heligoland update

If clicked, the top image here gives the best feel of the positioning of the trap, migrants arrive from the cliff top into the scrub from the left of the picture and generally move across the cover to the right. The catching box end of the trap is on the right of the image and the 1ooft entrance on the left, in the image below. The trap is situated in the 'cliff top dell' which is an isolated patch of blackthorn, hawthorn and willow scrub 200m inland of the 400ft cliffs!

Work is continuing with the top rail now added and the catching box, based on the 'double box design' of the Spurn warren trap constructed. This box design allows small birds in to the lower compartment whilst larger birds stay in the upper area.

stewardship joy!

Another productive day at Buckton, after seeing daytime hunting Barn Owls over the past few weeks I knew one of the boxes must have chicks, it turned out to be the one at Buckton Hall. Chris and Barbara were very proud of their first ever youngsters, all four now fitted with rings. Earlier in the day I had spent a few hours with Chris completely reprofiling the scrape, it now has a series of islands, which should be better in the winter months, all we need is some rain and a few waders this autumn please!

Heligoland Day 1

Today was a historic day, construction began on the Buckton Heligoland trap. Materials have arrived, been shipped to the cliff top and the big uprights have been augered in to the ground! Its great seeing the first action after over a years worth of planning. Everything has been made possible by one very kind gesture, we thank you. Regular updates will follow !

autumn is creeping nearer

Fifty birds caught at Buckton on Sunday including the first ever Yellow Wagtail for the site and only the second ever Treecreeper. Most numerous being the 18 juvenile Whitethroats with Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Blackcap providing diversity. On the bird front, 3 parties of Crossbills, a Hobby and 800 Swift NW were interesting. Evening listening brought 7 different calling Quails to the SW of the village on Grindale Rd. The first signs of autumn are here!