Uncategorized – Nanjizal Ringing

2023 Summary of the Year

December 4, 2023December 8, 2023Posted in Uncategorized

Overview

Numbers of ringed birds this year, more so than previous years, was dictated by poor weather. The cold winds in spring and westerlies in July/Aug and Oct/Nov had the same effect, moving birds away from Cornwall and reducing the numbers of birds ringed.

The usual slow start to the year. Not much was trapped until the 30^th March when 46 Sand Martin and 12 Chiffchaffs were ringed. For the first time since starting ringing here in 1996 we didn’t catch a Willow Warbler during March. An early spell of a southerly airflow at the start of April produced a Woodchat Shrike on the 2^nd, a roosting Scops Owl was accidentally flushed on the 4^th and an Alpine Swift on the 7^th. A Garganey on the 9^th was followed by low numbers of migrants passing through on the recurring northerly wind during April and May. A break on the 20^th April saw three blue-headed Wagtail and Turtle Dove on 28^th April. Mark picked up the Yellow-billed Kite flying over on the 15^th May. Night Heron was eventually added to the year list on the 17^th May and a 2^nd calendar year Glaucous Gull was still hanging on from the winter all month. The annual Red Kite passage occurred on the 17th with c.200 passing overhead, and a Golden Oriole was present on the 20^th.

The breeding season seemed to be average to poor for recent years, with cold wet weather reducing Blackcap numbers dramatically. Very few local young birds were ringed.

The first signs of autumn came with the first young Grasshopper Warblers and a few Sand Martins passing through in early July. Like spring, the weather had a big impact on numbers, especially during July and early August when lots of early migrants leave the UK and Ireland. The weather conditions pushed these to the east of Cornwall, reducing by many thousands the number of migrants trapped.

Aquatic Warbler, 11.09.23 (J Ryan)
Marsh Warbler, 03.09.23 (R Veal)
Thrush Nightingale, 03.09.23 (R. Veal)
Melodious Warbler, 22.08.23 (K Wilson)
Black-and-White Warbler, 04.10.23 (P Freestone)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 22.10.23 (K Wilson)
Little Bunting, 16.10.23 (R Wilkins)
Icterine Warbler, 29.08.23 (R Veal)
Marsh Warbler, 03.09.23 (R Veal)
Red-backed Shrike, 20.09.23 (K Wilson)
Thrush Nightingale, 03.09.23 (R Veal)
Black-and-White Warbler, 04.10.23 (W I Theld)

The first notable catch wasn’t until the 18^th July with 54 Sedge Warblers ringed and the first of six Melodious Warbler trapped on the 20^th. Most Melodious Warblers at Nanjizal seem to get trapped around 11am, either birds coming in off the sea or late getting up. It wasn’t until the 15^th August we managed to ring 105 Sedge Warbler. There was a Wood Sandpiper on 16^th August followed by Melodious Warbler on the 17^th. Another spell of settled weather on the 21^st – 24^th August saw Wryneck, Melodious Warbler and Nightingale trapped, and Bee-eater and Citrine Wagtail seen. With peak numbers of Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat long gone, the highest catch of Sedge Warbler was 107 on the 23^rd August and Whitethroat and Willow Warbler numbers in the teens. The first Pied Flycatcher and Redstart and Tree Pipits also started to appear, but only the latter were in any number. A scarce bird in Cornwall, on 29^th August an Icterine Warbler was ringed in the same area as all the records from the valley, the last tall trees before reaching the sea. The September weather was a lot better and ringing effort and birding coverage improved considerably. The biggest catch of the autumn came on the 2^nd September with 320 ringed, including 115 Sedge Warblers and 110 Blackcap. The evening of the 2^nd saw the wind turn to a light SE wind. The first few net rounds on the 3^rd were busy with the usual species, though by 9am had quietened down and the SE wind had started to pick up. A Marsh Warbler and Thrush Nightingale were found in the nets at 9am and were assumed to have just dropped in. An Osprey went over on the 4^th August. Another three Common Nightingales, two Wryneck and a Melodious Warbler were trapped between the 6^th and 14^th. For the second year in a row Aquatic Warbler was trapped (on the 11^th) and a Barred Warbler and Rosy Starling were seen. The Red-backed Shrike seen on the 15^th was likely the bird ringed on the 20^th, when an un-ringed Melodious Warbler was seen in the bushes nearby. A nice control from Fair Isle arrived on the 23^rd August, a 1^st year Willow Warbler. From the 19^th September the weather took a dip for normal migrants, with an Atlantic airstream keeping the wind well and truly in the west for most of the rest of the autumn.

A group of Welsh ringers come down for a week every autumn and this year it was the first week in October. As they knew the site I thought I would take the opportunity to meet up with my parents and brother in Norfolk. I have accepted that you cannot go through life flapping about missing something, and I do love north Norfolk. Their first morning out on the 2^nd October produced a Melodious Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler and after a north-westerly blow on the 3^rd, a Black and White Warbler was trapped on the 4^th. A still morning on the 10^th October seemed like a good morning to walk the fields around the valley, and turned up a vocal Buff-bellied Pipit. A Corncrake on the 13^th was the first one for some time. A much appreciated break in the wind from the 15^th – 25^th October saw a record annual total of seven Little Buntings ringed. Goldcrest and Firecrest totals were up on last year and seem to be recovering. An impressive day on the 22^nd saw a Blyth’s Reed Warbler and three Little Buntings ringed, and a Skylark count of 650 must be a site record. A Radde’s Warbler and Eastern Yellow Wagtail were present on 23^rd October the wagtail saying into November. The nets were rarely opened in November due to the weather but there was the odd day when the wind dropped good numbers of Chiffchaffs were ringed, 146 on the 11^th being the highest number. On the same day, 22 Goldcrests were also ringed and a Waxwing seen. The last session of the season on the 25^th November was a good one with 46 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcap and Little Bunting ringed, and a 1^st year Little Crake seen.

