Speckly things

It was another dry day when I arrived at Kessingland sewage works to meet Colin Carter and the rest of his crew. Nets were set around some of the filter beds in an attempt to catch young starlings but despite generous helpings of tempting bread very few were present and we were lucky to catch one.

The four nets erected in the scrub proved to be far more productive particularly with a selection of recently fledged youngsters making their way noisily through the low trees and brambles.

juv. Robin (3J)

Juv. Dunnock (3J)

Juv. Blue Tit (3J)

The morning, however, was not just about catching young of the year and two Lesser whitethroats were notable amongst adult birds caught.

A smart Lesser Whitethroat

In an attempt to liven things up a 20' net was erected in a spot that has previously caught house sparrows as they move through the young hedgerow trees. With a stiff breeze blowing at the highest point of the site just a single female was caught. The day ended with Nick battling to ring a wood pigeon that I ran for just before the nets were taken down.