Sunday 15 December 2013

Ringing at Kelmarsh Hall

Hello

A wild bird ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall over the week-end provided over 100 captures mostly of common woodland birds with Blue Tits dominating.  However birds a little out of the ordinary and a special privilege to handle included singles of Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Goldcrest and Collared Dove.  One of the Great Tits carried a ring not originating from local ringers and represents a 'control' from elsewhere, the second on-site during this period.  A single Siskin attempted a little singing in the mild conditions and was preceded by singing Mistle Thrush, Great Tit and Coal Tit presumably all stimulated by the mild and almost spring-like conditions early this morning! 

Re-trapped Goldfinches included birds from the 2012/2013 winter suggesting that at least some of them demonstrate regional and specific site fidelity.  Are they the same birds we see breeding here in the summer or are they wintering birds from somewhere else?  As always with ringing, it tends to throw up just as many questions as providing answers!

Late this afternoon a single Woodcock flew over the road between the villages of Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell.

Regards

Neil M

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