Three species were added to the Nanjizal list during 2023: Thrush Nightingale, Black-and-White Warbler, and Little Crake. This brings the Nanjizal list to 301 species since 1996.

Ringing Effort and Species Accounts

Nets were opened on 103 days during the year, the lowest since 2017 (97 days), and well below the 153 days in 2022 and the two highest annual totals of 167 in 1996 and 164 in 2021, and below the 28-year average of 124 days. The cold winds in spring and prolonged periods of strong westerly winds both during July/ August and October had a significant negative impact on the number of days that ringing could take place.

Sixty-nine species were ringed during 2023, slightly below the record of 73 species in 2018 and 2021, but above the 28-year average of 59 species. The Thrush Nightingale on the 3^rd September and the Black-and-white Warbler on 4^th October were new ringing species for the site, with the former also the first record for mainland Cornwall.

The total number of birds ringed during 2022 was 7,647, well down on the record annual total of 12,920 from the previous year. This brings the grand total across all years to 127,530 birds ringed at Nanjizal since 1996.

This fall in the annual total goes against the pattern of increasing numbers over recent years, the latter a result of improving habitat and ringing methods. Once ringing effort (in the form of number of ringing days) is taken into account, 2023 actually performed reasonably well with the 4^th highest capture rate of any year, with only 2022, 2019 and 2017 better. This indicates that when the nets could be opened, the numbers of birds being caught were reasonably good.

The most frequently ringed species during the year were Blackcap (1749), Chiffchaff (1519), and Sedge Warbler (1484).

The Sedge Warbler ringing total of 1484 for 2023 was the lowest since 2017, and considerably less than the record breaking total in 2022. Taking into account ringing effort, 2023 had the third highest capture rate for Sedge Warbler, behind only 2022 and 2019. If only the July-September period of peak passage is considered, the 2023 capture rate for Sedge Warbler was better than average for the last ten years, though well behind the peaks of 2022 and 2019. August remains the peak month for Sedge Warbler, with by far the highest capture rate of any month. The proportion of immature birds ringed during the autumn was the sixth highest recorded, suggesting an above average breeding season.

The Blackcap ringing total for the year was 1749, the lowest since 2017, and well below the record total of 2983 in 2022. When ringing effort was taken into account, it was the 5^th highest capture rate. September remains the peak month for Blackcap at Nanjizal. The proportion of immature Blackcap ringed during the autumn was the fourth highest recorded, suggesting a better than average breeding season.

The 1528 (including nine tristis) Chiffchaff ringed in 2023 was the second highest, following the 1720 ringed in 2022, and the capture rate during 2023 was the highest ever. August was the month with the highest capture rate, though only slightly ahead of July and September. The nine tristis Chiffchaff ringed during 2023 was substantially below the record 42 ringed during 2021. The proportion of immature Chiffchaff ringed during the autumn was towards the lower range of previous years, suggesting a relatively poor breeding season for the species.

The Willow Warbler total of 286 was the lowest since 2013, and substantially lower than the record 912 birds ringed during 2022 and second highest total of 764 ringed in 2021. Once ringing effort was taken into account, the capture rate was also the lowest since 2013, suggesting a rather poor year for the species. The peak months for Willow Warbler at Nanjizal were August, April and July. The proportion of immature Willow Warblers ringed during the autumn was the sixth lowest since 1996, suggesting a relatively poor breeding season.

The 2022 Whitethroat ringing total of 349 was the lowest for six years, and substantially less than the 666 ringed during 2021. Once ringing effort was taken into account, the 2023 ringing rate was the seventh highest ever. August is the peak ringing month for Whitethroat, with numbers dropping off sharply in September. The proportion of immature Whitethroats ringed during the autumn was the third highest ever (the two highest being in 2005 and 2015), suggesting a good breeding season.

The total of 336 Reed Warblers ringed during 2023 was the fourth highest ever, with the three highest preceding totals being in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Taking into account ringing effort, the rate of capture during 2023 was joint highest with 2022.

There were 98 Grasshopper Warblers ringed during 2023, the 7^th highest total but well below the record of 189 ringed during 2022. Once the number of ringing days were accounted for the 2023 ringing rate was the sixth highest recorded for Nanjizal.

During 2023 47 Garden Warblers were ringed, the 4^th highest annual total for Nanjizal, with the total number ringed each year remaining remarkably consistent since 2016. However, once ringing effort was accounted for the capture rate was the highest ever recorded.

The 12 Yellow-browed Warblers ringed during 2023 was below the norm for the last ten years, substantially better than the single bird in 2021, but a long way off the 100 ringed during 2016.

