It was the first day of the season that we hesitated before opening nets. Sporadic showers delayed standard ringing until 6:30am when we took a chance to see what we could catch between the weather. 16 birds caught in the first round caused some excitement, including a Gulspurv and 2 Skovpiber, along with our regular mix of garden visitors. Threatening clouds quickly prompted a decision to close the nets. Perfect timing, as soon after the heavens began to open killing all activity in the garden and bringing ringing for the day to a close. 

Ringing totals:

Skovpiber / Tree Pipit 2 
Rødstjert / Common Redstart 1, recaptures 1
Løvsanger / Willow Warbler 2
Gærdesanger / Lesser Whitethroat 5
Tornsanger / Common Whitethroat 1, recaptures 1
Munk / Eurasian Blackcap 5
Sydlig Gransanger / Common Chiffchaff 1, recaptures 2
Gulspurv / Yellowhammer 1

Unsettled weather meant a relatively slow day of study, sea watching and moth identification, finishing with a brilliant meal cooked by Philip and our newest member of the team Christopher. Here’s hoping for some extra birds’ tomorrow with a perfect wind direction forecast for tonight. 

Smiling faces from the Blackberry harvest that took place yesterday. A good show of people turned up to enjoy a day in nature despite the stronger winds and rain. Thank you to all that joined us.

Best wishes,

Alex