A.W.Birder: Always on the lookout for fine birds...: Dusky Warbler IN THE HAND at Whitburn

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Dusky Warbler IN THE HAND at Whitburn

I went back to Whitburn today after having such an incredible day yesterday catching 147 birds, including a Pallas's Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher. I set of from home really early in order to beat the traffic and fog. On arrival it appeared much quieter than yesterday but there was still plenty of birds moving around.

The first net round produced a Woodcock and during the course of the day other highlights included Ring Ouzel, Sparrowhawk, Fieldfare. However, the star bird of the day came in the second or third net round of the morning when a Dusky Warbler was trapped and ringed! Unbelievable! We'd just been talking about how it would be unlikely to trump yesterdays Pallas's Warbler, but I'm pretty sure Dusky does just that!!!

Totals for the day included 134 birds comprising: 47 Redwing, 28 Robin, 25 Blackbird, 22 Goldcrest, 8 Song Thrush and singles of Fieldfare, Ring Ouzel, Woodcock and Dusky Warbler. We almost caught a Great Grey Shrike too, it landed next to a net while doing a net round but wasn't caught. There was also a Rustic Bunting just up the road, so plenty out there again! See Ade's blog for further details etc...