Reed bed ringing August week 3

Early morning sessions continued regularly at the jetty, despite continued work on the hide, and on rebuilding the jetty. Andy was there on Saturday 15th for a catch of 28 (no retraps). On Sunday 16th Peter had a long session which continued into the early afternoon (as small groups of birds were still being caught in the nets) before he finally decided to finish, with an impressive catch of 72 + (3). On Wednesday 19th Andy was back, but was disappointed with his catch of 22 + (2), while Jeremy and Robin had an improved 29 + (4) on Thursday 20th (incl our second French Sedge Warbler for the year).The mix for the four sessions was Wren 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 1, Grasshopper Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 57 + (5), Sedge Warbler 37 + (3), Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 22 + (1), Willow Warbler 10 + (1), Blue Tit 9, Great Tit 1, and Reed Bunting 3.

In contrast, the last day of ringing at rb2 (14th, as reported in our blog) found that cows had started to gain access to the reed/sedge beds again. Because of their need for shade, and the lack of rain to encourage grass growth future ringing there had to be suspended. The cows had continued to gain access when checked on18th and 20th, incl a few going through the alder carr into the reed bed (at the dead crack willow) right through to the boardwalk. Although reed damage is nothing like as extensive as in mid June, the risk for net damage was high, so no ringing was undertaken in rb2 during the period.

Grasshopper Warbler 20th August (JR)