2nd April 2010 - Southwater Eleven

An impromptu session at Southwater CP this morning produced 11 new birds with Jake joining me slightly later. The catch involved not a single retrap (unusual for here) but highlights included two Blackcap, two Chiffchaff (below) and a new bird for the site, a Treecreeper.
Eight of the birds showed breeding signs, the exceptions being the Treecreeper, Robin and a heavily fatty (migrant) female Blackcap. The other Blackcap, a 1st year male, was quite interesting, showing a small bit of fat, CP and what seemed to be the early stage of a brood patch! Male Blackcaps can exhibit some brood patch, but unusual this early in the season. Maybe it is a wintering bird that has found a female and started early!

Jake and I also managed to cut a ride in a section of reedbed that should hopefully be good for Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting roost in the winter. Fingers crossed!

Birds ringed:
Blue Tit - 1
Robin - 1
Great Tit - 2
Blackcap - 2
Wren - 1
Chiffchaff - 2
Long-tailed Tit - 1
Treecreeper - 1