Wednesday 19 February 2014

Ancient Great Tit

Hello

Yesterday (Tuesday), and Eleanor saw two Otters again at Market Harborough on the River Welland next to Sainsbury's.

A mid-week ringing session at Pitsford Res at two sites (Old Scaldwell Road and Christies Copse) provided an opportunity of catching and assessing 124 birds.  The weather conditions have meant it has been impossible for sustained ringing operations but the relatively still and dull conditions today provided an opportunity to utilise mist nets.  There were no surprising species, but the catch included five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Tree Sparrows, 5 Reed Buntings and common tits and finches.

For me, the most interesting bird was a re-trap Great Tit.  This bird was first ringed at the reservoir by The Lodge in December 2007 when it was aged as a bird hatched that year.  Today it was located at Christies Copse - this bird now being six and a half years old.

A couple of Siskins were around Christies Copse and a rabbit-sized Muntjac confirmed that they breed all-year-round on site.

The Great Northern Diver was visible off the dam at Pitsford this afternoon, as was a Kingfisher and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.  A Grey Wagtail was again at Brixworth Sewer Works and Harrington Airfield hosted 20 Bramblings, 2 Ravens and a pair of Grey Partridge this morning.

Regards

Neil M

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