I kicked off the month of October by ringing another Wheatear out Pilling Way yesterday, a juvenile this time, but once again a so called “Greenland” race leucorhoa with a wing length of 112mm. I missed the high tide so haven’t much to report apart from the usual distant 5000+Pink-footed Goose, Peregrine, 6 Little Egret, 3 Wheatear and 25+ Goldfinch. A Buzzard appeared over Fluke Hall and then circled for a while before drifting off south.
Wheatear
The weather during September gave the ringing group (Fylde Ringing Group) a fairly hard time in trying to catch birds whereby a total of 250 birds of 24 species proved to be the second least productive month after April, a month which in any case we expect to be quiet.
The constant wind and rain of September stopped us increasing numbers of the most ringed bird of Chaffinch with 96 trapped, the vast majority of those caught out on Rawcliffe Moss when conditions allowed. Unusually for the group Goldcrest was the next most numerous in September with 36 individuals ringed, mostly due to a couple of days when Will found good numbers of them in an upland plantation.
Chaffinch
Goldcrest
Third in the September list came Goldfinch with 21 new birds caught in a month when despite the large numbers in evidence, especially juveniles, the weather on exposed ringing sites played a huge part in limiting catches.
Goldfinch
Warbler totals all came in at less than 10 each when during a normal September we might expect to mop up the last of the migrants, especially Chiffchaffs.
Chiffchaff
Here’s hoping that October is a better birding, ringing and photography month for Another Bird Blog.
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8 comments:
Estupenda captura del Mosquitero con la mosca en el pico.Saludos
You achieved one of my goals: photographing a bird with a meal. That Chiffchaff shot is awesome. Also love the shots of the goldfinch and the goldcrest. Outstanding images!
they're each beautiful birds but I think the gold-crest has my vote today
Great post Phil. Like you I hope October brings better things as this last month has been dire.
Do you know how excited that October is finally here???!!! Cooler temps and migrating birds from other parts finally arrive in our part of the world. The cranes will be arriving in about a week or two. Beautiful shots as always. You must get excited by all the finds. I know I would:)
Great post Phil, love the shot of the Goldcrest, I'm hoping for a great October if only it would stop raining!!
I am in awe of the detailed plumage you capture on these gorgeous birds - your header is simply stunning! Thanks for sharing Phil.
All lovely, yet the little apricot Chaffinch is a sure beauty to me. Hope that your toe is feeling better btw~
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