Andy and I returned to Oakenclough this morning for a 0600 start and another go at catching migrant birds. We were joined today by Bryan.
After two recent catches of 40 and 47 birds respectively, we hoped for a triple hit in the forties.
In contrast to Wednesday’s cloud and zero wind this morning was both bright and slightly breezy. And with the benefit of hindsight, perhaps the different conditions were unlikely to produce any good numbers of birds. By 1030 we had packed up, fell back to earth with a bump and just 9 birds, one of them a recapture from yesterday, a Robin. All bar one, the 87 birds of 17 July and 24 July had continued their migration by departing our ringing site.
Although today’s catch was low there was quality by way of 4 new Blackcaps, 2 new Willow Warblers, a new Garden Warbler and a young male Common Redstart. A Redstart may have the word ”common” in its title but the species is far from abundant in these parts so to catch one makes for a rather pleasing experience and even eclipses the catch of yet another Garden Warbler.
Common Redstart
Common Redstart
Garden Warbler - juvenile/first summer
The Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus is loosely related to the European Robin Erithacus rubecula, both members of the family of Old World flycatchers.
The youngsters of each share the scaly appearance until they moult their juvenile feathering.
European Robin
Both of today’s Willow Warblers were juveniles/first summers, very smart and bright too on what the weather experts predicted would be “hottest day of the year” at 35+ degrees C.
Willow Warbler
There was a noticeable but small movement of Swallows this morning with tiny groups heading directly into the southerly wind. These totalled up to 60 individuals, proved so watchable partly by the overall lack of Swallows this year. This may seem rather early for Swallows to be on the move but we know that post-breeding roosts of migratory and dispersing young Swallows begin to form in mid-July.
“Otherwise birds” consisted of tiny numbers of Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Chaffinch overhead, 3+ Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Raven, 2 Snipe flying east and 15+ Curlew heading south.
Linking today to Eileen's Blogspot and Anni's Birding Blog.
14 comments:
Well, it's unfortunate you weren't able to have three days of ringing 40+ birds, but the effort certainly sounds impressive to me. All of the birds you observed make for what I would consider a satisfying collection. Even the "otherwise birds" (a new expression for me).
We have had continuing bands of thunderstorms sweeping across the state from the Gulf of Mexico for several days. Not unusual for this time of year, but quite annoying when one would really like to be outside searching for birds!
Hard to believe it's time to be on the lookout for migrants, what with our high temperatures and tropical rains. But reports are starting to trickle in of early movement, so, as soon as the clouds part just a bit, out we go.
Have a great weekend, Phil!
Hello Phil: Three good days in a row would be too much to ask for I guess. The thought of swallows already gathering for pre-migratory activity is a little sobering - a reminder that autumn is fast approaching. In fact Miriam and I were just remarking the other day that the hours of daylight are noticeably shortening. It will be August soon, although how that happened so quickly I am not quite sure!
In my garden in Finland now there are a few immature Robins too...they are so tender!
Sounds to me like you have done pretty well. I have not seen a redstart, or a black redstart this year and they are generally all over the place here :-( Also where have all the swallows gone??? Have a great weekend, Diane
Hello,
Beautiful closeups of your birds. The warblers are cute. Your Redstart looks a lot different than the Redstart I see here. I was thinking the birds are starting to migrate, is it earlier this year. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
I know you were disappointed in the numbers but at least you had some interesting birds and got beautiful photos. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Love the color pattern on the juvenile! May be a disappointing day, but still you three didn't go home 'empty handed'!
Thanks for joining us at I'd Rather B Birdin' this week.
Always lovely bird images and interesting info on your site. BTW, I love the oyster catcher in your header. Such a pretty bird!
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/07/pine-tree-versus-windshield.html
Love the close-ups of your birds and the narrative. Fascinating.
dead finch n my porch made me incredibly sad - got caught in webbing i guess ugh
The willow warbler is a bit of a beauty.
Phil - perhaps it is just my imagination, but I imagine that Willow Warbler is giving you a piece of its mind!
Lovely bird shots!
Some lovely looking birds here Phil - thanks.
All the best Jan
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