Bird Crop Sessions and second visit to Ty Mawr

Saturday 16th Jan was the best forecast for some time, so Jeremy, Jerry, Amy and Andy tried the Llangorse bird crop. The main species (100+ of each), using the crop, were Chaffinch and Yellowhammer, but both managed to evade capture by either retreating to tall trees, or to a section of hedge not covered by the nets. After 3 hours, the catch was 27 +(4) comprising 2 Wren, 2 + (1) Robin, 10 + (2) Dunnock - a new day record for the Group, 2 Goldcrest, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 5 + (1) Reed Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer. 

Another good (but cold) forecast for 19th, saw Ron, Jerry and Andy at the Pennorth bird crop. Reduced numbers of birds seemed to be using the crop, and those that were there were "getting wise" to the nets - probably time to try some different locations next visit. The catch of 27 + (5) (remarkably similar to the 16th catch) comprised 1 Wren, 3 + (2) Dunnock, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 15 + (3) Reed Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer. 

On 23rd, there was a chance for a second visit to Ty Mawr (before the feeders ran out), but despite the shelter provided by buildings and trees, it was a bit breezy. In just over two hours, Andy, Carola and Jerry caught 17 + (12) = 3 + (1) Robin - mainly adults, presumably attracted from nearby territories, 3 Dunnock, 8 + (10) Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, (1) Marsh Tit, 1 Great Tit and 1 Siskin.