Oxwich Marsh 21 April 2014

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A strong easterly wind gradually dropped off over the morning.  However, the residual gusts clearly limited the catch, as in 4.5 hours we failed to capture any reedbed (or other) warblers, and the only nets to return birds were those around the feeders.

Despite the wind (and the sunshine as the morning wore on), the catch of 52 birds made the session worthwhile – but there were no surprises within it.  The following were captured:

Species New Re-trapped Total
Dunnock 0 2 2
Blue Tit 2 0 2
Great Tit 2 13 15
Chaffinch 3 2 5
Greenfinch 6 0 6
Goldfinch 8 2 10
Siskin 4 6 10
Reed Bunting 2 0 2
Total:  27 25 52

The highlights were the finches and reed buntings, as these keep the annual totals ticking.  Ringing targets of 50 chaffinch, 150 greenfinch and 200 goldfinch in 2014 seem attainable. 

A male greenfinch

Totals for 2014 to date are below:

Species New Re-trapped Total
Kingfisher 1 0 1
Great Spotted
Woodpecker
1 3 4
Wren 3 6 9
Dunnock 4 13 17
Robin 1 6 7
Stonechat 2 0 2
Cetti’s
Warbler
2 3 5
Sedge Warbler 2 0 2
Reed Warbler 1 1 2
Blackcap 5 0 5
Chiffchaff 5 0 5
Willow Warbler 5 0 5
Goldcrest 2 1 3
Blue Tit 67 95 162
Great Tit 16 53 69
Chaffinch 41 8 49
Greenfinch 132 20 152
Goldfinch 174 34 208
Siskin 37 16 53
Bullfinch 3 2 5
Reed Bunting 68 34 102
Total: 572 295 867

Many thanks to Cedwyn Davies, Heather Coates, Charlie Sargent and Keith Vaughton for company and assistance this morning.

Owain Gabb
21/04/14

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