It was quite an exciting morning. Nets were set in the dark and opened by 07.00 and groups Redwings appeared straight away, presumably having been grounded overnight. As the morning progressed there were many hundreds of Fieldfares attracted to the Mp3 player. However, only one was trapped and that escaped whilst I was still a way from the net. Fieldfares are well known to avoid mist nets. Other flocks of Redwings and mixed redwing/Fieldfare appeared and moved on until about 09.30 after then only occasional smaller numbers were seen. They seemed to be generally moving towards the East away from the reserve. Seven Redpolls were trapped at dawn but only one more after that. Approx 50 corvids flew east to the south of the United Utilities site at 08.30, these were most likely Jackdaws. The trickle of Chiffchaffs continues with two unringed caught, also a single Blackcap.
Robin 2
Redwing 12
Chiffchaff 2 + 1 retrap
Goldcrest 2
Blue Tit 2
Lesser Redpoll 8
Singles of Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush (0nly our 3rd this year), Blackcap, Reed Bunting.
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| One of the Redwing - picture by Jean |
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| Jean also took this shot of Fieldfare passing over. Note the lack of formation........ |
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| ........compared to the classic goose formation of Pinkfoot passing over a few days ago |
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| Common Snipe 1 |
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| Pheasant 1 |
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| Little grebe |
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| Greylag geese - just seconds after this shot they disappeared into the low cloud |
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| Meadow Pipit |
