Ringing

May Friday 19 at Dumistan Ponds, quiet but still managed to bag and ring 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Clamorous Reed Warbler along with several Willow warblers - the morning was keep short as the wind and dust picked up by 9.30 - overhead swallows were still seen to be passing along with the odd Bee-eater and House Martin. Brendan had had a Roller at the Golf club in the week and I still have a Redstart in my Garden - Saturday 20th we moved onto the old quarry site behind Riffa Airbase now a natural sewage pond and renamed to the Diplomatic Wadi - even quieter than the previous day and far too windy from the start, but persisted having gone out at 4.30 and were delighted to bag our first Marsh Warbler of the year and another Spotted fly-catcher along with some more Willow Warblers. The Reed and Marsh Warbler are problematic even in the hand, the only positively way to seperate them is through the wing measurements. To view other photos of these Warblers click Here
We no longer count the dozens of House Sparrows that fill the net constantly and continue to thrive here
Picture - Clamorous Reed Warbler