Ringing at the Observatory today by George Gregory provided the Obs totals with 20 Birds processed including 17 New birds and 3 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (3/1) Wren, (3/0) Dunnock, (0/1) Whitethroat, (3/0) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (6/0) Goldcrest, (0/1) Blue Tit and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
Also reported on the 23rd September 2011 were -
x1 Spoonbill
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Common Buzzard
x3 Marsh Harrier
x5-7 Wheatear
x1 Redstart
x1 Spotted Flycatcher
x1 Bullfinch
Several hundred House Martin South along with smaller numbers of Swallow also heading South. Mixed flocks of finches and good numbers of Linnet South whilst sea watching produced various SKuas and some divers.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Ringing on 22nd Sep 2011
Another quiet day at the Observatory for George today with just 11 Birds processed including 7 New birds and 4 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (1/1) Wren, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (0/1) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (1/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Blue Tit and (1/0) Greenfinch.
The Sparrowhawk was a young male and was the seventh of the year, still a long way short of the 15 that were ringed in 2010, but the years total is slowly creeping up as is the Grand Total for the year.
Also reported on the 22nd September 2011 were -
All records of birds "South" were from a Visible Migration Watch from 06.15am untill 08.15.
x1 Barn Owl
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Spotted Redshank
x1 Turtle Dove
x1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker per Richard Doan (flew over East Dunes at 7.33)
x870 House Martin (South)
x45 Swallow (South)
x1 Swift (South)
x5 Skylark (South)
x305 Meadow Pipit (South)
x4 Wheatear
x1 Redstart
x1 Chiffchaff
x36 Goldfinch (South)
x69 Siskin (South)
x12 Chaffinch (South)
x23 Greenfinch (South)
x23 Tree Sparrow (South)
x215 Linnet (South)
x25 Redpoll sp (South)
x2 Crossbill (South)
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Sparrowhawk, (1/1) Wren, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (0/1) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (1/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Blue Tit and (1/0) Greenfinch.
The Sparrowhawk was a young male and was the seventh of the year, still a long way short of the 15 that were ringed in 2010, but the years total is slowly creeping up as is the Grand Total for the year.
Also reported on the 22nd September 2011 were -
All records of birds "South" were from a Visible Migration Watch from 06.15am untill 08.15.
x1 Barn Owl
x1 Marsh Harrier
x1 Spotted Redshank
x1 Turtle Dove
x1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker per Richard Doan (flew over East Dunes at 7.33)
x870 House Martin (South)
x45 Swallow (South)
x1 Swift (South)
x5 Skylark (South)
x305 Meadow Pipit (South)
x4 Wheatear
x1 Redstart
x1 Chiffchaff
x36 Goldfinch (South)
x69 Siskin (South)
x12 Chaffinch (South)
x23 Greenfinch (South)
x23 Tree Sparrow (South)
x215 Linnet (South)
x25 Redpoll sp (South)
x2 Crossbill (South)
Ringing on 21st Sep 2011
A somewhat better result today for George, ringing at the Observatory resulted in 43 Birds processed including 30 New birds and 13 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wren, (2/6) Dunnock, (0/1) Robin, (2/0) Wheatear, (3/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (1/2) Whitethroat, (6/3) Blackcap, (5/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (5/0) Goldcrest, (1/1) Blue Tit, (1/0) Magpie, (1/0) Linnet and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
The two Wheatears were just the fifth and sixth ringed this year, it is surprising just how few Wheatears we ring when you consider that many hundreds must pass through the reserve during an average year. They just don't seem to often be found in areas where we have nets set up. So well done to George for these two today.
It was another good morning for overhead migration of pipits, finches and hirundines etc. Also offshore, good numbers of Gannets, Sandwich Terns, Artic Skuas and Gull were moving South - the highlight though was an Adult Sabines Gull moving slowly South.
Also reported on the 21st September 2011 were -
x1 Sabine's Gull
x1 Short Eared Owl
x5 Wheatear
x1 Stonechat
x2 Yellow Wagtail
x5 Chiffchaff
x5 Lesser Redpoll
x2 Crossbill
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wren, (2/6) Dunnock, (0/1) Robin, (2/0) Wheatear, (3/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (1/2) Whitethroat, (6/3) Blackcap, (5/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (5/0) Goldcrest, (1/1) Blue Tit, (1/0) Magpie, (1/0) Linnet and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
The two Wheatears were just the fifth and sixth ringed this year, it is surprising just how few Wheatears we ring when you consider that many hundreds must pass through the reserve during an average year. They just don't seem to often be found in areas where we have nets set up. So well done to George for these two today.
It was another good morning for overhead migration of pipits, finches and hirundines etc. Also offshore, good numbers of Gannets, Sandwich Terns, Artic Skuas and Gull were moving South - the highlight though was an Adult Sabines Gull moving slowly South.
Also reported on the 21st September 2011 were -
x1 Sabine's Gull
x1 Short Eared Owl
x5 Wheatear
x1 Stonechat
x2 Yellow Wagtail
x5 Chiffchaff
x5 Lesser Redpoll
x2 Crossbill
Monday, 17 October 2011
Ringing on 20th Sep 2011
A much quieter day, today for George with the wind speed again increasing! Just 15 Birds were processed including 14 New birds and just a single Retrap.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Wren, (1/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff and (4/1) Goldcrest.
