A bird singing at 0445hrs for the next few hours was interesting and informative. It didn't have a very varied repertoire, despite singing almost continually, but gave notes to remind one of Blyth's Reed and Olivaceous Warbler's. It's skulking behaviour didn't help but fortunately it eventually found a mist net and it turned out to be a Marsh Warbler. Normally Marsh Warblers are very varied in their vocabulary but this individuals was fairly bland. A salutary lesson, if one were needed, that you should never rule this species out when trying to name elusive songsters. Also of note this morning was a northern "acredula" type Willow Warbler. The last Willow Warbler of the spring was back on the 24th May so this bird has also drifted in on the very light easterly breeze this morning. At least 5 Reed Warblers on site is the highest count of the spring with the trapped birds all carrying a bit of fat to carry on to their intended destinations. A Spot Fly also needs to get a move on is also a characteristically late spring migrant. Conversely the 3 Curlew heading south are autumn migrants. Overlapping spring & autumn migration certainly makes this time of the year confusing for the uninitiated. Three Med Gulls knocking about including two adults are probably failed breeders going walkabout. Moth traps fairly busy but very few migrants. All in all an entertaining morning.
12 birds ringed: 4 reed warbler, 3 linnet, 2 robin, 1 wood pigeon, 1 dunnock, 1 marsh warbler.