Late June - start of RAS and CES 6

On Wednesday 15th, Jerry kicked off our Reed Warbler RAS season in rb2. It was a misty start, and a very wet walk to the site, much like most previous visits before the hay cut. The reed bed however was dry, in contrast to last year's mid June visit when parts of the boardwalk were still under water. Within an hour the nets were in full sun so the modest catch of 18 + (14) was to be expected. It did however include a good start of 8 adult Reed Warbler recaptures, and the first juvenile. The species mix was Wren 2, Robin 1 + (2), Redstart 1 + (2), Chiffchaff 4, Blackcap 1, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 4 + (8), Blue Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit 1 and Treecreeper 2. A pair of Redstart were feeding young in an old woodpecker hole at the top of a dead alder trunk (probably one of the "box pairs" having a second brood. They became very agitated every time a Great-spotted Woodpecker came within about 30m, which was quite often as there are a number of dead alders nearby.

On 21st, Jeremy undertook CES 6 on what turned out to be a hot and sunny morning. The catch of 24 + (10) was likely affected by most nets being in full sun for most of the session. Species details were Wren 1 + (1), Blackbird 2, Robin 3, Dunnock 3 + (1), Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 2 + (3), Blackcap 5 + (1), Blue Tit 2 + (2), Long-tailed Tit 1, Treecreeper 1, and Bullfinch 2 + (2). Most of the new birds were juveniles, while most of the recaptures were adults.

Jeremy's picture of the juvenile Treecreeper (with bill not yet fully grown).

Jerry did the 2nd RAS visit to rb2 on Wednesday 22nd, but when the mist had burnt off at 07.45 it was bright sunshine for the day. This contributed to the low catch of 10 + (13), made up of Wren 1 + (1), Robin (1), Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 5 + (7), Blue Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), and Reed Bunting 2 + (1). The session added four more Reed Warbler to the RAS. The weather then deteriorated for the final week of June, with low pressure systems crossing the country. The overnight rain was due to clear for about 9am on Monday 27th, and as this was the best option of the week, Jerry opted for a mid morning to mid afternoon rb2 RAS visit. It was sunny and breezy, so a modest catch of 15 + (11), made up of Robin 1 + (2), Redstart 1, Chiffchaff 2, Reed Warbler 8 + (7) - including 3 more "new" birds for the RAS, Blue Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), and Reed Bunting 3. He ringed a brood of 2 Spotted Flycatcher in the garden before finishing for the day.

The total ringed in June was 172, a similar number to recent years when no Canada Geese have been ringed (cancelled this year due to Avian flu concerns). Our YTD rises to a reasonable 545.