The Chiffchaff total for the year is now starting to build up slowly as is the Goldcrest total. Will it be another "classic" Goldcrest year? You would think not with the two severe winters that we have just experienced but at Gib, a large number of the Goldcrests that we catch during the Autumn are actually continental migrants and there is a "lot" of continent from which they can come from!
Also reported on the 20th September 2011 were -
x1 Spoonbill
x4 Ruff
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x2 Artic Tern
x2 Black Tern
x1 Wheatear
x1 Stonechat
x40 House Martin (South)
x5 Siskin
x14 Tree Sparrow
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Wren, (1/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff and (4/1) Goldcrest.
The Chiffchaff total for the year is now starting to build up slowly as is the Goldcrest total. Will it be another "classic" Goldcrest year? You would think not with the two severe winters that we have just experienced but at Gib, a large number of the Goldcrests that we catch during the Autumn are actually continental migrants and there is a "lot" of continent from which they can come from!
Also reported on the 20th September 2011 were -
x1 Spoonbill
x4 Ruff
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x2 Artic Tern
x2 Black Tern
x1 Wheatear
x1 Stonechat
x40 House Martin (South)
x5 Siskin
x14 Tree Sparrow
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| Will this be a "Classic" Goldcrest Year? Only time will tell - fingers crossed... Library Photo - Mick Briggs |
Ringing on 19th Sep 2011
George was ringing at the Observatory today as usual and was rewarded with 59 Birds processed including 55 New and just 4 Retraps!
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (15/0) Meadow Pipit, (4/0) Wren, (1/2) Robin, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/0) Whitethroat, (4/1) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff, (10/0) Goldcrest, (4/1) Blue Tit, (1/0) Great Tit, (1/0) Chaffinch, (1/0) Goldfinch, (1/0) Siskin and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
This was a much more typical September catch at the Observatory today and long overdue it is. These are the sort of numbers that we normally expect everyday through out September but this year the excessively prolonged westerly winds have dramatically reduced the numbers that George has been able to catch.
Hopefully these sort of days will carry on now through to the end of the Autumn?
Also Reported on the 19th Sep 2011 were -
x1 Spoonbill
x1 Water Rail
x2 Marsh Harrier
x1 Merlin (Female)
x1 Short Eared Owl
x1 Barn Owl
x12+ Goldcrest
x4 Lesser Redpoll
x2 Brambling
x3 House Sparrow
x9 Carrion Crow
and a small nuimber of Swallow and House Martins passing through - today felt very Autumnal!
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (15/0) Meadow Pipit, (4/0) Wren, (1/2) Robin, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/0) Whitethroat, (4/1) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff, (10/0) Goldcrest, (4/1) Blue Tit, (1/0) Great Tit, (1/0) Chaffinch, (1/0) Goldfinch, (1/0) Siskin and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
This was a much more typical September catch at the Observatory today and long overdue it is. These are the sort of numbers that we normally expect everyday through out September but this year the excessively prolonged westerly winds have dramatically reduced the numbers that George has been able to catch.
Hopefully these sort of days will carry on now through to the end of the Autumn?
Also Reported on the 19th Sep 2011 were -
x1 Spoonbill
x1 Water Rail
x2 Marsh Harrier
x1 Merlin (Female)
x1 Short Eared Owl
x1 Barn Owl
x12+ Goldcrest
x4 Lesser Redpoll
x2 Brambling
x3 House Sparrow
x9 Carrion Crow
and a small nuimber of Swallow and House Martins passing through - today felt very Autumnal!
Friday, 14 October 2011
Ringing on 18th Sep 2011
The winds dropped overnight and this morning George was ringing at the Observatory whilst Mick Briggs was ringing at Aylmer Avenue with the ever ready young apprentice, David Vincent!.
Over at the Observatory, George processed 27 Birds including 24 New birds and just 3 Retraps whilst Dave and Mick processed 122 Birds processed including 71 New birds and 51 Retraps, which made a combined day catch of 149 Birds processed including 95 New birds and 54 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/1) Great Spotted Woodpecker, (3/0) Swallow, (2/2) Wren, (8/6) Dunnock, (8/0) Robin, (1/0) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (11/1) Blackcap, (6/3) Chiffchaff, (7/0) Willow Warbler, (12/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (0/2) Long Tailed Tit, (5/10) Blue Tit, (4/3) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (4/5) Chaffinch, (12/15) Greenfinch, (7/4) Goldfinch and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
Not a bad day then after the miserable run of high winds we seem to be having through most of September so far, especially seen as they seem to be from a largely westerly orientation, which is clearly not great for bringing any scarce migrants or impressive numbers of common migrants ariving on the coast.
September's ringing totals are looking to be some of the lowest in the last decade at the present rate of knots!
Also reported on the 18th September 2011 were -
x1 Redstart
x1 Barred Warbler (East Dunes)
x1 Stonechat
x2 Spotted Redshank
x1 Manx Shearwater
and a scattering of Goldcrests.
Over at the Observatory, George processed 27 Birds including 24 New birds and just 3 Retraps whilst Dave and Mick processed 122 Birds processed including 71 New birds and 51 Retraps, which made a combined day catch of 149 Birds processed including 95 New birds and 54 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/1) Great Spotted Woodpecker, (3/0) Swallow, (2/2) Wren, (8/6) Dunnock, (8/0) Robin, (1/0) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (11/1) Blackcap, (6/3) Chiffchaff, (7/0) Willow Warbler, (12/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Spotted Flycatcher, (0/2) Long Tailed Tit, (5/10) Blue Tit, (4/3) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (4/5) Chaffinch, (12/15) Greenfinch, (7/4) Goldfinch and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
Not a bad day then after the miserable run of high winds we seem to be having through most of September so far, especially seen as they seem to be from a largely westerly orientation, which is clearly not great for bringing any scarce migrants or impressive numbers of common migrants ariving on the coast.
