Thursday 9 April 2015

9th April 2015

Weather: S 1, mist

Excellent conditions for once proved fruitful and the day started well when observers travelling over firstly noted two Merlins on the ridge and then a Ring Ouzel on Middle Eye.  The bird flew north to Hilbre where it was photographed.


Visible migration was good with Jackdaws calling overhead, finches bouncing over, a few White Wagtails moving (with one down on 'the A1' - see right) and a good passage of Sand Martins (32) and  Swallows (21).  

Grounded migrants were also in evidence with a couple of Chiffchaffs and the first Willow Warbler of the Spring were caught (see below) and the first two Blackcaps of the year (both males) were recorded.


A Ring Ouzel was caught and immediately another appeared.  Then another with all three birds present at the South End for a short period.



Other oddities noted today included 2 Woodpigeon, a single Canada Goose and a Reed Bunting overhead and 6 House Sparrow including one caught to make it a duo of sparrow species in two days.   

A passage of Wrens was noted with 15 recorded including 8 new birds ringed (see right) and a control caught.


The second Ring Ouzel of the day was caught in the Newton trap mid morning and this was followed by the hat trick in the same trap around midday.


What a great day...


(CJ, KMc, SRR, CJW and SRW) [114-22]

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