Manx residents will have noticed that we are experiencing a period of somewhat inclement weather at the moment! However, on Friday 4th November there was a brief respite which allowed a couple of mist nets to be put up at the reserve between 7 a.m. and midday by professional ornithologists, Robert Fisher and Tim Earl. Robert, from the Manx Ringing Group, has kindly sent me this report:
Ringing:
Blackbird x2
Redwing x 3
Blue Tit x 3
Chaffinch x 2
Robin x 2
Blackcap x 2 (both Females)
Long-tailed Tit x 5
Goldcrest x 13
Wren x 3
Chiffchaff x 1
Total: 23 species of 431 birds resident and moving through the reserve including:
Pheasant x 1
Woodpigeon x 66
Water Rail x 2 (calling)
Herring Gull x 8
Sparrowhawk x1
Buzzard x 1
Jackdaw x 10
Rook x 24
Blue Tit x 4
Great Tit x 2
ChiffChaff x 2
Long-tailed Tit x 8
Goldcrest x 13
Wren x 6
Starling x 102
Redwing x 132
Blackbird x 5
Fieldfare x 10
Robin x 3
Chaffinch x 3
Lesser Redpoll x 3
Siskin x 20
Goldfinch x 5
I have been unable to visit the reserve myself recently so was particularly interested to see this list.
With thanks to both Tim and Rob for their efforts and for sharing the information here. A copy of the list has also been put in the bird hide at the reserve.