September's ringing totals are looking to be some of the lowest in the last decade at the present rate of knots!
Also reported on the 18th September 2011 were -
x1 Redstart
x1 Barred Warbler (East Dunes)
x1 Stonechat
x2 Spotted Redshank
x1 Manx Shearwater
and a scattering of Goldcrests.
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| Spotted Flycatcher ringed at Aylmer Avenue on the 18th September 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs |
Reported 17th Sep 2011
Still the high wind speed stops any nets from being opened but the following were reported on the 17th Sep 2011 -
x4 Pied Flyctacher (Mainly around the plantation)
x1 Spotted Flyctacher
x1 Honey Buzzard
x1 Common Buzzard
x2 Whooper Swan
x3 Spoonbill
x7 Chiffchaff
x1 Short Eared Owl
x7 Marsh Harrier
x1 Whinchat
also a "smattering" of Crossbill, Siskin and House Martin were also noted.
x4 Pied Flyctacher (Mainly around the plantation)
x1 Spotted Flyctacher
x1 Honey Buzzard
x1 Common Buzzard
x2 Whooper Swan
x3 Spoonbill
x7 Chiffchaff
x1 Short Eared Owl
x7 Marsh Harrier
x1 Whinchat
also a "smattering" of Crossbill, Siskin and House Martin were also noted.
Reported 16th Sep 2011
No ringing today due to the high winds which are back with avengence! however -
Not strictly on the reserve but just to the North of the reserve by Nigel Lound on the beach at Skegness today (16th September 2011) sea watching produced the following between 0645 and 1200 -
x2 Red Throated Diver (North + x2 South)
x1 Black Throated Diver (Back and forth close in, seen on 7 occasions, last seen heading North)
x14 Manx Shearwater (North + 2 South)
x7 Sooty Shearwater (North)
x1 Balearic Shearwater (North)
x1 Cory's Shearwater (Probable went North at 11.30 though not enough on it for positive ID)
x5 Fulmar (North)
x490 Gannet (North + x135 South)
x220 Sandwich Tern (North)
x12 Common Tern (South)
x8 Commic' Tern (South)
x1 Kittiwake (Juvenile North)
x16 Great Skua (North + x3 South)
x14 Artic Skua (North + x5 South)
x2 Long Tailed Skua (North)
x5 Skua sp. (North + x1 South)
x254 Teal (South)
x110 Wigeon (South)
x4 Common Scoter (North + x9 South)
x7 Pink Footed Goose (East)
x3 Brent Goose (South)
x2 Guillemot (North)
x5 Auk sp. (North)
Not strictly on the reserve but just to the North of the reserve by Nigel Lound on the beach at Skegness today (16th September 2011) sea watching produced the following between 0645 and 1200 -
x2 Red Throated Diver (North + x2 South)
x1 Black Throated Diver (Back and forth close in, seen on 7 occasions, last seen heading North)
x14 Manx Shearwater (North + 2 South)
x7 Sooty Shearwater (North)
x1 Balearic Shearwater (North)
x1 Cory's Shearwater (Probable went North at 11.30 though not enough on it for positive ID)
x5 Fulmar (North)
x490 Gannet (North + x135 South)
x220 Sandwich Tern (North)
x12 Common Tern (South)
x8 Commic' Tern (South)
x1 Kittiwake (Juvenile North)
x16 Great Skua (North + x3 South)
x14 Artic Skua (North + x5 South)
x2 Long Tailed Skua (North)
x5 Skua sp. (North + x1 South)
x254 Teal (South)
x110 Wigeon (South)
x4 Common Scoter (North + x9 South)
x7 Pink Footed Goose (East)
x3 Brent Goose (South)
x2 Guillemot (North)
x5 Auk sp. (North)
Ringing on 15th Sep 2011
An amazing ringing result was the order of the day today! with Tim Bagworth ringing at the Observatory on a "very rare day off" whilst George had a day off from ringing, and Mike Polling had a day ringing over at Aylmer Avenue. The combined result was an impressive 284 Birds processed including 220 New birds and 64 Retraps.
Tim processed 140 Birds at the Observatory including 125 New birds and 15 Retraps whilst Mike over at Aylmer Avenue processed 144 Birds including 95 New birds and 49 retraps.
The days impressive catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (48/0) Meadow Pipit, (2/0) Wren, (13/4) Dunnock, (11/1) Robin, (3/0) Redstart, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (8/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (12/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (24/3) Blackcap, (31/1) Chiffchaff, (22/3) Goldcrest, (0/1) Coal Tit, (5/12) Blue Tit, (1/6) Great Tit, (0/2) Treecreeper, (1/0) Tree Sparrow, (5/5) Chaffinch, (23/19) Greenfinch, (4/5) Goldfinch, (1/0) Linnet, (1/0) Lesser Redpoll and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
Good birds were caught at both sites and one of the best days ringing this year. Well done to both Tim and Mike for a cracking days catch!
