A Typical August Mixed Bag

Yesterday morning saw Graham, Ian and Me undertaking a ringing session at one of the reedbeds at the Obs. It had been crystal clear and cool overnight, so every indication was that it had been a 'clear out' night. At first light we had four oktas cloud cover with a 5 - 10 mph southwesterly wind.

As we were putting the nets up the morning murmuration of Starlings, as they exited their roost, entertained, and I estimated that there was somewhere between three and five thousand birds. Pied Wagtails also exited their roost on the marina and they flew over in ones and twos heading south to feeding areas.

An adult male Sparrowhawk, Little Egret and Great Spotted Woodpecker made it into my notebook, but that was it from a birding perspective.

We ringed 27 birds as follows (recaptures in brackets):

Wren - 3
Willow Warbler - 3
Chiffchaff - 1 (1)
Robin - 1
Blackcap - 2
Reed Warbler - 4
Whitethroat - 4
Linnet - 1
Cetti's Warbler - 3
Reed Bunting - 3
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
Greenfinch - 1

 Willow Warbler

Where are all the Sedge Warblers?

We've got a Swallow roost inland in some maize to work if and when the weather picks up this week, so I'll keep you posted about that.