Reed Warbler RAS starts

After a few days delay (because of wet weather), Andy started our RAS season in rb2. During "set up" on the afternoon of 19th, there was a modest catch of 7 + (4), including a fine male Redstart (later discovering the female sitting on a second clutch of eggs in a nearby box). A more extended session on 20th (overcast but breezy), resulted in a respectable total of 20 + (9), incl a decent size Long-tailed Tit flock moving through. On 22nd, a 3 hour session in sunny/breezy conditions resulted in 12 + (9) - very similar to the catch of 20th, if the "tits"were excluded. The overall species mix was Blackbird 2 + (1), Robin 2, Redstart 5, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Reed Warbler 6 +  (16), Sedge Warbler 2 + (3), Blue Tit (1), Long-tailed Tit 9, Treecreeper 3, Chaffinch 2, and Reed Bunting (1). The first couple of juvenile Reed Warbler appeared on 22nd, and the number of different ringed adults was 14, so an excellent start to our RAS. The day ended with a brood of 4 Spotted Flycatcher in the woodshed.