Also Reported on the 15th September 2011 were -
x1 Puffin
x2 Fulmar
x16 Manx Shearwater
x1 Balearic Shearwater
x200 Gannet
x20 Pink Footed Goose
x60-80000 Knot
x2 Redstart
x40 Goldcrest
x1 Barred Warbler
x2 House Sparrow
x4 Crossbill
Tim processed 140 Birds at the Observatory including 125 New birds and 15 Retraps whilst Mike over at Aylmer Avenue processed 144 Birds including 95 New birds and 49 retraps.
The days impressive catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (48/0) Meadow Pipit, (2/0) Wren, (13/4) Dunnock, (11/1) Robin, (3/0) Redstart, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (8/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (12/1) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (24/3) Blackcap, (31/1) Chiffchaff, (22/3) Goldcrest, (0/1) Coal Tit, (5/12) Blue Tit, (1/6) Great Tit, (0/2) Treecreeper, (1/0) Tree Sparrow, (5/5) Chaffinch, (23/19) Greenfinch, (4/5) Goldfinch, (1/0) Linnet, (1/0) Lesser Redpoll and (1/0) Reed Bunting.
Good birds were caught at both sites and one of the best days ringing this year. Well done to both Tim and Mike for a cracking days catch!
Also Reported on the 15th September 2011 were -
x1 Puffin
x2 Fulmar
x16 Manx Shearwater
x1 Balearic Shearwater
x200 Gannet
x20 Pink Footed Goose
x60-80000 Knot
x2 Redstart
x40 Goldcrest
x1 Barred Warbler
x2 House Sparrow
x4 Crossbill
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Ringing on 14th Sep 2011
With the wind easeing, George was back in action over at the Observatory today with a healthy 38 Birds processed, including 34 New birds and 4 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Swallow, (0/1) Wren, (3/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Barred Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (10/1) Whitethroat, (4/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Blue Tit and (4/0) Great Tit).
The retrap Barred Warbler was the one from last week, seemingly still hanging around, not surprising really after four days off near gale force winds!
Also reported on the 14th Sep 2011 were -
x4 Spoonbill
x1 CORNCRAKE!
x8 Pink Footed Goose
x2 Spotted Redshank
x5000+ Knot
x1 Ruff
x1 Whimbrel
x1 Turtle Dove
x5 Swift
x1000+ House Martin
x11 Whinchat
x17 Yellow Wagtail
x4 Tree Pipit
x7 Chiffchaff
x1 Lesser Whitethroat
x38 Tree Sparrow
x20 Redpoll
x5 Crossbill
This evening Mick Briggs travelled to Boston to a book signing at Waterstones by Mr David Lindo. The book signing was preceded by a talk about Mr Lindo's life and how he became a birder and a writer. It was all very fascinating and a good time was had by all that attended.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Swallow, (0/1) Wren, (3/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Barred Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (10/1) Whitethroat, (4/0) Blackcap, (7/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Blue Tit and (4/0) Great Tit).
The retrap Barred Warbler was the one from last week, seemingly still hanging around, not surprising really after four days off near gale force winds!
Also reported on the 14th Sep 2011 were -
x4 Spoonbill
x1 CORNCRAKE!
x8 Pink Footed Goose
x2 Spotted Redshank
x5000+ Knot
x1 Ruff
x1 Whimbrel
x1 Turtle Dove
x5 Swift
x1000+ House Martin
x11 Whinchat
x17 Yellow Wagtail
x4 Tree Pipit
x7 Chiffchaff
x1 Lesser Whitethroat
x38 Tree Sparrow
x20 Redpoll
x5 Crossbill
This evening Mick Briggs travelled to Boston to a book signing at Waterstones by Mr David Lindo. The book signing was preceded by a talk about Mr Lindo's life and how he became a birder and a writer. It was all very fascinating and a good time was had by all that attended.
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| Mr David Lindo at his book signing at Waterstones in Boston on the 14th Sep 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  Katherine is well known to Lincs Bird Club Members for her many posts on the L.B.C. Forum web pages. Photo - Mick Briggs |
Reported 13th Sep 2011
The winds started to ease this afternoon but too late for any ringing to be done.
Reported on the 13th September 2011 were -
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Water Rail
x1 Manx Shearwater
x92 Sandwich Tern
x19 Turnstone
x6 Ruff
x22 Greenshank
x3 Spotted Redshank
x2 Hobby
x8 Marsh Harrier
x2000+ Meadow Pipit
x4 Tree Pipit
x15 Yellow Wagtail
x20 Alba Wagtail
x1 Grey Wagtail
x1 Whinchat
x2 Wheatear
x95 Siskin
x19 Tree Sparrow
Reported on the 13th September 2011 were -
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Water Rail
x1 Manx Shearwater
x92 Sandwich Tern
x19 Turnstone
x6 Ruff
x22 Greenshank
x3 Spotted Redshank
x2 Hobby
x8 Marsh Harrier
x2000+ Meadow Pipit
x4 Tree Pipit
x15 Yellow Wagtail
x20 Alba Wagtail
x1 Grey Wagtail
x1 Whinchat
x2 Wheatear
x95 Siskin
x19 Tree Sparrow
Reported 12th Sep 2011
Still too windy for any ringing today (Gale force at times) but still a few birders out gathering sightings -
Reported on the 12th Spetember 2011 were -
x44 Teal
x7 Spoonbill
x2 Whimbrel
x1 Curlew
x1 Kestrel
x1 Peregrine
x2 Swift
x22 Sand Martin
x19 House Martin
x1 Wheatear
x53 Siskin
Reported on the 12th Spetember 2011 were -
x44 Teal
x7 Spoonbill
x2 Whimbrel
x1 Curlew
x1 Kestrel
x1 Peregrine
x2 Swift
x22 Sand Martin
x19 House Martin
x1 Wheatear
x53 Siskin
Reported 11th Sep 2011
No ringing today with a major high wind event in progress!
