Today, Duncan, Libby, Ian and I went to Holme Pierrepont with Gary. We got 6 nets up before the light, expected rain started to arrive, but then the rain got heavier and forced us to close the nets for 45 minutes or so. Luckily, we didnt give up and the weather improved allowing us to open the nets and put up another 4 into the reedbeds.
We caught 36 birds, 28 new and 8 retraps. The new birds included a good selection of juveniles including Sedge, Reed, Garden & Willow Warblers, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Wren and Robin. One of the juvenile Reed Warblers prompted a good discussion about whether it was a 1J or a 3J as it was obviously still growing all its flight feathers. In the end we aged it as a 3J and when released (close to where it was caught) it flew off strongly. Here is a picture of its tongue spots:
Interestingly all the retraps were adults. Several birds were in various stages of moult allowing good learning opportunities. All in all, a great morning which came to an end about 11:30 as the wind got stronger and the skies darkened once again. Thanks to Gary & Libby for the pics.
Mick P
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