The 116 Goldcrest ringed during 2022 was about average for Nanjizal. Ninety-eight Firecrest were ringed during 2023 which, whilst well below the record of more than 200 in 2017, was the third highest annual total for the species. The numbers of Redwing ringed at Nanjizal (121) was well below the highs of more than 400 in 2021 and 2022, but above the average for the site. The 75 Song Thrush ringed during 2023 was slightly below average for the last ten years. It was the fourth highest annual total for Long-tailed Tit, with 150 ringed during 2023. With only 5 ringed during 2023, Greenfinch numbers remain much reduced since their peak in 2010 when over 150 were ringed.

2022 Summary of the Year

December 30, 2022December 31, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

Overview and Noteworthy records

Other than a few mornings trying to catch Chaffinches we didn’t do any winter ringing at the start of 2022, though a few good local birds were seen during this period, with two Tundra Bean Geese on 12^th January and the roaming Lesser Canada Goose appearing on the 13^th January. The nets were put up on the 6^th March.

Springs seem to be getting quieter each year and days of reasonable numbers of migrants, let alone falls, are few and far between. Numbers of Chiffchaff started to increase at the end of March, for the first time since moving here in 1996 I missed a patch tick, a 3^rd calendar year female Goshawk on the 3^rd April. The first spring overshoot in the form of a Night Heron appeared on the 15^th April. As is the norm, following the winter weather the vegetation in the valley was behind that in the surrounding area and this may have partly explained the lack of noteworthy numbers of Willow Warblers being recorded. Hoopoe was ringed on the 22^nd April and Bee-eater and Tawny Pipit were seen on the 23^rd April, followed by a male Spanish Wagtail on the 25^th,April, a calling Hoopoe on the 26^thApril and Black Kite and Tundra Bean Goose on the 29^thApril. Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were both seen following a ploughing tractor on the 12^th May, whilst the first singing Ortolan for the valley was seen on the 16^th May. A record breeding season for Gadwall was first evident mid month when the first of the year’s twenty one young were seen swimming about. A 2^nd calendar female Golden Oriole and Turtle Dove were seen on the 20^th May, a Red-rumped Swallow that arrived on the 21^st May was joined later that day by a Bee-eater, and two 2^nd calendar year male Golden Orioles came in off the sea on the 29^th May.

The summer months have produced the odd unusual bird over the years, and this year’s were a female Rustic Bunting on the 3^rd June, and a female Honey Buzzard on the 9^th July. During the unusually hot and dry spell of weather the pond area was attracting a few flava Wagtails, including a male Blue-headed Wagtail and while trying to catch Green Sandpipers, a moulting male superciliaris type Black-heading Wagtail was trapped on 26^th July.

The breeding season at Nanjizal seemed to be quite late with only Chiffchaffs appearing to breed well, with very few Blackcaps locally. As autumn approached it was soon apparent that these species had fared much better ‘up-country’. Arriving a little bit later than usual, Whitethroat numbers suggested a good breeding season, but Sedge Warbler appeared below average. From the 18^th July south-bound migrant numbers started to increase, with the biggest fall of Willow Warblers of the year on the 21^st July when 95 were ringed. From then on the hot and still weather meant the nets could be frequently open and they were very busy. The largest Sedge Warbler catch of the autumn was 285 birds on the 6^th August. A flurry of Nightingales on the 13^th-14^th August saw four bird’s trapped, one of which had been ringed that July at Rutland Water. A record day catch of 28 Grasshopper Warblers were also caught on the 14^th. An Aquatic Warbler started a 13 day stay on the 15^th August, and the first of the nine Wrynecks was trapped on the 21^st August.

Kingfisher, 01.07.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Reed Bunting, 28.07.22 (R. Vean)
Aquatic Warbler, 29.08.22 (R. Vean)
Paddyfield Warbler, 29.08.22 (M. Ahmed)
Paddyfield Warbler, 29.08.22 (R. Vean)
Melodious Warbler, 26.08.22 (N. Ward)
Aquatic Warbler, 15.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (P. Roseveare)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (P. Roseveare)
Wryneck, 21.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Tawny Owl, 01.08.22 (R. Veal)
Nightingale, 13.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Wryneck, 27.08.22 (R. Vean)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (N. Ward)
Wryneck, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Bluethroat, 12.9.22 (J. Overfield)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Overfield)
Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 12.10.22 (K. Wilson)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 12.10.22 (J. Overfield)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 16.10.22 (I. Wilson)
Dusky Warbler, 5.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Dusky Warbler, 30.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Dusky Warbler, 30.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Brambling, 19.11.22 (B. Bosistow)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (B. Bosisto)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Chiffchaff (J. Ryan)
Lesser Canada Goose, 02.02.22 (I. Wilson)
Hoopoe, 2504.22 (K. Wilson)

Coverage remained high all autumn and most still days saw the nets opened. Tree Pipits were caught in low numbers most days and another control from Scotland was found in a spring trap while trying to catch Green Sandpipers. Melodious Warbler was ringed on the 26^th August and Ortolan and Dotterel occurred on the 28^th August. A magical first net round on the 29^th August saw Paddyfield Warbler, Wryneck and Nightjar all appear back at the ringing station.

