100 Redwing, and Siskin/Lesser Redpoll arrive

The weather for early November turned out a bit better than forecast, between the low pressure systems crossing the country. On Tuesday 5th, Peter arrived late in the morning, and with the breezy conditions, soon had to close two nets (which were collecting large numbers of leaves). There were about 40/50 Redwing around the churchyard, so he re-opened them, after the wind had eased, and he had given the adjacent stems a good shake (to dislodge any leaves due to fall). Late in the afternoon, he was joined by Ruth and Jerry for the roost, which was reasonably successful, but would likely have been better had it been calmer. The day catch was 17 + (2), which included the 3rd Redwing total to exceed our previous day maximum. Small bats (probably "pips") were still hunting around the hut, wherever there was some shelter.

On Wednesday, Andy tried the roost again for a catch of 5 + (5). On Thursday, Jeremy did a late morning to roost visit, and succeeded in ringing our 100th Redwing of the year - the previous "year max" was 58 (2018). His total of 21 + (4), included our first (double figure) catch of Siskin/Lesser Redpoll for the autumn, and he also caught a new, female, Cetti's Warbler. On Friday, Andy did the lunchtime stint, with Jerry taking over until late afternoon, and Carlton finishing with the roost. By the time Jerry left, just one bird had been caught (what a difference to Jeremy's catch). The roost produced a further 15 birds, to end the session on 16, with 14 Redwing, equaling our new day max (set only about a week ago).

Saturday was wet (again), but Sunday 10th was cold and calm (though a bit sunny on the nets). Jerry was there for late morning, and while setting the nets, noticed a pile of fresh Redwing feathers (not the first to be taken by a Sparrowawk in the last few weeks). The difference this time was that the female came back a couple of hours later, to retrieve her prey, and flew into a net. Rachel joined him for the afternoon, which was quiet, but did include a Blackcap (probably a central European winter visitor), and another new female Cetti's Warbler (probably young but not able to age it on plumage). The high water levels likely pushing them out of the reeds. Both were caught in the late afternoon, when they were looking to roost along the "back ditch). The Redwing roost produced just 6 birds, though about 50 were flying over, but seemed to fly beyond our netting area. The session ended on 14 + (4).

The species mix was Sparrowhawk 1, Wren (2), Robin (4), Redwing 46, Blackbird 1 + (2), Dunnock 1, Cetti's Warbler 2, Blackcap 1, Goldcrest 1 + (1), Blue Tit 4 + (4), Great Tit 1 + (1), Long-tailed Tit (1), Goldfinch 3, Lesser Redpoll 3, Siskin 8 and Bullfinch 1.