09/06 Greenham Common

Location: Greenham Common: Western Enclosure
Session: 09/06/2021, 07:30 to 10:50hrs
Notes: An early visit to the migration site just to see what was about. The Lesser Whitethroat was unexpected as there have been few at this end of the common this year. Most adults including the Dartford Warbler were females with brood patches and the Blackbird and one of the Chiffchaffs juveniles, my first of the year. A nice male Stonechat made up a good variety bearing mind that no lures were used. One of the Woodlark seen was ringed, probably the bird ringed on the 09/04/2021

A Stonechat in breeding condition (one of the dark males)

Some old greater coverts and alula feathers so a 2nd summer bird.

Present: JL,IW
Weather: Sunny, light breeze, warm
Nets: 48metres in 3 rides of 18M, 18M, 12M up from 08:00 to 10:30hrs
Lures: None

Recaptures:(02)    

Chiffchaff	ringed 15/07/2020
Robin	ringed 22/10/2020

Sightings 29 species: Possibly missed a few species, the Buzzard was the very “white” looking bird, the Hobby flashed through less than 2metres above ground level as we were taking nets down and a family party of Blue Tits crossed the heath when we were processing the last birds. Blackcap, Wrens, Robins and Dunnocks were relatively quiet. Many of the Linnets appear to have moved on since the heavy rains of late May, presumably failed breeders.