Late November

With the forecast showing a deterioration in the weather for the end of the month (storm Arwen), Andy took the opportunity to do the second winter feeding "CES" session on Thursday 25th. Although it was a tad sunny/breezy, this was probably his last chance in the visit 2 period, and he had a successful catch of 23 + (2) - mainly "tits" but also a fine adult male Brambling. Later Jeremy (joined late in the  afternoon by Jerry), did an afternoon/roost in the scrub area for 9 + (8), including two more Redwing. The mix for the day was - Great-spotted Woodpecker 1, Dunnock 1, Redwing 2, Blackbird 3, Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit 17 + (4), Great Tit 5 + (5), Chaffinch 1, Brambling 1, and Bullfinch 1. With few more Redwing likely to be ringed, the total is now 55 - our 4th highest after 56 (2012), 58 (2018), and 147 (2019).

Following the windy spell, Tuesday 30th was calm and mild, so Jerry tried a couple of hours at the hut  feeder. It was a bit quiet (as the feeder had emptied) and the total was just 3 + (15), made up of Blue Tit (9), Great Tit 1 + (6), Chaffinch 1, and Brambling 1 (this time an adult female). The most Brambling we have ringed in a year is 11 (2017 - at the bird crop), and this year's three is our second highest - equaling the number done in 2007 & 2016.

The total ringed during the month was a respectable 196 (we've had eight November totals of 200+ in the last 20 years) making the YTD 2696.