June 23rd
Heavy mist again this morning hampered ringing/birding activities. Some limited ringing around Essex farm did produce our first Long tailed Tit since 23rd of March, this one a moulting adult bird that hopefully has just completed successful breeding. Other species ringed this week already in wing moult are Starling and today a Chiffchaff.
Long tailed Tit moulting Primary flight feathers – the shorter ones are the new ones growing, the ones above the growing ones (soon to be replaced) can be seen to be rather less glossy, browner than the new feathers and having very tatty worn tips.
A very productive afternoon at the Obs saw the Kentopp family join the in situ team volunteering and giving a huge boost towards getting our German bunkers cleared out of rubbish (not a pleasant job) in early preparation towards one becoming the Observatory library and daily wildlife log call room. A way to go yet, but it should be all ready for opening to the public next March, great job everyone.