September started with a Great White Egret on the 1^st and on 2^nd September a Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, and 16 Tree Pipits were trapped and a Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen. Rain and a stiff south-east wind stopped netting on the 3^rd, but the first Greenish Warbler for the valley and a fishing Osprey were both seen. From then on the Atlantic airstream kicked in and netting was not possible for long periods of time for the rest of the autumn. A break in the weather on the 10^th September saw a 1^st calendar year Purple Heron and the first big catch of Blackcap, with 254 ringed. Wryneck and a very early Yellow-browed Warbler were ringed on the 11^th, for the second year in a row a Bluethroat was trapped, this time it was an adult female on 12^th September, and the two Wrynecks ringed on the 13^th were the last of the autumn. Another brief break in the weather allowed another wave of Blackcaps through with 324 ringed on the 18^th. A vocal Iberian Chiffchaff was seen on the 22^nd.

A westerly airstream produced a Blackpoll Warbler on the 2^nd October, with the bird most likely also present on the 30^th September. From then on the netting was hard work with low numbers, only livened up by the occasional Yellow-browed Warbler. A Barred Warbler got out of the nets on the 14^th October. A change in the weather on the 22^nd October brought the largest number of Fieldfare recorded on the site, around 800, with the species out numbering the 150 Redwing that were also present. The wind kept blowing into November, but when the wind dropped the birds didn’t disappoint. A Dusky Warbler was trapped on the 5^th November, Blyth’s Reed Warbler on the 6^th November, and Short-toed Lark and Red- throated Pipit appeared on the 11^th November. A Pallid Harrier was found on the 14^th November (when it was seen escaping from one of the mist nets) and lingered in the area for several days, whilst a large and very late Whitethroat on the 18^th November may have originated from a long way away. It’s possible that stable isotope analysis of a dropped feather may provide a clue to its origins. The 19^th November was a busy day with the biggest catch of Chiffchaff of the year with 125 ringed. The big surprise of the day however came in the form of a 1st calendar year Black- faced Bunting. November ended with two more Dusky Warbler on 27^th and 29^th. The nets were packed up for the year on 2^nd December.

There were four new species for the Nanjizal valley during 2022: Goshawk, Greenish Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler and Black-faced Bunting, whilst the Black-headed form of Yellow Wagtail was also new for the site.

Ringing Effort

Nets were opened on 153 days during 2022, the third highest following 1996 (167) and 2021 (164). The protracted periods of strong westerly winds during the autumn had a significant negative impact on the number of days that ringing could take place.

Species Diversity

Seventy species were ringed during 2022, slightly below the record of 73 species in 2018 and 2021. The Black-faced Bunting on 19^th November was (unsurprisingly) a new ringing species for the site, with the superciliaris form of Black-headed Wagtail on 26^th July also a ringing first.

Ringing Recoveries

There were 98 ringing recoveries during 2022 involving 43 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 11 Reed Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 5 Robin, 3 Blackbird, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Swallow, 1 Nightingale, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, and 1 Goldfinch. These included:

Cetti’s Warbler ringed at Squires Down, Stalbridge, Dorset on 21st September 2022 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 11th October 2022 – 256 km.
Two Blackcap ringed at Nanjizal on 11th and 18th September 2022 were re-trapped at Jew’s Gate, Gibraltar on 13th and 11th October 2022 respectively -1,549 km.
There were two Tree Pipit recoveries during 2022, one ringed at Glebe Farm, Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire on 31st July 2022 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 13th August 2022 – 654 km, whilst one ringed at Nanjizal on 26th August 2021 was re-trapped at Glen Euchar, Argyll and Bute on 12th June 2022 – 699 km.
Nightingale ringed at Burley Wood, Oakham, Rutland on 23rd June 2022 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 14th August 2022 – 452 km.
Blackbird ringed at Nanjizal on 11th November 2014 was presumably killed by a Little Owl at De Moeren, West Vlaanderen, Belgium as its ring was found in a Little Owl nestbox on 31st May 2019 – 595 km.
Sedge Warbler ringed at Nanjizal on 3rd May 2022 was re-trapped at Trunvel, Treogat, Finistere, France on 8th August 2022 – 261 km.
Sedge Warbler ringed at Nanjizal on 25th July 2022 was re-trapped at Cabanot, Audenge, Gironde, France on 27th August 2022 – 692 km.
Sedge Warbler ringed at Stanford Reservoir, near Lutterworth, Leicestershire on 20th August 2022 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 28th August 2022 – 413 km.
Reed Warbler ringed at Owenahincha, Cork, Eire on 25th July 2021 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 26th July 2022 – 284 km.
Chiffchaff ringed at Foxholstermeer, Westerbroek, Groningen, Netherlands on 25th April 2021 was re-trapped at Nanjizal on 20th and 23rd March 2022 – 921 km.
Willow Warbler ringed at Nanjizal on 11th August 2022 was re-trapped at Trunvel, Treogat, Finistere, France on 29th August 2022 – 261 km.

Ringing Totals

The total number of birds ringed at Nanjizal during 2022 was 12,920 which was a record for the site (the previous record being 10,131 during 2021) and brings the grand total across all years to 112,757 birds ringed since 1996.

This continues the pattern of increasing annual totals over recent years due to a combination of improving habitat and ringing methods. Once ringing effort (in the form of number of ringing days) is taken into account it becomes clear that in terms of capture rate, 2022 was the second best year after 2019.

The most frequently ringed species during the year were Sedge Warbler (3120), Blackcap (2983), Chiffchaff (1720) and Willow Warbler (912).

