end of May update, and Covid-19 update

On 18 May, Andy tried an evening session, with (Carlton's) 2-panel nets at his garden feeders again, but few birds now visiting. His catch comprised just 5 + (4). The following morning, he tried again for an even quieter 1 + (1). The species mix was Great-spotted Woodpecker 1, Blackbird 1, Blue Tit (5), House Sparrow 3 and Goldfinch 1.

Covid movement restrictions in Wales were eased from Monday 1 June, so we re-confirmed landowner access permissions ready to start our CES monitoring (with period 4). This was excellent news, with BTO confirming (on Wednesday afternoon), that ringing could resume in Wales.  But with the 5 km restriction of movement, only Andy would be able to operate at this stage. The long wait meant that he was off the mark quickly, checking all the nest boxes on Thursday, but unfortunately, occupancy was poor, with most of the those used having already fledged. He did manage to ring 2 broods of Pied Flycatcher, total 12 chicks ringed. Plans are in hand to start our CES season with visit 4 as soon as the wind eases, with all of the net lanes checked and ready.