue Tit, (0/13) Great Tit, (6/7) Chaffinch, (37/11) Greenfinch, (1/1) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The retrap Sparrowhawk was caught at Aylmer Avenue and was originally ringed on the Storm Ridge on the 6th August this year so hadn't gone very far so far. This was probably one of this years chicks from Sykes Farm that we didn't discover untill they were branching out from the nest.
A storm front came through from the wash early morning and travelled along the coast without raining on the netting area at Aylmer Avenue, it did however force all the hirundines that were travelling over down to net level resulting in a cracking catch of Swallows and House Martins.
The Coal Tit at Aylmer Avenue was the ninth of the year.
Reported on the reserve on the 21st August 2011 were -
x5 Green Sandpiper
x4 Spotted Redshank
x16 Greenshank
x160 Black Tailed Godwit
x1 Pintail
x14 Artic Skua
x1 Med Gull
x8 Grey Partridge
x1 Common Buzzard
x1 Marsh Harrier
x5 Whinchat
x3 Wheatear
x1 Pied Flycatcher
x3000 House Martin (South)
x1000 Swallow (South)
x30 Swift (South)
x8 Crossbill
 |
| House Martin catching on the 21st August 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs |
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Ringing on 20th Aug 2011
George was trying his best again this morning over at the Observatory but alas, the weather was against him with bright skys and a stiff breeze making netting very difficult, cutting the morning short to just a couple of hours ringing.
The result was just 12 birds processed, including 6 New birds and 4 Retraps.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (2/3) Whitetroat, (1/0) Blackcap and (1/0) Treecreeper.
Lets hope that the weather improves soon!
The result was just 12 birds processed, including 6 New birds and 4 Retraps.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (2/3) Whitetroat, (1/0) Blackcap and (1/0) Treecreeper.
Lets hope that the weather improves soon!
Ringing on 19th Aug 2011
A harsh day today with the weather turning decidedly miserable for ringing with bright blue skys and a strong breeze. George managed to process just 10 birds this morning including 5 New birds and 5 Retraps.
The catch was made up of (New/Retrap) - (0/3) Dunnock, (3/2) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler and (1/0) Goldcrest.
The Goldcrest is the first of the Autumn proper whilst the Garden Warbler is the seventh of the Autumn and the sixth in a week!
The catch was made up of (New/Retrap) - (0/3) Dunnock, (3/2) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler and (1/0) Goldcrest.
The Goldcrest is the first of the Autumn proper whilst the Garden Warbler is the seventh of the Autumn and the sixth in a week!
Ringing on 18th Aug 2011
More of the same today with George ringing at the Observatory this morning, resulting in 27 birds processed including 23 New birds and 4 Retraps.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Swallow, (2/0) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (2/0) Robin, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (2/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (5/4) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (5/0) Willow Warbler and (1/0) Linnet.
More good birds today then with the second Garden Warbler in two days, surely it can't be long before George pulls a real rarity out of one of the Obs mist nets?
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Swallow, (2/0) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (2/0) Robin, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (2/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (5/4) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (5/0) Willow Warbler and (1/0) Linnet.
More good birds today then with the second Garden Warbler in two days, surely it can't be long before George pulls a real rarity out of one of the Obs mist nets?
Ringing on 17th Aug 2011
The Obs nets gave George a bit more of a reward than yesterday today with 78 birds processed, including 75 New birds and just 3 Retraps, pushing the Retrap to New bird ration down to just under 4%!
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (47/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (9/2) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (2/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Blue Tit, (0/1) Chaffinch, (1/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
A much improved catch over yesterdays figures, partly down to the wind having died down somewhat and a hint of easterly starting to develop this afternoon!
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (47/0) Swallow, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Wren, (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (9/2) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (2/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Blue Tit, (0/1) Chaffinch, (1/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
A much improved catch over yesterdays figures, partly down to the wind having died down somewhat and a hint of easterly starting to develop this afternoon!
Ringing on 16th Aug 2011
George was over at the Observatory today and processed 17 birds, all of which were New birds!
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sand Martin, (9/0) Swallow, (1/0) Wren, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Reed Warbler and (4/0) Willow Warbler.
Hopefully the breezy weather will calm down soon.
The mornings catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sand Martin, (9/0) Swallow, (1/0) Wren, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (1/0) Reed Warbler and (4/0) Willow Warbler.
Hopefully the breezy weather will calm down soon.