Reported on the 11th September 2011 were -
x69 Teal
x20 Wigeon
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Ruff
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (on the Mere)
x7 Greenshank
x5 Spotted Redshank
x166 Black Tailed Godwit
x8 Swift
x2000 Swallow
x40+ Sand Martin
x1 Wheatear
x1 Green Woodpecker
x1 Whinchat
x60 Goldfinch
x30 Siskin
Reported on the 11th September 2011 were -
x69 Teal
x20 Wigeon
x5 Spoonbill
x1 Ruff
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (on the Mere)
x7 Greenshank
x5 Spotted Redshank
x166 Black Tailed Godwit
x8 Swift
x2000 Swallow
x40+ Sand Martin
x1 Wheatear
x1 Green Woodpecker
x1 Whinchat
x60 Goldfinch
x30 Siskin
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Ringing on 10th Sep 2011
Christine Flint and Nigel Hudson finished there holiday yesterday and can I just say a big Thank You! to Chris and Nigel for all there efforts during the last week, trying hard to get some birds ringed during a horrible week, weather wise. Hopefully they had a good time and we look forward to seeing them down at the Observatory next year!
Today though Tim Bagworth started his holiday for a week, he is planning to get some ringing done on the reserve during his holiday, so today Tim was ringing at the Observatory whilst Mick Briggs was ringing at Aylmer Avenue with a brief visit from George mid morning.
The combined catch for the day was 84 birds processed including 62 New birds and 22 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (23/0) Swallow, (6/0) House Martin, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/1) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (0/2) Whitethroat, (8/1) Blackcap, (5/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (4/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Pied Flyctacher, (1/5) Blue Tit, (0/1) Great Tit, (0/1) Chaffinch, (9/8) Greenfinch and (0/1) Goldfinch.
The Pied Flyctacher was at Aylmer Avenue and was the first of the year and was well overdue! the last time that we didn't catch a Pied Flycatcher in August was 2002! Other than that, it was a fairly unremarkable day with a pretty much standard type of catch for the time of year.
Also reported on the reserve on the 10th September 2011 were -
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (Mere associating with a Dunlin)
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Green Sandpiper
x10 Whimbrel
x4 Snipe
x72 Golden Plover
x13 Greenshank
x1 Spotted Redshank
x6 Ruff
x25 Little Egret (21 on Tennyson's Lagoon)
x7 Spoonbill (Jackson's Lagoon)
x20 Common Tern
x200 Sandwich Tern
x20 Gannet (South)
x1 Guillemot
x1 Razorbill
x8 Artic Skua
x2 Great Skua (South)
x1 Manx Shearwater (South)
x1 Red Throated Diver
x8 Swift (South)
x3000 Swallow (South)
x2000 House Martin (South)
x40 Sand Martin
x500+ Meadow Pipit (South)
x2 Grey Wagtail (South)
x40 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x6 Lesser Redpoll (South)
x250 Siskin (South)
x60 Tree Sparrow (South)
x12 Crossbill (South)
x1 Spotted Flycatcher
x2 Wheatear
Today though Tim Bagworth started his holiday for a week, he is planning to get some ringing done on the reserve during his holiday, so today Tim was ringing at the Observatory whilst Mick Briggs was ringing at Aylmer Avenue with a brief visit from George mid morning.
The combined catch for the day was 84 birds processed including 62 New birds and 22 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (23/0) Swallow, (6/0) House Martin, (0/1) Dunnock, (1/1) Robin, (2/0) Reed Warbler, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat, (0/2) Whitethroat, (8/1) Blackcap, (5/0) Chiffchaff, (1/0) Willow Warbler, (4/1) Goldcrest, (1/0) Pied Flyctacher, (1/5) Blue Tit, (0/1) Great Tit, (0/1) Chaffinch, (9/8) Greenfinch and (0/1) Goldfinch.
The Pied Flyctacher was at Aylmer Avenue and was the first of the year and was well overdue! the last time that we didn't catch a Pied Flycatcher in August was 2002! Other than that, it was a fairly unremarkable day with a pretty much standard type of catch for the time of year.
Also reported on the reserve on the 10th September 2011 were -
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (Mere associating with a Dunlin)
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Green Sandpiper
x10 Whimbrel
x4 Snipe
x72 Golden Plover
x13 Greenshank
x1 Spotted Redshank
x6 Ruff
x25 Little Egret (21 on Tennyson's Lagoon)
x7 Spoonbill (Jackson's Lagoon)
x20 Common Tern
x200 Sandwich Tern
x20 Gannet (South)
x1 Guillemot
x1 Razorbill
x8 Artic Skua
x2 Great Skua (South)
x1 Manx Shearwater (South)
x1 Red Throated Diver
x8 Swift (South)
x3000 Swallow (South)
x2000 House Martin (South)
x40 Sand Martin
x500+ Meadow Pipit (South)
x2 Grey Wagtail (South)
x40 Yellow Wagtail (South)
x6 Lesser Redpoll (South)
x250 Siskin (South)
x60 Tree Sparrow (South)
x12 Crossbill (South)
x1 Spotted Flycatcher
x2 Wheatear
 |
| Reed Warbler ringed on the 10th September 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  These have finally started to arrive in decent numbers now from the continent. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Mick Briggs |
Monday, 19 September 2011
Ringing on 9th Sep 2011
Today was the last day of Christine and Nigels ringing holiday and it made up somewhat for the lack lustered weather during the week. George was again ringing at Aylmer Avenue. The majority of the birds caught were at the Observatory and the total processed was 121. There were 102 New birds and 19 Retraps.
