It was great to get out for a cheeky midweek session today with Kev, Kev, Gary, Holly and Josh. Having not been to the site for a couple of years, I struggled to recognise many areas, the vegetation has grown up so much. It remains an interesting spot, but one that's increasingly difficult to net. However, despite this and the hot weather, we had a good day and continued to catch well beyond midday.
The day was dominated by Chiffchiffs and notable for the number of Garden Warblers, one of which was a control. The final tally was 79, which included 6 retraps and the control. This comprised: 32 Chiffchaff, 4 Wren, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 11 Blackcap, 5 Blue Tit, 8 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chaffinch, 8 Garden Warbler, 1 Dunnock and 1 Blackbird.
One Garden Warbler (see photos below) had, unusually, moulted a handful of remiges, tertials and coverts and many other adult birds were now in full wing moult.
It's generally been a poor year for insects, but we noted several species of butterfly, moth and dragonfly. However, the undoubted highlight away from the birds were the abundant and succulent blackberries, some fresh from the bush, some returned to the site as delicious pie by Holly courtesy of the 2023 season.
Pete
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| Garden Warbler showing an unusual moult pattern |
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| Willow Warbler |
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