Some days you just get lucky

A bit windy here this weekend so I thought it about time I updated you on our luck last Sunday. Once again, a small group of us were out targeting the corn feeders at Bishop Monkton. It was much warmer this weekend so four nets were opened. Up until 10:30 it was an average morning.

Green Woodpecker

Our 30 minutes of luck then started. We were pleased with an unexpected Kingfisher on our planned net round (ringing tick for Anita). I then set out to try and tape lure a Green Woodpecker into the far net. But, flushed it in on the way there (ringing tick for me). Whilst ringing these we got great views of a fox that walked out into the open right in front of the shed. And then, while still ringing the last net round, Dave somehow manages to spot a female Sparrowhawk heading in the direction of our feeder nets – He runs off and returns with said Sparrowhawk (ringing tick for Natasha).

Anita with her first Kingfisher

Natasha with her first Sparrowhawk

42 New birds and (20) retraps – Yellowhammer 16(2), Reed Bunting 9(8), Dunnock (7) Chaffinch 5, Blackbird 4, Great Tit 1(2), Tree Sparrow 1, Wren 1, Fieldfare 1, Songthrush 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Kingfisher 1, Sparrowhawk 1,Blue Tit (1).

Yet more Redpoll

I didn’t ring myself today but the rest of the group did. Looks like they had another good day with over 100 birds ringed including more Lesser Redpoll and what must be our last Blackcap of the year. In addition, DZ got to ring his first Kingfisher.

Blackcap ringed on 18 October 2009 (D Bass)

Kingfisher ringed on 18 October 2009 (D Bass)

102 Birds ringed in total. Kingfisher (1), Wren (2), Robin (1), Blackbird (18), Song Thrush (12), Redwing (1), Blackcap (1), Marsh Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (18), Chaffinch (1), Goldfinch (14), Lesser Redpoll (26), Reed Bunting (5).