The combined catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (9/1) Swallow, (1/0) Tree Pipit, (23/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/3) Wren, (8/1) Dunnock, (8/0) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Barred Warbler, (4/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (11/2) Whitethroat, (24/1) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (3/0) Willow Warbler, (3/0) Goldcrest, (0/2) Blue Tit, (0/2) Great Tit, (1/0) Chaffinch, (2/4) Greenfinch, (1/1) Goldfinch and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
Amazingly the Barred Warbler was recaught today by Christine and Nigel, still close to where it was originally caught, although it probably shouldn't be too much of a surprise with the weather inbetween capture dates being absolutely horrendous!
Barred Warblers that are caught at Gib do tend to have a habit of sticking around for a while, one caught on the 31st Aug 1983 was again retrapped on the 2nd and 4th Sep, whilst more recently there was a bird caught on the 28th Sep 2010 was caught two days later on the 30th Sep. Presumably these were birds that had recently crossed the North Sea and so were feeding up before moving on south.
The Tree Pipit that Christine and Nigel caught today was the first since the 22nd August 2009! and only the 16th since 1997. There have still only been 114 (Including this bird) ever ringed at the Observatory and so are still incredible scarce as a species in the hand at Gib. Well done to Chritsine and Nigel for this bird on the last day of their holiday!
Also today Christine and Nigel were lucky enough to get their hands on a highly unusual Robin which had 4 leucistic primaries, 3 leucistic primary coverts and a leucistic chin! A striking bird that would certainly cause panic amongst any birdwatcher that spotted it, just briefly! See the photos below
Also reported on the 9th September 2011 were -
x1 Osprey
x6 Artic Skua
x1 Black Tern
x9 Spoonbill
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (Still on the Mere at 7pm this evening in the company of Dunlin)
x1 Little Stint
x5500+ Meadow Pipit (South)
x3 Tree Pipit (South)
x1 Grey Wagtail (South)
x1 Whinchat
x1 Wheatear
x1 Spotted Flyctacher
x100 Siskin (South)
The combined catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (9/1) Swallow, (1/0) Tree Pipit, (23/0) Meadow Pipit, (0/3) Wren, (8/1) Dunnock, (8/0) Robin, (1/0) Reed Warbler, (0/1) Barred Warbler, (4/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (11/2) Whitethroat, (24/1) Blackcap, (1/0) Chiffchaff, (3/0) Willow Warbler, (3/0) Goldcrest, (0/2) Blue Tit, (0/2) Great Tit, (1/0) Chaffinch, (2/4) Greenfinch, (1/1) Goldfinch and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
Amazingly the Barred Warbler was recaught today by Christine and Nigel, still close to where it was originally caught, although it probably shouldn't be too much of a surprise with the weather inbetween capture dates being absolutely horrendous!
Barred Warblers that are caught at Gib do tend to have a habit of sticking around for a while, one caught on the 31st Aug 1983 was again retrapped on the 2nd and 4th Sep, whilst more recently there was a bird caught on the 28th Sep 2010 was caught two days later on the 30th Sep. Presumably these were birds that had recently crossed the North Sea and so were feeding up before moving on south.
The Tree Pipit that Christine and Nigel caught today was the first since the 22nd August 2009! and only the 16th since 1997. There have still only been 114 (Including this bird) ever ringed at the Observatory and so are still incredible scarce as a species in the hand at Gib. Well done to Chritsine and Nigel for this bird on the last day of their holiday!
Also today Christine and Nigel were lucky enough to get their hands on a highly unusual Robin which had 4 leucistic primaries, 3 leucistic primary coverts and a leucistic chin! A striking bird that would certainly cause panic amongst any birdwatcher that spotted it, just briefly! See the photos below
Also reported on the 9th September 2011 were -
x1 Osprey
x6 Artic Skua
x1 Black Tern
x9 Spoonbill
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (Still on the Mere at 7pm this evening in the company of Dunlin)
x1 Little Stint
x5500+ Meadow Pipit (South)
x3 Tree Pipit (South)
x1 Grey Wagtail (South)
x1 Whinchat
x1 Wheatear
x1 Spotted Flyctacher
x100 Siskin (South)
 |
| Retrapped Barred Warbler on the 9th September 2011. Photo - George Gregory  Photo - Christine Flint.  Photo - Christine Flint.  A striking bird on an Autumn morning! Photo - Christine Flint. |
Ringing on 8th Sep 2011
At last, the incessant wind finally lifted briefly this morning allowing George to get some ringing done at Aylmer Avenue whilst Christine Flint and Nigel Judson were over at the Observatory trying their best to make up for two days completly blown out during the week!
The combined catch included 109 birds processed, made up of 79 New birds and 30 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Green Woodpecker, (9/0) Meadow Pipit, (2/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (4/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (8/2) Whitethroat, (10/1) Blackcap, (14/0) Chiffchaff, (10/0) Willow Warbler, (4/1) Goldcrest, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (0/2) Blue Tit, (0/2) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (3/2) Chaffinch, (8/10) Greenfinch, (3/4) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The Green Woodpecker was the first since 2008 and only the 10th ever! It was caught at the ever steady feeding station at Aylmer Avenue and really goes to show the value of this site for generating records of unusual species on the reserve. The last Green Woodpecker caught was also taken from a net at the feeding station. This species is often missed by birders on the reserve as they seldom stay around with only small areas of tree available to them but are ardent admirers of a free meal!
