First Redpolls and ageing Reed Buntings

I couldn't resist going out again this morning to take full advantage of this great run of weather. I expected it to be very similar to yesterday and in many respects it was with a similar amount of visible migration, a few tardy warblers and all the other usual suspects. However the first 2 Lesser Redpolls of the autumn were recorded and both were caught and ringed. Redpolls should become a feature of visible migration and catches over the next few weeks with numbers peaking around mid October.

Another fine ringing day with the sun peeping between the clouds shortly after sunrise at Billinge this morning

The first Lesser Redpoll of the autumn. Many more should pass through the site over the next few weeks.

Reed Buntings continue to move through the site and all those that have been caught for ringing have been first year birds up to the last couple of days. The first adult of the autumn, a female, was caught yesterday and was followed by an adult male today. At this time of year adults are identified by their fresh primaries whereas first year birds have worn and more abraded primary feathers. Also first year birds usually have more pointed and worn tail feathers but some replace a few of their tail feathers and a few birds may replace all of the tail.

All the primaries are fresh and glossy looking with no chips or frayed edges.

This adult has fairly pointed tail feathers but they are all fresh with very little wear.

All the primaries are fresh and glossy looking with no chips or frayed edges.

This adult has much more rounded tail feathers that are normally associated with an adult and again they are all fresh with virtually no sign of any wear.

The primaries of this first year bird are less glossy (look drier and slightly paler than the adults) with the tips and edges being moderately worn and chipped in places.

This first year bird hasn't replaced any tail feathers and all are quite pointed and worn.

The primaries of this first year bird are less glossy (look drier and slightly paler than the adults) with the tips and edges being moderately worn and chipped in places.

This first year bird has replaced all but one of the tail feathers with the new feathers being fresh and more rounded like those of an adult.

Wing tip detail of the four birds above for easier comparison of the differences in the wear between first year birds and adults in autumn.

While Reed Buntings are fairly easy to age at this time of year it becomes increasingly difficult as the seasons progress and becomes impossible in many cases by late winter and spring.

Ringing totals for 30/09/14
Goldfinch 9
Linnet 7
Lesser Redpoll 2
Chaffinch 1
Reed Bunting 2
Yellowhammer 1
Blackcap 4
Chiffchaff 4
Goldcrest 2
Great Tit 1
Total 33