Eastern Gold

Apologies are due for not providing regular updates but events today must surely warrant immediate coverage meanwhile I shall endeavour to catch up with reports on previous ringing sessions as soon as I can.

This morning was the morning that we had all been waiting for with baited breath. Conditions were ideal for Autumn migration with cloudy skies and light easterlies following a night of prolonged drizzle. At Paul's the nets were up and with players set all we had to do was wait while thrushes poured through, calling loudly as they flew over. Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes were all moving throughout the day.

Early rounds consisted almost entirely of Redwing and Fieldfare but with Fieldfare proving notoriously difficult to catch Redwing made up the bulk of the birds caught. As the morning progressed a few Song Thrushes and Blackbirds were also caught. Each time the nets were approached a small flock of Redwing and Fieldfare could be seen rising from the Hawthorn bushes surrounding the rides and inevitably some of these birds were caught. 

                                 Redwing                                                          Fieldfare

Today definitely felt as though winter may be on its way with Redwing flying overhead screaming and Fieldfare chuckling from nearby tree tops. Redpolls and a Brambling were also heard.

A real surprise was in store when a Yellow-browed Warbler was heard calling nearby after a lure had been set playing. When it stopped calling we thought that we had lost it but upon checking the nets it was with much surprise that I found myself extracting and ringing my first 'rarity' - a real privilege.

                                                           Yellow-browed Warbler

After checking Twitter it seems as though other local hotspots were holding their own gems with a Yellow-browed Warbler at Corton old railway track, five Great Grey Shrikes between Corton and Kessingland, Isabelline Wheatear at Lowestoft North Denes and a Red-flanked Bluetail at Minsmere. Further down the coast a Red-flanked Bluetail and Little Bunting were trapped and ringed at Orfordness - brilliant!

Totals - 64 new, (8) retraps

Robin - 1, (1)

Blackbird - 5

Fieldfare - 6

Song Thrush - 5

Redwing - 41

Yellow-browed Warbler - 1

Long-tailed Tit - (4)

Blue Tit - 2

Great Tit - (2)

Chaffinch - 2

Lesser Redpoll - 1