CES 8 and 9

On Friday 17 July Jeremy and Robin were doing CES 8. It was still hot and sun on the nets limited the catch to 17 + (9), the lowest for this session since 2021, and in the 10 lowest catches since we started. The mix was Sparrowhawk (1), Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 5 + (4), Dunnock 4, Reed Warbler 1 + (1), Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit 1, Treecreeper (1), and Bullfinch (1). Both the Sparrowhawk and the Reed warbler were previously ringed at the jetty.

On Monday 27th July Andy and Jerry completed CES 9. After the heatwave reducing numbers during the last few CES sessions, it was much better weather for ringing - cool (high teens), mainly calm and overcast. The total of 52 + (6) was our highest catch for CES 9 since 2014, and warblers were well represented. The mix was Wren 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 7 + (3), Chiffchaff 13, Willow Warbler 7, Blackcap 7 Garden Warbler 5, Goldcrest 2, Blue Tit 5 + (1), Long-tailed Tit 1, Treecreeper (1), and Siskin 1.

Osprey ringing 2026

The 2026 Osprey "season" has so far been a busy one for a couple of members of the ringing group, with lots of work done on monitoring the expanding local population. In recent weeks, the usual experienced team of ringers attended both sites we have previously reported ringing at. First up was the Usk Valley Ospreys site where the birds can be watched on a 24 hour live stream, this has provided fascinating viewing for many people again this year. The unringed resident pair have returned and have two healthy female chicks which are now fast approaching an expected fledge date, with the live stream showing more and more "helicoptering"! The relevant ringing details were as follows:

Chick 1 (age 37 days) colour ringed 0U0 – wing-measurement of 348mms and weight of 1820g.
Chick 2 (age 34 days) colour ringed 0U1 – wing-measurement of 308 mms and weight of 1750g.

0U1 and 0U0

The second site we have reported on in previous years was only a few days behind the UVO nest this year, the same adults are again present at this site. Male KA7 (who has lost his colour ring), he is a 2019 bird from the original nest at the nearest "cluster" of nests to his own site. This is around Clywedog Reservoir where John Williams has done so much wonderful work protecting Ospreys as they colonised the area as they have spread through Wales. Female 469 (2021 bird from a Private Lancashire site) appears a fierce protector of the site against Osprey intruders. The same experienced team again visited and ringed 3 chicks at this productive site. The details for these three chicks C/Rs were:

Chick 1 0U2 - wing 327, weight 1600 - Female,
Chick 2 0U3 - wing 321, weight 1520 - in the "overlap zone", won't be sexed when officially submitted, possible Female
Chick 3 0U4 - wing 286, weight 1440 - Male. 

0U2, 0U3 and 0U4

It is important to acknowledge the work that has gone in to protecting the birds at both these sites, the volunteers at Usk Valley Ospreys maintain a 24 hour watch of the nest which, with the additional security measures, provides the best protection possible for this pair. We are thankful to each and every one of these volunteers who give so much of their time.

At the second site there has been significant disturbance in both previous years they have bred. This is primarily because the vulnerable location has been shared on social media by a few individuals. This disturbance has included a "forced fledge" in 2025 when all three chicks were witnessed leaving the nest for the first time, in a panic, together, as a couple of humans approached the nest with camera's. On this occasion, thankfully enough information was recorded of the individuals in question, which resulted in the police taking formal legal action against the perpetrators. This isn't the only time the police have had to take legal action at this site. Given a forced fledge can often have dire consequences for the birds we were extremely pleased to have had the sighting of 9K7 on its wintering grounds last winter (as reported here). If you know of the location of this nest, it is extremely important for the continued success of these birds that you don't share it. It is also very important that if you are viewing the site that you view from a safe distance.

The persistent disturbance led our ringing secretary and schedule 1 licence holder to form a small group of local observers to watch over this nest from 2026 onwards, this has proven very successful with all disturbance events being reported to the relevant authorities quickly so action can be taken. This has led to a large reduction in the amount of disturbance this pair have faced in 2026, although there have still been concerning incidents. We are incredibly proud of this improvement and the work of this small group has been absolutely invaluable in this, so we couldn't be more grateful to them for the time and effort they have put in, every day, to help us protect these birds. 

