Thursday 25 June 2015

Pitsford update Part 2

Hello

Dave Francis was active at Pitsford Reservoir again today, committing to another Constant Effort Site session in the Scaldwell Bay. This resulted in the capture of 85 birds which is close to the long term average for this timed session, the early results suggesting a mixed picture for our locally breeding birds.

Birds processed were made up of 11 Great Tits, 7 Blue Tits, a Coal Tit, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 9 Robins, 2 Dunnocks, 4 Wrens, 6 Song Thrushes, 7 Blackbirds, 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Reed Warblers, a Goldcrest, a Bullfinch, 3 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, a Greenfinch and 3 Reed Buntings.

One of the Reed Warblers was a re-trap of at least 7 years! A few birds caught near to Old Scaldwell Road feed station included a Canada Goose, a Carrion Crow, 5 Mallard, 2 Starlings and a Blackbird.

In very pleasant sultry conditions this evening, birds noted at Pitsford Res included a pair of Oystercatcher, a Redshank, a Mandarin Duck and a Barn Owl hunting south of the causeway. Already the traditional summer build-up of ducks is well under way with an increase in numbers of Pochard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall. Plenty of post-breeding Lapwings are also present, spending much of their time loafing on the concrete parapet of the causeway.

Regards

Neil M

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