Slow going for Blackcap

The forecast for 6/7 September was good, so on Tuesday, Andy and Jerry were in the garden taping for Blackcap and Chiffchaff.  It started well with an immediate catch of 6 Blackcap, but then quietened down, to end the session on 19 + (1).  This gave them plenty of time to open up a couple more net lanes, ready for when the main passage arrives.  

On Wednesday, Ruth and Jerry tried again, but it was even quieter (and sunny), with just 9 + (1) birds caught.  

The early hours of Saturday 10th, saw some heavy rain crossing the country, Jerry had a late start (at 9), just as it was clearing the Lake, with Andy joining him at lunchtime. Catching was still quiet - 12 + (4).  It was the first time to put a net at the small gate, which proved to be the most productive one of the day, and included a Lesser Whitethroat - probably the Group's only one this year.  

Lesser whitethroat

After a clear night, Jerry was hoping for some Blackcap movement on Sunday, but it was still quiet, just 14 + (4).  It included a Marsh Tit, but the best catch was a Hornet (unfortunately, Jerry now has a small hole to repair in the top panel of GN4).

The species mix for the four sessions was -

Wren 1 + (3), 

Robin 2 + (3), 

Blackbird 1, 

Dunnock 2, 

Blackcap 19 + (3), 

Lesser Whitethroat 1, 

Chiffchaff 18 + (2), 

Goldcrest 2, 

Marsh Tit 1, 

Great Tit 2, 

Treecreeper 2 + (1), 

Bullfinch 3 + (1).