CES Summary 2017, and another Canada Goose recovery

Tony has just completed our CES submission, and it was a much better season than 2016.  All 12 visits (and one additional) were completed, without any weather interruptions. In total, there were 442 captures, involving 111 different adult birds, and 265 different juveniles - almost exactly double the number of juveniles as last year.  Overall productivity was 239 (number of juveniles per 100 adults), and was our third best of the last ten years.  The lower number of adults is in line with what many other sites have reported to the BTO (not surprising given last year's poor breeding season). A few species appeared to have had a very poor breeding season, with less first years caught than adults - Wren, Dunnock, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Bullfinch (though Bullfinch catches tend to peak after CES has finished, maybe reflecting late breeding, or young birds moving in from nearby areas).  A good season was had by the following species (adult/first year numbers) - Robin 6/21, Blackbird 9/36, Blackcap 12/34, Chiffchaff 12/67 and Blue Tit 1/30.  With Blue Tit, most of our boxes are not really near to the CES netting area (so few adults might expect to be caught), but are close enough to attract the exploring youngsters.

EDIT (2018): The BTO have sent us a nice little summary, see 2017 BTO SUMMARY

Canada Goose 5275974 was ringed on 26 June 2016, and was found (freshly dead) at Marden, Hereford on 9 September 2017.  440 days, 44 km, 60 degrees.