Reed bed ringing August week 3

Early morning sessions continued regularly at the jetty, despite continued work on the hide, and on rebuilding the jetty. Andy was there on Saturday 15th for a catch of 28 (no retraps). On Sunday 16th Peter had a long session which continued into the early afternoon (as small groups of birds were still being caught in the nets) before he finally decided to finish, with an impressive catch of 72 + (3). On Wednesday 19th Andy was back, but was disappointed with his catch of 22 + (2), while Jeremy and Robin had an improved 29 + (4) on Thursday 20th (incl our second French Sedge Warbler for the year).The mix for the four sessions was Wren 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 1, Grasshopper Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 57 + (5), Sedge Warbler 37 + (3), Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 22 + (1), Willow Warbler 10 + (1), Blue Tit 9, Great Tit 1, and Reed Bunting 3.

In contrast, the last day of ringing at rb2 (14th, as reported in our blog) found that cows had started to gain access to the reed/sedge beds again. Because of their need for shade, and the lack of rain to encourage grass growth future ringing there had to be suspended. The cows had continued to gain access when checked on18th and 20th, incl a few going through the alder carr into the reed bed (at the dead crack willow) right through to the boardwalk. Although reed damage is nothing like as extensive as in mid June, the risk for net damage was high, so no ringing was undertaken in rb2 during the period.

Grasshopper Warbler 20th August (JR)

2026 CES 11

Since the end of last week the weather forecasts have been indicating a period of light rain for early morning on Tuesday 18th August. It would be the first rain for a couple of months, so was much needed. In the event the light overnight rain had passed through by first light, and Rachel/Jerry had an undisturbed CES 11. There were a few quiet net rounds, but also 2 or 3 with 10+ birds, and the total was 34 + (8). This was the 6th highest capture total for CES 11 we have had in c40 years, with a good contribution from the "garden nets" and following the less intensive management of recent years. It was also the highest recent total after 2010, so a decent effort after what look like being a disappointing catch. At about mid session, the ringing team was boosted but a car full of 3 generations of the Jenkins family - Alan, Peter, Liz, Owen and Arlo. The mix was Robin 1 + (2), Song Thrush 4 + (1), Blackbird 3 + (1), Blackcap 9, Chiffchaff 13 + (3), Willow Warbler 2, Long-tailed Tit (1), Goldfinch 1, and (the start bird) Tree Pipit 1.. Only the 4th ringed by the Group (after singles in each of 1980, 1987 and 1999). This bird was caught in the bottom panel of gn1, over the recently mown meadow area of the garden. A species worth targeting in future while they are moving south between the Wye and Usk valleys.

Bird of the year? Only the 4th Tree Pipit caught by Llangorse ringing group since 1978!

August week 2 - reed bed "taping"

Just 2 visits to rb2 by Jerry, on Monday 10th - catch of 37 + (1), and Friday 14th -.catch of 34 + (2). The mix for the two visits was Wren 1, Robin (1), Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 33 + (1), Sedge Warbler 27 + (1), Chiffchaff 7, Blue Tit 1, and Great Tit 1.

Better coverage at the jetty by Andy on Saturday 8th - catch of 36 + (1), incl 1st Kingfisher of the year, Peter on Sunday 9th - catch of 36 + (3), Andy again on Tuesday 11th - catch of 41 + (1), incl 2nd Kingfisher, and Jeremy/Robin on Wednesday 12th - catch of 34 + (1), incl 1st Grasshopper Warbler for the year. The mix for the four visits was Kingfisher 2, Wren 2, Song Thrush 1, Cettis Warbler 2, Grasshopper Warlber 1, Reed Warbler 58 + (5), Sedge Warbler 38, Chiffchaff 21, Willow Warbler 7 + (1), Blackcap 1, Great Tit 1, and Blue Tit 3. Peter and Alan also snuck in another roost on the 10th, where the nets went up at dusk, as they were in the area anyway due to a meeting. They caught 1 Reed Warbler and a single Swallow.

First of two Kingfisher for the week for Andy (and the group!)

Our first Gropper of the year, despite a fair few early starts!

The reed bed sessions have been remarkably consistent so far this year as you can see from our posts, good passage seems to be happening most days, with no huge drop off from the usual peak around the full moon at the beginning of the month.

CES 10.

