CES 1

After much discussion over the winter it was decided to change the timings and nets for CES.  There were many valid reasons for this change.  The first new CES was carried out over the weekend.

A bird that has been heard on the reserve but not seen was a Garden Warbler.  Its song is difficult to distinguish from the Blackcap's.  A summer migrant, it spends its winters south of the Sahara.

Over the winter months the Lesser Redpolls have been heard across the reserve and seen feeding on the Nyger seeds in the back garden in quite large numbers.  Their diet includes seeds from Birch, Larch and Alder.  A Red listed bird due to a sharp population decline in the 20th century.  Not many have been seen feeding recently, so it was a pleasant surprise to catch one.

Once CES had finished the bird ringers were checking bird boxes, following up on the preliminary work done earlier this week.  A Tawny Owl was held securely but gently before being returned to the its box.  This one is browner than the one on an earlier blog, which almost appears black.

And finally the camera in a nest box shows that there is a Blue Tit in a lovely comfy nest.  Pop into the Field Centre to view its secret life on screen.