Ringing

Today was busier than usual - no time for much photography alas as I was busy clearing the nets to keep Brendan supplied with birds to ring. Once again Willow Warblers dominated with Sedge, Whitethroat, Reed and Great Reed following on. Of the local breeding species Rufous Bush chats, White-cheeked Bulbul, and Spannish Sparrow were all ringed - Red-backed Shrikes continued to keep us on our toes as we lost no fingers to biting birds today. Swallow and Sandmartin despite their numbers eluded us today. Our returning Nightingale turned up again today - we have a few in fact that seem to like being re-trapped although it has to be said we did catch a fresh bird today.

The only bird photographed was this Red-Backed Shrike

Despite the strong breeze there were so many birds passing that we still managed to get 23 - A Good return on just a few hours. Great Reed and Willow Warblers dominated but we caught Swallow, Sand Martin, Reef Warbler, Isabelline Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, White-throat and Nightingale.

Couldn't resist photographing the Willow and Great Reed together - illustrates well just how big the Great is!

Redstart

Young Female Red-backed Shrike

It rained this afternoon - not enough to make the ground wet but a few large spots associated with a thunderstorm that passed to the north of us. Barred, Willow, Reed, Whitethroat Nightingale, Pied Wheatear and Swallow were all ringed in a very short but active burst of migrant activity. A Kentish Plover chick was ringed on site

Pied Wheatear

Kentish Plover - Chick

More sand no vis however no wind but boy was was it hot and sticky.
Got dust in the camera as well so didn't take many photos of the species caught today. Olivaceous & Reed Warblers, Whitethroat, WC Bulbul, Nightingale and Thrush Nightingale, Ortolan Bunting, Isabelline Shrike, Redstart.

Reed Warbler

Good afternoon session witha a fair variety - Ortolan Buntings, Rufous Bush Robin, Nightingales, Isabelline Shrike, Olivaceous Warbler,and to close a Scops Owl - our third in last few weeks.

Olivaceous Warbler

Its been rather hectic these last few days with a sudden rush of migrants - although it has to be said somethings are still late coming through for instance we seem to be a bit short on Willow Warblers infact Warblers in general. Brendan also mentioned that many of the birds are not carrying any fat in fact many are a little on the thin side - just why is hard to state but the weather has been unseasonal and might be the reason why the birds are late this year as well as having some impact on them as they move north against strong winds.
Brendan and Abdulla

Blackcap

Masked shrike

Thrush Nightingale

One Nightingale one Thrush Nightingale

White-throated Robin