Mid October

Mid Oct usually sees a bit of a lull in ringing at the Lake - most of the Warblers have left, and the Thrushes (Redwing/Song Thrush), and Finches (Siskin/Redpoll), are only just starting to arrive. But after a few days break for rainy weather, Andy and Jerry were back in the garden on Friday 9th Oct, and a catch of 22 + (11) - "warblers" were notable by their absence, with just 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest. The best of the session was 4 Lesser Redpoll, with small numbers now starting to arrive/pass through. On Saturday, Jeremy did the morning stint, and Jerry the afternoon (although he didn't stay until dusk, but rushed off to catch the start of the rugby !!). The day ended with 26 + (14), which included 3 + (4) Goldcrest, and 4 + (1) Lesser Redpoll (amongst which was a fine adult male, and an adult female previously ringed on 30.11.2013, and as we recapture few Redpoll, this becomes a new longevity record for the Lake). One of the four hen Pheasants visiting the feeders, managed to get into, and out of, the 30' net (4a), without making a hole in it.

Adult Male Redpoll

On Sunday Carlton did a four hour visit (08.30-12-30), and had a catch of 14 + (3). The weather was still, cool and overcast first thing, but the cloud soon started to break up and the sun came out mid morning. Best of the catch was 3 Goldcrest and 3 Song Thrush. The feeders were filled, there were a few Siskin on the nyger, and a hen Pheasant under the sunflowers. Lots of crests and about 6 Mistle Thrush were around the garden/churchyard, and although a a few Redwing were heard, none ended up in the nets. On Monday, Andy and Jerry had a disappointing catch of just 9 + (6), the cold, misty conditions (not clearing until about 10) resulting in only two birds netted in the first two hours, catching picked up a little when the sun came out.
Species make up - Wren 5 + (3) Robin 3 + (3) Dunnock (1) Blackbird 2 + (3) Song Thrush 10 Blackcap 1 Chiffchaff 2 + (1) Goldcrest 8 + (4) Coal Tit 2 Marsh Tit (3) Blue Tit 13 + (4) Great Tit 3 + (1) Long-tailed Tit 1 + (2) Nuthatch (3) Chaffinch 2 Goldfinch 1 Siskin 2 Lesser Redpoll 10 + (2) Greenfinch 1 Bullfinch 5 + (4)