---and again!!

 Wet and windy outside so a bit of time to do some catching up--but first a quick record of our session on Monday at Belvide.

A perfect day was rewarded with another good catch. 101 new birds including another 63 Blackcaps. That's the same total of Blackcaps two days in a row--the answer to the Blackcap universe and everything?.....There was the usual excellent warbler supporting cast including another two Lesser Whitethroats.

However, the picture today is of an unusual species for this time of year at the reserve--Coal Tit. This species for many years back in the day was regarded as being rather difficult to age--but with study of known age birds and better communications between ringers they are now much easier--especially in good light. One of the key features to look for is in the greater coverts:-

I have drawn lines pointing to 3 of the outermost greater coverts and you can clearly see the outer web of these feathers are a greeny buff colour ( these are juvenile feathers)--while the rest of the feathers to the left have bluey grey outer webs ( these are adult-type feathers which have already been moulted in). The centres of the feathers are also different--almost black in the adult feathers and much lighter grey in the juvenile ones. As I say--easy to see in this light but often more difficult on a grim winter's day or even under torchlight at a roost.