CES 3

Andy completed CES3 on Saturday May 25th. Early mist soon burnt off to a sunny couple of hours, then increasing humidity with high cloud for the remainder of the session. It turned out to be a typically average early-season CES haul with 11 new and 13 retraps. Only two age 3 (fledglings or juveniles) were ringed throughout – both Wrens probably from the same fledged brood.

A retrap male Cetti’s Warbler was netted again after making an appearance at CES 1 – it is now under six months off the UK longevity record which stands at 9yrs 4mths. At least while it was in the bird-bag it shut up singing along the back ditch!.

The single female House Sparrow was unusual within a CES catch. Up to 3 were seen during the session feeding on the ground along net lanes, possibly ousted by the demolition this week of  cattle sheds at nearby farm buildings. This bird was the first caught at our CES site since 2014. No box checks were made.

Total catch as follows (retraps bracketed): Blackcap 2 (3), Blackbird (1), Blue Tit (1), Cettis Warbler (1), Chiffchaff 1 (1), Dunnock 1 (1), Greenfinch 2, Great Tit (1), House Sparrow 1, Reed Warbler (3), Wren 3 (1), Willow Warbler 1.