August week 2 - rb2 "tape sessions" continue, and CES 10

Another good run of visits to rb2, but with reduced catches compared to last week, a result of the moon phase (now around the new moon period). Also, with the drop in temp, quite an autumnal feel to the early mornings. On Tuesday 7th, Jerry was joined by Andy (for part of the session), and they had a catch of 29 + (4). As he was leaving, Jerry watched a Hobby hawking dragonflies off rb1 wood (Andy had seen two birds from the hide last week), and it looks like it might not be provisioning youngsters this year. Maybe the nest failed, in the rain of a couple of weeks ago, when there should have had small young.

On Wednesday, Jeremy had a better catch of 37 + (6), with an increase in Sedge Warbler numbers - including a adult French ringed bird. On Thursday, Jerry was back for a catch of 26 + (2), which included another Sedge Warbler control, this time, a British ringed first year bird.

Details of the three days were - Wren 2 + (1), Robin 1, Dunnock (1), Cettis Warbler 1 + (1) - another newly fledged bird, Reed Warbler 42 + (5), Sedge Warbler 29 + (2), Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 6, Willow Warbler 4, Blue Tit 2, Long-tailed Tit 1, Treecreeper (1) and Reed Bunting (1).

Also on the Thursday, Alan L and Ron were in the garden doing CES 10. It was very quiet, and they caught just 11 + (6). Well below the recent mean, since 2002, there has only been one lower for this visit - 12 in 2016, though 2008 also had 17. The catch was made up of Robin 1, Song Thrush 2, Reed Warbler (1), Blackcap 3 + (2), Garden Warbler 1, Willow Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1 + (2), Long-tailed Tit 1, Bullfinch (1) and Greenfinch 1. The low catch rate allowed them plenty of time to do some clearance work, and refresh the drinking points.

rb2 boardwalk

Sedge Warbler FRP 7908977