Alan L and Ron did the CES on Tuesday August 2nd. It looked promising at the start with overcast conditions, but soon became sunny with a breeze picking up later in the session. Despite this, the catch of 42 + (7) was one more than last year, and was our 4th highest for session 10 since we have been doing the CES. They had a varied species mix, comprising Wood Pigeon 1, Dunnock (1), Blackbird 7 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 5 (they have had a productive year), Blackcap 4, Chiffchaff 10 + (2), Willow Warbler 4, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 1 + (1), Long-tailed Tit 4 + (1), Treecreeper 1, and Bullfinch 2 + (1).

Towards the end of the session, our 17,000 bird capture was made during CES visits. Thanks to Pete who keeps records of our "notable achievements".

Reed bed Tape luring starts - August week 1

RB2

Saturday 1st August was the first opportunity to play lures in the reedbeds (following the end of the RAS monitoring). It was a very successful morning in rb2 for Jerry (despite sun on the nets for parts of the session). The total was 42 + (1), mainly Reed and Sedge Warblers, with a few Chiffchaff and Blackcap. About mid session, he heard some "flapping" coning from the first net, and when he got there found only a plucked corpse (lacking any feathers, no head/crop, no belly/intestines, nor no wings/legs. The size suggested a Song Thrush, left in the net by a Sparrowhawk. A blackbird's head, legs and wing bones suggested the posts/handrails are being used by the local pair to prepare food for the fledglings. He was back on Wednesday 5th for an even better session, despite the wind. A spell of drizzle around dawn probably encouraged some of the night migrants to land, and the catch was 46 + (4) including a French ringed Sedge Warbler. Back again on Friday 7th for a cold 4C start, but the highest total so far, though Sedwa numbers were low. The catch was 52 + (3)

The mix for the three sessions was Dunnock (1), Wren 3 + (1), Robin 1, Reed Warbler 65 + (3), Sedge Warbler 47 + (1), Blackcap 2, Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 17+ (1), and Treecreeper (1).

Jetty

Jeremy started off the jetty on Tuesday 4th with an early start and a catch of 28. Peter was there on Wednesday 5th, despite more exposure to the westerly wind (than in rb2) had a catch of 35, including Starling leaving their overnight roost somewhere to the East of the Jetty, Peter likes Starlings and has improved our catching of them in recent years, mainly in winter, but this was a bit of an early morning shock, even for him! Peter returned on Friday 7th for a catch of 39 + (1). The variation between Peter's visits was stark with a heavy Sedge Warbler presence on the 5th replaced by a dominance of Reed Warblers on the 7th. 

The mix for the three sessions was Wren 3, Reed Warbler 45 + (1), Sedge Warbler 21, Blackcap 3, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 13, Blue Tit 1, Starling 14, and Reed Bunting 1.

Altogether an excellent start to the month, with just a single ringer operating each site (all our sites are set up so they can, if necessary be operated by a single ringer - as often that's all we have available to ring!). On the 7th Jerry and Peter caught 50 Reed Warbler between them, getting into the range of the day record of 59. This was only the 9th time we have caught 50 Reed Warbler in a day, had Peter known before he packed up, who knows what time he might have finished the session...

Ringing at the jetty and rb2 ringing during late July

RAS monitoring continued with three visits to the jetty by Andy. On Sunday 19th his catch was just 8 + (3), with a slight better catch (and improved warbler mix), on Wednesday 22nd of 11 + (1), while on Wednesday 29th it was another "slow" session (sun on the nets again), of just 10 + (2). The mix for these three visits was Wren 1, Blackbird 1, Dunnock (2), Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 15 + (1), Sedge Warbler 2, Garden Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler1, Blue Tit (2), Great Tit 1, and Reed Bunting1. There was only one Reed Warbler added to the RAS.

Jeremy was also ringing on Wednesday 22nd for a RAS session in rb2, and a decent catch of 22 + (2), while on 23rd Jerry had a very similar 20 + (4). Jeremy was back on Wednesday 29th for 17 + (2), with Jerry back on 30th - for a disappointing (despite suitable netting conditions) catch of 9 + (6).The mix for the four sessions was Sparrowhawk 2 (the female and youngster from the nearby nest), Wren 2, Robin 2, Dunnock 3 + (3), Reed Warbler 31 + (5), Sedge Warbler 8, Blackcap 1, Chiffchaff 9 + (1), Willow Warbler 1, Blue Tit 5 + (1), Great Tit (1), and Treecreeper 3 + (3), and Bullfinch 1. Three of the ringed Reed Warblers contributed to the RAS total.

