Thursday 26th
Another field sighting of a ringed bird. This time a darvic-ringed Mediterranean Gull on Restharrow Scrape. We have contacted the co-ordinator and should hear back shortly.
Wednesday 25th
A warm, settled, start was forecast but still a bit of a surprise. Although we could not ring yesterday today proved well worth it. Thirty-two birds were caught of which 12 were new to us. Firecrest and Great Spotted Woodpecker were new for the year. The other birds were Blackbird three new and two subsequent, Blue Tit one new and six subsequent, Chaffinch one new, Dunnock one subsequent, Goldcrest one new and three subsequent, Great Tit one new and two subsequent, House Sparrow one new, Long-tailed Tit three subsequent, Robin one new and two subsequent, and Wren one new and one subsequent.
More of the birds are starting to show signs of hormones shifting with a couple of cloacas developing and a couple of brood patches just starting.
Sometimes rings raise questions which we will not be able to answer. We retrapped a Goldcrest which we had ringed on the early date of August, last year, and seen again in September. Where had it been in the intervening time? It would be interesting to imagine it was a bird returning north, having wintered further south, but it had probably wintered somewhere local.
Saturday 21st
Too breezy for ringing but at least no rain and it was mild. The Mediterranean Gull, which has been mentioned before when it was caught in Essex last year, has been resighted. Its colour ring was read on January 16th 2026 near Southend Pier. This extends it's UK longevity record.
Friday 20th
There was a great rarity this morning, namely a vivid sunrise. However the old saying 'red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning' proved to be correct as wind and rain set in in the afternoon. The opportunity to ring was ceased and there were five new and ten subsequent encounters. The new birds were singles of Blackbird, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Great Tit and Goldfinch. It would seem there is a continuing trickle of birds back in to the country.
Tuesday 17th
The wind forecast increased as the day approached but it was still possible to get up the lower sets of nets. There were four new and four retrap birds. The new birds were a Blue Tit, two Redwings and a Carrion Crow. The latter was tempted by some sweet corn. Whilst it partner sat on top of the trap the other was far enough in to be unable to get out. It is the first ringed since two on February 3rd 2023.
Tuesday 10th
A couple of sessions were squeezed in between the continuing wet and sometimes breezy conditions. On the 6th 19 birds were caught of which eight were new. These were two each of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Redwing plus singles of Chaffinch and House Sparrow. The retraps were six Blue Tits, two Blackbirds and singles of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and House Sparrow.
The second session was the final one of the BTO Winter Project. There were eight birds - two new Great Tits, plus three retraps along with single Blackbird, Blue Tit and Wren.
The noticeable absentees are finches. Although it is very wet it is also mild and so there have been no more Snipe or Woodcock.
Monday 9th
A group of four Avocets on Restharrow Scrape contained a colour-marked individual. A quick look online suggests it's part of a Dutch project. We wait for details from the organiser.
