Not so exciting

It was back to business as usual today — 54 birds of five species ringed (totals online — click Ringing). We very nearly caught a Wryneck; I arrived at the nets just in time to see it climbing out and flying away.

This Yellow Wagtail was one of two 1cy birds ringed (presumably both thunbergi). It's moulted all of its median coverts on both wings and no greater coverts on the right wing. On the left wing, GC6 has been regrown (presumably following accidental loss) giving a nice opportunity to compare juvenile and adult-type greater coverts.

Not surprisingly, the bunting remained the highlight of the day yesterday, though the afternoon proved to be pleasant. Christian and I carried out the resting bird counts; a good variety of waders were seen (Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank etc) and three Garganey were on the harbour road pools.

Birding today was not so great. In fact, with heavy rain this afternoon, we spent most of the day following ringing lazing around the observatory.