Early October and a new species for LRGp

On Wednesday 1st, Andy was in the garden, just before the next storm was due to arrive. His catch was a modest 13 + (2), made up of Blackbird 3, Cettis Warbler (1), Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 2, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit (1), Bullfinch 2, and Siskin 1. However several small groups of the latter species were seen "flitting around in the alders", and future visits should be more productive for them.

Monday 6th saw Jerry doing the first winter visit to the Llangynidr feeders in Martin Preece's garden. Catching was slow, presumably as birds were also visiting other feeding sites in the village. His catch of 9 + (1), was made up of Coal Tit 3, Goldfinch 1 + (1), Siskin 3, Magpie 1, and Collared Dove 1. Doves/Pigeons can escape from a net quite easily, and this bird was a new species ringed by LRGp (though a bird caught several years ago, by Rachel and Jerry, was before the Group had taken over this site, so one of Jerry's own rings was fitted).

The groups first Collared Dove

Jeremy tried the garden again on Tuesday 7th for a catch of 13 + (7), while Andy was there on Thursday 9th for a modest 10 + (3) in 4hrs. The combined mix was made up of Robin (2), Wren 1, Blackbird 1 + (2), Song Thrush 3, Cettis Warbler (2), Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 7 + (3), Blue Tit 2, Treecreeper (1), Bullfinch 1, Goldfinch 1, and Siskin 1.

On Tuesday 14th, Jeremy was back for a roost (catching our first Redwing of the autumn), followed by a morning visit on Wednesday15th. The catches were 17 and (9) and 12 + (3) respectively. The mix for the two sessions was made up of Wren (1), Robin 3 + (3), Blackbird 2, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 1, Dunnock 1, Cettis Warbler 1 + (1), Blackcap 1, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 10 + (2), Blue Tit 5, Great Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit (4), Treecreeper (1), Chaffinch 1, and Bullfinch 1. Unfortunately the weather soon deteriorated again, just when decent numbers of Redwing were starting to arrive in the churchyard and local hedges.