Pitsford Ringing

Hello

Sustained efforts at ringing at Pitsford Reservoir during the week-end has resulted in the capture of some 215 birds.  Forty-one Tree Sparrows were caught (thirty-six were new juveniles) suggesting that this species locally seems to have enjoyed a reasonable breeding season.  Warblers included 16 Reed Warblers, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and 7 Willow Warblers.

The star bird was a first year male Redstart trapped in the Scaldwell Bay (see images below).  Other birds included 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, a Marsh Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Other birds noted at Pitsford Res today included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, several Little Egrets, 1-2 Common Sandpiper(s) and a Spotted Flycatcher.

At Harrington Airfield this morning birds noted included a Redstart by the first bunker, a Tree Pipit over south at 6.30am, a Wheatear and two Ravens.  This afternoon Eleanor went on to locate a fine adult male Redstart and several Clouded Yellow butterflies in a field between Walgrave village and Pitsford Res.

Regards

Neil M

Redstart
Courtesy of Chris Payne

Yellow Wagtail
Courtesy of Simon Hales