Early July - Jetty ringing starts, and recovery from 2025, CES 7, RAS visits to rb2 continue

On Monday June 29, Peter, Alan J and Jerry prepared the jetty site for ringing, a bit more difficult than usual because of the ongoing works with the bird hide re-thatching and the repairs to the jetty. Peter and Alan stayed on for a roost and a catch of 14 + (3) and spectacular views of the Hobby hunting the Sand Martins. On Friday July 3, Andy completed the first RAS session there for a decent catch of 25 + (4). Peter and Alan J tried another roost on Monday July 6, with the catch of 16 + (4). Andy was back for a morning session on Friday July 10, sun was on the nets and his limited catch was 6 + (3). Finally Peter and Alan J did another evening visit (although it was a bit breezy) on Monday 13th with 8 new birds. The accumulated details for the three roosts/evening sessions was Sparrowhawk 2, Sand Martin 11, Swallow 1, Blackbird 2, Dunnock (2), Cettis Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 12 + (4) - all 4 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 2, Reed Bunting 4 + (1). Details for the two morning sessions was Song Thrush 1, Dunnock 2, Cettis Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 21 + (5) - 3 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Blue Tit 1, Treecreeper 1, and Reed Bunting 2 + (1).

A recovery from a previous jetty roost session has just been received - Sand Martin 9117470 (FRP) was ringed on 21 August 2023 at Saint-Vigor-D'Ymonville, Saint-Maritime, France, and was caught on 8 July 2025 - 687 days, 372 km, 318 degrees. A region of France were several Llangose ringed birds have been caught.

Also on 10th, Carlton started his CES visit, before being joined by Andy (when he had finished at the jetty). In the hot and sunny conditions the catch was 24 + (2), very similar to the totals for this session in 2025 & 2024, which are all lower than the totals for the previous decade. The main species was Blackbird (mainly recently fledged juveniles), which is having a very good breeding season, despite the dry/hard ground conditions. The species mix was Wren (1), Dunnock 2, Robin 1, Blackbird 11 + (1), Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, and Blue Tit 1.

On Friday July 3 Jeremy and Robin returned to rb2. It was very quiet (likely due to sun on the nets and the recent cow damage to the reeds) with a catch of just 7 + (7). Jeremy had an early start on Tuesday July 14, but had to abandon the visit with cows preventing his access to the site. The next day, after avoiding the cows by walking through the alder wood, Jerry had an improved catch of 15 + (2). The species mix for the two visits was Wren (1), Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Blackbird (3), Reed Warbler 10 + (3) - just 1 for the RAS, Sedge Warbler 2, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 1, Blue Tit 1 + (1), and Treecreeper 2 + (1).

Mid season CES - visit 6

On Tuesday 23rd June, George and Carlton had an early start (05.15 meeting in the car park) for CES 6. South-east Wales was in the middle of a heatwave and it was already 17C, rising to 32C by 13.00 - maybe the hottest CES session that they had undertaken. The sun was already on most of the nets by 07.00, and despite an impressive dawn chorus, relatively few birds were getting caught in the now visible nets. Frequent net rounds were still necessary however, to extract birds quickly and prevent heat stress. Despite the conditions it was still a respectable total of 28 + (4) - though of the lowest totals for CES 6 of the last decade. The mix was Dunnock 1, Blackbird 8 + (1), Robin 1, Wren 1, Garden Warbler 1 + (2), Blackcap 7, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 1 + (1), and Treecreeper 2.

Despite the limited catch of session 6, most of our CES visits this year have been amongst the highest we have had for the respective sessions, so that by mid point in the season we have had the third most captures for the first 6 sessions that we have ever had, we had the most after 5 sessions. Apart from the annual survival/productivity differences, the breeding birds will have benefited through natural habitat improvements locally - less intensive management of the garden, churchyard and local pasture in the last 2 decades. In particular this year we have had good numbers of Blackbird and Blackcap, but lower totals for Great Tit and Blue Tit - both of which seemed to have had a poor breeding season in our local nest boxes, although given this happened last year and we ended up with a top 5 total for Great Tit and a record year total for Blue Tit it is probably to early to read to much into this!

Reed Warbler RAS starts in rb2

Following the prolonged dry spell in April/May very little grass had grown in the fields, so the cows had munched there way through the sedge bed. Even knowing this, Jerry had a bit of surprise when he next visited on 13th June to see that the cows had gone straight through the alder carr woodland and into the lake fringe of sedge/reed. Most of the new growth had been eaten, and the old reed stems were mainly broken and generally trashed (it looked unlikely that many Reed Warbler nests would have survived, but a few birds were still singing). The next morning Jerry returned to set the nets, just 2 in case the cows returned and there was need for a quick exit. After an early setback having to go round the park land to avoid cows in the field (which were a bit "frisky" not having seen anyone for about 8 months), the session turned out ok. Despite using just two nets the catch was a respectable 28 + (6), with a mix of Redstart 1, Reed Warbler 5 + (3) - 1st 3 for the RAS, Backcap 3, Chiffchaff 1, Long Tailed Tit 10 + (1), Treecreeper 5 + (2), and Reed Bunting 3.

