Early October - the "lull" between warblers leaving and thrushes arriving

The inclement weather continued into the first week and with some members in Cornwall (see here) visits were infrequent. On Wednesday 6th Andy had a decent catch of 27 + (2) which included our first Lesser Redpoll and Siskin of the autumn. The next day Jeremy had a disappointing 6 + (3). The species mix for the two visits was Wren 5 + (1), Robin 1 + (1), Dunnock 2 + (1), Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 4, Blue Tit 4, Great Tit 2, Bullfinch 3 + (2), Siskin 6, and Lesser Redpoll 1.

The second week of the month had much better weather (for ringing), and on Monday 11th Peter and Jerry tried an afternoon visit (when it was a bit sunny) for 14 + (6). The next morning (in perfect conditions) Jerry had a disappointing catch of 9 + (6). On Thursday 14th it was Carlton's turn and he caught just 1 Bullfinch and (1) Treecreeper in four hours (9 - 13), but several Redwing and Siskin flying over were not attracted to his lures (unfortunately he wasn't netting the post-dawn and late afternoon periods when most birds have been caught recently). The detail for these three visits was Meadow Pipit 3, Wren 1 + (2), Robin 2 + (1), Dunnock (1), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush 2, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 2, Goldcrest 4 + (2), Blue Tit 4, Great Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), Bullfinch 1 + (4), Siskin 1, and Lesser Redpoll 2.

The weekend started with Andy, and he had another decent catch on Saturday 16th of 18 + (5), despite several lures playing only Goldfinch and Meadow Pipit seemed to respond. Jerry was there on Sunday (arriving just as the pre-dawn rain was passing through), but it was quiet again with just 6 + (2). The mix for the weekend was Meadow Pipit 3, Wren 7 + (1), Robin 1 + (3), Dunnock (1), Chiffchaff 2, Blackcap 1, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 2 + (1), Long-tailed Tit 2, Treecreeper 1, Bullfinch 2 + (1), and Goldfinch 1.