More Reed Warbler RAS visits to the jetty and rb2

Encouraged by the recent Sand Martin success, Peter and Alan J tried the jetty again on the evening of Thursday 1st July, but events conspired to thwart their efforts. Firstly, a breeze was billowing the top of the nets until close to dusk, and fewer Sand Martins (c50+) were present. Finally, a Hobby made a number of close passes over the nets (which looks promising for catching it on a future visit). Their catch was only 8 + (3) but included six more Sand Martin - the second highest catch we have had (last Tuesday's was the highest) before mid July, when the roost size increases. One of their two re-trapped Reed Warblers had been ringed in 2015, making it our oldest of the year so far.

On the following morning, conditions were good (overcast and calm early on), but Jeremy & Robin had a disappointing 4 + (1) at the jetty. In contrast, Jerry was in rb2 for a more successful 13 + (11). The species mix for the two days was Sand Martin 6, Wren 1, Blackbird 2 + (1), Redstart 1, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 3, Garden Warbler 2, Blackcap 2, Reed Warbler 2 + (13), Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1, Treecreeper 1, and Reed Bunting 1 + (1). Still no juvenile Reed Warblers caught in RB2, which accounts for the low new vs high recapture totals. Both Andy (on 30/06) and Peter and Alan (01/07) had single juvenile Reed Warblers at the Jetty. 

There was a good showing of Meadow Rue at both rb2 and the jetty this year, probably having benefited from the extensive flooding earlier in the spring.