Some migrants

Rubbish pic of male Willow Warbler caught first thing on Sunday.

A bitty week when I have had other commitments. This didn't really affect the ringing as there was little movement of the "target species" - i.e. the birds that come through the garden. I don't think I've much chance of catching Linnet, Sand Martin, Meadow Pipit or Wheatear in the orchard, all of which are pushing through the area at the moment.


Another new species for the garden - 5M/2CY Bullfinch.

A second Willy followed soon after the first. A male Blackcap on passage was trapped on Tuesday and a new female on Sunday; the "winter resident" female was re=trapped on Friday. All of these migrants were in good condition (fat & muscle scores).

The 38 birds ringed this week (and 10 re-traps)were:
Great Tit 2 (1)
Chiffchaff 1
Willow Warbler 2
Blackcap 2 (1)
Wren (1)
Blackbird 3
Robin (1)
Dunnock (1)
House Sparrow 1 (2)
Chaffinch 1 + 1 new fem. with 'scaly leg' not ringed (2nd this year)
Brambling 3
Greenfinch 8 (3)
Goldfinch 14
Bullfinch 1

And for the railway buffs, a shot I took today of the oldest surviving GWR loco in private ownership [Cotswold Steam Group]. The Churchward designed 2-8-0 No.2807 emerged from the Swindon works in 1905 and had a working life of 58 years.