Thorns CES - session 6 - 21 June 2009

I made the 16.4 mile round cycle ride out to the Thorns last Sunday & helped Dave out with the CES. On the road between Church End & the railway crossing 1 muntjak deer was spotted as were 3 jays.

new - retrap
WREN 1 - 0, DUNNO 7 - 1, ROBIN 4 - 2, NIGAL 1 - 0, BLABI 1 - 1, LESWH 1 - 0, WHITE 3 - 2, BLACA 10 - 0, WILWA 4 - 0, CHIFF 6 - 0, BLUTI 10 - 1, GRETI 4 - 0, CHAFF 1 - 0, BULLF 3 - 2. Total 56 - 9

Mostly juveniles (51/65), of which half were already in PJ moult. 3 adults were in full moult, too. Less evidence of breeding activity; just three birds with brood patches - DUNNO, WHITE, BLABI.
The nightingale was an adult male, which must have been passing through as we have not heard any singing here this year.

Other highlights: Ruddy Carpet in moth trap (14th Beds record), pair of Turtle Doves building a nest by a net ride. Bee & common spotted orchids were also present.



Above: The male Nightingale (a ringing tick for me).



Above: Bullfinch family (father & kids).