Today was the first ringing session since reinstating permissions at Kingsclere Sewage Treatment Works (KSTW). I sent round an email on Friday to the group and I was joined today by Simon, Jan, Ian, Jon and Pat 😁. We all put up nets in different areas, and found that the catches were pretty random, with no particular nets doing particularly well. Some areas of the site could have done with a net or an extra net, which I'll try out next time I come here, which will probably be next week (Monday or Tuesday). I got to test out one of the nets that Rupert gave me and I must say I am very impressed at what great condition it's in 💕😍 I'm so grateful - if you're reading this Rupert thank you again!
We caught two Grey Wagtails, which were nice to see as Simon and I hadn't ringed them before (I've ringed pulli, but not full grown). They're surprisingly long! Relatively easy to sex (the two we caught were both female. According to the French guide males would have had black on the throat) and more complicated was ageing them. Looking at contrasts in the colour of primaries and secondaries compared to tertials allowed us to age the second Grey Wagtail as a 6.
We caught at least four Chaffinches that unfortunately couldn't be ringed due to grotty foot. There were Swallows about but they could see the nets and were avoiding them skillfully! They did get dangerously close though! In the ringing hut Jan was saying about not being able to hear Goldcrests, which was coincidentally singing as he was saying it! (he couldn't hear it lol). Was good to see everyone and next Sunday is the last group session before the CES starts, so the whole group will come to Bowdown! Hosting two group sessions in a row, cor 😀
Totals for the morning:
Is it a fashion statement? Or is it health and safety:
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