Pennorth garden visit, CES 2 and nest boxes

On Thursday 6th May, Andy had a short session in his Pennorth garden, for a catch of 10 + (2). The species composition was Blackbird 2, Robin 2, Dunnock 2 + (2) and House Sparrow 4.

On Friday 14th, a suitable "weather window" appeared in the run of wet/windy days, so Carlton did CES 2 for a decent catch of 16 + (22). He was fortunate that the morning remained dry, despite low forecast for showers, but within minutes of the session finishing and the nets being collapsed, there was a very heavy downpour, so that the nets (and Carlton) got wet. The catch comprised
Wren 3 + (1)
Blackbird 1 + (2)
Song Thrush 1 + (1)
Dunnock (3)
Redstart 1 (caught by hand so not included in the CES total)
Willow Warbler 1 + (1)
Chiffchaff 1 + (2)
Blackcap 2 + (4)
Garden Warbler 1 + (1)
Cettis Warbler (2)
Reed Warbler 2 + (1)
Goldcrest (1)
Blue Tit 1 + (1)
Siskin 1 (a recent fledgling)
Greenfinch 1
Bullfinch (2)

On Sunday 16th, Peter and Jerry did a second check of "the Lake" bird boxes, the recent heavy rain had raised water levels resulting in a handful of boxes being unreachable and wet feet for Jerry and Peter! Most locations having the usual nests of Blue Tit (total five) and Great Tit (total four). The "quality" species were also doing well with five nests each of Redstart and Pied Flycatcher (mainly at the rb2 and Cath groups of boxes). Most of these nests still contain eggs (with more yet to be laid in), but two contained recently hatched chicks (Redstart and Blue Tit). The new colony at Cwm Sorgwm is also doing well with five Pied Flycatcher on the first check by Andy a week ago.