Sunday 28 July 2013

June and July update


The combination of a hectic period of work and weather too nice to spend sitting at a computer has meant six weeks have suddenly flown by without an update - so here goes.

Late June

As usual, this time of year is dedicated to checking out the chicks. Here are some highlights:-

Four broods of whinchats were found all with five or six healthy young

















25 kestrel chicks were colour-ringed ringed from 7 nests

four red kite chicks were tagged and ringed



















July

Although the season got off to a very late start, some recent trips to Ty Rhyg conifer plantation to catch and ring warblers clearly show that many species have had a much better breeding season than last year. In particular, the number of willow warblers at this site is higher than ever, with up to 48 being ringed in a morning. Many are now just completing their post-juvenile moult and so will be heading south  very soon.

Juvenile willow warbler in fresh plumage ready to fly to Africa


 Willow tits are a special bird at this site with half of the Welsh ringing total coming from this site over the last few years, and after only catching a single juvenile in 2012, it is reassuring to have caught six recently fledged birds this month.

One of six juvenile willow tits this July
four juvenile redstarts have been ringed so far