Just worked out the results of our Reed Warbler RAS study at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve. This is the 12th year of our study and proved to be one of our most difficult due to the wet weather this spring and summer and the resulting high water levels. In all we managed 50 visits but this is 14 down on 2011 and then on some visits we could not set the usual number of nets due to the high water levels.
Despite these problems we still caught 201 adults which is six higher than the 12 year average although 37 less than in 2011. Considering that July, usually the best month for catching adults, gave us the most weather related problems this suggests a good breeding population. The oldest bird re-trapped this year was in its ninth year.
Productivity as measured by juveniles caught (504) was 90 down on the 12 year average but again quite good considering the decline in ringing effort. Lets hope the weather improves next season.
John
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