Late September

Inclement weather continued to the end of the month, but in a final push for a few more Reed Warbler saw Andy at the jetty on Tuesday 21st. He had a decent catch (for mid September) of 15 + (5) made up of Wren 2, Robin 1 + (2), Cettis Warbler 1 + (1) Chiffchaff 3, Reed Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 2, Blackcap 2, Blue Tit (1), and Reed Bunting 2 + (1). The Cettis Warbler brings our year total to 12, equaling our previous maximum (in 2010). Our Reed Warbler year total now stands at 599, just a few short of our all time year maximum of 604 (in 1994). The productivity at the jetty was quite poor this year (see here), and our catches there in August (after our RAS breeding study had ended) would likely have involved birds moving from other parts of the Lake (or even from further afield) or perhaps nest construction in the cut reed areas had to be delayed until the new reed growth could provide nest stability.

On Wednesday 22nd Jerry tried the garden, but the site was still quiet. His catch of 10 + (3) was made up of Wren 1, Chiffchaff 5, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 2 + (1), and Bullfinch 1 + (2).

On Saturday 25th Jerry was back in the garden, for a more productive session of 18 + (4) made up of Chiffchaff 7 (1), Blackcap 8 + (2) Goldcrest 3, and Bullfinch (1).

The only day of the week forecast to be dry was Wednesday, so Jerry opted to try a session in the garden. It had a very autumnal feel with 6C start and some falling leaves ending in the nets, and for a "dry" morning there were a lot of light showers !!. His catch of 15 + (2) was made up of Wren 2, Blackbird 1, Dunnock 1, Chiffchaff 5, Blackcap 3, Goldcrest 1 + (1), Great Tit 2, and Bullfinch (1).

Our total ringed in September was 366, and the YTD becomes 2340. Despite the weather restrictions during the month this is still our 6th highest September total (with four higher since 2004).