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:-
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| Four broods of whinchats were found all with five or six healthy young |
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| 25 kestrel chicks were colour-ringed ringed from 7 nests |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| One of six juvenile willow tits this July |
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| four juvenile redstarts have been ringed so far |
