INTRODUCTION

This is foreseen to be an occasional blog relating to bird ringing at Abbotsbury Swannery. The site has operated as a BTO Constant Effort Site since 1995 and has taken part in the BTO Swallow Roost Project. In recent years we have concentrated in the autumn with both Yellow and Pied/White Wagtails. In 2009 we joined the Woodcock Network.

Saturday, 1 September 2012

Yellow mist!

Pulling up at the Swannery gates last night we were greeted by a few 'seeps' from overhead Yellow Wagtails.  Speculation arose that perhaps a catch of thirty or so birds was on the cards that night.

Walking out to unfurl the nets a Black tern flew overhead at Helen's Hide and made for the round-up area but was quickly lost to view. An omen for sure!

Soon the Yellow Wagtails started to arrive along with the Swallows and Sand Martins. We quickly picked up a few Sedge and Reed Warblers and a late evening Garden Warbler was trapped in the withy bed. There is a certain cut off point in the light when the birds say 'that is it 'and go in to roost. 

Luke and I had our work cut out for twenty minutes. In total 87 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Grey-headed Wagtail (nice bird) and a couple of Pied Wagtails for good measure.  A handful of Swallows and Sand Martins - including a control Swallow. 

A good evening.  Hopefully going for more Yellow Wagtails this week if weather is kind. We are keen to surpass last years total.

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