The Sedge Warbler ringing total of 3120 for 2022 was the highest by some considerable margin, the previous highest total being 1922 during 2019. Taking into account ringing effort, 2022 remained the best year on record for the rate at which Sedge Warbler were ringed. However, if only the July-September period of peak passage is considered, the 2022 capture rate for Sedge Warbler was behind that of 2019. August remains the peak month for Sedge Warbler. The proportion of immature birds trapped during the autumn was about average, suggesting an average breeding season.

It was also a record year for Blackcap at Nanjizal with 2983 birds ringed, just above the previous record of 2790 during 2019. However, once ringing effort was taken into account the rate of capture was a little behind both 2018 and 2019. September remains the peak month for Blackcap at Nanjizal. The proportion of immature Blackcap ringed during the autumn was above the norm, suggesting a better than average breeding season.

It was a record year for Chiffchaff with 1720 birds ringed, above the previous record of 1263 in 2016., though once ringing effort was taken into account, the capture rate was behind both 2016 and 2017. The 14 Siberian Chiffchaff ringed during 2022 was substantially below the record 42 ringed during 2021, but was the third highest total on record. September remained the peak month for the species. The proportion of immature Chiffchaff ringed during the autumn was towards the lower range of previous years, suggesting a relatively poor breeding season for the species.

The Willow Warbler total of 912 birds ringed during 2022 was also a record, breaking the previous record set in 2021 of 764. Once the number of ringing days was accounted for, 2022 remained the year with the highest capture rate, comfortably exceeding the previous highest rate set in 2021. The peak months for Willow Warbler at Nanjizal are August, April and July. The proportion of immature Willow Warblers ringed during the autumn was a little worse than the norm, suggesting a relatively poor breeding season.

The 2022 Whitethroat ringing total of 394 was substantially down on the previous four years, with the maximum of 666 ringed Whitethroat recorded in 2021. Once ringing effort was taken into account, the 2022 ringing rate was the third lowest of the last 9 years. August is the peak ringing month for Whitethroat, with numbers dropping off sharply in September. The latest ever recorded at Nanjizal, ringed on the 18^th November, was a very large individual and may have been from very far afield.

The total of 499 Reed Warbler ringed during 2022 exceeded the previous total of 392 during 2021, and the rate of capture once ringing effort was accounted for was also the highest recorded for the valley.

There were 195 Grasshopper Warbler ringed during 2022, greater than the previous record total of 189 in 2021. However, once the number of ringing days were accounted for the 2022 ringing rate was the second highest on record, below that of 2013.

During 2022, 44 Garden Warbler were ringed, about average for the last five years, though once ringing effort was accounted for the capture rate was a little lower than average for the last few years. The total number ringed each year has been remarkably consistent since 2016.

Whilst not approaching the record year of 2016 when over 100 Yellow-browed Warbler were ringed, the 18 ringed in 2022 was a welcome increase on the single bird ringed during 2021. The 170 Goldcrest ringed during 2022 was a fairly typical year for Nanjizal. Forty-three Firecrest were ringed during 2022 which, whilst well below the record of more than 200 in 2017, was a relatively good year for the species. For the second year running, the numbers of Redwing ringed at Nanjizal (447) was well above a typical year. The 100 Song Thrush ringed during 2022 was the fourth highest annual total, falling behind 1996, 2017, and 2021. It was also the fourth highest annual total during 2022 for Long-tailed Tit, with 104 ringed . Greenfinch numbers remain much reduced at 7 ringed during 2022, a huge decrease from their peak in 2010 when over 150 were ringed.

A huge thanks to everyone involved during 2022 for contributing to the ringing, data entry, and maintenance of the net rides, footpaths and habitat. Particular mention to the landowners for granting access and ringing permission.

November 2022

December 5, 2022December 5, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

Strong south-west winds continued for the first four days of the month and the nets weren’t opened until the 5^th. The break in the weather on the 4^th had let a few migrants through, including a Dusky Warbler that was trapped on the 5^th. By the morning of the 6^th a new weather front arrived and scuppered any thoughts of netting, but new birds had arrived overnight before the rain hit at dawn. A vocal Blyth’s Reed Warbler and two Eurasian Reed Warblers were seen.

The returning, ringed Black Redstart was back for its fourth winter on the 11^th. The continuous southerlies and westerlies seemed to have held birds up and every break in the wind produced new arrivals that you would usually associate with October. A Short-toed Lark took up temporary residence from 11^th – 27^th, whilst a Red-throated Pipit was present from the 11^th to December 1^st. The 12^th saw the first decent arrivals of Redwing and Chaffinch, as well as the first Woodcock. A 1^st year female Pallid Harrier on the 14^th -19^th unfortunately managed to escape from a net and therefore avoid being ringed.

A large Common Whitethroat on the 18^th – 30^th (the latest by far to have occurred at Nanjizal) was intriguing and it will be interesting to see whether stable isotope analysis of a dropped feather will tell us anything of its origin.

The night of the 18^th – 19^th was the first still, clear night for weeks and the morning saw a big arrival of presumably previously delayed birds, with 125 Chiffchaffs and 25 Blackcap ringed. However, the biggest surprise was in the form of a 1^st year female Black-faced Bunting, just the 8^th record for the UK.

A new Dusky Warbler turned up at Nanjizal House on the 27^th – 30^th and another was ringed on the 28^th and was present until 30^th. Another good catch of 87 Chiffchaff, six Siberian Chiffchaff and 25 Blackcap on the 28^th.

The ringing total for the month was 1,075 with Redwing (339), Chiffchaff (336), and Blackcap (131) the most frequently ringed species.

