This week we have ringed chicks from two merlin nests, each nest occupying three chicks. 82 whinchat chicks have also been ringed!
Torrential rain over the weekend came just as nests were full of hungry chicks and it appears many adult birds have struggled to find food. Stonechats, whinchats, spotted flycatchers and common gull nests have all failed. Out of 25 whinchat nests only 10 still have young, a huge 60% failure.
Notable sightings include water rail at Tindale Tarn, Red Kite on the Gairs Trail and a Hobby on the eastern edge of the reserve by the Northumberland border.