Peter and Alan continued with regular roost attempts at the jetty, despite limited success with the target species. Their catches were 18 + (1) on Saturday 18th, 18 on Tuesday 21st, only 2 + (1) - after a delayed setup, on Thursday 23rd, and 14 + (3) on Tuesday 28th. Their final visit for the month was on Friday 31st and produced just 4 birds (with no hirundines caught).The mix for the five sessions was Sand Martin 2, Swallow 2, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 2, Dunnock 1, Pied Wagtail 1, Reed Warbler 16 + (4), Sedge Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 14, Willow Warbler 5, Blackcap 1, Blue Tit (1), and Long-tailed Tit 8, and Starling 1. Two more Reed Warbler contributed to to our RAS total. The Sand Martins are at the lake in good numbers, but for whatever reason are favouring other area's this year, noticeably spending alot more time pre roost over the north shore of the lake than they have in previous years.

During July we ringed 327 birds (a modest number compared to some July totals) and our YTD becomes 809.

CES 8 and 9

On Friday 17 July Jeremy and Robin were doing CES 8. It was still hot and sun on the nets limited the catch to 17 + (9), the lowest for this session since 2021, and in the 10 lowest catches since we started. The mix was Sparrowhawk (1), Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 5 + (4), Dunnock 4, Reed Warbler 1 + (1), Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit 1, Treecreeper (1), and Bullfinch (1). Both the Sparrowhawk and the Reed warbler were previously ringed at the jetty.

On Monday 27th July Andy and Jerry completed CES 9. After the heatwave reducing numbers during the last few CES sessions, it was much better weather for ringing - cool (high teens), mainly calm and overcast. The total of 52 + (6) was our highest catch for CES 9 since 2014, and warblers were well represented. The mix was Wren 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 7 + (3), Chiffchaff 13, Willow Warbler 7, Blackcap 7 Garden Warbler 5, Goldcrest 2, Blue Tit 5 + (1), Long-tailed Tit 1, Treecreeper (1), and Siskin 1.

Osprey ringing 2026

The 2026 Osprey "season" has so far been a busy one for a couple of members of the ringing group, with lots of work done on monitoring the expanding local population. In recent weeks, the usual experienced team of ringers attended both sites we have previously reported ringing at. First up was the Usk Valley Ospreys site where the birds can be watched on a 24 hour live stream, this has provided fascinating viewing for many people again this year. The unringed resident pair have returned and have two healthy female chicks which are now fast approaching an expected fledge date, with the live stream showing more and more "helicoptering"! The relevant ringing details were as follows:

Chick 1 (age 37 days) colour ringed 0U0 – wing-measurement of 348mms and weight of 1820g.
Chick 2 (age 34 days) colour ringed 0U1 – wing-measurement of 308 mms and weight of 1750g.

0U1 and 0U0

The second site we have reported on in previous years was only a few days behind the UVO nest this year, the same adults are again present at this site. Male KA7 (who has lost his colour ring), he is a 2019 bird from the original nest at the nearest "cluster" of nests to his own site. This is around Clywedog Reservoir where John Williams has done so much wonderful work protecting Ospreys as they colonised the area as they have spread through Wales. Female 469 (2021 bird from a Private Lancashire site) appears a fierce protector of the site against Osprey intruders. The same experienced team again visited and ringed 3 chicks at this productive site. The details for these three chicks C/Rs were:

Chick 1 0U2 - wing 327, weight 1600 - Female,
Chick 2 0U3 - wing 321, weight 1520 - in the "overlap zone", won't be sexed when officially submitted, possible Female
Chick 3 0U4 - wing 286, weight 1440 - Male. 

0U2, 0U3 and 0U4

It is important to acknowledge the work that has gone in to protecting the birds at both these sites, the volunteers at Usk Valley Ospreys maintain a 24 hour watch of the nest which, with the additional security measures, provides the best protection possible for this pair. We are thankful to each and every one of these volunteers who give so much of their time.

At the second site there has been significant disturbance in both previous years they have bred. This is primarily because the vulnerable location has been shared on social media by a few individuals. This disturbance has included a "forced fledge" in 2025 when all three chicks were witnessed leaving the nest for the first time, in a panic, together, as a couple of humans approached the nest with camera's. On this occasion, thankfully enough information was recorded of the individuals in question, which resulted in the police taking formal legal action against the perpetrators. This isn't the only time the police have had to take legal action at this site. Given a forced fledge can often have dire consequences for the birds we were extremely pleased to have had the sighting of 9K7 on its wintering grounds last winter (as reported here). If you know of the location of this nest, it is extremely important for the continued success of these birds that you don't share it. It is also very important that if you are viewing the site that you view from a safe distance.

