More RAS visits and CES 6

Jeremy was at the jetty on Sunday 23 June, with near perfect conditions - mild, 12 C, overcast, slight breeze. Jeremy though it "the calm before the storm", and his catch was lower than on Friday. The total of 11 + (9) was made up of Cettis Warbler 1 (another juvenile- probably from the same brood as Friday's bird), Reed Warbler 8 + (7), Garden Warbler (1), Blue Tit 1 + (1) and Reed Bunting 1. It later transpired that the intense thunderstorms passed well to the east of Wales.

On Monday 24, Andy tried a short evening visit. He caught just 5 + (9) Reed Warblers (but useful data for the RAS). Although small groups of Sand Martin, Swallow and Starling were gathering, he wasn't able to stay for a roost attempt.

On Thursday 27, Jeremy was in the garden for CES 6, while Jerry was in RB2 for the third RAS session there. Both catches were affected by sun on the nets (making them more visible). The garden probably more affected than RB2, where some nets were in shade. The CES catch was 17 + (5), made up of Wren 4 + (2), Dunnock (1), Blackbird (1), Chiffchaff 7, Blackcap 4, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit (1) and Treecreeper 1. Half of the catch occurred before 8am. The RB2 catch was 28 + (9), made up of Kingfisher 1, Wren 1, Robin 1, Redstart 4 (incl two adult Females, one of which was just starting its primary moult), Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 3 + (7), Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 1, Blue Tit 8, Long-tailed Tit 1, Treecreeper 1 and Reed Bunting 1 + (1) (incl a recapture of the control bird from last week). The water level had fallen by a couple of inches, so only one small part of the boardwalk was still under water.

young Kingfisher (probably male) photo JR