The ploughed field along Springwell Lane was alive with birds today after the farmers son worked it again and the rain 'stirred' things up. There were 3 Wheatear (possibly all Greenland), Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Skylark, Song & Mistle Thrush etc etc. I ringed the Whinchat and one of the Wheatears which did indeed turn out to be Greenland. Both birds were first year males.
At one of our regular sites we have ringed an amazing four Grasshopper Warblers in just two days. The photo to the right was taken on the evening of the 25th. There seem to be more 'Groppers' about this Spring than for a long time, and four at one site is very encouraging especially as the species numbered just 24 individuals in the 2001 Leics & Rutland Bird report.
Witnessed an incredible movement of Swifts and Hirundines at Wigston sewage farm this evening. Some were so close I could hear the 'swish' off the wings as they flew by. Windy conditions hampered mist netting
Over 300 Swifts at Wigston Sewage farm also 20+ Yellow Wagtails. (photo to right of male ringed this evening).
The Swifts were almost completely replaced by hirundines today (predominantly House Martin). 17 House Martin and 4 Swallow were ringed.
3 Lapwing chicks ringed at Thornton. Whilst checking that the chicks were ready to ring Andy Smith found a Stone Curlew and later in the day several Wheatear & a Whinchat at the same site.
4 Lapwing chicks ringed early this morning (from the first of 3 nests with 4 eggs to hatch at Whetstone Pastures). Photo is of one nest (left) then 3 of the 4 newly hatched young from it (right).
Adult male 'Greenland' Wheatear ringed this evening at Thornton. These are huge birds in fantastic condition. This one weighed more than the combined weight of 4 Blue Tits!! (see Projects & highlights)