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.

Monday 22 April 2013

Where are the Willow Warblers?

Back ringing again at the Swannery again after the miserable winter months.  New rides cut and old one trimmed. Water level still high in some places so care needed.  Just at the cusp of the top of the waders and not want a leg full too early on in the session.



The first half hour Sunday morning was spent defrosting the nets. The nets were white with frost and reluctant to unfurl. However soon up and running and the first round brought three Cettis Warblers- one retrap male from last October and two new females.  Then followed usual fare of Blackcaps,Wrens, Dunnocks etc but in the whole session only three Willow Warblers.  Luke has had similar results with a lack of Willow Warblers nearby at Clouds Hill.  We didn't trap many at Gibraltar first week April either.  Possibly the results of last years terrible breeding season.  Chiffchaffs about in better numbers.










The session finished with a nice female Reed Bunting



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