The end of British Summer Time and reversing the clocks on Saturday night meant meeting Will at 6am Sunday on Rawcliffe Moss, and not “an extra hour in bed”. Birds don’t stick to human timetables and we still needed to get the nets up in the dark. Nets were set before 0630 by which time we had either seen or heard at least 4 Tawny Owls, but no Barn Owl today.
Our varied catch was similar to recent times, with several thrushes at first light followed by a selection of finches interspersed with Reed Buntings until we packed up at 11am. We totalled 38 birds, 32 new and 6 recaptures. New: 12 Chaffinch, 11 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Blackbird and 1 Song Thrush. Recaptures meant 3 Goldfinch from recent days, 1 Robin and 2 resident Dunnocks; both were in the net together today and were first ringed in 2009, recaptured in 2010 and also earlier in 2011.
The adult Robin L141888 was ringed here in the autumn of 2010, but interestingly and despite many visits through spring summer and autumn since then we have no record of it in between times.
Thrush migration was almost non-existent this morning with just 20 Fieldfares and 10 Redwings heading south before 9am and then none, although we did see 6 Song Thrush in ones and twos, then later a party of 4 Mistle Thrush.
Chaffinches appeared somewhat down in number, but taking into account the twelve caught, the 100+ which headed noticeably south east throughout our 5 hours may be an undercount. Our Lesser Redpoll and Siskin count came to 18 and 2 respectively, with 10+ Reed Buntings throughout the morning.
Other birds seen: 15 Whooper Swan, 2 Buzzard, 9 Snipe, 6 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer, 1 Peregrine.
Other birds seen: 15 Whooper Swan, 2 Buzzard, 9 Snipe, 6 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer, 1 Peregrine.
There were huge numbers of Pink-footed Geese flighting inland today, Sunday being a traditional day for the Over Wyre sportsmen, out in force on the coastal marshes and fields. To the nearest thousand we estimated at least 5000 birds heading south and east looking for fields to drop on out of harm’s way.
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7 comments:
Looks like a great day, well worth being up before the first light. Great birds and photos.
Hello Phil (and Will), the pictures are beautiful as ever. I am coming across some new names, like the Yellowhammer. This is my first year of following your blog, and hence the first British winter birding season with you. Thanks for your excellent work!
I thought of you when we had the first rush of Robins, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadees, Yellow-rumped Warblers and few Cedar Waxwings flying in huge bands across the area taking in thousands of berries amongst them. What a fine week you and Will would have netting in these delights. Oh my the noise is like heaven too! I saw my first ever image of a Mistle Thrush the other day...glorious looking birds. We turn back our clocks this coming Saturday and it shall take until spring, for me to get used to it. I know not about sleeping in, ever, always up before the dawn. Have a brilliant week~
Hey Phil I am always amazed with your birding experience. Is this something you do full time? Nice captures and how nice to be that close to birds too. Anna :)
Looks a good haul. My favourite British bird seen by me in 2003 was Chaffinch!
Estupendos tus pájaros, estupendo tu trabajo.
Saludos y un abrazo.
Anna, it's only an unpaid hobby, albeit a time consuming one. Best. Phil
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