Whitethroat, 18.11.22 (K. Wilson)
Dusky Warbler, 5.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Dusky Warbler, 30.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Dusky Warbler, 30.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Dusky Warbler, 30.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Brambling, 19.11.22 (B. Bosistow)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (B. Bosisto)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)
Black-faced Bunting, 19.11.22 (J. Overfield)

October 2022

December 3, 2022December 4, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

A very windy month with relentless westerlies made for a rather slow month. The ringing total for October was 2,241 with Blackcap (888), Chiffchaff (470), Meadow Pipit (165), Robin (141), and Goldcrest (125) the most frequently ringed species.

What appeared to be an adult rather than 1^st year Blackpoll Warbler was seen on the 2^nd, an Olive-backed Pipit was present on the 3^rd, two Turtle Dove also on the 3^rd lingered and were joined by a third bird on the 20^th, a blythi Lesser Whitethroat on the 12^th, a ringed (but not by us) Barred Warbler on the 14^th, and c. 800 Fieldfare on the 21^st was the highest ever count for the site.

Yellow-browed Warbler, 16.10.22 (I. Wilson)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 12.10.22 (K. Wilson)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 12.10.22 (J. Overfield)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 12.10.22 (K. Wilson)
Chiffchaff (J. Ryan)

September 2022

October 24, 2022October 24, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

September started off where August finished with lot of migrants passing through until the 22nd when unsettled weather set in. The month’s ringing total was 2,622 with the commonest species being Blackcap (1532), followed by Chiffchaff (272) and Sedge Warbler (203).

September 1st saw a Great White Egret drop in briefly, whilst 203 birds ringed on the 2nd included a Blyth’s Reed Warbler and Melodious Warbler. SE wind and rain on the 3rd dropped more migrants into the valley including the first ever record of Greenish Warbler for the valley, as well as an Osprey. A first year Purple Heron was observed and a Wryneck trapped on the 10th. A big fall of the inevitable Blackcaps occurred on the 11th with 254 ringed, alongside a very early Yellow-browed Warbler and Wryneck. An adult female Bluethroat was trapped on 12th, with the two Wryneck ringed on the 13th being the 7th and 8th of the autumn. Another big fall of Blackcap occurred on the 18th with 324 ringed, on which date a first year Night Heron was seen. A Wood Sandpiper and a vocal Iberian Chiffchaff on the 20th were the last notable sighting before the westerly winds set in.

Firecrest, 25.9.22 (B. Bosisto)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Yellow-browed Warbler, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.2022 (J. Ryan)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Melodious Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Overfield)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Reed (left) & Blyth’s Reed (right) Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler & Reed Warbler, 2.9.22 (J. Howells)
Bluethroat, 12.9.22 (J. Overfield)
Bluethroat, 12.9.22 (J. Overfield)
Wryneck, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)
Wryneck, 11.9.22 (P. Roseveare)

August 2022

September 1, 2022September 1, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

The record breaking hot weather didn’t seem to hamper migration and the many settled days meant ringing effort was high all month. Record numbers of Willow Warbler and Sedge Warblers were caught, with the 1st seeing 155 Willow Warblers and 223 Sedge Warbler ringed. Numbers remained high for both species, but especially so for Sedge. Grasshopper Warbler were well down on last year’s record total but did beat Nanjizal’s highest day total with 23 ringed on the 14th. Although Whitethroat bred well on site, passage seemed to be lighter than usual. Tree Pipit numbers reached 40+ on a few days and small numbers were trapped most days. The first Pied Flycatchers were in by the 11th though in rather low numbers. Unusual sightings were two Nightingale ringed on 13th, 1 ringed (plus a control from Rutland Water) Nightingale 14th, Aquatic Warbler ringed 15th, Wryneck ringed 21st, Melodious Warble ringed 26th, Wryneck ringed on 27th, two Wryneck ringed, Dotterel and Ortolan Bunting 28th, and Paddyfield Warbler, Wryneck and Nightjar all ringed on 29th. The Blue-headed Wagtail was present from 1st -28th.

During August 4,237 birds were ringed at Nanjizal including 2378 Sedge Warbler, 445 Willow Warbler and 278 Reed Warbler.

Aquatic Warbler, 29.08.22 (R. Vean)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (N. Ward)
Nightjar, 29.08.22 (M. Ahmed)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (N. Ward)
Wryneck, 27.08.22 (R. Vean)
Wryneck, 21.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Aquatic Warbler, 15.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Nightingale, 13.08.22 (I. WIlson)
Aquatic Warbler, 15.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Wryneck, 21.08.22 (I. Wilson)
Tawny Owl, 01.08.22 (R. Veal)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (P. Roseveare)
Paddyfield Warbler, 29.08.22 (R. Vean)
Wryneck, 28.08.22 (P. Roseveare)
Melodious Warbler, 26.08.22 (J. Overfield)
Paddyfield Warbler, 29.08.22 (M. Ahmed)
Aquatic Warbler, 15.08.22 (R. Vean)
Melodious Warbler, 26.08.22 (N. Ward)

July 2022

August 30, 2022August 30, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

With Spring being such a let down in numbers and variety it was nice to reach the busy months. The Blackcaps on site were late breeding and didn’t seem that productive, different to the numbers reported up country (outside of the SW). On the positive side, Whitethroats and the tit species seemed to have had an okay season. Migration started on the 8th with 150 Sand Martin roosting. One of which had been ringed in Gloucestershire. Swallows were also caught in reasonable numbers, one of which decided to head to Norfolk where it was recaught. Sedge Warbler passage started to pick up on the 15th, with 497 ringed during the month. Willow Warbler passage seems set to be a record autumn, with 266 ringed during July including 46 on the 21st. A few odd species were recorded: a 2nd calendar year Purple Heron on 11th, Wood Sandpiper ringed on 18th, Blue-headed Wagtail from the 24th and a superciliaris Black-headed Wagtail trapped on 26th.

Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Black-headed Wagtail, 26.07.22 (K. Wilson)
Kingfisher, 01.07.22 (J. Overfield)
Reed Bunting, 28.07.22 (R. Vean)
Greenfinch, 18.07. (J. Overfield)

2021 Review

January 1, 2022January 4, 2022Posted in Uncategorized

During 2021 a total of 10,004 birds were ringed at Nanjizal, which was the highest ever annual total.

Two new species were added to the Nanjizal ringing list, single Knot on 5^th January and 16^th February, and a Crossbill on 16^th April. The total number of species ringed during the year was 73, the joint highest species total with 2018.

Knot, 09.01.21 (K. Wilson)
Common Crossbill, 16.04.21 (R. Veal)

The most frequently ringed species during 2021 were Blackcap (2284), Sedge Warbler (1836), Chiffchaff (1318), Willow Warbler (764), and Whitethroat (665).

Ringing occurred across 162 sessions during the year, the highest ever at Nanjizal, and well ahead of the previous maximum of 146 ringing sessions during 2010.

Once the number of ringing sessions was accounted for, the mean session catch during 2021 was relatively poor, with over only 2020 having lower capture rates across the last 8 years. This is likely due to the very cold late spring and westerly wind dominated autumn during 2021 which made for notably quiet periods. One does wonder what the ringing total might be should a ‘good’ year be combined with a high number of ringing sessions.

By recent standards the number of Blackcap ringed during 2021 was reasonable, though once effort was accounted for the catch rate was below average for recent years. The proportion of young birds ringed during the autumn was about average, suggesting a reasonable breeding season.

The 1318 Chiffchaff ringed during 2021 was the second highest annual total, with only 2016 having higher numbers. However, once ringing effort was accounted for the capture rate was about average for the last 8 years. The proportion of young birds ringed during the autumn was about average, suggesting an average breeding season.

A record 45 Siberian (tristis) Chiffchaff were ringed during 2021 (all during November), substantially greater than the previous record of 18 in 2016. Ignoring the 2021 spike however, there does not appear to be an obvious increasing trend in numbers at Nanjizal.

More Willow Warblers were ringed during 2021 (764) than during any previous year, though once ringing effort was accounted for the capture rate was below that of 2016. The proportion of young birds ringed during autumn was about average, suggesting an average breeding season.

With just one Yellow-browed Warbler ringed during the year, 2021 was the worst year for the species since 2009 when a single bird was also ringed. This reflects the very low numbers across the whole of the UK and indeed western Europe during 2021, thought to be due to weather conditions during the autumn.

With 47 Garden Warbler ringed, 2021 had the third highest annual total following 2019 and 2018, though once ringing effort was accounted for it was the fifth highest annual capture rate for Nanjizal.

The 665 Whitethroat ringed at Nanjizal during 2021 was a record annual total and continues a run of high totals that have now occurred during the last four years. Once ringing effort is accounted for, the capture rate is the third highest following 2019 and 2018. The majority of birds were ringed during August. The proportion of young birds ringed during autumn suggested a good breeding season.

The highest Grasshopper Warbler annual total for Nanjizal with 189 birds ringed, the majority during July to September. Once ringing effort had been accounted for the capture rate during 2021 was some way below 2014 however.

The second highest annual total of Sedge Warbler (1836) were ringed during 2021 below just 2019, though this dropped to sixth once ringing effort was accounted for. August had by far the highest number of birds ringed, with just a single bird ringed during October. The proportion of young birds ringed during the autumn was about average, suggesting that the breeding season was also about average.

The 392 Reed Warbler ringed during 2021 was a record, though once ringing effort was accounted for the capture rate was behind that of 2020 (which had the second highest annual total). A bird showing characteristics of fuscus was found to be A. s. scirpaceus (based on DNA analysis of a dropped feather).

A poor year for Goldcrest with the lowest annual total ringed for 7 years.

A rather poor year for Firecrest with just 11 ringed during the year. Even ignoring the obvious peaks in numbers during 2015, 2017 and 2019 and accounting for ringing effort, the total for 2021 remained moderate to poor.

The 595 Redwing ringed during 2021 was more than three times the previous maximum total in 2017, and reflected the very large numbers of birds that were passing through south west England during October and November (see also Song Thrush).

A record 114 Song Thrush were ringed during 2021, the majority during October and November when large numbers were migrating through the south west of England (see also Redwing).

An average year for Long-tailed Tit with 75 ringed at Nanjizal during 2021.

