January catches

The unsettled weather (from December) continued into the new year, giving limited opportunities for mist netting, though a high pressure system prevailed for a while after mid month. Ringing at the bird
feeders produced relatively few birds. On Sunday 19th, Andy was at Pennorth, for a catch of 16 + (5), with reasonably variety. On Tuesday 21st, Peter and Jerry has a disappointing 7 + (8) at the hut feeders (they had remained unfilled for several weeks during the flooding). Species details for the two sessions were Wren 1, Dunnock 2 + (1), Blackbird (1), Blue Tit 9 + (6), Great Tit 6 + (3), Coal Tit 2 + (2), House Sparrow 2 and Chaffinch 1.

There were three sessions at the Pennorth bird crop. On Saturday 4th Andy (without help, and on a sunny day) caught just 5 birds, with no "target" buntings in the catch. In better conditions, on Wednesday 22nd (overcast with a misty start), and with more nets, a team comprising Andy, Jeremy, Ruth, Peter, Jerry and Carlton caught steadily during a six hour session, to end on 53 + (6). Another team of Andy, Jerry, Rachel and George, quickly arranged another visit on Saturday 25th, before the rainy conditions returned. Catching was slow, and was disrupted by light rain late in the afternoon. The catch was a useful 25 + (1) comprising mainly of the "target" buntings. Species totals for the three sessions were Wren 5, Robin 1, Dunnock 4 + (1), Blackbird 1,Redwing 1, Great Tit (2), House Sparrow 5, Chaffinch 13, Reed Bunting 26 + (4) and Yellowhammer 27.

January ended with 106 birds ringed.