19/11 Snelsmore Common

Location: Snelsmore Common Feeder, Winter CES 2023/24.02
Session: 19/11/2023  07:45 to 11:20hrs
Notes: I have been concerned that fewer birds than normal are coming to this feeder, but a look back at previous years for key species shows there were similar unusual drops in number for visit 2 in 2016 and 2017 also 2012 and 2013. For 2017 it might be that the feeder was adjusted during the preceding week to allow the removal of an unsafe tree, however for the other years mentioned visit 2 also had comparatively low numbers so it is more likely due to post breeding survival of adults as there is a considerable drop in re-traps for these years. Great Tit also showed a poor fledging from nearby nest boxes spring 2023.
It was quite a busy session though.

Schedule of key species (New and Re-trap) for visit 2 at this Constant Effort Site feeder. 

Present: JL,IW.IQ,DL,LC
Weather: overcast, breezy, few spot rain early, cold.
Nets: 12M of nets, 6M each side of the feeders up from 08:00 to 11:00hrs.
Lures: Feeders with Fat Balls, Black Sunflower Seed/Sunflower Hearts mix Peanuts.

Recaptures:(04)

Blue Tit     pulli ringed: 20/05/2023 nest box WH13, 24/05/2023 nest box CP03, 

                                      02/06/2023 nest box CP20.
Great Tt    ringed: 05/11/2023

Sighting: The site bird-wise was quiet, though we might have missed a few species, didn’t pick up the Ravens for instance that are usually recorded here.