Houghton Bay 7 June - A reasonable catch

I was joined by Felix, and Rory and his Dad, at the Houghton Bay stream this afternoon. I was expecting a couple of others but I gather a flat tire prevented their arrival. Despite my dire predictions of only a small catch we managed to get 27 birds of 6 species with 23 new and 4 recaptures.

Rory with a Fantail closely watched by his Dad and Felix.

Species caught were - (recaps in brackets)
Blackbird - 2 (1) the recap was banded Feb 2010 and is now the oldest Blackbird recaptured at this site.

Felix about to release one of the Blackbirds.

Chaffinch - 4 (1) the recap was banded at the Zoo back in February.
House Sparrow - 1 (0)
Silvereye - 10 (1)

We were joined for a period by 2 girls walking the track
The four youngsters about to release Silvereyes.

Three gone and one about to go.

Fantail - 1 (1)
Grey Warbler - 5 (0)