"Project Ringing" continues into early July

The first part of July saw unsettled weather, which limited ringing opportunities. On Tuesday 2nd, George and Ron completed CES 7. In the hazy sunshine it was a decent catch of 26 + (11), which included a reasonable number of juvenile Blackcap and Chiffchaff. The species summary was Wren 1, Blackbird 2 + (4), Song Thrush (1), Robin 1, Dunnock 2, Reed Warbler2, Blackcap 9 +(1), Garden Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 4 + (4), Goldcrest 1, Chaffinch 1, and Bullfinch 2 + (1). The Spotted Flycatcher in the garden, that had refurbished two old nests had now finally decided to settle on one of the boxes we had provided.

On Thursday 4th, Jeremy and Robin made their first jetty visit of the year for a 3 hour Reed Warbler RAS session. Catching was a bit slow (as has been usual so far this year) and they decided to finish when the wind picked up at 09.00 (most birds having been caught in their first hour). The catch of 14 + (6) was made up of Chiffchaff 2, and the rest the "target species" incl (2) more for the RAS).

On Monday 8th, Andy was at the Jetty for a wet start where the reeds had been affected by the morning dew, which limited bird movement. His catch was just 8 + (1), made up of Chiffchaff 1, and Reed Warbler 7 + (1) - a 2016 bird for the RAS.

Thursday 11th saw Jeremy back in the garden for his second CES visit - No 8 (and as he was on his own, Jerry joined him for an hour or so before he went to RB2). Conditions were good and catching was steady, with a good selection of juvenile birds, to finish the catch on 30 + (10) - the long term average total for this CES visit. The mix comprised Wren 2, Robin 4, Dunnock 1 + (1), Blackbird 4 + (2), Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blackcap 1 + (1), Chiffchaff 9 + (2), Willow Warbler 1, Treecreeper 1, Siskin 4, and Bullfinch 1 + (4). In his short RB2 RAS session, Jerry had a catch of only 6 + (5), comprising Redstart 1, Chiffchaff 1, and Reed Warbler 4 + (5) - (incl 2 more for the RAS).
During the morning Carlton was also doing a RAS visit at the jetty, for quiet catch of just 4 birds - Chiffchaff 1, and Reed Warbler 3.

The total for the day's three sessions was 40 + (15).