Ringing on 15th Aug 2011
A cracking double effort day today with Tim Bagworth on one of his few days off, ringing at Aylmer Avenue whilst George was over at the Observatory and was joined by a couple of visiting ringers in the shape of Observatory Team Member - Adrian Blackburn and his friend Jackie Lawrence.
Being triple crewed at the Observatory paid dividends with 121 birds processed at the Obs including 120 New birds and just 6 Retraps! At Aylmer Avenue, Tim processed 101 birds including 91 New birds and 10 Retraps.
The combined catch was a grand total for the day of 230 birds processed including 214 New birds and just 16 Retraps! making a Retrap to New birds ratio of just less than 8% which is very impressive for a site where ringing is carried out nearly daily!
The days catch was made us thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sand Martin, (68/0) Swallow, (1/0) House Martin, (3/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Redstart, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (2/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (20/5) Whitethroat, (2/0) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (57/0) Willow Warbler, (6/4) Blue Tit, (0/3) Great Tit, (2/0) Magpie, (2/3) Chaffinch, (37/1) Greenfinch, (8/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
Perhaps the most impressive figure of the day were the 57 New Willow Warblers and not a single Retrap! I always say that the peak Willow Warbler influx at Gib is between the 10th and the 14th August, so this total is bang on cue!
The Redstart is the first one of the year and just one day later than last year.
Hopefully these sort of days at Gib will be repeated often over the next few months!
Being triple crewed at the Observatory paid dividends with 121 birds processed at the Obs including 120 New birds and just 6 Retraps! At Aylmer Avenue, Tim processed 101 birds including 91 New birds and 10 Retraps.
The combined catch was a grand total for the day of 230 birds processed including 214 New birds and just 16 Retraps! making a Retrap to New birds ratio of just less than 8% which is very impressive for a site where ringing is carried out nearly daily!
The days catch was made us thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sand Martin, (68/0) Swallow, (1/0) House Martin, (3/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Redstart, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (2/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (20/5) Whitethroat, (2/0) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (57/0) Willow Warbler, (6/4) Blue Tit, (0/3) Great Tit, (2/0) Magpie, (2/3) Chaffinch, (37/1) Greenfinch, (8/0) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
Perhaps the most impressive figure of the day were the 57 New Willow Warblers and not a single Retrap! I always say that the peak Willow Warbler influx at Gib is between the 10th and the 14th August, so this total is bang on cue!
The Redstart is the first one of the year and just one day later than last year.
Hopefully these sort of days at Gib will be repeated often over the next few months!
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Reported 17th Jun to 20th Aug 2011
A quick update to Reported sighting's on the reserve from 17th June to the 20th August. This list is by no means complete but gives a taste of what has been seen during that time.
17th June 2011 -
x2 Marsh Harrier, x2 Green Sandpiper, x2 Spoonbill, x1 Med Gull, x4 Little Ringed Plover, x1 Siskin
22nd June 2011 -
x1 Whimbrel (south), x3 Spoonbill, x70 Swift (South), x14 Crossbill
Seawatching produced - x1 Red Throated Diver, x8 Gannet, x5 Common Scoter, x1 Fulmar, x1 Golden Plover
30th June 2011 -
x1 Willow Tit (A real Gib rarity!)
3rd August 2011 -
x1 Quail (Heard calling over the River Steeping early in the morning), x14 Spoonbill were present on Jacksons by lunchtime, 20,000 Knot on the high tide movement, x1 Roseate Tern
8th August 2011 -
x6 Spoonbill, x1 Marsh Harrier (Male), x1 Spotted Redshank, x4 Common Sandpiper
Swallow numbers continue to build up with decent numbers of Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail and Swift passing through the dunes.
Another sighting of two Chinese Water Deer on the reserve was made yesterday.
9th August 2011 -
x23 Little Egret (Roosting in the plantation), x2 Marsh Harrier, x1 Common Buzzard, x5 Spoonbill, x1 Barn Owl.
10th August 2011 -
x8 Spoonbill (Jacksons) x1 Quail (Heard calling over Croft Marsh first thing this morning)
11th August 2011 -
x1 Pintail (Mere), x1 Garganey (Mere), x8 Spoonbill, x150 Black Tailed Godwit (Over Old Saltmarsh at tea time)
12th Auugust 2011 -
x1 Peregrine, x2 Merlin, x1 Marsh Harrier, x1 Sparrowhawk, x1 Tree Pipit (Calling heading south at 6.30am)
15th August 2011 -
x1 Wood Warbler, x4 Whinchat, x1 Pied Flycatcher, x1 Green Woodpecker, x5 Marsh Harrier, x1 Treecreeper, x1 Common Redstart, x6 Crossbill, x4 Turtle Dove, x8 Spoonbill, x35 Willow Warbler
17th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat, x1 Wheatear, x1 Kingfisher, x2 Marsh Harrier, x5 Spoonbill, Golden Plover & Spotted Redshank seen flying south over saltmarsh with the high tide.
