May Ringing

On Friday 2nd, Peter and Alan J tried a third (Spring) attempt at the jetty roost. The total number of Sand Marin had declined somewhat (either to colonies or further northward movement), but several hundred still roosted close to the jetty. The species was added to our year list with one caught, our earliest ever capture of this species. New reed growth had only reached about half net height, so the background for the nets was limited. But the number of birds seemingly roosting at the lake in the early spring bodes well for attempts in future years.

On Friday 9th, Carlton completed CES 2. It was mainly sunny, and the catching was relatively slow. The last net round however (comprised mainly a family of Long-tailed Tit, and the first youngsters of the year), almost doubled the catch to end on 13 + (15). A similar number to what is generally caught on CES 2. The mix comprised Robin 1, Blackbird 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Dunnock (5), Chiffchaff (4), Blackcap 1 + (3), Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit (1), Long-tailed Tit 7, and Chaffinch 2. In the afternoon Jerry checked the rb2 nest boxes - only 2 were occupied by birds, with wasps or bees in others, and 2 boxes were damaged (so needed replacement). A single Blue Tit was caught (adding to the day's ringed total) but, a sitting Great Tit was not disturbed (as this species can be prone to desert).

Jerry had an excellent sighting for the day with two Grass Snakes (both about 450 mm long) at the rb2 gate. One trying to swallow a frog (only managing to get the head into it's mouth), both snakes disappeared into the vegetation and the frog made its escape into the ditch (free until a larger Grass Snake catches it).

On Tuesday 13th with Jerry was checking the Cathedine boxes. There were 4 Pied Flycatcher nests with eggs (plus 3 more with part nests), 2 Redstart, just a single Blue Tit, and several boxes had wasp nest "starters". He ringed Pied Flycatcher 3, Redstart 1 and Blue Tit 1. Returning on Tuesday 20th, the Pied Flycatcher part nests hadn't progressed, but the eggs were hatching. The Redstart chicks were a few days older. He caught the last Pied Flycatcher female, which had been ringed breeding in 2023.

Andy was doing CES 3 on Wednesday 21st, there had been some persistent rain overnight so it made for a damp (slightly delayed) start. By mid morning the cloud cover had passed and the sun was on the nets, coinciding with when Ron/Jerry arrived to do some work in rb2, and then take over the ringing (as Andy had an appointment before his session ended). The total catch was 13 + (9), the third lowest for CES 3 in the last decade, but the good variety of juveniles would likely boost catches in future sessions. The mix was Wren 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 2 + (1), Cettis Warbler (2), Reed Warbler 1, Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (1), Blackcap 1 + (1), Long-tailed Tit 5, Chaffinch 1, Goldfinch (1), and Bullfinch (1).

Pulli ringing started on Friday 23rd, with Jerry visiting the RB2 and Shelter-belt nest boxes. There were just two boxes at RB2 where broods of Blue Tit (8) and Great Tit (8) were ringed, total 16p. At the Shelter-belt the only occupied box had Redstart, but the chicks had died (soon after hatching) and were partially eaten (presumably a mouse). Lets hope the Cathedine boxes do better when he visits early next week.

This happened on Sunday 25th, when 3 broods were ringed (with other needing a few more days) - Redstart (6 & 6) plus Pied Flycatcher (7), total 19p.

After a delay for a couple of wet days, Jerry was back on Wednesday 28th with a visit to Buckland Wood for a brood of Wood Warbler. Next was a call at the Cathedine nest boxes for another brood of Pied Flycatcher and some more adults. Total for the day was Wood Warbler 5p, and Pied Flycatcher 1 + (2) adults + 6p. On Saturday 31st, Jerry was expecting to complete pulli ringing at Cathedine, but only a brood of Blue Tit (2p) were old enough. The last brood of Pied Flycatcher would have to wait a few more days.

During May, 82 birds have been ringed (and our YTD becomes 356), which is a relatively low total for what turned out be be a poor nest box season. The Cwm Sorgwm boxes were not monitored, but there have been longer term declines due to global warning. Plant and insect phenology have advanced while insect eating birds (especially African migrants), have not been able to advance their breeding season to compensate (the result is that their breeding no longer coincides with the timing of maximum insect/caterpillar availability for the chicks). However, a bonus during the month was the first time a brood of Wood Warbler has been ringed by the Group (though Jerry has been monitoring nests in Wentwood, Gwent for many years).