Migrants

Garden Warbler- first of the year, caught in the nets 

Whinchat- the first of the year recorded in the week 

Red Kite- several recorded in the last few days 

Wheatear- up to 20 were present on the mound a few days ago 

Willow Warbler- one of  7 caught today. Only one singing. 

Sedge Warbler- one of about 6-7 on site 

Ramblers on a wildlife tour through the farmlands today

 

Late April is peak migration period and the last week has been pretty steady. Interesting today that we had a significant catch of warblers in the nets- 7 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler and 2 Sedge Warbler but only a few were singing in the trapping area suggesting that our estimates for the rest of the farm, based primarily on the presence of singing males, are probably under-estimates. At the moment we estimate that we have 30+ Whitethroat, 8 Reed Warbler, 7 Sedge Warbler, 10+ Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 25+ Blackcap and 1 Garden Warbler. 

A few sounds from today here: https://soundcloud.com/#peter-alfrey