RAS, Sand Martin roosts and CES 7

Some settled weather allowed regular visits over the last week, but catches were modest.

On Thurday 8th July, Jerry was in rb2 for a RAS visit - the catch was 11 + (6). In the evening Peter and Alan J tried another jetty roost, for another useful catch of 17 + (5), despite the attentions of a Hobby. The day catch details were Swallow 2, Sand Martin 7 + (1), Wren 1, Blackbird 2, Cettis Warbler 1 + (1), Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 6 + (6), Starling 1, Blue Tit 2 + (1), Great Tit 1 and Reed Bunting (2). The retrap Sand Martin was from last year's roost attempts - maybe a local bird, or one using the Lake as a migration "stop over". Two more Reed Warblers were added to our RAS (one from each site), and the first juvenile for rb2 was caught (some three weeks later than in 2019 & 2020).

On Friday 9th, Carlton completed CES 7, and his catch of 16 + (5) was the second lowest for the last ten years, despite the calm condition and only some sunny spells. The mix breakdown was Wren 1 + (1), Blackbird 1 + (1), Robin 2, Cettis Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 4 + (1), Reed Warbler 1 + (1), Blackcap 2, Siskin 2 and Bullfinch 2 + (1).

On Saturday 10th, Peter and Alan J were back for another roost attempt. With a lot of activity from two Hobby, the c350 Sand Martin flock split into smaller groups, and although decent numbers seemed to finally roost close to the jetty, only a few made it into the nets. Despite the relatively low catches, this is still our most successful roost netting at this early stage of the season. The total catch was 11 + (6), comprising 5 Sand Martin, 5 Chiffchaff and 1 + (6) Reed Warbler (incl 2 new for year for RAS - a juvenile from 2019, and an adult from in 2020).

On the next morning Andy completed another jetty RAS session for 9 + (5), made up of Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Reed Warbler 2 + (2), Blue Tit 2 + (2) and Reed Bunting (1).