Jerry's second session was on Saturday 20th, and another delayed start (this time due to showers at 07.00) but fortunately no cows. Conditions were good but it was a quiet morning with just 9 + (3), made up of Reed Warbler 1 + (3) - 2 more for the RAS, Blackcap 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 1, Great Tit, 1, Blue Tit 1, and Treecreeper 1.

The third session on Saturday 27th saw a return to the more usual 4 nets, with Jeremy and Robin starting the morning, and Jerry taking over later. Catching was still quiet, though new reed growth was providing some cover following the cattle damage. The total was just 13 + (5), made up of Song Thrush 1, Robin 1, Redstart 1, Reed Warbler 2 + (3) - 1 more for the RAS, Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, and Treecreeper 1 + (2). The star capture for the morning however was a very smart male Beautiful Demoiselle (safely extracted from the net). It looks like our RAS monitoring (recaptures of adults ringed in previous years) is likely to be a poor year. We are now a third of the way through the six week season, and just 6 RAS birds have been caught in RB2, with no visits yet to the jetty site. This was because of issues with access due to ongoing works to the bird hide and the wooden structure of the jetty being damaged. Jerry, Alan and Peter did however manage to set the site up around these obstacles on the 29th of June which will allow the Jetty to be run, in a slightly different position, this year.

CES visits 4 and 5

The start of June saw more unsettled weather, and the first opportunity for George/Ron to do CES 4 was going to be Mon/Tues (8th/9th), both of which were forecast to be windy/showery. However Sunday 7th seemed to be marginally better, and Jeremy/Robin/Jerry were able to do that date. It was better than the forecast suggested, so a good call, with just an hour of light drizzle around the start time, and occasional breezy spells afterwards. The catch of 37 + (17) had plenty of juvenile birds, and a species mix was Robin 5, Dunnock 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1 + (1), Mistle Thrush 1, Blackbird 3 + (4), Cettis Warbler (1), Chiffchaff 3 + (2), Blackcap 12 + (3), Goldcrest 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Pied Flycatcher (1) - fledged from a nearby box, Treecreeper 2, Great Tit 3 + (1), Long Tailed Tit 1, Goldfinch 2, Greenfinch 1, and Bullfinch (3). It was the third highest catch for CES 4 we have ever had.

Peter and Alan did CES 5 on Saturday the 13th of June, the forecast was brilliant, calm with high level cloud cover breaking occasionally for sunny spells, after a period of prolonged wet weather. As it turned out it was very sunny and not calm at all, with strong gusts of wind as well. Despite this there were alot of birds about and the catch, while obviously effected by the weather, was 28 + (14) which was very good, considering the the conditions. The highlights were undoubtably the second Spotted Flycatcher of the season and the 4 Redstart including an adult female and two juveniles caught at different times but all in one of the garden nets. The species mix was Wren (5), Chiffchaff 4 + (2), Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 2 + (1), Blackcap 6, Cettis Warbler 1 + (2), Redstart 4, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 4, Dunnock 1 + (1), Song Thrush 1 + (1), Blackbird 3 + (2). This total of 42 was the third best session of the last 10 years and the 6th best ever behind 64 (2017), 62 (2015), 61 (2025) and 44 (1989 & 1990). 

After 5 CES visits we have had more captures so far than in any other year in the history of our CES, which in our case goes right back to the start in 1980 (one of only two CES's that go back to the start). So it has been a really positive start to the year for our local breeding birds.

Nest boxes 2026

The breeding season was not particularly noteworthy, and the boxes had limited occupancy. The spread of laying/hatching times (within species) were well spread, with delayed chick development and relatively poor productivity. Several nesting attempts failed, and other broods lost some of the chicks, possibly a result of the very hot May weather affecting food availability. Occupancy of boxes with wasp nests was higher than usual.

Occupancy of the various box "colonies" as follows -

Reed bed 2 - just 2 boxes occupied (Blue Tit and Great Tit), but with high water levels, and cattle trampling (limited grass growth in the adjacent field left the cows relying on the sedge bed), access to the boxes became increasingly problematic, and visits had to be abandoned before any ringing was possible.

Shelterbelt - 6 boxes occupied (Pied Flycatcher 2, Redstart 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 2.

