Portstewart Strand 18/04/2015

It was John, Ken and I this morning starting at 06.45, with Ken leaving mid morning.  It was a cold start at 3°C, with clear skies and an easterly breeze.  The wind picked up through the morning, hitting around 15mph on departure before midday.  Today we set both the east and west net rides and also the gorse nets.   

Grasshopper Warbler      © JC

There were a few migrants about with 3 new species for the site this year - Common Sandpiper, House Martin and a Grasshopper Warbler plus Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Sandwich Tern, Swallow, Wheatear and Willow Warbler.  It was a good mornings ringing with 27 new birds and 7 retraps including 9 new Willow Warbler and the first Grasshopper Warbler for the site. 

                    Blackcap          © RD

                     Chaffinch            © RD

Ringing Totals 18/04/2015

                                        New         Retrap

Blackbird                           3        

Blackcap                           1

Bullfinch                            1   

Chaffinch                          3

Chiffchaff                          1

Dunnock                                              1

Goldcrest                                             1

Goldfinch                           2

Grasshopper Warbler        1                       

Lesser Redpoll                  3       

Reed Bunting                    2

Robin                                                   1                                                     

Willow Warbler                  9                2

Wren                                  1                2                   

Total                                27                7