Blog
Perfect conditions this morning--warm, still and overcast. Fortunately we were able to get Simon to join us meaning we could set the extra nets around the feeder. This proved invaluable --most of the Goldfinches were near there--as were most of the new Reed Warblers.
In total, 85 new birds--but much fewer Phylloscs than recently with only 2 illow warblers and 7 Chiffchaff. However, Blackcap maintained a good showing with 10 new birds. Highlights otherwise were 9 Reed warbler a Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Goldfinch, and our first Spotted Flycatcher of the year--always a stonking bird.
A phone call from Steve at lunchtime confirmed that the overnight rain had grounded lots of migrants--4 lesser whitethroats in one bush for example. Other committments and lack of available ringers meant that we could only field a couple of folk from about 5.30 pm. However, lots of phylloscopus warblers were still around and despite the late start and the very strong NW wind we ringed 10 Chiffchaff and 10 Willow warbler, plus a couple of Blackcaps and a Whiethroat.