Cheshire Swan ringing week ending 25-9-11

Owing to a weeks holiday birdwatching on the Somerset levels I have less time to be out in the field with swans. But did manage to see Marsh Harrier and Hobby when down in Somerset.

Swans - On monday 19th, I was at RSPCA, Stapeley Grange instructing my trainee to ring swans. Between us we ringed 16 cygnets ready to be released.

On tuesday 20th, I caught and ringed a third year female at Nantwich Boating Lake(CBT7).

On sunday 25th, I visited Acre Dell Pools, Congleton where there were 43 Mutes. There were none that needed ringing. I then moved on to Astbury mere and retrapped a swan with only a BTO ring on it. This swan was a female of unknown age now CBX4. At Astbury I counted 9 swans.

Swan Ringing in Cheshire week ending 3-9-11

This week I haven't ringed any Swans but have been monitory Moulting Flocks.
Over this summer I have been watching two main flocks. One at Nantwich Boating Lake where the total has been as low as 12 in June to the present level of 15 on this tuesday. All swans there are ringed.
On friday morning I went to Doddington mere where in March there were only two swans, 36 in May and peaking to 50 in August. The total is down to 19 now. Not all the swans are ringed here as getting close to the swans is difficult.

August 2011 Weather Records for Rope, Crewe, Cheshire

All temperature in Degrees Centigrade.

Lowest Night Temperature  = 6.0 on 18th.
Highest Day Temperature  =  25.6 on 1st.
Average Minimum Monthly Temperature = 10.8.
Average Maximum Monthly Temperature = 20.1.
Highest Wind Gust Speed = 29 MPH - SSW on 10th.
Rainfall =  54.6mm or 2.18 inches.
Total year Rainfall = 361.5mm or 14.46 inches.
Sunshine = 220.3 hours.