Another jetty visit, and CES 11.

The middle of the month was more autumnal than summer, with a series of low pressure systems crossing the country. Netting options were limited, but on Monday 12th, Andy made a morning visit to the jetty (after a very wet and windy weekend). He had a good early start, with nets up by 05.30 am, and a Grasshopper Warbler tape playing, which brought in a steady and consistent supply of birds, mostly Acro warblers - but none of the target species. Reed Warblers were in the majority (mostly juveniles), with Sedge Warblers picking up with the change of tape to that species. More 'new' birds of nine other species were ringed in small numbers, and single Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff were the only retraps. The scarcity of retraps mirrored Jeremy's experience (also at the jetty) just before the rough weather of the weekend. Andy's 4.5 hr session ended on a very respectable 43 + (2) - made up of Wren 1, Robin 1, Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 19, Sedge Warbler 12, Blackcap 4, Chiffchaff 1 + (1), Willow Warbler 1, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1 and Chaffinch 1.

A few days later (Thursday 15th), when the weather had settled again, Jerry (with Andy's help for most of the morning) completed CES 11. It was a bit blustery, with occasional light showers, and for most of the session, catching was slow, but picked up a bit towards the end. The most successful net was GN7, with catches in the other nets a bit disappointing (and GN1a, 2 and 5 didn't catch anything during the 6 hr session). The total was 22 + (7), made up of Wood Pigeon 1, Robin 1 + (2), Blackbird 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 5 + (1), Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 4, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 2 + (1), Goldfinch 1 and Bullfinch (2). The total ranked 6th for the last ten years, a long way short of the (highest ever for CES 11) 93 in 2010.