Wednesday 2nd April 2014

With light ENE winds the mist was slow to clear. Consequently very little was found around the reserve. The most notable was a female Sparrowhawk, about a dozen Redwings, most of which were flyovers and a Fieldfare which dropped in out of the mist for a short time.

Ringing was equally slow with only 6 birds ringed. 2 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff,1 Robin and a Blackbird.

Tuesday 1st April 2014

A warm sunny start to the month. A nice variety of birds about but not many of anything. The only birds of note being single Firecrest, Wheatear & Willow Warbler, our first two Sand Martins of the year, a couple of Skylark and the Common Sandpiper was seen again in its usual spot by the docks.

Ringing; single Firecrest, Robin, Linnet & Willow Warbler.

Shorebird Fencing

Weather permitting it is intended to put up the temporary seasonal fencing for ground nesting birds this Friday 4th April. Many hands make light work so if you able to help please meet by the garage alongside the cottage at 0930hrs & wear appropriate clothing & footwear for the task in hand.

March Ringing Totals

A total of 145 birds of 24 species were ringed during the month.

Woodpigeon	2	Song Thrush	7
Collared Dove	3	Redwing	3
Goldcrest	4	Robin	10
Firecrest	2	Black Redstart	1
Blue Tit	9	Stonechat	1
Great Tit	9	Wheatear	5
Long-tailed Tit	1	Dunnock	7
Chiffchaff	33	Chaffinch	9
Willow Warbler	1	Brambling	1
Blackcap	3	Greenfinch	3
Wren	3	Goldfinch	2
Blackbird	19	Linnet	7

Monday 31st March 2014

A nice calm day but bright and misty. First thing 35 Redwing headed out with another 8 in the bushes was a good start to the day. As the morning progressed 4 Chiffchaffs, our first Willow Warbler of the year, single Blackcap and Black Redstart & 2 Wheatear were found along with a few additional Blackbirds, Robins & Dunnocks. A young female Merlin was seen plucking a bird on the reserve and not long after a young male was also found.

14 Birds ringed; 3 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet and single Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Black Redstart & Song Thrush. A control Dunnock was also caught.

Sunday 30th March 2014

Despite the light south easterly winds and overcast conditions there was precious little to be seen. The one highlight being a male Serin which appeared to come from the cottage garden at 09-43 am and flew north low over the fort. Offshore 9 Red-Throated Divers flew north and a Fulmar south. Whilst on the sea 2 Porpoises were seen around the Harbour Mouth.

Only 6 birds were ringed . 2 linnets, 1 Collared Dove, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, and 1 Wren.

Saturday 29th March 2014

Another misty start. A few more migrants were about today with 2 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs and 6 Song Thrush. On the reserve a nice White Wagtail was located but no Wheatears.

5 Birds ringed; 2 Chiffchaff and single Blackcap, Linnet & Song Thrush.