Winter thrushes are decreasing 21 Redwings for this month, also 2 Mistle Thrushes but although Fieldfare are seen in good numbers on the Estate we haven't ringed/captured a single individual this season!

We are continuing to catch Reed Buntings in much larger numbers than usual. This has given us much needed practice with this species, although ageing can still be a challenge as the birds' feathers are more worn at this time of year making it difficult (and sometimes impossible) to determine whether the individual hatched last year (age code 5) or any year previous (age code 6). Reed Buntings don't appear to be moving on yet, as we are still catching birds that were ringed by us earlier in December and January.

Our first Spring migrant was a Chiffchaff ringed on 22nd, and the next day efforts were made on the beach for Wheatear with a successful capture of a single female.

Wheatear