RAS and mid November tape sessions

Tony has just sent our Reed Warbler RAS results to the BTO.  A total of
17 visits (90 hrs) to the jetty and rb2, before the end of July.  A
total of 89 juveniles and 61 adults were ringed, plus 33 adults
recaptured from previous years.  The corresponding figures for 2015 were
113 juveniles/38 adults ringed, plus 32 adults recaptured.  Most of our
Reed Warblers are caught during August tape sessions (comprising mainly
juveniles), but because of the likelihood of catching passage birds, the
RAS period doesn't extend into this month (though if these birds are
"local" they may be re-caught during future breeding seasons).

On November 10th, Jerry had a catch of 12 + (4), the best of which was 8
Lesser Redpoll.  A few days of settled weather after 12th, resulted in a
run of sessions, starting with Carlton/Carola on the morning of 13th,
and Jeremy/Robin taking over for the afternoon.  The morning catch was
slow (just 5 birds) which picked up a bit in the afternoon to end on 17
+ (9), incl 2 Blackcap.  On 14th, Jerry (with Sophie-Lee and Ruth) had a
very similar quiet morning with 6 + (2).  Lesser Redpoll was the
dominant species on both days.  On the 15th, Carlton and Elinor tried
"crest/phyllosc" tapes at gn4/5 and Repoll/Siskin at gn6.  After an
initial catch of 4 Lesser Redpoll, the scrub nets went quiet, so they
put a net at the nyger feeders, which resulted in a decent catch of
Goldfinch, plus a Siskin and 2 Greenfinch.  The session ended on 16 + (2)

Species totals - Wren (1), Dunnock (1), Robin 1 + (2), Song Thrush 1,
Redwing 1, Blackbird 1 + (2), Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 3 +
(1), Blue Tit 4 + (4), Coal Tit (1), Great Tit (1), Treecreeper (2),
Siskin 2, Lesser Redpoll 24, Goldfinch 8 + (1), Greenfinch 2 and
Bullfinch 1 + (1).