Sunday 20 September 2015

Overt Migration

Hello

A ringing session at Harrington Airfield today resulted in the capture and processing of 79 birds of 19 species which included 3 Chiffchaffs, 9 Meadow Pipits, a Coal Tit, a Reed Bunting, 4 Linnets, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 16 Yellowhammers and a Green Woodpecker.

Jacob Spinks saw a Wheatear and a Whinchat briefly but his main prize was a low-flying Honey Buzzard by the Chippings Compound at 5.25pm which then flew south. The low cloud and mist first thing ensured that migrants were all at low-level and included some 50 Siskins, about a hundred Meadow Pipits and small numbers of 'Alba' Wagtails, Yellow Wagtails and redpoll sp. Flocks of House Martins and Swallows flew over the old airfield at various stages of the day before moving off south.

John Woollett and his team were ringing at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning and caught 76 birds which included 22 Blackcaps (including a 'control' from elsewhere), 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a late Garden Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers and a Magpie.

Two Redstarts remain off the footpath between Walgrave village and Pitsford Reservoir and Blueberry Farm hosted a pair of Stonechat, 4 Whinchats, a female Peregrine and a juvenile Marsh Harrier, all in The Hill Field.

Regards

Neil M

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