Where have all the Sylvia warblers gone? Blackcap and Whitethroat adults returned in good numbers during the spring, but judging by recent ringing results productivity in both species appears to be surprisingly low. Conversely Chiffchaffs here are being caught in record numbers with 53 so far and Willow Warbler just 23. Evening sessions are particularly good for catching both species. When I think back to the 1980's Chiffchaff was only a passage migrant here!
Of the 20 adult Reed Warblers caught here during the spring, some may have left already and the remainder are double brooding. However, juveniles are not exactly queuing up to be caught at 19 so far. As for Sedge Warbler, it's another disastrous year here with only 2 adults caught during the spring, both appear to have moved on. This must be a bird in crisis if this situation is reflected more widely. I know that Wintersett for example is well down on singing birds and ring captures.
Today's ringing produced 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Chiffchaffs.
A pair of Water Rails spent some considerable time calling/singing whilst feeding at least 2 very small chicks in the shallows. Another adult called near the ringing rides and a Treecreeper somehow managed to avoid the nets. All in all though it was good to be out.
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