Finches and thrushes
There is an extensive area of Rhododendron ponticum in Charnwood forest. This species is widespread in the Charnwood Forest landscape. It is particularly invasive and forms dense thickets that supports little in the way of wildlife. However, the cover and shelter created by the evergreen foliage attracts finches and thrushes to roost. Catching birds in mist nets in the dark requires skill and expert knowledge and cannot be contemplated without a dedicated team of ringers. The main species that we catch are Chaffinches. The birds start arriving in the trees above the Rhododendrons before dark and drop down into the roosting area just as dusk arrives. The thrush species, mainly Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Redwing are usually caught a little after dusk.
We catch some Song Thrushes of the race of Turdus philomelos philomelos 'continental Song Thrush' than the British race of T.p.clarkei. The continental race is longer winged and, more obviously, the background colour to the throat and flanks is grey rather than the warm buff of the British birds. The head is also colder grey-brown instead of warm brown. Interestingly the majority of Song Thrushes and Redwings are caught in October and November. Numbers dropping off when the yew berries in the wood are all eaten.
(note general grey cast especially the ash grey flanks)
Since 1998 we have been monitoring the Tree Pipits nesting on the heath land at Charnwood Lodge NNR. During 2002 there was an estimated 14 males defending territory on the reserve. Charnwood Lodge together with nearby Beacon Hill Country Park represent the last stronghold for the species in Leicestershire. (photo courtesy mike danzenbaker)
One of the features obvious in the 'in the hand' picture to the right is how the thick prominent streaks on the brest fade quickly to the thin streaks on the flanks (sides). This can often be seen in the field to separate Tree from Meadow Pipit.
With kind permission of Severn Trent Water we have been ringing at this site for about four years. We ring around the filter beds and in the scrub outside the compounds (which is also owned by STW). There are four main features 1. mist netting wagtails 2. general mist netting/spring trapping 3. Hirundine & Swift movements and 4. nest boxes. We ring all three 'resident' wagtails around the filter beds. In late summer the scrub between the compounds also the bushes around the perimeter provides feeding and cover for many young birds dispersing after fledging, and in the winter is good for thrushes,tits, crests etc. The site is in a river valley and is well positioned to attract passage migrants (we have recently ringed amongst others Firecrest, Wheatear, Whinchat & Redstart).
go to next page