19th August 2011 -
x2 Common Crane (Drifted over), x1 Wheatear
20th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat, x3 Wheatear, x2 Marsh Harrier, x50 Golden Plover, x8 Yellow Wagtail, x3 Crossbill, x25 Linnet.
Many thanks to members of the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Facebook Page for the majority of these sightings reports. Keep up the good work, - Cracking Stuff!
17th June 2011 -
x2 Marsh Harrier, x2 Green Sandpiper, x2 Spoonbill, x1 Med Gull, x4 Little Ringed Plover, x1 Siskin
22nd June 2011 -
x1 Whimbrel (south), x3 Spoonbill, x70 Swift (South), x14 Crossbill
Seawatching produced - x1 Red Throated Diver, x8 Gannet, x5 Common Scoter, x1 Fulmar, x1 Golden Plover
30th June 2011 -
x1 Willow Tit (A real Gib rarity!)
3rd August 2011 -
x1 Quail (Heard calling over the River Steeping early in the morning), x14 Spoonbill were present on Jacksons by lunchtime, 20,000 Knot on the high tide movement, x1 Roseate Tern
8th August 2011 -
x6 Spoonbill, x1 Marsh Harrier (Male), x1 Spotted Redshank, x4 Common Sandpiper
Swallow numbers continue to build up with decent numbers of Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail and Swift passing through the dunes.
Another sighting of two Chinese Water Deer on the reserve was made yesterday.
9th August 2011 -
x23 Little Egret (Roosting in the plantation), x2 Marsh Harrier, x1 Common Buzzard, x5 Spoonbill, x1 Barn Owl.
10th August 2011 -
x8 Spoonbill (Jacksons) x1 Quail (Heard calling over Croft Marsh first thing this morning)
11th August 2011 -
x1 Pintail (Mere), x1 Garganey (Mere), x8 Spoonbill, x150 Black Tailed Godwit (Over Old Saltmarsh at tea time)
12th Auugust 2011 -
x1 Peregrine, x2 Merlin, x1 Marsh Harrier, x1 Sparrowhawk, x1 Tree Pipit (Calling heading south at 6.30am)
15th August 2011 -
x1 Wood Warbler, x4 Whinchat, x1 Pied Flycatcher, x1 Green Woodpecker, x5 Marsh Harrier, x1 Treecreeper, x1 Common Redstart, x6 Crossbill, x4 Turtle Dove, x8 Spoonbill, x35 Willow Warbler
17th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat, x1 Wheatear, x1 Kingfisher, x2 Marsh Harrier, x5 Spoonbill, Golden Plover & Spotted Redshank seen flying south over saltmarsh with the high tide.
19th August 2011 -
x2 Common Crane (Drifted over), x1 Wheatear
20th August 2011 -
x2 Whinchat, x3 Wheatear, x2 Marsh Harrier, x50 Golden Plover, x8 Yellow Wagtail, x3 Crossbill, x25 Linnet.
Many thanks to members of the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Facebook Page for the majority of these sightings reports. Keep up the good work, - Cracking Stuff!
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Ringing on 14th Aug 2011
A complete turn around from yesterday with George ringing over at the Observatory resulting in a massive 155 birds processed including 152 New birds and just 3 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (3/0) Sand Martin, (108/0) Swallow, (8/0) House Martin, (1/2) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (6/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (7/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (11/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Goldfinch and (2/0) Linnet.
A really good day then with both numbers of Hirundines and numbers of Warblers starting to really increase. Several thousand Hirundines flew south during the course of the day past the Observatory whilst the double figure for Willow Warbler is the first day this has happened this year over at the Observatory.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (3/0) Sand Martin, (108/0) Swallow, (8/0) House Martin, (1/2) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (6/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (7/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (11/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Goldfinch and (2/0) Linnet.
A really good day then with both numbers of Hirundines and numbers of Warblers starting to really increase. Several thousand Hirundines flew south during the course of the day past the Observatory whilst the double figure for Willow Warbler is the first day this has happened this year over at the Observatory.
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