Here we are, the first week in August, and apparently the Warblers are on the move.

Its obviously particularly valuable to ring migrating birds, and this process started in earnest this morning in the meadows. Not by us, I hasten to add, but by someone who is an expert and accredited to do so.

23 birds caught, ringed, measured, inspected and safely released. This included 4 species of Warbler, all of whom were juvenile birds and will be passing through on their journey to Africa. They fly at night and feed during the day wherever they find themselves. Apparently here they will be feasting on the blackberries, turning all that lovely sugar into fat to fuel their journey.

One of these species, the Garden Warbler, was not only a new spot for the meadows (..species number 51 on my meadow list), but was also one I had never knowingly seen before:

This is all rather exciting because now is just the beginning of the migration season which will go on right until the end of October. There is a possibility of many species being ringed that are ordinarily difficult to see thus providing the perfect opportunity to see them up close and personal. Yellow Browed Warbler and Pallas’ Warbler are two names that have been enticingly mentioned and ones for which I will be keeping my fingers crossed.