Halswell Quarry 10 Jan - a good morning

We had a session at the Halswell Quarry this morning and it was a successful time. We caught 41 birds of 8 species with 37 new and 4 recaps. I think 8 species in a day is a record for the Quarry. There was a good turnout of banders and now that they are getting more experienced I can sit back and take it a bit easier. We were also joined by Andre's family including his two children. I love having enthusiastic younger folk about.

The Team all busy.

Andre showing off his prowess to an adoring audience. 

Birds caught were - (recaps in brackets)
Blackbird - 2 (0)
Starling - 1 (0) a newly fledged juvenile.
Dunnock - 1 (0)
House Sparrow - 24 (2) our biggest catch of Sparrows at this site.

Mieke about to release a Sparrow.

Dax showing his mother the finer points of a Sparrow.

Greenfinch - 3 (0)
Yellowhammer - 3 (1) we don't catch a lot here and this is our biggest catch and our first recap which was the first one caught at the Quarry, just under a year ago. One bird was a young juvenile and with a bit of imagination could have been a Cirl Bunting of which there is a population about the Quarry.

An adult Yellowhammer left with the juvenile on the right.

Silvereye - 0 (1) a far cry from the 30+ we catch during the winter but still a good one being the oldest Silvereye recap we have caught.
Fantail - 3 (0) also the most we have caught in a day and included a Black phase bird.

Phil was the proud bander of the Black Fantail.