Saturday 12 0ctober. I gave my ringing pliers a squirt of WD40. What with the trip to Greece and then the bad weather, they’d been deprived of action since 8 September.
This morning it was back to Oakenclough hoping to see and to catch some autumn migrants. While I was away in Greece Andy had good success here with 126 captures including 55 Meadow Pipits, 31 Goldcrests, 9 Chiffchaffs and a single but late Tree Pipit.
He caught just three Lesser Redpoll at a time of year when the species should pile through in good numbers. At this time of year it is usual to think about the “good” species but also vital to consider any that are absent,species that appear in lesser numbers than usual, and most certainly, any that are absent.
We met up at 0645 to zero wind and 50% cloud-cover and hoped for an interesting morning ahead. Given the time of year and following several previous days of poor weather it might be fair to expect a generous helping of birds.
It wasn’t to be with a disappointing catch of 13 birds for four hours work – 3 Redwing, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit and one each of Song Thrush, Reed Bunting and Chaffinch.
We saw our first Redwings of the autumn when small groups arrived soon after dawn and throughout most of the morning – in all about 70/80 individuals. The Song Thrush caught was associated with these arrivals. We catch few Song Thrushes here and the ones that we do are 99% autumn birds.
Redwing
Redwing
Song Thrush
It was good to catch three more Bullfinch, two first year females and a first year male. That’s eight this year to date. Fingers crossed that this species can re-establish itself in the now re-energised plantation.
Bullfinch - 1st year male
Bullfinch - 1st year male
Bullfinch - 1st year female
The Reed Bunting we caught was a first year male.
Reed Bunting
At about 1030 a heavy shower with hailstones brought an early end to our session.
A squally shower
Other birds seen – Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 late Swallows.
Linking this post to Anni's Birding Blog.
Linking this post to Anni's Birding Blog.
Wow! Look at that double rainbow! How beautiful! Love seeing your bird photos this week too. Hope the sun shines on the rest of the weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt must have felt good to be back in the field!
ReplyDeleteSounds as if the weather was "too perfect"! Hopefully, that rainbow in your final image portends good fortune for ringing in the near future.
The color of that Bullfinch is amazing!
As the new week approaches we hope you're rested from your trip and the unexpected inconvenience of the Thomas Cook affair. Traveling is great but there's no place like home!
I bet getting out and about felt like "coming home again". Your photos are stellar, as always. I really like the close-up of the red wing today. It has such an expression!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by & sharing your blog at I'd Rather B Birdin this week.
Good morning Phil: I suspect that despite the difference in temperatures in the early morning now that you are back from Greece, it was good to be engaged in banding again. There is always a sense of anticipation as to what might hit the nets, and it is never a bad day, some are just better than others. I am not familiar with migration dates in the UK but it seems to be incredibly late for a couple of swallows. I would have my eyes checked if I saw them here in mid October (almost)! The close-up of the Redwing is very pleasing - a bird I have still to see. Maybe one day I will go completely daft and come to the UK in winter - and all for the love of a Redwing - and a fling with a Fieldfare too! No one ever claimed that birders are rational!
ReplyDeleteI bet you're missing the blue skies of Skianthos!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics of the Bullfinches, and the Redwing. I thought I heard Redwings fly over us the other morning but assumed it was too early for them? We live in the middle of Ireland & so don't normally see them here until around late October, maybe they're a bit earlier this year...
Congratulations on the amazing work you do! My very best wishes! The rainbow is just breathtaking! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe Bullfinch is such a pretty bird.Love the spot of color
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteSorry about the weather, it is nice to have your ringing pliers back in action. The Redwing and Song Thrush are pretty birds. My favorites are the two Bullfinches. Lovely capture of the rainbow! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!
The bullfinch looks good as does the redwing.
ReplyDeletePretty birds and the rainbow with reflection is a stunning shot!
ReplyDeleteFascinating information about the birds. I love birdwatching but know very little.. Always trying to learn. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI don't believe bullfinches are found anywhere in the US. I like their markings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-stroll-through-arboretum.html
Phil - glad you have stopped with all the holiday-ing and are back to real business! We made it safely to Durham and are enjoying time with family. Love the bullfinch pictures in this post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds Phil, I like their different colours.
ReplyDeleteLove the rainbow photograph.
We haven't had hailstones (yet) but we have had quite a lot of rain!
All the best Jan
And even rewarded with a rainbow. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI do like when you share your ringing exercises. It's good to know that the birds are being cared for and monitored.
ReplyDeleteMy Corner of the World