Back In The Saddle

This morning Ian and I met relatively early to clear the net rides in the reedbed and willow scrub. The aim was to clear three net rides and whilst we were there if it was calm enough put the nets up, although to be honest we didn't expect to catch much or anything at all really as we would cause some temporary disturbance through the use of strimmers.

The net rides were cleared and we identified a fourth ride that we will use next time that could be okay for tape luring hirundines. When we put the three net rides up it was borderline due to the wind strength, but to our surprise we caught and ringed eight birds:

Chiffchaff - 1 (juv)
Willow Warbler - 1 (moulting adult male)
Whitethroat - 2 (both juvs)
Blue Tit - 1 (juv)
Goldfinch - 2 (juvs)
Robin - 1 (juv)

 Willow Warbler

On the birding front it was fairly quiet and only just worth mentioning are singing Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting & Skylark, three Stock Doves and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Back home in the moth trap were the following:

Magpie - 1
Herat and Dart - 21
Garden Carpet - 2
Common Wainscot - 1
Flame Shoulder - 1
Large Yellow Underwing - 1
Dark Arches - 3
Green Pug - 1

 Garden Carpet

I've got some Barn Owls and Kestrels to check this week, net rides to clear on the coast and hopefully some pre-work birding. And as I've been off work on holiday for two weeks I'll need to do some work as well!