Also reported on the 8th September 2011 were -
x5 Greenshank
x164 Black Tailed Godwit
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (On the Mere at 4pm - showed for just 10 mins)
The combined catch included 109 birds processed, made up of 79 New birds and 30 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Green Woodpecker, (9/0) Meadow Pipit, (2/1) Dunnock, (1/0) Robin, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (4/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (8/2) Whitethroat, (10/1) Blackcap, (14/0) Chiffchaff, (10/0) Willow Warbler, (4/1) Goldcrest, (0/3) Long Tailed Tit, (0/2) Blue Tit, (0/2) Great Tit, (0/1) Treecreeper, (3/2) Chaffinch, (8/10) Greenfinch, (3/4) Goldfinch and (1/0) Linnet.
The Green Woodpecker was the first since 2008 and only the 10th ever! It was caught at the ever steady feeding station at Aylmer Avenue and really goes to show the value of this site for generating records of unusual species on the reserve. The last Green Woodpecker caught was also taken from a net at the feeding station. This species is often missed by birders on the reserve as they seldom stay around with only small areas of tree available to them but are ardent admirers of a free meal!
Also reported on the 8th September 2011 were -
x5 Greenshank
x164 Black Tailed Godwit
x1 Curlew Sandpiper
x1 Pectoral Sandpiper (On the Mere at 4pm - showed for just 10 mins)
 |
| Green Woodpecker ringed on the 8th September 2011. Just the 10th for the observatory ever! Photo - George Gregory. |
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Ringing on 7th Sep 2011
Christine and Nigel managed to get some nets open today over at the Observatory but not all of them due to the continuing 15/20 mph winds.
By the time they gave up at lunch they had managed to get 22 birds processed including 20 New birds and just 2 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Meadow Pipit, (3/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (0/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (1/0) Whitethroat, (5/0) Blackcap, (2/0) Chiffchaff, (5/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Goldcrest and (0/1) Great Tit.
Hopefully our visiting ringers will get a break in the weather before their holiday finishes on the 9th!
Also reported on the 7th September 2011 were -
x300 Meadow Pipit (South)
x100 Tree Sparrow (South)
x130 Siskin (South)
x2 Grey Wagtail
x1 Marsh Harrier
Good numbers of Yellow Wagtail, Crossbill and Alba Wagtails were noted moving South.
By the time they gave up at lunch they had managed to get 22 birds processed including 20 New birds and just 2 Retraps.
The days catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (2/0) Meadow Pipit, (3/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Sedge Warbler, (0/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (1/0) Whitethroat, (5/0) Blackcap, (2/0) Chiffchaff, (5/0) Willow Warbler, (1/0) Goldcrest and (0/1) Great Tit.
Hopefully our visiting ringers will get a break in the weather before their holiday finishes on the 9th!
Also reported on the 7th September 2011 were -
x300 Meadow Pipit (South)
x100 Tree Sparrow (South)
x130 Siskin (South)
x2 Grey Wagtail
x1 Marsh Harrier
Good numbers of Yellow Wagtail, Crossbill and Alba Wagtails were noted moving South.
Reported 6th Sep 2011
There was no ringing on the 5th or the 6th due to the 30mph winds blowing through the reserve, very bad luck for Christine and Nigel who are staying at the Field Station on holiday from the Charnwood Ringing Group.
Reported on the reserve on the 5th September 2011 -
x1 Osprey (South)
x7 Swift (South)
x130 Siskin (South)
x1 Ruff
x1 Short Eared Owl
x1 Barn Owl
x16 Yellow Wagtail
x6 Spoonbill (Jacksons)
x7 Shoveler
x7 Gadwall
However reported on the 6th September 2011 were -
x2 Common Swift
x2 Common Sandpiper
x1 Green Sandpiper
x3 Ruff
x2 Spoonbill
x1 Great Skua
x1 Osprey (South - the third in just over a week!)
Reported on the reserve on the 5th September 2011 -
x1 Osprey (South)
x7 Swift (South)
x130 Siskin (South)
x1 Ruff
x1 Short Eared Owl
x1 Barn Owl
x16 Yellow Wagtail
x6 Spoonbill (Jacksons)
x7 Shoveler
x7 Gadwall
However reported on the 6th September 2011 were -
x2 Common Swift
x2 Common Sandpiper
x1 Green Sandpiper
x3 Ruff
x2 Spoonbill
x1 Great Skua
x1 Osprey (South - the third in just over a week!)
Ringing on 4th Sep 2011
Well today really was the best day so far this year with a double effort day under way and a break in the weather, there was Mick Briggs and Dave Vincent ringing at Aylmer Avenue for a long morning session whilst over at the Observatory, George occasionally helped out visiting ringers Christine Flint and Nigel Judson who are from the "Charnwood Ringing Group" and are visiting for a weeks holiday ringing. They don't have very far to travel each day as they are staying at the Field Station!
