The extraordinary warm weather continues. We opted to ring at our alternative Durlston site, the ‘goat plots’ on the slopes overlooking Tilly Whim caves. This is a lovely site with views over the sea, allowing seawatching (and in this case sunbathing) if the ringing is slow.
Although there was a lot of visible migration, or ‘vis mig’ to affecianadoes, with flocks of Goldfinch, Siskin, Pied Wagtails and the occasional Skylark heading east there were few grounded migrants. This settled spell has allowed the birds to continue their migration without the need to stop on the south coast.
What we lacked in numbers we made up for in quality with two Firecrests and a Green Woodpecker trapped.
Another stunning Durlston dawn
Compared to the juveniles illustrated on the 12/8 and 2/9 blog entries, this Green Woodpecker has completed its post-juvenile moult. Seperating it from adult plumage is based on fine differences to the barring of the coverts.
Along with Goldcrest, this Firecrest is UK's smallest bird. The mainly yellow crown indicates it is a female.
Whilst the stunning orange streak on the second bird's crown shows it is a male.
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