This morning Will and I made it to the moss again with nets up in the dark and then time to spare before any thrush arrivals. Although there was no large scale appearance, we picked up a few more of the target species.
The first mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares arrived soon after 8am but between then and 0930 we saw less than 175 of both species, split 140/35 in favour of Fieldfares, with 6+ Song Thrush, a single Mistle Thrush and 4 Blackbirds only. The Chaffinch movement that started in late August continued through this morning with a total of 170+ heading south east into the 10mph light wind, the good number of birds not reflected in our catch of six. Reed Buntings continue to be obvious migrants through the site with 10+ over this morning in addition to the six caught, which pushes our autumn total for the species to 38 individuals.
Today’s total reached 24 birds, 21 new and 3 recaptures. New birds: 6 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Wren and 1 Blackcap, the latter a first calendar year/juvenile female. Recaptures were 1 each of Robin, Goldfinch and Coal Tit.
Our birding was interesting, steady but unspectacular - in rough order of appearance dawn to 1130am: 1 Barn Owl, 2 Tawny Owl, 20+ Meadow Pipits and 2 Alba wagtails heading south, 5 Whooper Swan, 1 Raven, 19 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Peregrine. During the morning there was a light overhead movement of small finches, mainly Siskin and Lesser Redpoll, less than 5 audible records of each call, but an additional and rare sighting here of 2 Bullfinch. Also uncommon here inland, 2 early morning overhead Greenfinch.
I hadn’t seen the Little Owls for weeks, but today one was back in the winter tree.
Preciosa estampa la del mochuelo, es genial. Un abrazo Phil
ReplyDeleteHello Phil (and Will), these are some excellent pictures. That looks like one beautiful, "big" Little Owl. Bullfinch - now that's a name I am hearing for the first time. Thanks for sharing. May you have pleasure each day with birds!
ReplyDeleteHi Little Owl, oh so cute you are...Oh that's right, I am speaking to Phil, not Little Owl, so let him know, it was delightful seeing him again;)
ReplyDeleteLove it when you speak of capturing birds captured previously. What is the highest number of a capture of the same bird, and the species?
Hey Phil...question...you say you saw the Bullfinch and would that mean the female is a Cowfinch? ; }
ReplyDeletelol..
Love that Little Owl..I would love to see one!
No police today, they may be checking my internet it was down almost all day!! : }}}
Careful out there in the dark setting up those nets ..don't want to get a boot caught up it that thing!!
Grace
Lovely Little Owl portrait Phil.
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