You can check out the Charnwood Ringing Group Blog at - http://charnwoodringers.blogspot.com/
At the Observatory there were 131 birds processed including 117 New birds and 14 Retraps whilst at Aylmer Avenue there were 190 birds processed including 138 New birds and 52 Retraps. This gave a combined catch total of an impressive 321 birds processed! including 255 New birds and 66 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wood Pigeon, (114/1) Swallow, (41/0) House Martin, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (1/3) Wren, (4/3) Dunnock, (3/1) Robin, (1/0) Wheatear, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Barred Warbler, (9/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (25/4) Blackcap, (2/1) Chiffchaff, (5/3) Willow Warbler, (7/0) Goldcrest, (0/4) Long Tailed Tit, (0/2) Coal Tit, (4/6) Blue Tit, (0/5) Great Tit, (1/1) Treecreeper, (2/7) Chaffinch, (21/15) Greenfinch, (5/3) Goldfinch, (0/2) Linnet and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
The Barred warbler was clearly the Star bird of the day, being the first of the year and the first since 28th Sep 2010. It is the earliest since 2006 when there were two caught in August. A nice surprise at the the start of weeks holiday for Christine and Nigel!
Besides all the other cracking birds processed on the 4th Sep, perhaps the most impressive besides the excellent Swallow and House Martin catch was the surprising number of Blackcaps on site, with 29 different birds caught during the day at two relatively small sites in comparison to the size of the reserve, the number on the reserve as a whole must of numbered in the hundreds!
Also reported on the 4th September 2011 were -
x1 Firecrest (East Dunes)
x5 Curlew Sandpiper
x19 Bar Tailed Godwit
x65 Golden Plover
x2 Snipe
x1 Guillemot
x1 Red Throated Diver
x7 Gannet (South)
x10 Spoonbill (Yesterday evening, flew out into the Wash)
x1 Red Throated Diver
x1 Tawny Owl
x1 Marsh Harrier
x60+ Siskin
x20 Tree Sparrow
x2 Wheatear
x1 Redstart
x50+ Yellow Wagtail (South)
x2000 Swallow (South)
x500 House Martin (South)
x3 Sand Martin (South)
x400 Meadow Pipit (South)
x10 Goldcrest
You can check out the Charnwood Ringing Group Blog at - http://charnwoodringers.blogspot.com/
At the Observatory there were 131 birds processed including 117 New birds and 14 Retraps whilst at Aylmer Avenue there were 190 birds processed including 138 New birds and 52 Retraps. This gave a combined catch total of an impressive 321 birds processed! including 255 New birds and 66 Retraps.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (1/0) Wood Pigeon, (114/1) Swallow, (41/0) House Martin, (1/0) Meadow Pipit, (1/0) Yellow Wagtail, (1/3) Wren, (4/3) Dunnock, (3/1) Robin, (1/0) Wheatear, (0/1) Blackbird, (1/0) Barred Warbler, (9/1) Lesser Whitethroat, (3/3) Whitethroat, (1/0) Garden Warbler, (25/4) Blackcap, (2/1) Chiffchaff, (5/3) Willow Warbler, (7/0) Goldcrest, (0/4) Long Tailed Tit, (0/2) Coal Tit, (4/6) Blue Tit, (0/5) Great Tit, (1/1) Treecreeper, (2/7) Chaffinch, (21/15) Greenfinch, (5/3) Goldfinch, (0/2) Linnet and (2/0) Reed Bunting.
The Barred warbler was clearly the Star bird of the day, being the first of the year and the first since 28th Sep 2010. It is the earliest since 2006 when there were two caught in August. A nice surprise at the the start of weeks holiday for Christine and Nigel!
Besides all the other cracking birds processed on the 4th Sep, perhaps the most impressive besides the excellent Swallow and House Martin catch was the surprising number of Blackcaps on site, with 29 different birds caught during the day at two relatively small sites in comparison to the size of the reserve, the number on the reserve as a whole must of numbered in the hundreds!
Also reported on the 4th September 2011 were -
x1 Firecrest (East Dunes)
x5 Curlew Sandpiper
x19 Bar Tailed Godwit
x65 Golden Plover
x2 Snipe
x1 Guillemot
x1 Red Throated Diver
x7 Gannet (South)
x10 Spoonbill (Yesterday evening, flew out into the Wash)
x1 Red Throated Diver
x1 Tawny Owl
x1 Marsh Harrier
x60+ Siskin
x20 Tree Sparrow
x2 Wheatear
x1 Redstart
x50+ Yellow Wagtail (South)
x2000 Swallow (South)
x500 House Martin (South)
x3 Sand Martin (South)
x400 Meadow Pipit (South)
x10 Goldcrest
 |
| Swallows migrating South during the very busy 4th September 2011. Photo - Mick Briggs  Photo - Christine Flint  Photo - Christine Flint |
Ringing on 3rd Sep 2011
Another miserable day, weather wise with a howling wind from the get go. George managed to open just a couple of nets at the Observatory in the morning whilst Mick Briggs tried to open a couple of nets at Aylmer Avenue in the afternoon once the worst of the wind had died down. The result for the day was just 9 birds processed, all of them were New birds!
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (6/0) Swallow, (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat and (1/0) Willow Warbler.
There was a major push of Swallows through the reserve through out much of the day but catching in the high winds was pratically impossible, it is often the case with hirundines enjoying a brisk head wind into which they can fly south.
The catch was made up thus (New/Retrap) - (6/0) Swallow, (1/0) Dunnock, (1/0) Lesser Whitethroat and (1/0) Willow Warbler.
There was a major push of Swallows through the reserve through out much of the day but catching in the high winds was pratically impossible, it is often the case with hirundines enjoying a brisk head wind into which they can fly south.
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