Hardwork ready for spring - March 2022

Most of this month’s activity at Bedfont has been spent reclaiming the net rides from the Covid-induced jungle. The increase in Chiffchaffs has been noticeable and last weekend Blackcaps were singing, both being caught at some point during the sessions. The Blackcaps were carrying a good amount of fat which was good to see.

A few hours here and there and a good couple of mornings and the site is looking much better. There’s still plenty to do but I think it should pay off in the future.

At Woolley Firs, March can be a tough month for ringing as the winter flocks disperse and the summer migrants are yet to arrive. The stormy weather didn’t help and we didn’t get to Woolley until 15th; a Tuesday as we finally got the message that calm weekends weren’t to be taken for granted.

Rewards included a Danish-ringed Redwing and some rather good-looking Brambling.

Young male Brambling feeding-up at Woolley Firs

We opened the site at Wraysbury and found the site in good shape. The catch included Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps and one of the Blackbirds could be seen with-egg - nature is getting on with the year!

Trainees reading the literature between rounds