The persistent disturbance led our ringing secretary and schedule 1 licence holder to form a small group of local observers to watch over this nest from 2026 onwards, this has proven very successful with all disturbance events being reported to the relevant authorities quickly so action can be taken. This has led to a large reduction in the amount of disturbance this pair have faced in 2026, although there have still been concerning incidents. We are incredibly proud of this improvement and the work of this small group has been absolutely invaluable in this, so we couldn't be more grateful to them for the time and effort they have put in, every day, to help us protect these birds. 

Early July - Jetty ringing starts, and recovery from 2025, CES 7, RAS visits to rb2 continue

On Monday June 29, Peter, Alan J and Jerry prepared the jetty site for ringing, a bit more difficult than usual because of the ongoing works with the bird hide re-thatching and the repairs to the jetty. Peter and Alan stayed on for a roost and a catch of 14 + (3) and spectacular views of the Hobby hunting the Sand Martins. On Friday July 3, Andy completed the first RAS session there for a decent catch of 25 + (4). Peter and Alan J tried another roost on Monday July 6, with the catch of 16 + (4). Andy was back for a morning session on Friday July 10, sun was on the nets and his limited catch was 6 + (3). Finally Peter and Alan J did another evening visit (although it was a bit breezy) on Monday 13th with 8 new birds. The accumulated details for the three roosts/evening sessions was Sparrowhawk 2, Sand Martin 11, Swallow 1, Blackbird 2, Dunnock (2), Cettis Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 12 + (4) - all 4 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 2, Reed Bunting 4 + (1). Details for the two morning sessions was Song Thrush 1, Dunnock 2, Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 21 + (5) - 3 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Blue Tit 1, Treecreeper 1, and Reed Bunting 2 + (1).

A recovery from a previous jetty roost session has just been received - Sand Martin 9117470 (FRP) was ringed on 21 August 2023 at Saint-Vigor-D'Ymonville, Saint-Maritime, France, and was caught on 8 July 2025 - 687 days, 372 km, 318 degrees. A region of France were several Llangose ringed birds have been caught.

Also on 10th, Carlton started his CES visit, before being joined by Andy (when he had finished at the jetty). In the hot and sunny conditions the catch was 24 + (2), very similar to the totals for this session in 2025 & 2024, which are all lower than the totals for the previous decade. The main species was Blackbird (mainly recently fledged juveniles), which is having a very good breeding season, despite the dry/hard ground conditions. The species mix was Wren (1), Dunnock 2, Robin 1, Blackbird 11 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, and Blue Tit 1.

On Friday July 3 Jeremy and Robin returned to rb2. It was very quiet (likely due to sun on the nets and the recent cow damage to the reeds) with a catch of just 7 + (7). Jeremy had an early start on Tuesday July 14, but had to abandon the visit with cows preventing his access to the site. The next day, after avoiding the cows by walking through the alder wood, Jerry had an improved catch of 15 + (2). The species mix for the two visits was Wren (1), Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Blackbird (3), Reed Warbler 10 + (3) - just 1 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 2, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 1, Blue Tit 1 + (1), and Treecreeper 2 + (1).

Mid season CES - visit 6

On Tuesday 23rd June, George and Carlton had an early start (05.15 meeting in the car park) for CES 6. South-east Wales was in the middle of a heatwave and it was already 17C, rising to 32C by 13.00 - maybe the hottest CES session that they had undertaken. The sun was already on most of the nets by 07.00, and despite an impressive dawn chorus, relatively few birds were getting caught in the now visible nets. Frequent net rounds were still necessary however, to extract birds quickly and prevent heat stress. Despite the conditions it was still a respectable total of 28 + (4) - though of the lowest totals for CES 6 of the last decade. The mix was Dunnock 1, Blackbird 8 + (1), Robin 1, Wren 1, Garden Warbler 1 + (2), Blackcap 7, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1 + (1), and Treecreeper 2.

Despite the limited catch of session 6, most of our CES visits this year have been amongst the highest we have had for the respective sessions, so that by mid point in the season we have had the third most captures for the first 6 sessions that we have ever had, we had the most after 5 sessions. Apart from the annual survival/productivity differences, the breeding birds will have benefited through natural habitat improvements locally - less intensive management of the garden, churchyard and local pasture in the last 2 decades. In particular this year we have had good numbers of Blackbird and Blackcap, but lower totals for Great Tit and Blue Tit - both of which seemed to have had a poor breeding season in our local nest boxes, although given this happened last year and we ended up with a top 5 total for Great Tit and a record year total for Blue Tit it is probably to early to read to much into this!