Monday 30 September 2013

Fair Isle.

 The Obs. A great place to stay.
 I had never seen Heligoland traps worked before. This one is located in a Geo.
 Inside the heligoland, like fern gully! A good place for tired birds to find shelter.
 The Plantation where a Yellow browed Warbler was caught.
 Twite were common.
 A Red Backed Shrike frequented the garden, no doubt feasting on tired migrants.
 One of the many YB Warblers, easily the most common warbler seen.
 The Garden, probably the largest area of scrub on the island. Viewable from the obs, a great place to sit and watch as many rarities turn up here. Two days after we left a Whites thrush was on the hill. No, I am not bitter, just don't mention it!!

Saturday 21 September 2013

Demo day at Charnwood Lodge


We had a great day at Charnwood Lodge on Saturday 21st September 2013. Although we have done them elsewhere this was our first ever ringing demonstration at the site. 'The Lodge' is not the easiest place to find so we were delighted to welcome a number of interested ones who made their way to our bunker in the woods. With the kind permission of the Wildlife Trust we have a dedicated ringing room in one of the old outbuildings. The main house was demolished many years ago but several buildings remain and that was the center of activities for the day.

With just four nets we caught around 100 birds ringing 88 new. A wide range from Goldcrests to Blackbirds and everything in between, Quite a few late Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were ringed along with the resident species. The day included several Bullfinch, Coal Tits, Treecreepers, Nuthatches and Long-tailed Tits supplementing the ubiquitous Great and Blue Tits.

Thanks to all who came also for your generous support.