Attenborough CES - Visit 1: Sunday 7 May

Not a promising start as it was drizzling as we met and the vegetation was sodden, but the rain stopped by the time we were ready to open the nets. It was difficult setting the nets in the main ride because the water level was higher than I have seen it before. Only 3 of the 8 nets did not have water under them. The bottom end of the ride also needed some clearance as willows had fallen into the ride. Once up, the nets were looking good as there was little wind and generally overcast conditions. However, the birds did not oblige and fill the nets and we ended on just 24 birds which included two returning Chiffchaffs, one from 2021 and one from 2022.

Kev