Sunday 13th
The heat continues and this time it seems to have affected the birds. Just seven new birds were caught and five of these were resident rather than migrant species-two Wrens and single Robin, Blackbird and Great-spotted Woodpecker. Two Blackcaps were the migrants.
Friday 11th
The encroaching heat meant an early finish. This was not before 16 more juveniles were ringed. The best was a Cetti's Warbler. The second Reed Warbler of the autumn plus four more Chiffchaffs were of note.
Wednesday 9th
After the extreme rarity on Sunday- it was raining before first light- normal service was resumed with a clear and warm start. The heat wave is on its way.
It was also a rewarding morning with 23 new birds. A very immature Redstart and Garden Warbler were probably early wanderers. Seven more young Blackcaps and four each of Chiffchaff and Whitethroat added to the juvenile-fest.
Not to be out done there was a control Lesser Whitethroat.
Friday 4th
A calmish start before the regular stiff breeze got up mid-morning. It remains hot.
There were 20 new birds this morning. This included the first Reed Warbler of the autumn and some young Blackcaps of the second brood. Chiffchaffs were most frequent with six ringed.
Last evening another 14 House Martin pulli were ringed. A couple of nests held second brood eggs and so they are trying to make up for a slow start.
Wednesday 2nd
A bit of a delay due to illness. The ringers have continued however and the steady trickle of young birds continues. The best bird today however was an adult, namely the first Willow Warbler of the autumn. This species is now an very scarce breeder in East Kent and this will probably have been a failed breeder getting ready to moult.
A young Green Woodpecker was the first unringed one of these this year.