12/07/2015 University Cromore Road & Storm Petrel Session 2

This morning we thought we would give the Cromore Road site on the University campus another go after neglecting it for a few months.  John, Steve and I met up at 8am in fine conditions and set about giving the net rides a quick clear.  We opted for the usual net run along the hedgerow and added three extra 18m nets, positioned in prime warbler territory.

The catch wasn't big in terms of numbers but it had a bit of quality.  The total was 15 new birds of 9 species and six of those born this year.  The best birds were a pair of adult Sedge Warblers, with juvenile Chiffchaffs (below) in the supporting cast. 

 

   
Ringing Totals 12/07/2015

                                        New         Retrap                         

Blackcap                            2                 

Bullfinch                            1   

Chiffchaff                          2

Dunnock                            2

Goldfinch                          1

Great Tit                            2                                       

Robin                                1

Sedge Warbler                  2

Willow Warbler                 2                                                   

Total                                15                

 

 

 

Storm Petrel Session 2 -  Rinnagree

 

 

The forecast looked perfect for an attempt at catching Storm Petrels.  The wind was 3-5mph from the south, which helps carry the call out to sea, the sea was quiet, the cloud was near full cover and it was mild (for our benefit). 

We had the net open for around midnight and the first two birds hit the net at 01.20.  It ended up being pretty slow with only 7 birds caught, with one bird being a control.  The rain arrived just before 2am, so we packed up and made a hasty exit. 

 

 

 

  The control isn't from a sequence we recognise from previous exchanges with other ringers in the UK & Ireland, so hopefully it will be a new location.