Army Birding

A Whimbrel present for its fifth day and a break in the cloud has produced Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat today, along with several butterfly species (Comma, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock) and several common species in full song.

Reading Tim's account of Blackcaps just in has reinforced my belief that we Southerners are lucky to have had Blackcaps singing for several weeks.

And it may just be that with the Atlas and the curious weather patterns, but I am recording significantly more Blackcaps than Robins. Chiffchaffs have increased in numbers as well but less for my garden, I have recorded zero Greenfinches in local farmland.

Is there anyone left that I haven't bored with my account of 6 singing male Nightingales on one of my conservation sites? Thought not!

Roger

I thought they were only resident in Berkeley Square.

Roger, I hadn't heard either the tale or the bird. Probably need more global warming before they brave the frozen lands of the north.

The count for Merryfield airfield in 2008 was 4 on the south side but this year I have added another 2 on the north side. Like all Nightingales they only sing from the thickest foliage, making photography impossible.

The females tend to stand guard and make most of the alarm calls.

As mist nets and Brambles go perfectly together, but only once, I suspect they may remain bling-free.

On the down side, the Barn Owl boxes are now occupied by Carrion Crows.

After a working breakfast at 0700 hrs the Leconfield Conservation Group hit the tracks this morning with some old favourites including 5 sightings of Barn Owls, more new arrivals (Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge warbler and Common Whitethroat) and a local scarcity - 2 Jays! According to Chris Sandbach it is years since the latter species was last seen at DST, so let's hope they settle. Also seen were several Great Crested Newts, which is one of the protected species here. Still a Nightingale and mist net free zone! Any ringers with time on their hands?

Always keen to spend a day or so ringing on new turf. From our visit a couple of years ago I can already think of some prime sites.

Continuing the warbler waggling contest...2 Garden Warblers were heard singing for the first time this year just outside Somerton.

I am sure we can arrange something if you are prepared to travel. Happy to discuss dates and numbers if you can give me a steer.

Well worth pursuing and although a bit close to the AGM, it would be worth pinning down a weekend in the early summer where a few of us from AOS etc could work as a team, repeating if possible next year?

Let's talk it over at the AGM. I'm keen to have a ringing rep on the committee but only if it represents the interest of enough of the members.

AGM sounds like the best opportunity to gather support.