Every autumn we set mist nets in the reedbeds and other marsh vegetation in the hope of trapping an Aquatic Warbler or two, juveniles of which were once regular here. Sadly this globally endangered species is still decreasing so we make an effort each year to see if they are still passing through. You need to be very lucky indeed to spot one as you are walking around and in fact the one trapped last year and the two in 2011 were never seen in the field - we would not have known they were there had they not been trapped.
Ringing this autumn would have started on Monday, 5th August but as usual at this exposed and often very wet and windy location, it was delayed until the following day (today) by the weather. Our band of volunteers can only ring in good weather - preferably with a light south-east wind which helps the Aquatics along. Unfortunately it looks as if the wind direction is set to stay in the west at the moment but fingers crossed it will change in our favour soon.
Today's tally included a Blackbird, Reed Bunting, 10 Sedge Warblers and 16 Reed Warblers of which one of the latter already sported a ring, possibly from last year.
If you are visiting in the next few weeks the ringers will be happy to show you anything of interest but please approach the ringing operation quietly so as not to disturb the birds. Once ringed, measured and weighed the birds are released back into the marsh as quickly as possible to reduce any stress so your co-operation in this will be greatly appreciated; the bird's welfare always comes first. I hope you are lucky!
Site Manager, Cornwall reserves