Red Kites and Jetty setup

On Sunday 19 June the evening saw a break in the rain, so Jerry, Ron and Andy checked out the Kite nest at Pencelli.  Peter Leek again did the climbing.  Last year was probably the birds' first breeding attempt (though they were present in 2014), and a single chick was raised.  This year they were more successful, and the same nest held two well developed chicks.  Another first time pair (nesting close to the Lake), had failed fairly early on, but should be more successful next year.

On Tuesday 21st, Alan L cut the CES net lanes, before joining Jerry at the Common to prepare the goose catching area.  They then set up the jetty nets, before Jerry left, with Alan staying to try a roost.  Although there were about 500 Sand Martin present, they stayed high until going to roost at about 10, and only a handful of birds ended up in the nets.  The evening catch was 13 + (1), but showed plenty of potential for other roost sessions.  In the morning, Jerry returned, but the catching was very slow - just 7 + (2).  No juvenile Reed Warblers have been caught this year yet, and although a fledged family was being fed just in front of the hide, none moved as far as the nets.  The combined species breakdown was 5 Sand Martin, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 6 + (3) Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff and 5 Reed Bunting.  Just one of the recaptured Reed Warblers contributed to this year's RAS, as the other two were ringed as juveniles last year.