From Murk To Marsh

My alarm went off at 0515 and a quick look outside showed that it wasn't fit for any ringing at the Obs due to the heavy, almost drizzle like fog, so a quick to call to Kim was made to call the morning's ringing off. Later in the morning Gail and I called to seem some good farmer friends of ours to pick up some next boxes that Robert had made for a client of mine.

It was good to catch up with them and whilst there we had a look on their wetland and were presented with a good selection of birds including over 300 Curlews, 150 Teal, six Wigeon, twelve Coot, two Lapwings, two Oystercatchers and four Shovelers. In the woodland two Chiffchaffs were singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming and four Tree Sparrows flew over head.

We've made plans for later in the week to have a ringing session on the wetland to try and catch some of the waders and wildfowl before they disperse. I'll let you know how we get on.