8/9 October

On 8th (with some of the Group heading down to Cornwall for a week's ringing), Jeremy and Robin were at the Lake trying for Redwing and Goldcrest.  By mid afternoon, Robin suggested it would be good to try a Yellow-browed warber call, and soon afterwards - bingo, the first for the Group.  Although lots of birds were being reported around the country, most were at coastal locations - so good record for an inland county, so soon after their arrival.  The session ended with 19 + (2) - made up of Blackbird (1), Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 2 + (1), Great Tit 4, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit 2, Bullfinch 1, and Yellow Browed Warbler 1.

On 9th, George was hoping for similar.  A Sparrowhawk flew into net 4 and left its kill (looked like a Collared Dove with completely stripped of legs and head - almost “oven ready”).  He left the kill under the net, hoping the Sparrowhawk would return and get better pocketed - but 20 mins later the kill had disappeared and no Spa.  The catch ended on 18 + (6) - made up of Robin (2), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff 1, Marsh Tit (1), Blue Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit 7 + (1), Bullfinch 5 (4 of them female), Siskin 2 + (1), Chaffinch (1), and the first Lesser Redpoll of this autumn.