Holme Pierrepont, Saturday 23 July

Tom, Gary and I made the second visit of the year to the Blott’s end of Holme Pierrepont. With a small team again we limited the number of nets that we put up. The conditions were a bit too bright with full sun from the start but no breeze. The catch was again relatively small as expected with the limited number of nets but started well, tailing off quickly as the sun got higher.

I had been asked a while ago by Lynda Milner, our local BTO rep if we could help with a request she'd had from Patricia Gammons in West Bridgford. The Father at her local Catholic Church was celebrating 40 years in the priesthood. He is quite a keen birder and she thought that, among other things and as a surprise and a present from his flock, he would really enjoy and be interested in watching a group of ringers at work. I was happy to oblige and we were joined for a while today by Father Michael. Fortunately we managed to catch a good range of birds whilst he was with us, he was very interested in what we did and had the opportunity to handle a few species of birds. It was nice to receive this email from him later:

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Kevin,

Thank you so much for allowing me to join you at the Bird Ringing this morning. I found it absolutely fascinating! I was so impressed by the knowledge and patience that you, Gary and Tom showed as well. It is a beautiful spot and I really could have spent hours there watching you work! Also to be able to handle the Woodpecker and the Goldfinch was quite amazing as well.

Thank you again, and carry on the good work!

With every kind wish,

Fr. Michael

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Thanks also to Patricia, who kindly made a donation to group funds for helping out.

We ended with a catch of 50 including 2 retraps, made up of (new/retrap): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1/0, Blackbird 2/0, Dunnock 3/0, Wren 5/0, Robin 3/0, Blackcap 7/0, Whitethroat 2/0, Garden Warbler 2/0, Chiffchaff 2/0, Willow Warbler 4/0, Reed Warbler 8/2, Cetti’s Warbler 1/0, Blue Tit 1/0, Goldfinch 2/0, Bullfinch 5/0. The retraps were both recently ringed Reed Warblers.

Kev