A much poorer October than last year with only 330 individuals of 27 species ringed compared to 533 of 33 species in 2023. Some of this can be attributed to a poor redpoll autumn, with only 7 ringed this year as opposed to 2023 where at 109 individuals it was the most numerous species ringed. Meadow pipit numbers have also been dire this autumn, and not a single one was ringed this month, and barely any in September. Chiffchaff numbers are less than half of last years 73 and blackcap numbers are just over a third of what they were.
On the opposite side of the scale, 15 grey wagtail is a massive improvement on 5 last year, though they have been in good numbers here all year. 51 robin is a good number considering the awful breeding season they seem to have had, at least locally, and the same goes for blackbirds, though both species are well boosted by immigrants at this time of year.
On the scarcity front, a water rail was the first we've ringed here for four years, and a first year quail was the first ringed at Landguard in its history.
Two tristis type chiffchaffs (Siberian) were nice, though expected, as was our only yellow-browed warbler so far this year.
Robin |
51 |
Goldcrest |
42 |
Song Thrush |
37 |
Blackbird |
30 |
Chiffchaff |
27 |
Wren |
20 |
Blackcap |
18 |
Grey wagtail |
16 |
Great Tit |
15 |
Dunnock |
13 |
Redwing |
10 |
Chaffinch |
10 |
Lesser Redpoll |
7 |
Blue tit |
7 |
Firecrest |
5 |
Cetti's warbler |
2 |
Tristis Chiffchaff |
2 |
Goldfinch |
2 |
Woodpigeon |
2 |
Siskin |
2 |
Willow Warbler |
1 |
Jay |
1 |
Garden warbler |
1 |
Quail |
1 |
Water Rail |
1 |
Yellow-browed Warbler |
1 |
Sedge warbler |
1 |
Linnet |
1 |
Total |
330 |