Visit 12 on 28/08/2018
The last visit of the survey. All twelve visits completed this year, and a good range of species caught. Full details to follow in the annual report.
Like the last visit this one was a small catch, reflecting the trend of recent years for catches to fall off during August. The catch of 31 birds was below average and was the third equal lowest catch. Despite this, the total for the year will put 2018 in the middle of the “league table” of catches, so in terms of overall numbers it has been an average year. The full report will show how the different species have done.
Of the 31 birds caught today, 19 were of resident species, the first time that resident birds have outnumbered summer migrants. All the Sedge warblers had gone, and only two Whitethroat were caught. Solitary Willow warbler and Redstart, two blackcaps, and a few more low flying Swallows made up the migrant catch.
With the end of the CES season, we now have a little break, then re-commence ringing here at Ashleworth towards the end of September to monitor the Autumn passage of Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipits. These will hopefully be joined by flocks of Finches.