gryllosblog   Gryllo's (aka Ian Lewis') blog. All things to do with travel, wildlife especially birds, history, architecture and anything else that interests me.

Since the mid 70’s memebers of Stour Ringing Group have been ringing birds at Lytchett Bay, research that sheds light on migration routes, longevity, cause of death and population dynamics. We usually at the end of the breeding season and continue, weather and manpower permitting until the end of the year.

Today was my first ‘autumn’ ringing although ther have been four other sessions in July whilst I was away. We mainly ring in the reed beds in July and August, and concentrate on scrubby / wooded areas once the Acrocephalus warblers have departed.

Today we trapped 67 new birds plus a number of retraps, including 6 species of warbler.

Reed Warbler is our commonest bird at this time of year. As the adults have a full moult in Africa, adults are in worn plumage whilst juveniles are fresh.

Unlike Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers do not breed at Lytchett. Their appearance in late July indicates that autumn migration is underway.

The best time to catch Grasshopper Warblers is late July / early August..... and very early in the morning.

Note the long undertail coverts typical of the genus Locustella.

Cettis Warblers are scarce but regular at Lytchett