Cathedine - 11 boxes occupied (Pied Flycatcher 4, Redstart 1, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 2, Treecreeper 1 - this is the first time that this species has used one of our boxes, so it is disappointing that it was probably robbed of its eggs.

Sorgwm - 10 boxes occupied (Pied Flycatcher 3, Blue Tit 2, Great Tit 3, Nuthatch 2. Only one visit to these boxes was possible, by when some broods had already fledged, but several others were too small to ring. Because of bramble growth during the last two years (in the "woodland" part of the site), some boxes could not be located.

The nest box ringing totals were amongst the lowest we have ever had, with only 50 rings used (5 Pied Flycatcher adults were recaptures of birds ringed in previous years, though one was a control). Summary - Pied Flycatcher 4 + (5) adults plus 20 pulli, Redstart 7 pulli, Blue Tit 2 adult and 16 pulli, Great Tit 1 adult.

Sedge Warbler controls, and CES 2/CES 3 visits

Sedge Warbler AVV1842 was ringed (as 3) in rb2 on 01.08.2023, and was caught at Honduron del Burro, Hinojos, Huelva, Spain on 29.08.2025. 759 days, 1657 km, 189 degrees.

Sedge Warbler BDW1541 was as ringed (as 3) in rb2 on 29.08.2025, and was caught at Chelmarsh Res, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire on 02.05.2026. 246 days, 86 km, 43 degrees.

The second CES visit of the year was undertaken by Ron and Jerry on Tuesday 12th May. It was forecast to be a cold start (only +3 C) so they opted to delay the visit by an hour (so 07.00 - 13.00) to allow conditions to warm up a bit. The weather was a mixture of sun/cloudy conditions with little wind, and although their catch was only 17 + (15) it was in fact the second highest of the last decade for CES 2, and included a couple of "quality" species. The mix was Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Wren 1 + (2), Robin (2), Dunnock (1), Song Thrush 1, Mistle Thrush 1, Blackbird 4 + (1), Cettis Warbler (1), Willow Warbler 1 + (1), Blackcap 3 + (2), Garden Warbler 1, Pied Flycatcher 1, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Blue Tit (3), and Bullfinch 2 + (1).

Friday 22nd May saw the third CES visit with Andy and Jerry, and although it was almost constant sunshine they had a very respectable 27 + (11), our highest total for CES 3 since 1999. The mix was made up of Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Robin 1 + (1), Dunnock 2, Blackbird 3 + (2), Song Thrush 2, Cettis Warbler 2 + (1), Chiffchaff 1 + (2), Willow Warbler (1), Blackcap 4, Blue Tit 2 + (1), Great Tit (1), Long-tailed Tit 9 + (1), and Bullfinch (1).

First CES 2026

The first CES visit of 2026 was completed on 02 May by Gareth, joined by Jerry and (for the last hour) Andy.

The morning was bright and calm and, despite the sun catching the nets early in the session, catching was not affected by the conditions.

The session resulted in 32 new birds and 26 retraps, which is the highest capture total for CES 1 at Llangorse (the previous record set in 2024 with a total 51 birds).

Species diversity was also good, with 17 species making up the total. Notable numbers of dunnock (8), blackbird (7) and blackcap (5) reflected high numbers of territories held by these species near to the net lanes, and a small party of long-tailed tit juveniles (7) were included.

The highlight was a Jay: not a species regularly ringed at the lake, with the previous bird ringed in November 2018.

Jay

Totals were as follows:

LOTTI	6	(1)
CHIFF	1	(5)
WREN	1	(1)
BLACA	5
GARWA	3
ROBIN	1
BLUTI	1	(1)
BULLF	2	(1)
CHAFF	4	(1)
GOLDF	2
DUNNO	2	(6)
SONTH	2
BLABI	1	(6)
JAY	1
CETWA		(2)
GRETI		(1)
REEWA		(1)
Total:	32	(26)

March/April ringing

The end of the winter is usually a quiet period for ringing (as we concentrate on finishing habitat management of our CES area). Despite this, Andy continued to ring at the Pennorth feeders following completion of the the WRP sessions. He ringed on three dates, all with comparable capture totals. On 6 March - 12 + (9), 10 March - 12 + (5), and 20 April - 11 + (5). The combined mix of species was Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Blackbird 1, Robin (1), Dunnock 2, Blue Tit 10 + (10), Great Tit 1 + (3), Coal Tit (1), Long Tailed Tit 1, House Sparrow 6 + (1), Chaffinch 6, Greenfinch 4 + (2), and Siskin 4.