Our recent ringing at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve suggests that some warblers locally have had a productive season. The most outstanding is Blackcap. Last year we ringed just 27 from July to September. Already this year we have ringed 37 and the best period is yet to come.
Chiffchaffs usually only occur in numbers in late August and early September and last year we ringed 63 from July to September. Already this year we have ringed 39 most of them probably locally bred.
It's a little early to asses Reed and Sedge Warblers, but recent catches suggest that they too are doing reasonably well. The spell of calm settled weather has certainly helped-last year at this time we were wading through water over our boards walks -this year we don't even need waders.
Our main study is the Bearded tit population and they are doing very well this year with 32 juveniles caught to date compared to just 17 in the whole of 2012. Two young birds caught yesterday were third brood youngsters judging by their eye colour which changes as they mature.
John
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