Reed Bunts Replace Whitethroats

It was the second session in a row this morning in the reedbeds that a single species dominated our catch and this time it was the turn of the Reed Bunting. The conditions were perfect for mist netting with no wind and slightly overcast skies to reduce glare on the nets, but the totals ringed informed us that birds had moved out and we now await fresh migrants to come through.

 Reed Bunting

Ian and I ringed 19 birds as follows (recaptures in brackets):

Reed Warbler - 3 (2)
Sedge Warbler - 1
Great Tit - 1
Reed Bunting - 10
Dunnock - 1
Whitethroat - 2 (1)
Chiffchaff - 1

 Whitethroat

It is no surprise to learn that as the ringing was quiet the birding was too. Of interest we had five Grey Herons, a high flying calling Dunlin, six Snipe, two Sand Martins and six Pied Wagtails.

There is an expression that only 'mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun', and maybe that should be changed to ringers as Craig, Ian and I were out in the midday sun extending the net ride at the Swallow roost. However we won't be able to put our extension to the test tonight as it is forecast for some heavy rain, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for tomorrow evening. Having said that the forecast for the next few days is changeable so we'll have to wait and see.