August week 3 - and daily coverage

Saturday 14th saw Rachel and Jerry doing CES 11. The forecast was for light rain showers until about 9am, and this time BBC weather got it about right. The morning started with some drizzle, and progressed to two light showers, but nothing really to trouble the ringing effort (though it is likely that the first half numbers may have been reduced slightly). Catching was steady throughout the session and ended on 31 + (8), the highest total for CES 11 since 2011. The species mix was made up of Wren 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 15 + (4), Blackcap 3 + (2), Garden Warbler 2, Reed Warbler 1, Nuthatch (1), Greenfinch1, and Bullfinch 2 + (1).

On Sunday 15th, Jerry was back in rb2, joined from 8am by Peter, for a reduced catch (than recent sessions) of 34 + (4) - conditions were a tad breezy, with just a light shower at 11am. The species mix was Blackbird 1, Cettis Warbler 1 (a recently fledged juvenile just starting its PJ moult, and likely from a second brood), Chiffchaff 8, Reed Warbler 18 + (4), Sedge Warbler 5, and Treecreeper 1.

A good turnout on Monday 16th for the roost saw Peter, Alan J and Ruth having a disappointing evening. The winds were stronger than forecast, and and didn't drop as usual towards dusk. Only a handful of the target species flew into the nets at approx 20.45, closely followed by four quick passes by the Hobby. The catch of 13 + (1) was made up of Sand Martin 4 (all with decent fat scores), Chiffchaff 2, Blackcap 1, Reed Warbler 4, and Sedge Warbler 2. Not too bad considering the windy conditions.

On the following morning (17th), Jerry was at the jetty, but rain arrived soon after he had set up. The next hour was spent sheltering under the tailgate while watching the nets. A few birds were taken out of the nets as soon as they had been captured, with a few more caught soon after the rain passed, but because the reeds were now quite wet, there was little movement for the rest of the session. The total of  16 + (4) was made up of Willow Warbler 4, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 9 + (3) incl an adult that had replaced some tertials, Sedge Warbler 2, and Blue Tit (1). A Mute Swan climbed up out of the reed bed, then proceeded to walk along the net and onto the jetty, it dipped under the net (bottom shelf only 300mm high) and flopped off the end of the jetty. A young Water Rail was calling from the old harbour, but did not venture across the jetty path.

On Wednesday 18th, Jerry was in rb2 in good catching conditions, except for some occasional drizzle (though not enough to penetrate the tree canopy). The catching was a bit slower than recent visits, but he ended on a reasonable 26 + (4). In the evening a strong team of Peter, Alan J, Alan L and Ron turned out for the roost. Although some 100 Sand Martin were seen, they showed little interest in the tapes - so it was the first "blank" session and unlikely to encourage Alan L and Ron to try again. There was a small pre-roost warbler catch of 5 + (1). The species mix for the day was Wren (1), Chiffchaff 5 + (2), Willow Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 20 + (2), and Sedge Warbler 5. 

The next morning (Thursday 19th) at the jetty was a different story. The forecast rain was delayed until the afternoon, and Andy had another decent catch of 40 + (2), made up of Robin 2, Chiffchaff 3 + (1), Willow Warbler 3, Whitethroat 1, Blackcap 1, Reed Warbler 20 + (1), Sedge Warbler 8, Long-tailed Tit 1 , and Reed Bunting 1. 

On Friday 20th, Jerry was back in rb2 for a similar total catch of 32 + (6), made up of Wren 2, Dunnock 1, Chiffchaff 7, Reed Warbler 11 + (6), Sedge Warbler 9, and Bullfinch 2. 

It looks like Chiffchaff have had a good breeding season - given our recent catches. The year total (at 192) is already our 5th highest (the four higher totals are all over 200), and migration during the end of the month/September usually produces good numbers.