16/07 Greenham Common

Location: Greenham Common Estovers

Session: 16/06/2024 07:45 to 10:50hrs

Notes: No CES this week so a fill-in session in the Estovers scrub. The scrub looked relatively quiet when we set the nets and with a blustery breeze expectations were low. As it turned out we did quite well including ringing two Green Woodpecker, both juveniles and from the same net but not at the same time. We ran an audio lure of warbler song at one net for about 20 minutes that brought in a Chiffchaff and a couple of Blackcaps. No sign of the Nightingale that was here at the previous session. I have not detected any of the five that were frequently singing, calling etc around the common up until a week or so ago despite checking for them several times. I suspect the wet spring to have affected their breeding if the number of tit failures in my nest boxes are anything to go by; worst year since I started ringing pulli in 1986 I think, but still have some final outcomes to check. Did a short session as had to take the nets down at 10:30hrs to support Kay and Sadie doing the Race for Life at the racecourse.

Present: JL,IW,JHW,IQ.

Weather: Sunny periods, blustery breeze, warm

Nets: 48metres 5 Scrub Rides, up from 08:00 to 10:30 hrs.

Lures audio: Warbler song played for about 20 minutes mid-session at one net.

Recaptures: (02)

Chiffchaff        ringed: 31/03/2024

Dunnock         ringed: 26/05/2024  

Sightings: IW’s list - nothing unexpected, windy weather probably subdued activity somewhat.