Josh and I stayed at Portland Bird Observatory for a week-long ringing trip at the start of April, hoping to catch and monitor the returning spring migrants. Although the weather was far from ideal (very windy all week with rain on and off) we enjoyed a steady trickle of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps alongside the mostly-resident birds such as Dunnock, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Robin and Great Tit.
The highlights were two stunning male Redstarts and a female Sparrowhawk. Birds seen but that evaded the mist nets were Ring Ouzel and Serin. One male Blackcap weighed a whopping 22.8g with a fat score around 6 or 7, which makes you wonder how much further North he was planning on travelling. Nearly all of the other Blackcaps weighed around 17-18g.
What was slightly different for us was that at Portland they play-safe on ageing Chiffchaffs in spring because they do a pre-breeding moult. Although the pre-breeding moult is usually confined to body feathers, Svennson says 5% of birds can moult a few greater coverts. This means that any bird returning could have at least two ages of greater coverts. Moth traps were set every night but returned little in numbers (understandable given the weather).
As it was my first time visiting Portland, what struck me the most was the social aspect and company of fellow ringers and naturalists who were also staying at the Obs. It was great to chat with others about their ringing experiences and learn so much. Thanks to the wardens, Martin and Jody, for their hospitality and guidance.
Holly
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