Titchfield Haven Bird Ringing - 28th August 2015

With a four day weekend ahead of me, it seemed like to perfect way to kick it off was a ringing session at The Haven. The end of August is now fast approaching and I will do a summary of where we are totals wise then, but as todays session was a pretty good one, I thought it warranted a short blog post. Barry had only been able to do one session so far this week because of the appalling weather, but yesterdays session had resulted in 10 new Grasshopper Warblers, so it was worth the effort.

The conditions looked ideal for another session this morning with a clear night, and a bright and wind less morning, and it was clear it was going to be good as our nets were dripping with birds first thing. As it happened things didn't end up as good numbers wise as we thought with under 180 birds were trapped, but we were treated to our first Common Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat of the year.

Juvenile Common Redstart

The Common Redstart was a juvenile and there was no evidence of a dark throat or grey feathers in the crown, so was probably a female. Whilst I had the Lesser Whitethroat in the hand I thought I would check the wing formula to make sure it was just of the European sub-species.....well you never know!

Lesser Whitethroat

The wing formula was spot on for European Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca curruca with the second primary being shorter than the fifth but just longer than the sixth.

Wing of Lesser Whitethroat 

The bulk of our catch was made up of Reed and Sedge Warblers again but Blackcaps were't that far behind. We also caught another 18 Grasshopper Warblers, so 28 in two sessions, which is more like it. Good numbers of Whitethroats were also ringed, two of which were adults and one of those a control.

Adult Whitethroat

The bright orange iris and extent of pure white in the tail feathers were dead give aways for the age, as were the retained adult secondaries in both birds.

Tail of adult Common Whitethroat

The remainder of the catch was made up of Willow Warblers, notably four of which were adults, Chiffchaffs, Cetti's Warblers, Goldcrests, Garden Warblers, Long-tailed Tits, Dunnocks and a retrap Song Thrush.

Titchfield Haven - Early September 2014 Update

With all the excitement of the weekend and the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler I didn't get around to posting an update of the weekends ringing at the Haven. The weekend was very much one of two halves, Saturday was another busy day with 233 new birds ringed, whilst Sunday was more relaxed with only 137 new birds ringed. There were in fact several highlights besides the obvious one, the first was the capture of three Kingfishers in a day, the first time we have done that. 

Juvenile Common Kingfisher

Sexing juvenile Kingfishers is always an interesting topic of conversation, you have to decide whether the colouration on the back is more green-blue or blue-green and whether the amount of red on the lower mandible covers two-thirds or one-third. Usually this has to be done with just a single bird, so with three there was the ideal chance for comparison.

Three Juvenile Kingfishers

The next highlight was the capture of two Common Redstarts, our first of the year. Barry had decided to put a Redstart tape on in the morning, it had obviously been worthwhile. Both birds were juvenile birds, and both were males, the black throat feathers can be seen coming through the strongly buff fringed feathers on the image below.

Juvenile Male Common Redstart

Of the 233 birds ringed 91 were Blackcaps, our best day of the year for this species, 32 were Common Whitethroat, 30 Sedge Warbler and 20 each of Grasshopper Warbler and Reed Warbler. Willow Warbler numbers remained good with 10 new birds and 10 new Chiffchaffs were also caught. Only four new Garden Warblers were added to our total to date of 64, which has now surpassed last years total of 63. 

I have previously posted on the subject of ageing Common Whitethroats and in particular the colour of the iris which is quite often the first indication of age. The bird below posed an interesting conundrum, as on first impression the eye looked decidedly juvenile. But on closer inspection its was possible to see a retained worn adult secondary feather in the wing. In addition extensive white was present in the outer tail feathers, these features pointing to an adult. 

Adult Common Whitethroat - although the iris is obvious, it is considerably darker than most adults.

Common Whitethroat - Note retained worn adult secondary in the wing

Common Whitethroat tail, note extent of white on outer edge of the outer tail feathers and on the
tips of the fifth and fourth tale feathers

As I have already mentioned, Sunday was a completely different day with only 137 new birds ringed. The most numerous species was again Blackcap, with 68 new birds ringed, Reed Warbler was next with 30 new birds, followed by Sedge Warbler with 26. Only two each of Grasshopper Warbler and Common Whitethroat were ringed, and our third Lesser Whitethroat of the year.

Five go birding in Dorset - April 2014

It was a step back in time to the 1980's yesterday (18th April) when I got together with four mates for a trip to Portland for some birding. It had been a long time since I had been birding with them all at the same time, and probably even longer since we had squeezed five birders into the car. Given that it was a long weekend there had been much discussion about which day to go, but the predicted overnight cloud and light north-easterly wind made us go for Friday. Unfortunately the slight low came through early and so there was no overnight cloud, but there was still a brisk north-easterly wind.