After a blank year during 2020 it was good to have Greenfinch back on the Nanjizal ringing list for 2021, though with only 3 birds it is still very far off the peaks of over 100 and 150 ringed during 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Knot, 09.01.21 (K. Wilson)
Knot, 09.01.21 (K. Wilson)
Common Sandpiper, 26.04.21 (K. Wilson)
Firecrest, 30.10.21 (B. Bosisto)
Black Kite & Red Kite, 30.04.21 (K. Wilson)
Redshank, 27.04.21 (J. Overfield)
Great Spotted Woodpecker, 06.04.21 (J. Overfield)
Night Heron, 28.04.21 (R. Veal)
Greenshank, 02.05.21 (K. Wilson)
Greenshank, 02.05.21 (K. Wilson)
Possible abietinus Chiffchaff, 10.05.21 (K. Wilson)
Lesser Whitethroat, 13.05.21 (K. Wilson)
northern Willow Warbler, 15.04.21 (J. Overfield)
Little Bunting, 05.04.21 (S. Rogers)
Serin, 05.04.21 (S. Rogers)
Common Crossbill, 16.04.21 (R. Veal)
Golden Oriole, 29.05.21 (P. Roseveare)
Golden Oriole, 29.05.21 (P. Roseveare)
Golden Oriole, 29.05.21 (P. Roseveare)
Little Bunting, 04.04.21 (R. Veal)
Whinchat, 30.08.21 (P. Roseveare)
Common Redstart 03.08.21 (P. Roseveare)
Common Redstart, 03.08.21 (P. Roseveare)
Melodious Warbler, 12.08.21 (P. Roseveare)
Ortolan Bunting, 03.08.21 (J. Ryan)
Ortolan Bunting, 03.08.21 (J. Ryan)
Common Redstart, 26.08.21 (B. Bosisto)
adult Melodious Warbler, 23.08.21 (J. Ryan)
Wryneck, 25.08.21 (R. Veal)
Melodious Warbler, 22.08.21 (P. Roseveare)
A. s. scirpaceus Reed Warbler (DNA) with features of fuscus, 30.06.21 (K. Wilson)
Lesser Whitethroat, June 2020 (K. Wilson)
A. s. scirpaceus Reed Warbler (DNA) with features of fuscus, 30.06.21 (K. Wilson)
Wood Sandpiper, June 2021 (K. Wilson)
Marsh Warbler, 26.10.21 (R. Vean)
Firecrest, 30.10.21 (B. Bosisto)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 23.10.21 (P. Roseveare)
tristis Chiffchaff, 10.10.21 (R. Veal)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 25.10.21 (R. Veal)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 23.10.21 (P. Roseveare)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 25.10.21 (R. Vean)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 23.10.21 (P. Roseveare)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 23.10.21 (P. Roseveare)
Marsh Warbler, 26.10.21 (R. Vean)
Redwing, 30.10.21 ( B. Bosisto)
tristis Chiffchaff, 10.10.21 (R. Veal)
Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 25.10.21 (R. Vean)
Marsh Warbler, 26.10.21, (R. Vean)
tristis Chiffchaff, 11.10.21, (B. Bosisto)
Little Bunting, Nov 2021 (J. Ryan)
Little Bunting, Nov 2921 (J. Overfield)
Brambling, Nov 2021 (J. Overfield)
Spotted Flycatcher, Nov 2021 (K. Wilson)
Radde’s Warbler, Nov 2021 (K. Wilson)
Siberian (tristis) Chiffchaff, Nov 2021 (B. Bosisto)
Dusky Warbler, Nov 2021 (K. Wilson)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, Nov 2021 (P. Roseveare)
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, Nov 2021 (P. Roseveare)
Bluethroat, Nov 2021 (K. Wilson)

November 2021

December 15, 2021December 31, 2021Posted in Uncategorized

A busy November with 1096 birds ringed, including record numbers of Redwing and Song Thrush. Also noteworthy were an unseasonably late Bluethroat and Spotted Flycatcher, and the only Yellow-browed Warbler of the year.

Notable records for the month were Radde’s Warbler on 3rd, Olive-backed Pipit on 4th, Little Bunting on 5th, blythi Lesser Whitethroat , 2nd calendar year Caspian Gull, and 500+ Stock Dove on 6th, Serin on 11-13th, Spotted Flycatcher on 13th, Dusky Warbler and Richard’s Pipit on 15th, Dusky Warbler at Skewjack, a new Radde’s Warbler on 19th, 1st year male Bluethroat and Yellow-browed Warbler on 29th on which date the returning ringed Black Redstart appeared at the farm for its 3rd winter.

Little Bunting, J. Ryan
Little Bunting, J. Overfield
Radde’s Warbler, K. Wilson
Dusky Warbler, K. Wilson
Siberian (tristis) Chiffchaff, B. Bosisto
Spotted Flycatcher, K. Wilson
Brambling, J. Overfield
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, P. Roseveare
blythi Lesser Whitethroat, P. Roseveare
Bluethroat, K. Wilson

October 2021

November 15, 2021November 21, 2021Posted in Uncategorized

October was dominated by south westerly winds and was rather quiet in terms of scarce species. A total of 1014 birds were ringed during the month, with Blackcap (283), Chiffchaff (182) and Redwing (215) the species with the highest totals.

Noteworthy sightings during October included Rustic Bunting, at least 33 Jay and Red-breasted Flycatcher on 4th, a Yellow-browed Warbler on 5th, 130+ Jay on 7th, Red-throated Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, and Common Rosefinch on 13th, bythi Lesser Whitethroat on 23rd, Blyth’s Reed Warbler on 25th, and on the 26th Marsh Warbler and Water Pipit.