First feeder session, last Redwing roosts, and a Blackbird recovery

On Wednesday 13th November, Andy took the opportunity of a rare break in the weather, to try catching at the Pennorth feeders. This was the first session there, since the end of last winter, so recaptures were predictably few. His catch of 44 + (6) was made up of Wren (1), Blue Tit 22 + (3), Coal Tit 2, Marsh Tit 1, Great Tit 7 + (1), Nuthatch 1, House Sparrow 4 + (1), Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch 1 and Greenfinch 4.

A visit on Friday 15th, saw most of the net lanes underwater, so Jerry opted to do some clearance work instead. When he returned on Sunday, there were just some puddles, and he tried an afternoon/roost. The first of a short run of visits, with fine weather, before it became unsettled again. The afternoon was quiet, but did include a Stonechat, and another new female Cetti's Warbler. The roost produced six birds, to end the session with 10 + (5). Andy and Jerry did a roost on Monday, for a similar catch of 8 + (4), the "highlight" was a Fieldfare (we've only ever ringed 5). Unfortunately, it was near the pole, and managed to get out before anyone could get near it (the net lanes are very muddy). On Tuesday, it was Alan L, Ron and Peter who tried an afternoon/roost session. The total of 21 + (1). included another 14 Redwing (equaling the new day max). With poor weather forecast for the next week, this will likely be our last roost attempt, as the birds tend to move away (usually in late November), once the fruit and berries in the local hedgerows/yew trees are used up.

Species details of the garden sessions - Wren 1 + (4), Robin 1, Stonechat 1, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 22, Cetti's Warbler 1 + (1), Blue Tit 4 + (2), Great Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit (3), Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 1, Siskin 2, and Lesser Redpoll 1.

Blackbird LB21888 was ringed as a juvenile male (by JR) on 17 July 2017, and was found dead on 10 November 2019 at Highbridge, Somerset - 846 days, 83 km, 164 degrees. We have only had three other Blackbirds that have moved over 10km, from 2131 ringed (to the end of 2018), and this bird is only 1km short of our longest movement.