Top Fields
We arrived early and started in the top fields. The initial lack of migrants in the first field changed in the second as a mixed flock of northern wheatears, whinchats and common redstarts fed frantically. The wheatears were spread out over the field and moving between the surrounding hedgerows. Their constant flicking between the two made them difficult to count but we estimated around 25.

Male Northern Wheatear

The whinchats and redstarts in contrast were easier to count since there were far fewer present with three and two, respectively. Birds in the bushes were generally proving more tricky to see, except that is willow warblers that were present in good numbers around the field margins. With patience we eventually managed to tease out a few blackcaps and a lesser whitethroat.

Male Northern Wheatear

From the top fields we next headed to the west cliffs. We had picked up a summer plumaged golden plover flying over earlier, this had now settled in a field, but was looking a little nervous due to a couple of inquisitive horses. A couple of common whitethroats were added to the list of migrants and a male peregrine flew over low.

West Cliffs

A steady stream of hirundines were flying along the West Cliffs. Predominantly these were made up of Barn Swallows but a handful of houses martins were also passing through. Guillemots and shags were starting to take up residence on the cliff ledges, with larger numbers sat on the water along with a handful of razorbills. Sea passage was slow; a few gannets and fulmars were lingering off shore and a sandwich tern passed by but that was about all of note.

Hut Fields and Observatory Garden

There was a report of a singing grasshopper warbler around the obs garden so we headed there next. Willow warblers were the most numerous species with the supporting cast being blackcaps and a couple of whitethroats. The grasshopper warbler was skulking in a patch of bramble to the east of the obs. It was occasionally reeling, which I found extremely difficult to hear, thereby highlighting the fact that my hearing has not yet fully recovered.

Culverwell

We next headed over to Culverwell and back up to the Top Fields. We saw a few more blackcaps and willow warblers on the way, and another reeling gropper but that was about all.

Reap Lane/Barleycrates Lane and Avalanche Road Hump

After a visit to the local pie shop for lunch we headed to the Reap Lane - Barleycrates Lane area. There had been a ring ouzel present in the morning, we did not catch up with that but we did add a few more common redstarts, whinchats and a further 24 wheatears to the daily totals.

A poor record shot of a Common Redstart

And another, this one is slightly harder to spot

A male pied flycatcher had been reported at Suckthumb Quarry, so this was our next stop. Willow warblers were again commonplace but initially there was no sign of the pied fly. We worked our way around the edge of the quarry and then into the back end of the small copse at the Avalanche Road hump. As we entered the copse we picked up the pied fly immediately, and what a cracking bird it was. Spring pied flys are not a common sight for any of us and this bird showed well for a few minutes before heading to the tops of the trees and out of sight; unfortunately we didn't find it again.

Male Pied Flycatcher

Throughout the day we recorded 10 species of butterfly, which included the typical early species brimstone, peacock, comma, small white, orange tip, speckled wood and small tortoiseshell. Species that were new for the year for us all were holly blue, wall brown and amazingly a very fresh clouded yellow.

Wall Brown Butterfly

By the end of the day we were content with what we had seen and probably slightly surprised, given the fine weather we had had throughout the day. We left Portland and after a brief stop at Lodmoor RSPB reserve headed home.

Titchfield Haven - Bird Ringing Second Update August 2013

Bird ringing at the Haven was restricted to the Saturday only this weekend since it was forecast to be very breezy on Sunday. At 5 am it was flat calm, not a breath of wind, and before long it was evident that there had been a good movement of birds. Grasshopper warblers were the first species caught, but as seems to be the pattern this year they were not present in particularly high numbers, only seven new birds were ringed. By contrast sedge warblers have been abundant this year, and that pattern continued, with 106 new birds ringed. Reed warblers also were in good numbers with 54 new birds ringed, but the surprises came in the form of garden warblers and common redstarts. 

First Winter male Common Redstart

I have previously written about common redstarts since it is a species that we don't catch very often, in fact one or two a year is a good result. On Saturday two first year male birds were trapped and ringed within the first hour, our first two of the year. 

First Winter male Common Redstart

Male birds are very obvious since they exhibit a dark throat, evidence of a white eyebrow and a grey mantle, as can be seen in the image above. The bigger surprise was the numbers of garden warblers. This is a species that we will typically catch around 100 birds a year, and on a good day will catch 10 new birds. This weekend we caught 24 new birds in one morning, which was astonishing. The total included two adult birds but the rest were juveniles. 

