August - 1st weekend catches and a big milestone

Jerry was in rb2 on Friday 4th August, joined for most of the session by Andy.  They had a delayed start, as the overnight rain was slow to clear, and the battery (for the tape player) had died before 6am - both of these probably affecting the Sedge Warbler element of the catch.  The session ended, just before the next Rain arrived, at 10.30, with a catch of 54 + (8), comprising - Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 2, Reed Warbler 35 + (7), Sedge Warbler 12, Blue Tit 1 and Bullfinch (1).

Sunday 6th was forecast to be the better day of the weekend, so George was in rb2, and Jerry was at the jetty.  The Lake was very misty (not clearing until 6.45), and the reeds were cold and wet, so the early catch was very quiet.  It picked up later, to end with almost identical totals for the two sites - rb2 with 31 + (6), and the jetty with 32 + (6).  The species mix was Wren 1, Robin 1 + (1), Blackbird 1, Chiffchaff 4 + (1), Willow Warbler 2, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 1, Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 32 + (7), Sedge Warbler 14, Blue Tit 4 + (1) and Bullfinch 1 + (1).

The evening saw several Group members and friends congregating at Ty Mawr, for a BBQ, to celebrate Jerry's milestone birthday. We must thank the Gervis family at Ty Mawr for the wonderful, as usual, hospitality they provided for the group and to Carola, Cartlon, Andy, Gareth and George, the group members who brought it all together.

Jerry before - With Richard Clarke and Richard Poole (we think) in the "new ringing hut" c1980.

Around 10 years after that shot, the "new" ringing hut became the old ringing hut and there is now a Green Bin full of wildbird food in the spot Jerry is standing in that photo.

Jerry After - The look on his face hasn't changed anyway!

The great man at 70, looking resplendent with his Badge.