An improvement in the weather meant I was back ringing, this time in the arable field at Lytchett Bay. The crop margins continue to be most productive with over 40 Chiffchaffs and good numbers of Goldfinch ringed. Other species ringed included a Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting and a couple of Willow Warblers. A Sparrowhawk was a near miss, getting out of the net before we could reach it.
This morning we were joined by Kathryn Ross, a trainee who normally rings with Kevin Sayer at Hengistbury Head
Chiffchaffs continue to be the commonest bird ringed
As they have a complete moult after breeding, ageing Chiffchaffs can be tricky, solidly dark and broad tail feathers with a lack of nicks (caused by abrasion in the nest) indicates that this is an adult.
If we want to ring in the reed bed and arable field we have to avoid this fella every net round!
gryllosblog 
Leave a Reply