By the end of the session we had ringed 217 new birds, so not as many as the previous weekend but a good haul all the same. The total included 106 sedge warblers, 54 reed warblers, 24 garden warblers, nine willow warblers, seven grasshopper warblers and six common whitethroats.

Looking at the numbers I was intrigued to see how this year compared to the last few years, since 2011 had been exceptional for many species whereas 2012 had been a dreadful. Below is a graph and table giving the ringing totals at the haven between the start of each season between 2010 and 2013 to 23rd August 2010 and 17th August 2011 - 2013 . To ensure that the analysis was comparable I compared the same dates where I could, although it was not possible for 2010. I hope you will agree that it makes interesting reading.

Comparison of Ringing Totals between 2010 and 2013 at Titchfield Haven

The numbers of sedge warblers ringed this year are on a par with the record year of 2011, and reed warbler numbers are in fact higher. Presumably this indicates that both these species have had good breeding seasons. Willow warbler numbers are higher than 2012, but the overall trend for the last four years is still down and grasshopper warbler numbers are on a par with 2010, which was the last average year. Garden warbler numbers are slightly up, albeit boosted by the record day on Saturday, and blackcap numbers mirror those of 2010. Common whitethroat numbers have not recovered from the 2012 low, but Cetti's warblers seem to have had an excellent breeding season.

Table of Ringing Totals between 2010 and 2013

So what does all this mean? Well it is difficult to really say at this point in the season, since it may be just that birds are still breeding due to the good weather. Last year we recorded a higher percentage of adult birds than normal at this time, indicating that birds had given up breeding and started to migrate south. This year the number of adult birds recorded for most species has been low, for example grasshopper warbler only two so far and only two out of 24 garden warblers on Saturday were adults. I will do this analysis again at the end of the season so it will be interesting to see how things pan out then.

Titchfield Haven - Bird Ringing Update 9th September 2012

The weekend began with a fantastic sunrise over Titchfield Haven, a bright orange sky, no wind and mist hanging in the valley, what better way could there be to start a weekend. It was feeling very autumnal on Saturday, and it was not long before the nets were sagging due to the weight of water from the heavy dew. Ringing was slow to start, with only a handful of birds captured on the first round, and a paltry four Grasshopper Warblers was a disappointment. A ringing session carried out on Monday (3rd September 2012), had resulted in 46 Grasshopper Warblers being ringed, which is the second highest daily total ever for this species in September, the highest being 55 on 12th September 2010. Looks like this species might have peaked now.

Dawn 8th September 2012, Titchfield Haven

By contrast this week was the time for the Sylvia warbler to take centre stage, and Saturday 8th began with a dozen or so Blackcaps, and a couple of Common Whitethroats, but for the second time this year the star bird was a juvenile Lesser Whitethroat. We watched this bird in the field working its way along a line of sallows before flying straight into our net.

Juvenile Lesser Whitethroat

As the sun rose and insect activity increased so did the level of bird activity, and we had soon captured 23 Sedge Warblers, 19 Reed Warblers, 27 Blackcaps and a new Cetti's Warbler. Willow Warblers are still trickling through, we caught four new birds and one Chiffchaff, for comparison.

Willow Warbler (left) and Chiffchaff (right)

We ended the day having caught over 80 birds, which was a great result given the slow start. Sunday 9th September was a little more breezy, and therefore there was less mist. The nets were dry, a little more cloud, but still great ringing conditions. Today was one of scheduled event days, this time the local Wildlife Explorer group. It is always nice to see so many enthusiastic children getting up so early to see wildlife; no pressure but it was down to us to keep them occupied.

Wildlife Explorers at Titchfield Haven

Once again things were very quiet to start and our first round produced only a handful of birds, but it did include five more Grasshopper Warblers and a few Sedge and Reed Warblers. The children were great and despite the lack of birds were very attentive and enthusiastic with what we caught, even when it was a moulting adult Dunnock and a Great Tit. We persevered, and added a couple more Common Whitethroats and single Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and Goldcrest, before decided to try and catch some hirundines.  

Mixed Flock of Barn Swallow, House Martin and sand Martin

There was a large, mixed flock of hirundines swarming around the sallows, occasionally coming low over the reeds, and it was not long before we had caught our first, then second, then third Barn Swallow. The Wildlife Explorers had never seen a Barn Swallow in the hand, and were really enjoying the birds, even more so when we pulled a House Martin out of a bag.

Juvenile House Martin

It has been a couple of year since I last ringed a House Martin, but I must admit I think they are cracking birds, that is when not covered with flat flies (their resident parasites).

Juvenile House Martin

This bird was a juvenile and had pale tips to the wing feathers and the tertials, and the upperparts were generally dull and not gloossy.

Juvenile House Martin

Interestingly, House Martins have feathered legs and feet, which I was once told was due to the fact that the species wintered at high altitude and therefore needed to insulate their legs against the cold, but I have never seen this in any published literature...but its a great story. 

Feathered Leg of the House Martin

Sunday finished with only 42 birds captured, of which one was a control Sedge Warbler and a very happy Wildlife Explorer group.

Overall the week had been mixed, with 3rd and 8th September being the busiest days, with over 80 birds being caught on each. A total of 65 Grasshopper Warblers, 62 Sedge Warblers, 55 Reed Warblers and 44 Blackcaps were ringed, along with a scattering of other species, including another Lesser Whitethroat and two Common Redstarts, one of which was a juvenile male. 

Juvenile Male Redstart 3rd September (B S Duffin)

To catch three Common Redstart in one year is exceptional for the haven, we usually only catch one a year.

Titchfield Haven, Bird Ringing 11th & 12th August

My apologies for the late posting of this weeks ringing summary from Titchfield Haven but things have been fairly hectic of late. This weekend the ringing team was filled with optimism at the chance of catching an Aquatic Warbler, since it was getting on for mid August, and for the first time this autumn, the winds had gone around to the east, but alas it was not to be.

It was a mixed weekend, with 80 birds being caught on Saturday and 50 on Sunday, although the Sunday total was boosted with a sample of the local tit flock! Species wise, Sedge Warbler was the most numerous, with 63 ringed, followed by Reed Warbler, with 30. Surprisingly only 10 Grasshopper Warblers were ringed, nine on Saturday and one on Sunday, and only eight Willow Warblers, with Blackcap (3), Garden Warbler (1) and Bullfinch (1), making up the numbers.

As with most ringing sessions though there is always a star bird, and this week it was a cracking juvenile male Common Redstart. We only catch one or two of these each year, so it is always a crowd pleaser, so to speak, when we do. 

Juvenile male Common Redstart

This individual was one of the easier ones to age since it was a male; first year male birds have brown tips to the edges of the greater coverts, the throat feathers are broadly tipped brownish-white and the white band on the forehead is not clearly defined. In the image above it is possible to see the black throat feathers, cloaked by the broad pale fringing.

Juvenile male Common Redstart

Adult birds show grey edges to the greater coverts, and the throat feathers are only narrowly tipped white, and the white band on the forehead is clearly defined.

Juvenile male Common Redstart

Ageing females can be quite problematic, typically it is possible to see a slight contrast between the inner one or two greater coverts, which are grey tipped and unworn, and the outer greater coverts, which are worn and brownish edged, but not always.

Bird Ringing Throughout July 2011 at Titchfield Haven

Well here we are, the beginning of August already so I thought it would an ideal time to provide a summary of the months ringing at Titchfield Haven. In all we carried out 11 ringing sessions, with the first on 10th July through to the last on 31st July. A total of 884 new birds were ringed and the peak day was 30th July, when 145 birds were ringed, and numbers have been steadily building throughout the month for most species.

Grasshopper Warbler

Those regular followers of this blog will have already got wind of the most notable news during July, and that is the extraordinary number of Grasshopper Warblers moving through. We have always caught large numbers of this species at Titchfield Haven, with our peak being in 2009, when a massive 569 birds were captured. That year we had ringed 58 birds by the end of July, whereas this year we have ringed 267 new birds, by the end of July!!! The other interesting fact is that we have only captured one adult bird, which we are assuming means that this species has had a very good breeding season.

Cetti's Warbler

 
In stark contrast to Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Warbler numbers have been low, with only 109 new birds ringed, and Sedge warbler numbers have been decidedly average with 339 new birds ringed. The interesting fact about Sedge Warblers is that on some days nearly 50% of the birds captured have been adult, does this mean they have had a bad breeding season? Cetti's Warbler is one of our specialty species and we can easily catch over 100 new birds in a season, during July we only captured 7 new birds, perhaps another example of a bad breeding season.

Common Kingfisher

Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat numbers started slowly, but by the end of July we had amassed 21, 11 and 25 respectively; totals of 37 Willow Warbler and 16 Chiffchaff were again decidedly average, although Willow Warbler numbers tend to peak in August and Chiffchaff in September. Three juvenile Common Kingfishers added a bit of colour to our ringing sessions, with one caught on the 15th and two on the 31st.  

Common Redstart

And the only real surprise was our first Common Redstart of the season, a species that we do not usually capture until August or even September.